HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 State of the City AddressCITY OF CHUBBUCK
STATE OF THE CITYADDRESS
MAYOR STEVEN M. ENGLAND
JANUARY 10' 2012
As we b * egin another new year, I again express sincere appreciation
for the privilege; honor, and humbling responsibility that it is to serve as
your Mayor. The friendship, encouragement, and support that I
regularly receive from those I have association with are gratifying. I
continue to'* be grateful for the sense of community that I feel here.
Challenges and learning opportunities still present themselves on a
regular basis.
it is important to recognize and express appreciation for our dedicated
city employees and those who serve the city in any way, from the
Department Heads to each employee and from the City Council
Members to each volunteer. I again want to especially acknowledge
any of these who are responsible for developing the budgets that
ultimately become the city budget. We are continuing to deal with
shortfalls and reduced revenue sources and they diligently work with the
city administration to find solutions. I know it has not been easy. I look
forward to their continued effort and want to let them know that their
hard work is noted and appreciated.
We will begin the New Year with a change in our city council.
We have appreciated the service of Councilman Kent Kearns and wish
him well as he steps down from service on the city council. Councilman
Kearns has been a very effective and dedicated member first of our Land
Use and Development Commission and then as a City Councilman. His
initial involvement on the City Council came during a difficult time for
the city. Councilman Dean Wood was killed in a tragic auto accident
and Kent was appointed to finish his term. He has been a valuable asset
to the city during his ensuing time in office. Thanks to Kent and his wife
Marie for their service to the city. We now look forward to working
with Brent Marshall as he begins his tenure in office.
Even though we continued to experience a slowdown in residential
growth throughout 2011, there are encouraging signs of improvement.
Crossroads RV purchased the land just north of the city offices and
expanded their existing business from their location next to Smiths.
Development on East Chubbuck Road moved ahead with completion of
Anytime Fitness, the remodeling and anticipated opening of
Unforgettable Events and the continued progress of Cruse for Less. The
Mystique Theater restructured and reopened and Hoopsters Academy, a
facility sponsored by a non-profit group of local individuals, opened for
the purpose of enhancing the opportunity for our local youth to be
introduced to and improve their basketball skills. - Yellowstone near 1- 15
also experienced change this last year with the closing and removal'of
the Parrish Store, a long time Chubbuck business, and the initial
construction of Knudsen Boulevard as well as the announcement and
beginning of the new location of a Sherwin Will iams Paint Store as the
first business to locate in the development. Knudsen Boulevard will be
a 5 lane road that will eventually extend from Yellowstone to Hawthorne
Road to, facilitate commercial development in that area. It will also
provide for improved traffic patterns throughout the city. Although
these have been much anticipation and curiosity about what businesses
may eventually locate there, at this time they are only in the discussion
stage. We also continue to be optimistic about the future of the Pine
Ridge Mall. It is anticipated that 2012 will see progress there as well.
Without question though, the greatest impact on our local economy in
2011 was the completion and opening of the Allstate Customer Service
Center. Allstate making the decision to locate here was exemplary of the
cooperation between the cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck and Bannock
County. We were aided in this effort by Bannock Development
Corporation, Idaho State University, The Chamber of Commerce, and
many other business and civic leaders locally as well as Governor Otter
and multiple state agencies. It was definitely a team effort. The
economic impact that the addition of these 500-600 jobs have already
started to have on our community is tremendous and should have a ripple
effect for years to come as they become fully staffed. In addition, the
local economy will be boosted by ON Semiconductor's expansion,
HOKU's eventual opening, and Peterson Corporation leading the effort
to locate businesses at the Pocatello Airport.
As I mentioned, all of this progress has been the result of an
exceptional cooperative effort by many entities. I think it is important
however to emphasize the unique opportunity it is to have ISU located in
our community. They are not only an invaluable resource in our
economic development, but under the able leadership of President Arthur
Vailas, vision for the future of the university and the educational
opportunities are exceptional. Idaho State University is truly the crown
jewel of our region.
We continue to be pleased with the relationship that the city has with
the Chubbuck/Pocatello Hockey Association. We thank them for the
unique opportunity they provide for our community. Now that they are
in their second season with an ice rink, they can not only facilitate inline
hockey competition during the summer but provide for a full range of ice
hockey opportunities in the winter. They continue to partner with us in
funding the facility and as this year's lack of consistent winter weather
has shown, hope to find refrigeration equipment in coming years to make
the ice sheet conditions more predictable as well as provide for a longer
season. The facility is open to the public when not being used by the
league. Initially, public skating will be available most weekends to
include Friday, again weather permitting. It is our desire to work
together with them to create and accomplish a vision for this program
and will strive to do our part to grow and promote this activity for our
area.
Several multi -season infrastructure projects were completed in 2011 to
include Hiline Road upgrades, the widening of 1-86 from Yellowstone to
Pocatello Creek Road, West Chubbuck Road widening and sidewalk
improvement and the sewer upgrade and expansion. This next year we
will continue the work on Knudsen Blvd. and proceed with
improvements on the Chubbuck and Philbin Road intersection. An
enhanced 4 -way stop has been designed to include some widening and
right -tum lanes as well as LED outlined lighted stop signs. We are
hopeful that the necessary funding can be made available to Fort Hall
Irrigation to rehabilitate the siphon on Siphon Road this year as well.
Other projects will also be moved forward as time and funding are
available. We are anticipating being able to do some chip sealing at the
end of the summer as equipment scheduling permits. Enjoy your general
reprieve from the "construction barrels" as the state is planning to begin
the construction on the Yellowstone/1-86 Interchange in 2013.
I continue to be involved in discussions and efforts'to coordinate
and support a unified and cooperative direction for the communities all
along the 1-15 corridor in Southeast Idaho in particular, as well as work
with the Association of Idaho Cities in efforts that benefit the entire
state. As we look to the future it is important that we support each other
in maintaining and promoting the "quality of life" that we enjoy and
work together to encourage that type of growth and development.
Once again I believe that I can report that the "State Of The City" is
good. Even though we have made significant progress in many areas in
this down economy, we continue to set goals to help facilitate steady
progress in others. Indications are that we will still confront economic
difficulties for a while. Many of our citizens are dealing as families and
individuals with struggles and challenges. Even small changes and
efforts when accomplished as a community can make a difference as we
look to continue our progress.
There is much volunteerism and neighbor to neighbor service that is
done regularly in our community without a lot of recognition or fanfare.
I express my heartfelt gratitude for those in our city who joined with
Pocatello residents in helping to make Brooklyn's Playground a reality.
I believe as we strive to maintain and perpetuate this attitude and activity
it will not only provide the intended outcome but will assist us in finding
solutions to our economic struggles. Our collective character will be
defined as much by who we are and are striving to become as it is by
what we do. As city leaders we appreciate the support and positive input
that we receive. I believe the future of Chubbuck is bright and pledge
my best efforts to continue to move us forward in 2012.
Thank You.