HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 State of the City Addressi.-. \ ' 1. "\` C-D V
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5160 Yellowstone Avenue
Chubbuck, Idaho 83201
(208) 237 -2400
Off cz of tgz mayoZ
STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE JANUARY 1982
This evening I have initiated a change in council procedure. One that is long
overdue in our city meetings. I asked bishop Boyd Neider of the 33rd ward to
offer invocation. I intend that each regular council meeting, that is those
meetings held on the 2nd and 4th tuesdays of the month, be convened with
prayer. I intend to rotate this opportunity among the clergy of the city
with hopefully all religious denominations being represented.
As mayor it is my opportunity and resp risibility to report the state of our city.
I have invited each employee of the city, especially department heads, to be
here tonight. I have also extended an invitation to all volunteer members of
city organizations to be here. I regret these invitations were overlooked and
had to be delivered by phone message today.
Our city is in my opinion in good condition both physically and financially. We
are adequately providing the services, within the constraints of the budget, the
people of our community need and desire. Our financial condition is good. Our
city clerk, Mrs. Vera Armstrong, supervises a program of book - keeping and record -
keeping that is efficient and well done. The auditors have complimented the
city on the completeness of her records. Our entire staff, with Steve Smart
overseeing the entire program other than the city office, is to be complimented.
Jordan Stuart and his people are to be commended for their dedication to the
city. The plows have been on the streets all night at times this winter. And
in this regard I appologize to those whose drive -ways we block - -you will have to
take care of them - -we do not have the personel or time. And I would encourage
all to off street park their vehicles so the plows can do an even better job
of removing snow from the streets. To those whom we have inconvienced we
appologize and also if we have damaged any property we will be back in the spring
and correct the problem. I express the appreciation of all our community to
those employees who continually go the "extra mile" for the city. I express
appreciation to those who serve in the volunteer groups- -fire and police. You
certainly have to be special people. They risk harm, accidents and even death
eit y
a 4?Aubbucl
5160
Yellowstone Avenue
Chubbuck, Idaho 83201
(208) 237 -2400
January 1982
OfficE of t4. Mayoz
in their professions. And the greatest satisfaction they they receive is a
grateful thank you from the people of Chubbuck. Those of you who serve on
P & Z, I know that is not the correct name but it is the one I remember at all
times, are certainly appreciated and have been dedicated to your assignment.
We do however have some areas of concern. At this time we do not have any too
critical areas, but there are problems beginning to appear. We need, as a city
council, address /various x�d concerns.
Our utility services -- water, sanitation and sewer need rate review this spring.
Water and sanitation rates have been changed only twice in the past twelve years
and the sewer rate has been lowered as was promised by the council in our campaign
to pass the sewer bond.Due to economic conditions beyond our control, the increased
cost of doing business and general inflation at all levels it will be necessary
to adjust rates to provide a base from which the city can adequately provide these
services.
Our physical plant has again been increased in size with the addition of a new
maintenance building. This building is headquarters for all our city maintenance
projects. This is a handsome, functional building and one we can be very proud
of. It should be adequate for years to come.
located
The police are "tightly" housed in the home /immediately east of the city office
building. Chief Stone is in charge of a very efficient and courteous law enforce-
ment unit. Various officers of the department have received recognition for
their outstanding work. The addition of a full time crime prevention officer, housed
in the city office building for lack of room in the police station, has been an
outstanding addition to the police program. The volunteer police are again to be
commended for their dedication. We are first class in police protection.
The volunteer fire people are truly a special breed. Whenever I hear a fire siren
in the night I give a prayer of thankfulness for these fellows and their wives and
families. We have ordered a new fire truck. We feel this addition will provide
the city with protection to enable the city receive a lower (better) fire rating
and thereby reduce insurance premiums to all residents and businesses of the city.
&ty 4 &Aubbud
5160 Yellowstone Avenue
Chubbuck, Idaho 83201
(208) 237 -2400
January 1982
Office of Me mayoi
This reduction if realized could result in savings that would offset the cost of
the new unit. The addition of this new unit somewhat creates a new problem. We
are again bulging at the seams in the fire station and the council must immediately
look toward a new facility. I suggest this new facility be a combination fire
and police station. By joint occupation many features can be utilized by each
department . Future communications being one of these as well as various training
areas. I would suggest this building be located on the present city property
facing highway avenue immediately east of the city building.
I would also suggest that we immediately form a committee with the council member
over the recreation program as chairman to find a way to build a swimming pool in
our city. We have long flirted on the outskirts of this facility - -I would now
hope it can become a reality within the next two years. In our parks and recreation
programs I report to you we have several. of the finest parks in southeast Idaho.
We have acquired an addition to the park located on Teton and Victor streets. This
will enable the construction of another off - street ball field. This field should
be ready in the summer of 1983. These ball programs continue to increase in nber.
We co- operate with Tyhee, utilizing two fields located in that community in our
program. This has been a relief for the fields in Chubbuck and also provides a
program in the Tyhee area. This program should be continued and improved. The
young ladies ball program has functioned but with great difficulty and without
the attention it deserves. I promise we shall improve your facilities and help
to improve this program.
our
I have reviewed many of /city programs. We have received great support from you
our citizens. We solicit your suggestions. We need your ideas -- please write and.
leave your thoughts and ideas on how we can improve our community.
Now, I express my appreciation to Mr. Romriell. He and I were elected together in
Mayor
the fall of 1969. /He has been an outstanding councilman- -one who has taken the
time to become informed and knowledgable of all city functions. Never have I at
council meeting turned to Earl and not have him respond in a Positive manner. I
appreciate him and will miss him on the council. But - -there is nothing so certain
as change. We welcome Tom Nield. Tom will be a good councilman in his own right.
We never replace another- -for each has his talents to give and we look forward to
serving with Mr. Nield.
&ty
4 &Aubbud
5160
Yellowstone Avenue
Chubbuck, Idaho 83201
(208) 237 -2400
January 1982 Off cz of M. ►nayoz
City council assignments for the year 1982 will be as follows:
Kinghorn: Police — 1, tA -4-
c,, .a;v r lr-;A -;o ,,(
Quick: Streets and -fix department
Hopkins: Fire Department
Nield: Parks and Recreation
Mayor: Will co- ordinate each area with the council superviser.
I suggest that the Chubbuck day celebration continue under the leadership of the
parks and recreation chairman. With the addition of the Chubbuck merchants
group and their support we should have a Chubbuck day or days celebration second
to none we have had to this time. We already have our date and work should
commence immediately toward this celebration.
I had an outstanding trip to Washington D. C.
and an opportunity to meet with the President of the United States. This was
a tremendous experience. I could not hardly believe I was there.
Being your mayor has been a fine experience. The people of our city have been
extremely courteous to my wife Alice and I. I trust we can continue on with a
program that is mutually beneficial to all and one that will continue to provide
the services we desire and need.
Mayor