Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-0108 STATE OF CITYSTATE OF THE CITY JANUARY 8, 1985 WELCOME TO THE FIRST MEETING OF THE ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL IN 1985. TONIGHT IS A SIGNIFICANT OCCASION FOR OUR TWO NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS BEVERLEY BENNETT AND EV ELERATH WHO ARE STARTING POLITICAL CAREERS; COUNCILMAN DON LAWS WHO ENTERS HIS ELEVENTH YEAR OF DEDICATED AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE SERVICE TO OUR CITY AND FOR ME THE START OF ANOTHER FOUR YEARS AS MAYOR. I BELIEVE I CAN SPEAK FOR BEVERLEY, EV AND DON IN EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS OF ASHLAND FOR THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT AT THE POLLS LAST NOVEMBER SIXTH. I AM CONFIDENT THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE NEW 1985 CITY COUNCIL WILL GIVE UNSELFISHLY OF THEIR TIME AND TALENTS IN PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES IN AN HONEST AND EQUITABLE MANNER TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITIZENS OF ASHLAND. AT THIS POINT I'M REMINDED THAT IN 1759 SAMUEL JOHNSON SAID, "NO MIND IS MUCH EMPLOYED UPON THE PRESENT; RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND ANTICIPATION OF THE FUTURE FILL UP ALMOST ALL OUR MOMENTS. AS I HAVE STATED BEFORE, ONE OF THE MOST GRATIFYING DUTIES OF THE MAYOR IS TO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THE ANNUAL "STATE OF THE CITY" ADDRESS EACH YEAR. THIS YEAR IT IS E~PECIALLY GRATIFYING BECAUSE I CAN REPORT THAT 1984 WAS ANOTHER GOOD YEAR FOR THE CITIZENS OF ASHLAND AND---THIS WAS AFTER A VERY GOOD 1983: YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS TOWARD ATTAIN- ING SEVERAL LONG RANGE GOALS IN ADDITION TO REACHING CERTAIN HIGHLY IMPORTANT SHORT RANGE OBJECTIVES WHICH WILL ASSURE MAKING ASHLAND AN EVEN GREATER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK. BEFORE LISTING THESE ACCO~IPLISHMENTSj LET ME STATE A FEW 84 ECONOMIC FACTS AND GIVE YOU MY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 1985. ALTHOUGH NOT AS DRAMATIC AS IN ~83, THE NATIONAL ECONOMY CON- TINUED TO SHOW IMPROVEMENT IN 1984. -1- FACE BOTH INTEREST RATES (THESE CONTINUE TO DROP) AND INFLATION CON- TINUED THEIR DECLINEr FURTHER GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES INCREASED AND GROWTH OF THE GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT PROVIDED A SOUND BASE FOR OPTIMISM BOTH IN AND OUT OF GOVERNMENT FOR A CONTINUED STRONG ECONOMY WELL INTO 1985. THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR OUR CITY -- CERTAINLY A GREAT DEAL DEPENDS ON WHAT PROGRESS THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS MAKE TOWARD A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE FEDERAL DEFICIT. HOWEVERJ REGARDLESS OF ANY CUTS IN FEDERAL REVENUE TO CITIES MADE BY CONGRESS THE EFFECT OF SUCH ACTION WOULD NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL '86-~87 FISCAL YEAR - OR AFTER. A RECENT NEWS RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES STATED THAT MORE THAN 80% OF THE NATION'S CITIES REPORTED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR OVERALL ECONOMIC CONDITION. BUT A MAJORITY OF CITY OFFICIALS BELIEVE IF THE FEDERAL DEFICIT IS NOT LOWERED, CITIES WILL INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT AND CONTINUED HIGH INTEREST RATES. THE REPORT STATED THAT 81% OF 132 CITIES RESPONDING TO THE LEAGUERS SURVEY ENJOYED BETTER OVERALL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND 76% EXPERI- ENCED REDUCED UNEMPLOYMENT. OBVIOUSLY THE 132 CITIES SURVEYED WERE CITIES WITH POPULATIONS PERHAPS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN ASHLAND'S 15j000 - BUT AS I ALLUDED TO EARLIER, ASHLAND'S ECONOMY SHOWED MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN 1984 OVER 1983 AND HERE ARE SOME FACTS: MOST BUSINESSES - SPECIALTY SHOPSt GROCERY AND DEPARTMENT STORES AND OTHER RETAIL AND SERVICE OUTLETS REPORT THAT PROPRIETOR OF A SPECIALTY G I VOLUME EXCEEDED THAT OF '83~ REAL ESTATE SALES WERE UP OVER ~83 WITH SALES CONTINUING TO BE GOOD STARTING THE NEW YEAR - ONE BROKER TOLD ME WE HAD A REAL GOOD 1984 AND ARE LOOKING TO DO MUCH BETTER THIS YEAR. EVEN WITH SEVERAL NEW BED 8 BREAKFASTS OPENING LAST YEAR (WE NOW HAVE 22 IN ASHLAND) MOST ALL MOTELS AND B & B'S WERE FILLED TO CAPACITY LAST SUMMER ESPECIALLY ON WEEKENDS. -2- ONE VERY IMPORTANT REASON FOR THAT STRONG ECONOMY WAS OUR CITY'S LARGEST INDUSTRY -- TOURISM '- AND THE REASON TOURISM IS OUR LARGEST INDUSTRY IS THAT ASHLAND IS THE HOME OF THE WORLD RENOWNED OREGON SHAKES- PEAREAN FESTIVAL. THE FESTIVA~ ENJOYED ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WAS SLIGHTLY DOWN FROM '83 - (1.2 PLAYS PRODUCED IN ~ AND 11 IN '84) ~OTALED 91% OF CAPACITY AND EARNED INCOME WAS NEARLY 20 M OVER BUDGET. THE O.S.F.A. CELEBRATES ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. THE LARGEST PROMOTIONAL PLANS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE FESTIVAL ARE UNDERWAY FOR ITS 50TH YEAR. A MARKETING GOAL OF 98% CAPACITY IN ATTEND- ANCE HAS BEEN SET AND IF ATTAINED WOULD MEAN AN INCREASE OF $250 M IN REVENUE OVER '84~ I WOULD URGE THE CITIZENS OF ASHLAND TO INVITE THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES WHO LIVE OUT OF TOWN TO VISIT ASHLAND THIS YEAR TO JOIN IN THE FESTIVAL'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - I PREDICT THAT THE FESTIVAL~S ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $47 MILLIONON OUR COMMUNITY WILL SHOW A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE THIS YEAR. ALTHOUGH ATTENDANCE THIS YEAR AT SOUTHERN OREGON STATE COLLEGE REMAINS ABOUT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR -- THERE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT THIS FINE STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WILL CON- TINUE TO BE A VITAL ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY BOTH CULTURALLY THE PLUNKETT CENTER IN HONOR OF 6IL PLUNKETT WHO 6AVE $ TO ASSURE THE RESTORATION) WAS FULLY RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL GRANDEUR AND NOW PROVIDES ATTRACTIVE OFFICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR FOR THE SOSC FOUNDATION AND THE SOSC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. THE 6ROUND FLOOR WILL HOUSE A HISTORICAL MUSEUM FEATURING EARLY ASHLAND ARTIFACTS AND MEMORABILIA, CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHNEIDER ART MUSEUM IS SCHEDULED FOR THIS YEAR AND ONCE COMPLETED, IT ALONG WITH THE PLUNKETT CENTER WILL FURTHER ENHANCE THE CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS OF OUR CITY, SOSC.~ A REGIONAL MULTI-PURPOSE COLLEGE SERVING SOUTHERN OREGON THROUGH PROGRAMS OF INSTRUCTION, PUBLIC SERVICE AND REsEARc. NoT oNLY PROVIDES INVALUABLE E HcATL oPPoRTu. iTY TO OUR CITIZENS, BUT ALSO CONTRIBUTES $ TO OUR COMMUNITY. THE OPENING OF MC DONALDS LAST NOVEMBER PROVIDED dOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND WILL NOT ONLY SERVE THE CITIZENS OF ASHLAND BUT WILL DRAW MANY MOTORISTS OFF I-5. A NUMBER OF SMALL INDUSTRIES INCLUDING SWISSMETRIC, DAREX, STRELLMAN~S REPORT STEADY GROWTH IN THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES NECESSITATING HIRING ADDITIONAL PEOPLE, IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE ECONOMIC FACTS, SEVERAL CITY PRO~CTS NOW UNDERWAY WILL HELP STRENGTHEN THE CITY~S ECONOMY IN '85 AND '~ - CONTINUED UPGRADING OF THE CITY~S WATER SYSTEM AND INSTALLATION OF THE $75C~§~ REEDER RESERVOIR HYDRO GENERATOR ASSURES ME THAT ASHLAND WILL INDEED ENJOY A STRONG ECONOMY IN !985. -3- NOW BACK TO SOME VERY NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS -- BUT AS I~VE STATED BEFORE - WITHOUT THE DEDICATION AND COOPERATION OF MANY, MANY PEOPLE BOTH IN AND OUT OF CITY GOVERNMENT, THESE ACHIEVEMENTS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HELP OF 150 CITIZENS WHO SERVE AS MEMBERS OF BOARDS~ COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES; 140 CITY EMPLOYEES (320 COUNTING THE HOSPITAL) THE CITY RECORDER; SIX DEDICATED CITY COUNCILMEMBERS AND COUNTLESS INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS WHOSE LOYALTY WAS INVALUABLE, THIS RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE - THANK YOU ONE AND ALL. ACCOMPLISHMENTS - AS YOUR MAYOR I GET GREAT SATISFACTION OUT OF REFLECTING ON OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND TO SHARE THESE WITH YOU I SHALL NOT TRY TO LIST THEM IN ANY ORDER OF IMPORTANCE BECAUSE EACH WILL CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO GREATER EFFICIENCY AND STRENGTHEN- ING OF ASHLANDiS CITY GOVERNMENT - WHICH IN TURN IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR CITY~ I FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, ONCE AGAIN I~M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE CITY RECEIVED A "CLEAN AUDIT" REPORT FROM THE AUDITORS - SHOWING THAT ALL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY S 29 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET WAS PROPERLY ACCOUNTED FOR ACCORDING TO OREGON STATE BUDGET LAWS AND GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRIN- CIPLES, THE CITY~S INVESTMENT PROGRAM YIELDED MORE THAN $560~000 DURING 83-84, MOST OF THE INTEREST WAS GENERATED BY DEDICATED FUNDS~ SUCH AS CEMETERY TRUST, WATER BOND AND HYDROELECTRIC BOND PROCEEDS, INSURANCE SERVICES, ELECTRIC UTILITY RESERVE~ AND EQUIP- MENT DEPRECIATION RESERVE, AGGREGATE SAVINGS FROM THE SAFETY AND LOSS CONTROL PROGRAMj PLUS THE RISK MANAGEMENT EMPHASIS BEGAN IN 1975 PASSED THE $1,600,000 MARK WHILE/~B~sD~F~a~°~BG~urred 61% IN TWO YEARS. SAFETY DOES PAY - WE HEARTILY CONGRATULATE OUR CITY EMPLOYEES FOR PUTTING SAFETY FIRST BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB. THE CITY'S BANCROFT BONDS SOLD FOR 8.72%, COMPARED WITH 9.10% OREGON A-RATED BOND INDEX ON DATE OF SALE, GENERATING SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS ON INTEREST AND DEMONSTRATING THAT ASHLAND HAS EARNED THE CONFIDENCE OF THE INVESTMENT COMMUNITY. WE LEARNED UNOFFIC- IALLY THAT AMONG SEVERAL HUNDRED CITIES, COUNTIES, SCHOOL DIST- RICTS WHICH SUBMIT BUDGETS TO THE STATE, ASHLAND'S BUDGET DOCUMENT WAS RATED ONE OF THE TOP THREE, IN TERMS OF LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND CLARITY. THE ABOVE FACTS SHOW THAT OUR CITY~S FINANCES ARE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, LET ME EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO FINANCE DIRECTOR BOB NELSON AND CITY RECORDER NAN FRANKLIN AND STAFF FOR THEIR PRUDENT HANDLING OF OUR CITY~S FINANCES. PUBLIC WORKS, 1984 WAS A YEAR IN WHICH WE ATTAINED A NUMBER OF MAJOR CITY AND DEPARTMENT GOALS WHILE CARRYING ON AN UNUSUALLY HIGH PROGRAM OF RECONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINT- ENANCE OF CITY WATERj SEWER AND STREET FACILITIES, THE MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW $9OOM CITY SERVICE CENTER INCLUDING WAREHOUSEj GARAGE AND YARD - THIS ULTRA MODERN FACILITY WILL ENABLE P.W, EMPLOYEES TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES MORE EFFICIENTLY AND SAFER, THIS FACILITY SHOULD SERVE THE CITY FOR 75 YEARS. THE SECOND LARGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS THE COMPLETION OF THE LAST OF THE SCHEDULED WATER BOND PROJECTS. THE LARGEST AND LAST OF THE BOND PROJECTS WAS THE RESERVOIR ON TOLMAN WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY, IT APPEARS THAT THERE WILL BE ENOUGH MONEY LEFT IN THE BOND FUND AFTER COMPLETION OF THE RESERVOIR TO HOVE INTO THE NEXT GROUP OF WATER PROJECTS, THE FIRST PROJECT WILL BE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TERRACE STREET PIPELINE TO HELP THE PRESSURE/VOLUME PROBLEM IN THE STRAWBERRY LANE AREA, ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS THE FORMULATION OF THE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR IOWA STREET THROUGH THE SOSC CAMPUS AND THE AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE IOWA AND PORTIONS OF WALKER AND WIGHTMAN, ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS WAS THE RESOLUTION OF THE HELMAN STREET PAVEMENT PROBLEM AND THE ULTIMATE PAVING OF THE STREET TO CURRENT CITY STANDARDS, A STORM SEWER STUDY WAS INITIATED DURING THE YEAR, IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS STUDY WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE UPGRADING OF THE ENTIRE STORM SEWER SYSTEM, LET ME EXTEND OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION TO PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AL ALSINGj STREET SUPT, EARL JACKSONj WATER SUPT. DENNIS BARNTS AND ENGINEER JIM OLSON FOR A JOB WELL DONE IN 1984. ELECTRIC UTILITIES.DEPARTMENT - PROBABLY THE MOST NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT IN ~84 WAS THE CONTINUATION OF THE ENVIABLE SAFETY RECORD OF 19 YEARS WITH NO LOST TIME ACCIDENT~ HOPEFULLY THIS RECORD CAN BE EXTENDED THROUGH ~85 AND THE YEARS AHEAD, DIRECTOR AL WILLIAMS~ FOREMAN RANDY STRINGER AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT IS TO BE HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR THIS OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECORD. REBUILDING OF THE POWER LINE ON IOWA STREET FROM MORTON TO TERRACE COMPLETED HALF OF THE REBUILD PROJECT NECESSARY FOR THE CITY#S NEW REEDER RESERVOIR HYDRO GENERATOR. LASTLY, HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT IS THE FACT THAT ASHLANDiS ELECTRIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES OVER A MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO THE CITY~S GENERAL FUND - WHILE PROVIDING VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE CITY WHICH RAISES THE STANDARD OF LIVING FOR ALL CITIZENS. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. IN NOVEMBER '83 MANAGEMENT OF THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WAS COMBINED WITH VIC LIVELY APPOINTED DIRECTOR AND DAYMON BARNARD AND LEE ROY KING APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTORS WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPECTIVELY. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THIS CON- SOLIDATION AND REALIGNMENT WAS TO REDUCE THE ESCALATING COST OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE PROVIDING ADEQUATE POLICE AND FIRE PRO- TECTION TO ALL CITIZENS. THUS 1984 WAS THE FIRST FULL YEAR OF OPERATION UNDER THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT FORMAT, IN WHICH THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT STAFFS WERE MERGED. DURING THE YEAR MEETINGS WERE HELD AT ALL LEVELS, IN ALL DIVISIONS, TO GET INPUT INTO THE PLAN. TWO MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN VOICED AT THESE MEETINGS WERE INADEQUATE TRAINING AND COMMUNICATIONS-~O AS TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS2 POLICE CORPORAL DENNIS SIGMAN WAS REASSIGNED AS COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR AND GIVEN CHARGE OF THE COMMUNICATIONS/RECORDS DIVISION. DENNIS IS WORKING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM FOR ASHLAND AND FIREFIGHTER RICHARD CHAMBERS WAS REASSIGNED AS TRAINING SUPERVISOR. FOR THE FIRST ~.MONTHS OF THE YEAR HE ATTENDED THE OREGON POLICE ACADEMY AND RECEIVED TRAINING AS A POLICE OFFICER TO GIVE HIM THE BACKGROUND NEEDED TO HANDLE TRAIN- ING FOR BOTH POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL. CHAMBERS IS ONE OF THE FIRST DUAL CERTIFIED (POLICE AND FIRE) PERSONS IN OREGON AND THE FIRST IN ASHLAND. POLICE SERGEANT MEL CLEMENTS WAS PROMOTED TO THE POSITION OF LIEUTENANT AND IS IN CHARGE OF THE PATROL AND INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF BARNARD ATTENDED 'THE F.B.I. NATIONAL ACADEMY IN AUANTICO, VIR- GINIA DURING APRIL, MAY AND JUNE. DAYMON IS THE 4TH OFFICER -6- FROM THE ASHLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ATTEND THE ACADEMY IN THE HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT. THE DUTIES OF THE FIRE MARSHAL WERE ASSIGNED TO EVERETT MURRELL~ BUILDING OFFICIAL AND ROBB ROBBINS REASSIGNED IN FIRE SUPPRESSION. THE RANK OF CORPORAL WAS ELIMINATED IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AN ADDITIONAL SERGEANT APPOINTED SO THAT ALL SHIFTS ARE COVERED BY A STAFF OFFICER. HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT IS THE FACT THAT ALL MAJOR CRIMES WHICH OCCURRED IN ASHLAND DURING THE YEAR HAVE BEEN CLEARED WITH THE ARREST OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE AND RECOVERY OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY. THE DEPARTMENT WAS SUCCESSFUL IN CLOSING DOWN A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB AND CONFISCATING CHEMICALS, FORMULAS AND NUMEROUS WEAPONS. ARRESTS MADE BY OUR DEPARTMENT HAVE CLEARED CRIMES COMMITTED IN OTHER CITIES AND THE FBI'S ARREST OF A BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT CLEARED THE ONLY UNSOLVED BANK ROBBERY IN ASHLAND. THE COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WAS INITIATED IN JULY~ UNDER THE DIRECTION OF JOHN D~ENTREMENT, TO INVOLVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE AREAS OF HOME SAFETY~ SCHOOL SAFETYj CIVIL DEFENSE, COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICE AND FIRE ACTIVITIES. THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED, WITH APPROXIMATELY 30 VOLUNTEERS SIGNED UP SO FAR AND IN EXCESS OF 1j0O0 VOLUNTEER HOURS, FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT WE PRESENTED A NO GROWTH BUDGET AND BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT STYLE WE ARE HAVING NO PROBLEMS LIVING INSIDE THIS BUDGET AND WE ARE PROVIDING EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC SAFETY FOR OUR CITIZENS. SINCE MERGING OF THE POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENTS IS A TWO YEAR TEST WE HAVE A YEAR TO GO -- BUT FROM EXPERIENCE TO DATE I AM CONFIDENT DIRECTOR LIVELY AND HIS STAFF WILL MEET THE OBJECTIVES GIVEN THEM AND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL GRANT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY PERMANENT STATUS. -7- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - THIS CITY DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CAPABLE DIRECTION OF JOHN FREGONESE IS MADE UP OF FIVE DISTINCT FUNCTIONS PLANNING, BUILDING INSPECTIONj CONSERVA- TION, HOUSING REHABILITATION AND THE ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER, SOME SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY THIS DEPARTMENT IN ~84 WERE: THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE CITY~S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WAS COMPLETED AND IS SCHEDULED FOR STATE APPROVAL OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR. MOBILE HOME INSPECTION WAS INCLUDED IN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY'S BUILDING DEPARTMENT WHICH MEANS INCREASED CONVENIENCE TO THE CONSUMER AND INCREASED REVENUE FOR THE CITY. BUILDING INSPECTIONS JUMPED 24% TO NEARLY 1700 INSPECTIONS, AND PERMITS WERE UP 10% OVER LAST YEAR, TO A TOTAL OF 450, AND A TOTAL VALUE OF $5,111,743. AN AREA OF GROWTH HAS BEEN SOLAR INSTALLATIONS, WITH 24 PERMITS ISSUED IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. THERE WERE 3L HOMES WITH A VALUE OF OVER 2 MILLION DOLLARS~ AND 6 NEW COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES~ VALUED AT ABOUT $420,000. THE REAL AREA OF GROWTH OVER PREVIOUS YEARS WAS REMODELS~ ADDITIONSj AND ALTERATIONS, WITH A TOTAL OF 397 PERMITS, AND A TOTAL VALUATION OF 2.6 MILLION DOLLARS, OR 52% OF THE TOTAL VALUATION FOR THE YEAR. THE CONSERVATION DIVISION CONTINUED THE SUCCESS OF THE POPULAR RESIDENTIAL WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM. 200 HOMES WERE':WEATHERIZED, AND THE PROGRAM DISTRIBUTED GRANTS OF OVER $381,000 DOLLARS. ALL THE REMAINING STREET LIGHTS WERE CONVERTED~ AND THE CITY LAUNCHED INTO A SOLAR HOT WATER REBATE PROGRAM. ALREADY~ 11 SYSTEMS WERE INSTALLED~ AND REBATES ISSUED. WE EXPECT DEMAND FOR THESE PROGRAMS~ AND THE SUPER GOOD CENTS PROGRAM TO BE HIGH IN THE COMING YEAR. DICK WANDERSCHEID AND STAFF ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR FINE PERFORMANCE IN IMPLEMENTING THESE PROGRAMS. WITH THE AWARD OF A SECOND $400,000 HOUSING REHAB GRANT IN 1984, THE PRO,~RAM i~&U~LED THE NUMBER OF LOANS AVAILABLE TO 110, AND ALSO SECURED FUNDS TO REHAB THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT 59 WINBURN WAY. THE PROGRAM CAN NOW RUN THROUGH MARCH OF 1986, AND WE ARE HOPEFUL OF OBTAINING OTHER GRANTS TO EXPAND THE SCOP: ~ THE PROGRAM AND THE SERVICES WE CAN OFFER. -~- WE NOW HAVE A POOL OF OVER $600,000 WHICH WILL GO OUT IN REHAB LOANSj AND BE REPAID TO THE CITY, WITH NQ REPAYMENT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRED. THIS FUTURE SOURCE OF CITY INCOME CAN BE RECYCLED INTO MANY USEFUL PROJECTS. 43 LOANS WERE DISPURSED IN 1984 AND 29 JOBS COMPLETED. THE CREW IS PROCESSING 6 TO 7 LOANS A MONTH. COMMUNITY CENTER. WE ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN JULY OF THIS YEAR FROM PARKS AND RECREATION. THE HOURS THAT THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS USED HAS INCREASED BY OVER 70~, WITH MANY NEW USES AND PROGRAMS BEING COLLECTED AS OF DECEMBER. THIS IS IN SPITE OF A LOSS OF REVENUE IN JULY AND AUGUST DUE TO A READJUSTMENT OF PROCEDURES FOLLOW- ING THE CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS ABOUT TWICE AS MUCH AS HAS BEEN COLLECTED BEFORE. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE RENOVATION AND NEW PROGRAMS IN THE CENTER. ASHLAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - ALTHOUGH FACED WITH A DECLINE IN OCCUPANCY AND PATIENTS LENGTH OF STAY, OUR CITY HOSPITAL WITH GUIDANCE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE MOST CAPABLE MANAGEMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR BOB STROWBRIDGE - THE HOSPITAL~S FINANCIAL REPORT CONTINUES TO "STAY IN THE BLACK". IT IS TRULY SIGNIFICANT THAT THE HOSPITAL HAS OPERATED ON THEIR OWN RESOURCES, NEVER HAVING TO COME TO THE CITY FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING SINCE THE INITIAL FUNDING WAS PROVIDED BY A TAX SUPPORTED BOND ISSUE OVER 20 YEARS AGO - THE LAST OF THOSE BONDS WILL BE RETIRED IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. THE HOSPITAL HAS CONSISTENTLY PROVIDED EXCELLENT MEDICAL CARE TO THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY AT RATES EQUAL TO, OR BELOW THOSE OF OTHER HOSPITALS IN THE AREA. PARKS & RECREATION -- THE ASHLAND PARKS COMMISSION, DIRECTOR KEN MICKELSON AND STAFF ARE TO BE COMMENDED AGAIN FOR THE FINE JOB OF MAINTENANCE OF LITHIA PARK, THE CROWN JEWEL OF OUR CITY~ WHICH NOT ONLY PROVIDES SO MUCH PLEASURE AND ENJOYMENT FOR OUR CITIZENS BUT ATTRACTS THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS TO OUR CITY EACH YEAR. LITHIA PARK IS TRULY A VITAL ASSET IN MAKING ASHLAND A DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE. -9- THESE ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE ~Sq HIGHL]GHTS- THERE WERE MANY OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. LET ME EMPHASIZE THAT THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN - THESE WERE THE RESULT OF CAREFUL PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION. PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO WHOM SOME CREDIT, ONCE AGAIN, MUST BE GIVEN FOR THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE CITY IN 1984. WE HAVE ANOTHER GOAL SETTING SESSION PLANNED FOR THE NEW COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH WHEN WE WILL UPDATE THE LIST OF PROJECTS AGREED UPON LAST YEAR AND TO SET NEW GOALS AND PRIORITIES. MY GOALS FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AREJ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - SUPPORT AND BUILD TOURISM~ HELP OUR PRESENT INDUSTRIES AND ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS TO OUR CITY, ACQUISITION OF UTILITY CUSTOMERS IN OAK KNOLL AND THE URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY. ALTERNATE THE DOWNTOWN PARKING PROBLEMS HOPEFULLY THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING FACILITY, EXPAND THE PRESENT 9 HOLE OAK KNOLL GOLF COURSE TO 18 HOLES TO HELP SUPPORT TOURISM AND MORE RECREATION FOR OUR CITIZENS. REFINE THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY INTO IT~S PINALj PRODUCTIVE FORM FOR GREATER SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL CITIZENS AT AN AFFORDABLE COST, CONTINUED UPGRADING OF THE CITY WATER SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPLY TO THE NORTH END OF TOWN. ESTABLISH A PERMANENT STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM ONCE ACCOMPLISHED~ THESE GOALS WILL IMPROVE THE LIVABILITY OF OUR CITY FOR ALL CITIZENS, -!0- AN ARTICLE TITLED "THE STATE OF THE CITIES" APPEARED IN THE SEPTEMBER 16, 198q ISSUE OF NORTHWEST, THE SUNDAY OREGONIAN MAGAZINE STATED "ASHLAND IS A "UNIQUE" CITY BECAUSE IT HAS FOUND THE ANSWER TO ITS ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND A STABLE ECONOMY THROUGH THE OREGON SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL", THE INDEPTH ARTICLE TOLD OF THE PROBLEM MOST CITIES IN OREGON FACE - REDUCED REVENUS AND EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR PUBLIC SERVICES, SO WHAT CAN A POOR CITY DO? THE ARTICLE ASKED - THE LUCKY ONES, SUCH AS ASHLAND ARE ALLOWED BY STATUTE TO TAP INTO A SUBSTANTIAL PERCENTAGE OF THEIR LOCAL ELECTRIC UTILITY~S RECEIPTS TO MANAGE TO KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION BY CASHING IN ON OUR INCREASING UTILITY CHARGES, YES, ASHLAND IS INDEED A "UNIQUE" CITY AND LUCKY, TOO~ - AND WE CONTINUE TO BE THE ENVY OF MOST CITIES IN THE STATE -- HERE'S WHY - OUT OF THE 51 LARGEST CITIES IN THE STATE ONLY 2 HAVE A LOWER CITY PROPERTY TAX WHEN COMBINING BOTH ELECTRIC UTILITY COSTS AND PROPERTY TAXES, ASHLAND RANKS OUT OF 51 CITIES WI~H 5 THOUSAND POPULATION OR OVER. THE CITY OF ASHLANDiS TAX SUPPORTED DEBT IS LESS THAN ]% OF OUR LEGAL STATUTORY DEBT LIMIT~ ASHLAND TODAY IS INDEED A MORE DESIRABLE CITY THAN IT WAS FOUR YEARS AGO - THANKS TO THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE CITY OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS - WITH ~84 BEING ONE OF THE BEST YEARS "- AS MAYOR I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WITH CONFIDENCE AND ENTHUSIASM THAT WITH THE CONTINUED COOPERA- TION OF A DEDICATED CITY COUNCIL AND A TRULY PROFESSIONAL STAP~ COMBINING FORCES WITH LOYAL CIVIC MINDED CITIZENS WE SHALL CONTINUE TO MAKE ASHLAND AN EVEN GREATER PLACE IN ~HICH TO LIVE~ WORK AND INVEST~ MAYOR L, GORDON MEDARIS - 12 -