HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 STATE OF THE CITY1980
MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
The Mayor began his address by saying that he has seniority on Council
and with the exception of Ragland most members may not remember the
things he planned to mention. Prickett said that over the past few years
a lot of things started by previous Councils have been continued, a lot
of them dropped and other things concluded so that he didn't feel that
this Council should take credit for them. Also he said future Councils
may conclude things started now so that it is an ever-evolving process
in government. Among those things mentioned by Prickett as accomplish-
ments were as follows:
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The change taking place at this time on Highway 66 and because
of the efforts of the Council should develop into an attractive
arterial into the City.
Completion of the Comprehensive Plan which has been worked on
for the past six years.
City Staff has been changed somewhat but over the past seven
years Prickett said he has had the opportunity to work with
the Staff closely, especially City Administrator Almquist and
Police & Fire Chiefs, and that having visited various facilities
of the City found the employees to be dedicated and very nice
people. Prickett urged that citizens take note of those who
serve them on a day to day basis.
Ashland is the only City in Oregon whose tax decreased by 3% in
a year of 11~ inflation. Prickett noted we have one of the lowest
costs per capita in Oregon.
Revenue Sharing has not been used in the operation of the General
Fund and therefore the City has not become dependent on it.
Two million dollar a year revenues from Electric Utility and a
capitalized value of twenty million dollars. Past several years
have decided to build utility reserve and will be spent only for
maintenance and development of that system, Prickett said.
Acquisition of Greenway property.
Sign Ordinance effectively has given the City a new look by its
control of signs and brought cooperation of citizens resulting
in aesthetic gains.
Resurfacing program has accomplished repaving of fifteen miles
of streets. (Mayor recommended looking into cooperative effort
on behalf of citizens to patch potholes with City equipment).
10) Utility and taxi discount for qualified senior citizens.
11) Management evaluation program.
continued ......
(Next yr)
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Valuable volunteer program for support of both Police and Fire
and continuing effort to bring in more help to serve the people
of Ashland.
Plans for hydrogenerator to be installed next year.
Continuation of Comprehensive Plan Review.
Initiation of major traffic program and systems study was cited
as a need.
Investigation started on the Lithia Mill & Armory site to bring
about a City Hall because of the space crunch and working condition{
Continuation of Electric System study as it appears Bonneville
Power will not be available when our present contract expires with
PP&L.
Consideration should be given to possibility of losing Revenue
Sharing and the programs which it now supports suggested becom-
ing a partner via serial levy in community swimming pool for which
a recent drive has been successful that will eventually offer each
child in the City the opportunity to swim free of charge.
Economic Development Commission formation to work toward enhancing
the livability of the City and ulttmatly attracting businesses etc.
Urged citizens to involve themselves in budget sessions.