Thank you for having me here tonight.  I would like to add my welcome to our two new members of Council, Nevin Taylor and Debbie Groat.  Thank you for being willing to give your time and talents to serve our City.  And, thanks also to the other members of Council.  You keep our City’s legislative functions running smoothly and are a critical part of this City.  I look forward to working as part of your team and pledge to do my best to keep us on the same page, working together toward the same goals. 

As most of you know, I was elected as Mayor this past November, and I was just sworn in on Monday, December 31.  Therefore, I have a grand total of a week and half of experience, which doesn’t give me a lot of credibility in delivering this State of the City Address.  However, what does give me credibility are the wonderful employees of our City.  As I speak and provide an overview of the City’s challenges and accomplishments during 2007 and provide you with our basic goals for 2008, our approximately 159 employees deserve all of the credit.  Even though Mayors may change every 4 years, these employees keep the City going, without a hitch.

So, giving credit where credit is due, I’d like to start by thanking all of our City employees.  In business terms, employees are known as our “human resources”, and our Human Resources Department is headed by Brian Dostanko, with assistance from Donna Nicol.  Since joining us, Brian has professionalized this function and has done his best to ensure that our employees know that they are valued and appreciated.  Additionally, in heading our Information Services function, Brian has done a great job overseeing the creation of a topnotch city website.  Our site, located at www.marysvilleohio.org, is a wealth of information about who does what within the City and how our citizens can get almost any help they need.  If you have not spent time surfing our site or haven’t looked at it in a while, I’d strongly encourage you to visit it.

In 2007, our Human Resources area continued to place a major emphasis on the safety of all our employees.  They were able to complete a record high 99.1% of scheduled safety training and were able to reduce the City’s workers compensation bills significantly by participating in innovative programs.  In 2008, our Human Resources Department plans to continue proactively training our supervisors and managers in leadership training so that they will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to keep the City running smoothly.  We also plan to continue to focus on employee wellness, so that we can reduce missed work time, reduce costs to the City and ensure that our employees enjoy longer and healthier lives.

Another very valuable “human resource” that I’d like to recognize is Kathy House, our Director of Administration.  Kathy manages all of our City Departments, and her role is full-time, versus that of the Mayor’s, which under our City Charter is only part-time.  Kathy, thank you for all of your hard work over this past year.  You have led us through many challenges and opportunities.  Along with former Mayor Tom Kruse, you put plans into place and made significant strides in major infrastructure projects that will ensure our City’s growth and stability for many years to come.  Thank you for your loyalty and dedication to our City.

And now, I’d like to update you on the progress of our City and on our main goals for 2008.  I can tell you that in the short time I’ve been in office, I’ve been very impressed with the well-being and stability of the various functions of the City.  Our Department directors and chiefs are very well qualified, passionate about their jobs and hard working.  Your City is in good hands.

Getting to specifics, the Public Services Department, headed by Tracie Davies, had a very busy and productive year.  Public Services is in charge of many divisions that keep our citizens happy, including: Buildings and Grounds,  headed by Lane Stillings;  Parks and Recreation, headed by Steve Conley; Streets, Sanitation and Stormwater, headed by Joe Tracy, and the Wastewater and Water Divisions, ably led by Rick Varner.  Public Services, along with our Engineering Department, has been front and center when it comes to the very major infrastructure projects occurring in Marysville.  Very rarely does a community have to tackle so many major projects at once, but during 2007, this department made major progress on the following major projects:

• Our new wastewater treatment plant, also known as the Marysville Water Reclamation Facility

• The Crosses Run Pump Station, Force Main and Trunk Interceptor sewer projects

• A comprehensive update on the Wastewater Master Plan, so that we can determine how best to work with the County to provide services for areas outside our city limits, and

• Our Upland Reservoir Project and Water Lines, so that we can ensure a plentiful water supply for our citizens for years to come.

 Our Public Services Department also worked on many smaller projects during the year that are near and dear to our citizens, including:

• One Million Dollars in street re-paving

• The widening of East Fifth Street near the railroad crossing, so it can hopefully re-open this year

• Drainage improvements and the installation of a walking trail in Greenwood Park

• Completion of a new salt barn at the Public Service Center so that Joe Tracy and his very able crew can continue the great job they do in plowing our streets.

In 2008, most of the major projects of the Public Service Department will continue. The Department will bid out the remainder of the reservoir project and break ground in the next few months, begin work on the infrastructure for the site off of Scottslawn Road that received a $3.5 million Jobs Ready Site grant, possibly design a new water plant for the City, and, if all goes well, complete the new Water Reclamation Facility at the end of the year.  At the same time they are managing these major projects, they will ably handle day-to-day assignments, including paving of Collins Avenue, the installation of a new baby pool at the City pool and the possible design and development of a new soccer field at Central Park.  One thing I’ve noticed about the Public Service Department is that they’re very capable of handling extraordinary projects while ably performing their day-to-day work such as leaf and trash pickup.  Many kudos and thanks to this department.

Now, I’d like to turn to our Engineering Department, ably led by City Engineer Phil Roush with help from Assistant Engineer Brian Palmer.  This Department has primary responsibility for the planning, construction and maintenance of infrastructure throughout the City.   They also are responsible for engineering, zoning and subdivision regulations and for construction inspections for City capital improvement projects and subdivision construction.  Engineering has also been very busy working on major projects this year, including the new Water Reclamation Facility, working to obtain a re-rating of our existing Water Plant from the Ohio EPA so that we have more time before we need to build a new plant, and preparing for the construction of our new Water Reservoir off of Raymond Road.   Other major 2007 accomplishments include:

• Planning with Jerome Township and others in the Growth Area southeast of the City limits, working with planned developments in the City including the Cook property and Twigg property and assisting the Design Review Board with review of specific projects including those in Coleman’s Crossing and City Gate

• Beginning the design phase for a possible new fire station, and working with an architect and all current Fire staff to determine the proposed layout for a new facility

• Working with the Public Services Committee and Council to implement a traffic study to determine needed improvements for managing traffic and relieving congested areas

• Installing a new restroom facility and shelter house at Mill Valley South Park near the soccer fields

• Continued work with ODOT for final plans for a Transportation Enhancement grant for planting of trees and shrubs along Delaware Avenue from US33 to Charles Lane, and

• The completion of the East Side drainage study to determine needs.

In 2008, the Engineering Department will continue to stay very busy with major projects.  Our City will continue to experience growth, and the planning work that this Department does will become more and more important.   Major plans for 2008 include the following:

• Working on redevelopment of existing areas in the City including Eastpointe Plaza

• Continue working toward design for a possible new fire station, as well as putting plans in place for future stations

• Completing traffic studies and determining a schedule for implementation of recommendations for the interchange area with US33 at SR31 and SR4, the eastside corridor between five-points and US33 and a traffic signal system along Fifth Street

• Contracting for and completing the work for the Transportation Enhancement project along Delaware Avenue

• Continue sidewalk replacement program.  This is an area near and dear to my heart, and we will be assessing all sensible ways to enact a project to connect by sidewalks all of our schools and neighborhoods

• Complete northwest area drainage study.

• Compile listing of all storm projects from the three studies (Town Run, East Side and Northwest) for prioritization and planning.

Moving on to our Police Department, this area is ably led by Chief Floyd Golden, and Glenn Nicol is our Assistant Police Chief.  It has been a joy getting to know them both, and I look forward to working with them and their officers as they protect our citizens.  Their 2007 Major Accomplishments included the following:

• As the result of an undercover investigation lasting several months, a local liquor establishment that had become a nuisance was closed down.  The owner and three other people received prison sentences.

• The hiring of two additional police officers.  This will allow us to add an additional detective to expedite criminal investigations.

• “Neighborhood Watches” have been organized in Mill Valley, Green Pastures, Hickory Run, The Meadows, and Greenwood Colony.

• Seventy percent of the marked police cruisers were equipped with video in-car recording systems.

• The division placed a Honda motorcycle into regular patrol service with a primary purpose of traffic enforcement in residential neighborhoods.

• A February robbery of McDonalds was solved resulting in the arrest and conviction of three adults.

• Fourteen daytime residential burglaries were solved with the arrest of an adult male who received a ten-year prison sentence.

• Fifteen north and east side business breaking and entering cases were solved with three people being indicted for related felony offenses.

• Two adults were arrested and convicted of felony offenses stemming from over thirty thefts from motor vehicles.

In 2008, Major Goals include:

• Obtaining funding to acquire and implement mobile reporting in all marked police cruisers by means of in-car computers.  The ultimate goal is to have GPS and L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Automated Data System) access in each car.  Due to strong fiscal management by our Finance Department this past year, I’m pleased to report that we have funding available to do this, and with Council’s help, will fund it this year.

• Completion of the in-car video system implementation in the remaining three police cruisers.

• Conducting a facilities needs assessment to identify current and future physical plant needs for the division.

• Working with the City IT to enhance the website to allow public submission of reports, forms and information directly to the police division and

• Partnering with the schools, coalitions and other entities to improve overall traffic safety in school zones directed at “Safe Routes to Schools” for students.

Our Police Department is currently stretched thin, and its facilities and vehicles are not exactly optimal.  As our City grows, our Police Department will be strained even further.  I know that Council is well aware of the Department’s needs, and I pledge my help and support in working with you to find creative ways to fund improvements and to keep our Department top-notch. We will look at these issues in 2008 and plan for the future.

Another critical department for our City is our Fire Department, ably led by Chief Gary Johnson and Assistant Chief Jay Riley.  I met with them this week and toured our fire station.  I was very impressed by their organization. If you read their department website, you get a true picture of the pride and discipline they instill in their people.  Quoting briefly from their website:

“The Marysville Division of Fire proudly protects 30,000 people living in an area of 86 square miles.  We operate out of one station that protects a diverse area including residential, business, industrial and agricultural uses.  There is a heavy emphasis on organizational excellence through both mandatory and voluntary training and education.  There is also a significant emphasis on mission readiness and personal/professional development.”

In 2007, the Department had many accomplishments, including:

• Over $40,000 in grants and donations was received in 2007. This money was and will be used to upgrade or buy critical equipment that would otherwise be purchased from the general fund.

• The AVL/mobile computing project (initial phase) came online in mid-2007, providing GPS, mapping, and resource access/acquisition.

• Another siren was added to our Early Warning System, and our low power, AM Alert station was brought online. We are the only community in central Ohio to have a triple back-up, siren alert system that can be silently monitored, tested, and tied into an AM Alert radio system.

• General discussion and planning meetings were held with Council to explore the need for new facilities. 

• A “Code Red” system was implemented thru the joint efforts of City and County officials, providing a “reverse 911” notification of up to 1,000 residents per minute during an emergency.

The Department’s goals for 2008 are posted on their website, and the first one says it all: “Continuous Self-improvement”.  Other major Goals for 2008 include:

• Continued review and planning for possible replacement facilities as well as additional manpower, with examination of feasible funding mechanisms.

• Adding an additional Full-Time Inspector to the Prevention Bureau, creating 2 full-time fire inspector positions

• Working with the city attorney and the court system to collect nearly $50,000 in outstanding false alarm fees.

• Remodeling the downstairs offices to facilitate better public access and streamline administrative operations.

• Complete the AVL/mobile computing project, adding 2 more vehicle laptops, finalizing 911 mobile communications interface.

The final two areas I’d like to report on tonight involve the glue that holds all of this together: money.  Our Division of Finance manages all of our City’s money, while our Economic Development Department focuses on attracting and retaining quality businesses that will provide us with income tax funds to help run our City. 

Finance is ably run by Director John Morehart and Assistant Finance Director John Green.   The Finance Department is responsible for the overall day-to-day financial activities of the City involving cash management, budget, debt administration, investments, income tax, accounts payable, payroll, utility billing and collection and prudent investment of the City's resources. 

Our City’s Finances have been stretched thin in recent years due to our need for major infrastructure improvements, primarily in the areas of water and sewer.  However, while I have only been on the job a short time, I have the utmost confidence in the abilities of our Finance Department.  I am pleased to report that due to their efforts, the General Fund of the City continues to remain healthy.  At December 31, 2007 the unreserved General Fund balance was $4,780,272, which is favorable to the forecast.  Most of the favorable position was due to careful monitoring of expenses.  These efforts obviously paid off, and I thank Director Morehart and Assistant Director Green.

Other major Finance accomplishments for 2007 include:

1)      Completion of financing for the Water Reclamation and Reservoir projects.  Both required efforts from Council to pass utility rates to enable the funding to be adequate for the debt service of these capital projects.

2)      Payoff of a $490,000 vehicle note.  This repayment was 3 years ahead of schedule, primarily due to available funding in the General Fund. 

3)      Continued receipt of “unqualified” audit opinions from the Independent audit group.  The unqualified opinions means the financial statements are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and there are no material financial misstatements contained. 

4)      Income Tax revenue continuing to remain strong.  In 2007 we received $7,877,319, which is 5.54% higher than the prior year.  

In 2008, we will continue to monitor expenses very carefully.  Additionally, as development occurs, we will work with developers so that growth pays for itself.

As most of you know, our City’s Economic Development function is headed by Eric Phillips, a resource we share with Union County and the County Chamber of Commerce.  This arrangement is wise, as it bodes well for cooperation and teamwork among these entities.  2007 proved to be another year of growth for Marysville, and 2007 ED Projects included:

• Construction began on the $9,000,000 Ohio Army National Guard Training and Community Center to be located adjacent to the Union County YMCA.  This 40,000 + square foot facility will provide a gymnasium, kitchen, and classrooms to the community.

• City Gate saw the opening of Bob Evans while construction began on Walgreens, Boston Pizza, Delaware County Bank, and Liberty Bank.  Additionally, a White Castle will begin construction in 2008.

• Coleman’s Crossing saw the opening of First Federal Bank, BW-3, Best Buy, Office Max, and MC Sports.

• Uptown Marysville saw the renovation and revitalization of two properties in Uptown Marysville, which will provide more retail and residential options.  With these developments, Uptown Marysville has realized over $2,000,000 of private investment since 2005.  These investments were made possible by the City’s promotion of the Community Reinvestment Area and the granting of incentives to various businesses.

2008 promises to be another year for growth and economic development in our community, and I look forward to working with Eric Phillips in my new capacity as Mayor.

My tenure as Mayor has been very brief.  My report tonight is of accomplishments earned by my predecessors: Former Mayor Tom Kruse, City Administrator Kathy House and the very able employees of your City.  They deserve much credit and thanks for the fine work they have done this past year.  They have guarded your resources well and have put plans in place that will provide for our City’s future.  My pledge to you tonight is to do my best to continue in the fine tradition they have set.  Additionally, I pledge a new spirit of cooperation and community.  We are one team, and we will work together in the best interests of our community.  We will also work together with our County and townships to make our community a strong region.  Thank you for all you do, and God Bless.