One of the council members has stated that she is getting verbal abuse regarding the management of the Town. If this is so, I would like to meet with those who are deeply concern that I am not moving forward as your Mayor and managing the office and Town. As way of hoping you understand what has been taking place during my short 2-1/2 months in office. I offer this report to you: Thank you once again for your patience and understanding while we continue to get our “house” in order. We have only been in office a little over two months and in that short time I think a lot has been accomplished. We came into the office with a lot on our plate—especially the Mayor’s position—but we came in knowing there was a challenge. Now it was brought to my attention by a council member that concerns and questions are being raised as to the management of the Town. Since becoming your Mayor, I have worked diligently with staff and elected officials in moving our Town forward. The self-esteem in the office is one-hundred percent improved. We are moving forward with improvements in revising forms and procedures, and the office is operating more efficiently but there is always room for further improvements. I have met with officials from the county and state regarding the handling of our past grants and reassuring them that all grants in the future will be handled more efficiently and . I recently met with DHCD officials who informed me of a second round of PY-39R being offered, but the deadline was just 2 days away. That didn’t discourage the town treasurer and me because we went straight to work and successfully met the deadline, asking for $120,000 to installed and/or improve handicap ramps and sidewalks. The Town has received a $1,000 grant from the Honorable Will Campos, and we thank him! At present council members are currently working on a matching grant with ATHA which will give us an opportunity to work with young children from Thomas Stone Elementary School on a mural project. Regarding the updating and/or revising of our codes, Council members have been given several suggestions from our Code Enforcement Officer and we now need to set work sessions/public hearings to discuss and get input from the residents. Our Town Treasurer has been updating the financial software and preparing for our next audit, taking steps to assure we meet deadlines and requirements. The maintenance crew has been working hard removing debris, weeds, trees and trash from our streets, parks, and other green areas, as well as maintaining the Town’s lovely parks. Two of our four law suits have been settled, saving the Town many dollars; and I have been successful in stopping another one from being filed. Of the many PIA requests received—but not answered during the past administrations—majority of them have now been acknowledged and/or answered. We, along with REA, Gateway CDC and Landex Companies, held two Design Charrettes on the development of the former Northeastern Plumbing Supply Building project. A future meeting is to be scheduled for public input on the B & J property, and the direction that project will be taking. Our awarded landscaping grant—landscaping in Bartlett Park, Veterans Memorial Park, 40th Street Park, and the Rain Garden—will soon commence. Applications have been received and are being reviewed for the Cable Operator’s position, as are applications for the Town Manager’s position. In reference to the Town Manager’s position, a recommendation from me will soon be sent to the Council. Although I realize this is a concern of the residents, it is an even bigger concern for me as your Mayor. I need to make certain—to the best of my ability—that whoever is chosen has the skills, knowledge, experience, connections, and expertise to do the job and to assist us in the many challenges facing us. I only ask for your patience—and trust in me—to do what you elected me to do—this task I do not take lightly! I have past experience in what can happen if careful thought is not given to whoever is selected. My recommendation to the Council will be—I believe—a great opportunity for the Town. As for our police department, steps are being taken in getting police officers as well as improvements in reporting and operating procedures. So, as you can see we ALL have been busy! However, there are still many tasks to accomplish and any input and/or concerns you may have are always appreciated. But, we also hope you understand that it will take time to undo what damage has been done to our reputation as a Town. I, as your Mayor, am working hard to accomplish that task and I thank you for giving me the opportunity!
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 17:58:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015