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Public Comments - Speeches

Monmouth Mayor's Report
February 3, 1999

Before I begin with my report, I want to say Congratulations to Councilor Hall. I hope you have many, many years of happiness.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the staff for the excellent orientation that they provided earlier this month.

Unfortunately, I was scheduled to speak during one of the sessions and I owe Mr. Protiva some make-up time; hopefully next Wednesday (not this one) we can make that happen.

Tonight, I am compelled to report on some significant issues. Two of which have more to do with the school district than with the city, but they affect us nonetheless.

First, the school board and the teachers union appear to be on reciprocal vectors in the same airspace - without much room for maneuver.

It is a very real possibility that a strike may occur, and we as a community must be prepared for what that may mean.

Earlier this month, there were several meetings about the situation. The players are serious and that will have an impact upon us all.

Last night, Mayor McArdle and I were on-hand during a meeting with over 180 people and all of them were and are watching, for what comes next.

Hopefully, a strike will be avoided but precisely because we are a tight-knit community - we must be aware.

Secondly, earlier this month, and again last night members of the school board discussed the siting of a school North of Talmadge - even though there is no money or a feasible plan, for a bridge.

Manager Hecksel, Public Works Director Wilson, and myself are in agreement about the potential danger in such a move.

Fire Chief Palmer has openly expressed, and privately discussed, the inherent risk to children and teachers if no alternate access route was made available.

While I cannot speak for the Council on this matter, I firmly believe (as a citizen) that there is another way.

I suggest that later in this meeting, and then at the next work session we discuss possible alternatives asked for in a letter I received from Interim-Superintendent Fetz.

For all involved, this is a matter of faith.

That a school must be built with the funds is undeniable, that the school must be placed in an inaccessible location, and a bad situation made worse - is not.

I think we have a public interest in thinking about this problem and expressing our view.

Third, I want to thank everyone that has helped make this first month as Mayor so busy, and so memorable.

From COG workshops, to Chamber Forums, to citizen conversations, and everything in-between, this has been a good month.

Yesterday, February 1, 1999, "Celebration of Learning Day" at Monmouth Elementary School was special.

It was fun to return to my grade school and talk with some of the teachers that made such a difference in my life.

I must confess that I am excited about the challenges of the coming year because I know the community will rally and meet every one of them.

The Coffee & Community events at Rick's Place have been both helpful and enjoyable. Hopefully over this next month even more people will be able to attend.

Finally, I want to talk about the Boards and Commissions list:

Kim Marr - Substance Abuse Task Force
Bev Davis - Parks and Recreation, PEG,
And Western Days Co-Designee
Joe Pressler - Western Days Co-Designee
And possibly a liaison position
John Sparks - Library Board
Jack Schierman - Historic Buildings & Sites Commission
Tom Hall - Seniors Citizens