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IMPROVED INFRASTrucTURE:
Grant Funds Awarded: $1.06 million for 20th St. SE for Design and Right of Way; $483,000 for Safer Routes to School which includes 91st Avenue SE - 4th to 8th Street; $310,000 North Davies Sidewalk Connection.
Partnerships: Private/Public: Snohomish County, Lake Stevens Rotary, BMX Club, State Legislature: Master Plan and Development of Cavelero Park.Department of Fish and Wildlife: North Cove Boat Launch Project. Request is for $544,000 which requires legislative budget approval.
PRIORITIZE AND INCREASE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC:
Police Community Satisfaction Survey to assist in prioritizing needs and to concentrate resources on these priorities. Park NEEDS STUDY with the results used to update the City's Park Plan and develop Cavelero Park plan update. Conducted Staffing Analysis to identify staffing needs and areas for efficiency and improvement.
STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL STABILITY: Continue to invest in Economic Development Program to develop stronger tax base and create employment. Adopted Incentive program to stimulate jobs and generate sales tax; Hiring Economic Development Coordinator; Working with the School District and WSDOT on 24th St. SE Roadway-critical connection to support commercial development; Actively recruiting businesses.
Support SR9/SR204 Project as part of the North Puget Sound Manufacturing Corridor. Continue to ensure our projects stays on "the list" in the current legislative tax package; Project needed for Safety, Economic Development and Capacity.
CONTINUED FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Leverage Resources by Partnerships: Snohomish County-Cavelero Park; Department of Fish and Wildlife-boat launch grant; LS Fire District-share personnel for IT and Fire Marshal Services; LS School District - School Resources Officers; Snohomish County - Lake Management responsibilities.
Partnerships continued: Regionally: many programs such as the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART); Allied Law Enforcement Response Team (A:ERT) and Property Task Force.
Continue CONSERVATIVE fiscal management regardless of economic conditions. Multi year forecasting - reduce expenses today to save for the future.
2015 MAJOR ITEM WORK PLAN: Continue active Economic Development Recruitment; Complete State Accreditation for Police Department. Established Office of Professional Standards; Complete 10 year Comprehensive Plan update; Begin downtown Subarea Planning and Rural Urban Transition area strategy.
There were a number of other items included in the Mayor's State of the City address that are numerous and could fill a whole another article. The Rotary Club of Lake Stevens would like to thank the Mayor, the Council and City Staff for being creative, working with our club on the Skateboard Park and being good fiscal managers. Other guests from the City included Jan Berg, Mick Monk and Barb Stevens.
The Mayor has been a resident of Lake Stevens for the past 25 years. Vern served on the City Council for three years and became Mayor in 2008. Vern worked at Boeing for 35 years and was responsible for an organization of 160 employees. He has been active in the community, an active member of the Lake Stevens Junior Athletic Association which included a term as President plus coached basketball, baseball and football. He is married to club member Kathy Little. Thank you Mayor for addressing our club this morning and wishing you well when you retire from your position as Mayor of the City of Lake Stevens.
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