1979-01-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 City of New Brighton Council Proceedings Jan 9, 1979 But, as I look back, I think that the thing that is most gratifying to me is the improved working relationships between councilmembers and between the council, staff, advisory committees and citizen groups. Much of what we have accomplished is certainly a result of our being able to work together on difficult problems. An enormous amount of time could be wasted when differences become personal and positions inflexible and the results are stalemates and lawsuits. The thing that we have been able to do is to work out problems, to get things accomplished without having to resort to courts or threats or to legislation by fiat or by some other kind of coercion. That brings me to the present and I would like to say I'm quite satisfied with the state of our city. Each time I have a chance to visit at another city or look at what is happening in other cities, I am thankful I am mayor in New Brighton. We have, I think, done things right and ahead of others in most cases. We have a strong base to protect and to build on successfully in the future. In terms of that building, there are 10 items in particular on which I think the council should spend time. I think these should be priority items for the council for the next year. 1. We must hire a city manager and work closely with him while he gets accustomed to us and to his new job. 2. We must continue to strengthen the Government by Objectives system started last year. 3. We must continue to improve the effectiveness of our advisory boards and committees along the lines begun last year. 4. We must improve the council efficiency at meetings especially on major or long-range projects. 5. We must continue to hold down taxes despite inflation and the need for new facilities and services. 6. We must continue to expand our initiatives to secure the best possible development for our city.