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Page 4 - January 22, 2002, New Brighton Council Minutes I forfeited vehic1esin our possession because ofthe DWI enforcement. We are concemed about safety in our neighborhoods and on our streets and are dealing with it. . Given the cun-ent national focus on terrorist related concerns, please note that our colmmmity is ~1aying in tune with these issues and is paying close attention to ways we can prevent these types of problems in our community. We regularly participate in infonnational fonuns and have increased security at our water treatment facilities. . Again, congratulations are in order to evel)' crime watch neighborhood in our community. Your involvement during this past year's National Night Out resulted in New Brighton being recognized as the best comtTIunityin the State of Mllmesota and receiving fifth in the nation for the level of national night out activities for communities with a population under 30,000. This year, we'll be evcn bigger with your help! . This pm.i year, the Public Safety Facility Task Force examined the space needs of the department and presented their findings and suggestions to us. This new facility should take care of the future needs ofboth Police and Fire. I thank the members for their time and efforts. I Community lmage . The City held numerous celebrations and community forums during the past year, ranging from our second mmual neighborhood meetings and 2461 town hall meeting, to volunteer recognitions and the City's annual Stockyard Days mld ACR. All of these events help to shape our image and our reputation as a community. Great events for a great community! . The City's "In the Neighborhood" mld Recreation brochures and neighborllood crime wdtch newsletters all are intended to keep residents informed on important mmncipal matters. . The City revised and implemented a new web page to keep us technologically current mld move us doseI' to being a 24 hour operation which eliminates the need to rely on set office hours for conducting city setVices. More work needs to be done in this area and it will continue to be a focus as we continue to improve our image and window to the world. . New Brighton continues to shine with its ful1 range of recreational opportunities for all ages. The FSC continues to be a wonderful gathering place for residents, businesses, and gucsts. As the Park and Recreation slogan goes.."the benefits are endless!" Transportation Options and Opportunities . Our annual street improvement effort proceeded this past year with hardly a hitch. In 2002, we'll be focusing on constructing the streets primarily around the Hansen Park neighborhood. . The I35W Conidor Coalition, which New Brighton is a member of along with six other commmnties along 13 SW, is funshing up on a vel)' comprehensive mlalysis defll1ing what our transportation sy~iem should be in order to handle expected traffic levels in 2025. This ~iudy will provide the basis for considering a strategy for financing and constructing an improved transportation system. This system will consider alternatives to the currentrelimlce on the interstate system and will explore how to better utilize alternative ~1reet systems. . While construGiion will take place this year, lots of activity occurred surrounding the reconstruction of Silver Lake Road, North ofJ694 to County Road HOne of the significant aspects pertains to our decision to blny the utility line along tins reconstruction, in order to improve safety and aesthetics along this important commmnty canidaI'. The reconstruction will be completed by the end of2002. I would like to thank all of you who donated time tlns pa'>i year for the bettennent of New Brighton. Your efforts truly make a difterence mld do not go unnoticed. 'nlanks go out to several service organizations tllat contribute both finmlcialIy and with volunteers throughout the year; Eagles #3718 and Auxilimy, Tri-City American Legion, New Brighton Lions, NB/MV Chamber ofCOlmnerce, NB Historical Society and Sportsman Club. IA special thanks to my fellow council members; Char, Nmie, Kim and Ron. It is a pleasure to work with a team tlmt has. t:l1. e concerns of all of our residents in mind when making decisions. As we go t.nto tl.ns weekend's team building witIl staff, we will continue to address tile needs of the entire community. This year also saw the loss of Arly Gundennan. Arly left his footprints in New Brighton whether it was in the schools, parks, council activities youth programs. You are missed my friend, and we would like to again thank Naoma, Craig, Troy and tlleir families for sharing Arty witll us. ll1anks also to my wife Colleen for allowing me to spend the 20-30 hours per week on city business. Without her support, I would not be able to stay involved to the degree that I am and tImt you have become accustomed to. May 2002 be a better year for all of us. 2002 State ofthc City Address