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Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 1995 Page 2 Special Order of Business. continued I believe that 1994 will be most remembered for another significant change - the initial rebuilding of our downtown area. Some of you have heard me comment previously about our downtown. Some of you said it would never happen. We've talked about it since the freeways were built and access became a perceived problem. In many ways we've grieved over the old downtown because of fond memories of vital business activity. social events, enthusiastic council meetings and riotous street dances. Perhaps if we had viewed our five freeway interchanges as an opportunity. our downtown and the Old Highway 8 Corridor would have evolved differently. But we didn't and here we are today, left to wonder. Market forces have moved us away from being a business center for surrounding farms. But the tides of history and the future have not and will not take away the real spirit that makes our city a community. The final clearance of old downtown is complete. It's time to end the grieving for what was and to move on as our predecessors did when faced with the closing of the Stockyards and then the Arsenal. Just as the downtown demolition signaled the end of the past life of the area, the addition of the Family Service Center marks the beginning of a new era. The Center involves many features. a playground for kids and adults, meeting rooms, teen space and social places. It provides us a new gathering spot where we can build our community with activities and programs and services. It gives us a place to help kids who need help. perhaps the most significant action a community can take. The evening is too short for us to go into all the things that the Center means for our future. Already, kids and parents and grandparents are enjoying the place. It's already becoming the gathering place we knew it would be. I urge everyone to visit - don't wait till the 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on April 8 to see it. Looking ahead, our list of plans and priorities for 1995 is even longer than for 1994. Without question, the results of national and state elections in November will have significant consequences for New Brighton. While federal government reinvents itself yet again, it is clear there will be unintended as well as intended consequences. Needs will not disappear, but they may be redefined or ignored. Surely. the states will have more to do with fewer resources. And, again, the State will hand a significant obligation to the Cities and Counties. I am pleased, for the most part. with the de-emphasis on the federal role and greater emphasis on individual and community responsibility. I believe we are capable and prepared to respond if given an opportunity. I also believe that the process will be loud and painful. My only concern is that political expedience and partisanship will result in illogical and ill-advised actions that leave us worse off. We will work with the Legislature on property tax reform and restructuring of the various aid programs and other needed changes. At the same time, we will also carryon our tradition of providing efficient and effective services. Specific priorities we've established for 1995 include: 1. Expansion of our communication efforts, reaching out to residents and businesses. Our "On Your Turf" Program will get us out of City Hall and into your neighborhoods more frequently. Special Order of Business I Mayor's State of the City Address I I