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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 1987 Page Two State of the City, continued twelve months ago; re-enactment of the Superfund legislation with specific remedies for our problem, another example of bipartisan teamwork; and establishment of a new council team that can continue to provide the leadership needed for the future. "All of these successes took the participation and support of people too numerous to count, both volunteer and staff. These successes are really just examples of the many smaller successes we enjoyed personally and as a community. I would like to specifically thank: the councilmembers who have met frequently, argued occasionally, and worked together always; our staff, who has supported our efforts and endured our learning process; our board and commission members who have frequently labored in obscurity to provide us with priceless advice; our many civic groups who have joined us in developing a greater sense of community; and, especially, our residents who have given us the opportunity to provide leadership in an exciting era. "I am proud of our history and our 1986 accomplishments, but we cannot rest on our laurels very long. We still have ample opportunity to improve, as I am sure many will agree. There are too many people who do not share our success and who do not participate. We have the ability and the willingness to improve. We must keep working at it. "In looking ahead to 1987 I see a Centennial year filled with celebrations and commemorations benefitting our history. I also see even greater demands for action and tough decisons coming as we: complete and implement a marketing plan that focuses on communicating more effectively with our residents; continue efforts to redevelop downtown and the Old Highway 8 Corridor; complete city hall reconstruction; participate in state decisions on overhauling our complex tax structure; pursue negotiations to obtain reimbursement for our water system reconstruction costs; and continue our emphasis of the delivery of efficient, effective public services. "There are many other things to do as well. The community priorities identified at the Chamber's 'Issues and Opportunities Workshop' are consistent with my personal objectives for 1987. We are already working on many of the tasks identified. In fact, Saturday we will conduct the first meeting to form a Leaders Club that will enable us to continue our efforts to communicate and develop a greater sense of community. "As we begin our second century, I see a strong, vibrant community. We are ready to meet our future with confidence. Our greatest challenge is to maintain our strengths while we work on our opportunities. The greatest opportunity of all is the need to get more people involved in community business. I am looking forward to 1987 with a sense of pride and renewed commitment to our City of New Brighton. Please join in celebrating a century to build on as we tackle the challenges ahead. "Thank you".