January, 2004: New Year's Resolutions
From the Computer of Mayor Dave

One of the best parts of a New Year is making resolutions. My resolutions for the City are about shaping our future, and being good stewards of our tax dollars.

Sustain Economic Vitality - The Sustaining a Livable Lake Forest Park Task Force is charged with helping us create a vision and then implementing strategies for a revitalized town center. A more vital town center could enhance the mix of revenue from property tax and sales tax, and provide a boost to the unique aspect of our shopping center as a community gathering place.

Continue to Enhance the Environment - The Grace Cole Nature Park is scheduled to open this year. It will be another jewel in what is becoming the City’s system of parks. We still need to identify sites for active recreation.

Strengthen City Services - We will be providing more efficient service in the Planning Department. Our Building Inspector will become a full time staff position, resulting in a cost saving from the current contract position. A new Planning Tech will provide more service at the counter. We anticipate adding additional permit services so people do not have to travel to other locations. We are also going to add passport services at City Hall in the spring. This will add convenience for our citizens, and provide a new revenue source for the City.

Grow our Sense of Community - For 2004, I introduced budget items to support the arts and community gathering places. The Shoreline/LFP Arts Council provides music, as well as performing and visual arts to the City. In addition to general support, the Arts Council is seeking support for a mobile stage to provide music concerts in various locations. Money is being raised from grants, individual contributions, school district support, and funds from the City. The Friends of Third Place Commons received money for programs and development. These are significant community assets that will be enhanced this year. These plans go a long way toward growing our sense of community, creating economic vitality, and providing better services to citizens.

              -- Dave

The contract will be on the agenda of the January 8, 2004 City Council meeting for review and action. After a contract is approved by the City Council, the consultants will begin their research on the project. There will be three public forums on the work of the Task Force in February, April, and July.