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Grand Island mayor gives state of the city address
For the first time in four years, no city employees were cut, and no taxes were increased in the city of Grand Island. Mayor Jay Vavricek touted the accomplishments during his annual state of the city address Tuesday afternoon.
The mayor outlined several clear cut priorities for the city. Those priorities include ensuring the veteran's home stays in Grand Island, establishing a metropolitan planning organization and building on emergency preparedness efforts. Vavricek touted the city's past accomplishments, all while beginning the conversation for the year ahead. "Central Nebraska communities are playing an increasingly important role in the life and events of our state," said Vavricek. From state volleyball, to the Nebraska State Fair to Husker Harvest Days. "Our reputation as a growing, welcoming and vibrant community has helped bring new opportunities to our doorstep," Vavricek said. And have helped Grand Island in its continued growth. "Our work and success in the past year have positioned us well," said Vavricek. 2012 saw challenges at Grand Island City Hall, but in 2013, they're looking to move forward. "I'm asking Grand Island residents to help envision new dreams for Grand Island by creating a Grander Vision for our future," said Vavricek. In that grander vision, continuing pro-growth economic policies. "This includes the goal of processing another $80 million in new building permits, and continuing business development and recruitment efforts that strengthen our city financially," Vavricek said. A goal not only for the Mayor, but for the Chamber of Commerce as well. "There's a demand for housing and as a result we have some people stepping up to the plate to build some new housing," said Cindy Johnson, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Grand Island City Council member John Gericke says working together is the key to the cities future. "We need to be moving forward and look at the good and put anything that's not so good behind us and try and work out way out of it and go forward with all positive things," said Gericke. Over the next year, the mayor says he would like to see a reduction in violent crimes, the installation of the $64 million sewer improvement and making downtown the heart of the city. "We've accomplished so much, and we're on the cutting edge of so much more," said Vavricek. The mayor did touch on some of the accomplishments from this past year including no tax increases, the purchase of new emergency vehicles, and the creation of the Mayor's Council. He says moving forward it's important it to work closely with the citizens of the city. |
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