New Year 2008 has begun, and with its arrival we are reminded that we should set goals and adopt resolutions. Visions, goals, resolutions - whatever you call them- sometimes move to the realm of reality. Too often they remain on a shelf or in the recesses of memory - unfulfilled.
As your mayor it is my resolve to conduct fair and orderly meetings, and to represent Berkley with dignity. That is to be expected of the mayor. More is required of me and all members of Berkley City Council. During the December 17th meeting of Council we shared our lists of goals, which include:
- Adopt a balanced budget that provides for a healthy fund equity and a capital improvements fund, as well as funding for all current municipal services.
- Implement selected elements of Berkley's Master Plan, the DDA Development Plan and the Recreation Master Plan.
- Begin discussions to develop strategies and plans to build a new Community/Recreation Center.
- Explore Shared Services possibilities with neighboring communities and Berkley Schools.
Consideration of these, and other goals suggested by members of Council, will be part of the Budget 2008-2009 process. Each Department Director will prepare a budget. Budget Hearings will be held in May. I encourage you to attend the hearings, and before then to consider the goals I have listed. Share your thoughts and reactions with members of council.
As residents, council members, department directors and employees, we need to examine these goals, select those that pose greatest urgency, and then determine how to fund and implement them. As we do so, let us ask ourselves this question: "What kind of city do we want Berkley to become?" |
