2010 State of the City Address – Full Text With Photos

Good afternoon Chamber members, community leaders, fellow Portage employees and guests.  Thank you for attending today’s luncheon.  Your presence tells me that at a minimum, you like the food served at Chamber luncheons and at a higher level of commitment you truly care about our great City because our success is your success.
I would like to first begin by taking this opportunity to recognize the individuals with whom I have worked with to accomplish daily responsibilities as well as plan for future goals.  Elected officials, department heads, employees and board members have all contributed to Portage’s success.  Many are in attendance today. Would you all please stand and remain standing. Without these dedicated individuals, I would not be able to accomplish the goals I have identified for this administration and truly appreciate their strong work ethic and willingness to deliver effective, affordable and efficient services.  In a region that seems to have a penchant for criticizing those who step forward to lead, we need to work harder at recognizing those who serve and reinforce their efforts. These individuals standing before you truly deserve recognition and praise for a job well done.  Please join me in applauding their efforts.

2009 has been another eventful year filled with challenges and obstacles, as well as, continued progress. One only has to read the newspapers to understand the effects of the worst recession since the Great Depression.  Municipal budgets are feeling the impact and Portage is not immune.  Recessions often take longer to trickle down to local government.  Headlines tell you about cuts to non-essential services and now most recently we read about further cuts that impact essential services.  We are not without our challenges that are facing every City in this nation. Recently, Councilman Gottschling forwarded a Wall Street Journal article that cited the seriousness of the issue and its impact on cities from Mesa to Philadelphia. At the top of the article he wrote “We’re not so bad off??”  My answer to Councilman Gottschling was no, we’re not so bad off. Despite the tough economic times Portage remains stable.  We have implemented strategies that place us in a better financial position than many cities across our country.  This has not been accomplished without stress and resistance but I often say that one of the most important skills that I brought to this position is the ability to manage stress based on my 25 years as a mental health professional.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass It's about learning to dance in the rain

When I took office in 2008, House Bill 1010 and property tax caps were not law. As the tax cap discussion became increasingly prominent, I knew that I would be faced with difficult yet necessary decisions.  Quickly, I began to evaluate our financial status and made the early decision to reduce spending where feasible.  From reducing number of take-home vehicles, cell phone contracts and not filling open positions we began to prepare for the impact of tax caps and reduced revenue.  Part-time hours in several departments were eliminated from the 2009 budget, as well as, positions that were not filled.  Projections from the legislative service agency regarding reduced revenues indicated that further cuts were needed. 

Early in 2009, I began to explore the feasibility of implementing a recommendation from the Kernan-Shepard report. This recommendation was that all local public safety services should be coordinated countywide, and regionally where appropriate.   In a time of shrinking revenue, and projected budget shortfalls, I thought that to consolidate our 911 dispatch with Porter County was an option to consider carefully.  Could we find a way to cut back and streamline government without compromising services and individual’s livelihoods?  As the CEO, these are the difficult decisions that keep you up at night.  I have repeatedly communicated to our citizens that public safety is a number 1 priority.  To implement this initiative, it was important to ask the right questions and learn from others who had successfully implemented such change.  As with most change- resistance is inevitable.  Rumors abound and emotions run high.  While the process took nearly 10 months, it was necessary to insure that all questions were asked and strategies in place to provide for a seamless transition. On December 28, 2009, we switched the 911 operation to Porter County.  8 Portage dispatchers were offered jobs with the County dispatch center, no one was laid off and Portage realized a savings of about $500,000.  While with any change there are adjustments, the consolidation, in my opinion, has saved taxpayers money while still providing the same level of public safety for our residents.  Mission accomplished.  I remind myself that in serving the citizens of Portage, it is my duty to have the courage to do what is right and not was is necessarily popular.

Our priority to ensure public safety and increase public awareness of safety initiatives goal is reflected in the Portage Police Department’s continued aggressive “Community Outreach” program, which was recognized by The Calumet College of St. Joseph as Department of the Year for 2008, recognition received in 2009.  Along with recognition the department also received a $15,000 scholarship.

Through the leadership of Chief Mark Becker the following additional accomplishments of the department highlight our continued focus on public safety.

• The development of a Citizen’s Academy which began in 2008 with 19 applicants  grew in 2009 to 51 representatives from the community seeking a seat.  Over the past two years 31 members from all walks of our community have graduated from this program
• The development of the Chief’s Email in which the public receives timely notifications of matters pertaining to public safety not only effecting Portage, but County, State, National and International topics as well.  The emails have invited public interaction and rapport, which has furthered the publics trust
• Public Interaction, which has included 56 presentations by members of the department to schools as well as to gatherings of our social, civic, faith and business communities.  Included were “park and walks” where officers knocked on doors and met with residents and business owners
• So as to more aggressively deal with the public’s concerns, a second officer was assigned to the Porter County Narcotics Unit and a third continued with an assignment to the FBI’s GRIT task force.
• The Porter County Narcotic’s Unit worked with other Federal and local agencies and recorded over 200 arrests, as well as significant drug and US currency recoveries
• The placement of an officer on the GRIT task force enables the department to join with other Federal, state and local agencies to address gang and drug related issues not necessarily occurring in Portage, but disrupting and dismantling those threats before they have a chance to cross our city boundaries. Last year Portage received over $6,500 in Federally seized assets as a result of those investigations with another payment of over $24,000 currently being processed
• The initiation of the STOP Team, an aggressive patrol orientated task force consisting of three full time assigned Portage Officers is complemented by the part time availability of officers from the Hobart, Porter and Burns Harbor police departments   The assignment of these officers has proven extremely successful. Last year they recorded numerous drug recoveries to include over 40 kilo’s of marijuana.  They also made it a priority to visit our schools on 22 occasions, developed an innovative child restraint program for parents, effected over 280 traffic stops and arrested nearly 150 people. Each day brought a new challenge, whether it be the uncovering of a large illegal mushroom grow operation or working in concert with the United States Secret Service when they came upon a local counterfeiting operation, this team has proven both innovative and effective.
• Increased public safety via emphasizing an increase in traffic enforcement, resulted in a 25% increase ( 9,191 ) in vehicle stops this past year than in 2008 (7,363)and an increase of  98% in stops conducted in 2007 (4,632).  The increased police visibility is directly attributable to the drop in driving under the influence arrests.  Although a Portage Police Officer again led the entire county with his DUI arrests, the total arrests made by this officer and his associates dropped 11% as Portage continued its reputation as the city one does not want to drink and drive in.
• Overall Crime is down, police presence makes a difference.  Vehicle theft has decreased 50% from two years ago, arrests are down and calls for service have decreased.  Our message is clear we won’t tolerate Crime!
• We implemented a defensive driving program entitled “Arrive Alive” which is focused on the safety of our young drivers. Our officers provided a total of 99 young drivers with hands on driving instruction.  During their attendance, these young drivers were exposed to the limitations of the vehicles they operate and presented with the knowledge of the costly and at times deadly consequences that can happen if they ignore safe driving habits.  This effort is made in partnership with the Portage Township Schools.  Another partnership protecting our children is realized through our school resource officer.  This partnership while not touted for publicity has been in place for years.  The respect and trust that Officer Troy Williams has earned has made a difference in the climate and behavior within our high school.
• Our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency resulted in the implementation of the Tiburon record management system and computer aided dispatch system.  The system has eliminated much of the paper previously generated for reports; links Portage to databases maintained by the County Sheriff and provides ease of access by our officers when they are in the field.
• Efforts to elevate employee moral were delivered through a variety of programs.  Employees were challenged to participate in the department’s first Physical Fitness Challenge in which officers, reserves and support employees competed in weight loss and agility tests.  We also implemented a rotational detective bureau assignment, wherein promising patrol officers were exposed to the demands of detective assignments and then returned to the road better equipped to respond to events with the knowledge of what the detectives would need to make their case.  The department also continued to undergo extensive physical remodeling, much of it done in house by labor provided by our own officers.  We make do with the resources we have.
• The department continues to seek local state and federal funding to address budget shortfalls and still assure that we have the tools to do the job.  In concert with the Valparaiso Police Department, the Portage Police Department was awarded 2 Federal grants that provided Portage with over $65,000 for computers over the next 4 years and over $17,000 for the purchase of Tasers, that are presently in the hands of our officers.  The City also received $491,625 in Federal CMAQ fund to purchase police vehicles capable of utilizing E85 fuel. The vehicles will begin arriving shortly.

The ongoing fiscal challenges posed difficult decisions for all department heads. The Portage Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Bill Lundy addressed the challenges but not without increased stress which resulted in Bill’s need to step back, place his health and family first and submit his resignation as fire chief at the end of 2009.  He has been patient and professional while we complete the process to find a replacement. I admire his strength in working through some difficult issues at the department.  Chief Lundy was one of the many professionals who were dedicated to researching the feasibility of the dispatch consolidation and spent many hours examining all issues related to this option. He worked to answer all department questions and ensure public safety.  His efforts resulted in

• The installation of the Mobile Data Terminal system.  This allows for continuous updates on conditions of patients or emergency situations while enroute to the scene. MDT's have been installed in all first line Fire Department vehicles to include Fire Engines, Rescues, and Command apparatus a total of 14 units within the department.  This makes the Portage Fire Department the first and only Fire Dept. in Porter County with the mobile data terminal capabilities.
• Continued demands of equipment needs are ever present.  The delay in receiving CMAQ funding resulted in a delay of our plans to purchase needed equipment.  As we finally were able to get the granting process to move forward toward the end of 2009, we were able to take action to purchase 2 new ambulances.  We purchased a demo ambulance at a savings of $17,055.00.  It was certified and in service on January 7th, 2010.    The second ambulance is a re-mount, again a cost savings  of $55,113.00.  This ambulance should arrive in a few weeks and the ambulance purchased in 2006 that sustained some damage due to an accident will also be delivered shortly.  We will then have 3 ambulances in operation that will be 3 years old or less and have a 4th ambulance as back-up for emergency purposes -a first for the department.
• The ongoing demands of the fire department remain high. Rescues and emergency medical services accounted for 80% of the calls.  A total patient count for 2009 was 4150 slightly up from last year. The remaining 20% is fire-related calls of which we had 33 structure fires and 34 vehicle fires.  There were a total of 2130 transports of which 1143 were transported to Porter in Portage.  Our average response time is just about 5 minutes and still below the national average. We continued with fire prevention programs in our schools
• We assisted businesses with fire inspection training and our city ISO rating remains excellent which leads to savings in fire insurance premiums for residents and business owners.
• Emergency management preparedness continues with representation at the District 1 level through Indiana homeland security and the orientation and education of City leadership team through mock emergency simulations to prepare and plan for appropriate communication and response.
• We have just completed the interviewing process and assessment of qualified candidates for Fire Chief.  This process was professional, organized and respectful.  I believed the citizens and the Portage Fire Department deserved this investment in utilizing professionals in the field of public safety to assist in selecting our new chief.

The public health and safety also rests in the hands of our hardworking employees of the Portage Street Department.  Maintaining approximately 150 miles of roads within City limits poses continued challenges when revenues are decreasing. Superintendent Chuck Haskell understands the business model of managing limited resources coupled with finding ways to continue uninterrupted services.  In the Wall Street Journal article I referenced earlier, it mentioned that the City of Philadelphia has suspended some services citizens used to take for granted. It has stopped providing snow removal to some smaller one-way streets except in emergencies and it suspended mechanical leaf pick-up in some spots.  In Portage, we have not taken such measures and have continued to provide all street department services with a few changes to compensate for the budgetary constraints. 

• We participated in the state bidding process to leverage a better price per ton for salt.  As some of you may remember, the price of salt last year was quoted as high as $170.00 per ton.  Last summer, through the state program, we received the opportunity to bid for 7,000 ton of salt at $54.67 per ton.  This is about a 50% increase in price from the 07/08 price which was $35.70.  We have mixed the salt with a slag mixture to stretch the salt supply while still maintaining safe driving conditions.  This strategy has been met with mixed reviews from some residents.  The slag presents more clean-up, however it is less costly overall.  Additionally it is safer for the environment and causes less damage to trees and shrubs.  We will continue to evaluate this process and participate in finding the best deal for salt purchases.
• Additional savings were realized by implementing a curbside electronics-recycling program.  This helped to decrease volume sent to the landfill and resulted in a savings for the City.  Our community out-reach efforts have resulted in increased recycling participation.
• Mother nature cooperated this year with no early snowfalls and we were able to successfully pick-up 17,000 cubic yards of leaves.
• Continued maintenance of entire City fleet of vehicles, trucks and equipment is accomplished by our qualified and certified mechanics.
• Together with the department of Public works several repairs and infrastructure improvements were completed in all areas of the City.

Investing in ourselves so we are attractive to others who want to invest in Portage is paramount to our success.  It is important to not only invest for current generations but for generations to come.  The Flood of 2008 brought to focus the increased need to address our aging infrastructure.  The City has been struggling for years to find much needed funding for infrastructure improvements.  In April of 2009, the City Council took action and passed an ordinance to enact a stormwater fee to help fund these necessary improvements.  I supported this initiative.  For years, the City has struggled with inadequate drainage systems.  Many citizens will finally have infrastructure improvements to provide the much needed stormwater relief. New or improved infrastructure will sustain or improve the values of existing properties.  A long awaited project that has been discussed by numerous City administrations will finally be realized as we prepare to move forward on the Stone Avenue project this spring.  The Department of Public Works and engineer Craig Hendrix have worked tirelessly for our residents this past year.  Some accomplishments include:

• Oversight to completion of the paving of 5.3 miles of streets
• Installation of rear yard drains, repair and installation of yard and street drainage in all areas of the City
• Replacement of curb inlets where streets were paved
• Repaired several detention ponds for improved drainage
• Designed and received permit for compost site
• Coordinated tree waste removal from street department
• Worked for completion of the Northside Development/Business park
• Began regional watershed study of Willow Creek
• Restored Willow Creek at Prairie Duneland trail
• Coordinated department compliance measures for Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) program.
• Worked with departments to prepare for annual IDEM good housekeeping inspection. Passed with flying colors!

These accomplishments were achieved by a coordinated effort of many departments.  Success was also reached by obtaining over 5 million dollars in grant funding for several road and trail projects

• Airport Road and Pan Am/High School entrance- design underway – 2010 construction
• Iron Horse Trail Phase II- consultant selection underway
• Stimulus projects –Samuelson, Central, Swanson, CR 700- contruction –2010

While we are moving forward with these investments in our infrastructure, our Building and Code Enforcement departments are busy keeping track of code updates, recommending ordinance amendments for improved communication and compliance with our customers.  They have increased safety through expanded enforcement of unsafe building standards and electrical safety inspections.  Some highlights for improved efficiencies were

• Developing and posting on the website information helpful to homeowners undertaking a construction project
• Increased efficiency by instituting paperless interoffice inspection reporting
• Broadened and strengthened the contractors’ license revocation ordinance
• Increased fire safety by instituting a warehouse policy for high-piled and combustible storage
• Enhanced enforcement of existing environmental ordinances by instituting a site clearing and erosion control policy

There were a total of 1,363 permits pulled for various construction projects with a total of 25,812,136 in estimated construction costs. While new home building has slowed significantly, we saw increased activity in residential repair.  These is welcomed as it shows that our residents continue to take pride in their properties and are willing to invest in themselves for future dividends.  Code enforcement addressed 1104 new cases in 2009 with a closure rate of 73%.   They have been in coordination with the DNR, IDEM, Porter County Health Department, and court system in the resolution of several cases.  They are working to reduce resolution times particularly in the areas of safety and aesthetics- ie. Swimming pools, graffiti and vegetation

Waste Water Treatment Facility continues to operate in an efficient and conscientious manner under the supervision of Don Slawnikowski.  Some may see this department as an island out and away from the City but I recognize their importance and their great contributions to keeping Portage at the forefront of innovative ideas and improved and progressive operations.

• In February of 2009 they celebrated the completion of the AQUA Diamond filters installation – a project made possible with federal funding from Congressman Visclosky and coordinated through the Army Corps of Engineers. These filters are a significant improvement at the plant and enable the discharge of a cleaner effluent.
• Improvements were made to our existing mechanical bar screen at the Head Works.
• A new furnace was installed in the Head Work building which houses the process equipment
• This Fall the Aerobic Digesters were taken out of service and cleaned.  All work done in house by staff.
• Our Lab received recognition for lab procedures and water quality control sampling tests for the E.R.A. testing standard practices
• The installation of a security monitoring system was completed resulting in improved control and monitoring of activities in and around the plant.

Goals for 2010 include continued upgrades and plans for phase three which have been submitted for federal funding. This phase will address the biological process of solids handling.

In order for the wastewater to be treated it needs to get there by way of the thousands of miles of sewer pipe that The Portage Water Reclamation Field Division has to monitor, maintain, repair and install new when necessary.  This is a dirty job, but someone has to do it and these employees are very dedicated individuals who truly care about the service they provide to our residents.  This past year it became a standing joke that neither Bob Dixon nor I could leave town because the two times we did, we had a sewer collapse.  Their accomplishments include:

• Insituforming lines: Stormy Street, Fairview, and Central Ave.
• Repaired 78 manholes in areas around Hamstrom Rd. (south) and Fallen Timbers area
• Made changes in our shop for MS4 regulations
• Worked with Work Force One in ditch cleaning
• Completion of Cardinal Crossing’s  and Rt 6 lift station Start Up
• Worked with consultant to begin developing a model for our Sanitary Sewer System (the main interceptor was televised)

Future goals include more mapping, monitoring, repair and upgrades.  Additionally, this team will be involved with the development of a new program of mapping, cleaning and televising the storm sewer system that will provide significant benefit to all of our customers.

The office that keeps track of all the services at Water Reclamation both field and plant is what many of our residents refer to as the sewer office- where you pay the bill.  This office deserves the department of the year for the resolve and determination to continue providing quality customer service in the face of difficult times and difficult customers.  The employees supervised by Joan Sobczak have:

• Participated in customer service and communication trainings to gain skills and techniques to handle customer complaints.
• Started cross-training of all department functions for improved efficiency
• Participated in safety and emergency response training
• Adjusted billing and accounts receivable procedures to reflect the stormwater fee
• And are learning to answer the phone Portage Utility- instead of Water Rec- Change can be difficult!

In our continued efforts to streamline government and effect greater efficiency, the Stormwater Management Board and the Water Reclamation Board were eliminated and the new Portage Utility Service Board was created. This action will serve our customers well.  Both stormwater and wastewater management can be handled through one utility board and as integral services that do impact one another rather than handled separately.

The Parks and Recreation Department has continued to provide quality recreational and educational programs for our citizens.  We have worked to improve efficiency and have upgraded technology so that the park department is now networked with the rest of the City.  New software was installed and staff trained to better match accounting systems with clerk’s office.  Work is in progress to allow for on-line payment for facility rental or program fees as we work to improve customer service.  While we saw a slight decrease in the number of rentals, we saw an increase in revenue generated due to larger functions.  Goals accomplished in 2009 include:

• Implementing a comprehensive program of environmental and outdoor education centered at the Lakefront Pavilion. Over 400 students participated.
• Partnered with the Environmental Club through the Portage High School and the National Lakeshore in adopting the Lakefront Pavilion for a stewardship program that will include; beach clean-up, invasive species control, and some restoration.
• Planted 20,000 marram grass plugs at the Lakefront Pavilion for dune control, through a 5-star restoration grant.
• Instituted environmentally friendly park and recreation management and maintenance strategies. Successfully passed the SWQMP Municipal Facility Inspection. Applied for energy saving grants and will change the lighting in Oakwood Hall for energy savings resulting in lower costs.  Assisted with waterway clearing for drainage projects.
• In conjunction with the National Softball Association hosted a successful Nationwide Girls Fast pitch Tournament at Imagination Glen Park and the NW Indiana region.  Over 200 teams participated in the Tournament
• We obtained funding approval for Phase II of the Iron Horse Trail.
• Opened and successfully operated the concessions stand at Lakefront Pavilion and saw 50,000 visitors to this new facility. The City has received recognition from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, The Waterfront Center a national organization recognizing excellence in waterfront developments and the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association for the Lakefront facility
• Promoted the Portage Community Market and the Prairie-Duneland Art Show.
• Successfully organized  the first Portage Perchfest that was a great success and well attended. 2nd annual Perchfest planning is well underway so mark your calendars for August 13, 14 & 15, 2010.

As part of the Green Team initiative and our Clean Cities Challenge we will begin a tree inventory in our parks system and continue environmentally friendly practices.  Our sports programs, under the direction of Dave Byers, have had a very successful year.  We had a record 72 teams for the Fall softball league and total revenue for all sports programs exceed last years.  Many families are choosing recreation close to home and our Park department continues to provide those services from sports, to pre-school to the recent overwhelming success of the Valentines Daddy daughter dance, City of Portage park department adds so much to our quality of life.

The update to our City’s master plan was completed and adopted by the Plan Commission and the City Council.  The steering committee comprised of community leaders, business owners, homeowners, mothers, fathers, and city staff volunteered their time and energy and presented a final document for consideration and approval.  A lot of thought went into the process and the document will continue to guide our future growth and development.  The steering committee expressed the willingness to meet yearly to review the document and evaluate progress to keep the document fresh and the focus targeted.

Director of Community Planning and Development, Joe Csikos, together with his staff have worked on this task as well as:

• The expansion of mapping and GIS capability
• Downtown Plan Refinement
• Initiation of in house review of the Zoning Ordinance
• Updated and streamlined the development  review process

The Human Resources Department- all of one person and a Consultant- Mitch Ripley did a phenomenal job for our City.  Mr. Ripley was new to our City in 2009 and jumped right in.  He is working with departments to streamline hiring processes, train supervisors in HR management practices and is working to bring workman’s compensation costs under control by reviewing procedures and providing training.  He has also spearheaded the insurance and benefits committee to make recommendations that can help address rising health care costs.  We all know that health care costs are spiraling faster than any other fixed cost facing governments and businesses.  His efforts have made a positive difference for our City.

The IT Department- all of one person who doubles as a detective Jeff Lundy works to keep us networked an informed.   Annual updates for network security, new backup server and the addition of data protection manager are only some of the upgrades.

The main project was the transition of our Records Management Software. We transitioned from Computer Information Systems to Tiburon software. This occurred during the same time that we consolidated our 911 dispatch with Porter County Sheriff. During this transition we worked with Verizon to install a Fiber Optic link between the City of Portage and the Porter County Sheriffs department. The link was necessary since we now share all police data records and public safety radio systems between the two departments. The change in software allowed the police department to go to a paperless police reporting system. All officers are now able to write their reports in the cars and transfer them via wireless into the server. This cuts down on the amount of time spent at the police station. With the data sharing, officers also have the ability to now lookup all past records and arrestee photos right in the cars. We were also able to put laptop computers in all the Fire Department apparatus vehicles, so they too also have access to records, dispatch, and Internet to give them access to critical public safety data they need. So now not only do we have the radio system communications, but also computer data communication with both police and fire back to E911 dispatch. Data sharing is critical for public safety and we now have an excellent system in place that will not only benefit the citizens of Portage, but the citizens of Porter County.
Even in tough economic times, the City of Portage has been able to remain stable, attract potential businesses and residents through careful planning, smart funding and a vision for the future.  Economic Development opportunities exist in our City because of our location, our willingness to plan for the future and our willingness to invest in ourselves.  Portage is the Port of Opportunity. We opened the roads in our Northside Business Park and are ready for development.  US. Steel has purchased 10 acres in this park for future development.  Interest is still present for opportunities in the Ameriplex development. 2009 saw the addition of 4 new tenants and 50 jobs.  The Ironworkers local 395 dedicated their new regional headquarters. And I am happy to announce and welcome the BP expansion and multi-year commitment to occupy the largest spec building located in Ameriplex.  The 574,249 sq ft building will bring new jobs and added investment to Portage.

The City Redevelopment Commission remains active in planning for future opportunities to attract business development that creates jobs for our residents.  Recent landscaping along 249 at the Rt 20 intersection garnered many positive comments from long time residents.  Many said that the beautification project was a great way to welcome them home as well as welcome visitors to our City.  You’ll see continued improvements to this corridor to compliment the completion and improvement of the Best Western property.  This investment made a big difference and I sincerely appreciate the developers commitment to Portage.  Redevelopment Commission also:

• Acquired 26 acres of land adjacent to the Portage Lakefront site for future development related to recreational use
• Acquired 14 acres from USS in same vicinity that gets us closer to realizing the goals of the Northside plan
• Acquired City Compost Site
• Landscaped the Northside business park
• Acquired 2 downtown buildings for demolition
• Completed the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.  The realization of years and years of planning, patience, cooperation and vision.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  I think about this statement when I am faced with the downtown higher learning campus plans. In 2008, the news of changed plans and no state funding for a higher learning building in Portage not only left the taste of lemons for me but even more sour, like vinegar.  After dealing with the disappointment and attempting to explain to many who wondered why, it was time to make lemonade.  Determination and commitment from many dedicated leaders continues. We are working to see that this opportunity and vision is realized.  Working together with Portage Economic Development Corporation, higher education institutions and private investors, options are being discussed as we see the financial climate improving.  Just as the Portage Lakefront project took patience, cooperation and vision so too will the downtown project.  I have every faith that this goal will be realized all in good time.

Speaking of faith, our community has one of the strongest faith communities around.  Just this past week we saw one of our churches rise to the request for helping others and rose $20,000 in one Sunday.  The people of Portage care about our neighbors, our businesses.  We believe in our abilities to help each other weather the storm and find our way to continued prosperity through sharing, consideration, kindness and prayer.  Our compassionate ministries group, senior advisory committee, youth commission and numerous other community organizations have contributed to the souls and minds of our citizens and for that I am truly grateful.  You have been there when we needed you most.

Ladies and Gentleman, I began the address telling you about the Challenges facing nearly every City in the union.  Portage has been dealt the same blow.  With the tax caps and recent 6% shortage of our tax collection for 2009 we know what we are up against. I am keenly aware of the struggles our citizens and businesses are facing- increased costs and fewer resources.  Aging infrastructure, aging equipment and less revenue to repair or replace needed tools.  It is fiscally irresponsible for government to overspend but it is also irresponsible to fail to invest in our sewers, roads, equipment and public safety only to place the burden on future generations.  Finding the balance between valuable investment and limited spending is being fiscally responsible.
Portage recently participated in a county tourism branding project and our community branding indicated a nautical theme.  The analogy I can use incorporating this theme is that we are at sea and in the middle of a storm. It’s the perfect storm!  The ship is rocky and we’ve lost a few along the way, but I as your Mayor, have the fortitude and will to guide us through the storm.  I understand and embrace the challenge and sacrifice needed to lead us through. Our crew members have stepped up to batten down the hatches.  We have set our course and are headed in the right direction.  Here today, we do not, as individuals, as professionals or business people or families, all have absolutely the same interests.  But we all have the same stake in keeping Portage safe, healthy, and prosperous now and for many years to come. I thank you for your continued support and faith in our City and the great citizens who call Portage home.

God Bless You and God Bless America.