STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

2009 proved to be an interesting year. In February, Dick Olson and I went to Washington, D.C. and made a presentation before legislative staffers on the importance of the Tower Terrace Interchange to the metro area. For the first time ever, we did receive ‘earmarks' for the project which was pulled from the final bill. When we asked how we could improve our changes for the next time, we were told to make a joint presentation with Robins, Marion and Hiawatha. That will happen in February 2010.

Due to some unusual circumstances, North Center Point Road from Boyson Road to the railroad tracks was finally completed in late fall.

We continually look at ways to improve the City's website. We have also received many complimentary remarks about the monthly newsletter from citizens. Staff has done a tremendous job in bringing information to the fore front.

Design work on Boyson Road and Robins Road intersection plus the reconstruction of Boyson Road from the Cedar Valley Nature Trail to the Dry Creek Bridge has begun.

Hiawatha has two police officers that have completed a bicycle training program and did some patrolling on bicycles this last summer. In 2010, you may see them on the streets, in the parks, or on the trails and they will be doing this both day and night.

The best news of 2009 is the completion of the voluntary annexation. We added approximately 350 acres and most of this land will provide space for residential growth. This is the first opportunity in a number of years that the City has had a chance to expand.

We told you, the citizens, that if the Local Option Sales Tax passed, we would do our best to show the results. In 2010, you will see improvements in Tucker and Guthridge Parks and at least two street reconstruction projects to be completed, specifically Third Avenue and C Avenue. Some less exciting projects are street crack sealing and sanitary sewer televising.

On December 22, 2009, your City Council invited approximately 25 Hiawatha business leaders to City Hall to discuss what could be done to better ‘market' our City. The group had many great ideas. A committee was formed to come up with specific recommendations to present to the entire group at it's next meeting in March 2010.

The group had questions about Tower Terrace Interchange and listened to Kraig Paulsen, State Representative, explain how he is trying to help our cause in Des Moines.