Merry Christmas

December 22, 2014

Friday the city held a retirement party for Dave Leth who has served the City of Mantorville for over 28 years. Dave started working with the cities waste water with our previous plant, has been instrumental in maintaining our current plant. Dave has also been involved with the planning and transition to our new plant. While Dave's official last full time day with the city is December 31, Dave has agreed to help with the transition of new staff personnel. In recognition of Dave's dedication, passion and professionalism I presented Dave with a plaque on behalf of the city at his retirement party. Dave can be seen receiving his plaque in the picture below. Remember to thank and congratulate Dave if you see him around town. THANKS DAVE AND CONGRATULATIONS!

Photo : Rhonda Rhodes

In November we remembered our veterans with an observance of veterans day and in December we will celebrate Christmas. Our veterans made sacrifices for our freedom and our nation and Jesus made a sacrifice for our salvation. I feel that this is the true meaning of Christmas, giving of ones self for the benefit of others. Some of us ring bells, others cook for a neighbor while others make an extra contribution to their favorite charity. No mater what you choose to do to “serve others” remember to keep Christmas in your heart. Rejoice in what we have been given by others and remember our freedom and salvation are precious gifts that are not free but have already been paid for by others.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and have a safe and happy new year!

Chuck Bradford,
Mayor – City of Mantorville
http://mayorbradford.blogspot.com

Budgets and Taxation

December 01, 2014

This past week we celebrated our tradition of giving thanks for all the blessings we have in our lives. I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. With thanksgiving behind us, we now look to Christmas and the new year. December also brings the need to close out the current year and make plans for the next. In January I will have my traditional state of the city article however, I wanted to update everyone on some of the items I have been asked about recently.

Next year we will see some changes in the membership of the city council. Jim Maxson is retiring after four years of service. Jim has been a valued member of the council and his input will be missed. I presented Jim with a certificate of appreciation that can be seen on my blog. Please remember to thank Jim for his service as he transitions into his new role as a liaison with the city. Council member Barb Ballard is also retiring at the end of they year. Barb served out a two year vacancy. I presented Barb with a certificate as well to thank her for her service and dedication to the city.

The cellular antenna that AT&T wants to install on our water tower is still on track and they have applied for all the necessary building permits. I know they would like to have the new antenna in place as soon as possible and I will continue to work with them on this project.

There is a property in town that has been identified as a health hazard. We are working with our new legal team and hope to have a resolution to this situation by spring. I had hoped to have had a resolution to this situation before now; however, there have been some significant road blocks that have been encountered while working through the necessary legal process. I assure you this remains on our “radar” and we will take action as soon as we are able.

The city council is in the process of initializing our budget for 2015 and we have our truth in taxation meeting next monday in the city council chambers during our regular meeting which starts at 6:30pm. Everyone that is interested in presenting ideas for consideration for our budget is encouraged to attend the meeting or submit written ideas to city hall. The city will have to have a finalized budget before the end of the year.

The city has completed some street projects as well as a couple of drainage projects this past year. During the budgeting process for next year the city council is looking at what projects will need to be addressed next as well as continuing to work towards our waste water treatment project. Anyone that feels there is a need for a follow up or additional work to complete this years projects, please forward those concerns to city hall or myself.

The city is currently engaged in some legal actions. You may see some public notices regarding these activities. While I am not at liberty to discuss on going litigation I wanted to inform you that we are working with the court system to insure everyone's interest is best served.

Yours in service,

Chuck Bradford,
Mayor – City of Mantorville
http://mayorbradford.blogspot.com