FROM THE MAYOR: STATE CONFERENCES OFFER FRESH NEW IDEAS

Several City Council members, City Administrator Steve Wilson and I recently attended the 66th annual Missouri Municipal League Conference in Springfield. This year's conference agenda offered municipal officials ideas and tools to assist in building fiscally sound, state-of-the-art, well-managed cities. In addition to the education received we very much enjoyed and benefited from the interaction with municipal officials from across the state all concerned with the common goal of building quality communities. The conference program included more than 25 sessions addressing such topics as council procedures, personnel issues, utility issues, annexation procedures, planning and zoning and the marketing of our city.

The Missouri Municipal League conference is also the marketplace for the latest products and services tailored to municipal needs. Dozens of companies displayed their products and services. We gained knowledge and ideas that will benefit the city on future projects.

This conference holds an annual business meeting as well. The Missouri Municipal League is a good source for us to follow and have input into legislation in the Missouri House and Senate.

As most of you have read by now Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Jefferson City, Fulton and Warrensburg in Missouri have all been named United States "Dreamtowns" in the 10,000 - 50,000 population class by Bizjournal.com.

Jackson is proud to be included in the 141 "Dreamtowns" nationwide. While I realize this is just one publication's opinion, it still makes us proud to think that other people believe what we already knew -- that Jackson is a great place to work, live, and raise a family. Scott Thomas of BizJournal.com had the following comment about all 141 USA "Dreamtowns."

"Their quality of life is excellent, and they are safe; low-stress alternatives to congested cities and sprawling suburbs." Congratulations Jackson.

Our fall asphalt overlay program is underway. This year the streets of Grandview Acres, parts of Missouri Street and a variety of patch jobs will be done. If you live on an existing asphalt street that you feel could use a facelift please contact City Hall and we will consider it in the future.

Every year about this time I conduct an annual tour of all our city departments. These tours which take about two full days help me and other council members who attend get a hands on view of each department, talk with employees about their needs and concerns, and review ongoing projects in the city. These tours are very informative, informal and help create an ongoing line of communication between everyone involved with the city. I can tell you we have an outstanding group (110) of city employees who do the best they can to provide quality city services to every resident.

The Council meets every Monday at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome.