AUGUST 2021
Greetings from City Hall!
August is almost here, and so is the rain! There is a lot going on, as always, and we are dealing with the resurgence of COVID, in the form of what is known as the “delta” variant. This has our attention as many more people are getting infected with a different version of the original virus. As an organization, we have continued to follow recommendations on how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for employees and the public. That challenge continues, and as the circumstances change, we will adjust accordingly.
Summer Camp is almost over, and school will be back in session soon, although I’m not sure how the County will handle that issue with the resurgence of the virus in our communities.
On the City activities front, we are in the beginning of our budget season for the next fiscal year, with our tentative millage remaining the same for the 14th year in a row. We continue to focus on the execution of Council priorities, with many capital projects almost complete, others ongoing or just starting. The consistency of project activity continues to amaze.
The BMX re-build is underway, with the demolition of the old structure completed, and new construction scheduled to start sometime this month. The Burbank – Douglas Connection is almost complete, we are only waiting for CSX to finish their part, and the five year wait will finally be over. With the County’s Forest Lakes Road project looking more and more like its close to finishing, both projects should greatly improve traffic flow and options in our industrial area.
On the residential front, very important road and infrastructure work continues in our Harbor Palms subdivision, with Phase II now close to starting in earnest. This multi-million dollar project is long overdue, but Phase I is complete and it looks GREAT. We appreciate the patience of the residents who live there, and ask that they continue to work with us as we try and re-vitalize their neighborhood.
There is a great deal of utility work being completed at both the Reverse Osmosis and Water Reclamation facilities, none of which is very visible to the public eye. Our ability to do so many utility projects is largely based on the American Rescue Plan Act money, which has been pledged by the Federal government to us, but is not here yet. As we say in Finance, I’ll believe it when I see it in the bank!
As always, please peruse the useful information below and have a great weekend! Stay safe!
Al b
