2015 Saratoga Springs State Of The City Address
Given By Mayor Joanne D. Yepsen
Saturday, February 7, 2015 – 1:00PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Good afternoon my fellow Saratogians and welcome. As your mayor, it is my distinct honor and
privilege to give the 2015 State of the City Address. This year, I feel especially privileged to do so
as we begin the city’s Centennial year.
I would like to dedicate this year’s address, and today’s event to our good friend, community leader,
a very special Saratogian, and first lady of Skidmore, Anne Palamountain. I ask that we take a
moment of silence to remember and honor Anne.
Thank you.
I want to recognize several current and former elected officials who are with us this afternoon.
Congressman Paul Tonko
State Senator Kathy Marchione
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
I want to thank Mark Baker and the Saratoga Spring City Center for hosting us today.
Over the past nine years, I’ve made it a priority to create and sustain strong partnerships, with all
levels of government. The success from working with all of you on both sides of the aisle will be
highlighted this afternoon. Bipartisan approach is the only way to get results.
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Introduction
Saratoga Springs is a regionally positioned gem that should be represented throughout the state, the
nation, and beyond. My administration is doing just that. We have so much to boast about, as we
become known as a model city; understanding that while history must be preserved, there is great
value in being forward-thinking and preparing for the needs of future generations. We have much
work to look forward to this year. And, we will do it together.
Many partnerships are being formed and strengthened. Saratoga Springs offers a wide-package of
diverse cultural and tourist attractions. With targeted tourism efforts and, companies such as
Global Foundries, we are becoming more international- friendly, adding to the plethora of reasons
people are continuing to flock to Saratoga Springs.
I’m very excited about our many accomplishments and our new initiatives to ensure Saratoga
Springs’ local economy stays strong, keeping our unique quality of life at the forefront for residents
and visitors alike.
As you all know, this afternoon’s address is the State of the City, not just the State of the Mayor's
Office. We are a commission form of government and so, once again, I asked my fellow council
members to contribute to this address. I will start with their department reports:
Public Safety
Department of Public Safety, led by Commissioner Chris Mathiesen:
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Saratoga Springs continues to be one of the safest municipalities to live, work, or visit. Our crime
rate is among the lowest of cities in the northeast. The emergency response times of our Police
and Fire/EMS departments are excellent for most areas of the City, and the Department of Public
Safety is continuing to pursue a third Fire/EMS station in order to more adequately meet present
and future needs.
In addition, our Code Enforcement Officers and Fire Department have made great progress in the
registration and inspection of vacant buildings, and fortunately our Police Department renovations
in City Hall are now complete.
Public Works
Department of Public Works, led by Commissioner Skip Scirocco:
Our Water Treatment Plant has a newly installed emergency generator, which will allow the
treatment of water in the event of an electrical capacity issue. We have new water wells at Bog
Meadow that provide a backup water supply when needed. Once complete, the Ballston Avenue
Reconstruction Project will provide for additional pedestrian and vehicle traffic in that corridor.
And DPW has been an integral part of our ongoing partnership with the Saratoga Springs
Preservation Foundation on refurbishing the Spirit of Life, just in time for our Centennial
Celebration.
Accounts
Department of Accounts, led by Commissioner John Franck:
The policy of no citywide reassessments will continue into 2015.
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The Accounts Department will be holding their annual Grievance Class on Thursday May 7th at
6:00pm. This is the only such class offered by a local government in this area. Property owners will
be educated on the proper procedures for grieving their assessments. Our Risk and Safety Office is
establishing a “Community Safety Committee” that will tie back into the City, and a “City
Emergency Management Program” that will connect into the existing County Emergency Online
Management System.
Finance
Department of Finance, led by Commissioner Michele Madigan:
Taxes have been held within the recently enacted 2% property tax cap. The 2015 Adopted Budget,
unanimously approved by the City Council, will have a zero percent property tax increase. This
year residential taxpayers will receive a check from the state under its new Tax Freeze Credit
program. Much of our city debt has been refinanced to lower interest rates, with a projected
savings over $2 million over the next 20 years.This year, the Finance Department will be working
to overhaul the city’s website including a new system for Online Payment of Taxes and Utility Bills.
Thank you, my fellow City Council members, for your service to this city. Please stand and be
recognized.
I’m pleased to report that the relationship between our City and our County has never been
stronger. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our two county supervisors for their service as
well: Matthew Veitch, who just took over as chairman of the Saratoga County Board of
Supervisors, who you heard from earlier, and Peter Martin. Please also stand and be recognized.
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In the Mayor’s office itself I’d like to thank my full staff and in particular - Joe Ogden, Deputy
Mayor; Vince DeLeonardis, City Attorney; Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney; Gayle LaSalle,
Executive Assistant to the mayor; and Trish Bush, Executive Assistant to City Attorneys.
The 2015 Centennial Year is an opportunity to look back over the last 100 years – to feel proud of
our unique history, to reflect on all of the ups and downs that have made us who we are. To honor
the leaders and visionaries who have come before us. To celebrate the past and the present, but
also,it’s an opportunity to look ahead –to the limitless possibilities of the future for our great city.
One year ago, I stood right here before you and outlined our goals for Saratoga Springs. Today, I
am reporting, in just one short year, we have done MUCH of what we said we would do in our first
term, and more.
I’d like to recap the policy achievements & successes of 2014:
Open Government
Last year, I spoke of building a more open and transparent government, and we have delivered.
 For the first time,the mayor’s schedule is on-line.
 I routinely hold open office hours for citizens to come in and speak with me without an
appointment – some of the best ideas have come from these meetings.
 Greater access to consultant reports financed by taxpayer money.
 I improved the way citizens are appointed and recorded to city boards and committees. For
the first time in a long time, appointments are being made in complete accordance with state
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and city law and in a public and fully transparent way. And, we are interviewing candidates
from diverse backgrounds and giving new citizens, with fresh ideas, an opportunity to get
involved in city government. We’re interviewing all who are interested, and then, appointing
the people best suited for the job based on skills, experience and interests, regardless of
political affiliation.
 Being accessible as mayor is paramount. I continue to be out in the community as much as I
am in City Hall. Even though the Mayor’s position is officially a part time job, to do the City
justice, it’s more than a full time job; it’s a life style.
 The Mayor’s office door is always open, literally. I have met with hundreds of constituents,
take meetings whenever requested, and, initiate discussions with all sides of an issue before
taking a position.
Collective Bargaining
Thirteen months ago, when I took office, all seven of the city’s labor contracts were unresolved.
Subsequently, employee morale was low, our budget and credit rating could have been vulnerable,
and taxpayers were footing the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor attorney’s fees
with little-to-no progress to show for it. As of today, four of those contracts have been resolved,
signed, sealed and delivered. We are close to finalizing the others. We should all take great pride in
making substantial progress toward settling these contracts and doing it in a fair and fiscally
responsible way. As long as I’m mayor we will never be in a situation like the one I found ourselves
in last January; our employees and our city deserve a mayor who communicates with them and we
are delivering on that.
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Economic Development
My administration has a smart, balanced and proactive approach to economic development against
a backdrop of continued success. Unemployment here in Saratoga County is 4.4%; compared with
5.8% statewide. Our occupancy tax continues to grow year after year, with 2014 showing an 8.5%
increase over 2013. And signature events like the Saratoga Frozen Springs Hockey Classic,
Chowderfest, First Night, and Victorian Stroll, to name a few, continue to grow and provide a wide
range of economic benefits for our city.
As promised, we built the first ever Saratoga Springs Business Advisory Council, which helps to
bridge the gap between the business community and City Hall, and has been an incubator for many
business-friendly ideas. We are actively recruiting new businesses to our city, and we are hopeful
that we will have some exciting news to share about new businesses coming to Saratoga Springs
later this year. Stay tuned.
While we work to attract new business we continue to focus on our existing ones. I felt strongly
that the 2015 City Capital Budget finally allocate $100,000 of funding so that the City could support
the Special Assessment District’s Way Finding program that will enhance our signage and making
downtown even more visitor-friendly. The goal is to improve, over time, the look of our
downtown streets by replacing our signage with appropriate historic branding, while better
facilitating transportation and parking.
I would like to thank Tim Mabee, Chair of SAD and other business organizations & leaders we are
partnering with for meeting with my team regularly on a wide range of business and economic
issues: Dennis Brobston, SEDC; Tom Shimkus, Chamber of Commerce; Todd Garafano from
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Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau; and Tim Holmes President of the Downtown Business
Association. I look forward to our continued partnership.
Veterans/Humanitarian
For years, in my personal and public official life, giving our veterans and their families the help they
deserve has been a top priority of mine, and my tenure as mayor has proved no different. In 2014,
my office initiated a partnership that will continue and grow this year with the Saratoga County
Rural Preservation Company. As a result, VETHELP representatives are stationed and available in
City Hall every Tuesday morning, providing, for the first time ever, direct professional assistance
and guidance for local Veterans and their family members.
Early in my administration we were the first Upstate New York community to be recognized by the
US Department of Defense as a commemorative partner in marking the 50th anniversary of the
Vietnam War, and our committee is hard at work putting some excellent events together to mark
this special and solemn anniversary. A warm thanks to this committee for helping lead us in the
pledge this afternoon.
In 2014, as mayor, I signed a pledge initiated by the White House to end veteran’s homelessness in
this city. This is not a pledge I take lightly. Our new relationship with HUD and the coalition I
have built with my colleagues, the five Capital Region Mayors who have also signed the pledge, will
no doubt help us succeed. Our regional director for HUD, Jamie Ferero, has been very helpful on
a number of issues. Jamie - thank you for helping us this year to get through some difficult
transitions.
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No one should be homeless, especially those who have served our country to protect our rights and
freedom. I look forward to announcing a new initiative later this evening to build on the possibility
that housing is within reach for every veteran.
We held the first city wide service on 9/11 at High Rock Park Memorial. I am proud and humbled
to have such a dedicated committee to work with in the creation and implementation of such a
moving ceremony to remember those we lost on that day, and the brave men and women who
have gone into harm’s way. As long as I am Mayor there will be an annual city event on Sept 11 at
this site.
I want o recognize ALL veterans and first responders for your service.
Thank you all.
Eleanor Roosevelt one said, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
Mrs. Rooselvelt I know you would be proud of Saratoga Springs.
Code Blue IS saving lives. Code Blue is up and running for its second season, and our new partner,
The Salvation Army, is providing the facility for shelter and warmth to those who would otherwise
not have it this winter. We are now averaging 39 guests per night and open without fail when temps
drop to 20 degrees or less OR when a foot of snow or more is predicted. I continue to be in awe
of the generosity of our community for this program. It is not uncommon to see local restaurants
and volunteers dropping food off each night. My heartfelt thanks to the Salvation Army, all the
partnering non-profit organizations, and all the dozens of volunteers and local businesses who
make possible this noble effort and a potential expansion.
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I have formed a Clergy Commission in my first year. Over a dozen local churches and synagogues
are represented. We meet monthly, rotating host clergy each month. Together, we share issues
facing our constituents and bring collective solutions to the table. We talk about needs of back
stretch workers, the homeless, and continuum of housing needs, among other ways we can work
together to more effectively answer the needs of our constituents.
The humanitarian aspects of being a leader are very important to me and for which I am
passionate, and we will continue to serve anyone who walks in or calls the Mayor’s office. Our
door is literally always open.
Sustainability
A top priority of mine has been, and continues to be sustainability and balanced growth. Six years
ago, I co-founded Sustainable Saratoga. It continues to thrive in this community and, as Mayor, my
administration in one short year has accomplished quite a bit. Just following my swearing in to
office as Mayor last year, word came down from the State that progress on the Waterfront Park
had stalled and our grant funding was at risk. My administration wasted no time in completing the
design, and getting this project back on track. I’m proud to say that as a result, we will finally have
the Waterfront Park preserved and up and running later this spring, with a grand opening and
special events featuring our new Waterfront Park and our recently purchased 5 acres on the
Kayaderosseros. I can even see a City Council kayak race from the Blodgett property to the
Waterfront Park in the works. Commissioners, I hope you’ll join me for some fun!
The Request For Proposal corresponding to the $200,000 “cleaner, greener, communities” grant
from NYSERDA has been issued and a consultant will help us carry out a much-needed and
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thoughtful update to our city’s zoning ordinance. I will be putting a small public work group
together to oversee the implementation of the Comp Plan priorities and to work with the
consultant and staff.
After years of being vacant, we have brought back the charter-required position of Administrator
of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation. This part-time job will have a big-time role to
play in my administration as we continue to tackle a host of sustainability issues -- from unifying
and implementing existing city policies like complete streets, urban forestry and city energy usage -to writing grants and stewarding our City open space, parks and more. I will therefore be adding
Sustainability Coordinator to the title to better reflect our current and future needs. I am convinced
this job will more than pay for itself.
Also resurrected, is the Open Space Advisory Committee. The first meeting has been scheduled of
this Mayoral appointed group. We have important business to conduct, such as the purchase of
land around our main drinking water supply, Loughberry Lake, to protect our watershed, and
develop applications for County restored Farmland and Open Space funding.
After 19 months, the Comprehensive Plan Committee, appointed by the previous mayor and our
current commissioners, has completed its work and has submitted a “final work document” and 53
items for consideration. The next step is for the City Council, with the help of our planning staff,
to coordinate all information presented to us and create a document for recommendation as our
2015 updated Comprehensive Plan. Once a recommended document is presented to the public, a
public hearing will be called. I want to thank the committee members and the community once
again, for taking this process seriously, for many months of input and dialogue.
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The “City in the Country”model is alive and well in my administration. Our commitment to
developing a thriving urban core -surrounded by safe, diverse, historic neighborhoods alongside
beautiful, open, rural land – is and will continue to be vital to our success as a city.
Increasing connectivity and walk-able/bike-able access is a very important priority for my
administration and will continue to set Saratoga Springs aside from many other communities in our
region and Upstate NY. This will not only add to our daily quality of life as year round residents
but position us competitively as a tourist destination. This is the perfect marriage between
sustainability and economic development.
And I’m very excited to say that because of a number of factors - the tireless energy of the
Southwest Neighborhood Association, a winning application filled out by my top-notch Planning
Department, a healthy working relationship with our colleagues in state government, and years of
citizens and grassroots organizations working toward a shared vision - we were awarded $1.6
million by Governor Cuomo to make the Geyser Road Trail a reality! After a decade, we will
finally construct a connection to downtown for 22% of our city’s population.
Recreation & Sports Tourism
Our Committee on Sports Tourism, partnering with the Rec Commission, and the convention and
tourism bureau to establish our city as destination for Tournaments will add much to the locally
economy. We are so proud of our Saratoga Rowing Association and use this as an example on
how sports and recreation can significantly impact the local economy positively. And, the city
supports and are bringing National USA Track & Field Masters Cross Country Championships
right here to Saratoga Springs in October.
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Until recently, since the recreation center was built, the facility did not meet projected revenue
above expenses. I am proud to report, and thank our Director John Hirliman and the Recreation
Commission, that $1 million was brought in as revenue in 2014 and we are finally meeting
projections and even making a profit.
Casino
A shining example of our unique city is how we handled the issue of an expanded casino in
Saratoga Springs. This was an incredibly difficult issue and it took up many hours our first three
months in office last year. During that time, the community was full of emotion on this issue and
rightly so. After spending much time listening carefully to as many citizens, businesses, and civic
groups as offered written and spoken comment, it became clear what had to be done. The majority
of our citizens did not want this expansion and we had to bring a resolution forward that voiced
our opposition to the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act. Here in Saratoga
Springs others dictating to us what our economic and cultural future looks like does not go over
well. My team, with help from others, wrote the draft of this resolution and circulated it to the
entire City Council for input. Once all five of us agreed on the resolution, I brought it to the table
for a vote. With one voice, your City Council voted unanimously and made our feelings known on
a historic night last March.
I want to turn to highlighting the upcoming year and my goals for 2015.
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1) Continue my theme of Inclusivity
People have joked with me that I may become known as the “Mayor of Committees”. That’s just
fine with me. Don’t get me wrong, its not that I like bureaucracy; I just like democracy. My
administration has started many new committees and boards, because so many members of our
community want to be involved and take some ownership of the city they chose to live, work, and
raise families. Empowering residents and being inclusive on issues important to the City are at the
very core of why I choose to be a public servant and I couldn’t be prouder to stand together with
all of you. In twelve months, my administration has created or resurrected 15 committees who will
advance their goals and work in 2015.
Code Blue Steering Committee
Sports Tourism Committee
Centennial Committee
Saratoga Springs Junior Committee
Business Advisory Council
9/11 Memorial Committee
Racing Advisory Board
A New and Improved City Senior Advisory Committee
Reestablishing the Open Space Advisory Committee
Greenbelt Downtown Connector Committee
Vietnam War Commemorative Committee
Commission on the Arts
Clergy Commission
Climate Smart Communities Task Force
Saratoga Springs 2015 Housing Task Force
Please stand and be recognized if you are serving on one of these committees.
2) Creative Economy
If all the stars align, my vision for the years ahead is to open the national and international doors
and announce Saratoga Springs is open for business. We can be the entrepreneurial and creative
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economy hub, not just for the Capital Region, or the northeast, but nationally. And, quite frankly,
the timing couldn’t be better to build an eco-system of accelerators, incubators and incentive
supportive packages to attract innovation, creativity and capital.
In New York State, Governor Cuomo continues his commitment to focusing on the upstate
economy through the Regional Economic Development Councils, various types of tax relief,
innovative programs like StartUP NY, and a new program that will have upstate regions competing
for $1.5 billion in economic development funding. So while we have these economic tailwinds at
our back, let us not be complacent here at the local level. Let us be opportunistic!!
Let’s not take for granted the success we have become so renowned for. I will continue to
proactively build the necessary private-public partnerships we need to foster sustainable economic
growth. It is my pleasure to announce a new package that will be available to anyone who is
interested in starting a business here to include financing, housing, business mentors, and
networking to be provided together to entice and encourage entrepreneurs to work with us.
Locally, I will be asking the BAC members to take on mentoring roles, our economic development
dept. and local banks to put together financing packages, and in the very near future, I’ll be asking
the City Council to consider dropping our interest rate on an underutilized small business loan
program our city offers so that we can make this pool of capital attractive and competitive in this
era of low interest rates.
Recently, I have created the first-ever Saratoga Springs Commission on the Arts. Together we will
be working harder than ever to take the growing “creative economy” to the next level in Saratoga
Springs over the upcoming year. Commission founding members have been helpful laying the
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groundwork in the first couple of months. I plan another round of appointments to the
Commission in March. Many citizens probably don’t realize just how important this industry is to
our city and our region and how well we are poised to make a difference:
Did you know that?
 "Creative industries" is the sixth largest sector of employment in the Capital Region,
employing roughly the same number of people as higher education?
 The Capital Region has the 2nd largest number of creative jobs in the country when
compared to similarly sized metro-areas?
The time to embrace this blossoming industry is now. And in an effort to do just that, my
administration has applied for a federal grant, through the National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA) to fund an “Arts Master Plan” that will help lay the groundwork for my vision to make this
city the gateway for artistic, creative and high tech industries.
I’m proud to say that US Senator Chuck Schumer, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and US
Congressman Paul Tonko and the Governor of NYS have all offered their full-fledged support,
because they believe that great things are ahead for Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region.
3) Sustainable Development
As Supervisor and when I was first running for mayor, I was committed and will continue my
commitment to endorse our City in the Country fundamental values and ensure that high standards
are adhered to on land use issues and decisions. I have worked hard with my staff to adopt the
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service mentality while continually looking for ways to more efficiently and effectively serve the
public from our planning, economic development and building desks yet not jeopardize or
compromise our high design standards and historic preservation for City projects. This
commitment includes a process in which every developer, builder and applicant is treated equally,
consistently and according to local law.
We need to implement Complete Streets- ensuring that our City streets accommodate all users.
Recent statistics show that millennials are actively choosing to walk, bike or take the bus in lieu of
driving cars. And we as a city must respond and be forward thinking enough to offer mobility
choices to our residents and visitors.
This spring, the City will kick-off the citywide Bike, Pedestrian and Transit Plan that will provide a
blueprint for next steps in implementing better accommodation of these modes in our City.
A Safe Routes to School initiative in 2015 will see construction of a safe connection and crossing of
Geyser Road from neighborhoods to the Geyser Elementary School, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and
Grande Industrial Park thanks to $247,000 in funding from NYS DOT. This project reflects a
strong partnership with the Saratoga Springs School District who will create a policy where
students are allowed to walk and bike to school, and serve as a model for Safe Routes to School
programs in other schools within the district.
The Greenbelt Trail- envisioning an interconnected hub and spokes system that wraps around and
into our downtown- was adopted by the City Council this past year. We already have our first
tangible piece coming to life with the Geyser Road Trail. I have also recently appointed a
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Downtown Connector Committee that will focus on connecting our urban parks and implementing
this key portion in the heart of our City.
Climate Smart efforts are making great headway. A 2-megawatt solar park project on the city’s old
landfill will be one of the first of its kind in NYS. Our Climate Smart Communities Task Force is
working hard on recommendations for reducing emissions and saving the city money through
vehicle fleets (we are purchasing our first electric Zamboni for the ice rink), water quality and water
plant efficiencies, audits for small businesses and city facilities and, a new program “Solarize
Saratoga”.
To appropriately marry Creative Economy and Sustainable Development, I proudly announce
today a series entitled “Imagine Saratoga: The Next Century”, which will be a group of charettes to
be conducted on specific land use issues, planning and economic development issues, economic
issues and senior issues. Possible topics include, Creative Economy, A master arts plan; South
Broadway (where the Gaps Committee left off); Housing for young professionals; and
parking/transportation. We will be partnering with organizations such as Sustainable Saratoga,
Saratoga County Arts Council, and SEDC to co-sponsor the charettes. All are welcome, and as
always, your input will be appreciated.
4) Housing
To satisfy our pledge to end veterans’ homelessness and to address options for housing;tonight I
announce the creation of a Housing Task Force. Job #1 for this task force will be to help us end
veteran’s homelessness in our community. Period. Job #2 for this group will be to evaluate the
stock and if and how our city can provide a better variety of housing options for seniors, people
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working in the hospitality industry, artists, young professionals, and working families. This group
made up of representatives from area housing agencies, together with my administration and our
new positive relationship with the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority and RPC, will tackle some
of the difficult data collection and housing concerns that I regularly hear about from many of you.
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer a brief update before I close on a couple of more general city
issues:
VLTs
As a supportive mechanism of racing, an agreement reached in 2002 states that vlts would be
placed at the Saratoga Racino and in return, we would receive a certain percentage of revenue in
exchange for being the host City. Once again our VLT funds are at risk of being reduced.
Saratoga Springs has always been and always will be a host city and therefore we incur costs to
provide supportive services (police, fire, dpw), and we need the State to fulfill their end of the
bargain…their original promise. And, even though we are fiscally prepared for a decrease that does
not negate that these funds are owed to us and are much needed. We have been fighting for these
funds since 2006, my first year in office, and I will continue to work with state representatives to
secure as much as possible. Racing continues to be a number one economic driver and I will
continue to work with NYRA who has been running racing successfully for 50 years and encourage
the transition back to not for profit private entity.
Investigations
As reported in the media, both the Attorney General’s office and the NYS Comptroller’s office are
actively conducting investigations regarding a particular real estate transaction and policies
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surrounding the no longer existing water connection ordinance. I have already indicated that I
believe no major changes to ordinances or laws should be acted on until the investigations are
finished. Although, speculation would be inappropriate, I can report that all departments are fully
cooperating and we are very much looking forward to putting this behind us and implement
recommendations made resulting in improvements on how the city is run.
Court system
NYS has seen Saratoga Springs as deserving of a second full time city court judge. As a result of
this addition, it is the city’s responsibility to provide a second courtroom. The state pays for the
personnel; the Cities pay for the facility. DPW, as keeper of all city buildings and grounds sent out
an RFQ for an engineer to make recommendations where and how we add the second courtroom.
Study results are expected back soon and discussions, and potentially a decision, will occur in 2015.
Thank you to our City judges Jeff Wait and Jim Doern for assisting my office with our
communications and meetings with NYS Office of Court Administration.
City Center Garage
The City Center has a specific mission of bringing conventions and meetings into downtown and
they do a great job. It is vital that we as a city support this institution as much as possible. Offseason, it has been said that our City Center is the economic engine for our downtown businesses.
The current proposal of a City Center parking structure on city owned property meets their
business needs and goals, but many citizens have expressed concerns regarding the aesthetic
appropriateness of the structure as relating to its surrounding environment.
Our land use boards and the City Council members must also do their jobs and together figure out
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a solution that satisfies the City Center needs, will increase commerce downtown, while not taking
away from our historic downtown’s character, and what is the best solution for the entire
community.
AND FINALLY, at the top of our list for 2015 … THE CENTENNIAL
I want to thank Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson for agreeing to serve as Honorary Chairs
of this elaborate yearlong celebration. Also, we need to give a big thank you to Eleanor Mullaney
and Steve Sullivan who answered my call and are serving the city well as co-chairs of the Centennial
Planning Committee.
The extensive list of dozens of volunteers who have been asked to take part on this planning
committee and who are stepping up to the plate are too numerous to mention. I do want to
recognize our chairs of the sub-committees we’ve created to allow even more residents to get
involved. We have a full calendar of events and special programs planned to honor our past.
Please pick up a copy on your way out and check out the interesting stories on our new website
www.saratogacentennial.com. Some of the year’s highlights will include the following:
- Unveiling of Centennial Park
- Re dedication of our very own symbol of our community spirit: The Spirit of Life statue.
- Return of the Waters; with the goal of High Rock Park flowing once again as it does on our
City seal.
- Recognition of our incorporation as a city and our first city council-swearing in.
- Arts organizations have been creatively planning their productions to take part in 1915
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- The Saratoga Spring Jr. Committee newly formed this year to get high school students
involved in governmental process and events will help us honor our 100 years of health,
history and horses and to plan for our future.
- We will highlight Health and Healing; the return of the waters and supporting the Chamber’s
good work on becoming the healthiest community in the country.
It is an honor and my extreme pleasure to be serving as your Mayor in 2015, 100 years later. I will
do everything I can to promote pride and bring excitement to our community during this very
special year.
In conclusion, during 2015 we have 100 years to celebrate but the next century to plan for. We will
do both this year. The vision outlined this afternoon is to be the bright star economically focusing
on the creative economy. We will plan, as a City in the Country, to get the best smart growth,
urban designs, and diverse package of assets that we possibly can to be both competitive as well as
astute and vigilant to our quality of life needs.
I’ve always said, and continue to believe, it’s not just the issues, but how you do the people’s
business. How will we accomplish our goals this year? As we did this year, with fortitude, with
compassion and… with, ALL of you. Under my administration we will continue to empower all
residents to participate in the governmental process. I take the responsibilities outlined in our City
Charter very seriously and am encouraging all staff in city hall under my leadership to do the same.
You deserve the best that we can give you, to be heard, and we will continue to deliver. I do and
promise to always work with all: local businesses leaders, homeless individuals, west side, east side,
north and south neighborhoods. Today, I urge you to stay involved and please continue to stay in
touch.
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Thank you for coming out today. God bless you all, God Bless Saratoga Springs. Thank you very
much!
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