Monday, May 2, 2011

Public Works Day Celebration set for May 14

      Rolla and much of the Midwest has had more of its share of rain the past two weeks, and although it’s difficult to accomplish a lot outdoors, the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Division in the Public Works Department has been hard at work making sure more homes and businesses are removed from the City’s 100-year flood plain. Just last week on April 19, the Dutro Carter Creek 100-year floodplain revisions became effective, and the mapping system was updated to reflect new flood limits. The revision removed an estimated 39 homes and businesses from the City’s 100-year floodplain.  
    The importance of vital City services such as floodplain improvements, street and sidewalk constructions and maintenance, wastewater and sewer operations, snow removal, and clean streams will be spotlighted during the Public Works Day Celebration planned two weeks from today on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine) at the downtown bandshell located at the corner of 9th and Oak Streets near Rolla City Hall and the Frisco Caboose. This year’s theme for the annual Public Works Week, which runs from May 15-21, is “Serving You and Your Community.”
   In addition to free brochures, coloring books, balloons, stickers and comic books, there will also be an inflatable playground for children. The event will also feature the Public Works Mascot “P.W. Paws” and visitors will be encouraged to get their free photo taken. Free refreshments will also be provided. Participating in the event are the Public Works Divisions of Streets, Traffic, Wastewater, and Engineering, along with the City’s Parks and Recreation and Environmental Services Department. Rolla Municipal Utilities is also participating in the event. City of Rolla and RMU staff will be on-site to demonstrate equipment, and answer questions. Visitors will be able to learn about water and wastewater treatment and distribution, how a sanitary sewer line is televised, watch computerized mapping system retrieve information, and climb inside various pieces of heavy equipment. Be sure to bring along your cameras as this event provides numerous opportunities to photograph your children and grandchildren next to the many pieces of larger-than-life equipment and vehicles. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at (573) 364-8659 or visit www.rollacity.org.
   In addition to attending Public Works Day Celebration on Saturday, May 14, I would also like to encourage you to attend some of the many festivities and events being planned for the 2nd Annual Rolla Downtown Days on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14. Everything from live entertainment, an art walk, glass-bead making demonstration and drawing, a book signing, pottery and basket-weaving demonstrations, dance performances, and face painting at the Rolla Public Library, and much more, will be offered at the many businesses, restaurants and establishments in Rolla’s downtown corridor. To learn more about this great event, please visit www.downtownrolla.com or www.visitRolla.com.
   In closing I’d like to also mention that the City of Rolla will join the Missouri Municipal League (MML) and other cities and municipalities across the state in proclaiming and recognizing Local Government Week May 1-7, 2011. Realizing that the citizens of Roll and across the state of Missouri, rely upon local governments to deliver essential community services such as clean water, well maintained streets, sidewalks, and recreation areas; weekly trash and recycling pick-up; and police and fire protection, I look forward to presenting the Local Government Week proclamation at Monday’s City Council meeting and recognizing our City Council members and City employees who have helped to make our community one the top-rated cities in the Midwest.
   Have a safe week!

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