Summer Fun just around the bend

The first and official day of summer may still be a little ways off, but summer fun has just begun for many students in the area who have finished the school year.

To many the end of the school year, among other things, is a reminder that SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located in beautiful Ber Juan Park, is opening. SplashZone opens today, May 23 from 12-noon to 6 p.m. and will remain open throughout the summer months Monday through Friday (noon-7) and Saturday and Sunday (noon-6 p.m.). SplashZone is one of the great vacation bargain get-aways at $4.50 per person, for folks in the Meramec Valley Region and one of the local summer favorites in Rolla and Phelps County. Closing day at SplashZone will be on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7 (noon-5 p.m.). For more information for special events, private rentals, swimming lessons and other information, please visit call SplashZone at 364-8222 or visit www.org/centre/splash.

The summer hours at The Centre, Rolla’s 63,000-square-foot health and recreation complex, (located at 1200 N. Holloway Street), have also gone into effect. Hours at The Centre are now Monday through Friday (5:30 a.m.–9 p.m.); Saturday (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.).

One of Rolla’s most well known and attended events is just a week away as well. The 15th Annual “Route 66 Summerfest” kicks off Thursday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. with the Miss “Route 66” Pageant at Rolla Middle School. On Friday, June 5 at 4 p.m. classic cars, custom cars and motorcycles will gather at the St. James Visitor Center before “cruising” along old Route 66 from St. James to Rolla’s Downtown Festival Park at 7 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. Friday evening the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) BBQ Picnic will be held in the downtown festival area at the corner of 9th and Elm streets. Anyone interested in obtaining tickets ($8 ea.) for the picnic, which includes barbecue, cole slaw and baked beans, can contact Rick Morris at (573) 578-8567.

Also on Friday at 7 p.m. bring your lawn chair for the Miss Route 66 crowning ceremony and plan to stay for a “drive-in” movie and all the popcorn you can eat. Also, the skateboard track will be open for skateboarders young and old.

On Saturday morning, June 5, you’ll find coffee and doughnuts in the food court, the arts and crafts festival on 9th Street, the classic car show on Pine Street and the motorcycle show on 8th Street. Sporting events include the “Friends of Tennis” Tennis Tournament at 8 a.m. at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex, Sand Volleyball Tournament and Tour-de-Phelps leisurely ride to St. James and back, which begins at 8 a.m. There’s face painting, inflatable games, horseback rides, and the giant sandbox for the young kids and skateboarding for the older ones.

Saturday afternoon is the downhill derby (12-noon), kids bicycle and tricycle race (2 p.m.), the Fire Truck Pull (4 p.m.) and the always popular burnout contest at 6 p.m. Saturday evening there’s a FREE street dance at 8 p.m. with the very exciting St. Louis band, Sh-Boom. There are many more events, so come prepared to spend the day.

For more information about Route 66 Summerfest, please visit www.route66summerfest.com.

Sales-tax revenue continues upward

It was less than two weeks ago that I was writing to you about the City’s sales tax revenue being in the black at .88%, which was just a little below the 1% sales tax revenue growth the City Council budgeted for Fiscal Year 2009.

You will be pleased to know that the City’s sales tax revenue figures for the month of April came in at 20.83%, bringing the City’s year-to-date sales revenues to 1.65%. This is not only welcoming news, but I think it is also encouraging and promising news for the Rolla area and Meramec Valley Region.

When the City experiences a 20% spike in sales revenue like we did last month, you might ask yourself what market conditions were at play to make this happen. There are many variables to consider that may have influenced the strong sales revenue the City experienced last month. My guess is that it was a culmination of several factors, including an improved real estate market, the great turn out for the St. Pat’s Celebration, the “Shop Local” message that has been emphasized and promoted by the City, Rolla Chamber of Commerce and area merchants, and general stability of the Rolla economy where employment, wages and purchasing tends to remain consistent throughout various economic cycles.

When other cities and communities across America are experiencing double-digit unemployment, and considerable reductions in their sales tax revenues, it is encouraging to see that the City’s budget projection of 1% growth for 2009 is holding steady, and even being surpassed as of April. That is not to say, of course, that the City might experience some bumps and turns along the way, but with Rolla’s tourism season at our doorsteps, the economic future of Rolla is looking better every month. Let’s hope the upward momentum continues to swing our way.

I’d also like to remind everyone that City Hall will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. The Rolla Chamber will be hosting two Memorial Day services on Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. at Rolla Cemetery (Hwy. 72 and Rolla Streets) and at 11 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Gardens on State Route 63 South across from G&D Steakhouse. Please plan to attend one of these Memorial Day services and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served or are now serving our country.

Free family-friendly events galore at Ber Juan Park

If you haven’t already made plans for today, May 9, you may consider attending one of the friendly-family events planned for the “Free Play Day” in beautiful Ber Juan Park. Numerous activities and events are planned throughout the day at the ball fields, tennis courts and other areas throughout the 100-acre park.

The first event begins with the 5th Annual Youth Fishing Fair from 8 a.m. to 12-noon at Ber Juan Lake behind The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex. Every child fishing will receive a free goodie bag and the first 50 kids (ages 6-12) to register will receive a free gift. In addition to free fishing, the day will feature good food, prize drawings and fun contests, including a casting contest which begins at 10 a.m.

A Children’s Art and Wellness Fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12-noon at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street); along with a Tennis Block Party at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex (corner of 14th and Holloway Streets) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and relays, games, and disc golf all over the park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rolla Optimist Club will provide free hot dogs and drinks from 10 a.m. to 12-noon.

The ‘Play Day’ is being hosted through a partnership among the City of Rolla’s Parks and Recreation Department, The Centre, Phelps County Community Partnership, Missouri Department of Conservation, Rolla Optimist Club, Key Sport, and PCCAN. For more information, please contact Kristy Rich at 341-2386.

For those of you who like to recycle we encourage you to dispose of your old computers, appliances and tires today, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 12-noon at the Brewer Science, Inc. Parking Lot (2401 Brewer Drive), located in the Hypoint Industrial Park at I-44, Exit 189/Hwy. V.

The fee for tire disposal is $1.50 each (passenger); $5 each (truck) and $10 each (tractor). The fee for TVs is $10 each and $5 each for computer monitors. The disposal of the following items are free: stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, computer CPUs, keyboards, printers, VCRs, cell phones and other electronics and appliances. We only ask that you unload the items yourself to help expedite the deliveries. This event is jointly sponsored by the City of Rolla, Phelps County Commission, Brewer Science, Inc., Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, the Missouri Department of Natural Resource and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). If you have any questions, please call MRPC at (573) 265-2993.

Another family-fun day, Public Works Celebration Day, is just around the corner next Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City’s Downtown Festival Park– rain or shine. In addition to free brochures, coloring books, balloons, stickers and comic books, there will also be an inflatable playground for children. Free hotdogs, popcorn and soda will also be provided. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at (573) 364-8659.

Spring is one of the busiest times in the Rolla/St. James area with Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest just around the bend on June 4, 5 and 6. For a list of all the events planned for Summerfest visit www.route66summerfest.com. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Tour of Missouri international cycling race Sept. 7-13. Rolla will host the Stage 3 Finish on Wednesday, Sept. 9 between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. and St. James will host the Stage 4 Start the next day on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. For more info, please visit www.tourofmissouri.com.

Mayor Bill Jenks, III

City’s sales tax revenues in black despite national trends

One of the most important topics on everyone’s minds is clearly the state of the economy – especially here in our own community in Rolla. While I certainly cannot speak for every business and industry in the area in terms of sales projections, employment rates or prospects for expansion, I can tell you that after seven months in Fiscal Year 2009 the City of Rolla’s sales tax revenues are up .12%. Considering that the City Council budgeted conservatively for 1% growth in sales tax in 2009, the City is off budget by .88%.

In comparison to some cities throughout Missouri and the nation who are experiencing declines in sales tax revenue, Rolla is holding its head above water, operating as efficiently as possible and providing the services and programs that our citizens have come to expect. We certainly would like to see sales tax revenues in the 4% to 6% range again, like we have in year’s past, but there are some positive signs that construction activity is on the rise with new home and business starts, and that are larger employers such as Phelps County Regional Medical Center, St. John’s Clinic and Missouri University of Science and Technology are continuing to expand their facilities. Seeing growth areas along Martin Springs Drive Outer Road, Bridge School Road and more recently, Hwy. 63 North and Hwy. 63 South, are all positive indicators both from a revenue generating perspective and an image perspective. Some communities are shrinking, and ceasing construction and development, while Rolla is moving forward with some significant projects.

Another important topic on the public’s mind no doubt is the recent Swine flu outbreak that is paralyzing the country of Mexico. Be assured that the Phelps County Health Department is closely monitoring the Swine flu outbreak in Mexico and parts of the U.S. Jodi Waltman, Phelps County Health Dept. Administrator and her staff are in constant communication with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are doing enhanced surveillance, meeting with community partners, including Phelps County Regional Medical Center, the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue, and first responders. Jodi and the staff at the Health Department “encourages area residents to remain informed and continue to practice common sense disease prevention methods such as good hand washing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth and keeping a distance of at least six feet from anyone who may have a flu-like illness.”

For further information, please contact the Health Department at 458-6010 or visit their Website at www.phelpscountyhealth.com.

Mayor Bill Jenks, III

U.S. Census Workers now in Rolla area

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is now underway in the Rolla area where U.S. Census Bureau workers are verifying addresses to ensure that every housing unit receives a census questionnaire. Address verification will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete.

It is important to realize that U.S. Census Bureau workers are not in uniforms, but they will have official identification and they are using hand-held computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy. Census workers may knock on doors to verify addresses and inquire about additional living quarters on certain premises. Workers may also ask people in some neighborhoods a few simple questions about housing units. More than 140,000 U.S. Census Bureau workers are verifying addresses across the nation, as the first major field operation of the 2010 Census is underway.

The actual U.S. Census questionnaires, which will be delivered to residents in March of 2010, will consist of 10 questions asking basic information that gives the Census Bureau the best portrait of America. The form should only take about 10 minutes to fill out. The final step is to simply put the census form back in the mail. Data collected from the 2010 Census is always confidential and safeguarded. Federal law protects all personal information, and policies and safeguards are in place to help ensure the confidentiality of your information. Personal information cannot be shared with any other government agency. The Census questionnaire does not ask for Social Security Numbers.

The City’s Community Development Director, John Petersen represented the City of Rolla at the first meeting of the statewide Complete County Committee in Jefferson City on March 30; one-year before Census questionnaires are sent to homes. The 26-member committee includes community leaders from across the state that will be working together to ensure every Missourian is counted in the 2010 Census. The committee will be working with the Missouri Office of Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau to devise the best ways to reach Missouri’s hard-to-count populations and to educate all Missourians about the 2010 Decennial Census.

According to Dennis Johnson, Director of the Kansas City Regional Office, which includes Missouri and five other states, over $300 billion in federal dollars get distributed every year to state and local government based on census data. That funding includes spending for schools, hospitals, roads and disaster relief In addition, he said the data helps inform the process of reapportioning seats to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone to take advantage of the beautiful weather we are having by taking a walk or a bike ride on the City’s 9.2-mile ACORN Trail that connects to many of our City parks and scenic areas. Ber Juan Park, which includes The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, the Ber Juan Tennis Complex, and SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor Water Park, is also an excellent place to take a walk, fly a kite, throw a Frisbee, or enjoy a family gathering at one of the picnic areas.

Council members to be recognized at April 20 Mtg.

Regardless of how you voted during the Rolla Municipal Election on April 7, I think most Rolla residents will agree that serving a two-year term on the Rolla City Council is a significant contribution of time, talent and effort. And while the voter turn-out has been better in year’s past than it was on April 7, I applaud the residents who did take the time and effort to cast their votes or ballots.

At the City Council meeting scheduled for this Monday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m., I will be recognizing two outgoing and much appreciated City Council members in Councilman Terry Ruck (Ward 1) and Councilman Rick Morris (Ward 5). Both of these individuals have given generously of their time and energy by attending, preparing for and participating in City Council meetings, workshops, retreats and Ward meetings. Their input and expertise will be missed.

I will also be joining the City Council in welcoming the returning and newly elected City Council members who will be taking the oath of office in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The Council members who were re-elected to another 2-year term include: Don Barklage (Ward 2); Gary Hicks (Ward 3); Lou Magdits (Ward 4) and Mark Walburg (Ward 6). The two new members elected to the City Council are Don Brown (Ward 1) and Ken Boeker (Ward 5). If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet these City Council members, I encourage you to attend Monday’s meeting or a future City Council meeting so you can get to know the individuals who represent your Ward and the Rolla community.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone about the upcoming Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday (April 19-25). In February the Rolla City Council enacted an ordinance to allow the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday to apply to its local sales taxes so that they will be exempted from all retail sales of any energy star certified appliance, up to $1,500 per appliance. The seven-day tax holiday on energy star appliances begins at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, April 19 and ends at midnight on Saturday, April 25.

Some of the energy star certified appliances that will be exempt from both state and City sales tax include: clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers.

Please also don’t forget to attend the Rolla Earth Day Celebration this Wednesday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Havener Center on the Missouri S&T campus. The events are free and open to the public.

City Council sends message to 'shop local'

Shopping local is a mantra that frequently echoes throughout most cities and towns across the U.S. as communities continue to realize the significance of making purchases locally. There are few better short-range remedies to bolster an economy than a well promoted campaign to “buy-local.”

The message to shop local was sent again to the Rolla community by members of the Rolla City Council when they approved the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for the first weekend in August. As stated in the recently passed ordinance to ‘opt in’ to the state back to school sales tax holiday, the sales tax holiday (tax savings of 2.5%) is intended to provide tax relief to families with children attending school by exempting the sales tax on clothing, personal computers, certain computer software, and school supplies. The sale officially begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August (Aug. 7), and ends at midnight on the Sunday following (Aug. 9).

The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday was first established in 2004 by the Missouri State Legislature when the legislature passed Senate Bill 11. At that time Rolla and more than 135 other cities opted-out of the exemption over a concern for a loss in sales tax revenue. While it is possible that the Sales Tax Holiday could cost the City of Rolla anywhere between $10,000 and $18,000 in lost sales tax revenue, the tax savings of 2.5% on clothing, school supplies and personal computers should be a welcomed relief for families with school-aged children. As the message continues to spread that Rolla is participating in the Back to School Sales Tax, the City, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and restaurants will hopefully see an increase in local purchases all across the board.

In February, the Rolla City Council approved a City Ordinance to “opt in” the Green Sales Tax Holiday enacted by the Missouri State Legislature. By enacting this ordinance, the City elects to allow the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday to apply to its local sales taxes so that there shall be exempted from all retail sales of any energy star certified appliance, up to $1,500 per appliance, during a seven-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on April 19 and ending at midnight on April 25.

Some of the energy star certified appliances that will be exempt from both state and City sales tax during the week of April 19 through April 25 include: clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers.

In closing I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter as we enjoy one of the prettiest seasons in the Ozarks!

Employee Wellness program gains momentum as employees shed pounds

Employee wellness isn’t something I often talk about in my weekly column, but with the well documented success of the City’s new employee wellness program, I thought I’d mention what an impact the program is having on our employees, and ultimately our City.

Now in it’s second year, the City’s fully integrated Employee Wellness Program, which is jointly coordinated by Scott Caron, Recreation Director; Steffanie Rogers, Finance Director and April Reynolds, Senior Account Clerk, is producing results that did not exist prior to the program’s launch in December 2007.

Since implementing the program, there has been a significant reduction not only in pounds lost by numerous City employees, but also in the amount of absenteeism and sick days taken. In addition, there were no employee health insurance premium increases over the last year, or the year before – indicating that the City’s employee wellness program is minimizing the rising cost of health insurance seen nationwide. Furthermore, for every $1 the City invests in our new Wellness Program, the City receives $6 back.

So just how is the City of Rolla encouraging City employees to live healthier, more active lives that contribute to their wellness and well-being? Simply put, we are placing wellness as a priority, at the forefront, and not on the back shelf where it will go unheard and unnoticed. You could say the City of Rolla is embracing a new lifestyle change of health and wellness that is based on education, awareness, positive reinforcement and, best of all, teamwork. We have found that without teamwork, and buy-in from employees all across the City’s 9 departments, the City’s wellness program would not be the success that it is.

In addition to an annual health risk assessment made available to all City employees in January, the City has offered several wellness programs such as the Biggest Loser contest, Weight Watchers, and monthly brown-bag wellness seminars that range in topics from stress management to nutrition, and fitness. Each year, the City holds an Employee Wellness Day that provides additional information about how the City’s Wellness Program is doing, benchmark data, and ideas to enhance the City’s Employee Wellness Plan. Testimonials from City employees who have lost significant amounts of weight, and are changing their eating, fitness and lifestyle habits, have been particularly effective.

The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating, and if you take into account the number of City employees who have had significant weight loss, it is clearly evident that the wellness program is doing much more than encouraging City employees to count calories. More employees are discovering the benefits of fitness, better nutrition, portion control, stress management, and life-long habits that can add years to their lives, not to mention, increase energy and productivity, and resistance to sickness and disease.

Regular health and fitness newsletters are e-mailed and made available to all City employees on a regular basis, and the results of the health risk assessments are confidentially mailed to each employee who elects to participate in the assessment. These simple to use materials and tools keep health and wellness at the forefront, and allow City employees to integrate wellness into not only their working environments, but also their overall lifestyles. Wellness is something that is valued, encouraged and now recognized among numerous City employees, and it is only a matter of time before living a healthy, balanced and active life is considered one of the trademarks of every employee in the City of Rolla.

Here’s to a healthier way of living, and to your good health.

Public invited to Candidates Forum April 1

With the Rolla Municipal Election just around the corner on April 7, I’d like to extend an invitation to everyone in the community to attend the Rolla Municipal Candidates Forum on Wednesday, April 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

All seven candidates who are running in the Rolla Municipal Election on April 7 for the six open City Council seats have been invited to attend the forum, which will be moderated by Lee Buhr, Sports/Newscaster for Results Radio.

The forum, which will be hosted by the City and Rolla Channel 6, will include brief introductions by each candidate, followed by questions from the audience, and then an opportunity for closing remarks. Only questions given directly from those attending the forum will be included in the discussions. For more information regarding this event, please visit www.rollacity.org or call City Administration at 426-6948.

I would also like to encourage and remind everyone to vote during the Rolla Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 7. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. One Council representative from each of the City’s six wards will be elected to serve a two-year term. The City Council positions up for election are Terry Ruck (Ward 1), Don Barklage (Ward 2), Gary Hicks (Ward 3), Louis Magdits (Ward 4), Richard Morris (Ward 5), and Mark Walburg (Ward 6).

For more information regarding polling locations and ward maps, please visit www.rollacity.org/wards/voter. You may also contact Carol Daniels in the City Clerk’s office at Rolla City Hall, 901 North Elm Street, at (573) 426-6942 or online at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the Environmental Services Department will be hosting the annual City-wide Spring Clean-up on Saturday, April 4. If you wish to participate in this event, be sure to put your items out to the curb by 6 a.m.

Examples of items that will be accepted include: furniture, microwaves, televisions, old clothes, and household trash. Items that will not be accepted include: appliances, water heaters, yard waste, tires, or construction debris such as sheet rock, shingles, concrete or rock. Loose items should be placed in boxes or bags and small pieces of lumber should be bundled.

We ask that you do not place your roll-out container to the curb, because during this special spring clean-up it will not be emptied. If you have any questions, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

The Environmental Services Department, formerly named the Solid Waste Department, continues to live up to its new billing with an emphasis on “Going Green”. And speaking of the environment, the Environmental Services Department will once again be participating in the annual Rolla Earth Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 22. I’m told that exhibitors are encouraged to participate in this popular and well attended event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Havener Center on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus.

For more information or to reserve a spot, please contact Julie Wilson at (573) 341-4262 or at wilsonjulie@mst.edu.Rolla Earth Day is a free event that includes children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music, plenty of give-aways, door prizes, and more.

St. Pat's Parade was "Best Ever"

If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend the highly touted and well attended St. Pat’s Parade last Saturday in Rolla, you may have missed one of the best St. Pat’s parades in recent years.

Every year it seems like the St. Pat’s Board that organizes the event adds something new to improve upon the year before, but this year – the 101st Anniversary - was truly something special. And I echo the remarks made by City Councilman Don Morris at last Monday’s City Council meeting when he expressed his thanks and appreciation for how well the parade was organized, coordinated and celebrated by the entire community.

I’d like to especially thank the St. Pat’s Board, Missouri S&T Professor, Dr. Lance Haynes, Advisor to the St. Pat’s Board, St. Patrick and his Court, and Missouri S&T Chancellor Dr. Jack Carney for working together with the City (Rolla PD, Public Works, Streets, and Environmental Services). This event, which is a combined community effort, reflects not only the Town and Gown relationship between Missouri S&T and the City, but the entire Rolla community. Kudos to all who made this festive celebration as enjoyable and successful as it was.

Speaking of great events, Friday, March 20 marked the first official day of spring. And along with spring, comes many events you will want to also mark on your calendar. In anticipation of the April 7 Rolla Municipal Election (polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.), the City of Rolla and Rolla Channel 6 will host a Candidates Forum on Wednesday, April 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

All seven candidates who are running in the Rolla Municipal Election on April 7 for the six open City Council ward seats have been invited to attend the forum, which will be moderated by Lee Buhr, Sports/Newscaster for Results Radio.

The format of the forum will include brief introductions by each candidate, followed by questions from the audience, and then an opportunity for closing remarks. Only questions given directly from those attending the forum will be included in the discussions. For more information, please call City Administration at 426-6948.

For all the sports-minded people in our community, there will be a managers meeting for the Rolla adult softball leagues on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room “B” at The Centre (1200 North Holloway Street). Managers must attend this rules meeting as changes for the 2009 season will be discussed. This is the only managers meeting scheduled prior to the start of the season. For more information, please contact Kristy Bullock at the Rolla Parks and Recreation Department at 341-2386 or via e-mail at parks@rollacity.org.

Another upcoming event you will want to mark on your calendar is the annual city-wide “Spring Clean-up” on Saturday, April 4. If you wish to participate, please place all items near the curb by 6 a.m.

Examples of items that will be accepted include: furniture, microwaves, televisions, old clothes, and household trash. Items that will not be accepted include: appliances, water heaters, yard waste, tires, or construction debris such as sheet rock, shingles, concrete or rock. Loose items should be placed in boxes or bags and small pieces of lumber should be bundled.

We ask that you do not place your roll-out container to the curb, because during this special spring clean-up it will not be emptied. If you have any questions, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

St. Pat’s celebration culminates with Parade on Pine

If you haven’t already dug out a piece of green clothing, hat, jewelry, or something green there’s still time to find something for today’s St. Pat’s parade at 11 a.m. on Pine Street, (which is already painted green), in downtown Rolla.

During the week-long festivities preceding the St. Pat’s Parade, I had the pleasure of welcoming, together with Dr. Jack Carney, Chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology, St. Pat and his court at the bandshell on Wednesday in the City’s Downtown Festival Park. If you didn’t have a chance to attend the arrival of St. Pat that day, don’t despair, as St. Pat and his court, will be making another grand entrance at the St. Pat’s Parade this morning.

Participating in the St. Pat’s festivities is an opportunity for the entire Rolla community to show their support for one of Rolla’s most celebrated events. But actually being at the parade where just about everything that moves is one shade of green or another, is the best way to experience the enthusiasm and Madi Gras type atmosphere that only the Rolla St. Pat’s Parade can evoke. Let’s hope the weather holds out as predicted and that everyone exercises caution along the sidewalks and downtown area while watching and attending this festive event.

If you happen to have missed my column a couple of weeks ago I think it bears repeating that Rolla Municipal Court has been relocated to Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). The Municipal Court administrative offices are located on the 2nd floor, and the Municipal Court Courtroom is located on the first floor where the City Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers. Rolla Municipal Court was formerly located in the old Phelps County Courthouse located at 305 West 3rd Street. The need to find another location for Rolla Municipal Court was both a cost-saving measure, and an effort to provide ADA accessible facilities that did not exist at the old Phelps County Courthouse. Rolla City Hall, which was completely renovated in March 2006, is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, and equipped to accommodate Municipal Court and the administrative staff.

Municipal Court Sessions will continue to be held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and the first Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Municipal Court Courtroom, first floor, Rolla City Hall, 901 North Elm Street. If you have any questions regarding Municipal Court, please contact Rita Duvall, Municipal Court Clerk, at (573) 364-8590 or (573) 364-7190, or stop by the second floor of Rolla City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone, as spring approaches, and the weather gets warmer, that the City will be asking everyone in the community to help beautify their yards, businesses and landscaped areas for the upcoming Tour of Missouri International Cycling Race, which will be coming through Rolla (from Farmington) on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Our downtown looked immaculate last year when the City of Rolla hosted the Stage 4 Finish of the Tour of Missouri on Sept. 11. I’m confident, that with everyone pitching in, and doing their part, we will once again shine as one of the most attractive and welcoming Tour of Missouri host cities. You’ll be hearing more from me and I’m sure the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce and Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee in the weeks and months to come about planned beautification efforts for this international event that will showcase our City to countries around the globe.

Please remember to pencil in your calendars on Wednesday, Sept. 9 for the Tour of Missouri Stage 3 Finish in Rolla and Thursday, Sept. 10 for the Stage 4 Start in the City of St. James, located just 8 miles east of Rolla off Interstate 44.

Tryon’s laid ground work for Rolla’s recycling movement

Going green, recycling and preserving the Rolla environment were all part of the long-range vision that Chuck Tryon and his wife, Sharon had over 30-plus years ago when they established one of the first recycling centers in Rolla.

During the 1970s when the words recycling, preservation and conservation weren’t nearly as popular and in vogue as they are today, they operated a non-profit business called “CURE” (Citizens United to Restore the Environment) in a vacated building that housed the old Kroger grocery store then located on Kingshighway. Mr. Tryon recalls that the founding fathers of CURE were four students who attended the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology). The students were Dave Wright, Al Visintainer, Mike Court and Randy Necessary.

Mr. Tryon recalled with a touch of nostalgia in his voice that CURE was open seven days a week and open to the public. Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, cans, and glass were all accepted free of charge. Over a seven year period 2,800 tons of recycled materials were collected by CURE.

A plaque paying tribute to Chuck and his belated wife, Sharon, who served two terms on the Rolla City Council in the late 1970s, is mounted on the front of the Rolla Recycling Center located at 2141 St. James Road. If you have never seen the plaque, it is located just below the plaque commemorating the completion of the Rolla Recycling Center in April 1993.

The City’s Environmental Services Department, which oversees the operation of the Rolla Recycling Center, got word recently that Mr. Tryon is relocating to Visalia, Calif. so he can spend more time with his daughter, Holly, who grew up in Rolla and now resides in Visalia. During a recent visit to the Recycling Center Mr. Tryon and his daughter dropped off several items at the new Household Hazardous Waste Facility located behind the Recycling Center off McCutchen Drive. They also took a brief tour of the Recycling Center with Brady Wilson, Director of the Environmental Services Department, and had a chance to talk about the history of recycling in Rolla. Mr. Tryon recalled how he was once told by certain members of the community over 30-plus years ago that recycling was a waste of his time. That of course, was just after the first national Earth Day celebration was held in 1970, and a time when preservation, conservation and recycling weren’t the household words they are today.

The Rolla community certainly owes a debt of gratitude to Chuck and Sharon Tryon and the founding members of CURE for their unflagging efforts to bring the recycling movement to the forefront in Rolla Missouri. We wish Mr. Tryon a safe journey to his new home in California and extend our appreciation to him for the contributions he made to the health and welfare of our community.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to wear your ‘green’ next Saturday, March 14 (11 a.m.) for the 101st St. Patrick Day’s parade. Considered one of the largest St. Pat’s parade in the state, it is an iconic Rolla experience that thousands look forward to attending. A list of St. Pat’s events planned that week is available on the City’s Website calendar of events at www.rollacity.org/events.

Rolla Municipal Court Relocates to City Hall

After months of debating and discussing where the most feasible and economical location would be for the location of Rolla Municipal Court, Rolla City Council recently voted to approve the relocation of the Municipal Court Courtroom and administrative offices to Rolla City Hall.

The Municipal Court Courtroom and administrative offices were formerly located in the old Phelps County Courthouse located at 305 West 3rd Street. The Court’s administrative offices are now located on the second floor of City Hall, and the Courtroom will be held in the City Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall.

The need to find another location for Rolla Municipal Court was both a cost-cutting measure, and an effort to provide ADA accessible facilities that did not exist at the old Phelps County Courthouse. Rolla City Hall, which was completely renovated in March 2006, is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, and equipped to accommodate Municipal Court and the administrative staff.

Prior to being located in the Old Phelps County Courthouse, Municipal Court had previously been located on the fourth floor of City Hall. So the move back to City Hall after the renovations were completed is something the City had explored, discussed and considered for some time.

Municipal Court Sessions will continue to be held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and the first Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Municipal Court Courtroom, first floor, Rolla City Hall, 901 North Elm Street.

If you have any questions regarding Municipal Court, please contact Rita Duvall, Municipal Court Clerk, at (573) 364-8590 or (573) 364-7190, or stop by the second floor of Rolla City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ample free parking is available in the City’s municipal parking lots next to City Hall off 9th Street in downtown Rolla.

Updated information regarding the relocation of Municipal Court is also available on the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org/muncourt.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that the City of Rolla Public Works Department is partnering with the Phelps County Master Gardener/Master Naturalist and the Missouri University Extension to bring an environmental education program to the Rolla community.

The Healthy Yards for Clear Streams program is an effort to help landowners and businesses become more environmentally responsible with lawn and landscape practices. The goal is to promote lawn care practices that create beautiful lawns and gardens while reducing unnecessary use of pesticides and fertilizers that may run off and contaminate local streams.

The following workshops are free and will be held at The Centre (1200 North Holloway St.), from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following days:
Monday, March 2: Why Connect Yards & Healthy Lawn Care
Monday, March 9: Right Plant, Right Place & Using Native Plants and Rain Gardens
Monday, March 16: Soils & Integrated Pest Management and Effective Use of Garden Chemicals

The program is sponsored by MU Extension through the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs with support from the City of Rolla and partial funding from a Missouri Department of Natural Resources Mini Grant.

For more information or to register, please call Phelps County Extension at (573) 458-6260.

Mayor Bill Jenks, III

Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday Gets Green Light

The concept of going green is something the City’s newly named Environmental Services Department (formerly the Solid Waste Dept.), has embracing for quite some time with its 24-hour, 7-day a week Recycling Center, E-waste events, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and newly constructed outdoor recycling exhibit.

And the strides made by Missouri University of Science and Technology with its highly acclaimed and award-winning solar houses and solar cars, hydrogen fueling station, wind turbine, and other green initiatives, have clearly demonstrated that the Rolla community is all about going green, and capitalizing on the benefits of green energy and a green economy.

In this same spirit of going green, the Rolla City Council recently approved a City Ordinance to “opt in” the Green Sales Tax Holiday enacted by the Missouri State Legislature in 2008 (Senate Bill 1181). By enacting this ordinance, the City of Rolla elects to allow the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday established by Sec. 144.526, RSMo. Supp. 2008, to apply to its local sales taxes so that there shall be exempted from all retail sales of any energy star certified appliance, up to $1,500 per appliance, during a seven-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on April 19, 2009, and ending at midnight on April 25, 2009.

In addition to reducing the consumer’s cost for the purchase of certain qualifying appliances and promoting retail sales activity, the show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday also increases awareness of an investment in energy efficient appliances that can reasonably be expected to reduce energy consumption across the state.

Some of the energy star certified appliances that will be exempt from both state and City sales tax during the week of April 19 through April 25 include: clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers. An “Energy star certified” appliance is any appliance approved by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

There is clearly a statewide trend in Missouri with an emphasis on energy efficiency, and now the purchase of energy efficient appliances. Hopefully now that the City has “opted in” the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday, the opportunity to go green will be more of an incentive than ever.

In the mean time, I encourage you to continue recycling, using the Rolla Recycling Center located at 2141 Old St. James Road, and participating in the Electronic Waste events sponsored by the Environmental Services Department.

For more information regarding the City’s Recycling Center or recycling services, please call the Environmental Services Department at 364-6693.

Several Spring events on horizon in Rolla

The relative lull that exists following the blockbuster line-up of community events we have in Rolla over the holidays, is about to change in the next few weeks.

In fact, one month from today on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. you will want to remember to wear your ‘green’ for the annual St. Patrick Day’s parade. Considered one of the largest and well attended St. Pat’s parade in the state, this is truly an iconic Rolla experience that thousands look forward to attending. A list of St. Pat’s events planned that week is available on the City’s Website calendar of events at www.rollacity.org/events.

Looking ahead to softball season, which is also closing in on the calendar in March, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a Manager’s Meeting for the Rolla adult softball leagues on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting room “B” at The Centre (1200 North Holloway Street).

Managers must attend this rules meeting as changes for the 2009 season will be discussed. This is the only managers meeting scheduled prior to the start of the season. The deadline for team entry is Wednesday, April 8 and the league fees are $395 for a 14-game schedule. Men’s League will begin April 21; Women’s League April 22, and Coed League April 23.

League entry forms can be downloaded from the Parks homepage at www.rollacity.org/parks. For more information, please contact Kristy Bullock at the Rolla Parks and Recreation Department at 341-2386 or via e-mail at parks@rollacity.org.

In the area of beautification and the City’s ongoing efforts to “Go Green,” the City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will hold the annual city-wide “Spring Clean-up” on Saturday, April 4. If you wish to participate, please place all items near the curb by 6 a.m.

Examples of items that will be accepted include: furniture, microwaves, televisions, old clothes, and household trash. Items that will not be accepted include: appliances, water heaters, yard waste, tires, or construction debris such as sheet rock, shingles, concrete or rock. Loose items should be placed in boxes or bags and small pieces of lumber should be bundled.

We ask that you do not place your roll-out container to the curb, because during this special spring clean-up it will not be emptied. If you have any questions, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

Also during the month of April, I encourage you to cast your vote during the 2009 Rolla Municipal Election, which will be held Tuesday, April 7. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The positions open for election this year are six City Council representatives. One Council representative from each of the City’s six wards will be elected to serve a two-year term.

The City Council positions up for election are Terry Ruck (Ward 1), Don Barklage (Ward 2), Gary Hicks (Ward 3), Louis Magdits (Ward 4), Richard Morris (Ward 5), and Mark Walburg (Ward 6). For more information regarding polling locations and ward maps, please visit www.rollacity.org/wards/voter. You may also contact Carol Daniels in the City Clerk’s office at Rolla City Hall, 901 North Elm Street, at (573) 426-6942 or online at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that City Hall will be closed Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of President’s Day. The Rolla City Council meeting, which is ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 North Elm Street).

The Sanitation Department will be picking up Monday’s trash on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. For more information, please visit the City of Rolla Website at www.rollacity.org.

Healthy Yards for Clear Streams Starts March 2

Old Man Winter continues to remind us that we’re still a long way from the promise of Spring, warmer days, and the many outdoor activities that make living in Meramec Valley Region so enjoyable.

And seeing so many residents of all ages out on the hills and slopes at Ber Juan Park and Rolla Junior High School during the recent snow storm makes you realize just how much there is to do in Rolla even during a blizzard. I was particularly glad to see so many folks using the newly opened parking lot next to the east slopes at Ber Juan Park where 14th Street intersects with Farrar Drive. This parking lot, which is graded and conveniently located next to several sledding hills, remains open when weather conditions are conducive to sledding.

Looking ahead to next month, and hopefully a little warmer weather, I’d like to announce an upcoming Spring activity where the City of Rolla Public Works Department is partnering with the Phelps County Master Gardener/Master Naturalist and the Missouri University Extension to bring an environmental education program to the Rolla community.

The Healthy Yards for Clear Streams program is an effort to help landowners and businesses become more environmentally responsible with lawn and landscape practices. The goal is to promote lawn care practices that create beautiful lawns and gardens while reducing unnecessary use of pesticides and fertilizers that may run off and contaminate local streams.

The following workshops are free and will be held at the The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex (1200 North Holloway St., Rolla) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Monday, March 2: Why Connect Yards & Healthy Lawn Care
Monday, March 9: Right Plant, Right Place & Using Native Plants and Rain Gardens
Monday, March 16: Soils & Integrated Pest Management and Effective Use of Garden Chemicals

The program is sponsored by MU Extension through the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs with support from the City of Rolla and partial funding from a Missouri Department of Natural Resources Mini Grant.

For more information or to register, please call Phelps County Extension at (573) 458-6260.

City-wide Spring Clean-up
set for April 4

Another upcoming spring activity you will want to put on your calendar is the annual city-wide “Spring Clean-up” scheduled for Saturday, April 4. If you wish to participate, please place all items near the curb by 6 a.m.

Examples of items that will be accepted include: furniture, microwaves, televisions, old clothes, and household trash. Items that will not be accepted include: appliances, water heaters, yard waste, tires, or construction debris such as sheet rock, shingles, concrete or rock. Loose items should be placed in boxes or bags and small pieces of lumber should be bundled.

We ask that you do not place your roll-out container to the curb, because during this special spring clean-up it will not be emptied. If you have any questions, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that Rolla City Hall will be closing on Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of President’s Day. The regularly scheduled City Council meeting that is held the 2nd Monday of the month will be held the day after President’s Day on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Please also remember that due to the holiday, Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday.

For more information regarding the holiday trash pick-up schedule, please call the Environmental Services Department (formerly the Solid Waste Department), at 364-6693.

Rolla scores again as Host City for Tour of Missouri

Mother nature may have put on the breaks for motorists with the recent snowfall, but it didn’t keep Lt. Governor Peter Kinder from announcing at a Press Conference in Jefferson City that Rolla has been selected as a Host City for the 2009 Tour of Missouri.

Being selected among 10 other cities state-wide, including our neighbor, St. James, who will host a Stage of the prestigious international cycling event from Sept. 7 through Sept. 13, is something worth getting excited about. I’m thrilled at the opportunity for our City to be hosting one of the top five professional cycling races in the world. Please mark your calendar for Sept. 9 when Rolla will be hosting the Stage 3 Finish (beginning in Farmington) and Sept. 10 when St. James will host a Stage 4 Start that will culminate in Jefferson City.

Last year the Tour of Missouri drew more than 435,000 spectators over seven days, and it had an direct and indirect economic impact of almost $30 million to the state. Once more, visitors from 30 states attended various stages of the Tour of Missouri, and individuals from 145 countries viewed the race over the Internet. More than 12,000 individuals attended the Stage 4 Finish last year in Rolla on Sept. 11 and the positive economic impact it had on the Rolla community in terms of local, state and international media coverage, increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits, fuel and other related purchases was significant. Placing Rolla on an international stage with Kansas City, St. Louis, St. Joseph and other prominent cities in the state is also something that elevates the visibility and stature of our City as well. In addition to the impact this event has from a tourism and economic standpoint, it also helps promote health and wellness, fosters a better understanding of different countries and cultures, builds community pride, and strengthens the City’s town and gown relationship with Missouri University of Science and Technology.

You will be hearing more about the details regarding this year’s Tour of Missouri in the weeks and months ahead, but if you’d like to find out more about what’s in store, please visit the official Tour of Missouri Website at www.tourofmissouri.com. My sincere thanks go out to the members of the Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee, chaired again this year by Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, who worked diligently to submit another winning Tour of Missouri bid.

In closing I’d like to also extend my appreciation to all of our dedicated and hard working City employees who during the recent snow and ice storms, kept our roadways and City parking lots/sidewalks clear, continued timely trash collection, patrolled our streets and neighborhoods, and provided the same high level of safety and City services our residents have come to appreciate and expect. Please remember to drive safely and cautiously, and heed weather warnings and conditions on a regular basis.

Environmental Services name change official

The next time you need to order a blue recycling bin or make an appointment to use the City’s new Household Hazardous Waste Facility, don’t be surprised when someone answers the phone and says you have reached the City’s Environmental Services Department.

The official name change from the former Solid Waste Department to Environmental Services was finalized during Monday’s City Council meeting. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved, for the rules to be suspended for the need for a second reading of the City Ordinance that officially authorizes the naming of the new department.

While it will probably take awhile for residents to adjust to the new name change, the staff and members of the newly named Environmental Services Department have been going green for so long that it will seem like a natural progression for this department.

The divisions that comprise the Environmental Services Department will still remain as the Sanitation and Recycling Divisions, and there will be no other real changes in this department resulting from the name change. One of the many improvements made by this department, however does include a new outdoor recycling exhibit located at the south end of the Recycling Center located at 2141 Old St. James Road.

The exhibit, which is made entirely of recycled materials, includes a large, handicapped accessible picnic table, message board, and composting area. The exhibit is useful not only as an educational tool for students and groups who tour the Recycling Center, but also as an example of the many ways that recycled materials are put to good use.

The next time you are stopping by the Recycling Center, which is open 24/7, and free to anyone interested in recycling, you may want to check the new exhibit out. You may be surprised how durable, attractive and useful recycled items can be. If you are interested in scheduling a tour of the Recycling Center, please call 364-6693 or stop by the Recycling Center anytime Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Environmental education is an important part of what the Environmental Services offers as part of its commitment to serve the Rolla community.

The process of changing the names on the Environmental Services Department’s trucks, vehicles, buildings, signs, etc., will be phased in over several months to minimize the cost associated with the name change. The total cost to implement the new name change is under $1,000.

In closing I’d like to announce another City event that will be held this spring in downtown Rolla. Public Works Celebration Day will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City’s Downtown Festival Park next to the bandshell and Frisco Caboose.

Hosted by the City’s Public Works Department, it is the official kick-off for Public Works Week May 17 through May 23. The popular and well-attended event includes children's activities, educational displays, large equipment that children can climb on and explore, free hotdogs, sodas and popcorn, and lots of free activities. The entire event is free and open to the public. Be sure to bring your cameras for all the wonderful photo opportunities.

For more information, please call (573) 364-8659.

Crosswalks made for pedestrian safety

Public safety, and especially pedestrian safety is a topic I think we all agree is at the heart of a healthy, prosperous and peaceful community. With thousands of students enrolled in the Rolla Public Schools system, at Missouri University of Science and Technology, numerous other community colleges, and an active downtown business district, Rolla has more than its share of pedestrian traffic throughout the day. For this reason, I would like to emphasize how important it is that motorists yield to pedestrians at crosswalks in town.

Missouri Revised Statutes (Chapter 300, Model Traffic Ordinance, Section 300.375) state that “When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.” Rolla’s Municipal Ordinances (Chapter 27, Section 27-89, Motor Vehicles and Traffic), state that motorists shall proceed cautiously, yielding the right of way to any pedestrian within any crosswalk. Bicycle paths, such as the 9-mile-long ACORN Trail also have pedestrian cross walks and again motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in all cross walks. Local law enforcement officers will be on the look out to arrest offenders.

Some of the most heavily traveled streets by pedestrians in Rolla, but certainly not all, include Pine Street, Kingshighway, Bishop Avenue; 6th through 18th Streets, Forum Drive, Salem Avenue, Soest Road, Pinetree Road, Lanning Lane and Holloway Street. Of course these areas are where the majority of students from the Rolla Public School system, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Metro Business College, Webster College, Rolla Technical Institute, Drury University and other colleges and schools attend classes every day. There also is heavy foot traffic in the downtown business district and along Kingshighway, and Bishop Avenue where numerous restaurants, fueling stations and businesses are located. Whenever you see a marked crosswalk either at an intersection or cross street, or are in a heavily pedestrian traveled area of the City, please use additional caution, be vigilant, and prepared to yield to pedestrians. A safe community, is the best kind of community.

In closing, I would to extend my congratulations to Scott Caron, the City’s Recreation Director, who was honored at the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce Annual banquet on Jan. 10 as the recipient of this year’s Annual Achievement Award. As Chairman of the last year’s Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee, Scott worked tirelessly to ensure that the Tour of Missouri Stage 4 Race was one of the highlights of the internationally acclaimed professional cycling event.

I would also like to remind everyone that Rolla City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. The City’s Sanitation Department will also be closed on Jan. 19. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Wednesday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday.

Environmental Services name change underway

“Going green” is something the City of Rolla has been emphasizing and focusing on for the past several years. So it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that the formerly named Solid Waste Department is in the preliminary stages of becoming the more aptly named “Environmental Services Department.”

The process to initiate the name change and re-branding of the department, headed up by Environmental Services Director, Brady Wilson, was put into motion at Monday night’s City Council meeting, Jan. 5. During his discussion of the proposed name change to City Council, Brady explained that over the past 10 years the Solid Waste Department has evolved with changing regulations, new technology and the community’s needs and desire for a more green approach to disposing of various materials. If you have ever visited the Rolla Recycling Center located at 2141 Old St. James Road where the Environmental Services Department is based, you may have noticed just how popular and common it is for residents and members of the greater Rolla community to recycle on a regular basis. The abundance of the little blue recycling containers that line the curbs around town are further evidence of the Rolla community’s interest and support of the City going green.

In addition to the curbside pick-ups that we are accustomed to, the Environmental Services Department now offers increased recycling opportunities, electronic waste management, household hazardous materials management, asbestos consultations, environmental education, and most recently, a new outdoor exhibit located at the south end of the Rolla Recycling Center’s parking lot.

The Environmental Services Department’s new name and brand will reflect more accurately the comprehensive “green” approach the department and the community has taken to improve Rolla’s environmental footprint. It will also portray a more positive image of the department’s activities. A City ordinance to officially rename the department in all Rolla City Code references will be brought before the City Council at the Jan. 20 and Feb. 2 City Council meetings at City Hall.

The process of changing the names on the Environmental Services Department’s trucks, vehicles, buildings, signs, etc., will be phased in over several months to minimize the cost associated with the name change. Existing stocks of letterhead, business cards, business envelopes, etc. will be used up before the new Environmental Services Department name is used on these items as well. The total cost to implement the new name change is under $1,000.

In closing, I am including a list of important dates in 2009 for the Environmental Services Department that you can refer to throughout the year. This list is also posted on the Environmental Services Department’s homepage at www.rollacity.org/waste.

2009 Environmental Services
“List of Important Dates”
Jan. 19, 2009 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
Feb. 16, 2009 – President’s Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
April 4, 2009 – Citywide Spring Clean Up: Saturday – Citywide clean up day (residential only).
May 25, 2009 – Memorial Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
July 4, 2009 – Independence Day: Friday’s trash will be picked up Thursday; Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Sept. 7, 2009 – Labor Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
Oct. 3, 2009 – Citywide Fall Clean Up: Saturday – Citywide clean up day (residential only)
Nov. 11, 2009 – Veterans Day: No special pick-ups on Wednesday
Nov. 26, 2009 – Thanksgiving Day: Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
Dec. 25, 2009 – Christmas Day: Friday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday; Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday
For more information, please contact the City’s Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.