City budget workshops set tone for upcoming FY in Rolla

The unseasonal, yet beautiful fall-like weather we have experiencing the past two weeks can only make you appreciate more the advantages of living and working in the Rolla area. I hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy the weather, take a stroll, play a little tennis, and maybe spruce up your yards and businesses as we roll out the welcome mat as we once again play host to the Tour of Missouri international pro cycling event (Stage 3 Finish) that is just around the corner on Sept. 9 in downtown Rolla.

When you add to all of this record-high enrollment at Missouri S&T, the restoration of the downtown business district, and the birth of a new Arts and Entertainment District, momentum for our enhanced quality of life continues to build.

Every year about this time is also the review, discussion and proposal of the City’s annual budget, which was discussed by members of the Rolla City Council for nearly four hours at a budget workshop held last Monday at City Hall. City Administrator John Butz, together with all of the City’s nine department heads presented an overview of the City’s General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Projects Funds, Proprietary Funds, Fiduciary Funds, and current budget situation. The dialogue, questions, and feedback helped to address many important budgetary aspects of the proposed $23 million budget that impact the delivery of city services. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the amount of planning and effort that went into the preparation of this year’s budget by the City’s department heads, City Administrator, and the Budget Review Committee that consisted of City Council members Gary Hicks, Don Barklage, and Monty Jordan; John Butz and Steffanie Rogers, Finance Director. Their diligence and ability to meet the fiscal needs of our City, cut costs, and provide a balanced budget, was greatly appreciated.

While about $1 million in unfunded requests were discussed during the workshops due to sales tax revenues dipping to about .5% for the year, there was a sense of optimism among Council members and City staff that Rolla will rebound from the downturn in the economy and resume a 2% to 3% growth rate in the years to come. Sales tax revenues, which are the primary generator of revenues for the City of Rolla, are once again projected at 1 percent for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which will allow the City to provide the same level of services you have come to expect.

Some equipment, unfunded positions, infrastructure improvements and capitol improvement projects once again have needed to be put on hold due to lagging sales tax revenues, but the operations of all City departments are running smoothly and efficiently. And while a 1 percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be proposed for all full-time City employees in the 2009-2010 budget, funds were not available for employee merit increases this year. Given that the State’s annual budget is down 5.5 percent and many cities and towns across Missouri are experiencing deficits as low as 6% to 8% in their budgets, the City is somewhat fortunate to be keeping its head above water during these challenging economic times.

Public hearings to discuss and provide input on the 2009-2010 City budget, which officially begins on Oct. 1, will be held during the Sept. 8 and Sept. 21 Rolla City Council meetings at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). For more information regarding the City’s upcoming 2009/2010 budget, please contact the City’s Finance Director at (573) 426-6980 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org. A hard copy of the proposed City budget is also available for review at Rolla City Hall.

Growing and stimulating the economy continues to be of utmost importance to the Rolla City Council and City staff as we continue to work collaboratively with organizations and agencies such as the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, Rolla Regional Economic Commission, Missouri S&T, Phelps County Commission, Rolla Downtown Business Association, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri Municipal League.

Attracting new businesses and industries to the area, completing phase one of Rolla West with the new entrance to the Missouri S&T Innovation Park on Bryant Drive off Kingshighway, and implementing a new Community Improvement District (CID), which will help fund the first phases of the Rolla West project, will help accelerate economic development, encourage growth, and create employment opportunities that will fuel our economy.

The creation of an Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EZZ) along I-44 east of Rolla is another way the City and Phelps County can address the economic lull we are experiencing, and create property tax abatement incentives that will attract businesses and industries to our area that will create the job opportunities that everyone is talking about in our area and across the state of Missouri.

In fact, there are already over 63 such Enhanced Enterprise Zones located throughout every area of the state, including many of cities located along I-44 such as St. James, Waynesville, Cuba, Sullivan, Lebanon, and many other cities who compete with our city for new industries, businesses and ultimately employment and investment opportunities. The boundaries for the proposed EZZ in Rolla are being finalized through a series of meetings attended by members of the MRPC, RREC, Phelps County Commission and the City of Rolla. These are public meetings that have been attended by members of the local media, and interested residents. A public hearing to discuss the proposed EZZ in Rolla was originally scheduled for the Oct. 5 Rolla City Council meeting, but was recently canceled when the City was informed that the representative of the Missouri Department of Economic Development could not attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict. A new date for the EZZ public hearing has been set for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street).

I highly encourage all residents and members of the community to attend the EZZ Public Hearing on Oct. 13 to become better informed, and provide your input and feedback on this important and economic tool that will attract businesses and industry to the area, and most importantly create the badly needed jobs to our area.

Law Enforcement agencies work together to protect Rolla community

Normally I like to use this column to discuss the many outstanding things that make Rolla one of the top places to live and work in the Country. However, I feel that this week I should discuss a very serious problem we have in our community -- the use and sale of illegal drugs.
As you may have been reading in the Rolla Daily News, the largest drug operation to ever occur in the state of Missouri recently took place in Phelps County with some 130 warrants being issued. The drug operations were executed in three phases due to the manpower needs to execute such an effort and the fact that the Phelps County Jail is somewhat limited in size considering the normal prison population.
I wish to thank our Prosecuting Attorney Cortney George and our Judges for forming a grand jury to review the evidence and issue the warrants. I also wish to thank and extend my personal gratitude to the men and women of the Rolla Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop I, the South Central Missouri Drug Force and the law enforcement officers of the U.S.
Forest Service.
I especially want to thank the undercover narcotics officers for their relentless efforts. They are certainly the ‘Airborne Rangers’ of the operation.
I also want to make it clear to everyone that our war on drugs is not over and will not be over as long as I am Mayor. The bottom line is very simple – those individuals who sell drugs need to stay out of our City and out of our County.
I ask our citizens to be observant and if you notice suspicious activity of any kind, whether in neighboring residences, park properties or private parking lots and businesses, to please contact the Rolla Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. It will require a concerted effort of our citizens, law enforcement and the court system to eradicate this ongoing problem.
Of particular concern to me is that some of the people who have been arrested are addicted to drugs, and because of their addiction they are unable to attain or retain meaningful employment. In turn they may choose to sell illegal drugs in order to support their habit and in some cases even turn to other criminal activities.
These unfortunate people will do jail time and then when released will have no where to turn. This situation leaves few alternatives other than returning to their addiction and same illegal activities. It is a hopeless, endless circle that in some instances, sadly, affects other family members and innocent children. Consequently, we must address this issue through every means possible.
In closing, I want to personally thank the efforts of all the law enforcement agencies and personnel involved in this operation for their unending efforts. It has been a humbling experience for me to observe the coordinated cooperation between all of the agencies involved. I can tell you one thing, when a call for assistance goes out, it comes!
I ask that when you see a law enforcement officer or any public safety officer that you give them a friendly wave. And when you see them in public, simply say “Thank You”!

Tour of Missouri is must see events for area students

With the start of a new school year, one of my top priorities is attending the New Student Convocation at Missouri University of Science and Technology – a Missouri S&T tradition that sets the stage for Opening Week Orientation and the rest of the school year at Missouri S&T. At this year’s Convocation, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 17, I’m told by University officials that there will be over 1,070 news students attending the event.

Knowing that I will be addressing some of the brightest and best educated students in the country – and in some cases the world, is both an honor and a privilege that I am looking forward to again this year.

One of the messages that I will be sure to include in my welcome remarks during the Convocation, in addition to welcoming the students, and thanking them for choosing Missouri S&T an invitation to attend the Tour of Missouri elite pro cycling race that will be finishing in the heart of the Missouri S&T campus.
Word is quickly spreading that on Wednesday, Sept. 9 some of the world’s most elite cyclists – many of whom competed in the Tour de France - will be traveling 114 grueling miles in the Stage 3 Finish of the Tour of Missouri, which will finish between 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on 10th Street in front of the Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center.
Missouri S&T and the City of Rolla, together with the members of the Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee, have been working together for many months to bring this world-renown elite pro cycling event to the Rolla community and Missouri S&T campus. The state, national and international media exposure this event brings to the Rolla community and Missouri S&T is unsurpassed in the number of countries throughout the world who will broadcast the event via television, the Internet and other global communication devices.
I highly encourage all the students at Missouri S&T, Rolla Public Schools, and all the area colleges, and private schools alike to attend and participate in this great event. The Health and Wellness Expo, which is a significant aspect of the event, will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. next to the finish line on 10th Street across from the Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center.
In closing, I would like to echo the remarks of Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse regarding your awareness that school is back in session, and to please be careful while driving in school zones, crosswalks, school entrances, and those neighborhoods where schools are located.
I would also like to wish all the students in our community, and their parents and siblings, a very memorable, productive and successful school year. We’re glad you are here!

Projects are moving forward in Rolla area

Last week I mentioned the tremendous progress being made with the renovations at the old Benton Grade School that will soon become the home of Benton Square. And how these improvements, coupled with the enhancements being made to other structures in the area, will eventually culminate in the creation of a new arts and entertainment district that will help make Rolla a destination City.

From an economic development standpoint, in investment, jobs, and the revitalization of this area, this is welcomed news. Continued investment in this area, along with the revitalization of several large buildings in Rolla’s downtown business district, have already made a big impact on the visual appearance of these areas, and will provide a catalyst for other businesses, restaurants, and shops to relocate to Rolla’s city center.

The planning, research and discussion regarding the future revitalization of Rolla’s Downtown Business District by the Rolla Downtown Business Association, City of Rolla Community Development Department, Meramec Regional Planning Commission, and Engineering Management students at the Missouri University of Science and Technology has also been very beneficial.

Many community and public meetings hosted by the Rolla Downtown Business Association and the City of Rolla have been very well attended by business owners, merchants, County Commissioners, City officials, Rolla Chamber of Commerce officials and community leaders. The interest and support for the revitalization of Rolla’s downtown business district, and the realization of a new arts and entertainment district is gaining much momentum with the potential for many future growth areas in both the arts and entertainment district and the downtown business district. All of this revitalization at a time when other cities and communities are stagnating or experiencing very slow growth and development is encouraging.

Other growth areas in the City of Rolla include the new $35 million St. John’s Medical Facility being constructed on Martin Springs Outer Road; and the improvements made at the intersection of Missouri Hwy. 72 and State Route 63, including Bishop Commons and the new Walgreens store.

Many positive projects, relationships and collaborative partnerships, both in the private and public sectors, are fostering the kinds of proactive developments we are continuing to see in many sectors of our community. It is my hope and belief that despite the challenging economic times our state and country are facing, that Rolla will continue to emerge as a stronger, more vital and vibrant community.

In closing, I’d like to invite you to attend and participate in the City Council budget workshops scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24; Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 901 N. Elm Street. These annual budget workshops are open to the public, and will give you an opportunity to see first-hand the City’s proposed annual budget for the 2009-2010 budget year.

New Arts District to make Rolla a destination

If you haven’t yet seen the renovations and improvements being made to the old Benton Grade School, which is now the home of Benton Square, I encourage you to drive by 400 East 6th Street between Cedar Street and Walnut Street.

The once deteriorating structure that was home to Benton Grade School, is being transformed into a multi-faceted business that will include a restaurant with outdoor dining, a full service salon and spa, flora shop, small boutiques and event space.

The owners and developers of Benton Square, Dan Klinski and Steven Scholz, who own and operate a similar and very successful business in Scottsdale, Arizona, have also purchased several other buildings and structures adjacent to Benton Square. Their ultimate goal and vision is to create a vibrant new arts and entertainment district in Rolla that will incorporate Benton Square, new entertainment, dining and arts venues, and of course the Orval Reeves Gallery and Cedar Street Center, where the well-known Ozark Actors Theatre (OAT) provides outstanding theatre, entertainment and stage performances throughout the year.

The investment being made at the old Benton Grade School is more than apparent by the scores of construction workers, engineers, and builders who are quickly transforming the old school into what will soon be one of Rolla’s unique destinations. The owners anticipate that the project will be completed sometime in November of this year.

The Rolla City Council, at last Monday’s Council meeting (July 20), unanimously approved the request by the owners to amend the Schoolhouse PUD (Planned Unit Development) at 400 East 6th Street. The purpose of the requested amendment to the PUD will permit certain changes, including building elevations, and the landscape plan.

The other structures nearby that were purchased by the owners of Benton Square are also currently being renovated, and will significantly enhance the area. This unique blend of an upscale restaurant, boutiques, arts, entertainment, and the nearby Cedar Street Center, will be a welcome addition to not only this area of Rolla, but an asset that has already generated considerable investment and jobs for our community. I am very excited about this development, the promise of a vibrant new arts and entertainment district, and a new destination that will attract visitors across the state to our community.

In closing, I’d like to remind all of our tennis enthusiasts in town that the Ber Juan Tennis Complex will be closed beginning this Monday, July 27 for resurfacing. The six courts that will be resurfaced are located in Ber Juan Park at the corner of 14th and Holloway Streets. Ken Kwantes, Director of Parks and Recreation, said it should take about 10 days, weather permitting, for the resurfacing of the tennis courts.

The Rolla City Council approved funding for the resurfacing project at the July 6 City Council Meeting. It will cost $14,995 to resurface the six tennis courts, and the City had initially budgeted $40,000 for the project. The funds were budgeted under the Park Land Reserve account, which currently has $137,647. For additional information, please call the Rolla’s Parks and Recreation Department at (573) 341-2386.

The City, together with the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, is also hosting the “Movies Under the Stars” and “Music Under the Stars” summer series at the downtown bandshell located at 9th and Oak Streets. The first featured film for Movies Under the Stars is “Twilight,” which will be shown at twilight on Friday, July 31 at 8:45 p.m. Free popcorn will be provided and soda and snow cones will be available for purchase. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Music Under the Stars, also sponsored by Embarq, will feature two great local bands; Beeker Street and Pseudo Blues Band on Friday, Aug. 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Music Under the Stars is also a free event for the whole family. For more information on either of these great events, please contact the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce at 364-3577 or at rollacc@rollachamber.org.

Support for Veterans Memorial Park stronger than ever

It was truly an honor last Tuesday to participate in a signing ceremony at Rolla City Hall to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding with the members of the South Central Regional Veterans Group and other veterans in our community for the new Veterans Memorial Park located on Southview Drive in Rolla.

As a strong supporter of all branches of the military, and a retired Colonel in the Army Reserve, it is encouraging to see the ground swell of support throughout South Central Missouri for Veterans Memorial Park. Both monetary and in-kind donations are coming in, and it is more than apparent that the first phase of the park will be completed sometime in November. The first phase of the park will include three flagpoles with a pentagonal base monument, a park master plan sign and large parking lot, all of which is in the works to be completed by Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, 2009. Funding for future phases of the park, both monetary and in-kind, is still needed, and individuals and organizations interested in making a donation are encouraged to visit the newly designed Veterans Memorial Park Website at www.scrvg.org. They gave for us, so let’s give for them!

Veterans Memorial Park will pay tribute to all branches of the military and Armed Forces, and will memorialize all those who have sacrificed – and sometimes given the ultimate sacrifice - for the freedoms we as a democratic nation enjoy today. As I stood among the many veterans who were representing the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Phelps For the Fort, Missouri University of Science and Technology R.O.T.C., Disabled American Veterans, and Korean War Veterans Association, it was quite apparent that a unified effort is more than underway for the construction of Phase 1 and the ultimate completion of Veterans Memorial Park.

A very special thank you goes out to the members of the South Central Regional Veterans Group who have worked diligently and tirelessly with City staff in the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments to see this park become a reality. From the numerous public meetings and planning workshops that generated input and support from the community, to the creation of the master plan for the park, Veterans Memorial Park has been embraced as a much needed and highly regarded project that is gaining the interest, support and momentum it deserves.

There are very few people in this community who do not have a close relative, friend or neighbor who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. military and fewer still who don’t know personally someone who is a veteran. So I’m confident that Veterans Memorial Park will be a tremendous asset to our community and all of South Central Missouri where veterans and their family members and loved ones can be part of something that fosters unity, pride and respect for the tremendous contributions our veterans and active service members have made and are making to provide us peace, security and freedom.

City completes asphalt sealing project ahead of schedule

Upgrading, maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure of our City continues to be a high priority of the Rolla City Council and many municipalities across the state and nation. So I was pleased to see that the City of Rolla Public Works Department recently completed an asphalt sealing project that included most of the downtown business district, weeks in advance.

The first phase of the project began June 24 and included the microsurfacing of Vichy Road, Vienna Road, Fairburn Road, Williams Road and Houston Road. Recently paved streets include Rolla Street South of Hwy. 72, Main Street, 13th Street, and several streets running east to west in Rolla’s downtown business district, including Oak Street from 7th to 14th Streets, Elm Street from Hwy. 72 to 7th Street and Elm Street from 10th to 14th Streets.

One of the distinct advantages of the microsurfacing procedure that provides an approximate one-quarter-inch-thick pavement resurfacing is that the work can proceed at a much quicker pace than traditional asphalt overlays, which typically apply a minimum one – and one-half-inches of pavement resurfacing. Microsurfacing is also an economical alternative to hot asphalt mix overlays, saving the City and residents thousands that would otherwise be spent for the more expensive procedure.

The project would not have proceeded as rapidly as it did without the efficient work and collaboration by the City’s Public Works Department, Donelson Construction Company and the Rolla Police Department. Gene Stroup, Project Coordinator in the City’s Engineering Division deserves a big thanks for keeping the project ahead of schedule, as well as the members of Donelson Construction Company and the Rolla Police Department who provided traffic control assistance throughout the project. I would also like to thank the residents of Rolla and the Rolla business community, including merchants and business owners, for your patience and understanding during the microsurfacing of the streets. I’m sure you will agree that it was a very worthwhile project that will give a facelift to our downtown district, and some of the outlying streets that needed to be repaved.Another road paving project that is currently underway by the City’s Streets Department is the concrete paving of Ridgeview Road from the intersection of State Highway 63 and Missouri Route 72 to Walker Street. The first section of this project was completed last summer from the intersection to the alley west of Spillman Avenue. The second phase includes the concrete paving from the alley to Walker Street. Crews have been working on this section of Ridgeview Road for the past two weeks, and it should go a long way in enhancing this visible and well traveled corridor of the City.

In closing I’d like to remind the community that the Rolla City Council will be holding a special City Council Workshop this Monday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (located at 901 N. Elm Street) to discuss various components of the Rolla West plan and the topic of a park sales tax. The meeting is open to the public, and everyone in the community is welcomed and encouraged to attend the workshop.

Rolla recognized again as top outdoor town in U.S.

The July 4th weekend marks the peak of summer fun for many who take advantage of the vast outdoor recreational and sporting opportunities that abound in and around the Mark Twain National Forest and Meramec Valley Region.

So it was encouraging to see that Rolla was included, for the second year running, in Outdoor Life magazine’s list of top 200 outdoor towns to live in the U.S. for hunting and fishing. Outdoor Life magazine used data to score 200 towns on available sporting opportunities and quality-of-life measures like good homes, schools and jobs. The list appears in the June-July issue and online at www.OutdoorLife.com.

With more trout streams than any other county in the state of Missouri, numerous crystal clear rivers and streams, and an array of hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities, Phelps County has more than its share of outdoor treasures and scenic beauty.

But it still doesn’t hurt our City’s or Phelps County’s regional or national image from a tourism, quality of life or economic development perspective when we are recognized by a national outdoor magazine as one of only 200 of the top towns in the U.S. for hunting and fishing.

According to a recent online article by Todd Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Outdoor Life, “The towns on this list offer the best of the outdoors as well as decent homes and schools and good-paying jobs. They are truly dream towns for sportsmen,” Smith said.

What makes this recognition all the more significant is that Rolla is often included among other “Best Of” lists. In 2007 the City of Rolla was showcased and featured as one of the country’s most unspoiled places to visit, live and play in the recently published book “101 Best Outdoor” towns by Sarah Tuff and Greg Melville. That same month Rolla was the number 9 top ranked college town in the nation for communities with a population of 19,999 or less by ePodunk College Towns Index, a private company that provides in-depth community profiles on 46,000 communities around the country. In 2008 Bizjournals.com ranked Rolla No. 2 in the Top 10 Midwest Region and No. 13 among America’s 577 “micropolitan” areas in an “America’s Dreamtown” study. Rolla was also ranked as one of “13 Missouri Boom Towns” by author Jack Schultz. The most well known perhaps, and highly published reference to Rolla as a great place to live is included in Norm Crampton’s “The 100 Best Small Towns in America” – A Nationwide Guide to the Best in Small-Town Living.

Regardless of how you might be spending your Independence Day weekend in Rolla, whether you are enjoying a mouth-watering funnel cake at Lions Club Carnival today, cooling off at SplashZone – Rolla’s outdoor water park (don’t miss Independence Dollar Day today from 12-noon to 4 p.m.), or having a picnic with friends and family members, I hope you have a memorable and safe July 4th weekend. And let’s not forget to keep all of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces throughout the world in our thoughts and prayers as we enjoy our freedoms, family gatherings and celebrations throughout the Fourth!

City's Storm Water Retention system holds during heavy rains

The heavy torrential rains we experienced this week put our City’s stormwater management system to the ultimate test. Fortunately, with all the new stormwater retention ponds, box culverts, and widened stream beds that were constructed over the last five years, the City’s stormwater levels were kept under control.

It was not that long ago that heavy rains, like the ones experienced this week, would have flooded many City streets, parks, yards and even some homes, apartments and businesses. Low lying areas along Forum Drive, 18th Street, Soest Road, and 10th Street used to flood on a regular basis.

The construction of six stormwater retention facilities three years ago by the City’s Public Works Department are helping the City address issues related to stormwater retention, flood control improvements and the growing need for storm sewer system upgrades. Since most of these stormwater detention facilities are located in hard-to-access areas, however, they are not easily seen or easily accessible to the public.

The six stormwater facilities include: Tory Park Detention Facility (located just east of the Forum Cinema off Tory Avenue); the Bray Sports Complex Detention Facility located adjacent to the Rolla High School (the ball field doubles as a dry detention facility – protecting downstream homes from possible flooding); the Taylor Anderson Detention Facility; Vichy Road Stormwater Detention Facility; White Columns Drive Detention Facility and the RCDC Stormwater Detention Facility (located just west of the Rolla Industrial Park).

Other projects associated with these flood control improvements identified in the City’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (implemented in June 2005) include the construction of 10 box culverts. The total cost of these improvements was funded by a bond issue of $3 million and an $180,000 Missouri Department of Transportation Grant. The paramount benefit of these stormwater detention improvements will remove nearly 200 homes and businesses from the 100-year flood plain. In addition to these flood control benefits, the City has added 120 acres of open space and conservation area to preserve and enhance Rolla’s sensitive eco-systems.

The City has also identified over 35 neighborhoods that have localized stormwater drainage problems. These projects, which are part of the Public Works’ annual street and storm sewer maintenance activities, are being prioritized in terms of severity, street maintenance schedule and availability of funds. The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue to address these very important improvements.

In closing I’d like to wish all the Dads in the community a happy Father’s Day this weekend. And remember on Sunday, June 21, there will be a Father’s Day Special at SplashZone -- Rolla’s outdoor water park (located at the corner of 14th and Holloway next to The Centre). Dads get in free with a child’s admission ($4.50). SpalshZone is open weekends from 12-noon to 6 p.m. and weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 12-noon to 7 p.m.

The July 4th weekend is just around the corner as well, which means the Lions Club Carnival will be coming to town Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4. Don’t forget that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Also remember that week that Friday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday and Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday.

Council gives green light to Deible Loop Bike Trail

The City of Rolla’s bike and pedestrian trail system, which connects many of the City’s parks and park amenities with over 9.2 miles of walking and biking trails, just got a little bigger with the approval by the Rolla City Council to award the bid for the construction of the Deible Loop Pedestrian Bike Path, Phase I and II.

The bid was awarded to Don Maggi, Inc. for $264,538, pending approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Funding for the Deible Loop Pedestrian Bike Path will be available through the MoDOT Enhancement Program. Construction is scheduled to begin later this summer.

The new Deible Loop Pedestrian Bike Path will begin at the end of the existing ACORN Trail head on Hwy. O between Winchester and Sycamore Streets and proceed South to the Deible Branch lying just North of Lions Club Drive and following Lions Club Drive. Rolla residents have been running on the sidewalks along Deible Branch or biking on Lions Club Road since it was opened to motorists in October 2005. So if you like to walk, run, ride a bike, rollerblade, or just enjoy strolling amidst the beauty and peace of the outdoors, you will enjoy this new addition to the City’s bike and pedestrian trail system.

The 31 parks located throughout Rolla, including 85-acre Ber Juan Park, 15-acre Shuman Park, the City’s Downtown Festival Park, and of course Lions Club Park, are all quality of life assets that help make Rolla one of the most livable cities in the country. Don’t forget also the Historic Walking Tour of Rolla in the City’s Downtown Business District, which includes 37 historic signs that spotlight the City’s rich history. Both the ACORN Bike Trail map and Historic Walking Tour of Rolla brochure can be viewed and downloaded on the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org/comdev/plan.shtm#pubmap.

In closing I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in making this year’s Route 66 Summerfest one of the most memorable events ever. Thousands of visitors packed the Downtown Festival Lot for two days of family-fun celebrating Rolla’s historic ties to “The Mother Road” – Historic Route 66.

Be sure to mark your calendars for two more events coming up in July. The Lions Club Carnival will be held July 1-4 in Lions Club Park and the Phelps County Fair will be held July 22 through July 25 at the Phelps County Fair. In addition to Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest, the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival in October, the Lions Club Carnival and Phelps County Fair are among the largest and best attended events in the Rolla area. We are certainly fortunate to have so many festivals, events and happenings for a City of 18,000 people.

Route 66 heritage celebrated this weekend in Rolla

Some call it “The Will Rogers Highway,” while others call it “The Main Street of America.” American author John Steinbeck referred to it as the “Mother Road” in his classic novel The Grapes of Wrath. We all know it best by the nostalgic brown and white U.S. Route 66 signs that are located along State Highway 63 (Bishop Avenue) and Kingshighway (Business 44) in the City’s business district.

Just as Steinbeck’s classic 1939 novel and 1940 film recreation sought to immortalize the legacy of Historic U.S. Route 66, the organizers of Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest, held this weekend in downtown Rolla, have also gone a long ways to immortalize Route 66. The Summerfest festivities should be well underway in the City’s Downtown Festival Park and at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex by the time you start reading this morning’s issue of the Rolla Daily News.

You may have missed the Route 66 classic car cruise-in from St. James to Rolla last night while the winner of the Route 66 pageant was being crowned, but you’ll have plenty of time to see all the classic cars, and enjoy all the Summerfest festivities, including great food and family fun today and tonight in the City’s Downtown Festival Park and along Pine Street.

Missouri was the first of the eight states that comprise old Route 66 (a 2,448-mile-long road that stretches from Chicago, Ill. to Los Angeles, Calif.) to have its entire portion of Route 66 completely paved. In fact, the building that was once the home of the Edwin Long Hotel and Rolla National Bank, and is now Phelps County Bank, (located at the corner of 8th and Pine Streets in downtown Rolla), was the location of a memorable celebration on March 15, 1931 where 8,000 people celebrated the completion of Historic U.S. Route 66 in the State of Missouri. Missouri’s Governor at that time, Henry S. Caulfield, was the keynote speaker.

The original U.S. Route 66 in Rolla ran right through the center of downtown on Pine Street, and with the construction of Interstate 44 has been realigned twice. Some of the well-known establishments in Rolla that still promote U.S. Route 66 include the Totem Pole Trading Post located at 1413 Martin Springs Drive, where historic Route 66 markers tell travelers they are traveling along “The Mother Road.” One of the many icons located along Route 66 in Rolla, the Totem Pole Trading Post still has the original 1933 Totem Pole. The Trading Post, with all its history and Route 66 memorabilia is definitely worth a visit, and it’s conveniently located behind the Rolla Visitor Center. The Mule Trading Post, located at 11160 Dillon Outer Road, also is a treasure-trove of Route 66 memorabilia, and can’t be missed with the large motorized sign that is visible from Interstate 44.

Whether you are a life-long resident of Rolla and Phelps County, or a visitor from a neighboring town or state, I think you’ll discover with all the Summerfest festivities planned this weekend that the legendary U.S. Route 66 is very much a part of our heritage in Rolla and Phelps County.

Frisco Caboose is source of great pride in downtown Rolla

In keeping with tradition the Frisco Caboose will once again be open for free tours to the public during the 15th Annual Route 66 Summerfest Celebration on the evening of Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. If you didn’t have a chance to tour the Frisco Caboose during Public Works Celebration Day on May 16, you may want to take a few minutes to peak inside and take a look at the Route 66 memorabilia that is showcased inside. The new 2009 Tour of Missouri banner is also displayed on the front of the Frisco Caboose and makes a great backdrop for photo opportunities with friends and family.

The relocation, restoration and enhancements to the Frisco Caboose were truly a community-wide effort comprised of Rolla residents, city employees and members of the community. This collaborative effort makes the Frisco one of the more enduring landmarks and focal points in the downtown area. To show the City’s appreciation to those individuals who played an integral role in the restoration of the Frisco Caboose, and those who donated their time and talent in helping preserve the Frisco history, John Butz, City Administrator and myself presented them with a piece of Frisco history. Each of the individuals was presented with a commemorative framed copy of the $1,000 St. Louis – San Francisco Railway Company bonds that were sold to help fund the construction of the Frisco Railroad. The bonds are dated Feb. 24, 1958.

The commemorative bonds were presented to the following individuals for their tireless efforts, which included countless weekends and volunteer hours after work: Steve Hargis, Public Works Director (Frisco history and restoration); Marlin Malone, Equipment Operator II, Environmental Services Department (Frisco history, restoration and wiring on the Frisco Caboose); Jeff Feeler (all electrical work on Frisco Caboose); Richard Allison (repainted the 1501 Frisco Engine and passenger car in Schuman Park); Keith Conway (painted the 1501 Frisco logo on the park building in Schuman Park); and Don Macormic (helped research Frisco memorabilia items).

I truly appreciate all the work and effort that went into the restoration and preservation of the Frisco Caboose and related Frisco heritage at Schuman Park by these individuals, and countless other community volunteers who helped clean, paint and restore the Frisco Caboose.

Well known for its history as a railroad town when the first train rolled into town on Dec. 22, 1860, Rolla’s association with trains has been well preserved through the acquisition of the Frisco Caboose and the restored 1501 Frisco steam engine that is on display at 15-acre Schuman Park in Rolla.

In closing I’d like to remind everyone that the new 2009 full-color aerial photo of the Rolla area is available for purchase at the GIS/Mapping Office located in the Public Works Department at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). The aerial was flown on Feb. 10, 2009 and is available on 42- x 52-inch photo quality gloss paper. For more information, or to place your order for an aerial photo of Rolla, please call (573) 364-8659, or stop by City Hall anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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.