Mayor Joe Chow began the meeting at 7:10 p.m. by introducing members of the City Council, the City Manager and Deputy City Managers, and recognized city staff who were present. He also recognized members of the city's boards and committees who were present. He added that April is National Volunteer Month and provided statistics for the volunteer hours worked in 2017. He expressed his appreciation to Volunteer Coordinator Stacy Love. Mayor Chow then provided budget highlights. Lastly, Mayor Chow gave an update on the current status of two legal matters that Addison has been dealing with. He advised one of those, the wind turbine matter, has been settled. The Town has requested mediation on the Farmer's Branch Creek issue and expects a response in the next few days. Following the Mayor's remarks each Council member gave updates and information as follows:
Lori Ward- Economic Development (new Strategic Plan, status of development projects and new restaurants)
Tom Braun- Infrastructure Projects (reviewed Cottonbelt Railway and Belt Line Overlay)
Ivan Hughes- Parks (provided statistics, reviewed recent and upcoming park improvements, quarterly photo contest winners including the grand prize winner)
Paul Walden- Asset Management Plan and Public Safety (provided an overview of the Asset Management Plan and its purpose, plus an update on public safety statistics and projects; he recognized the Fire Department for receiving the Lone Star Achievement Award)
Jim Duffy- Airport Update and Communication With Residents (provided information on the future Customs Facility and the Southeast Quadrant T Hanger tenants being relocated; Communication methods include website redesign, a Fix It app, Citizen Survey, and new resident fliers)
Al Angell- Special Events (reviewed Town sponsored events as well as three signature events: Taste Addison, to be held May 18-20, including restaurants and programs for 2018, Kaboom Town held annually on July 3rd, and Octoberfest held annually in September)
During each Council member's presentation, the various committee members were recognized for their role in helping the Town establish its programs.
Mayor Chow then recognized out-going Council members Jim Duffy and Al Angell. He also provided the names of the candidates who will be on the election ballot in May. Lastly, Mayor Chow recognized Interim Special Events Director/Communications Director Mary Rosenbleeth who was largely responsible for the presentations and information provided by the Council during this meeting.
The question and answer portion of the meeting included inquiries from residents regarding the Farmers Branch Creek matter, the recently burned Super 8 Hotel, traffic signal coordination, and restaurant vacancies to name a few.
The meeting concluded at 9:00 p.m.
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Mayor Joe Chow
Attest:
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Christie Wilson, Interim City Secretary |