City of Southfield - the center of it all

Southfield Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence delivered the State of the City address at the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Monday, February 9 at 12 noon at the Westin Hotel-Southfield.

Residents can tune into Southfield City Cable 15 throughout the month of February to watch a replay of the 2009 Southfield State of the City address. The State of the City will air Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Mayor's 2009 State of the City address

• Good Afternoon. Welcome and thank you for coming to the 2009 Southfield State of the City here at the beautiful Westin Hotel.
• The recent renovations here are just beautiful, let’s give them a hand for hosting us here today.
• I would like to thank the Southfield Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Ed Powers.
• There is a Japanese Proverb that says: “None of us is as smart as all of us.”
• I think that sums up our approach to leadership in City Hall.
• We are a group of dedicated individuals working together as a team for the betterment of us all.
• I would like to recognize and thank the City of Southfield's elected officials for their hard work and dedication to the City.
• Would each of you please stand and be recognized.
• Together, we work for the betterment of Southfield.
• Would our school board members, State, County and Federal Representatives, also please stand and be recognized.
• I would also like acknowledge our City Administrator Jim Scharret and our new Deputy City Administrator Fred Zorn.
• Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to Southfield.

FINANCIAL CRISIS

• This past year was a very historic one in our nation and the City of Southfield.
• We reached an important community milestone with the celebration of our 50^th Anniversary on April 28, 2008.
• While Southfield has certainly grown and prospered over the years, we have also not been immune from the unprecedented economic tsunami that has wreaked havoc across our nation.
• From the historic high number of foreclosures, layoffs and bankruptcies to ever-rising costs in healthcare, insurance and transportation – virtually no one or organization has not been adversely affected by this economic downturn, including Southfield.
• A massive pullback by consumers has continued to play a prominent role in the economy's continuing decline.
• Consumers are cutting back on spending as jobs disappear and major investments — homes, stocks, and retirement accounts — decrease in value.
• While most economists and financially experts predict that there will be little sign of improvement in the immediate future – it remains clear that we are still facing another rough road ahead.
• And while there may yet be a sliver lining in the clouds, it is still too dark to see it.
• The City of Southfield has already taken many steps to help position ourselves financially in order to weather this economic storm.
• As a result of a great team effort, the City enacted a 5-year Fund Balance Stabilization Plan.
• The Plan was an aggressive and comprehensive approach designed to eliminate reliance on the City’s fund balance without raising taxes or cutting essential city services.
• I am happy to say that the City has been successful in adhering to the Plan, and over the five-year period, the fund balance has exceeded projections.
• Now, today we are positioned to face the challenges that 2009 will bring.
• The City also implemented a two-tiered employee benefits program with reduced benefits for new employees; Cross-trained employees to perform other duties and functions; and reduced overtime across the board.
• We have also been working to reduce the size of the City’s workforce while not compromising essential city services.
• To date, the City of Southfield has 119 fewer positions, or 14% less employees, than it had in 2004.
• Since that time, the mantra in city hall has been that “we must do more, with less.”
• And while we continue to explore new ways to do things better, increase revenues and reduce costs, we still face unprecedented financial shortfalls.
• Despite our best efforts, expenses are up an estimated 1.8%, or $1.2 million, largely due to increases in healthcare and pensions.
• Revenues are down an estimated 4.1%, or $2.8 million, largely due to cuts in State Shared Revenues and a 4% reduction in property taxable values.
• Without question, the City of Southfield and virtually every other municipality in the State of Michigan are facing the bleakest financial outlook since the Great Depression.
• This economic crisis is one that does not discriminate – regardless of one’s race or religion, skill-set or specialty – few organizations or individuals have not been adversely impacted by this recession.
• This is a national crisis that crosses party lines and seems to know no bounds.
• However, I believe hope exists, and we as Americans, Michiganders, and mostly importantly Southfielders, have the skills, determination, and wherewithal to see weather this storm.
• I take great pride in the historic election of our new president Barrack Obama and his ability to work with all people, across party lines and boundaries, to renew our great nation’s economy.
• Despite the grim outlook, I remain optimistic that together we will turn things around as a city and as a nation.

NEW DEVELOPMENT / RE-DEVELOPMENT

• Let’s change gears now and focus on some of the many positive things that are happening in our great city.
• I am pleased to tell you that despite this weak economy, Southfield continues to attract new investment, development and redevelopment.
• The new Cloverleaf Plaza was completed following the demolition of the former Sunoco gasoline station on Telegraph Road and Gorman’s Golf building on Twelve Mile Road.
• The new plaza is now home to a one-story, 16,000-square-foot retail center with associated on-site parking and adjacent leased parking.
• The property, located at the northwest corner of Telegraph and Twelve Mile Roads, includes a new Pot Belly’s Sandwich Works, AT&T store and Bar 7 Grille, a new concept sports bar.
• Comau (COM-OW) Group, a global supplier of industrial automation systems for the automotive industry, invested $2 million to renovate a vacant 115,000-square-foot building on their Telegraph Road campus in addition to consolidating approximately 175 jobs from around Michigan.
• National City Bank opened a new 5,296-square-foot branch with drive-thru banking at Northwestern Highway and 12 Mile.
• Hilton Gardens Hotel completed the addition of a new restaurant, patio and pool building in addition to a renovation of the existing 101,000-square-foot hotel on American Drive.
• Great Lakes Surgical Center constructed a two-story, 16,000-square-foot medical office building at the northwest corner of Lahser and Civic Center Drive. This is the second phase of the development.
• For Kid’s Sake Day Care built a one-story, 5,400-square-foot day care facility on the property located on Ten Mile between Beech Road and McAllister Street.
• Action Impact renovated the existing 9,900-square-foot building located on Eight Mile Road at Beech for gun range and retail outlet.
• Cornerstone Plaza constructed of a 13,000-square-foot mixed-use development with Huntington Bank, Jimmy John’s, Premier Insurance and Sprint PCS on the west side of Greenfield Road between Providence Drive and Nine Mile Road.
• EZ Mini Storage built an 111,000-square-foot storage facility on the west side of Evergreen Road between the Northwestern Highway Service Drive and North Norwood Drive.
• Franklin Bank constructed of a new 5,600-square-foot branch with drive-thru banking and associated parking in the existing parking lot of the Franklin Bank Building located on West Twelve Mile Road.
• McDonald’s built a new 4,000-square-foot McDonald’s restaurant with drive-thru on the north side of Northwestern Highway just east of Franklin Road.
• Northwestern Plaza is constructing a 13,000-square-foot development at the former Kabobgy restaurant on the south side of Northwestern Highway between Beck and Franklin Roads
• Leo’s Coney Island, Northwestern Grille, and Tim Horton’s, which is already open, are slated to be tenants.

RESIDENTIAL / HOUSING

• When it comes to housing Southfield continues to be the residential community of choice with its attractive, diverse, and affordable housing.
• Southfield offers a wide variety of housing and neighborhood choices – from the luxury high-rise living of the 5000 Town Center with concierge service and fantastic views of the beautiful Southfield skyline to many spacious pastoral settings that feel and appear far more rural than urban.
• Southfield truly has it all. Whether you are looking for a quiet retirement community or a great All-American neighborhood to raise a family – Southfield has got you covered.
• If you don’t already call Southfield home, I would encourage you to consider the many amenities, great city services and large variety of housing and neighborhoods choices that Southfield has to offer.
• And best of all you will always be close to work, especially on those wonderful winter morning commutes like we’ve had lately.
• I mean come on, can we get much more snow than this? I for one say enough already! Please tell me spring is coming soon!

CITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The City of Southfield City government continues to provide the community with the highest quality city services, programs and facilities despite increasingly difficult financial constraints.
• The City has continued to maintain its AA+ bond rating, placing Southfield in the top three percent of the more than 450 public agencies within the State of Michigan currently rated by Standard & Poors, one of the nation’s major bond rating agencies.
• Standard & Poor’s rating is reflective of the City's stable, diversified local economy; above-average wealth and income levels; and moderate to low debt burden.
• Having a strong credit score is an impressive accomplishment in these tough economic times for Michigan cities – and we are one of the best!
• The City Treasurer’s Office introduced online payment of taxes by electronic check or credit card
• And the Fire & Police Retirement System Plan was nominated by Institutional Investor Magazine for Top Pension Plan in the United States.
• The City’s municipal fund performance was ranked in the top 5% of the United States with a total return of over 6% in a declining interest rate environment.
• This was accomplished by utilizing our investment policy that received the Certificate of Excellence issued by the Association of Public Treasurer’s of the United States & Canada.
• After almost two years of intensive research and planning, a new Comprehensive Master Plan was presented to the community last fall.
• Southfield’s central location, extensive business community and varied demographic composition uniquely positions us to exert a positive influence on the future growth and development of metropolitan Detroit.
• While there were many policies and procedures shaping the City’s success over the years, the time came for Southfield to develop a new plan for the future.
• The implementation of the new Comprehensive Master Plan will preserve the best of Southfield and serve as a catalyst for change where it is needed through the 21^st Century and beyond.
• The newly completed Master Plan clearly states policies and recommendations for the future physical development of the City.
• Additional, the Plan addresses issues and opportunities; land use; housing; transportation; utilities and community facilities; environmental resources; economic development; community character/image; intergovernmental cooperation; and the implementation of the Plan itself.
• The City of Southfield Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (SBRA) was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for brownfield inventory, assessment and remediation planning.
• Grant dollars will also be used to coordinate community involvement and outreach programs relative to brownfield redevelopment.
• The City was also recently recognized for its business friendly practices and policies
• Southfield was named as one of six metro areas communities that are “top performers at attracting and retaining entrepreneurial firms” in a study by researchers at the University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Management.
• The 2008 “eCities” study or “the Entrepreneurial Cities Index” found that Southfield “worked hard attracting, cultivating, building and holding entrepreneurial firms.”
• The city of Southfield also recently received the 2008 Quality of Life Award from the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
• The award was given for the Southfield Municipal Complex South Parking Lot project that replaced and reconfigured the existing parking lot servicing the municipal offices.
• The project goals were to improve the parking lot’s functionality, reduce its environmental impact and enhance public safety and usability.
• The new south parking lot at City Hall will serve as a model for other similar resurfacing projects.
• The project features one of the first and largest installations of porous pavement at a municipal facility in the state of Michigan and was designed and constructed utilizing new technology and materials that make it environmentally-friendly, reducing storm water runoff by one-third and filtering it before it reaches streams and other waterways.
• This approach not only helps to protect the environment, but also to reduce the impact upon the immediate habitat.
• The Southfield City Clerk’s Office processed more than 600-1000 absentee ballot requests per day in the last two weeks before the Presidential Election, with a record voter turn-out of more than 43,000 voters including many young adult first-time voters.
• The Southfield Fire Department’s patient transport program netted $1.8 million.
• An electronic patient reporting system was implemented in December after many months of planning and refinements.
• The City of Southfield Fire Department is one of the few to implement the federally mandated reporting program ahead of schedule as a result of collaboration between the Southfield Technology Services Department, the Fire Department, and Accu-Med Billing.
• This program should result in improved patient care, enhanced revenue, and more efficient data availability.
• And the department’s 1949 Mack fire truck was completely restored by more than $130,000 in contributions from corporate and private citizens.
• The Mack restoration was undertaken by the Southfield Fire Fighters as a 50^th anniversary present to the City of Southfield.
• The Emergency Management Division has applied for and secured over $800,000 in federal grants to better prepare and safe-guard Southfield.
• Since 2004, the division has trained over 1,900 persons in disaster preparedness using Homeland Security funding.
• The City also has its first dedicated Emergency Management Operations Command Center complete with “back-up” generator power in case of a power outage during a natural or man-made emergency.
• Additionally, the division started the Southfield Amateur Radio Service (SARS) to be used for emergency communications should conventional channels fail.
• The Southfield Public Library’s Business Start-Up Center, a new entrepreneurial resource area on the 3^rd floor, is drawing rave reviews from local businesspersons.
• The Library continues to expand its resources with more than 36,000 new items added for patron borrowing.
• The new Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve located on 10 Mile Road just east of Inkster along the Ravines Branch of the Rouge River opened on October 7.
• The preserve features 42-acres of mature Oak-Hickory woodlands, forested wetlands and native meadows overlooking the beautiful five-acre Carpenter Lake.
• The preserve offers nature trails, interpretive signs and trailheads, numerous benches and easily-accessible fishing and viewing platforms.
• The preserve was funded with the support of a $1,030,000 Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by a $500,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• The newly established fishery is projected to reach its population objectives in two to three years at which point residents will be able to enjoy fishing at the lake.
• The preserve is open year-round and there are no entrance fees.
• In June of 2007, the Cornerstone Development Authority and St. John’s Providence Hospital partnered together to launch the very successful Southfield Farmer’s Market at the Millennium Centre.
• The Farmer's Market provides locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, jams, breads, baked goods and handicrafts sold by the farmers and artisans that produce them.
• The market is open every Thursday, rain or shine, June through October.
• Also in the district, St. John’s Providence Hospital continues to be a world-class healthcare institution, earning the prestigious National Top 100 Heart Hospital designation for the past eight consecutive years.
• Providence Hospital is the only hospital in Michigan, and one of only three hospitals in the country, to receive this honor eight consecutive years in a row.

CURB APPEAL

• Every resident and business owner has a vested interest in maintaining property values by keeping Southfield clean and attractive.
• In addition, to the City’s Code Enforcement Department, we rely on the “eyes and ears” of the entire community to report any obvious or significant appearance concerns.
• The City’s “Eyes on Southfield” program enables residents and businesses to notify the City with ease when a potential code issue or appearance is observed.
• Residents may simply call (248) 796-EYES, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week to report code issues or violations.
• The Southfield Code Enforcement Department will respond to most complaints within a 24- to 48-hour time period.
• The City also continues to sponsor the Southfield Flower Day to promote curb appeal and beautification efforts.
• TOGETHER, we must work to keep Southfield beautiful!

SOUTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

• Southfield's Public Schools continue to shape tomorrow’s leaders today; they also join the city’s mantra of “Doing more with Less.” 
• Declining State Shared Revenues and Student Enrollment have required the district to set a new course.
• In the Spring of 2008 AdvancED and the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools conferred district accreditation on Southfield Public Schools.
• District accreditation, held only by six Michigan school districts, is a quality assurance program. It means that Southfield Public Schools has systems in place for the effective and efficient operation of the school district.
• During the 2008 school year, several major projects were completed under the district’s Facility Renewal Program.
• Funded through voter approval of a $96 million dollar bond issue in 2002, the Southfield Public Schools has renovated all district facilities to make them safer, healthier, more energy efficient and more attractive.
• 2008 saw the completion of many improvements including a new SHS Student Commons and Athletic Complex which includes a field house seating 1,800.
• Southfield Public Schools has expanded instructional options and opportunities for students and upgraded programs.
• From the redesigned delivery system for special education to the creation of the new University High School Academy, the district is retooling to better prepare students for successful futures as citizens of the world.

MAYOR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I testified before the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the foreclosure crisis in March of last year – which was carried live on C-SPAN.

• I testified about how the ongoing mortgage and home foreclosure crisis has negatively impacted Southfield and the region.
• The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has broad oversight jurisdiction over various state and federal issues.
• I am proud to have been asked to provide input in the research that led to the creation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.
• I even prouder to say that thanks to the hard work of many city staff, especially our new Deputy City Administrator Fred Zorn, the City of Southfield will receive over $3.2 million dollars to help deal with the housing and foreclosure crisis in our city.
• While this will be no means fix the housing mess alone, this money will certainly go a long way to help stabilize our housing market.
• Last year, I told you that I would like the City of Southfield to be a leader in southeast Michigan when it comes to protecting our environment.
• I remain very committed to addressing this extremely important issue.
• To that end, I am pleased to tell you that I formed the “Keep Southfield Green” committee last year to address this important issue.
• The “Keep Southfield Green” committee is comprised of City staff and business and community representatives
• I am also pleased to announce the “Southfield Goes Green” campaign that the City will launch on April 1.
• The campaign will be a city-wide initiative designed to encourage environmentally-friendly actions, programs and lifestyle choices that help our environment.
• As part of the campaign, Southfield will launch a new “green” City Web site that will include an expanded section concerning our environment.
• The site will include detailed information for residents and businesses regarding simple steps that each of us can take as individuals and organizations to help stop global warming and improve our environment.
• The site will also include links to other practical Web sites as well as an overview of steps the City has taken or will be taking in the near future to do our part.
• Please log on to www.cityofsouthfield.com on April 1 to see our exciting new “green” City Web site and expanded environmental section.
• While Southfield continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA designee for the 24^th consecutive year with the 2008 award.
• I am proud to say that as a city, we planted more than 100 trees last year as part the City’s 50^th anniversary through the commemorative Liberty Elm Tree program.
• Residents were able to purchase a special, disease-resistant liberty elm tree for a reduced price.
• This program will help to keep Southfield “green” and beautiful while promoting curb appeal throughout the city.
• I would like to mention some of the great community events and programs that have recently taken place as well as some things that will be coming soon.
• I take my role as mayor seriously and I remain committed to supporting and celebrating our diversity.
• To that end, I hosted the 3^rd annual Holiday Diversity Celebration at the Southfield Town Center to bring together different ethnic groups, to celebrate our wonderful diversity.
• What better time than the holidays to do this.
• I hosted our 8th annual Day of Peace Celebration... joined by our City Council and other elected officials... We invited children and parents from diverse backgrounds to promote the discussion of peace.
• The Mayor’s Walks “A Healthy City is a Strong City” campaign continues to be a great success... To date, hundreds individuals from our community have participated in the Mayor’s Walks - I invite you all to join me again this summer at Inglenook Park.
• I am also pleased to tell you that the City of Southfield will continue to host the American Heart Association's Heart Walk in May – the largest walk of its kind in the country with almost 20,000 walkers!
• And the V98.7 Smooth JazzFest continues to be a large regional attraction each summer on the front lawn of city hall.
• I encourage each of you to join us for these great events coming up.

CLOSING

• In closing, I would like to share with you three things: What keeps me awake at night; what keeps me going; and what gives me hope.
• I stay awake at night worrying about the economy and our collective future as a city and a country.
• I worry that this recession will continue to worsen and that it may yet get worse before things begin to get better.
• Here I try to remind myself, however, that worry is like an old man in a rocking chair – a lot of activity that goes nowhere.
• I keep going by concentrating on the positives, the glass being half full, and focusing on what can be done instead of what cannot.
• I am encouraged that, as a city Southfield has many strengths and advantages that will continue to position us for success, both now and in the future.
• And I have hope that Southfield will continue to thrive, despite our present economy, and that we will weather this storm.
• I also have hope that our country too will weather this storm; and President Obama and his administration’s farsighted vision will help to improve and stabilize both our economy and our nation.
• As the Mayor of the City of Southfield and as a regional leader in this area, I pledge do everything within my power to help to calm these troubled waters.
• I pledge to focus my attention and energy on the creation of jobs, mass transit, the reduction of foreclosures and the reduction of taxes when and where possible.
• I commit myself to seeking and finding innovative new ways to address these major issues and I encourage each of you and your respective organizations to do the same.
• We must all remain focused on addressing these areas in order to bring stability and prosperity back to our economy and our community.
•  “We can afford all that we need, but we cannot afford all that we want.”
•  The stellar growth and development of this community is due in part to the efforts of many of you in this room.
• Thank you for your commitment, vision and hard work
• Throughout the years, there have been many Southfield residents and business people that have played a crucial role in our continued growth.
• I remain hopeful and optimistic about the future despite the present economy.
• I still have every confidence that Southfield will remain the vibrant, progressive community that t has become.
• I believe that we must use intergovernmental cooperation and regional efforts to address the growing needs of our city and our region.
• We have held our own and served as a model for over 50 years with our strong economic strength, diversity and strong healthy neighborhoods.
• We have overcome many of the negative social and economic trends and myths of the past, while being a major regional player... we are the Center of it All.
• Now we must continue to be that beacon of light that shines in this region.
• Many depend on us to keep the economic heartbeat and racial harmony of this region strong.
• I personally realize that I am a part of the rich history of this great city and everyday work hard to meet the daily challenges to continue our commitment to regional leadership.
• I have had the opportunity to meet and partner with many leaders of our community to shape the policies of this great city.
• I am looking forward to future challenges and plan on using my strength and talents to take on a greater role in regional leadership. Please stay tuned.
• It is my personal commitment to you that I will work diligently for the good of all and the betterment of the great City of Southfield.

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!