Welcome
Good Afternoon Southfield! Welcome and thank you for coming to the 2007
Southfield State of the City here at the beautiful, 4-star Westin
Southfield Hotel. I would like to thank the Southfield Chamber of
Commerce and Executive Director, Ed Powers for hosting this event. I
would also like to recognize and thank the Southfield City Council for
their hard work and dedication to the City. Council President Sylvia
Jordan and President Pro Tem Joan Seymour, City Councilmen Donald
Fracassi, Myron Frasier, Bill Lattimore, Ken Siver, and Sidney Lantz. I
would also like to recognize our City Treasurer Irv Lowenberg and City
Clerk Nancy Banks. Together, we each play a defined role in building a
better Southfield.
I would also like
acknowledge our Acting City Administrator Jim Scharret. We also have
with us here today our new City Assessor Ms. Sherry Lee, our new Public
Works Director Mr. Gary Mekjian. I would also like to bid farewell to
two of our key team members: Mr. Doug Zykowski, our City Librarian for
the past 25 years, and Chief Judge Stephen Cooper as they retire.
I would like to
briefly mention another member of our team, Mr. Rene Hinojosa
(Hin-o-hosa), our Web Administrator. Mr. Hinojosa is also a Captain in
the National Guard. He is currently serving an extended tour in
Afghanistan as part of the United State’s international war on terror.
It is my prayer that we would see a quick resolution to this conflict
and our men and women in the military would come home safely to their
families. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hinojosa, all of our
military personnel and their families as they serve our country.
Successes – New Developments/Reinvestment
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times… ” just as the
opening of Charles Dicken’s famous novel A Tale of Two Cities, this
also illustrates the volatile state of the economy in Michigan. The
good news is that even despite a soft economy, Southfield continues to
attract new development and redevelopment. The City of Southfield
remains a world-class city: a thriving business center that is home to
some of the world’s leading corporations.
Last year, we
boasted about Lear Corporations $70 million expansion of their
corporate headquarters. This year, I am proud to congratulate and
recognize Denso International for their expansion and renovation. Denso
made a significant investment in Southfield at their North American
headquarters with an over $7 million dollar addition. Verizon Wireless
completed a $30 million investment in a Mobile Telephone Switching
Office (MTSO). This office is equipped to handle network activity for
more than 1 million people. I am very pleased to announce that Landon,
IP has chosen Southfield from among cities nationwide and locations as
far away as India. Landon IP, Inc. is an information technology company
that specializes in professional patent and trademarks searches.
Landon, IP anticipates creating and retaining up to 300 new
professional jobs at their Southfield office. I would also like to
welcome Charter One Bank as they have moved to the former American
Center Building.
I would like to
extend a warm welcome to several of our new retailers and restaurants.
A new Target store is now open on Southfield Road bringing more than
200 new jobs to the City. Now open in the Tel-Twelve Shopping Center: a
new Best Buy and Pet Smart. In addition to great retailers, Southfield
is also home to some the metro area’s finest restaurants. From Il
Posto, voted Hour Detroit’s 2006 ‘Best Restaurant of the Year,’ to
Merriweather’s, a tradition of Restaurant excellence for over 50 years
- Southfield truly is the destination for fine dining in metro Detroit.
In the heart of the “City Centre,” now open: “Chipotle,” Mexican
restaurant, “Pot Belly,” gourmet sandwiches and “Beaners,” coffee shop
soon to open. New to the community: Crush Restaurant, on Southfield
Road, serves the fine food and wine at affordable prices in a wonderful
atmosphere. Also new to the community: Pi restaurant on Northwestern
with a menu that offers everything from gourmet pizza to seafood.
Please patronize these fine establishments.
New Housing
A key component of the City’s vitality is its attractive, diverse, and
affordable housing. Southfield continues to grow with new residential
development of single and multi-family homes. In 2006 the following was
built: Lochmoor Estates is a new 34-unit condominium development on Ten
Mile Road; Bella Gardens is a new 37-unit condominium development on
the corner of Lasher Road and Duns Scotus; Christopher Woods is a
23-unit condominium development on the corner of Pebblecreek Parkway
and 12 Mile Road. Additionally, 2006 saw the development of 45 new
single-family dwellings. Over the past 6 years, more than 300 new
dwellings were constructed at a value of $64 million dollars – a
definite indicator that Southfield is a stable market to build homes!
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects & Developments
The Southfield City government is continually looking at new ways to
improve how we do business. I would like briefly share with you just a
few the new things that the City of Southfield will be doing to better
serve you. The City is currently in the developing an entirely new Web
site that will be launched in 2007. The new site will offer residents
and businesses alike with a wealth of information that will be clear
and easy to locate. Users will be able to download City forms and
documents, now hold onto your seats… you will even be able to watch
City Council meetings on the Web–it doesn’t get any better than that!
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
We now have a fully-functional Emergency Management Command Operations
Center ready in case of an emergency. Thanks to our Emergency
Management Director, Frank Coutts.
New Comprehensive Master Plan
In order for the City of Southfield to maintain its position as a
leading business center in southeast Michigan, the City is shaping its
future with the development of a new Comprehensive Master Plan. Even
though Southfield is no longer wide open green space, the demands of
development and redevelopment remain continuous. We must make land use
decisions that will result in sustainable development. A new master
plan will assist city leaders as we address future land use and
establish policy guidelines. Each step of the development of the plan
will involve communication between the City, residents, business owners
and community stakeholders as we embark upon this process.
50th Anniversary
The City is also looking forward to another major milestone … the
celebration of our 50th Anniversary as a city in 2008. The City will be
forming a number of planning and steering committees to begin to
develop community-wide activities and events to commemorate our 50th
Anniversary. I encourage each of you, residents and business people
alike, to consider joining us in planning our golden jubilee. We are
planning a ‘Who’s Who of Southfield’ gala to commemorate this historic
occasion. So many of you who are in this room lived or grew up in
Southfield. What better way to celebrate our history than by
recognizing our residents.
Southfield Public Schools
I would like to talk about a major partner with the city of Southfield
– Southfield Public Schools. I am pleased to tell you that Southfield
Public Schools have entered into a partnership with the University of
Michigan-Dearborn and the Engineering Society of Detroit and will open
the MacArthur University Academy in the fall of 2007. The academy will
provide students Kindergarten through 8th grade with a fresh approach
to learning. The young minds at MacArthur University will focus on
technology, problem solving, science and math in addition to the
regular core curriculum. The school will foster high expectations for
all students and require parent participation and commitment. MEAP test
results from fall 2006 show continued gains in grades 3 through 8 in
reading and math. Southfield MEAP scores at the elementary school level
are above state average in these key subjects and in science. The Board
of Education's adopted a dress code … “Dress for Success” … I am proud
to say that it is working and accepted by parents and students alike.
Students are expected to come to school dressed for the business of
learning. With voter approved bond dollars, the new science and
technology wings of Southfield High School were completed and opened in
September. This wing houses state-of-the-art science and technology
labs and classrooms.
Awards & Recognition
The City of Southfield and its employees continue to be recognized as a
progressive community known for its quality services and programs. In
keeping with this tradition, several Southfield employees and
departments have recently been recognized for their accomplishments.
Southfield City Cable 15 won the 2006 ‘Excellence in Government
Programming’ award from the National Association of Telecommunications
Officers and Advisors (NATOA). The City of Southfield was also
recognized by The Michigan Municipal League (MML) Annual MML
Achievement Awards for the Centex Home Development Initiative. Two of
our Southfield Police Officers were recently awarded FBI Certificates
of Recognition for their work on a federal fraud investigation. The
Southfield Fire Department generated more than $1.5 million from
emergency transport runs. Saving lives and raising revenues – a winning
combination! The library continues to be a gem in Southfield’s crown,
attracting more than 2,700 visitors a day! I would also like to
recognize the hard work and dedication of all of our other City
departments and staff. I commend all of the City staff and community
partners that work so hard to make Southfield shine.
Challenges
The Chinese word for "crisis" is composed of two characters - one
represents danger and the other represents opportunity. The state is
facing unprecedented financial challenges and Southfield is no
different. We are adversely impacted by the budget shortfalls of both
the state and the nation. While the City remains a wonderful place to
live and work, and is at the forefront of the Michigan business
community, we still have many challenges facing us.
Fiscal Responsibility
Southfield continues to adhere to the highest standards of service to
the community, including strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility. The
City has continued to maintain its AA+ bond rating, placing the City in
the top 3.5% of the more than 450 public agencies within the State of
Michigan rated by Standard & Poors. The long-range picture remains
under careful study and continues to be a major concern for the City as
we look to the future. “A bend in the road is not the end of the
road... unless you fail to make the turn.” The Southfield city
government strives to deliver quality city services in a cost-effective
manner with a continuous focus on taxpayer’s concerns. Thanks to many
years of solid financial planning, the City of Southfield is fortunate
to have a fund balance reserve. However, even in these difficult
economic times, we cannot rely on fund reserves to balance to budget.
The City took steps several years ago to address this problem. As a
result, I am happy to say that we are on track with our 5-Year Fund
Balance Stabilization Plan. The plan was designed to gradually reduce
our use of fund balance for operating expenses. This plan is also built
on keeping our city tax mils flat.
Tax Relief Bill
When I talk with residents throughout Southfield, one of the few
concerns they typically share with me is about our taxes. Taxes
continue to be a common concern and challenge for our homeowners and I
am here to tell it remains a high priority for me as well. I am
pleased, however, to tell you that House Bill 4125 was signed and
passed into law. This bill has given us as a city and school district,
the tools to provide tax relief for our citizens. We as a city and a
school district must act, and act soon, to provide much needed tax
relief for our residents. I would like to thank Representative Condino
and Senator Jacobs for their hard work and assistance in making this
happen.
Proposed Initiatives
In order for the City of Southfield to continue as a leader in this
region and to position itself for the future, I feel that there are
some very important issues, programs and partnerships that the should
be addressed. I would like to highlight 3 plans of actions regarding
these issues - the environment, neighborhoods, and senior adults.
Southfield’s commitment to the Environment
When it comes to global warming, cities are both the problem and the
solution. Worldwide, cities account for 78 percent of all greenhouse
gas emissions. I would like the City of Southfield to be a leader in
southeast Michigan when it comes to protecting our environment. I am
pleased to tell you that the City of Southfield has been recognized by
the Sierra Club as a “Cool City,” the environmental organization’s
national campaign to ‘Solve Global Warming One City at a Time.’ I,
along with more than other 300 Mayors from across the country,
representing more than 50 million Americans, have joined together to
address this important issue.
I am proud to tell
you that several members of our corporate community have already begun
to take action. Lawrence Technological University’s new Taubman Student
Services Center was built to U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications, addressing
sustainable site development and construction, water and energy
efficiency, using recycled materials. Over 60 percent of the roof is
vegetated. The building’s living green roof also controls and reduces
water runoff. Denso International instituted a 5-year North American
Environmental Action Plan in April of 2006. Lear Corporation installed
an underground storm water detention system at their world headquarters
campus in Southfield. Northwest Unitarian Church on Northwestern
incorporated a “green roof,” into the building design of their new
sanctuary. The landscaped planting bed was used in lieu of traditional
roofing materials to reduce the amount of storm water runoff.
I am asking each
of you to seriously consider what you personally can do to reduce
climate pollution and global warming. Please be sure to pick up the
handout “The 10 things YOU can do to curb global warming” before you
leave today. We as a city should lead by example. There are several
steps I propose the City begin to make to reduce global warming. I
strongly support the purchase of gas-electric hybrid vehicles for our
city fleet. As we replace outdated vehicles, my goal is that 50% of the
fleet would be hybrid by 2010. I would like to partner with Waste
Management to begin a citywide education campaign for our residents and
schools about the importance of recycling. I strongly support the use
of energy-efficient lighting throughout City Hall, replacing
traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. A single tree
will absorb up to 2000lbs. of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in its lifetime.
Southfield continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA designee for
the 22nd consecutive year with the 2006 award. I propose that we as a
city partner with our residents to plant 100 trees per year for the
next ten years. This program will help to keep Southfield “green” and
beautiful while promoting curb appeal throughout the city.
Energy efficiency,
recycling and other conservation activities not only make sense, but
save dollars as well! My goal is for the City of Southfield to lead by
example for our residents, businesses and all of southeast Michigan. As
such, I would like to start a “Keep Southfield Green Committee” made up
of local business and community leaders, City staff, school
representatives and other volunteers committed to reducing global
warming. We must each do our part, as a local government, as businesses
and as individuals. It’s about us today and our children tomorrow.
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone
Another very important issue I would like to discuss today is the
importance of maintaining strong and attractive homes and neighborhoods
throughout the city. A Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) provides a
tax incentive for the development and rehab of residential housing. The
creation of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone also promotes neighborhood
revitalization, encourages owner occupied housing and new investment
through tax saving incentives. The establishment of a NEZ in Southfield
is something that we should seriously consider. The NEZ is currently is
being reviewed by our Council Neighborhood Services committee. As a
City, we must aggressively seek any and all resources, tools and
programs that can be use to assist our residents in reinvesting and
maintaining their homes and neighborhoods.
Community Partnerships: Collaborative Adult Community Center
As part of Governor Granholm’s State of the State address, the governor
stressed the need for cities and school districts to find ways to share
services in an effort to cut costs. In these difficult economic times,
I agree that we all must be creative in our approach and continually
look for ways to streamline services without sacrificing quality. With
this in mind, I propose a collaborative effort with our neighboring
communities and Oakland County to create an Adult Community Center for
our growing senior adult populations. There is a real need for a
state-of-the-art Senior Adult Center as ‘Baby Boomers’ age and are in
need of facilities and physical health activities. Such a center would
greatly enhance the quality of life for this population. I further
believe that this initiative would serve as an excellent example of
regional cooperation and an efficient use of shared services.
Discussion has already begun in this area, and I am encouraged by the
many possibilities.
Community Highlights
The City of Southfield continues to be a great place to live, work and
play. I would like to briefly highlight a few of the many things that
took place throughout 2006 and mention a few things on the horizon for
2007. I hosted the Holiday Diversity Celebration at the Southfield Town
Center with the Postal Service to bring together different groups. City
Council and I hosted the 6th annual Day of Peace Celebration – Sunday,
January 14, 2007. I am still walking… The continued success of the
Mayor’s Walks “A Healthy City is a Strong City” campaign. The program
has been a great success: To date, over 550 individuals have
participated in the Mayor’s Walks. We continue the Southfield Flower
Day to promote curb appeal and beautification efforts. The 5th annual
Southfield Flower Day will be held on May 26 on the front lawn of City
Hall. We are still giving blood and registering for bone marrow matches
at the annual City of Southfield Community Blood & Bone Marrow
Drive. I encourage each of you to participate in this year’s upcoming
drive on March 28 in the Southfield Pavilion. We started the 100 Days
to Health campaign in partnership with Providence Hospital to promote
healthy living. We will embark upon another 100 Days to Health with a
Kickoff & Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 19. The City of Southfield
will also be host to the American Heart Association Heart Walk on May
19 – the largest walk of its kind in the country. I encourage each of
you to join us in creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. The
Mayor’s Roundtables community forums will continue later this year. And
also don’t forget about the V98.7 Smooth Jazzfest this summer June
22-24. We are happy that this great event has returned to Southfield as
it continues to get better every year!
Closing
In closing, we have many great things to be proud of in the City of
Southfield, yet many serious challenges must be addressed. I remain
committed to working closely with City Council and other local and
state elected officials to address these issues. It is truly a
privilege to be Mayor of such a unique, innovative and progressive
City. I thank each of you for attending today and for the role that you
play in building the Southfield of today, and beyond. I can truly say
that you all make me look good. I encourage all of us here to do their
part in continuing to make Southfield the great community that it is.
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.
With Valentine’s
Day coming on Wednesday of this week, I pause to think of what that day
represents. Commitment to a loved one: It could be a spouse or a
grandchild, family or friend. We all need someone to rely on. Everyone
is connected in some way, both to those we know and love as well as
with the larger world around us. We are all part of a greater system,
as members of our families and communities. This Valentine’s Day, as we
show our love and appreciation to those with whom we are closest, I
would just like to encourage each of you to also think of those beyond
your immediate family. I encourage each of you to consider what you can
give back to others. Look for opportunities to share your blessings and
your talents with others. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Mentor
a disadvantaged child. Make a difference in your community and you will
make a difference in your own life.
Thank You & God Bless!