2015 Saratoga Springs State Of The

City Address
Given By Mayor Joanne D. Yepsen
Saturday, February 7, 2015 1:00PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Good afternoon my fellow Saratogians and welcome. As your mayor, it is
my distinct honor and privilege to give the 2015 State of the City Address.
This year, I feel especially privileged to do so as we begin the citys
Centennial year.
I would like to dedicate this years address, and todays event to our good
friend, community leader, a very special Saratogian, and first lady of
Skidmore, Anne Palamountain. I ask that we take a moment of silence to
remember and honor Anne.
Thank you.
I want to recognize several current and former elected officials who are
with us this afternoon.
Congressman Paul Tonko
State Senator Kathy Marchione
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
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I want to thank Mark Baker and the Saratoga Spring City Center for
hosting us today.
Over the past nine years, Ive made it a priority to create and sustain
strong partnerships, with all levels of government. The success from
working with all of you on both sides of the aisle will be highlighted this
afternoon. Bipartisan approach is the only way to get results.

Introduction
Saratoga Springs is a regionally positioned gem that should be represented
throughout the state, the nation, and beyond. My administration is doing
just that. We have so much to boast about, as we become known as a
model city; understanding that while history must be preserved, there is
great value in being forward-thinking and preparing for the needs of future
generations. We have much work to look forward to this year. And, we will
do it together.
Many partnerships are being formed and strengthened. Saratoga Springs
offers a wide-package of diverse cultural and tourist attractions. With
targeted tourism efforts and, companies such as Global Foundries, we are

becoming more international- friendly, adding to the plethora of reasons

people are continuing to flock to Saratoga Springs.
Im very excited about our many accomplishments and our new initiatives
to ensure Saratoga Springs local economy stays strong, keeping our
unique quality of life at the forefront for residents and visitors alike.
As you all know, this afternoons address is the State of the City, not just
the State of the Mayor's Office. We are a commission form of government
and so, once again, I asked my fellow council members to contribute to this
address. I will start with their department reports:
Public Safety
Department of Public Safety, led by Commissioner Chris Mathiesen:
Saratoga Springs continues to be one of the safest municipalities to live,
work, or visit. Our crime rate is among the lowest of cities in the
northeast. The emergency response times of our Police and Fire/EMS
departments are excellent for most areas of the City, and the Department
of Public Safety is continuing to pursue a third Fire/EMS station in order to
more adequately meet present and future needs.
In addition, our Code Enforcement Officers and Fire Department have
made great progress in the registration and inspection of vacant buildings,

and fortunately our Police Department renovations in City Hall are now
complete.

Public Works
Department of Public Works, led by Commissioner Skip Scirocco:
Our Water Treatment Plant has a newly installed emergency generator,
which will allow the treatment of water in the event of an electrical
capacity issue. We have new water wells at Bog Meadow that provide a
backup water supply when needed. Once complete, the Ballston Avenue
Reconstruction Project will provide for additional pedestrian and vehicle
traffic in that corridor. And DPW has been an integral part of our ongoing
partnership with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on
refurbishing the Spirit of Life, just in time for our Centennial Celebration.
Accounts
Department of Accounts, led by Commissioner John Franck:
The policy of no citywide reassessments will continue into 2015.
The Accounts Department will be holding their annual Grievance Class on
Thursday May 7th at 6:00pm. This is the only such class offered by a local
government in this area. Property owners will be educated on the proper
procedures for grieving their assessments. Our Risk and Safety Office is
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establishing a Community Safety Committee that will tie back into the
City, and a City Emergency Management Program that will connect into
the existing County Emergency Online Management System.
Finance
Department of Finance, led by Commissioner Michele Madigan:
Taxes have been held within the recently enacted 2% property tax cap. The
2015 Adopted Budget, unanimously approved by the City Council, will have
a zero percent property tax increase. This year residential taxpayers will
receive a check from the state under its new Tax Freeze Credit program.
Much of our city debt has been refinanced to lower interest rates, with a
projected savings over $2 million over the next 20 years.This year, the
Finance Department will be working to overhaul the citys website
including a new system for Online Payment of Taxes and Utility Bills.
Thank you, my fellow City Council members, for your service to this city.
Please stand and be recognized.
Im pleased to report that the relationship between our City and our
County has never been stronger. Id like to take this opportunity to thank
our two county supervisors for their service as well: Matthew Veitch, who
just took over as chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors,
who you heard from earlier, and Peter Martin. Please also stand and be
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recognized.

In the Mayors office itself Id like to thank my full staff and in particular Joe Ogden, Deputy Mayor; Vince DeLeonardis, City Attorney; Tony Izzo,
Assistant City Attorney; Gayle LaSalle, Executive Assistant to the mayor;
and Trish Bush, Executive Assistant to City Attorneys.
The 2015 Centennial Year is an opportunity to look back over the last 100
years to feel proud of our unique history, to reflect on all of the ups and
downs that have made us who we are. To honor the leaders and visionaries
who have come before us. To celebrate the past and the present, but
also,its an opportunity to look ahead to the limitless possibilities of the
future for our great city.
One year ago, I stood right here before you and outlined our goals for
Saratoga Springs. Today, I am reporting, in just one short year, we have
done MUCH of what we said we would do in our first term, and more.

Id like to recap the policy achievements & successes of 2014:

Open Government
Last year, I spoke of building a more open and transparent government,
and we have delivered.
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 For the first time,the mayors schedule is on-line.

I routinely hold open office hours for citizens to come in and speak
with me without an appointment some of the best ideas have come
from these meetings.
Greater access to consultant reports financed by taxpayer money.
I improved the way citizens are appointed and recorded to city boards
and committees. For the first time in a long time, appointments are
being made in complete accordance with state and city law and in a
public and fully transparent way. And, we are interviewing candidates
from diverse backgrounds and giving new citizens, with fresh ideas,
an opportunity to get involved in city government. Were interviewing
all who are interested, and then, appointing the people best suited for
the job based on skills, experience and interests, regardless of
political affiliation.
Being accessible as mayor is paramount. I continue to be out in the
community as much as I am in City Hall. Even though the Mayors
position is officially a part time job, to do the City justice, its more
than a full time job; its a life style.
The Mayors office door is always open, literally. I have met with
hundreds of constituents, take meetings whenever requested, and,
initiate discussions with all sides of an issue before taking a position.

Collective Bargaining

Thirteen months ago, when I took office, all seven of the citys labor
contracts were unresolved. Subsequently, employee morale was low, our
budget and credit rating could have been vulnerable, and taxpayers were
footing the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor attorneys fees
with little-to-no progress to show for it. As of today, four of those contracts
have been resolved, signed, sealed and delivered. We are close to finalizing
the others. We should all take great pride in making substantial progress
toward settling these contracts and doing it in a fair and fiscally
responsible way. As long as Im mayor we will never be in a situation like
the one I found ourselves in last January; our employees and our city
deserve a mayor who communicates with them and we are delivering on
that.
Economic Development
My administration has a smart, balanced and proactive approach to
economic development against a backdrop of continued success.
Unemployment here in Saratoga County is 4.4%; compared with 5.8%
statewide. Our occupancy tax continues to grow year after year, with 2014
showing an 8.5% increase over 2013. And signature events like the
Saratoga Frozen Springs Hockey Classic, Chowderfest, First Night, and
Victorian Stroll, to name a few, continue to grow and provide a wide range
of economic benefits for our city.
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As promised, we built the first ever Saratoga Springs Business Advisory

Council, which helps to bridge the gap between the business community
and City Hall, and has been an incubator for many business-friendly ideas.
We are actively recruiting new businesses to our city, and we are hopeful
that we will have some exciting news to share about new businesses
coming to Saratoga Springs later this year. Stay tuned.
While we work to attract new business we continue to focus on our existing
ones. I felt strongly that the 2015 City Capital Budget finally allocate
$100,000 of funding so that the City could support the Special Assessment
Districts Way Finding program that will enhance our signage and making
downtown even more visitor-friendly. The goal is to improve, over time, the
look of our downtown streets by replacing our signage with appropriate
historic branding, while better facilitating transportation and parking.
I would like to thank Tim Mabee, Chair of SAD and other business
organizations & leaders we are partnering with for meeting with my team
regularly on a wide range of business and economic issues: Dennis
Brobston, SEDC; Tom Shimkus, Chamber of Commerce; Todd Garafano
from Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau; and Tim Holmes President
of the Downtown Business Association. I look forward to our continued
partnership.
Veterans/Humanitarian
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For years, in my personal and public official life, giving our veterans and
their families the help they deserve has been a top priority of mine, and my
tenure as mayor has proved no different. In 2014, my office initiated a
partnership that will continue and grow this year with the Saratoga County
Rural Preservation Company. As a result, VETHELP representatives are
stationed and available in City Hall every Tuesday morning, providing, for
the first time ever, direct professional assistance and guidance for local
Veterans and their family members.
Early in my administration we were the first Upstate New York community
to be recognized by the US Department of Defense as a commemorative
partner in marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and our
committee is hard at work putting some excellent events together to mark
this special and solemn anniversary. A warm thanks to this committee for
helping lead us in the pledge this afternoon.
In 2014, as mayor, I signed a pledge initiated by the White House to end
veterans homelessness in this city. This is not a pledge I take lightly. Our
new relationship with HUD and the coalition I have built with my
colleagues, the five Capital Region Mayors who have also signed the
pledge, will no doubt help us succeed. Our regional director for HUD,
Jamie Ferero, has been very helpful on a number of issues. Jamie - thank
you for helping us this year to get through some difficult transitions.
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No one should be homeless, especially those who have served our country
to protect our rights and freedom. I look forward to announcing a new
initiative later this evening to build on the possibility that housing is within
reach for every veteran.
We held the first city wide service on 9/11 at High Rock Park Memorial. I
am proud and humbled to have such a dedicated committee to work with in
the creation and implementation of such a moving ceremony to remember
those we lost on that day, and the brave men and women who have gone
into harms way. As long as I am Mayor there will be an annual city event
on Sept 11 at this site.
I want o recognize ALL veterans and first responders for your service.
Thank you all.

Eleanor Roosevelt one said, To handle yourself, use your head; to handle
others, use your heart. Mrs. Rooselvelt I know you would be proud of
Saratoga Springs.
Code Blue IS saving lives. Code Blue is up and running for its second
season, and our new partner, The Salvation Army, is providing the facility
for shelter and warmth to those who would otherwise not have it this
winter. We are now averaging 39 guests per night and open without fail
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when temps drop to 20 degrees or less OR when a foot of snow or more is

predicted. I continue to be in awe of the generosity of our community for
this program. It is not uncommon to see local restaurants and volunteers
dropping food off each night. My heartfelt thanks to the Salvation Army, all
the partnering non-profit organizations, and all the dozens of volunteers
and local businesses who make possible this noble effort and a potential
expansion.
I have formed a Clergy Commission in my first year. Over a dozen local
churches and synagogues are represented. We meet monthly, rotating host
clergy each month. Together, we share issues facing our constituents and
bring collective solutions to the table. We talk about needs of back stretch
workers, the homeless, and continuum of housing needs, among other ways
we can work together to more effectively answer the needs of our
constituents.
The humanitarian aspects of being a leader are very important to me and
for which I am passionate, and we will continue to serve anyone who walks
in or calls the Mayors office. Our door is literally always open.
Sustainability
A top priority of mine has been, and continues to be sustainability and
balanced growth. Six years ago, I co-founded Sustainable Saratoga. It
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continues to thrive in this community and, as Mayor, my administration in

one short year has accomplished quite a bit. Just following my swearing in
to office as Mayor last year, word came down from the State that progress
on the Waterfront Park had stalled and our grant funding was at risk. My
administration wasted no time in completing the design, and getting this
project back on track. Im proud to say that as a result, we will finally have
the Waterfront Park preserved and up and running later this spring, with a
grand opening and special events featuring our new Waterfront Park and
our recently purchased 5 acres on the Kayaderosseros. I can even see a
City Council kayak race from the Blodgett property to the Waterfront Park
in the works. Commissioners, I hope youll join me for some fun!
The Request For Proposal corresponding to the $200,000 cleaner, greener,
communities grant from NYSERDA has been issued and a consultant will
help us carry out a much-needed and thoughtful update to our citys zoning
ordinance. I will be putting a small public work group together to oversee
the implementation of the Comp Plan priorities and to work with the
consultant and staff.
After years of being vacant, we have brought back the charter-required
position of Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation.
This part-time job will have a big-time role to play in my administration as
we continue to tackle a host of sustainability issues -- from unifying and
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implementing existing city policies like complete streets, urban forestry

and city energy usage -- to writing grants and stewarding our City open
space, parks and more. I will therefore be adding Sustainability
Coordinator to the title to better reflect our current and future needs. I am
convinced this job will more than pay for itself.
Also resurrected, is the Open Space Advisory Committee. The first meeting
has been scheduled of this Mayoral appointed group. We have important
business to conduct, such as the purchase of land around our main
drinking water supply, Loughberry Lake, to protect our watershed, and
develop applications for County restored Farmland and Open Space
funding.
After 19 months, the Comprehensive Plan Committee, appointed by the
previous mayor and our current commissioners, has completed its work
and has submitted a final work document and 53 items for consideration.
The next step is for the City Council, with the help of our planning staff, to
coordinate all information presented to us and create a document for
recommendation as our 2015 updated Comprehensive Plan. Once a
recommended document is presented to the public, a public hearing will be
called. I want to thank the committee members and the community once
again, for taking this process seriously, for many months of input and
dialogue.
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The City in the Countrymodel is alive and well in my administration. Our

commitment to developing a thriving urban core -surrounded by safe,
diverse, historic neighborhoods alongside beautiful, open, rural land is
and will continue to be vital to our success as a city.
Increasing connectivity and walk-able/bike-able access is a very important
priority for my administration and will continue to set Saratoga Springs
aside from many other communities in our region and Upstate NY. This will
not only add to our daily quality of life as year round residents but position
us competitively as a tourist destination. This is the perfect marriage
between sustainability and economic development.
And Im very excited to say that because of a number of factors - the
tireless energy of the Southwest Neighborhood Association, a winning
application filled out by my top-notch Planning Department, a healthy
working relationship with our colleagues in state government, and years of
citizens and grassroots organizations working toward a shared vision - we
were awarded $1.6 million by Governor Cuomo to make the Geyser Road
Trail a reality! After a decade, we will finally construct a connection to
downtown for 22% of our citys population.
Recreation & Sports Tourism

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Our Committee on Sports Tourism, partnering with the Rec Commission,

and the convention and tourism bureau to establish our city as destination
for Tournaments will add much to the locally economy. We are so proud of
our Saratoga Rowing Association and use this as an example on how sports
and recreation can significantly impact the local economy positively. And,
the city supports and are bringing National USA Track & Field Masters
Cross Country Championships right here to Saratoga Springs in October.
Until recently, since the recreation center was built, the facility did not
meet projected revenue above expenses. I am proud to report, and thank
our Director John Hirliman and the Recreation Commission, that $1 million
was brought in as revenue in 2014 and we are finally meeting projections
and even making a profit.
Casino
A shining example of our unique city is how we handled the issue of an
expanded casino in Saratoga Springs. This was an incredibly difficult issue
and it took up many hours our first three months in office last year. During
that time, the community was full of emotion on this issue and rightly so.
After spending much time listening carefully to as many citizens,
businesses, and civic groups as offered written and spoken comment, it
became clear what had to be done. The majority of our citizens did not
want this expansion and we had to bring a resolution forward that voiced
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our opposition to the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development

Act. Here in Saratoga Springs others dictating to us what our economic
and cultural future looks like does not go over well. My team, with help
from others, wrote the draft of this resolution and circulated it to the entire
City Council for input. Once all five of us agreed on the resolution, I
brought it to the table for a vote. With one voice, your City Council voted
unanimously and made our feelings known on a historic night last March.
I want to turn to highlighting the upcoming year and my goals for 2015.

1) Continue my theme of Inclusivity

People have joked with me that I may become known as the Mayor of
Committees. Thats just fine with me. Dont get me wrong, its not that I
like bureaucracy; I just like democracy. My administration has started
many new committees and boards, because so many members of our
community want to be involved and take some ownership of the city they
chose to live, work, and raise families. Empowering residents and being
inclusive on issues important to the City are at the very core of why I
choose to be a public servant and I couldnt be prouder to stand together
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with all of you. In twelve months, my administration has created or

resurrected 15 committees who will advance their goals and work in 2015.
Code Blue Steering Committee
Sports Tourism Committee
Centennial Committee
Saratoga Springs Junior Committee
Business Advisory Council
9/11 Memorial Committee
Racing Advisory Board
A New and Improved City Senior Advisory Committee
Reestablishing the Open Space Advisory Committee
Greenbelt Downtown Connector Committee
Vietnam War Commemorative Committee
Commission on the Arts
Clergy Commission
Climate Smart Communities Task Force
Saratoga Springs 2015 Housing Task Force
Please stand and be recognized if you are serving on one of these
committees.
2) Creative Economy
If all the stars align, my vision for the years ahead is to open the national
and international doors and announce Saratoga Springs is open for
business. We can be the entrepreneurial and creative economy hub, not
just for the Capital Region, or the northeast, but nationally. And, quite
frankly, the timing couldnt be better to build an eco-system of
accelerators, incubators and incentive supportive packages to attract
innovation, creativity and capital.

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In New York State, Governor Cuomo continues his commitment to focusing

on the upstate economy through the Regional Economic Development
Councils, various types of tax relief, innovative programs like StartUP NY,
and a new program that will have upstate regions competing for $1.5
billion in economic development funding. So while we have these
economic tailwinds at our back, let us not be complacent here at the local
level. Let us be opportunistic!!
Lets not take for granted the success we have become so renowned for. I
will continue to proactively build the necessary private-public partnerships
we need to foster sustainable economic growth. It is my pleasure to
announce a new package that will be available to anyone who is interested
in starting a business here to include financing, housing, business mentors,
and networking to be provided together to entice and encourage
entrepreneurs to work with us.
Locally, I will be asking the BAC members to take on mentoring roles, our
economic development dept. and local banks to put together financing
packages, and in the very near future, Ill be asking the City Council to
consider dropping our interest rate on an underutilized small business loan
program our city offers so that we can make this pool of capital attractive
and competitive in this era of low interest rates.

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Recently, I have created the first-ever Saratoga Springs Commission on the

Arts. Together we will be working harder than ever to take the growing
creative economy to the next level in Saratoga Springs over the
upcoming year. Commission founding members have been helpful laying
the groundwork in the first couple of months. I plan another round of
appointments to the Commission in March. Many citizens probably dont
realize just how important this industry is to our city and our region and
how well we are poised to make a difference:
Did you know that?
"Creative industries" is the sixth largest sector of employment in the
Capital Region, employing roughly the same number of people as
higher education?
The Capital Region has the 2nd largest number of creative jobs in the
country when compared to similarly sized metro-areas?
The time to embrace this blossoming industry is now. And in an effort to do
just that, my administration has applied for a federal grant, through the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to fund an Arts Master Plan that
will help lay the groundwork for my vision to make this city the gateway for
artistic, creative and high tech industries.

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Im proud to say that US Senator Chuck Schumer, US Senator Kirsten

Gillibrand, and US Congressman Paul Tonko and the Governor of NYS have
all offered their full-fledged support, because they believe that great things
are ahead for Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region.
3) Sustainable Development
As Supervisor and when I was first running for mayor, I was committed and
will continue my commitment to endorse our City in the Country
fundamental values and ensure that high standards are adhered to on land
use issues and decisions. I have worked hard with my staff to adopt the
service mentality while continually looking for ways to more efficiently and
effectively serve the public from our planning, economic development and
building desks yet not jeopardize or compromise our high design standards
and historic preservation for City projects. This commitment includes a
process in which every developer, builder and applicant is treated equally,
consistently and according to local law.
We need to implement Complete Streets- ensuring that our City streets
accommodate all users. Recent statistics show that millennials are actively
choosing to walk, bike or take the bus in lieu of driving cars. And we as a
city must respond and be forward thinking enough to offer mobility choices
to our residents and visitors.

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This spring, the City will kick-off the citywide Bike, Pedestrian and Transit
Plan that will provide a blueprint for next steps in implementing better
accommodation of these modes in our City.
A Safe Routes to School initiative in 2015 will see construction of a safe
connection and crossing of Geyser Road from neighborhoods to the Geyser
Elementary School, Veterans Memorial Park, and Grande Industrial Park
thanks to $247,000 in funding from NYS DOT. This project reflects a strong
partnership with the Saratoga Springs School District who will create a
policy where students are allowed to walk and bike to school, and serve as
a model for Safe Routes to School programs in other schools within the
district.
The Greenbelt Trail- envisioning an interconnected hub and spokes system
that wraps around and into our downtown- was adopted by the City Council
this past year. We already have our first tangible piece coming to life with
the Geyser Road Trail. I have also recently appointed a Downtown
Connector Committee that will focus on connecting our urban parks and
implementing this key portion in the heart of our City.
Climate Smart efforts are making great headway. A 2-megawatt solar park
project on the citys old landfill will be one of the first of its kind in NYS.
Our Climate Smart Communities Task Force is working hard on
recommendations for reducing emissions and saving the city money
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through vehicle fleets (we are purchasing our first electric Zamboni for the
ice rink), water quality and water plant efficiencies, audits for small
businesses and city facilities and, a new program Solarize Saratoga.
To appropriately marry Creative Economy and Sustainable Development, I
proudly announce today a series entitled Imagine Saratoga: The Next
Century, which will be a group of charettes to be conducted on specific
land use issues, planning and economic development issues, economic
issues and senior issues. Possible topics include, Creative Economy, A
master arts plan; South Broadway (where the Gaps Committee left off);
Housing for young professionals; and parking/transportation. We will be
partnering with organizations such as Sustainable Saratoga, Saratoga
County Arts Council, and SEDC to co-sponsor the charettes. All are
welcome, and as always, your input will be appreciated.
4) Housing
To satisfy our pledge to end veterans homelessness and to address options
for housing;tonight I announce the creation of a Housing Task Force. Job
#1 for this task force will be to help us end veterans homelessness in our
community. Period. Job #2 for this group will be to evaluate the stock and
if and how our city can provide a better variety of housing options for
seniors, people working in the hospitality industry, artists, young
professionals, and working families. This group made up of
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representatives from area housing agencies, together with my

administration and our new positive relationship with the Saratoga Springs
Housing Authority and RPC, will tackle some of the difficult data collection
and housing concerns that I regularly hear about from many of you.
I would be remiss if I didnt offer a brief update before I close on a couple
of more general city issues:
VLTs
As a supportive mechanism of racing, an agreement reached in 2002 states
that vlts would be placed at the Saratoga Racino and in return, we would
receive a certain percentage of revenue in exchange for being the host
City. Once again our VLT funds are at risk of being reduced. Saratoga
Springs has always been and always will be a host city and therefore we
incur costs to provide supportive services (police, fire, dpw), and we need
the State to fulfill their end of the bargaintheir original promise. And,
even though we are fiscally prepared for a decrease that does not negate
that these funds are owed to us and are much needed. We have been
fighting for these funds since 2006, my first year in office, and I will
continue to work with state representatives to secure as much as possible.
Racing continues to be a number one economic driver and I will continue
to work with NYRA who has been running racing successfully for 50 years
and encourage the transition back to not for profit private entity.
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Investigations
As reported in the media, both the Attorney Generals office and the NYS
Comptrollers office are actively conducting investigations regarding a
particular real estate transaction and policies surrounding the no longer
existing water connection ordinance. I have already indicated that I
believe no major changes to ordinances or laws should be acted on until
the investigations are finished. Although, speculation would be
inappropriate, I can report that all departments are fully cooperating and
we are very much looking forward to putting this behind us and implement
recommendations made resulting in improvements on how the city is run.
Court system
NYS has seen Saratoga Springs as deserving of a second full time city
court judge. As a result of this addition, it is the citys responsibility to
provide a second courtroom. The state pays for the personnel; the Cities
pay for the facility. DPW, as keeper of all city buildings and grounds sent
out an RFQ for an engineer to make recommendations where and how we
add the second courtroom. Study results are expected back soon and
discussions, and potentially a decision, will occur in 2015.
Thank you to our City judges Jeff Wait and Jim Doern for assisting my office
with our communications and meetings with NYS Office of Court
Administration.

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City Center Garage

The City Center has a specific mission of bringing conventions and
meetings into downtown and they do a great job. It is vital that we as a
city support this institution as much as possible. Off-season, it has been
said that our City Center is the economic engine for our downtown
businesses. The current proposal of a City Center parking structure on city
owned property meets their business needs and goals, but many citizens
have expressed concerns regarding the aesthetic appropriateness of the
structure as relating to its surrounding environment.
Our land use boards and the City Council members must also do their jobs
and together figure out a solution that satisfies the City Center needs, will
increase commerce downtown, while not taking away from our historic
downtowns character, and what is the best solution for the entire
community.

AND FINALLY, at the top of our list for 2015 THE CENTENNIAL
I want to thank Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson for agreeing to
serve as Honorary Chairs of this elaborate yearlong celebration. Also, we
need to give a big thank you to Eleanor Mullaney and Steve Sullivan who
answered my call and are serving the city well as co-chairs of the
Centennial Planning Committee.
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The extensive list of dozens of volunteers who have been asked to take part
on this planning committee and who are stepping up to the plate are too
numerous to mention. I do want to recognize our chairs of the subcommittees weve created to allow even more residents to get involved. We
have a full calendar of events and special programs planned to honor our
past. Please pick up a copy on your way out and check out the interesting
stories on our new website www.saratogacentennial.com. Some of the
years highlights will include the following:
- Unveiling of Centennial Park
- Re dedication of our very own symbol of our community spirit: The
Spirit of Life statue.
- Return of the Waters; with the goal of High Rock Park flowing once
again as it does on our City seal.
- Recognition of our incorporation as a city and our first city councilswearing in.
- Arts organizations have been creatively planning their productions to
take part in 1915
- The Saratoga Spring Jr. Committee newly formed this year to get high
school students involved in governmental process and events will help
us honor our 100 years of health, history and horses and to plan for
our future.
- We will highlight Health and Healing; the return of the waters and
supporting the Chambers good work on becoming the healthiest
community in the country.
It is an honor and my extreme pleasure to be serving as your Mayor in
2015, 100 years later. I will do everything I can to promote pride and bring
excitement to our community during this very special year.
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In conclusion, during 2015 we have 100 years to celebrate but the next
century to plan for. We will do both this year. The vision outlined this
afternoon is to be the bright star economically focusing on the creative
economy. We will plan, as a City in the Country, to get the best smart
growth, urban designs, and diverse package of assets that we possibly can
to be both competitive as well as astute and vigilant to our quality of life
needs.
Ive always said, and continue to believe, its not just the issues, but how
you do the peoples business. How will we accomplish our goals this year?
As we did this year, with fortitude, with compassion and with, ALL of you.
Under my administration we will continue to empower all residents to
participate in the governmental process. I take the responsibilities
outlined in our City Charter very seriously and am encouraging all staff in
city hall under my leadership to do the same. You deserve the best that we
can give you, to be heard, and we will continue to deliver. I do and promise
to always work with all: local businesses leaders, homeless individuals,
west side, east side, north and south neighborhoods. Today, I urge you to
stay involved and please continue to stay in touch.
Thank you for coming out today. God bless you all, God Bless Saratoga
Springs. Thank you very much!
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