A Message from the Mayor

The Mayor's 2010 State of the City Address

Members of the City Council, fellow staff members present, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a few moments to highlight the key issues I have outlined in my 2010 State of the City remarks. I will briefly reflect on past accomplishments, but more importantly, to take a closer look at what lies ahead. Keep in mind, that we are not alone with tight budgets and declining revenue. All cities are facing the same situation. However, we have an opportunity to take full advantage of—and expand on—the positive aspects this community has to offer.

First, with the help of my fellow Council Members, along with citizens in our community, we were able to see numerous accomplishments over the last four years. The expansion of Sunnyside Rd., from Holmes Ave. to the new I-15 interchange was finally completed in October of 2007. And in October of 2009, the upgraded section of 1^st and Hitt Rd. was finished. These were major infrastructure improvements done on two of our primary arterial roadways.

The extension of the Greenbelt is another project which enhances our quality of life benefits, along with the on-going efforts in providing the essential services our citizens have come to expect—while at the same time—making sure that we hold down costs. We have been fortunate that previous city leaders—along with your current mayor and council—have maintained the fiscal policy of “pay as you go” and “not going into debt.”

Our distinction as the regional hub of Eastern Idaho and the location of the Idaho National Laboratory—all continue to play an increasing role in providing the necessary cushion to weather the current uncertain economic climate. There is no question that the INL was a crucial element in attracting Areva’s attention with their commitment to build a $2.5 billion dollar uranium enrichment facility here. We must also recognize the accomplishments of the Idaho Cleanup Project, as they continue removing buried waste and doing so in an accelerated manner which demonstrates that Idaho is taking care of business!

Factor in Idaho Falls’ designation by the travel industry as a “Gateway” to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, provides us with a valuable tool by which we can expand and market the growing tourism sector in our region. A great example of this will come this July when we will host the Blue Angels, which will provide a big boost to our economy. Idaho Falls was the only community selected in the Mountain Time Zone, to have been included in their 2010 schedule. We also can look at the cultural and recreational opportunities we have to offer our v isitors; our museums, our zoo, our minor league baseball team, the shopping and dining amenities—are all key components which draw visitors and future residents alike to our area. It is no wonder that Idaho Falls continues to receive national recognition which accentuates our quality of life.

I am very optimistic by some of the indicators I see in our community, such as the ten new businesses which have opened in our “Historic Downtown District” as well as the recent total remodel of the Earl Building. We also see successful efforts by Grow Idaho Falls, under the leadership of CEO Linda Martin, which has resulted in six new businesses locating in our community and providing the tools for potential new startups to open. I share Linda’s comments when she told me that “We have great people, with a vision and entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our economic momentum going.” 

Idaho Falls Power was one of only 60 public power utilities nationwide to be recognized by the American Public Power Association as a Reliable Public Power Provider. The award is based on service to customers in the area of reliability, safety, training, and system improvements.

In 2009, Idaho Falls Power also led and implemented a traffic signal coordination study, resulting in an estimated savings of 490,000 gallons of fuel. The “Switch to Energy Efficiency” campaign saw customers save $280,000 annually on their energy bill.

By now, many of you may have heard about Idaho Falls Power preparing to begin building the North Loop Project, which will enhance and secure power throughout the City. And just recently, Idaho Falls Power received a grant of $8.2 million, as part of the DOE Smart Grid Demonstration Project, which will enhance system reliability and further promote the pro-active approach undertaken by our utility division. As you can see, Idaho Falls Power has been very busy in enhancing its great service to our city.

I am also very excited with the City’s new enhanced and improved website, which was launched back in November. As we look towards 2010, we hope the community will embrace its more user friendly features. On January 5^th, we unveiled the Citizen Request Form—which you can access by clicking on the “Ask I.F.” button. This will allow the City to quickly remedy maintenance problems and answer complaints or questions in a timelier manner. It will also provide the Council and me with the opportunity to gauge what is on the minds of our citizens and to see how we are doing.

In addition, we are now posting—to be more transparent—the City’s monthly expenditures for our citizens to review.

The council and I will continue to address the city’s infrastructure needs. Our area of focus this year will include the “D” St. Underpass re-design, the Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements, Ryder Park, the Hockey Shelter, and the Soccer Fields. We also plan to complete improvement designs for 17^th St. and Hitt Rd.—which will significantly upgrade the traffic flow at one of the city’s busiest intersection.

We also look forward to completion of the fuel storage depot—a joint venture with Bonneville County, which will insure a sufficient supply of fuel for emergency responders in the event of any shortages.

In 2010, the City will continue its collaborative efforts in outlining the long range plan and vision for Memorial Drive. Parking remains the number one issue—which must be addressed and resolved. We are optimistic that a solution will be found.

The on-going expansion of the Greenbelt is also high on our priority list. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful recreational “Crown Jewel” in our community. These are all quality of life benefits that we can build on and which will sustain our future growth. Ladies and gentlemen, we truly live in a unique place!

There are two major functions that I would like to announce; (1) due to the significant challenges which businesses in our community are facing, the City, in partnership with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, and the Idaho Department of Labor—will be hosting “Business Day in Idaho Falls” on March 8^th, to address the needs and concerns within our business sector. It is imperative that we do everything we can, to assist our local business owners to survive during these difficult economic times. I know that working together—we will succeed.

(2) In June, Idaho Falls will host the Association of Idaho Cities annual conference, which will bring elected officials from all over the state to our city. It will provide us an excellent opportunity to showcase what Idaho Falls is all about. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council will play a major role in providing activities for student delegates who will represent their respective communities.

In the near future, Idaho Falls will be holding a joint meeting with the City of Ammon, to work out issues that are pertinent to each of our respective Cities, and we look forward to a positive working relationship between the two communities. Idaho Falls has weathered difficult times before. But as I have outlined here, Idaho Falls is working hard to meet those challenges—challenges we will overcome by working together.

I also can’t emphasis enough by what I call “The Spirit of Idaho Falls.” Our fellow citizens helping each other and by looking out for our neighbors. Even during one of our nation’s most difficult economic times, this past holiday season has only highlighted the generous donations made by our citizens and has certainly shown what this community is all about.

It looks like the United Way will achieve its goal of raising $1.1 million dollars that will go towards several local agencies providing much needed aid throughout the community. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign collected $92,000—which will assist needy families locally and we can’t forget the Food Bank. Every time they asked for help, the community generously responds.

I’m particularly proud too, with the help of so many, that during the last four years, The Mayor’s Scholarship Fund has raised over $200,000 and awarded over 91 scholarships to student in the 8^th thru the 12^th grade in our community. There are certainly many more “Acts of Kindness” we could talk about but the bottom line is we are a very giving city and we are truly fortunate to live here.

In closing, I would like to thank the Council for their service, dedication, and vision; and to the city employees for their loyalty and hard work; and to you—the citizens. You all embody that “Spirit of Idaho Falls” and you all have contributed to the primary reason why we ALL call Idaho Falls OUR home.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jared D. Fuhriman, Mayor