Concluding excerpt from My State of the Cities Address

continued from Part 3 . . .

We have initiated a visioning process for our city.  A key meeting is next Monday at Farmington High School at 7pm.  This will help us gather input from the community for directions and priorities for the next dozen years, reaching toward our 200th year anniversary in 2024.

Aside from business development we continue to build on collaborative initiatives like our recent consolidation of dispatch and information technology services with Farmington Hills.   These collaborative efforts are ongoing and include our schools, our courts, the county and the municipalities around us.

This year we have seen some of our highly valued experience and knowledge depart with the retirement of Kevin Gushman from our public works department. Chuck Eudy has stepped into the role of Public Works Superintendent and Kevin Christiansen, formerly on our planning commission, has now has joined the city staff in the new role of Economic and Community Development Director.   Chuck and Kevin have our full confidence as they strive to meet the high expectations of our residents and businesses.

As you can see we continue to work on our five key Council goals:

• Create and Implement an Economic Development Plan
• Create and Adopt a Five Year Operational and Capital Financial Plan
• Develop and Implement a Communication and Marketing Plan
• Develop a Neighborhood Improvement Program
• Continue to commit to foster long term thinking

As I come to a conclusion you know you can always count on me to lead cheers for Farmington.

Even in winter we are the place to be.  Nothing shows our community’s commitment to being a great place to live and work than the events of this past weekend.  Congratulations to the Foundation for Youth and Families on a fabulous Gala last Saturday night at Sellers Buick GMC.  Congratulations also to the Farmington Community Library on its Red Carpet event on Sunday evening, which included showing this year’s Oscar nominated short films at the Civic Theater.

Soon, the Farmer’s Market will open in downtown.  The streetscape and downtown will host outdoor seating and lots of activity.  Students on their way to their proms will gather with their families in their finest dresses and suits, for pictures at the Warner Mansion.  We will have many concerts, festivals and parades in Downtown, celebrating  with thousands of others who will enjoy everything we have to offer. There is always something terrific happening in Farmington.  It is always an exciting time.

I started with a line about the future from Peter Drucker.  I will close with one from  Eleanor Roosevelt:   The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

We have a beautiful community.  The beauty of our homes and streets, and our parks and our rolling hills is only exceeded by the beauty of the spirits of the people of our community. You make this a greater community to live and work in, a truly beautiful place.  I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to serve with you to make our community the best it can be.

Tom Buck, Mayor

City of Farmington