We’ve all used the idiom “time flies,” but I am still flabbergasted that it’s already August. It seems like just yesterday we had a couple hundred people lining up in front of City Hall to run and walk the late March, Shamrock Shuffle and 5k. The race and activities that followed were a terrific demonstration of community spirit and gathering, but also collected a tremendous amount of money for the Miracle League of Lake County. More than $5,000 was raised by businesses, resident sponsors and race patrons! And a special thanks to The Well for collecting and donating an additional $1,100 to support the Miracle League and its endeavor to provide support and opportunity to children and adults with disabilities. I continuously marvel at the generosity and work ethic of our residents, businesses and civic organizations.
And speaking of community support and activities, I would like to congratulate Jeff Collins for organizing the Kirtland Community Wellness event. The showcase was held at the newly renovated Kirtland Stadium and proved to be an excellent first of its kind effort promoting fitness and health here in the city. Jeff, a local business owner and tireless volunteer for Kirtland youth sports is another tremendous asset to our community and we look forward to seeing this, what I hope to be, annual event grow in participation and support each year.
In Kirtland, we are not just blessed to have the support of our community. We have also been well served by local elected officials. In the next month or so, we will be opening the new outdoor restrooms recently built at the Community Center. This much needed amenity is a direct result of our partnership with State Senator Jerry Cirino. Senator Cirino worked hard to secure well over $100,000 to help Kirtland build the restrooms at our community center. If you see the Senator (a Kirtland resident) around town, please thank him for his support.
I’d also like to thank Congressman Dave Joyce for his effort to include $2 million dollars in grant funding in this year’s Federal budget for sewer expansion in Kirtland. If the budget is passed later this year, these dollars will be secured to help Kirtland extend sanitary sewers along Rt. 306 to Rt. 6. We are so lucky to have the congressman’s support and let’s hope his colleagues can work together to pass the budget in this calendar year.
Finally, I need to express my gratitude to the City Council for their deliberate work leading to offering our voters a choice in November that will fund a long-term road funding solution. On the ballot, our residents will have an opportunity to allow the Council to raise the income tax by one quarter of one percent to finance future road repairs.
If voters choose to pass the Charter amendment, the additional income tax would cost a resident earning $100,000 an additional $250 per year. The new money raised would not affect retirement income for our seniors and will expire in twenty years. Additionally, the ballot language specifically states that funding can be used for road related projects only. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to discussions with our residents as to the merits of the funding.
Thank you – Mayor Potter