2009 State of the City Address

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank You To: Inkster Chamber of Commerce

City of Inkster Staff

First, I would like to introduce our City Council. As you know, any policy decisions and district representation is addressed by our City Council. As we discuss the many accomplishments for 2008, keep in mind that these accomplishments would not have taken place without the approval of this Council body.

Members of Council:

• Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Wimberly, Chairperson of the City’s Internal Issues Committee.
• Councilman Timothy Williams, Chairs our Community Issues Committee.
• Councilman Marcus Hendricks, Chairs our Image Committee.
• Councilman Michael Greene, Chairs our Development Review Team.
• Councilman Michael Canty. Chairs our Financial Advisory Committee
• Councilman Courtney Owens. Chairperson of our Building Facilities Committee.

I would like to introduce our City Manager. She has been with us for three months. We look for professional management at every level of government that provide us with responsive, accurate and timely information in order for us, the Council, to make good sound decisions regarding improved services and reduced cost. Mrs. Ann Capela fits that bill.

Introductions:

• Wayne County Commissioner
• State Representative
• Senator

Inkster residents - It is an honor and a privilege to be your Mayor and report to you the State of the City of Inkster. Thank you for joining us this evening. I what to thank the citizens who serve on the 20 active boards and commissions for their dedication and commitment to serving this community. Service is our City’s vitality and our history is rich as a result. I want to thank the religious leaders in our community for your spiritual guidance and involvement in civic affairs. There is nothing stronger than Faith based community activism. Our hopes and aspiration of a strong and model community is shared by all of us is only realized by the active participation of each.

This year, I am especially proud of our City leadership in these challenging economic times. There is good news to report from your local government that is on the frontline of delivering services to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From time to time we have some spirited discussions with citizens regarding what the city should do. Instead of paving Avondale - you should pave Harrison. Instead of building new homes - you should be rehabbing old ones. Instead of constructing a new retention basin at the Recreation Complex - you should be fixing up the complex. The truth of the matter is - we have to do them all. Clearly, in this environment, we have to be more resourceful, creative and innovative ways to deliver services to you our citizen. First, allow me to start by outlining significant changes that have taken place in City government as an organization that is resolved to bring the best customer service to all Inkster residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Our new City Manager has taken steps to re-organize personnel to elevate and bring emphasis to city functions to reflect the need and urgency in our community. After extensive discussion and debate, Inkster City Council approved funding for a much needed new accounting system, which includes a new server. This will allow us to host our own website, which will provide greater transparency and access to other department and you "The Citizen", will also have wireless internet in City Hall.

The new face in City Hall is Peter Doberzeniecki – Just call him Peter D., our new City Treasurer/Controller. Peter comes to Inkster from the City of Flint with a great deal of expertise, respect and experience. OK, let’s talk about property taxes. The good news is that taxes are going down a little, by about one and one-half percent (1 ½%). The bad news is that not everyone is going to get a smaller tax bill. The reason is Proposal A. Look up at the example on the chart on the screen and I will explain. Two people bought similar homes in 1994, the year Proposal A started. Both homes had a State Equalized Value and a Taxable Value of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). State Equalized Value is the amount the State thinks your property is worth. Taxable value is the amount you pay taxes on. As the years went by, the State Equalized Value - the blue line – went up much faster then the Taxable Value – the red and green lines – because of the tax limits set by Proposal A.

Now in 2003, one of the homes – the green line – is sold. Under Proposal A, the new Taxable Value on that home went all the way up to the State Equalized Value. Then from 2004 until 2008 the State Equalized Value – the blue line - and the Taxable Values – the red line and the green lines – continued to go up.

But in 2009, the State Equalized Value – the blue line - on both homes went down. As you can see, the blue line is now below the green line and under Proposal A the new Taxable Value for that home is the State Equalized Value – the blue line. The property taxes on the green home will go down in 2009. But the red home went up and the taxes on that home will go up in 2009. I guess the good news for people in the red home is they are still paying a lot less in taxes then the people in the green home.

OK, the next chart is a lot easier to explain. It shows how much the City of Inkster collects in taxes from each person in the City compared with other cities in our area. As you can see, the City of Inkster collects fewer taxes per person then any of these cities –-" And we have to be one of the lowest in the State"…. People are always talking about how high the tax millage rates are or about increases in property values. Remember it is the amount of dollars you pay out of your pocket that counts!

We are getting a lot of complaints about water bills. The main problem is that the water meter dial on the outside of some homes is reading a lot slower then the water meter dial inside the home. When we get inside the home to read the meter, the homeowner ends up getting a large water bill.

First, we have a new water bill policy and have formed a committee to review all water meter complaints. While your bill is being reviewed, we will not charge you any penalties and we will not send your bill over to the County for collection.

Second, we are planning on replacing the entire water meter system with a new system that will read your meter electronically and allow the City to send out a bill each month instead of four time s a year. Most people will find the new monthly water bill will be easier on their budget then getting a large bill every three months. The monthly bill will help the City to detect any big changes and give both of us a chance to fix any problems before the bill get out of hand.

City Council and City Staff are committed to focus our efforts in the next few years on economic opportunities. To do this, we have to be vigilant in making the community clean and address code violations.

Last year, the city demolished 40 dangerous buildings thus eliminating eyesores and increasing curb appeal in nearly every Inkster neighborhood. Another 71 have been targeted 2009.

The Inkster Hearings Bureau has been instrumental in reversing the spread of blight in our community. Formed in 2007 as a civil version of the Michigan court system, the Bureau has served to hold homeowners and tenants alike accountable for cleaning up their blighted properties.

Last year, 300 rental units were certified; 400 more are currently in the inspection process. Working hand in hand with the Hearings Bureau, the Inkster Rental Program assures safe, clean housing for Inkster residents and instills a sense of neighborhood pride.

Our Senior Citizens have been spearheading the development for the design and funding of a new "Senior Wellness Center" for several years and we are very optimistic of putting a shovel in the ground by the end of 2009. This project is as President Obama stated "shovel ready". In addition to that, our Wayne County Commissioner, Joan Gebphardt – last week announced that Inkster has been the first community in Wayne County designated as "Certified Elder Friendly-Livable Community". That is great news for our community thanks to our Senior Citizens’ efforts under the leadership of Denise Champagne, Recreation Director Ron Wolkowitcz and of course the tenacious Mrs. Theola Jones. We have made a request to fund this $3.5 million dollar project to Senator Levin, Congressman Dingall, placed it on Federal Stimulus list and also intensely working in Lansing to secure funding.

Harrison, a road whose time has come as it has to get rebuilt one way or another. We have placed this request for the Federal Stimulus package. Last week, City Council approved over $300,000 of engineering work to get this project "shovel ready" in the next few months.

The CSO retention basin is under construction just south of the Booker T. Dozier Recreation Complex. The construction of this $20 Million Dollar project is expected to be completed in 48 months.

Last year we completed Carlysle Road. The project Cost was about $2.25 Million Dollars; all of this money was Federal/State grant.

I want to note that the City had several CSO projects last year and received about 4 million in grants to offset the cost of these projects.

It has been nearly a year, since the City has changed its waste collection methods. Before the new method, citizens often complained about the poor waste collection service. Comments like, my garbage was not picked up, my waste containers blowing down the street, my compost was not picked up, are just a few of the concerns expressed by citizens under the old waste collection contractor. In hearing your concerns, the City responded by selecting a new waste collection company, Republic Waste Services. Ninety-five (95) gallon curb carts were delivered to each household. Add the citizen cooperation to the service delivery equaled an unprecedented successful transition from the old waste collection method to the new. By all accounts, our citizens are grateful that exceptional service delivery had been achieved.

Last year, HUD approved the housing commission’s Capital Fund Financing Program Proposal to renovate public housing apartments.

The Housing Commission entered into a Loan Agreement with Fannie Mae through the Fannie Mae Modernization Express Loan program. The Housing Commission borrowed $5,004,831 from Fannie Mae and added an-additional $2,130,104 of its Capital Fund Program dollars to fund the renovation project.

On August 26, 2008 the Inkster Housing Commission, Board of Housing Commissioners, authorized the Executive Director to enter into agreements with construction companies to start the renovations and should be completed by next year.

The "Stimulus" Bill signed into law by President Obama was a landmark victory for public housing agencies.

The reinvestment Act includes substantial funding for housing programs.

Through the Act Formula, Inkster Housing Commission was awarded $1,772,518.

The Housing Commission staff and Board of Commissioners are reviewing the feasibility to renovated apartments for elderly individuals at Twin Towers.

I would like to recognize and publicly thank Dr. Terrel LeCesne, who formerly severed as a member of the Board of Housing Commissioners for 15-years and assisted in securing the loan with Fannie Mae to improve public housing, thank-you, Mr. LeCesne.

Ladies and Gentlemen - I do not have to tell you how badly we need to redevelop our cherished Michigan Avenue. When one drives on Michigan Avenue (US 12) through Inkster, you see very little development and blight. What happened? I'm glad you ask, it is almost as if progress has skipped over Michigan Avenue in Inkster…. well we can talk all day about what happen, what was, what if, today am going to tell you about what is --- time for change! Your city council has been working to lay the foundation for redevelopment.

On June 9, 2004, due to the fact that US-12 is one of the oldest corridors east of the Mississippi River and accesses some of the most extensive and significant historic, cultural, scenic and recreational resources in Michigan. Its entire length from Chicago to Downtown Detroit was designated as a Historic Heritage Route. Last year, the City commission grant money, and completed a conceptual corridor study by "T.Y. International" along with the recent completion of the DDA master plan and the 2025 City Master Plan, the City is posed to foster redevelopment opportunities along our heritage route, and take advantage of the 33 thousand vehicles that traverse it daily. I like to share with you some of the issues that came from our citizens who participated in the public forums which became (invaluable) to these studies.

Citizen's are looking for mixed-use retail and office space with restaurants, public spaces and entertainment venues supported by higher density residential. They would like Michigan Avenue reduced to three lanes instead of four and to use the extra space for wider sidewalks, bike lanes or on-street picket parking. Better pedestrian crossing and a countdown walking signals, landscaping, lighting improvements and reduce the speed to 35 mph. There was one exercise that asked residence, two questions: To record what they were #1 " Proud" of and what they were #2 "Sorrows". Their responses under "Proud" -- Strong sense of community, New City Hall, New housing Stock, and the Public Schools. Under "Sorrows" they listed, a lack of sit down restaurants, Motels on Michigan Avenue, Lack of downtown and no senior center. So our finding and studies confirms and reaffirms what we in Inkster already know… economic development should be the priority throughout the city but our concentration must be along the Michigan Avenue Corridor, to also take advantage of the proximity to the Rouge River greenway and railroad corridor.

As Mayor and City Council, we are to focus aggressively on bring modern and smart development to Michigan Avenue! We know that we have to shift our thinking; the old ways of doing things does not properly prepare us for the uncertainty of the future. We are stuck into our industrial past, and have state roadway, that still bear the tell tale signs of a traverse and commuter corridor, chiefly designed before US-94 was built. We need to reassess and rethink what are our assets are and how do we ride the wave of change. "To enervate we need to collaborate." (We must be agents of change.) Right now we have a dysfunctional and very fragmented US 12. What are our assets, and how do we ride the wave of change so we can benefit. Ladies and Gentlemen – let me take you on a visionary tour: Starting with the renovation of the old City Hall into a Library and the old Library into a "nature center" for our children? This is all in proximity to Inkster hidden jewel the lower Rouge parkway. The Rouge River is not only an important natural resource for Inkster it also plays a significant role in the Rouge River watershed, thus affecting all of Southeast Michigan. Historically the Rouge was tied to Henry Ford and the industrial village of the early 1900`s. Today the Rouge corridor is host to a variety of occupants and facilities: U of M Dearborn Greenfield village the Rough plant County parks and many municipal parks. Incorporating the over 400 acres of natural parkway is an asset that we have to embrace and develop. River walking path, amphitheater and "people plaza". In the summer this could be the ideal place to hold our Inkster Summer Jazz Festival and what has been recently discussed, the creation of a "Arts Council" and holiday festival …. Imagine live with music, arts, a summer children’s theater, a high school musical and other community showcases. WOW

The DDA have started this vision, with the now renown medium flower/ landscaping project and the "Inkster summer Jazz Festival" that attracted 100`s of participants and soon 1,000`s. Take note that all the venders ran out of food last year. Put it on your calendar July 11- 12. The new public sitting area and parking lot between Gracie See See's Restaurant and the Dairy Queen, in partnership with the DDA Gracie will begin renovations of the restaurant this spring. They are participating in the DDA new initiative, The Facade Improvement Grant, which assists businesses in a dollar-for-dollar match for exterior renovations up to $25,000.　　

Open for Business: Downtown Edition

The DDA is putting together a promotional package of the vacant and blighted properties in the downtown district, to market to potential developers that will clean up and redevelop the properties.

Ms. Capela has recognized the importance of community development and outreach. She has moved planning staff right next door to hers. As you know, when your office is relocated next to the City Manager’s office that definitely gives a signal, to the rest of the organization, as to how important this particular function is to the cities mission. Yes we can! It may be hard work – but I am telling you that it is more probable then impossible Let’s roll up our sleeves as a community and keep our commitment to building safe and clean neighborhoods and bring opportunities to Inkster. I commend those department heads and employees who in 2008 initiated ways to solve old problems and solution to making service delivery more responsive and timely to our citizen.

Making government process simpler, responsive and highly efficient is all of our charge and responsibility. Not only because it makes sense, but the state of our economy demands it. Look at the city Web site, cityofinkster.com to read about the master plan and the studies for a new justice center.

Last year I attendant a Creative City workshop in Detroit and the speaker was Charles Landry. He is the author of a book called "The Creative City". Richard Florida's book "The rise of the Creative Class"; both offer unique perspectives and generate thought provoking discussion on how Cities prosper and grow in a changing environment. The authors focus on defining assets, and were and why business sector and people ultimately decide where to live, or locate a business. They both make a clear and practical assessment that the Cities that want to retain and attract business and residence alike must avail itself to the creative, innovative, artistic and cultural elements in there Community.

Curiosity, Imagination, Creativity, Innovation and Invention is a community asset. Our automotive, industrial and production base jobs are giving way to the creative class, service, and the sustainable sector. As I read these books, I can't help to think that Inkster have been home or the fertile nurturing ground for some of this county accomplished creative, innovative Americans. Are city lustrous history is sprinkle throughout with individuals who Florida /Landry speaks about, Nasa Scientist Woodrow Witlow, gaming magnet Don Barden, Dr. George Simmons Electrical engineer and holds two patents in telacommunications , Malcolm X human rights activist, The Marvelettes Motown, Arsenial Hall entertainer, world renowned Olympic Champion, NFL professional football , Actor Courtney Vance(Angela Bassett husband). Magic Johnson in-laws, The Mother of Dr. Ben Carson, The First Gentlemen of the State of Michigan, Dan Mulhearn-Granholm. "DID I MISS ANYONE"? Today we can be proud of the education excellence and innovation from IPS and Westwood who started an internet base high school to graduate kids who have drop out or can't attend traditional public school. Recently they came to us to partner on the creation of an urban gardening. Just look at the institutions of higher learning within 1/2 hour from us, University of Michigan, Wayne State, Oakland, Eastern Michigan, U of D Mercy, Lawrence Tech, WC3, Research University !

These are the creative class and incubators that Florida and Landy are speaking about. I would suggest to you, that all of these living great Americans are serving, right now on some Foundation, Corporate board or hometown volunteer committee offering a wealth of there knowledge and counsel in there areas of expertise . Only for the asking, they would love to offer there talents in reshaping there hometown. Many of these people are in this City on any given weekend! Visiting family and love ones. Just for the asking. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT more significant and the GOOD NEWS IS…. This brain-trust is still here. We have a whole network of Creative capital all around us. I will never forget, Bobby Wallis asked me if I would sit in on a meeting to talk to some staff from the U of M Dearborn about collaborating with our schools… You know Bobby Wallis …. She asks tough questions and thinks out of the box. We met in the City Hall conference room. When I sat down at the table, there was the Dean of Education, Dean of Management V.P. of the University, Admissions Director and a host of Department faculty. I was like WOW …..

Let’s seek out their creative energies. The brain trust and creative class is still here. There are some right in this room. People who are curios, imaginative and innovators and who have the ability to visualize are abundant in this community. "We don’t only have to rely on the Who’s Who of America. "Livernois Automotive", right here in Inkster, is an innovative - creative powerhouse. Livernois currently has four operating buildings in Inkster.

They offer comprehensive vehicle development, engineering, automation systems, product design, prototype and vehicle Crash Development. They have received many awards for excellence and have some of the highest customer satisfaction in the industry. They were awarded the World Supplier Excellence Award by Ford Motor Company. They grew from 11 employees in 2000 to over 300 in 2008. Right now we are having discussion with Norma Wallis, the CEO, regarding expanding their training institute and partnering with "Michigan Works" for training in engineering disciplines and in other area like Sustainable Energy which is the emerging job market. Another case in point, two weeks ago I was at the State Democratic convention in Detroit and a young lady was requesting signatures on a petition, she recognized my name and asked if I am the Mayor of Inkster? She told me that she lives in Inkster … she went on to that she was an independent file maker, and her company host an annual file festival ….. I said like Spike Lee. "I am working at it."

But, we as a community must open up and not be so territorial, but have the strength of conviction, and be inclusive in our approach to redevelopment. We must look at the city as an organism not as a machine. Inkster - you have to encourage your leaders to think out the box and be strategically principle and tactically flexible having the sense of going somewhere.

When we mobilize our community assets our downtown and city will grow exponentially. Finding common threads becomes an important element that characterizes a creative city. The right blend of creative thinking can make our city attractive and initiatives will start to take shape. With imagination and harnessing opportunities, we solve seemingly intractable problems like redevelopment, business attraction and retention. You know, it is a positive concept and history tells us "that seemingly ordinary people can make extraordinary things happen if given the chance to voice there applied imagination". Creating an arts council, urban gardening, nature center, outdoor concerts, walk able city, WiFi zones. Cities shift and redefined themselves all the time. Cleveland, Ferndale 9 mile.

(A model city is made up of a serious of sensory experience. Atmosphere is a vital part of the perception of the place. A bad atmosphere can limit the city's potential and reduce the city invest ability. Thinking about atmosphere, it requires us as leaders to think psychologically about our city the same way we do about our homes. It needs to be Inviting, Stimulating, Comforting and Provide Spaces and places to be reflected.

"My garage" A city has to have those same attributes. Instead of discussing land use zoning, one might ask does my city inspire me or deflate me, does it enliven me) …. "The messages need to come across loud and clear." The process of Michigan Avenue, our heritage corridor taking shape in Inkster, will rely on our ability to see the small parts … and the whole simultaneously.

Ladies and gentlemen I truly believe the stars are align, And it is Inkster time. We must seize the time : Good public services Fire /Police, crime down, DPS, P/R , strong Code enforcement, address blight and litter, New subdivisions, upgrading our housing stock and rehabbing foreclosed and HUD homes, active TIFA, DDA, Beautification on Michigan Avenue, Master Plans, studies complete on capital projects, Obama, Stimulus, School District creating Synergy, WE ARE MOVING !

Again, I want to commend those residents who have stepped up to the plate in helping shape your city's future. As I enter my ninth year of service as your Mayor and 20th year as an elected official, I have to say these are some challenging times, but it creates some great opportunities let the essence of Inkster come alive. "A community coming together as one." I remain grateful and honor to serve thank you for your love and friendship it strengthens me.

God Bless You and the Great City of Inkster move from a controlling centralize uniform