Now that my second year on the City Council is complete, I wanted to create a brief review of the notable items we encountered in 2017.  For more information just click on the month for the full blog post and relevant links.

February

• At my request, the council approved an initiative to set up a live streaming system for our public meetings; further utilizing modern technology for increased convenience and transparency (I’m still waiting for this to be installed).
• The council approved re-naming the pocket park near 4400 South and I-84 to “Lions Centennial Park”, honoring the club that often helps the city and it’s residents with service projects and donations.
• The February 7th meeting marked the only time this year that I voted against the majority of the council.  It was regarding a lease agreement with the owner of a cell phone tower at our Public Works facility.  I still feel good about my position on this; read more about it in my February blog post if you’re interested in the details.

March

• The council adjusted landscape requirements in an effort to make the code more user friendly.

May

• The council approved a re-zone of the Coleman Family Property on Ritter Dr.

June

• The council approved a balanced budget while providing the good services and amenities that residents have come to expect.

July

• The council approved a site plan for Riverdale Assisted Living on the west end of Ritter Dr.  The development of this property in the future will greatly assist our goal of re-building Ritter Drive into a better, safer road.

September

• The council approved a development plan for the Coleman property subdivision. The development of this property, like the future assisted living development, will greatly assist our goal of re-building Ritter Drive into a better, safer road.

November

• The East Bench area of Riverdale experienced a landslide event on the hillside just west of 600 West and about 4850 South.  As of this writing the situation does not appear to be over, and a resolution for impacted citizens is yet to be determined.  A very unfortunate situation indeed.  I am confident the council has provided the staff with the resources they need to deal with this, and I hope that these citizens can find satisfaction in the end, no matter what that entails for any entity.  I know the council will be watching this closely.  I am currently working on a proposal to use the City RDA as a tool to help residents who have been evacuated for structural safety concerns (this effort is in the early stages, but I will keep after it).
• The council approved the municipal election canvass results.  Mayor Searle was elected to a second term, Councilmember Ellis was elected to a second term and Councilmember Stevens was elected to his first term.

December

• The council approved a budget amendment of $125,000.00 to help with costs related to the landslide event (including $26,400.00 for a geo-technical study to help monitor and predict the soil situation).

OTHER…

Some interesting new items the city got this year include a firetruck, backhoe, vacuum excavator and a backup generator.

Some less exciting agreements we renewed this year included towing services, garbage disposal, animal shelter, juvenile court and a police strike force.

Some items of interest to watch for in the future include the beginning of a new development where Best Burger was, more new stores in the Town Square development, a new neighborhood near Ritter Drive, finished pocket park on 4400 S, a new water well, results of a fire district study, beginning the re-build of part of Ritter Drive, interest in development of some land south of the city building for recreation, live streaming of public meetings and all of the other usual Riverdale happenings.

I have been honored to participate with the direction of our community in 2017.  I really enjoy working with the administration, council and staff; but my favorite part is when I get to interact with residents and hear their concerns or ideas about Riverdale.  I love getting more input that can help me shape my positions on the issues and make decisions.

Thanks for your support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time, for any reason!  Happy New Year!