Mayor Dick Norton presented his State of the City address Jan. 27 at Raintree Country Club. The theme of the presentation was “Thriving in ‘09.”
“In 2009, I am pleased to report that Green not only survived, but has thrived. Thriving means building our future – not only bricks and mortar and concrete and asphalt, but also expanding businesses and jobs” said Norton. “Thriving also means giving back- as a community we continue to be generous with our time and money and this builds a sense of neighbor helping neighbor. And of course, thriving means uniting a community through increased services and programs.”
The first topic Norton addressed was the city’s financial overview from 2009. He reported Green’s income tax revenue was down 4.5 percent or $800,000, but also saw an increase in property tax, inheritance tax, bed tax and other local government funding revenues. The city spent 9.75 percent less in 2009 than in 2008 totaling $18.9 million.
“First and foremost, it makes sense in these economic times. We were anticipating less revenue; therefore, we reduced spending accordingly,” Norton said. “These budget reductions began in the beginning of the year when we reevaluated each budget and deferred spending on items less essential to our three goals – maintain a 6-month cash reserve, maintain a high level of service, and no layoffs to city employees.”
Upcoming projects
Norton discussed several projects accomplished in 2009, the Central Administration Building, the roundabout project, the resurfacing of 10 miles of pavement throughout Green, opening the Freda Hunter Bates Pavilion at Boettler Park, completing Ariss Park and replacing two 20- year old trucks for the highway fleet.
Norton said the major upcoming projects include the construction of a restroom and concession stand at the Spring Hill Sports Complex, and if funding permits, the construction of a restroom at Ariss Park.
Also coming in 2010 the resurfacing of three segments of Massillon Road from Mount Pleasant to Koons Road, Stake Drive to Wise Road, and Graybill Road north into Akron, a sanitary sewer project on Massillon Road between Wise Road and Stake Drive, and the biggest project, the widening of Arlington Road and reconstruction of the intersection of Arlington and State Route 619.
Regarding business growth in the City, Norton announced Ritzman Pharmacy will move into the Sky Bank branch location on Massillon Road this spring.
Thriving Means Giving Back
“I am continually amazed and astounded at the generosity of our neighbors. Even when times are tough, Green, as a whole, continues to be generous with our time and money. In fact, we in Summit County, Ohio have one of the highest per capita giving for philanthropy in the nation,” said Norton.
He said during several events in 2009 Green residents gave time and money back to their community. He said the Stewart’s Caring Place fundraiser raised more than $240,000 for the cancer caring center. He cited The Dane Foundation’s hosting of the Kandy Kane Xpress Holiday Festival which raised $5,000 through which the foundation helped every family requesting help through the holidays.
Norton’s speech recognized accomplishments accredited to several high school students throughout 2009, specifically Green High School’s Academic Challenge Team. The team placed first in Ohio and sixth in the nation at the National Academic Challenge in Orlando, Florida.
He mentioned Becky Carmen, Brandon Tate, Nick Kozak, Matt Hillman and Lauren Buser for their scout projects.
Norton recognized Jessica Clements, a Green resident and a soldier who was injured in Iraq in May 2004 when her vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. She was severely injured and only given a 2 percent chance of survival. She overcame many obstacles and graduated from Akron University this past December with a degree in social work. She hopes to help disabled veterans in the future.
“She is truly an inspiration to all of us and an amazing woman with an attitude that nothing will get in her way,” said Norton.
Norton acknowledged Les and Donna Kuglics Matthew Kuglics parents and recalled the ceremony he attended this past October at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
“I was honored to be a part of a ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton to honor Special Staff Sergeant Matthew Kuglics who was killed in the line of duty in 2007,” said Norton. “The base renamed a street in memory of him and I was invited to attend the very moving ceremony with Matthew’s parents and sister Emily, family and friends. I said to the Kuglics family you can take solace in the fact that we are committed to never forget – so we won’t.”
Norton said he received a letter from a classmate of Kuglics, Samantha Kelley, who inquired about building a memorial park honoring Green’s servicemen and women to remember not only those who served but also to offer a place to gather for reflection. Norton said this letter sparked the formation of the committee to construct the new Veteran’s Memorial Park. The design and planning of this park is currently underway and will be dedicated at one the local parks in Green on Nov. 11.
Mayor Norton’s entire speech can be read on the city’s Web site at cityofgreen.org.
