State of the County Address - Live blog

Greetings from the State of the County Address at Northwest High School. We've enjoyed a tasty breakfast and are awaiting the address.

The Northwest Student Council members are describing the achievements of the Northwest School District. For the past 5 years Northwest has achieved the distinction and achievement award. A major component of this award is a 95% attendance record. Northwest athletes have also excelled and won many titles. The student body is also strongly involved in the community with donations of both time and money. The success at Northwest is based on teamwork between the students and faculty.

Superintendent of Schools Paul Ziegler is offering a welcome address. Northwest school district has strong community support but with that comes strong expectations. Northwest has met these expectations through awards to schools and the school board. The school board members were recognized by the group.

Chuck Banks is introduced and this is my summary of his comments.

It's a pleasure to bring the address to Northwest High School. Our schools from k-college are a key to success in Jefferson County. Dr. Watts of Jefferson College was recognized. Students and staff of Northwest High School were recognized for their hard work.

JCGDA Board and Sarah Davis were recognized for their hard work in making this happen. The library blog was acknowledged along with KJFF and JCTV. Other sponsors were recognized along with elected officials. Jefferson County government staff were also acknowledged.

2008 was a year of destruction. Record flooding displaced families along the Big and Meramec River. The slowing economy and high fuel prices scared home buyers. Everywhere was changing - especially on Nov 4th. Everything changed in administration including Jefferson County's basic form of government.

The best word to describe now is renaissance. JC is in a time of rebirth. We have opened many new government facilities. 2009 is a balanced budget but the process was the worst ever. All of the revenue was down except for court fees. We had to reduce 10 positions as a very last resort. Most were middle management which made this the best choice. Many workers are now doing more work for the same pay. We are asking for sacrifices but no one is complaining.

We are not asking for more fees or more taxes. We are asking citizens to support their county by shopping in Jefferson County. There are new stores opening all the time. By passing the Bluffs and visiting Jeffco shops you can make a difference. When you spend in St. Louis County you pay for their services. When you shop in JC you make your services better.

The county commission is no more - dissolved 11/18.2008. The new process has slowed things down but it is essential to get everything in place for new county council in 2010. The charter government has put a lot on the plate since every law and rule must be revisiting . The Sullivan group has been hired to assist in the codification process to put all the new laws into a county code.

The county building commission has seen the departure of several key members who gave a lot to the county. The services of Danny and Cliff were recognized. The Building Commission is now a Code Commission which will be in place by March 2009. This group will have the power to regulate and license all skilled contractors. They will enforce the building code. This group will not be a bureacratic obstacle to growth.

Beginning in March, the public safety commission will be formed from emergency responders. Their mission is to prepare a disaster plan for the county. They will have the power to set training and standards for emergency responders. The pledge is that none of these rules and regulations will impact growth.

All county employees are now employed under a merit system per the charter. The plan will be in place by the end of the year.

2008 saw a large turnout for the election. It marked the first time a presidential candidate had a full time staff in Jefferson County. The local elected officials were mentioned along with the positions that they hold which are very powerful and give strong opportunities to follow JC interests.

The EDC had a banner year. We closed on more SBA loans last year than in the previous 5 years. We closed on 90 homes through the first time home buyers program. We helped 20 families rehabilitate their homes. We have met all the ratios for HUD entitlement programs which leads to increased funds.

How does the future look? Still most of our workers leave the county each day. The two cement plants that are opening should bring lots of work. The new Doe Run access will lead to growth and prevent hazards to the community. Something is going to happen at the PPG site in Crystal City. Whether with becomes an ore processor or sports destination, there are developers interested. We can see a major transportation hub right here. We must present a united front to assure these developments. All of these developments must meet very strict environmental controls so the health of our citizens is not compromised. We must address climate change but not destroy the American dream in doing so.

We must clean up the mistakes of the past. The Herculaneum and Hematite sites are being cleaned up and this process provides work to county residents. The transition to public sewer systems is too slow. Just because there isn't sewage on the lawn doesn't mean your septic system is working ok. The county will work with everyone to access sewers where available.

The FEMA buyout program is available for 34 homes. It is completely voluntary. All of our parks were hit by the flooding. Winter park is still closed and should be open by end of summer. The disaster declaration covers repairs. The Parks Dept is not affected by the charter and all programs are in full swing.

Transportation is very important. We will replace or repair 13 bridges in county. Priorities remain from 21 and MM/M. We have projects on the shelf for the potential stimulus money.

Dennis Murphy with JCCP is working towards the creation of the first county public transit system. The bus has been ordered and the route begins in December. The route will run from DeSoto to Arnold with stops all along the way. This is just the beginning. If you believe public transportation is important - fill out the survey at jccp.org. These surveys are needed for grants. We have to do this ourselves since Metro isn't coming.

We must also protect ourselves from stray and rabid animals. Cathy Brake has formed ADOPT with a goal of having a new adoption center to make it no kill for all stray animals. You should support this worthwhile cause with the attendance at fundraisers and meetings.

Mastodon Arts and Science Fair is coming up. This is the largest fair of its kind in the nation and perhaps the world. It is happening right here at Jefferson College.

Sadly last year we lost two of our finest young soldiers in the war, but we elected our first african american president who ran on a platform of hope. We can build and renew because we have the best people. I am positive about our future and excited to be a part of it. It is a privilege to serve you. God bless America and Jefferson County.

The event concluded with a live performance from the first act of the spring musical, Pirates of Captain Brie, by the Northwest Drama Club.

Thanks for being a part of our live blogging experience! Please feel free to contact me if you have an event you would like to be covered in this blog. meredith@jeffersoncountylibrary.og