Mr. Fallert comments on the loss of jobs due to the closing of the automotive plants, and the need to develop replacements for those jobs. appreciates the support he has received from people in Jefferson and St. Geneieve counties.
Mr. Govero thanks Sarah Davis for work with JCGDA, and efforts in promoting 'Shop Jefferson County'; they are working on another economic forum; he invites everyone to become involved. He asks for questions for the first three speakers. Question from audience ? 350 million to be cut from budget--is that the governor's responsibility, or the legislature. Mr. Roorda replies that the gov. can sign all the bills, and then do 'withholds' to get the budget balanced; he may also call the legislative back for a special session. Noted that 300 million of the deficit is from 'sinking' state revenue; notes that it is the governor's decision where and what to cut. Mr. Roorda thinks this year will be 'worst' year--held back 300 million to use next year--so doesn't expect next to be the 'worst' year. He says they are trying to be optimistic--questioner from audience about a ripple effect of the cuts in state jobs--says there is ripple effect from state job cuts.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Roorda is commenting that many programs are at risk; including Meals on Wheels, Parents as Teachers and many other valuable / essential programs are facing severe cuts. He got five bills passed--dealing with drugs, ambulance requirements, fire districts, and merger of Highway and Water patrols. Worked on DWI bill and worked with Springfield representative to get it passed. Noted will get 62 new 'fresh faces' in Legislature next year.
Mr. Govero is asking for support for the upcoming 21th Annual Golf Classic on June 14 at Deer Creek Golf Club. Is asking for support for the 'Shop Jefferson County' program.
Next speaker is Joe Fallert Jr--jokes that he could leave off the Jr.--since his dad wouldn't stand up here for a million bucks--audience laughs. Remarks that the term limits causes the loss of a lot of institutional knowledge--are losing a lot of experienced legislators. Noted non-binding resolutions that the Legislation passed--the 'Non-binding Session' of the legislature. He has received a lot of information from representatives of local organizations about the need for services.
Mr. Govero is asking for support for the upcoming 21th Annual Golf Classic on June 14 at Deer Creek Golf Club. Is asking for support for the 'Shop Jefferson County' program.
Next speaker is Joe Fallert Jr--jokes that he could leave off the Jr.--since his dad wouldn't stand up here for a million bucks--audience laughs. Remarks that the term limits causes the loss of a lot of institutional knowledge--are losing a lot of experienced legislators. Noted non-binding resolutions that the Legislation passed--the 'Non-binding Session' of the legislature. He has received a lot of information from representatives of local organizations about the need for services.
JCGDA Legislative Forum
May 21, 2010
Belinda Harris is the first speaker; this is her last year as representative of the 110th district; thanks everyone for their past support. This year has been very difficult because of the budget issues. There could be a special session to work on balancing the budget. The governor will be looking at making cuts in June; the fiscal year starts July 1. If cuts are not made, witholdings may have to be made, which causes problems for local government budgets. Ms Harris concludes remarks--notes problems with balancing budget, and finding ways to cut expenses.
Mr. Govero thanks Eagle Bank and Jefferson College for sponsoring and hosting the event.
Next speaker is Jeff Roorda-rep of 102 district. Thanks Belinda Harris for service; discusses problems with budget challenges.Notes he has tried to work with both Republicans and Democrats. Governor is left with lot of problems to balance the budget; legislature has made cuts, but there are a lot of hard decisions to make yet.
Belinda Harris is the first speaker; this is her last year as representative of the 110th district; thanks everyone for their past support. This year has been very difficult because of the budget issues. There could be a special session to work on balancing the budget. The governor will be looking at making cuts in June; the fiscal year starts July 1. If cuts are not made, witholdings may have to be made, which causes problems for local government budgets. Ms Harris concludes remarks--notes problems with balancing budget, and finding ways to cut expenses.
Mr. Govero thanks Eagle Bank and Jefferson College for sponsoring and hosting the event.
Next speaker is Jeff Roorda-rep of 102 district. Thanks Belinda Harris for service; discusses problems with budget challenges.Notes he has tried to work with both Republicans and Democrats. Governor is left with lot of problems to balance the budget; legislature has made cuts, but there are a lot of hard decisions to make yet.
Jefferson County Growth and Development Association-Legislative Forum
May 21, 2010
7:30 a.m.
Dan Govero, president of JCGDA opens the meeting at 8:00
Representatives present: Belinda Harris, 110th district; Joe Fallert, Jr, 104th district; Sam Komo, 90th district; Michael Frame, 105th district; Jeff Roorda, 102 district.
7:30 a.m.
Dan Govero, president of JCGDA opens the meeting at 8:00
Representatives present: Belinda Harris, 110th district; Joe Fallert, Jr, 104th district; Sam Komo, 90th district; Michael Frame, 105th district; Jeff Roorda, 102 district.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Live Blog Coming of the JCGDA Legislative Forum on 5/21/10
Keep an eye on this space on 5/21 for live blogging of the Jefferson County Growth and Development Association Legislative Forum starting @ 7:30 a.m. I will be teaching a computer class so my boss, Elizabeth will be guest blogging the event.
If you would like to attend the legislative forum in person, please contact Sarah Davis, JCGDA Executive Director, at 636-282-0673 or 314-210-0211. Visit www.jcgda.org for more information.
If you would like to attend the legislative forum in person, please contact Sarah Davis, JCGDA Executive Director, at 636-282-0673 or 314-210-0211. Visit www.jcgda.org for more information.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Jefferson County Library Provides Resources for Job Seekers Online
Jefferson County Library will launch a new online resource March 1st that offers job seekers live, one-on-one coaching sessions with certified career specialists and tutors. The Adult Career Center from Tutor.com includes live, one-on-one career coaching, including help writing or revising a resume, completing an online job application, or preparing for a job interview. Adults may also connect with a tutor for help with career retraining classes, preparing for the GED, or the citizenship test.
This online resource is available at the library or from home at no charge to residents and cardholders of the Jefferson County Library’s Fox-Windsor and Northwest subdistricts. You must have a valid JCL library card to access the resource. Those who live outside the active subdistricts may purchase a nonresident family card for $60 per year in lieu of property taxes paid to support the library. The nonresident card also may be paid in quarterly installments of $15.
The live, online coaching and resume writing service, and supporting resource library, is now available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Jefferson County Library web site. JCL librarians have created a whole new portal on the web site called Job Seeking Resources, which includes the Adult Career Center from Tutor.com and other Database Resources, as well as numerous Internet Career Links to web sites with helpful information for job seekers. Go to the JCL web site at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org and click on the Job Seeking Resources graphic in the slideshow at the center of the front page.
This online resource is available at the library or from home at no charge to residents and cardholders of the Jefferson County Library’s Fox-Windsor and Northwest subdistricts. You must have a valid JCL library card to access the resource. Those who live outside the active subdistricts may purchase a nonresident family card for $60 per year in lieu of property taxes paid to support the library. The nonresident card also may be paid in quarterly installments of $15.
The live, online coaching and resume writing service, and supporting resource library, is now available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Jefferson County Library web site. JCL librarians have created a whole new portal on the web site called Job Seeking Resources, which includes the Adult Career Center from Tutor.com and other Database Resources, as well as numerous Internet Career Links to web sites with helpful information for job seekers. Go to the JCL web site at www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org and click on the Job Seeking Resources graphic in the slideshow at the center of the front page.
Friday, January 29, 2010
State of the County 1/29/2010
Thankfully the snow stayed away and everything is set to go off as scheduled. Turnout is very nice for such a cold morning.
We have had the invocation by John McCaherty and the national anthem by the Northwest High School Choir. The colors were presented by Cub Scout Pack 720 from Murphy Elementary School And now we are taking a pause for breakfast.
The student council president, Alissa Eagen and vice-president, Phoebe Heibeck are welcoming everyone to Northwest High School. They are giving a capsule history of the school district and highlighting the achievements of the Northwest District. The district has earned awards of distinction in performance for the past seven years. Student organizations are very active in supporting community charities and events.
Dr. Paul Ziegler, superintendent of the Northwest School District is now speaking. Last spring the board of education was recognized with a leadership award by the state of Missouri, one of only 11 in the state. The school board members are being recognized. Cedar Springs Elementary was selected as a national blue ribbon school, recognizing being in the top 1% of schools nationwide. Principal Jeff Boyer was recognized as a top principal in the state.
Now County Executive Chuck Banks is speaking. This is my best approximation of his words.
Thank you to all the businesses that sponsored this event. Without their support this great event wouldn't be as wonderful.
Thank you to the Northwest High school administration and students. T.C. Powers representing Senator Carnahan. Senator Ryan Mckenna, State Representative Sam Komo, State Representative Jeff Roorda, State Representative Michael Frank, State Representative Belinda Harris, Mayor Frank Rowland - Hillsoboro, County Executive Ed Kemp, Recorder of Deeds Marlene Castle, County Treasurer Mark Abel, County Auditor Dorothy Stafford, County Collector Beth Mahn, Public Administrator Bruce King were among the public officials acknowledged. Jefferson County staff were also acknowledged.
The Jefferson County Growth Development Association is the voice for business. The Board of Directors is made up of business members of the county. It's goal is to promote and retain business. We need to do more to get the limited dollars for development out there. Working with State Representative Komo the JCGDA established an advisory committee to work with creating a one voice agenda to take to our legislators. The initial report was a call to action for one plan, one voice.
These are the outcomes of that group. Feb 11th in room 301 at Arnold Branch of Jefferson College is the first forum to discuss the goals below which resulted from the call to action.
- Better communication
- Improved infrastructure
- Business development
- Workforce development
JCGDA is a member driven organization that needs your help to succeed. We need you to make the region succeed.
Now let's talk about the county. Our budget is balanced, the bond rating is A. Though revenues have been reduced the county has proposed no new taxes. In order to balance the budget, no salary increases for the third straight year.
Jefferson county is a county in transition from commission form of government to charter government. The charter has specific things that had to be done during the transition. We were responsible for doing all of this. This seemed daunting with this obligation with shrinking resources. But our phenomenal staff rose to the challenge.
Director of Administration Steve Stoll captured 1.9 million dollars in federal stimulus money. Plus 1.9 million in energy money will put people to work without any increased expenditures.
Martin Toma and his staff rebuilt the Code Commission and redid the Unified Development Order. His entire department cares about the environment and the impact of development on the land. They have developed watershed plans working with the Department of Conservation. The planning process helped secure 850 acre donation to the MO parks system. We have a goal of developing a plan for all watersheds in Jefferson county.
When I was elected there was a plan committee for scenic byways along highway 21. Once the plan was drafted a series of hearings were held. These were attended by people from other states who had bad experiences with the property restrictions of scenic byways. Which raised valid concerns. I am proposing that the county council drop all scenic byway issues, the new law on billboards will address the major concerns. The scenic byway had the best of intentions but should be no more.
Animal control is protecting the public from diseased and dangerous animals. It means responsibility for every aspect of a pet's life. Our staff brings animals to our facilities where they are treated humanely. Investigators are trained in evidence and tickets. We need to do more. There are a core group of animal supporters having an invitation only forum March 20th at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. ADOPT is working towards a privately owned facility - they have our full support. Having a fully funded new facility is in our capital plan. I do not support giving public land to private use to avoid wage / building laws for public facilities.
Our emergency management staff is only two people. They oversaw the new 12 member public safety commission. They created the emergency plan with no cost to the public. They used grant money to rehab a building in Herculaneum for the HazMat team. When they clean up a spill, the person who spilled it pays for it. The cost to the public is zero. We are blessed to have Susan and Gina on our team.
Our municipal court has been reinvented. They have worked to keep enforcement at the local level, where we get the fines revenue. This has increased workload and they have risen to the challenge.
The Director of Public Works and his staff run a tight ship. Bill moved quickly to get federal stimulus money. Since we did so well with the first, we are in line to get money to work on completing Lions Den Rd. There are 17 projects in line for 2010 but they will carry over into 2011.
The Parks Department operates 11 facilities on a less than 3 cent level. They lit the fields at the Northwest sports complex and addressed flood issues. At the end of 2009 we established park rules and brought enforcement into the courts.
The Ecomic Development Commission achieved its ratios within the HUD entitlement program, 30 families were assisted by the first time home buyers program. 50 homes were selected for rehab. Many businesses received SBA loans. DeSoto and Herculaneum will receive neighborhood stabilization money to rehab foreclosed homes to sell to the underprivileged.
Unemployment is near 11%. We need to encourage home building. We developed a one stop shop for developers but we need to also do more for the homeowner. I am committed to finding a way to help 2nd and 3rd homebuyers buy a home in Jefferson county.
Last fall over 5800 students enrolled in Jefferson College which set attendance records. 5th consecutive period the college has received the highest accreditation possible. The college has extended workforce training opportunities to help in these trying times. The college will be rehabing its old building in Imperial to help address the needs with the huge growth. Many rightfully refer to the college as the county' s crown jewel.
We are home to the largest arts and science fair in the US. Last year 100% of our schools participated.
Comtrea is the greatest mental health agency in the county. The Betty Seeley building opened this year and already helps 500 families. They have continued work with the sheriff's department to address domestic violence.
Jefferson Regional Medical Center has been recognized as top 5% for patient safety. It continues to be the largest employer in the county. It is expanding in communities to the south.
Let's look to the future but first we must look back. Back in 2000 JC was home to the largest polluter in the state, Doe Run. Lead provided jobs for 200 years, lead is our state minerals. All this production left Herculaneum contaminated. Doe Run, the county and the state worked together on an agreement. The citizens weren't happen and further investigation was demanded. Doe Run purchased every house within a quarter mile of the smelter among the willing. Doe Run invested millions of dollars in remediation. The company has made a commitment to make sure that the yards they have access to will be clean. They are working on a new route that will make it so the trucks won't have to go through town. This would require a new bridge. Doe Run is working on a new process to meet new guidelines, this may mean no production in Herculaneum.
Now they are looking for options for that site. One of the options is a port. Working with the Port Authority and several cities a study was done on the viability of a port in Jefferson County. It is quite feasible to build a port with multiple sites in Jefferson County. If completed over the next 30 years it could have billions of dollars in impact in Jefferson county. We are proposing turning the site of the largest polluter in JC into one of the greenest most efficient transportation sites. Each site would represent 300 million dollars in construction works. There is a potential for 6,000 jobs.
The Crystal City mine has national impact. The ore there is unique and only found elsewhere in China. There will be a pipeline to deliver the ore to the processing plant and the product will move out by barge. This will be a very green project. The two largest cement producers in the country are in southern Jefferson county. They have produced quality cement for over 100 years.
In these trying times, the future is in manufacturing and Jefferson County is poised to take center stage in goods and transportation.
The state of Jefferson County is solid and the future is bright. I am so proud to be a part of it. God bless America and Jefferson County.
Brian Mann of Chapel Hill Mortuary is introducing the entertainment. The Northwest High School show choir is performing.
Now, they are sharing a video of the outpouring of support for the families of the five soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan from Jefferson County: Michael R. Patton, J. Habsieger, Brandon Wallace, Edward W. Forrest, William (Brian) Woods, Jr., The crowd gave a standing ovation to our heroes.
We have had the invocation by John McCaherty and the national anthem by the Northwest High School Choir. The colors were presented by Cub Scout Pack 720 from Murphy Elementary School And now we are taking a pause for breakfast.
The student council president, Alissa Eagen and vice-president, Phoebe Heibeck are welcoming everyone to Northwest High School. They are giving a capsule history of the school district and highlighting the achievements of the Northwest District. The district has earned awards of distinction in performance for the past seven years. Student organizations are very active in supporting community charities and events.
Dr. Paul Ziegler, superintendent of the Northwest School District is now speaking. Last spring the board of education was recognized with a leadership award by the state of Missouri, one of only 11 in the state. The school board members are being recognized. Cedar Springs Elementary was selected as a national blue ribbon school, recognizing being in the top 1% of schools nationwide. Principal Jeff Boyer was recognized as a top principal in the state.
Now County Executive Chuck Banks is speaking. This is my best approximation of his words.
Thank you to all the businesses that sponsored this event. Without their support this great event wouldn't be as wonderful.
Thank you to the Northwest High school administration and students. T.C. Powers representing Senator Carnahan. Senator Ryan Mckenna, State Representative Sam Komo, State Representative Jeff Roorda, State Representative Michael Frank, State Representative Belinda Harris, Mayor Frank Rowland - Hillsoboro, County Executive Ed Kemp, Recorder of Deeds Marlene Castle, County Treasurer Mark Abel, County Auditor Dorothy Stafford, County Collector Beth Mahn, Public Administrator Bruce King were among the public officials acknowledged. Jefferson County staff were also acknowledged.
The Jefferson County Growth Development Association is the voice for business. The Board of Directors is made up of business members of the county. It's goal is to promote and retain business. We need to do more to get the limited dollars for development out there. Working with State Representative Komo the JCGDA established an advisory committee to work with creating a one voice agenda to take to our legislators. The initial report was a call to action for one plan, one voice.
These are the outcomes of that group. Feb 11th in room 301 at Arnold Branch of Jefferson College is the first forum to discuss the goals below which resulted from the call to action.
- Better communication
- Improved infrastructure
- Business development
- Workforce development
JCGDA is a member driven organization that needs your help to succeed. We need you to make the region succeed.
Now let's talk about the county. Our budget is balanced, the bond rating is A. Though revenues have been reduced the county has proposed no new taxes. In order to balance the budget, no salary increases for the third straight year.
Jefferson county is a county in transition from commission form of government to charter government. The charter has specific things that had to be done during the transition. We were responsible for doing all of this. This seemed daunting with this obligation with shrinking resources. But our phenomenal staff rose to the challenge.
Director of Administration Steve Stoll captured 1.9 million dollars in federal stimulus money. Plus 1.9 million in energy money will put people to work without any increased expenditures.
Martin Toma and his staff rebuilt the Code Commission and redid the Unified Development Order. His entire department cares about the environment and the impact of development on the land. They have developed watershed plans working with the Department of Conservation. The planning process helped secure 850 acre donation to the MO parks system. We have a goal of developing a plan for all watersheds in Jefferson county.
When I was elected there was a plan committee for scenic byways along highway 21. Once the plan was drafted a series of hearings were held. These were attended by people from other states who had bad experiences with the property restrictions of scenic byways. Which raised valid concerns. I am proposing that the county council drop all scenic byway issues, the new law on billboards will address the major concerns. The scenic byway had the best of intentions but should be no more.
Animal control is protecting the public from diseased and dangerous animals. It means responsibility for every aspect of a pet's life. Our staff brings animals to our facilities where they are treated humanely. Investigators are trained in evidence and tickets. We need to do more. There are a core group of animal supporters having an invitation only forum March 20th at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. ADOPT is working towards a privately owned facility - they have our full support. Having a fully funded new facility is in our capital plan. I do not support giving public land to private use to avoid wage / building laws for public facilities.
Our emergency management staff is only two people. They oversaw the new 12 member public safety commission. They created the emergency plan with no cost to the public. They used grant money to rehab a building in Herculaneum for the HazMat team. When they clean up a spill, the person who spilled it pays for it. The cost to the public is zero. We are blessed to have Susan and Gina on our team.
Our municipal court has been reinvented. They have worked to keep enforcement at the local level, where we get the fines revenue. This has increased workload and they have risen to the challenge.
The Director of Public Works and his staff run a tight ship. Bill moved quickly to get federal stimulus money. Since we did so well with the first, we are in line to get money to work on completing Lions Den Rd. There are 17 projects in line for 2010 but they will carry over into 2011.
The Parks Department operates 11 facilities on a less than 3 cent level. They lit the fields at the Northwest sports complex and addressed flood issues. At the end of 2009 we established park rules and brought enforcement into the courts.
The Ecomic Development Commission achieved its ratios within the HUD entitlement program, 30 families were assisted by the first time home buyers program. 50 homes were selected for rehab. Many businesses received SBA loans. DeSoto and Herculaneum will receive neighborhood stabilization money to rehab foreclosed homes to sell to the underprivileged.
Unemployment is near 11%. We need to encourage home building. We developed a one stop shop for developers but we need to also do more for the homeowner. I am committed to finding a way to help 2nd and 3rd homebuyers buy a home in Jefferson county.
Last fall over 5800 students enrolled in Jefferson College which set attendance records. 5th consecutive period the college has received the highest accreditation possible. The college has extended workforce training opportunities to help in these trying times. The college will be rehabing its old building in Imperial to help address the needs with the huge growth. Many rightfully refer to the college as the county' s crown jewel.
We are home to the largest arts and science fair in the US. Last year 100% of our schools participated.
Comtrea is the greatest mental health agency in the county. The Betty Seeley building opened this year and already helps 500 families. They have continued work with the sheriff's department to address domestic violence.
Jefferson Regional Medical Center has been recognized as top 5% for patient safety. It continues to be the largest employer in the county. It is expanding in communities to the south.
Let's look to the future but first we must look back. Back in 2000 JC was home to the largest polluter in the state, Doe Run. Lead provided jobs for 200 years, lead is our state minerals. All this production left Herculaneum contaminated. Doe Run, the county and the state worked together on an agreement. The citizens weren't happen and further investigation was demanded. Doe Run purchased every house within a quarter mile of the smelter among the willing. Doe Run invested millions of dollars in remediation. The company has made a commitment to make sure that the yards they have access to will be clean. They are working on a new route that will make it so the trucks won't have to go through town. This would require a new bridge. Doe Run is working on a new process to meet new guidelines, this may mean no production in Herculaneum.
Now they are looking for options for that site. One of the options is a port. Working with the Port Authority and several cities a study was done on the viability of a port in Jefferson County. It is quite feasible to build a port with multiple sites in Jefferson County. If completed over the next 30 years it could have billions of dollars in impact in Jefferson county. We are proposing turning the site of the largest polluter in JC into one of the greenest most efficient transportation sites. Each site would represent 300 million dollars in construction works. There is a potential for 6,000 jobs.
The Crystal City mine has national impact. The ore there is unique and only found elsewhere in China. There will be a pipeline to deliver the ore to the processing plant and the product will move out by barge. This will be a very green project. The two largest cement producers in the country are in southern Jefferson county. They have produced quality cement for over 100 years.
In these trying times, the future is in manufacturing and Jefferson County is poised to take center stage in goods and transportation.
The state of Jefferson County is solid and the future is bright. I am so proud to be a part of it. God bless America and Jefferson County.
Brian Mann of Chapel Hill Mortuary is introducing the entertainment. The Northwest High School show choir is performing.
Now, they are sharing a video of the outpouring of support for the families of the five soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan from Jefferson County: Michael R. Patton, J. Habsieger, Brandon Wallace, Edward W. Forrest, William (Brian) Woods, Jr., The crowd gave a standing ovation to our heroes.
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