As I said last year, one of the luxuries of retirement is being able to attend all meetings. I have maintained a perfect attendance as of this writing.
The Olympic Avenue revitalization is on schedule for this spring. That means our main street will be spruced up. It will also be nice to step out of your car on Olympic Avenue, without stepping upward to get out.
The merging of the two Chambers without Smokey Point losing its identity is bringing the city together. This is not just a standard chamber of commerce; it is a highly progressive group working for the betterment of businesses and community alike.
We have a new public works director named Len Olive, from the Prothman Group, a new public utilities manager named Jim Kelly from California and a new city engineer named Menglou Wang from the Covington, Wash. area.
Director Len Olive has put together a management team with vast experience in all phases of public works. As a Public Utilities Committee member, it has been a distinct pleasure watching as this team of management and staff pulls together in solving some of the issues that the city faces.
The Transfer of Development Rights Plan to save the Stilly Valley entrance into the city on Hwy. 530 appears to be moving forward.
The Parks Master Plan is nearing completion, after much work by the PARC Commission and city staff.
Elections are coming up again this year, which brings a lot of walking, door knocking, putting up signs and repairing of same.
I could probably write a lot more, but word count tallies up fast.
Richard (Dick) Butner
Arlington City Council No. 6