Minutes 10/09/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Libraries RecogAizing the need for upgrading library facilities in the City and in the area, a new library was constructed on Church Street which is well-staffed and equipped. In addition, new libraries have been constructed in Stuart and in Ridgeway, all of which add to the community.I Schools and Education The Council, School Board and Administration have been concerned with the loss of school-age population. The reasons for this loss in population are generally the same as those related to the apparent drop in the general population. However, there is a feeling that the population drop rate has diminished greatly and perhaps has stabilized at its current level. Over the years the Council and School Board have taken seriously the need for quality education in the City. Council has appropriated money as requested by the School Board to assure that the best education possible is afforded the citizens of the City. How- ever, it is recognized that there are concerns related to education such as those cited in the Rating Guide and which were commented upon in my memorandum (see attached) to Council dated May 10, 1990. In recognition of these concerns, members of Council and the School Board are studying the education system and policies in an effort to develop specific recommendations of ways in which the matters involving education as cited in the attached memorandum could be analyzed and addressed in a mean- ingful way. The Board and Council recognize that education is a vital part of our community and contributes greatly to the quality of life in the City. It is also recognized that educa- tion also has great bearing on the economic stability of the community, in that well-trained and educated persons are needed to fill currect jobs and positions as well as those that will come about through growth and development. UTILITY FACILITIES Utilities are vital community facilities which enable the City to function and -develop. Considerable capital investment is required to provide needed utilities. The City has invested over the years large amounts of funds in providing water, sewer- age and electric facilities to meet the needs of the community, the cost of which has been largely paid for from user charges. The utility systems have been expanded in a timely manner over the years to meet projected demands of these systems. These systems have also been maintained properly, thereby insuring that reliable service is available to the user of these utili- ties. It is recognized that efficient water, sewer and electric service is essential to the growth and development of any com- munity. The City is fortunate in being in a position of provid- ing water and sewer service to consumers at relatively low rates. Even though the City's electric rates equal those of APCo, fairly large amounts of profits are transferred to the General Fund which has helped in keeping real estate taxes at a relatively low rate. 7