Waukesha Mayor Delivers 'Happy' City Message in State of City Address

Mayor Jeff Scrima gave the following speech to the Waukesha Common Council for the State of the City message during Tuesday's meeting. Wednesday, April 20, marks Scrima's first year holding public office.

"Happy families are all alike," Scrima said. "They have meaningful work, responsible finances, reliable systems and clear goals.

"In the same way, since cities are in some way larger families, happy cities have meaningful work, responsible finances, reliable systems and clear goals.

"We get it. As council and mayor, your priorities are our priorities.

"Meaningful Work: We are reaching out to investment and business. With city incentives, Waukesha Electric and Weldall Manufacturing are currently expanding, which will add over 325 new family supporting jobs in our community. The community development office and mayor’s office are currently and aggressively focusing on the redevelopment of gateway properties along our east side, and the redevelopment of the Barstow Street and Fox River site downtown, which will also spur job growth.

"Responsible Finances: As your locally elected representatives, we understand the struggles you face and that you are paying the bill. Our costs will be going up as existing contracts, for over 80 percent of our city employees, include zero percent retirement contributions as well as salary increases through the end of 2012.

"At the same time our revenue will be going down as the state is reducing our funding by approximately $1.5 million in 2012. You, the citizens, deserve all city elected representatives to find a solution – a solution which does not reduce services and does not raise taxes, over borrow or add new fees."

"Reliable Systems: Our application for a Great Lakes diversion is currently under evaluation by the DNR. Whatever our drinking water source ends up being, we need to fully understand the cost to our community, now and 30 years from now. As council and mayor, we will remain actively involved in the process.

"In the event that the DNR or Great Lakes governors turn down our application, it’s only reasonable that we have a plan B and plan C. The simple truth is that we do have multiple options. In the end, the citizens will decide the supply source.

"Clear Goals: Our assessor’s office will complete a citywide re-assessment, which they will mail out April 22 and take property owner questions through May 23. Our attorney’s office will update our municipal code. Our clerk’s office, finance office and information technology department will implement a new tax and finance system.

"Our public works department will complete an independent review on the efficiency of our bus system and remain committed to recycling. Our public work department will also construct flood mitigation for the College and Harvey Avenue neighborhood, rebuild five streets, resurface five streets and improve response times for fixing potholes.

"Our community development office will oversee the new downtown master plan and increase efforts in code enforcement. Our fire department will relocate fire station no. 2. Our police department will increase emergency responder cameras and conduct the second bilingual citizen police academy.

"Our library will increase book collections and wireless service and hold another community book festival. Our park and recreation department will complete our comprehensive bike-pedestrian plan and re-apply for a National Gold Medal Award.

"Our mayor’s office will continue to focus on cultivating business and cultural vitality and assist individual citizens.

"Since cities are in some way larger families, happy cities have meaningful work, responsible, reliable systems and clear goals.

"As council and mayor , your priorities, the citizens priorities. I encourage you, the citizens to contact your aldermen to get real-time feedback. Please also feel free to stop by the mayor’s office, call the mayor’s office or e-mail us through our City Hall website.

"Together, the council and mayor, as your elected officials can and will create a better place to live and prosper. Together we are committed to restoring the city to the way it out to be. Let’s get to work. Thank you."