State of the City Address

Below is the full text of the Mayor's State of the City Address, which was delivered tonight at 8:30 at Asbury Methodist Village.

A year ago I stood before you and asked for your strength and perseverance.  Following unprecedented winter storms in the midst of a downward facing economy, I delivered a speech of caution, warning of difficult choices that needed to be made for the long term health of this City.

Today I am happy to join with you in looking toward a brighter future.  While we have by no means rebounded to the level of service we enjoyed just a few years ago, we have emerged as a stronger, leaner Gaithersburg.

Later this evening you will enjoy a video that highlights many of the new developments in Gaithersburg.  Housing and commercial spaces are being built throughout the City, helping to fuel our economic recovery.  This new growth, combined with a strict adherence to a five year fiscal plan, is allowing us to stabilize our community, and position ourselves for future success.

Before I get too far along in my remarks, I would like to take a moment to recognize the City staff that make all of this possible.  Under the very capable leadership of City Manager Angel Jones, the men and women who are employed by the City accomplish remarkable things.  It makes me so proud to go out in the community and hear from our citizens about the level of service they enjoy.  From courteous and prompt attention, to effective leadership, to compassion, you tell us time and again what we already know:  we employ the best and the brightest.  They deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices they have made, and for the effort they put forth to make this City what it is.  Would all City employees please stand so we can give you a well-deserved round of applause?

It is also appropriate at this time to extend our formal thanks to our fellow elected officials.  Our senators and congressmen and state and county legislators have done a tremendous job protecting our interests and advocating on our behalf, despite their own very severe budget challenges.  We were encouraged with recent news that a state bond bill was approved allowing us to make much needed repairs and enhancements to our Water Park.  And with the help of the Maryland Municipal League, we appreciate the efforts of our state legislators to restore partial funding of highway user funds.  Can we please have a round of applause for all of the elected officials in the room who work tirelessly on our behalf?

2010 marked a milestone in public safety as we welcomed Mark Sroka as our new Police Chief.  An exhaustive national search provided us with the validation that Chief Sroka was the right choice for our community.  The Gaithersburg Police Department was reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies last year, earning Flagship Agency status along the way for a commitment to excellence.  Patrol areas have been added to existing beat plans, a reorganization has allowed for greater effectiveness and upward mobility, and a second canine unit has been added, thanks to the support of the Gaithersburg Police Foundation.

Several initiatives were launched in the past year, including an online child sexual predator sting operation that resulted in eleven arrests, a pedestrian safety enforcement effort along the North Frederick Avenue Corridor, and National Night Out programs in nine different communities. 

Embracing technology to enhance public safety, the Gaithersburg Police Department launched a new web-based system that allows citizens to report traffic offenses, has installed license plate reader units in patrol cars, and will soon be deploying public safety cameras in Olde Towne. 

Just last week the Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick corridor was recognized as being the ninth most secure community in the nation based on a study conducted by Farmer’s Insurance.  This recognition is reflective not only of our commitment to public safety, but of the collaboration that exists throughout the metropolitan area.

Emergency management continues to be an important and evolving undertaking.  Our response was put to the test as storms ripped through our community this past July and August.  Police and Public Works crews demonstrated that they excel in any situation.  Dozens of downed trees and debris needed to be cleaned up to make roads passable.  With power out at many City facilities, including City Hall, we were challenged by even the most basic of operations.  And yet to the extent we could, we returned the City to normal operations in record time.  I am especially appreciative of the outpouring of community support we received as efforts were made to help the residents who were displaced when a tree fell through the roof at the Flowers Apartments.  We don’t just call ourselves a CHARACTER COUNTS! City, we show it each and every day.

The storms of last winter and summer highlighted the need for better response and better communication by our electric provider.  Joining with other jurisdictions impacted by Pepco’s problematic record of service, we pressed for improvements and increased dialog.  We have held face to face meetings with Pepco representatives in recent months, and are encouraged by their initial response, with repairs beginning to be made and preemptive efforts launched to help minimize future outages.   

Education and opportunities for positive youth development remain key strategies in forging a sustainable community.  In 2010 we helped support a School-Community United in Partnership conference that focused on bullying, we conducted school supply and book drives for local elementary schools, we funded, mentoring, parental involvement and after-school programs, and we recognized best practices through our educational awards programs.  The Council and I reinforced our commitment to human services by making it a separate direction in this year’s Strategic Plan.  We continue to seek creative partnerships that allow us to offer as many safety net services as possible within our limited resources. 

We are excited with the construction that is about to take place at Gaithersburg High School.  We extend our appreciation to Superintendent Jerry Weast and the Board of Education for moving ahead with the much-needed renovations.  We look forward to watching the progress as this fine institution gets the modernization it deserves, matching its outside with the educational excellence that is occurring within.

Earlier I mentioned that new developments are contributing to the economic stability of Gaithersburg.  Our Planning and Code Department is at full throttle, with ground being moved throughout the City in places like the Crown Farm, Archstone at Olde Towne, the Residences at Hidden Creek, Spectrum at Watkins Mill, and Parklands. 

New growth opportunities coexist with an appreciation of our historic roots.  In 2010 we reorganized our Historic District Commission, recruiting members of the community to serve in an oversight function to safeguard our heritage.  A new full time staff liaison is in place to help move the Historic District Commission forward.

In Olde Towne we are looking forward to the development of the Y site and the former Fishman building site.  Coupled with the Archstone at Olde Towne mixed use development, the nearby Residences at Hidden Creek, and the expansion of the Enterprise Zone with incentives to help spur activity, we continue to see increased vitality in the City’s historic commercial center.

The build out of the Vistas section of Quince Orchard Park is progressing as this new development is integrated into the existing community.  We continue to witness the expansion of MedImmune, with adjacent properties being acquired and improvements taking place on their campus.  Kentlands remains a dynamic commercial hub, with several unique retailers opening in the past year, including our first chocolate factory, Spagnvola.

The Council and I continue to make economic development in Gaithersburg one of our top priorities.  Highlighting this past year were the moves of two important biotechnology companies into the Gaithersburg Accelerator, a public-private endeavor we share with Scheer Partners.  The Accelerator offers lab and office space in a unique shared environment.  Zyngenia and Integrated BioTherapeutics completed their moves into the space this past year.

The Economic Development Tool Box, launched in January of last year, is providing the funding necessary to allow for quick and decisive reaction to emerging opportunities.  A diversified array of grants, incentives and credits help existing businesses realize their potential and improve the marketability of commercial space.  It is already paying dividends.  MDA Information Systems, Inc., brought 200 high technology jobs to Gaithersburg, using Tool Box funds to help build out their new facility on Bureau Drive in a green manner. 

Last night we received an economic development report from Mike Knapp of Orion Ventures, LLC.  We contracted with Orion to help us chart a path for future economic success.  Through interviews with stakeholders, extensive research throughout the community, and hands-on listening exercises, Orion has provided a benchmark and laid the groundwork for future action.  The report provides an excellent base from which to start when the new Economic Development Director is hired.  The interview process for that position continues, and we are committed to hiring the best possible candidate with a skill set that enhances our capabilities.

Economic development is not just about new houses and office buildings.  It’s also about the economic health of our residents and local businesses.  In 2010 we enhanced our Bank On Gaithersburg program, working with financial institutions to offer no fee checking and savings accounts to unbanked residents of our community.  The program also includes a series of financial literacy workshops and free income tax assistance, helping some of the neediest in our community get on to a path of financial stability. 

While there are signs that the economy is improving, we know that there are many in our community still facing financial hardship.  Our housing initiatives include Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit programs at new and redeveloped properties, displaced household assistance, and housing counseling focused on eviction prevention.  We also continue our support of foreclosure counseling and prevention, and in partnership with other nonprofit organizations and agencies, we continue to offer workshops and housing fairs to educate our residents about their options for affordable housing.

After a 50 year wait, we finally get to celebrate that Gaithersburg is officially the terminus of the InterCounty Connector.  That deserves a round of applause.  We have waited a very long time for this important east-west connection to come to fruition, and we want to thank our county, state and federal legislators for their persistence.  As we continue to develop our community with desirable jobs and amenities, we look forward to workers, residents and shoppers being able to move with ease between the I-95 and I-270 corridors.

Moving throughout the City, by bike, by foot, by mass transit, and by car, requires thoughtful planning and attention.  Despite federal funding challenges, we continue to advocate for the light rail option of the Corridor Cities Transitway, linking the Shady Grove Metro station to points north through our emerging and existing developments.  We are also joining with other jurisdictions in supporting Bus Rapid Transit opportunities, and a potential collector for the Route 355 corridor. 

Gaithersburg has a long history with the railroad.  This past year has witnessed the challenges that exist when an urbanized community is bisected by freight and commuter lines.  We are encouraged to see that safety improvements such as new gate arms and an annunciation system at the Olde Towne train station are underway. 

Our focus on transportation was made evident with the establishment of a Transportation Committee in 2010.  Now meeting monthly, the committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on policy matters relating to local and regional traffic initiatives, and for exploring the transportation concerns of residents and businesses.  A number of issues are currently being discussed, and we look forward to hearing more at an upcoming work session.

With all of the development taking place around the City, our focus remains on striking a balance so that environmental impacts are considered at every turn.

Protection of the Chesapeake Bay will be a challenge for us in the coming years.  Maryland Department of the Environment and EPA requirements are increasingly stringent and costly.  We are committed to doing our best to adhere to those requirements, and have asked for help from our state and federal legislators to identify financial assistance and work with regulators to ensure that what is being asked of us is both reasonable and achievable.

We were delighted to receive word last year that the Olde Towne Youth Center achieved LEED Platinum certification.  It was the first youth center in the country and only the fourth building in Maryland to achieve Platinum designation.  This unique facility recently received both the Grand Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies-Maryland Branch and the “Sustainable Buildings – New Construction” award from the Maryland Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Next week is Green Week in Gaithersburg.  Celebrations include our annual Environmental Awards, a tree planting at Summit Hall elementary school, a community clean up day, and, in partnership with the Kentlands Community Foundation GO GREEN Group, a screening of the documentary film, “A Chemical Reaction.” 

Recent environmental initiatives include diesel truck retrofits, deployment of recycling carts, a project to conduct energy audits and efficiency upgrades at City facilities, installation of LED street lighting in the new Spectrum and Parklands developments, use of energy efficient LED bulbs in our Winter Lights Festival, and the installation of a new fuel distribution system, allowing for enhanced fleet maintenance and fuel monitoring.

Efficient use of space at City Hall remains a work in progress.  While a long term space study is underway, short term measures designed to align working groups, improve access, and maximize existing space are being undertaken now.  Coupled with improvements to the building’s climate control and ventilation systems and the addition of an enhanced backup generator, work space at City Hall will soon be as efficient as we can make it in the short term. 

Among the most visible cuts made last year were those to programs conducted by our Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.  And yet, despite limited resources and reductions in programs, we continue to offer a unique mix of recreational and cultural amenities.  We are proud that the quality of life in Gaithersburg earned us the 25th spot on CNN/Money Magazine’s annual list of “Best Places to Live” in the country. 

In this economy, it is essential that we rely on partners and sponsors to extend our resources.  Last week dog lovers from throughout the County joined us for Paws in the Park, a new collaboration with the Montgomery County Humane Society.  And last November we joined with the Montgomery County Roadrunners Club to bring a unique run and walk through Winter Lights, enhancing this annual holiday festival and providing us with a new revenue stream. 

In the coming months, look for exciting new elements to Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne, our time honored street festival now in its 30th year.  As Council Member Jud Ashman mentioned, the Gaithersburg Book Festival is just a few weeks away.  And in early June, look for the grand re-opening of the Gaithersburg Community Museum, with new and enhanced displays depicting our rich history.  The City’s history will also be on display at the new Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory Park, which Council Member Mike Sesma referenced earlier this evening.

All clouds have a silver lining, and one that has emerged from our belt tightening efforts has been a focus on working not only harder, but smarter. We are embracing technology enhancements at every turn to allow us to do our jobs better, and to satisfy the needs of an increasingly tech-savvy customer.  To accommodate our enhanced technology requirements, we upgraded our servers and developed a data backup infrastructure to safeguard future operations.

The long awaited conversion of our website to a new content management system is underway.  Late this calendar year we expect to unveil a new website, with enhanced features and functions.  A marketing plan will be developed in conjunction with the new site to let the entire community know what will now be available to them at the click of a mouse.

Our communications plan also includes an emphasis on enhanced programming on our cable station as we build a new television studio at the Olde Towne Youth Center.  Already the channel is more dynamic, with scrolling headline news and calendar announcements, along with the automated integration of our Alert Gaithersburg message system.

Census 2010 data confirmed what we already know.  We are a growing, excitingly diverse City.  Reaching out and engaging the entire community is an ongoing and ever changing process.  The recently drafted communications plan focuses on reaching into all neighborhoods and communicating with our residents using all means at our disposal, from e-mail and printed materials to grass roots initiatives.  The events hosted by our Multicultural Affairs Committee throughout the year also give us the opportunity to embrace our diversity and to learn from one another as we celebrate our similarities and our unique heritage.

The pursuit of financial stability requires prudence.  Not only did every department scrutinize and streamline expenditures, we also looked at our financial procedures to ensure best practices.  Last year we conducted the first ever pay audit in the City’s history.  It was 100 percent accurate.  We also conducted internal control reviews and cash counts for all City facilities, with no discrepancies found.  Our Finance Administration reclassified a position into a Procurement Officer, tasked with helping us improve our purchasing practices and exploring ways to reduce expenses.  It is no wonder that we received a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 33rd consecutive year and a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 8th consecutive year by the Government Finance Officers Association. 

It is an election year in Gaithersburg.  It is time to exercise that most precious of rights – the right to elect our leadership in a fair, democratic process.  We urge you to stay informed, to encourage your fellow residents to register to vote, and to let your voice be heard at the polls on Tuesday, November 8.

You are the people who make this community what it is.  All of you have had a hand in the accomplishments I have outlined, and we are looking for you to play an even larger role as we craft our future.  Please come to a meeting, serve on a committee, volunteer at a school, donate to a nonprofit, play in a park, attend a theater performance, shop at local stores, swim in the pool, buy your produce at our farmers market… in other words, please stay involved, stay engaged, and stay in Gaithersburg.  It’s a place made wonderful by amazing people just like you.

Thank you.