Thanksgiving Thought

So much of this week has been spent running around. Off to Haggen's and to fight the crowds. Where did all those people come from? Commercials and news reports on so many aspects of "Black Friday". Will sales be up, down or just the same as last year? Which stores open first? Who has the best prices? Online shopping or brave the mall?

Then today at lunch I heard Rush talk about the first Thanksgiving. It was so refreshing to hear God being mentioned. He went on to talk about President Washington's proclamation that set the first official day of Thanksgiving. This has led to other presidents to issue similar proclamations.

President Washington proclaimed November 26, 1789 the first official Thanksgiving, noting, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.”

I think Ronald Reagan summed it up the best when he called on every citizen, “To gather together in homes and places of worship and offer prayers of praise and gratitude for the many blessings Almighty God has bestowed upon our beloved nation.”

I would encourage everyone to stop, and thank God, our Father, Creator and Provider for all that he has given to each and every one of us. As you offer prayers of Thanksgiving, please remember those who are serving in all branches of the military, who are away from families and friends, and protecting our freedom to offer those prayers.

May each and everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thank you

Now that the elections are over and finalized, I would just like to thank all those that voted for me and helped me in my first election. I could not have done it without you all.

I look forward to serving the residents of Ferndale, but I can't do it alone. During my term in office I look forward to your comments and questions. You can email me at brentlistenstoyou@yahoo.com.

As the new year approaches I look forward to the following items that will be coming before the council:
1. The police station and library projects (An Emergency Operations Center has to be part of the police station project)
2. The new Commercial Zones being developed to better prepare Ferndale for future growth.
3. Working with the Economic Development Commission as they develop some ideas in how to bring economic growth and jobs to Ferndale.

Thank you all again for your help and support.

City Council Makes Decision On Police Station

At last night's council meeting the council made a decision on the police station. It did not come easy and at times they seemed frustrated with the discussion. From the audience point of view, it seemed like council members Zimmerman and Malpezzi were trying to delay the project. This was even noticed by one of the council members that said something along the line of "are you two trying to delay the project so you can get a swimming pool?"

The final motion came after a one hour study session before the meeting and another during the meeting. Here is what I gathered was the final decision passed by council last night, please correct me if I am wrong.

1. They authorized the architect to move forward on the 18,000 sq. ft. version of the police station with options for a reduction to 15,000 sq. ft. They expect this to come back in about 6 months.
2. During this time, they plan on getting the bids back to repair and remodel the old Boys and Girls Club in Pioneer Park and proceed with that work.
3. At the completion of the remodeled Boys and Girls club, the library would be given 30 days, give or take, to move into that facility as a temporary facility while they continue fund raising or construction of their new building next to city hall.
4. Site preparation for the police station and new library building could start before the library moves out of the existing building.
5. Once the library has moved out of their current building the rest of the remodel would be done so that the police could move in.
6. They also voted to give the library $1 million plus the land nest to city hall to build on.
7. It is the hope of the council that the projects could get done for around $5 million with the benefit of the lower construction costs in today's market.

There are still some variables up in the air at this time as the council has not received the bids or time line to repair/remodel the old Boys and Girls club.

Stay tuned for further developments. We have been in this position before where council agreed on a plan only to have it get derailed at a later date. I hope this one goes through. Our police need there new home and the community needs an Emergency Operations Center as part of that new home.

What A Difference

Wow, was I impressed with tonight's council meeting. It was so different from the last few meetings. Council members were raising their hands and waiting to be called on before speaking. They were civil and had a good discussion on the budget.

Great job council members. Keep it up.