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5 0 U u <br />APRIL 2008 <br />B"Z14"j <br />Mayors Snpkriv J. LuFC:kf <br />Letter from the Mayor <br />Dear Friends and Neighbors, <br />Each year it is my duty and privilege to report on the progress of the City of <br />South Bend to members of the Common Council and the community. For the <br />next three months, I'm going to highlight portions of my 2008 State of the City <br />address. You may view the complete address on our website, <br />www.southbendin. ,aov <br />I'm proud to report that the State of the City of South Bend is strong. We are <br />moving forward with good planning, a dedicated team and a vision for the fu- <br />ture. We are poised for our greatest growth in ages. With the foundation set by <br />City Plan, our citizens are engaged, we have a clear focus on our priorities and <br />we are making good progress. Although we face challenges, we have the talent <br />and determination to address them. The City of South Bend is strengthened by <br />the expertise, efficiency and effectiveness of its municipal government, which <br />goes the extra mile. With strong fiscal stability, technological innovation and <br />great partnerships, City government keeps South Bend moving forward. <br />Our City government is a model of efficiency in time, money and allocation of <br />resources. In 2000, the City of South Bend had 1,341 employees. Today, we <br />have 1,246 — a decrease of 95 employees, or 7 percent. Our government strives <br />to be more efficient, doing more with less. This creates savings for us — and <br />you. Whether it's nearly $2 million in avoided electrical and operational costs <br />by converting our traffic signals from incandescent lights to energy- saving <br />LEDs, or saving as much as $25 million since 1998 by managing our own self - <br />insurance liability program, the City of South Bend is a good steward of its re- <br />sources. <br />As we build a 21st - Century City in South Bend, we use technology to shape a <br />distinctive advantage for our community. We use technology to keep moving <br />forward. One of the biggest tools in our technological infrastructure is the St. <br />Joseph Valley Metronet, which provides redundant and reliable connectivity for <br />organizations. No other city our size has the capacity to move large amounts of <br />data as safely and securely. With the Metronet, South Bend has the infrastruc- <br />ture to compete for high -tech businesses that often look to much larger metro- <br />politan areas. The Metronet has been key in attracting new businesses to South <br />Bend.g <br />Next month, I'll describe the key initiatives that are the basis for my optimistic <br />outlook, despite a dire national economy. Then, in May, I'll describe how the <br />City of South Bend will respond to changes in the state's property tax system — <br />changes that threaten the promise of progress that I've detailed. <br />Sincerely, <br />Mayor Steve <br />THIS MONTH... <br />Mayor's Letter <br />Solid Waste Program Tips <br />Potawatomi Zoo <br />Green Tips <br />Lamppost Lighting <br />Silverhawks Schedule <br />POTAWATOMI <br />Spring is finally here, that <br />means Potawatomi Zoo is <br />open for the Season!! <br />Come out to visit the animals <br />and see what is new at the <br />Zoo. Admission is only $7 for <br />adults and $5 for children 3 - <br />14 and seniors over 62! For <br />more information, please call <br />235 -9800 or visit their web- <br />site: <br />www.potawatomizoo.org. <br />��►1►1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.'� <br />2008 Lamppost <br />1 <br />.. Lighting <br />1 <br />Protect <br />1 <br />The City of South <br />Bend lights up <br />S neighborhoods by helping <br />1 <br />residents install lampposts in <br />1 <br />their front yards since the pro- <br />1 <br />*+, j ect started M2004. With <br />1 <br />4 over 440 lampposts in- <br />1 <br />stalled, we are bringing this <br />1 <br />program to you again in <br />2008. For more information, <br />1 <br />1 <br />please visit the website <br />1 <br />www.southbendin.gov or call <br />1 <br />235 -9251. <br />`����������,,00,,,00,,e-* <br />