In today's paper I reported a new city program that could allow residents to receive rebates of up to 50 percent from the city if they repair the sidewalks in front of their homes. You can read that story at http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12346575
But one thing you will not find in the article is who originated the rebate program. I credited the council in general but the initial idea came from one member in particular, Gerrie Schipske, and other officials followed suit. Schipske took her idea a few years ago to the city manager and the Department of Public Works, who worked with financial officials to develop the program.
