City heading back to basics
The theme for the State of the City address on Wednesday was "Back to basics" -- to focus on the small things in life that many people take for granted.
Mayor John Pomierski's inspiration for the theme came from an Allstate auto insurance commercial, which was played for attendees at the event at City Hall.
"Back to basics -- that is our mantra for the next year," Pomierski said.
During his speech, Pomierski spoke about efforts being made to reduce the impact of cuts to the city budget. He cited the economic downturn as a motivator for getting budget issues settled and not having them impact the quality of life of residents.
In the next two years, about $4 million in cuts will be made to the city budget, Pomierski said.
"Although the economy has slipped into a recession, Upland as a corporation and as our hometown continues to chug along in positive territory," he said. "We employ a basic business model -- that being, we run the city as if we owned it."
Some of the city's accomplishments in the past couple of years were on display in the Civic Center parking lot.
A $1 million, 100-foot ladder truck acquired last year by the city was parked outside City Hall. The ladder was fully extended and an American flag tied to it blew in the wind.
During his speech, Pomierski mentioned several of the city's recent accomplishments and highlights.
They included:
-- Taking responsibility of Foothill Boulevard and Euclid Avenue from Caltrans.
-- Completing the rehabilitation of the gazebo in downtown and attracting new businesses to the area.
-- Requesting funds for a groundwater-recharge project and children's library.
-- About $1.5 million in sales-tax revenues was generated this year by the Colonies
Crossroads project and its new businesses are expected to open in the shopping center.
-- College Park, a 40-acre residential and retail community at Monte Vista Avenue and Arrow Highway, will be completed in 2010, Pomierski said.
-- The 19,000-square-foot Upland Animal Services Shelter and Fire Station #4 at the Colonies Crossroads shopping center are also scheduled to be completed in the next few months.
-- The city is also working on its first revision to the city General Plan in nearly 30 years.
-- The 57-acre regional sports park at Baseline Road and the 210 Freeway will include a 42-acre specific plan, which includes a mix of residential and retail uses.
"Staff has obtained clean fill materials at no charge to the city," Pomierski said.
"This effort alone will save nearly $3 million in general fund costs."
Pomierski also discussed a salary freeze that was placed on city employees for at least one year.
"It is my hope that you, our residents and business owners, will accept this significant gesture of goodwill by our employees as their appreciation and commitment to you," Pomierski said.
A town hall meeting was suppose to follow Pomierski's speech, however, no questions were asked.
The audience then retreated to the Carnegie Library where food and beverages were served.
Mayor John Pomierski's inspiration for the theme came from an Allstate auto insurance commercial, which was played for attendees at the event at City Hall.
"Back to basics -- that is our mantra for the next year," Pomierski said.
During his speech, Pomierski spoke about efforts being made to reduce the impact of cuts to the city budget. He cited the economic downturn as a motivator for getting budget issues settled and not having them impact the quality of life of residents.
In the next two years, about $4 million in cuts will be made to the city budget, Pomierski said.
"Although the economy has slipped into a recession, Upland as a corporation and as our hometown continues to chug along in positive territory," he said. "We employ a basic business model -- that being, we run the city as if we owned it."
Some of the city's accomplishments in the past couple of years were on display in the Civic Center parking lot.
A $1 million, 100-foot ladder truck acquired last year by the city was parked outside City Hall. The ladder was fully extended and an American flag tied to it blew in the wind.
During his speech, Pomierski mentioned several of the city's recent accomplishments and highlights.
They included:
-- Taking responsibility of Foothill Boulevard and Euclid Avenue from Caltrans.
-- Completing the rehabilitation of the gazebo in downtown and attracting new businesses to the area.
-- Requesting funds for a groundwater-recharge project and children's library.
-- About $1.5 million in sales-tax revenues was generated this year by the Colonies
Crossroads project and its new businesses are expected to open in the shopping center.
-- College Park, a 40-acre residential and retail community at Monte Vista Avenue and Arrow Highway, will be completed in 2010, Pomierski said.
-- The 19,000-square-foot Upland Animal Services Shelter and Fire Station #4 at the Colonies Crossroads shopping center are also scheduled to be completed in the next few months.
-- The city is also working on its first revision to the city General Plan in nearly 30 years.
-- The 57-acre regional sports park at Baseline Road and the 210 Freeway will include a 42-acre specific plan, which includes a mix of residential and retail uses.
"Staff has obtained clean fill materials at no charge to the city," Pomierski said.
"This effort alone will save nearly $3 million in general fund costs."
Pomierski also discussed a salary freeze that was placed on city employees for at least one year.
"It is my hope that you, our residents and business owners, will accept this significant gesture of goodwill by our employees as their appreciation and commitment to you," Pomierski said.
A town hall meeting was suppose to follow Pomierski's speech, however, no questions were asked.
The audience then retreated to the Carnegie Library where food and beverages were served.
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