Mayor Addresses Community on the State of the City

Mayor Dan Quigg today discussed Millbrae’s accomplishments and financial challenges to about 100 business leaders, residents and city staff at the annual State of the City address in the Chetcuti Room.

Quigg began describing the developments currently underway in the city, such as the , the new Safeway, development around BART and the several new condominium complexes.

“Despite the challenging economic times, our staff has accomplished a lot this year. Our dedicated city employees continue to work hard to keep our community thriving,” Quigg said.

He mentioned the city’s efforts to save money by seeking outside grants and federal stimulus dollars to assist with projects.

Federal funds financed the $30 million water treatment plant renovation at a 1 percent interest rate. The project should be completed in 2012, and a new 1.2 million gallon equalization tank to help prevent spills will be in place by June 23.

Additionally, Millbrae received funds from the US Department of Transportation to build a pedestrian crosswalk on El Camino Real and Victoria Avenue, expected to be finished in October.

The city is also securing funds for the high speed rail project, as Millbrae will be a major hub along the route.

Grants and federal funds, along with shared services, such as police and fire, have compensated for the city’s decreased revenue, which Quigg said may continue to decline.

“With the closing of Safeway and the Clarion Hotel for renovation, we project a decrease in sales and hotel tax in the next fiscal year,” he said. “On the positive side, when these renovations are completed, these projects will add to the ambiance of our city, and we will see a tremendous increase in both hotel and sales tax.”

Quigg commended the city for balancing its budget this year, accomplished mostly by a 5 percent reduction across almost all city departments.

He also praised Millbrae’s volunteers, like the , that support many city services, and the and emergency personnel that helped San Bruno during and after the Glenview fire.

“State and the county government agencies have to reduce costs, and Millbrae is no exception,” Quigg said. “The City of Millbrae continues to search for ways to cut costs.”

A full broadcast of Mayor Dan Quigg's speech can be viewed on www.mctv.tv