Mayor Merdinian Speaks Out About Ballot Proposal Fallout & Moving Forward

The following is republished with permission from the City of Olivette newsletter: 

As with any city or business these days, the current sluggish economic conditions continues to affect how we do business and make decisions. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to review the final budget report for our just-concluded fiscal year and am happy to reportthat the City ended the year under budgetand sales tax revenue was up for the year. We are by no means flush with cash, but it is good to see sales tax trending in a positive direction, and I hope we will soon start to see property values moving in the same direction. The economic development committee continues to look for businesses and developers that want to make Olivette their home. In the meantime, we are focused on maintaining the quality of life and services for our businesses and residents.

I would like to thank everyone who came to the polls and voted on August 7th. Although, I am deeply saddened that we were unable to pass Proposition S, in support of our police officers, fire fighters and the rest of the City Staff. Until a solution can be found, we will continue to provide the same outstanding services as we have the past. I assure you the level of protection that Olivette residents have come toexpect will remain unchanged. That being said, Olivette’s need for upgraded facilitiesis undisputed; the opposition acknowledged this. Moving forward, the replacement ofthe current facilities will remain a priority for the City of Olivette, and we hope to get the process started soon that will bring a plan to a vote that the community will fully support. I also welcome anyone that agreed with the opposition to step forward and participate. It is easy to sit back and criticize the work of others; the real challenge is to take on that work yourself. It is important that we quickly find a solution that fits the needs of the whole community and provide adequate facilities for the sake of our outstanding public service professionals that serve us so well.

As we head towards fall, Olivette youth soccer registration is underway and we are getting close to the start of another season with more than 1200 kids expected to participate. It is unfortunate that we were notable to support the growth of our youth sports with the passage of Proposition P,but the City’s sports programs will continue to be one of the city’s most successful programs. It is still possible to register and join a team by contacting the parks department for more information.

I still feel that it is important for the City to make the investment in Warson Park, so that the city-owned grounds are fully utilized. Without Proposition P the renovation of Warson Park will take much longer, but with a solid plan and community support, Warson Park will one day be the jewel of the Olivette Park system.

The Public Services Department is busy with several projects. A federal grant is funding maintenance projects along Old BonhommeRoad between Olive Boulevard and Price Road, including the replacement of the curb and gutters, and building new five foot wide sidewalks. In addition, the City is working on road improvements in the industrial area along North Price Road.

Olivette on the Go is scheduled the weekend of September 28 and will be located in Stacy Park. The three day event will feature carnival rides and daily attractions, guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Sponsorship and event booths are still available. For the latest details, please check the Olivette on the Go website atwww.olivetteonthego.com for more information.