Last week the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) held their annual conference. This conference allows city officials from across the state of Idaho to get together to learn and share information. We know that by working together we can keep up-to-date on the issues affecting cities and how we are addressing these items. Through sharing information about programs or the services we offer to our citizens’, we can experience either cost savings or innovation or both.
The City of Meridian brought forward ten such programs and services we felt would be beneficial to share with other communities around the state. They included the Community Recycling Fund, Customer Water Confidence Report, Initial Point Gallery, Meridian Enterprise Addressing Database, Project S.A.F.E., Parks & Recreation Recycling Program, Warranty Surety Program, Youth Art Display, Youth Safety Programs, and the Youth Work Life Skills Internship Program. As you can see, we have a lot to be proud of in Meridian! While I would love to talk about all of these programs and services, let me briefly tell you about two.
A few months ago a family woke up to the sound of smoke alarms going off and discovered a fire in their garage. The three people inside the home in South Meridian were all able to get out of the house safely and call 911. Firefighters arrived in time to keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the home. Less than a year ago, there were no smoke alarms in this particular home. The family was given free alarms through Project S.A.F.E. -- "Smoke Alarms for Everyone" from our Fire Department. In addition to the smoke alarms, 450 deaf/hearing impaired residents will receive a bed shaking device that is designed to help awaken them by shaking their mattress in the event the smoke alarm activates. Lives are being saved through this program.
The Meridian Enterprise Addressing Database (MEAD) is the second program I will highlight. For years, addressing information within the City has been created and maintained by multiple people, in multiple departments, within multiple databases. As a result, the inconsistencies in addressing information has made data-sharing with other outside agencies increasingly difficult. With MEAD we are able to streamline the addressing process and remove many of the roadblocks that stood in the way previously. This allows for less cost to our citizens and quicker responses from our staff.
Both of these programs were awarded an AIC City Achievement Award and together represent the hard work of our City staff to meet the ever-growing needs of our community. With dedicated staff we are working hard towards our goal as a premiere city to live, work and raise a family.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Meridian Dairy Days
Each year, Meridian Dairy Days gives us an opportunity to reflect on our past and celebrate our heritage as a community. Since the opening of the Meridian Creamery in 1929, our City has taken time each year to time to honor and celebrate the important role the dairy industry played in our community’s history and development.
While the Creamery is gone, agriculture still has an important and valuable role in and around Meridian. Last week, I got to see this first-hand as I toured the agricultural region southwest of our city with other City leaders. We were able to learn about a few of the crops growing in the area, the unique needs of farmers, such as irrigation, and the economic impact farming has on our community and region. I’d like to thank Drew and Brenda Eggers for taking the time to engage the City on this important topic. The information we gathered will help us make informed decisions as Meridian continues to grow.
We also toured Black Cat Dairy where we witnessed Rocky Row's impressive dairy farm. We arrived during milking time - which I think is 24/7 - and witnessed why he has such high quality milk. This operation is one of the cleanest and cared for dairies I have seen! We were also just minutes short of seeing a calf born.
We may not have the same level of dairy activity as in days past we still have a strong connection to our community’s roots. And celebrating our heritage makes Dairy Days that much more enjoyable for all. I encourage you to come out this week and enjoy the much improved carnival, the Dairy Princess Pageant, the pancake feed, Old McDonald’s Farm and other pastime favorites. We also get to look forward to new events this year like the Fast Lane Kow Karts, stroller parade and the pool bash. For a full list of everything taking place during Dairy Days, please visit www.dairydays.org.
As a reminder, the Dairy Days Parade has been canceled this year due to the construction taking place on Meridian Road. It has been a community tradition that many look forward to. I can say we are all disappointed that we won't have a parade this summer. We know how much this parade means to Meridian families and we will assist the Meridian Dairy Board in any way we can to bring the parade back bigger and better than ever in 2014.
While the Creamery is gone, agriculture still has an important and valuable role in and around Meridian. Last week, I got to see this first-hand as I toured the agricultural region southwest of our city with other City leaders. We were able to learn about a few of the crops growing in the area, the unique needs of farmers, such as irrigation, and the economic impact farming has on our community and region. I’d like to thank Drew and Brenda Eggers for taking the time to engage the City on this important topic. The information we gathered will help us make informed decisions as Meridian continues to grow.
We also toured Black Cat Dairy where we witnessed Rocky Row's impressive dairy farm. We arrived during milking time - which I think is 24/7 - and witnessed why he has such high quality milk. This operation is one of the cleanest and cared for dairies I have seen! We were also just minutes short of seeing a calf born.
We may not have the same level of dairy activity as in days past we still have a strong connection to our community’s roots. And celebrating our heritage makes Dairy Days that much more enjoyable for all. I encourage you to come out this week and enjoy the much improved carnival, the Dairy Princess Pageant, the pancake feed, Old McDonald’s Farm and other pastime favorites. We also get to look forward to new events this year like the Fast Lane Kow Karts, stroller parade and the pool bash. For a full list of everything taking place during Dairy Days, please visit www.dairydays.org.
As a reminder, the Dairy Days Parade has been canceled this year due to the construction taking place on Meridian Road. It has been a community tradition that many look forward to. I can say we are all disappointed that we won't have a parade this summer. We know how much this parade means to Meridian families and we will assist the Meridian Dairy Board in any way we can to bring the parade back bigger and better than ever in 2014.
Monday, June 10, 2013
2013 Meridian City Scholarship Winners
Recently, seniors from high schools across Meridian donned caps and gowns to accept their hard-earned diplomas. This was a great accomplishment for all and we are excited to see each student set out on their next journey. Many of these students have contributed in a number of ways to the vibrancy and energy of our community through countless hours of community service, all the while balancing their studies and school activities. As a City we express our gratitude to our amazing students by presenting four outstanding graduating high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships to be used at accredited colleges or vocational education programs this fall. These scholarships are funded by the businesses that sponsor the annual State of the City address.
This year’s winners were selected by a panel of Meridian citizens and business leaders based on criteria including service to others, academic merit, and personal growth as a result of community involvement.
Here’s a brief description of each of our 2013 City of Meridian Scholarship winners:
Katherine Fleming is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School. She was president of her school’s National Honor Society and was involved in TRIO, Idaho Drug-Free Youth, the Buddy Walk, Rake Up Meridian, Red Cross blood drives, Backpacks for Kids, and many other community service projects. Katherine is also active with her church’s youth ministry and lent her voice to her school’s varsity choir. She will begin college in the fall and intends to pursue a career in social work.
Melissa Goetz is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School, although she spent the majority of her high school years studying at Renaissance High School. She has been involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H, the Meridian Lions Club, FFA, and the National Honor Society. She excels at horsemanship and will start college this fall to study pre-veterinary sciences.
Mikayla Payne is a 2013 graduate of Renaissance High School. She was active with the Leo Club and National Honor Society, and assisted Boise and Meridian firefighters with fundraising activities for their burn-out funds. Mikayla has coached youth gymnastics for four years, volunteered at an assisted living center, and is currently completing a CNA program. She is graduating from high school with a 2-year associates degree already under her belt and is looking forward to beginning pre-med studies in biology at Idaho State University this fall
Brett Wilder is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and served on student council. He is an accomplished pianist and band percussionist. Brett is proud to be part of the 6th generation of his family involved in Idaho agriculture, and has been in 4-H for 11 years and a participant in FFA. He plans to study Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education.
Please join me in wishing congratulations to our winners and best wishes to all of our graduates!
This year’s winners were selected by a panel of Meridian citizens and business leaders based on criteria including service to others, academic merit, and personal growth as a result of community involvement.
Here’s a brief description of each of our 2013 City of Meridian Scholarship winners:
Katherine Fleming is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School. She was president of her school’s National Honor Society and was involved in TRIO, Idaho Drug-Free Youth, the Buddy Walk, Rake Up Meridian, Red Cross blood drives, Backpacks for Kids, and many other community service projects. Katherine is also active with her church’s youth ministry and lent her voice to her school’s varsity choir. She will begin college in the fall and intends to pursue a career in social work.
Melissa Goetz is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School, although she spent the majority of her high school years studying at Renaissance High School. She has been involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H, the Meridian Lions Club, FFA, and the National Honor Society. She excels at horsemanship and will start college this fall to study pre-veterinary sciences.
Mikayla Payne is a 2013 graduate of Renaissance High School. She was active with the Leo Club and National Honor Society, and assisted Boise and Meridian firefighters with fundraising activities for their burn-out funds. Mikayla has coached youth gymnastics for four years, volunteered at an assisted living center, and is currently completing a CNA program. She is graduating from high school with a 2-year associates degree already under her belt and is looking forward to beginning pre-med studies in biology at Idaho State University this fall
Brett Wilder is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and served on student council. He is an accomplished pianist and band percussionist. Brett is proud to be part of the 6th generation of his family involved in Idaho agriculture, and has been in 4-H for 11 years and a participant in FFA. He plans to study Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education.
Please join me in wishing congratulations to our winners and best wishes to all of our graduates!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Public Works Week
The other day my granddaughter asked me where the water came from that is delivered when turning on the faucet; how would you answer that? What if she asked more questions like where water goes after it’s flushed down your drain or who turns on the streetlights every night? We expect that when we turn on our facets, clean water will come out. We expect that used water will go down the drain and leave our house. And we have come to assume that each night street lights will guide us safely back to our homes. All of these things are a vital part of our quality of life and here in Meridian we have the Meridian Public Works Department to thank for providing these essential services.
This week, we are celebrating Meridian’s Public Works Week. It is not only a chance for us to thank the men and women who help keep our crucial City services running but it’s also a chance for us to understand the complexities of the Public Works Department and all the services it provides for us.
For example, did you know the Meridian Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 492 miles of sewer line? These pipes carry all the dirty water from your house and take it all the way to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There the water is cleaned before it enters the water cycle again. Public Works employees also oversee the City’s 18 wells that ensure Meridian residents can have clean drinking water. Both of these services are critical to our community’s health and overall safety.
The majority of services that our Public Works Department provides are paid for through your water and sewer bills. It is important to understand where your money is going and what it is paying for. That is why I would encourage all of you to attend one, or all, of the events during Public Works Week. It is beneficial to know about and understand the quality services the Public Works Department provides, we can then help do our part to sustain the quality of services we have come accustomed to.
I personally want to thank every single employee who works in Meridian’s Public Works Department. Their dedicated service to our community is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed. If you would like to find more information about Public Works Weeks events, including a free expo on Wednesday night and a fun run on Saturday, please visit meridiancity.org.
This week, we are celebrating Meridian’s Public Works Week. It is not only a chance for us to thank the men and women who help keep our crucial City services running but it’s also a chance for us to understand the complexities of the Public Works Department and all the services it provides for us.
For example, did you know the Meridian Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 492 miles of sewer line? These pipes carry all the dirty water from your house and take it all the way to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There the water is cleaned before it enters the water cycle again. Public Works employees also oversee the City’s 18 wells that ensure Meridian residents can have clean drinking water. Both of these services are critical to our community’s health and overall safety.
The majority of services that our Public Works Department provides are paid for through your water and sewer bills. It is important to understand where your money is going and what it is paying for. That is why I would encourage all of you to attend one, or all, of the events during Public Works Week. It is beneficial to know about and understand the quality services the Public Works Department provides, we can then help do our part to sustain the quality of services we have come accustomed to.
I personally want to thank every single employee who works in Meridian’s Public Works Department. Their dedicated service to our community is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed. If you would like to find more information about Public Works Weeks events, including a free expo on Wednesday night and a fun run on Saturday, please visit meridiancity.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
