At Tuesday night’s meeting dozens of parents and concerned residents that have used or currently use services provided by the Bilingual Daycare Center filled the Courthouse. Through earlier conversations with some of these individuals, I learned that misinformation had been spread concerning the Council’s discussion of WIC, PAS and the Bilingual Daycare Center, all social services provided by the City of Plainfield. As I stated repeatedly at Tuesday night’s meeting, the Council did not plan nor is currently prepared to take any official action regarding any social services in Plainfield. We are, however, looking into more cost efficient ways to house these programs. The Council‘s goal is not to “dump” any program, but to ensure that these services are provided, without interruption and at the same quality level for those using the services but at a lower cost to taxpayers.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a food and nutrition program that provides food and educational services to income eligible families. PAS (Plainfield Action Services) provides referrals for individuals in need of a variety of services. The Bilingual Daycare Center provides quality daycare for families who work during the day and need trusted care for their young children. All of these programs have impacted many families over many years. I understand why so many residents are passionate about the continued provision of these services. As I have stated publicly before, we must continue to invest in our children and families and these programs allow us to do just that.
In these challenging times, however, the Council must act both socially responsible and fiscally responsible. While federal and state grants cover a sizeable portion of costs associated with these organizations, personnel and administrative costs are passed on to the City's budget. Research may reveal that it is best to privatize (such as what was done with Dudley House), utilize County equivalent services (such as what was done with Welfare some time ago) or to leave the services as they are. Regardless of the outcome, research must be done.
In order to ensure that there is significant input from community leaders and residents that use these services, the Council has created a Social Services Committee. Each Council member will appoint one resident. This ad-hoc Committee has been created solely for the purposes of aiding in this research and will dissolve upon resolution of the matter. The Committee will work with and advise the Council before any decisions are made so that a well thought out solution is presented for approval.
As the year progresses there will be more updates on this matter.
.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
2010 Goals & Priorities
2010 will be a busy year as I have an aggressive agenda. I am confident that my colleagues on the Council are not only up to the challenge, but excited to see what positive change we can bring in 12 months. A crucial part of making any change is planning, so, as Council President, I outlined Plainfield’s major needs and put a schedule together that would provide the Council with the best plan for addressing those concerns. Each quarter (approximately) will have a different focus.
Q1: INTERNAL FOCUS
During the beginning of the year the Council will focus on the basics – identifying priorities we can all agree on, creating short-term goals and putting the City’s financial house in order.
Committee and liaison appointments will be voted on early in the year (Tuesday night, in fact). These appointments are key because Council members will be assigned responsibility for representing the Council’s concerns and keeping the public informed on specified matters.
2010 Budget Adoption is a goal for early this year. I hate the fact that we will be adopting this budget so late in the fiscal year, just like everyone else. The good news is the Council is taking the lead in internal 2011 budget planning. We will not be in the same position again.
A retreat is being planned. Currently the retreat is scheduled for February, however that date will likely change as some scheduling conflicts have been pointed out. In addition to fostering a better working relationship between the Council and Administration, the retreat will provide an opportunity for City leadership to discuss areas of agreement and create a plan for progress.
Q2: RECONNECTING WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS
Once some basic housekeeping has been completed, the Council will focus on reconnecting with the community. At this point we will be able to share 2010 goals and priorities with the public and get feedback. In addition, the Council will dive deep into subjects that have serious community implications.
4 Town Halls are scheduled for March and April. The Council will hold an open forum in each ward. Residents can submit any questions in advance to their representatives. Answers to these questions will be prepared, an update will be provided by ward leaders and residents will have an opportunity to address their concerns on the floor.
2 Working Sessions are scheduled for May and June. The Council will explore Economic Development and Social Services at those sessions. Our current state and our desired state on these issues will be discussed.
Q3: 2011 BUDGET PROCESS
A wise person once told me that a city’s budget is not papers, but a living, breathing document. It identifies a city’s priorities and illustrates city leadership’s vision. Although steps to address our financial concerns will be taken throughout the year, this quarter will mark the beginning of the 2011 budget process. The Council will review audit findings and hold budget hearings.
Q4: CREATING A LONG-TERM PLAN
This quarter will require the most communication and joint effort by the Council and Administration. By now, I would hope that budget introduction and adoption is completed or in the works with most of the action needed to stabilize taxes taken earlier in the year. During this time, the Council will begin piecing together a long-term plan for the City. Each committee will have met and reported throughout the year, identifying strategies that are necessary to move the city forward. What should Plainfield’s finances, downtown and services be like in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? What areas should we be investing in now and down the line to make that happen? These are the questions that we must begin to grapple with this year.
The 2010 Plainfield City Council Calendar has been published and is available on the City’s website.
I will be blogging through the year about much of what is included in this post. I look forward to hearing your feedback.
.
Q1: INTERNAL FOCUS
During the beginning of the year the Council will focus on the basics – identifying priorities we can all agree on, creating short-term goals and putting the City’s financial house in order.
Committee and liaison appointments will be voted on early in the year (Tuesday night, in fact). These appointments are key because Council members will be assigned responsibility for representing the Council’s concerns and keeping the public informed on specified matters.
2010 Budget Adoption is a goal for early this year. I hate the fact that we will be adopting this budget so late in the fiscal year, just like everyone else. The good news is the Council is taking the lead in internal 2011 budget planning. We will not be in the same position again.
A retreat is being planned. Currently the retreat is scheduled for February, however that date will likely change as some scheduling conflicts have been pointed out. In addition to fostering a better working relationship between the Council and Administration, the retreat will provide an opportunity for City leadership to discuss areas of agreement and create a plan for progress.
Q2: RECONNECTING WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS
Once some basic housekeeping has been completed, the Council will focus on reconnecting with the community. At this point we will be able to share 2010 goals and priorities with the public and get feedback. In addition, the Council will dive deep into subjects that have serious community implications.
4 Town Halls are scheduled for March and April. The Council will hold an open forum in each ward. Residents can submit any questions in advance to their representatives. Answers to these questions will be prepared, an update will be provided by ward leaders and residents will have an opportunity to address their concerns on the floor.
2 Working Sessions are scheduled for May and June. The Council will explore Economic Development and Social Services at those sessions. Our current state and our desired state on these issues will be discussed.
Q3: 2011 BUDGET PROCESS
A wise person once told me that a city’s budget is not papers, but a living, breathing document. It identifies a city’s priorities and illustrates city leadership’s vision. Although steps to address our financial concerns will be taken throughout the year, this quarter will mark the beginning of the 2011 budget process. The Council will review audit findings and hold budget hearings.
Q4: CREATING A LONG-TERM PLAN
This quarter will require the most communication and joint effort by the Council and Administration. By now, I would hope that budget introduction and adoption is completed or in the works with most of the action needed to stabilize taxes taken earlier in the year. During this time, the Council will begin piecing together a long-term plan for the City. Each committee will have met and reported throughout the year, identifying strategies that are necessary to move the city forward. What should Plainfield’s finances, downtown and services be like in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? What areas should we be investing in now and down the line to make that happen? These are the questions that we must begin to grapple with this year.
The 2010 Plainfield City Council Calendar has been published and is available on the City’s website.
I will be blogging through the year about much of what is included in this post. I look forward to hearing your feedback.
.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Plainfield First
Below is a copy of my speech given at the 2010 Plainfield City Council Reorganization Meeting. I am looking forward to leading the 2010 Council. Past President Burney set us on the right path and now it is up to me to ensure the Council is bringing about positive change. Later this week I will post information on the overarching goals for this year.
Best,
Annie
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Good Afternoon.
Friends, Family and Supporters - Happy New Year!
I must first thank God who has ushered us safely into a new decade and who continues to watch over our City.
I must also thank my family - Mom, Allie, Albert III, Adam and Avery. Your never-ending love and support encourage me. You are my strength.
To our newly elected Councilwoman Rivers and re-elected Mayor Robinson-Briggs - Congratulations. I look forward to working closely with both of you.
To my colleagues on the Council. Thank you for your unanimous support. I am deeply honored to be your choice for Council President. In our personal conversations, we have often discussed what a better Plainfield looks like. I am ready to lead us toward that brighter future.
And to the residents of Plainfield, thank you for your continued support. My commitment to bringing positive change to this community has never wavered and is stronger than ever.
As I reflect on the people and places that encompass our City - our senior citizens and youth, young couples and families, residents of all backgrounds, orientation and colors, our places of worship, schools, community centers, parks and plazas, I am encouraged. Plainfield is much more than just streets and boundaries. Plainfield is a community unlike any other. Our history, diversity and potential will overcome any challenge if City leadership continues to put the needs of our residents first.
For many years my parents hosted functions at our family home. For one particular event, the words “Plainfield First” were framed and used as part of a table centerpiece. The frame was used at several events and was never far out of sight. Even now, the frame is still kept at the house, usually placed among family photos or on a bookshelf. Although today, I brought it with me.
These words, “Plainfield First”, are particularly meaningful at this point in time. The challenges that we face are many. With a looming tax burden, slow economic development, concerns about local medical attention and safety in our neighborhoods it is easy to despair. I am confident that that there are reasonable and actionable solutions. We only need to work with a united approach and focus on the issues.
I promise strong leadership balanced with thoughtful decision-making and with an eye towards unity. In 2010 we must make Plainfield first.
.
Best,
Annie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Afternoon.
Friends, Family and Supporters - Happy New Year!
I must first thank God who has ushered us safely into a new decade and who continues to watch over our City.
I must also thank my family - Mom, Allie, Albert III, Adam and Avery. Your never-ending love and support encourage me. You are my strength.
To our newly elected Councilwoman Rivers and re-elected Mayor Robinson-Briggs - Congratulations. I look forward to working closely with both of you.
To my colleagues on the Council. Thank you for your unanimous support. I am deeply honored to be your choice for Council President. In our personal conversations, we have often discussed what a better Plainfield looks like. I am ready to lead us toward that brighter future.
And to the residents of Plainfield, thank you for your continued support. My commitment to bringing positive change to this community has never wavered and is stronger than ever.
As I reflect on the people and places that encompass our City - our senior citizens and youth, young couples and families, residents of all backgrounds, orientation and colors, our places of worship, schools, community centers, parks and plazas, I am encouraged. Plainfield is much more than just streets and boundaries. Plainfield is a community unlike any other. Our history, diversity and potential will overcome any challenge if City leadership continues to put the needs of our residents first.
For many years my parents hosted functions at our family home. For one particular event, the words “Plainfield First” were framed and used as part of a table centerpiece. The frame was used at several events and was never far out of sight. Even now, the frame is still kept at the house, usually placed among family photos or on a bookshelf. Although today, I brought it with me.
These words, “Plainfield First”, are particularly meaningful at this point in time. The challenges that we face are many. With a looming tax burden, slow economic development, concerns about local medical attention and safety in our neighborhoods it is easy to despair. I am confident that that there are reasonable and actionable solutions. We only need to work with a united approach and focus on the issues.
I promise strong leadership balanced with thoughtful decision-making and with an eye towards unity. In 2010 we must make Plainfield first.
.
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