LOOKING AHEAD TO 2008

Well, November is here, believe it or not. It is about that time to start thinking ahead to 2008. This is just a list of some of the things we are going to see in Ripon, and I welcome your thoughts and comments:

* Implementation of the downtown plan - Assuming the final draft is adopted, we can look for some changes to begin downtown. One step, which has already been announced, is a downtown beautification program, which I announced several months ago. While $100,000 is being requested for the project, the exact details of the program will be determined when the study is completed.
* Infrastucture in the new business park - Ground will be broken next spring for the road, water and sewer for the addition to the Industrial/Business Park adjacent to Highway 44. One interesting issue is what to name the new streets. I am working on a plan whereby the public can suggest names for the new streets
* Moving the Senior Center - Sometime early next year, the Senior Center will be moved to the lower level of City Hall. The city has already sold the current downtown location, and is waiting for the relocation of the fire department to move ahead with the Senior relocation
* Streetwork - Besides the new streets in the Industrial Park, the city will build a new road from Highway 23 to the Stoney Ridge subdivision. The road will run between McDonalds and the dollar store. Sections of Newbury and Stanton Streets will be reconstructed, while the city has also budgeted $150,000 to resurface a large portion of Union Street
* Subdivisions - I look forward to the construction of the homes in our new subdivisions. One is already under construction in the Sandmar subdivision, while streetwork is moving forward in the others

What are your thoughts on goals and projects for the near future? Share them with me, and let's see where we go.