Greetings from the Mayor and City Council
The City of Flemingsburg has seen many positive changes over the past eight years. Through Renaissance projects our downtown has received a facelift. Concrete sidewalks have been replaced with brick pavers, overhead electric and cable lines have been removed, and new acorn style streetllights have been installed. Decorative trees and flowers have been planted. The Fischer Building, formerly a department store, has been remodeled and converted into apartments. The Museum, which had been an on-going project for several years, opened in 2007. The City recently acquired property across the street that can be used for parking.
City buildings have also undergone renovation and City Hall, the Police Department, and the Council chambers have been relocated to better serve the public. The City also added a skateboard park this year at the City Park and made improvements to the Foxspring Ave. Park including new playground equipment, a decorative retaining wall, new fencing, benches, and a new ball court. Future plans include a recreational trail around the old reservoir, which will be funded by Land and Water Conservation Grant funds.
Over the past six years the City has reduced debt by more than half and cash reserves have tripled. This has enabled the City to develop a vehicle rotation plan for all departments. A new police cruiser, pick-up truck, dump truck and garbage truck have been purchased this year. The City also implemented a recycling program and received grant funds to purchase a bobcat and recycling trailer. A new 7,500 SF storage building was constructed for City equipment and supplies.
In order to operate the Utility System more efficiently the City is in the process of installing new meters that are auto read, which will reduce time and manpower as well as the potential for human error. With the assistance of B.T.A.D.D. the City has also acquired a computer mapping program that will provide essential information including locations of gas, water, and sewer lines.
The Cherry Grove Rd. Sewer Project was completed this year. Plans for a regional sewer project continue to progress. New water lines have been laid in conjunction with the sidewalk improvement project on East Water St. and the City has received over $600,000 for additional water line improvements in the coming year. There will also be new sidewalks leading to our middle school, which will be funded by a 'Safe Routes to School' grant.
Our city has become a growing arts community with the addition of two new studios, Doodles and Banana Tree Studio. Three other buildings in our historic section are currently being renovated for similar type businesses.
Property has been purchased for construction of a new justice center in downtown Flemingsburg. A new public library opened in 2007 and a new state of the art hospital opened this year. Attracting new businesses and bringing more job opportunites to our area is essential for future growth and a priority for the City as we continue to progress.
Flemingsburg truly is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to call home. |