The vacancy was created by the resignation of Christian Zavinski earlier this year. Kimberly Exley was appointed by council to serve the rest of 2021 and the county Republican and Democratic parties were tasked with selecting candidates to fill the remainder of the term, or two years.

The Democratic Party has put forward Aaron Stearns while the Republicans tapped current Mayor Maurice Cashman.

Riverfront development will likely be a continued point of emphasis for the next council.

Submitted Photo
Aaron Stearns

Submitted Photo Aaron Stearns

Cashman noted that John Wortman and Phil Gilbert — both councilmen — serve on the WCCBI’s Trestle to Trestle Task Force.

“I believe the group is well represented to present ideas and support the effort on Riverfront Development,” he said. “The proposal which I support would have a boat launch, paving the parking areas, pump track for bicycles, and a multi-use pedestrian/bicycle trail to connect Breeze Point Landing and the retail plaza area — obliviously all dependent on the funding for each project.”

Stearns said the “area has been underdeveloped for some time.

“Now, with several new businesses in place, creating a spark for growth, it’s time for the city to come together and really address a strategic redevelopment plan,” he said. “The WCCBI’s work is welcomed there but the council need(s) to take an active role and as a council member I would make it a priority to engage the businesses and work to continue the momentum that has already been established.

“The city needs to be a partner, not a speed bump on these business and community developments.”

To that end, he proposed that the city use it’s $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to collaborate with the county and surrounding municipalities “to expand broadband and increase the number of competitors and product offerings related to broadband access.

“That should be a top priority,” he added. “I would also recommend saving some of the money and holding for future issues with COVID or anything related. If we needed to do a business grant program, or invest in materials for COVID response, or address health-related infrastructure this money would be utilized.”

Cashman noted that since the city has no Qualified Census Tracts the Rescue Plan funding can’t be used for a boat launch.

“Currently the City is calculating the loss of revenue as a result of Covid, which could be returned to the general fund,” he said, explaining that would free up general fund dollars “for the boat launch or other capital needs.

“Remaining funds may be used for storm water and sewer projects. The City is still waiting for final regulation from the United States Treasury Department. Depending on final regulations, my recommendations may change as to what the American rescue Plan funds would be used for.”

The next council will also likely receive a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Commission on the future of Washington Park.

Cashman said he’s like to see an improved “use as a picnic area by adding at least one pavilion and dry toilets. Possibly gate the road at night to maintain safety and prevent vandalism.”

Stearns said the city could take a broader look at all assets and “understand how we can redevelop them and generate better amenities.

“These are the types of assets that increase tourism as well as personnel recruitment. It’s very important that we gather community and leadership input and use that to do everything we can to move these sites forward appropriately.”

Whatever issues come before council in the next two years, the actions taken are likely to have effects that far outstrip the length of this shortened term.

Knowing that, where should council’s focus be?

“Support current City services such as police, fire, ambulance, codes department, and public works in order to maintain a clean and safe environment,” Cashman said. “Work with and encourage new business as well as working with and maintaining existing business. Control blight as best as possible through neighborhoods and the downtown area.”

“Fiscal responsibility is very important to me, so I would routinely look at how we are funding our programs and try and focus on financial decisions that would create long-term efficiencies and reduce costs,” Stearns explained. “The better we clean up the budget and costs the more we’ll have to provide services. Those types of changes will allow for long-term solvency and allow expansion of services.

“I would focus on technology and business development,” he added. “Broadband expansion and quality are very important to me as that’s a huge indicator of how the business sector performs. We need to pivot and focus on technology and the future.”