Home: City Manager's Updates

May 21, 2008

Celebrations
The highlight of at the City Commission meeting last night was the special presentations and celebrations of just a few of the great things that happen in our community. Since January 2008, celebrations have been a regular part of the City Commission agenda. The City Commission highlights a department at its second meeting of the month and reviews accomplishments for that department. Special Presentations sometimes are proclamations, provide information on an issue, or honor the accomplishments of group or individual.

The Celebration last night was an outstanding presentation from Veolia Water. It highlighted the public works they provide to the citizens of Junction City and several awards they have earned for their service to the community. We are very proud that Junction City is one of only 16 cities in the United States to be named a “Tree City USA” for the 32nd consecutive year. Veolia continues to lead the way in their safety efforts.
The East Wastewater Treatment Plant has 18 years of no loss time accidents. The Water Treatment Plant has also received a very prestigious safety award from the American Public Works Association called the LaDue Safety Award.

Last night’s Special Presentations were all good news. We recognized the 3rd recipient of the Reynard Wright Youth Leadership Excellence Award. The award is named in honor of former City Commissioner, Reynard Wright. Reynard gave many years of assistance to the Youth Commission and the F.I.L.A. organizations. This year’s recipient was Courtney Hallenbeck. Courtney graduated from Junction City High School this spring and is headed to Kansas State University. She has served as an intern with the City, but more importantly she has been an active member of the Junction City Youth Commission. Courtney received a $500 scholarship.

Also recognized last night was Kyle Glasser, the outgoing President of the Junction City Youth Commission. Kyle received the Reynard Wright Youth Leadership Award in 2007. He will be attending Drake University. Kyle described the many projects of the Youth Commission during the past year. This group continues to be a force in shaping policy for young people in our community.

The Junction City Historic Preservation Advisory Board presented its 19th annual award for historic preservation. Last night the award honored the Geary County Historical Society for their efforts in restoring the Wetzel Cabin. The cabin is now located at the Spring Valley School Historic site.

Last night the first monthly recognition the “yard of the month” was awarded to five families. The Police Department’s Community Involvement Unit started this program last year. They award families the designation of yard of the month and present them with donated gifts from local businesses. The idea is to promote pride in our neighborhoods. The recipients last night were as follows: Northeast area – Printy/Bundy Family, Northwest area –Laurence Whatley Family, Southeast area –Hauserman Family, Southwest area –Frank Leis Family, West of Highway 77 –Rosa Flowers Family. Congratulations to these families for their effort to improve the community.

The final presentation was the declaration by the Mayor to celebrate National Public Works Week from May 18 to May 24. This recognition goes to the men and women who perform the public works function through out the City. We appreciate their hard work and dedication.

The City Commission meeting was a true celebration of our citizens and our community. Junction City is a great place to live!

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