30 years of Awesomeness
The 2014 State of the City address celebrated the 30-year milestone for the city of Rochester Hills, which became a city in 1984. Held at the Emagine Theater of Rochester Hills, 80’s music and video clips warmed up the large theater on a chilly Wednesday evening.
Dr. Robert Shaner Introduces Mayor Bryan Barnett at Emagine Theater – photo by Michael Dwyer
Dr. Rubel Shelly of Rochester College was the Master of Ceremonies. Rochester College was mentioned several times throughout the evening as one of two universities in Rochester Hills. Jason Sewell, the youth pastor at Faith Church, hosted the invocation prayer. Kenneth Barnett, Tristan Barnett and Angelina Roach led the audience with the Pledge of Allegiance and Megan Philips of Rochester High School sang the National Anthem.
Mayor Bryan Barnett
Congressman Mike Rogers introduced the mayor via video and Dr. Robert Shaner, superintendent of Rochester Community Schools, conducted the live introduction. Bryan Barnett, Rochester Hills Mayor, began the 2014 State of the city address by thanking the many people that help run the city, including city council.
Mayor Barnett spoke about the accomplishments of the past year, mentioned incoming and outgoing city representatives and highlighted plans for the coming year.
Rochester Hills is doing Great
Mayor Bryan Barnett address Rochester Hills for the 2014 State of the City – photo by Michael Dwyer
Barnett is proud of the 99% satisfaction survey, conducted by Oakland University last year. Rochester Media ran the story in August of 2013. He went on to say the positive scores included 99% of residents polled said they feel safe in their home and 96% said they feel safe in the community.
Now in its fifth year, the single-hauler system and the Recycle Bank program continues to be successful and improve. This year the quarterly rate will drop from $52 to $45 and the snowbird credit will increase by 50%.
“With our AAA Bond Rating, we continue to grow our financial stability through innovative strategies and fiscal responsibility, said Barnett, regarding the city once again receiving the Standard & Poor’s highest rating. According to S&P’s assessment, “Rochester Hills’ stable outlook is a reflection of their consistent financial operations, including very strong budgetary flexibility and strong budgetary performance, which are supported by strong management.”
People Changes
Rochester Hills welcomes a new fire chief. Sean Canto brings 22 years of experience to the Rochester Hills Fire Department. Sean, his wife and two children, moved from Kentucky for him to fill the position. Mayor Barnett welcomed Canto, who will replace acting Fire Chief Ronald Crowell.
Marye Miller steps down from 30 years of service as the founder and director of the Older Person’s Commission (OPC).
What’s New?
Afterglow snacks are served at the 2014 State fo the City Address – photo by Michael Dwyer
Rochester Hills is only the second city to have a specialized app for smartphones. The mayor jokingly gave the example of how a driver in the community could report a pothole using the “Report a Concern” feature. With GPS technology, the problem location is automatically sent with the photo of the concern to the city. The application will be free and is currently available on Android devices and soon to be available on Apple devices.
Rochester Media will continue to track Rochester Hills, highlighting its successes, by keeping residents informed and up-to-date on community happenings in Rochester Hills, Rochester, and Oakland Township.
Video is courtesy of Rochester Hills and was presented at the March 12, 2014 State of the City address by Mayor Bryan K. Barnett.
About Michael Dwyer