Page 12 - February_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

STATE OF CIT YMAYOR JOHN SOREY

THE

I t is hard to believe that we are in February 2016 already. I will be extended on Gulf Shore Boulevard North from the Mooring
find it is always interesting to look back at our past goals Line Bridge down to Central Avenue.
and achievements, but know it’s just as important to look
at our future and the goals we set. This system will provide an alternative water supply to those
In sports, the goal is clear: win the game, by a high score. residents for irrigation needs. Connection to the reclaimed water system
In business, goals can be slightly more diffuse but making is voluntary. Residents are not required to make connection to the
money is fundamental. Sports teams and businesses alike reclaimed water line, but the City of Naples believes there is an economic
develop strategies that seek to maximize their chances of advantage to residents should they opt for voluntary connection. The
achieving their goals. cost of reclaimed water is $0.66 per 1000 gallons compared to $1.37 per
1000 gallons for potable water.
In government, especially local government however, it
is more difficult. For all of us on the City Council making By connecting to the reclaimed water system, residents will conserve
Naples a better place to live, work and visit is always part of the City’s existing potable water supply. This alternative water system
the goal, but that’s a fairly broad definition. Often the next has eliminated the need to spend approximately $60 million for the City
level of detail is working to deliver the programs you are to expand the existing potable water plant to provide water supply for
responsible for as well as making it possible. But without the foreseeable future.
clarity about what the program is, it is hard to be sure
whether you are doing it well, much less make the goal. Every month when I write, I ask for ideas, suggestions and feedback.
This month I ask that you let the entire City Council hear your comments
In 2016 we have set many goals for the City Council, the about these goals, about thoughts and ideas about the City of Naples.
City Manager and the City staff.
Attend a Naples City Council meeting, come watch the process,
• Implement the FY2015-16 operating budget effectively let us know what you think. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday
and efficiently with total actual expenditures less than overall each month at 8:30 a.m. If you can’t attend, watch it online, www.
budgeted expenditures. naplesgov.com.

• Initiate each of the 102 capital improvements, The City’s focus is always to make Naples the best and safest place
acquisitions, or repairs as listed in the Capital budget, or to live, work and visit. As always you can contact me at 239.213.1000 or
justify reasons why any were not initiated during the fiscal Jsorey@naplesgov.com.
year.

• Maintain open dialogue regarding city affairs with the
Presidents’ Council, Homeowner Associations, stakeholders’
organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Fifth
Avenue South BID, the Third Street Association, the Naples
Airport Authority, the Naples Pathway Coalition, and other
business, professional, and neighborhood groups.

• Complete design of Baker Park/Gordon River bridge
crossing. Begin engineering design of the new Baker Park.

• Implement the top priority (#1 priority list developed
by staff ) of the PSSI Fire Department Master Plan as
presented to City Council on December 2, 2015.

Some of these goals may impact some residents more
than others. One example, the reclaimed (alternative water)
water system has recently been installed on Mooring Line
Drive. Beginning in April 2016, the reclaimed water system

12 Life in Naples | February 2016