Story By Michael Dwyer and Sonya Julie, Photos by Michael Dwyer
The State of the City Address of Rochester Held at The Royal Park Hotel
Rochester City Manager, Blaine Wing, at his first State of the City for Rochester, welcomed the crowd and gave introductory remarks. Turning it over to Mayor Pro Tem, Kim Russell, she introduced the Rochester Hills Police Department Honor Guard, who presented the colors by marching in with the flags of The United States of America, Michigan, and the City of Rochester.
The entire Rochester City Council were on stage during the address:
- Mayor Cathy Daldin
- Mayor Pro Tem Kim Russel
- Council Member Jeffery T. Cuthbertson
- Council Member Stuart Bikson
- Council Member Ben Giovanelli
- Council Member Ann Peterson
- Council Member Rob Ray
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Kenneth Tanner gave the Invocation. Council Member Jeffery T. Cuthbertson introduced Mayor Cathy Daldin. “Short and sweet,” Mayor Daldin said was the nickname L. Brooks Patterson gave her and that was her plan for the 2016 State of the City of Rochester Address.
Mayor Cathy Daldin and Mayor Pro Tem Kim Russell are the first two women to hold those posts concurrently for the City of Rochester. Leader Dogs for the Blind were on hand again this year with dogs and puppies – certainly the cutest part of the event – which could be heard chiming in at almost perfect moments with barks and yelps.
The Mayor’s theme for the evening was Rochester, Where you live: Past, Present, and Future. She reminded everyone of the city’s accomplishments from the recent past, including:
- The Bebout Municipal Park Band Shell
- The Comfort Station near the Playground at Rochester Municipal Park
- The Warming Station at the Lions Shelter Near the Pond
- The Downtown Fire Station Remodel
Currently in the Present:
- Balanced Budget and Healthy Fund Reserve
- AAA Bond Rating
- Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting
- Increased Property Values
- Ranked one of the Safest Cities in Michigan
The Mayor touched on the Master Plan to bring zoning changes this summer and to tackle the housing challenge to have more mid-range homes ($200k-$350k). “Exciting building projects” include eight new residential units on Main Street and a multi-use project with office space, condos, and apartments at the corner of Main and Romeo Streets (currently where the Hollywood Mini-Market is).
Safe water is a must and Mayor Daldin explained the details of water testing in the city from both the Detroit system and the Rochester well system (the city is split and uses both to cover Rochester). That conversation turned to sewer talk – regarding the new Clinton River Trail Sewer Interceptor – that project will benefit the overall sewer infrastructure of the city and is scheduled to be completed by May.
And that takes us into the Future – more infrastructure – roads, water mains and more sewer upgrades.
The Bicentennial Anniversary of the city will be a big celebration in 2017 as Rochester turns 200 years old. Rochester is the first settlement in Oakland County and to help celebrate 10,000 daffodils will be planted to add to the 10,000 planted last fall. Daffodils bloom in the spring.
The final announcement was about the 2016 Charity Sponsor, Leader Dogs for the Blind.
- Joined Rochester Community in 1939
- The Downtown Walnut location open in 1976
- More than 14,400 clients have graduated from LeaderDogs
- More than 350 volunteers
- To donate, Text LeaderDog to 50155
The evening concluded with a Taste of Rochester by area eateries sharing some of their best fares with the crowd.
Please read the review of the 2015 State of the City Address from last year
Is Mayor Daldin’s name misspelled on the cake? (“Daltin”?)
It appears so, good eye Curious.
it’s Spelled correctly Daldin
Oh yes, it is misspelled on the cake.