With the 2015 currently underway, the Santa Rosa Press Gazette recently asked several of Milton’s elected officials about their thoughts on 2014 and what they would like to accomplish over the course of this year.
In your opinion what was the City of Milton’s proudest accomplishment in 2014?
Mayor Wesley Meiss:
In 2014, locals participated in the largest election in Milton’s history. Seven of the city’s nine elected positions were sought by a diverse group of citizens who were all eager to make Milton a better place. With over 1,600 ballots cast, the citizens elected Milton’s first gender balanced council. Less than one hundred years after the ratification of the nineteenth amendment, our city council consists of four men and four women.
In 2014, Milton High School maintained an “A” ranking by the Florida Department of Education. The quality of Milton High’s staff and facilities are incredible. Much credit also can be attributed to Principal Mike Thorpe. His energy and leadership have yielded positive gains. Both the Milton City Council and citizens of Milton consider Milton’s “A” ranking a top priority and accomplishment for 2014 and beyond.
In 2014, we witnessed the greatest precipitation event in Milton’s recorded history. In addition, we witnessed an ice storm that will be remembered for generations. Our proactive storm water committee, city council and staff helped to ensure the safety of our residents and their property. Compared to other areas affected by the storms, Milton fared remarkably well. The council has established a tradition of being proactive with our city’s infrastructure. This is a great accomplishment and certainly pays off.
Council member Ashley Lay:
With the help of the Downtown Milton Courthouse Committee, the new courthouse location question was answered by the voters of Santa Rosa County. They overwhelmingly voiced downtown Milton should be the home of the new Santa Rosa County Courthouse.
Council member Jimmy Messick:
I feel the greatest accomplishment by the city council in 2014 was their recommendation to the Transportation Planning Organization and the Department of Transportation, by resolution, supporting the downtown route for the Highway 90 project. By doing so, it showed DOT the city was willing to make a tough decision on the support of a specific route and allow them to move ahead with the planning for this improvement on the major artery through our city. Close on that was the Sanders Street project which included the new tennis complex.
Council member Mary Ellen Johnson:
An opened and transformed leadership environment which included a public workshop held for city council members and facilitated by the city manager to review the City of Milton’s long range plans. This workshop stimulated thinking and focused thoughts and ideas concerning road paving, personnel, enhanced and sustained facilities and infrastructure, economic development, financial sustainability, accountable and responsive government, provisions for an environment for an exceptional quality of life, and an effective and sustainable public safety.
Council member Patsy Lunsford:
In 2014, we did the beautification project along Highway 90 and it looks tremendous. We had Sanders Street redone, that was a much-needed project . We bought the Sundail sewage plant. We purchased 32 acres north of the Guy Thompson Community Center and we are working on plans for that.
What would you like to see accomplished for the citizens of Milton in 2015?
Mayor Wesley Meiss:
I would like to enhance and maintain a business friendly atmosphere that is inviting for entrepreneurs and investors. I am working to attract more businesses like Boomerang Pizza and the Blackwater Bistro to our downtown tourism district. However, the City of Milton extends well beyond the downtown tourism district. In 2015, I will work closely with the Milton Planning Department to concentrate on the revitalization of both Stewart Street and the Hwy 90 corridors. Locals are ready to bring businesses back to Milton.
City staff is already working on identifying city road conditions and ranking those roads. Road improvements are needed in the City of Milton and are a major concern of the citizens.
I would like to see curbside recycling available for residents in 2015. Many residents have spoken to me about the desire to recycle and this should be available very soon.
One of the most pertinent objectives of 2015 is to enhance public input and participation. Public input will be encouraged and sought through a mixture of collaborative workshops, home visits, business visits, social media, phone calls and specific case meetings.
The city’s new website will be major enhancement from the current site. The new website will offer easy access to information pertaining to the City of Milton. The public will be able to use the site to contact both elected officials and city staff.
Council member Ashley Lay:
What I would like to see accomplished in Milton over the next year would first be a partnership with the Santa Rosa County Commissioners as we find funding for a new courthouse in Downtown Milton.
I would also like to see development of the riverfront by leveraging Restore Act Funds, moving forward with street paving projects and making our city bicycle and pedestrian friendly. As the PD&E study continues for Hwy 90, I expect to move forward in finding a viable solution that allows our community to thrive. I am honored to have a small part in helping make our city great and look forward to working with my fellow city, county and state officials to work towards meeting our goals.
Council member Jimmy Messick:
During my campaign this past summer, the major item that the citizens expressed concern about was the conditions of our streets. I would like for the council to be able to find a way financially to repair and upgrade more of the streets in Milton.
Council member Mary Ellen Johnson:
Open communication, transparency, building trust and appreciation, and fostering the idea and reality that we need each and every citizen to participate in the process to help build a better city.
Council member Patsy Lunsford:
I would like to work with the county commissioners in getting a new library for Milton, it is in much need of renewal. We have a lot of students who need to use computers. I would also like to see about adding a BMX park, we have received several requests for it. I have the children at heart and I want places they can enjoy. We also have to replace our old infrastructure. I would also like to see some of our streets redone.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton: Mayor, council members share thoughts on 2014 and 2015