Mayor's 'State of the City' to Address Wheaton's Goals, Future Development

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk on Thursday will address the city's goals for 2013 at his annual State of the City address noon at Arrowhead Golf Club and 7 p.m. at the Wheaton Community Center.

Gresk recited the address Wednesday at a Wheaton Rotary meeting, covering the city's four strategic priorities, including financial stability, quality infrastructure, efficient and effective services and economic development. 

City Council in 2011 set the following goals to guide Council and staff decisions:

Financial Stability

 The goal: To maintain a positive financial position with a long-term perspective of achieving greater reliance on local revenue sources. Ensure that operating revenues and expenditures are in balance, while continuing to invest in critical infrastructure.

Performance indicators include maintaining operating reserves equal to 40 percent of the city's yearly operating expenditures in the general fund by April 2015, a two percent—or less—increase in annual operating costs and locally generated revenues to cover 90 percent of the general fund. 

Quality Infrastructure

The goal: Maintain reliable infrastructure systems that support the high level of community expectations. Systems are delivered equitably and appropriately.

Performance indicators include a city-wide program to reduce sanitary sewer backups, customer satisfaction, fewer homes experiencing flooding damage, improved pavement conditions and improving sidewalks with high deficiencies. 

The sidewalk repair program is "a big deal for us," said Gresk, as Wheaton historically does not replace sidewalks. 

Efficient and Effective Services

The goal: Services are delivered at a level and scope established by historical practice. Sustaining current levels is desired, and achieved through continuous operational efficiencies, and balanced against resource limitations and prioritization.

Performance indicators include $75,000 in savings for efficiency improvements by April 30, 2015, customer satisfaction and increased productivity. 

Economic Development

The goal: Maximize taxable property value, reduce vacancies and create an inviting environment for doing business, consistent with the needs and values of the community. Development/redevelopment should be market based and limited city incentives/investments in projects meeting community objectives may be considered.

Performance indicators include a 15 percent drop in retail vacancies by April 30, 2015, a $2.5 million increase in net property value, a complete downtown strategic plan by Jan. 1 and a complete economic development plan by July 1.

"Redevelopment should be market-based, with limited city incentives," he said. 

Gresk recapped major developments in 2012 and upcoming developments in 2013, including the opening of Studio Movie Grill, Charming Charlie and Wear & Share, approval of an Aveda salon and Wheaton 121, a 306-unit apartment complex in downtown Wheaton. 

In 2013, developments include Mariano's Fresh Market, a multi-tenant retail center at the former Buick dealership property, the former Jewel property and new businesses, such as Nothing Bundt Cakes in Town Square.