2010-2011 Accomplishments

"Growing in a Time of Change"

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Budget and Finance

Unlike many of the budget processes of our neighbors, Chesapeake’s Operating and Capital budgets were adopted by City Council without fanfare with no increases in taxes with the preservation of core services.

For the first time in its history, Chesapeake received a  AAA bond rating from the Fitch Rating Service, highlighting the City Council and Administration’s commitment to sound, long-range focused fiscal management.

Strong financial performance for FY2009-2010 closeout with another solid year of cost containment and the careful management of resources; specifically with $12.5 million in actual expenditure savings. Additionally, based on our conservative budget philosophy, revenue collections exceeded the revised budget forecasts by nearly $6.6 million.

Completed a comprehensive analysis of fund balances in concert with the Budget Liaisons with staff recommendations to preserve the City’s strong financial position.

Implementing the CAO Financial Plan, SPSA significantly reduced debt with proceeds of sale ($150 million) of WTE plant; approval of sale ($1.2 million) of recycling property; RIF from 480 to 155 employees. Implementation of financial plan allowed reduction in tipping fee of $5/ton as of 1/1/11.

The City was the first community in the region to implement a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program saving $1.86 million in costs.

Employees converted to KRONOS timekeeping system and MUNIS payroll system, enhancing both efficiency and accountability for staff.

Additional savings in FY2009-2010 budget provided resources for City Council to provide a 1.5% pay increase for employees in FY2010-2011 and an additional 1.5% increase in FY2011-2012.

Operations

Initiated detailed study of City operations for Prioritization based on City Council’s strategic priorities.

Streamlined operations; dissolved General Services Department and incorporated functions into other departments to leverage existing and potential efficiencies.

Fleet Management staff removed more than 30 vehicles from the City inventory, at a savings of $290,000. Additional work is underway to both streamline the fleet and enhance cost efficiencies for fuel and other consumables.

Working with the Liaisons through a partnership between Public Safety and Public Works the City’s Operational Plan for Snow/Ice and Winter Storm Response was updated to assure the quickest and safest possible return to normalcy following a storm.

Technology

Utilizing technology, the City rolled out the capability for code enforcement staff to complete many tasks in the field, enhancing both their ability to increase call response and decrease wait times for customers.

The new EZ-Permit system was activated on the City website, enabling contractors and homeowners to request and receive many permit types online, further enhancing speed and customer service.

Replaced and upgraded the Uninterruptible Power Supply for Information Technology, further enhancing the City’s disaster preparedness and continuity of operations efforts.

Identified year-end savings in FY2009-2010 budget which were redirected to provide critical upgrades to computer technology infrastructure.

Public Safety

Worked to create the City’s first dedicated Gang Task Force.

Tough on crime.  Pressing for (and securing) the removal of alcohol sales at Blakely’s nightclub on Battlefield in Great Bridge.

A new Police Precinct (5-Greenbrier) and new Fire Station (3-Indian River) were opened, to both enhance service delivery and provide for staff needs. Additionally, improvements to Fire Stations were begun to address health issues.

Construction is well underway on a new Animal Services Facility to provide safe, humane care for animals and enhanced working conditions for staff, with completion projected at the end of the year.

Replaced 10 of oldest Fire engines with 10 new trucks.

Quality of Life

Instrumental in supporting the Community Services Board’s plan to build two Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled (ICFID) on City property, thereby resulting in significant cost savings for our local and State funding sources.

Continued aggressive code enforcement for blighted properties in South Norfolk and other areas, working across departmental and agency lines.

Advanced the process for conversion of the South Norfolk Armory site to recreational fields and facilities.

Renovation and expansion of the Camelot Community Center opened, providing additional recreational and health opportunities for residents.

Deep Creek Park Project is substantially complete, with only the turf maturation remaining.

Serve The City Chesapeake awarded by Neighborhoods USA for its efforts to enhance local homes.

Fun Forest, reaching back to its roots as a community-led project, was reborn following arson. Donations from companies and individuals, as well as a grass roots volunteer effort combined to both rebuild and modernize the play area for a new generation.

Continuing our commitment to the environment via recycling, advanced the Recycling Perks Program by TFC.

The Chesapeake Customer Contact Center (382-CITY) has processed more than 250,000 citizen requests and continues to provide residents, businesses and visitors with a one-stop source for City service access.

Chesapeake was one of four Virginia cities named in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” report. In addition, Parenting Magazine ranked the City 45th in their list of “Best Cities for Families,” calling Chesapeake, “an outdoor lover’s paradise.”

Resolved long-standing drainage issues in the Money Point community and other areas.

Transportation

Design for the Dominion Boulevard/Steel Bridge project is complete, with Right-of-Way acquisition well underway. Working with State and Federal partners, the City is methodically positioning the project for advancement.

Working closely with Figg Bridge Developers to ensure permitting and intergovernmental cooperation of the seamless construction of the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge.

Commitment to Excellence

Committed to lifelong learning, maintaining professional certification and attending major professional meetings/conferences to remain knowledgeable on best management practices and methodologies.

Have represented the City of Chesapeake as a speaker at numerous professional, community, and neighborhood meetings.