point of view

This past summer more than 300 high school graduates signed up for a unique student exchange program. Unlike the well-known foreign exchange model that affords students a chance to study abroad, this program gives students the opportunity to soak in a brand-new culture without ever leaving the country. It's called the American Exchange Project, co-founded by grandson of the late historian David McCullough. "We fund kids to spend a week in the summer after senior year in an American town that is politically & socio-economically & culturally very different from the one that they're growing up in," McCullough hopes to offer the program to a million students a year by decade's end, & all free of charge, thanks to big name donors. "I think every kid in every town should have an experience like this."

Tuesday, 4:30pm – Municipal Court

Wednesday, Noon - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon – City Presentation

Friday, 7:30am – City Council Work Session

Saturday –Christmas is coming to town -- Downtown Holiday Open Houses, Mistletoe Market, Elf Factory, Mayor's Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Lighted Christmas Parade, Lane of Lights, Hall of Trees, & Letters from Santa

Issues under development for upcoming council meetings include change designation of 911 communication officers as 1st responders for inclusion in Police LAGERS retirement plan level with a change in retirement age to 55 from age 60; agreements for on call structural engineer & license plate readers; code amendments for marijuana transit related offenses & offenses concerning drugs; liquor license for 251 E. Broadway; presentation from Lamp Rynearson on how to utilize Stan-Tec sub-surface street condition report for selecting appropriate roadway improvements & maximizing revenues; announce filing dates for general municipal election (12/5 – 12/26); Orion presentation on market analysis of area golf course rates; approve transfer of real estate; & closed.

Celebrating work anniversaries this week – Carol Hunter, 911 Communication Supervisor – 38 years; Jacob Curtis, Community Center Front Desk – 5 years.

Thanks to Clay County for a successful 911 tax election. 61% supported the move from a landline phone 2% tax to a $1 wireless device fee. The change will take place April 1st. ES will no longer have an expense for their 911 service equipment. Clay County will assume full expense for the equipment that is provided through MARC.

The Season of Giving is upon us… We believe the holidays bring out the giver in all of us. The holidays are also about faith, showing appreciation, & helping those in need. If you are looking for ways to give, here are a few ideas - · Fire Department participates with Channel 5’s Season of Hope – drop off new toys at the Fire Station; · Community Center just kicked off mustaches competition to give scholarships to join the Community Center – go to esgives.org

• Our big news this week was the installation of the dome over the outdoor pool. The dome will be in place for 8 months every year, to provide additional swim lanes year-round & will be removed every spring & stored. There are lots of possibilities; looking forward to what comes next. Thank you to our community center staff & career center volunteers they helped us learn how to make this look easy.
• One of our newest parks, Milwaukee Park recently completed an 1/8-mile trail loop weaving through what will become a butterfly haven. Thanks to the Piccadilly Fundraising event that the Park Foundation holds every year to raise funds to improve park facilities.
• City Council approved a reduced rate for video service providers from 5% to 4.5% effective immediately.
• City will receive $250,000, 100% grant from EPA to abate lead paint & asbestos at Wyman. Whether Wyman is demolished or redeveloped, the removal of hazardous materials is necessary.
• Police & Community Development Departments will undergo training to conduct the point-in-time count this coming week. The official count will take place across the nation in January & provides an accurate count of homeless individuals when done correctly.

Current residents of ES have shared positive reviews about their experience living in ES. One resident describes it as a picturesque small town with a vibrant downtown area filled with small businesses & murals. The community is known for its friendliness & willingness to help both locals & tourists. During the Christmas season, the town comes together for parades & events, including the Elf Factory where children can make presents for their loved ones. Overall, residents are proud to call ES their home. Read it at showme state sights.