We Wish You Well, Eric !!

As you may have already heard, Trustee Eric Rosenfeld resigned from the Superior Board of Trustees last evening. While I have only had a few days to digest the news of Eric's departure from the Board, and our community, my first thoughts were to congratulate Eric and Brandy on their new career success and family relocation; but at the same time, recognizing what their departure means to the Town of Superior.

Eric and Brandy have both been actively involved with the Town, in a variety of capacities, for a number of years. By itself, that dedication to public service is something to appreciate and celebrate.

Having worked with Eric on the Town Board for the past two and one-half years, I have always found him to be consistent in thought, asking the tough questions, pressing for innovation and ever-vigilant in the expenditure of public dollars. He grasps the biggest picture, always recognizes the importance of serving the community as a whole and isn't afraid to take on vocal constituencies. His voice and presence will be missed.

To the Rosenfeld family, we wish you well -- and trust that you recognize all of the contributions that you've made to help make our community a better place.

Scott

Superior Moves Toward E-Communications

As part of the Town's recently approved "Enhanced Communications Plan", a number of new initiatives take advantage of electronic media. These include:

* Expanding Content on Town Website -- to include the Town Board's annual goals statement and the staff's corresponding work programs; monthly and quarterly financial reports, accounts payable, salaries and other pertinent financial material; and new tools to facilitate questions and comments from residents to the Town Board and/or staff

* E-Newsletter -- the dissemination of the "Town Sentinel" via email; which is intended to significantly improve the timeliness (and reduce the cost) of our most significant communications tool

* E-Blasts -- timely and targeted emails to subscribers advising of time-sensitive information from the Town; examples of such information could include updates on pending construction activity, street closures, community events, block parties, emergency siren testing, etc.

* Blog Sites -- the creation of blogs for the Town Board, Town Manager and staff, linked to the Town's website, and available for dissemination of relevant information

* Webstreaming of Town Meetings -- in addition to broadcasting our public meetings on cable television, these meetings are now available via the Town's web site.

These are but a few of the numerous efforts being made by the Town of Superior to foster improved communicaitons with all constituencies. I strongly encourage residents to supply their email addresses to the Town so that you can be included in these outreach efforts -- and as always, contact the Town Board or staff with other suggestions on how the Town can improve its outreach to residents.

Scott

Call for Volunteers

The Town of Superior enjoys a rich history of civic engagement and community participation -- most notably through its extensive use of advisory committees and commissions. Dozens of residents contribute an untold number of hours advising the Board of Trustees and staff on such important issues as:

* land use and development (Planning Commission);

* parks and recreation (PROSTAC)

* open space acquisitions (OSAC)

* environment (Recycling and Conservation Committee)

* historic preservation (Historic Commission)

At this time, a vacancy exists on the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Advisory Commission (PROSTAC). This group has traditionally been involved in planning for a variety of new park amenities; and is currently working on a major initiative to expand Community Park to the east side of Rock Creek Parkway, adding a host of new attractions. Residents interested in serving on PROSTAC are encouraged to obtain an application from the Town's website (www. townofsuperior.com) and submit your expression of interest by August 14th.

The Town Board also recently agreed to establish a Home Rule Task Force, designed to independently study the issue of whether the Town should pursue a home rule charter initiative. It is anticipated that this group will be appointed in mid-September and tasked with rending a recommendation on this issue by the end of the year. Again, individuals interested in serving on the Home Rule Task Force are encouraged to complete an application, contact a Town Board member or call Town Hall.

Scott Randall

Town Manager

Pardon Our Dust

As Superior Undertakes Aggressive Capital Improvements Program

As you have undoubtedly seen, it is difficult to traverse our beautiful town withou seeing some form of public works construction activity -- whether it be the resurfacing of miles of our residential streets; new perimeter sidewalks around Town 9 Park; miscellaneous sidewalk, curb and pothole patching; pool repairs; irrigation system controller replacement; or the soon-to-commence construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Coalton and McCaslin.

All of this work represents a significant investment in the Town's public infrastructure -- which consists of more than 37 miles of streets; 47 miles of water mains; 46 miles of sewer; 10 parks; 27 miles of trails; hundreds of acres of open space; numerous buildings and other support facilities; all with a cumulative value in excess of $135 million. The Town's investment in maintaining and enhancing these assets totals more than $5.5 million in the current fiscal year -- and is performed as part of Superior's multi-year financial plan and comprehensive capital improvements program.

So, we ask for your patience and understanding as the Town and its contractors go about the heady task of maintaining these critical investments -- each of which helps make the Town of Superior such an extraordinary place to live.

Scott