The Cypress State of City Address was mostly a typical look at the positive advancements the city has made in the past year and how it looks heading into the future. But I thought it was very admirable of the city to acknowledge the major issue of 2013, that affected not only Cypress, but also brought Los Alamitos and even Seal Beach residents to the attention of the city.
The 33-acre Katella project was probably the most talked about issue of the year and certainly had some members of the Cypress City Council having to listen to some difficult reactions from the community.
The project was so bitterly opposed that the developers, Prologis, eventually took their out clause in the deal and has moved on to other areas. Cypress Mayor Leroy Mills took the opportunity in his address to make note of the issue and the affect it had on the city and surrounding community.
Mills noted that the property has reverted back to its previous owners and they are now looking for a development that is “more in line with the community’s expressed need.”
“Much was learned from Measures L & A. Community outreach is very productive. Applied critical thinking is absolutely essential. We are a stronger community for coming together and for the lessons that we have learned,” Mills said.
Mills’ address touched on many of the things the city has to be hopeful and proud of, notably things such as fiscal soundness, strong schools and a top-level police force.
Mills said that the city’s budget is projected to be about $25 million for fiscal year 2013-14, with a Capital Improvement Program budget of about $10 million. He noted that the conservative fiscal approach has helped the city avoid many of the cuts other city’s have had to endure.
“For the past several years, Cypress is among the few cities that can claim that we’ve experienced no lay-offs, no furlough days, no reduction in service levels, and no new taxes during the recent economic downturn,” Mills said. “We are on course now to close out this budget year in the black just as in past years.”
Mills also noted the city’s residential growth in 2013 and said they will see that continue in 2014. Last year, 14 new townhomes were built in the city and 16 single family homes were also added, valued at approximately $1 million each.
And business development has also increased as five new major companies were added to the city’s business area.
Mills also noted infrastructure improvements, including storm drain improvement, sewer line replacements and the resurfacing of 65 lane miles of city streets. The city’s youth and senior programs have also strived, Mills said, adding that local volunteers have helped keep parks and programs available.
“Many of our services are supplemented by volunteers. 9,000 volunteer hours have been given to our Senior Center alone. Organizations such as Cypress Church, and businesses including Vans and United HealthCare, have provided volunteers to complete service projects or to support ongoing programs in our community,” Mills said.
The event also recognized three local businesses for their contribution to the city. The AGENT Business of the Year Award went to Sika Corporation. The BRACE Award went to United HealthCare and the SPIRIT Business of the Year award went to Hyatt Die Cast & Engineering.
Mills closed the address with a nod towards the future and the ideals the city council and staff hope to continue.
“We will stay the course in the continued tradition of effective governance and prudent financial management of this City’s resources ensuring successes in the years to come,” Mills said.
