Council Message by Council Member Lee Ann Bissmeyer
As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the significant strides we’ve made this year and the promising future ahead. Among our most notable achievements, the City of Montgomery’s sixth consecutive win of the Top Workplace award stands out. This, coupled with the timely progress of the Montgomery Quarter construction and the successful filling of all open roles, particularly in the police and fire departments, is a testament to our collective dedication and hard work.
This year, we undertook a strategic move by completing twice the normal street resurfacing, a decision aimed at avoiding competition with the upcoming Brent Spence Bridge project and taking advantage of better pricing. While not as glamorous as other initiatives, addressing stormwater drainage in the City which significantly impacts our quality of life. These strategic decisions reassure us that the future of our city is in good hands.
One of the most rewarding achievements of 2024 is our partnership with Care Solace in the mental health space. This initiative, aimed at enhancing our residents’ mental well-being, complements our existing efforts to promote physical health through parks, a pool, sidewalks, and fitness classes. We want to share the initial data from Care Solace with you since it was linked to our website and promoted in our Bulletin this summer.
Little did we know how successful that collaboration would be! The national average has wait times of nearly six months to see a mental health provider. I am thrilled that we found a way to help our residents and expedite their path to help.
Over the next few months, we will review and authorize the budget for the next five years, plan the Holiday in the Village, and prepare for the next Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy; see page 4 and get your application in! We have no local elections in November, but as we near the national election, I’m grateful to be in our quaint City where we intentionally insulate ourselves from the partisan politics that dominate our country and focus on all our residents. We constantly strive to make our City better for everyone in it.