CC_Minutes_2004_0920 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Study Session - 09/20/04 Minutes - Page 24 Prior to Kysylyczyn's plan, the remodeling and expansion of the city center campus was considered so improbable; it was removed from the city's long range plan several years earlier. Clearly the project's success was not the case of someone being in the right place at the right time. Many people are unaware of the extent of Mayor Kysylyczyn's leadership of this project. In 2000, he presented his two part Infrastructure Investment Initiative plan. With a new council in 2002, he obtained the necessary votes to bring his proposal before the voters. During the referendum campaign, he edited staff advertising brochures, advised staff on civic group presentations, and established and maintained adherence to a project timeline. The city center project could be considered Mayor Kysylyczyn's greatest accomplishment. It was the first voter approved referendum to pass in 30 years, and the first time that a referendum succeeded on the very first try since the 1960's. But this wasn't Kysylyczyn's only accomplishment. Mayor Kysylyczyn will also be remembered for instituting the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Public Works Commission, and even-year elections. He also cast the deciding vote to establish Lexington Park, was involved in the development of the Arona site, redevelopment of Hamline Shopping Center, the revitalization of Har Mar Mall with a new Cub Foods store, and the successful relocation of the bingo hall. He also led the first comprehensive review of the city's budget in over 10 years, which resulted in a lowering of overall city property taxes for the first time in more than 20 years. In 2000, Mayor Kysylyczyn was elected to the highest position in this city at 27 years old. By 2003, he became a dad for the first time, and was selected by City Pages newspaper as the best mayor in the Twin Cities. In recognition of Mayor Kysylyczyn's leadership of the city center project, his numerous successes as Mayor, and his work for the community, I am proud to present him the Rose award." Councilmember Schroeder concluded his comments by suggesting his willingness to move that the City no longer present the Ceremonial Rose in the future.