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City Council Study Session — 09/20/04 <br />DRAFT Minutes - Page 25 <br />Clearly the project's success was not the case of someone <br />being in the right place at the right time. <br />Many people are unaware of the extent of Mayor Kysylyczyn's <br />leadership of this project. In 2000, he presented his two part <br />Infrastructure Investment Initiative plan. With a new council in <br />2002, he obtained the necessary votes to bring his proposal <br />before the voters. During the referendum campaign, he <br />edited staff advertising brochures, advised staff on civic group <br />presentations, and established and maintained adherence to <br />a project timeline. <br />The city center project could be considered Mayor <br />Kysylyczyn's greatest accomplishment. It was the first voter <br />approved referendum to pass in 30 years, and the first time <br />that a referendum succeeded on the very first try since the <br />1960's. But this wasn't Kysylyczyn's only accomplishment. <br />Mayor Kysylyczyn will also be remembered for instituting the <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Public Works <br />Commission, and even-year elections. He also cast the <br />deciding vote to establish Lexington Park, was involved in the <br />development of the Arona site, redevelopment of Hamline <br />Shopping Center, the revitalization of Har Mar Mall with a new <br />Cub Foods store, and the successful relocation of the bingo <br />hall. He also led the first comprehensive review of the city's <br />budget in over 10 years, which resulted in a lowering of <br />overall city property taxes for the first time in more than 20 <br />years. <br />In 1000, Mayor Kysylyczyn was elected to the highest position <br />in this city at 27 years old. By 2003, he became a dad for the <br />first time, and was selected by City Pages newspaper as the <br />best mayor in the Twin Cities. <br />In recognition of Mayor Kysylyczyn's leadership of the city <br />center project, his numerous successes as Mayor, and his <br />work for the community, I am proud to present him the Rose <br />award." <br />Councilmember Schroeder concluded his comments by <br />suggesting his willingness to move that the City no longer <br />present the Ceremonial Rose in the future. <br />Mayor Klausing suggested that, if Councilmember Schroeder <br />chose to do so, he could include his recommendation on a future <br />