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Mayor Copelan Oakley highlights infrastructure upgrades, staff growth and downtown development in State of the City
Summary
Mayor Copelan Oakley presented the State of the City address, citing SCADA monitoring for water and sewer, hiring 39 employees, investments in code enforcement and fire/police upgrades, and development work downtown led by Main Street and planning staff.
Mayor Copelan Oakley delivered the State of the City address to the council, summarizing accomplishments across city departments and outlining near‑term priorities.
On utilities, the mayor said the city implemented a SCADA monitoring system to detect issues early and credited staff for preventing water‑service disruptions while maintaining environmental permit compliance. The mayor highlighted investments in workforce training and operator certification for the water and sewer division.
In workforce and administration, the mayor reported hiring 39 new employees, completion of leadership and compliance training, and securing a $10,000 employee wellness grant. He introduced Courtney Shavers as the city clerk and credited the clerk's office with conducting municipal elections in compliance with state law.
On code enforcement, the mayor announced the addition of new positions (described in the meeting as two full‑time and one part‑time), more field equipment and enhanced training to improve service delivery.
The fire department received new equipment and an expanded station plan, including a ladder truck and the anticipated opening of a new station by the end of the year; the mayor said fire staff have increased certifications and conduct community outreach and safety inspections. The police department reported patrol fleet upgrades, a drone program, traffic‑safety recognition and expanded investigations and digital forensics capabilities; the mayor noted a department member now chairs a regional intelligence network.
Planning and zoning improvements include updated inspection forms, revised zoning maps and closer coordination with GIS. Main Street activity, led by newly introduced director Jennifer Stazzney, was credited with year‑round events that draw regional visitors and support downtown businesses.
The mayor closed by stressing continued infrastructure investment, economic development and public‑safety support as council priorities. No formal policy changes were adopted during the address; the remarks served as a departmental review and planning overview.
