We are now open for business! The City Council passed my proposed budget four days before the new fiscal year began on July 1. The budget grew 1 percent outside of the School Department and it contained a lot of restructuring, consolidation, and priorities, including a heavy emphasis on our youth. Best of all, we did not use any of our reserves which today stand at $5.3M. To view the budget, please click here. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping us through the annual budget process in particular City Controller Charles Ranaghan, Human Resources Director Eleanor Cushing, Online Services and Communications Director Ron Cochran, and Human Resources Specialist Melissa Smith.
No sooner than the ink dried on the city budget we held our Annual Independence Day Celebrations around Malden. I made it to every park and I could not be prouder of the Councillors who led the events. There were games, rides, and lots of red, white, and blue. For photos from all the events, click here. The best thing about the 2012 July 4th Celebrations was that I was off the hook from going in the dunk tank! What my newfound freedom did allow me to do is be on scene for a captured red tail boa constrictor that got loose in Malden. To see the story, click here.
On a more serious note, I want to thank the Police and Fire
Departments for their great response to serious incidents that occurred within
the past week. Police and Fire responded to a shooting that we believe emanated
from the business located at 287 Salem Street. As the Police continue to
investigate, I have directed the Problem Properties Unit to issue a Cease and
Desist order to the business since they did not have the proper permit to
operate so they are shut down until further notice. I also want to commend the
Fire Department for dousing two house fires within days without injury or loss
of life. These two departments continue to make Malden proud!
Now going to try and take a little time in July and August to recharge the batteries in anticipation of what I believe will be a busy fall. We will be submitting a Capital Improvement Plan to the City Council and a plan to address Post Employment Benefits which is a financial issue affecting all cities and towns.
Sincerely,
GARY CHRISTENSON
Mayor of Malden
Things have been on the upgrade in Malden under the new city administration!!! We have a problem of an Absentee Landord coming to the city with a poor record of Maintenance of their properties and I appreciate the ordinance that requires inspection of Apartments that are vacante and up for rental before occupancy must be up to code. LOOKING TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH use due diligence.
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