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Mesquite Mayor Gives State of the City Address

By WESLIE STRATTON

Moapa Valley Progress

Mesquite mayor Allan Litman spoke last week at a Mesquite Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Mesquite Mayor Allan Litman gave his annual State of the City address at a Mesquite Chamber of Commerce luncheon held Wednesday, Feb. 13. The event was open to the public and 195 business owners and residents attended setting a new record for the Chamber.

Litman was introduced to the group and praised for his lifetime achievements including his work as an educator, veteran, husband and more.

“Much like a president’s State of the Union address, a State of the City speech should celebrate the community, recognize areas for improvement and set the policy agenda for the year based on the goals and agendas of it’s leaders,” he said. “I believe this address will cover these areas today.”

Litman introduced a general good state of health as his theme for the year. “Mesquite is fine. Mesquite is good and getting better. Mesquite is a great place to live and enjoy life as I do,” he said.

Litman credited the city’s rising success to those who live and work there. He praised residents’ hard work, love of community, generosity, belief in the future, respect for law and order and faith in local government.

Litman gave a brief history of he city explaining that the early pioneers who attempted to settle the area were wiped out by floods twice in just a few years.
“They persevered and came back,” he said. “Six young families from Bunkerville rebuilt the destroyed canals and finally made a permanent settlement.”

Litman said that about 100 years later Mesquite was officially incorporated as a city with 1,110 residents at that time.
“Mesquite persevered throughout the years,” he said. “We will continue to move forward.”

He noted that the current full-time population is now 22,500.
“A city does not run itself,” Litman said. “If it is to run correctly and smoothly, the staff must be dedicated to the betterment of the city.”

He described the intense dedication and loyalty to the city required by city staff and city council members as well as the city’s various departments.

He praised the fire department and recognized new Fire Chief Jason Andrus. He noted that a new fire engine was placed into service and that reserve staff grew from two to 10.
Litman discussed the undertaking of a natural gas project and said that the department will be working with Southwest Gas to provide tactical procedures in responding to any natural gas emergency.

Regarding the Department of Athletics and Leisure Services, Litman commended Director Nick Montoya on a job well done. He noted that the department has moved the city’s parks and facilities to a new water control system, saving the city water, money and time.

Litman described the completion of the Town Square Park and noted that the city has acquired a Silver Sneaker Contract that will pay the city to keep seniors healthy and active.

He noted that the department has plans to refurbish the S.E.C. Splash Pad in 2019 as well as obtain grant money for new park projects.

Litman credited City Clerk Tracy Beck with successful preparation and execution of local elections as well as the numerous other tasks performed by Beck.

Regarding the police department, Litman noted the designation of Mesquite as the safest city in Nevada.
“This honor reflects the department’s strong relationship with the community and the combined effort of our citizens and officers in creating a proactive policing policy,” he said.

The mayor detailed the many achievements accomplished by the Public Works Department under the direction of Billy Tanner including the upcoming installation of two new traffic signals.

Litman spoke about many other invaluable departments and employees prior to noting recent city growth. In 2018, the city issued 338 single family residential building permits.
“That is the highest since 2008,” he said. “Our growth is about 4.25 percent annually.”
Litman said that an additional 19 commercial building permits, 40 commercial remodel permits and 52 new business permits were issued for a total of just under $100 million. He said that 339 new businesses licenses were issued last year which was the most in any year ever.

Due to population growth the mayor said that the goal is to create a planning and zoning commission and that the city council will start that process.

In conclusion, Litman detailed his goals for the city including improved public safety regarding better planning and action for future power outages and city-wide emergencies.
“I don’t want us to just talk about this and hope we do not have an emergency beyond our control,” he said. “We need a real plan that will be in place and publicized to every home in the city.”

He spoke about improvements he hopes to make in community health care, job creation, political leadership and stability, planned, quality growth, financial sensibility and more.
“I conclude as I began today,” Litman said. “Mesquite is fine. Mesquite is well. Our future is bright. Embrace it for all it has to offer.”

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