The Club's first meeting of 2012 was called to order by Andrew Guzzo, the President of the Rock Island Rotary Club.  While we met on Monday, it was Rotary's turn to sponsor the annual State of the City address, so we ended up being guests at our own meeting.  Andrew introduced all of the guests of Rotary and various Rotary officers.  Our President, Tom Ketelaar, reciprocated with an introduction of all officers in attendance and guests.

      Following a number of Rotary announcements, Tom highlighted several points for our information.  There will be an Interclub with the Silvis/East Moline Club January 30 at 6:00 p.m.  President Tom also indicated that the Club leadership was again looking at hosting the soon-to-be-annual Use It or Luge It outing at Snowstar on President's Day.  More details will follow.  Mr. Guzzo also reminded us that with the farm show being featured next week at the Expo Center, parking for those attending our meeting will be in those restricted areas identified by parking lot attendants next Monday.

The Feature Attraction

      The program consisted of the annual State of the City address, this year, by Mayor Dennis Pauley.  Mr. Pauley began with an introduction of the various Council members and staff in attendance at the meeting.  One of the major challenges he saw for the coming year is economic.  It is anticipated that CDBG funds will be drastically reduced from last year.  The Mayor announced that sessions will be held in the coming weeks for the Council to consider how to do more with less while still maintaining the City's fiscal obligations and integrity.  The Mayor stated that state and federal funds are key sources of income to the City and that the City would be seeking more federal and state grants.  It is hoped that these funds would, as has been the case in the past, help fund significant infrastructure projects.  The Mayor also stated that the gaming revenue is another significant source of income for various projects.  Positive news for the  past year included new housing development, lower crime rate, and new businesses.  At the same time, several businesses have left, sometimes, out of the control of best efforts of the City.  Big draws during the past year included the Schwiebert Park facility, the Train Fest, and Whitewater Junction.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

            "Nonchalance is the ability to remain down to earth when everything else is up in the air."- Earl Wilson