City of Rolla, Missouri
901 North Elm Street
Rolla, MO 65401
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Rolla, MO - The Middle of Everywhere...
City Talk
City Talk – May 3, 2008
By Mayor Bill Jenks
Blog provides opportunity for input on Rolla West Master Plan
When you first hear the term “blog” many different thoughts may cross your mind regarding its purpose, value and intent. But if you were to measure the effectiveness of the City’s new blog (http://rollacity.blogspot.com) recently created so residents can provide additional feedback on the proposed Rolla West Master Plan, you might say it has already helped increase public involvement, discussion, input and interest in the proposed Rolla West project.
While over 150 individuals participated in a series of Rolla West Master Plan workshops held at City Hall April 15-17, including an open house on April 17, the City wants to ensure the public is provided every opportunity to comment and provide additional feedback/input regarding this multi-year, multi-phase project. The Rolla City Council’s vision is that the Rolla West Master Plan will provide a blueprint – a working document much like the Rolla 20-20 Comprehensive Update - for carefully planned, environmentally sound and sustained economic growth that will enhance our community’s quality of life through job creation, enhanced retail opportunities, and an improved transportation network that will improve safety and relieve traffic congestion along Kingshighway and State Highway 63 between Missouri Route 72 and I-44. It will also help Rolla maintain and enhance its stature as the regional retail hub and center of Southwest Missouri.
Blogs are certainly nothing new in today’s ever-changing world of communication where more and more people use the Internet to converse through e-mail, instant messaging and blogging on various topics, projects and issues. To validate this, you can review the results of a recent DirectionFinder, Citizen Survey conducted by ETC Institute in the City of Rolla that revealed that the percentage of adult residents in Rolla who are using the Internet from home has increased from 64% in 2002 to 73% in 2008. The survey results (available on the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org and at City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street), also reveal a significant increase in the number of individuals in the community who are viewing the City’s Website for City news and information.
As of Thursday, May 1, the City’s new blog, which can be accessed at http://rollacity.blogspot.com had received no fewer than 10 comments, and counting. While the City hopes there will be a lot more comments posted in the days to come, we are encouraged to see several insightful comments that the City and HNTB Corporation will consider when finalizing the preferable Rolla West Master Plan. One of the benefits of the new blog is that it conveniently provides Internet users with quick and easy access to the three alternative Rolla West Master Plan drawings that were created and developed during the community-based workshops held at City Hall in April.
In addition, the blog also provides a link to an in-depth article that describes the Rolla West Master Plan and process. Links from the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org will also take you to the Rolla West Master Plan blog. Additional comments and feedback regarding the Rolla West Master Plan can also be provided by contacting Steve Hargis, Director of Public Works, at (573) 364-8659 or at shargis@rollacity.org. HNTB Corporation will consider your comments and suggestions when developing and finalizing the preferred Rolla West Master Plan, which they will formally present to the Rolla City Council and the public later this summer.
In closing I’d like to remind everyone that many city and community-wide events are planned today, Saturday, May 3, including the Fourth Annual Kids Fishing Fair (8 a.m. to 12-noon) at Ber Juan Lake in Ber Juan Park behind The Centre (1200 N. Holloway St.) and a Tennis Block Party that will be hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex (located at the corner of 14th and Holloway Streets) in Ber Juan Park. Both events are free and open to the public. For further information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 364-4278 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org/events.shtm.
Sincerely, William S. Jenks, III, Mayor
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About us. . .
Rolla is a city of about 18,000 located right in the middle of Missouri. In fact, our slogan is "The Middle of Everywhere", and it's very nearly true. We're at the intersection of I-44 and US 63, halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, and an hour south of the capital Jefferson City. With rail service and an airport that can handle all but the biggest jets, you really can get just about anywhere from here.
Where on Earth are we?
Latitude: 37° 57' 05" N
Longitude: 91° 46' 16" W
Mission Statement
The Mission of the City of Rolla is to promote the enhanced quality of life for citizens of all ages and abilities. We do so by pursuing strong public safety services, a quality infrastructure network based on properly planned growth, and a diverse and vibrant economy. Through effective leadership in cooperation with our citizens, businesses and community organizations we can ensure the desired balance between our urban development with the charm of our rural history through open and participative communication with our customers and citizens.
Our Sister City
Sondershausen, Germany
If you don't read German, please check out a translated version of their site.