Rotary minder for January 16, 2024
Posted by Mary Beth Harper
GUESTS:
Mitch Planey: Bissler & Sons manager
Matt Campana: Possible new member
Beth, Adam and Sarah Khan and Rotary Exchange student Maria.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Trivia Night at Lakehouse Tavern: Join the Rotary Team at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 25. See Jen Lennox for details.
Kent Rotary Foundation Board vacancy: If interested, contact Nancy Whitehead.
Dominque Bollenbacher: Don’t forget Kent Jaycees’ Reverse Raffle.
Happy Bucks: Lots to celebrate.
Student of the Month: Sarah Khan, eighth grader at Stanton Middle School and daughter of Beth and President Asad Khan. According to Principal Kathy Scott, Sarah participates in orchestra, cross country, basketball and lacrosse. She is a community volunteer and the third in her family to be named a student of the month at Stanton.
SPEAKER:
Introduced by Program Chair Amanda Senn, City Manager Dave Ruller gave his annual update on the City of Kent. He highlighted the 8 percent raise given to city employees in order to stay competitive in the current market. Davey Tree was cited for its SEED building project on Route 43.
Ruller acknowledged that many small businesses have struggled since COVID and called the current situation a “restaurant-only” world. He said some Kent businesses have taken advantage of state and federal funding. He noted that the City is aware of “student rental creep” into established family neighborhoods and is currently involved in lawsuits with landlords.
He emphasized the importance of Kent’s “personality” and personal relationships, which “separates us from everybody else,” he said. Ruller pointed with pride to Kent’s outdoor recreation options, walking and biking trails and healthy living lifestyle. The upcoming $45 million East Main project will add to the city’s prestige. “We are working hard to keep the pace and need you to be engaged,” Ruller concluded.
Responder was Brad Ehrhardt.
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