Rochester Mayor Trent Odell gives the State of the City address Jan. 24 at the Fulton County Historical Society in Rochester as part of the Kiwanis Club of Rochester’s meeting.

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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Trying to bring in an industrial park to Rochester is part of what the city is working on right now, said Rochester Mayor Trent Odell.

Odell gave that news during his first State of the City address Wednesday, Jan. 24. It was delivered during the Kiwanis Club of Rochester’s meeting at the Fulton County Historical Society.

He said talks regarding the park have gone on for three to five months.

“We’ve also had a private investor offer some land to get us started thinking that way,” said Odell. “In the last week or so, we’ve had some other private investors come on board with that potential, so we can expand and really justify the expense of the infrastructure for that.”

“All I can say is there’s a lot going on in that arena right now,” he added. “Mike Ladd has done a tremendous job as the (Fulton Economic Development Corp.) director.”

As for other city projects, Odell said plans were to finally do roadwork at Blacketor Drive, with Rochester working to obtain state Community Crossings Matching Grant Program funds.

He said that will help with “business expansion” in that area.

Odell said the extension of Apache Drive was “on hold right now because of the weather, but that’s going to be finished (in) mid to late summer.”

Through the extension of the roadway by Peace Tree Village, SR 25 and SR 14 will be connected in another spot, allowing for further development in that area.

“So that would be another area where we can possibly market (for local business),” said Odell.

Regarding the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department, Odell said the summer parks program for kids will return this year and be free.

“Lindsay Barts is going to oversee that with the park board’s direction,” he said.

Other Projects

Odell said other projects the city’s planning for include making improvements at the public beach and finding a way to help people who battle addiction and homelessness in Rochester.

Odell also said he had talked with Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jillian Smith, Julie Shambarger with The Times Theater and the Rochester Downtown Partnership about bringing new events to downtown Rochester.

He said there’s been suggestion of having a year-round farmers market in a building in the city.

Odell also shared his desire to create a youth advisory council for city leaders, stating he’d been in communication with Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Jana Vance to bring that about.

He shared he’d consider getting youth involved with senior citizens in Rochester, so the latter group could be involved as well and pass on knowledge to younger generations.

Odell reiterated his good relationship with Vance, who was present at the speech, as well as county leaders.

He recognized Fulton County Commissioners Bryan Lewis and Rick Ranstead who were in attendance.

Odell also acknowledged Rochester City Attorney Andy Perkins, new Rochester City Councilwoman Amy Roe, and Clerk-Treasurer Beth Stocking, his wife, Stacy, and his new Board of Public Works and Safety members Gary Hartwig and Brett Curnutt, who were all present.

“(They) are extremely talented individuals,” said Odell of Hartwig and Curnutt. “We make a great team. We’ve had great chemistry, and I’m really excited about the three of us working together the next four years.”

Odell said all city department heads were to continue on under his administration.

“We’ve had a couple new appointments to the park board: Kimberlie Landis and Ed Richard,” said Odell.

He appointed Guy Bigler to fill Curnett’s spot on the Rochester Redevelopment Commission.

Leaders aren’t the only people who are responsible for the city improving though, explained Odell in the speech. Citizens in general also have an important role to play — that of taking action when needed and not simply complaining, he said.

“If you’re going to complain about things, get involved, put forth effort and put your money where your mouth is quite honestly,” said Odell.

“Not matter what goals I have, no matter what wheels we already have in motion … the success or the failure of them is shared by all of us,” he added.

Odell speaks during his first-ever State of the City address Jan. 24.