Story, Photos & Video by Don Backman
“The intent for the State of the City is to invite the public in so they can find out what’s going on in the city,” David McCall, City Manager of Bay City, explained. Adding, “… and what’s been happening in the last year, and what things are expected in the next year.” The City Hall meeting room was crowded with volunteers and members of the public joining the much smaller number of city employees and elected officials. Many in the crowd were already sampling the delicious snacks provided by local Bay City businesses.
The second annual State of the City, a community celebration, took place in the city hall building. Posters and displays lined the walls as each group sought to show what it was up to. The Bay City Firefighters lined one area, handing out information for adults and fun items for kids. Volunteer groups staffed tables, handing out information and discussing their mission with the public.
“I’m also here to thank all the volunteers, all of the volunteers that make the city work,” Welch said. She singled out the groups, such as the Bay City Fire Department, The Bay City Boosters, the budget committee, the City Council, the planning committee, and the Bay City Emergency Volunteers. “There’s a variety of citizens that make this city work.”
Welch provided a review of 2023-24 with a listing of the City’s accomplishments. The city hired a new City Manager, put in a new groundwater well, installed a new bathroom and hiker-biker camping at Al Griffith park, installed a new sewer lift station that replaced one from the 1970’s, built a new RV dump station, updated development code, codified all city ordinances, certified as a Firewise community and initiated a wildfire prevention program, the Bay City Emergency Volunteers installed an emergency supply container, the fire department grew under Chief Christiansen with new volunteers and new and updated equipment, and the city completed the wayfinding program with signs, a mural, and a new LED sign.
Mayor Welch gave out an award for the outstanding volunteer of the year, an award shared by Gary and Hildi Frey. She explained that the Frey’s had volunteered countless hours spearheading the Firewise program and working with other groups, such as the Bay City Emergency Volunteers. “This is well deserved,” she said.
The 2024 State of the City was another success. Bay City completed a busy year with many accomplishments. The city isn’t sitting on its laurels, it has a sizeable list for this coming year.
