ONTARIO — Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp delivered his first “State of the City” address about a week shy of his six-month mark at the post.
Knapp was appointed to fulfill former mayor Randy Hutchinson’s term on July 31, 2024. On Wednesday, he highlighted the city’s accomplishments in the past calendar year and shared his goals for 2025.
“It is important to thank him (Hutchinson) and acknowledge the dedication he has given to the City of Ontario for the past 10 years. We wish him the absolute best in his future,” Knapp said.
“Along with this transition we have had a new Service Safety director and Zoning Inspector. Another transitional event that occurred at a similar time was the sale of the General Motors property owned by the city to ICP.”
Knapp also highlighted any new businesses that opened in the city, the upcoming openings of Raising Cane’s and a new Starbucks, and enhanced collaboration between the city and schools.
“2024 was a continually active year for our city,” Knapp said. “Our police department ended the year with approximately 4,000 more calls for service than in 2023.
“Our city revenue went up by over 7 percent excluding the sale of the GM property from 2023. Even though a large budget was proposed for 2025 I am confident that our city as in past years should be below the anticipated budget.
“I am also happy to say that Ontario ended the year with many grand openings, opportunities and a comprehensive plan for an exciting transition into 2025.”
Knapp said his goals for 2025 include taking steps to implement the comprehensive plan goals, improve the city’s infrastructure and assist Industrial Commercial Properties with development at the former GM plant. Knapp is also running for election this year.
“There are multiple decisions, events and projects ahead of this great city,” he said. “I look forward to putting the City of Ontario first and wish to amplify this city into a triumphant and prosperous year.”
Council discusses CIC, contracting Richland Area Chamber for economic development
The City of Shelby has had a CIC since 2013, focusing on the development and implementation of downtown revitalization and economic vitality.
Mansfield City Council recently passed a memorandum of understanding to contract the Richland Area Chamber for economic development work.
Lexington’s Community Improvement Corporation took ownership of the parcel west of Nickel & Bean and other undeveloped properties in November with the goal to build a village greenspace.
Knapp said he wants to meet with Chamber leaders again before council votes on the legislation.
If passed, the legislation would contract the Richland Community Development Group to assist with establishing a Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), provide economic development guidance and manage resources for long-term and strategic growth.
The contract would be for the 2025 calendar year and can be renewed. RCDG would support the city’s economic development goals, including the 20-year comprehensive plan, for about 32 hours a month.
The city would pay RCDG $7,500 quarterly for work including establishing a CIC, providing economic development guidance and leveraging funding and tax incentives municipalities often can’t access on their own.
The CIC would act as the official agency to manage certain community and economic development activities on behalf of the city including property acquisition and management, and attracting business investment.
A CIC is a nonprofit that can establish public-private partnerships, serve as an administrative agent for grant applications and issue bonds with approval from city council. A board of directors for the organization would be made up of at least 40% of its members being elected or appointed public officials.
The proposed resolution also outlines the CIC’s administrative responsibilities, including submitting regular reports to City Council and ensuring that all actions taken by the CIC are subject to the policies, procedures and approval of the City Council when required by law.
Also on Wednesday:
- Knapp announced Ontario was granted Safe Routes to School funds to support the development of a school travel plan and support from a professional consultant.
- Kenn Spencer, director of Ontario Youth Sports and Ontario Community Events, delivered his year-end report reviewing the city’s events and goals for the new year. He said he wants to utilize Ontario’s other parks in addition to Marshall Park, host an indoor concert in the coming months and establish a city farmers market.
- Law director Andrew Medwid delivered his 2024 report going over Mayor’s Court cases and revenue. He said criminal cases heard in Mansfield increased about 40% from 51 cases in 2023 to 71 cases last year. Open arrest warrants in the city decreased about 6 percent. Ontario Mayor’s Court total revenue was nearly $250,000, an 18.8% increase from 2023.
- Knapp noted the city has new zoning maps displayed in council chambers and on the city’s website.
- Service-safety director Adam Gongwer said Spring Village Lane and Victoria Court neighborhood sewer line work is going according to schedule. The projects should be complete in March. K. E. McCartney & Associates are handling questions from residents during the construction process.
- Council members passed legislation allowing the city to sell property no longer needed for municipal purposes through an internet auction for calendar year 2025. The city passes this legislation each year.
