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STATE OF CITY REVIEW 2023: A look back to a brighter future
The Chamber of Commerce luncheon members and guests heard that Brazil is “doing well” during the annual Mayor’s State of the City address.
Mayor Brian Wyndham, who has already signed up to run for re-election, started his speech with, “There is a lot of good stuff going on in Brazil.”
The list of things that took place in 2022 he shared included:
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
Brazil Police Department - responded to over 12,000 calls for service, 1,200 total case investigations, and 350 criminal arrests.
“They do a great job,” said Wyndham. “With the Shop-withA-Cop program, with the support of local businesses and the community, they were able to help over 90 families during Christmas.”
Wyndham said the police department does a great job with its staff of 14 full-time officers, but “We could use a couple more these guys because they are carrying quite a caseload.”
Brazil Fire Department provides a great school and safety programs throughout the year and completed 1,400 hours of hazmat training.
“I’m confident if ever you needed them, you will receive a very high-quality professional service,” said Wyndham.
CITY GARAGE
Wyndham prised the new city garage building on North Depot Street, which allows for a better working environment. City-owned parking lots have been paved, but a few streets remain to be paved.
“So the next phase will be sidewalks,” said Wyndham. “We have a great, what they call a walkability score. So we must address them. We can get grants and things of that nature for this.”
PARK & RECREATION
Brazil has several parks that are hidden gems.
Forest Park: Golf Course revenue was up 21%, and plans for the “Splash Pad” will happen this summer.
“Splash Pads are here to stay,” said the mayor, who added the city has received a $250,000 matching grant to install one. “They require no lifeguard, and their season is much longer. This is going to be a big deal in our community.”
Craig Park - The bridge will be installed near the dam to make a walking track.
“You’re going to see that park develop as time goes on. It’s a little bit different,” said Wyndham. “Hopefully, we can get rid of that zoo building. That’s something we’re going to target in the coming year; there are several ideas of what to do with it.”
UTILITIES
“That’s one thing I think it’s very important,” said the mayor. “It’s kind of unseen, but we must address it.”
A Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer System and a Phosphorus Removal System should be completed this year at the wastewater plant.
Wyndham said some utility lines are more than 70 years old and need replacement.
“If broken, and if you don’t have utilities, it’s pretty tough,” said Wyndham. “So we want to work for an expansion of our utility system. It’s common sense.”
Wyndham closed his speech by saying, “There’s a movement going on in Brazil. If you don’t feel that, check your pulse. Great things have been happening in the last couple of years. Great things can happen in your community when your county and city officials work together.”
Wyndham lies to leave room at the end of the annual address for questions, but this year there were none.
“That information was not all that comprehensive,” Wyndham laughed.
Then someone asked about the housing shortage crisis, which Wyndham said every community is experiencing. However, he said a couple of contractors had acquired some land with intentions of building.
“I think we’ll see some new buildings very soon,” said Wyndham. “We have a lot of great support in the community.”