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Session 1916 April 19, 2004 That measure provided confidence to potential home owners and buyers that our residential property met at least a minimum standard for quality and maintainability. He recalled the formation of the University City Residential Service, to assist home buyers and renters in finding residence in integrated neighborhoods. This community then became an "experiment in diversity". He remembered the Delmar Loop when it was "so devastated that you could roll a bowling ball down the street and not hit anyone or anything." He recalled "the anxiety of bulldozing many, many homes east of Sutter" so that the Cunningham Industrial Park could be established, and which is now full to capacity and requires expansion. He remembered the "deplorable condition of apartment buildings north of Delmar Boulevard, the Parkview Gardens area, and the struggle to upgrade this area through urban renewal and the creation of the Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority. He congratulated the businesses and the property owners for allowing themselves to be taxed as special districts to create funds for maintenance and development. He recalled the more recent development of the Schnucks store on Olive Boulevard and the adjoining shopping area, through use of TIF subsidies, replacing the old Mercy High School at that site, and the struggle with the Metropolitan Sewer District to contain the erosion of the walls of the River Des Peres that threatened many residential properties. Through all the detraction and problems facing this community over the years, "we always seem to come out on top." Property values have skyrocketed, developers seek a foothold, city services are more efficient and more effective. This year, the City balanced its budget, while most cities in this country are not able to do this. He said, proudly, that University City can be held up as an example to the nation as a "diverse community that meets urban problems and finds ways to solve them." He asked, "Who is responsible for this? The people of this community made it all possible, and that is why I am proud to have been part of this experiment in diversity." He expressed his sadness at leaving the City Council, which has been so much a part of his life for so many years, but he noted that when one door closes, another one opens up, and that he cannot "wait to see what is on the other side of that door." Mr. Lieberman received another hearty ovation from the audience. Adjournment Sine Die Mayor Adams called for a motion to adjourn sine die. Mr. Munkel moved and Ms. Welsch seconded the motion to adjourn, and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Adams declared that this Council was dissolved. Mayor Adams then called, individually, each new member of the City Council. Page 5