During the administration of Mayor Gary Niebur the level of cooperation between the City of Edwardsville and other units of government has improved tremendously. While all parties deserve credit, this cooperative attitude is the product of an ongoing effort by the Niebur administration to work with other government officials to provide efficiency in the delivery of services, programs and projects. This is no better evidenced than in the planning and construction of major highway projects throughout the community. In the last several years, nearly $60 Million from federal, state, county and local resources has resulted in a significantly enhanced surface transportation network within Edwardsville’s corporate limits. The Plum Street extension (New State Route 159), the Governors’ Parkway project, the upgrades and widening of Troy Road and State Route 157, the Highway 255 overpass at Gateway Commerce Center are all projects of other governmental units that benefited Edwardsville through cooperative initiatives of the Niebur administration and in many instances through shared funding at modest and rather significant contributions all intended to improve traffic flow for our residents.

Consistent with his determination to never forget the older, established neighborhoods of Edwardsville, Mayor Gary Niebur has constantly insisted that annual municipal budgets include projects aimed at improving existing streets and sidewalks throughout the community’s more “seasoned” areas. The projects have also added sidewalks where sidewalks had never before been available to our residents. Some of the street upgrades are as simple as a “skim-coating” while other projects have been very complex. The East Union Street project and the Franklin Avenue project are examples of street improvements that used only local funds, but were very comprehensive in that utility infrastructure was simultaneously improved. Other major local road projects include the Harrison, Oakland and Grant area and the West High Street project leading to Nelson School. Some others are Adams, Gremer, Pricket, Halleck, Wyandotte, Illinois, Seminole and South Charles Streets. As you read this, contractors and their workers are finishing improvements to Gerber Road that includes a badly needed re-design to a curve near Willow Creek. Even District Drive (fronting Liberty and Goshen Schools) and Goshen Road were local initiatives. Some of these projects involved township and county resources and, once again, clearly demonstrate the Niebur administration’s desire to cooperate with others. This cooperation is what our citizens expect and deserve.

A good plan for the implementation of capital improvements is essential. Gary Niebur knows this and has addressed the need to plan by having in place an excellent capital improvement program. The city is about half-way through a fifteen-year agreement with Veolia North America. That agreement identifies major capital improvements related to the municipal utility systems.

Other capital improvements related to roads and separately forecasted needs are identified on other “Accomplishment” pages. Moreover, additional information will soon be posted with this entry.

The City of Edwardsville is often cited as a model of medium to smaller-sized communities in terms of our downtown revitalization. Mayor Niebur would share the credit with others, but even they know his leadership is what has made the very positive difference. The streetscape program started with a million dollar project that replaced crumbling and cracked sidewalks, buried overhead electric wires, eliminated wooden utility poles and installed attractive antique-style streetlamps. These improvements have been expanded in three directions and are highlighted by the wonderful work of our Tree and Beautification Commission. These loyal volunteers – all Niebur appointees - have implemented their plan to brighten our downtown with plants and flowers. During the Niebur administration’s leadership, small businesses have come and gone in our downtown area just as such transitions happen in any community. But, the net growth has been impressive. Restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, clothing stores, electronics shops, coffee shops and other businesses have opened their doors and are successful despite a rather trying national economy. We have even seen the construction of large office buildings in the downtown area. It is, indeed, a tribute to the Niebur administration’s belief in downtown that such huge investments have been made in the community while other cities are struggling in their central areas. And, of course, we are witnessing development of Park Plaza, an absolutely beautiful asset of commercial and residential investment that will embrace and enhance the downtown area for many years to come. There is also one important fact of which many people are unaware. As an alderman, Gary Niebur was the leader in creating the right political and financial environment that allowed demolition of vacant and unsafe derelict buildings that once stood where we now have the Mark Twain Plaza. Those who have the insight would say that Gary Niebur’s vision and leadership then is what has made successes possible now.

America is “going green”. But, long before such terms were used to describe our concern for the environment, Mayor Gary Niebur insisted that any new subdivision plan include a significant percentage of green space. Developers know that they must dedicate ten percent of their property to parks or green space or contribute a set dollar amount to the City’s Parks and Recreation fund for the purchase of parkland. Even commercial developers and builders now have landscape standards that were not in place prior to the Niebur administration. The land for Joe Glik Park was acquired after a donation by its namesake. But, that donation was partial and the actual purchase was accomplished only after many hours of negotiations between the property owners and Mayor Gary Niebur. Recent dedication of Ninian Edwards Plaza converted property of an abandoned accountant's office and former service station into a small, but very significant green space in downtown. Establishment of a Tree and Beautification Commission was a Gary Niebur idea that has proven its value in many different ways. These citizen volunteers offer advice regarding tree removals, salvaging trees, setting landscape standards and even coordinating the planter program in the downtown area – probably their most obvious contribution. However, this group also sponsors one of the most popular programs started during the Niebur administration – public-private cost sharing for new tree plantings. Each year, the City of Edwardsville dedicates budgeted funds that assist private homeowners purchase trees to plant on their property. And, in late 2008, Mayor Niebur led the City Council in their decision to acquire seven acres of ground adjacent to Glik Park. That land will not only complement Glik Park’s natural beauty, it will protect an adjacent residential area in a manner most fitting to the overall neighborhood. And, in cooperation with the city council, Mayor Niebur is coordinating the refinement and eventual implementation of a Parks Master Plan that promises to guide the community in fulfilling needs in this important area for years to come.

Dedication of the Winston Brown Complex at Hoppe Park was one of Gary Niebur’s proudest moments because of his deep admiration for the late “Coach” Brown and realization that thousands of people – younger and older – would enjoy an expanded recreation area created during the Niebur administration. But, Gary Niebur’s support for Parks and Recreation started many years ago when he served as Director of the City’s “Parks and Rec” department. Maybe it is his personal attachment to this operation that serves as the basis of his desire to see these parks and recreational programs improve and expand. The personal trust he established with the donor who provided funds for the fountain in City Park, encouragement of volunteers – The Friends of Leclaire – to improve Leclaire Lake Park, the personal plea he made before the Department of Natural Resources when successfully seeking grants for Glik Park and the Historic Leclaire Baseball Field, lobbying with state and county officials and officials of the Metroeast Park District when requesting funds for playground equipment, various programs and projects are all evidence of Mayor Niebur’s commitment to these vitally important components of a wonderful community.

Gary Niebur has also supported an expanded recreational function of the Parks and Recreation Department. Concerts, daytrips, fishing derbies and even kite flying have been added to the array of activities available to our residents. Moreover, the City’s Recreation, Arts and Cultural Events Board serves as a clearinghouse for some of these and other projects that require a certain degree of scrutiny and coordination with other events happening in a busy community. The RACE Board, designed to protect the community while also providing creative suggestions, ensures adequate supervision, security, insurance and purpose for the various events to guarantee that enjoyment equates to fun at no one else’s expense. This volunteer board, created by ordinance during the leadership of Gary Niebur and with the help of key council members, is indicative of how aware Gary Niebur is of his obligation to have a responsible and accountable local government.

During Mayor Niebur’s tenure, the tax rate for the City of Edwardsville has decreased each year. This is no coincidence. It is a reflection of Gary Niebur’s personal philosophy and his very personal involvement in the development of the annual tax levy. In 1993, the total tax rate for the City of Edwardsville was approximately $1.90 per $100 of assessed valuation. In 2008, the total tax rate was approximately $1.40 per $100 of assessed valuation. The tax rate in 2008 was the lowest the City has had in more than fifteen years. Through controlled municipal spending, the City has spent the people’s money wisely. Every annual budget during Gary Niebur’s tenure has been a “balanced” budget. Despite difficult economic times, the municipal tax rate for next year’s tax levy will represent a continuation of rate reductions and very prudent local government spending.

Many municipalities and other units of government and private sector businesses are in the midst of serious financial difficulties related to the national economy and their own fiscal errors. Fortunately, under the leadership of Mayor Gary Niebur and a strong team of internal and external financial advisors, the City of Edwardsville continues to show strong evaluations in the bond market. One of three top companies in the business and likely the most respected and recognized, Standard and Poor’s (S and P), publishes financial research and analysis on stocks and bonds. S and P is one of only several credit rating agencies that issues credit ratings for the debt of both public and private corporations. They have been designated a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mayor Gary Niebur is very proud to report that such a prestigious organization as Standard and Poor’s has rated Edwardsville an “A+ / Stable” municipal corporation.

Nothing is more fundamentally necessary to improving a community than to develop partnerships with the people and organizations that can help make it happen. Whether it’s the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Village of Glen Carbon, Madison County, Edwardsville Township, SIUE, Lewis and Clark Community College, or the Edwardsville School District, Mayor Niebur has an excellent working relationship with each of these organization’s leaders that has helped identify “win-win” situations. Working with these individuals to develop a partnership with private businesses, Edwardsville now has several new businesses downtown, Edwardsville Corporate Centre, Edwardsville Crossing, Lakeview Commerce Park, and Gateway Commerce Center. Each of these partnerships, whether public or private, has clearly benefited the people of Edwardsville.

In accordance with the Land Development Code and with the support of the City Council, Mayor Niebur has taken an aggressive approach to annexation of property for commercial and residential property in an orderly and planned fashion. During the past decade, the City has experienced growth and private sector investment because of the attractiveness and charm and character of the community. That growth was accomplished with better codes that impact streets, lighting, sidewalks, storm water, green space, landscaping, safety, and traffic flow.

The Niebur administration realizes the value and, in fact, the stability of the community is tied in many ways to the condition of real property. Unfortunately, some property owners too often fail to understand that neglect of their own property maintenance needs can adversely impact the values of their homes and the property of the neighbors. The “domino effect” can eventually reduce values of a neighborhood and the entire community. While it is difficult to take issue with anyone concerning their property, it is important to the community at-large and only fair to others that acceptable standards be met. Local government has an obligation to the vast majority of residents who care about home and general property maintenance. Mayor Niebur believes that obligation is best answered through reasonable and fair enforcement of the applicable codes. The mayor thinks that the first step in achieving compliance is through courteous, but official requests. Prosecution through the “municipal court” is always an option and the administration knows prosecution is sometimes necessary. Property maintenance codes have been adopted and are enforced by the community services officers and our building officials with the Niebur administration’s full support. It is only “fair and reasonable” that our residents and property owners demonstrate sensitivity to community appearance and the property of neighbors.

Mayor Gary Niebur strongly supports the school resource officer program and believes it is one of the best law enforcement initiatives ever conceived. Many communities have SROs and even more have school security guards. But, the Edwardsville program has what may be the region’s strongest school resource program with officers serving as true resources to the school administrators, faculty, staff and most importantly – the students. The SROs offer advice and serve as counselors relative to matters about which the officers have received special training and education. Of course, they are first and foremost law enforcement officers whose primary purpose is to help ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Under special arrangements with the Madison County Sheriff and District 7, Edwardsville’s officers serve at all middle schools and the high school campuses. Significant reimbursement for salaries is available through grants and District 7. Once, again, the Niebur administration is encouraging a most successful program that is enhanced and made possible through inter-governmental cooperation.

The rather creative Ward Officer Program links specific police officers with each of the respective aldermen and the wards they serve. In addition to their traditional roles as peace officers, the ward officers are intended as information conduits and, indeed, assigned contacts who connect the aldermen with other units of city government. Since they have personal obligations and occupations, it is often difficult for alderman to communicate directly with city agencies during normal business hours. The ward officers in conjunction with other police personnel can alleviate this difficulty and bridge what might otherwise be a communications gap. Mayor Gary Niebur applauds this concept, supports even better refinement of the program and sees the program as consistent with his desire to communicate with the citizens of Edwardsville in any responsible manner that can solve problems for our residents.

Edwardsville is one of only several municipalities that can pride itself as a true full-service community. An area where this is most evident is in the delivery of public safety services. A full-time fire department where all the firefighters, lieutenants and captains are licensed paramedics is a rather rare component to a municipal government. The recent hiring of additional Firefighters/Paramedics and budgetary support for quality equipment evidences Mayor Niebur’s constant commitment to these functions. With Mayor Niebur’s support, the fire department promoted several personnel to the ranks of captain and the newly established rank of lieutenant. Adding a captain – supported by Mayor Niebur – allows for better inspection and fire prevention programs.

The police department is a highly trained and educated group of men and women. Mayor Niebur has always supported educational incentives as part of labor agreements. In fact, during the Niebur administration, hiring standards were adjusted that now require no less than two years of college education to become a police officer applicant. The City has not only raised standards, additional officers have been hired to bolster the level of community protection. The combination of better trained personnel and additional personnel are products of the Niebur leadership that clearly strengthens our public safety services in a major way.

The City of Edwardsville was the first 9-1-1 Center in Metroeast and the second operator of such a system in the entire St. Louis region. A new radio system was purchased within the current term of Gary Niebur’s service. That system complements the sophisticated telephone equipment furnished by the affiliated Madison County Emergency Telephone System Board. Every patrol car has computers that can provide instantaneous information about driver’s license, vehicles, chemical hazards and a myriad of other topics. Cooperative relationships with county and state agencies assure access to mobile emergency command centers that can be taken to the scenes of various natural or manmade incidents. Some of these shared resources are initiatives of the department heads, but do not happen without the support and encouragement of Mayor Gary Niebur.

The City of Edwardsville has received honors from the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council for the cooperative water service contract that was encouraged, negotiated and signed by Gary D. Niebur early in his career as mayor. The city’s contracted management service – the firm that operates our water and waste water plants – has received honors including a recently received safety award. Inspection of the plant by the City’s general liability insurance carrier resulted in high marks. The City just completed negotiations and approved an agreement with Southern Illinois University for a low-cost lease of land for a new water well field. Upgrades to the water treatment plant are scheduled and a new one-million gallon elevated water tower is in design. A million dollar waste water collection main (the east interceptor) was planned and installed in advance of actual need and one-third of the cost was paid by private sector beneficiaries of the line due to negotiations by Mayor Niebur and the generosity of the private interests. Clearly, the Niebur administration has a vision for the future and intends to greet the future with plans and preparations.

Mayor Niebur recognizes that people treasure the history of Edwardsville, the charm and character of Edwardsville, and they want to retain the small town character of a community that also has quality schools, a wide range of educational opportunities, safe streets, strong and safe neighborhoods, and a clean and vibrant community. Mayor Niebur has worked to retain these qualities by working with the Beautification and Tree Committee, Historic Preservation Commission, Friends of Leclaire, Edwardsville Arts Center, The Children’s Museum, the Friends of Benjamin Stephenson, Senior Citizen Center, and the list goes on and on. Mayor Niebur’s involvement in programs like Arts in the Park, Rt. 66 Festival, Art East, Tree City USA, and others has made Edwardsville a great place to live, work and raise a family.

One of the most significant attributes of Mayor Niebur, is his ability to initiate, develop, and maintain open lines of communication and consultation with other elected officials, volunteers, and the community at large. With more than 100 volunteers working on various Boards and Commissions, Edwardsville is unique in that it truly is run by the people who live here. Mayor Niebur knows that Edwardsville has been and will remain a special place because those that live here and contribute generously with their time, talent, and resources. In addition, Mayor Niebur recognizes that citizen feedback is a vital part of our democracy and it has been a long-standing policy of his administration to provide the opportunity for comments by the public during public city meetings.

In 1999, Gary Niebur appointed the community’s first City Administrator. In that the position of Mayor does not allow any incumbent the time needed to address all problems, make all requested appointments and respond to all personal and written inquiries, numerous advisors encouraged hiring a full-time chief administrative officer for the City. Only after significant study of the position as it operates in other cities and council approval, did Gary Niebur formally authorize applications, interviews and an appointment. Niebur believes this move has ensured better information networking and daily administrative oversight of city government.

Several years ago, Mayor Gary Niebur and the then new administrator recognized the need to restructure the Office of Public Works. Communications breakdowns existed that had the potential of impeding service to the public. Still today, regulations, laws and the requirement that codes be respected and enforced always have the potential to slow the rate of progress desired by some. That is often unavoidable due to our system of government. But, the communications problems at the time were unacceptable to Mayor Niebur and he addressed them with council support and a swift restructuring of the department and the divisions within the department.

With his signature following city council approval, Mayor Niebur also established the first position of Deputy Police Chief. He supported council approval, encouraged and authorized promotions within the fire department that allows for greater supervisory accountability and enables better preventive services.

In 2007, Gary Niebur formally proposed and created with unanimous council endorsement the first full-time and in-house city attorney. This move offers a significant cost savings over the traditional retention of outside legal counsel and, even more importantly, provides more expedient legal advice for the elected officials, the administrator and the department heads.

Another significant move initiated through Mayor Niebur’s realization that a modern and professional employment force needs professional support, was the establishment of a Department of Human Resources. The City has never before had an “H-R” Director. Instead, the various personnel management functions were a combined and too often inconsistent effort by an employee of the City Clerk and the various department heads. Now, with a professional human resources expert in place, the city can be much more assured that proper and legal employment procedures are being followed. This office also handles the administration of labor agreements in concert with the administrator, to whom she and the other department heads directly report, and legal counsel.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to the
newsletter to get
campaign updates.

Testimonials

Read Testimonials
and Add Your Own

Connect on
Facebook

Join the Niebur for Mayor
Facebook Group.

State of Our City

The Mayor's 2008
State of the City Address