Mayor recaps Gluckstadt’s 2021 success

Mayor recaps Gluckstadt’s 2021 success

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GLUCKSTADT – Mayor Walter Morrison recapped the Lucky City’s success since June 2021 in a statement last week which covered things like their growing police force, government, and 25 different ribbon cuttings welcoming new businesses to the city.

“In this most joyous of seasons, I wanted to share with you the state of the City of Gluckstadt,” Morrison said. “We have accomplished many things, yet we recognize we have much to do before the city is self-reliant and independent.” 

The City of Gluckstadt was established in June 2021 and is now a thriving city, with new businesses opening frequently along with new citizens moving in. 

Gluckstadt has 19 full-time employees, 12 of which are police officers, and a part-time employee. Salaries account for $1,000,000 of the city’s annual budget.

“While this is certainly a significant sum, without these dedicated individuals the city would be unable to provide the services required by law and expected by  our citizens,” Morrison said.  

He added that general city administration, which was the first major department the city developed, oversees day-to-day operations. The department handles the city’s finances, including budgeting, purchasing, permitting and payroll. 

The city is in the process of implementing a municipal software system that will coordinate every department and allow for the orderly administration of finances and record keeping, which Morrison said will serve them well for many years.  

Gluckstadt’s Planning and Zoning and Building Department is also fully functional. Numerous zoning ordinances  have been adopted by alderman, and planning and zoning officials are charged with  the implementation and enforcement of those ordinances. 

“These efforts will ensure the orderly development of the city,” Morrison said. “We are fortunate to have robust development in the city and the construction  of new buildings is ongoing. Our building official is charged with inspecting these new buildings to ensure  they meet building codes.”

The Gluckstadt Police Department has also been in development over the last 18 months, and has 12 full-time police officers, including Chief Wendell Watts and Assistant Chief Barry Hale. 

The department also purchased 10 new police vehicles and outfitted the officers with the equipment needed to do their jobs safely. 

Morrison said while it would be easy to assume Gluckstadt has no crime at all, that is not the case as drug crimes make up a large amount of arrests made within the city. 

He said the GPD is working diligently to stop the influx of drugs into the city. 

“You have likely noticed our officers enforcing local traffic laws,” he said. “These efforts are aimed at reducing  the likelihood of serious accidents on our major thoroughfares. We consciously started this process by 

first being more visible and then writing warning citations to ease into enforcement of the traffic laws. Please slow down and be patient. Your actions might prevent serious injury or death. 

“Finally, you may  have heard that the city has recently acquired land necessary to construct a police station and judicial  complex. The legislature appropriated $1,000,000 to help us start this project. We hope to begin construction in early spring.”

Gluckstadt also has a fully functional Municipal Court, complete with a court clerk and an assistant clerk.

Morrison said the city’s city court judge, the Hon. John G. “Trae” Sims III, brings many years of legal experience to the bench, and his temperament is fitting to a small community like Gluckstadt. 

“I can assure you that every person who appears in our court will be treated  with dignity and respect, and their legal matters will be handled fairly in accordance with the law,” Morrison said. 

Gluckstadt is also working on developing a Public Works Department, something the city was not expected to do until its third year of existence. The city has purchased a small amount of heavy equipment which enables them to handle minor projects, and labor has been provided by off-duty firefighters from the Gluckstadt Fire Department. 

“We have been extremely fortunate to accomplish all of this within the confines of our budget,” Morrison said. “The city is in a good cash position and it is my hope that by the end of 2023, we will have one year of necessary operating cash in reserve. In terms of economic development, our city is booming. The Gluckstadt Madison Business Alliance has facilitated 25 ribbon cuttings since May of this year welcoming new  businesses to our community and building a sense of pride among new business owners.”

Morrison added that Madison County has been a tremendous partner to Gluckstadt in helping the city transition from county-provided law enforcement to a city police force. 

“Lastly, I want to thank those I have the privilege of working with every day,” Morrison said. “Our board of aldermen has given us every tool necessary to be successful. Their cooperation and civility even when they have disagreed with each other has been a breath of fresh air during these times. Each day when I walk into City Hall I see smiling faces. Our employees are happy to be a part of something new. They are dedicated and deserve the gratitude of all of us. I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”






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