"In with the new and out with the old." Diet today and forget about it tomorrow. It's that time of year when changing is both fact and too often just wishful thinking. Happy New Year!

Des Moines has seen two significant changes at year's end-the completion of major marina reconstruction and earlier retirement of highly respected Chief of Police Roger Baker.

After nearly1-1/2-years of marina construction, Project Contract City Representative Doreen Torseth reports in a Dec. 22 email that north marina projects are basically finished: (Memo edited for space)
Where do we stand today?

Asphalt paving of project parking lot and right-of-way areas was completed. Striping follows finished landscaping weather permitting. Irrigation mainlines have been installed, lateral irrigation lines are approximately 90+% complete. Compost/topsoil and plants in areas should be complete next week.

Marina Tenant access to the new N-Dock security enclosure and the west side of the western dry shed should be restored at the end of this week.

Vehicle traffic can access Dock Avenue South with construction equipment and pedestrians. Be careful.
The west walkway (by the water) will be open. Fencing remains until striping parking lot and right-of-ways are done. For information contact Joe Dusenbury, Harbormaster/Project Manager (jdusenbury@desmoineswa.gov or 206-824-5700). _

The Des Moines City Council voted to remove the old public boat launch regardless of high and tense public objection, saying local citizens do not use the launch primarily, so cost did not justify keeping the launch.

That space is now for public seating and adds to attraction of the marina for visitors.

In 1946, Improvement Club members proposed a breakwater and boat haven and folks jumped on board. The grand opening was May 10, 1970. Boaters have provided substantial moorage revenue generated by marina operation that has been consistent.

Today is a brand new year, with a newer, safer marina that attracts visitors. The worn-out pilings are replaced and infrastructure updated. The old girl is looking mighty spiffy. For those who endured noise and confusion for 1-1/2 years, please join me in a big Hallelujah!" It's over!

The second significant 2010 history is retirement of Chief of Police Roger Baker, with his outstanding accomplishments and a big pair of shoes to be filled. Interim chief is Commander John O'Leary.

Chief Baker said before retiring he successfully accomplished all goals agreed upon prior to his appointment.

"The goals were development of a comprehensive police strategic plan to restore and sustain the police department -- and to reduce crime, and fear of crime, in this community.

He also left the city with a voter-approved substantial levy lid lift revenue resource dedicated to police services used to promote training and purchase up-to-date equipment. Chief Baker left this city with a record 2009 highest-ever improvement in reducing crime and fear of crime.

Asked what he and his talented wife, Shirley, a successful attorney in her own right, are doing now, they said in unison, "Having the time of our life."

"Shirley and I finally have the opportunity to start an activity together that combines Shirley's education, business experience, entrepreneurial management and law, together with my skills of management, psychology and organizational leadership into a new enterprise, "The Business of Policing," that provides law enforcement consulting services.

The goal is to have fun working together in the practices of basic strategic leadership training and plan development to all enforcement agencies that improve effectiveness, efficiency providing public safety services to their communities.

"It's wonderful to know my retirement has served the opportunity for Shirley and I to work together in continuing to make substantial contributions to the cause of reducing crime and improving the quality of life in communities."

"The Business of Policing," Baker's training program, has attracted high interest and involvement both statewide, out of state, with enquiries as far away as Europe. When it's been a "fun" day -- that's success. www.businessofpolicing.com 206-878-2800

Will we make the right New Year 2011 decisions? Probably not. So, hold onto your dreams, keep planning, learning, achieving goals, get smarter and better equipped than the competition.

As to war and tomorrow - maybe the best resolution is to capture wisdom of the ages, "The hero of the next war will be the one who prevents it."

Today's Thoughts: "The only fair way to talk about people is to imagine they are listening to every word you say."
"Most folks can live peacefully with their own faults, it's the faults of others that get on our nerves."