Cultural offer: an essential tool in our tourism

Last week we premiered the campaign this summer, bathe yourself in culture. For the second consecutive year, the City Council launched an initiative that aims to bring together under one brand the intense cultural program that takes place in Sitges during the summer months. It is a support for festivals, concerts and other summer festivals and at the same time, a useful tool for the recipients of such activities, which are mainly tourists and visitors, but also the citizens of Sitges.

This summer, bathe yourself in culture is the umbrella that groups well established festivals contained in our cultural program, we are dealing here with the Summer Concert Series, the Tango Festival and the Sitgestiu Cultural, along with other interesting proposals that have emerged recently and that are in process of becoming permanent events on our agenda, such as Concerts de Mitjanit or Sitges Green Sound (with the addition of Sitges Red Sound).These three proposals bear the stamp of Port de Aiguadolç or Port de Sitges, that shows their strong commitment to become a space for leisure and quality culture.

The campaign sums up other specific events, such as Any Espriu, the brand new Cine Club Sitges or the ballet show offered by the Moscow Ballet, and as it cannot be in any other way, the events of our Annual Festival, both traditional and artistic performances. The whole program is a long list of more than 200 cultural events scheduled during the summer months in Sitges.

Cultural TourismThe promotion and development of tourism is one of the main commitments of the Municipal Government. Our economy is based on tourism. It is the main occupation of the inhabitants of Sitges, the main economic activity of our companies, the main weapon we have so a Sitges that has grown in recent years over what was recommended and advisable, is capable of preserving the essence of a living town with permanent activities. Sitges without tourism today is doomed to become a bedroom community.

And in the design of a Sitges with high quality tourism, culture is a priority. Our tourism is based on sun and sand, on our gastronomy and business conventions, (a very important and relevant fact, since it allows to break seasonality) sporting events and it is also cultural.

For this reason, it is essential to have a program such as the one represented by the different initiatives covered by this summer, bathe yourself in culture. Any tourist who arrives in Sitges with a minimum of cultural sensitivity, this is the tourism that we want most, has at its disposal a remarkable cultural program. Regardless of their cultural interests, the offer of classical, opera, jazz, pop, rock, dance or tango is strong enough to meet the varied needs and at the same time, is capable of fulfilling the most demanding agendas.

Almost every summer day is cultural, and the duty of the City Council is not to organize those activities, but to give them active support. We will deliver support though logistics and broadcasting, facilitating the access of tourists and visitors to exciting proposals that strengthen our label of quality tourism.

This summer, bathe culture

Urgent action to nourish our beaches

This night, we just began works to take sand to beaches named Sebastià, Bassa Rodona, Estanyol and Riera Xica. We are dealing here with an urgent action carried out by the City Council, to offset the reduction of sand surface experienced by the four beaches due to coastline dynamics, badly affected by spring storms that were especially virulent on the beaches near the center of Sitges.

This urgent sand nourishment started today and will cover the entire week. During five nights, trucks and caterpillars will work from 10 PM to 7 AM to improve the condition of beaches with 2.000 cubic meters of sand. The new sand received by the four more affected beaches came from a sand surplus existing at the beach named Les Botigues, and complies with all natural conservation and green standards.

Faced with the negative results provoked by the loss of an important sand surface just at the beginning of the tourist season, they City Hall of Sitges had two possible options. The first was to wait for the sea to return the sand carried away, and the second was to anticipate events and act with celerity and decision, to insure that the four most affected beaches could receive sand from other beaches in the municipality.

The loss of sand in some beaches near the center of Sitges –Sant Sebastià and Bassa Rodona are the most notorious cases– is a common mishap during most of the winters. If we enjoy a placid spring, sand regeneration takes place naturally at the beginning of the tourist season, and the sea returns all the sand carried away. But is the spring comes laden with storms, winds and rough sea, just as the current season, the natural regeneration is rather unlikely.

For this reason, at the City Hall we took the initiative and we decided to nourish the sand ourselves. The project was budgeted at just over 50.000€ and is assumed entirely by the City Hall. Too many elements were at play: success of the tourist season; economic impacts provoked by the lack of sand on the entire population; and the image of our coastline during the highest point in the tourist season.

The City Hall allocated a special item to carry out this operation that needed an urgent implementation. The Beach Department is performing an exhaustive following and if conditions make it possible, next week the four beaches of Sant Sebastià, Bassa Rodona, Estanyol and Riera Xica will enjoy a far more stable condition.

A balance of the first two years in power

Tomorrow Tuesday will mark the second anniversary of the constitution of our New City Hall and the ensuing appointment of the Mayor. We minted a new name for the coalition of four political parties that wanted a change and assume new challenges; the name was the “Government of the New Majority”. Sitges voted for a new majority capable of putting an end to the period of deranged management practices, the end result was that Sitges became one of the municipalities with the highest debt burden in the entire country.

Those first two years in power were, as you all know, very tough and difficult. It was very difficult because managing a City Hall with a debt burden of 67 million Euros requires high doses of accurate financial engineering and a solid managerial capacity. Tough years, the “inheritance” we received forced us to take unpleasant measures in every economic area of the City Council: companies, organizations, workers and finally, taxpayers. 

During those two years of municipal government, we never fled from the spotlight or ever tried to hide from voters. We had to take drastic decisions to veer away from the disastrous management of the previous government that mortgaged the City Hall for many years to come.

And the decisions taken, even considering that were difficult and tough, also proved to be strictly necessary and convenient. Now, after two years of municipal management, we can show the first favorable results in many years: we extinguished the debt of 22 million that we found when we won, we achieved net savings of 4 million Euros, and payment terms for municipal suppliers went from 24 months two years ago to 4 months now. We are dealing here with positive figures, but in no way decisive, since we still have a bank debt amounting to 53 million Euros, so we are forced to implement policies of financial contention and accurate financial management. 

The first two years of this term – governed by the correction of deficiencies – served us to set the foundations of the recuperation project that we started to apply. We were dealing with the four core ideas of the term’s Governance Plan: A Sitges that belongs to the people, Tourism as the driving force of our rebirth, Respect for the environment and our heritage and the Implementation of new economic models.

In fact, such four core ideas were the guiding force behind City Hall politics during the last months, and appeared in different initiatives that in many cases will be quite important. We must mention here the impending opening of the new university of performing arts in Sitges (Institute of the Arts Barcelona), that came to town thanks to the efforts of the government of the New Majority; the implementation of the Soup Kitchen, that satisfies the urgent needs of an important group of people; the imminent start of the refurbishment and renovation works affecting Santiago Rusiñol Library; the creation of Carnet Blau or Blue Card, that offers social services to the needy and that counts with 800 users; or the renovation of Cau Ferrat and Museu Maricel, totally insuring the protection and conservation of our architectonic heritage, in contrast with the horrendous project promoted by the previous government.

At the same time, the year 2013 was ripe to alleviate tax pressure: we reduced the price of urban transportation and in 2014, as we announced, we will cut garbage fee in half and gain tax by 45%.

As I said, we are going through difficult times, but there’s also a ray of hope as ascertained in the first results of our policies for the promotion of economic development, social support and environmental protection. We inaugurated a new governmental culture in which participation is not an empty word, as illustrated in the Public Audiences, here everybody has the opportunity to participate, ask, suggest, criticize and even scream to the point of loosing composure. We have a lot of work to do, but the most important of all is that we are anxious to do it and that we are also hopeful. Let’s keep working!

Public audience 29 May 2013

Policies for protection of our architectural heritage and tourism promotion

Last week, we received confirmation from the President of the Provincial Council, Salvador Esteve, of the grant of 1 million Euros allocated by this government body to four projects administered by our City Council: refurbishment of the Santiago Rusiñol Library, restoration works in the building of Casino Prado, review and implementation of the Special Plan for Architectural Protection and tourist promotion of Sitges.

As you can see, all four projects are part of the lines of the Governance Plan, announced almost two years ago when we formed the new Municipal Government of Sitges. Out of those four projects, three are directly related to the restoration and protection of the architectural heritage of our town. This point has a particular importance to this Government, as was highlighted in the document of commitments we signed in June 2011.

In recent decades, Sitges suffered too many urban developments that altered, well over what was reasonable and advisable, the traditional image that has distinguished this town for generations. There were things that were not well done, wrong planning, wrong criteria and a wrong attitude by certain sectors that applied an overly expansive development lacking any concern for the environment and history. There are buildings that should have not disappeared and urban developments that were launched at the wrong time.

And that should change. For this reason, I am particularly happy that thanks to the financial support of the Provincial Council, we can review the Special Plan for Architectural Protection, which we already have initiated. This review will be the tool that will ensure that no historical buildings will be tore down, since such constructions form an urban landscape that we want to maintain, preserve and protect.

In this connection, there are two projects that will also have supplemental funding from the Provincial Government, thanks to the agreement reached with President Esteve: the refurbishment of the Santiago Rusiñol library and the building of Casino Prado. Both projects are under the umbrella of the Governance Plan and are of considerable value, both for their own execution and for their significance for a City Hall firmly committed to the protection of our architectural heritage. In this direction, we could also include the refurbishment of museums performed according to protection and conservation principles, as agreed by the City Hall and the Provincial Council in October 2011, halting the previous project that was an insult to aesthetics and history.

The fourth project that counts with the collaboration of the Provincial Council is linked, albeit indirectly, to the other three: it is boosting tourism in Sitges. If we want Sitges to keep the strength, charm and the added value that sets the town apart from other coastal tourist towns, we need to commit ourselves with the protection and safeguard of our architectural, historical and natural heritage.

Sustainable tourism, which generates economic movement and includes active cultural attractions and responsible entertainment, is bread today ... and for tomorrow. And for this reason, we are entirely committed to different projects in which we have been working from the Sitges Tourist Office.

Public hearing

Finally, friends, I'll take advantage of these lines to invite you next Wednesday 29 at 19.30 am to the Miramar Building, where I will hold a Public Hearing to evaluate the first two years of municipal legislature. You will be able to ask and share your opinion about municipal management.

Cleaner streets, a big step forward

Past week, coinciding with the beginning of the tourist season, we implemented the new Urban Cleaning Plan for Sitges. The campaign’s main goal was to improve the image of the entire municipality, especially all the busiest streets, and generate an optimum balance between services and the arrival of visitors.

The Plan is divided in two stages; the first was implemented past week and involves reinforcement of cleaning workers during weekends. The second stage will begin during the second half of June, when such reinforcement will be carried out daily. Such increase in service will include streets in the town center, the ones that receive a larger pounding from visitors and tourists, and involve the use of more workers and also more equipment (trucks, hoses, etc.).

The Plan is not only concerned with cleaner streets, but is also centered in the selective collection on shops, that will also see an increase in frequency and service. In such a way, one more person will work collecting cardboard, glass collection period will be increased by one day and there is an additional service involved in garbage disposal from garbage containers located around the town center.

Some of the above measures will be plain to see for residents and tourists, since streets will be cleaner. Other measures will not be as evident, but are equally essential to achieve the levels of cleanliness, healthiness and quality that we want in our municipality.

I’m fully aware that during our immediate past, the streets of Sitges experienced many issues related with cleanliness and their ensuing bad image. The service was not up to par during a long time, so the correction of such situation is a top priority for Government. The good work carried out by the Department of Public Roads, their determination and rigor, allowed the implementation of the new Urban Cleaning Plan.

The change in trend in public road cleanliness will be possible thanks to a debt renegotiation entered with the concession holder. Two years ago, when we entered into office, the City Hall’s outstanding debt with the concession holder totaled an astronomical sum of 9 million Euros. The agreement with concession holder, debt renegotiation to reduce debt burden and a financial policy based on a strict budgetary and spending control, all actions carried out by the current government, have produced the first results, and the increase and improvement of our cleaning service is one of those results. 

Alongside the aforementioned measures, we closed an agreement with the same concession holder that will allow residents to record payments made at the household waste recycling center on a smart card. The regular and accumulated use of such service will allow a reduction in the garbage fee.

The City Hall obtained the first positive economic results

Past week, we had the pleasure of reporting the first positive economic results in the City Hall’s finances. For the first time in almost two years, when we constituted the new Government of Sitges, we were able to issue moderately positive financial reports concerning the economic condition of the City Hall: we extinguished the inherited deficit of 22 millions, we achieved net savings up to 4 million Euros during the previous accounting period and the City Hall’s global debt was reduced by 17 million Euros.

Are we supposed to be happy because of such figures? No way. The financial situation of the City Hall is still a real mess and requires correcting measures. But the figures are also good news, because we went from the horrendous financial mess inherited from the previous coalition to a financial situation in the process of recovery. The recovery is slow, but is taking speed progressively.

In July 2011, the City Hall’s financial situation was in dire straits. The situation was frankly appalling. During years, the previous government overspent wildly over their financial possibilities, and their economical and budgetary policy was totally insane. One of our main goals when we won elections was to correct the financial mess and remove the overspending trend. If we had acted otherwise, the City Hall would be entirely broke by now.

Two years ago, any supplier having deals with the City Hall had to wait 24 months to collect their invoices. Currently, just 4 months. Can you imagine what such a long term involved to any supplier selling products or services to the City Hall? Can you imagine suppliers waiting 24 months for their money in a period in which financial institutions did not grant any credit?

Two years ago, there were suppliers that avoided working for the City Hall. Such fact affected current services such as the gas of Local Police or the paint for traffic signals. Such a thing does not happen anymore.

The financial and economical state of the City Hall is still in bad shape, but shows a positive evolution. The measures to reduce and control investments and the imposition of a stricter budgetary control, allowed the City Hall to crawl out from under a failed legacy and look into the future with confidence. This is the only way possible to develop a Sitges for the people.

Along these lines, the commitment obtained from people was a determining factor. The suppliers reduced their budgets, social organizations grasped the rare economical environment affecting us all, and City Hall workers adapted themselves to the new situation. Such a collective effort, to which we must add some unpleasant measures, such as the increase of specific rates and fees, is yielding good results.

And such good results benefit not only municipal finances, but also the whole municipality. For this reason, we felt optimistic enough to announce measures to reduce tax burden on the budget and taxes in 2014. Next year, we will reduce the garbage fee in half and gains tax by 45%.  And in the coming months, we will determine a reduction in property tax (IBI). Meanwhile, social and support policies directed at people and economic development will have more resources and capabilities.

Expenditure control continues to be a central policy of the municipal government. This responsible manner of using public money will allow us to maintain confidence in our future.

Museums of Sitges: respect for our legacy, projection into the future

The works at Cau Ferrat are entering in their final stretch. The works on the structural reform of the building are practically over and technicians and workers are currently working on the interior restoration: stained glass, tiles, flooring, ceramics, wall paintings, etc. All are vital aspects if we want Cau Ferrat to recover the spirit of 1933 - when it was opened, and to become again the temple of modernism devised by Santiago Rusiñol.

For the Government of Sitges, the preservation and protection of the architectural and historical structure has been and is a priority. For this reason, one of the first decisions we made when we won elections was to stop the project designed by the previous government, which involved the internal and external destruction of the building. The horrendous walkway that altered the waterfront, the construction of an oversized platform to hide heating ducts, the lack of a suitable solution for the preservation of the stained glass windows ... the project was lacking in many ways and what was worse, the project smashed the aesthetic harmony of one of the most emblematic sites in town.

We stopped the erroneous project without a wink, redirecting it toward more aesthetic solutions, and at the same time harmonious with the past and the conservation of our legacy. The large majority of residents of Sitges shared the same opinion: more respect for our legacy and a less disruptive construction. It was a public outcry that we fully assumed and that we are committed to apply, not only in museums, but in the whole town at large.

The Cau Ferrat will open during the current year of 2013 if all goes according to plans. Maricel de Mar will open next year. In a few months, once the interior restoration is over, museum professionals will begin another task of vital importance: the placement of works and the introduction of a new museum approach, integrating all the arts (architecture, literature and music) in the Cau Ferrat. A visit to the Cau Ferrat will be an artistic experience, but also aesthetic and intellectual, an approach to Modernism movement that opened the cultural transformation of Catalonia in the late nineteenth century and placed Sitges on cultural map.

This will be possible thanks to the museum project led by the Director of the Heritage Consortium of Sitges, Vinyet Panyella, which has already brought a new dimension and projection to the museums of Sitges (a solid program of permanent activities, an enhanced institutional dimension and a professional approach to museums), in accordance with the role and profile they deserve. 

The Cau Ferrat you will see this year will maintain the standards of respect to our legacy deserved by buildings having such a uniqueness. Museu Maricel, in the same reform project, and also Can Rocamora, will enjoy the same level-headed reform policy. Sitges will have fully restored museums that will exhibit their architectural legacy and their art collections, everything sheltered by sound edge facilities and showing off a cutting edge approach.