​Although the following words and thoughts may seem obvious, an occasional reminder has value especially as discussions have already begun on the 2016-2017 Budget. This year’s weather pattern often referred to as “El Niño” has benefited the city monetarily. The obvious details are the reduced use of salt and sand and the accompanying reduced overtime costs of labor for snow plowing and other such activities. There are the other factors such as less stress for motorists as they commute and run errands, less need to shovel (snow blow) sidewalks, less personal injuries due to falls, and fewer trips to the roof to remove snow and ice, at least for those of us with this problem. All in all, this winter has been less of a hassle for those not inclined to deal with the white stuff.
 
Unfortunately on the flip side, it appears El Niño is causing further drought for portions of the eastern and southern African continent which in turn, “…is putting millions at risk of hunger, water shortages and disease” according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Thomas Reuters Foundation).  El Niño is also causing drought in other parts of the world such as Central America, Indonesia, and the Philippines. My intent is not to bring everyone “down” but it reminded me that the complexity of weather that causes a form of relief in one part of the world can exasperate already precarious conditions in another.  It’s fascinating how connected the world is in circumstances not always inherently visible to our everyday experiences. It can sometimes cost the American taxpayers monetarily when we become morally committed to extend aid to those regions experiencing hardships. Minimally, it’s an interesting observation that may be obvious but still of value.
 
Don’t forget the first sign of Spring: the Grand Rapids Boat Show at DeVos Place for those inclined in such activities. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, please be safe and have the greatest time ever! Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the agenda or any other topic of concern or question.


Water Project Phase I

We’re still waiting for an update on the on the feasibility to inspect the interior diameter of the 16 inch water transmission main under the Grand River. As stated in the last memo, preliminary study is leaning towards not inspecting the line due to the possible need of significant downtime required to complete the inspection. I have not pushed this project at this time as other more pressing issues, including the WWTP Phase II Project, have required more attention. As I receive updates I will communicate them to you.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II

Last week Thursday the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) and I met with representatives from Muskegon County and the Muskegon County Waste Water Treatment Plant. The information provided the UAC was essentially a recap of information provided to city staff over the past few months. The real value of the meeting was to offer committee members the opportunity to ask questions, and there were a number of good questions asked, on the details of the project and potential partnership between Muskegon and Coopersville.  We’re still waiting for “numbers” from Grand Rapids on their proposal as well as a couple of proposals to upgrade our own plant to 3.3MGD or 5MGD (Million Gallons per Day).
 
I understand we’ve spent many months in collecting and evaluating data, but the significant ramifications on the decisions made today will echo for years to come. We need to make thorough evaluations so that decisions ultimately made have genuine value for our citizens and business owners decades from now.
 
 
New Furnaces
The new furnaces at city hall have been installed and it appears they’re functioning normally, we know this because we can’t see our breaths.  We still have a few cold spots that are inherent in any older structure such as heat ducting close to outer walls, windows not insulating like newer windows, but it is better. On behalf of the administrative staff and myself, thank you Council for approving this non-budgeted expenditure.
 
 
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Since we’ve made a few changes at the WWTP staff, operations continue without interruption and more importantly, no violations. We’re making progress to streamline several administrative processes and we’re also studying and evaluating options to improve the plant’s efficiencies.
 
We did have to send out blower motor #3 (aeration ponds) out for diagnostics and repair. The other two motors are functioning properly. The motor is under warranty and should not cost us much if anything, so we understand.

Michael Young was the City Manager of Rockford. Michael passed last week due to complications from a stroke; he was 48 years old. He was respected for his accomplishments and successes and I learned a few things from those accomplishments that helped me in my role here. He had his detractors, which is unavoidable in this profession, but he made notable differences nonetheless. While we were professional associates whose paths crossed on occasion at various board meetings and conferences, we were not personally close but we knew of each other’s communities and some of the issues that occupied our attention. I always wanted to tell Michael that I learned a number of valuable lessons from him, but I didn’t, and the opportunity is now lost.
 
I write about this now because his passing reminds me that I need to be more in the moment, to communicate in a timelier manner how much I appreciate the special relationships I have formed over these many years as City Manager both in the community and in my personal life. The opportunity to share with friends, family, and colleagues how much they add value and depth to my life is TODAY, not tomorrow. The moment is ours, tomorrow is not. I must remember this simple truth as I move through my life so there will be fewer lost moments and fewer regrets. Thank you Michael for this lesson and may you be blessed with ever lasting peace. 


20th Anniversary Policing Partnership

Recently I talked with Sheriff Gary Rosema and he expressed a desire to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the relationship between the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Coopersville. Sheriff Rosema subsequently sent me an email that stated, “…Steve, as I had mentioned at the Policy Board,  I would like the opportunity to stop into your first City Council meeting in February 2016.  As you know it is our 20 year anniversary of our policing partnership with the City of Coopersville and what a GREAT partnership it has been.  I truly believe because of Coopersville and the relationships that have had over the years that it has really allowed other communities to move forward in their initiatives as well…”  Monday night we had a brief acknowledgment of the occasion and a few words from Sheriff Rosema and maybe Councilman Bush, as he is the only one standing that was present when the partnership began. What a truly remarkable achievement and I congratulate everyone involved as it took vision, dedication, and WILL to make this experiment a success.


Water Project Phase I
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Information is still being gathered on the feasibility to inspect the interior diameter of the 16 inch water transmission main under the Grand River. Preliminary study is leaning towards not inspecting the line due to the possible need of significant downtime required to complete the inspection. A detailed scope of the project should be finalized by the end of next week.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
 
Since our last council meeting, very little action/progress on the WWTP Phase II has been done. Most of my time has been spent on permit issues with CDF and personnel related tasks. My expectations for the next two weeks, is to meet with Utility Advisory Committee and begin discussing in more detail relevant options to pursue in the forthcoming months. As was stated in previous memos, the difficult work of formulating long-term utility policy must take place so we as council and staff have a logical and deliberate course to follow. (1-25-16)