City of Coopersville
  • About
    • City Services
    • History
    • Demographics
    • Education
    • Location & Transportation
    • Economic Development
    • Codified Ordinances for the City of Coopersville
  • Departments
    • Building Department
    • City Assessor
    • City Clerk >
      • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
      • Business & Peddler Licensing
      • Codified Ordinances
      • Elections
    • City Manager
    • City Treasurer >
      • Property Data Records
      • Bid Opportunities
    • Coopersville Historical Museum
    • Department of Public Works
    • Fire & Rescue Department
    • Human Resources
    • Ottawa County Sheriff's Branch
    • Parks Department
    • Planning and Zoning >
      • Master Plan
    • Recreation Department
    • Water & Sewer >
      • CCR
  • Forms
  • Government
    • City Council
    • Boards & Commissions
    • Ottawa County
    • State of Michigan
    • United States of America
  • Community Links
    • Chamber of Commerce
    • Churches
    • Coopersville Area Community Foundation
    • Coopersville Area District Library
    • Coopersville Area Public Schools
    • Coopersville - Polkton Cemetery
    • Downtown Development Authority
    • Property Tax & Utility Billing Lookup
    • Senior Guidance
    • Utilities, Realtors & Rentals
  • Meeting Minutes
    • City Council Meeting Minutes
    • Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
    • Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes

Council Update - February 27

2/24/2017

0 Comments

 
“In order to pick up new tools, sometimes we have to put down old tools.”
 
I read that statement in “Foreign Policy” regarding an article not typical of the periodical, which was interesting in itself. But I digress; when I read those words, it reminded me immediately what staff has been doing, and continues to do, in the quest to update technology and rethink “how” we perform tasks in the city regardless of which department. The Asset Management Program (SAW Grant) has been phenomenal in how we’ll be approaching future budgeting for capital projects, maintenance programs, and allocation of resources both in personnel and equipment. We are dropping old tools and excitedly picking up new one. Thank you, city council for approving this project last year and thank you team, from the administrative staff to the DPW and WWTP staff for your dedication and willingness to embrace a new “tool.”
 
This weather has been extraordinary in allowing many the opportunity to rake last year’s leaves, gather twigs and branches that have fallen but hidden under snow, and the never ending “stuff” that somehow finds its way in our yards. Personally, I had a chance to sand and begin preparing some woodwork on my sailboat that wouldn’t have been started until late April or early May. There are so many people out walking, running, and taking their infants for stroller rides; and yes, don’t forget the dog!
 
Unfortunately, this weather may have a negative impact on local farmers and owners of various orchards in the region. An early Spring in the middle of February usually brings economic challenges and lost crops later in the season. It’s a reminder that what is perceived as a good thing in one area or group, can simultaneously be perceived as a negative thing somewhere else or with another group. Remind anyone of anything in the news recently? If each group could appreciate and understand the benefits as well as the challenges of a mid-winter Spring, can you imagine the transformation that could take place politically and societally if we did the same at a national level. It’s not that inconceivable.
 
Our agenda is quite light as of this writing. The main item is a discussion on grinder pumps. This will be introductory in nature with more detailed discussion in the budget workshops. Enjoy the last days of this warm weather and have a safe and enjoyable weekend.


WWTP Upgrade

City Engineers OMM Engineering has received the Purchase Order to begin the design/engineering of the effluent pump upgrade that also included the addition of a UV treatment chamber. Updates will be provided as they are available.
 

Muskegon Waste Water Treatment Plant Option

The City recently sent a copy of a letter to Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator, stating support, in principle, of a sewer forcemain from Coopersville to the Muskegon WWTP. This letter was requested by Muskegon to pursue various funding options. 
 
 
Master Plan Update

At the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 20 (6:00 PM) McKenna and Associates made a presentation to the Planning Commission on what was learned during the January focus groups. The consultants provided a broad overview on the direction the master plan in terms of their finding. They’re now asking for feedback on the draft itself. A review of the draft and feedback can be left on the Plan Coopersville Website. Thank you for those that attended the meeting. There are a number of exciting ideas and concepts within the draft of the Master Plan so if you haven’t read the document, it would be a good investment of time so future discussions may be more substantive.  
 
 
Medical Marihuana (marijuana)

Over the next few months we are going to engage in a long-term and slow education process on Michigan’s new medical marihuana law. That education process will include hearing from groups on both sides of the topic. At the conclusion of that education process (likely in May or June) the City Council and Planning Commission can then decide if they would like to tackle any changes to the city’s current medical marihuana ordinance.
 
This is being precipitated for two different reasons. First off, in December 2016 the state legislature passed a new law regarding commercial activities related to medical marihuana. This change authorizes five different type of commercial activities that can be engaged in when explicitly allowed by a municipality. Secondly, the city has received requests that the city consider allowing one or more of those five activities.
 
Our current ordinance regulating medical marihuana, which is found here – Section 1280.21 – prohibits any commercial activity related to medical marihuana. This was put into place in July 2013. Several communities throughout the state enacted similar ordinances in the absents of clear state action on the topic. 
 
The state’s new law, the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (PA 281 of 2016) will come into effect in December 2017. The delay on implementation is to allow communities to determine what (if any) of the five activities they’ll allow and to allow the state to development permitting for these activities.
 
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) has produced a few brief documents on the topic; I’ve included those for your reading pleasure. The MML memos outline the five activities and provide a FAQ sheet on the topic.
 
The good thing about the new state law is it gives municipalities a lot of flexibility. 1. Communities do not have to explicitly outlaw medical marihuana facilities – it’s an opt-in law. 2. It’s not an all or nothing thing, a municipality can choose which of five activities to allow and how many of each it would allow (again, if any at all).
 
As noted above, part of the education process will include presentations on both sides of the issue. One presentation will be from a group advocating for allowing commercial medical marihuana facilities. The group Canna Media Works is working with at least one local business that is interested in engaging in one of the five activities. In another presentation, we’ll have a representative from the Ottawa County Sherriff’s office to give us their thoughts and concerns about the new law.
 
There’s no need for us to rush on this topic and I think it will be in the community’s best interest that we slowly educate ourselves on this topic so no matter what direction we recommend the community go, we’ll have an educated position.
 
 
Celebrate Coopersville

Yes, it’s that time of the year when the anticipation of bringing everyone together for great food, excellent conversation, and the chance to celebrate all that is positive about Coopersville gathers momentum. This year the event will be a bit earlier in the year than in the past, March 9, 2017 at 6:00 PM. We are currently at capacity, so if you have not reserved, please contact Sgt. Dennis Luce to see if you can still squeeze in.  As always, the silent auction is looking for donations to raise money for NEO Forum. Please mark this date on your calendars, it’s always a special event!
 
 
Community Expo

March 18, 2017 is the scheduled date for the yearly Community Expo sponsored/organized by the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce. Most years, the city rents a booth with our elected officials attending along with available staff to answer questions and provide information concerning projects, recreation opportunities and other related topics.  As the date approaches more details will be provided by Anisa or myself.
 
 
Water Project Phase I – No New Update to Report
​

Just before the holidays, the City of Coopersville, Allendale Township, Polkton Township, and Ottawa County met to essentially re-establish where the city stands on this project. Allendale Township has a new supervisor so part of the meeting was also to make sure everyone was up to speed and to compare notes on any pending revisions to the original project. FYI, the meeting was positive and all parties appear to be in unison again.
 
We are to meet again soon once the city determines exactly the direction they want to pursue on the Water Project – Phase I. What I mean by this is that we have to determine what level of “risk” long-term we want to assume financially. The city needs a $12 million upgrade to its water system to prepare for the future and to increase reliability and redundancy to the current system. A $12 million upgrade also requires firm commitments from its largest water customers.
 
A lesser option at $5-6 million can provide basic improvements and less risk financially but does not provide the strong reliability and redundancy assets that the $12 million option provides. And that is the core discussion that is taking place. At this time, my goal and commitment is to have a firm decision made before the third quarter of our fiscal year is reached (March 31, 2017) which also means the UAC will be busy and eventually the council will be requested to make a few substantive and heavy decisions.    

0 Comments

Council Update, March 23

3/19/2015

0 Comments

 
We are busy this week. Just to give you an idea what the administrative staff has been working on recently, and to name but a few: the 2015-2016 Budget with the Budget Reference Booklet, consolidating all department budgets, itemized Project List (including chasing down quotes), Capital Improvement Program updates, the West Randall Street Reconstruction Project, numerous customer service requests both at the window and the phone, DDA renewal process, various zoning issues that have required abnormal amounts of research, preparation for the Community Expo, preparation for the May Elections, the Water Project – Phase I, and that doesn’t include a host of other tasks in various stages of action. I am impressed with the variety and quantity of what our city staff does on a regular base and that includes the Administrative Staff, the DPW, the WWTP, and the Sheriff’s Office.


A quick reminder, we’ll have another Budget Workshop one hour before council meeting on March 23, 2015.


City Hall Hours

City Hall will now be opened on Fridays from 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. starting April 6, 2015. Since the financial health of the city has improved over the last few years, administrative staff will be back to a 40 hour work week. However, we have found that having City Hall open until 5:30 P.M. provides those citizens that have to work until 5:00 P.M. a chance to visit City Hall to conduct their business. Thus, we will still maintain the current hours of 8:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday. 

Dedicated Sewer Main Project

The contractor is making good progress on the south side of the I-96. There is still much to do such as boring under Deer Creek and the highway. There are also sewer lines that have to be placed under West Randall, which connect the dual lines to the future lift-station which is out for bid as I write.

CELEBRATE COOPERSVILLE

As was mentioned in the last memo, please block out March 26 for Celebrate Coopersville at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters, Service Trades Union Hall beginning at 6:00 P.M. For those that have not attended in the past, this evening of celebration honors volunteers and raises funds for the NorthEast Ottawa (NEO) Forum, which provides counseling services, education, support and resources to youth and their families in order to reduce substance abuse, violence, juvenile delinquency, and other risky behaviors. The NEO Forum is a great collaboration between the School, Sheriff Department, and City. To reserve tickets or sponsor a table, please contact Sgt. Dennis Luce at dluce@cityofcoopersvile.com or purchase tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-coopersville-2015-tickets-15554445766.

There is still a need for donated items, nice donated items, for the silent auction. These auctions are always fun especially when a particular item has a number of “eyes” vying for ownership. Maybe you will take home that special “something” you and yours have always desired; you never know.

Community Expo

The Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the Community Expo which according to their Executive Director Rose Zainea-Wieten in her own words, “This is your opportunity to share with the community the Who, What, Where and When of your business! I have heard many times what does that business do? Where do they ship to? How many employees do they have? What is their product? Where can we get it? What are their hours? What is on their menu? Do they run specials?...”

“The 2015 Community EXPO will be taking more of a Community and Business approach! Working with Schools, Businesses and Industry in the Coopersville Area the EXPO is going to be the Community Informational Event of the year.” – Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

March 21, 2015, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Coopersville Community Services Building: 182 East Street.


0 Comments

Council Update, March 9

3/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Fitch Ratings

On March 3, 2015, Keri Rogers (City Treasurer) and I were interviewed by representatives from Fitch Ratings, the organization that evaluates and then determines the city’s bond rating. The bond rating, much like your personal credit score, ultimately determines the interest rate the city will pay for the bonds it issues. Fitch Ratings should have a draft of their finding for our review in 2-3 weeks. After Keri and I review the findings, the report will be made public. Please feel free to contact Keri or me if you would like to ask questions about this process and/or other questions and comments made. 



Dedicated Sewer Main Project

The Pipeline Easement that allows the city to lay the Dedicated Sewer Main on Ottawa County Landfill (OCL) is finally done. This is the line that will be buried on the south side of the I-96. It is signed and copies sent to the appropriate parties. There are a couple of related documents that are in the process of final review, but are not necessary for the contractor to continue with their work.



CELEBRATE COOPERSVILLE

As was mentioned in the last memo, please block out March 26 for Celebrate Coopersville at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters, Service Trades Union Hall beginning at 6:00 P.M. For those that have not attended in the past, this evening of celebration honors volunteers and raises funds for the NorthEast Ottawa (NEO) Forum, which provides counseling services, education, support and resources to youth and their families in order to reduce substance abuse, violence, juvenile delinquency, and other risky behaviors. The NEO Forum is a great collaboration between the School, Sheriff Department, and City. To reserve tickets or sponsor a table, please email Sgt. Dennis Luce HERE or purchase tickets online HERE.


Brownfield Redevelopment Grants

Ottawa County has a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Its purpose is to: spur redevelopment of vacant or underutilized property throughout Ottawa County, leverage public/private investment and job creation, and create public land and greenspace. Properties that may have been abandoned in the past because of soil/site contamination can now be addressed and redeveloped if there is interest from a developer and a municipality. 

Yesterday afternoon, I attended a meeting at the county building concerning Brownfield Redevelopment Grants that Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA) received. The U.S. EPA Assessment Grants received were $200,000 for hazardous substances and another $200,000 for petroleum products. These grants are for the initial assessment of the property in question which can be expensive for a developer to absorb. The meeting was to inform local governments that these monies were available and also to learn if local governments in Ottawa County would have interest in this program.

Obviously, there are many details and requirements to utilize these tools to redevelop properties. As I learn more about the program and learn more about potential candidates/properties in Coopersville, I will update the council.  


Community Expo

The Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the Community Expo which according to their Executive Director Rose Zainea-Wieten in her own words, “This is your opportunity to share with the community the Who, What, Where and When of your business! I have heard many times what does that business do? Where do they ship to? How many employees do they have? What is their product? Where can we get it? What are their hours? What is on their menu? Do they run specials?...”

“The 2015 Community EXPO will be taking more of a Community and Business approach! Working with Schools, Businesses and Industry in the Coopersville Area the EXPO is going to be the Community Informational Event of the year.” – Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

March 21, 2015, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Coopersville Community Services Building: 182 East Street.


0 Comments

Council Update, February 23

2/19/2015

0 Comments

 
The weather has been brutally cold lately but Spring is ever so close. May the hope of Spring and summer warm your days! 

Dedicated Sewer Main Project

The final easement to lay pipe on the south side of I-96 on property owned by Ottawa County Landfill is essentially complete. The process was much more time consuming and complicated than I could have imagined. I have never been involved in an easement of such detail as this one. Regardless, the contractors should not be delayed when they are ready to lay pipe on the south of the highway.

CELEBRATE COOPERSVILLE

As was mentioned in the last memo, please block out the evening of March 26 for Celebrate Coopersville at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters, Service Trades Union Hall beginning at 6:00 P.M. For those that have not attended in the past, this evening of celebration honors volunteers and raises funds for the NorthEast Ottawa (NEO) Forum, which provides counseling services, education, support and resources to youth and their families in order to reduce substance abuse, violence, juvenile delinquency, and other risky behaviors. The NEO Forum is a great collaboration between the School, Sheriff Department, and City.

Community Expo

The Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the Community Expo. Executive Director Rose Zainea-Wieten says “This is your opportunity to share with the community the Who, What, Where and When of your business! I have heard many times what does that business do? Where do they ship to? How many employees do they have? What is their product? Where can we get it? What are their hours? What is on their menu? Do they run specials?...”

In the past, the city has participated by having a laptop with relevant information about the city with elected and appointed officials available to answer questions and shake hands. Monday I will ask under City Manager Comments if the council is interested in participating again.

Fitch Rating

On March 3, 2015, Keri Rogers (City Treasurer) and I will once again be interviewed, or should I say questioned, on the financial health of the City of Coopersville. Fitch usually has done their homework, which is extensive, on the economic activity of the city and county, the projected five-year revenue and expenditures of the city, management, and other relevant issues that ultimately determine the city’s bond rating. The past number of years has been more favorable for the city than past years. Keri and I will do our best and when the results come in we will report their findings.   


0 Comments

    Archives

    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015


    Categories

    All
    Bridges & Roads
    Celebrate Coopersville
    Chamber Of Commerce
    Citizens
    City Hall
    Construction
    Coopersville
    Council
    DDA
    Del Shannon Days
    Downtown
    DPW
    Economic Outlook
    Elections
    Finances
    Historical
    Legacy
    Master Plan 2035
    Medical Marijuana
    Museum
    NEO Forum
    Planning
    Recreation
    Rescue
    Second River Crossing
    Sewer
    Snowlplowing
    Staff
    Technology
    Volunteer
    Water
    WWTP


    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.