The last couple of days I have been driving around the city during and after my lunch, as I usually do, and couldn’t help but feel very proud of our city team. From crack sealing roads, milling and overlaying various streets, to sidewalk replacement, to diseased and dead trees being removed and stumps being ground and removed, there is ACTIVITY EVERYWHERE. I want to thank Bryan Buist (again) and his crew for managing and scheduling all of this work in an organized and timely fashion. They are “out there” monitoring and assisting contractors in whatever manner needed to get the job done. I want to thank the administrative staff for managing the phone calls, the walk-ins, and the occasional complaints that find their way into city hall in a professional and respectful fashion. Thank you, Keith Schaffer, for working closely with the Pocket Park contractor on water and sewer issues as well, and the Water and Wastewater crews for managing day to day operations in addition to all the extra projects and unexpected storms which Mother Nature has brought us this summer.
 
Coopersville may not have the same quantity of projects as Grand Rapids, Holland, or Muskegon, but I believe what we do here, with our limited manpower and financial resources, we hold our own against any local government in terms of quality of performance and timely response time. I don’t state that lightly. We get a lot done - not only this year but also in previous years. Our team across the various city departments are performing at a high level and I thank them so very, very much.
 
Our council meeting Monday has a very sparse agenda; must still be summer I guess. The Consent Agenda of course has a few items we’re accustomed to viewing. Looks as if the weather forecast will have us back into the mid-seventies with sunny skies, so have a fantastic weekend and as always, be safe out there.

DDA Billboard
Have you noticed the DDA billboard on west bound I-96 just past Fruit Ridge in Walker? If you have, you’ll probably will notice a change in the next two weeks. If you haven’t noticed the billboard, please make an attempt to do so as the design will change slightly to improve visibility and messaging. We will also have “time” on a few electronic billboards located in the Grand Rapids Metro area with one specifically near Fifth Third Ball Park. The purpose of these billboards is to make more people aware of the investment in our DDA and our downtown, attributes of the community, so that ultimately more investment will take place to enhance economic vitality.
 
 
Water Project Phase I
The city met with Prein&Newhof this week and later I had a discussion with Ottawa County on a couple of issues. It does appear at this time a new booster station building will need to be constructed for a host of reasons. Believe or not, we are inching closer and closer to defining the last aspect of the project. As always please contact me if you require further detail.
 
 
Downtown Pocket Park
Serious site preparation is underway with much underground work in process. We’ve had some surprises lying in wait all these many years to be unearthed. Some examples were a couple of enormous concrete foundations/footings from a possible structure that burned down many, many decades ago. Additional smaller chunks of concrete, a log/stump, and other lesser stuff. By-the-way, the fence we leased for the Del Shannon Car Show is proving to be an asset afterwards as well. The fence is keeping debris within the confines of the site as well as its unattractive look.
 
  
UPDATED: Road and Sidewalk Construction
​Crews will be resurfacing and re-striping roads around the city beginning August 1.
 

• 8/21 - 9/1: Sidewalks on the north side of Main Street between 221 Main and East Street will be removed and replaced between. Notices have been delivered directly to affected residents in addition to general notices via social media.

 

• 8/23 - 8/24: Road patching will occur on the following streets with no road closures: First Street, Ann Street, East Street, East Randall, Spring Street, Roberts Court.

 

• 10/7 – 10/9:  O’Malley Drive (between 68th Avenue & River) will be closed during resurfacing with posted detours; local traffic will be guided by flag crews.

 
Further updates will be provided on the city’s Facebook page and website. Any questions, please call city hall at 616-997-9731 or email construction@cityofcoopersville.com. Thanks for your patience while we make the city shine!
 
 
REPEAT: Muskegon Waste Water Treatment Plant Option
Engineers from Prein&Newhof met with city staff this week to review the proposed route of the sewer forcemain from Coopersville to the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System. The distance is slightly over 19 miles with a few segments of route needing to be finalized. The meeting was to discuss the route but other questions were discussed and will be revisited at the appropriate time. As new information becomes available, and is sharable, I will keep members of this council informed. Please contact me if you have comments or require answers to questions.
 
 
REPEAT - Master Plan Update: Jonathan Seyferth
The updated Final Master Plan was adopted by the City on July 24, 2017. Both the full Master Plan and the Executive Summary can be found here: http://www.cityofcoopersville.com/masterplan.html 
 
 
REPEAT: 2017-2018 Fiscal Year
Beginning July 1, 2017, the City of Coopersville began its new fiscal year. The city’s web site has the 2017-2018 Budget, the Annual Financial Report, and a simple dashboard of how the 2017-2018 tax dollars are being utilized for citizen and property owners to review. I encourage all citizens, business owners, and students to visit the website and learn more of the details of how our local government operates and how taxpayers’ dollars support that effort. 

Summer is certainly gathering momentum not only in warm days at the beach rushing by, but also in the number of projects being scheduled now that the 2016-2017 Budget has been activated. Most of the road projects, milling with an asphalt overlay, are scheduled for mid to late August. City Hall’s parking lot is scheduled for replacement July 26 and the 27, weather dependent of course.
 
A number of capital equipment has been ordered and received, the largest being the new vacuum/sweeper truck which was delivered last week. This item alone has an interesting story that needs to be told. When I visited the DPW garage to view the new vacuum/sweeper truck, representatives from Fredrickson Supply came up to me to say thank you to the city and to also share an observation. The observation they shared was this: In all their travels around the state, they rarely, rarely see a DPW garage as clean and as organized as the City of Coopersville’s. They said the trucks and loaders are clean, the workshop is spotless, the floor is free from dirt, and more of the same. They continued commenting on how much the crew cares and takes ownership of the city and that can be seen in the physical condition of the DPW site and the city at large.
 
I’m sharing this with you as another example on the caliber of our employees. It has taken time to assemble this group, but we have a special team of individuals that bring more than just skill sets and talent; they bring commitment and they bring a personal desire to do the best they can because they care. I felt very proud of these men especially when visitors from outside of the city, and without prompting, share their thoughts. Nicely done gentlemen!
 
Monday night, we have the usual bills that need to be paid. We also have a recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding the city’s Master Plan. We’ll also start discussions on goal setting as mentioned by the Mayor at the July 11 council meeting. We might even have a special visitation by a certain red and white vac/sweeper truck Monday night. Continue to enjoy these precious days of summer and wherever your travels take you, be safe out there.


Wastewater Treatment Plant 

The spare blower motor has arrived, finally. I believe it came from Brazil. We will have this motor tested and “tuned in” before we install. Our goal is to have four functional motors be available for the three blowers. Aeration is a critical and extremely important function in processing wastewater. Our goal is to provide reliable redundancy in the aeration treatment side of the WWTP and to accomplish this goal sooner than later. I will keep you updated on progress made.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

I stated in the last memo that we would have something for council in terms of information on bonding for the July 25th council meeting. I’m sorry, but I have to push that out again another two weeks as other more pressing issues moved up the priority list. As always I urge everyone on council to contact me if have questions or would like to provide comments regarding this project.
 
 
Ottawa County Technology Collaborative

Jonathan Seyferth and Anisa Williams have recently started attending a group that meets to discuss ways of collaborating for cost savings on technology and IT services such as hardware purchases, phone systems, off site data storage   and other numerous and similar items. The group consists of a few local governments such as Grand Haven, Zeeland, Holland Township, Ottawa County, and the Ottawa County Central Dispatch and others. Coopersville is now a part of this group and our goal is to find ways to reduce technology costs and partner with others when appropriate and feasible.
 
 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Significant progress has been made for our new NPDES permit from the MDEQ. As has been stated recently, the city is requesting a new permit that will allow us a couple of options to upgrade the existing WWTP. The latest draft was sent us yesterday. We need to respond before August 3 with any comments or proposed changes. For the record, I want to compliment the MDEQ for their timeliness and cooperative spirit in assisting the City of Coopersville in this latest phase of upgrading the WWTP. As always, I will keep you informed of future progress.
 
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder
For the last few months, the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may want to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a.Economic development
b.Future recreation facilities
c.Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d.Future of utility expansion
e.Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f.Regional planning
g.Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h.Bike trails
i.Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j.Public safety
 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years.  More information will come in the next few months.

This memo will be relatively short as time is limited due to a very busy week to this point. Work has continued on the budget, more specifically on defining more of the details and examining the merits of those expenditures. Much of the staff has participating in helping shape and define the projects that encompass the budget and the results has been clarity and consensus on what REALLY needs to be done.
 
Again, we will have a Budget Workshop prior to the council meeting but this workshop will start at 5:30 PM. Our discussion will focus on Information Technology (IT) and its larger impact on the operation and management of the city. You should have been sent a PowerPoint by Anisa Williams that reviews where the city is and where it needs to be in terms of a secure and functional IT program for years to come. Although the PowerPoint is intentionally done in a format that is fun and informative, it defines a few critical elements of Monday night’s discussion.
 
 We will provide DRAFT C Monday night at the budget workshop which reduces the deficit to slightly over $161,000 from the original DRAFT A of over $500,000 in the red. We have a fund balance to support it but our job as policy makers and budget engineers is to make decisions on the needs of today in context of the financial future of the city. There will also be a Public Hearing on the 2016-2017 Budget.
 
As always, I wish all of you an enjoyable and safe weekend. Have some fun and don’t forget to contact me if you have any questions regarding this memo and the enclosed agenda.


2016-2017 Budget
Monday night at 5:30 pm we have a budget workshop. We are starting thirty-minutes early as the subject matter is information technology. This subject is a bit in depth as we are proposing a number of significant changes to accommodate the city’s ever increasing reliance on technology. 
 
 
Water Project Phase I
Staff met with Prein&Newhof this week to review the design perimeters of the 60th Avenue Booster Station upgrade. The timeline on when the engineering will be completed is forthcoming. I suggested a rather aggressive timeline for the reconstruction of the booster station that may or may not be practical. As always I will keep you updated on the progress of this project.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
Grand Rapids has provided the city with more details on their proposal to take Fairlife waste from Coopersville. Jonathan Seyferth and I have just started studying what those numbers mean and whether their option is viable under the time restraints that are ever looming. As always, I will keep Council and the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
Ottawa County Central Dispatch (911)
Central Dispatch is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. Saturday May 21, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM there is an open house at Central Dispatch, 12101 Stanton Street, West Olive (Fillmore Campus). As this date becomes closer we will provide updated information as received.
 
 
Strategic Planning
Two weeks ago the below text was included. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:

• Economic development
• Future recreation facilities
• Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
• Future of utility expansion
• Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
• Regional planning
• Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
• Bike trails
• Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
• Public safety

 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.
 

Sometimes I wish Council members, residents, and business owners could, as they say, “look behind the curtain” to the everyday operations of city government in Coopersville. In my position, I have the privilege of witnessing the various departments operate, from performing daily routine tasks to the myriad emergencies and unexpected challenges that arise during the normal course of providing services to the community. One of those services is providing the mechanism to allow the residents to vote not only in presidential primaries but general elections and various school related elections as well. The amount of time, organization, training, and the physical logistics to properly conduct an election would be overwhelming for many; but not our staff. Thank you to our City Clerk Kim Borgman, Lydia Brown, the many volunteers that manages elections, and the DPW crew that assisted in the set-up of the two precincts. Nicely done.
 
The last couple of weeks we’ve had mechanical and electrical issues with our blower motors at the WWTP. The consequences of not overcoming those challenges could have been disastrous for the functioning of that plant. Through the collective efforts of many, especially Pat Bursley, John Barthels, and the rest of the crew, all three motors and blowers are up and running again. We have a dedicated and resourceful team out there, and we are all very fortunate for that and the daily success that occurs on behalf of the city. Nicely done!
 
I had an unscheduled visit at the DPW site the other day and noticed ALL the vehicles were parked outside. I walked in and noticed the entire floor of the garage had been washed including the steel barrier posts to remove the winter salt; this was done without prompting. Just about every day, the hot asphalt trailer has been used to fill the ever increasing cracks and pot holes that are born from winter’s freeze. The dump/snow plow trucks are clean and waxed along with the various pickup trucks used throughout the city. This shows a sincere respect for the property that has been purchased by the taxpayers of Coopersville.  Bryan, Pat, Jeremy, and Steve have become a very GOOD team. Nicely done.
 
Every day, and I mean every day, I witness the professional, creative, and smart service performed by our administrative staff. The eclectic, complex, unique, and routine issues the staff deals with from walk-ins to telephone requests makes me proud, makes me smile to part of an organization which, for the vast majority of the time, works as a dedicated team and has each other’s back. I wish the community at large knew how fortunate and how lucky they are to have these individuals in place. Thank you all and nicely done!
The expectations of city department heads and their staffs have increased noticeably in the past many months. Most employees push themselves and have a sense of pride about their own work and the work done by their fellow employees. I don’t write these words lightly. This year all the employees were asked to nominate an Employee of the Year to honor at Celebrate Coopersville. I don’t exaggerate when I say that it will be a tough decision in recognizing a single employee as there are many worthy individuals that have earned that honor. It will be tough because residents and business owners have personally thanked me for the professional performance of a number of our employees from all the departments. Feel very proud of our employees, I know I do.


​Water Project Phase I
I’ve instructed Prein&Newhof to prepare a proposal to begin the design and engineering for the 60th Avenue booster station. I received the proposal this afternoon but I’m not including in this packet until I review the details myself and with the Utility Advisory Committee.  As clarification and a reminder, the proposal to inspect the 16 inch water main under the Grand River is no longer being considered for a variety of reasons. As always please contact me if you have any questions on this project or components of the project.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
I have received some preliminary numbers from Ottawa County regarding the Grand Rapids option on their proposal to accept waste from Coopersville. I had a number of questions that still need to be researched and answered.  As always, I will keep council and the Utility Advisory Committee updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
Celebrate Coopersville
A friendly reminder that Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 PM our annual Celebrate Coopersville event will take place at Plumbers Hall; hopefully all of you have made your reservations for a great evening of fun, food, and celebration.
 
http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2016
 
 
2016-2017 Budget
City staff and supervisors are finishing up their individual budget requests, including capital expenditures. We’re going to have our first council/staff budget workshop March 28th at 6:00 PM in the training room. This workshop will be more of a review of Draft A and where our total projected revenues and expenditures will likely fall. There will be brief discussions on certain capital expenditures and what needs to be done and what project or purchases could wait. More on this subject will be forthcoming.
 

​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.

During this Holiday Season, and especially during Christmas, I pray that your lives may experience the joy, the beauty, and the gift of a positive attitude. Our community continues to be blessed with such richness of opportunity, a deep commitment by its residents and business owners, and a hopeful energy towards the future.

One of the greatest gifts that we can bestow acknowledges the many gifts and blessings we do have, and to keep in perspective what we don't have. "To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have." --Ken S. Keyes, Jr. 

Have a very merry Christmas and safe Holiday Season. Wishing all of you a fantastic New Year in 2016. 

--City Manager Steven R. Patrick 

I don’t often share personal thoughts such as these but I feel compelled this time.
 
The terrorist shootings and bombings in Paris on the previous Friday and the recent terrorist threat in Hanover Germany last week is a stark reminder of how precious and fragile freedom is around the world and in this country. Regardless of political leanings, we should be thankful for this country’s relative stability. Yes we have issues, and yes terrorism has struck our country, and yes it has altered our way of life; just try and board a plane.
 
But the very act of writing this memo for Coopersville’s City Council members is a testament that democracy is alive and thriving in our country, and in our city of Coopersville complete with all its beauty and flaws. Many of us take the freedoms and our special way of life for granted while we strive to make our personal lives successful and meaningful. This is certainly understandable, normal, and expected. But events such as the Paris terrorist attacks and our own 911 tragedy, certainly snaps us back to reality and reminds us that freedom is not free and we must be diligent to insure that the “experiment of democracy” will live for centuries to come. It is our obligation as citizens to nurture and protect such a rare and beautiful concept called democracy.
 
I must confess that I don’t always appreciate the uniqueness and specialness of our democracy, and that I need to try harder. During events like these I am reminded that being in local government is a personal and professional honor and it needs to be acknowledged each and every day. It needs to be acknowledged every day especially when democracy is under siege around the world where citizens here and abroad give the ultimate sacrifice simply by living their lives in an environment of democracy.  
 
I could go on for several pages on the anger and frustration I feel for those that have no regard for personal freedom and the pursuit of happiness. However, I must confess that during these events I do appreciate my family more, my friends more, my country more, and our military more for their sacrifice and protection. I also appreciate life itself more and to be reminded not to take that for granted either.  Embrace the positive and the good that life can offer and to the best of my ability ignore the negative and trivial.

As we move into the Thanksgiving weekend, be safe in all your travels and have a thankful, relaxing, and beautiful holiday as well. 


​Water Project Phase I

Today we had a joint meeting with Allendale Township and its engineers, Ottawa County (serving as Polkton Township representative), Prein&Newhof, and city staff to discuss Phase I of the proposed water system upgrade. A number of issues were discussed, predominately on the operational side of the design. As they say, “the devil is in the details.” There are many details that require resolution. This project is one of the reasons for the need for a Council Utility Advisory Committee (UAC). There is complexity and variables that staff needs to share and in turn, receive a bit of feedback from the UAC & Council. Granted there will be no action taken at the committee level but detailed conversation needs to take place, at least during the preliminary stage.

  
WWTP Project Phase II

The city and CDF (Continental Dairy Facilities) have received the proposal from the Muskegon Waste Water group. The numbers are still being studied. Also, the city needs to meet with Muskegon to review a number of questions that still remain and that will take place after the Thanksgiving holiday. I will provide more information as it becomes available.

I hope you can take advantage of these excellent fall days before temperatures start to seriously fall for real. Be safe out there!

Assistant City Manager Search
The search for a new Assistant City Manager (ACM) is complete. We interviewed six qualified candidates out of 34 applicants. We decided to have two candidates return for a second interview, both with strong credentials and experience. After having a second interview with the two finalists, which took over three hours for each, we made a decision. This morning I offered a gentleman the position and he accepted. After a contract is agreed upon in principal I will make the announcement. The reason for this delay is that if for some reason either party decides not to follow through with a contract there is no embarrassment to either. My desire is to make the appointment public no later than October 9 if all goes as planned.   
 
Dedicated Sewer Main – Lift Station
Nothing to report other than the project continues to move forward with relatively few misfortunes. The goal is to still to be functional by the end of October. Site clean-up, landscaping and such, will continue after if weather conditions are favorable. If for some reason that’s not the case, final landscaping would be next year spring.
 
Second River Crossing - Water Project Phase I
Prein & Newhof has completed the first draft of an Executive Briefing for the Water Supply and Transmission Improvement, or Phase I of the Water Project. The city will schedule a meeting with Prein & Newhof, Polkton Township, Allendale, and Ottawa County to make seek comments and eventual agreement with the proposal. After this meeting I will review with council.
 
WWTP Project Phase II
We are planning on a workshop on October 12 prior to the council meeting to discuss this topic. In the meantime we are studying options for long-term plans that would include constructing Phase II of the City’s WWTP to process 3.3 gallons per day (GPD). Estimated price, depending on the extent of pre-treatment by CDF, ranges from $12 Million to $19 Million. The City has already met with our bonding attorney to explore feasibility of financing through an existing bond to construct Phase II. The conclusion is that the City will be able to access additional funds if we so choose. Estimated timeline dependent on financing approval would see construction commencing the summer of 2016 and in operation late spring to early summer of 2017.
 
A secondary long-term plan is an option currently in discussion with CDF, Coopersville, and Muskegon. It is a concept to divert future incremental flow increases from CDF to the Muskegon WWTP. There are a number of parameters that will need to be finalized if this option were to become a viable choice for all parties. The City of Coopersville will continue to update council as more information becomes available. Obviously we will discuss this at an October 12, 5:45 p.m. workshop, prior to Council meeting.
 
West Randall Street Reconstruction Project
We are rapidly approaching the pour of concrete for the two north lanes, or the west bound lanes. Not much to report other than the project is progressing in large part to the decent weather. As with any project of this size there have been a few glitches that are dealt with in a timely manner. Thanks again to EVERYONE for their patience during this seemingly long time of reconstruction. We’re almost there.
 
City Hall Roof Work
Work is being done this week to the city hall roof, soffits, and other related areas in an attempt to significantly reduce the enormous ice damning that occurs during winter and to reduce the size of icicles that often will be the height of city hall.  We’ll soon see if our efforts were successful.