We have Kevin Kieft from Prein&Newhof visiting our council meeting Monday to provide a brief update on the SAW Grant Project. Have an enjoyable weekend, they say rain but at least it’s not snow. Be safe out there and see all of you Monday night.


Recreation: Matt McKinnon

Folks: Coopersville Rec needs your HELP!!! – Please read and share!!!
 
We are in a CONTEST to WIN a $15,000 customized equipment grant from Let’s Play and Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group.
We were selected out of a pool of over 200 entries.  We made the top 15, now it is a VOTE to see who will capture the top prize.
 
Here is the prize structure
Grand Prize:  $15,000 customized equipment grant
2ndPlace:  $10,000 customized equipment grant
3rdPlace:  $5,000 customized equipment grant
4th–10thPlace:  $1,000 PE Kit (contains cones, basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, flag football belts, jump ropes, frisbees and scrimmage vests)
 
You can vote once per day on facebook…by following this link woobox.com/ho7j5g
Righgt is a picture of what I submitted….to assist you in recognizing which one to vote for…click on the link above.
​
Please help me show the WORLD that Coopersville is a force to be reckoned with….ROCK THE VOTE!  (as of the publishing of this packet, we are holding onto a slim second place but need to keep it up)
 
 
Master Plan Update: Jonathan Seyferth

We are nearing the end of feedback window on the draft master plan which has been ongoing since mid-February. We’re asking that all feedback be in by Wednesday, March 29. The end of this feedback window starts a timeline that, if all goes according to plan, should allow the master plan to be considered for final adoption in June.

The timeline is as follows:

• March 29 – public feedback on the draft plan closes (the feedback window will have been open for about 5 weeks)

 

• April 7 – The Planning Commission will be provided with a finalized Master Plan.

 

• April 17 –The Planning Commission, if satisfied with the document, will vote to release it for distribution. This triggers a 63-day (9 week) feedback period for neighboring governments, the county, and regional planning organizations. (Distribution means that the city will send copies of our proposed master plan to these organizations and invite feedback.)

 

• June 19 – The 9-week window will close on June 19 which is also the June Planning Commission meeting date. At that meeting the Planning Commission would hold a Public Hearing on formal adoption of the master plan – step one in a two-step adoption process. If approved by the PC, it is sent to the City Council for final adoption.

 

• June 26 – At the second City Council meeting in June, the City Council will be asked to take the second step in the process with a final adoption of the master plan.

 
If there’s feedback that you’d like to get to the consultants before March 29, please visit www.plancoopersville.com and fill out the comment form. Draft documents are also located there.
 
 
WWTP Upgrade

Work continues with 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

At this time, there is a meeting scheduled for the early part of April. The agenda is yet to be defined but there will be a meeting nonetheless. As always, I will report on the progress of this project and the details of discussion that relate directly with Coopersville.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

The Utility Advisory Committee met with Jonathan and I and a number of concepts were discussed and somewhat decided upon, as well as a direction on how to configure costs for the construction. Later in the week we met with Prein&Newhof and defined the project more succinctly, the process by which to proceed, and a request for updated costs to each segment of the project. Prein&Newhof should have that updated information yet this week or early next. The most significant item to take from this memo is that the city has clarified the scope of the project in a more affordable package in terms of our short and long term goals. As always, please contact me if you have questions or comments. 

My ride back from the City of Flint on Tuesday provided a couple of hours of reflection on the Water Infrastructure Conference I attended. There are MANY lessons that can be learned from the Flint water crisis that every community with a water transmission system should take seriously. My biggest take away was the realization that in order to overcome the challenge of obtaining lead free water, the partnering between state, federal, and local agencies that needs to occur. Finger pointing, accusations, and second guessing wasn’t going to provide clean water to the residents of Flint. I have more comments below.
 
Well, Celebrate Coopersville is just hours away. I’m so proud of the cooperation, dedication and going the extra mile in organizing this event. There are many individuals that help make this celebration a reality and most of them are employees of the city. We also thank the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades Union for allowing us to use their facility Thursday night as well. See you all there, and don’t forget to bring money for the silent auction.
 
Have a fantastic weekend and please be safe out there.


WWTP Upgrade

Work continues with 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

Tuesday morning, I had a conference call with Muskegon officials and other interested parties. As you know, the city has already submitted a letter of support for the Muskegon wastewater option for a long-term solution to wastewater treatment capacity. Representatives from Muskegon, Coopersville, and fairlife will be meeting in the next few weeks to continue discussions on the specifics. As always, I will report on the progress of this project.
 
 
Community Expo

March 18, 2017 is the scheduled date for the yearly Community Expo and Book Fair sponsored/organized by the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce. The city will have a booth with our elected officials attending along with available staff to answer questions and provide information concerning projects, recreation opportunities, rescue activities and other related topics.  Come to the South Elementary School from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for this great annual event.
 
 
Water Project Phase I – No New Update to Report

I have spoken informally with Allendale on when we can set up a meeting to further define exactly where we can partner on the Water Project Phase I. Next week a meeting is scheduled for the Utility Advisory Committee to meet with me to discuss recommendations on the proposed scope of the Water Project Phase I. Yes, there has been much discussion already, but there have been many variables still in play that hindered a clear, concise, definable plan. My desire is to make a decision on the scope of the project yet this month. As always, please contact me if you have questions or comments.
 

Water Infrastructure Conference

​There are a number of lessons from the Flint experience that have relevancy for the City of Coopersville. Below are a few worth mentioning:

• Don’t build infrastructure that exceeds demand. Flint built infrastructure to meet the growth it was experiencing for decades because of the auto industry. When that industry closed, or relocated, including the suppliers, and residents began to relocate elsewhere, water consumption eventually fell by two-thirds, or 66%. Water did not circulate or move as once engineered and so it often times remained in one location for as many as six or seven days, thus allowing lead and other elements to intensify in terms of parts-per-million. The City of Coopersville must make every effort to not “over construct” in its capacity based on promises and incomplete data used to support projections of water usage. We must never forget the historical assumption that Delphi would never close in Coopersville.

 

• Accurate documentation on the infrastructure you have is critical. Flint’s outdated record keeping regarding location of curb boxes, type of material of laterals, and the exact location of those laterals, unintentionally added challenges and significantly increased delays in replacement and repair of existing infrastructure, and still does. Fortunately for Coopersville, the SAW grant has provided the tools and the means to accurately document existing infrastructure including material, type of mechanical fixtures, and the like. This will become MORE valuable as the city’s infrastructure ages.

 

• A well-funded and robust maintenance program for infrastructure must be valued and practiced. As property taxes and water consumption decreased, there was far less revenue to support a robust maintenance program for Flint. Thus, maintenance turned into just fixing what became “broken” and the spiral downward continued for years. Once again, the SAW Grant has been a blessing for Coopersville to inventory what assets and infrastructure we have, but also to quantify the condition of that asset so we can actively prioritize capital expenditures and have the information necessary to act on those capital expenditures in a timely fashion.

 
I understand that we are not Flint, either in our economic history or the size and magnitude of our infrastructure. We are also not experiencing the tangential consequences such as health issues, loss of jobs, and the serious loss of quality of life that defines a community. But, we do have infrastructure that each year becomes older and less sound. Only through wise guidance by Coopersville’s elected officials and a highly-qualified staff will Coopersville’s infrastructure future be secure. More detail to come at our budget workshops.

“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.    

My nephew and his wife just had their third child, first boy, just two weeks ago; they are thrilled including our whole family. My nephew wanted a boy so very much! Our dog Oban had his first birthday just last week and although still a rambunctious puppy, he’s slowly changing into a special guy; he brings much joy to us every day. My mother, now in her early eighties, still drives and is looking to buy another vehicle after winter is over; I pray I have her energy as I continue to age; she’s a special lady.
 
I have a very positive and competent staff here at the city, and I’m blessed for this wonderful gift every single day; thank you to each and every one. My Assistant City Manager and I attended a conference in Kalamazoo for a couple days last week. It was a positive and informative experience that will bring value to Coopersville. By the way, the Kalamazoo city and community leaders are doing a fantastic job in the continuing revitalization of downtown; nicely done folks! And guess what? Findings in the European Heart Journal revealed that, “Being happy and naturally optimistic cuts the risk of developing heart problems.” Wow, who knew? What great news. Also the last time I checked, no asteroid a mile in diameter slammed into earth eliminating most life from its surface, I believe that’s very good news as well.
 
Guess what? I didn’t mention the main stream news, the politics in Washington DC, the demonstrations, the escalated and mean spirited rhetoric between well-intentioned people on both sides. I didn’t mention political spin, Supreme Court, Federal Court, Middle East, China, health insurance, pipelines, and all the other sources of noise and angst. Just mentioning the above items started making you agitated a bit, didn’t it? How did the first two paragraphs make you feel? Be honest.

We cannot change or dramatically impact the ENTIRE world. What we can do is make an effort to better our small corner of it by striving to better ourselves and recognize the good that does exist. Recently I read a statement by Ban Ki-moon –  Former Secretary General of the UN:
​

Each one of us has our own personal story in our own personal part of the world. Obviously, we shouldn’t ignore the world at large and it is our social responsibility to make the world better than we found it. But in order to make that happen we “must first set our hearts right” and part of that process is to embrace the richness, the vibrant colors, celebration of successes, and the joy of the world we live in each day.
 
Part of this celebration starts Monday night. We have special guests Rep. Roger Victory and District Director Amanda Price to honor Coopersville resident Ruth Brifling on her 106th Birthday. Yes, 106 years young. Yes, this is an example of embracing the richness that surrounds us each day. How wonderful that we can all be a part of this recognition! I hope you’re smiling.
 
The balance of the council meeting will be the routine practice of paying our bills. We also have the Consent Agenda back again for possible action. For those that miss golf during the doldrums of winter, there is the West Michigan Golf Show at DeVos Place this weekend. Even if you don’t like golf, it’s something different to do and more importantly, everyone is in a good mood. Have a great weekend, open your hearts, and be SAFE!

​
Master Plan Update

At the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 20 (6PM) McKenna and Associates will be making a presentation to the Planning Commission on what was learned during the January focus groups. The consultants will also be providing a broad overview on the direction the master plan could go in and asking for feedback. If you’re available on Monday, Feb. 20, there should be some good information shared and discussed at this meeting.  
 
 
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’ve already had over 120 RSVPs to date (capacity is 180) and we would be most pleased to receive yours as well before February 23. Tickets and table sponsorships are available at http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2017. 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.    

On Monday January 16, our Assistant City Manager/Planning Director Jonathan Seyferth and the consultants at McKenna Associates conducted the first public exercises (round table discussions) designed to be a part of updating the city’s Master Plan. Topics included Recreation/Transportation, Downtown, Neighborhoods, and the evening finale was a Community Meeting where citizens could provide input and comments. All and all, it was a day of solid input which equates to substantive value in the pursuit to define and map out the future growth of the city.
 
This process, although not totally unique to Coopersville or the generic planning process, reminds me of the metaphor “connecting-the-dots.” As most of us know, connecting-the-dots is an exercise of finding or associating one idea or event with another. The usual reason this exercise is practiced is to reveal the “big-picture” of an idea or event, or to bring meaning to an unknown. But before one can connect-the-dots, as author, actress and musician Amanda Palmer stated, “We can only connect the dots that we can collect.” The more dots we can collect, the better or the higher definition of the big picture we can create and thus invite action to be taken.
 
All day and into Monday night city staff, residents and non-residents, business owners, and consultants were collecting dots; lots of dots. Dots about recreation…dots about downtown…dots about sidewalks…dots about neighborhoods…dots about development…dots about signage…dots about housing…dots about transportation…dots about EVERYTHING. In the next few weeks and months, all of the dots collected will be part of the connect-the-dots exercise. This will be an exciting time as each dot is metaphorically connected to another dot over and over again. In time an image will begin to reveal itself and that image will be a new Master Plan for the City of Coopersville. It will guide the city, the community, as we grow and as we manage development while at the same time enhancing the unique character of this special place. Jonathan Seyferth and I will update this process to you in the coming months as new information becomes available.
 
We have a lengthy agenda which includes two ordinance related items, discussion on the proposed WWTP Upgrade Phase II, and the usual action to pay invoices. Have a great weekend and take advantage of winter’s reprieve if you so desire. Be safe out there!


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’ve already had over 60 RSVPs to date and we would be most pleased to receive yours as well. Tickets and table sponsorships are available at http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2017. As always, the silent auction is looking for donations to raise money for NEO Forum. More information will be forthcoming as we inch closer to the 9th. 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 – REPEAT
​
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 lessor 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.    

Happy New Year, and all that jazz.
 
As I thought about this memo, I also thought about the word “new.” What does that word mean besides its use as an adjective and the other obvious meanings? What is the historical significance of the word and where does its originate? As I scrolled through various reference materials and other resources, I found myself a bit distracted and was drawn to what nouns “new” was placed before. I know, a squirrel moment, but regardless I was intrigued by all that is “new.” I also realized my original desire to unearth the origins of “new” would be a journey I didn’t have time to experience. Below is a list of a few concepts involving “new”:

• New Age (Politics, Sociology)
• New Class (Politics, economics)
• New complexity (Music)
• New Criticism (Literary Theory)
• New Deal (Economic)
• New fiction (Literary)
• New historicism (Literary Theory)
• New left (Politics)
• New mathematics (da)
• New Music (European based, artistic high ground)
• New Orleans (gotcha)*
• New riddle of induction (Philosophy)
• New right (Politics)
• New simplicity (Music)
• New wave (Originally French cinema)

 
Obviously, the list can be much longer with a bit more research and a whole lot more time. However, I learned something “new” as I studied the definitions and historical backgrounds of each “new” version of the original definition of the noun. It reminded me that the original goal, or intent of finding the origins of the word “new”, diverted by a squirrel moment, can reap unintended rewards that bring a fresh and “new” life to established beliefs or established norms. It’s a reminder not to be so focused on a goal or desire that we are not aware of our surroundings to discover something “new” that was not in our original field of vision. Perhaps another variation on the “unknown, unknown” maybe. Just a thought; plus it can be darn fun.
 
That being stated, looking forward to a “new” year in Coopersville and working with you, city council members, and city staff to continue our quest to make this city one of the best. Happy New Year! Enjoy your weekend, be safe driving and we’ll see each other Monday night as we begin the new year deliberating the varied issues of Coopersville. 


WWTP Upgrade

There has been significant movement for resolving the direction of the WWTP Upgrade - Phase II Project.  I will be scheduling the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) to review the specifics that include what CDF and fairlife have agreed to, and ultimately what the scope of the end project will look like and how it fits the intermediate and long-term goals of the city.
 
As we all are very aware, this has been a very long process up to this point. Much of it has been the uncertainty of funding which so often dictates all other attributes of a project. In this case, I believe there is now a definite direction that all parties can agree to and now it’s time to dig in and get it done. Council will be advised once the UAC and I have met and there is a comprehensive understanding of the proposed project.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

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 lessor 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.    
 

*New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French as Nouvelle-Orléans, on the site of an abandoned Quinpissa village. The city was named in honor of the then Regent of France, Philip II, Duke of Orléans, the brother of Versailles-builder and prosperous King of France, Louis XIV. 
 
(source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_New_Orleans)
​

The process of upgrading the water and wastewater systems continues, and the end is still uncertain because of the need for specifics, based on a number of assumptions (yet to be considered), known facts, beliefs and bits of knowledge. The reason for this situation can be associated with lack of information from certain customers. It is also from uncertainty of future needs, coupled with how to pay for those future needs. Additionally, it is imagining the ramifications which may be produced for each option, both negative and positive.
 
Lately as we, the staff, continue to explore, pull the brush away from our line of sight, and attempt to define a specific course of action for the water and wastewater projects, I am reminded of another time. That time is when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stated at a press conference in February 2002:

“Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don't know we don't know. And if one looks throughout the history of our country and other free countries, it is the latter category that tend to be the difficult ones.”
 
Trust me when I say the context in which Rumsfeld stated those words are not remotely similar to our water and wastewater projects. But they are similar to the essence of the associated uncertainties and unknowns by their very definitions. Attempting to peer into the fog known as the future, it is obvious that there are unknowns that need to be known, and there are unknowns that will never be known until the future becomes the present.
 
In the first paragraph, I used the word “knowledge” in context of uncertainty and this was for a very good reason. What we often considered knowledge is really just “belief.” Or as J. Dancy wrote, “Belief counts as knowledge only if it was acquired by a method that was…reliable.” Of course, one can argue the use of the word “reliable” but for now we’ll accept this statement. The gathering of facts and knowledge may seem straight forward, but it is not. History has shown that the knowledge agreed upon at certain times of our intellectual development was untrue. Examples include belief that the earth was the center of the universe or the earth was flat. Again, I’m not suggesting that the water and wastewater projects are trapped in a knowledge vortex and nothing is certain. I’m stating that assumed facts (which make up our core of knowledge) is not always clear and succinct. Along with the discussion of unknowns, there is the question of what we know or the knowledge we believe we possess. Are the knowledge and facts we are basing decisions on correct?  
 
By their own success, the growth of CDF and fairlife has placed a great deal of importance, or weight, on making the correct choices based on the knowledge known today. Which prompted me to dust off the words of Rumsfeld again to help explain the apparent drawn out process all parties find themselves in each week. Everyone wants to make the right choice not only for today but for the next 25 years. The sheer number of unknowns have increased and with that comes pause and gaps to progress. We’ll get there and when we do, the goal will be to remove many of those unknowns and solidify our knowledge base.  
 
 
REMEMBER, one last time, mark your calendars for the Joint Council, Planning Commission, and DDA meeting on Monday, December 12 at 6:00 PM. It will be held in the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building at 182 East Street. Note the start time will begin an hour earlier than regular council meetings.
 
This is my last memo for 2016. I want to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season and the best New Year. I know it’s not considered culturally sensitive or politically correct, but I do wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I also wish everyone of different faiths (or not) a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New year as well. It’s also a perfect time of the year to embrace and celebrate what we have in common rather than dwell on the other. The human race has done some extraordinary things in our brief existence on this planet, so let’s all hug and “raise a glass of cheer”!
 
Have a safe weekend and we’ll all see each other Monday night at 6:00 PM at the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building.


WWTP Upgrade

No NEW information is available at this time. We are still waiting for CDF to respond to the city’s proposal options. PLEASE REVIEW MEMO OPENING COMMENTS.
 
LAST MEMO: CDF and fairlife have received two proposals from the city to review and provide comments and questions on the attributes of each. My expectation is they will provide me with their response tomorrow Friday or early next week. Once that is done, the Utility Advisory Committee will be brought together to discuss the options and weight in on what best fits Coopersville financially and functionally. As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

No new updates at this time on the project itself. However, Keri Rogers and I have been discussing financing options not just on this Water Project, but also how best to maybe refinance another bond that that we have with a slightly higher percentage rate than what is currently available.

Post elections have protests occurring in numerous cities across this country. Specific groups, individuals, and organizations are concerned, worried, uncertain, angry and afraid of what will happen when the President-Elect takes office. On the flip side, there is a significant sigh of relief as many now “feel” they have been heard and are filled with hope and optimism for the future and await the moment the President-Elect takes the oath of office.
 
As I listen and view the many scenarios of reaction and witness individuals express such outrage and emotionally charged rhetoric, I can’t help but think of Carl Sagan, American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and the list goes on. As we already know in the early 1980s, Sagan co-wrote and narrated the PBS television series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.” It was thoroughly fantastic, mystical, and intellectually stimulating in ways never experienced before and it altered the way we understood and perceived the universe and our place within it. Just as an FYI, it has recently been re-produced for National Geographic Television, which is also quite well done.
 
Anyway, the reason I bring all of this to our attention is that he developed a “Cosmic Calendar” to help the layperson grasp the magnitude of time from the “big bang” to present day, after all the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old, obviously a VERY, VERY, long time. I say this in all seriousness because 13.8 billion years is difficult to get your head around in context of our own lives. So, what Sagan did was to condense 13.8 billion years into one calendar year. He had midnight of January 1 as the moment the big bang took place. The following is an edited breakdown of our Cosmic Calendar:
 
January 1, 12:00 Midnight:                           The Big Bang
January 22:                                                  First galaxies form
March 16:                                                     The Milky Way Galaxy is formed
September 2:                                                Our Solar System is formed
October 29:                                                  Oxygenation of Earth’s Atmosphere
November 9:                                                 Complex Cells
December 7:                                                 Simple Animals
December 26:                                               Mammals
December 31 at 6:05 PM:                             Apes Appear
December 31 at 11:44 PM:                           Domestication of Fire
December 31 at 11:55 PM:                           Beginning of Most Recent Glacial Period
December 31 at 11:59.33 Seconds:              End of Ice Age
December 31 at 11:59.53 Seconds:              Iron Age
December 31 at 11:59.58 Seconds:              Renaissance in Europe, Classical Music to the Time of Johann
                                                                                Sebastian Bach
December 31 at 11:59.59 Seconds:           Modern History; the last 437.5 years before the present
[Carl Sagan, The Dragons of Eden (1977)]
 
The juxtaposition of 2016 post-election reactions with Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar may initially seem ignorant, irrelevant and confusing. But the point is rather simple: We pour too much worth, meaning, and value into events without placing those events into perspective of time and the successful progression of our existence in this vast and complicated universe. My father used to always say, “This too shall pass” as my brothers, sisters and I would emotionally hyperventilate about some event that happened at school, with our best friend, or with each other.
 
Of course, our lives have meaning; human events have extraordinary meaning. The existence of life in the universe is truly an amazing and often incomprehensible thing. Our existence, our lives provide the very means, the vehicle, to experience and report on the essence of the universe’s evolution, its expansion, and its many wonders. But one event, such as the 2016 Presidential Elections, in context of our place in the universe should be tempered a bit. We all live, love, cry, work, play, and interact on a tiny blue globe that circles a sphere of hot plasma in a solar system on the fringe of the Milky Way Galaxy surrounded by billions of other galaxies. Let’s enjoy our stay and embrace the wonders of our lives, as “this too shall pass” and sadly all too quickly. Just a thought…
 
Now in our corner of the universe known to many as the City of Coopersville, we have a city council meeting November 28, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Mr. Jeff Sluggett (City Attorney) will be in attendance to assist in the explanation and discussion on the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) issue.
 
One last time, mark your calendars for the Joint Council, Planning Commission, and DDA meeting on Monday, December 12 at 6:00 PM. It will be held in the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building at 182 East Street. Enjoy the last days of autumn before winter takes residence for the next few months. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in whatever manner you celebrate the occasion. We have much to be thankful for in this country even though there is much sadness and danger around the world. See you Monday night.
 
 
WWTP Upgrade
No NEW information is available at this time. We are still waiting for CDF to respond to the city’s proposal options.
 
LAST MEMO: CDF and fairlife have received two proposals from the city to review and provide comments and questions on the attributes of each. My expectation is they will provide me with their response tomorrow Friday or early next week. Once that is done, the Utility Advisory Committee will be brought together to discuss the options and weight in on what best fits Coopersville financially and functionally. As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
 
 
Water Project Phase I
No new updates at this time on the project itself. However, Keri Rogers and I have been discussing financing options not just on this Water Project, but also how best to maybe refinance another bond that that we have with a slightly higher percentage rate than what is currently available.
 
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Garfield Road “Hidden Drive” Sign
As most of you have seen on Garfield Road going west from 48th Avenue towards the WWTP is a sign that warns of a hidden drive below the hill. The original sign was placed there decades ago as an obvious warning to slow down because cars may be pulling out of the WWTP drive. Over the years many of our employees have been very nervous about this drive because of “close calls” with vehicles traveling at high rates of speeds. They have often turned right towards 68th Avenue deciding that being hit in the rear of their vehicle was far safer that being tee-boned on their driver’s side.
 
This past summer there were other “close calls” that I experienced, the last being two young girls traveling at a high rate of speed not even looking towards the WWTP drive. This, forced me to slam on the brakes to miss being hit. At this point I had Bryan Buist order and install a flashing LED solar green light in place of the existing sign. Since installing the new sign I haven’t had any near misses but it’s far too early to collect anecdotal data.
 
So why am I informing you of this? Polkton Township has requested the city to turn off the flashing light as it is against local ordinances to have electronic/electrical signs. The Ottawa County Road Commission has also stated we didn’t pull a county sign permit as well. The result of this is, we are going to pay $500 (Special ZBA Meeting) to apply for a variance that would allow this solar powered LED light to be reactivated for the safety of our employees and the public at large.
 
We heard that some individuals find this sign “irritating.” Our reply is, great! It’s supposed to be. It gets your attention and reminds you that MORE attention needs to be paid in the immediate area. Our goal is to present our argument to Polkton Township and if all goes well the variance will be granted and we can turn the sign back on to remind drivers that a hidden drive is very close and to reduce speed and increase your attention. We don’t need a tragedy because the sign was turned off due to its irritating nature.

As you know, last week I was at the ICMA Conference and as usual it was solid with content and more importantly the presence of the “how to” element thrown in for good measure. One of the more notable presentations by one of the keynote speakers David Brooks, yes that David Brooks. He mentioned that throughout his travels around the world he observed that the truly healthy communities were those that had “community healers.” As soon as he spoke those words I understood what he was expressing and what he meant.
 
What makes Coopersville such a unique and pleasant place to work, live, and play is the effect of community healers. Those individuals that care and have empathy for others and for the efforts and accomplishments of residents and business owners alike. Without naming names, I can think of at least a dozen people here in Coopersville that go out of their way to smooth “trouble waters,” to provide direction and a sympathetic ear to someone that is having difficulties, to provide resources either financial or otherwise to a group requesting assistance. I have always believed there was something “special” about this place we call Coopersville, but it wasn’t until Mr. Brooks spoke those words “community healers” that the awareness became defined and real.  Thank you to our own community healers; you’re loved and appreciated more than you know.
 
Monday night, we have a rather light agenda. A few bills to be paid with a discussion on a proposed change to the Fire Authority Agreement with Polkton Township. Please review your packet and if you require additional information or clarity please don’t hesitate to contact me. Enjoy this “fair” weather while we still have it, be safe, and have a grand weekend!


​WWTP Upgrade

We received two proposals from two engineering firms last Friday for the Phase II Upgrade for the WWTP. Each proposal actually has within it two separate proposals as instructed by me. The first proposal is what can we build with $5 million and more specifically what the load and volume limits are. The second proposal is what would the upgrade cost to treat a certain level of loading and volume. Those numbers are under review and will be provided to council for review either Monday or a few days after.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

As was stated in the last council packet, work/efforts continue to explore reasonable funding options. As with the WWTP project I’ve requested two different proposals that are quite different in scope. The reason for this is to be prepared for any changes in water requirement demands from fairlife and/or CDF. When these proposals are complete, hopefully in a couple of weeks, we will meet and discuss the attributes of each. Please call if you have specific questions.

First, I’d like to express what a gorgeous Labor Day weekend we just experienced. I don’t know what your thoughts are, but even though summer can be short, it’s all worth it when we can experience such outstanding weather in such a beautiful state.
 
Monday night, September 12, we start off with a workshop at 6:00 P.M. to bring everyone up to speed on the WWTP upgrades and the Water Project Phase I projects. This meeting is important as I will be seeking guidance and approval on new project configurations later at the council meeting. At our council meeting, we also have a number of significant items to discuss from the bids we received for the 64th Avenue Sidewalk project to formalizing the status of the DPW Supervisor. Until then, continue to enjoy the remaining days of summer. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding this memo and the council agenda.
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WWTP Upgrade

The MEDC offered a proposal to relevant parties, which in turn was turned down for substantive reasons. It is difficult to discuss the WWTP upgrades without delving into the macro view of economic development incentives by the State of Michigan and how it prioritizes economic opportunities, so I won’t. Instead I will reiterate from what our workshop will reveal, is that Coopersville at this time is on its own to provide an economic development and a financial plan to continue to serve the businesses and residents alike in Coopersville…and that is what we will do.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

Again, as with the WWTP upgrade, the scope of the project will have to be revised due to financial considerations in context of limited financial assistance from state agencies. The only item of certainty from where I stand is that action must be taken relatively soon, and that action will have to come from us.
 
 
Road Projects

I thank you council members for approving the various road projects that were recently competed. I thank you Bryan Buist for coordinating the contractors, and I thank you residents and business owners for your patience as we improved several roads in our city. Randall, Center, Ottawa and 48th Avenue look great! A little here, a little there and suddenly the city begins to sparkle. Obviously we have a couple of more streets to complete before winter but we’re making progress.
 
 
Grove Street Park

If you haven’t already done so, please visit Grove Street Park. The field has been regraded and seeded. It looks great and once again it’s one more step to making the community as a whole look better. Of course, the overall condition of the field will make for safer play but it also makes for better aesthetics. Nicely done!
 
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