Before proceeding, I must warn you of a spoiler alert if you haven’t seen the movie, The Polar Express. If you haven’t, and wish to experience the movie for yourself, please proceed to the agenda comments and ignore any further words relating to this movie; you’ve been gently alerted.
 
Over Christmas my wife and I watched the “The Polar Express” yet one more time. As just about all of you know, the affection for this movie is not just the rich story line with so many unique and touching layers, and the number of adventures the characters experience, but also that the author, Chris Van Allsburg, was from East Grand Rapids and used a number of references in the story from the Grand Rapids area. The story is basically about a boy that is beginning to have doubts about believing in Santa. Each year we watch the movie and each year, I discover another aspect of the story I hadn’t noticed before. I learn something new based on the experiences I gathered over the previous year. These experiences and the passing of time are keys that unlock the door to experiencing additional insights and flavors of the story previously hidden from me.
 
Certainly 2017 has been a year packed tightly with experiences at the city and in my personal life. From the Water Project and the EDA, waste water issues, the WWTP Upgrade, Muskegon Sewer Forcemain Project, the Reserve of Coopersville, DDA Pocket Park, future DDA projects, the Historical Museum merger with the City, the Fire Authority and the new proposed fire station, economic development, Emergency Rescue, the State of Michigan, the issues that are being discussed at several of the boards I sit on as representative for the City, and the recent announcement of my upcoming departure at the end of June.
 
There are also the routine tasks associated with the management of the city, from serving our citizens’ needs, to human resources, filling employee vacancies, assisting our elected officials as required, collaborating with others as we market our community, on-going team building with members of the city staff, and the constant need to be alert for both opportunities for the city and potential hazards that would impede its success. There is much going on in the City of Coopersville.
 
So, what on earth does any of this have to do with The Polar Express? Plenty!  At the end of the movie, and after a number of stunning and magical adventures, the boy receives a special present from Santa Claus (“Mr. C”) in a handsomely wrapped box under the tree. Sarah, his sister, discovers the perfectly wrapped box and gives it to her brother. He sits by the tree with his sister, opens the present and brings out a beautiful sleigh bell that he thought he lost earlier in the movie. He brings it to his ear and shakes the bell. The bell delightfully rings. His sister hears the bell ring as well and the boy passes the bell to his mother and father. They also bring the bell to their ears and this time, they cannot hear the bell ring. His father says, “What a beautiful bell. Broken; Sorry about that, Sport.”
 
At the end of the movie, the narrator (the boy) shares one last memory with us:
 
“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell. But as years passed, the bell fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could not hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, it still rings for me, as it does for all that truly believe.”
 
For me, the movie is about believing. Not necessarily about a sleigh bell, but about believing in the sound that resonates within your soul, which ignites the energy to discover what others cannot see or cannot hear.  The weight of all of the tasks and projects mentioned above have the potential to gradually and unknowingly gnaw away at the spirit, not just for me, but for others as well. It has the potential to erase the sweet sound of the bell. But it is believing in whatever ignites the energy in your soul that insures the bell does not lose its sweet sound. It is about believing in Coopersville – believing in the potential of Coopersville. It is about believing what is possible for Coopersville and preparing for that possibility, no matter what.
 
During this time in my life, I still hear the beautiful sound of the bell. At times the sound may be faint and I have to bring it ever close to my ear, but it still rings and eventually the sound becomes robust and full of life again. I still hear the beautiful sound of Coopersville even when others do not. That’s okay, as many of my colleagues and friends still hear the bell and smile, because they believe as well. They believe as I that opportunity and success are best achieved when you believe.

On Monday night, we will be honoring Joel Meintsma’s 12 years of service to the City as a Council Member and as Mayor. Joel, you will be missed as you were able to bring reason and leadership at the most critical of times. May life provide you with what sustains your spirit and sense of accomplishment. Thank you for your service to Coopersville and the community.
 
We have a number of agenda items including a discussion on park reservation fees and the 2018 SWAP Agreement with Ottawa County, among others. Please contact me if you have questions or require further information. I wish everyone on council a healthy and prosperous 2018. Enjoy your weekend, stay warm, and be safe out there!


Save the Date: Celebrate Coopersville 2018

Celebrate Coopersville will be taking place this year on March 22, 2018, at the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters, and Service Trades Union Hall at 1008 O’Malley Drive. Save the date for this stellar event to honor the hard-working city staff and deserving volunteers of our great city.
 

Downtown Pocket Park

The Pocket Park is now blanketed in white. When Spring arrives, and it won’t be soon enough, there are a few details that require completion. Until then, enjoy what is there and we’ll finish it up when the snow departs.
 
 
REPEAT: Snow Plowing and Salt

The staff and I have been asked on a number of occasions about what our snow plowing policy will be. The answer is simple. We are going to continue with what was done last year both in plowing and the laying down of salt. Our goal is not to make the roads 100% clear and dry of snow and ice since this is winter in Michigan after all. We will salt the major intersections and roads as conditions dictate. The Sheriff’s Department will notify the personnel on call if road conditions deteriorate during the night. Major roads are done first then local roads. Priority is given to roads leading to the school in the morning.
 
The city, as in other years, is following the Ottawa County Road Commission in its use of salt. Salt will be mixed with sand to reduce its introduction to the environment and to also save money for the city and the taxpayers. Obviously, if there are severe conditions safety will always be a priority and we will do whatever is necessary. The best information drivers can be given of course is to slow down and be cautious at intersections and stop signs. Please call if you have further questions.  
 
 
REPEAT: Multi-Purpose Rink & Ice

I’m sure as more cold weather engulfs us, Recreation Director Matt McKinnon will be inundated with questions as to when the multi-purpose rink will become an ice rink. The one advantage about this cold weather we’ve been recently experiencing (and will be experiencing) is that the ground surrounding and under the rink concrete is getting valuable time to cool off and hopefully start to freeze. This will allow us to begin making ice sooner than previous years, but exactly when is still unknown. Keep in mind that making ice is not the same as maintaining ice in the typical fickle weather that defines Michigan. Once we begin to make ice, we’ll keep everyone updated on the website and social media. Cross your fingers.
 
 
REPEAT: Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
​
Design plans and specifications were sent to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) over a month ago for review and the issuance of a permit. We are still in a holding pattern waiting to hear from the MDEQ on where we are in the process.
 
 
NOTE:
Obviously, there are other projects and issues I’m involved with as is Jonathan Seyferth and others. It’s not always a wise decision to write about the status of these projects and issues when there are delicate, complicated, or confidentiality aspects still in motion. I will always be available to answer any of your questions to the best of my ability within the confines of the aspects just mentioned. There is certainly never a dull day in the bustling and thriving environment of Coopersville.

​In preparation for this memorandum for the Special Joint Meeting, I reviewed past memos and the subject matter discussed. I smiled as I read them mainly because of the variety of subject matters covered over the years, which is directly related to the wide spectrum of issues that Coopersville faced yesterday and continues through today. Here are but a few:
 

• December 12, 2016: 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 that we don't know.
• December 14, 2015: Political correctness and saying Merry Christmas.
• December 8, 2014: Pride of the contributions made by Council, DDA, and Planning members.
• December 9, 2013: W. Randall Street was opened to traffic as well as the intersection at 64th Avenue.
• December 5, 2012: Working with some of the finest and brightest people I have met in Coopersville.
• December 12, 2011: Where stakeholders in Coopersville want to share a common vision and willing to cooperate on a path towards that vision.

 
Having read the above over the past couple of days, I realize that what was observed in 2011 or 2014 are as relevant and timely today as they were back then. This community and city is very dynamic and always moving in some fashion or another; there is momentum wherever you turn. From the Reserves of Coopersville to the new expansion at Betten Baker, to continued expansion at Fairlife, there is constant movement.
 
In other words, there is “change.” I still remember back in January sharing a few thoughts with staff about my premonition that 2017 would certainly be a year of not just change, but significant change.  And there was, from Mayor Lloyd stepping down through a transition (Joel Meintsma) to our current Mayor, Larry Crandle. There has been on-going work for the Water Project Phase I which includes a much needed second river crossing and hopefully a $2 million plus grant from the Economic Development Administration. The DDA hired an excellent person, Greg Van Weelde, to perform much needed maintenance and beautification around the district, in addition to two more excellent staff additions to the DPW and WWTP teams, Brett Martin and Austin Edmonson, respectively. We had an employee with 21 years seniority (Mike Hammond) resign and start another adventure. The long-anticipated Pocket Park has miraculously appeared. The West Randall Street corridor is now lined with welcoming decorative lights, celebrating Coopersville every night. The Coopersville Area District Library completed a major renovation and expansion and continues to blossom under its Director LaVonne Marshall and her staff.
 
As Heraclitus (535-475 BC) stated, “The only thing that is constant is change.” And that is the condition here in Coopersville. There are some that may find this condition somewhat deplorable because of misguided fears that change will taint fond memories of years gone by. Emotionally I understand that fear, but without change and growth there is stagnation and ultimately decay. As long as change is planned and controlled and is in the best interest of the citizens of Coopersville, then the change will gradually become our new fond memories.
 
Who knows what will happen next, there’s still 25 days left in December. 

Remember, December 11, 2017 is the annual Joint City Council, DDA Board, and Planning Commission meeting. It will be at the new Community Room at the Coopersville Area Library, starting at 6:00 PM. This is always an informative meeting where the boards and city departments update each other on their respective areas of responsibilities and goals. There’s always new information revealed that is timely and useful. Hope everyone can attend. FYI, it’s the only meeting the boards and council will have in December. The public is always welcome and we encourage all to attend. 
 
Monday night we will also have Special Guests Lukas Hill and Tara Weise (Planning Commission) from Friends of the North Bank Trail. They will present a brief introduction about the Trail, its progress and future in Coopersville. We’re having them attend the Joint Meeting as most of the current and future decision makers will be present and the update will provide welcomed facts. Please contact me if you have questions or require additional information prior to Monday night.
 
Lastly, I would like to quote myself from 2015: “I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I know and understand that wishing someone a Merry Christmas is not politically correct especially from an employee working at the city. It is also not a clear separation of church and state, or any other reason unknown to me.  But for those fans of history and for those that have studied the origin of this country, you’ll understand the point being made. We still live in a marvelous and beautiful country both aesthetically and politically. Because of this I still wish everyone a Merry Christmas and for those that have differing beliefs, I wish you an enjoyable holiday season and may you have a new year of happiness and success.”
 
It has been a joy and an honor to serve as your city manager; this year and in past years. I wish nothing but the best for this city and those that work, live, and play here. Coopersville is truly a unique and treasured gem. Have a fantastic Holiday Season and may your New Year be the GREATEST EVER. If you travel or you stay close to home, please be safe out there. 


Downtown Pocket Park
Phase II of the Pocket Park is nearing completion. The water feature is still being assembled and tested and there are a few “touch-ups” that require attention, but for the most part the park is usable, for now. Come Spring the water feature will be fully functional, the trees will have leaves, and the grass will be lush, soft, and cool. Please enjoy this park! Thank you DDA Board.
 
 
Residential Recycle Carts
For those who currently have residential recycling service, recycle carts will be dropped off at your driveway on Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8. The recycle pickup schedule will remain the same – every two weeks with the next recycle pickup scheduled for December 15. After December 8, trucks will ONLY pick up recycle carts; the old bins can’t be used anymore.
 
All-in-One Recycling means you can put everything into the same cart. We just ask that you adhere to the guidelines of what can and cannot be recycled, and how best to package small or light items like paper and plastic film. There will be a guide which will be included with your cart that you can keep inside when you are preparing your recycling. We’ll also share it on our website and social media pages. Just be sure all your recycled goods are empty, clean, and dry.
 
So, what do you do with your old bins? You may keep them for personal storage in your home or garage. Alternately, you can drop them off at the DPW Storage facility at 98 Main Street for recycling by Sunday, 12/17. Please wash your bins before bringing them for recycling to ensure they are clear of all debris and recyclables.
 
Alternately, the Farm Museum as asked for donations of the recycle bins for use in some of their programs. If you would like to donate your bin to the Farm Museum, please contact Lee Ann Proia at (616) 997-8555.
 
Please feel free to contact us with questions at (616) 997-9731.
 
 
Historical Museum Merger
Real progress has been made over the last couple of months in preparation for the merger of the Historical Museum with the City of Coopersville. The city’s attorney is completing a second draft of the Purchase Agreement for council’s review in January. There are also a number of details still being discussed and clarified such as fund raising, accounting questions, and how the new organization will be structured and operated. We’re very close. I want to thank Craig Wheeler for representing the city council as his presence I believe has been invaluable.
 
 
Snow Plowing and Salt
The staff and I have been asked on a number of occasions about what our snow plowing policy will be. The answer is simple. We are going to continue with what was done last year both in plowing and the laying down of salt. Our goal is not to make the roads 100% clear and dry of snow and ice since this is winter in Michigan after all. We will salt the major intersections and roads as conditions dictate. The Sheriff’s Department will notify the personnel on call if road conditions deteriorate during the night. Major roads are done first then local roads. Priority is given to roads leading to the school in the morning.
 
The city, as in other years, is following the Ottawa County Road Commission in its use of salt. Salt will be mixed with sand to reduce its introduction to the environment and to also save money for the city and the taxpayers. Obviously, if there are severe conditions safety will always be a priority and we will do whatever is necessary. The best information drivers can be given of course is to slow down and be cautious at intersections and stop signs. Please call if you have further questions.  
 
 
Multi-Purpose Rink & Ice
I’m sure as more cold weather engulfs us, Recreation Director Matt McKinnon will be inundated with questions as to when the multi-purpose rink will become an ice rink. The one advantage about this cold weather we’ve been recently experiencing (and will be experiencing) is that the ground surrounding and under the rink concrete is getting valuable time to cool off and hopefully start to freeze. This will allow us to begin making ice sooner than previous years, but exactly when is still unknown. Keep in mind that making ice is not the same as maintaining ice in the typical fickle weather that defines Michigan. Once we begin to make ice, we’ll keep everyone updated on the website and social media. Cross your fingers.
 
 
REPEAT: Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
Design plans and specifications were sent to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) over a month ago for review and the issuance of a permit. We are still in a holding pattern waiting to hear from the MDEQ on where we are in the process.
 
 
NOTE:
Obviously, there are other projects and issues I’m involved with as is Jonathan Seyferth and others. It’s not always a wise decision to write about the status of these projects and issues when there are delicate, complicated, or confidentiality aspects still in motion. I will always be available to answer any of your questions to the best of my ability within the confines of the aspects just mentioned. There is certainly never a dull day in the bustling and thriving environment of Coopersville.

​With the cool mornings that we’ve been having lately, there’s no denying that summer is quickly coming to an end! Summer’s end has not slowed the activity in the city, however. Coopersville continues to be a hub of activity for construction projects – both public and private. You’re aware of our public infrastructure projects, and I thought you’d find it interesting to hear a few highlights of current activity in the private sector.
 
Betten-Baker is well underway on their expansion project – already moving much of their inventory to their new parking lot on the north side of O’Malley, making way for two new showrooms on their main site. Conveyor Concepts is nearing completion of its new facility on Mason and St. John’s Trucking/Exit 16 has completed its new building on O’Malley. There’s always activity at CDF/Fairlife – the past few months are no exception.  Even our local fast food establishments are getting in on the remodel/construction game: Taco Bell recently completed a remodel project, remodel work has begun on Arby’s, and McDonalds is slated for a facelift later this year. All told, there is about $10 million worth of private investment currently going on in Coopersville.
 
I bring this up because sometimes it’s easy to overlook how much activity is actually going on in our city. This is something to be proud of and is a sign that not only do businesses and residents want to be here, but that both are willing to make significant investments to make Coopersville home.
 
In relation to ongoing private investment in the city, we’ll start our evening with a Council Workshop at 5:45 PM prior to the Council meeting to discuss a payback agreement between the Reserve of Coopersville and the City. Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth and I will go into more detail on the agreement that was in place when the Reserve first decided to invest in the City and what Council is now being asked to consider. 
 
I want to thank Jonathan Seyferth and Anisa Williams for preparing the greater part of this memo while I took a couple of extra days off after the Labor Day weekend. Please contact me if you have questions regarding this memo or any issues of interest to you. Have a fine weekend and be SAFE out there!


DDA Billboard

Have you noticed the DDA billboard on west bound I-96 just past Fruit Ridge in Walker? 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. In other words, please “CHECK US OUT.” As part of this new campaign, we’ve also completely revamped the DDA website to make it mobile friendly and to reflect the professionalism, vision, and vitality of DDA projects and their goals and the community in general. Check it out at http://www.coopersvilledda.com
 
 
Water Project Phase I

The project continues to move forward. City staff is working closely with Allendale Township and Ottawa County to formulate a final plan for a new booster station. Part of this plan includes the feasibility of acquiring additional real estate for the larger booster station facility. Allendale will continue to have space for their water pumps to provide redundancy and possible expansion if required as part of the project.

 
Downtown Pocket Park

​After encountering a few underground surprises as construction got underway, things are now moving along smoothly. The underground infrastructure has been improved and a water connection has been brought into the park. Flatwork has begun and we’ll start to see things really taking shape over the next few weeks and months.   
 
 
UPDATED: Road and Sidewalk Construction

​Sidewalk replacement along the north side of Main Street between Church and East Streets is complete. All residents who were impacted were very cooperative during the process and the finish product looks great. Sidewalk replacement continued this week when crews began removing sidewalk on the east side of Eastmanville. The crew is moving swiftly and the project should be completed on schedule.
 
On Sunday, Sept. 10, Main Street between Eastmanville and Church will be closed from 6AM-Noon for crews to crack-seal the road. Businesses on Main Street were notified by a hand-delivered letter and notices went out on social media. Staff will be following up with the businesses at the end of the week to remind them of the closure and temporary signs will be placed at various locations on Main Street to let others know of the temporary closure as well.
 
Crews will be resurfacing and re-striping roads and the only section remaining is:

• 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 [email protected]. Thanks for your patience while we make the city shine!
 
 
REPEAT: Muskegon Waste Water Treatment Plant Option

(Below is a repeat from the last council packet and is included keep you informed. As new information is obtained, this memo will be updated.)
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: 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. 

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.
​

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!
 
​