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

Council Update - January 8

1/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Publisher's Note: As Council has determined to hold its meetings only once a month instead of twice monthly, Council Updates will only be posted at the beginning of the month from City Manager Steven Patrick. If you would like more frequent news on current events, please visit the City's homepage or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/cityofcoopersville.

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.
Picture
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.
0 Comments

Council Update - March 27

3/24/2017

0 Comments

 
It has been a couple of weeks since Celebrate Coopersville, 2017 version, concluded. Celebrate Coopersville started approximately 19 years ago, as the “Mayor’s Award” part of the Mayor’s Exchange program between similar cities. Currently, its central purpose is to celebrate citizens, business owners, volunteers, city employees, and others who have contributed in some manner that has strengthened the quality of life for a person or organization, which in turn ultimately strengthens the quality of life here in Coopersville. There have been so MANY special, talented, and caring people with such humanity that have given of themselves to this urban island in Ottawa County and beyond. Which leads me into this…
 
I have a couple of bookcases in my office (yes, they still print books), and it just so happens that one of the books I pulled out yesterday was the “Chronicles of Coopersville” authored by our own James & Lillian Budzynski. “Jim” and “Lil” as many of you already know profoundly are the curators of the Historical Museum located on Main Street in historical downtown. It was a fortuitous choice, because as you read various passages of their book, you begin to realize the breadth and depth of those before us that laid the foundation of what is now one of the premiere small cities in Michigan. The book “celebrates” their contribution and lays the historical context of the evolution of Coopersville from a settlement to a business district to a village and finally to a city.
 
The historical roots of this community are still with us in various forms (excerpted from Chronicles of Coopersville):
  • Danforth Street: Named after George Danforth who opened a general store in the 1860s.
  • The first meeting of elected council members was held April 8, 1872 in the home of W.G. Watson.
  • In 1923 to 1953, the Village of Coopersville’s headquarters were located on the south side of Main Street where the Courtade Body Shop is today.
  • The first ordinance passed set restrictions on billiard playing around 1872.
  • Polkton Township at one time shared offices with the City of Coopersville on Danforth Street before they built their own facility on Arthur in the Township.
  • We still celebrate Charles W. Westover – a.k.a. as Del Shannon every summer.
  • In the 1890s, six inches of gravel was put on Main Street, and this improvement was supposed to be all that Main Street might ever need.

​The above events are just a few random picks from the book, but the point of this look-back-in-time is to acknowledge the foundation that history builds. As Sir Isaac Newton stated, “
If I have seen a little further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” We are all standing on the shoulders of those that built the foundation of Coopersville as we know it today. The individuals that were honored at Celebrate Coopersville are now the shoulders that others will stand on in generations to come. The symmetry of this phenomenon has a certain purity beyond words, almost spiritual. And the most exciting aspect of this is, we’re all a part of the Coopersville experience of today. Who knows, Jim and Lil might be writing about your deeds and adventures a few years from; it could happen you know!
  
Picture
Picture

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. 


0 Comments

    Archives

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


    Categories

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


    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.