​Another Del Shannon Days (SummerFest) celebration is now in the books, which should include a side note about the rain that kept a few car enthusiasts away. Saturday attempted to revive the celebration once the rain decided to become less of an issue. I’ve stated this before and will again, that the volunteers who step up to the plate and dedicate many hours (sometimes MUCH more) to this event are truly special. There are many, many individuals and not all are Rotary members that give up their Fridays and Saturdays to create an environment of fun and festivities. Thank you to all that attended the Pancake Breakfast during the rain. I don’t know about you, but eating breakfast a few feet from a downpour can be kind of fun in its own way. If you have a chance, thank members of the Coopersville Rotary Club for all the work they do here in our community and for a truly splendid car show.
 
In other news, Grove Street Bridge will be closed for the next few weeks for minor maintenance and a new coat of paint; Other road repairs include: W Randall Street from 64th to Eastmanville this Friday 8/19 and Monday 8/22, Center Street and Ottawa Street (Cleveland St. to Main St.) and 48th Avenue (Cleveland to City Limits) on August 30. One lane will be open at all times. We will update these projects if timelines change.
 
We have a relatively light agenda in comparison to other council meetings but don’t hesitate to contact me nonetheless if you have any questions or comments regarding the agenda items. I especially urge council members to seek updates regarding the various utility projects if there remain questions. Have a wonderful weekend. Summer hasn’t left yet so take advantage and be safe out there!


Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Work continues to finalize the scope of the upgrade to bring the plant to 2.5 MGD. Financing, or the manner in how the project will be funded, remains the core of our efforts. This past Monday we had a meeting with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and others, to review options and the status of their efforts to find a solution to assist the city in paying for the upgrades. I’m somewhat sad to state that there is no firm resolution to define the funding. It continues to be a frustrating experience in moving beyond good intentions to moving towards actually accomplishing a goal such as constructing the upgrade and resolving issues. As more information is obtained, it will be shared with council.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

Again, as with the WWTP upgrade, there have been delays due to finalizing the scope of the project which is being influenced by parties outside of the city’s control. I know this reads like double speak but the reality is staff will ultimately do what is in the best interest of the city. The design environment remains in flux due to financial considerations that are pressured by growth projections from our customers that still remain tangential.
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder

For the last few months, the below text was included in Council packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a. Economic development
b. Future recreation facilities
c. Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d. Future of utility expansion
e. Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f. Regional planning
g. Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h. Bike trails
i. Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j. Public safety

Reminders on why Coopersville is a great place to live and work can be found in the most unusual places. For instance, the Wall Street Journal had an article about Rio de Janeiro having to shut down nearly 100 miles of traffic lanes to the local residents and businesses to free up those lanes that are “dedicated exclusively to Olympics-accredited vehicles and buses.”  There will be an estimated 500,000 visitors arriving for the Olympic Games in the coming weeks and there will be no way for visitors and athletes alike to move around the city in a timely manner if this was not done; crazy, huh? Our roads and the traffic that occupies them look very, very attractive after all; just an observation.
 
Monday night,  DPW Foreman Bryan Buist will also have the new vacuum/sweeper truck at City Hall for all of us to look, touch, and to gaze at, so come early if at all possible. We also have a special guest on the agenda in which we will make a brief presentation to honor the longevity of one of our own employees. We have a couple of contracts to review and hopefully take action on to begin our new trek into upgrading our IT environment.
 
The forecast looks to be sunny and warm so take advantage as winter is officially only 139 days away as of this writing; so the countdown begins. Relax and be safe out there, wherever “there” is for you. See you Monday night and one last time, we have a workshop to begin the discussion on goal setting for council members which will eventually morph into goal setting for the appointed officials. 


WWTP

The WWTP continues to operate satisfactory with a bit of “outstanding” as the crew does an excellent job of managing the various components of the varied systems. The diffusers are now in the country of the United States, so we’ve been told. Why is this noteworthy? The new diffusers once installed in the aeration pond #1 will allow our blower motors to operate more efficiently and at a reduced percentage of capacity, meaning less power usage. It will also assist the plant to process heavier loads if that becomes an issue. The current diffusers have been in operation since the plant was upgraded in 2012 and are nearing the end of their usefulness.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

I stated in the last memo that we would have something for council in terms of information on bonding in two more weeks. That self-imposed deadline will not be met for a variety of reasons but it is my desire to have a formal proposal to council before Labor Day. The Utility Advisory Committee is meeting next week, August 10, and this is one of the items we will review. As always, I urge everyone on council to contact me if have questions or would like to provide comments regarding this project.
 
 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

As was stated recently, the city is requesting a new permit that will allow us a couple of options to upgrade the existing WWTP. The second draft is complete with a few comments from staff and sent back to the MDEQ where they will, by state statute, make the document available to the public until early to mid-September. Again and with sincerity, I want to compliment the MDEQ for their timeliness and cooperative spirit in assisting the City of Coopersville in this latest phase of upgrading the WWTP. As always, I will keep you informed of future progress.
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder

For the last few months, the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a.Economic development
b.Future recreation facilities
c.Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d.Future of utility expansion
e.Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f.Regional planning
g.Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h.Bike trails
i.Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j.Public safety
 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.

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


Wastewater Treatment Plant 

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

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

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

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

WWTP Project Phase II

Since our last council meeting, city staff has been actively working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to update our discharge permit application. As has been noted in past council meetings, this update will become three permits in one, giving the City flexibility in determining which way to move forward with our upgrade capacity. This is a unique situation for a West Michigan community and the MDEQ, so both parties are learning as we go. City staff and the MDEQ are taking things step-by-step to ensure things are done correctly.
 
The three permits will include: COW Water diversion (for which the new pump station was designed), a dual treatment track taking advantage of both the mechanical plant and the former activated sludge system, and/or expansion of the mechanical plant with the addition of an additional clarifier.
 

 
Water Project Phase I

I stated in the last memo that we would have something for council in terms of information on bonding. That information is more likely to be available at our July 25 meeting. Other than that update, there is not much to report in terms of new information except we’re still moving forward.
 
Prein&Newhof continues the process of designing the upgrade to the 60th Avenue Booster station, as you already know because you approve this expenditure on a regular basis. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to provide comments.
 
 
Signs

Briefly, progress continues on adding and upgrading signage around the city and around city owned property. The DPW crew has installed the new sign at the Randall Street Lift Station. It looks great! On Garfield heading west from 48th Avenue to the WWTP, there is a new solar powered LED lighted sign (Hidden Drive) to alert drivers that there is a drive-way that could have vehicles exiting as they speed over the hill. Our goal was to attempt to make that stretch of road safer for city employees as they exit the WWTP as well as drivers on Garfield.
 
 
Downtown Pocket Park

Jan Richardson informed me that she had a question from a business owner in Coopersville who was questioning the wisdom of the Pocket Park and more importantly, the cost. He said that there were a number of people that didn’t think the park was necessary. My reply to her is provided below. The reason I’m including the information is to assist others in understanding the reasoning and the logic for this investment, and it is an investment. Please contact me if you wish to discuss further.
 
The DDA has already spent millions of dollars in the downtown area to improve the north parking lot area. The DDA extended Main Street to 64th Avenue. The DDA replaced and extended water and sewer to improve infrastructure so future development/investment in the downtown could occur. Monetary grants in the amount of thousands of dollars were paid to property owners on Main Street to improve their facades in the hope more customers would want to enter their businesses. Many people objected to these expenditures because other projects needed funding. But what happened? More people visit downtown than ever, so something is working. Visitors to Coopersville routinely comment on how quaint and beautiful our downtown is and they wish they had one. Allendale, Hudsonville, Rockford and others are have commented positively on what we have.
 
The goal of the DDA is to revitalize the downtown so that it becomes a destination for residents and visitors alike. The Pocket Park will be another element to bring people downtown. Its uniqueness will draw future customers to Main Street. The Pocket Park will bring life, shade, and character to a bald asphalt car lot that currently is an eyesore to the downtown. Is the Pocket Park going to cost some money? Yes. Is it a significant amount? Yes. But what amount is too much? What amount is not enough for a project that helps bring more awareness to our historic downtown and provides a “sense of place” and a place where individuals and families can meet and share another experience in Coopersville?
 
With the train bringing in tens of thousands of riders a year, the Pocket Park will become a focal point for them as they wait for a train ride. Without a doubt, they will share with others their experience on the train and how cute and unique Coopersville’s Pocket Park is and how they wish their own city, village, or township could have one.
 
Change and growth is difficult, it simply is. But without change and growth a community will eventually die or become less than desirable. Less than desirable leads to store vacancies and the economic dominos will fall, leaving downtown dusty and unattractive.

Have a fantastic weekend, be safe and we’ll see each other Monday night.

WWTP Project Phase II

This week Jonathan Seyferth (ACM), John Barthels (WWTP), David Kuipers (OMM), and I met with the MDEQ (Lansing & Grand Rapids offices), Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at the State of Michigan building in Grand Rapids. The purpose of the meeting was to resolve remaining issues and answer questions regarding the permit the City of Coopersville is requesting for the upgrade to the WWTP to 2.5 MGD (million gallons a day). The MDEQ has communicated they will prioritize this permit application and will make some accommodations to the city such as having the permit cover three separate projects at the WWTP, which is great news. The current timeline is to have the draft permit (for review by the city) by the end of June and the final permit early September. As always, we will keep council updated as new information becomes available.
 
Today, June 9th, Jonathan and I are meeting with Mark Eisenbarth, who is the Muskegon County Administrator, along with CDF and fairlife representatives on the proposed pipeline to the Muskegon WWTP. My understanding of the meeting is to begin the process for this project to commence. Obviously, there are a number of issues to be resolved before a formal agreement is signed but every project has a first step. Please contact me if you have questions or if you have any concerns that I need to address sooner than later.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

This week Keri Rogers (Treasurer), Jonathan Seyferth, and I met with our bond attorney to discuss possible bonding options and to seek information on a financial advisor. Brief review: I am seeking information on bonding costs to construct the entire Water Project – Phase I at roughly $10.2 million. This a starting point and if the numbers are not attractive or workable for the city we can reduce the initial scope of the Water Project to the core essentials and work at a new baseline.
 
Prein&Newhof continues the process of designing the upgrade to the 60th Avenue Booster station. As always, please contact me if you have questions or would like to provide comments.
 
 
Downtown Pocket Park

Jan Richardson and I met with the landscape architect this week to review the initial engineering drawings and answer a few detail questions that still remain. Although this is a DDA project, the construction phase will begin in August and I’m sure many of you on council will receive phone calls and be asked questions regarding the specifics of the project. Like any project, such as the West Randall road reconstruction last year, there will be a few inconveniences. Obviously myself and others associated with the Pocket Park will try and minimize those inconveniences, but there will be inconveniences. I will keep council updated as we move closer to removing asphalt. 
 
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder

For the last few months, the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a.Economic development
b.Future recreation facilities
c.Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d.Future of utility expansion
e.Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f.Regional planning
g.Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h.Bike trails
i.Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j.Public safety
 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.

Congratulations and thank you all for the approval on the 2016-2017 Budget. The budget process can be a stressful challenge especially when difficult choices have to be made. Fortunately, previous councils and staff created a fund balance that allows more flexibility to run a deficit if the “needs” of the community requires such expenditures. The 2016-2017 fiscal year promises to be very productive in terms of road repair, IT upgrades, and more definition on the water and sewer projects; can’t wait until July 1, 2016.
 
Monday night’s agenda has a Public Hearing – CDBG Closeout for Dedicated Forcemain project. Ken Rizzio of Lakeshore Advantage will be in attendance, I believe. We have a Scheduled Guest Matt Fenske, Ottawa County Commissioner, to share the Ottawa County State of the County 2016 presentation. The weather forecast appears to predict warmer temperatures that hopefully resembles summer. Enjoy your weekend and be safe.


WWTP Project Phase II
Friday morning, May 13,  there was a meeting at city hall that included representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the MDEQ, the MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage, fairlife, CDF, Arlan Meekhof’s Office, two council members and three staff members. The meeting was overall a positive use of time in that all parties expressed an understanding of the waste water issues that fairlife, CDF, and Coopersville were challenged with and the possible remedies that exist. But as with most issues such as these, access to financial resources are the only true means to viable resolutions.
 
More information will be coming as we meet with OMM, and the WWTP staff today to review a possible permanent upgrade to the plant rather than an interim upgrade as was originally planned. There was general agreement at Friday’s meeting that an $850,000 interim upgrade, which would be required to be “turned off” once a permanent solution was found, was probably not the best option fiscally either short-term or long-term.
 
I have already met with Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator, on a possible partnership between Coopersville and Muskegon as instructed. We didn’t discuss specifics but rather more general items of interest and what needs to transpire before a formal agreement can be signed. Currently there is an interest for Muskegon, Coopersville, and CDF to meet before Memorial Day. As always, I will keep you updated as more progress is made.
 
 
 
Water Project Phase I
The waste water issue has consumed a great deal of time and energy as of late, but at least we have real momentum in resolving the varied challenges. My next goal is to bring to council in the next few weeks a viable option to finance the significant water project that has been in the planning stages for months.
 
I have spoken recently about the possibility of splitting the Water Project – Phase I into smaller, less costly projects and addressing each one over a series of years. That may still be the final option taken, but my intent is to find a financial model that encompasses the entire scope of Phase I. Every component of Phase I is required and if there is a means to accomplish 100% of the project, it would be in the best interest of all parties concerned both short and long-term.
 
Prein&Newhof continues the process of designing the upgrade to the 60th Avenue Booster station. 
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder
Two weeks ago the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 

1. Economic development
2. Future recreation facilities
3. Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
4. Future of utility expansion
5. Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
6. Regional planning
7. Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
8. Bike trails
9. Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
10. Public safety

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

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


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

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

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

Recently the City of Coopersville, the Coopersville Rotary Club, and the NEO Forum organized and hosted an annual event known as “Celebrate Coopersville.” Everyone is, and was welcomed in the community to attend and many did, including Rotary members, city employees, Coopersville Area Public School staff and facility, elected officials from Ottawa County, City Council, the Board of Education, and even elected officials from Lansing. It is a special night where individuals who have demonstrated something unique or have shown a higher level of performance are recognized and awarded in front of the community that has benefited from their involvement. There is a silent auction where money is raised to support the NEO Forum program that has received much praise for its success with our youth and their families as well.
 
For some undefined reason after the event, I began to contemplate seriously about what “Celebrate Coopersville” really stands for and why. It’s obvious that many of us who work for the City of Coopersville have a rather unique view of the city. Yes, we’re responsible for roads, we’re responsible for water and sewer, we’re responsible for community policing, we’re responsible for recreation programs, and we’re responsible for economic development, planning, and many, many more services. We see it from a perspective that involves citizens and business owners but at the end of the day, the city staff is responsible for infrastructure that allows the rest of the community to function. As an example, roads with two feet of snow covering them can serious hinder transportation requirements.

But our unique perspective allows us to witness many other elements that truly is the “glue” which binds everything together into one cohesive community. We have many volunteers that maintain our beautiful landscapes from the Roundabout to Perennial Park. We have volunteers that spread mulch downtown in the spring, saving the DDA significant costs. Rotary picks up trash along the roadways at certain times of the year for beautification. The many, many coaches and other volunteers who are critical to the success of our recreation department’s varied programs. The volunteers who ultimately determine the aesthetics and feel of our community, such as the Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority Board, the Recreation Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the countless other volunteers that assist with Del Shannon Days, the Outhouse 500, the Chili Cook-off, Miss Coopersville, the Historical Museum Board, Christmas Parade, etc. The list can literally go on and on.

Thus back to the second paragraph. What does Celebrate Coopersville really mean? For me, it’s something I haven’t really experienced in my earlier life. My family moved often when I was young from California to Michigan, back to California and finally back to the lakeshore near North Muskegon. My sense of community was limited (and even foreign to me) to a certain degree of definition. But Coopersville demonstrates year after year that “community” is much more than a word: it is a way of life; it’s the human glue that binds the community and brings a unique lifestyle that is different from other cities. Not better, for that would be presumptuous and alienating, but it is still unique nevertheless. The blending of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills creates a special sense of place that anyone who spends enough time here affectionately calls it home.

I have met many people that live in the surrounding townships that call Coopersville their home. They shop, they bank they visit their doctor, lawyer, and insurance agent all in Coopersville. There are many business owners that live elsewhere but ALWAYS attend Coopersville events. Why? Because Coopersville is special, just ask them. I have. They tell me that there is a “can do” attitude here and people come together to make the improbable happen. Think about this next time you travel through the roundabout. When you’re downtown on Main Street, look up at the clock tower. Slow down on Ironwood and visually savor the flowers under the Coopersville sign; count the number of businesses that sponsor recreation next time you’re visiting Vets Park during a softball game.

Celebrate Coopersville? Absolutely! Everyday!

Monday night at 6:00 PM we will have a Budget Workshop prior to the council meeting. Our discussion will focus on more of the details, especially the larger capital equipment expenditures and many of the road maintenance projects. Draft A has us spending in the red over $500,000. We have a fund balance to support it but our job as policy makers and budget engineers is to make decisions on the needs of today in context of the financial future of the city.
 
As always, I wish all of you an enjoyable and safe weekend. Life is short, as they say, and our obligation as beings of awareness is to live it each day, drinking in the beauty as well as the bitterness, if it so happens to get in the way. You got to admit that life can be a lot of fun. 


Water Project Phase I

City Treasurer Keri Rogers and I have met with our bond attorney and have given him a series of tasks as his homework assignment. One of the series of tasks is to analyze what the city’s obligation for a $9.6 million bond and a scaled down version of the Water Project – Phase I, which is closer to $5 million would be for 30 and 40 years. The “how” in which we would pay for the bond is still under discussion and, fortunately for the city, we have a couple of options available for us to consider. Once those numbers are in, I will schedule a workshop to study those options open to us and how best to proceed. 
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II

I believe we are close to making a recommendation to council as to what is the best route, in terms of policy and practice, to accommodate the growth that CDF and Fairlife are experiencing. There are still interested parties coming to the “party” wanting to participate in this project. Staff and I will evaluate as necessitated. As always, I will keep Council and the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
Strategic Planning

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

Real work has begun on the Coopersville 2016-2017 Budget. The many projects and their costs are coming in, ranging from a new basketball court at Vets Park to a more integrated IT design in order to better serve the city and its citizens. Of course, there is the ever lurking Water Project – Phase I and the WWTP upgrade options that require assiduous study and evaluation. The list continues to grow as do the needs and wants of the community. Many of the proposed expenditures will have to be weighed in terms of priority all the while knowing that many will be intentionally delayed due to limited resources. Meaning, there will have to be choices made.
 
Meanwhile, many of us awoke this morning hearing about the bombings in Brussels which have claimed 38 lives and more than 230 wounded at the time of this writing (New York Times). Two bombs exploded at the Brussels’ Airport with a third bomb ripping apart a car of a subway train at the Maelbeek station. The human carnage is reprehensible and is, and should be, the center of attention and the center of our prayers for those victims and their families. There are too many layers of this tragedy to examine especially the human toll, and obviously the global political ramifications that will grow in the forthcoming days, months, and years.  But there are a few observations worth noting and commenting on that provides a bit of perspective in our own lives and the state of this fine city.
 
Lower on the list, and often times under reported, is the loss of property both personal and real. After the human loss and wounded are removed, the aftermath of physical destruction of property has to be addressed.  The transportation aspects of the targets are obvious as is the importance of reconstruction of those targets in terms of their operation and the significant symbolic value of that restoration. There is no choice between repairing the departure terminal at the airport or “something else.” There is no choice between repairing the damage at Maelbeak Station or “something else.” Resources MUST be found to restore the tools that provide a lifestyle and a quality of life for the citizens of Brussels. Reconstruction must take place not only for the continued operation of the respective transportation centers, but for the reconstruction or the attempt to make life in Brussels “normal” again, if that is even possible.
 
Approximately 4,020 miles from Brussels is a place called Coopersville, Michigan. Later the same morning of the bombings in Brussels, people throughout Coopersville were going to work, dropping their children off at school, and business owners were preparing for a full day. City staff was busy answering phones and questions preparing a budget for the city council to review and eventually take action. Will the basketball court be constructed or how much IT upgrades will be approved for next year? Which sidewalks get repaired or built? How much salt and sand should be ordered for next year’s winter? There will be choices made. Many projects will be approved, many will not. But more the question, I wonder if we can consciously appreciate that we don’t have to shift scarce resources to resurrect the wreckage from the barbaric acts of terrorism or bury the dead of family and friends.
 
This morning before I left for city hall, I discovered water in my basement that shouldn’t be there and that the headlight in my truck has a short. Blessed are we…
 
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Wayne Pickler will be presenting the 2016 Report of Assessment Roll Changes. These numbers are in review at the County so if there are changes, which are unlikely, the updated numbers will be shared with Council on Monday evening. Remember we have a Budget Workshop prior to council meeting at 6:00 PM in the training room. This first meeting will be mainly a review of capital projects, preliminary revenues, and the process for eventual approval. 


Moody’s Annual Comments
Keri Rogers and I have received Moody’s Investor Service annual comment on Coopersville. It is included in the Council Info portion of this packet for you reading enjoyment. What is significant to me is that Moody’s rating for General Obligation matches Fitch’s rating. There are many in our business that place more value on Moody’s evaluation and because of that I’m very pleased at this point. If you have any questions on this evaluation and/or is there anything we can do to improve the rating please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
 
Celebrate Coopersville
A friendly reminder that Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 PM our annual Celebrate Coopersville event will take place at Plumbers Hall; hopefully all of you have made your reservations for a great evening of fun, food, and celebration.
 
http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2016
 
 
Water Project Phase I
I’m meeting with the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) this evening to review some information from Prein&Newhof regarding the Water Project – Phase I. I’m also gathering information on the maximum amount the city could bond for if we chose to construct the bulk of the water project. Included in this discussion will be the practicality of also considering the inclusion of a reconstruction of a bridge within the city limits (more on that later). As always please contact me if you have any questions regarding this or any other issue of concern.
​ 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
As stated above the UAC.  Tonight after our discussion on water projects, we will discuss the current status of the WWTP upgrade. I have been receiving a bit of pressure from parties interested in the WWTP to make a decision on a particular option. My response then and always is whatever decision we make it will be in the best interest of Coopersville, its residents, and business owners. As always, I will keep council and the Utility Advisory Committee updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
2016-2017 Budget
City staff and supervisors have their individual budget requests, including capital expenditures. We’re going to have our first council/staff budget workshop this Monday, March 28 at 6:00 PM in the training room. This workshop will be more of a review of Draft A and where our total projected revenues and expenditures will likely fall. There will be brief discussions on certain capital expenditures and what needs to be done and what project or purchases could wait. I know your schedules are very “tight” but please make every effort to attend.

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


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