Big Rapids City Manager Newsletter For October 9, 2009

October 9, 2009

WWTP MASTER PLAN MEETING

All the Wastewater Treatment Plant staff, Don Greiner, and Prein, and Newhof met to review the next round of needs at the plant after the present construction is complete.  There was some division over the timing (now or after the present construction in complete), but all confirm the need for continuous quality improvement.  Probably a revisited will be done at this time, to be reviewed after the construction is complete unless there are glaring, obvious needs.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The Friends met this week and have arranged a ‘purchase’ of an AED for the Library!  This will be arranged and maintained by the County EMS after the Friends donate $1,000 to the EMS service!  This is innovative activity, which will benefit all!!! Thanks, Friends!

The Friends are also looking into the purchase/donation of automated checkout software (like Meijer etc).  Several libraries in the area have moved to that automation helping to save labor costs and speeding checkout processes (a side benefit of the Mayor’s Library Committee visiting neighbors!!).  Kudos to the Friends!!

The Library parking lot received two ‘change’ orders.  One was to extend the storm drainpipe to accommodate further construction of parking facilities, whenever the time comes to make the next phase of paved improvements.  This will not totally accommodate a major parking area, but will be adequate to extend parking along the alley.  Also during construction, it was ‘discovered’ that an old house basement walls had not been removed.  In order to save construction dollars, the Department of Public Works crews assisted in the concrete removal and hauled in sand to fill the voids.  The project continues.

ASSESSING

Clare, Greenville and Big Rapids have coordinated and agreed to network together to hire Dan Kirwin as City Assessor, pending the approval of the three Commissions.  Dan will be an employee of Big Rapids, with 60% of his employment package reimbursed by the participating Cities.  A resolution to proceed with this cooperative venture will be presented to the Big Rapids City Commission at the October 19th meeting.

MASON EDDINGER

The world has welcomed Mason James Eddinger, 7 pounds 7 ounces and 21 inches long.  Congratulations to dad, Officer Jim Eddinger and  Mom, Amy the proud parents.

ACTIVITY

-Flu shots Monday morning
-Master Plan Public Hearing October 21st
-Ferris recycling initiative meeting, Tuesday
-Meeting with Ferris Staff to review monthly progress items of mutual interest

PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES

Streets –
ï‚· Replaced stop sign at intersection of Spring and Green and no parking sign on Cedar Street
ï‚· Blacktop patches done on Platt Avenue and Marion Street
ï‚· Removed debris from catch basins
ï‚· Picked up branches from wind storm
ï‚· Removed old concrete basement foundation at the Community Library and filled with sand
ï‚· Laid out barricades for home coming parades
ï‚· Fixed roof drains at City Garage

Parks –
ï‚· Maintaining City’s park system and the downtown
ï‚· Getting ready for winter
   
Sewer –
 Cleaning sewer lines and performing other daily scheduled duties

Motor fleet –
ï‚· Serviced vehicles #’s 206, 210, 211, 215, 306, 306, 412, and 415

Water utilities –
ï‚· Flushing fire hydrants
ï‚· Performing Miss Digs
ï‚· Performing water service shut offs as directed by Utility Office

Stephen Sobers, City Manager