Big Rapids City Manager Newsletter For October 23, 2009

October 23, 2009

WATER BOND RATING

 The City periodically is updated for bond ratings for the water system.  Its A3 rating has been confirmed.  This is pretty amazing considering the state of the economy and the challenges to public financing.  Four reasons were cited for this success: 1) “constant customer base remaining the same”, 2) “our intention to implement water rate increases”, 3) “Ferris being a constant customer, which assists in stabilizing our economy”, 4) “our keeping financial ratios intact and in a good range”.

FERRIS RECYCLING

 This week started the recycling effort at Ferris.  The City, Allied, students and Ferris administration had been working over the past several months to begin a student lead effort.  Polycarts will be placed at four locations in dorms and pushed to the curb on Wednesdays (just as all residents may do).  Everyone hopes that this effort will grow into a much larger program of value to the community!

BS&A

 The training continues for conversion to the new accounting software.  The City will be saving substantial dollars on the maintenance of the software.  The Treasurer’s office has been working gallantly, both to keep up with daily activities and to learn the new system.  Extreme appreciation should be expressed to these individuals. 

FALL FESTIVAL

 Friday and Saturday of next weekend is the DBA’s fall festival.  It will take place Downtown with a parade on Saturday, events, sales and contests.  Make plans to attend!!!

ACTIVITIES

-Met with Big Rapids Township to review monthly activity for maintenance of the
       distribution system.
-The DDA met and agreed to help fund the $5,500 overrun at the Art Works project.
       These costs will be added as an obligation to the TIF financing of this project.
-Testing for new employees for police and laborer is scheduled for this Saturday.
-Roger continues to work with the State and Wilcox to advance discussions and plans
        for the Baldwin Street Bridge replacement.
-The library handicapped parking spaces has been paved and awaits striping and
        topsoil for completion.
-VSCI sign foundations have all been laid.  The signs are expected to begin to appear in
       the next two weeks.

PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES

Streets –
ï‚· Graveled access road to City’s Compost Facility
ï‚· Removed LED street light display in front of City Hall
ï‚· Checked lift stations and had the sewer cleaning contractors, DownUnder, clean the Township lift station south of City limits
ï‚· Places hot tape around manholes
ï‚· Read water meters
ï‚· Patch blacktop on Chestnut and Industrial Drive
ï‚· Changed downtown banners
ï‚· Clean storm drains
ï‚· Worked with tree trimmers in town, Wonsey’s
ï‚· Winterized soccer fields irrigation system
ï‚· Removed downtown flowers

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

Motor fleet –
ï‚· Services vehicle 906 and performed safety inspection
ï‚· Installed new brakes on vehicle 401, snow plow, and service all other pickup plows
ï‚· Repair tow head lights on DART bus
ï‚· Installed spring bushings on Vehicle 104, pickup truck
ï‚· Serviced vehicle 107, truck

Water utilities –
ï‚· Performing Miss Digs
ï‚· Reading water meter finals

Stephen Sobers, City Manager