Big Rapids City Manager Newsletter April 9, 2010

April 9, 2010

BUDGET

Most of the week was spent reviewing the budget numbers.  It was a very humbling experience to express the major concern over the budget, which needed to be cut about $750,000 from the original requests submitted by the Departments, and to see employees at every level come forward with ideas for saving the City these significant funds.  Big Rapids is blessed to have caring employees, who understand the difficult economic times that we are experiencing.  The innovative and self-sacrificing ideas that have been put forward have been amazing.  The character of a people can be measured in their response to difficulty and tragedy.  I am more encouraged than ever that Big Rapids is an oasis.  The real story on our budget, is the coming together of all employees to stand together and provided needed services despite financial challenges.  What an impressive week.

LIBRARY

From the Library’s newsletter of Spring 2010. 

Friends of the Library have been an especially generous group this year.  $3,000 from the annual book sale proceeds was donated to purchase books.  An additional $355 was raised from the Gift of Reading program.  Laptop computers from the Friends have also seen great use – over 1,200 log-ins in 8 months.  Purchase of an AED was coordinated by the Friends in conjunction with the Mecosta County EMS service and Department of Public Works.

REMINDER:  April 15, at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Andrew Kantar will be speaking on his book “Deadly Voyage” at the Big Rapids Community Library.  He will be accompanied by David Hale, the sole survivor of the S.S. Daniel J. Morrell sinking.  This should prove to be a very gripping account of the three-four days David survived on a life raft in winter until he floated ashore and was located after the ship was torn apart by vicious storms on the great lakes.  Don’t miss this meeting!

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The police consortium training will continue at the DPS building next week.  This training brings area departments to Big Rapids and is becoming a very popular destination for training of all kinds.

HEALTH CARE

Interviews for the City Health Care agents will be conducted on April 20th.  Six companies have submitted proposals for this work.  It is anticipated that the Employee Health Care Committee will be joined by some Commissioners as the review is conducted.

CINDY PLAUTZ

Welcome back Cindy.  It is so good to have Cindy back in operation after her operation!!!

WADE DAVID MORTENSON

Wade arrived in the world, the son of Jayme and Tim Mortenson.  Wade was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 21” long!  Mom, Dad and baby are doing well.

AERIAL LADDER

The Aerial Ladder has arrived for delivery and introduction into the City Fleet.  What a great addition!!  Rosenbauer will be in next week to provide three days of training on the use of the ladder and the use of the advanced technology built into the truck.

Dates to remember:

April 17 – Big Event
April 24 – Earth Day
April 24 – Mecosta County Community & Family Expo
May 18 – Farmers Market begins
May 21 – Downtown concerts start

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ACTIVITIES

Code Enforcement
There were 10 violation notices distributed over the last week.  
8-Blight
2-Nonconforming sign
Nine (9) parking tickets were issued.

Permits Issued
1-Zoning permit for a 400 sq. ft. expansion to existing structure
1-Zoning permit to convert from owner occupied dwelling to single family rental.
  
Meetings City Commission

PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES

Streets –
Crack sealing completed on Bjornson, Milton to city limits
Crack sealed Speer Street, 1,200 lft
Crack sealed Darwin Street, 400 lft
Crack sealed Platt Avenue, 500 lft
Repairs at Community Library
Brining streets and alley if needed
Cleaning storm inlets
Picked up and hauled excavated material form Perry Avenue
Street sweeping will begin April 19th

Parks –
All parks are open for the new season
Daily park activities beginning
York raking and grading ball diamond
   
Sewer –
Cleaning sewer lines and performing other daily scheduled duties
Checked City and Township sewers and lift stations
Contract cleaning of sanitary sewers – (size dia) 2,821 lft of 8 inch, 1,300 lft of 10 inch, 848 lft of 12 inch and 700 lft of 18inch
Contract televising inspection of sanitary sewer pipe condition – 3, 438 lft

Motor fleet –
Dart buses
903, changed oil and performed safety inspection
905, lube job and safety inspection, replaced brake caliper, deferential U-bolts, and leaf spring bushing
906, lube job and safety inspection
909, service call, installed hood hinge pin, replaced turn signal bulb and license plate light
DPW
315, crack sealer, repaired burner, and replaced spark box and wand hose
216, truck, replaced catalytic converter and ignition switch
650, finished painting and wiring trailer
323, Hurco valve turner, replaced battery
Inspection and oil changes for; 314 - vibratory roller, 582 – John Deere front mower, 553 – Ransom wing mower, 405 – police car
Summer equipment serviced, 4 push mowers and 2 push string trimmers
Installed turf tires on 3 tractors for park use
Removed all snow plows and put into storage

Water, “Main Maintenance” –
Raised stack at 1203 Speer
Read meters
Moved touch read at 927 Olaf (dog)
Moved touch read at 127 Gilbertson (dog)
Replaced meter at bldg. #28 (Parkview)
Replaced touch read at 521 Winter (under construction)
Changed out (pit meter) at 223 W. Bellevue
Meter change out at 408 S. Warren
New meter installed at 325 N. Michigan
Talked to owner about vicious dog at 1215 Colburn
Miss digs
Reorganized meter room
Turn water off for repairs at 105 Hutchinson
Meter change out at 1724 N. State (well)
Turned water on at Hemlock Park
Turned water on at Mitchell Creek Park
Turned water on at Win Kellum field
Turned water on at 105 Hutchinson
Changed out meter at Mitchell Creek Park
Rebuilt hydrant top nut cover

WWTP –
Denny working with Van: Cleaning City Lift stations of grease and sludge.
Denny working with Van: Cleaning Big Rapids Twp lift stations and The Perry Avenue sewer of grease and sludge.
Vactor contractor cleared final clarifier inner ring of grease blanket.
Base of new digester poured and wall iron work being set for the framing of the tank
Painters repaint the West Blower room and electricians install new lamps w/ fixtures.
Plant continues to meet DNR-E requirements.

Stephen Sobers, City Manager