More Civil Infractions Instead of Misdemeanor Charges in Spring Lake Village's Future?
The Village converted many violations to civil infractions in the last decade. If we do not specifically list the penalty as a civil infraction in the individual Codebook sections, then all infractions are classified as misdemeanors. This prosecution takes a court process, increases the Village's legal costs, creates a record and yet only amounts to a fee similar to a civil infraction's fee. The zoning code and building are examples.

Jim suggested we do the same for some of the other infractions, dealing with animal enforcement, for example. If Council agrees that this simplified civil infraction enforcement is needed more, we can do so with an ordinance amendment. If we do so, we should look at other types of violations as well. I will prepare this matter for an upcoming work session.

Ice Rink Experimentation
Following President Keller's receipt of Rick Nuvill's commitment on Monday to try and create ice at Central Park, John, Rick, Bernie Wade and I got together this week to discuss a way to flood the new rink and create clear ice. Rick and his volunteer firefighters put down some water with John's help on Thursday. It froze with some air pockets. More experimentation will occur today. Our expenses are basically nil on this so far. I will keep them low unless directed otherwise. Rick and his department deserve a pat on the back for approaching this cold task without hesitation.

Recreation Plan Public Hearing:
A hearing is scheduled before the Parks Board on Monday night. Marie did a thorough article on it yesterday. The cost of the items was somewhat inflated to ensure that a grant might not be denied in the future because we had estimated too low. Also, the purpose of the plan is to not require the Village to construct all the projects; rather, it is a prerequisite should the Village decide to build a recreational amenity that we might want a grant for. A marina is included, for example. This is a major expense; yet the Village might ultimately decide to put in six more docks alongside 209 Park Street instead. Nevertheless, by putting it in the five-year plan we pave the way for the possibility of partial state funding if the Village ever chooses the more elaborate approach.

Legislators Come to Town:
I thought you might be interested in knowing about our upcoming Medicare Issues Forum at the library.  On Tues., Jan. 13, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm Janet Witt the Grassroots Manager for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare will be there discussing the new Medicare Prescription Drug Law.  Also, state reps Barb VanderVeen, Julie Dennis, and either Peter Hoekstra or a rep from his office will be joining them for the forum.  They may also get representation from Sen. Levin and Stabenow's offices.

Sediment Testing Required for Possible Dredge Barge Locations:
We received word that the 2900 cubic yards of dredge removal for the alternative location to the east of Mill Point Launch puts the Village in the position of doing environmental material testing also. This cost could be several thousand dollars. John is figuring the impacts and we will put the matter on an upcoming work session for Council review.

Value of Village Right Of Ways:
For a new accounting requirement, called GASB-34, we had to count all the Village assets, including owned land. An interesting statistic is that the Village owns roughly 95 acres of land for streets and sidewalk right of ways. If the average acreage cost were 100,000 per acre (2.30/sf), this investment would cost about $7 million to replace. I think this number may be a bit low ever. This highlights the value of Village right-of-way use.

Inspection by ISO on Building Inspection Processes Upgrades Spring Lake Village's Rating:
Occasionally, a group does a rating survey, just like the insurance companies do. The Village's rating went up two points. The reason is years of experience in our staff. Congratulations to John and George.

The tangible benefit to residents is unfortunately low, however, since this is simply a voluntary rating service for insurance companies to avail themselves of. (They may, or may not, actually use it in determining their rates.)

Village Hall Update:
We remain on target. Both the Construction Manager and Architect say this is just about the smoothest renovation job they have ever done. Credit goes to good detail in the Architect's plans and to good subs hired and managed by Wolverine.

I asked for some additional review of lighting the outside of the building this week as a finishing touch for Council eventual consideration. I also asked for a reduction in framing around some supporting pillars to create a more open and inviting feeling for customers in the lobby and going up stairs.

New Resident Welcome Program Being Considered:
I am thinking of inviting all new residents in the Village to have a chance to meet with me and Department Heads as part of their orientation to the Village. We can use the water customer billing changes once a quarter and pass out board and commission sign up forms to those who choose to attend, as well as provide tours of the Barber School and Village facilities. Interested council members would be welcome to meet new residents and answer questions. We would give them information on Village resident perks and enable Village businesses to provide coupons or flyers for their information I am thinking of doing a trial one in early February. The overall intent is to build what is known as "social capital", or in old-fashioned terms, civic pride and "ownership". Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Liberty Street Project to Be Let:
This project is scheduled to be bid on March 5, 2004. The engineer's estimate is $123,000.

Christian Reform Church Meeting:
Monday, January 12^th at 5:00 PM at Barber School.

Parks Board:
Monday, January 12^th at 7:00 PM at Barber School.

Police Strategic Plan:
Tuesday, January 13, 2003 at 7:00 PM at Police Station. (The draft plan is being worked on by Jill and will likely arrive on Monday).

MML Sponsored Youth Symposium:
Next weekend, January 16-18 in Zeeland. Bill Filber is interested and going to this free program. Let me know if interested also.

Spring Lake Presbyterian Church:
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 8:00 AM at the Church. (Changed Time and Location!)

Harbor Transit:
Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 5:15 in Barber School.

Downtown Master Plan:
Thursday, January  22^nd at 7:00 PM at Barber School

Retirement Open House for Under sheriff:
Friday, January 30, 1-4 PM, Fillmore Complex at County.

That is all for the week. Call with questions: 842-1393, 844-2581 or 616-638-8910. Ryan Cotton, Village Manager