To: Village Council, Press, Web Page and Staff
From: Ryan Cotton, Village Manager
Date: January 13, 2005
Re: Council Information Letter
New Snow Blower: This unit got a good workout last week. I liked that it had a nice evenness to it and did not do any
damage to adjacent fences. Not sure if
we will be needing it for the ice rinks, given the latest heat wave. We also did some tree trimming this fall
because of the need to get the blower through.
This should be good for pedestrians year-round also. There remain a few areas with encroachments
that we have to go around. We will work
to resolve.
Ice Rink: Rick Nuvill, John and I sat down today and outlined how this
would happen this year. Think
cold.
Governmental Dinner at NOCH: Let me know if you can go.
It is a week from Wednesday.
Bill and I are going.
Legislative Meeting in Grand
Rapids: Let me know if interested in this. It is one week from tonight. Not sure if I will be going unless someone
else is going also. I would be happy to
drive.
CBDDA Meeting This Morning: The group heard a presentation from Moore and Bruggink and
endorsed the “Exchange Street Typical.”
M&B changed the plans from a 30 foot radius at Jackson and Exchange
to 40 feet to accommodate busses. I
will be working some more on this with the Village Council in upcoming
meetings.
I am thinking “cheap”, or
postpone it until after the Local Streets are addressed.
Local Street Financing: I spoke with a banker this week about the idea of borrowing funds
to start on the Local Streets one year before the TIF monies actually become
available. We could also borrow enough
to complete the streets in two neighborhoods simultaneously rather than just
one. I was told “no problem”, subject
to the usual state laws and the interest rate of the day. This action would approximate the process
that took place to make 209 South Park Street possible two years ago. More to follow at a work session on Local
Streets scheduled for February 7th.
Crosswinds Due Out Next
Week: We will pick them up from the printers on
Friday.
TIF District Options: I went over this with the CBDDA this morning. It is becoming ever clearer to me that
placing the district in “hibernation”, like Allendale, makes more sense than
sunsetting it. I am meeting again with
the attorneys to plan the mechanics on this tomorrow at 11:30 AM if interested
in attending.
Brownfield Plan: With potential redevelopment ideas surfacing on the West End, I
am in touch with the MEDC and the MDEQ
on various funding mechanisms to assist.
I briefed the CBDDA this morning and they recommended continuation of
this research.
Old Public Works Building
Sale: This closing is scheduled on Friday at 2 PM
at Village Hall tomorrow. A check for
just under $85,000 will be received and deposited in the Public Improvement
Fund for holding until all the details on the Municipal Services Garage
expansion are known.
Bandshell Back in Play for
this Summer: The Rotary Club informed me this morning
that they hope to work with the Village to install this bandshell this
summer. In your box is some information
on the style they selected, assuming approval of Parks Board and the Village
Council. I will be calling a Parks
Meeting for Tuesday, February 1st at 7:00 PM.
Village Hall Perimeter
Coping: Another leak appeared in Maribeth’s office
this week. John and I still think that
the coping is desirable, is probably the ultimate solution, and should be done. In the meantime, the roof company is on
notice that we will come after them if this does not work..
Village Hall Tenant: We went over the lease terms today. Ted Dimke is checking with his attorney and still plans to sign
it shortly.
Signage Enforcement: John and I are meeting with
the attorneys to get on the same page at 11:30 AM on Friday if interested. Council Member Holland provided some useful
information on a-frame, sidewalk signs we will consider.
***Upcoming Meetings***
Heritage Festival:
Tuesday,
January 18 at 7:00 PM in the basement of Barber School.
Historic Conservation District Committee: Tuesday, January 18 at 7 PM in the Upstairs Village
Hall Conference Room.
Grand Valley Metro Council Dinner with West Michigan
Legislators: Thursday, January 20 at 6:00 PM at
Dubas. Cost is $25 per person. Call me to car pool.
North Ottawa Hospital Governmental Dinner: This appears to be a first.
Wednesday, January 26th at 5:30 PM at the Hospital. Let me know if interested in going.
Joint Police Commission Meeting: Tuesday, January 31 at 12 noon at Ferrysburg City Hall
That is all for the week. Call with questions:
842-1393, 844-2581 or 616-638-8910 or ryancotton@hotmail.com or
ryan@springlakevillage.org.
Ryan Cotton,
Village Manager