Village Manager’s Office
To: Village Council and Staff
From: Ryan Cotton, Village Manager
Date: December 5, 2008
Re: Council Information Letter
Savings From Leaf Truck: We are at $18,000 of savings so far with its use. Last year this time, $21,000 was spent on West Management packer truck and crew. This year, we spent $3,000 on gas and crew. More savings will occur in the spring.
Grand Valley Communications and Advertising Class: They did a very thorough and professional job last night. It was good to have all the documentation electronically provided as well. We will place this item on the next CBDDA meeting agenda to see if, and how, they want to proceed. One thing is for sure. Whatever we do will take some internship or other help to pull it off. The class members had some very interesting ideas which would likely be successful, however.
Twenty Applications for Ice Rink Attendant: We are amazed at how many seemingly highly qualified people responded. Doug is interviewing five.
Certificate of Compliance Achieved Again on Storm Water: This state certification requires an annual submittal. We continue to do so internally at a savings of $8,000 per year by not hiring an engineer. On December 2nd we received notice that we “continue to meet the goals” and “no corrections or resubmissions are necessary.”
Parks Board Approves List of Priorities: A list of these priorities is in your boxes. A Five Year Community Recreation Plan will be set for a public hearing on January 6th and later before Council in February.
Bark Park Location: The Parks Board will ask that the Central Park Comprehensive Plan include this activity there as well.
Purchase Option for Above Being Publicized: I provided information regarding this Option's availability to two other parties this week. The Option can be assigned without renegotiation or re-bidding if the right person arises. If you know of anyone who might want waterfront property and would like to consider the option or outright purchase, tell them to contact me prior to the next Council meeting.
Judging of Christmas Decorations: Meet at Barber School at 5 PM on Monday, December 8th and bring your family for a joyous evening.
East Village to Get Christmas Decorations: This has been requested for several years. Doug and Crew are working to make it possible this year.
Historic Home Owner Makes Utility Equity Charge Payments: The Village received these payments this week. It appears that progress on water and sewer connections with a licensed contractor will be forthcoming.
West Michigan Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) Action: They approved the shortened Lakeside Trail bike path without any grant reduction this week. If the WMSRDC Policy Committee approves in two weeks and MDOT continues to be cooperative, it will be bid in March and started in April.
Village Staff Pitch in with Other North Bank Communities: Maribeth and Maryann helped unload the bi-weekly foot truck for the region sponsored by Love Inc and others two weeks ago. Lori and I helped this week. Other staffs are scheduled to help for upcoming deliveries. This labor support, on top of the personal donations made to help buy the food, is a testimonial to the Village and Police Department’s staff.
Dockominiums Owners File an Appeal with the Tax Tribunal: The owners are protesting the assessments given that so many condo and dock vacancies remain. True to their word, Spring Lake Township is now including the Village in this correspondence so at least we know what is being contested and by how much. FYI.
***Upcoming Meetings***
Holiday Decoration Contest Tour and Reception for Participants: Monday, December 8th at 5 PM at Barber School, followed by a tour and reception at Holiday Inn at 5:45 PM. Winners determined at Barber School at 7 PM.
Cityhood Meeting on Wednesday Is Cancelled.
Christmas Dinner: Friday, December 12th at Barber School. Mark your calendars for 6:30 PM.
Police Strategic Plan Meetings: The Joint Police Commission will meet on December 16th at 12 Noon in the Emergency Operations Center.
Planning Commission: Tuesday, December 16th at 7 PM.
Parks Board Five Year Plan Public Hearing: Tuesday, January 6th at 7:00 PM in Village Hall, lower Conference Room.
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