Village Manager’s Office

To: Village Council and Staff

From: Ryan Cotton

Date: November 17, 2005

Re: Council Information Letter

Thanksgiving Lunch: This lunch is at Ferrysburg City Hall on Tuesday at 12 noon. If interested, just bring something you like to the potluck. We are covering the Village Hall front desk with one of the crosswalk patrol officers during this period.

South Lake Street Wetlands Review: This permit request to build in the wetland was denied. The full report is in your box.

Leaf Collection: The crew had more leaves than in the past few years. A very fine job was done! They came down all at once. This slowed them down more than the snow. They worked into Friday this year. It is usually done by Thursday afternoon.

Tree Budget: The budget was reduced from $15,000 to $5,000 this year. Wishful thinking; we are at about $14,000 now. I have been trying to stem the tide in recent weeks, yet the wind keeps blowing and property owners are calling to let us know one tree, or another, is threatening their safety and property. When we arrive to verify, we find that the vast majority of concerns are valid. We had to take out three trees this week for this reason.

Entryway Sign: The sign base got poured before the snow came. The contractor seems to think he can continue with the brick. The sign designer is working on the design for the larger sign. I hope to bring it in on Monday night.

Existing Land Use Plan: Julius Suchy is a new intern working with John on this for the new Master Plan update.

New Council Orientations: Bill and I will be meeting with new council members in the next couple of weeks. If there is anything you would like them to be especially aware of, let us know.

Memorial Parade Route Changes Contemplated: The Heritage Festival may request a new route down Exchange to Lake, across Savidge to Beach, and then to the Cemetery. They are getting input from all stakeholders and will vote on it at their January meeting. If you have any thoughts in advance, let me know and I will convey.

MIOSHA Inspection Results: Only three items were found. No fines assessed. All were easily corrected within two weeks. My appreciation to the Doug, the crew and to John for handling the matter and for maintaining safe work conditions.

***Upcoming Meetings***

Ambulance Service RFP and Upcoming Meetings: Meeting dates of November 17 at 7 PM and November 22 at 7 PM are planned to finalize these understandings.

Chamber Breakfast: SL Country Club on Friday at 7:30 AM. I am asked to speak for two minutes. Let me know if anyone else would like to do so or to attend.

Village Council: Monday, November 21 at 7:00 PM at Barber School.

Master Plan: Monday, November 28 at 7 PM in Barber School.

Parks and Recreation Board: Wednesday, November 30 at 7 PM in Village Hall.

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