Village Council Work Session

 

8/15/05,Barber School

102 W. Savidge Street

Spring Lake, MI

7:00 PM Work Session

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Session Discussion Items 

 

·        Additional agenda items, or changes to the Regular Agenda, to follow.

 

·        Discussion on Concerns Received About Alden Street End and Damage to Village Trees.

 

A letter of complaint was received recently from Mr. Ed Vogt regarding the Kayak Landing at Alden Street End. 

 

I had a stone dust pathway installed after nearly twisting an ankle launching a canoe.  I felt this solution might save $50,000 in implementing the Parks and Recreation Plan.  Mr. Ritter has since placed an irrigation line on the edge of this path.

 

Attached are alternative points of view and background on this matter.  The first attached plan is as was originally designed by the Village in 1988.  The second plan is as was approved.  (Minutes of the Council meetings on this matter will be researched prior to Monday night.)

 

Also attached are photos of the trees that were recently trimmed/damaged without official authorization.   The adjacent property owner responsible promises to pay the Village to replace them if they do not survive.  The staking was done by the Village’s tree service after the windstorm.  

 

Mr. Ritter requests a red maple for the east side of Alden.  I am not sure about how much right of way is available. 

 

General discussion and direction is invited.  Mr. Vogt and Mr. Ritter were invited to attend the meeting.

 

Options:

 

1.    Implement the larger proposal in the Parks and Recreation Plan;

2.    Remove Kayak from the Wayfinding sign and have no Kayak launch;

3.    Install parking at Parkhurst Street End and eliminate all parking on Alden Street End;

4.    Stay the course, but place no parking signs at the End of Alden Street such that the entrance to Cote La Mer is not blocked;

5.    Place parking signs at Parkhurst Street End as well as the above location on Alden and the location on Buchanan.

 

My point of view is consistent with the Park and Recreation plans over the years:  there is a general public interest to ensure appropriate public access and use of street ends within the Village in perpetuity.

 

 

·        Review of the Public Notice and Concerns Expressed Regarding an Inland Lakes and Streams Permit Request to Construct a Home at the end of South Lake Street in the Village.

 

Formal notice was not received from the MDEQ on this matter.  Spring Lake Township and Wetlands Watch brought it to my attention, however. 

 

The purpose of this work session item is to pass along information to the Village Council.  Another purpose is to seek direction on the lack of storm sewer at the end of South Lake Street.  Mr. Tom Gullo, 422 South Lake and the property owner, Francile Schultz will be invited to attend and to participate in this discussion.  

 

 

·        Purchase of Former Electronics Repair Shop Behind Post Office

 

This property is being made available to the Village.  A tour occurred on August 10, 2005.  Discussion on its potential long-term use for more parking is requested.  The building’s roof and exterior walls are in extreme disrepair.

 

The amount of a Village offer value remains to be determined and would occur in Executive Session.

 

The Village’s ownership of this property would enable realization of several elements of the Downtown Master Plan, including using Exchange as a local business corridor with more uniform parking lot between Savidge and Exchange.   

 

Options:

 

1.    Do not purchase; or

2.    Make an offer and demolish for parking and improved snow plowing/snow storage.  (If this option is selected, an executive session opportunity is listed at the end of the regular meeting.)

 

 

·        Discussion of the Annual Village Council Tour

 

We have an offer this year to survey the Village shoreline from the water as well as by land.  Marie Havenga volunteered to host the Village Council on her boat. 

 

Potential areas to visit are:

 

On Land

1.    Parkhurst/Franklin Street program (FY 06)

2.    Future Street Program (FY 07)

3.    Lakeside Beach and Traffic Safety

4.    Central Park and East Village and Savidge Lights

5.    Lloyd’s Bayou and Private encroachment on public right of way

6.    Tanglefoot Park Docks and Redevelopment Area

 

 

Off Shore

7.    Board Boat:  Stormwater Outlets from Boat

8.    Grand River Greenway from Boat

9.    Barrett’s Expansion from Boat

10       Kayak Launches from Boat

11.  Parkhurst Street End from Boat

 

Council discussion on this potential itinerary is requested as well as setting a potential date of September 19th (in lieu of the Council meeting) or September 26th (in addition to the normal Council meetings).

 

Status Reports

·        Demolition of Commercial structures on West Savidge at 917 and 921 West Savidge

·        East Village Punch List

·        Sponsorship of a Hole at Proposed Rycenga Frisbee Golf ($350)

·        Expansion of Municipal Services Garage Status Report (John Hansen)

·        Local Street Rehabilitation Program Status Report (John Hansen)

·        Village staff and pension review (Ryan Cotton and Maribeth Lawrence)

·        Wayfinding Signage Program

 

Upcoming Agenda Items (Tentative)

 

September 6, 2005 

(TBD)

 

September 19, 2005

Council Tour or TBD

 

October 3

(TBD)