Village Council Work Session

 

11/21/05,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.

 

·        Review of the Village of Spring Lake Audited Cash Balances as of June 30, 2005.

 

The fund balances met or exceeded expectations except in one instance. 

 

The minimum fund balances, per our Fiscal Policy, are all exceeded except for the Water Fund.   This fund ended the year with $243.  Bill Filber, John Hansen and I met with Moore and Bruggink last week to discuss the water fund, its expected NOWS intake bills and its future.  As a result of that discussion, we requested a proposal for a rate review.  Such review would also examine the billing assumptions vis-ŕ-vis NOWS water purchases and other related variables.  We expect a proposal to give to Council at the next work session. 

 

For the remainder of tonight, we will review the actual cash balances in column E.   BDO Seidman will be present at our December 5th meeting to review the remainder of the audit results. 

 

 

·        Review of the Municipal Services Garage Expansion Options

 

Village staff worked on this matter for the last several months to craft three options to meet the long-term inside storage needs (4,000 square feet) and o maintain an attractive neighborhood.  The current revenues specifically accrued for this project are approximately $180,000.  The Public Improvement Fund has another $25,000 that is currently unencumbered as well.   The range of costs is expected to be between $200-$250,000.

 

A total of three options were developed as outlined below:

 

1.     Sheet metal siding:                                         $ TBD*

2.     Brick and trim like the rest of the building:   $ TBD*

3.     Decorative Concrete block:                         $ TBD*

 

*The detailed cost estimates are being prepared as of press time and will be provided separately.  John Hansen will present these alternatives and answer questions tonight.  Phasing might be important to make affordable.

 

·        Review of a Possible Illicit Discharge and Elimination Plan Ordinance

 

An ordinance to enforce the elimination of pollutants being discharged into Spring Lake or the Grand River is required as part of the new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) program required of all northwest Ottawa communities. 

 

This ordinance would allow the Village staff to trace, notify and require that any illicit connections be removed, such as a septic tank. 

 

The Village’s 21 outfalls were inspected during dry weather and only one showed any discharge.  It was a dribble.  Nevertheless, samples were taken to the Annis Water Resources Institute.  They are analyzing them for usual contaminants.  If the samples test negative, than no illicit discharges currently exist.  An ordinance is needed, nevertheless, should circumstances change in the future.

 

It is suggested that Village staff work with the Village Attorney to refine the draft ordinance attached to eliminate any duplication in other sections of the Village Code and bring it back to Council to set a formal hearing in the next month.  The Village is required under our Certificate of Coverage and the Village’s Illicit Discharge Plan to adopt such an ordinance by April 1, 2006. 

 

·        Review of Suggested Safety Improvements to the Crosswalk at Lakeside Beach

 

I asked John Hansen to assist me and the Recreation bodies on ways to provide for pedestrian safety, other than my  idea on the bumps last summer.    John researched a solar powered, flashing light system that might provide the extra caution necessary.  We also believe that all of the side bushes should come down to maximize visibility. 

 

The Police Chief proposed a draft Traffic Control order as attached.  Your overview is requested prior to reviewing this matter with the various Recreation bodies also. 

 

·        Regional Bike Path System

 

At the North Bank meeting on September 20, 2005, the concept of requesting the County of Ottawa to include millage for bike path extensions as part of their Parks millage re-vote came up. 

 

The group voted to “Ask our Boards whether bike paths should be added to the County Parks millage request, along arterial highways only, on the  2006 ballot?”

 

Your review and advice is requested.  Attached is a plan of existing and proposed trails. 

 

 

 

 

 

Status Reports

 

·        Signage Ordinance Changes and Continuation of the moratorium on Message Boards

·        Ambulance Service Potential Contract

·        Ordinary High Water Mark Consultation Requested for End of Alden Street

·        Store windows and Christmas Display Judging by Council

·        Tree Removals and Over budget

 

Upcoming Agenda Items (Tentative)

 

December 5

Audit Report and Fund Balances

TIF Potential Budget Adjustments

Presentations to Mel Hall and Fred Holland

Review of Intake Repair Bill of $24,251 from Ottawa County Road Commission, Utilities Division

Sign ordinance public hearing

Approval of Notice of Intent for $300,000 Infrastructure grant for Mill Point Station

Set IDEP Public Hearing

 

December 19

Personnel Rule amendments

Copier Purchase

Audit RFP Committee