2/18/10 Manager’s Report

City of Hart, Michigan

MEMORANDUM

To:           MAYOR clancy aerts & City Council

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:      february 18, 2010

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

1. Diesel Plant Substation – Pursuant to Council action taken on February 9^th, a Notice of Intent (to apply) was submitted the MEDC for CDBG funds in the amount of $325,000.  If successful, the substation would be replaced and relocated to City-owned property near Plum and Gilmore in West Hart.
2. Streetscape Project – Corner Lot at State & Main (3 State Street)
   1. The full application was delivered to MEDC on February 16, 2010.
   2. John Byl, Attorney, Warner Norcross in Grand Rapids has arranged a meeting with the environmental engineers and MDNRE to discuss site closure.
   3. TIFA agreed to transfer the property to the City upon the receipt of a grant for the streetscape project.  This will need City Council approval.
   4. Hart Rotary Club commits $3500 for project.
3. Michigan Main Street Program – The next and final training event is in Boyne City on Thursday, February 25^th with about 12 volunteers attending.  Another downtown update session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2^nd , 7 PM at 117 State Street in downtown Hart.
4. 26 N. State Street – Today, the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority purchased the property from the Forners at a closing held today in Lansing.  The Land Bank has already initiated steps to remove asbestos, demolish the buildings, and remediate the site.
5. Peach, Dayton, Gilmore & Beagle Streets – Engineering should begin in March and construction will start in late 2010 or early 2011.
6. Peach Engineering – A Request for Proposals will be issued soon.
7. Peach Neighborhood Preservation Program – Progress is being made with another grant application.  In accordance with MSHDA guidelines, Oceana’s Home Partnership has arranged neighborhood meetings to gather input from residents.  I plan to attend.
8. Well #4 North Valley Repairs – A Request for Proposals will be issued soon.
9. Shut Off Guidelines – Staff is still considering amendments to the City’s shut-off rules to assure compliance with State rules adopted recently.
10. Energy Optimization Program – The City will be distributing about 370 additional CFL bulbs to Hart Hydroelectric customers in an effort to meet the residential kWh savings goals.  Franklin Energy has initiated energy reduction projects at facilities in Hart.  The City reimburses owners (in part) for their efforts.
11. Former Silver Mill (803 Griswold Street) – City Attorney Springstead, Hearing Officer Randy Miller and I are moving forward with enforcement action at this site.  Mr. Miller has performed another property inspection to determine compliance with his November, 2008 Order.  We await his report.
12. Industrial Electric Connection — Hart Hydro anticipates completing electric connections to Hanson Logistics on April 3^rd and Gray & Company in spring 2010 pursuant to connection agreements approved in August, 2009 and December, 2009, respectively.
13. Creeks Subdivision Wastewater Force Main Relocation – Bids were received on February 16^th from two local contractors with Hallack Contracting being the low bidder in the amount of $14,575.  Work should begin in Spring, 2010 with all costs reimbursable from the Fremont-Hart Co-Op.
14. Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
    1. Michigan Main Street Training, February 25^th, Boyne City
    2. Power Board, Monday, March 1^st, 7:30 AM
    3. Wastewater-Water Board, Monday, March 1^st, 7 PM
    4. Downtown Update – Tuesday, March 2^nd, 117 S. State Street in downtown Hart AND tentative joint City Council / TIFA meeting
15. Upcoming City Council Action Items
    1. Decision regarding PA 198 tax abatement request by Gray & Co.
    2. Development Agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly
    3. License agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly for ROW use
    4. Facilities Agreement with Consumers Energy for the Lambrix Substation
    5. Decision regarding projects identified in the Water System Reliability Study
    6. Decisions regarding State Street bridge repairs
    7. Decisions regarding Wood Street sewer separation and water improvements
    8. Ordinance approving a re-codification to include recent ordinance amendments
    9. Review of water & sewer rates
    10. Relocate former railroad depot to Historic District
    11. Peach Street Neighborhood Preservation Program pre-application w/OHP
    12. Downtown streetscape engineering
    13. Peach Street engineering
    14. Award hay/corn contract for WWTP irrigation site
    15. Extension to septage receiving agreement
    16. Discussion with Pentwater regarding sewer rates
    17. Decision regarding Michigan Main Street “selected level” status
    18. Award North Valley Well No. 4 rehabilitation
    19. Transfer 3 State Street property to City from TIFA
    20. Collective bargaining agreement w/Utility Workers Union of America, Local 465
    21. Issue request for proposals for employee health care
    22. Amend electric shut-off policies (if needed)
    23. Roof repairs at John Gurney Park pavilion