Manager’s Report 3/19

To:           MAYOR Clancy Aerts & City Council

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:      March 19, 2010

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

1. Diesel Plant Substation – We await news from the MEDC regarding the City’s application for CDBG funds in the amount of $325,000.  If approved, the Diesel Plant substation would be replaced and relocated to City-owned property near Plum and Gilmore in West Hart.  The local share would be $216,000.
2. Streetscape Project – Corner Lot at State & Main (3 State Street) – City and MEDC entered into a grant agreement on March 9, 2010.  Final submittals are being prepared; public notices will be issued; and engineering/architect proposals are also needed.
3. Environmental Issues at 3 State Street – John Byl, Environmental Attorney and Barb Marczak, Environmental Engineer, both representing the City, are pressing forward with site closeout activities.  Progress is evident at the MDNRE and liable party level.
4. Michigan Main Street Program – Work has started on the full application, due May 7^th.  Community involvement is crucial to this effort and the response has been impressive.
5. 26 N. State Street – The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority has purchased the property.  Land Bank has already initiated steps to remove asbestos, demolish the buildings, and remediate the site.  We understand the demolition will begin in April, 2010.
6. Peach Engineering – Three proposals were received.  Anticipate a selection on March 23^rd.
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.
8. Well #4 North Valley Repairs – One proposal was received from Peerless-Midwest.  Anticipated award is March 23, 2010.
9. Energy Optimization Program –CFL bulb distribution concluded on March 11, 2010.   Franklin Energy has initiated energy reduction projects at facilities in Hart.  The City reimburses owners (in part) for their efforts.
10. 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.  Update report has been received and further action pending.
11. Industrial Electric Connection — Hart Hydro anticipates completing electric connections to Hanson Logistics on April 10^th and Gray & Company in spring 2010 pursuant to connection agreements approved in August, 2009 and December, 2009, respectively.
12. Creeks Subdivision Wastewater Force Main Relocation – A pre-construction conference was held March 19^th and Hallack Contracting plans a construction start on March 22^nd.  The contract amount is $14,575 with all costs reimbursable from the Fremont-Hart Co-Op.  Project will take about 5 days to complete.
13. Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
    1. Downtown Update, Monday, March 22^nd, 7 PM, Sunshine Cafe
    2. Michigan Downtown Association, March 26^th, Marshall, MI
    3. Power Board, Monday, April 5^th, 7:30 AM
14. 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. Award hay/corn contract for WWTP irrigation site
    14. Extension to septage receiving agreement
    15. Discussion with Pentwater regarding sewer rates
    16. Transfer 3 State Street property to City from TIFA
    17. Collective bargaining agreement w/Utility Workers Union of America, Local 465
    18. Issue request for proposals for employee health care
    19. Amend electric shut-off policies (if needed)
    20. Roof repairs at John Gurney Park pavilion