MEMORANDUM

To:           MAYOR RON LAPORTE & City Council

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:     April 23, 2012

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

• Adopt-A-Street – The City is considering the establishment of an Adopt-A-Street program.
• Old Library Improvements – I will be requesting funds in FY2013 to make modest physical improvements to City Hall to accommodate 2013 Smithsonian exhibit.  Public Works staff has ascertained the apparent cause of the water issue and are taking steps to correct the matter.  Other improvements consist of a partition wall, door replacement, paint and flooring covering in old library area.  In addition, I suggest window replacement in Council room; City Hall front door replacement; and new landscaping.
• Railroad Depot Relocation – The Great Lakes Energy People Fund and Hart Historic Commission awarded grants totaling $17,500 to the City of Hart for this project.  On March 15, 2012 the City applied to the Community Foundation for a $3000 grant.
• Merit Network, Inc. Fiber Optic Project – The Oceana County Board, Hart City and Hart Area Public Library has approved a 1Gbps connection to the Merit fiber optic facility and a 3-member consortium agreement for an initial 2-year arrangement.
• Hart Lake Board – The Board met today April 23^rd to finalize implementation steps for the Hart Lake weed mitigation program.  Professional Land & Lake Management (Caledonia) and West Michigan Aquatic Weed (Hart) have contracted with the Hart Lake Board for weed treatments in 2012.  Progressive AE engineering will conduct the lake weed evaluation sometime in May/June.
• Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) – On or before May 1, 2012 the City must submit a “compensation plan” to remain eligible for the final 1/3 of EVIP payments. 
• John Gurney Park Arch – The arch was removed from the pillars on April 12^th by City crews.  The repairs and repainting are underway.  The 2” square stock steel structural members will be replaced; but the ornate steel and cast iron letters will be cleaned and repainted for reuse.
• 3 State Street Environmental Closure – The City expects a $9208.75 reimbursement for the well abandonment work completed in 2011 at the Hart Commons site.  Federated Insurance represents the liable party.
• 26 N. State Street (lake front property) – MSHDA and Hollander Development Corporation (HDC) recommended additional engineering investigations at this site; and Hart City subsequently retained EMES Engineering (Lansing) for this effort on March 27, 2012.  The City will use remaining Brownfield grant funds for the EMES workscope. 
• John Gurney Park Boat Launch Reconstruction – Construction began April 19^th and should finish on or before May 25^th.  McCormick Sand (Twin Lake, MI), the low bidder at $75,822.90, is the contractor.
• Peach Street Reconstruction – MDOT has approved the final billings for the project.  When received and paid, I will commence grant ‘close-out’ efforts at MEDC including final reimbursement.
• Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
  • MPPA – Wednesday, April 25^th, Lansing
  • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) – Friday, April 27^th , Muskegon
  • Planning Commission – Thursday, May 3^rd
  • Power Board – Monday, May 7^th, 7:30 AM
  • Water/Wastewater Board – Monday, May 7^th, 7 PM
  • MI Public Power Agency – Wednesday, May 9^th, Traverse City
  • MI Municipal Electric Association – Thursday, May 10^th, Traverse City
  • Michigan Main Street Resource Team – May 8 – 10, Downtown
  • Hart Main Street Board – Thursday, May 17^th , Downtown
• Upcoming City Council Action Items
  • Facilities Agreement with Consumers Energy for the Lambrix Substation
  • FY2013 Budget discussions and approvals
  • Decisions regarding Creeks development
  • Compensation Plan for EVIP requirements
  • Review and approval of Community Revitalization Plan
  • Review and approval of 2012 street improvement projects
  • Review and consideration of oil & gas lease for City-owned property
  • Proposed senior development on East Main Street
  • Development Agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly
  • License agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly for ROW use
  • Decisions regarding Wood Street sewer separation and water improvements

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:     April 7, 2012

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

• Adopt-A-Street – Staff has initiated discussions on establishing an Adopt-A-Street program.
• Old Library Improvements – Modest physical improvements are proposed to accommodate Smithsonian exhibit in 2013.  Public Works staff have ascertained the apparent cause of the water issue and are taking steps to correct the matter.
• Railroad Depot Relocation – The Great Lakes Energy People Fund and Hart Historic Commission awarded grants totaling $17,500 to the City of Hart for this project.  On March 15, 2012 the City applied to the Community Foundation for a $3000 grant.
• Merit Network, Inc. Fiber Optic Project – On March 8, 2012 the Oceana County Board approved a shared connection to the Merit Network with Hart City and Hart Area Public Library.  HAPL and Hart City also approved a 1Gbps connection on March 12^th & 13^th, respectively.  The Merit fiber optic facility is rated at 10Gbps.  The three entities are now considering a consortium agreement for the initial 2-year arrangement.
• Hart Lake Board – Professional Land & Lake Management (Caledonia) and West Michigan Aquatic Weed (Hart) have contracted with the Hart Lake Board for weed treatments in 2012.  Progressive AE engineering will conduct the lake weed evaluation sometime in May/June.
• Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) – On or before May 1, 2012 the City must submit a “compensation plan” to remain eligible for the final 1/3 of EVIP payments.  The Michigan Municipal League presented a training webinar on March 8^th for this compliance effort.
• John Gurney Park Arch – The arch is scheduled for much-needed repairs in 2012.
• 3 State Street Environmental Closure – The City expects a $9208.75 reimbursement for the well abandonment work completed in 2011 at the Hart Commons site.  Federated Insurance represents the liable party.
• 26 N. State Street (lake front property) – MSHDA and Hollander Development Corporation (HDC) recommended additional engineering investigations at this site; and Hart City subsequently retained EMES Engineering (Lansing) for this effort on March 27, 2012.  The City will use remaining Brownfield grant funds for the EMES workscope. 
• John Gurney Park Boat Launch Reconstruction – City awarded on December 13, 2011; and construction is scheduled to begin April 16^th and finish on May 25^th.  McCormick Sand (Twin Lake, MI), the low bidder at $75,822.90, is the contractor.
• Peach Street Reconstruction – The City awaits final billing from MDOT.  When received and paid, I will commence grant ‘close-out’ efforts at MEDC including final reimbursement.
• Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
  • Pre-Construction Conference JGP Boat Launch – Monday, April 9^th, 9AM
  • Library Board – Monday, April 9^th
  • Oceana EDC – Tuesday, April 10^th, 8 AM
  • Main Street Marketing Study kickoff – Wednesday, April 11^th
  • Planning Commission – Thursday, April 12^th
  • Feeding America Truck – Saturday, April 14^th, Library lower parking lot
  • John Gurney Park opens – Sunday, April 15^th
  • Rural / Small Town Conference – Tuesday, April 17^th, Thompsonville
  • Hart Main Street Board – Thursday, April 19^th, 7:30 AM, downtown
  • MPPA – Wednesday, April 25^th, Lansing
  • Planning Commission – Thursday, May 3^rd
  • Michigan Main Street Resource Team – May 8 – 10, Downtown
• Upcoming City Council Action Items
  • FY2013 Budget discussions and approvals
  • Decisions regarding Creeks development
  • Compensation Plan for EVIP requirements
  • Review and approval of Community Revitalization Plan
  • Review and approval of 2012 street improvement projects
  • Review and consideration of oil & gas lease for City-owned property
  • Proposed senior development on East Main Street
  • Development Agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly
  • License agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly for ROW use
  • Facilities Agreement with Consumers Energy for the Lambrix Substation
  • Decisions regarding Wood Street sewer separation and water improvements

MEMORANDUM

To:           MAYOR RON LAPORTE & City Council

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:     march 9, 2012

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

• Feeding America Truck – GHSP (Hart) is sponsoring this food service for 100 area needy families.  They will use the City Hall-Library lower parking lot to dispense food boxes as cars ‘drive through’.  It’s scheduled for Saturday, April 14^th.
• Railroad Depot Relocation – On February 16, 2012 the Great Lakes Energy People Fund awarded $7500 to the City of Hart for this project.  On or before March 15, 2012 the City will apply to the Community Foundation for a $3000 grant.
• Merit Network, Inc. Fiber Optic Project – Merit has contacted the City about a connection to this facility.  On March 8, 2012 the Oceana County Board approved a shared connection to the Merit Network with Hart City and Hart Area Public Library.  HAPL and Hart City will consider this matter on March 12^th & 13^th, respectively.
• Hart Lake Board – Professional Land & Lake Management (Caledonia) and West Michigan Aquatic Weed (Hart) have contracted with the Hart Lake Board for weed treatments in 2012.
• Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) – On or before May 1, 2012 the City must submit a “compensation plan” to remain eligible for the final 1/3 of EVIP payments.  The Michigan Municipal League presented a training webinar on March 8^th for this compliance effort.
• John Gurney Park Arch – The arch is scheduled for much-needed repairs in 2012.

• AMP (Ohio) Fremont Energy Center (AFEC) – The City is now receiving energy from this 600 MW plant.

• 3 State Street Environmental Closure – The City expects reimbursement for the well abandonment work completed in 2011 at the Hart Commons site.  Federated Insurance represents the liable party and has agreed to pay for the aforementioned well closure efforts.
• Hart Commons – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has conditionally closed-out the grant agreement.  City auditors Rehmann will conduct a “single audit” on the grant funds later this year.  Single audits are routinely required for governmental units who receive over $500,000 CDBG funds in a single year.  Hart City exceeded this threshold in 2011 with CDBG funds received for both Hart Commons and Peach Street.
• 26 N. State Street (lake front property) – Site developer Hollander Development Corporation (Portage, MI) has delayed application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a 25-unit 3-story senior apartment project to later in 2012 due to complex site environmental issues.  MSHDA and HDC are advocating additional engineering investigations at this site and have recommended EMES Engineering (Lansing) for this effort.  The City is exploring the use of remaining Brownfield grant funds for the EMES workscope. 
• John Gurney Park Boat Launch Reconstruction – Contract award was December 13, 2011 and construction is scheduled for April-May, 2012 by McCormick Sand (Twin Lake, MI) the low bidder at $75,822.90.
• Peach Street Reconstruction – The City awaits final billing from MDOT.  When received and paid, I will commence grant ‘close-out’ efforts at MEDC including final reimbursement.
• Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
  • Oceana EDC – Tuesday, March 13^th, 8 AM
  • Finance Committee – Tuesday, March 13^th, 6:30 PM
  • MPPA – Wednesday, March 14^th, Lansing
  • Hart Main Street Board – Thursday, March 15^th, 7:30 AM, downtown
  • MML Capitol Conference – Wednesday, March 21^st, Lansing
  • Community Revitalization Conf. – Wednesday, March 28^th, Newaygo
  • Feeding America Truck – Saturday, April 14^th, Library lower parking lot
  • Michigan Main Street Resource Team – May 8 – 10, Downtown
• Upcoming City Council Action Items
  • Compensation Plan for EVIP requirements
  • Additional engineering at 26 N. State Street
  • Review and approval of Community Revitalization Plan
  • Review and approval of 2012 street improvement projects
  • Review and consideration of oil & gas lease for City-owned property
  • Proposed senior development on East Main Street
  • Development Agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly
  • License agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly for ROW use
  • Facilities Agreement with Consumers Energy for the Lambrix Substation
  • Decisions regarding Wood Street sewer separation and water improvements

City of Hart, Michigan

MEMORANDUM

To:           MAYOR RON LAPORTE & City Council

From:     STAN RICKARD, City Manager

Date:     february 10, 2012

RE:           CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

• Starting Block Kitchen Incubator – The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved CDBG funding close-out.  The City has now successfully completed all of its obligations to the State related to the $250,000 grant received in 2008.
• Merit Network, Inc. Fiber Optic Project – Merit is constructing a fiber-optic ‘super highway’ up the west Coast of Michigan that will traverse the City of Hart.  The route has been modified and is now proposed to navigate (south to north) on Oceana Drive, Polk Road, State Street, Washington Street, Hart Street, East Main Street, under Hart Lake, North State and Oceana Drive.  Merit has requested a Metro Act Right-of-Way Telecommunications Permit which will be considered at the February 14, 2012 Council meeting.
• ‘Energy Smart’ Program – The 2012 plan can be viewed at www.mienergysmart.com.
• Hart Lake Board – On January 18, 2012 the Board approved assessments for the weed mitigation program.   Hart City will contribute $14,850; water front property owners, $101.71; and back lot property owners, $56.86 annually.  In other action, the Board reviewed weed treatment bids and selected Professional Land & Lake Management (Caledonia) for chemical treatment and West Michigan Aquatic Weed (Hart) for weed harvesting.  The County Drain Commissioner manages this program under the direction of the Lake Board.
• Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) – The City submitted a “consolidation of services” plan to the MI Department of Treasury at year-end 2011.  By doing this, the City will remain eligible for EVIP payments, formerly called revenue sharing.  On or before May 1, 2012 the City must submit a “compensation plan” to remain eligible for the final 1/3 of EVIP payments.
• John Gurney Park Arch – City staff continue this repair assessment to determine: a) removal procedure, b) location of storage and repair facility, c) repair materials, d) reinstallation procedure, and e) cost.  The repairs need to be completed in early 2012 to be ready for the 100^th anniversary of the Park.

• AMP (Ohio) Fremont Energy Center (AFEC) – The MPPA is moving forward with acquisition activities and the generation plant is undergoing initial testing with an anticipated January, 2012 startup.  Thirteen (13) participating communities signed the necessary agreements by the December 31, 2011 target date.  MPPA plans a March, 2012 bond sale to finance the approximate $35 million cost of their 5% equity ownership.  AFEC billings to MPPA (and Hart) will commence the week of January 22^nd.  The AFEC plant advanced to commercial operation on or about January 21, 2012.
• State Street Bridge & Road Improvement Grants – The City has confirmed State (via federal STP) funding for North State ($163,000) and Johnson Street ($179,000) resurfacing tentatively programmed in 2014 and 2015, respectively; and MDOT Local Bridge Funds ($50,000) for the State Street bridge deck replacement in 2014.  Total grant funds:  $392,000.

• 3 State Street Environmental Closure – The City expects reimbursement for the well abandonment work completed in 2011 at the Hart Commons site.  Federated Insurance represents the liable party and has agreed to pay for the aforementioned well closure efforts.
• Hart Commons – The project is complete.  Final construction costs (revised) were $532,506 and the contracted amount for engineering was $66,100 for a total of $598,606.  Pursuant to a grant agreement, the City will be reimbursed in the amount of $436,090 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  Additional engineering costs are pending in the amount of $4,675 due to the construction schedule extension that required construction engineers to be on the site.
• 26 N. State Street (lake front property) – Kieser Environmental (Kalamazoo) is reviewing final ground water test results.  The City approved a one-year grant agreement extension to January, 2013 to allow for site closure activities.  The Michigan Land Bank still owns the site and is evaluating the environmental status.  Site developer Hollander Development Corporation (Portage, MI) has delayed application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a 25-unit 3-story senior apartment project to later in 2012 due to complex site environmental issues.
• John Gurney Park Boat Launch Reconstruction – Contract award was December 13, 2011 and construction is scheduled for April-May, 2012 by McCormick Sand (Twin Lake, MI) the low bidder at $75,822.90.
• Peach Street Reconstruction – The project was substantially complete on September 2, 2011.  Construction was by Hallack Contracting (Hart).  Final labor, equipment and material quantities have been determined and final construction costs will be $500,021.  Contracted engineering costs are $79,947 for a total project cost of $579,968.  The Michigan Department of Transportation has already paid $173,619 for their share of the project.  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will reimburse the City about $297,000 for their share.  Additional engineering costs in the amount of $12,002.85 are pending primarily due to the extended construction schedule and extra work in the West Main Street intersection.
• Upcoming Meetings – Committees, Boards, Commissions, Events & Conferences
  • Rail Trail Tour – Mon, February 13^th, 1:00 PM (JGP to Polk Rd)
  • Economic Development Corporation – Tues, February 14^th, 7:30 AM (County Bldg)
  • Energy Efficiency Committee (MPPA) – Wed, February 15^th, 10 AM (Lansing)
  • Rail Trail Visioning – Wed, February 15^th, 6 PM (Main Street Office)
  • Main Street Board – Thur, February 16^th, 8 AM (Main Street Office)
  • Hart Winterfest – Fri/Sat, February 17 & 18 (Downtown, Hart Lake, JGP)
• Upcoming City Council Action Items
  • Grant application to Community Foundation of Muskegon County
  • Review and approval of 2012 street improvement projects
  • Review and consideration of oil & gas lease for City-owned property
  • Proposed senior development on East Main Street
  • Final decision to annex certain Polk Road properties
  • PILOT ordinance for Lake Pointe & East Main projects
  • Development Agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly
  • License agreement with Lake Pointe Elderly for ROW use
  • Facilities Agreement with Consumers Energy for the Lambrix Substation
  • Decisions regarding Wood Street sewer separation and water improvements