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February 2001 Status Report
It is my pleasure to once again submit my monthly status report for your review and information. Since the annual report was submitted to you just a month ago, this report will probably not be as long or as comprehensive as my typical monthly report. However, if you would like additional information on an item listed, or if I did not include something that you would like to know more about, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Construction on the project should begin sometime in the next couple of weeks. In fact, a little demolition and stripping of soil could begin as early as the week of March 26th. Needless to say, we are really pleased that this project is finally underway.
2. Public Safety Building
As you know from a previous memo, I indicated that the bids came in higher than anticipated for the project. Our staff is working with the architect to see if there are ways we can reduce the cost of the building. We anticipate that this analysis will take at least a couple of weeks, so at this time we have decided to postpone the sale of the bonds, which was scheduled for April 11th. We will keep you informed of the status of our efforts in reducing the cost for the building.
3. Project 2000 Tax Case
In my last status memo I mentioned that we were anticipating a hearing on this matter sometime in April or May. We have now been notified that it will be this fall before the case is heard. I asked our attorney to contact the Attorney General's office to see if we could in some way settle this matter. Initially the attorney from the A.G.'s office stated that he probably was not interested in meeting, but after further discussion stated that he may be willing to do so. However, he is involved with a very large tax case, and he anticipates that will take a couple more months. If we do meet, it will probably be late spring or early summer.
4. Liaison Meetings
We held our most recent meeting with the County on March 9th. At that meeting we spent some time reviewing the two percent requests and setting the joint priorities. You received a copy of that priority listing. In addition, we also spent quite a bit of time talking about the CRC and future plans for the development of a pool and gymnasium. It was the feeling of the Committee that we need to take a little bit more of a leadership role in the possible development of these facilities, and we discussed the possibility of putting together some kind of task force to look at the issues in more detail. No definitive plans were made, but at our next meeting I am sure we will discuss this item in more detail.
Our most recent meeting with the Township was on March 20th, at which time we only had a few minutes to meet and we limited our discussion pretty much to the new road master plan. The Township said they held a public hearing at which time some citizens expressed concern about the plan. One issue was the widening of Lincoln Road. Another was the question as to where the funds will come from for the project. Jim Collin stated that they are attempting to schedule a joint meeting with the Road Commission to talk about the plan in more detail.
5. Goal Setting
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Commission for your time and effort in our goal-setting session held on March 13th. As you know, two major items came out of that meeting: the desire to look at neighborhood improvements and enhancement, and youth activities. As you will recall, we agreed to set up another session to explore the issue of neighborhoods in more detail. I would ask that you bring your calendars with you so we can look at some potential dates.
6. SmartZone
As you know, we had anticipated receiving official notification on the designation of University Park as a SmartZone on March 13th. As you also know, that news conference was canceled by the State. I do not have a new date for the news conference, but as soon as I get one I will let you know. We are proceeding with submission of the appropriate documents including the grant request you approved at the last meeting.
7. Borden Creamery Building
I spoke to Dave McGuire on Monday the 19th, and he indicated that the application for MSHDA financing for the project will not be submitted until July. It is my understanding that his lender was not able to get the information together that was needed for the March 15th deadline, so he will be submitting in July.
8. Capital Improvement Projects
Needless to say it is that time of year when we are taking bids and preparing for our construction projects for this summer and fall. Since Duane Ellis provides you with his own status report, I will let him provide specific details for the projects to be completed this year.
9. United States Postal Service
As you can see during your travels through the community, the Post Office project is well underway. It is my understanding that the building is to be completed before the end of this year.
10. Fire Funding
I have nothing really new to report. It is my understanding that the $2 million increase in funding is still in the budget, but still has to work its way through the House. As soon as I get additional information I will let you know.
11. Purchase of Township Share of Wastewater Treatment Plant
As you may recall, the City entered into an agreement with the Township to purchase a portion of their capacity in the plant when their plant came on line. About a week ago we issued a check to the Township for $240,000 for two-thirds of their capacity. Their capacity was a total of 15 percent, so we purchased 10 percent.
12. Presentation on City Hall Space Study
We had originally planned to present this study to you at the meeting Monday night; however, we will be scheduling it for the April 9th meeting.