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June 2003 Status Report
It is my pleasure once again to submit my monthly status report for your review and consideration. If you have any questions or comments about the report, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1. New Agenda Format
I know we have only used the new format for a couple of meetings, but if you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the format, please do not hesitate to let us know.
2. Commission Problem-Solving
At our goal-setting session you indicated a desire to have some training in problem solving techniques. As I indicated in my last status report the City has worked with Dr. Hal Stack in the past on both problem solving and interest based bargaining training. He has proposed five different dates that he would be available, including July 17, 18 or 22, and August 7 or 8. We are planning on a morning session, but if that time does not work for you and you would prefer an evening session, please let us know and we will schedule accordingly.
I would request that you give Jana a call and let her know which date works best for you. In order to get Dr. Stack booked as soon as we can, I would ask that you call Jana no later that June 25th. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.
3. Streetscape Project
The project is moving along well and is on schedule. As I am sure you know, the brick work is now going in behind the curb and should be finished within the next week. My compliments to Tony Kulick for all of his hard work on this project. I have already heard very positive comments about this project.
4. City-County Liaison Committee Meeting
The last meeting of the City-County committee was held on June 12th. We received an update from Chris Bundy on the Family Recreation Center Task Force work, and heard a presentation from Marc Griffis on the status of upgrades to the EOC. We also then talked about scheduling diversity training for the City and County. A copy of the meeting minutes is attached for your information. (Click here to view City-County Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes)
5. Project 2000
As you know, we took bids for 23 acres of vacant land east of Sweeney Street a few weeks ago. We are currently checking references for the builder and should be able to make a formal recommendation to the Commission at your first meeting in July.
6. Borden Building
We continue to fine-tune a possible agreement with a developer for the property.
7. Sidewalk Construction
Sidewalk replacement and new construction is progressing. Much of their focus at the current time is repairing old deteriorated sidewalks in various locations throughout the city.
8. Family Recreation Center
The Task Force has held four meetings. A subcommittee has been created and is in the process of developing an RFP for a consultant to assist the Task Force in its work. The Task Force appears to be on schedule to make its recommendations to the City and County some time in the spring of 2004.
9. Principal Shopping District Management Board
The Management Board has held three meetings and has formalized a recommendation to be presented to the DCC and the City Commission. The plan is to present their recommendations first to the DCC since this is where the recommendation to increase the parking fees originated. Once it is reviewed by the DCC it will then be presented to the City Commission. The tentative schedule is to present it to the City Commission for your consideration by the second meeting in July.
10. Jana's Part-Time Assistant
We have recently hired Ronda Schoenborn as Jana's part-time assistant. Her schedule is 8:00 a.m. to noon five days a week and then every other Thursday on packet day she will work a full day. It is quite possible by the time you receive this status report you will already have talked to her on the phone or met her in person.
11. Skate Park
Chris tells me they have discovered some problems with the coping on the ramps that needs to be replaced before they do the insulation. The coping is supposed to arrive this week and will be installed along with the insulation the week of June 23rd. It appears that since they have enclosed the ramp, and with the growth of leaves on the trees, the noise level up on the hill seems to have dropped considerably.
12. Construction Projects
Our various construction projects are moving along well. Bradley Street remains on schedule and will be finished in August. The construction of Corporate and Packard Drive began the week of June 16th. I previously mentioned that our sidewalk project was proceeding on schedule. The resurfacing of Mission Street should occur the latter part of June and the first week or so of July. As you will recall, this work is to be done at night so it should be less disruptive to traffic. Our various water main and wastewater treatment line replacement and relining projects are also moving along well.
Obviously this amount of construction puts quite a strain on our staff, and my thanks to the Engineering Department for the extra effort they put in during the summer months to ensure that we receive a quality project from all of our contractors. As you know, Duane Ellis does his own status report so I just wanted to briefly summarize some of the major projects for you.
13. Budget Work Sessions
As we mentioned during our discussion of the role of the Budget Committee, we will be scheduling budget work sessions for the first and third Mondays in October to review the budget. This will give us more time than holding work sessions after regularly scheduled meetings. As we get closer to the October dates we will place a request for special meetings on the agenda.
14. MML Annual Convention
We have attached for your information material on the upcoming MML Annual Convention to be held this year in Detroit. If you are interested in attending, please let Jana know so she can complete the registration forms and room reservations.