HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Public Service Minutes FINAL / PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
�✓ �j' FAX:(517)483-6082
l http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
G
Virg Bernero, Mayor
February 14, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
January 10, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Res ctfully submitted,
Janette Tate
Recording Secretary r,
Attachment —n
t�.J NI
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
JANUARY 10, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter, James Marshall,
Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Chad Gamble, Scott House, Greg Klco, and Lori Welch
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:44 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences: None
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
December 13, 2012
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Ms. Schmidt seconded, MOTION CARRIED with a five to one vote
to approve the minutes for December 13, 2012, as submitted.
11:49 a.m. Ms. Rodgers arrived
4) ACTION ITEMS: None
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Fleet Services Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Klco gave a presentation on the construction of the new site for the Division, and gave a
brief overview of the Fleet Services report. Discussion followed.
Operations and Maintenance/ CART Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. House gave a brief overview of the Operation and Maintenance report.
Ms. Welch gave a brief overview of the CART report. Discussion followed.
Public Service Board Page 2
January 10, 2013
Some upcoming events are:
Recycle Rama on April 13, 2013
Tri County Environmental Leadership Awards on April 24, 2013 (To nominate a Local
Business or Community Leader contact Ms. Welch)
Booth and Seminar series at the Lansing Home and Garden show in March, 2013
Ms. Schmidt gave compliment to the Division's quick response during the Holidays, and
for doing a job well done. Mr. Bloomberg seconded her comment, and added that the website
listing the trash and recycle pick-up dates, during the holidays, was also very helpful.
There was much discussion on multi-family recycling.
12:57 p.m. Mr. Flechter left
6) NEW BUSINESS:
Chair Baerman announced he will not be at the next two meetings, therefore Vice Chair
Rodgers will be in charge.
Mr. Gamble plans on having the Draft Annual Report done prior to the Special Meeting on
January 24"' for the Boards approval.
1:00 p.m. Mr. Baerman left
7) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble reported the following:
We received a letter of support from the DEQ regards to our Basement Back-up Protection
Program. They indicated that the program is part of public safety and cost effective. This
program should start mid to late February or early March.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant has several retirements scheduled for this month. The
Human Resource Department is working hard to fill vacancies.
The State of the City Address is January 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., located at the REO Power
Plant Community Building.
Hopefully there will be a quorum at the special meeting on January 20, as the Annual
Report will need to be approved.
With a heavy heart, Greg Klco will be retiring next Friday. We all wish him well, and he has
done a wonderful job.
We are still in the running for a Meijer Foundation Grant, for the Waverly Road Non-
Motorized Connector Project. Board Member Rodgers was thanked for her support with the
Tri-County.
Public Service Board Page 3
January 10, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg questioned if the Financial Team Report would be available to the Board.
Mr. Gamble stated it is not complete, but should have a draft copy in February.
1:19 p.m. Mr. Klco and Ms. Welch left
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Anderson questioned a future constructions project on Michigan Avenue near Frandor
Shopping Center. Mr. Gamble reported that the project is the installation of some bike lanes
and some restriping. Transportation Engineering is working with East Lansing because it did
not make sense to stop it at the city limits border.
Ms. Rodgers reported at the last Tri-County meeting the Waverly Road Non-Motorized
Connector Project went through with only one no vote.
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Sandra Kowa lk-Thompson, Chair Chief Teresa Szymanski
Commissioner Patty Farhat via Skype Joan Jackson Johnson, Director of Human
Commissioner Bob Noordhoek Relations &Community Services
Commissioner Bill Renfrew Sgt. Joe Brown, Dive Team
Commissioner Jan Kolp Tristan Eagon, Legal Advisor
Commissioner Clyde Carnegie Bernard Brantley, Commission Investigator
Jim DeLine, Secretary
MEMBERS EXCUSED:
Commissioner Drew Macon MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/GUESTS:
Commissioner Maria Mejorado none
CALL TO ORDER—Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson
After having established a quorum, Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson called the meeting to order a� 5:33
p.m. Commissioner Carnegie led those present in the Pledge of Allegiances
PUBLIC COMMENT-Agenda Items —C1
C-�
None.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
3
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson
A spelling correction was noted via an email from Commissioner Macon. The minutes of the regular
meeting of February 19 were approved as amended and placed on file.
EDUCATION PRESENTATION
Sgt. Joe Brown, regional Dive Team commander, discussed the many aspects of the Dive Team including
gear used, training and the regional aspect of the team. The team conducts searches for bodies,
evidence, cars and even safes. They often process the underwater scene with video and /or photos, and
can take prints off victims found under water when necessary. Rescues are less frequent, but can be
conducted in a variety of circumstances including dam areas and in ice. The local waters can be
dangerous due to contaminates in it. Sgt. Brown passed around a mask used which included a
microphone, and also a photo showing someone in full dive gear. The team will occasionally give public
demonstrations. In answer to a question from the Board, he noted that Dive Team members customarily
do not rotate out and will often remain on the team until they retire. Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson
commended Sgt. Brown for the fine vignette on the Dive Team airing on the City cable television channel.
She encouraged people to try to catch it. Sgt. Brown noted how well the team works together and the
professionalism of the members. "They rock."
Board of Police Commissioners
Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2013
Page 2
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Chief Szymanski announced recent retirements including those of Sgt. Bob Cantlon and Det. Kim
Kranich. She expressed her appreciation to those Board members who attended the going-away
receptions. Promotions made following the retirements included Ofc. Rodney Anderson to sergeant and
Ofc. Matt Krumbach to detective. Other personnel changes occurring recently include Lt. Dave Nosotti's
transfer to Patrol (nights), Lt. Jim Kraus' transfer to Patrol (days), Lt. Tom Fabus' transfer to the Special
Operations Section, and Lt. Darin Southworth's transfer to the Detention Unit.
The Chief noted events she attended recently, but did spend a week away so Lt. Kraus attended the Blue
Mass representing LPD. She is participating in National Reading Month and she was in attendance at a
pastor's summit and will assist Dr. Jackson Johnson in organizing a summit to address issues of violence.
The Mayor, the Lansing School District Superintendent, and representatives of Community Mental Health
and Family Court among other organizations are expected to attend. Chief Szymanski and Tristan Eagon
presented today at the officers' annual training. In answer to a question from the Board, officers attend
these sessions in groups of 40—50.
Chief Szymanski commented on the budget process which is being impacted by the report of the Mayor's
Financial Health Team. This team's report is presently on-line and some of it's recommendations will be
included in the Mayor's budget proposal being presented to City Council next Monday. The Chief is
"cautiously optimistic"that the Police Department's portion of the Mayor's budget will be sufficient to
maintain our status quo and please the public. Her advice to the troops is to continue unabated. "No time
to panic, time to produce, everything is measured, don't sell yourself short."
She informed the Board that LPD is thinking ahead as Capt. Yankowski works with our partners to be
ready to assist in any post Final Four disturbances that may occur and to prepare for the Lansing
marathon to be held in April.
The Chief acknowledged the bad press received by LPD in the City Pulse concerning cold homicide
cases. There are "lessons to be learned" and she has made arrangements to meet with representative of
City Pulse next week. In answer to a question from the Board, she assured those present that LPD does
keep a list of open homicide cases. These are kept on the RMS system which was introduced in 2001.
Cases prior to 2001 are tougher to list. She also alerted the Board to a major investigation currently
being conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit and promised to keep them posted as the situation develops.
LEGAL UPDATE
Legal Advisor, Tristan Eagon, reported on her presentation to the officers' annual training and her
attendance at a hospital arbitration where two officers testified. She commented on the professionalism of
the officers. Tristan also noted that, in the past month, she has processed 321 information requests under
FOIA including the very large example she brought. She also processed twenty reports, worked on
training bulletins, answered officer inquiries, and acted as LPD liaison to District Court, as well as to
others in a Courts, Cops and Counselors group.
HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON
Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson reported on the recent mobile food pantry. Due to the weather, attendance
was down, but some deliveries to seniors were available. She is hoping that host churches will implement
increased deliveries. A "Meet the Need" initiative is being introduced and will bring many social service
agencies together in April.
She discussed the Financial Health Team's recommendation that her funds be reduced by 25% this year
and, over five years, be eliminated completely. She also discussed the Financial Empowerment Team's
work and it's ability to offer services in many languages. Dr. Jackson Johnson is also participating in
Board of Police Commissioners
Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2013
Page 3
National Reading Month.
Dr. Jackson Johnson told of another One Family/One Church move-in, but also related an eviction in the
program where lack of supervision resulted in an "ugly eviction." She updated the Board on the Point in
Time count and the movement at the "bozo place" to kick out some individuals. She is hopeful that the
detox center is willing to accept appropriate people when they have vacancies.
She discussed the open house / reopening of the LeRoy Froh community center which was attended by
Mayor Bernero. She also alerted the Board to repercussions from the sequestration which could have big
implications in next year's funding. A couple weeks ago, a summit was held with the agencies receiving
funding from HRCS in which each was asked to present justification for continuing to receive City funds.
Dr. Jackson Johnson reported that the anticipated need for the spring break feeding program is very high
and funds are short. However, funds for an early summer program will be boosted by a $10,000 grant.
Finally, she expressed her appreciation to the Board for its continued support for their employee, Bernard
Brantley, lending an expertise to her Department. His sensitivity and knowledge of resources available in
the community are very helpful.
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
No representative present.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
CORRESPONDENCE SENT AND RECEIVED
Correspondence for the month of February was accepted and placed on file.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Department reports for the month of February were accepted and placed on file.
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Gov't/ Community Liaison Committee — Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson expressed her appreciation of
Board members who continue to be present at community as well as LPD events.
Awards & Incentives Committee — Commissioner Noordhoek reported that the committee is moving
forward toward its May event. Logistics are still being worked out as far as location. There is a good
chance that it will again be held in City Hall. Working with Sgt. Thornburg is "great."
Budget Committee—Commissioner Carnegie had nothing further to report.
Complaint Committee — Commissioner Farhat announce that a meeting is scheduled to be held in two
weeks.
Commission Investigator report— Bernard Brantley had nothing further to report.
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS
Commissioner Renfrew— had no further comments.
Commissioner Carnegie— had no further comments.
Board of Police Commissioners
Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2013
Page 4
Commissioner Farhat— had no further comments.
Commissioner Noordhoek— had no further comments.
Commissioner Kolp — expressed her appreciation to Tristan Eagon, who is "engaged" and "refreshing."
She also expressed her appreciation to Dr. Jackson Johnson for her contributions. Dr. Jackson Johnson
is "a wonder."
Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson — echoed Commissioner Kolp's comments on Tristan Eagon and
suggested Tristan may expand her report into an education presentation at one point.
OTHER BUSINESS/ DISCUSSION ITEMS
Police Academy Discussion — Discussion tabled until next month due to Commissioner Macon's
absence.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
ADJOURNMENT- Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson
There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Kowalk-Thompson adjourned the meeting at
6:21 p.m.
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
l 732 City Hall
i 124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
\?� FAX: (517)483-6082
f http://publieservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero,Mayor
March 14, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
February 14, 2013. N
Please place these minutes on file. '
C .�
Respectfully submitted,
r
Janette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter, James
Marshall, Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Sclunidt
ABSENT: Paul Baerman
STAFF: Chad Gamble, and Marty Riel
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chair Rodgers called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m., at the Lansing Public
Service Department Wastewater Treatment Plant. _ =
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences: Paul Baerman
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
G
January 10, 2013
Ms. Schmidt moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for January 10, 2013, as submitted.
Ms. Sclunidt requested an update on the Meijer Foundation Grant to be added to the Agenda.
Vice Chair Rodgers allowed the request.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
a. Review and approve the Draft Amlual Public Service Report—Mr. Gamble gave a brief
overview of the report. Mr. Flechter moved, Ms. Sclunidt seconded, MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Annul Public Service Report 2012.
b. Review and approve the Draft Public Service Report Letter—Vice Chair Rodgers made a
few corrections to letter, Mr. Flechter moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Public Service Report Letter, as amended.
c. Discuss Public Service Board Resolutions —After discussing and creating their list of
resolutions, Mr. Marshall moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Public Service Board Resolutions.
Public Service Board Page 2
February 14, 2013
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Property Management Division: A written report was distributed.
Wastewater Division: No written report was distributed.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble introduced Mr. Babcock, a new member of the Public Service Board. Fellow
Board Members welcomed him. Mr. Babcock stated he is pleased to be a part of trying to
further improve the City.
7) NEW BUSINESS: None
8) OTHER BUSINESS: None
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
I I Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
FAX: (517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
G
Virg Bernero, Mayor
February 14, 2013
The Honorable Virg Bernero
Council President Carol Wood
Public Service Committee Chairperson Derrick Quinney, and
Members of Lansing City Council
Lansing City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI48933
Dear Mayor Bernero, Council President Wood, Public Service Committee Chairperson
Quinney and Council Members:
During 2012, the Board of Public Service worked with the Public Service Department on
many issues relating to the infrastructure of the City. The Board of Public Service
adopts the attached Public Service Department Report for 2012, as the Board's Annual
Report and submits it to the Mayor and Lansing City Council for consideration in
compliance with the Lansing City Charter. We have also enclosed a resolution adopted
by the Board outlining its priorities.
Sincerely,
Shirley Rodgers,ers, Vice Chair
Board of Public Service
cc: Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk
Enclosures: Public Service Board Budget Priorities Resolution
Public Service Department Report for 2012
LANSING BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE BUDGET PRIORITIES RESOLUTION
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
RESOLVED, the Board of Public Service supports the efforts of the Department, and recognizes the
Department's obligations to comply with mandates, including unfunded mandates and those applicable to its
new Property Management and Fleet Services Division.
RESOLVED, the Board of Public Service supports and recommends the following budget priorities to the City
Council for consideration with Council's Budget Policies and Priorities for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014:
1. General Fund levels should be increased for implementation of the City's Street System Asset
Management Plan, and for additional funding for reconstructing neighborhood streets with a
PASER rating of 4 or lower.
2. The Board supports implementation of the City's Complete Streets Ordinance, and funding of
the sidewalk gap closure program and sidewalk repairs consistent with keeping safety a first
priority.
3. The City should continue its successful efforts to deploy single stream recycling with carts and
automated collection. The Board encourages the City to:
a. increase residential participation,
b. implement a pilot program for residential properties greater than four units and,
c. further expand the business recycling program.
4. The Board supports the Departments efforts to secure approval for the implementation of the
Wet Weather Program.
RESOLVED, as the Public Service Department generates savings through improved efficiencies in service
delivery and other areas, these savings should be maintained within the Department of Public Service.
Public Service Department
Calendar Year 2012 Annual Report
The Public Service Department is proud to submit our 2012 calendar year Annual Report. This report is a
testimony to the vast services that our valued and dedicated team members offer to the citizens of Lansing
and its municipal customers. You will find contained within this report evidence of my frequent statements
made to many people that the Department is the central nervous system of the City.
With the addition of the Fleet Services and Property Management Divisions this past year, and the creation
of the Business, Permits and Technology Division, the Public Service Department has become the City's
turn-key Department that provides the essential services that contribute to the quality of life of our
customers/citizens and to City team members. Our diverse work force provides CART services, supports
special events,permits and monitors all construction activity, treats our wastewater, repairs and maintains
the natural, storm and sanitary sewers and road infrastructure, and supports,tracks and assists in the
expenditure of monies from eight funds and hundreds of accounts.
This past year our team did all of this and much more with fewer staff and reduced overall budget in all
funds. This fact, and the list of completed tasks in 2012, is evidence of the dedication, ingenuity,hard work,
and compassion to the men, women, and children that we serve.
Please enjoy reading the long list of accomplishments organized by the six divisions that comprise the
Public Service Department. It is my honor and privilege to lead this great team.
rD
Respectfully Submitted: Chad Gamble, P.E., Director of Public Service
I. ENGINEERING DIVISION
A. INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT GROUP (IEG)
The Engineering Division Infrastructure and Environment Group is responsible for managing most of the
public infrastructure in the City of Lansing. These activities include planning, designing, maintaining and
constructing streets, bridges, sewers and sidewalks, and environmental remediation. Major programs that
the Engineering Division is charged with are the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program, the Sanitary
Sewer Overflow Control Program, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Program (all recently
combined into the Wet Weather Control Program), and oversight of sewer service agreements that provide
service to areas outside the City limits.
In addition, IEG reviews site plans, zoning and land use permit requests for conformance to engineering
standards and City ordinances.
The IEG provides engineering services for other departments in the City as well as oversight of publicly-
owned environmentally impacted sites around the City.
The following describes specific responsibilities and accomplishments during 2012 in the major program
areas of the IEG:
1. Streets
'3=<; The IEG facilitates the maintenance and reconstruction of our City street
Q.
y; infrastructure by designing and overseeing all street construction activity. The
r A City street system consists of approximately 107 miles of major streets and 303
4p miles of local streets. This equates to approximately 989 lane miles. Each year
t the system gets one year older and we lose 989 lane miles of service life.
Therefore, it is necessary to add a minimum of 989 lane-mile-years to the
system each year just to keep up with annual deterioration. For example, a four
lane street one mile long, that is newly reconstructed and is expected to have a service life of 25 years,
would add 100 lane-mile-years to the system. This same 1 mile stretch of roadway would deteriorate at a
rate of 4 lane-mile-years every year.
Our street system is managed using our Asset Management Plan that utilizes principles such as the one
described above. Our Asset Management Plan was adopted by City Council and approved by the Michigan
Transportation Asset Management Council in 2007. The Asset Management Plan is a tool to assess current
street conditions, set target funding levels, identify candidate projects, set priorities, develop a multi-year
program, and report results. With this plan, the Public Service Department is continuing to look at the
condition of our streets as a complete system. Our objective is to use the "right mix of fixes at the right
time" approach to street repair, shifting away from emphasis on the "worst case first" approach to projects.
It is critical that in any given year, we assemble a mix of fixes that optimizes the lane mile years that are
added to the street system.
While insufficient funding levels continue, the Asset Management Plan will help us better understand the
consequences of continued under funding as well as enabling us to apply Rinds that are available in a
manner that is most beneficial for the overall condition of the street system.
$18,000,000 .I
$16,000,000 tx ----
$14,000,000 `
$12,000,000 . _._______.___....---•---._. _.___.._...__—__._...........
$10,000,000
$8,000,000
fU �.
$6,000,000 � -- -
$4,000,000
$0
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13
...................._...-.__.._._.._..._.... -._..__..._..._...__...._...__._..... ._.._._._...._........-......-----..__..._.__.....__........._........._.......__............._..............._........_............... ......_....._....._.................
_...
City of Lansing Street Funding History
In 2012, the Engineering Division oversaw the improvement of 1.5 miles of streets. This included one tenth
of a mile of major streets and 1.40 miles of local, adding a combined total of just 25 lane-mile-years to the
street network.
Major Street reconstruction projects included:
• Washington Avenue Reo Town Reconstruction Project. In
X
conjunction with the new BWL Cogeneration Plant in REO Town
Washington Avenue from Malcolm X Street to Barnes Avenue was
reconstructed. The roadway was narrowed from five lanes to three lanes
while adding bicycle lanes. New storm sewer was constructed between the
Canadian National Railroad tracks and Hazel Street. The Canadian National
Railroad crossing was reconstructed. Safety improvements were
constructed at the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Malcolm X Street. W. South Street was
reconstructed. Streetscape sidewalk and brick work was installed on the west side of Washington
Avenue between the Canadian National Railroad Tracks and Elm Street (the east side of the streetscape
will be constructed in 2013). A new steam main was constructed in South Street. A 12 inch gas main to
service the new power plant was constructed. A new water main was constructed in Washington
Avenue to service the new power plant. All this construction was coordinated to minimize construction
down time for all projects while still providing access to REO Town businesses.Note: The project (0.74
miles) is not included in the total mileage provided above because final paving has not been completed.
This project will add 0.75 lane-mile-years to the street network when it is completed in 2013.
Major Street resurfacing projects included:
� � Intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Willow Street. A new left-
turn lane was constructed on Willow Street for the east bound traffic turning onto
northbound Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to improve traffic operations at the
intersection. The project also included resurfacing the roadway in the intersection
-- with hot mix asphalt, constructing new concrete curb & gutter and sidewalk, and
installing new and improved traffic signals. This project was one tenth of a mile
long and added 5 lane-mile-years to the street network.
There was just one local street project this year:
O&M Paving Project. The Operations & Maintenance Division utilized
3 millage funding to resurface the following streets. The project length was 1.4
miles and added 201ane-mile-years.
Karen Street from Anson Street to Wainwright Avenue
Sylvester Street from Karen Street to Lucie Street
Washington Avenue from Jolly Road to Lowcroft Avenue
Lowcroft Avenue from Washington Avenue to Cavanaugh Road
Pierce Avenue from Burchfield Avenue to Lowcroft Avenue
Potter Avenue from Cedar Street to Donald Street
Gordon Avenue from Marion Avenue to MLK Boulevard
Cooper Street from Marion Avenue to MLK Boulevard
Three major street projects are planned for 2013:
• Holmes Road Reconstruction Project. The project includes 0.75 miles of street reconstruction on
Holmes Road between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Pleasant Grove Road. We have partnered with
the Board of Water&Light to include a water main replacement in the project. I
• Jolly Road Resurfacing Project. The 0.76 miles of Jolly Road between Pennsylvania Avenue and
Aurelius Road will be constructed with the Holmes Road project.
• Moores River Drive Reconstruction Project. Moores River Drive between Mt. Hope Avenue and
Waverly Road will be reconstructed in 2013 to accommodate the new non-motorized pathway along this
section of the Grand River.
2. Bridges and Skywalks
The IEG is charged with the maintenance of the City's eighteen roadway and thirteen pedestrian bridges. This
includes an annual inspection of critical bridges, and a biennial inspection of all bridges. Prior to the fall of
2011, biennial bridge inspections were done in .the 'springtime of even years.
Springtime inspections often involved concerns about high water levels and a May
filing deadline for MDOT funding applications. Biennial bridge inspections
;f ... were completed in October 2011 and will be completed in the fall of every odd
year from now on to avoid the springtime problems. Fourteen of our roadway
` bridges are in the "Good-Fair" category, two are in the "Poor" category, and two
bridges are in the "Serious-Critical" category. Three of the bridges need to be
inspected annually due to condition concerns and were inspected in October 2012.
Five applications for state funding of bridge improvements were submitted in May. The applications were for
fiscal year 2015 state funding. We did not receive aiiy state funding for any of the bridge funding applications.
�`` i` ri • 2012 Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge over Red Cedar Project. During the 2010
►` ,� Pennsylvania Bridge resurfacing and repainting project, we identified additional
L � s f structure repairs that were completed in a 2012 project. Structural steel beam
0+ ,6j ends were replaced by cutting out the old beam endsand:bolting new steel onto ,
t the beams.
One bridge project is planned for 2013:
• Mt. Hope Avenue Bridge over Sycamore Creek Rehabilitation Project. The deck will be resurfaced and
the steel beams will be repaired and painted. The bridge is expected to be closed from mid-June
through August 2013.
3. Sidewalks
There are more than 550 miles of sidewalks in the City right-of-way. The
' { demands for sidewalk repairs consistently outweigh the available funding. The
annual deterioration rate of our sidewalk system is, approximately 11 miles.
* Similar to our street network, it would be necessary to replace this amount of
sidewalk (11 miles) each year just to keep up with the annual deterioration rate.
�F The IEG currently manages two sidewalk programs. One program is our annual
Sidewalk Repair Program that repairs defects in the existing sidewalk network.
The other program is our Major Street Sidewalk Gap Closure Program, which is designed to close the gaps in
the major street sidewalk network by installing new sidewalk according to an adopted priority list.
Our major street gap program is now in its eighth year. The original program was detailed in a report in April
2005. Forty miles of sidewalk gaps along major streets were identified as feasible for sidewalk installation and
placed on a priority list. 10.8 miles have been completed, including the construction of the Waverly Road non-
motorized pathway between Jolly Road and Cooley Drive in 2012.
A significant amount of the annual repair budget continues to be spent on updating sidewalk ramps at
intersections to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. These include barrier free ramps
with tactile surfaces at all intersections within a project area. Another significant requirement of the Act is for
communities to prepare an ADA transition plan for bringing pedestrian facilities up to current requirements.
The Transportation and Non-Motorized Division(TNG) will be implementing this in fiscal year 2013.
• 2012 Waverly Road Non-motorized PathwU Project. A 1.5 mile multi-use pathway was constructed on the
east side of Waverly Road, completing a sidewalk network from Jolly Road to Moores River Drive. The
project also included filling in some sidewalk gaps near the Glenburne intersection and sidewalk repairs
south of Maybel to Jolly Road. The pathway is eight feet wide from Maybel to Glenburne,where bike lanes
exist on Waverly, then ten feet wide to Cooley Drive to accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians.
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One non-motorized pathway project is planned for 2013:
• Waverly Regional Recreational Network Connector (WRRNC). Design commenced in 2012 on this
project to develop a safe pedestrian route on Moores River Drive and on Waverly Road. The new
pathway will connect the Moores River Drive pathway constructed in 2008 with the Waverly pathway
south of Moores River Drive constructed this year. It will also construct a pathway across the Waverly
Road Bridge to the north, terminating at Grand River Park. Efforts will continue this year to secure
funding sources and obtain support and agreements necessary for this multi jurisdictional project.
Construction is anticipated during both the 2013 and 2014 construction seasons.
4. Wet Weather Control Program
As previously noted, Lansing's on-going CSO Control Program is being incorporated into the new Wet Weather
Control Program (WWCP). In addition to the regulatory requirements for CSO control, the WWCP will also
encompass the regulatory requirements for sanitary sewer overflow(SSO) control and the Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program (i.e., the"stormwater"program). During 2012, the Department of Public
Service and its consultant team continued to work to develop the specific aspects of the WWCP. This effort
included communications and meetings with DEQ, since the WWCP must ultimately be approved by the State
of Michigan.
k All existing Combined Sewer Overflow(CSO) Program construction projects have
reached the "substantially complete"milestone and all but the most recently
constructed, the CSO 015 North Project, have been fully, administratively closed out.
The WWCP will include additional sewer separation projects to address CSO control
r requirements. The CSO 034C Project, which includes sections of the Mt. Hope Avenue
and M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. corridors,has been designed and it will likely be the next CSO
project to be constructed. The schedule for construction will be based upon available
funding and priority within the overall WWCP. For certain parts of the sewer collection
system service area, the WWCP will also consider whether "adequate treatment" of
�� CSOs is a viable, cost-effective method for CSO control in Lansing.
5. Sanitary Newer Collection System
li �:a al f j +fir ,1 The primary activity in 2012 for the Department of Public Service regarding
activities associated with the City's sanitary sewer collection system was to
continue to work with its consultant team to develop the specific aspects of the
new Wet Weather Control Program (WWCP), which includes the measures
t C �' _ needed to address sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) control. This effort emphasizes
r" , � �� + r ; ( the goal of ultimately achieving compliance with the City's Administrative
` ` ' ' ""' Consent Order(ACO) issued by the State of Michigan (the State) in 2004 for
abatement of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) from the City's sewage collection system.
In conjunction with development of the WWCP, the City's team performed an analysis of the City's collection
system to confirm that collection system"bottlenecks"exist as sewage flows in the collection system increase
as a result of"larger"wet weather events. The WWCP identifies elimination of these bottlenecks as a priority
within the overall scope of the WWCP. Consistent with this approach, the City's team began in 2012
preliminary design on sewer system projects to eliminate bottlenecks by increasing system flow capacity. This
includes projects to increase the flow capacity at River Siphon#11 and the pumping capacity of the Francis
Park Pump Station.
In addition, as part of the overall WWCP efforts in 2012 toward SSO control, the Department developed a
Basement Back-up Protection Program (B2P2) designed to provide relief for residents that experience
periodic basement sewage back-ups from the City's sewer collection system during extreme storm events.
The project will provide funding of private property plumbing upgrades, such as check valves and/or
sewage pumps that result in protection of public health. The Department of Public Service expects to
implement the B2P2 in the spring of 2013.
6. Storm Sewers
In 2012,the most significant activity,relative to storm sewers and storm water is
�... the effort toward compliance with the requirements for Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program (i.e., the"storm water"program). These
requirements stem from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
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(NPDES)permit, which the City is required to "hold" in order for its municipal
storm water to be authorized for discharge to local waterways. As stated in
Section 4, the City's MS4 Program is being incorporated into the City's overall
x�> Wet Weather Control Program.
These,efforts to comply with MS4 Program requirements have been aided by the "Planning Assistance to
States" (PAS) grant that was provided by the US Army Corp of Engineers Detroit District. Funded work tasks
associated with the grant are being conducted by the Department of Public Service in conjunction with Tetra
Tech,the US Army Corp's designated contractor. These grant activities will continue into calendar year 2013.
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In particular,the PAS grant work in 2012 has been a great aid toward completing development of the new
program for Post-Construction Controls for Development and Redevelopment. The program for Post-
Construction Controls for Development and Redevelopment requires treatment of solids from storm water
runoff to meet water quality criteria and attenuation of the flow rate from storm water runoff to meet channel
protection criteria. The Department began implementation of this program through site plan projects received
in the latter part of 2012. The PAS grant work in 2012 also aided in completion of required activities associated
with the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program, including storm sewer outfall investigations in the field.
During 2012, it has become clear that compliance with MS4 Program requirements is resulting in a growing
workload relative to Public Service resources.
7. Streetscape/Enhancement
Streetscape work on Washington Avenue between Malcolm X (Main) Street and Barnes Avenue,with an
emphasis on the business district between Elm Street and South Street, is included in our Washington
Avenue reconstruction project and began in 2012. A TCSP federal grant in was awarded for this project.
This project includes various aesthetic benefits to this Reo Town business district including new concrete
sidewalk and driveway approaches, brick paver pedestrian walks adjacent the new concrete sidewalk,
perennial and shrub planter boxes, tree wells, and an associated irrigation system.
8. Environmental Cleanup and Groundwater Remediation
Work efforts by the Infrastructure &Engineering Group (IEG) with respect two sites of environmental
contamination within the City continued in 2012.
Regarding the Paulson Landfill site, the IEG worked to evaluate and consider cost-effective technologies that
will aid in addressing concerns over plume migration. This effort is concurrent to consideration of remediation
technologies that will ultimately be employed for cost-effective source control of pollutants at the landfill. The
City has contracted with NTH to review the appropriate technologies and approach, including consideration of a
possible joint remediation venture with Granger Co. Development of funding for this remediation effort is a
challenge, since remediation and control measures for this site will be costly. Updates on the optimal approach
for remediation of the site will be provided following completion of this review.
Regarding the Aurelius Landfill site,required biannual groundwater sampling/monitoring of the site required by
DEQ continued in 2012. The spring event was completed in mid-May and associated reports prepared by the
consultant, CDM-Smith, were delivered to DEQ in October. The sampling trends indicate that pollutant
concentrations in the groundwater are decreasing over time. Based on this information,the City has sought
DEQ's concurrence for relaxing the sampling frequency from biannual to one annual event (DEQ response on
this request is forthcoming).
9. Development Projects
Staff provided site planning support on several developments including Kewadin Casino, Marketplace, and
College Fields.
Submitted By: Dean Johnson,P.E., City Engineer
B. TRANSPORTATION AND NON-MOTORIZED WORK GROUP
The Transportation and Non-Motorized work group is responsible for traffic operations in the City including
installation and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and pavement markings. The group administers grants,
provides design of traffic control for construction, and designs and provides traffic control for special
events. In addition, the Transportation and Non-Motorized work group is responsible for coordination of
the City's sidewalk repair and maintenance program and its neighborhood study and traffic calming
programs as well as GIS and CAD function. The group's staff are currently administering close to $3
million in grant funds.
The following are transportation highlights for 2012:
1: Non-motorized Facilities
The City's non-motorized network is expanding at a rapid pace. In 2012, over three miles of non-motorized f
facilities were added, well above the City's goal of one mile per year. Using CMAQ and local funding, a
non-motorized pathway was installed on Waverly Road from Maybel Street to Cooley Drive, a distance of
approximately 11/2 miles. In addition, over '/4 mile of sidewalk was also added with this project. Partnering
with the Michigan Department of Transportation, over 1.5 miles of buffered bike lanes were added to
Saginaw Street (M-43)between Stanley and Center Streets, creating one of the first buffered bike lanes in
the state.
Federal funding has been secured to construct a pathway along Consumers Energy's right of way in south
Lansing between Waverly Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. (1.6 miles) and between Pennsylvania
Avenue and Cavanaugh Road(2.4 miles). Federal funding has also been secured to construct over a mile of
pathway and bike lanes on Moores River Drive and Mt. Hope Avenue between Waverly Road and Pleasant
Grove Road.
2. Traffic Signals
There are 204 traffic signals in the city. Maintenance is provided by the Lansing Board of Water& Light
under the direction of the City. Engineering activities include timing plan preparation and adjustment,
modernization design and coordination, and communications systems design and implementation. To keep
the traffic signal infrastructure up to date, six to seven intersections need to be modernized annually. This
year, one intersection was modernized.
To increase energy efficiency and improve mobility in the city, six traffic signals have been put into flashing
operation as candidates for removal.
3. Engineering Studies
Neighborhood traffic studies were completed in two areas and started on a third area. Staff continues to
coordinate with AARP and Mid-MEAL on completing a walkability survey of all sidewalks in the city.
This study should be complete in 2013 and will provide valuable information on the condition of sidewalks
in the city.
In addition to these studies, staff responded to approximately 160 requests for information,performed 200
field checks,prepared approximately 20 engineering reports and issued 22 permanent Traffic Control
Orders.
4. Special Events
Over 40 special events are held in the public right of way each year. The TNMG staff is responsible for
designing the traffic control for all events, coordinating with other City departments and external agencies
such as the State of Michigan and CATA, overseeing street closing and reopening, and sending out press
releases. In 2012, staff spent time and effort coordinating traffic control for the inaugural Lansing
Marathon, including development of the route and traffic control plan and working with East Lansing,
Meridian Township and other agencies.
5. Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
As part of its traffic engineering work, the TNMG is responsible for the installation and maintenance of
traffic and parking signs as well as pavement markings on non-MDOT roadways in the city. During 2012,
approximately 1,660 work orders were written for traffic signs installation,repair or replacement, including
street name, warning, stop and other regulatory signs. This represents an increase of approximately 30%
over the previous year.
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Due to the effects of snow plowing activities and winter weather, all long line pavement markings, over 100
miles, are repainted annually. In addition, miscellaneous markings need to be replaced every three to five
years. In 2012, approximately 40 miscellaneous markings, or less than 10%of the total in the city
(crosswalks, stop bars, railroad crossings,turn arrows, etc.) were replaced.
Submitted By: Andrew Kilpatrick, P.E., Transportation Engineer
II. BUSINESS, PERMITS, AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
The Business,Permits, and Technology Division is responsible for department wide budget coordination
and technology efforts. We also are tasked with PSD related permitting, soil erosion and sediment control
enforcement, snow and ice on sidewalk program, accounts payable, accounts receivable and Public Service
administrative support.
The Business,Permits, and Technology staff have managed to continue to provide a high level of service with a
reduced work force and hours worked. We have continued to focus on cross training our team members. This
gives our staff the ability to respond to a much broader scope of challenges and provides flexibility in
completing tasks.
Our staff was able to reconcile years of outstanding invoices with two agencies with a net gain of over
$160,000 to the City. Staff members also finalized accounting on a multitude of older construction projects
freeing up nearly $400,000 for future projects.
We have continued our paper reduction efforts and worked to make our workforce more mobile. Utility cut
information is now entered online and able to be viewed and responded to in real time. We have also
transitioned from paper to digital copies of sewer permits for all completed jobs. We are continuing our
selection process for a new asset management,permit, and complaint software program which we will be
implementing in 2013.
We continue to work with RACER Trust who has taken over the demolition of General Motors Plant#6 on the
Verlinden Street site. The demolition was at a standstill after GM's bankruptcy and Motor Liquidators Inc.'s
attempt at restarting the demolition process. Our department and the Department of Planning and
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Neighborhood Development are involved in this effort to make the property marketable.
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This past year a staff members, who is a Master Gardener, organized a team to volunteer their expertise and
labor to help with the maintenance of the Cooley Gardens. With dwindling resources,the City was not able to
afford to maintain the gardens. Because of these volunteer efforts, the garden is beginning to return to its
original glory.
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The following activities were among the accomplishments of calendar year 2012 by the Engineering
Division and the Business,Permits, and Technology Division:
• Enforcement of the City's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control program (13 permits issued).
• Enforcement of the City's Snow Removal Ordinance (responded to 112 complaints, issued 55 snow
violation notices, none abated).
• Permitting of all right-of-way(ROW) construction activities for a total of 397 permits issued,
including 134 permits for construction of sidewalk and/or driveway approaches, 194 for utility or
telecommunication/fiber optic wire installations and 69 permits for miscellaneous activities in the
ROW. This represents a 5% increase over 2011.
• Issuance of 202 special transportation permits, a 276/o increase over 2011.
• Permitting of all sewer-related activities (a total of 492 permits issued,including 340 for sanitary
service, 123 for cap-offs, and 29 for storm sewer service), 12%increase over 2011.
• Processed 46 claims.
• Licensing of 83 drain layers and 11 sewer cleaners.
• Review of 18 site plans and 18 SLUs, zoning requests &ACTs.
Submitted By: Christopher Mumby, Business,Permits, and Technology Manager
III. THE OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Operations &Maintenance Division (O&M) of the Public Services Department is the Division that is
working for you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,providing the City of Lansing with
essential municipal, infrastructure and environmental services.
O&M's mission is to provide quality services that are quantifiable, cost effective, and citizen focused, in order
to maintain and improve the physical and natural infrastructure,protect and improve the environment and to
make the City of Lansing a great place to live, work, and play.
Our diverse team is comprised of six sections: Street and Sidewalk Maintenance, Sewer Maintenance and
Inspection, Surface and Right of Way Maintenance, Capital Area Recycling and Trash, Grounds & Forestry,
and Administrative Services.
During the past year several staff retired. We acknowledge the service of the following employees: Victor Rose,
Assistant Superintendent; Cliff Ansley, Solid Waste Operator; Connie Norris,Maintenance Worker; Terry
Shattuck, Equipment Operator; Mary Moore,Parks Maintenance Worker; Andy Gilbert, Equipment Operator;
Steve Austin, Truck Driver; and Marsha Scott, Parks Maintenance Worker. Each of these employees excelled
in their duties and will be missed.
A. Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Section
The mission of the Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Section is to maintain and improve the streets and
sidewalks of the City of Lansing to ensure the safe use of the infrastructure by motorists and pedestrians. The
section performs a variety of tasks to maintain and improve the streets and sidewalks including paving, skin
patching, potholing, concrete street repairs,ADA truncated dome mat replacement, concrete joint replacement,
curb repairs, crack sealing, AMZ, sidewalk wedging, sidewalk installation, pedestrian bridge repairs, bridge
maintenance, utility cut repairs, street snow removal and many other tasks, all essential to keeping the road and
sidewalk network safe for driving and walking. The section is comprised of two crews, the street maintenance
crew and the utility restoration and concrete crew.
In 2012 the Street Section saw a slight increase in funding for local street repairs. With the increase in funding
from the local street millage, we invested our energy in high payoff areas. However, the list of deferred
maintenance issues lengthened due to insufficient funding from the state and from rising operating costs,
leading to cuts in staffing and continued furlough days. Despite the numerous challenges we faced during 2012,
we accomplished a great deal, and continued to be responsive to the public.
1. Paving and Street Maintenance
During 2012, internal local street paving activity increased due to the passage of the local street millage. 0&M
crews paved parts of Cooper, Gordon, Pierce, Lowcroft, Washington and Potter and all of Karen and Sylvester.
A total of 1.4 miles of local streets were paved using 2,087 tons of material. Hand skin patching was used to
focus on contingency repairs of small portions of streets. We focused efforts on extending the life of streets
using the Asset Management System,tackling the more affordable means to extend the life of City streets
through crack sealing. We sealed cracks on over 8.23 lane miles of local streets,making the right repair at the
right time. We responded to pothole complaints within 24 hours, 82% of the time. During business hours our
response time was usually within 2 hours.
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2. Trunk line Maintenance
This year was the first time we combined crews and equipment with MDOT doing pavement repairs. On Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd. (M99)we were able to make repairs on a badly deteriorated section of MLK northbound
from Victor Avenue to Miller Road. During this partnership our crews gained new.skills and together we made
lasting improvements. In 2013 we plan to finish the northbound lanes from Miller Road to Victor Ave. These
repairs will improve safety and reduce maintenance costs over the next 5-7 years.
Our close work with the IEG and Transportation groups continued and we participated in the wider
implementation of the asset management process, an even higher priority under constrained funding. The
process involves rating the condition of the roads, determining the proper repair to extend the service life,
reviewing available funds and prioritizing limited funds to where they will have the best result of our
maintenance efforts, such as using crack sealing this year. We are losing ground on street maintenance, under
the current Act 51 funding model, and as the deferred maintenance list grows, the repair costs increase, and we
remain reactive. These services are funded through Act 51 and state trunk line maintenance funds.
3. Utility Restoration
This was another busy year for utility restoration,performed by the paving and concrete crews working closely
with the Board of Water and Light, Consumers Energy and various contractors, to ensure that utility work was
properly restored in the roadway and right-of-way. In 2012 we restored utility cuts using hot mix asphalt
(HMA) in over 54,000 square feet of utility cuts made by contractors and over 18,800 square feet for cuts made
from internal sewer repairs. Crews also patched 7,382 square feet of concrete road. In addition to repairing the
streets, the concrete crew replaced curbs and sidewalks impacted in the utility upgrade process,with the crew
pouring over 1,706 square feet of sidewalk. In addition,the largest producer of utility cuts, the BWL lead line
replacement program is nearing an end, and cut activity decreased towards the end of the 2012, as construction
slowed. Utility restoration work was performed by both our first and second shifts out of necessity. These
services are funded on a cost recovery fee basis.
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4. Sidewalk Repair
The concrete crew placed 8,836 square feet of asphalt wedges and hand skin patching to mitigate tripping
hazards and used our concrete sidewalk grinder to take care of trip hazards on sidewalks to save the cost of
removing and replacing the sidewalk. In locations where roots from trees caused a sidewalk to heave, we
worked with Forestry to remove the roots and we replaced the concrete sidewalk. This year we acquired a new
concrete trailer with a rotating drum, which improves our repair procedures. We also acquired a new system to
install truncated domes on pedestrian ramps at cross walks. The new system uses therma-plastic mats that bond
to the concrete ramps using heat. Using the therma-plastic system will speed up repairs and reduce costs.
Sidewalk repair and maintenance remains reactive, with the limited funding unable to meet the demand. This
service is funded through the General Fund.
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5.Bridge and Skywalk Maintenance
Our crews conduct routine repairs to expansion joints, railing and other components to bridges and skywalks as
identified by complaints or the scheduled inspections. This service is funded through Act 51 and the General
Fund.
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Along with our regular duties we assist other departments. We also supported the Surface Section with street
leaf removal. The section accomplished a great deal despite the challenges we face with declining Act 5land
sidewalk repair funding, increasing material costs, aging equipment, decreased work hours and fewer personnel.
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focused on controlling costs to.remain competitive, while striving to maintain a high standard of quality.
B'. Sewer Maintenance and Inspection Section
The mission of the sewer section is to maintain, clean, repair, and inspect the City's sanitary and storm sewer
systems and flood control devices: To ensure that the systems are operational and to protect the public's health
and safety the section performs a`wide variety of tasks to maintain and improve the sanitary and storm sewer
system: catch basin cleaning,video-taping sewers, inspecting new construction, cleaning sewers with cable
machines and jet trucks,performing spot repairs, rebuilding manholes, replacing catch basins, replacing failed
reaches of sewers, cleaning siphons that run under the rivers, responding to citizen concerns, emergency bypass
pumping, operating the Miss Dig system for the City sewer system, clearing sewer access easements,
maintaining flood control devices, inspecting sewer outfalls, maintaining rain garden debris sumps, street snow
removal and many other tasks, all essential to keeping the sanitary and storm sewer system operational and in
good working condition. The section is comprised of two crews,the cleaning and inspection crew and the
repair crew. Responding to citizen concerns and preventative maintenance are top priority for our section.
Cleaning and inspecting is essential to keeping the system operational and in good working condition.
Identifying and performing infrastructure repairs decreases the chances of surface and basement flooding.
Our focus is to protect and improve the environment while preserving the public health,welfare and safety of
the residents of Lansing during all seasons of the year. Sewer maintenance is a year round work activity. Spring
brings the chance of flooding. Task such as catch basin cleaning, storm sewer cleaning and by-pass pumping
help mitigate property damage. Summer and fall months see an increase in construction to include structural
repair of sewer mains, catch basins and manholes. Our staff also plays a vital role in the removal of ice and
snow from both streets and sidewalks during the winter months. 2012 proved to be a challenging year.
Shortened work weeks, coupled with the retirement of two employees, Andy Gilbert and Steve Austin, and long
term injuries to several key employees took its toll on production. Andy Gilbert could always be counted on to
salt and plow roads whenever called. However, the reinstatement of the Sewer Inspector position, and the
recent hiring of Brian Bastian as a sewer maintenance worker along with the transfer of Steve Abbott into the
section will greatly help in the coming year.
1. Inspection and Televising
The inspection staff responded to 2,400 sewer complaints and concerns reported to the division, approximately
233 of which were after hours. Compared to 2011 this is a decrease of 14%, or 34%o over the past two years.
The decrease can be'attributed to the dry conditions in the past year and our preventative maintenance program
in both known and unknown locations. During 2012,94% of the calls were responded.to within one hour. Over
eight thousand locations of the city sewer system were located and staked per the"Miss Dig" system. Sewer
inspections continued to increase this year to over 550 inspections. Staff member Aldrek Allen deserves a
special thank you. Al preformed the duties of the sewer inspector for most of the year putting in countless hours
until the position was filled.
The sewer televising crew worked through many challenging equipment and personnel issues, with up to 25%
of the section off due to medical issues during the spring of 2012. Continued cross training of key positions
within this work group has allowed us to adapt to the changing work environment and has helped to reduce
overtime costs for 2012. Computer and software upgrades challenged both the Information Technology staff
and our staff during the past year, but even with all these issues, over eleven miles of mainline sewers were
inspected, an increase of 38% from 2011. The information collected was used by both 0&M and the
Engineering Division to evaluate current and future infrastructure repair needs. These activities are funded
through the Sewer Fund.
2. Sewer Cleaning
Aging equipment and reduced staffing, coupled with the aforementioned retirements resulted in numerous down
days effecting production in the cleaning of the sanitary system. Two of the three sewer cleaning trucks were
out of service for most of 2012. The net effect was a reduction of 44% fewer miles of sanitary sewer main
cleaning, from 171 miles to 112 miles. Maintenance to the storm system increased slightly as staffing was
reassigned to available storm cleaning equipment. In 2013 we anticipate an increase in production due to the
acquisition of our new$367,000 Jet-Vactor truck in late 2012. This new high tech truck has many cost saving
features and includes auto wind which should help reduce employee injuries. These activities are currently
funded through the Sewer Fund.
3. Storm Sewer Maintenance
Maintenance to the storm system included the cleaning of nearly 5,300 catch basin structures and 8,448 feet of
storm pipes. Funding and planning for future storm sewer maintenance is of concern. The agu7g infrastructure
and future federal mandated storm water requirements need to be considered when future budgets are
formulated. This activity is currently funded through the General Fund.
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4. Sewer Repair
The construction crew completed many infrastructure repairs to both the storm and sanitary system.
Approximately 400 linear feet of sewer pipe were replaced and 370 manholes and catch basins repaired. A
number of these repairs were made on streets that were paved by O&M Staff. Development of a centralized
work order spreadsheet is increasing awareness of work demands and enhancing tracking capabilities. Due to
our ability to adapt to changing needs of the division we provided services to other sections and departments.
This year we completed fourteen routes during the street leaf removal operation collecting over 1,700 cubic
yards of leaves to be composted. Our crew reconstructed a pedestrian bridge in Scotts Woods, repaired a
playground at Maguire Park,removed obsolete park infrastructure across the city, constructed a safety wall In
Adado Park for Common Gro-und, installed a safety fence to close a portion of the river trail off of Michigan
Avenue and repaired rain garden fencing on Michigan Avenue. We are proud to be able to support the city in so
many different areas. All sewer activities are funded through the Sewer and General Fund.
5. Emergency Response
When the term"First Responders" is mentioned, the citizens might think of Police or Fire personnel, but
another group of personnel who are equally skilled and dedicated to attend to the needs of the residents of our
City provide emergency response. The Public Service Department responds 24/7 to such things as flooding,
snow removal, sewer back-ups, and storm damage clean-up.
The sewer crew is always on call and ready to,serve the residents of Lansing. Our diverse abilities, from
inspecting to constructing, offer a wide array of capabilities.'Despite the many technical and personnel
challenges in 2012, we believe that we served the City of Lansing well. Our efforts resulted in not only
maintaining, but improving the environment through improvements made to the sanitary sewer and storm water
collection systems. In the coming year we will continue to challenge ourselves to provide a high level of
service.
C. Surface and Right of Way Maintenance Section
The mission of the Surface and Right of Way.Maintenance Section is to maintain and improve the "on the
surface"infiastructure within the City of Lansing's right of way. The section performs a wide variety of tasks
which includes grading and potholing gravel streets, placing dust control on gravel streets, clearing and
grubbing brush and debris from alleyways, repairing and installing guard rails, making and installing street
signs and banners, street sweeping, street leaf removal, fence repair; responding to citizen complaints, sidewalk
cleaning,placing permanent and temporary traffic control devices, supporting special events, providing internal
refuse and recycling service to city facilities,maintaining parking facilities and ramps, maintaining the Crego
Park composting and Aurelius Landfill sites, managing bulk material stores, and other tasks essential to
keeping the city moving. 2012 brought the retirement of Terry Shattuck, a long term equipment operator on the
third shift. Terry was one.our best snow plow operators.
The section is also responsible for operating and maintaining the buildings.and facilities at the Operations and
Maintenance complex at 601 E. South St. The section is comprised of two crews, the day crew that manages
signs, traffic control,gravelstreets, and special event support,and the night crew that sweeps streets,performs
street leaf removal and maintains parking facilities:
We are also the inter-divisional section responsible for coordinating snow and ice removal from city streets as
well as administering the abatement portion of the new Sidewalk Snow Removal ordinance, with the purpose of
providing a quality environment and to protect the driving public's health, welfare and safety. In 2012,the
Surface Maintenance Section met its,goals daily by making Lansing a cleaner and safer place.
We had significant challenges and opportunities this year, which included an aging fleet of vehicles and
equipment, budgetary constraints and making way for construction activities on our campus.
1. Street Sweeping and Street Leaf Removal
Crews swept over 4,000 miles of streets in 2012. The night crew swept MDOT trunk lines four times,major
streets three and a half times and local streets twice. Leaves fell heavily in late October, shifting sweeper assets
into the local streets for street leaf removal, limiting production on major streets. The goal was to complete four
rounds of major street sweeping. One round of local street leaf removal was completed in the fall of 2012,
along with cleanups of heavy hit areas. In addition, the Sewer Section supported street leaf removal operations.
This service is funded through Act 51 and Trunk Line Funds.
2. Crego Park Composting
In 2012 over 2,500 cubic yards of leaves were removed from the rights-of-way by the crews and hauled to
Crego Park and off site recycling facilities for composting. The Crego Park composting site was emptied to
make way for a river trail extension, with the removal of 12,000 cubic yards of compost. This service is funded
through Act 51 and Recycling Funds.
3. Gravel Road Maintenance
Gravel roads are graded, potholed and have dust control material applied in the summer months. The dry
summer led to increased application of dust control materials. In addition, 19 miles of road were graded, and
many areas were hand patched in 2012. We also held a three day grader training session. This was valuable
experience for some of our current operators. Training was held off site at Ruth Street where we were able to
train on the grader but also repair streets at the same time. This gave the participants a chance to get some hands
on real situation experience,under the guidance of trained professionals. Gravel roads remain a challenge,
competing with the maintenance of asphalt streets, more so as major improvements are required to the storm
drainage system adjacent to these roads. Without additional resources, the gravel roads will remain a challenge.
This service is funded through Act 51 Funds.
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Ruth Street Grading
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4. Sign shop
The Sign Shop continued to excel with over 1,100 sign work orders completed. We increased efficiencies and
caught up work orders, inventoried and cleaned storage areas, and gave equipment training. We installed
banriers for Silver Bells, LCC, Taste of Downtown, Trick or Treat on the Square, and other activities. Several
staff members participated in the International Municipal Signal Association training and certification for
temporary traffic control. This service is funded through the Act 51 and on a cost recovery basis.
5. Parking Maintenance
The Surface Section performed many hours of maintenance on City parking ramps and parking lots this past
year. Maintenance support included power-washing ramp stairwells, painting, sweeping ramps and parking lots
and sign maintenance. These operations are integrated into our existing surface operations during non-winter
months, with the Forestry and Grounds Section assuming winter maintenance responsibilities. This service is
funded through the Parking Fund.
6. Alley Maintenance
Alley ways were maintained as needed in 2012,with routine clearing and grubbing performed. This service is
fielded through the General Fund.
7. Guard Rail Repair
I
We maintained and repaired numerous sections of damaged guard rail and attenuators improving driver safety
and the appearance of the City. This service is funded through Act 51.
8. Aurelius Landfill Maintenance
The Division successfully coordinated the maintenance and repair of the City owned infrastructure at the
Aurelius Landfill site without incident in 2012. This included maintaining the methane burners and mowing
designated areas. This service is funded through the General fund.
9. Internal Trash and Recycling Support
Miscellaneous trash pick-up continued weekly, which involves two people and a small packer truck, picking up
trash from several different locations throughout the City, such as City Hall; Parking Ramps and trash
receptacles at various public locations in the right-of=way: We also supported many special events;with trash
service in support of Capital Area Trash and Recycling. This service is funded through the General fund.
10.Routine and Emergency Traffic Control
We responded rapidly whenever there was a need for emergency traffic control support to close roads after an
accident or for the Lansing,Police and Fire Departments. While the Fire Department is responding to an
accident scene or fire, we.support them by making the road safe for them to work and alert motorists of the
problems ahead, keeping traffic flowing and fire fighters safe. This service is funded through Act 51 funds.
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11. Special Event Support
We provided over 2,000 hours of support for special events during the year, such as parades, block parties and w
running events, the biggest bf which is the annual Silver Bells in the City event. This service is funded through
special event fees and Act 51 funds.
12. Right of Way Hazard Abatement
We responded to over 510 miscellaneous complaints during the year,most of them dealing with hazards and
debris in the street or alleys. This service is funded through Act 51 and or on a cost recovery basis.
13. Sidewalk Snow Violation Abatement
The Surface Section is responsible for administering the abatement side of the Sidewalk Snow Removal
Ordinance. We remove the snow from public sidewalks that are not cleared by property owners in the time
allotted by the ordinance. In 2012, due to the mild winter, there were no abatements needed. This service is
funded on a cost recovery basis.
14. Graffiti Abatement
Over 202 graffiti complaints were abated this year, with 65% completed within our three business day target.
Abating graffiti is subject to the weather and working with the property owners, to gain their permission to
access their property and finding the right fix to protect the vandalized surface. This service is funded through
Lansing Police Department funds.
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Graffiti- Before and After
15. Facility Operations
Coordinating maintenance of the facilities and buildings was handled by the Surface Section in 2012. From
ordering road salt and gravel to contacting Building Services to fix a leaky faucet, all aspects of maintaining the
complex were covered in a timely and efficient manner. During 2012 we made several adjustments to the yard
to improve site operations and make way for the construction. The improvements included constructing
bunkers for loose materials behind the salt barn for sand, cold patch, gravel and sweeper debris, as well
removing excess equipment from the yard. Internal facility operations are funded by a cost distribution across
all funds.
16. New Construction
In September of 2012 construction started on the new 10,000 square foot material transfer dome, an 18 bay
packer barn, and renovation of the existing transfer station into the new consolidated garage. We also acquired
the lot at 416 South Street,providing additional parking area and yard space to support operations. Internal
facility operations are funded by a cost distribution across all funds.
Kegardless of the challenges we laced in 2-u12,, we pnoritizea our eiiorts ana proviaea quatiry support LO Me
City of Lansing, other City Departments, and our citizen customers.
D. Capital Area Recycling and Trash Section
The mission of Capital Area Recycling and Trash(CART) is to provide an efficient recycling, yard waste, and
refuse collection system. These programs encourage environmentally responsible behavior learned through
consistent outreach efforts which contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment and enhance the quality of
life for those who live and work in the City of Lansing. The recycling program continues to be one of CART's
most well received curbside programs. There has been an increase each year in the amount of material
collected since the popular single stream recycling program was implemented in 2010. 2012 was no exception,
with a 28%increase over 2011. In addition, in 2012 Cliff Ansley, one our most dedicated route drivers, retired
and Martin Torres transferred to the Street Section.
1. Promotion, Education, Coordination and Marketing
The Greensheet newsletter continues to be the primary source of information for CART programs and services
and is directly mailed to each single family household each spring and fall. Many residents rely on the
Greensheet to find out about special activities and events, holiday schedules and other pertinent information.
The CART Facebook page is growing, as is the email listserv; and the CART website provides a steady source
of up to date information for thousands of residents who turn to their computers to get informed about
community resources.
Paid advertising included an ad which ran in local newspaper,the City Pulse to promote the blue trash cart
service. CART also has ads in both locally distributed phone books.
Community outreach continues to be an effective way of promoting CART and increasing awareness.
Information, literature and recycling services are often provided at activities and events held at Fenner Nature
Center, Potter Park zoo, local schools and other city venues.
Environmental education and our partnership with the Lansing School District.remains a priority, as we
recognize the connection between teaching the values of recycling and implementing behavior change in our
community. Nearly 50 Lansing public,private and charter schools are participating in the curbside collection
program,reinforcing the recycling habit.
As a way to teach environmental values,provide important"how to"information to the school, and to get
school children excited about recycling, CART staff partnered with the Lansing Board of Water&Light to
create a new school presentation called, "Saving Energy with Recycling." This assembly style program is
geared toward 2nd through 5th grade students and focuses on recycling, natural resources and energy
conservation. Nearly 1250 students in the Lansing School District participated in this program 2012. The
Promotion,Education, Coordination and Marketing efforts are funded through the Recycling fund.
2. Refuse Collection
The City's blue trash cart service remains a popular choice for Lansing residents. As of December 2012,the
number of blue trash cart customers was at 6,299 and growing. Annual revenue derived from trash cart sales
through end of November totaled $1,163,547.06, up from 2011 figures of$1,099,992.27. A strong customer
base also remains for the city trash bags. This year 217,275 bags were sold, resulting in$372,356.25 in revenue.
The trash collected through November was disposed of for$163,176. Collection routes are constantly being
adjusted to increase efficiency. Further improvements in efficiency have been realized through the use of
automated arms to pick up trash carts. This service is funded through sales.
Blue trash cart and city trash bag
3. Bulk Collection
The collection of furniture, appliances and other bulky items continues. General bulk sticker sales resulted in
1060 stickers sold for$33,739.50 in revenue. In an attempt to help disadvantaged citizens and to help keep the
city clean, free bulk stickers are provided to those who qualify. 615 stickers, valued at$20,295 were distributed
to low income residents. This benefit is funded through a General Fund subsidy.
4. Yard waste
Weekly collection service from April to the end of November was provided, along with a special Christmas tree
collection in January. The yard waste program delivered 5,829 cubic yards of leaves, grass, brush and
Christmas trees to Granger's yard waste facility in 2012. Another 13,621 cubic yards of yard waste was taken
to Hammond Farms for composting. This is 2,259 cubic yards more than last year. The increase is based on
shifting operations from the Crego Park compost facility. We had no lost time injuries from yard waste
collection this year, and we attribute that to the use of the paper yard waste bags. This service is funded through
the Recycling Fund.
5. Recycling
The success of the single stream recycling program continued in 2012. Approximately 3,400 tons was
recovered, which is an increase of about 28% in the amount of material collected in 2011. Efficiency is a top
priority for the collection process. Materials continue to be loaded into transfer trailers and trucked to a
Material Recovery Facility(MRF) operated by ReCommunity. Loads are taken to facilities in both Ann Arbor
and Southfield to be processed and marketed. The single stream program is popular with residents because it
has made recycling easier and more convenient. This service is funded through the Recycling Fund.
The pilot residential cart program continues to operate in two neighborhoods. About 585 households are
participating in the pilot program, by using 96 gallon recycling carts that are serviced every other week. Pilot
data suggests that the majority of residents are satisfied with this program and prefer the cart over their old,
recycling bin. More recyclable materials are picked up in these pilot areas than what was being collected prior
to the pilot in those areas. In pilot area 1, there has been over 104% increase in tonnage. In pilot area 2, there
has been a 123% increase. This data suggest that if a larger cart is provided,.people will generally continue
recycling, filling their container more,resulting in significant increases in material collected.
Automated trucks have been purchased in preparation for a spring or summer
launch of a City wide, bi-weekly residential cart program. CART staff predicts
annual tonnage will double,reaching 7,000 tons annually, once 96 gallon carts
are used by all single, family households.
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Automated Recycling Truck r
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o. q-ommerciai Aecyciing grogram
The pilot program that began in the summer of 2011, continued through June 2012. In July 2012, CART began
to offer a city wide,permanent, fee based commercial service. Participants receive a 96 gallon cart and weekly
recycling pickup for$47 per quarter. At the end of 2012,there were 74 commercial accounts. The business
recycling program helps local businesses to meet their recycling and sustainability goals. CART business
customers indicate they are pleased with the convenient, affordable service. In 2012, over 57 tons of recyclable
materials were recovered from Lansing businesses through the commercial recycling program.
7. Public Space Recycling
Recycling receptacles have been placed in ten locations throughout the City, including all Lansing community
centers, Fernier Nature Center, downtown and Old Town. The program has increased visibility and created
awareness of recycling and demonstrates to visitors that recycling is important to the City. In 2012, over 1,000
pounds of recycling was picked up from public space recycling bins. -
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Recycling bin at Fenner Nature Center
8. Special Events
CART provides services to a variety of events in the City of Lansing which help to recover recyclable materials
and responsibly deal with trash generated at the event, while promoting CART and increasing awareness of
recycling. Some of the events that received CART support in 2012 are: Chili cook off, The Mayor's River
Walk, Blue's on the Square, Blues Fest, The African American Parade,the West Side Summerfest, and Silver
Bells in the City.
9. Regional Partnerships
CART continues to be a part of the Regional Recycling Coordinating Committee (R2C2). R2C2 members work
together to bring a variety of events to the Greater Lansing area and to provide education and awareness about
recycling and other environmental issues. Regional events include Recycle Rama, the Lansing area's largest
one day recycling collection that recovers hundreds of thousands of pounds electronics, scrap metal, appliances,
Styrofoam, unwanted medicines and many other materials. Other events include a booth and series of seminars
conducted at the Lansing Home and Garden Show, special.collections for computers and electronics (e-waste)
and for latex paint. These programs are funded through a combination of sponsorships, in kind donations and
community support.
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Latex Paint Collection
10. Tri County Environmental Leadership Awards Program
This regional program is coordinated by a group of environmental professionals representing a diverse group of
agencies. An award program is held each spring to recognize businesses, schools and others from the Greater
Lansing community. In.2012,-six environmental leaders were recognized with an award made entirely from
recycled glass. The program is funded by sponsorships solicited from local and businesses and organizations.
2012 Environmental Award Winners and Nominees
2012 was a successful year for many reasons for CART. Recycling tonnage continued to increase,refuse cart
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customers increased and we are well on our way to field residential recycling carts in 2013. We were not
without our challenges, but we preserved and provided quality responsive service.
E. Forestry and Grounds Section
The mission of the Forestry and Grounds Section is to maintain the City's natural infrastructure and recreation
facilities to improve the physical environment and make Lansing a great place to live.
2012 has been a challenging year as we re-examine what we do and how we do it, forcing us to make drastic
changes in how we deliver services. We continued with our no-mow areas and other cost saving methods such
as furloughs, and vacancy eliminations upon retirement; however, operating costs continue to rise, leaving
fewer employees to deliver service creating operational obstacles and challenges. During 2012 we continually
refined processes and re-aligned crews to be respond to the challenges. The largest change was the reduction in
the seasonal employee work force, with an 80% reduction, achieved by contracting the mowing of parks.
Despite these obstacles, primary functions were performed at adequate production levels. In addition in 2012,
Mary Moore, Connie Norris and Marsha Scott retired. Their contributions and efforts in maintaining grounds,
gardens, ball fields, and parks infrastructure was appreciated and will be missed.
1. Forestry
The forestry crew is responsible for maintaining and sustaining City owned trees, a tremendous asset, as well as
responding to related emergencies. The section also issues permits for work on city trees. The financial
realities of the General Fund shortfall.have had.a continued effect on Forestry Section operations resulting in
reduced personnel, coupled with the damage caused by Emerald Ash Bore and aging equipment caused the
examination of all operations to determine priorities and possibilities for increased efficiency. There are two
"core" programs in the Forestry Section: New Tree Planting and Hazard Abatement. The program to recognize
and abate hazards and potential hazards located on City of Lansing owned right-of-way remained strong. Over
1,000 dead or dying trees located along the right-of-way were cut down. We are still feeling the impacts of the
Emerald Ash Bore, that caused tremendous, devastation to the urban forest, and we will be continuing to
respond to the effects for years to come. Budget constraints resulted in the elimination of the stump removal
program for a second year in a row.
The tree planting program continues to lag behind tree removals, with 500 trees planted along streets during the
spring, 50% of the number of removals that took place. Tree pruning for stop sign and signal clearance, as well
as vehicular and pedestrian traffic continued to lag behind desired production levels. However, despite our
many challenges we were fielded a new tower truck during 2012. Further, an upgrade to our tree management
software was implemented to reduce administrative time, allowing us to make updates to the tree infrastructure
in the field. In addition, we remain active in promoting and educating the public about the importance of trees
through participating in Arbor Day activities, city television videos and we maintain our status of a Tree City
USA city. Moreover, a little known fact is that the Forestry Section is responsible for trimming the State
Christmas tree, adding branches, and any other task required to facilitate BWL light installation. Forestry
operations are funded through the General fund and Act 51.
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2012 State Christmas Tree
2. Athletic Fields and Pools
The section was able to provide athletic field fittings over 800 times during the season as well as maintain 9
soccer fields, despite the fact staffing was reduced by 50%. Larger maintenance was deferred for fields and
several of the aging tennis courts. Pool maintenance was performed in partnership with Leisure Services. Pool
maintenance is a large task, with painting off season, setting up, routine cleaning and chemical management
during the season. Moore's Park pool remains a challenge due to its age. Athletic field and pool maintenance
are funded through the General fund.
3. Mowing
The goal for 2012 was to ensure all parks were mowed in the most efficient and cost effective manner, and we
explored multiple avenues to accomplish this goal. We did not want to expand no-mow areas and could not
afford to do the same thing and expect different results. Working with our unions, we gave them a chance to
beat a contractor's costs. However, after several months the savings were not realized and in July we shifted to
contract mowing for the majority of the parks. In September, the city terminated the mowing contract with
Ingham County, with city forces assuming the mowing duties. Right-of way and parking lot mowing was
performed on a regular basis by fall time employees, with only minor disruptions. State Trunkline mowing was
performed four times per the MDOT Trunkline maintenance contract, with the growth inhibitor helping.
However, the limited mowing cycle is not enough to keep the areas looking as good as we would like, and we
will continue to seek to increase the mowing frequency. Overall, mowing needs for the summer were minimized
due to a drought. In the end, we found a good solution to the mowing of the parks, allowing the city to save
money and focus on other areas. Mowing is funded through the General fund, Parking fund, state Trunkline
funds and Act 51 funds.
4. Cemetery
The cemetery staff mows the grounds, removes snow, trims tress, collects trash, marks graves, performs grave
opening and burials, vault internments, grave site restoration, monument foundation installation and
beautification projects. The big change for 2012 was that mowing was contracted in July, and seasonal staffing
was reduced. Despite the staff reduction production goals for the crew were met including: monument
foundation installation, litter control, burials, snow management, tree nursery management, and the contractor
was able to keep the grass in good condition per contractor specifications,receiving positive feedback from area
funeral homes. The spring and fall season grave monument foundation installations were performed in a timely
manner. Changes in work hours resulted in fewer opportunities to perform leaf mulching operations. The basin
project continued with many improvements as well repairs made to the fountain. This service is funded through
the General Fund and Cemetery Enterprise Fund.
5. Infrastructure and Special Event Support
The Grounds section is responsible for the maintenance of the river trail, parks trash service, parks restrooms,
picnic table maintenance, repairing play grounds, dock maintenance, show mobile set-up, and leisure service
support. As our park infrastructure ages, and as both staff and funding have decreased, the list of deferred
maintenance has increased. We focused our efforts on safety, reducing hazards to the public using the river
trail, ball fields and playgrounds. From replacing loose boards on river trail bridges, to placing new safety
material under play grounds, there is no shortage of work. Weekly trash service was sustained through the
season, with bi-weekly service in key areas. Restrooms were opened for facility reservations and maintained.
The Adado Park floating dock was re-installed and will be left in year around. To accomplish large projects we
partnered with other section to accomplish the heavy work, and have increased the use of contract repairs. This
service is funded through the General fund.
6. Cooley and Frances Gardens
The dedicated gardens were kept open throughout the year. Cooley Gardens was maintained by volunteers with
limited support from fulltime employees. Frances Gardens was scaled back due to staffing, but was overall in
good condition given the available resources to sustain the labor intensive garden. Moreover, casual contract
workers were used to manage reservations at Frances Park as a cost saving method. This service is funded
through the General Fund.
Frances Gardens r
Uverall, 2U12 was a challenging year, with numerous changes in how we deliver services and what services we
deliver. The challenges will continue, but we will continue to focus on the core aspects of our jobs and ensuring
the safety of the users of our parks and river trail.
F. Administrative Services Section
The mission of the administrative services section is to provide quality customer service to the citizens of
Lansing and professional internal services to the O&M Division, including dispatch, clerical support, complaint
database management, human resource support, financial reporting, inventory control, and Act 51 fund
monitoring, with the purpose of addressing the concerns of citizens and complying with State and City
accounting requirements and in support of protecting the public health, welfare and safety.
1. Customer Service
The clerical staff continues to provide a high level of service to the citizens of Lansing. The O&M Division
remains the primary source for citizen contact during major weather events. When Mother Nature attacks it is
consistently the O&M administrative employees who are there for the community, disseminating information
and dispatching help where needed. The call center handled over 24,300 calls in 2012. The significant change
for 2012 was shifting walk-in payments and low income bulk stickers to the Treasurer's Office. This enabled
the city to consolidate similar functions as well as increase security at 601 South Street by limiting public
access.
With the launch of the commercial recycling pilot and the residential automated collection pilot, as well as the
number of trash cart customers surpassing 6,100 for the first time in the program's history,the call center
remained busy with questions about refuse and recycling. The clerical staff fielded over 17,000 refuse and
recycling calls during 2011.
The clerks continue to put the customer first, going above and beyond to resolve callers' concerns. There have
been no formal complaints regarding the staff s handling of customer issues.
2. Efficiencies
We continue to strive to streamline our operations and identify new efficiencies. New computers were fielded
this year across the division,providing the ability to deploy computers to the field. In addition, a new solid
waste database was created to track cart deliveries, repossessions and other routine functions that were
previously in separate siloes. We continue to work with Engineering and Permits to improve utility cut
tracking and processing, striving to develop a common.operating picture for information tracking.
Operations and Maintenance Administrative staff is one of the most dedicated,professional and hard working
groups in the City of Lansing. Despite ongoing changes to our processes they continue to adapt and excel. We
are proud to report that the Administrative Section has had another successful year serving the community and
we will continue to provide the high level of service that the public has come to expect.
G. Responding to Nature: Winter Maintenance and Storm Response
One of most important roles of the Division is the salting and plowing of the City's streets, bridges and City
owned sidewalks during the winter months, keeping the roads and sidewalks safe for the driving and walking
public.
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1. Street Clearing
2012 was a light year for snow. In response to the smaller events, we ran quadrant salt routes and bridges and
overpasses over 18 times, and full salt routes five times. In addition, we cleared hills and stops on locals four
times, to improve driving conditions on local streets. Further, we plowed major streets once. We also modified
our response plans expanding the use of underbody plows to tailor the response to conserve resources and
respond to mid-sized events of two to three inches.
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Plowing a major street
We are still constrained by a smaller staff and stagnant Act 51 funding, which limits our ability to clear the
streets as quickly as in the past. The team answered the call when needed, working long hours. This service is
funded through Act 51 and state Trunkline maintenance funds.
2. Sidewalk and Parking Clearing
Snow management operations take place at a variety of locations including FEMA sites, the City Parking
System, Parks and Recreation locations and other City sidewalks. The Forestry and Grounds Division is
responsible for snow management of sidewalks and parking areas at over 220 sites encompassing over 30 miles
of sidewalk, 15 parking lots and 4 parking ramps. The work group ensured that all city sidewalks were cleared
within 24 hours of a snow fall. The Street Section continued to salt and shovel skywalk landings. This service
is funded through the General fund and Parking fund.
Submitted by: Scott House,P.E., Superintendent of Operations and Maintenance
IV. WASTEWATER DIVISION
The wastewater division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the combined sewer overflow
facilities (regulators), storm and sanitary sewer pumping stations, and the wastewater treatment plant. The
City's WWTP services the City and multiple townships outside its corporate limits. The plant is the fifth
largest in the state of Michigan and is licensed to treat an average daily flow of 35'million gallons of
sewage.
Our division is also responsible for the administration of the City's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES)Permit. A major part of this permit requires an Industrial Pretreatment
Program that monitors local business and industry discharges'to the sanitary sewer system.
To help educate the community about wastewater treatment and our positive impact on the environment,
many facility tours are given throughout the year.
A. wastewater'l'reatment
In 2012, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) successfully treated 4.9 billion gallons of raw sewage
and processed it into clean water, which was discharged into the Grand River. The treatment process
generated 5,539 dry tons of residual solids. A total of 4,268 dry tons were converted to biosolids by lime
stabilizing, and then applied to farm land as a soil conditioner and nutrient source (fertilizer) for agricultural
crops. The remaining 1,271 dry tons were land filled.
In both of these two processes, we are taking advantage of popular green solutions: the use of residual
sewage solids to provide nutrients to farm crops around the tri-county area and adding valuable methane
producing material to local landfills that will be vital to fueling generators that will sell electricity back to
the Board of Water and Light. .
Plant improvements in 2012 centered on the-final construction phase.of the Tertiary Filter Building and
Final Tank project. The'Tertiary Building is in full service and the renovated filters are performing as
anticipated,thus increasing plant efficiency. The final tank should be in service by the end of the month.
This project was successful in receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that resulted in
the city saving over$4 million. This savings is equivalent to a rate increase of 16% and thus is a major
benefit to all of our residential, commercial and industrial customers.
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Final Holding Tank
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B. Wastewater Laboratory
The function of the Wastewater Treatment Plant laboratory is to determine the effectiveness and efficiency
of the plant treatment processes and to verify the quality of the water discharged to the Grand River.
Our laboratory passed all parameters for chemistry, microbiology and metals analysis for the Discharge
Monitoring Report - Quality Assurance Study required annually by the EPA. This study challenges our
staff to analyze samples of unknown contaminants.
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As a requirement of our NPDES permit, our plant effluent was put through the Whole Effluent Toxicity
(WET) testing procedures in the spring and fall. Our effluent was in complete compliance for all
parameters. These test results will be used in the evaluation of our next NPDES permit application due in
2017.
C. Plant Maintenance and Pumping Stations (Field Operations)
The Wastewater Division Field Operations staff monitors,maintains and operates 27 sanitary sewer
pumping stations, one air injection station, and four stormwater pumping stations which serve both the City
and surrounding Townships.
The plant maintenance staff maintains all buildings,process equipment and grounds of the 40 acre facility.
Design and bidding was completed for the installation of new variable frequency drives (VFDs) for the
Lansing Avenue Pumping Station and repairs and upgrades to the heating and ventilation (HV) systems.
The VFDs allow the pumps to be "soft" started and stopped which greatly reduces the stress on the pump
and associated piping. The VFDs also control the speed of the pumps. As the name implies the speed is
varied as required to keep up with the incoming flow, thus sending a consistent, smooth flow to the plant
which greatly aids the treatment processes. The HV upgrades are to prevent sewer gases from entering the
main building where the VFDs and other electrical components reside. Previously these corrosive gases had
entered the building, causing premature equipment failure.
D. Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP)
The City of Lansing Industrial Pretreatment Program continues to inspect,permit and monitor 13
categorical and/or significant industries. Continual involvement is necessary to maintain a solid working
relationship with Lansing industries. This is accomplished through site visits and follow-ups, regular
oversight through sampling,permitting and inspections. Many commercial sites are also visited throughout
the year.
Staff also responds to environmental issues that arise within the City. We routinely work with the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality to address reports of pollutants being illegally discharged or
accidental spills that need to be properly contained.
Submitted by: Paul Stokes,Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent
V. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
In July 2012, the Property Management Division was moved to the Public Service Department, continuing to
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utilize the Building Maintenance Division and the Building Services Division.
The Property Management Division is responsible for managing the City of Lansing's properties. The City of
Lansing owns approximately 750 properties which includes approximately 225 buildings. The Division is
directly responsible for 75 buildings and 59 properties.
Property Management is staffed with 18 full time employees and is divided into two work crews. The City Hall
Crew staffs the buildings 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, and is responsible for maintaining City Hall,the Police
Building and assisting the Hazel Street Group as needed. This group consists of four facility maintenance
workers and one supervisor/manager.
The Hazel Street Crew consists of a building maintenance manager, an electrical supervisor, a plumber '
supervisor, an electrical facility controls worker and three facilities maintenance workers. This group is
responsible for all City-owned buildings, including assisting the City Hall Group as needed. The supervisors
also review and comment on all new building construction designs as prepared by various architectural and
engineering tirnis hired by City. This group consists of thirteen statt: tour tacinty maintenance workers, tour
custodial workers, four supervisor/inanagers and one administrative assistant.
Property Management staff are available 24 hours a day for emergencies and provide support to many special
events. The Division provides facility planning and utility services for over 40 special events a year. Some of
the more popular ones are: Downtown Lansing Inc. Frost Fest, Lansing Board of Water and Light Chili Cook
Off, Old Town Cominercial Festival of the Moon and Sun, City of Lansing 4"' of July event, Common Ground
Music Festival and the City of Lansing Mosaic Festival. This includes providing power, lights, water, sewer,
and other work necessary to make the special events happen. The Division also works with other City of
Lansing departments, other outside governmental agencies, private companies or businesses to help make the
special events a success for all participants.
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Common Ground
The Division evaluates the City's energy usage and makes recommendations to reduce energy consumption, use
alternative fueled equipment, influence designs in green roofs and green buildings,purchase energy-star rated
equipment, and various other earth friendly actions.
We also manage the City identification card system, building alarm systems, security services,janitorial
services and many environmental issues related to properties.
All plumbing items associated with buildings and grounds are maintained by Property Management. This
includes all items in our buildings and grounds associated with sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water supply
lines, fire suppression lines, and process piping systems like swimming pools.
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Moores Park Pool .Main Entrance
The Division maintains all heating, ventilating, and air conditioning items associated with buildings. This c
includes forced air units, steam boilers,hydronic systems, water heaters, steam converters,radiant flooring
systems,variable air volume(VAV) box systems, chillers, ejector pumps, cooling towers,make-up air units,
exhaust fans, and HVAC controllers.
In addition,we maintain all electrical items associated with building and grounds, including transformers,
distribution boxes, electrical panels, light fixtures, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) units, motors, motor
controls, parking lot lighting, fire alarm systems, building alarm systems, and generators.
The Property Management Division maintains all other components that make up a building or are
improvements to the properties. This includes things like the building integrity of windows, doors, roofing,
carpeting, tile, concrete, walls, walkways, fences, paint, wallpaper, ceilings, and fireproofing.
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City Hall Turner Dodge House
The City owns buildings that vary in age such as the Turner Dodge house that was built in 1858 to the new Fleet
Services Garage building which is still under construction. The age of each building creates a unique situation
for our Division staff to determine needed repairs to minimize down time yet make it cost efficient.
The Division is responsible to ensure the City adheres to all federal, state and local laws that are applicable to
our building and properties. This includes: EPA—Clean Water, EPA—Clean Air, Americans with Disabilities
Act, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, International Building Code, International Plumbing
Code,International Mechanical Code, ASME Boiler Code,National Electrical Code,National Fire Protection
Code, Michigan Building Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, Michigan Electrical Code,Michigan Barrier Free
Code, City of Lansing Property Codes and ordinances, and Lansing and Dewitt Township codes and ordinances.
We pride ourselves on meeting the challenges of special projects that help improve the quality of life in the City
of Lansing. The Division contributed to creating time capsules, installing art work in public places, building
bases for art work displays and assisting in creating various memorials.
In 2012, the Division completed 1,535 work orders for the year, which is down from previous years due to a
reduction of 3 staff members. We provided services to 55 special events as small as public announcements at
City Hall to our largest which is the Common Ground Music Festival. We completed several projects over the
year, one of which is the replacement of 3 roof top HVAC units at Foster Community Center and 2 roof top
units at Letts Community Center. The new units replaced older units to increase our energy efficiencies. The
Division is managing several projects such as a land purchase on South Street to extend the parking area for the
Operations and Maintenance division, completed the Police Department storage lot on Sunset Drive and the
installation of the Metasys building control system for Foster Community Center, Operations and Maintenance
Building & Letts Community Center.
The Division worked with the Police Department to renovate the North Precinct to accommodate the closing
of the South Precinct. We also worked closely with the Purchasing Division of Finance to sell off the
surplus materials at the South Precinct and clean up the facilities and terminate the lease with DIN E
Management.
Submitted by: Marty Riel, Property Manager
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Fleet Services is responsible for preventative maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment owned by the
City. Additionally, we are responsible for purchasing and disposal of units with the assistance of the City's
Purchasing Department. The fleet is divided into several categories to help manage it. We have approximately
550 "rolling stock"vehicles (rolling stock is a unit that is capable of moving itself down the road). There are
500 pieces of other equipment. The Fleet Services team has 27 full-time employees.
A. Consolidated Garage Project
The consolidated garage project is well underway. This project is scheduled for completion in mid-summer
2013. This project will greatly assist us in our quest to provide the employees of the City with reliable and safe
transportation as they perform their various functions. Since the new fleet facility utilizes the building occupied
by the City's recycling operation and is also used for overnight storage of the refuse and recycling packer truck,
replacement structures for these operations are also part of this project.
Progress includes:
• Exterior walls for the administration addition are progressing.
• East wall extension foundation work underway.
• Heavy-duty vehicle lofts are being installed.
• Packer storage building materials and building erection is slated for the end of January.
B. Vehicles Purchased
Although funding has been limited, Fleet Services acquired the following vehicles and equipment in 2012:
• Chevy Volt,Administrative loaner car
• Century Industries mobile sound stage, for Parks &Recreation
• Husgvarna concrete cutting saw, for Public Service, 0 &M
• Vactor vacuum/jet sewer truck, for Public Service, 0 &M
• Altec 70' tower truck, for Public Service, Forestry
• 2 Westward Go parking scooters, for Parking
• Chevy Silverado 4x4, for LFD Fire Prevention
• 2 Landscape trailers, for Public Service, 0 &M
Anticipated Vehicle Purchases for 2013:
• 5 Ford Police Cruisers, 2 sedans and 3 SUV's for LPD
• 1 Chevy Impala, Detective ATPA Grant for LPD
• 2 Chevy Passenger Vans for LPD's CSI& Garage loaner
• 1 Ambulance for LFD
• 1 Chevy Silverado utility pickup with plow for LFD Maintenance
• 4 or 5 Administrative vehicles for Code Compliance/Building Safety
• 1 Chevy Silverado utility service truck for Fleet Services
• 5 29-yard Recycling packers for Public Service, Recycling
• 1 Bucket truck for Public Service's Sign Shop
• 1 Concrete trailer for Public Service, 0 &M
• 1 6-yard packer for Public Service, O &M
• 1 Recycling Compactor
I
Submitted by: Greg Klco,Fleet Manager
Public Service Department
Property Management Division
February Status Report
The winter weather continues to be a factor for the division.The current cold spell created several calls
for"no heat" which kept the Building Maintenance group very busy. We also responded to a few calls
for"low heat" and frozen pipes. The Building Maintenance Group is keeping up with all emergency calls
at this time.
The division is working on several projects around the City of Lansing. See below.
The new Salt Storage/Transfer Building is complete and the Operations & Maintenance Division is
currently using.
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The new Vehicle Storage Building for the packer trucks is near completion. The roof metal should be
completed in two weeks and the rough electrical work should start then.
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The new Fleet Services Garage is still under construction. The pre-cast deck panels was being installed
last week. The project is moving along with anticipation of being operational in the FY14 budget year.
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The River Trail Bridge decking near Deitrich Park was replaced with proper type and size beams. The
bridge decking required CCR treated commercial grade timbers in order to properly repair the bridge
deck.
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There are many other projects and tasks the division does and this is a just a highlight of a few.
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
ii 124 West Michigan Avenue
f Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
FAX: (517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
March 14, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
February 14, 2013. = r
Please place these minutes on file. `31
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate `
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
i Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
1 / FAX: (517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
April 15, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
March 14, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Respectfully submitted,
9 -� r�
anette Tate
Recording Secretary ^'
Attachment
-- C7
as f�
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
MARCH 14, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter,
James Marshall, Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Chad Gamble, Dean Johnson, and Christopher Mumby
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:46 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences:
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
February 14, 2013
• c�
Ms. Schmidt moved, Mr. Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY toy
approve the minutes for February 14, 2013, as submitted. -xv'
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4) ACTION ITEMS: None
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
C:J C:::
11:49 a.m. Mr. Flechter and Ms. Rodgers arrived L'=
Engineering Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Marshall asked for additional information on parts of the report. Discussion followed on
Streets and Sidewalks.
Mr. Gamble announced that unfortunately the Meijer Foundation did not elect to provide us
any funding for the Waverly Road Regional Recreational Network Connector Project. But,
we are still working very hard with Ingham County Road Commission, Lansing Township,
and MDOT to get this project funded.
Business, Permits, and Technology Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Mumby gave a brief overview of the report. Discussion followed.
Public Service Board Page 2
March 14, 2013
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble reported on the following:
a. City Website—Basement Backups Prevention Program (B2P2)
b. Recommendations from the Finance Health Team have been finalized.
c. Power outage at the Wastewater Division
1:04 p.m. Mr. Flechter left
7) NEW BUSINESS: None
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
Ms. Rodgers requested that the Public Service Board Budget Priorities Resolution be placed
on public file with February 14, 2013 Public Service Board Minutes. All Board Members
agreed.
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
j (517)483-4455
FAX: (517)483-6082
http://pubIicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
February 14, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Budget Priorities Resolution and 2012 Department
Report
Dear Mr. Swope:
The attached resolution was adopted at the Board of Public Service meeting held
February 14, 2013.
Please place on the Council Agenda.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
C
J�a
�anette Tate
Recording Secretary :'7j
Attachment
H
s
a
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
" I Lansing,Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
/ FAX:(517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero,Mayor
February 14, 2013
The Honorable Virg Bernero
Council President Carol Wood
Public Service Committee Chairperson Derrick Quinney, and
Members of Lansing City Council
Lansing City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
Dear Mayor Bernero, Council President Wood, Public Service Committee Chairperson
Quinney and Council Members.-
During 2012, the Board of Public Service worked with the Public Service Department on
many issues relating to the infrastructure of the City. The Board of Public Service
adopts the attached Public Service Department Report for 2012, as the Board's Annual
Report and submits it to the Mayor and Lansing City Council for consideration in
compliance with the Lansing City Charter. We have also enclosed a resolution adopted
by the Board outlining its priorities.
Sincerely,
Shirley Rodgers,ers, Vice Chair
Board of Public Service
cc: Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk
Enclosures: Public Service Board Budget Priorities Resolution
Public Service Department Report for 2012
LANSING BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE BUDGET PRIORITIES RESOLUTION
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
RESOLVED, the Board of Public Service supports the efforts of the Department, and recognizes the
Department's obligations to comply with mandates, including unfunded mandates and those applicable to its
new Property Management and Fleet Services Division.
RESOLVED, the Board of Public Service supports and recommends the following budget priorities to the City
Council for consideration with Council's Budget Policies and Priorities for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014:
1. General Fund levels should be increased for implementation of the City's Street System Asset
Management Plan, and for additional funding for reconstructing neighborhood streets with a
PASER rating of 4 or lower.
2. The Board supports implementation of the City's Complete Streets Ordinance, and funding of
the sidewalk gap closure program and sidewalk repairs consistent with keeping safety a first
priority.
3. The City should continue its successful efforts to deploy single stream recycling with carts and
automated collection. The Board encourages the City to:
a. increase residential participation,
b. implement a pilot program for residential properties greater than four units and,
c. further expand the business recycling program.
4. The Board supports the Departments efforts to secure approval for the implementation of the
Wet Weather Program.
RESOLVED, as the Public Service Department generates savings through improved efficiencies in service
delivery and other areas, these savings should be maintained within the Department of Public Service.
Public Service Department
Calendar Year 2012 Annual Report
The Public Service Department is proud to submit our 2012 calendar year Annual Report. This report is a
testimony to the vast services that our valued and dedicated team members offer to the citizens of Lansing
and its municipal customers. You will find contained within this report evidence of my frequent statements
made to many people that the Department is the central nervous system of the City.
With the addition of the Fleet Services and Property Management Divisions this past year, and the creation
of the Business, Permits and Technology Division, the Public Service Department has become the City's
turn-key Department that provides the essential services that contribute to the quality of life of our
customers/citizens and to City team members. Our diverse work force provides CART services, supports
special events,permits and monitors all construction activity, treats our wastewater, repairs and maintains
the natural, storm and sanitary sewers and road infrastructure, and supports, tracks and assists in the
expenditure of monies from eight funds and hundreds of accounts.
This past year our team did all of this and much more with fewer staff and reduced overall budget in all
funds. This fact, and the list of completed tasks in 2012, is evidence of the dedication, ingenuity,hard work,
and compassion to the men,women, and children that we serve.
Please enjoy reading the long list of accomplishments organized by the six divisions that comprise the
Public Service Department. It is my honor and privilege to lead this great team.
Respectfully Submitted: Chad Gamble, P.E.,Director of Public Service
I. ENGINEERING DIVISION
A. INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT GROUP (IEG)
The Engineering Division Infrastructure and Environment Group is responsible for managing most of the
public infrastructure in the City of Lansing. These activities include planning, designing, maintaining and
constructing streets, bridges, sewers and sidewalks, and environmental remediation. Major programs that
the Engineering Division is charged with are the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program,the Sanitary
Sewer Overflow Control Program, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Program (all recently
combined into the Wet Weather Control Program), and oversight of sewer service agreements that provide
service to areas outside the City limits.
In addition, IEG reviews site plans, zoning and land use permit requests for conformance to engineering
standards and City ordinances.
The IEG provides engineering services for other departments in the City as well as oversight of publicly-
owned environmentally impacted sites around the City.
The following describes specific responsibilities and accomplishments during 2012 in the major program
areas of the IEG:
1. Streets
The IEG facilitates the maintenance and reconstruction of our City street
infrastructure by designing and overseeing all street construction activity. The
-« City street system consists of approximately 107 miles of major streets and 303
-- miles of local streets. This equates to approximately 989 lane miles. Each year
�r the system gets one year older and we lose 989 lane miles of service life.
Therefore, it is necessary to add a minimum of 989 lane-mile-years to the
system each year just to keep up with annual deterioration. For example, a four
lane street one mile long, that is newly reconstructed and is expected to have a service life of 25 years,
would add 100 lane-mile-years to the system. This same 1 mile stretch of roadway would deteriorate at a
rate of 4 lane-mile-years every year.
Our street system is managed using our Asset Management Plan that utilizes principles such as the one
described above. Our Asset Management Plan was adopted by City Council and approved by the Michigan
Transportation Asset Management Council in 2007. The Asset Management Plan is a tool to assess current
street conditions, set target funding levels, identify candidate projects, set priorities, develop a multi-year
program, and report results. With this plan, the Public Service Department is continuing to look at the
condition of our streets as a complete system. Our objective is to use the "right mix of fixes at the right
time" approach to street repair, shifting away from emphasis on the "worst case first" approach to projects.
It is critical that in any given year, we assemble a mix of fixes that optimizes the lane mile years that are
added to the street system.
While insufficient funding levels continue, the Asset Management Plan will help us better understand the
consequences of continued under funding as well as enabling us to apply funds that are available in a
manner that is most beneficial for the overall condition of the street system.
$18,000,000
$16,000,000
i
$14,000,000
$12,000,000
$10,000,000
$8,000,000q
$6,000,000 _
$4,000,000
$2,000,000 ........ ------ —a......
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13
.................__-..............................-...-..........................................................._.._........................._......_....._...__..._.._.....................................................................
....
City of Lansing Street.Funding.History
In 2012, the Engineering Division oversaw the improvement of 1.5 miles of streets. This included one tenth
of a mile of major streets and 1.40 miles of local, adding a combined total of just 25 lane-mile-years to the
street network.
Major Street reconstruction projects included:
• Washington Avenue Reo Town Reconstruction Project. In
conjunction with the new BWL Cogeneration Plant in REO Town,
y Washington Avenue from Malcolm X Street to Barnes Avenue was
? reconstructed. The roadway was narrowed from five lanes to three lanes
while adding bicycle lanes. New storm sewer was constructed between the
Canadian National Railroad tracks and Hazel Street. The Canadian National
Railroad crossing was reconstructed. Safety improvements were
constructed at the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Malcolm X Street. W. South Street was
reconstructed. Streetscape sidewalk and brick work was installed on the west side of Washington
Avenue between the Canadian National Railroad Tracks and Elm Street (the east side of the streetscape
will be constructed in 2013). A new steam main was constructed in South Street. A 12 inch gas main to
service the new power plant was constructed. A new water main was constructed in Washington
Avenue to service the new power plant. All this construction was coordinated to minimize construction
down time for all projects while still providing access to REO Town businesses. Note: The project (0.74
miles) is not included in the total mileage provided above because final paving has not been completed.
This project will add 0.75 lane-mile-years to the street network when it is completed in 2013.
Major Street resurfacing projects included:
sT 7 • Intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Willow Street. A new left-
6 turn lane was constructed on Willow Street for the east bound traffic turning onto
northbound Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to improve traffic operations at the
"'— intersection. The project also included resurfacing the roadway in the intersection
- with hot mix asphalt, constructing new concrete curb & gutter and sidewalk, and
installing new and improved traffic signals. This project was one tenth of a mile
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long and added 5 lane-mile-years to the street network.
There was just one local street project this year:
bar � Y • O&M Paving Project. The Operations & Maintenance Division utilized
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millage funding to resurface the following streets. The project length was 1.4
, miles and added 201a.ne-mile-years.
fr Karen Street from Anson Street to Wainwright Avenue
Sylvester Street from Karen Street to Lucie Street
Washington Avenue from Jolly Road to Lowcroft Avenue
Lowcroft Avenue from Washington Avenue to Cavanaugh Road
Pierce Avenue from Burchfield Avenue to Lowcroft Avenue
Potter Avenue from Cedar Street to Donald Street
Gordon Avenue from Marion Avenue to MLK Boulevard
Cooper Street from Marion Avenue to MLK Boulevard
Three major street projects are planned for 2013:
• Holmes Road Reconstruction Project. The project includes 0.75 miles of street reconstruction on
Holmes Road between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Pleasant Grove Road. We have partnered with
the Board of Water& Light to include a water main replacement in the project.
• Jolly Road Resurfacing Project. The 0.76 miles of Jolly Road between Pennsylvania Avenue and
Aurelius Road will be constructed with the Holmes Road project.
• Moores River Drive Reconstruction Project. Moores River Drive between Mt. Hope Avenue and
Waverly Road will be reconstructed in 2013 to accommodate the new non-motorized pathway along this
section of the Grand River.
2. Bridges and Skywalks
The IEG is charged with the maintenance of the City's eighteen roadway and thirteen pedestrian bridges. This
includes an annual inspection of critical bridges, and a biennial inspection of all bridges. Prior to the fall of
.,, 2011, biennial bridge inspections were done in the springtime of even years.
a Springtime inspections often involved concerns about high water levels and a May
is
t filing deadline for MDOT funding applications. Biennial bridge inspections
comp
leted leted in October 2011 and will be completed in the fall of every odd
p
year from now on to avoid the springtime problems. Fourteen of our roadway
_ bridges are in the "Good-Fair" category, two are in the "Poor" category, and two
bridges are in the "Serious-Critical" category. Three of the bridges need to be
......�����; inspected annually due to condition concerns and were inspected in October 2012.
Five applications for state funding of bridge improvements were submitted in May. The applications were for
fiscal year 2015 state funding. We did not receive any state funding for any of the bridge funding applications.
- `' • 2012 Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge over Red Cedar Proiect. During the 2010
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Pennsylvania Bridge resurfacing and repainting project, we identified additional
structure repairs that were completed in a 2012 project. Structural steel beam
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ends were replaced by cutting out the old beam ends and bolting new steel onto
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the beams.
One bridge project is planned for 2013:
• Mt. Hope Avenue Bridge over Sycamore Creek Rehabilitation Project. The deck will be resurfaced and
the steel beams will be repaired and painted. The bridge is expected to be closed from mid-June
through August 2013.
3. Sidewalks
There are more than 550 miles of sidewalks in the City right-of-way. The
demands for sidewalk repairs consistently outweigh the available funding. The
annual deterioration rate of our sidewalk system. is approximately 11 miles.
Similar to our street network, it would be necessary to replace this amount of
sidewalk(11 miles) each year just to keep up with the annual deterioration rate.
The IEG currently manages two sidewalk programs. One program is our annual
✓ �- Sidewalk Repair Program that repairs defects in the existing sidewalk network.
The other program is our Major Street Sidewalk Gap Closure Program, which is designed to close the gaps in
the major street sidewalk network by installing new sidewalk according to an adopted priority list.
Our major street gap program is now in its eighth year. The original program was detailed in a report in April
2005. Forty miles of sidewalk gaps along major streets were identified as feasible for sidewalk installation and
placed on a priority list. 10.8 miles have been completed, including the construction of the Waverly Road non-
motorized pathway between Jolly Road and Cooley Drive in 2012.
A significant amount of the annual repair budget continues to be spent on updating sidewalk ramps at
intersections to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. These include barrier free ramps
with tactile surfaces at all intersections within a project area. Another significant requirement of the Act is for
communities to prepare an ADA transition plan for bringing pedestrian facilities up to current requirements.
The Transportation and Non-Motorized Division(TNG)will be implementing this in fiscal year 2013.
• 2012 Waverly Road Non-motorized Pathway Project. A 1.5 mile multi-use pathway was constructed on the
east side of Waverly Road, completing a sidewalk network from Jolly Road to Moores River Drive. The
project also included filling in some sidewalk gaps near the Glenburne intersection and sidewalk repairs
south of Maybel to Jolly Road. The pathway is eight feet wide from Maybel to Glenburne,where bike lanes
exist on Waverly,then ten feet wide to Cooley Drive to accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians.
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One non-motorized pathway project is planned for 2013:
• Waverly Regional Recreational Network Connector (WRRNC). Design commenced in 2012 on this
project to develop a safe pedestrian route on Moores River Drive and on Waverly Road. The new
pathway will connect the Moores River Drive pathway constructed in 2008 with the Waverly pathway
south of Moores River Drive constructed this year. It will also construct a pathway across the Waverly
Road Bridge to the north, terminating at Grand River Park. Efforts will continue this year to secure
funding sources and obtain support and agreements necessary for this multi jurisdictional project.
Construction is anticipated during both the 2013 and 2014 construction seasons.
4. Wet Weather Control Program
As previously noted, Lansing's on-going CSO Control Program is being incorporated into the new Wet Weather
Control Program (WWCP). In addition to the regulatory requirements for CSO control, the WWCP will also
encompass the regulatory requirements for sanitary sewer overflow(SSO) control and the Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4)Program (i.e.,the"stormwater"program). During 2012,the Department of Public
Service and its consultant team continued to work to develop the specific aspects of the WWCP. This effort
included communications and meetings with DEQ, since the WWCP must ultimately be approved by the State
of Michigan.
All existing Combined Sewer Overflow(CSO.) Program construction projects have
reached the"substantially complete"milestone and all but the most recently
constructed, the CSO 015 North Project, have been fully, administratively closed out.
The WWCP will include additional sewer separation projects to address CSO control
>: requirements. The CSO 034C Project, which includes sections of the Mt. Hope Avenue
and M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. corridors, has been designed and it will likely be the next CSO
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project to be constructed. The schedule for construction will be based upon available
funding and priority within the overall WWCP. For certain parts of the sewer collection
system service area, the WWCP will also consider whether"adequate treatment" of
CSOs is a viable cost-effective method for CSO control in Lansing.
.ter
5. Sanitary Sewer Collection System
1� r The primary activity in 2012 for the Department of Public Service regarding
activities associated with the City's sanitary sewer collection system was to
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continue to work with its consultant team to develop the specific aspects of the
new Wet Weather Control Program (WWCP), which includes the measures
' needed to address sanitary sewer overflow(SSO) control. This effort emphasizes
the goal of ultimately achieving compliance with the City's Administrative y
-' Consent Order(ACO) issued by the State of Michigan (the State) in 2004 for
abatement of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) from the City's sewage collection system.
In conjunction with development of the WWCP, the City's team performed an analysis of the City's collection
system to confirm that collection system"bottlenecks" exist as sewage flows in the collection system increase
as a result of"larger"wet weather events. The WWCP identifies elimination of these bottlenecks as a priority
within the overall scope of the WWCP. Consistent with this approach, the City's team began in 2012
preliminary design on sewer system projects to eliminate bottlenecks by increasing system flow capacity. This
includes projects to increase the flow capacity at River Siphon#11 and the pumping capacity of the Francis
Park Pump Station.
In addition, as part of the overall WWCP efforts in 2012 toward SSO control,the Department developed a
Basement Back-up Protection Program(B2P2) designed to provide relief for residents that experience
periodic basement sewage back-ups from the City's sewer collection system during extreme storm events.
The project will provide funding of private property plumbing upgrades, such as check valves and/or
sewage pumps that result in protection of public health. The Department of Public Service expects to
implement the B2P2 in the spring of 2013.
6. Storm Sewers
In 2012,the most significant activity relative to storm sewers and storm water is
the effort toward compliance with the requirements for Municipal Separate
; ! Storm Sewer System(MS4) Program(i.e., the"storm water"program). These
requirements stem from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES)permit, which the City is required to "hold" in order for its municipal
storm water to be authorized for discharge to local waterways. As stated in
Section 4, the City's MS4 Program is being incorporated into the City's overall
Wet Weather Control Program.
These efforts to comply with MS4 Program requirements have been aided by the "Planning Assistance to
States" (PAS) grant that was provided by the US Army Corp of Engineers Detroit District. Funded work tasks
associated with the grant are being conducted by the Department of Public Service in conjunction with Tetra
Tech,the US Army Corp's designated contractor. These grant activities will continue into calendar year 2013.
In particular,the PAS grant work in 2012 has been a great aid toward completing development of the new
program for Post-Construction Controls for Development and Redevelopment. The program for Post-
Construction Controls for Development and Redevelopment requires treatment of solids from storm water
runoff to meet water quality criteria and attenuation of the flow rate from storm water runoff to meet channel
protection criteria. The Department began implementation of this program through site plan projects received
in the latter part of 2012. The PAS grant work in 2012 also aided in completion of required activities associated
with the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program, including storm sewer outfall investigations in the field.
During 2012, it has become clear that compliance with MS4 Program requirements is resulting in a growing
workload relative to Public Service resources.
7. Streetscape/Enhancement
Streetscape work on Washington Avenue between Malcolm X(Main) Street and Barnes Avenue, with an
emphasis on the business district between Elm Street and South Street, is included in our Washington
Avenue reconstruction project and began in 2012. A TCSP federal grant in was awarded for this project.
This project includes various aesthetic benefits to this Reo Town business district including new concrete
sidewalk and driveway approaches, brick paver pedestrian walks adjacent the new concrete sidewalk,
perennial and shrub planter boxes,tree wells, and an associated irrigation system.
8. Environmental Cleanup and Groundwater Remediation
Work efforts by the Infrastructure &Engineering Group (IEG) with respect two sites of environmental
contamination within the City continued in 2012.
Regarding the Paulson Landfill site,the IEG worked to evaluate and consider cost-effective technologies that
will aid in addressing concerns over plume migration. This effort is concurrent to consideration of remediation
technologies that will ultimately be employed for cost-effective source control of pollutants at the landfill. The
City has contracted with NTH to review the appropriate technologies and approach, including consideration of a
possible joint remediation venture with Granger Co. Development of funding for this remediation effort is a
challenge, since remediation and control measures for this site will be costly. Updates on the optimal approach
for remediation of the site will be provided following completion of this review.
Regarding the Aurelius Landfill site, required biannual groundwater sampling/monitoring of the site required by
DEQ continued in 2012. The spring event was completed in mid-May and associated reports prepared by the
consultant, CDM-Smith, were delivered to DEQ in October. The sampling trends indicate that pollutant
concentrations in the groundwater are decreasing over time. Based on this information,the City has sought
DEQ's concurrence for relaxing the sampling frequency from biannual to one annual event (DEQ response on
this request is forthcoming).
9. Development Projects
Staff provided site planning support on several developments including Kewadin Casino, Marketplace, and
College Fields.
Submitted By: Dean Johnson,P.E., City Engineer
B. TRANSPORTATION AND NON-MOTORIZED WORK GROUP
The Transportation and Non-Motorized work group is responsible for traffic operations in the City including
installation and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and pavement markings. The group administers grants,
provides design of traffic control for construction, and designs and provides traffic control for special
events. In addition, the Transportation and Non-Motorized work group is responsible for coordination of
the City's sidewalk repair and maintenance program and its neighborhood study and traffic calming
programs as well as GIS and CAD function. The group's staff are currently administering close to $3
million in grant funds.
The following are transportation highlights for 2012:
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1. Non-motorized Facilities
The City's non-motorized network is expanding at a rapid pace. In 2012, over three miles of non-motorized
facilities were added, well above the City's goal of one mile per year. Using CMAQ and local funding, a
non-motorized pathway was installed on Waverly Road from Maybel Street to Cooley Drive, a distance of
approximately 11/2 miles. In addition, over 1/4 mile of sidewalk was also added with this project. Partnering
with the Michigan Department of Transportation, over 1.5 miles of buffered bike lanes were added to
Saginaw Street(M-43) between Stanley and Center Streets, creating one of the first buffered bike lanes in
the state.
Federal funding has been secured to construct a pathway along Consumers Energy's right of way in south
Lansing between Waverly Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. (1.6 miles) and between Pennsylvania
Avenue and Cavanaugh Road (2.4 miles). Federal funding has also been secured to construct over a mile of
pathway and bike lanes on Moores River Drive and Mt. Hope Avenue between Waverly Road and Pleasant
Grove Road.
2. Traffic Signals
There are 204 traffic signals in the city. Maintenance is provided by the Lansing Board of Water&Light
under the direction of the City. Engineering activities include timing plan preparation and adjustment,
modernization design and coordination, and communications systems design and implementation. To keep
the traffic signal infrastructure up to date, six to seven intersections need to be modernized annually. This
year, one intersection was modernized.
To increase energy efficiency and improve mobility in the city, six traffic signals have been put into flashing
operation as candidates for removal.
3. Engineering Studies
Neighborhood traffic studies were completed in two areas and started on a third area. Staff continues to
coordinate with AARP and Mid-MEAC on completing a walkability survey of all sidewalks in the city.
This study should be complete in 2013 and will provide valuable information on the condition of sidewalks
in the city.
In addition to these studies, staff responded to approximately 160 requests for information,performed 200
field checks,prepared approximately 20 engineering reports and issued 22 permanent Traffic Control
Orders.
4. Special Events
Over 40 special events are held in the public right of way each year. The TNMG staff is responsible for
designing the traffic control for all events, coordinating with other City departments and external agencies
such as the State of Michigan and CATA, overseeing street closing and reopening, and sending out press
releases. In 2012, staff spent time and effort coordinating traffic control for the inaugural Lansing
Marathon, including development of the route and traffic control plan and working with East Lansing,
Meridian Township and other agencies.
5. Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
As part of its traffic engineering work, the TNMG is responsible for the installation and maintenance of
traffic and parking signs as well as pavement markings on non-MDOT roadways in the city. During 2012,
approximately 1,660 work orders were written for traffic signs installation, repair or replacement, including
street name,warning, stop and other regulatory signs. This represents an increase of approximately 30%
over the previous year.
Due to the effects of snow plowing activities and winter weather, all long line pavement markings, over 100
miles, are repainted annually. In addition, miscellaneous markings need to be replaced every three to five
years. In 2012, approximately 40 miscellaneous markings, or less than 10% of the total in the city
(crosswalks, stop bars, railroad crossings, turn arrows, etc.) were replaced.
Submitted By: Andrew Kilpatrick, P.E., Transportation Engineer
II. BUSINESS, PERMITS, AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
The Business, Permits, and Technology Division is responsible for department wide budget coordination
and technology efforts. We also are tasked with PSD related permitting, soil erosion and sediment control
enforcement, snow and ice on sidewalk program, accounts payable, accounts receivable and Public Service
administrative support.
The Business, Permits, and Technology staff have managed to continue to provide a high level of service with a
reduced work force and hours worked. We have continued to focus on cross training our team members. This
gives our staff the ability to respond to a much broader scope of challenges and provides flexibility in
completing tasks.
Our staff was able to reconcile years of outstanding invoices with two agencies with a net gain of over
$160,000 to the City. Staff members also finalized accounting on a multitude of older construction projects
freeing up nearly $400,000 for future projects.
We have continued our paper reduction efforts and worked to make our workforce more mobile. Utility cut
information is now entered online and able to be viewed and responded to in real time. We have also
transitioned from paper to digital copies of sewer permits for all completed jobs. We are continuing our
selection process for a new asset management, permit, and complaint software program which we will be
implementing in 2013.
We continue to work with RACER Trust who has taken over the demolition of General Motors Plant#6 on the
Verlinden Street site. The demolition was at a standstill after GM's bankruptcy and Motor Liquidators Inc.'s
attempt at restarting the demolition process. Our department and the Department of Planning and
Neighborhood Development are involved in this effort to make the property marketable.
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This past year a staff members, who is a Master Gardener, organized a team to volunteer their expertise and
labor to help with the maintenance of the Cooley Gardens. With dwindling resources, the City was not able to
afford to maintain the gardens. Because of these volunteer efforts, the garden is beginning to return to its
original glory.
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The following activities were among the accomplishments of calendar year 2012 by the Engineering
Division and the Business, Permits, and Technology Division:
• Enforcement of the City's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control program (13 permits issued).
• Enforcement of the City's Snow Removal Ordinance (responded to 112 complaints, issued 55 snow
violation notices, none abated).
• Permitting of all right-of-way (ROW) construction activities for a total of 397 permits issued,
including 134 permits for construction of sidewalk and/or driveway approaches, 194 for utility or
telecommunication/fiber optic wire installations and 69 permits for miscellaneous activities in the
ROW. This represents a 5% increase over 2011.
• Issuance of 202 special transportation permits, a 27% increase over 2011.
• Permitting of all sewer-related activities (a total of 492 permits issued, including 340 for sanitary
service, 123 for cap-offs, and 29 for storm sewer service), 12% increase over 2011.
• Processed 46 claims.
• Licensing of 83 drain layers and 11 sewer cleaners.
• Review of 18 site plans and 18 SLUs, zoning requests &ACTs.
Submitted By: Christopher Mumby, Business, Permits, and Technology Manager
III. THE OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Operations& Maintenance Division(O&M) of the Public Services Department is the Division that is
working for you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,providing the City of Lansing with
essential municipal, infrastructure and environmental services.
O&M's mission is to provide quality services that are quantifiable, cost effective, and citizen focused, in order
to maintain and improve the physical and natural infrastructure,protect and improve the environment and to
make the City of Lansing a great place to live, work, and play.
Our diverse team is comprised of six sections: Street and Sidewalk Maintenance, Sewer Maintenance and
Inspection, Surface and Right of Way Maintenance, Capital Area Recycling and Trash, Grounds& Forestry,
and Administrative Services.
During the past year several staff retired. We acknowledge the service of the following employees: Victor Rose,
Assistant Superintendent; Cliff Ansley, Solid Waste Operator; Connie Norris, Maintenance Worker; Terry
Shattuck, Equipment Operator; Mary Moore, Parks Maintenance Worker; Andy Gilbert, Equipment Operator;
-Steve Austin, Truck Driver; and Marsha Scott, Parks Maintenance Worker. Each of these employees excelled
in their duties and will be missed.
A. Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Section
The mission of the Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Section is to maintain and improve the streets and
sidewalks of the City of Lansing to ensure the safe use of the infrastructure by motorists and pedestrians. The
section performs a variety of tasks to maintain and improve the streets and sidewalks including paving, skin
patching,potholing, concrete street repairs,ADA truncated dome mat replacement, concrete joint replacement,
curb repairs, crack sealing, AMZ, sidewalk wedging, sidewalk installation,pedestrian bridge repairs, bridge
maintenance, utility cut repairs, street snow removal and many other tasks, all essential to keeping the road and
sidewalk network safe for driving and walking. The section is comprised of two crews, the street maintenance
crew and the utility restoration and concrete crew.
In 2012 the Street Section saw a slight increase in funding for local street repairs. With the increase in funding
from the local street millage, we invested our energy in high payoff areas. However, the list of deferred
maintenance issues lengthened due to insufficient funding from the state and from rising operating costs,
leading to cuts in staffing and continued furlough days. Despite the numerous challenges we faced during 2012,
we accomplished a great deal, and continued to be responsive to the public.
1. Paving and Street Maintenance
During 2012, internal local street paving activity increased due to the passage of the local street millage. O&M
crews paved parts of Cooper, Gordon, Pierce, Lowcroft, Washington and Potter and all of Karen and Sylvester.
A total of 1.4 miles of local streets were paved using 2,087 tons of material. Hand skin patching was used to
focus on contingency repairs of small portions of streets. We focused efforts on extending the life of streets
using the Asset Management System, tackling the more affordable means to extend the life of City streets
through crack sealing. We sealed cracks on over 8.23 lane miles of local streets,making the right repair at the
right time. We responded to pothole complaints within 24 hours, 82% of the time. During business hours our
response time was usually within 2 hours.
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2. Trunk line Maintenance
This year was the first time we combined crews and equipment with MDOT doing pavement repairs. On Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd. (M99) we were able to make repairs on a badly deteriorated section of MLK nouhbound
from Victor Avenue to Miller Road. During this partnership our crews gained new.skills and together we made
lasting improvements. In 2013 we plan to finish the northbound lanes from Miller Road to Victor Ave. These
repairs will improve safety and reduce maintenance costs over the next 5-7 years.
Our close work with the IEG and Transportation groups continued and we participated in the wider
implementation of the asset management process, an even higher priority under constrained funding. The
process involves rating the condition of the roads, determining the proper repair to extend the service life,
reviewing available funds and prioritizing limited funds to where they will have the best result of our
maintenance efforts, such as using crack sealing this year. We are losing ground on street maintenance, under
the current Act 51 funding model, and as the deferred maintenance list grows, the repair costs increase, and we
remain reactive. These services are funded through Act 51 and state trunk line maintenance funds.
3. Utility Restoration
This was another busy year for utility restoration,performed by the paving and concrete crews working closely
with the Board of Water and Light, Consumers Energy and various contractors,to ensure that utility work was
properly restored in the roadway and right-of-way. In 2012 we restored utility cuts using hot mix asphalt
(HMA) in over 54,000 square feet of utility cuts made by contractors and over 18,800 square feet for cuts made
from internal sewer repairs. Crews also patched 7,382 square feet of concrete road. In addition to repairing the
streets,the concrete crew replaced curbs and sidewalks impacted in the utility upgrade process, with the crew
pouring over 1,706 square feet of sidewalk. In addition,the largest producer of utility cuts, the BWL lead line
replacement program is nearing an end, and cut activity decreased towards the end of the 2012, as construction
slowed. Utility restoration work was performed by both our first and second shifts out of necessity. These
services are funded on a cost recovery fee basis.
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4. Sidewalk Repair
The concrete crew placed 8,836 square feet of asphalt wedges and hand skin patching to mitigate tripping
hazards and used our concrete sidewalk grinder to take care of trip hazards on sidewalks to save the cost of
removing and replacing the sidewalk. In locations where roots from trees caused a sidewalk to heave, we
worked with Forestry to remove the roots and we replaced the concrete sidewalk. This year we acquired a new
concrete trailer with a rotating drum, which improves our repair procedures. We also acquired a new system to
install truncated domes on pedestrian ramps at cross walks. The new system uses therma-plastic mats that bond
to the concrete ramps using heat. Using the therma-plastic system will speed up repairs and reduce costs.
Sidewalk repair and maintenance remains reactive, with the limited funding unable to meet the demand. This
service is funded through the General Fund.
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5. Bridge and Skywalk Maintenance
Our crews conduct routine repairs to expansion joints, railing and other components to bridges and skywalks as
identified by complaints or the scheduled inspections. This service is funded through Act 51 and the General
Fund.
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Along with our regular duties we assist other departments. We also supported the Surface Section with street
leaf removal. The section accomplished a great deal despite the challenges we face with declining Act 51 and
sidewalk repair funding, increasing material costs, aging equipment, decreased work hours and fewer personnel.
To mitigate challenges we rented equipment, borrowed people from other crews, prioritized our efforts, and
focused on controlling costs to remain competitive, while striving to maintain a high standard of quality.
B. Sewer Maintenance and Inspection Section
The mission of the sewer section is to maintain, clean,repair, and inspect the City's sanitary and storm sewer
systems and flood control devices. To ensure that the systems are operational and to protect the public's health
and safety the section performs a wide variety of tasks to maintain and improve the sanitary and storm sewer
system: catch basin cleaning, video-taping sewers, inspecting new construction, cleaning sewers with cable
machines and jet trucks,performing spot repairs, rebuilding manholes, replacing catch basins, replacing failed
reaches of sewers, cleaning siphons that run under the rivers, responding to citizen concerns, emergency bypass
pumping, operating the Miss Dig system for the City sewer system, clearing sewer access easements,
maintaining flood control devices, inspecting sewer outfalls,maintaining rain garden debris sumps, street snow
removal and many other tasks, all essential to keeping the sanitary and storm sewer system operational and in
good working condition. The section is comprised of two crews,the cleaning and inspection crew and the
repair crew. Responding to citizen concerns and preventative maintenance are top priority for our section.
Cleaning and inspecting is essential to keeping the system operational and in good working condition.
Identifying and performing infrastructure repairs decreases the chances of surface and basement flooding.
Our focus is to protect and improve the environment while preserving the public health, welfare and safety of
the residents of Lansing during all seasons of the year. Sewer maintenance is a year round work activity. Spring
brings the chance of flooding. Task such as catch basin cleaning, storm sewer cleaning and by-pass pumping
help mitigate property damage. Summer and fall months see an increase in construction to include structural
repair of sewer mains, catch basins and manholes. Our staff also plays a vital role in the removal of ice and
snow from both streets and sidewalks during the winter months. 2012 proved to be a challenging year.
Shortened work weeks, coupled with the retirement of two employees, Andy Gilbert and Steve Austin, and long
term injuries to several key employees took its toll on production. Andy Gilbert could always be counted on to
salt and plow roads whenever called. However,the reinstatement of the Sewer Inspector position, and the
recent hiring of Brian Bastian as a sewer maintenance worker along with the transfer of Steve Abbott into the
section will greatly help in the coming year.
1. Inspection and Televising
The inspection staff responded to 2,400 sewer complaints and concerns reported to the division, approximately
233 of which were after hours. Compared to 2011 this is a decrease of 14%, or 34% over the past two years.
The decrease can be attributed to the dry conditions in the past year and our preventative maintenance program
in both known and unknown locations. During 2012,.94%0 of the calls were responded to within one hour. Over
eight thousand locations of the city sewer system were located and staked per the "Miss Dig" system. Sewer
inspections continued to increase this year to over 550 inspections. Staff member Aldrek Allen deserves a
special thank you. Al preformed the duties of the sewer inspector for most of the year putting in countless hours
until the position was filled.
The sewer televising crew worked through many challenging equipment and personnel issues, with up to 25%
of the section off due to medical issues during the spring of 2012. Continued cross training of key positions
within this work group has allowed us to adapt to the changing work environment and has helped to reduce
overtime costs for 2012. Computer and software upgrades challenged both the Information Technology staff
and our staff during the past year, but even with all these issues, over eleven miles of mainline sewers were
inspected, an increase of 38% from 2011. The information collected was used by both O&M and the
Engineering Division to evaluate current and future infrastructure repair needs. These activities are ftinded
through the Sewer Fund.
2. Sewer Cleaning
Aging equipment and reduced staffing, coupled with the aforementioned retirements resulted in numerous down
days effecting production in the cleaning of the sanitary system. Two of the three sewer cleaning trucks were
out of service for most of 2012. The net effect was a reduction of 44% fewer miles of sanitary sewer main
cleaning, from 171 miles to 112 miles. Maintenance to the storm system increased slightly as staffing was
reassigned to available storm cleaning equipment. In 2013 we anticipate an increase in production due to the
acquisition of our new$367,000 Jet-Vactor truck in late 2012. This new high tech truck has many cost saving
features and includes auto wind which should help reduce employee injuries. These activities are currently
funded through the Sewer Fund.
3. Storm Sewer Maintenance
Maintenance to the storm system included the cleaning of nearly 5,300 catch basin structures and 8,448 feet of
storm pipes. Funding and planning for future storm sewer maintenance is of concern. The aging infrastructure
and future federal mandated storm water requirements need to be considered when future budgets are
formulated. This activity is currently funded through the General Fund.
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4. Sewer Repair
The construction crew completed many infrastructure repairs to both the storm and sanitary system.
Approximately 400 linear feet of sewer pipe were replaced and 370 manholes and catch basins repaired. A
number of these repairs were made on streets that were paved by O&M Staff. Development of a centralized
work order spreadsheet is increasing awareness of work demands and enhancing tracking capabilities. Due to
our ability to adapt to changing needs of the division we provided services to other sections and departments.
This year we completed fourteen routes during the street leaf removal operation collecting over 1,700 cubic
yards of leaves to be composted. Our crew reconstructed a pedestrian bridge in Scotts Woods, repaired a
playground at Maguire Park, removed obsolete park infrastructure across the city, constructed a safety wall In
Adado Park for Common Ground, installed a safety fence to close a portion of the river trail off of Michigan
Avenue and repaired rain garden fencing on Michigan Avenue. We are proud to be able to support the city in so
many different areas. All sewer activities are funded through the Sewer and General Fund.
5. Emergency Response
When the term"First Responders" is mentioned,the citizens might think of Police or Fire personnel, but
another group of personnel who are equally skilled and dedicated to attend to the needs of the residents of our
City provide emergency response. The Public Service Department responds 24/7 to such things as flooding,
snow removal, sewer back-ups, and storm damage clean-up.
The sewer crew is always on call and ready to serve the residents of Lansing. Our diverse abilities,from
inspecting to constructing, offer a wide array of capabilities. Despite the many technical and personnel
challenges in 2012, we believe that we served the City of Lansing well. Our efforts resulted in not only
maintaining, but improving the environment through improvements made to the sanitary sewer and storm water
collection systems. In the coming year we will continue to challenge ourselves to provide a high level of
service.
C. Surface and Right of Way Maintenance Section
The mission of the Surface and Right of Way Maintenance Section is to maintain and improve the "on the
surface"infrastructure within the City of Lansing's right of way. The section performs a wide variety of tasks
which includes grading and potholing gravel streets,placing dust control on gravel streets, clearing and
grubbing brush and debris from alleyways, repairing and installing guard rails,making and installing street
signs and banners, street sweeping, street leaf removal, fence repair,responding to citizen complaints, sidewalk
cleaning,placing permanent and temporary traffic control devices, supporting special events, providing internal
refuse and recycling service to city facilities,maintaining parking facilities and ramps, maintaining the Crego
Park composting and Aurelius Landfill sites, managing bulk material stores, and other tasks essential to
keeping the city moving. 2012 brought the retirement of Terry Shattuck, a long term equipment operator on the
third shift. Terry was one our best snow plow operators.
The section is also responsible for operating and maintaining the buildings and facilities at the Operations and
Maintenance complex at 601 E. South St. The section is comprised of two crews,the day crew that manages
signs, traffic control, gravel streets, and special event support, and the night crew that sweeps streets, performs
street leaf removal and maintains parking facilities.
We are also the inter-divisional section responsible for coordinating snow and ice removal from city streets as
well as administering the abatement portion of the new Sidewalk Snow Removal ordinance,with the purpose of
providing a quality environment and to protect the driving public's health, welfare and safety. In 2012,the
Surface Maintenance Section met its goals daily by making Lansing a cleaner and safer place.
We had significant challenges and opportunities this year, which included an aging fleet of vehicles and
equipment, budgetary constraints and making way for construction activities on our campus.
1. Street Sweeping and Street Leaf Removal
Crews swept over 4,000 miles of streets in 2012. The night crew swept MDOT trunk lines four times, major
streets three and a half times and local streets twice. Leaves fell heavily in late October, shifting sweeper assets
into the local streets for street leaf removal, limiting production on major streets. The goal was to complete four
rounds of major street sweeping. One round of local street leaf removal was completed in the fall of 2012,
along with cleanups of heavy hit areas. In addition,the Sewer Section supported street leaf removal operations.
This service is funded through Act 51 and Trunk Line Funds.
2. Crego Park Composting
In 2012 over 2,500 cubic yards of leaves were removed from the rights-of-way by the crews and hauled to
Crego Park and off site recycling facilities for composting. The Crego Park composting site was emptied to
make way for a river trail extension, with the removal of 12,000 cubic yards of compost. This service is funded
through Act 51 and Recycling Funds.
3. Gravel Road Maintenance
Gravel roads are graded, potholed and have dust control material applied in the summer months. The dry
summer led to increased application of dust control materials. In addition, 19 miles of road were graded, and
many areas were hand patched in 2012. We also held a three day grader training session. This was valuable
experience for some of our current operators. Training was held off site at Ruth Street where we were able to
train on the grader but also repair streets at the same time. This gave the participants a chance to get some hands
on real situation experience,under the guidance of trained professionals. Gravel roads remain a challenge,
competing with the maintenance of asphalt streets, more so as major improvements are required to the storm
drainage system adjacent to these roads. Without additional resources, the gravel roads will remain a challenge.
This service is funded through Act 51 Funds.
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4. Sign shop
The Sign Shop continued to excel with over 1,100 sign work orders completed. We increased efficiencies and
caught up work orders, inventoried and cleaned storage areas, and gave equipment training. We installed
banners for Silver Bells, LCC, Taste of Downtown, Trick or Treat on the Square, and other activities. Several
staff members participated in the International Municipal Signal Association training and certification for
temporary traffic control. This service is funded through the Act 51 and on a cost recovery basis.
5. Parking Maintenance
The Surface Section performed many hours of maintenance on City parking ramps and parking lots this past
year. Maintenance support included power-washing ramp stairwells, painting, sweeping ramps and parking lots
and sign maintenance. These operations are integrated into our existing surface operations during non-winter
months, with the Forestry and Grounds Section assuming winter maintenance responsibilities. This service is
funded through the Parking Fund.
6. Alley Maintenance
Alley ways were maintained as needed in 2012, with routine clearing and grubbing performed. This service is
funded through the General Fund.
7. Guard Rail Repair
We maintained and repaired numerous sections of damaged guard rail and attenuators improving driver safety
and the appearance of the City. This service is funded through Act 51.
8. Aurelius Landfill Maintenance
The Division successfully coordinated the maintenance and repair of the City owned infrastructure at the
Aurelius Landfill site without incident in 2012. This included maintaining the methane burners and mowing
designated areas. This service is funded through the General fund.
9. Internal Trash and Recycling Support
Miscellaneous trash pick-up continued weekly, which involves two people and a small packer truck, picking up
trash from several different locations throughout the City, such as City Hall, Parking Ramps and trash
receptacles at various public locations in the right-of-way. We also supported many special events with trash
service in support of Capital Area Trash and Recycling. This service is funded through the General fund.
10. Routine and Emergency Traffic Control
We responded rapidly whenever there was a need for emergency traffic control support to close roads after an
accident or for the Lansing Police and Fire Departments. While the Fire Department is responding to an
accident scene or fire, we support them by making the road safe for them to work and alert motorists of the
problems ahead, keeping traffic flowing and fire fighters safe. This service is funded through Act 51 funds.
11. Special Event Support
We provided over 2,000 hours of support for special events during the year, such as parades, block parties and
running events, the biggest of which is the annual Silver Bells in the City event. This service is funded through
special event fees and Act 51 funds.
12. Right of Way Hazard Abatement
We responded to over 510 miscellaneous complaints during the year, most of them dealing with hazards and
debris in the street or alleys. This service is funded through Act 51 and or on a cost recovery basis.
13. Sidewalk Snow Violation Abatement
The Surface Section is responsible for administering the abatement side of the Sidewalk Snow Removal
Ordinance. We remove the snow from public sidewalks that are not cleared by property owners in the time
allotted by the ordinance. In 2012, due to the mild winter, there were no abatements needed. This service is
funded on a cost recovery basis.
14. Graffiti Abatement
Over 202 graffiti complaints were abated this year, with 65% completed within our three business day target.
Abating graffiti is subject to the weather and working with the property owners, to gain their permission to
access their property and finding the right fix to protect the vandalized surface. This service is funded through
Lansing Police Department funds.
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Graffiti-Before and After
15. Facility Operations
Coordinating maintenance of the facilities and buildings was handled by the Surface Section in 2012. From
ordering road salt and gravel to contacting Building Services to fix a leaky faucet, all aspects of maintaining the
complex were covered in a timely and efficient manner. During 2012 we made several adjustments to the yard
to improve site operations and make way for the construction. The improvements included constructing
bunkers for loose materials behind the salt barn for sand, cold patch, gravel and sweeper debris, as well
removing excess equipment from the yard. Internal facility operations are funded by a cost distribution across
all funds.
16. New Construction
In September of 2012 construction started on the new 10,000 square foot material transfer dome, an 18 bay
packer barn, and renovation of the existing transfer station into the new consolidated garage. We also acquired
the lot at 416 South Street, providing additional parking area and yard space to support operations. Internal
facility operations are funded by a cost distribution across all funds.
Regardless of the challenges we faced in 2012, we prioritized our efforts and provided quality support to the
City of Lansing, other City Departments, and our citizen customers.
D. Capital Area Recycling and Trash Section
The mission of Capital Area Recycling and Trash(CART) is to provide an efficient recycling, yard waste, and
refuse collection system. These programs encourage environmentally responsible behavior learned through
consistent outreach efforts which contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment and enhance the quality of
life for those who live and work in the City of Lansing. The recycling program continues to be one of CART's
most well received curbside programs. There has been an increase each year in the amount of material
collected since the popular single stream recycling program was implemented in 2010. 2012 was no exception,
with a 28%increase over 2011. In addition, in 2012 Cliff Ansley, one our most dedicated route drivers, retired
and Martin Torres transferred to the Street Section.
1. Promotion,Education, Coordination and Marketing
The Greensheet newsletter continues to be the primary source of information for CART programs and services
and is directly mailed to each single family household each spring and fall. Many residents rely on the
Greensheet to find out about special activities and events,holiday schedules and other pertinent information.
The CART Facebook page is growing, as is the email listserv; and the CART website provides a steady source
of up to date information for thousands of residents who turn to their computers to get informed about
community resources.
Paid advertising included an ad which ran in local newspaper, the City Pulse to promote the blue trash cart
service. CART also has ads in both locally distributed phone books.
Community outreach continues to be an effective way of promoting CART and increasing awareness.
Information, literature and recycling services are often provided at activities and events held at Fenner Nature
Center,Potter Park zoo, local schools and other city venues.
Environmental education and our partnership with the Lansing School District remains a priority, as we
recognize the connection between teaching the values of recycling and implementing behavior change in our
community. Nearly 50 Lansing public,private and charter schools are participating in the curbside collection
program,reinforcing the recycling habit.
As a way to teach environmental values,provide important"how to" information to the school, and to get
school children excited about recycling, CART staff partnered with the Lansing Board of Water &Light to
create a new school presentation called, "Saving Energy with Recycling." This assembly style program is
geared toward 2nd through 5t" grade students and focuses on recycling, natural resources and energy
conservation. Nearly 1250 students in the Lansing School District participated in this program 2012. The
Promotion,Education, Coordination and Marketing efforts are funded through the Recycling fund.
2. Refuse Collection
The City's blue trash cart service remains a popular choice for Lansing residents. As of December 2012, the
number of blue trash cart customers was at 6,299 and growing. Annual revenue derived from trash cart sales
through end of November totaled $1,163,547.06, up from 2011 figures of$1,099,992.27. A strong customer
base also remains for the city trash bags. This year 217,275 bags were sold, resulting in$372,356.25 in revenue.
The trash collected through November was disposed of for $163,176. Collection routes are constantly being
adjusted to increase efficiency. Further improvements in efficiency have been realized through the use of
automated arms to pick up trash carts. This service is funded through sales.
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Blue trash cart and city trash bag
3. Bulk Collection
The collection of furniture, appliances and other bulky items continues. General bulk sticker sales resulted in
1060 stickers sold for$33,739.50 in revenue. In an attempt to help disadvantaged citizens and to help keep the
city clean, free bulk stickers are provided to those who qualify. 615 stickers, valued at $20,295 were distributed
to low income residents. This benefit is funded through a General Fund subsidy.
4. Yard waste
Weekly collection service from April to the end of November was provided, along with a special Christmas tree
collection in January. The yard waste program delivered 5,829 cubic yards of leaves, grass, brush and
Christmas trees to Granger's yard waste facility in 2012. Another 13,621 cubic yards of yard waste was taken
to Hammond Farms for composting. This is 2,259 cubic yards more than last year. The increase is based on
shifting operations from the Crego Park compost facility. We had no lost time injuries from yard waste
collection this year, and we attribute that to the use of the paper yard waste bags. This service is funded through
the Recycling Fund.
5. Recycling
The success of the single stream recycling program continued in 2012. Approximately 3,400 tons was
recovered, which is an increase of about 28% in the amount of material collected in 2011. Efficiency is a top
priority for the collection process. Materials continue to be loaded into transfer trailers and trucked to a
Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operated by ReCommunity. Loads are taken to facilities in both Ann Arbor
and Southfield to be processed and marketed. The single stream program is popular with residents because it
has made recycling easier and more convenient. This service is funded through the Recycling Fund.
The pilot residential cart program continues to operate in two neighborhoods. About 585 households are
participating in the pilot program, by using 96 gallon recycling carts that are serviced every other week. Pilot
data suggests that the majority of residents are satisfied with this program and prefer the cart over their old
recycling bin. More recyclable materials are picked up in these pilot areas than what was being collected prior
to the pilot in those areas. In pilot area 1, there has been over 104% increase in tonnage. In pilot area 2, there
has been a 123% increase. This data suggest that if a larger cart is provided,people will generally continue
recycling, filling their container more, resulting in significant increases in material collected.
Automated trucks have been purchased in preparation for a spring or summer
launch of a City wide, bi-weekly residential cart program. CART staff predicts
annual tonnage will double,reaching 7,000 tons annually, once 96 gallon carts
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Automated Recycling Truck
6. Commercial Recycling Program
The pilot program that began in the summer of 2011, continued through June 2012. In July 2012, CART began
to offer a city wide, permanent, fee based commercial service. Participants receive a 96 gallon cart and weekly
recycling pick up for $47 per quarter. At the end of 2012,there were 74 commercial accounts. The business
recycling program helps local businesses to meet their recycling and sustainability goals. CART business
customers indicate they are pleased with the convenient, affordable service. In 2012, over 57 tons of recyclable
materials were recovered from Lansing businesses through the commercial recycling program.
7. Public Space Recycling
Recycling receptacles have been placed in ten locations throughout the City, including all Lansing community
centers,Fenner Nature Center, downtown and Old Town. The program has increased visibility and created
awareness of recycling and demonstrates to visitors that recycling is important to the City. In 2012, over 1,000
pounds of recycling was picked up from public space recycling bins.
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Recycling bin at Fenner Nature Center
8. Special Events
CART provides services to a variety of events in the City of Lansing which help to recover recyclable materials
and responsibly deal with trash generated at the event, while promoting CART and increasing awareness of
recycling. Some of the events that received CART support in 2012 are: Chili cook off, The Mayor's River
Walk, Blue's on the Square, Blues Fest,The African American Parade, the West Side Summerfest, and Silver
Bells in the City.
9. Regional Partnerships
CART continues to be a part of the Regional Recycling Coordinating Committee (R2C2). R2C2 members work
together to bring a variety of events to the Greater Lansing area and to provide education and awareness about
recycling and other environmental issues. Regional events include Recycle Rama, the Lansing area's largest
one day recycling collection that recovers hundreds of thousands of pounds electronics, scrap metal, appliances,
Styrofoam,unwanted medicines and many other materials. Other events include a booth and series of seminars
conducted at the Lansing Home and Garden Show, special collections for computers and electronics (e-waste)
and for latex paint. These programs are funded through a combination of sponsorships, in kind donations and
community support.
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Latex Paint Collection
10. Tri County Environmental Leadership Awards Program
This regional program is coordinated by a group of environmental professionals representing a diverse group of
agencies. An award program is held each spring to recognize businesses, schools and others from the Greater
Lansing comm m
unity. In 2012, six environmental leaders were recognized with an award made entirely from
recycled glass. The program is funded by sponsorships solicited from local and businesses and organizations.
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2012 Environmental Award Winners and Nominees
2012 was a successful year for many reasons for CART. Recycling tonnage continued to increase, refuse cart
customers increased and we are well on our way to field residential recycling carts in 2013. We were not
without our challenges, but we preserved and provided quality responsive service.
E. Forestry and Grounds Section
The mission of the Forestry and Grounds Section is to maintain the City's natural infrastructure and recreation
facilities to improve the physical environment and make Lansing a great place to live.
2012 has been a challenging year as we re-examine what we do and how we do it, forcing us to make drastic
changes in how we deliver services. We continued with our no-mow areas and other cost saving methods such
as furloughs, and vacancy eliminations upon retirement; however, operating costs continue to rise, leaving
fewer employees to deliver service creating operational obstacles and challenges. During 2012 we continually
refined processes and re-aligned crews to be respond to the challenges. The largest change was the reduction in
the seasonal employee work force, with an 80% reduction, achieved by contracting the mowing of parks.
Despite these obstacles, primary functions were performed at adequate production levels. In addition in 2012,
Mary Moore, Connie Norris and Marsha Scott retired. Their contributions and efforts in maintaining grounds,
gardens, ball fields, and parks infrastructure was appreciated and will be missed.
1. Forestry
The forestry crew is responsible for maintaining and sustaining City owned trees, a tremendous asset, as well as
responding to related emergencies. The section also issues permits for work on city trees. The financial
realities of the General Fund shortfall have had a continued effect on Forestry Section operations resulting in
reduced personnel, coupled with the damage caused by Emerald Ash Bore and aging equipment caused the
examination of all operations to determine priorities and possibilities for increased efficiency. There are two
"core" programs in the Forestry Section: New Tree Planting and Hazard Abatement. The program to recognize
and abate hazards and potential hazards located on City of Lansing owned right-of-way remained strong. Over
1,000 dead or dying trees located along the right-of-way were cut down. We are still feeling the impacts of the
Emerald Ash Bore, that caused tremendous devastation to the urban forest, and we will be continuing to
respond to the effects for years to come. Budget constraints resulted in the elimination of the stump removal
program for a second year in a row.
The tree planting program continues to lag behind tree removals, with 500 trees planted along streets during the
spring, 50% of the number of removals that took place. Tree pruning for stop sign and signal clearance, as well
as vehicular and pedestrian traffic continued to lag behind desired production levels. However, despite our
many challenges we were fielded a new tower truck during 2012. Further, an upgrade to our tree management
software was implemented to reduce administrative time, allowing us to make updates to the tree infrastructure
in the field. In addition, we remain active in promoting and educating the public about the importance of trees
through participating in Arbor Day activities, city television videos and we maintain our status of a Tree City
USA city. Moreover, a little known fact is that the Forestry Section is responsible for trimming the State
Christmas tree, adding branches, and any other task required to facilitate BWL light installation. Forestry
operations are funded through the General fund and Act 51.
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2012 State Christmas.Tree
2.Athletic Fields and Pools
The section was able to provide athletic field fittings over 800 times during the season as well as maintain 9
soccer fields, despite the fact staffing was reduced by 50%. Larger maintenance was deferred for fields and
several of the aging tennis courts. Pool maintenance was performed in partnership with Leisure Services. Pool
maintenance is a large task, with painting off season, setting up, routine cleaning and chemical management
during the season. Moore's Park pool remains a challenge due to its age. Athletic field and pool maintenance
are funded through the General fund.
3. Mowing
The goal for 2012 was to ensure all parks were mowed in the most efficient and cost effective manner, and we
explored multiple avenues to accomplish this goal. We did not want to expand no-mow areas and could not
afford to do the same thing and expect different results. Working with our unions, we gave them a chance to
beat a contractor's costs. However, after several months the savings were not realized and in July we shifted to
contract mowing for the majority of the parks. In September, the city terminated the mowing contract with
Ingham County, with city forces assuming the mowing duties. Right-of way and parking lot mowing was
performed on a regular basis by full time employees, with only minor disruptions. State Trunkline mowing was
performed four times per the MDOT Trunkline maintenance contract, with the growth inhibitor helping.
However, the limited mowing cycle is not enough to keep the areas looking as good as we would like, and we
will continue to seek to increase the mowing frequency. Overall, mowing needs for the summer were minimized
due to a drought. In the end, we found a good solution to the mowing of the parks, allowing the city to save
money and focus on other areas. Mowing is funded through the General fund, Parking fund, state Trunkline
funds and Act 51 funds.
4. Cemetery
The cemetery staff mows the grounds, removes snow, trims tress, collects trash, marks graves, performs grave
opening and burials, vault internments, grave site restoration, monument foundation installation and
beautification projects. The big change for 2012 was that mowing was contracted in July, and seasonal staffing
was reduced. Despite the staff reduction production goals for the crew were met including: monument
foundation installation, litter control, burials, snow management, tree nursery management, and the contractor
was able to keep the grass in good condition per contractor specifications, receiving positive feedback from area
funeral homes. The spring and fall season grave monument foundation installations were performed in a timely
manner. Changes in work hours resulted in fewer opportunities to perform leaf mulching operations. The basin
project continued with many improvements as well repairs made to the fountain. This service is funded through
the General Fund and Cemetery Enterprise Fund.
5. Infrastructure and Special Event Support
The Grounds section is responsible for the maintenance of the river trail, parks trash service, parks rstrooms,
picnic table maintenance, repairing play grounds, dock maintenance, show mobile set-up, and leisure service
support. As our park infrastructure ages, and as both staff and funding have decreased, the list of deferred
maintenance has increased. We focused our efforts on safety, reducing hazards to the public using the river
trail, ball fields and playgrounds. From replacing loose boards on river trail bridges, to placing new safety
material under play grounds, there is no shortage of work. Weekly trash service was sustained through the
season, with bi-weekly service in key areas. Restrooms were opened for facility reservations and maintained.
The Adado Park floating dock was re-installed and will be left in year around. To accomplish large projects we
partnered with other section to accomplish the heavy work, and have increased the use of contract repairs. This
service is funded through the General fund.
6. Cooley and Frances Gardens
The dedicated gardens were kept open throughout the year. Cooley Gardens was maintained by volunteers with
limited support from fulltime employees. Frances Gardens was scaled back due to staffing, but was overall in
good condition given the available resources to sustain the labor intensive garden. Moreover, casual contract
workers were used to manage reservations at Frances Park as a cost saving method. This service is funded
through the General Fund.
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Frances Garden
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Overall, 2012 was a challenging year, with numerous changes in how we deliver services and what services we
deliver. The challenges will continue, but we will continue to focus on the core aspects of our jobs and ensuring
the safety of the users of our parks and river trail.
F.Administrative Services Section
The mission of the administrative services section is to provide quality customer service to the citizens of
Lansing and professional internal services to the 0&M Division, including dispatch, clerical support, complaint
database management, human resource support, financial reporting, inventory control, and Act 51 fund
monitoring, with the purpose of addressing the concerns of citizens and complying with State and City
accounting requirements and in support of protecting the public health, welfare and safety.
1. Customer Service
The clerical staff continues to provide a high level of service to the citizens of Lansing. The O&M Division
remains the primary source for citizen contact during major weather events. When Mother Nature attacks it is
consistently the O&M administrative employees who are there for the community, disseminating information
and dispatching help where needed. The call center handled over 24,300 calls in 2012. The significant change
for 2012 was shifting walk-in payments and low income bulk stickers to the Treasurer's Office. This enabled
the city to consolidate similar functions as well as increase security at 601 South Street by limiting public
access.
With the launch of the commercial recycling pilot and the residential automated collection pilot, as well as the
number of trash cart customers surpassing 6,100 for the first time in the program's history, the call center
remained busy with questions about refuse and recycling. The clerical staff fielded over 17,000 refuse and
recycling calls during 2011.
The clerks continue to put the customer first, going above and beyond to resolve callers' concerns. There have
been no formal complaints regarding the staff s handling of customer issues.
2. Efficiencies
We continue to strive to streamline our operations and identify new efficiencies. New computers were fielded
this year across the division,providing the ability to deploy computers to the field. In addition, a new solid
waste database was created to track cart deliveries,repossessions and other routine functions that were
previously in separate siloes. We continue to work with Engineering and Permits to improve utility cut
tracking and processing, striving to develop a common operating picture for.information tracking.
Operations and Maintenance Administrative staff is one of the most dedicated, professional and hard working
groups in the City of Lansing. Despite ongoing changes to our processes they continue to adapt and excel. We
are proud to report that the Administrative Section has had another successful year serving the community and
we will continue to provide the high level of service that the public has come to expect.
G.Responding to Nature: Winter Maintenance and Storm Response
One of most important roles of the Division is the salting and plowing of the City's streets,bridges and City
owned sidewalks during the winter months,keeping the roads and sidewalks safe for the driving and walking
public.
1. Street Clearing
2012 was a light year for snow. In response to the smaller events, we ran quadrant salt routes and bridges and
overpasses over 18 times, and fiill salt routes five times. In addition, we cleared hills and stops on locals four
times,to improve driving conditions on local streets. Further, we plowed major streets once. We also modified
our response plans expanding the use of underbody plows to tailor the response to conserve resources and
respond to mid-sized events of two to three inches.
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Plowing a major street
We are still constrained by a smaller staff and stagnant Act 51 funding, which limits our ability to clear the
streets as quickly as in the past. The team answered the call when needed, working long hours. This service is
funded through Act 51 and state Trunkline maintenance funds.
2. Sidewalk and Parking Clearing
Snow management operations take place at a variety of locations including FEMA sites, the City Parking
System, Parks and Recreation locations and other City sidewalks. The Forestry and Grounds Division is
responsible for snow management of sidewalks and parking areas at over 220 sites encompassing over 30 miles
of sidewalk, 15 parking lots and 4 parking ramps. The work group ensured that all city sidewalks were cleared
within 24 hours of a snow fall. The Street Section continued to salt and shovel skywalk landings. This service
is funded through the General fund and Parking fund.
Submitted by: Scott House, P.E., Superintendent of Operations and Maintenance
IV. WASTEWATER DIVISION
The wastewater division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the combined sewer overflow
facilities (regulators), storm and sanitary sewer pumping stations, and the wastewater treatment plant. The
City's WWTP services the City and multiple townships outside its corporate limits. The plant is the fifth
largest in the state of Michigan and is licensed to treat an average daily flow of 35 million gallons of
sewage.
Our division is also responsible for the administration of the City's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. A major part of this permit requires an Industrial Pretreatment
Program that monitors local business and industry discharges to the sanitary sewer system.
To help educate the community about wastewater treatment and our positive impact on the environment,
many facility tours are given throughout the year.
A. Wastewater Treatment
In 2012,the Wastewater Treatment Plant(WWTP) successfully treated 4.9 billion gallons of raw sewage
and processed it into clean water, which was discharged into the Grand River. The treatment process
generated 5,539 dry tons of residual solids. A total of 4,268 dry tons were converted to biosolids by lime
stabilizing, and then applied to farm land as a soil conditioner and nutrient source (fertilizer) for agricultural
crops. The remaining 1,271 dry tons were land filled.
In both of these two processes,we are taking advantage of popular green solutions: the use of residual
sewage solids to provide nutrients to farm crops around the tri-county area and adding valuable methane
producing material to local landfills that will be vital to fueling generators that will sell electricity back to
the Board of Water and Light.
Plant improvements in 2012 centered on the final construction phase of the Tertiary Filter Building and
Final Tank project. The Tertiary Building is in full service and the renovated filters are performing as
anticipated,thus increasing plant efficiency. The final tank should be in service by the end of the month.
This project was successful in receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that resulted in
the city saving over$4 million. This savings is equivalent to a rate increase of 16% and thus is a major
benefit to all of our residential, commercial and industrial customers.
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Final Holding Tank
B. Wastewater Laboratory
The function of the Wastewater Treatment Plant laboratory is to determine the effectiveness and efficiency
of the plant treatment processes and to verify the quality of the water discharged to the Grand River.
Our laboratory passed all parameters for chemistry, microbiology and metals analysis for the Discharge
Monitoring Resort- Quality Assurance Study required annually by the EPA. This study challenges our
staff to analyze samples of unknown contaminants.
As a requirement of our NPDES permit, our plant effluent was put through the Whole Effluent Toxicity
(WET)testing procedures in the spring and fall. Our effluent was in complete compliance for all
parameters. These test results will be used in the evaluation of our next NPDES permit application due in
2017.
C. Plant Maintenance and Pumping Stations (Field Operations)
The Wastewater Division Field Operations staff monitors, maintains and operates 27 sanitary sewer
pumping stations, one air injection station, and four stormwater pumping stations which serve both the City
and surrounding Townships.
The plant maintenance staff maintains all buildings, process equipment and grounds of the 40 acre facility.
Design and bidding was completed for the installation of new variable frequency drives (VFDs) for the
Lansing Avenue Pumping Station and repairs and upgrades to the heating and ventilation (HV) systems.
The VFDs allow the pumps to be "soft" started and stopped which greatly reduces the stress on the pump
and associated piping. The VFDs also control the speed of the pumps. As the name implies the speed is
varied as required to keep up with the incoming flow, thus sending a consistent, smooth flow to the plant
which greatly aids the treatment processes. The HV upgrades are to prevent sewer gases from entering the
main building where the VFDs and other electrical components reside. Previously these corrosive gases had
entered the building, causing premature equipment failure.
D. Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP)
The City of Lansing Industrial Pretreatment Program continues to inspect, permit and monitor 13
categorical and/or significant industries. Continual involvement is necessary to maintain a solid working
relationship with Lansing industries. This is accomplished through site visits and follow-ups, regular
oversight through sampling, permitting and inspections. Many commercial sites are also visited throughout
the year.
Staff also responds to environmental issues that arise within the City. We routinely work with the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality to address reports of pollutants being illegally discharged or
accidental spills that need to be properly contained.
Submitted by: Paul Stokes, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent
V. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
In July 2012, the Property Management Division was moved to the Public Service Department, continuing to
utilize the Building Maintenance Division and the Building Services Division.
The Property Management Division is responsible for managing the City of Lansing's properties. The City of
Lansing owns approximately 750 properties which includes approximately 225 buildings. The Division is
directly responsible for 75 buildings and 59 properties.
Property Management is staffed with 18 full time employees and is divided into two work crews. The City Hall
Crew staffs the buildings 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, and is responsible for maintaining City Hall, the Police
Building and assisting the Hazel Street Group as needed. This group consists of four facility maintenance
workers and one supervisor/manager.
The Hazel Street Crew consists of a building maintenance manager, an electrical supervisor, a plumber
supervisor, an electrical facility controls worker and three facilities maintenance workers. This group is
responsible for all City-owned buildings, including assisting the City Hall Group as needed. The supervisors
also review and comment on all new building construction designs as prepared by various architectural and
engineering firms hired by City. This group consists of thirteen staff: four facility maintenance workers, four
custodial workers, four supervisor/managers and one administrative assistant.
Property Management staff are available 24 hours a day for emergencies and provide support to many special
events. The Division provides facility planning and utility services for over 40 special events a year. Some of
the more popular ones are: Downtown Lansing Inc. Frost Fest, Lansing Board of Water and Light Chili Cook
Off, Old Town Commercial Festival of the Moon and Sun, City of Lansing 4th of July event, Common Ground
Music Festival and the City of Lansing Mosaic Festival. This includes providing power, lights, water, sewer,
and other work necessary to make the special events happen. The Division also works with other City of
Lansing departments, other outside governmental agencies,private companies or businesses to help make the
special events a success for all participants.
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Common Ground
The Division evaluates the City's energy usage and makes recommendations to reduce energy consumption, use
alternative fueled equipment, influence designs in green roofs and green buildings,purchase energy-star rated
equipment, and various other earth friendly actions.
We also manage the City identification card system, building 4larm systems, security services,janitorial
services and many environmental issues related to properties.
All plumbing items associated with buildings and grounds are maintained by Property Management. This
includes all items in our buildings and grounds associated with sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water supply
lines, fire suppression lines, and process piping systems like swimming pools.
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Moores Park Pool—Main Entrance
The Division maintains all heating, ventilating, and air conditioning items associated with buildings. This
includes forced air units, steam boilers, hydronic systems,water heaters, steam converters, radiant flooring
systems, variable air volume (VAV) box systems, chillers, ejector pumps, cooling towers,make-up air units,
exhaust fans, and HVAC controllers.
In addition, we maintain all electrical items associated with building and grounds, including transformers,
distribution boxes, electrical panels, light fixtures, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) units, motors, motor
controls, parking lot liZD
ghting, fire alarm systems, building alarm systems, and generators.
The Property Management Division maintains all other components that make up a building or are
improvements to the properties. This includes things like the building integrity of windows, doors, roofing,
carpeting, tile, concrete, walls, walkways, fences, paint, wallpaper, ceilings, and fireproofing.
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City Hall Turner Dodge House
The City owns buildings that vary in age such as the Turner Dodge house that was built in 1858 to the new Fleet
Services Garage building which is still under construction. The age of each building creates a unique situation
for our Division staff to determine needed repairs to minimize down time yet make it cost efficient.
The Division is responsible to ensure the City adheres to all federal, state and local laws that are applicable to
our building and properties. This includes: EPA—Clean Water, EPA—Clean Air, Americans with Disabilities
Act, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, International Building Code, International Plumbing
Code, International Mechanical Code, ASME Boiler Code, National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection
Code, Michigan Building Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, Michigan Electrical Code, Michigan Barrier Free
Code, City of Lansing Property Codes and ordinances, and Lansing and Dewitt Township codes and ordinances.
We pride ourselves on meeting the challenges of special projects that help improve the quality of life in the City
of Lansing. The Division contributed to creating time capsules, installing art work in public places, building
bases for art work displays and assisting in creating various memorials.
In 2012, the Division completed 1,535 work orders for the year, which is down from previous years due to a
reduction of 3 staff members. We provided services to 55 special events as small as public announcements at
City Hall to our largest which is the Common Ground Music Festival. We completed several projects over the
year, one of which is the replacement of 3 roof top HVAC units at Foster Community Center and 2 roof top
units at Letts Community Center. The new units replaced older units to increase our energy efficiencies. The
Division is managing several projects such as a land purchase on South Street to extend the parking area for the
Operations and Maintenance division, completed the Police Department storage lot on Sunset Drive and the
installation of the Metasys building control system for Foster Community Center, Operations and Maintenance
Building &Letts Community Center.
The Division worked with the Police Department to renovate the North Precinct to accommodate the closing
of the South Precinct. We also worked closely with the Purchasing Division of Finance to sell off the
surplus materials at the South Precinct and clean up the facilities and terminate the lease with DTN
Management.
Submitted by: Marty Riel, Property Manager
VI. FLEET SERVICES DIVISION
Fleet Services is responsible for preventative maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment owned by the
City. Additionally, we are responsible for purchasing and disposal of units with the assistance of the City's
Purchasing Department. The fleet is divided into several categories to help manage it. We have approximately
550 "rolling stock" vehicles (rolling stock is a unit that is capable of moving itself down the road). There are
500 pieces of other equipment. The Fleet Services team has 27 full-time employees.
A. Consolidated Garage Project
The consolidated garage project is well underway. This project is scheduled for completion in mid-summer
2013. This project will greatly assist us in our quest to provide the employees of the City with reliable and safe
transportation as they perform their various functions. Since the new fleet facility utilizes the building occupied
by the City's recycling operation and is also used for overnight storage of the refuse and recycling packer truck,
replacement structures for these operations are also part of this project.
Progress includes:
• Exterior walls for the administration addition are progressing.
• East wall extension foundation work underway.
• Heavy-duty vehicle lofts are being installed.
• Packer storage building materials and building erection is slated for the end of January.
B. Vehicles Purchased
Although funding has been limited, Fleet Services acquired the following vehicles and equipment in 2012:
• Chevy Volt, Administrative loaner car
• Century Industries mobile sound stage, for Parks &Recreation
• Husgvarna concrete cutting saw, for Public Service, O &M
• Vactor vacuum/jet sewer truck, for Public Service, O & M
• Altec 70' tower truck, for Public Service, Forestry
• 2 Westward Go parking scooters, for Parking
• Chevy Silverado 4x4, for LFD Fire Prevention
• 2 Landscape trailers, for Public Service, O & M
Anticipated Vehicle Purchases for 2013:
• 5 Ford Police Cruisers, 2 sedans and 3 SUV's for LPD
• 1 Chevy Impala, Detective ATPA Grant for LPD
• 2 Chevy Passenger Vans for LPD's CSI & Garage loaner
• 1 Ambulance for LFD
• 1 Chevy Silverado utility pickup with plow for LFD Maintenance
• 4 or 5 Administrative vehicles for Code Compliance/Building Safety
• 1 Chevy Silverado utility service truck for Fleet Services
• 5 29-yard Recycling packers for Public Service, Recycling
• 1 Bucket truck for Public Service's Sign Shop
• 1 Concrete trailer for Public Service, O & M
• 1 6-yard packer for Public Service, O & M
• 1 Recycling Compactor
Submitted by: Greg Klco, Fleet Manager
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
December 12, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter,
Shirley Rodgers and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: James Marshall
STAFF: Chad Gamble, Dean Johnson, and Christopher Mumby
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:36 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences: James Marshall
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
November 14, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Ms. Sclunidt seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for November 14, 2013.
4) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble asked for a list of priorities from the Board for the new budget year.
11:38 a.m. Ms. Rodgers arrived.
Mr. Gamble gave updates on the Wet Weather Program, and the SIB loan that will include
several improvements in Lansing.
11:42 a.m. Mr. Flechter arrived.
Discussion followed.
11:56 a.m. Mr. Gamble left
Public Service Board Page 2
December 12, 2013
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Business Permits and Technology Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Flechter deferred to Mr. Mumby for more information on the report. Mr. Mumby gave
more information on the Asset Management Software. Discussion followed.
Mr. Mumby announced the Snow on Sidewalk Ordinance will remain the same for this
season with no changes. Discussion followed.
Mr. Mumby informed that the City is working with Consumers Energy for better
communication on requirements. Discussion followed.
Engineering Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Johnson gave a brief overview of his written report. Discussion followed.
Mr. Bloomberg requested a draft list of streets covered by the mill money. Mr. Johnson
stated in addition to the mill money there is one million dollars in the budget for local street
repairs. Mr. Bloomberg also requested the plans for the Sidewalk Gap Closure.
1:01 P.M. Mr. Anderson left
Mr. Johnson stated there are several lawsuits, dealing with the flooding that occurred, against
the City that has the potential of costing the City a lot of money.
1:11 P.M. Mr. Flechter left
Mr. Bloomberg questioned the completion of the Annual Report. Mr. Mumby expects it to be
finished before the next Public Service Meeting. Mr. Baerman requested it when possible
even if in draft form.
6) ACTION ITEMS:
Mr. Bloomberg recommended deferring the discussion of Budge Priorities to next month's
meeting. Members agreed.
7) NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Rodgers will check with Debra Alexander, Executive Director for CATA, to see if she
would do a presentation on the Bus Rapid Transit Project for Michigan Avenue at the
February or March Public Service Board Meeting.
8) OTHER BUSINESS: None
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
Public Service Board Page 3
December 12, 2013
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
i Lansing,Michigan 48933
i (517)483-4455
?l FAX:(517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
December 17, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
November 14, 2013.
r�-
Please place these minutes on file. >
cn �
Respectfully submitted, rn
--- C,
Ckj -<
Janette Tate C,.
-�- F rI
Recording Secretary M --
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
November 14, 2013
PRESENT: Lyndon Babcock, Ron Bloomberg, Paul Baerman, James Marshall,
Shirley Rodgers and Alfreda Sclunidt
ABSENT: Cleo Anderson, and Matt Flechter
STAFF: Marty Riel, and Paul Stokes
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:42 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call ZZ
b. Excused Absences: Cleo Anderson, and Matt Flechter ��;': rr
c—� FT
i s C)
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None t- vo Fri
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES: '
�'i
M
October 10, 2013 701 ry
Mr. Baerman recommended the following revision:
• Pg. 1, Call To Order, Line 2: change "Wastewater Treatment Plant" to "Fleet
Services"
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Ms. Rodgers seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for October 10, 2013, as amended.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
Ms. Rodgers brought it to the attention of the Board that the following schedules would be
subject to change if a merging of the Transportation and Public Service Boards would happen.
Proposed Meeting Schedule for 2014: Ms. Rodgers moved, Mr. Marshall seconded,
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the proposal as submitted.
Proposed Division Reporting Schedule for 2014: Ms. Schmidt moved, Ms. Rodgers
seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the proposal as submitted.
The Board discussed Council Resolution for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget and their own
Budget priorities resolutions. Discussion will continue next month.
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Property Management Division: No written report was distributed.
Public Service Board Page 2
November 14, 2013
Ms. Schmidt deferred to Mr. Riel for a verbal report. Mr. Riel gave a brief verbal report on
updating Crego Park, working on Silver Bells in the City, Chillers dying that were located in
the sub-basement of City Hall, and refurbishing the old Service Garage. Ms. Schmidt voiced
her concern over special events that take away funding from other areas and these events
don't bring enough revenue for the City.
Wastewater Division: No written report was distributed.
Mr. Marshall deferred to Mr. Stokes to give a verbal report. Mr. Stokes gave a brief verbal
report on being extremely short staffed, the Asset Management requirement for the new
NPDES permit, the requirement to have a plan in place to maintain infrastructure, and
applying for a grant that will help fund both requirements that is done by a lottery.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Stokes announced that Mr. Gamble was unable to attend the meeting. In his place Mr.
Stokes announced that Scott House, Operation and Maintenance Superintendent, has been
appointed Interim Deputy Director of Public Service, and until further notice he will be
handling both duties. Mr. Stokes also announced that Eric Hassett has been appointed Interim
Fleet Service Manager, since John Busley recently retired.
7) NEW BUSINESS: None
8) OTHER BUSINESS: None
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
ti S 1—.
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing,Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
\11j FAX:(517)483-6082
�., http://publicservice.city0flansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
November 22, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
October 10, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Respectfully submitted,
qanette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
r-
�- a
�
1J
t
co
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
October 10, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Matt Flechter, Shirley Rodgers,
and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: Ron Bloomberg, and James Marshall
STAFF: John Busley, Chad Gamble, Scott House, and Lori Welch
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Fleet Services.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences: Ron Bloomberg, and James Marshall
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
September 12, 2013
Mr. Baerman recommended the following revision:
• Pg. 1, Call To Order, Line 1: change "Chair Baerman"to "Vice Chair Rodgers"
• Pg. 2, Action Items, 2`d Para., Line 2: change "of' to "about"
• Pg. 2, Action Items, 2rd Para., Last line: Add "limit" between "speed and instead"
Mr. Anderson moved, Mr. Babcock seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for September 12, 2013, as amended.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
The Board Members did not receive a copy of the Revised Snow on Sidewalk Ordinance, so
no discussion or action was taken.
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Fleet Services Division: No written report was distributed.
Mr. Anderson stated Mr. Busley was kind enough to give him a personal tour of the new
facility, back on August 2nd. Mr. Busley stated Mr. Anderson had the privilege to see where
we came from, the before and after.
Mr. Busley along with giving a brief report discussed the additional safety items that need to
be added. When construction was going on they emphasized on safety. Discussion followed.
Mr. Gamble stated Mr. Busley has announced his retirement, which is scheduled for October
Public Service Board Page 2
October 10, 2013
24`h. He has been such a great addition to this division, and a tremendous help to this facility.
On October 23`d, from 11 a.m. to 1 P.M. will be the grand opening of the Fleet Service
Division.
Operations and Maintenance/CART Division: A written report was distributed.
Ms. Rodgers gave mention to street repairs coming to an end for the season, and then turned
the reporting over to Mr. House. Mr. House gave a brief overview of the report. Street
pushing for fallen leaves will start soon. Citizens are encouraged to put their leaves in bags
and not rake them into the street. Discussion followed on basement back-ups and flooding on
the southside.
12:08 p.m. Mr. Fletcher arrived
Ms. Welch gave a brief overview of the report. The rolling out of new recycling carts was
September 16Ih. Discussion followed.
12:50 p.m. Mr. Anderson left
Mr. Flechter questioned if there were any changes to yard waste in the works. Ms. Welch
stated not at this time. Discussion followed.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble announced that Mr. House and Ms. Welch have done such a tremendous job on
the CART Roll Out Program and they should be commended for their hard work and
leadership.
The Board suggested moving the meetings to different Division locations, and to have the
draft minutes and reports double sided to save paper.
12:54 p.m. Mr. Gamble left
7) NEW BUSINESS: None
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
After the meeting John Busley gave members a tour of the new Fleet Services Facility.
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
N._S_J
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing,Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
FAX:(517)483-6082
\f http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
October 10, 2013
r--
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall ��,a' � %J
Lansing, Michiganco
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
c7 R7
r— co
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
September 12, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
R"ectfully tted,
anette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
September 12, 2013 � w
cn o 70
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter, I M
James Marshall, and Shirley Rodgers C) -- C)
c-) w ;rt
ABSENT: Paul Baerman, and Alfreda Schmidt -WC
'� � t'Tl
w
STAFF: Chad Gamble, Dean Johnson, and Christopher Mumby rrn w
x-
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chair Rodgers called the meeting to order at 11:45 a.m., at the Lansing Public
Service Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences: Paul Baerman, and Alfreda Schmidt
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
August 8, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg recommended the following revision:
• Pg. 2, New Business, 3`d Para., Line 4: change "Citizens"to "citizens"
• Pg. 2, New Business, 3`d Para., Line 4: change "lining"to "lying"
• Pg. 2, New Business, 3`d Para., last sentence: change "in the process"to "considering
the possibilities"
Mr. Marshall recommended the following revision:
• Pg. 2, B. Wastewater Division: add"Mr. Marshall referred to Mr. Stokes to give a
verbal report"
Ms. Rodgers recommended the following revision:
• Pg. 3, New Business, 4th Para., b): change "lining"to "lying"
Mr. Anderson moved, Mr. Babcock seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for August 8, 2013, as amended.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
Mr. Gamble stated that the current ordinance requires for both a Traffic Board and a Public
Service Board. We are currently trying to change that requirement in the ordinance, so they
can be combined.
11:55 a.m. Mr. Flechter arrived
Public Service Board Page 2
September 12, 2013
A lot of the same information is shared with both boards. The main difference in the boards
is the Public Service Board is an advisory board only and the Traffic Board reviews and
approves the Traffic Control Orders.
Addressing Ms. Rodgers and Mr. Babcock questions, Mr. Gamble stated that the new law
concerning changes to speed limits requires a study to be performed. If we have concerns
about speeds within the city and on a city street, we would perform the study. If the concern
was inside the city, but on an MDOT street, we would request MDOT to perform the study.
Having a study performed may not turn out the way you hope because the study is based on
the percent of the speed being driven. Therefore, if you request a study because you want a
speed lowered, the study could actually increase the speed limit instead. .
Mr. Marshall questioned the new merge sign on Walnut Street after the exit off of westbound
I- 496. Mr. Gamble states that is MDOT not the city and they are trying to prevent a
northbound turn off of Walnut Street.
Mr. Flechter stated a similar merging of boards happened with the Recycle Board years ago.
He would support the merge with training and education to be able to make good decisions.
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Business, Permits and Technology Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Flechter requested further information on the report, especially on the last paragraph
requesting support from the board. Mr. Mumby gave a brief overview of the report.
Discussion followed on Revised Snow on Sidewalk Ordinance and the request of support
from the board. Mr. Bloomberg requested to see the changes of the Revised Snow on
Sidewalk ordinance, before the board gave support. Ms. Rodgers moved to add this as a
discussion item for next month meeting.
12:52 p.m. Mr. Flechter left
Mr. Babcock asked if moving to Asset Management Software will save money. Mr. Mumby
stated we use several different programs now that are inefficient. Although the Asset
Management Software will be an expense at first, over time we would be saving money and
have better efficiency. Ms. Rodgers questioned if the Asset Management Software would
only be used by the Public Service Department or by the whole city. Mr. Mumby stated it
would be most beneficial for the Public Service Department but will be available to all. Ms.
Rodgers is happy that the city is moving forward and trying to get updated, because she is
well aware of how far behind the city is, technology wise. Mr. Johnson stated that the
Wastewater Treatment Plant is required to add an Asset Management Software so we are
hopeful to get a grant to help with the cost.
Engineering Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Marshall asked for additional information on parts of the report. Mr. Johnson gave
additional information. Discussion followed.
Public Service Board Page 3
September 12, 2013
1:10 p.m. Mr. Anderson left
Ms. Rodgers announced she is very happy with the street work that was done on Martin
Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Jolly Road. Mr. Babcock complained that the street signs
have not been removed even though the work is complete. Mr. Johnson will look into it.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble announced there will be a Press Conference for the CART roll out on Monday,
September 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Washington Park.
Mr. Gamble asked Members if they would be interested in having the meeting next month at
the Fleet Service location for a tour of the new facility. Members were in favor of that.
7) NEW BUSINESS:
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
1 �rl PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
1'• 732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
j Lansing,Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
FAX: (517)483-6082
f J j http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
September 13, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
August 8, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Respectfully submitted,
Aj;j
2tte Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
AUGUST 8, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter,
James Marshall, Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Chad Gamble, Marti Riel, and Paul Stokes
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Absences: None
C. Excused Absences: None �w
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None �' c--3j
c� rs% M.
3) APPOVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
r— w
July 11, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg recommended the following revision: w
• Pg. 2, Officers Reports, Fleet Services, Para. 1: Check to see if the first sentence is
correct and change if it isn't.
Mr. Anderson moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
To approve the minutes for July 11, 2013, as amended.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
Ms. Schmidt moved to have a discussion on the draft Committee of the Whole meeting
minutes dated June 24, 2013 placed under New Business, Mr. Bloomberg seconded,
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5) OFFICER REPORTS:
A. Propgty Management Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Riel gave a brief overview of the report. Mr. Marshall asked who does the inspections.
Mr. Riel stated we have a lot of different inspectors that inspect different areas. Mr. Riel gave
descriptions of pictures on the report. One of the pictures was the new hand washing area for
the special events. Citizens wanted to be able to wash hands with soap and water not just
with sanitizer. Mr. Riel gave information about the police station air ducts that needed to be
Public Service Board Page 2
August 8, 2013
replaced. Mr. Baerman requested the cost of the new air conditioning ducts for the police
station. Mr. Riel stated that city was able to receive a discounted price of thirteen hundred
dollars. This was not a budgeted item, but was necessary. Discussion followed on how non
budgeted items are paid for. It is very difficult on such tight budgets.
B. Wastewater Division: No written report was distributed.
Mr. Marshall referred to Mr. Stokes to give a verbal report.
Mr. Stokes stated the plant is running good and we have no current projects. We anticipate a
lot of upcoming retirements and will be short staffed. City does not start the hiring process
until position is vacant. Mr. Bloomberg wanted to know if last month's extreme wet weather
caused trouble for the plant. Mr. Stokes stated we were very busy during those storms. It
caused us to bring in extra staff, but we were able to handle it, and stay in compliance.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Baerman questioned if something could be done with the loud air flow noise in the room
we are in. Mr. Riel, the Property Manager, stated he will have his staff look into it.
12:02 p.m. Ms. Rodgers arrived.
4) NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion started on the draft meeting minutes of the Committee of the Whole from June
24, 2013. Ms. Schmidt stated it seems that there have been a lot of problems due to wet
weather/basement back-ups in the neighborhoods, and nothing is being done. Mr. Baerman
said he did not recall hearing all this information about citizens having so much trouble and
the city not responding. Mr. Baerman stated that Mr. Flechter informed him of a Wet
Weather meeting held last night and a lot of citizens were blaming the City for all their
flooding issues.
12:16 p.m. Mr. Gamble arrived
Discussion continued on the extreme wet weather causing damage and flooding to citizens of
Lansing houses.
Mr. Gamble stated he spoke at the meeting last night and a lot of citizens believe the city
should be able to handle the extreme amount of wet weather that we have had this year. He
said the citizens don't understand that we could not build a system big enough to handle
every possible extreme storm event. Most of the citizens that flooded are in the lowest lying
areas of the city, but blame the city and they want us to fix it.
Ms. Rodgers states most people think that when a subdivision is being built that the houses
would not be built on property that would flood. It's better to come up with solutions then to
point fingers. There has to be a better way to explain the situation. Why wasn't the CSO
project started in the lowest section of town. The south side has had problems for years.
Mr. Gamble stated that these issues on the south side are SSO's (Sanitary Sewer Overflow)
issues not CSO's (Combined Sewer Overflow) issues. The Wet Weather program that we
have designed would address both issues. But, there will always be properties that will never
Public Service Board Page 3
August 8, 2013
be fixed. Citizens living in a flood zone will need to purchase flood insurance, because we
will never be able to solve all their problems. At the end of the Wet Weather Program we
will be able to handle 96 % of all storms. Where do you draw the line of what the system can
handle? The state's requirement is the 25 year, 24 hour storm event, but that will still not
help everyone. The Burchfield area is the lowest part of the city. We have done a study on
trying to fix this area and it would be more cost efficient for the city to just buy those four
houses. But should the city be responsible to buy them? Some feel it should be the
developers of the houses. We are considering the possibilities of buying properties in these
areas on a FEMA Grant.
1:11 p.m. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Fletcher left
More question and answers followed on:
a) The prediction of more extreme wet weather around the world
b) Low lying and swampy areas
c) Basement Backup Prevention Program (B2P2) Pilot
d) The number of people affected
Mr. Gamble stated please help educate other citizens that we are working to fix the problems
but it cost lots of money to do it. Please let them know to contact the Public Service
Department 7"' floor City Hall with questions and complaints.
Ms. Schmidt requested to add to the agenda of next month's meeting, discussion of the
combining of the Traffic and Public Service Boards.
5) DIRECTOR'S REPORT: See above
6) OTHER BUSINESS: None
7) COMMUNICATIONS: None
8) PENDING ITEMS: None
9) ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
t Lansing,Michigan 48933
i (517)483-4455
FAX: (517)483-6082
\1� http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
August 9, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
July 11, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Respectfully submitted,
C2hette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
00 tE Wd Z I env EIDZ
03AI303�
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
JULY 119 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter,
James Marshall, Shirley Rodgers and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF: John Busley, Chad Gamble and Scott House
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Absences: None
C. Excused Absences:
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPOVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
June 13,2013
Mr. Anderson moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
To approve the minutes for June 13, 2013, as submitted.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
A. Election of Officers July 1 2013 —June 30 2014:
Chair: Ms. Schmidt moved to elect Mr. Baerman to serve as Chair, Mr. Bloomberg
seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice Chair: Ms. Schmidt moved to elect Shirley Rodgers to serve as Vice Chair, Mr.
Babcock seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Divisional Reporting Officers:
Mr. Bloomberg moved to elect Mr. Marshall to serve as officer for the Engineering and
Waste Water Treatment Plant Divisions, Mr. Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
11:55 a.m. Ms. Rodgers arrived
Public Service Board Page 2
July 11, 2013
Mr. Anderson moved to elect Ms. Rodgers to serve as officer for the Operations and
Maintenance/ CART Division, Ms. Schmidt seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rodgers moved to elect Ms. Schmidt to serve as officer for the Property
Management Division, Mr. Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Bloomberg moved to elect Mr. Anderson to serve as officer for the Fleet Services
Division, Ms. Rodgers seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Bloomberg moved to elect Mr. Flechter to serve as officer for the Business, Permits,
and Technology Division, Ms. Schmidt seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
5) OFFICER REPORTS:
A. Fleet Services: No written report was distributed.
Mr. Busley reported the city has purchased five (5) new recycling trucks that will be
replacing old ones. The recycling trucks are being manufactured in Canada and are close
to being completed. There anticipated arrival date is late August, as they were held up
due to a labor dispute. We are currently in the process of researching two rear load
packers, and carts that would be pre-lined with new cart tippers making them more
efficient. Older vehicles are also being updated.
Mr. Busley continued to report that the new garage will open early August. The office
area will be ready in July. There have been a lot of new, state-of-the art purchases that
have been very expensive. Mr. Busley noted that there will be videos to provide
instructions on how to use the facility. The training will be matched to the private sector.
Mr. Gamble noted that the garage consolidation has been discussed for over 30 years.
Ms. Schmidt asked how the budget will absorb these purchases. Mr. Gamble explained
that the division has "staffed down" for the last two years. Mr. Gamble continued to
explain that the division chose technology over staff. Bids were high and engineering had
to modify bids. Mr. Gamble noted that Lansing companies were bidding high. Mr.
Gamble mentioned we are in the process of bidding out for new ambulances and fire
trucks.
Mr. Busley stated the Safety Committee has been updating lighting and providing a safer
work environment for staff and the public. Mr. Marshall asked if there is a way to
improve emissions controls on older equipment. Mr. Busley noted they are working to
update older equipment.
12:15 Mr. Flechter arrived.
Public Service Board Page 3
July 11, 2013
B. Operations and Maintenances/CARTS: A written report was distributed.
Ms. Rodgers inquired about the amount of patching that is being done due to utility work.
Mr. House stated utility Companies pay a space fee for utility cuts, and we are working
with the Board of Water and Light to minimize patching. He also noted that wet weather
is making it very difficult to pave.
Mr. House gave a brief overview of the report which included updates on recycling.
Discussion followed.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble reported that the Board will be notified of the upcoming grand opening for the
Board of Water and Light new location on South Washington, and the Streetscape Projects.
The Customer Service Center at the Board of Water and Light will remain at the building on
Haco Drive.
Board Consolidation: The Traffic Board and the Parks Board will be combined with the
Public Service Board. Questions followed.
Mr. Gamble passed around the Committee of the Whole presentation. Mr. Marshall requested
a copy. A copy will be sent to all members.
We are currently working with City T. V. to improve quality, and presented a recycle video
to be aired.
7) NEW BUSINESS: None
8) OTHER BUSINESS: None
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
11)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Faith, Recording Secretary
S
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
124 West Michigan Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
FAX:(517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero, Mayor
July 19, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope:
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held
June 13, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer"
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
JUNE 139 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter,
James Marshall, Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Alec Malevetis, and Christopher Mumby
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:39 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Excused Absences:
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES: ' 1
April 11, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Mr. Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for April 11, 2013, as submitted.
May 9,2013
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Ms. Rodgers seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to
approve the minutes for May 9, 2013, as submitted.
4) ACTION ITEMS:
Mr. Bloomberg moved to approve the Proposed Divisions Reporting Schedule, Mr. Anderson
seconded, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11:44 a.m. Mr. Flechter arrived
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Business, Permits, and Technology Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Mumby gave a brief overview of the report. Discussion followed.
Public Service Board Page 2
June 13, 2013
Engineering Division: A written report was distributed.
Mr. Marshall asked for additional information on parts of the report. Discussion followed on
basement back-ups, the Wet Weather Project, and Streets.
12:30 p.m. Mr. Anderson left
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble was unable to attend the meeting. No report was given.
7) NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Baerman announced next month meeting is Election of Officers.
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
9) COMMUNICATIONS: None
10)PENDING ITEMS: None
II)ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janette Tate, Recording Secretary
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
MAY 99 2013
PRESENT: Lyndon Babcock, Paul Baerman, James Marshall and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: Cleo Anderson, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter and Shirley Rodgers
STAFF: Paul Dykema, Chad Gamble, Marty Riel and Paul Stokes
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:55 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call
b. Absences: Cleo Anderson, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter and Shirley Rodgers
C. Excused Absences: Cleo Anderson, Ron Bloomberg and Shirley Rodgers.
Due to a lack of a quorum, Board members held a Committee of the Whole meeting. '
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None t
3) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
Board members agreed to continue the practice of scheduling two divisional report
presentations at each meeting, on a quarterly basis.
A. Property Management:
Ms. Schmidt deferred the report to Mr. Gamble.
Mr. Gamble highlighted several points from the Property Management Divisional report
included in the Board packet. It is anticipated that construction of the vehicle storage
building and new fleet service garage will be completed by August. The Public Service
Department continues to work with the Police and Fire Departments to locate vehicles for
the most efficient operations and establish a regular work routine.
The City has partnered with LEPFA to keep Adado Park maintained and watered.
Concrete stairs to the boat dock will be installed and completed in time for the Common
Ground event.
There was discussion regarding the extension to the Capital Area District Library, South
Lansing Branch, located on South Cedar. DTN Management handles the overall property
management. Mr. Gamble stated the library renovations will be a benefit to the whole
community.
Public Service Board Page 2
May 9, 2013
Mr. Babcock asked if flooding affected city buildings. Mr. Gamble noted that the Grand
River reached upper river levels but there was little damage to city buildings.
B. Wastewater Division:
Mr. Stokes provided the following information:
The four year tertiary construction project is complete. During the recent rain event,the
new system treated 60MM gallons of wastewater which is 1 OMMgallons more than the
system design. Every piece of equipment was is use. There are fewer treatment
problems. Mr. Stokes praised staff for their hard work and expertise handling this very
difficult event. Mr. Baerman asked if we are seeing affects from the sewer separation.
Mr. Stokes noted that for the month of April, there were still 82MM gallons that did not
reach the plant. But the object is to focus on what does reach the plant. This will be an
on-going project. The Lansing Avenue Pump Station varies the speed of the pump to
control the flows into the pump station. The pump has 350 hp motors, the five ramps up
the rate of speed with the rage of water. Additional construction should be completed in
the next few months which will make it a little easier to handle future event.
There was an industrial pretreatment audit that cited violations at the Reo Town Power
Plant indicating the power plant was not up to speed which caused a delay in getting the
permit. The state claims there was untreated water released into the Red Cedar. Mr.
Marshall asked if the state will issue the city a permit for the Reo plant at all. Mr. Stokes
explained that the city had the plant on a short term permit and the plant was not
operational, and there was no time to develop a permit so the state will take over the
permit. The state will allow discharge into the Red Cedar.
4) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble discussed the Public Service Department budget presentation to City
Council. The department is making revisions.
Wet Weather Program—The city will be submitting a SRF Project Plan to cover the
first five years of the program. There was discussion regarding the need for SRF
funding. The program is projected to bring in $29MM and approximately $18,5MM
in debt service. Completion of the 40 year plan continues. These mandated
Programs are hugely expensive - $42MM in one year for 015N. If the city can not
get SRF loans, the cost would devastate the city budget and cause sewer rates to
rise to the point where industry and residents will leave the city. Mr. Baerman asked
about the interest rates on the SRF loans.
The Basement Backup Prevention Program, (BBPP) is a pilot program that will be
concentrated in areas where there have been three or more backups reported. There
are 40 properties involved in this pilot program. We encourage residents to report
sewer backups to help the city to identify problem areas.
Public Service Board Page 3
May 9, 2013
Projects
-Central Interceptor is 75% complete. Capacity has improved at the Tecumseh,
Frances Park, and Sunnyside stations. These improvements are working to prevent
surcharging.
-We will be abandoning Regulator 33 at the GM plant.
-There will be an emergency by-pass system installation e in CSO area. A degulator
will be used which will cause overflow to the river rather than into basements. A
source control program will reduce the amount of water going into the system.
-There was discussion regarding the non-motorized pathway and the PASER program.
-Currently working on site-plan review for the new GM plant and Jackson National
Life expansions.
-Status of the recycling rollout is will begin soon.
5) OTHER BUSINESS:
None
6) ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Faith, Recording Secretary
S
PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
732 City Hall
` 124 West Michigan Avenue
` Lansing,Michigan 48933
(517)483-4455
\�l FAX:(517)483-6082
http://publicservice.cityoflansingmi.com
Virg Bernero,Mayor
June 13, 2013
Mr. Chris Swope
City Clerk
City Hall
Lansing, Michigan
RE: Board of Public Service: Approved Minutes
Dear Mr. Swope: -
c.,
Attached are approved minutes from the Board of Public Service meetings held = �Tl
April 11, 2013 and May 9, 2013.
Please place these minutes on file. ITl
Respectfully submitted,
�cj—j
Janette Tate
Recording Secretary
Attachment
"Equal Opportunity Employer" I
REGULAR MEETING OF
BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
APRIL 11, 2013
PRESENT: Cleo Anderson, Paul Baerman, Ron Bloomberg, Matt Flechter, James Marshall,
Shirley Rodgers, and Alfreda Schmidt
ABSENT: Lyndon Babcock
STAFF: John Busley, Chad Gamble, Scott House and Lori Welch
VISITORS: None
1) CALL TO ORDER: s
Chair Baerman called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m., at the Lansing Public Service
Department Wastewater Treatment Plant.
a. Roll Call Absent: Lyndon Babcock
b. Excused Absences:
2) CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
3) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:
March 14, 2013
Mr. Bloomberg moved, Mr. Anderson seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, to approve the minutes for March 14, 2013, as submitted.
4) ACTION ITEMS: None
5) REPORT OF OFFICERS:
A. Fleet Services Division:
Mr. Anderson provided a brief overview of the Fleet Services consolidation efforts that
began in 2005. Fleet Services is now a division of the Public Services Department.
Mr. John Busley gave a presentation of the Fleet Services Division that included site
layout, new construction and equipment purchases. Board members had concerns about
locating buildings and employee parking in the flood plain. Mr. Busley indicated there
would be plenty of time to alert staff of potential flooding. Mr. Busley noted there are
approximately 27 employees in the Fleet Services Division. Mr. Gamble congratulated
Mr. Busley and staff on the success of the consolidation.
12:00 pm: Mr. Flecther and Ms. Rodgers arrived.
Public Service Board Page 2
April 11, 2013
B. Operation and Maintenance/CART Division:
Mr. House distributed copies of the Operations and Maintenance Division monthly status
report. Mr. House discussed details of the report. The division is planning to begin a
pothole blitz. A discussion ensued. Ms. Welch highlighted several activities listed in the
Capital Area Recycling and Trash(CART) report. There will be a residential cart roll out
in August. Single stream collection will move from weekly to bi-weekly. There will be
several forms of communication to the public to get the word out. Ms. Welch distributed
copies of a flyer announcing the Recycle Rama scheduled April 13, 2013. Mr. Marshall
asked questions regarding the auto cart budget savings and the Materials involved in the
recycling process.
6) DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Gamble discussed the Waverly Road non-motorized road project. Ingham County was
looking to Lansing Township for a funding match. The Lansing Township resolution has not
been passed but will likely offer $10,000. 2013 monies will be used to take the path as far as
Mt. Hope and Moores River Drive to a 3-way cross section. The retaining wall will be
removed and a flood wall constructed to have a more natural condition MDOT has agreed
to an 80/20 match. Construction will begin late summer or early fall.
The Mt. Hope Bridge project, by Fenner Nature Center, will begin April 25, 2013. The road
will be closed and traffic will be re-routed to Cavanaugh Road.
The west side of the S. Washington Streetscape Project is complete. A new signal will be
installed at South Street. A late grant was received and construction began April 8, 2013.
The power plant opening is scheduled this fall
The Mayor's proposed budget includes $200,000 for sidewalk gaps and $1.8 million for 1.3
miles of local street repair. The list of streets is being compiled. Streets with a Pacer rating
of 4, 5, and 6 will be considered. Ms. Rodgers suggested locating the sidewalk gap closures
in areas where children are walking to school. Ms. Rodgers proposed sending a letter of
appreciation to the Mayor for including funding in the budget for sidewalks and local streets
repair. Mr. Baerman moved, Mr. Bloomberg seconded, MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, to send a letter of appreciation to the Mayor for including sidewalk and
local street repairs in the 2014 budget.
An update of the Wet Weather Project and the Basement Backup Prevention Program,
(BBPP) will be provided at the next meeting.
The city has purchased a beautiful, new Show Mobile used to stage city events.
The Public Service Department budget hearing is scheduled May 6, 2013, at 5:30 pm, in
Council Chambers.
Public Service Board Page 3
April 11, 2013
7) OTHER BUSINESS:
The Board decided to leave "topics for future meetings"on the agenda since they are
discussed from time to time.
Ms. Rodgers announced that projects are being sought for 2014 TIP funding.
Members thanked Ms. Schmidt for her representation of the Public Service Board at recent
budget hearings.
8) ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Faith, Recording Secretary