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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 Public Service Board Minutes FINAL �A S I �GI CITY OF LANSING .. PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT 124 W. Michigan Ave. f 732 City Hall c x I G �' Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 January 19, 2000 r {= Ci g`l C CD Marilynn Slade -< 4� City Clerk City Hall Lansing, Michigan Re: Board of Public Service Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the Board of Public Service meeting minutes from the meeting held on December 16, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully submitted, 1�aae'� Faith Rach, Recording Secretary cc: David Hollister, Mayor Enclosure U:\wpVerdocs\pubsvcbd\minutetransmittal REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVIPE -' MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 199!� J. CAD CLE. t� PRESENT: Ron Bloomberg, Rita Klein, and Don Stypula ABSENT: Copedge, Kibbey, Knostman, Richardson STAFF: Dean Johnson, Michael Navabi, Faith Rach, and Jimmy Spangler OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Bloomberg at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL - No quorum present. Since there was not a quorum present, the committee decided to have an informational meeting. 2) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES: October 21, 1999 - Ms. Klein noted three changes. 3) CITIZEN COMMENTS - None. 4) ACTION ITEMS - None. 5) SPECIAL COMMITTEES/SPECIAL REPORT- None. 6) REPORT OF OFFICERS - Solid Waste Division: Ms. Klein reported the following information. a) Participation in the blue cart program continues to increase. Requests have been received for larger carts. b) Injuries have decreased. c) Leaf collection has been extended. d) New recycling trucks will be painted with a new logo. Ms. Klein commended Operation and Maintenance crews for keeping the trucks well maintained and in good condition. e) The Creation Station on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is still generating recyclable materials. f) Students, faculty and staff from several area schools are beginning to participate in recycling activities. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of December 16, 1999 Page 2 g) The Green Sheet may be revised so that it is more usable. 7) DIRECTOR'S REPORT - Mr. Navabi welcomed Board members and reported on the following items. a. Mr. Navabi introduced Dean Johnson who was promoted to serve as City Engineer. Mr. Johnson will be replacing Robert Clegg who retired earlier in the year. Jane Dykema has been promoted to serve as Assistant City Engineer. Ms. Dykema is replacing Jon Dowling. Other staffing issues were discussed. b. Y2k projects are on course. No problems are anticipated. C. Aspects of infrastructure activities and improvements. d. Various activities related to Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) projects. e. Environmental clean-up activities. f. An update with regard to the purchase a bailer. g. Discussed Phase II Watershed issues. A sub-committee needs to be formed to further study these issues. A sub-committee was formed with a representative from the City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Delta Township, Meridian Township, and Delta Township. It was agreed that MDEQ needs to be involved with this issue. h. Highlights of the proposed budget for FY 2001. No new major programs are planned for FY 2001. Mr. Spangler explained 2001 budget process in greater detail. i. Lansing Entertainment Public Facilities Authorities (LEPFA) will be sponsoring a four day music festival in Adado Riverfront Park. The Public Service Department will be providing the infrastructure for this event. j. A 20 minute support video has been created about the Public Service Department. The video will be shown at a future meeting. k. Distributed road construction maps to committee members. I. Mr. Spangler reported that an acid spill was detected at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Saturday morning, December 12, 1999. The acid was of a very caustic nature but was caught in time by Wastewater staff and was totally contained. The origin of the spill is still under investigation. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of December 16, 1999 Page 3 8) City Engineer's Report - Copies of the Engineering Report were distributed to committee members. Mr. Spangler discussed staff vacancies in greater detail. 9) Unfinished Business - None. 10) New Business - None. 11) Other Business - a. Setting time line goals for Board evaluation of Public Service The Committee discussed time line goals and submission date. b. Board meeting schedule for 2000 The Public Service Board meeting schedule for year 2000 was received and placed on file. Communications - None. 13) ADJOURNMENT-The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m. Respectfully s itted, jo�, Faith Rach Secretary to the Board U:\PUBSVCBDWllNUTES\12-16-99MINUTES CITY OF LANSING ,. PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT 124 W. Michigan Ave. 732 City Hall C H I G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 January 19, 2000 ' Marilynn Slade ' City Clerk City Hall -- Lansing, Michigan ';_0 C'3 �U Re: Board of Public Service Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the Board of Public Service meeting minutes from the meeting held on October 21, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully submitted, "Jcz4- Faith Rach, Recording Secretary cc: David Hollister, Mayor Enclosure U:\wp\ferdocs\pubsvcbd\minutetransmiftaI REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 1999 `` `1,1T�' CLE r'; PRESENT: Dulles Dale Copedge, Rick Kibbey, Rita Klein, June Knostman, Gilda Richardson and Don Stypula ABSENT: Ron Bloomberg, 1 Vacancy STAFF: Chad Gamble, Michael Navabi, and Margaret Pollard OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 11:45 p.m. by Vice-chair Copedge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL - Quorum present. 2) APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES - Minutes from the meeting held September 9, 1999 - Stypula moved, Klein seconded motion to approve minutes. Minutes unanimously approved. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 3) CITIZEN COMMENTS - Mr. Copedge noted that he made a complaint to the Public Service Committee regarding an odor at St. Joseph Park. The odor seems to have dissipated. Mr. Navabi indicated that he has had some discussion relating to this issue. The odor may be coming from the GM Plant. The Public Service Department will notify the MDEQ and the Ingham County Health Department to see if they can find out the source of the odor and resolve the situation. Ms. Knostman asked how many calls the City has received due to odor from the Wastewater Treatment Plant affecting DeLuca's Restaurant and residents in this area. Mr. Navabi stated there is no documentation regarding complaints and explained that construction of these buildings was completed long before new zoning codes were in place. 4) ACTION ITEMS - None. 5) SPECIAL COMMITTEES/SPECIAL REPORT - None. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 2 6) REPORT OF OFFICERS - Engineering: Copedge distributed copies of the City Engineer's Report indicating there are several items that need to be discussed. a) MLK Bridge Project - Mr. Gamble reported that the MLK bridge design is almost complete and we are currently working on submitting plans and specs to MDOT for review. This is a federally funded project so plans and specs must follow MDOT guidelines. There are specific challenges presented by this project. This is a major thorough fare through the northwestern quadrant of the City. This route will be closed in conjunction with the MLK bridge construction, on MLK to North Grand River, and from MLK to the CSX tracks up to Sheraton Road. We are working with the Transportation Division who in turn is working with CATA and the schools to implement a construction phasing program. The bridge will take precedent over all other construction and we are working to phase all other construction projects with respect to this project. b) Roadway Repair on Moores River Drive - Ms. Knostman inquired about roadway repair on Moores River Drive from the Country Club entrance, and in front of Frances Park to where Moores River Drive joins Mt. Hope Avenue. Mr. Gamble explained that this activity is a Parks Department Project. They are working on stabilizing the embankment along the Grand River. In conjunction with this project, they are performing road work. Ms. Knostman asked if the road is being straightened. Mr. Navabi indicated that Dick Shafer is the point person from the Parks Department on the project. c) Telecommunications - Mr. Stypula asked if the City has encountered any problems, concerns or conflicts with regard to telecommunication activity in the public right-of-way throughout the city, and especially in the downtown area. Mr. Navabi explained that there have been at least two applications that have been reviewed. Mr. Gamble reported that the concern the City has had in the downtown area involves the telecommunication industry placing conduit in the road by open cutting the road when it was just resurfaced the prior year. This has been a major concern and we are working with the telecommunication industry to alleviate these problems. The City allowed the industry to open cut Ottawa Street which is targeted for resurfacing in the near future. Mr. Gamble explained that if the industry wishes to place a cable underneath a road that has just been reconstructed or resurfaced, they will have to bore across it or provide some other means. Discussion continued regarding this issue. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 3 d) GIS System - Mr. Gamble reported that the Public Service Department has the beginnings of a GIS system. Staff will be working with the Operations and Maintenance Division over the next few years to track road cuts by contractor and identify which road cuts are acceptable and those that are not acceptable. After a period time, we may be able to offer lower rates for certain contractors who have demonstrated that they can do the work correctly. Mr. Gamble stated that the Public Service Department, Planning Department, LPD, and the Fire Department are working with the Computer and Communication Services Division with regard to having a full-time GIS administrator for the City. Mr. Gamble stated that this position is being proposed as part of the FY 01 budget. Wastewater Division.- a) Capital Improvement Projects - Mr. Navabi reported that the Public Service Department is planning major improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. A one year study will be conducted on better performance. There are structural and roofing problems that need to be addressed. Some problems are very basic treatment issues. We are still proceeding with the SCADA system. There will be 2.3 million dollars allocated for the next budget season. The Lansing Avenue Pump Station will be brought on-line before the end of the year. The Michigan Water Environment Association has given further safety awards to Jimmy Spangler and Bill Kaiser for their outstanding safety performance. Solid Waste Division: a) Recycling Bailer - Ms. Klein reported that Waste Reduction Services has begun leaf pick-up. The crew is running behind due to staff shortages. Ms. Klein indicated that Mr. Campfield and Mr. Chalker presented a cost effective analysis for a new bailing station. The presentation revealed that without the new bailer, we would jeopardize revenue earned from contracting with Delta and East Lansing and demonstrated how much money the City has lost over the last few years from not being able to market materials. Mr. Navabi reported that meetings have been in progress at Ways and Means Committee. A final decision has not yet been made on the purchase of the bailer. Operations and Maintenance Division: a) Snow Removal - Ms. Knostman explained that she has concern regarding snow removal in the downtown area, in particular, the sidewalks. There needs to be better coordination of snow removal activities between the Principal Shopping District (PSD) BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 4 and Operations and Maintenance staff. Mr. Navabi indicated that the Operations and Maintenance Division is prepared for snow and ice removal for the winter season. Mr. Navabi explained that the Public Service Department has contracted with a weather database detection system. This system detects freezing conditions early so that we can mobilize our crew in advance of the storm. Mr. Navabi noted that he has had several meetings with Ms. Stites with regard to snow removal activities. The PSD will be contracting with a different maintenance company this year. Mr. Navabi indicated he will meet with Ms. Stites again later this fall after the new contractor has been selected. b) Resurfacing Streets: Navabi explained the three criteria on how streets are selected for resurfacing or reconstruction. Streets are given condition designations from worst to best conditions. This information is entered into a database on a computer system. Once this done, we select the worst street designations every year which need the most attention. We also factor in the input we have received from citizens and council members and re-evaluate and update data that has already been established. We also take advantage of the CSO programs and State MDOT programs in any given area in an attempt to combine activities for greater efficiency. Ms. Knostman suggested the computer system may need to be updated explaining that one of worst areas is Mt. Hope Avenue. Ms. Knostman explained that every time equipment and man power is moved, it costs money. On Mt. Hope Avenue, crews will resurface 30', skip 20' and resurface again and then skip an intersection, resurface another 100', etc. This method creates a very rough and uneven surface. The area on Mt. Hope Avenue between MLK and Pennsylvania Avenue and between Washington Avenue and Cedar Street is particularly bad. Both of these areas have very heavy traffic. Another bad intersection is located at the corner of Baker Street and Cedar Street. Mr. Navabi stated he will investigate these areas of concern. With regard to railroad tracks, many of these areas are owned by private railroad companies who are responsible for maintenance of their tracks. Mr. Navabi noted that he has notified several companies when repairs are needed. Many of these private companies do not respond to our requests and the City does not have the authority to make these repairs. Ms. Knostman noted that the railroad tracks on Waverly Road experience an enormous amount of traffic and very long trains. 7) DIRECTOR'S REPORT - Mr. Navabi thanked Board members for their continued service and dedication. a) Appeal Court Decision - Mr. Navabi noted that the decision of the Court was a 2 - 1 vote. One issue that is still outstanding is whether to charge the school district and BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 5 other individuals who have not yet paid the fee. This issue is still pending. b) Staffing - Mr. Navabi noted several staff vacancies: 1) City Engineer position which was vacated by Robert Clegg - We went through a round of testing and successful candidates were interviewed. Then the Mayor's office made the decision to continue the recruitment process to broaden the applicant pool. A second round of testing was conducted and no one passed the test. Two of the top front runners in the first round were asked to come for second interviews. We are hopeful that the position will be filled within the next month. Mr. Dowling accepted the City Engineer's position with the City of Jackson. Chad Gamble will serve as Interim City Engineer until the position is filled. Mr. Kibbey expressed that the Public Service Department has a history of having very competent staff. Even though there is considerable internal talent, the City seems to be more interested in hiring external candidates. 2) Crew 7 will be hired after the first of the year. Mr. Kibbey asked for position descriptions for each of these positions. 3) There are additional clerical and technical positions that we are working to fill. It is extremely difficult to find qualified candidates in the current market. c) Major Construction - Construction of Jackson National Life is progressing. The GM project is going very well. The 7+1 year/million project is on schedule. There are several ceremonies that are planned. Board members will receive additional information. CSO projects are on schedule. There have been some challenges with the contractor working on the Northside Interceptor. We are currently developing schedules for the upcoming years for CSO projects. The soccer field will be finished in approximately four weeks. d) Recycling - Mr. Navabi noted that we have had some success with our promotional programs and billboards. The fall leaf pick-up and street sweeping process has begun. We are working to minimize noise in residential areas. The blue cart program is going well. e) Operations & Maintenance Building - Plans for the building addition are going well. We have hired an architect to work on the design. f) CIP Program - We are in the process of developing next year's capital improvement projects. We are hoping to acquire another salt storage facility. Our program will include the usual items and also include flood control facilities. This will involve the BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 6 installation of drainage pipes, erosion control systems and detention basins. g) Y2K - Projects are being addressed. h) National Watershed Program and Clean Michigan Initiative - We have set up a time to invite all nearby governmental entities to kick-start our National Watershed Program. Ms. Klein asked if the event is open to the public indicating that the League of Women Voters has been working for clean water for several years and many would be interested in lending their help and support. Mr. Navabi explained that this is a voluntary program so far. It has not been officially adopted by the federal government yet. We are very interested in working with other local governmental agencies on this program and it is a good idea to see if we can invite the public. 12.35 - Mr. Stypula left the meeting to attend to other commitments. 8) City Engineer's Report - Mr. Gamble discussed the contents of the City Engineer's Report and asked Board members to let him know if they wish to have information presented in a different format. a) Staffing - Mr. Gamble reported that the Public Service Department is in the process of closing out the construction season. Mr. Gamble commended Engineering staff for their hard work and dedication especially during a time with staffing shortages. One Engineering Technician position has been converted to a Senior Clerk position based on current demands in the office. b) CSO - The Lansing Avenue Pump Station is currently undergoing a pump test to review all improvements that have been made to this site over the last two years. Full operation is expected within the next month. We are finishing up paperwork associated with Phase II, Segment 5. We are reconstructing the Northeast Interceptor and the Red Cedar GH projects. The Northeast Interceptor is presenting many challenges that will need to be addressed this winter. Many of the businesses in the area are finding the work very disruptive. The contractor has been having problems with labor. We will work to decrease the problems for next year. Phase III, Segment 2 is currently in file design and will be submitted to MDEQ for their review. Mr. Gamble indicated that the final design is being prepared for the Moores Park Trunk Sewer. This will be similar in design to the Northeast Interceptor. Design has also begun on Phase III, Segment 3. This will involve separation just north of Old Town. Mr. Gamble continued to explain different aspects of CSO projects. c) Alaiedon Township Trunk Sewer - This project is referred to as the ATTS project which is progressing very well. Construction of the pump station will now be performed as a BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of October 21, 1999 Page 7 letter of intent project constructed by Jackson National Life and turned over to the City when they are done. d) GM Improvements - There is a 45" force main which GM is working on re-routing. The tie-in is a very important item that the City is working on coordinating. e) Hall of Justice - A ground breaking ceremony occurred early last week. Part of this project requires that a sewer on Michigan Avenue be relocated. This is a 72" elliptical storm sewer with a 24" sanitary sewer within that sewer. We are working with the lead engineering consulting firm on re-routing the sewer. f) Mr. Copedge asked if fiber optic installations are being coordinated with the City. Mr. Gamble said they are but often they come in with a plan indicating where they are going to work based on permits and easements they have already acquired. On a quarterly basis, the City meets with all utilities in the area however, new fiber optic representatives are not yet involved in these quarterly meetings. The Board discussed the need for public utilities to coordinate activities performed in the public right-of-way. It would be useful if the City could take a firmer hand on this issue. The Board discussed different methods to create better coordination efforts and penalize utilities that don't abide by rules that may be established. Ms. Knostman suggested that since utilities have to apply to the City for a permit, a calendar should be generated which tracks all activities. 6 Mr. Gamble continued to discuss other items contained in the report. 9) Unfinished Business - None. 10) New Business - None. 11) Other Business - None. 12) Communications - None. 13) ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ja.cd- S&CAD Faith Rach Secretary to the Board U APUBSVCBD\M1NUTES110-21-99MINUTES CITY OF LANSING PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT v 124 W. Michigan Ave. LA Sij: Ci T Y CLERK 732 City Hall C j� j G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517)483-4455 Fax No. (517)483-6082 November 12, 1999 Marilyn Slade City Clerk City Hall Lansing, Michigan Re: Board of Public Service Approved Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the approved Board of Public Service meeting minutes from the meeting held on September 9, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully ubmitted, �a ,/� Faith Rach Recording Secretary Enclosure CC' Mayor David Hollister Joseph Graves, Chief of Staff U:\wp\ferdocs\PubSvcBd\mintran.Itr REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 PRESENT: Ron Bloomberg, Dulles Dale Copedge, Rick Kibbey, Rita Klein, June Knostman, and Don Stypula ABSENT: Gilda Richardson, 1 Vacancy STAFF: Jeanette Best, Jon Dowling, Margaret Pollard, Faith Rach, and Jimmy Spangler OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Bloomberg at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL - Quorum present. 2) CITIZEN COMMENTS - None. 3) SPECIAL COMMITTEES/SPECIAL REPORTS - None. 4) REPORT OF OFFICERS Solid Waste Section - Ms. Klein reported that there are concerns regarding the purchase of the bailer for the Recycling Program. The blue cart program has become very successful. There has been an increase in recycling since the reward incentive program began. Wastewater Division - Mr. Stypula referred to two issues contained in the Federal Register indicating that these documents could ultimately have an impact on our MPDES Program. Unless the DEQ or the Department of Agriculture want to step up enforcement on agricultural contributions of pollutants to the Grand River watershed, the federal government will come after the only sources that have involvement which would include the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is tied into the second phase of the Stormwater Program. Mr. Stypula will collaborate with the state agency and provide comments. Mr. Stypula stated he has contacted MPS regarding the new rules. The new rules govern total maximum daily loads or the maximum amount of pollutants from all sources that can enter a waterway without impairing the designated use. 5) DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Spangler welcomed Jeanette Best, who was selected to serve as the new Superintendent BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of September 9, 1999 Page 2 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Spangler indicated that he has worked with Ms. Best on federal and state issues for the last 15 years and has been associated with her through the Michigan Water Environment Association and Federation. Mr. Spangler reported that he received a call from an engineer at Delta Township regarding watershed issues, stormwater management in local areas in addition to Lansing and other governmental agencies and the possibility of pursuing regional discussions with regard to the affect of new stormwater rates. We may be able work jointly to save money and coordinate activities. We are working with Delta Township to try and get a date set with the State agency who has involvement with the watershed area and stormwater plan as well as interfacing with the federal requirements when Phase II comes in. We are proposing a meeting with the state agency and all the townships who have county drain commissioners, East Lansing, and the City of Lansing as a region to go over state expectations and what major impacts there are over all, and see what direction we can take as regional agencies. There are some aspects of the program where we can work cooperatively together, especially the planning and educational programs to help meet requirements. The state still has a volunteer program of stormwater licensing. The state is attempting to get the federal government to agree that the state's voluntary program is acceptable to meet the federal requirements. We are still waiting for the federal program to come out. Until the state has verification that the federal government will accept their program or what the conditions are, its not in our interest to spend a lot of time on it until we know more. It will probably be November before we can get a group session togther and the state agency can bring us up-to-date. By then, the state agency will have better information on the federal government's position. Mr. Navabi - Welcomed Jeanette Best to the Public Service Department and provided a brief description of her educational and professional background and her new responsibilities. Employee Issues - • Mr. Navabi announced that Ms. Pollard has requested that Ms. Rach serve as Secretary to Board. Mr. Bloomberg recognized Ms. Pollard's hard work over the last 14 years and indicated that the Board will miss her. Mr. Bloomberg welcomed Ms. Rach. • Mr. Navabi explained that the City Engineer's position is still vacant. The Mayor's office made the decision to continue the recruitment process and broaden the applicant pool. A second round of advertising has been completed. Testing is scheduled for next week. • Road Crew#7 - Mr. Navabi reported as a part of FY 2000 budget, City Council instructed the Public Service Department to postpone bringing this crew on board until BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of September 9, 1999 Page 3 the third quarter of the fiscal year. The recruitment process will begin January 2000. • Board vacancies have been reported to the Mayor's Office. Major Construction Projects - • 425 Agreement: The agreement was challenged in court. The new arrangement that has been proposed is to divide the 425 Agreement into two sections. One would become MSU which is on the west side of Hagadorn and the other is the Governor's Club. There is a Public Hearing scheduled for September 20, 1999 for the MSU part. A meeting has been scheduled with the Drain Commissioner to discuss environmental issues. • Jackson National Life: The city has acquired a contractor who will be performing the construction of the force main from Jackson National Life to the City limits. A notice to proceed has been sent. There are still some outstanding legal issues with regard to the installation of the Pump Station near Jackson National Life headquarters. Jackson National is now showing interest in going ahead with the construction on their own. There may be delays until these issues are resolved. • GM: This project is proceeding on time. This is a very dynamic project which will bring many new suppliers to the City. The Public Service Department has been asked to look into the use of the Motor Wheel site, north of US 27 as a site for GM supplies. We are in the process of evaluating traffic patterns, road surface and sidewalks in the area. • Minority and Women Owned Businesses: We started a pilot program to set aside three small sidewalk projects for this program. Of the three projects, two were given to minority and women owned enterprises. One went to a Hispanic business and the other went to a women owned business. Mr. Navabi noted that we are pleased with results thus far and should continue with the program. Seven Million/Seven Year - • Programs are progressing. The Forrest Road Bike Path Project, which is part of this program, is taking advantage of$207,000 funding from the State of Michigan to widen the road and create a scenic corridor to the MSU campus. • Aurelius Soccer Field project - the project is proceeding on schedule. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of September 9, 1999 Page 4 Recycling and Solid Waste Issues -: • Promotional programs have met with some success. One major aspect of recycling coordination is advertising, promotion and education. The 1100 prize" promotion has been very successful. • As part of the current fiscal year budget, the Public Service Department requested the purchase of a bailer which would bring greater efficiency to the Transfer Station and how we handle our recyclable materials. The bailer would also cut costs. Our decision to purchase the bailer was challenged by one local industry who has indicated an interest in taking over our operations and shift all materials to them. As a result of this situation, the City Council decided to approve the purchase of the bailer pending a decision of the Ways and Means Committee. The Ways and Means Committee has not met recently and we have not been able to present our position. In the meantime. both Granger and Friedland Industries have presented proposals to the Committee to do all the sorting and bailing themselves. This could jeopardize our Work Hardening Program and the entire Transfer Station operations. We are currently working on a financial analysis which will demonstrate the cost effectiveness and benefits of our own program as opposed to privatizing these activities. Lansing residential level of participation in recycling is good based on the socio-economic make-up of the City. Our level of participation compares favorably with other cities. Our education and promotional efforts are just beginning to be more aggressive. The city of Lansing is made up of approximately 40% rental dwellings which makes our participation at the current level. We will continue with our efforts to obtain the bailer. • We are currently in the process of planning our fall pick-up of yard waste and completing the street sweeping schedule. • We are in the process of renewing our Recycling Contract with the City of East Lansing. • The Blue Carts Program has been very successful. • Operations & Maintenance Building: An RFPQ has been obtained and an architect has been chosen to build an addition and a second floor to the Operations and Maintenance building. Miscellaneous A Japanese delegation from the Japan Institute of Water Engineering Techology will be touring our CSO projects on September 27, 1999. Mr. Navabi reported that we are attempting to have better communication with the Board of Water and Light to coordinate digging projects. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of September 9, 1999 Page 5 Ms. Best is currently working on capital improvement projects for next fiscal year. The National Watershed Program and Clean Michigan Initiative - we have planned our first meeting in November. (Ms. Knostman arrived at 12.30) (Mr. Kibbey arrived at 12:40 p.m.) 6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of May 13, 1999 - Klein moved, Kibbey supported motion to approve minutes. Minutes approved unanimously. 7) ACTION ITEMS: Elections of Officers Chairperson: Stypula moved to nominate Bloomberg to serve as Chair for another term with Klein supporting. Kibbey moved to close nominations. Bloomberg was elected Chairman by unanimous vote. Vice Chair: Klein moved to nominate Dale Copedge to serve as Vice Chair for another term. Bloomberg moved to close nominations. Copedge was elected Vice Chair by unanimous vote. Secretary: Bloomberg moved to nominate Faith Rach as Secretary and close nominations. Rach was elected Secretary by unanimous vote. 3) CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Dowling distributed copies of the report and gave a summary of its contents indicating that the 7 million/7 year program has been extended one year by City Council because the funding in year 2000 is below the 7 million. Year 5 will be the stretch year. We plan to rehabilitate 23 miles of streets this year. The committee continued to discuss the report. 9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1) Mr. Bloomberg reported that he has talked with Councilmember Meyer to invite him to a Board Meeting. Mr. Bloomberg will continue to try and schedule this. 10) NEW BUSINESS 1) Mr. Navabi encouraged Board members to attend the Ways and Means Committee meeting to lend support to purchase the bailer for the Recycling Program. 2) Mr. Stypula distributed a copy of the recently published Status of Michigan Cities for informational purposes. The document was received and placed on file. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE Minutes of September 9, 1999 Page 6 11) COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Executive Order Establishing a One (1) Year Pilot Creating a Policy Preference for Lansing-Based Businesses. The committee reviewed the document. The document was received and placed file. 12) ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 1.15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Faith Rach Secretary to the Board U:\PUBSVCBDWIINUTES\9-9-99MINUTES PNs / N CITY OF LANSING ~ PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT 124 W. Michigan Ave. 732 City Hall P G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE , SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 12 1999 AT 11 : 30 A . M . IS CANCELED . THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 , 1999 Q 11 : 30 A . M . AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT 1625 SUNSET AVENUE . PN '?1=CEIVED CITY OF LANSING� 17'9 JUL --3 I'll 4* 13 .. PIIBLIC SERVICE nEPARzwC CITY CLERK 124 W. Michigan Ave. ?� 732 City Hall P Lansing, MI 48933 G David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 , Fax No. (517) 483-6082 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE , SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY , JULY 08 , 1999 AT 11 : 30 A . M . IS CANCELED . THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 , 1999 @ 11 : 30 A . M . AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT 1625 SUNSET AVENUE . If you have questions, please call Ms. Pollard at 483-4453. S I N� CITY OF LANSING ,. PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT . , 124 W. Michigan Ave. f 732 City Hall Lansing, Ml 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517)483-6082 September 9, 1999 Marilynn Slade City Clerk City Hall Lansing, Michigan Re: Board of Public Service Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the Board of Public Service meeting minutes from the meeting held on May 13, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully submitted, A Faith Rach, Administrative Adie Enclosure U:\wp\ferdocs\pubsvcbd\minutetransmittaI �. PN S ' N CITY OF LANSING PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT 124 W. Michigan Ave. 732 City Hall P G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE , SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY JUNE 10 1999 AT 11 : 30 A . M . IS CANCELED . THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 08 , 1999 @ 11 : 30 A . M . AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT 1625 SUNSET AVENUE . if you have questions, please call Ms. Pollard at 483-4453. REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1999 PRESENT. Ron Bloomberg, Dulles Dale Copedge, Rick Kibbey, Rita Klein, June Knostman, ABSENT. Gilda Richardson, Don Stypula, 1 Vacancy STAFF: Jon Dowling, Jimmy Spangler, Margaret Pollard OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 11:55 a.m. by Chair Bloomberg at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL - Quorum present. 2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION: MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 1999 - KIBBEY MOVED, KLEIN SUPPORTED MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES. BLOOMBERG NOTED TWO CORRECTIONS: ITEM 6, PRINCIPLE SHOULD READ PRINCIPAL ; AND ON PAGE 3, "LANSING COUNTRY CLUB" SHOULD READ "FRANCES PARK." MINUTES UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS CORRECTED.. 3)., CITIZEN COMMENTS - None. 4) ACTION ITEMS: Public Service Board Evaluation - No action required . This report was approved at the March 11 meeting and will be forwarded to the Mayor for the City Council agenda. 5) SPECIAL COMMITTEES/SPECIAL REPORTS None. 6) REPORT OF OFFICERS A) WWTP -Jimmy Spangler reported that the Wastewater Division has been recognized by the Michigan Water Environment Association for its Safety Program and, in June, will receive the Safety Award for 1999 Large Plant category. BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1999 Page 2 B) SOLID WASTE - Klein reported. Earth Day activities were held at the Impressions Five Museum. It was a great event and Klein reported that the attendants were very enthusiastic. She said the school programs have been very successful and also the blue carts are doing pretty well in spite of little or no publicity. C) O&M - Knostman had no O&M report, but noted that she had briefly spoken to Eric Reickel, Parks Director, regarding the river erosion problem. 7) DIRECTOR'S REPORT POSITION VACANCIES - Jimmy Spangler, Deputy Director, gave the Director's report in Mr. Navabi's absence. Spangler noted that we currently have an interim City Engineer, Jon Dowling, -and an interim Wastewater Superintendent, Bill Kaiser. Advertisements for the positions have been closed, and the written portion of the process will take place next week and the following week. After those written tests are evaluated, those persons achieving the minimum score will be contacted for an oral interview. Jimmy expects that by the end of June, we will be making our recommendation to hire the selected candidate to the Personnel Department. Jimmy pointed out if internal candidates are selected, we will need to proceed with the process to fill those vacated positions. As part of the FY 2000 budget process, filling of our current Stormwater Engineer position and an Engineering Technician were put on hold to help save money to fund the stormwater program. The stormwater fee that was generating our revenue previously, was split into two sections: 1) everything related to CSO has been shifted to the sewage fund, adding$3.8 million to the sewage fund which necessitated the 15% increase recommendation. 2) general fund is picking up the other portion. This is only a one-year solution to the funding. There was discussion of inviting individual councilmembers to Public Service Board meetings to help the counciImember better understand the board's interests and concerns. Kibbey noted that the board has several particular interests on which to focus: trash program, recycling program, CSO process, and the$7 million for 7 years street program. Bloomberg said he would follow-up with this for the June meeting. Knostman suggested to Jon Dowling that his Construction Report should show an update on the $7 million for 7 years street program, and show what the status of the streets will be at the end of the 7 years. Klein suggested a circle graph showing the street rehabilitation and deterioration, showing a cycle that at the end of 7 years, the first streets rehabilitated will already be 7 years 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1999 Page 3 old. She also recommended maps showing which streets are city and which are state responsibility. 8) CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT Jon Dowling gave the City Engineer's report, noting that he has changed the format of the Engineer's report and the Construction Status report so that there is not a duplication of information between the two reports. He thanked Knostman and Klein for their excellent suggestions about the report, and noted that he can add into the report the information about the status and goals of the street program. Bloomberg inquired about the crosswalk signals being down in the downtown area. Jon said the State is changing signals in the area. 9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10) NEW BUSINESS None. 11) OTHER BUSINESS: Margaret advised the board that their Lugnuts game date this year is July 24 @7:05 p.m. 12) COMMUNICATIONS: None: 13) ADJOURNMENT- The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CA yzx-L---� Margaret H. Pollard Secretary to the Board V:\USERSVyfHP\WP\WPDOCS\PSB\1999\99-05-13min.wpd 3 PNs / H � c CITY OF LANSING M PIIBLIC SERVICE DEPAR 124 W. Michigan Ave. ANSI1d0 CITY CLERIC 732 City Hall G P Lansing, MI 48933 David C. 8ollistor, !Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE , SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY APRIL 08 1999 AT 11 : 30 A . M. IS CANCELED . THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS f• SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MAY 13 , 1999 @ 11 : 30 A . M . AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ADMINISTRATIVE• � i FFICES AT 1625 SUNSET AVENUE . .+ !•'' t . IA- If you have questions, please call Ms. Pollard at 483-4453. Board of Public Service Regular Meeting of March 11, 1999 0 I; ;�,:1 6: ! Call to Order: Post-its"routing request pad 7664 noomberg at the ROUTING - REQUEST 1 i CLCRIK 1. Roll Call Please ❑ READ To Committee ❑ HANDLE Ige, Rick Kibbey, Ritr ❑ APPROVE `��L��i �.�.L� ���ti and ❑ FORWARD Committee � ❑ RETURN Staff Prese ❑ KEEP OR DISCARD imy Spangler ❑ REVIEW WITH ME Visitors: Date g From ✓� 4.c �;:�w 1 c k.( %�� Adjustments to A Mr. Bloomberg asked to make an adjustment to the agenda under Action Items, adding a draft copy of the Annual Report for the 1998 fiscal year. 2. Approval of Minutes Ms. Richardson asked that the minutes from the meeting held February 11, 1999 be amended to show that she was present at the meeting. Kibbey moved, Klein seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the meeting held February 11, 1999 as amended. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 3. Citizen Comments None. 4. Action Items Mr. Bloomberg distributed draft copies of a letter addressed to City Council which will accompany the 1998 fiscal year Public Service Board Annual Report. Mr. Bloomberg asked committee members to review the document and make comments. Board of Public Service Page 2 Meeting Minutes from March 11, 1999 Ms. Klein noted that item 5 should reflect that Recycling revenues decreased but the amount of recycled materials increased. All members agreed. Ms. Knostman,asked if item 6 could be stated in a more positive manner. Committee members discussed the language and came to an agreement on the appropriate way to word item 6. Copedge moved, Knostman seconded, CARRIED, to forward the letter to City Council with the corrections. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 5. Special Committees/Special Report None. 6. Report of Officers: Engineering Division: None Wastewater Division: None Solid Waste Section: None Operations and Maintenance: Ms. Knostman reported that there is sufficient budget reserves to cover snow and ice removal on City streets. The budget is getting low, however there should be enough salt and sand to cover operations. Ms. Knotsman noted that snow on the curbs, in the gutters and around the meters is very deep which makes it nearly impossible to get on the curb to place money in the meter or to get safely on the curb without having to wade through very deep snow and ice. This situation presents a safety concern for patrons attempting to utilize the businesses in the downtown area. Mr. Navabi explained that snow removal on sidewalks and around meters in the downtown area is the responsibility ccF-KcrFfU-'1' of the Princi "Shopping District. Merchants are responsible for cleaning snow away from in front of their own business. The Principle Shopping District pays a contractor to remove the snow on sidewalks, and around the meters in the downtown district. Mr. Bloomberg indicated he would prepare a letter to the Director of the Principle Shopping District communicating the Board's concern regarding snow removal in the downtown area. Mr. Navabi gave an update on the status of salt reserves and budget reserves for snow and ice removal. Ms. Knotsman expressed concern regarding erosion along the shoreline of the Board of Public Service Page 3 Meeting Minutes from March 11, 1999 Grand River off of Moores River Drive adjacent to the-L-ansing-Country-C-lub running west to Waverly Road. There is barely enough space for a car to park along this area of the bank because of the deterioration. Mr. Navabi indicated that he contacted the Parks Department eight months ago when he first learned of this issue. Mr. Spangler reported that the Parks Department has a Capital Improvement Project in their budget proposal for the year 2000. Mr. Bloomberg noted that there has been some effort to stabilize this region of riverbank with large boulders or concrete. Mr. Spangler explained that Mr. Reickel did make an effort to get federal funding to help upgrade that whole section of the river but the effort was unsuccessful. Ms. Klein noted that due to the development activities west of this area in Delta Township and Eaton County, all inlets have been silted in so that the waterway is no longer accessible and has become solid land. Mr. Spangler indicated this issue should be raised with the Eaton County Drain Commission. Mr. Copedge asked how CSO activities would impact the river. Mr. Spangler provided an explanation. Ms. Knotsman noted that around two years ago, Mr. Clegg began working with MDOT regarding resurfacing Kalamazoo, Washtenaw, Allegan and Ottawa Streets. Mr. Navabi indicated he would work with MDOT to find out what the status of the' project is. Mr. Navabi reported that funding has been allocated to convert Washtenaw, Allegan and Ottawa Streets back to two way traffic. 7. Director's Report • Mr. Navabi announced that Mr. Spangler has been selected to serve as the new Deputy Director of Public Service. Mr. Navabi also announced that Mr. Robert Clegg has retired as City Engineer to accept the position of Director of Public Works for the City of Port Huron. Mr. Dowling will be serving as Interim City Engineer. Mr. Spangler announced that Mr. William Kaiser will be serving as Interim Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Navabi indicated that Ms. Rach will be filling in as Board Secretary while Ms. Pollard is away on vacation. • Mr. Navabi gave a recap of a few of the projects in the budget that have been approved by the Mayor. Funding has been approved for a new bailer for the Recycling Division. The eco-house and drop-off center will be deferred until next fiscal year. • A new Green Sheet has been distributed to all residential households. A recycling promotion has begun which offers an incentive for residents to keep recycling containers clean and items sorted properly. Board of Public Service Page 4 Meeting Minutes from March 11, 1999 • Mr. Navabi gave a recap on the status of the current budget for snow removal. • Mayor Hollister has presented two funding proposals for continuation of the CSO project which will fully comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling. The two choices are: 1) increase in sewer rates 2) increase in property taxes, (bonds). There still needs to be some dedicated funding to cover maintenance fees for storm sewers and other activities such as catch basin cleaning and street cleaning. Funding proposals will be placed on the ballot in June. • Funding was approved to add seven new staff members to the Operation and Maintenance crew. Funding has also been approved to remodel Operation and Maintenance facilities which are badly in need of improvement. • Mr. Navabi explained that there has been concern over the low participation of minority contractors in City jobs. The committee discussed the various points involved with this issue. Mr. Navabi will present ideas to the Director of Human Relations and Community Services. • Funding has been approved to assist with environmental clean-up at the Aurelius Landfill, Diamond Reo, and Paulson sites. Funding will be utilized in the most efficient manner. • $60,000 has been set aside for repair of two pedestrian overpasses that are in the most dangerous condition. There are 17-21 pedestrian overpasses. A few of the overpasses are in very bad condition. The committee discussed several concerns regarding the lack of safety on a few of the overpasses. Mr. Bloomberg stated it may be difficult to formulate a comprehensive plan unless we know what work needs to be done. Mr. Navabi noted that the Department receives bi-annual reports on the condition of the skywalks. Mr. Navabi stated it may be beneficial to ask for additional money. Mr. Kibbey explained that the plan should be a part of the next year's budget proposal based on the findings of the report. Kibbey moved, Copedge seconded, CARRIED, to direct staff to prepare a comprehensive plan which will enable the repair and upgrade of all skywalks in the city until they can be restored to a regular maintenance cycle. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 (1.00 p.m. Mr. Kibbey left the meeting to attend to other commitments). Board of Public Service Page 5 Meeting Minutes from March 11, 1999 Mr. Navabi reported that the 7yr/$7 million project received $7 million in funding. A report will be prepared for distribution at the next meeting. Mr. Navabi indicated that $50,000 was approved for public education as part of the CSO project. 8. City Engineer's Report Mr. Dowling distributed copies of the City Engineer's report and summarized highlights contained in the report. (1:20 p.m. Mr. Copedge left the meeting). 9. Unfinished Business Ethics Video Committee members received copies of the recently revised Ethics Manual and viewed a training video. 10. New Business None. 11. Other Business Mr. Bloomberg noted that the Michigan Supreme Court refused to hear the City's appeal regarding the Rain Fee decision. 12. Communications None. 13. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. Cry}-a-e-i�'�-- Respectful , s mitted, Minutes Approved as-6ubmittedt- \ Board Meeting of: -5-- /:3--22 Signed: Margaret H. Pollard� Faith Rach, Administrative Aide U:ferdocs\PubSvcBd\Minutes\March1999.Min CITY OF LANSING ,. PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT r 6.t , 124 W. Michigan Ave. eta CITY �E ��, 1 732 City Hall Li"% -"'1' \' C H I G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 March 31, 1999 Marilynn Slade City Clerk City Hall Lansing, Michigan Re: Board of Public Service Approved Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the approved Board of Public Service meeting minutes from the meeting held on February 11, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Pollard, Recording Secretary Enclosure U:\wp\ferdocs\PubSvcBd\mintran.Itr a REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 1999 PRESENT: Ron Bloomberg, Dulles Dale Copedge, Rick Kibbey, Rita Klein, June Knostman, Gilda Richardson, Don Stypula ABSENT. 1 vacancy STAFF. Michael Navabi, Bob Clegg, Jim Campfield, Jimmy Spangler, Margaret Pollard OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 11:45 a.m. by Vice Chair Copedge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL_ - Quorum present. 2) APPROVAL OFMINUTES: MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, 1999 - KLEIN MOVED, STYPULA SUPPORTED MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES. MINUTES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. (Chair Bloomberg, arriving at 11:50, now presiding.) 3) CITIZEN COMMENTS - None. 4) ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC SERVICE BUDGET FY 1999-2000 Michael Navabi gave an overview of the budget, with division heads Campfield, Clegg, and Spangler discussing their specific funds and operations. Navabi pointed out that two big changes had occurred since the budget was submitted: the Transportation Division has been transferred from the Public Service Department to the Planning Division, and the Stormwater fee has been determined to be a tax by the Michigan Supreme Court. He also discussed plans to hire a Deputy Director of Public Service. This position was eliminated during the early retirement of 1993, and Navabi said that filling of this position would increase overall efficiency. AFTER DISCUSSION, KIBBEY MOVED, STYPULA SUPPORTED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET SUBMISSION AND TO APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF THE DRAFT RESOLUTION WITH THE ADDITION OF A SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION OF THE FOLLOWING J • - BOARD OF PUBLIC SER VICE MINUTES OF FEBR UAR Y 11, 1999 Page 2 (a) filling the Department's Deputy Director position (b) funding of the Operations and Maintenance building improvements/expansion (c) continuing the $7 Million for 7 Years road program 5) UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 6) NEW BUSINESS None. 7) OTHER BUSINESS: None. 8) COMMUNICATIONS: Letter from Thomas Stanton (mailed in packet) 9) ADJOURNMENT.- The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret H. Pollard Secretary to the Board V.1 USERSIMHPI WPI WPDOCSI PSBI1999199-0Z-11.mi».wpd 2 J✓v RECEIVED CITY OF LANSING 'ij9 ►Are27 AMII: 04 LMSING CITY CLERWBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT 124 W. Michigan Ave. 732 City Hall c H G P Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE , SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 , 1999 AT 11 : 30 AM IS CANCELED . THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 , 1999 @ 11 : 30 A . M . AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT 1625 SUNSET AVENUE . If you have questions, please call Ms. Pollard at 483-4453. CITY OF LANSING PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT F r 19 I"I 1 : 01 ✓ 124 W. Michigan Ave. _� f 732 City Hall Lt,i���l:� CI IY CLERK C H j G Lansing, MI 48933 David C. Hollister, Mayor Phone No. (517) 483-4455 Fax No. (517) 483-6082 February 12, 1999 Marilynn Slade City Clerk City Hall Lansing, Michigan Re: Board of Public Service Minutes Dear Ms. Slade: Attached are the Board of Public Service Meeting minutes from the meeting held on January 14, 1999. Please place these minutes on file. Respectfully submitted, 1 Margaret Pollard, Recording Secretary Enclosure U:\wp\ferdocs\PubServicemintran.ltr REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, 1999 PRESENT: Ron Bloomberg, Dulles Dale Cop edge, Rick Kibbey, Rita Klein, Don Stypula ABSENT: June Knostman, Gilda Richardson, 1 vacancy STAFF: Michael Navabi, Jimmy Spangler, Margaret Pollard OTHERS: None. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 11.40 a.m. by Chair Bloomberg at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Office. 1) ROLL CALL - Quorum present. 2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES OF OCTOBER 29, 1998 - STYPULA MOVED, KIBBEY SUPPORTED MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES. MINUTES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. 3) CITIZEN COMMENTS - None. 4) ACTION ITEMS: Discussed having a special budget meeting on January 29 @ 11:00 a.m., with Feb. 4 as a back- up date; to be confirmed later. S) SPECIAL COMMITTEES/SPECIAL REPORTS: None. 6) REPORT OF OFFICERS: ENGINEERING - City Engineer written report was distributed. Dale Copedge briefly reviewed several of the items. He noted that Mr. Clegg plans to have the updated$7 Million - 7 years report ready for the next board meeting. A preliminary budget meeting with budget staff is scheduled for January 27. There will be bid openings in February for a couple of CSO projects: one on the northeast end of the city and the other in the Michigan Avenue, Jerome and Kalamazoo Street area. The Engineering Division is BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF JANUAR Y 14, 1999 Page 2 working with the Ingham County Drain Commission on a storm water project. There will be some bridge repairs: one on N. Martin Luther King Blvd., and one on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Clegg will be discussing environmental clean-ups at the next meeting. WASTEWATER DIVISION-Jimmy Spangler reported. He reported that three major pump stations were down during the January 5th Board of Water&Light power failure: Lansing Avenue, Frances Park, and Scott Park. Staff used portable generators which helped prevent some basement flooding. Also some mechanical problems were experienced at the plant during the power failure. Everything was back on line after a short period. Jimmy said it was something of a challenge at the time. SCADA Project- Spangler reported he had just signed the cover sheet for the first bid documents to get the program going. The bid is for new computers to start work on getting a full-blown SCADA communications, control, and data acquisition system running. Spangler said that in about nine months, we should have the new computers in the control room and be collecting real data and be able to control from different areas of the plant. Over the next five years, we will incorporate the entire plant as well as field locations. SOLID WASTE - Rita Klein reported. She noted that cart rentals are going slower than anticipated. Klein observed that the crews have done a good job of collection even during the bad weather. 7) DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Michael Navabi gave the Director's report. He distributed copies of the department's achievements for last year. OPERATIONS &MAINTENANCE- We are extending Christmas tree pick-up an extra 7 days due to the weather. The Recycling Committee wrote the Mayor letter recommending that no rebate be given for the upcoming budget year. Navabi said he has been in discussions about this issue with the Finance Director. He agrees that there are many areas of recycling that are not being handled presently that need to be done, which would support the recommendation that a rebate is not advisable. SNOWSTORM-Navabi said the non-stop snow for 14 days has kept the Public Service crews extremely busy. He expects to have the local street plowing completed by Friday, with the exception of the cul-de- sacs which will be done last. He has sent numerous public service announcements out requesting that citizens clean their sidewalks, as well as assist elderly and physically handicapped neighbors. Navabi said the city crews and office staff have done a great job during this time and he plans to set aside some time for himself and the Mayor to go down and formally thank them. 2 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF JANUAR Y 14, 1999 Page 3 TRANSPORTATION DIVISION CHANGES-Navabi reported that the Mayor plans to move responsibility for the Transportation Division to the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department, effective after Council reviews and votes on the plan. The Mayor wants to move transportation and parking more into the planning process, which may allow for better coordination from that aspect and overall operational efficiency. The only problem Navabi sees is the portion of Transportation which involves Act 51 funding. He is the city's designated Street Administrator, and as such, he hopes to maintain some responsibility over the Act 51 funding that goes to Transportation. Stypula said the board should back the Public Service Director in maintaining responsibility over the Act 51 portion, and he will be happy to communicate that to the Mayor. GENERAL MOTORS - Mayor Hollister has announced that GM is thinking of Lansing as one of two possible locations for their new plant. This is dependent on three factors: incentive package; infrastructure; and labor negotiations. Navabi said he has been assisting the Mayor in the area of the infrastructure. RAIN FEE - The Supreme Court decision (4-3) against the city came down in late December. Jim Smiertka, City Attorney, thinks there is a possibility of challenging this decision on several grounds. We have advised the citizens not to send payment for 1998, and what we have received for 1998 will be returned. We believe the years previous to that will fall under retroactivity laws, because when it was collected it was considered a fee. On April 6, if all goes as planned, the issue of how to pay for the stormwater program may be put on the ballot for a public referendum. If that date gets postponed, there is another date in June when Lansing Community College is having an election, that might be used for this to be on the ballot. Mr. Navabi distributed a paper showing the four possible options for paying for the stormwater program, and discussed the different options and the impact to a varied sampling of properties. (Copedge left 12:55 p.m.) BUDGET - Navabi reported that the two issues, stormwater funding and Transportation Division reorganization, will impact the budget, and some revisions will need to be made. More discussions of budget will be held at next meeting. CODE ENFORCEMENT POLICY- Navabi reported that he met with the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department and the Police Department to develop a Code Enforcement Policy that would be consistent among the departments. EMPLOYEE UPDATES - Chad Gamble, who has been our Stormwater Engineer, has been promoted 3 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF JANUAR Y 14, 1999 Page 4 to Assistant City Engineer. Two other CSO related positions, Engineer-33 and an Engineering Technician, have been put on hold at the present time. We are also asking for 7 new positions at 0&M to deal with crack sealing and other road work. These positions were eliminated several years ago during cutbacks in Act 51 monies, but this funding has become available again. ENGINEERING-Paulson-We are working with consultants and Granger to develop a remediation plan, and to undertake this during the next budget cycle. M-43 - We were successful in getting a variance from the Federal High Ways Administration. The variance allows 3 - 10'lanes, rather than 12'lanes. The State of Michigan has done an Environmental Impact Study. Kibbey asked if he could get a copy of the letter from the FHWA. SOCCER FIELD - The soccer field is under construction, and there has been some delay due to the weather, but Navabi expects the planned timelines will be met. PRUDDEN STREET- This street connects to the new northside precinct, and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony next week. CIP - Washington Avenue brick repairs are on the list for capital improvements. $7 MILLION FOR 7 YEAR PROGRAM is on line and the Engineering Division has been successful in meeting all the timelines. INGHAM COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSION- The northeast part of the city, around the Groesbeck area, has experienced drainage problems for many years. Part of the area is not within the city limits, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ingham County Drain Commission. The Drain Commissioner has asked us to join forces with them to minimize costs byjoint construction of their drainage pipe with our sanitary line. We have attended numerous neighborhood meetings to discuss the issues with the neighborhood. O&M BUILDING - Navabi said the building is in poor shape. Also, the women and men have to use the same dressing room. Navabi said he is requesting $1.2 million to upgrade the facility. PARKING COMMITTEE- The Mayor's Parking and Downtown Development Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on January 22. This is the first meeting since revisions were made to the membership and a new mission statement was written. The meeting was to be the first opportunity to get down to work on customer service issues. Navabi said he will attend the meeting, but will be transferring his portion to Dennis Sykes, Planning and Neighborhood Development Director, upon Council's final approval of the transfer. DOWNTOWN MASTER STUDYAND CAPITOL LOOP-Navabi said he has been working on a number of issues on this, and has met with the State to tie it with their Capitol Loop project. However, this may now become part of the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department. We were also in the 4 BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE MINUTES OF JANUAR Y 14, 1999 Page 5 process of hiring a consultant to do a complete study of the supply and demand for parking in the downtown. We received $2.3 million in T-21 funding from Washington for automated traffic signalization. These items may all be transferred to the Planning Department. 8) CITYENGINEER'S REPORT- Navabi said that in 1996, we repaired 28 miles of street; in 1997, 26 miles; in 1998, 27 miles; and in 1999, we are planning to do 26.5 miles of streets. CSO CONSTRUCTION- We have three programs that are not totally done; one is the Lansing Avenue Pump Station project. We still owe about$7 million to the contractor, but the Finance Director says we have funds to complete this work, as well as the two new CSO projects. 9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None. 1 0) NEW B USINESS: A) Ethics Training - Due to time constraints, the training is postponed to a later meeting. B) Timelines for Board Evaluation - Bloomberg said he would be reviewing the information the divisions submitted regarding their activities and begin working on the evaluation. He asked the board to review for information and invited their input. Kibbey offered his assistance in working on the evaluation. Klein pointed out that it should be kept fairly short, no more than a few pages. 11) OTHER BUSINESS: None. 12) COMMUNICATIONS: None. 13) ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, cjf Margret H. Pollard Secretary to the Board V.�I USERSI AMB WPI WPDOCSI PSM 1999M-01-14.inin upd 5 Wednesday,January 20, 1999 Tom Stanton 216 Huron Street Lansing MI 48915-1781 517/374-6666 stanton7@pilot.msu.edu To Whom it May Concern: Keeping GM in Lansing:A Drivers'Training Plan KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD AHEAD: Greater Lansing area leaders are focusing intently on keeping General Motors in this area, and well they should. It's good our leaders have enough foresight to anticipate the need to package and sell Greater Lansing to GM, knowing that GM is shopping for one or more locations where the corporation will plant replacements for the aging, soon to be retired, Lansing area factories. LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC: Extreme care should be taken, however, in deciding on appropriate means to try to retain GM. Lansing can look one direction--to a traditional approach to industrial recruitment and retention--and offer specific incentives such as tax subsidies and infrastructure improvements. We should all be reminded, though,that this approach has become a high-stakes, high-risk,zero-sum game, with hundreds of communities vying for every new factory. In recent years, inducements offered to businesses by local and state governments have reached the dizzying heights of tens of thousands of dollars per job. It's gotten so out of hand that from time to time various governors and mayors have tried to call a truce and get everyone to stop escalating the intercity and interstate battles. But, as long as governments don't see another strategy that works better, they are all too willing to continue playing the factory lottery game. This is true even when they know that the odds of success may be one in a thousand, and millions of dollars of public resources will be risked. A century ago, R.E. Olds held a special place in his heart for Lansing.Today, however, greater Lansing needs to clearly understand that the days of family corporations with benificent, fatherly CEO's are gone, replaced by bureaucratic, global, Leviathon enterprises with allegience to nowhere and anywhere. Ultimately, Lansing has to figure out means to make GM feel that when it goes for a trade-in on its old factories, it can get the best deal on a trade-up right here in Lansing. The other direction Lansing leaders should be looking is to `no regrets' policies. We should be focused on anything we can do to keep GM in Lansing that will make progress for Lansing whether or not GM stays. The most ideal policies would make keeping GM irrelevant. What can Lansing do in the next few years that will assure we will be as well off or better in the coming decades,whether or not GM decides to stay? We should be asking how we can make Lansing so attractive to GM that it cannot afford to leave. We should be carefully identifying factors that are under local control or amenable to strong local influence by our own efforts. What can Lansing do in the next few years that will assure we will be as well off or better in the coming decades, whether or not GM decides to stay? What roles are appropriate for local and state governments, unions, business leaders, and educators? It would be helpful to let GM know as soon as possible about Lansing's no regrets plans, and the limits to concessions Lansing will make. We should focus not on trade-offs(giving away something in order to get something else), but on trade-ons (doing positive:things that beget more positive gains, or applying solutions to problems with side effects that are more solutions to other problems). The question is how we Re:Keeping GM in Lansing Tuesday,January 19, 1999 Page 2 can pile value upon value and benefit upon benefit, until GM rightly believes there is no better place on the planet to place a manufacturing center for the 21 st Century. DRIVE WITH CARE: Greater Lansing can make itself attractive to GM by becoming home to the healthiest, happiest, and most productive workforce anywhere. Lansing already has many excellent medical care and wellness facilities and practitioners. Local leaders should explore a partnership that includes GM,to explore how to maximize the potential of holistic health care and wellness actions to promote workforce excellence while minimizing health care costs. In addition, Lansing workers could become the best informed, best educated, and best trained anywhere. We have world class educational institutions to nurture. What can be done to make Lansing Community College the best trainer of technicians in the world? How can Michigan State University best fulfill its land-grant mission by helping to solve the problems of making Lansing work sustainably,while also turning out the best prepared engineers, business managers, teachers,etc., in the world? Another area where no regrets policies can help is for our local and state governments to become world class models of efficiency and effectiveness. Industrial location decision makers are partly motivated by excellent schools, all kinds of infrastructure, local parks and recreation opportunities,and low crime. Lansing already has the customer-owned Board of Water&Light, a low-cost provider of high quality electricity, steam, and water. In order to leap ahead of thousands of competing locations, and stay there,we need to aggressively identify and solve remaining problems and make continuous improvements. WHEN THERE IS NO APPROACHING TRAFFIC, AND YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THE ROAD AHEAD,THEN IT'S SAFE TO PASS: Perhaps most importantly, Lansing leaders need to understand what the future of the automotive industry will be like. It would be a dire mistake to expect and prepare for another generation of vehicles like the present ones. The future of automotion and transportation belongs to ultra-light, ultra-low-drag, hybrid-electric personal &mass transit systems. This future has a lot more to do with computers and communications systems than it does with the aging steel and oil industries.A great deal of introductory information about the new generation of vehicles is available on the Web, at <http://www.hypercars.com>. The new drive trains will be computer controlled systems that combine the best features of electric motors and fuel-driven mechanical drive. Small engines (fuel cells, micro-turbines, etc.)will convert all varieties of liquid and gas fuels into electrical energy to supplement electric motors that are coupled to small battery banks. All major automotive manufacturers have already announced strategies to bring hybrid drive,60-80 mpg vehicles to the market within the next five years, and all of the technologies needed to make 100-200 mpg full-sized family sedans are already available off the shelf,today. Furthermore, all of these same breakthroughs in automotive technologies and automobile manufacturing can be applied to all variety of personal and mass transit systems as well. The buses,trucks, trains,trolleys, and people-movers of the future will all employ these same kinds of drive trains, ultra-light bodies, and computer controls. Lansing should take every step we can to make sure that �.f GM rebuilds in this area, production will be geared to this next generation of vehicles, and not the last one, whose lifespan is dwindling. Area leaders should clearly understand the potential relationships between the auto industry of the future and our energy industries. The same computer controlled engines that will provide electric power for cars, buses, and trains will also provide electricity for homes, buildings, and industry. We should be nurturing partnerships among area educational institutions and manufacturers, and our public utility companies, especially the Board of Water& Light. Local leaders should also realize that the new versions of automotive manufacturing can be done by anybody. Once the craft work of major metal forming systems is left behind in favor of computer designed, Re:Keeping GM in Lansing Tuesday,January 19, 1999 Page 3 high-tech materials(plastics and carbon fiber composites),the capital requirements for setting up an automobile manufacturing plant become very significantly smaller. With the correct and complete understanding of these future technologies, a few years from now if GM were to decide not to stay in our area our own workers could start to make these vehicles themselves. COMBINE TRIPS TO SAVE TIME,FUEL,AND WEAR&TEAR ON YOUR VEHICLE: Another critical challenge, after making sure the Lansing area supports these future technologies, is working to develop policies and systems to ensure that cities and automobiles can work together in peaceful coexistence, and not tear each other apart. Area leaders should be seeking a partnership among local governments, GM, our educational institutions,CATA and the other area transportation authorities to develop the means to provide least-cost access and transportation. Our present infrastructure--almost exclusively focused on automobiles-- is unaffordable, inequitable,and unsustainable. For all the positive aspects autos provide, there are also very important negatives: air pollution, congestion,urban and suburban sprawl, motor vehicle accidents with artendant insurance and health care costs, and severely limited access for children, seniors, the poor, and the disabled. The future of the automobile and GM will be much brighter when policies and transportation systems are devised that best reconcile all these factors. It would clearly be in GM's best interest to cooperate with a major effort to work towards a much more efficient transportation system. The rest of the developing world will ultimately be a lot more interested in automobiles if the means can be demonstrated to successfully blend the vehicles and their attendant infrastructures with the biophysical and sociocultural environments. There is no reason why this renaissance cannot be centered right here, in the Greater Lansing area. Whether these ideas are viewed wild fantasies or a call to action is up to us. Looking for direction in the rear view mirror won't help us, now. With a clear vision of the possibilities our future could bring, however, the Greater Lansing Area can easily set forth on a path to becoming a world center of policy implementation and manufacturing excellence for appropriate transportation and energy technologies for the next century. Thomas Stanton, Lansing. TS:ts cc Mayor Hollister Greater Lansing Area Green Team Greater Lansing Area RED Team Greater Lansing Urban Policy'Forum Lansing City Council Lansing Public Service Board Lansing Board of Water& Light Lansing State Journal Capital Times Community News