State Of The City Address
Mayor Mary Liske
January 12, 2012
“All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.”
2011 was a year of incredible progress and challenges. The Master Plan created by residents of Luna Pier was recognized by the American Planning Association in Boston, and was given the “Vernon Deines Memorial Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Plan”. This award was given not just because of the Plan’s exceptional content, but rather because the city has put the plan into action. Even Michigan Governor Snyder recognized Luna Pier for its progress in his 2011 “State of the State” address. Having used the Master Plan to guarantee three grants, you will see the initiation of our downtown redevelopment by July of 2012. These changes are essential to re-branding Luna Pier as the “First Taste of Michigan”, and creating an overall tourist attraction for visitors. Having visited Blissfield in 2011 during the Mayoral Exchange sponsored by the Michigan Association of Mayors, Luna Pier’s city leaders saw how Blissfield has created a place for tourists. We were encouraged because we have so many natural resources to take advantage of for our community’s financial benefit.
The Luna Pier Downtown Development Authority has also contributed to the goals of the Master Plan by using a group of students from Michigan State University, along with a local intern from Central Michigan University, to assist in preparing our Tax Increment Financing or TIF plan. Once the TIF plan is established, it has the potential to reroute millions of dollars over the next 20 years into improvement to our downtown district. In addition, the DDA promoted Luna Pier through the first annual Bootleggers and Blues Festival, which is the beginning of many events that will bring business to town. Also, look for a complete redesign of Lakewood Ave from Luna Pier Rd to 12th St. This improvement along with the new beach house and bio-retention streetscape will have a big impact on how the city appears in 2012.
In support of the Master Plan, the City has hired Poggemyer Design to rewrite our zoning laws, which can be expected to be approved early this year. Related to zoning, attempts have been made to reduce neighborhood blight by hiring a blight inspector. Unfortunately, improved yards do still have a habit of become unattractive nuisances again within just a few months, which has to be dealt with. So another approach to the blight situation will be tried in 2012 by tightening laws, along with increasing financial consequences for those who cannot respect their neighbors.
On March 25th of 2011, Luna Pier’s city leaders made bold proactive steps by hosting the Western Lake Erie Waterway Conference to further discuss the possibility of Luna Pier having a ferry service to other parts of the lake. Participants included representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, interested ferry boat Captains, elected officials from the state level, Port Authority representatives from the cities of Monroe, Toledo, and Detroit, and many others. The mission of the event was to connect the region by the Lake Erie waters that affects them all, which will allow municipalities to benefit from the lake’s own natural resources.
We were faced with some disappointing news when Consumers Energy announced they will cease operations of the J.R. Whiting Power Generating Plant here in Luna Pier by January 1, 2015. The company is not decommissioning the plant, which is good news concerning our tax base. However, we have heard rumors that the plant may be refitted for a cleaner energy source and reopened later, which may be even better news.
Another challenge we are wrestling with are the financial consequences of reworking Lakeside Drain. The project was originally estimated to cost under a million dollars when first discussed in 2006. The final price tag is 2.1 million dollars and could not have come at a worse economic time. Once the Drain Commission’s Board of Determination decides the drain rehabilitation is necessary, it is like signing a blank check, and they can do whatever they want to correct the drain, regardless of the financial impact on the community. The City Administration is working earnestly to buffer the situation for the City and the affected residents.
Also, the Waste Water Treatment Plant has been overwhelmed this year from both the melting snow of spring 2011 and the high rain levels throughout the year. Although many of the current upgrades have been mandated at the state level due to our trace output of phosphates, many of the improvements will also assist with the handling of the higher volumes of discharge. We have hired an additional part-time employee who will become full-time once the upgrades are complete. What does all this mean for Customers? Unfortunately, it means a necessary upcoming increase in sewer charges to cover the improvements.
Just like its residents, the city of Luna Pier has had to tighten the budget in order to remain in the black. We have had to cut over $30,000 from our annual budget. The major changes have been in cutting one full-time police position, reducing dumpster pick up to once each week, and renegotiating our residential garbage pickup contract for a $10,000 savings. Future changes are being planned to reduce employee benefit costs, and to bring the city into compliance with Public Acts 54 and 152. Contracts were settled in September with all employees. The city recognizes how difficult it has been for employees to make concessions, and certainly appreciates the sacrifices that will allow the City to manage our finances in a more responsible manner.
Much progress is finally being made in the area of flood protection. A new committee was formed in February. This committee’s mission is to thoughtfully research and make recommendations to City Council concerning flood and erosion protection. Over a year ago, the city applied for another USDA loan specific to flood protection. After dealing with two protected species, we are extremely close to getting full approval. Once money has been appropriated, flood pumps can be replaced, cracks on dike cylinders and tops can be repaired, trees on earthen dikes can be removed, and the lower sills can be filled with concrete. These maintenance issues have been a long time coming and it will feel really good to make progress in this area. We look forward to identifying the next set of priorities that need attention on our shoreline.
We must stay vigilant, and it is a time for every citizen to contribute their abilities and leadership to help move the city of Luna Pier strongly into the future. I hope that everyone will realize that this … is their invitation and personal request to become involved.
“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.”
On February 20th I will be hosting “Coffee with the Mayor” at Gander’s starting at 8:00 am, please make time to come sit with me. I can answer your questions or we can find a place for you to get involved.
State Of The City Address
Mayor Mary Liske
January 12, 2012
“All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.”
2011 was a year of incredible progress and challenges. The Master Plan created by residents of Luna Pier was recognized by the American Planning Association in Boston, and was given the “Vernon Deines Memorial Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Plan”. This award was given not just because of the Plan’s exceptional content, but rather because the city has put the plan into action. Even Michigan Governor Snyder recognized Luna Pier for its progress in his 2011 “State of the State” address. Having used the Master Plan to guarantee three grants, you will see the initiation of our downtown redevelopment by July of 2012. These changes are essential to re-branding Luna Pier as the “First Taste of Michigan”, and creating an overall tourist attraction for visitors. Having visited Blissfield in 2011 during the Mayoral Exchange sponsored by the Michigan Association of Mayors, Luna Pier’s city leaders saw how Blissfield has created a place for tourists. We were encouraged because we have so many natural resources to take advantage of for our community’s financial benefit.
The Luna Pier Downtown Development Authority has also contributed to the goals of the Master Plan by using a group of students from Michigan State University, along with a local intern from Central Michigan University, to assist in preparing our Tax Increment Financing or TIF plan. Once the TIF plan is established, it has the potential to reroute millions of dollars over the next 20 years into improvement to our downtown district. In addition, the DDA promoted Luna Pier through the first annual Bootleggers and Blues Festival, which is the beginning of many events that will bring business to town. Also, look for a complete redesign of Lakewood Ave from Luna Pier Rd to 12th St. This improvement along with the new beach house and bio-retention streetscape will have a big impact on how the city appears in 2012.
In support of the Master Plan, the City has hired Poggemyer Design to rewrite our zoning laws, which can be expected to be approved early this year. Related to zoning, attempts have been made to reduce neighborhood blight by hiring a blight inspector. Unfortunately, improved yards do still have a habit of become unattractive nuisances again within just a few months, which has to be dealt with. So another approach to the blight situation will be tried in 2012 by tightening laws, along with increasing financial consequences for those who cannot respect their neighbors.
On March 25th of 2011, Luna Pier’s city leaders made bold proactive steps by hosting the Western Lake Erie Waterway Conference to further discuss the possibility of Luna Pier having a ferry service to other parts of the lake. Participants included representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, interested ferry boat Captains, elected officials from the state level, Port Authority representatives from the cities of Monroe, Toledo, and Detroit, and many others. The mission of the event was to connect the region by the Lake Erie waters that affects them all, which will allow municipalities to benefit from the lake’s own natural resources.
We were faced with some disappointing news when Consumers Energy announced they will cease operations of the J.R. Whiting Power Generating Plant here in Luna Pier by January 1, 2015. The company is not decommissioning the plant, which is good news concerning our tax base. However, we have heard rumors that the plant may be refitted for a cleaner energy source and reopened later, which may be even better news.
Another challenge we are wrestling with are the financial consequences of reworking Lakeside Drain. The project was originally estimated to cost under a million dollars when first discussed in 2006. The final price tag is 2.1 million dollars and could not have come at a worse economic time. Once the Drain Commission’s Board of Determination decides the drain rehabilitation is necessary, it is like signing a blank check, and they can do whatever they want to correct the drain, regardless of the financial impact on the community. The City Administration is working earnestly to buffer the situation for the City and the affected residents.
Also, the Waste Water Treatment Plant has been overwhelmed this year from both the melting snow of spring 2011 and the high rain levels throughout the year. Although many of the current upgrades have been mandated at the state level due to our trace output of phosphates, many of the improvements will also assist with the handling of the higher volumes of discharge. We have hired an additional part-time employee who will become full-time once the upgrades are complete. What does all this mean for Customers? Unfortunately, it means a necessary upcoming increase in sewer charges to cover the improvements.
Just like its residents, the city of Luna Pier has had to tighten the budget in order to remain in the black. We have had to cut over $30,000 from our annual budget. The major changes have been in cutting one full-time police position, reducing dumpster pick up to once each week, and renegotiating our residential garbage pickup contract for a $10,000 savings. Future changes are being planned to reduce employee benefit costs, and to bring the city into compliance with Public Acts 54 and 152. Contracts were settled in September with all employees. The city recognizes how difficult it has been for employees to make concessions, and certainly appreciates the sacrifices that will allow the City to manage our finances in a more responsible manner.
Much progress is finally being made in the area of flood protection. A new committee was formed in February. This committee’s mission is to thoughtfully research and make recommendations to City Council concerning flood and erosion protection. Over a year ago, the city applied for another USDA loan specific to flood protection. After dealing with two protected species, we are extremely close to getting full approval. Once money has been appropriated, flood pumps can be replaced, cracks on dike cylinders and tops can be repaired, trees on earthen dikes can be removed, and the lower sills can be filled with concrete. These maintenance issues have been a long time coming and it will feel really good to make progress in this area. We look forward to identifying the next set of priorities that need attention on our shoreline.
We must stay vigilant, and it is a time for every citizen to contribute their abilities and leadership to help move the city of Luna Pier strongly into the future. I hope that everyone will realize that this … is their invitation and personal request to become involved.
“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.”
On February 20th I will be hosting “Coffee with the Mayor” at Gander’s starting at 8:00 am, please make time to come sit with me. I can answer your questions or we can find a place for you to get involved.