MML Capital Conference

On April 5-6, Mayor Lyons, three City Council members, the City Clerk and I will be participating in the Michigan Municipal League Capital Conference in Lansing.
There have been many changes occurring in Lansing, including a number of funding policy reforms that have been approved or are in the legislative process.
This conference will give city officials the opportunity to better understand these proposals and plan for the impact they will have on the City of Dowagiac’s operations and finances.
Seminar topics include dealing with the state’s budget deficit, federal transportation funding, government reform proposals before the Legislature and the latest economic development incentive packages available through the state.
These conferences not only provide an opportunity for receiving information from Michigan Municipal League, but also provide an opportunity to talk with other elected and appointed officials about the multitude of ways others are dealing with similar concerns in their communities.
We look forward to bringing solid information back to the remaining elected officials and city staff.

Brush and compost

City crews begin the curbside collection of brush/branches and leaves/grass clippings the first week of April to Oct. 21 according to the following schedule:
• Ward 1 residents on the first Monday of the month.
• Ward 2 residents on the second Monday of the month.
Ward 3 residents on the third Monday of the month.
Material for collection needs to be placed curbside prior to 7 a.m. on each Monday.
For additional information, please call the Department of Public Services office at 782-8200; e-mail DPS_Service_Request@dowagiac.org, or visit the city’s Web site at www.citvofdowagiac.com.

Clean-up April 25-29

To prepare residents for getting rid of their unwanted items, this letter will begin the countdown of annual spring clean-up week, which is April 25-29.
Fliers are available at City Hall and on the city’s Web site.
All materials should be placed at curbside prior to 6 a.m. Monday, April 25.
To avoid the blighting effect upon our neighborhoods, debris cannot be placed at curbside prior to Saturday, April 23.
Property owners will be responsible for removal of all remaining debris after crews pass down their street.
Each street will be scheduled for pick up one time only.
If you have any questions regarding this program or disposal alternatives, please contact the DPS office.

DPS operations division

The DPS operations division is responsible for a wide variety of maintenance tasks and services to the water distribution system, sanitary sewer collection system, storm sewer system, fleet maintenance, parks/grounds and cemetery, as well as streets and solid waste.
In many ways these are the most visible city employees because they are out in the community sweeping streets, collecting brush/leaves, plowing snow, patching potholes, trimming trees and mowing the parks.
Several significant operational changes occurred during 2010 that enhanced the quality of service and reduced the cost of service to taxpayers.
One of those changes was the conversion to a one-person leaf collection system.
During this past season, the number of hours needed to collect leaves was reduced by more than 50 percent.
By having the system in which one person operates the piece of equipment, it allows the balance of the crews to focus on winter preparation activities throughout the rest of the community.
Another major change in operations was how salt was applied to roads during the winter season.
It is important to apply the right amount of salt so roads can be safely navigated.
Last year, 249.4 tons of salt were used as compared to 628.6 tons that, on average, were used the previous three winters.
Not only is this is a 60-percent reduction in salt, but crews were also able to maintain safe winter travel, too.
Additionally, the engineering department that supports DPS operations was able to complete the paving of Middle Crossing Road and the road and utility work on Uneta Street in 2010.
Also, about one-third of the neighborhood street resurfacing project was completed in the fall of 2010 with the balance to be completed once asphalt plants open this spring.
The engineering department has also completed the specifications and bids and contract award for Solomon Street and Wolf Street utility and road improvements, which will take place in 2011.

— Kevin P. Anderson
City Manager