Potential water main extension

Dowagiac staff continues to work with the Pokagon Band and their engineers as they consider extending water to their housing development on Dailey Road.
Plans are being submitted to the state for review and agreements are being drafted for council consideration, according to City Manager Kevin Anderson.

Energy-efficient light bulb distribution — free

Dowagiac is once again offering energy-efficient light bulbs to residential utility customers as part of the Energy Optimization Program.
Two free compact cluorescent light bulbs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to customers who stop by the customer service counter at city hall.
Quantities are limited, so stop in to city hall to get free light bulbs at your earliest convenience.

Traffic safety seminar

Michigan Tech’s Local Technical Assistance Program is offering a seminar called “Traffic Safety Training for Elected/Appointed Officials.”
The goal of the seminar is to help gain an understanding of factors that affect traffic safety including signs, signals and road designs that can help when facing decisions about traffic safety for residents.
The seminar will be April 24 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kalamazoo County Road Commission.
Councilmen Jim Dodd and Leon Laylin plan on attending.

Brush and compost
waste disposal program

The seasonal Brush and Compost Waste Disposal Program is scheduled to begin the first week of April with the following schedule: Ward 1 residents on the first Monday of the month; Ward 2 residents on the second Monday of the month; and Ward 3 residents on the third Monday of the month.
City crews will provide curbside brush collection, including running the brush chipper. Crews will proceed with curbside collection of bagged leaves thereafter.
Residents are reminded that leaves need to be in containers (i.e. bags, boxes, or cans) for ease of disposal.
Residents can also take their brush and/or yard waste to the city’s compost site.

Tree City USA designation

The National Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to “inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.”
Each year, they review communities throughout the United States and recognize those who actively help fulfill the mission of the foundation.
The city received notification that the foundation once again named Dowagiac
as a Tree City USA community. The city recognizes the importance of trees and is pleased to receive this recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.

3% fee increase recommended

It has been three years since fees for permits have been adjusted in the City of Dowagiac. Prior to that time it had been the practice to annually review and adjust fees based on the cost of providing services. Fees for permits in the City are lower than the surrounding townships. A recommendation for a 3-percent increase will come before the council soon.

CAUA water system

The new water system serving Donnell Lake and Diamond Lake has seen steady growth of new customers.
When the City of Dowagiac first became responsible for management of
the system there were 183 meters billed. Last month 233 customers were billed and indications are that as many as 300 more meters could be added over the next two to three years, according to City Manager Kevin Anderson.
“We are also working with the engineer to see if a remote meter reading system can be installed as part of the current construction project,” Anderson said. “If feasible, this system would allow for the meters to transmit a signal to city offices which would reduce the need to send service personnel to read meters each month or when final billings occur.

M-51 pathway

In January it was reported that air quality grants (CMAQ) were available for Cass County for sidewalk and bike paths along federal urban street corridors for projects planned for 2013 and 2014. The city applied for Hill Street sidewalks and Middle Crossing Road bike path during this process. Dowagiac also agreed to work with Pokagan Township to place sidewalks on M-51 from M-62 to Pokagon Street if funds became available or one of those two projects was not approved.
“We recently were made aware of last-minute funds that would be made available for 2012 projects,” City Manager Kevin Anderson said. “Since we had the understanding with Pokagon Township, we have put together a plan and grant application that was submitted for 80 percent funding of a walking pathway on M-51.