Mayor's Corner

MAYORS CORNER

     JUNE 15^TH

    2021

 

As I look out my office window I see “life” in abundance, a far cry from last year at this time. People are sitting in front of Moo-ville eating ice cream. There is a couple having lunch on the front patio at Darb’s. There is a line at the walk up window at Las Flores.  People are walking down the street and kids are riding their bikes.  There is actually traffic backed up, just a little, on Main St.  We have persevered and adapted to a new way of doing things.  You may ask yourself “Will it ever be the same?”  Short answer “No it won’t.” Our Country, over the last 15 or so months, has gone through some profound changes.

A pandemic swept our nation. It caused both human and economic devastation on several fronts. Loved ones were lost. Many without having the comfort of family at their sides. Businesses and livelihoods were dealt a crushing blow because of safety concerns. Travel was banned between houses.  It was as if we were in prison, viewing our tiny corner of the world via a computer or television screen or the windows in our homes. But slowly and surely, as Americans often do, we are re-capturing what was briefly lost. It may not look exactly the same but that doesn’t mean it is better or worse, just different than what we are used to.

We survived a tempestuous election.  It was almost like the Civil War. Neighbor against neighbor and brother against brother.  The only difference was the reason for the upheaval. A lack of tolerance, understanding and a refusal to accept other points of view.  In the end, I hope that the PRIDE that we have in our country over shadows the desperation and we unite to share our sameness and celebrate our uniqueness and differences.

Speaking of PRIDE. I hope you took the time to attend the first, of what I hope will be an annual event, on Saturday June 12^th at Howe Field.  This event, hosted by Lee Carmody, featured food, music, facepainting, a bean bag toss tournament, good conversation and plenty of information about and for Eaton Rapids.  It was the opportunity to celebrate diversity in its many forms.  While we may be diverse we are, after all, all human beings.  That is the one thing that truly is shared.

I wish to take this opportunity to say Thank you to Pastor Marty Debow.  Marty has served his community for several years as the Pastor at the Eaton Rapids Methodist Church.  For those of you that don’t know, his wife Cindy, is a Counselor at the VFW Home.  For several years Marty has been a fixture at our City Council meetings where he would deliver his invocation. Marty is also a long time member of the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club and also serves on the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Hospital board.  One of the tenets of Rotary is “Service above self.” Both he and Cindy have filled that role a million times over.  I bid him well in his retirement, of which I’m sure will be short lived.

 

The Eaton Rapids River Recreation sub-committee is planning on hosting a kayak/canoe water event on July 24^th at 11:00 am.  It will be open to all ages and equipment may be available for use.  Keep an eye open for additional information.

The Independence Day celebration is quickly approaching. There will be activities on both Saturday the 3^rd and Sunday the 4^th.  Arrive early and stay late.  Most of the activities will be taking place at either Howe Memorial Field or Martin Hansen Amphitheater on W. Knight St. Watch the City Facebook page, website and this publication for more information.

This Sunday, June 20^th, is Father’s Day. Talk about diversity. Fathers are as diverse as the species.  No two alike but all have something in common, the love that they have for their children. Even in our darkest hours we, as fathers, can be cheered by those cherubic gazes or an impish grin. A homemade card or that special sea shell emblazoned with the words “I love you daddy.”  Fathers, this Sunday, celebrate your children for who and what they have given you. The chance to be called a father.

As always I bid you Peace and hope you continue to call Eaton Rapids home and make it a great place to live, raise your family and recreate.

Paul

                          MAYOR’S CORNER

                            MAY 4^TH

                            2021

 

Welcome to May 2021 Eaton Rapids.  I hope you are faring well and the COVID cloud is almost lifted.   As Americans, we have proven our resiliency, determination, empathy and compassion. We have all sacrificed, in one form or another.  If you have lost a loved one I am sorry. Each person that has been lost has been a piece of our American landscape puzzle.

We have all learned a valuable lesson.  Live each moment. Cherish those around you.  Find out what you are able to do to make our town, country and world a better place.

The last 18 months have seen so many rifts and challenges. People not being heard. Other people hearing but not listening.  Perspectives lost in a flurry of protests and civil disobedience.  Disrespect from both sides.  Accusations and counter accusations. A lack of empathy for the plight of others and a feeling of entitlement on the part of some.  It’s time to put down the signs, the clubs, the guns but most of all, the anger.  Instead of hunting for others hunt within yourself for your humanity and for that common ground that binds us all together.

As Mayor, I have a myriad of duties. Some mundane, some exciting, some fulfilling and some not so much. One of the best parts of my job is receiving communication from the various community members, groups etc.  Upon coming to my office in the beginning of March I discovered a large envelope under my office door. The outside was addressed as “ To the Mayor from Ms. Cooper’s class of First graders at ICA (Island City Academy). We learned about human characteristics this week and wanted to share with you some of our recreational feature ideas! Hope you enjoy!” Inside of the envelope were 19 individual letters letting me know what these kids wanted to see in their community.  Monkey bars, trails, a bigger skate park, a zoo and aquarium and laser tag. The list went on and on.  I shared the information with the Quality of Life director.  What I learned is that these children have an awareness of their community and are willing to let me, us, know what their desires are.  If we want Eaton Rapids to be a great place to live, work and raise a family we need to listen to our smallest component.  They matter.  Thank you Ms. Cooper for taking the time to share your children with me.

May has been declared, by council resolution, to be Monarch Butterfly Awareness month.  Every year millions of Monarch butterflies (those are the orange and black ones for those of you that are uninitiated) travel north from their wintering grounds in Mexico to bless us with their splendor.  Such a delicate creature yet it travels thousands of miles on the air currents to lend us their majesty.  Much of their habitat is being diminished and their numbers have drastically been reduced over the last 20 years.  I encourage all of you to plant some milkweed or nectaring plants to provide these wayward travelers with a meal.

The Eaton Rapids Outdoor Recreation Center anticipates opening to the public on Memorial Day weekend (May 28-31^st). Hopefully, the weather and water co-operate.  Come down to the ORC and rent a kayak and take a trip down river. A shuttle service between Mill Pointe Park and Bunker Rd is available for a nominal fee.  Nothing beats a day on the Grand.

The Riverwalk project is progressing at a quick pace.  Much of the new break wall has been installed, the walk way is taking shape and the new bridge is being manufactured. If you haven’t made a trip down to watch the activity I encourage you to do so. For me, the most amazing part is “How in the world did they get a tug boat in the river?”  I asked. They brought it in on a couple of flatbed trailers.  The 120 ft tall multi ton crane then lifted it and dropped it in the water and it was assembled by the construction crew.  This long needed project was funded jointly by you, the MEDC and the DDA.  It will truly be a show case when completed. Several City staff members spent countless hours seeing that this project would go forward. I owe them a debt of gratitude.

The City Council held a special council meeting on Monday, May 3^rd. This was the final component in our budgetary process.  The City Manager, Aaron DeSentz, presented council with detailed budget documents explaining and accounting for every dime. Everything from street paving projects, to park and recreation initiatives, to funding the fire department and the police department.  We are in excellent financial shape and have done well in managing the recent upheaval.  I would like to thank the City Manager, the city administrative staff and the City council for their diligence and desire to be fiscally responsible while seeing to it that the amenities that you desire are not over looked.  I would especially like to recognize Councilman Wichman for taking his time to serve on the budget committee. He is our “numbers guy.”

We are still in dire need of folks to serve on several of our boards and committees.  Council and city staff can’t do it all alone. Invest in your town if you want to make a difference and see changes.  If not you, then who?  You can call City Hall at 663-8118 or send me an email (pmalewski@www.cityofeatonrapids.gov).

The Eaton Rapids Memorial Day observance will take place on Monday, May 31^st.  This event is sponsored by the Eaton Rapids Grand Army of The Republic museum organization and the Heroes Haven Veterans group.  The parade is scheduled to start at 11:00 am and will travel north on Main St from Family Fare to Knight St. There will be a wreath laying event at Memorial Park (next to Red Ribbon Hall) and we are honored to welcome State Senator Tom Barrett as a guest speaker.  If you are interested in being a participant please contact the GAR via facebook or email.

Finally, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. Take a moment to say thank you. That means more than all of the cards, flowers, candy and dinners.

As always, help to make Eaton Rapids a great place to live, work and raise your family.

I bid you Peace,

Paul

 

 

MAYOR’S CORNER

     JANUARY 19^TH, 2021

 

Dear Eaton Rapids,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to a new year. Hopefully, it will bring about changes on many fronts.  No matter your perspective on the current state of affairs in Washington D.C., in far off lands or in our own back yard it is time to put our differences aside and work together.

Annually, I like to take the first column of each year and recognize our city employees for their years of service and dedication to their community. They keep the lights on, the water running, the streets paved and cleared and protect us. They work indoors and outdoors. On the weekends, at night and holidays.

0-5 years:

Aaron Desentz-city administration, Lindsey Zeller-city administration, Paul Creger-Lieutenant ERPD, Laura Boomer-city administration, Corey Cagle-city administration, Corey Crusen-patrol officer ERPD, Lee Haynor-patrol officer ERPD, Tyler Willison-patrol officer ERPD, Sean Bailey-patrol officer ERPD, Jeremy Kuykendoll-DPW/WWTP, James Morrison-DPW, Kenneth Bigelow-firefighter-ERFD, Greg Duff-firefighter ERFD, Matt Holben-firefighter ERFD, Jacob Holzhei-firefighter ERFD, Mat Holzhei-firefighter ERFD, Jennifer Lenneman-firefighter ERFD, Daniel Reams-firefighter ERFD, Mark Shumaker-firefighter ERFD, Rob Pierce-DPW/Electric Dept., Ben Heinritz-DPW/Electric Dept., Jared Warsop-DPW/Electric Dept., Coty Olmstead-DPW/WWTP., Anthony Twichell-DPW/WWTP., Dennis Antone-city administration, Randy Jewell-city administration.

6-10 years:

Marrie Jo Carr-city administration, Leroy Hummel-city administration, Larry Weeks-Chief ERPD, Sheila Camp-city administration, Craig Briscoe-patrol officer ERPD, Richard Dover-patrol officer ERPD, Jon Nobach-DPW, Doug Kunkel DPW, Jeremy Milam-Lieutenant ERFD, Mike Tanner-firefighter ERFD

11-15 years:

Dan Paling-patrol officer ERPD, Lee Sifton-DPW/Electric Dept., Dale Hills-firefighter ERFD.

16-20 years:

Julie Kunkel-city administration, Mark Lease-DPW/Water Plant, Chris Scott-DPW/Water Plant, Jason Freer-Captain ERFD, Robin Freer-firefighter ERFD, David Hendon-Lieutenant ERFD, Kevin McNutt-Captain ERFD, James Ray-firefighter ERFD, Kevin Towsley-firefighter ERFD.

21-30 years:

Kim Eddy-Administrative assistant to the Chief ERPD, Scott Perry-Assistant Chief ERFD, Troy Craven-DPW/Electric Dept., Jon Flower- DPW/Electric Dept., Todd Verhelle-DPW.

31-40 years:

Steve Fuller-DPW

40 (plus) years:

Roger McNutt-Chief ERFD

The City Council and myself appreciate your dedication and your hard work and we wish you many more years of service to our community.

I wish to present to you the State of the City.  I asked each of the department administrators to provide me with a “snap shot” of this past year.  While the “mess” somewhat impaired our ability to provide services all was not lost.  I will share with you what they shared with me.

CITY HALL;

Through diligence and hard work the City has been able to cut expenses while increasing our fund balances. These fund balances will help us to fund infrastructure improvements and pay down our unfunded liabilities associated with retiree obligations.

A $2.9 million dollar Community Development Block Grant was received that will create a lighted Riverwalk from GAR Park to Mill Pointe Park. The antiquated east bridge will be replaced, new playground equipment will be installed and the retaining walls will be replaced/refurbished.  We were able to secure funding and  repave/replace State St. and much of the infrastructure. Working together with the Eaton Rapids Public Schools we were also able to redo Greyhound Drive and Inverness. This will make a much safer corridor for our school children and for the community as a whole. As I’m sure many of you have experienced in your homes the need to upgrade and enhance our technology was brought to the forefront. To that end, the City has engaged a new IT company to upgrade our services both internally and externally.

Moving forward, both our water treatment facilities (fresh water and waste water) will require upgrades. This will be a major project and will be city wide. As the analysis and planning progress we will keep you updated.

We saw 61% of our registered voters participate in our general election this year. City hall underwent a design change to offer better accessibility to our patrons. A storage area was also completed at the Public Safety Building.  In the past, the voting equipment was stored at City Hall even though the polling location was at the PSB. This change is more efficient and requires fewer man hours in the set up and take down.

Our finance department was hard at work. New software was obtained to allow for purchase order tracking and timesheet updating. Both are critical to ensure we are compliant with accepted accounting practices and internal controls. We were also able to set up health savings accounts for our retirees.  We were able to provide better access to services at a reduced rate.

FIRE DEPARTMENT;

The Fire Department ordered a new pumper truck to replace one that was 28 years old. A grant was obtained to purchase all new radios and pagers to accommodate a statewide 800 mhz system. This covered both the ERFD and the ERPD. Communication is a key element in providing quality service to our community not only today but in the future.  We will be moving forward in the upcoming year to purchase another truck to replace an aging one in the fleet and also the rescue boat that is in dire need of replacement.

We also entered into an efficiency study with Eaton Rapids Township to study how our two fire departments can work together in areas of training, service, cost sharing and manpower.  This is a win for both of us.  More to come.

DPW:

Upgrades to several facilities took place. The City isn’t immune from the Property Maintenance ordinance. Several of our facilities were repaired and painted and reroofed. Security fencing was installed around our water wells and access was limited to employees only. Our SCADA (automated meter reading and billing system) was upgraded and lift stations were replaced, along with control modules.  Our electric department is in the process of replacing poles and upgrading transformers and street lights (LED to save energy and be more efficient).

Quality of Life (Parks and Recreation):

Our QOL department worked very diligently this year. Upgrades to facilities was made easier by the various shut downs that were experienced. This didn’t stop them from doing over $30,000 in grant awards to help our resident’s re-hab homes. We completed the census education program, obtained grants to install recycle bins, bicycle repair stations, break away base systems for the Howe Memorial Field, purchase batting helmets, catchers gear and even give away books through the “Give a kid a Book program.”

We offered several “virtual” art classes and even held a couple of basketball competitions. We had summer ball clinics and the Outdoor Recreation Center continued with its free paddle events.  We held movie nights and a myriad of activities for the community.

Building Department:

My Building Inspector(s) faced a lot of challenges. We implemented the Rental Inspection ordinance and this was extremely challenging. They are being diligent in their efforts and are working with landlords and homeowners to ensure compliance with both the Rental Inspections and the property maintenance requirements. They are also working with our Planning Commission to update the city’s Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances. A truly daunting task.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

We were finally able to fill a number of vacancies. This was a challenge as the Law Enforcement field is coming under increased scrutiny and condemnation from the public. That, coupled with the lack of advancement opportunities, makes recruiting for a small agency difficult.  I’m happy to see that we were able to fulfill this goal.  Our officers remained healthy and were able to deliver a good quality of service.

Of particular note, Officer Richard Dover was able to assist in the apprehension of a dangerous escapee from the Ingham County Jail. Diligence and persistence, aided by an observant member of our community, led to a successful conclusion to this “news grabber.”

Downtown Development Authority:

Our Main Street transformation strategy of “America’s Small Town is in full swing. The DDA partnered with the City of Eaton Rapids and the Eaton Rapids Medical Center on several projects including the CDBG Riverwalk project, the Farmer’s Markets and the Façade grants program to aid local businesses.

In closing, we are working hard every day to bring new and innovative things to our community. We were finally able to get the cameras installed so that we can broadcast our council meetings live-just in time for the shut down. We will be replacing a bridge and adding a spectacular Riverwalk. A major construction project in the W. Knight St/Brook St. area will be underway shortly.

I encourage all of you to continue to invest in our community. Whether it be your hard earned dollars, your time or just your positive attitude.  It takes all of us to make that vital difference.

Thank you. As always I bid you peace and good fortune.

Paul

 

 

                            MAYOR’S CORNER

                        DECEMBER 14^TH, 2020

 

Dear Eaton Rapids,

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to all of our city employees that have worked diligently throughout this most difficult of years.  Thank you to my city administrators for keeping things running the best that they could.  Thank you to my boards and committees for keeping their tasks in focus and staying dedicated to their fellow citizens.

Thank you to my fellow councilmembers; Councilwoman Colestock, Councilman Wichman, Councilwoman Politza and Councilman Steele. Without your guidance and steady hand it would have been easy to go off course.

Most of all, thank you to our community.  You pulled together and never let the negativity of 2020 impact you.  While you may have had differing opinions on the elections, the pandemic, the wearing of masks and a myriad of other things you still supported one another and never lost sight of your humanity.

I see that out my office window as I type this. I see the brightly lit Christmas tree on Hamlin Court. I see the presents that have been lovingly placed underneath. I see the beautifully colored hand knitted caps and mittens carefully tied to the downtown light poles with their messages of encouragement.  The street light poles adorned with their Christmas finery.  That tells me this is home.

I hope you have participated in the many city sponsored Christmas events that have been taking place. The ornament art project, the house decorating contest, the all to important letters to our favorite Jolly Old Elf, the Elf on the Shelf competition, the coloring contest and the ugly sweater contest. All worthwhile and subject to bragging rights.

I would like to invite you to join us at 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 24^th, on the City of Eaton Rapids Facebook page and website for a rendition of the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”   It is our pleasure to bring you the reading of this timeless classic.

To all of you from myself and the City Council, the City Administrators and the City Staff we wish you a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

As always, I bid you Peace and happiness.

Paul

 

 

 

 

MAYOR’S CORNER

   NOVEMBER 16^TH, 2020

 

Thanksgiving is upon us. It is the start of the Christmas season. Soon, the streets will be bustling with shoppers as they acquire a “little bit of this and a little bit of that.”  Families will gather in celebration of the year gone by and the year to come.  Memories will be recalled and new ones will be made.  Christmas trees will go up and those favorite ornaments from years past will once again appear from the recesses of the basement, garage or attic.

People will gather to rejoice, get re-acquainted and share the “glow.” Gifts will be opened and we will toast each other and our good fortune.

Sounds like the trailer for a Christmas themed movie.  I personally like the Christmas Vacation movie with Chevy Chase.  Anything that could go wrong does.

The crazy cousin shows up in his motor home. The cat eats the lights and starts a fire. The goofy switches cause the roof lights to work alternatively. The boss gives his gift, the “Fruit of the Month club” membership, much to the chagrin of all concerned.

That’s the movie version.

Now the reality. Our lives aren’t a movie. They are in turmoil.  A cruel disease has ravaged our populous. Divisiveness among our politicians and our people further fragments our society.  People are afraid of one another and for good reason. To that, I’m sure that we can all agree.

Thanksgiving was created to unify our peoples. To come together and give thanks for the bounty that this country has bestowed upon us.  This is not a political statement. Have we always gotten it right? Nope, we haven’t.  Have some suffered while others have prospered? The short answer is “Yes.”

Can we all do better? Yes, we can.

Your right to disagree with your government and to dissent without persecution or prosecution is something to be thankful for.  Your right to publish your opinion and pursue happiness in all its forms is something to be thankful for. Your right to express your opinion at the ballot box is something to be thankful for.

If we, as Americans, have to sacrifice for the common good then it is our right, no, it is our responsibility to do so.  I hate wearing a mask. I hate having my freedom restricted. I hate seeing fear in the eyes of people on our streets. There is no magic cure right around the corner. What there is perseverance, and knowing that we, as Americans, will overcome this scourge just like we have overcome so many others. Be it war time or peace time our “colors never run.” Let’s be thankful for that.  We will lead the world out of this, hand in hand and be better for it.

Please stay abreast of the Governors edicts and mandates. The administrative staff at City Hall is working tirelessly to ensure that we are in compliance with the latest directives to keep you safe.  Take advantage of the ability to use our electronic portals to pay your utility bills.  You can find out the latest information by either visiting the City of Eaton Rapids web page or the City of Eaton Rapids Facebook page.

City Council meetings are now being simulcast via Facebook live.  This is one of the missing components that makes government more accessible to the people that we serve. You can tune in on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm.

As we move into the Christmas season many of you have asked about the plans for the various activities.  We will continuously update the website and the Facebook page with the decisions that are made.

I came to Eaton Rapids as a member of the newly formed Eaton Rapids Police Department in December of 1981. There were 10 of us including Michael Seeley.  Mike proudly served his adopted community for 32 years. We came in together and retired together.  Mike passed away recently. He will be missed by all.  A true servant to the public and a friend and mentor to all.

I wish you all Peace.  I recognize that this is one of the most difficult times that our country has faced in many years.  We will work together and lean on each other.  Find the things in your heart that you are truly “Thank full” for and if you do, then Thanksgiving is still there.