Rogers City Manager's Blog

Hentkowski Funeral Home Ribbon Cutting

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:52:00 +0000

The Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the Hentkowski Funeral Home to our community. The ribbon cutting will take place on Sunday, March 7th at 3:00 pm at the Funeral Home, located across from the Presque Isle County Road Commission Building on US 23 next to Airport Drive. On behalf of the Chamber and the City, Dave Snow and invite everyone to welcome Laura and Matt and wish them success.

While you are there, you will want to check out the wonderful new building that they have created. At a construction and furnishing cost of over $1,000,000, this is the most beautiful new building in Rogers City for many years. It is a vision of good things to come for our community!

On behalf of Rogers City, thanks to the Hentkowsky Family for investing in our community!

Rogers City Welcomes CMU Public Broadcasting

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Mark your calendars, Sarah Adams from Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting will be visiting Rogers City at 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the Senior Center (Sen Cen). More information will be forthcoming about Sarah's program; however, you sure don't want to miss it.

There will be light refreshments. Bring the family. It should be Standing Room Only--SRO at the Sen Cen!

City Water and Sewer Rate Increases

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:24:00 +0000

In response to citizen questions about the rate increases, I offer the following additional information about the USDA-Rural Development Water and Sewer Project rates.

There are seven different rates in the City water and sewer rate structure. Not all rates apply to all customers, so please, do not add up all the rates found in Council Resolution No. 2010-14 because that would not be a real bill. Please see the three examples below to understand how the rate increases may apply to your bill:

Example 1: Minimum charge for all customers. Even with a zero meter reading, customers will pay $38.25 per month. This charge includes an increase of $14.40 per month, or 37.5%. This charge pays for fixed City water and sewer system costs.

Example 2: For a customer with a meter reading of 600 cubic feet during a billing period, the bill will be the minimum $38.25, plus $27 for consumption charges. In this example the bill is $65.25 per month. The consumption rate for 100 cubic feet includes an increase of ten cents for water and fifty cents for sewer. In this case, the consumption rate increased approximately 15%, and the total bill increased 38%. The consumption charges pay for the cost associated with producing 100 cubic feet of water and processing 100 cubic feet of sewer.

Example 3: For customers with a private well for drinking water, the City requires a flat rate charge for sewer. This charge is now $39.75. The flat rate sewer charge was increased 47%.

No one enjoys rate increases. The increases are the minimum needed to maintain a safe and effective system. Also, City Council Members worked hard to find the fairest method to apply the rates, and they consider many factors. With the new rate structure, the billing and capital charges apply to all customers, even customers with a vacant building or water shut off. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at City Hall or via email.

Health Rankings--Good News for Entire County

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:00 +0000

I am very pleased to report that Presque Isle County scored well in a state-wide health ranking. The ranking has two major categories: Health Outcomes (scored 26) and Health Factors (scored 19) out of 82 Michigan counties. Each area had sub-categories. The Health Outcomes contains two parts: mortality (scored 20) and morbidity (scored 35). The Health Factors contains four parts: health behavior (6), clinical care (18), social and economic factors (67), and physical environment (16). To learn more about the rankings, please check the following website:

http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/michigan/overall-rankings

As the county seat and the largest population center in Presque Isle County, it is reasonable to assume that Rogers City enjoys the same, or better, health benefits as the entire county. So, come live in Rogers City for a reasonably healthy life in beautiful Presque Isle County. It really is a great place to live!

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:15:00 +0000

Some people in Rogers City have complained about the slow response to the Wolverine Clean Energy Venture (WCEV) Permit to Install (PTI). I have to agree, this PTI has been delayed beyond a reasonable period. Many people have speculated on why and what it means.

I have no answers to those question; however, I do want to pass on praise, where praise is due. Today, City Attorney Mike Vogler and I attended a meeting with Melissa Kendzierski and David Lindsay of the DNRE at their Gaylord office.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Community Development Authority (CDA) Lakeview Project. Melissa and David spent over two hours going over many aspects of this Brownfield Redevelopment Project. They were very helpful in giving us a much clearer understanding of the environmental status of the project and what options are available, from an environmental point of view, to help resolve existing questions about this project.

I will not go into those options and questions in this forum. Mike and I will brief the CDA at the next meeting, at 7:30 am on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, and the public is welcome to attend. However, I did not want to let pass an opportunity to publically thank these two excellent professionals for assisting this community to move forward.

Melissa and David, thank you!

Rogers City Theater Live Theater

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Rogers City Theater production of Curtains is a treat not to be missed! The local, live show, from the creators of Chicago and Cabaret, and directed by Karl Heidemann, is wonderful. You will want to make plans to see the show this weekend February 26-28, 2010, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Great story, great music, and great local talent--tons of fun!

Economic Opportunity Project--The Report

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:26:00 +0000

The Economic Opportunity Project is done, or is it just beginning? The 206-page report is published, and it is available at the Presque Isle District Library in Rogers City, at the Presque Isle County Economic Development Office and at the MSU Extension Office (both are on the 3rd floor of the County Building), at City Hall. You can download a copy or read the document on line. Will this report figure into our future?

Some of Sharon Woods' comments ruffled peoples's feathers.... Other people said, "right on!" If the report begins honest dialogue between citizens, community leaders, business people, and youth too, then the report will be worth the effort.

If we can get one new full-time permanent job from it, then it will be worth the cost to the City: $15,000 (half from the Community Development Authority and half from the City General Fund).

Many people have already shown an interest and a committment to help. Over the course of three public meetings, we had over 150 people attend and participate. The report contains ideas from them and much more. Also, at the final meeting, Carmine Avantini invited citizens to step foward and volunteer to help. Several citizens did just that! Thank you, to those who did and to all who want to make Rogers City a better place. I believe this report and our renewed efforts will accelerate revitalization in Rogers City.

But, how do we keep this report from being "just another expensive report that gathers dust on a shelf?"
I'm going to use this blog to discuss various items from the report. Also, groups, like the Promotions Committee, will discuss topics from the report at their meetings. In addition, Cheryl Peters has offered to help lead education forums and other community leaders will do their part too. Ultimately, the answer to the question "what happens now?" depends entirely on the people of Rogers City.

Bark Park: A place where your dog can run free!

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:58:00 +0000

When Rogers City asked people what they were looking for in new and improved park facilities, one of the more frequent responses was a "Bark Park." Per City Ordinance, pets are not allowed to roam free in the City, but must be under the control of the owner at all times. Most people walk their dogs on a leash; however, people who love their doggies want to be able to take off the leash and let the dog run free. This can be done in a Bark Park: a controlled environment where the dogs can run, but can not run away. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this item, included it in the Community Recreation Plan, and now we are putting together a plan to create a Bark Park at the location of the Public Works Park (next to the Wastewater Treatment Facility).

Since funding is very tight, Roger Wenzel, the Director of Public Works, found some unused, City owned fencing. Built with Department of Public Works (DPW) labor, the proposed Bark Park will provide an area 100 feet long by 50 feet wide for dogs to run free. With two access gates, the Bark Park will be accessible from either the Sunrise Trail side or First Street. There will be trash receptacles and doggie doo bag dispensers at each gate. Per City Ordinance, owners are responsible to clean up after their pets.

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the Bark Park plan at its next meeting, at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Please plan to attend if you have a comment or suggestion.

Presque Isle & Cheboygan County Job Fair

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Friday, March 26, 2010

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

National Guard Armory

610 Cuyler Street in Cheboygan

Bring a copy of your resume

Fill out job applications

On-site interviewing

Diverse employer pool

Network with employers

For more information contact, Michigan Works! @ (231) 627-4303 or (989) 733-8548
An Equal Opportunity Program/Employer

Auxiliary aids, services, and alternative format will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities

Michigan Relay Center callers use 711 or 1-800-649-3777 (Voice & TTY)

These materials were developed and supported by a grant awarded by The State of Michigan, Department of Labor & Economic Growth and the Northeast Michigan Consortium.

Economic Opportunity Project--Final Report

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:12:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the Big Day! Please attend the final presentation of Rogers City's Economic Opportunity Project. The presentation will begin at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Senior Center.

Refreshments will be provided. Sharon Woods will present findings from her five-month economic study of our community. Carmine Avantini will facilitate the meeting and help us guide our community in the way forward to increased prosperity.

How should we address our need for jobs? What can be done to help make our children's future brighter? What opportunities exist right now? How can we make a better place for retirees and for young people? How can we revitalize our historic main street, and make it the vibrant heart of our community?

Whatever your point of view, you will have an opportunity to express yourself at this meeting. Families, students, business owners, property owners, job seekers, and people with jobs are welcome.

Our economic future begins now!

Natural Resources Trust Fund

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:24:00 +0000

Ralph Stedman, the Presque Isle County Soil Conservation Director, and I attend a workshop this afternoon in Grayling, MI. The workshop was put on by the newly reorganized Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DRNE) to explain grant opportunities for park improvements and park land acquisition. Over the past decades the Natural Resources Trust Fund has provide hundreds of millions of dollars to communities in Michigan, including Rogers City. Coming from gas and oil revenues, these funds have improved recreational opportunities and preserved some wonderful property in perpetuity.

Now that our new Community Recreation Plan (posted elsewhere on this website) has been approved by the DNRE, as the "City of Parks and Trials," Rogers City may again be able to obtain grant funding. It is my hope that our community will once again improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors through the use of these grant dollars. Some communities will aquire these dollars; why not Rogers City. More trails perhaps? Your suggestions and comments are welcome.

Management Approach

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:02:00 +0000

I am meeting with City employees tomorrow morning to keep communications open during a challenging time. I plan to share my core management approach with them, and I thought I should share it with the public as well. Based on my training and experience, the following words summarize the management approach I seek to use: respect for all individuals, an assumption of goodness/honesty until proven otherwise, individual accountability for actions, data and fact-based decision making, a system of uniform (or equal) service to all the public, aggressively seeking opportunities & continuous improvement, maximum communication, and a collaborative style.

Each of these phrases is a bit cryptic and subject to vagueness or misunderstanding. I may try to expand and clarify them as time allows, but these word say to me the approach I should take in doing the work of this great and demanding job. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve.

Michigan Local Government Management Association (MLGMA)

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:05:00 +0000

MLGMA is a mouthful from any perspective, but it is a great organization. I recently returned from the MLGMA "Winter Institute"--a great learning and networking experience. So much valuable information was provided to me, I'm not sure where to start.... Bad news is best to get out first, and "save the best for last."

The bad news is that the State of Michigan financial situation continues to be very weak. State Revenue sharing will likely be cut again and more than last year. This cut will hit our City budget very hard, after a long string of other cuts in revenue and increased cost of operations. The City faces serious financial challenges. However, we will get through to a brighter future with attention to detail, frugality, and shared sacrifice.

The good news is that innovation, creativity, and hard work do pay off. I brought many specific ideas back which will be shared with staff and City Council at the appropriate time, and some of these ideas may save us money, make for a smoother operation, or serve our citizens better.

One key area that you will hear from me again and again is "business development," sometimes called entrepreneurship. Rogers City already has the spirit! We have seen at least three new businesses in Rogers City this year: Deb Smith's Green House, Ron Krawczak's White Pines Garden, and Jackie Noffze's Le Fluer Boutique. If you started a new business and you are not mentioned, please let me know. I can not sing praises enough for these pioneers. During a tough economy, these courageous people took a big risk and opened a new business! These are real American heroes! I encourage everyone to visit and partonize these new Rogers City businesses. They offer high class products and great service. We need more people like these three who will buck the tide of economic decline. They are the future!

Utility Rates and USDA Project

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:23:00 +0000

The City Council meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 is a very important meeting.
The City Council may decide on new water and sewer rates which will impact all our customers. The rates will be going up to pay for needed improvements to the water and sewer system to provide safe and healthy water and sewer service to homes and businesses in Rogers City.

Water rates may go up by about 25% and sewer rates may go up about 50%. This could result in an increase of about $10-12 per month for the average customer.

Whatever your thought about these improvements and their cost, this meeting is your opportunity to speak your mind to City Council.

Presque Isle District Library

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:24:00 +0000

When was the last time you visited your local library? The library is one of the greatest inventions of all times! A quiet place with nice people and wonderful knowledge....You can go there and have access to vast amounts of information and recreation for free!

We have a great staff at the Presque Isle District Library (PIDL) -- very friendly and helpful. They have recently published an e-newsletter which is filled with upcoming events, library programs, and much more. They also have a helpful website

http://www.pidl.org/

Read a book, go online, checkout a video, browse for a magazine, ask for help from the reference desk, participate in an educational library program, and more! I'm certain that going to the library will make your day better. Enjoy!

Safe Routes 2 School

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:06:00 +0000

Yesterday, I attended the annual meeting for the Michigan Safe Routes 2 School Program, also called SR2S. The meeting was at the Michigan State Police Academy, which was a treat to visit. At the Academy, they have many displays showing the history and success of our the State Police and the Academy. Hats off to our State Police!

The SR2S annual meeting provided a series of presentations from various officials to help communities successful participate in the SR2S program. The purpose of this program is to "assist communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bike to school."

Rogers City has participated in this program since July 2007; unfortunately, our progress has been slow due to many factors beyond our control. We have had good local support and participation from the Rogers City Area School District (RCASD), city staff, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), our community champions (Melissa Stieger, James Hopp, and Art Ross), parents, and our many wonderful school students.

We have gathered a great deal of information from parents and students, and our SR2S Team has done some good action planning. We have held several "Walk to School Days." We have held many meetings. Our SR2S Team is focasing on two primary ideas: encouragement to walk/bike and building physical route connections. The encouragement is needed because, frankly, it is easier to go via car or bus than it is to walk or ride a bicycle. The route connections are needed because there are major gaps in the routes, making the commonly used paths unsafe. There are three key links that need to be built: from Hilltop Manor to the apartments on Wenonah, Huron Avenue near the school parking lot entrance, and State Street to Huron Avenue.

Our community has a long way to go to accomplish all these and other worthy SR2S goals. We need your help to accomplish the goal of encouraging youth to lead a healthy, physically active life. Please, contact me to get involved.

Update on Activities at City Hall

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

While the bears may be hibernating, Rogers City is not. There is so much going on! Beyond normal day-to-day operations, here is a short list of special projects and activities:

Economic Opportunity -- 7 pm, February 16, 2010 at the Senior Center
Wolverine Landfill Public Hearing -- 6:30 pm, January 27, 2010 at the High School
Wayfinding
Street Lights
Facades
Safe Routes to School
US Department of Agriculture -- Rural Development Water and Sewer Improvements (huge!!!)
Public Works Road and Trail Maintenance
Planning road and sidewalk improvements for 2010
Planning the 2010 budget
Security Grant for the Marina
Huron Pines Collaborative Project for Lake Huron Restoration
Grant for Birmingham Symphony Concert
Main Street Associate/Community Development Authority (CDA) programs
Planning for Michigan Municipal League (MML) Regional meeting in Rogers City in June 2010
Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
Virtual Incubator Collaboration with Alpena
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) efforts with Presque Isle County
NEMCOG Collaborative efforts
Northeast Michigan Prosperity Alliance
MML Green Challenge
Channel 99 improvements

You may be wondering what is all this stuff and why we are doing it.... The "why" answer is simple. We don't want to miss an opportunity to make Rogers City better. If you are interested in or want to learn more about any of these projects, please contact me.

Every citizen can be involved and do his or her part to help.

Economic Growth Opportunity--Final Report

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:56:00 +0000

Please plan to attend the final report presentation for our Economic Opportunity Project: 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Senior Center. Carmine Avantini, from LSL Planning, and Sharon Woods, from Land Use USA, will present the highlights of their findings and recommendations to create jobs in Rogers City. In case of a blizzard on February 16, March 2, 2010 has been set as the back-up date for the presentation.

If you know the history of Rogers City, you know what it once was.... The Community Development Authority, the City of Rogers City, and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) sponsored this project using funds dedicated to the purpose of revitalizing deteriorating downtowns. We can not wait to create a vibrant downtown, with open stores, new job opportunities, and greater services for all. We have the potential, but we need to head in the right direction.

This presentation is important for every person, young and old, in Rogers City. It may be a new beginning for opportunities and investments in our community. At this presentation, you will learn the results of hundreds of hours of research, data collection, and public surveys from your friends and neighbors. Everyone who attends will have an opportunity to speak their mind on how to make Rogers City prosper.

This presentation is open to all people and you are strongly encouraged to attend.

Refreshments will be provided and door prizes will be awarded (no tax dollars used for these ammenities).

Rick Wagner, New Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Congratulations, Rick Wagner! Rick was unanimously approved as the new Chairperson for the Rogers City Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission just completed a new Community Recreation Plan, and Rick and the Commission members are looking forward to making significant improvements to the quality of life in Rogers City, including new trails for walking and snowmobiles, improve accessibility to Lake Huron and City Parks, and many other ammenities. Thank you, Rick, and all the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission for your service "above self" and your dedication to our community. Special thanks to Michelle Labar who has served as Chairperson for the past two years--great job Michelle!

Rogers City is known as the "City of Parks and Trails." I think that we live up to this moniker. Check out some of our great resource by browsing through this website, and come explore them in person. There is always something interesting and beautiful to discover on our trails or in our parks! For example, the new geocashing sites, fossil park at Little League Park, or new Kiva at North Shore Park. Right now, you can enjoy a winter wonderland of naturally sculpted ice and snow, almost everywhere you go! There are groomed trails for snowmobiles and cross country skiing. Come on, have a winter blast!

New Michigan Main Street Center Website

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:27:00 +0000

For all the best information about how to make a great downtown, check out the new Michigan Main Street Center website. You can learn about how a small town, like Rogers City can become a healthy and vibrant place. Rogers City is working dilligently to become a Main Street Community--a growing community lead by volunteer citizens who seek to revitalize the heart of our town. Learn more about the Main Street program at this website:

http://www.michiganmainstreetcenter.com/Home.aspx

If you want to get involved in Rogers City's Main Street Associate program, please contact me. There is room for everyone who wants to help this community. You will find just the right sort of fun thing that you want to do. We have traditional committee work in four areas (promotion, design, organization, and business development), but we also have hands-on activity such as doing downtown decorations, helping conduct community events, providing marketing assistance, providing IT assistance to local business, website development, using social media, helping people in need, helping people start new businesses, planting flowers, community art and music, and more--Rogers City's Main Street Associate Program has a need for almost every skill and talent. We have a great group of people, including our Main Street gang. We want you to be part of rebuilding this community!

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:55:00 +0000

Rebecca A. Humphries has been named as the new Director of the combined former DNR and DEQ. Becky is a friend to Rogers City, and I urge you to contact her to congratulate her on her appointment by Governor Granholm. The Governor combined DNR and DEQ into a single department (DNRE) as a cost saving measure and to better serve the State of Michigan. Here is a link to learn more

http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-31933-229693--,00.html

The new DNRE, under Becky, is responsible for the Wolverine Clean Energy Venture (WCEV) Permit to Install (PTI).

Recreational Volleyball

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:42:00 +0000

Based on favorable responses to a Thursday evening Recreational Volleyball League in Presque Isle Township, I have contacted the Rogers City Area School District Administrative offices about starting a Volleyball League in Rogers City. Jamie Huber gave me a favorable response to the possibility. People participating would have to sign a waiver holding the school district harmless for any accidents or liability. There would be a need to put up and take down the nets, and clean up of the area after the games.

So, if you are interested, please contact me with your name, contact information, and dates and times you want to participate. I'm thinking we could start on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, say 2:00 pm, but the schedule will be up to the majority of regular participants. Perhaps we can start a Rogers City Recreational Volleyball League--what fun!!!

US-23 Heritage Route

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Here is a link http://www.thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/507701.html?nav=5004
to a great article about the US-23 Heritage Route. Rogers City actively participates in the Heritage Route Management Council with Brian Wagner and Anne Belanger participating as Board Members representing Presque Isle County. Mayor Pro Tem Debbie Greene is the Chairperson of our Presque Isle County Heritage Route Committee.

The Heritage Route is a very important economic development tool as well as a great recreational resource for tourists and locals alike. Please support the Heritage Route by using the trails, parks, and other facilities along the route, but also by your involvement in committees and other support group actions.

If you have questions about tis organization, the trails, or any other related topic, please contract one of the people mentioned above, or City Hall.

Gas Prices per Barrel

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:11:00 +0000

This chart shows a significant rise in the price of gas during the past year. I'm concerned this rise may damage the economic recovery. Afforadable energy prices are important for a successful economy.

Lake Huron Biodiversity Workshop

mslown@rogerscity.com (Mark Slown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:34:00 +0000

The Lake Huron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is an international effort to develop a binational action agenda for conserving and restoring, to the greatest extent possible, the native biodiversity of Lake Huron. Over the past year we held a series of three workshops for stakeholders to identify aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity features, threats to these features, and strategies to abate these threats, as well as identify priority areas for focusing these conservation efforts.

As the next step in the process, we will be holding 4 smaller, regional workshops throughout Michigan in February, 2010.

The goal of these mini-workshops is to:

• Learn about existing local and regional conservation efforts

• Validate the findings of the workshops and priority areas analysis

The nearest workshop to Rogers City is:

1-5 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Alpena, MI

at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Let me know if you are interested in a car pool.