City of Alma E-Newsletter
July 2010
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Upcoming Events
 Gratiot County Fair for Youth
The Gratiot County Fair for Youth comes to Alma July 31 - August 7, 2010. The fair is a true community experience and tradition.
The fair will be an opportunity to experience fair food like caramel corn, elephant ears, and corn dogs while experiencing livestock exhibits, an exciting midway and programs. While at the fair take time to watch the exhibitors show their animal projects and stroll through the exhibit barns to see the creative projects these youth created.
Several activities are planned for the week. Be sure to check out the special days and events such as the Rodeo on Saturday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. with fireworks to follow. The Rodeo will feature bulls, broncs, team roping, barrels, and mutton busting with a top group of riders expected to come out.
If you like live music, the fair's talent show has several quality entries stating at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 3. Come for the popular Rotary Steak Fry on Friday, August 6 from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Pioneer Pavilion, followed by the St. Louis Steel Band at 7:00. The Bows, Bellows and Good Lookin' Fellas will perform for free on Saturday, August 7 starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Pioneer Pavilion. Kid's Days Activities will be held on Thursday, August 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is something for everyone at the fair so be sure to come out and support the kids and enjoy the activities. For more information call 875-5292.
Masonic Pathways Cruise-In Car Show &
Free Community Outdoor Movie
 Come join the fun on Friday, August 6 beginning at 5:00 p.m.at Masonic Pathways. Start the evening off by attending the Cruise-In Car Show and enjoy classic cars, music and lots of door prizes. If you have a car you would like to show, call 466-3835 for more information. First 50 to pre-register by July 23rd will receive a $5 gift certificate to the Wright Place Cafe at Masonic Pathways  and a free t-shirt.
After you've enjoyed the classic cars, get your blanket or lawn chair and join us at 9:30 p.m. for the outdoor movie, "Hotel for Dogs". Cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn, inflatables and face painting will be available. Don't miss out on a minute of fun! Call 466-3806 for more information.
 American Red Cross
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Please help save a life. Upcoming blood drives are:
Tuesday, July 6: noon - 5:45 p.m. Ithaca Community Center Tuesday, July 13: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Masonic Pathways- Alma Thursday, July 15: 10:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Fulton Township Hall Thursday, July 29: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
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Don't Forget to Vote on August 3rd!
The August 3rd Primary Election is approaching fast. Electors will be selecting candidates for governor, the 4th Congressional District, State Representative, State Senator, County Road Commission, County Commissioner and Precinct Delegates. The top vote getters in each party will then appear on the November ballot. REMEMBER, this is a partisan ballot, you may only vote for one party. Do not cross party lines or your ballot will be spoiled.
Also on the ballot are three proposals: Emergency 9-1-1 Operating Surcharge; Senior Citizen Millage and Alma Public School Bonding Proposal.
Absentee ballots are available at the City Clerk's office.
The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Precinct 1
Presbyterian Church
495 Charles Rd.
Precinct 2
Peace Lutheran Church
325 Warwick Drive
Precinct 4
Alma Public Library
351 N. Court
Follow the link for the precinct map .
If you would like to see a copy of your ballot, make sure you're registered to vote or where you vote if you do not live in Alma, vist the Michigan Voter Information Center and enter your name. Detailed information and a copy of your ballot will be available.
If you have any questions, please contact Barb Gager at 463-8336. |
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Gratiot County Senior Citizen Millage Renewal
 Did you know ...
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More than 7,700 residents in Gratiot County are over the age of 60 and an estimated 3,100 residents are over the age of 75? The average age of clients receiving services from the Commission on Aging is 83.
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Gratiot County has a higher estimated percentage (20%) of senior residents per capita than the Michigan average (18%).
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More than one-half of the Gratiot senior population had direct contact with the Commission on Aging during the past year.
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Seniors, especially those over 75, are the fastest growing age group. Senior citizens who can afford services will continue to pay for them and suggested contributions are encouraged by all participants.
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Nearly two-thirds of Michigan counties realize the benefits of a senior citizen millage and depend on local funding for services.
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The first senior millage in Gratiot County begain in 1994.
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All in-home services are funded by millage dollars, helping seniors to remain independent and in their own homes.
How the millage funds were used during the past year...
- 1,604 volunteer projects were completed by 122 individuals who volunteered 7,855 hours.
- Over 2,000 hours of direct contact regarding prescription help and Medicare Part D information.
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14,698 meals were prepared for 236 senior citizens. Hot & frozen home delivered meals are available 7 days a week throughout Gratiot County for lunch & dinner.
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330 seniors were helped with 2,233 hours of personalized social work assistance.
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173 hours of public education was given on topics such as Senior Services, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap Insurance and nursing home finances.
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426 seniors were helped with 1,857 hours of home chores.
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63 seniors were helped with 1,014 hours of home repair.
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61 seniors were helped with 3,257 hours of personal care.
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26 seniors were helped with 2,025 hours of respite care.
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A self-supporting homemaking program is available.
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A formal referral and screening process is now in place for private pay services.
Why a Senior Millage is needed...
Services of the Commission on Aging would not be able to exist without millage dollars. As the Gratiot senior citizen (60+) population continues to increase, requests for services are also increasing, while state and federal dollars are decreasing. Millage funding is needed more than ever to meet the growing need for important services helping to keep seniors independant.
If the Millage does not pass...
- Nearly 75% of all in-home services would be discontinued.
- Medicare Part D prescription help would be eliminated.
Daily home delivered meals would stop for 96 of the 360 homebound seniors utilizing this service.
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5,000 fewer noon meals would be served.
The entire volunteer and transportation program would be discontinued. Almost 250 older adults of the 330 served would not receive individualized case management services.
Home chore and repair services would be discontinued for 380 of the 500 seniors being assisted.
Public education classes and training for Medicare/Medicaid would be discontinued.
Weekly personal care and respite care services would be discontinued for 60 of the 90 seniors utilizing this service.
What will it cost you per year...
Home taxable value Cost
$25,000 $16.25
$50,000 $32.50
$75,000 $48.75
$100,000 $65.00
Please vote on August 3rd. For more information, contact the Gratiot County Commission on Aging at (989)875-5246. |
Summer Taxes
City of Alma Summer Taxes were mailed this week and are due September 15, 2010. Payment can be made by check or cash at the Municipal Building or by mail. If you have any questions, please call 463-8346. |
Newly Adopted Ordinances
The following ordinances have been recently adopted and pertain to the Wastewater Treatment Facilities upgrade project.
Ordinance No. 724 prohibits the discharge of storm water or ground water into the sanitary sewer system and prohibits improper connections. The ordinance provides a mechanism for homeowners in the target areas to eliminate improper connections and allows a surcharge to be assessed to those in the target area that refuse to correct improper connections. The ordinance also requires any property in the target area to be inspected for proper connection prior to being sold or transferred.
Ordinance No. 725 provides methods of enforcement for Ordinance No. 724. If a property is found to be in violation of Ordinance 724, the city manager or his designee may serve a municipal civil infraction notice upon the offender. If the civil fine is not paid, the fine may be assessed to the real property or added to the water bill.
Ordinance No. 726 sets the fines for violation at $50; $100 for first repeat offense and $250 for second or subsequent repeat offenses. |
Evening In the Park
 Make this one of your favorite activities and join us Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. Be entertained by musicians, storytellers, bands and musicals. The programs are held at various parks throughout the county. Bring your lawn chairs, relax and enjoy a beautiful summer evening of entertainment under the stars. A complete listing of events can be found by following the link. |
 2010 Capital Improvement Programs
Residents will be pleased to hear that plans for the reconstruction of Golfside Drive and Pineview Court are underway. Bid documents are available at the City's website. The City expects to award the bid by the end of July, with construction to begin mid-August. Golfside and Pineview Ct. will be the first areas to see installation of interceptor drain systems as part of the Wastewater Facilities Upgrade Plan. Also included in the CIP will be a new 8" watermain on N. Court from Washington to Walnut as well as the abandonment of a 4" watermain on Washington Street.
If you have any questions on the projects, please call 463-8346. |
 Dial-A-Ride Back to School Specials
Save 25% or more with a pass.
Semi-annual pass - $120/one way
$235/both ways
Annual pass - $236/one way
- $465/both ways
or
Ticket books $9.00 each for your standing order (regular $12 value)
NEW - MONTHLY PASS - Use for riding to and from school within Alma - $26/one way $50/both ways.
Summer Special Group Rates
$5.00 per bus within Alma
$10.00 per bus to St. Louis or north of Alma
Special for E-Newsletter readers!
Come in to DART before August 27th and receive an addtional 10% discount for the Back to School specials on the passes or ticket books!
You can come into the DART office to purchase your tickets Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are unable to come during these hours, appointments can be made. Just call 463-6016. |
Alma Farm Market
Offering fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and more! Wednesdays & Saturdays throughout the summer & fall 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the City Parking Lot at the corner of Woodworth & Downie.
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Texting Ban is now in effect. Road patrols will be watching for people texting while driving. First offense tickets will cost $100 with second offense tickets costing $200. The ban also includes reading while driving.
Peddlers and solicitors must be registered with the City in order to solicit door to door.
Dog Rules to Remember: All dog owners walking their dog within the city limits must cleanup any dog feces left by their dogs. Dogs may not be allowed to run at large. Dogs may not howl or bark to the annoyance of others in the neighborhood.
Street Light Out? If you notice a street light out in your neighborhood or somewhere in the City, you may contact Consumers Energy through this link to report it.
Reserve a city park pavilion for your family reunion or party.
Hydrant Flushing: The City conducts hydrant flushing every Tuesday throughout the summer. Click the link to find out when we'll be in your neighborhood.
Noxious Weeds: The City of Alma enforces a noxious weed ordinance. All property owners are required to keep weeds and grass mowed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Assessor Brian Dancer at 463-8356 or bdancer@ci.alma.mi.us.
Free Compost: The City of Alma has compost and wood chips available for self loading, free of charge. The material piles are located outside the gates of the Yardwaste site on Washington Street, north of the City Public Works Garage. If you have further questions, please phone 463-8346.
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City of Alma offices/services closings:
July 4th:
7/5/10
Labor Day:
9/6/10
Thanksgiving:
11/25/10
11/26/10
Christmas:
12/23/10
12/24/10
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City of Alma Officials:
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Commissioner
Commissioner
City Manager
Asst. City Manager/ DDA Director
Public Safety Director
Public Services Director
City Clerk
City Assessor
Assistant
Building/Zoning/Code Enforcement Director
Finance Director
Transportation Services Director
Library Director
Controller |
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City of Alma Telephone Numbers:
City Manager
463-8336
City Clerk
463-8336
City Assessor
463-8356
City Treasurer
463-8346
City Engineer
463-8346
Building/Zoning
463-8356
Downtown Development Authority
463-8336
Public Safety
463-8317
Fire (business)
463-8359
Public Services
463-8346
Municipal Garage
463-8339
Cemetery
463-8901
Forestry
463-8901
Library
463-3966
DART
463-6016
Water
463-8349
Wastewater
463-6506
Public Access
463-5883
Housing Commission
463-4200
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