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City of Alma E-Newsletter
February 2011

City Commission Nominating Petitions


The City of Alma will have four seats open on the City Commission for the November 8, 2011 election. 

petition

 

Any qualified elector of the City of Alma is eligible to run for City Commission.  Nominating petitions are available from the City Clerk at the Municipal Building.  Any person desiring to qualify as a candidate for the City Commission must file a nominating petition with the City Clerk signed by no less than 25 nor more than 50 registered electors of the City.  Petitions must be filed by 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2011.

 

In the event that nine or more candidates file petitions, a primary election will be held on August 2, 2011 to elect the eight candidates who will appear on the November 8th ballot. 
 
Call Barb Gager at 463-8336 or email at [email protected] for more information. 

Alma Police Department Team Policing

     Area 2 Introductory Meeting

 

Officer Chad Pratt and Officer Jeff Mizer will be conducting an introductory Team Policing Area #2 meeting on Wednesday, February 9th at 6:00 pm at the Alma Public Library.  This is a chance to meet the area Team Policing Officers and find out more about the program.  If you are not sure what Team Policing Area you live in, check the police department website.

 

Alma Police Athletic League (PAL)

     Youth Indoor Soccer Registration  & Clinic

 

Mark your calendar for Saturday February 19th at the Alma Middle School.  Cost is $35 for non PAL members.

 

5-6 year olds: 

Registration: 8:45 am - 9:15 am          Clinic: 9:15 am - 10:00 am

 

7-8 Year olds:

Registration 10:00 am - 10:30 am       Clinic: 10:30 am - 11:15 am

 

9-10 Year Olds:

Registration 11:15 am - 11:45 am       Clinic: 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

 

11-13 Year Olds:

Registration 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm         Clinic: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm 

 

If you have questions, contact the Matt Schooley at 463-8317, ext. 222 or by email. 

Pending Ordinances
gavel1
The Alma City Commission has two ordinances coming up for adoption this month.  Ordinances #737 & #738 are expected to be adopted at the February 25th meeting.  Ordinance #737 will require homeowners to make repairs to the sanitary sewer lead to their home at the time their street is up for repair.  Basically, whenever a street is reconstructed, the sewer leads will be inspected.  If they do not meet specifications, the homeowner will be required to upgrade the line at that time.  The purpose for this is to eliminate street openings on newly constructed streets which reduce the integrity and the life expectancy of the street.  Each connection will be inspected and repairs will be required on a case-by-case basis.

Ordinance #738 will waive the sewer connection fees for homeowners who are required to upgrade their service as a result of the street reconstruction.

Ordinances require at least four weeks for adoption once introduced.  Citizens are encouraged to express their concerns and comments on pending ordinances.  Complete copies of the above ordinances are available on the City's website.

Middle of the Mitten Group Workcamp 2012

 

During the week of July 8-14, 2012, nearly 400 senior high youth from across the nation will arrive in the area with their youth groups.  They are part of Group Cares (formerly Group Workcamps Foundation), a faith-based nonprofit organization located in Colorado. 

 

The Middle of the Mitten Community Action Team is made up of community volunteers from the Alma, Breckenridge and St. Louis area.  Their purpose, along with the Group Cares participants, is to assist area people with home repairs and/or painting during the Middle of the Mitten Group Workcamp 2012.  Projects within their expertise include porch repair or construction; wheelchair ramp construction; exterior/and interior painting; light carpentry; weatherization (caulking, vents, weather stripping and insulation); step repair; minor drywall repair; gutters, fascia and soffit repairs; underpinning skirting repairs and installation and minor roof repairs (under 28 feet high).  The volunteers cannot do electrical, plumbing, heating or painting over two stories/28 feet high.

 

If you are interested or know of someone who could use some help, please follow the link and complete the Referral Form.  Applicants will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.  Home visits to assess repair requests will be done this summer with the selection of project sites completed by this fall.  For additional information, contact Craig Zeese at (989)875-5288.

Congratulations to Duane Stacey,

     Alma Order of the Tartan Award Winner

Congratulations
The City of Alma congratulates Duane Stacey on being named the Alma Order of the Tartan Award winner at the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce dinner last Thursday night.  Duane has been an integral part of the community for many years, serving on the Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, Alma Action Association, Alma College Community Campaign, Kiwanis Club and Jaycees, Highland Festival and United Way.
 
Thank you Duane for your long standing dedication and commitment to the Alma community!
New Businesses & Business Improvements 2010

Even in these tough economic times, the City of Alma saw a number of new businesses open and several existing businesses making investments in their property in 2010.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their commitment to the Alma community: 

New Businesses:
  • Treasures - Linda Winnthanks
  • Pizza One - Matt Krieg
  • Le Zebra Zalon - New Owner - Shannon Madden
  • Audio Foundry - Bill Gilbert
  • Great Lakes Rustics - Mike Messer
  • Sears - Jennifer Gotaas
  • Superior Street Barber Shop - Honey Oberlitner
  • Woodbridge Inn & Suites - Vipen Khetral
  • Tropictanz & More - Jerry Fox
  • 300 Bowl - New Owners - Al Post, Dave Post, Ken Post & Paul Post.
  • No Bull Graphics - Jennifer and Brad Kress
  • Ma's & Pa's Dinner - Dawn and Mike Smith
  • Lalonde Hair Studio - Notorious Home D�cor - Pat McDonald Massage & Bodywork  

Business Improvements 

  • GRACO Federal Credit Union - Fa�ade Improvements.
  • Alma College - Hogan Center Expansion & Music Building -11,000 Sq Ft. Interior Renovation & 4,600 Sq Ft. Addition to Eddy Music Hall. 
  • Glen's Super Market - New Entrance - Improvements Concrete Slabs, Exterior Window Repair & Installation, Stone Veneer, Paint Exterior, Roof, New Racking.  
  • Alma Elks Lodge - New Patio & Door.
  • Chemical Bank Alma - ATM Upgrades, Resurfaced Driveway & Parking Lot.
  • Young's Health Club - New East Entrance.
  • Rhonda's @ 312 N State & Jan's Hair Design New Rear Entrance Door.
  • The Pine Knot Bar - New Windows and Lighting.
  • Edward Jones - Todd Bennett - New Entrance.
  • J & J Giles Tire and Car Care Center - Lighting Improvements.
  • Alma City Cleaners - New Rear Doors.
  • McDonald Appraisal - New Furnace.
  • Terry's Cycle and Academy for the Performing Arts (Alma Reality) - New Windows and Doors 
  • The Tanner - Heating and Cooling, flooring, and painting. 
  • Braveheart's Pub - New Roof Back building. 
  • Larry's IGA - New Point of Sale System, Fa�ade and Awing Improvements.
  • Gratiot Medical Center - 300 Warwick Drive Renovate Doctor's Lounge. Barrier Free Entrance Ramp. 300 Warwick - A Walk-Through Canvas Awning to the Out Patient Entrance.
  • Pine Villa LDHA - 425 Warwick Drive Townshouses & High-rise Buildings - Interior & Exterior Rehab and Upgrades.
  • The Pantry - Remove Front Over Hang & placed soffit & Fascia at front of Pantry.
  • Fiesta Salon - Remodel interior of building, new sign.
  • 1480 Wright Ave. - Frame Metal Stud Walls, Drywall, Electric Lights and Outlets, UVAC Ductwork.
  • Cobbler Shop Shoes and Pedorthics - Exterior & Interior Renovations to Office, and New Roof on Office.
  • 111 W Superior Re-sheet and Re-Shingle 10 x 25 Roof Over Rear Entry.
  • Nichols Financial - Addition of Doors to Entrance of Courtyard.
  • Alma Renaissance - Complete interior renovation, exterior front and rear renovations, windows, door at 210 E Superior Street. 
  • Alma Sewing Center - New Roof.
  • 1275 Ferris - Commercial Storage Building
  • Taco Bell - Parking Lot Rehabilitation 
Thanks again for your commitment to the City of Alma and Gratiot County.

Yellow Jug Program

 

Yellow Jug program

Photo courtesy of Tim Nunnelly,

Northern Exposure & The Drug Store.

The City of Alma and Glen's Pharmacy in conjunction with the Great Lakes Clean Water Organization are sponsoring a "Yellow Jug Old Drugs" program for area residents.  The program offers you an opportunity to dispose of unused/unwanted/expired drugs in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.  For years we were told to flush unwanted drugs down drains, but research has shown this to be a great danger to our waterways and environment as well as wildlife.

 

If you have any drugs you would like to dispose of, take them to the Pharmacy Department at Glen's Pharmacy and place them in the Yellow Jug.  The jug contains a gel that helps disolve the drugs.  Once it is filled it will be taken to a landfill in Indiana where it will be burned at an extremely high temperature.  Narcotics as NOT a part of this program at this time, but the City will be working with the Police Department to establish a program for their safe disposal.  We are also actively seeking a program that will provide for the safe disposal of needles.

 

If you have any questions please call 463-8336 or Glen's Pharmacy at 463-0411.  To learn more about the Great Lakes Clean Water Organization and the Yellow Jugs Old Drugs program, just follow this link.

Upcoming Events 

 

American Red Cross Community Blood Drives

 

Mark your calendar for the upcoming drives:

 


Tuesday, February 1: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church - Alma
Tuesday, February 22: noon - 6:45 p.m.
St. Louis Church of God
Friday, February 25: 10:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ashley High School

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 463-3209.

ConsumersEnergy LogoConsumers Energy Offering

     Energy Efficiency Programs

 

Did you know that Consumers Energy has rebates and instant savings on energy efficient products that can help you reduce your utility bills?

 

If a new appliance, furnace, air conditioner or even light bulbs are in your future, check out Consumers Energy website to get all the information you need to see if your purchase qualifies for a rebate. 

dont forget 

Taxes Due February 14th

taxes due 

Property owners are reminded that property taxes are due by 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 14, 2011.  Taxes paid after February 14th will be subject to a 4% penalty. 

 

Snow & Ice Control Plan

snowplow 

The City of Alma has a snow & ice control plan in place which designates snow plowing priorites during a winter storm.  The plan specifies which facilities and streets will be cleared and the priority in which snow and ice will be removed.  Please follow the link to read the plan in its entirety.

 

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks and Clear Snow and Ice from Fire Hydrants

 snow shovel
Now that winter has arrived, we remind everyone that you are required by City Ordinance to keep sidewalks free and clear of snow and ice. Also, if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please keep it clear of snow and ice so that it is easily accessible in case of an emergency. If you have questions, call 463-8356. 

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Issue: 23
City of Alma
In This Issue
City Commission Nominating Petitions
APD News
Pending Ordinances
Group Workcamp 2012
Congrats to Duane Stacey
2010 New Businesses & Improvement
Yellow Jug Program
Upcoming events
CECo Offering Efficiency Programs
DON'T FORGET!

City of Alma offices/services closings:


Good Friday
4/22/11

Memorial Day
5/30/11

July 4th
7/4/11

Labor Day:
9/5/11

Thanksgiving:
11/24/11
11/25/11

Christmas:
12/23/11
12/26/11

New Year's
1/2/12

City of Alma Officials:

Mayor
 
Vice-Mayor
 
Commissioner 
 
Commissioner
 
Roxann Harrington
 Commissioner
 
Commissioner

Nick Piccolo
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

City of Alma Telephone Numbers: 

Emergency
911
 
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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City of Alma
 www.ci.alma.mi.us
525 E. Superior St., PO Box 278
Alma, MI 48801-0278
(989)463-8336