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City of Alma E-Newsletter
 May
June 2011

Superior Street Reconstruction 

dozer

Reconstruction of W. Superior Street is scheduled to start soon and is actually two separate construction projects that are timed to occur together. The Gratiot County Road Commission will be reconstructing the north 400 feet of Luce Road and installing a center turn lane at the intersection with Superior Street.   The City will be reconstructing Superior Street from a point 440 west of Luce Road to a point 200 feet east of the Charles Avenue intersection and will have a center turn lane at the intersections of Luce Road and Charles Avenue.  It should be noted that because construction extends beyond both the Luce Road and Charles Avenue intersections, that traffic in those areas will be limited to local traffic only.

The section of Superior Street that will be under construction provides the only direct east-west approach to the City, so the time during construction will be very inconvenient to both City residents and those individuals who are entering the City to work or shop. This section of street typically handles approximately 6,500 vehicles per day so the disruption will affect a great number of people. The construction project is actually composed of two phases in an attempt to minimize the impact upon traffic.  The intersection of Superior Street and Luce Road will remain open to all traffic during the first phase of the project. This will allow east bound traffic headed toward the City to use Luce Road to detour to either Monroe Road (M-46)/Wright Avenue or to Harrison Road/Alger Road. During the second phase of the project the Luce Road intersections will close to through traffic and the detour route becomes more difficult...being Pingree Road north to Monroe Road (M-46) to Wright Avenue.

The construction schedule, at this date, is for construction to start on June 6, 2011 on the first phase of the project with the street being closed to through traffic on June 10, 2011.  First phase construction is scheduled to continue through June, July, and August with the second phase scheduled to start on August 1, 2011.  The project is scheduled for completion in mid-September, but is also scheduled to be open to traffic by Labor Day weekend and the start of school.

New Wastewater Rates in Effect July 1, 2011
  
Following is the chart for wastewater monthly charges.  The typical residential customer using 4,000 gallons of water a month will see an increase of approximately $1.68 per month.
  
Minimum Charge: (Monthly)    
Meter size:      
< 1 inch           $16.55                          2 inches           $     83.33 
   1 inch              23.98                          3 inches                179.83 
   1.25 inches    33.57                          4 inches                 323.71 
   1.5 inches      46.15                          6 inches                 719.34 
                                                                8 inches             1,534.59
 
Consumption Charge:  (Price per 1,000 gallons) $2.22  

Minimum Charges for Multiple Users. When any premises containing three or more dwelling units defined as a self contained unit with kitchen and bath facilities served by a single meter, the monthly minimum charge shall be equal to the minimum charge for the single dwelling unit as determined by the meter size serving such unit, plus $10.08 for each additional unit.
 
Wastewater bills rendered shall be immediately due and payable and may be paid without late charge up to and including the fifteenth day after the billing date when rendered and shall thereafter be subject to a ten (10%) per cent late charge.
Sidewalk Replacement Program 
  
Have you been wondering why there are pink arrows painted on sidewalk in front of your home?  The arrows mark the sidewalk squares that are scheduled to be replaced this summer as part of the 2011 Sidewalk Replacement Program.  The program is scheduled to begin mid July. 
  
cement layerThe estimated boundary area for this year's project will consist of the entire area west of Philadelphia, south of Superior Street, east of Fleming and north of the Pine River. Notices will be sent out to affected property owners that will give an estimate of the total square feet to be replaced as well as an approximate cost. The cost for replacement is shared 50/50 between the property owners and the City.
  
If you have sidewalks on your property that you would like to replace but are not included in the current sidewalk replacement program, contact Dave Ringle at (989) 463-8346 or dringle@ci.alma.mi.us.

For more information regarding boundary area, criteria for replacement, and any other general information about the annual sidewalk replacement program, visit the City of Alma's website  at www.ci.alma.mi.us.

Alma Youth Police Academy 2011

 

The City of Alma Department of Public Safety is proud to once again host their Youth Police Academy June 20 - 24.  The Academy provides positive interaction with police officers and gives kids a closer look into the careers of emergency services.  The program also allows some hands on training in the police, fire and emergency responder fields.

 

Applications for the Academy are available at the Alma Police Department and Alma Public Schools and will be accepted until June 10th.  Age range for the Academy is 10 - 15.

 

If you have questions or would like additional information, please email Officer Jason Biehl or call him at 463-8317.

Storm Shelter Available
 
The City of Alma and Department of Public Safety have made arranagements with the First Presbyterian Church (corner of W. Superior and Charles) to offer shelter for those who do not have a basement available and wish shelter during a tornado warning .  A Department of Public Safety employee will be on site to guide them to the site.

tornadoTornado Safety Tips 

 

There is no such thing as guaranteed safety inside a tornado. Freak accidents happen; and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and its occupants. Extremely violent F5 tornadoes are very rare, though. Most tornadoes are actually much weaker and can be survived using these safety ideas...

 

 Prevention and practice before the storm:  At home, have a family tornado plan in place, based on the kind of dwelling you live in and the safety tips below. Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds, and practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster.  Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes; so store protective coverings (e.g., mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc) in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds' notice. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for warnings. Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you! If you shop frequently at certain stores, learn where there are bathrooms, storage rooms or other interior shelter areas away from windows, and the shortest ways to get there. All administrators of schools, shopping centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports arenas, stadiums, mobile home communities and offices should have a tornado safety plan in place, with easy-to-read signs posted to direct everyone to a safe, closeby shelter area. Schools and office building managers should regularly run well-coordinated drills. If you are planning to build a house, especially east of the Rockies, consider an underground tornado shelter or an interior "safe room".

 

 Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for:

    • Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.
    • Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!
    • Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
    • Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.
    • Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.
    • Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

WHAT TO DO...

 In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.

 

 In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.

 

 In an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper:  Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.

 

 In a mobile home:  Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.

 

 At school:  Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

 

 In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes. [It is safer to get the car out of mud later if necessary than to cause a crash.] Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you). Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.

 

 In the open outdoors: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.

 

 In a shopping mall or large store: Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.

 

 In a church or theater: Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.


AFTER THE TORNADO...

Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

 

Courtesy of the NOAA Storm Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radios Available -
A Good Tool to Hav
e
stormy weather 2 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agengy Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warnings and post-event information for all types of hazards - including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety events (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages). 
 

The City of Alma Department of Public Safety has a limited number of NOAA radios available to local businesses free of charge.  Contact Lieutenant Matt Schooley at 463-8317 to receive your radio.

Peddlers & Solicitors Must Be Registered salesman

City of Alma residents should be advised that all peddlers and solicitors traveling door to door within the City are required to be registered with the City Clerk.  Once properly registered, peddlers will be issued an identification badge, signed by a City official, authorizing them to solicit door to door. 
If a solicitor comes to your door who is not registered, please contact City Hall at 
463-8336 or the Alma Police Department at 463-8317.

Library Program

 

Have your kids join the Alma Public Library reading club this summer.  Here's how the club works: 

  • Children preschool through 6th grade can sign up to take part in the fun.
  • You can become a member anytime after the last day of school.  A registration form must be filled out at the library.  You can count the number of books or the number of minutes you read.
  • Everyone who reads (or have read to them) 80 minutes or 8 books will receive a reading certificate.
  • The library will have drawings each week for summer reading club members.
  • The party will be Tuesday, July 19, at 10 a.m.  Children can continue to read toward their certificate until July 22.  If you wish to receive a prize at the party, please return your reading sheet prior to July 18.

The Tuesday programs will be at 10:00 a.m. and include:

 

reading funJune 14:   Hawaiin Luau

June 21:   Explore the world of sign language

June 28:   Let's visit Scotland

July 5:       Let's vist France

July 12:     Let's visit Mexico

July 19:     PARTY!  Cirque among us

                      will bring lots of fun!

 

Please plan to have your kids participate in this fun filled summer program.  If you have any questions, please contact Tina at 463-3966.

Evening In the Park 
4H calf

 

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.

Alma Farm Marketfarmers market sign

 

Offering fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and more!  Wednesdays & Saturdays throughout the summer & fall 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the City Parking Lot at the corner of Woodworth & Downie.

  
ambulance.strawberryambulanceambulance
Noxious Weed Programweed

The City of Alma enforces a noxious weed ordinance.  All property owners are required to keep weeds and grass mowed.  

All lot owners must cut the noxious weeds or the weeds will be cut and the costs will be assessed against the property by special assessment.
  
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Assessor Brian Dancer at 463-8356 or bdancer@ci.alma.mi.us.
 Hydrant Flushing

fire  hydrant

During the summer months, the City of Alma regularly flushes fire hydrants throughout the city.  Residents should avoid doing laundry during this time and allow water to run for a few minutes after hydrants have been flushed to remove any rust particles in the water.


For a schedule of the hydrant flushing, please check the City's community calendar.   If you experience problems, please call the Water Plant at 463-8349.

gavel1Pending Ordinances

 

The following ordinance has been introduced and is up for adoption at the June 14, 2011 City Commission meeting:  

 

Ordinance No. 742:  An ordinance to amend Article II of Chapter 40 of the Ordinances of the City of Alma regarding the establishment of a Planning Commission. 
 
Meetings start at 6:00 p.m.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.

American Red Cross Community Blood Drives

 

Mark your calendar for the upcoming drives:

 

Wednesday, June 1:  1:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Free Methodist Church, Wheeler
Thursday, June 2: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Lincoln Rd. United Methodist Church, Riverdale
Friday, June 3: 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Masonic Pathways, Alma
Tuesday, June 7:  1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
E. Superior Christian Church, Alma
Friday, June 10: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ashley Community Center
Wednesday, June 15: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Gratiot, Alma

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

dont forget 

 

You do NOT have to sort all your recyclables for placement in your bin.  Just place your paper in one bag and all other recyclables in another bag and place in your bin.  Our contractor has the resources to do the sorting at the recycling facility!  So, go ahead, just throw it in, do your part to save the planet!

  

Construction Info:  Bridge Ave. bridge reconstruction is under way and will continue until mid-July.  Follow the map for your detour route. 

 

Other major street, sewer and water projects include construction on Superior Street, Luce Road, Golfside, Pineview Ct., Mechanic, Ferris, Virginia, N. Court Ave. and Ely Street.  Check out the map to see exactly where the projects are and to help you plan alternate routes.  We appreciate your cooperation and understanding through this busy time.  If you have questions, please email or call us at 463-8346. 

 

Free Compost and wood chips are available for self loading, free of charge, outside the yardwaste gates on Washington St., north of the Public Works Garage.  Help yourself!

 

Garage & yard sale sign regulations

 

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.

  
FY2012 Annual Budget & Capital Improvement Program documents are available on our website.

 

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Issue: 27

City of Alma

In This Issue
Superior St. Reconstruction
New Wastewater Rates
Sidewalk Replacement Program
Alma Youth Police Academy
Storm Shelter Available
Tornado Safety Tips
NOAA Weather Radios
Peddlers & Solicitors
APL Summer Reading Club
Evening in the Park
Alma Farm Market
Noxious Weeds
Pending Ordinances
Pending Ordinances
Red Cross Blood Drives
DON'T FORGET!

City of Alma offices/services closings: 

 

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

Contact Us: 

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