City of Alma Construction Update

US-127 BR Improvements

MDOT will be resurfacing Superior Street (US-127 BR) from the Pine River Bridge east to State Road beginning Wednesday, September 5th.  Work includes resurfacing and improvements to sidewalks and ramps to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Construction will only be during the daytime hours and single lane closures will be in effect.  This $600,000 state funded project will increase safety by improving the overall condition of the roadway, sidewalks and ramps. Completion is expected in early November.

Storm Water Diversion Project

The City of Alma recently sent notices of non-compliance relating to the Storm Water Diversion Project to nearly 80 property owners.  The letters included contact information for three pre-approved contractors.  The City would like to remind everyone involved to contact all three contractors and choose the contractor they feel most comfortable and confident working with.  Remember, the contract is between the property owner and the contractor. 

Sewer Line Project

The City of Alma recently awarded the contract for the replacement of a sanitary sewer line.  Phase 1 of the project will consist of replacing the sewer line from the railroad tracks on N. State Street (at Mechanic) to W. Center St. and from W. Center to Prospect Ave.  Work should begin in mid-September.

 Back to School Safety Tips

The first day of school is fast approaching, and the safety of our school children should be a priority for everyone within the community. Motorists are reminded to please remain cautious and alert for children travelling to and from school by foot, bus, or bicycle.

The Department of Public Safety would also like to extend a few additional safety tips to parents: 

• Please review walking and bicycle safety rules with your child before the start of the school year.
• Make sure your child knows their telephone number and address.
• The Department of Public Safety has well-trained adult crossing guards at major intersections. Please make sure your child obeys these guards.
• Please instruct your child to stay within all possible lighted areas when walking to school during the darker early morning hours.
• Tell your child never to accept a ride from anybody. Have a special code word in place for adults to use in case they are needed to pick up your child. Remember the code word you have given them and remind your child often.
• Explain to your child that they should never leave school with they don't know.
• Advise your child to tell a teacher or parent if they see anything or anyone suspicious on the way to or from school.
• If you have a teen driver make sure they understand and obey all traffic laws. Please discourage them from texting or talking on their cell phones while driving.

Taking the time to talk to your child to explain and review safety rules will help the Alma community have a safe and wondrous school year. If you have any questions, please contact our School Resource Officer, Officer Jason Biehl, at 989-463-8317 or jbiehl@ci.alma.mi.us.com.

Alma PAL K-2 Flag Football

Registration for Alma PAL K-2 Flag Football is open.  To register your child, please go to www.allplayers.com/g/almapal and click on the Flag Football link on the right side.  Clinics and evaluations will be held Wednesday September 5th and Thursday September 6th at 5:30 pm at the old Alma Middle School site on Pine Avenue.  Games will tentatively be played on 5 consecutive Wednesdays at 6:00 pm starting September 19th.  If you need assistance in registering or have any questions call the PAL office at 466-7630 or email us at almapdpal@yahoo.com.

Get To Know Your Public Safety Department

In an effort to inform the community of the exceptional caliber of people within the Alma Department of Public Safety, we will be publishing short biographies of our employees in our newsletters. Our hope is that the community takes this time to learn a little about the fine men and women that help keep our City safe. This installment features two police officers from the Alma Police Department.

Officer David West, Police Department: Officer West has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University and an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Kirtland Community College. He has twelve and a half years of experience as a police officer. He is currently the Alma Police Department's Defensive Tactics instructor. The reason Officer West chose this profession was "to become a positive role model and to make a difference in the lives of victims." Officer West is sincere and displays a positive attitude toward the public.  Contact Officer West at 463-8317 or dwest@ci.alma.mi.us.

Officer Adam Walter, Police Department:  Officer Walter has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. In 2008, he attended Northern Michigan University Police Academy, where he earned his police officer certification. Officer Walter was a police officer in Benton Harbor for a year before being hired by Alma three years ago. Officer Walter is married. His most notable professional experience is a lifesaving award given to him by the department.  Contact Officer Walter at 463-8317 or awalter@ci.alma.mi.us.

Taxes Due September 17th

Property owners are reminded that property taxes are due by 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 17, 2012. Taxes paid after September 17th will be subject to a 4% penalty.