News from City of Alma

City of Alma

E-Newsletter

News That's

Important for You!

July 2013

Don't Forget to Vote on August 6th

On Tuesday, August 6th, 2013, there will be a special millage election to fund Michigan State University Extension, including 4-H youth programs, and economic development through Greater Gratiot Development.

You WILL NOT pay more taxes under this millage. You have already been paying for the services of MSU Extension, 4-H, and Greater Gratiot Development through a property tax levied annually for the past three years by the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners authorized through Public Act 88. This simply replaces an annual process with a five year funding structure. Just like the current system, this millage will allow the county to allocate up to .5 mills specifically for these important services. The exact millage levy will still be determined annually by the Gratiot County Board. Following is the ballot language:

Proposition for Gratiot County New Millage Request to
Fund MSU Extension Services
Including the 4-H Youth Programs and the
Economic Development Corporation of
The County of Gratiot

"Shall the limitation upon the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in any one year under the Michigan Constitution be increased for the funding of MSU Extension Services including 4-H Youth Programs (.1666 mills), the Economic Development Corporation (.3334 mills) in Gratiot County, and to levy for that purpose not more than .50 mill (equal to $.50 per $1,000 of taxable value of all real and tangible of personal property, estimated first year revenues of $611,000), for a five year (5) period 2013 through 2017, inclusive, to provide funding previously provided by the County pursuant to Public Act 88 of 1913 as amended, the proposed millage is a new millage, the revenue from which would be dispersed to the County of Gratiot?"

Yes or No.

To learn more, click here.

Fireworks

Fireworks can be very dangerous. Please use common sense if you use fireworks. State law says that it is illegal to use fireworks on public property, school property, church property or on another person's property without their express permission. You are only allowed to use consumer fireworks. The larger items need a special license. The use of consumer fireworks is only permitted on the day before, the day of, or the day after a national holiday. The federal holidays are New Year's Eve, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington's birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The use of fireworks on all other days is prohibited.

Rural Urban Day

Gratiot County Fair for Youth

The Gratiot County Fair for Youth comes to Alma August 3 - 10, 2013. The fair is a true community experience and tradition.

The fair will be an opportunity to enjoy fair food like caramel corn, elephant ears, and corn dogs while experiencing exhibits, an exciting midway and free stage shows. 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 the youth exhibitors created.

The week promises to be filled with fun and excitement. Come ride the rides, see the exhibits, grab a bit to eat and see the shows. You will not be disappointed. For more information, click on www.gcffy.org, follow them on Facebook or call 875-5292.

Opera House Celebration

Summer Taxes

City of Alma Summer Taxes were mailed last week and are due September 16, 2013. Payment can be made by check or cash at the Municipal Building or by mail. If you have any questions, please call 463-8346.

New Generator Installed for Wastewater Treatment Lift Station #8 and Water Treatment Well #7

The stand-by generator project for sanitary lift station #8 and well #7 (located on Riverview Dr.) has been completed and is operational. This generator project will increase the reliability at both facilities by providing backup power to both the sanitary sewer lift station and to the water well.

Construction Update

The sanitary sewer project that is occurring in the central business district is progressing on schedule. New sanitary has been installed this summer along the block of Prospect from Center Street to Superior Street and along Superior Street westward to Park. Starting on July 8th work on the section of sanitary sewer along Park Avenue from Superior to Downie will start. On July 2nd Superior Street and Prospect Street are receiving the base courses of asphalt paving and will be opened to traffic for the 4th of July.

Another phase of the sanitary sewer project is for replacement of sanitary sewer mains that extend near the S.E. corner of the Alma College football field, through the campus and to Falkirk Street. The new sewer will extend along Falkirk to Iowa Street; this project is scheduled to start on July 8th.

Inspections of buildings and structures are proceeding in the Central Business District of the City, which are verifying whether storm sewers are interconnected with the sanitary sewer system in buildings. Building Owner and Building Occupant cooperation with inspection of buildings will be greatly appreciated.

The reconstruction of Rosedale Street from Grover to Pleasant and Grove Avenue from Hickory Street north to King Park is nearing completion. Concrete curbs and gutters have been installed and the first course of asphalt paving is expected to be installed before the 4th of July.

The Annual Sidewalk Replacement program is scheduled to start on July 8th. The exact starting location has not yet been determined, but the general area of work is basically defined as from Superior Street northward and from Luce Road on the west to approximately Wright Avenue.

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.

Alma Farm Market

farmers 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.

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.

Garage and yard sale sign regulations

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 Brian Dancer at 463-8356 or bdancer@ci.alma.mi.us.

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gossip

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