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City of Muskegon,
Michigan
2005 Proposed Budget and
Quarterly Budget Reforecast
For The Year Beginning January 1, 2005
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
PROPOSED BUDGET
FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2005
CITY COMMISSION
STEVE WARMINGTON - MAYOR
CLARA SHEPHERD LAWRENCE SPATARO
CHRIS CARTER STEVE GAWRON
BILL LARSON KEVIN DAVIS
BRYON MAZADE
CITY MANAGER
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Budget for the Year Ended December 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTORY SECTION 5
City Manager's Budget Message 7
Summary Charts and Graphs 17
Division Budget Narratives 23
Public Representation Division 24
Administrative Services Division 26
Financial Services Division 29
Public Safety Division 32
Public Works Division 36
Leisure Services Division 39
Community & Economic Development Division 42
I. GENERAL FUND BUDGET 47
Budget Summary 48
Detailed Revenue Summary By Revenue Classification 49
Detailed Expenditure Summary By Function 53
Comparison of Revenues and Costs of Selected Functions 62
1
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Budget for the Year Ended December 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS - CONTINUED
II. NON-GENERAL FUND BUDGETS 63
Major Streets and State Trunklines Budget 64
Local Streets Budget 65
Enterprise Community Budget 66
L.C. Walker Arena Budget 67
Sidewalk Improvement Budget 68
Public Improvement Budget 69
State Grants Fund Budget 70
Marina & Launch Ramp Budget 71
Municipal Golf Course Budget 72
Equipment Budget 73
Public Service Building Budget 74
Engineering Services Budget 75
General Insurance Fund Budget 76
Water Fund Budget 77
Sewer Budget 78
2
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Budget for the Year Ended December 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS - CONTINUED
III. MINOR BUDGETS 79
IV. APPENDICES 81
Debt Service Requirements 83
2004 Budgeted Capital Improvements 85
2005 Budgeted Capital Improvements 89
Budgeted Personnel Complement 93
2005 Budget Resolution 101
3
4
INTRODUCTORY SECTION
5
6
Affirmative Action
(231)724-6703
FAX (231)722-1214
Assessor
(231)724-6708
FAX (231)726-5181
Cemetery
(231)724-6783
FAX (231)726-5617
City Manager
(231)724-6724
FAX (231)722-1214
Civil Service
(231)724-6716
FAX (231)724-4405
Clerk August 30, 2004
(231)724-6705
FAX (231)724-4178
Comm. & Neigh.
Services Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners:
(231)724-6717
FAX (231)726-2501 Enclosed is the proposed 2005 Budget for the City of Muskegon. The current economic
Engineering situation, rising personnel and operational costs and reductions in state shared revenue continue
(231)724-6707
FAX (231)727-6904 to have negative impacts on the City's General Fund Budget. While the City was prepared for
difficult economic times, unfortunately, the economic climate has suffered much longer than
Finance
(231)724-6713 expected and has required the City to reduce services in many areas and use reserve funds.
FAX (231)724-6768 Nevertheless, the 2005 spending plan was prepared considering the type and scope of programs
Fire Department the City Commission identified as priorities during the February strategic planning process and
(231)724-6792
FAX (231)724-6985 subsequent budget meetings throughout 2004.
Income Tax
(231)724-6770 The City's total proposed 2005 spending plan (including all budgeted funds) is $64,602,550 as
FAX (231)724-6768 compared to $70,213,116 for 2004. In addition to scaled back operating budgets, the decrease
Info. Technology is attributable to the fact that several budgeted capital projects including Smartzone, Cross
(231)724-4126
FAX (231)722-4301 Lake Ferry, the downtown section of the Lakeshore Trail, Shoreline Drive and the water
filtration plant improvements will be substantially completed in 2004. Capital outlays for
Inspection Services
(231)724-6715 routine water, sewer and street improvements will continue in 2005.
FAX (231)728-4371
Leisure Services It is important to note that the proposed spending plan does not include a property tax increase.
(231)724-6704
FAX (231)724-1196 In fact, the city's total property tax rate remains virtually unchanged at just over 10 mills for
the thirteenth consecutive year.
Mayor's Office
(231)724-6701
FAX (231)722-1214 The city's budget is made up of several individual funds that are reviewed below.
Planning/Zoning
(231)724-6702
FAX (231)724-6790 General Fund
Police Department
(231)724-6750 Despite significant program and personnel cuts outlined below, proposed general fund
FAX (231)722-5140 expenditures are $23,218,094, virtually unchanged from the 2004 revised estimate of
Public Works $23,187,121. Revenues for 2005 are estimated at $23,265,606, up very slightly from the 2004
(231)724-4100 revised estimate of $23,033,068. Revenues are not growing at a pace to keep up with rising
FAX (231)722-4188 costs largely due to the economy and skyrocketing personnel-related costs. Moreover, state
Treasurer
(231)724-6720 shared revenues have fallen dramatically and remain at risk for further cuts.
FAX (231)724-6768
Water Billing
(231)724-6718
FAX (231)724-6768
Water Filtration
(231)724-4106
FAX (231)755-5290
7
The proposed general fund budget is based upon conservative estimates of revenue and realistic
projections of expenses and is structured so as to allow the city to maintain a fund balance equal to
10% of prior year expenditures, in accordance with City Commission policy. However, it has become
necessary to use money from the budget stabilization fund to maintain city services and the 10% target
level. The budget stabilization fund will contribute $500,000 in 2004 and 2005 to the City's general
fund. These transfers will reduce the available budget stabilization fund balance to $500,000 at the
end of 2005.
Several significant changes to the general fund budget are proposed for 2004 and are worthy of note.
These include the following:
Because personnel costs represent such a large portion of the city's General Fund, it is necessary to make
reductions to the personnel complement in order to achieve any significant cost savings. Even with these
cutbacks, total General Fund salaries and benefits will increase 3.13% in 2005, highlighting the dramatic
rise in personnel costs, especially pension and healthcare costs. The following adjustments to the
personnel complement are included in the proposed budget:
Two vacant police positions have been eliminated from the Police Department.
One vacant Leisure Services Maintenance II position and one vacant LSM III position will be
eliminated. The LSM II is in cemeteries and the LSM III is in parks.
Eliminate two Housing Inspector positions. This work will be transferred to the Fire
Department as is allowed for in the firefighter's union contract.
Eliminate the Housing Rehabilitation Inspector position in Community and Neighborhood
Services. This work will be absorbed by the Fire Services Division.
Eliminate the Fire Chief position through the Public Safety administrative consolidation.
One Customer Service Representative II position will be eliminated in the Police
Department.
Eliminate one vacant Environmental Inspector position.
Eliminate the vacant Computer Technician position in Information Systems.
Eliminate the vacant Deputy Director of Community of Economic Development position.
Eliminate one vacant Assistant Planner position.
Eliminate the part-time Customer Service Representative position in Leisure Services.
8
In accordance with Commission goals, the number one priority for 2005 is continuation of the fight
against neighborhood blight. Several departments will continue to work collectively to eliminate
blighting influences. The allocation of CDBG funding to the general fund has been increased to
facilitate the blight fight effort. Continuation of the City's successful anti-graffiti efforts is also
provided for. Additionally, the fire department budget anticipates taking over the housing inspection
function. Staff believes that this will significantly bolster the City's blight fight efforts for the
following reasons:
More total personnel and man-hours will be made available for this function meaning that
more regular inspections can be done on a more systematic basis. Also, customer service will
be enhanced since inspections will be able to be scheduled outside of regular business hours
without incurring overtime costs;
Over time, more resources will be made available for blight fight from fees generated through
more systematic inspections;
Integrating fire prevention with housing inspection will help reduce the incidence of blight
created by fire damage and burned-out structures;
The fire union contract currently allows for firefighters to perform housing inspection duties.
However, the changeover will likely require negotiations with the SEIU unit. If these negotiations are
unsuccessful, I would propose elimination of three firefighter positions.
The police department will eliminate two vacant police officer positions from the patrol division.
The department will also eliminate one Customer Service Representative position. Both of these
personnel cuts will affect department service levels. While the department intended to eliminate the
DARE program in 2004, private funding was found to continue the program for 2004 and 2005.
The Parks budget includes the elimination of the Landscape Horticulturist position. The department
will add the responsibility of maintaining the new section of Shoreline Drive and the new section of
the Lakeshore Trail that were completed this year. The budget also anticipates reducing or
eliminating a number of service and maintenance activities, such as mowing terrace areas in
downtown, shutting down irrigation systems for downtown terraces and small parks, eliminating
port-a-jons in all parks and reducing sidewalk snowplowing. We would also like to eliminate the
set-up of holiday season lights and structures in Hackley Park and instead find a volunteer
organization to take on that responsibility. We anticipate that all of these cuts will have a noticeable
impact on service to our citizens.
The Planning and Economic Development will eliminate the Deputy Director for Community and
Economic Development position and an Assistant Planner position. This reduction in staffing,
coupled with previous reductions is having a serious impact on service levels. We will consider
reassigning duties and position upgrades to lessen that impact.
9
The Streetlight budget will increase due to the addition of forty new streetlights on the completed
section of Shoreline Drive.
The general fund budget includes the use of $400,000 of CDBG funds for various general fund
purposes. This is an increase of $184,000 over 2004. CDBG functions will be reduced by a like
amount, including the elimination of the Housing Rehabilitation Inspector position and the
elimination of the Community Based Organization (CBO) grants ($60,000).
The budget anticipates increased sharing of health insurance costs by employees. This will help
lessen the burden on the City of rising health insurance costs. This will, of course, require
negotiations with represented employees.
Some user fees will be increased and new fees recommended in December when the city's master
fee resolution is adopted. Fees currently being considered for increases include those for the
cemeteries, farmer's market and marina.
No major general fund capital expenditures are budgeted for 2005. Several worthwhile projects will
continue to be deferred to future years.
Conference, travel and training accounts continue at a minimal level for 2005. For the most part,
only conferences and training required to maintain registrations and certifications will be permitted
in 2005.
Transfers to Major and Local Street Funds remain at $620,000. This includes funds from the
METRO Act distribution.
The forestry budget was eliminated and combined with the cemetery budget since the forestry work
is coordinated out of the cemetery office.
There are significant items not included in the proposed 2005 budget that will be studied in the coming
months to determine if they can help the budget situation. These include:
Consider selling advertising in City publications, on City vehicles and at City facilities. We are
currently doing this on the City website with some success and will sell advertising in the City's
2004 income tax return booklet.
Consider soliciting sponsorships for certain services/programs, such as McGraft Park Concerts, Life
Guards at PM Park, Dog Beach mitts, Park Rangers, etc.
10
Staff will explore the possibility of selling property that the City does not need to own. Such
properties include Meuer Court and the former Shaw Walker parking lot.
The City will continue to explore the feasibility of adding Advance Life Support (ALS) service to
the fire department. At this time it does not appear that assumption of full ALS service is possible,
but we are researching ways to coordinate services with Pro Med for mutual benefit of both
organizations.
The proposed budget includes no overall property tax increase from the current 10 mills. However,
the City Commission has discussed the possibility of increasing the millage to retain some of the
current services/programs/improvements. One mill would generate $640,000 annually and would cost
the owner of a $100,000 home $50 per year. The following is what I would propose to use the funds
for should the City Commission decide to levy one additional mill:
1. Police Officers (4) for a Neighborhood Response Team (working
primarily in Nelson, Angell, McLaughlin and Marsh neighborhoods) $280,000
2. City facility maintenance improvements $100,000
3. Capital Improvements (Streets, Fire Stations, etc. perhaps funded
through a bond issue to be paid for by the millage) $260,000
Other Budgeted Funds
In addition to the general fund, the city's budget is made up of several other funds, which, as a group,
account for nearly two-thirds of the city's total 2005 budget. A summary of budget highlights for
these funds follows:
Major and Local Street Funds These budgets contemplate continuation of current service levels.
The 2005 budget provides for $4.75 million of major street capital improvements. The bulk of these
improvements ($2.5 million) are attributed to the completion of the Shoreline Drive project, but
several other projects totaling $2.25 million are also proposed. Local street capital improvements
are budgeted at $945,000. As noted, the General Fund transfer to the street funds remains at
$620,000, including the METRO Act funds.
L.C. Walker Arena The City will continue utilizing uncommitted TIFA funds to reduce the
general fund subsidy in 2005. Nevertheless, the general fund subsidy for arena operations is
projected to be $260,000. We anticipate corresponding increases in revenues and expenditures with
the addition of professional basketball in the facility. Additionally, City staff will continue to
explore new uses for the Annex.
11
Sidewalk Improvement Fund Continued funding for the sidewalk program is included at an
estimated cost of $200,000. Sidewalks in the Glenside and Campbell Field neighborhoods are
targeted for 2005. This will be the final year for the sidewalk replacement program.
Public Improvement Fund Funds are allocated for repayment of one-third of the Urban Land
Assembly (ULA) Loan debt service payment. Pending state approval, the other two-thirds is
scheduled to be paid from Downtown Development Authority (DDA) funds.
State Grants Fund The Core Community grant will be completed in 2005. We anticipate grants
for the Neighborhood of Choice and Site Assessment programs. Neither of these grants will require
a City match.
Marina & Launch Ramp Fund No significant changes in funding or operations are budgeted. A
funding source needs to be found to match state grant funds for necessary future capital
improvements. The City may want to consider contracting for management of the facility to reduce
its economic risk.
Municipal Golf Course Fund This fund holds the proceeds from sale of the Chase Hammond
Golf Course. These funds have been used to purchase property for the Lakeshore Trail and to match
grants for the Trail. Only $85,351 remains in this fund. Therefore, the fund will be eliminated and
the remaining funds will be deposited and accounted for in the Public Improvement Fund for future
Trail construction.
Equipment Fund No significant operational changes are planned. Scheduled vehicle and
equipment purchases totaling $799,400 are planned for 2005.
Public Service Building No significant operational changes are planned. Ongoing physical
improvements at the facility are scheduled at $52,000.
Water Fund Major improvements to the filtration plant are ongoing and are estimated at $4.5
million for 2005. Phased-in water rate increases have previously been discussed to pay for these
improvements and will increase from $1.09 per hundred cubic feet to $1.40 per hundred cubic feet.
Other capital improvements, many of which are tied to street projects, are proposed and total
$880,000.
Sewer Fund - No significant changes are planned for sewer fund operations. The County is
increasing its rates by 10%, but it is not anticipated that the City will need to increase our rates to
customers during 2005. Capital improvements, many of which are tied to street projects, will total
$970,000.
12
New Debt Issuance
The budget proposes possible issuance of one new bond issue:
Recreation Bonds The City will have to bond to provide matching funds for a state grant for
improvements to the marina if we are unable to find other sources. Also, the City has applied for a
large grant to complete the Lakeshore Trail. Monies from the sale of the Chase Hammond Golf
Course have been exhausted, so the local match for this grant, if awarded, will have to be found.
Future Outlook
The proposed 2005 budget provides a sound-financing plan for the city. However, as noted, many
cutbacks were necessitated by increased operational costs, the slow economy and state budget
problems, among other factors. It should also be noted that there are several unknown factors that
could affect this spending plan.
Healthcare and Other Benefit Costs Increased healthcare costs continue to be a major problem
for the City. The 2005 budget incorporates an estimated 12% annualized increase for healthcare
costs for the coming year. The increase in healthcare costs for the more than 300 retired city
employees and their beneficiaries' compounds the problem. Pension costs also have increased
sharply. Both health insurance and pension costs are issues that are important subjects of current
employee contract negotiations and will continue to be for 2005 and beyond.
State Shared Revenue In recent years the City's annual share of these revenues has decreased by
over $1 million. Because the State's budget situation is very tenuous, further cuts in Revenue
Sharing are a very real possibility.
Continued Operating Deficits The 2005 budget is balanced using a significant infusion
($500,000) from the budget stabilization fund. It is extremely important to realize, however, that
these funds will not be available in future years and that more severe cutbacks will be needed to
bring the budget into balance if recurring revenues do not rebound soon.
Stagnant Property Tax Revenues - The City's property tax base has not grown appreciably in
recent years. Compounding the problem for future City budgets is the fact that most of the City's
economic development initiatives are in areas where any property tax growth has been already
allocated to spur the development (e.g. tax increment districts, Renaissance Zones, etc.). With state
shared revenues stagnant for the foreseeable future, this means that the only engine for budgetary
revenue growth is the City income tax.
13
Employee Contracts The contracts with the police patrol expired at the end of 2003 and is
currently in binding arbitration. The contracts with the firefighter's union and the SEIU (DPW)
union expire at the end of 2004. The outcome of these negotiations will have a major impact on the
city's budgetary situation.
Charter Amendments The City Commission recently approved two proposed charter
amendments to be placed on the November 2004 ballot. These amendments deal with the city's
fiscal year and budget processes. If voters approve these amendments, the budget proposed herein
will need to be redone to facilitate the changes.
We will monitor these issues closely in the coming months and keep you informed. Also, we will
continue the quarterly reforecast of the budget in order to make adjustments as changing conditions
and/or Commission policies dictate. The 2004 third quarter reforecast and update is incorporated into
this budget document.
Budget Process and Detail
The proposed 2005 City Budget is again prepared and presented in a manner intended to focus
attention on overall resource allocation priorities and policies rather than line item expenditure detail.
Staff believes that the "top-down" resource allocation budget process that has now been used for eight
consecutive budget cycles is a more efficient and effective method of making resource allocation
decisions than building budgets "up" from detailed line-item expenditure estimates. Also central to
the City's budget process is the belief that responsibility and accountability for budgeted funds should
rest largely with department heads and that these managers should be permitted considerable
flexibility in managing their operations within the overall limits of their budgets.
As presented herein, proposed departmental expenditures are shown at the expenditure category level
of detail (e.g. 5100 "Salaries and Benefits", 5200 "Contractual Services"). To further explain by
example, "Contractual Services" (5300 level accounts) are budgeted in total rather than listing detail
for each of the 50 individual line-item accounts that make up this category. Following are descriptions
intended to help the reader understand the makeup of the expense categories as presented in the
budget.
Salaries and Benefits (5100 level accounts) This category comprises 23 separate line-item accounts
for all wage and benefit costs paid to city employees. Examples include accounts for regular full-time
salaries, temporary salaries, FICA, retirement, health insurance, etc.
Operating Supplies (5200 level accounts) - This category comprises 34 separate line-item accounts for
supplies purchased by city departments. Examples include accounts for office supplies, computer
supplies, irrigation supplies, road maintenance supplies, etc.
14
Contractual Services (5300 level accounts) - This category comprises 50 separate line-item accounts
for various services purchased from outside service providers. Examples include audit fees,
electricity, gas, and other utilities, printing, vehicle rental, insurance, etc.
Other Expenses (5400 level accounts) - This category comprises 6 line-item accounts, the primary one
being expenditures for conferences, training and travel.
Capital Outlays (5700 level accounts) - This category comprises 17 separate accounts for capital
equipment purchased by city departments. Examples include land purchases, vehicles, and office
furniture and equipment.
Other Financing Uses (5900 level accounts) - This category comprises 19 separate line-item accounts
for uses not technically categorized as "expenditures". Examples include principal and interest
payments on debt, operating transfers between funds, and depreciation.
The above is intended to provide you with highlights of the proposed 2005 Budget and prepare you for
a detailed review of the same. This review is scheduled for the September work session on September
13, 2004. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for the regular City Commission meeting to be
held on September 14, 2004. The budget could be adopted at that meeting or at a special meeting.
Regardless, the City Charter requires that the budget be adopted no later than September 25, 2004.
Finally, I would like to thank Tim Paul, Finance Director, Beth Lewis, Assistant Finance Director, and
the other members of the Finance Department for their efforts in preparing the financial information
and the proposed document.
Respectfully,
/s/
Bryon L. Mazade
City Manager
15
Citizens of Muskegon
The 7-member
Commission The Citizens of The 7-member
appoints various Muskegon elect Commission
Boards and this Commission appoints the City
Commissions Attorney
Various Boards & 7-Member City City Attorney
Commissions Commission
The 7-member
Commission
appoints the City
Manager
City Manager
Administrative Services Financial Services
Division Division
Public Safety Division Leisure Services
Division
Community & Economic
Development Division Public Works Division
16
SUMMARY CHARTS AND GRAPHS
17
City of Muskegon
2005 Proposed Budget
Summary of Budgeted Funds
Projected Beginning Projected Ending
Fund Balance/Working Projected Projected Fund
Fund Name Capital Revenues Expenditures Balance/Working
General 2,277,365
$ $ 23,265,606
$ 23,218,094
$ 2,324,877
Major Streets 708,988
7,385,312
7,863,475
230,825
Local Streets 438,799
1,929,262
2,158,272
209,789
L.C.Walker Arena (189,158)
1,059,100
1,023,764
(153,822)
Sidewalk Improvement 916,395
480,000
608,333
788,062
Public Improvement 553,783
306,000
55,000
804,783
State Grants 1,519
3,400,000
3,400,000
1,519
Municipal Golf Course (Trail Matching Funds) - -
-
-
Marina & Launch Ramp 16,171
2,285,000
2,261,677
39,494
Public Service Building 32,554
569,872
575,101
27,325
Engineering Services 16,826
616,500
633,203
123
Equipment 1,131,313
2,410,000
2,331,531
1,209,782
General Insurance 1,050,093
4,171,251
4,125,802
1,095,542
Sewer 1,833,781
5,286,433
4,758,440
2,361,774
Water 4,428,812
6,115,655
10,040,711
503,756
-
Minor Funds: -
Criminal Forfeitures Fund 144,980
10,000
10,000
144,980
Budget Stabilization Fund 1,000,000
-
500,000
500,000
Land Reutilization Fund 23,576
1,000
1,000
23,576
Tree Replacement Fund 12,434
3,000
3,000
12,434
Tax Increment Finance Authority Debt Fund 849
60,000
60,000
849
Special Assessment Debt Service Fund 153,106
70,000
70,000
153,106
Downtown Development Authority Debt Fund 199,649
550,000
700,000
49,649
Local Development Finance Authority I Fund 311
10
-
321
Local Development Finance Authority II Fund 20,813
-
-
20,813
Local Development Finance Authority III Fund (Smartzone 488,727
50,000
205,147
333,580
Total All Budgeted Funds 15,261,686
$ $ 60,024,001
$ 64,602,550
$ 10,683,137
18
MINOR FUND BUDGETS 2.4% PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT 0.1% PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDING 0.9% SIDEWALK 0.9% LC WALKER ARENA 1.6% ENGINEERING SERVICES 1.0%
STATE GRANTS 5.3% MARINA & LAUNCH RAMP 3.5%
Other 15.6%
LOCAL STREETS 3.3%
CITY OF MUSKEGON EQUIPMENT 3.6%
INSURANCE 6.4%
SEWER 7.4%
GENERAL FUND 35.9%
TOTAL 2005 BUDGETED FUND EXPENDITURES - $64,602,550
WATER 15.5%
MAJOR STREETS 12.2%
19
2005 GENERAL FUND REVENUES
$23,265,606
All Other
Sources
22%
Taxes
State Shared 58%
Revenue
20%
2005 GENERAL FUND EXPENSES
$23,218,094
Off-Budget
Items
Business 7%
Value Added
Activities
17%
Customer
Value Added
Activities
76%
2005 GENERAL FUND EXPENSES
$23,218,094
Supplies
Other Uses 2% Other
Expenses
4% 0%
Contractual
Services
30%
Salaries &
Capital Benefits
1% 63%
20
GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND
EXPENDITURES - LAST 10 YEARS
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
$- $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000 $30,000,000
REVENUES EXPENDITURES
ACTUAL FUND BALANCE VS TARGET -
LAST 10 YEARS
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$-
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
FUND BALANCE TARGET FUND BALANCE
21
22
BUDGET NARRATIVES BY DIVISION
23
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
PUBLIC REPRESENTATION DIVISON
DIVISION SUMMARY
Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
PUBLIC REPRESENTATION Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
The City Manager's Office works with
Division Description existing and prospective businesses to
The Public Representation Division is retain and grow the economic base of the
responsible for developing, adopting, and City. This is achieved in part by the
implementing policy decisions for the City. The Business Partnership Initiative Program that
division is made up of three departments: City began in 1998. The City also achieves this
Commission, City Manager's Office, and the goal by encouraging economic development
City Attorney's Office. Major divisional through the use of various economic
responsibilities include establishment of development incentives. This office also
policies, services, and programs for citizens, works closely with Muskegon Area First to
administration of daily City operations, and retain businesses and develop new
providing guidance and direction to all City business opportunities.
Departments. The Attorney's office prepares
ordinances, contracts, and other legal Sustain the Natural, Cultural and
documents for the City and provides legal Recreational Resources of the
advice. Community.
The City Commission and the City
Divisional Relationship to City Manager's Office continually promotes this
Commission Goals goal through adoption and implementation
of policies and programs (Blue Wave
designation for Pere Marquette Beach) that
Take Leadership Responsibility for preserve the natural resources of the City.
Improving Race Relations and Diversity. The Public Relations Committee works to
The City Commission and the City create awareness of the positive qualities of
Manager's Office will continue working to our city to inspire community pride,
improve race relations through action and confidence and support. Each summer the
policy. The City Manager's Office will work City Commission sponsors the
on this goal with various community groups Beautification Awards to three City of
and by encouraging employees to Muskegon homeowners for aesthetically
participate in the Institute for Healing attractive landscaping. The City has also
Racism. The City Commission, through the improved waterfront public access through
Community Relations Committee, provides site plan approvals for new developments.
opportunities for positions on various boards
and committees to a diverse mix of citizens. Foster Strong Ties Among Governments
The City also co-sponsors the Martin Luther and Community Agencies.
King (MLK) Diversity Day Breakfast. The City Commission and City Manager
address this goal by participation with
Foster Opportunities for City Youth. various local governments and community
The City Commission and City Manager's agencies in a number of projects and
Office support our youth through programs programs. Some of these include, but are
like Youth in Government and Bring Your not limited to Muskegon Area First, The
Child to Work Day. Municipal Wastewater Committee, Central
24
Dispatch, MATS, MAP, MALMC, and
Muskegon Neighborhood Associations. The
City furthered this goal by providing water-
billing service to Muskegon Township and CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
through an agreement with the City of North F MUSKEGON, MICH
Muskegon and the County to maintain Smartzone Development, Promotion of
Veterans Park. Seaway Industrial Park, Redevelopment of
former Muskegon Mall property,
Maintain and Enhance the Renaissance Zone Implementation, Career
Neighborhoods of the City. Tech Center Construction, Boilerworks
The City Commission appropriates funds Building Redevelopment and WaterMark
and sets policy to address blighting Project Implementation.
influences in the City. The City Manager is
coordinating a multi-department effort to Contributions to Outside Organizations: The
improve implementation and operational Contributions budget provides the
issues to address blight. The City mechanism for the City to fund several
Commission also works with Neighborhoods agencies that assist the City in achieving its
Associations on their events and promotion goals and providing certain services.
of our City. Unfortunately the City's financial situation
has caused a reduction in the amount
2005 Budget Highlights available for these purposes. The following
agencies are funded in 2005:
City Commission: The City Commission will
continue to improve community relations by 1) Neighborhood Associations of
utilizing the City's Public Relations Muskegon
Committee. The Commission will also 2) Muskegon Area Transit System
continue to work towards improving race 3) Muskegon Area First
relations within the City through financial 4) Institute for Healing Racism
contribution to the Institute for Healing 5) Veterans Memorial Day
Racism. 6) MLK Diversity Day Program
7) Muskegon County Animal Control
City Attorney's Office: The City Attorney will 8) Muskegon Area Labor/Management
continue to provide routine and special legal Committee
services to the City. The City Attorney will
also prepare the necessary legal documents
(development agreements, etc.) relative to
special projects. Outside legal counsel will
continue to work on the cable TV lawsuit
and the Nugent Sand matter.
City Manager's Office: No additional
personnel is requested this year for the City
Manager's Office. The City Manager's
Office will continue ongoing efforts to
improve community and race relations. The
office will pursue cooperative efforts and
potential functional consolidation with other
local governments. This office will also
continue to work to improve the economic
climate in the City in order to create an
environment conducive to private
investment. Specific projects include, but
are not limited to the following:
25
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISON
DIVISION SUMMARY particular initiatives throughout the County
that seek to improve the job skill
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES development of young people. Through the
City's Government Day Program and Youth
Division Description in Government Program, we work closely
The Administrative Services Division provides with Muskegon Public Schools to promote
direct services and internal support services and encourage youth participation in
necessary for the operation of the City. The government, including using students as
division is made up of four departments: election workers as well as hold field trips in
Administration Department, City Clerk's Office, the fall and spring. Additionally, through the
Civil Service Office and the Affirmative Action Junior Achievement program, staff volunteer
Office. Major divisional responsibilities include in the schools and the County's Juvenile
labor relations, legislative activities, public and Detention Center.
community relations, election administration,
City Commission affairs, business registration Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
and permits, personnel recruitment and record Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
keeping, workers compensation, oversight of Administrative services division meets this
budgetary expenditures among departments, goal through coordination of the following
effective implementation of the City's Equal programs: business registration, tax
Employment Opportunity Policy and contract abatements and contract compliance. It
compliance. also fosters opportunities for women and
minority owned businesses to participate in
Divisional Relationship to City the economic development process.
Commission Goals Sustain the Natural, Cultural and
Take Leadership Responsibility for Recreational Resources of the
Improving Race Relations and Diversity. Community.
We support and encourage this goal This goal is met indirectly through our
internally by fostering cultural sensitivity written support of grant requests (by various
among employees and externally by our community agencies/groups) to enhance
direct involvement with community groups and promote cultural activities.
undertaking initiatives toward improving
race relations in the community. The Foster Strong Ties Among Governments
division also promotes racial diversity on and Community Agencies.
City boards and committees by directly This division maintains very close working
encouraging residents of minority groups to relations with many neighboring units of
apply for appointment. We are directly government as well as community agencies.
involved in the Institute for Healing Racism We meet this goal through project specific
which was created for the purpose of partnerships, representation on common
healing and bridging the racial divide within boards and committees, shared resources
the community. and value specific information, and often
times through joint agency group meetings
Foster Opportunities for City Youth. throughout the year.
We support this goal internally through the
Julia Hackley Summer Internship Program, Maintain and Enhance the
which employs three to five students per Neighborhoods of the City.
year. Externally, staff works closely with The Administration Division contributes to
26
the City's fight against blight through
aggressively investigating environmental CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
and sidewalk appeals. It reevaluates
approaches to service delivery aimed at
curtailing conflict between the general communication. We will publish The
citizenry and staff attempting to implement Channel newsletter and provide access to it
policies set by the City Commission. through the web. Direct mail will be
discontinued. We will continue to update
and add to our City Clerk web page to
2005 Budget Highlights provide more information and ways to do
business through the city web page. This
budget reflects the full costs of the August
Administration Department: no staffing and November City Primary and General.
changes. Although such Schools will be billed for their election.
programs/initiatives as Employee
Education Reimbursement, Civil Service Department: Staffing -- the
organization-wide employee training and Personnel Analyst position will not be filled.
City-wide Citizen Survey were not Job Line is discontinued. Recruitment will
budgeted, for the most part, we foresee be significantly curtailed. The proposed
continuation of services at current operating budget solely provides for
levels. A high priority item will be to continuation of basic services. Efforts to
successfully negotiate new collective fine-tune use of departmental staff and
bargaining agreements with one to three material resources in order to advance
of our five labor groups (Clerical output will continue. Improvements in
bargaining session will begin in relaying information through the City's
September of 2005 and the 2004 Fire intranet and internet sites will continue.
and SEIU 517M Unit #2 negotiations will
most likely continue into 2005 budget Future Outlook
year). We will also continue oversight
and coordination of the organization's Following are the major goals of the
administrative needs. Administration Division incorporated in the
proposed budget:
Affirmative Action Department: No
staffing changes. We will continue Administrative Services:
responsibility for the Worker's Negotiate one to three union contracts
Compensation program, community and manage grievances filed.
outreach, participation in special interest
programs, administration of the Julia Continue to work towards improving
Hackley internship program, contract Labor / Management relations.
compliance and equal employment Continue on-going efforts to improve
opportunity responsibilities. The race relations.
hardship contingency fund will be Foster the accomplishment of the City
discontinued along with National Commission Vision, Value and Mission
recruitment --although we will maintain a within the organization and the
presence where necessary. community.
City Clerk's Office: No staffing changes. Affirmative Action:
We will continue to work with the Work more closely with the Civil Service
Commission on their Community and Finance departments to implement
Relations and Public Relations the Workers Compensation Program.
Committee projects as well as work on Meet Equal Employment Opportunity
various committees with the Chamber to efforts.
enhance and provide better public Continue to pursue contract compliance.
27
City Clerk's Office:
Continue with current programs. CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Continue to Design Clerk's Office Web
page with links to program applications
such as licensing, permits, voter
registration, and absentee ballot.
Enhance existing voter registration
programs with seniors, students, and
neighborhood groups.
Upon receipt of new election equipment,
plan implementation training for staff &
precinct inspectors.
Civil Service:
Revise employee orientation process.
Update Civil Service Rules &
Regulations.
Conclude personnel file reorganization.
Promote educational information on
workplace issues with articles in the
employee newsletter.
Revise Commercial Drivers License
(CDL) Drug Testing and Leave policies.
Continue development of Civil Service
web pages.
Revamp employee handbook.
28
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISON
DIVISION SUMMARY the City in accordance with the highest
professional standards.
Financial Services
Division Description Foster Opportunities for City Youth.
The Financial Services Division is made up of The Division participates in the City's Julia
the following departments: Finance Hackley and Grand Valley State University's
Administration, City Treasurer's Office, Income Internships programs. Staff spends quality
Tax Administration and Information Systems. time to provide personal and professional
The division is responsible for all financial development to interns which ensures their
management activities of the City; specifically, competitive advantage when entering the
property tax collections, utility billing and job market. Additionally several staff
collections, payroll and employee benefits, members volunteer in the schools through
accounts payable and accounts receivable, Junior Achievement.
income tax collections and management of the
City's computer network and related information Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
systems. Additionally, the division oversees the Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
contract with Muskegon County under which The Finance Division plays a key role in
the County Equalization Department performs analyzing the financial impact, budgeting
property tax assessment services for the City. and identifying funding sources for City
economic development initiatives such as
Divisional Relationship to City the Mall Redevelopment, Smart
Commission Goals Zone/Edison Landing, Seaway Industrial
Park, Cross Lake Ferry and Renaissance
Zone. Ultimately, implementation and future
City Mission Statement: To improve the oversight of these initiatives becomes the
quality of life for the citizens of responsibility of the Finance Division
Muskegon through stewardship of through activities such as bond issuance
resources, excellent service and and tax increment administration.
leadership for the greater community.
It is primarily in the area of resource Foster Strong Ties Among Governments
stewardship that the Finance Division and Community Agencies.
contributes to this mission. Employees of The Finance Division works closely with
the division work to maximize the financial other governmental units to ensure services
resources available to support municipal are provided in a cost-effective manner.
services through revenue collections, Examples include tax collection services
investments, and sound financial provided by the City Treasurer's Office,
management practices. Also, they provide water billing services provided under
the City Commission and department contract to Muskegon Township and the
managers with timely and accurate financial intergovernmental agreement with
information critical to prudent and effective Muskegon County for assessment services.
stewardship. Sound finances are important
in shaping the perception that citizens, Develop and Maintain City Infrastructure
investors, bond rating agencies and others and Facilities.
have of the City of Muskegon. Staff of the The Finance Division strives to be on the
Financial Services Division take pride in cutting edge of new technology.
providing excellent financial leadership for
29
Improvements and updates to the security
of the City's information network protect the
integrity of our information and continual CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
enhancements to the City' web site and
Intranet site provide access to more Information Technology: Elimination of one
information and services to City of Computer Technician position is proposed.
Muskegon employees and citizens. Every attempt will be made to provide the
Recently the City of Muskegon's web site end users with the same level of support
was rated 5th out of 534 city and villages in they have received in the past. Current
the State of Michigan by Cyber-state.org. levels of service will be provided for data
center operations, network services and
Maintain and Enhance the application development and maintenance.
Neighborhoods of the City.
The Division's Reengineering Committee is Future Outlook
continually reevaluating techniques for
improving our collection efforts especially on Following are some of the major goals of the
environmental invoices. The Committee Finance Division that are incorporated in the
has also been instrumental in updating and 2005 proposed budget:
centralizing data bases used by City
departments for everything from City Finance Administration
mailings to billing information. These efforts Constant monitoring of the City's budget
will reduce blight in our neighborhoods and so management has the most up-to-
increase the flow of information to residents. date accurate information to respond to
changes as quickly as possible.
2005 Budget Highlights Continue GASB 34 Implementation.
Work still needs to be done to complete
Finance Administration: No staffing changes the capital assets and infrastructure
are proposed. The budget provides for reporting requirements.
continuation of current services. Implementation of proposed fiscal year
change if approved by the voters in
Assessing Services: The 2005 budget November 2004.
contemplates continuation of the contract Increase ACH vendor payments using
with the Muskegon County Equalization GEMS software enhancement.
Department for all assessment services.
The cost of this contract is tied to the actual Assessing Services
year-to-year increase in the City's total Update the cadastral mapping of the
taxable property valuation. For 2005, this entire city and convert the drawing into a
cost increase is approximately one half of new geo-database.
one percent (0.50%). Activate and integrate an elevation
model and digital orthophotography as
City Treasurer: No staffing changes are GIS layers.
proposed. The budget contemplates
continuation of billing services and City Treasurer
enhancement of collection services. The Continue with a more aggressive use of
department is committed to working on our outside collection agency for
opportunities that will improve productivity delinquent accounts and initial billing for
and operational efficiency through the use environmental invoices.
of technology. Increase marketing of the city's e-
government (on-line) and automatic
Income Tax Administration: Staffing levels water/sewer utility bill payment options.
will remain constant. The budget
provides for continued aggressive collection Continue to seek opportunities to make
and tax enforcement activities. more city services available through the
internet, providing alternate options to
30
help decrease lines at the counter and
delays on the phone. CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Income Tax Administration
To have 70% of our 50 largest
companies electronically submit their W-
2's and W-3 information to our
department.
Offset the cost of printing tax forms with
advertisement revenue. The Income
Tax Department will seek companies
that would like to advertise on the back
of our tax returns. Over 25,000 tax
forms are distributed regionally.
Overhaul existing withholding tax
compliance programs and databases.
Create a new database and compliance
program that would help our department
become more efficient in dealing with all
issues concerning our number one
source of revenue, payroll withholding
taxes.
Information Technology
Continued work with departments to
maximize their web presence and
generate revenue by offering online
services to local companies. Rather
than incurring the cost of dispatching an
employee to City Hall, companies will
have the option to pay a yearly or
transactional fee for customer lookup,
accident reports and other information
through the internet. Initial focus has
been on the Treasurer's office with the
Police Department to follow.
Continue to help departments recognize
cost savings through the use of
technology and business process
review.
Migrate remaining databases to a
standard Database Management
System for future data mining, research
and support.
Create a portal for local "registered"
businesses that will allow a web
presence through the use of links and/
or advertisements. When a business
registers with the Clerk's office, they will
have the option to have a small ad or
link placed on our website for an
additional fee.
31
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION
DIVISION SUMMARY Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
POLICE DEPARTMENT The department actively partners with
developers and local businesses to address
Department Description parking, traffic and security concerns.
The Muskegon Police Department consists of
the following bureaus: Patrol, Investigations, Sustain the Natural, Cultural and
and Administration. Each bureau encompasses Recreational Resources of the
units of related functions that contribute toward Community.
the department's overall goal accomplishment. In partnering with groups and coordinating
Primary responsibilities of the department events such as Summer Celebration, Unity
include law enforcement, investigations, and Fest and Shoreline Spectacular, the
the maintenance of public records. The police department has become adept at handling
department operates within the context of special events. Department staff takes
community policing i.e., forming community great pride in the success of these events.
partnerships to reduce crime and enhance the
quality of life within the city. Foster Strong Ties Among Governments
and Community Agencies.
Departmental Relationship to City The department works in conjunction with
Commission Goals other regional law enforcement agencies
such as West Michigan Enforcement Team
(WEMET) in coordinating drug enforcement.
Take Leadership Responsibility for This association has produced favorable
Improving Race Relations and Diversity. results for the city. The department also
The department continues its efforts to works closely with Child Abuse Council and
recruit members of the minority community Every Woman's Place to address domestic
and women. The department has violence and child abuse issues.
established strong ties with the NAACP,
Urban League, and our Hispanic
community. We actively participate in Develop and Maintain City Infrastructure
community forums and neighborhood and Facilities.
meetings. Our Citizen's Police Review Staff is part of the city's Emergency
Board is an integral part of our outreach. Management Team. With the onset of
The department is committed to building Homeland Security efforts, there are new
trust, especially with our citizens from responsibilities associated with facility
minority groups. security of a number of public facilities.
Foster Opportunities for City Youth. Maintain and Enhance the
The department continues to have a strong Neighborhoods of the City.
presence at, and commitment to, our Community policing will continue to serve as
schools through programs such as Keep the cornerstone in the department's efforts
Kids in School (KKIS) and Kids and Cops. to provide effective police services to our
The neighborhood officers have been community. Our organizational structure is
directed to spend a portion of each week in designed to encourage a team approach in
their neighborhood elementary schools, addressing issues within the
middle schools and the high school. neighborhoods. The department will
continue to address the perception of crime
within our city.
32
2005 Budget Highlights CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Proposed elimination of two vacant Police
Officer positions and one Customer Service Schedules of the neighborhood officers to
Representative. better meet the needs of the community.
The DARE program will continue. Private Focus on quality of life issues (blight) and
DARE funding will allow for training and the perception of crime in the
materials. The closing of two elementary neighborhoods.
schools will make it easier to schedule .
DARE officers.
Investigations Bureau:
The success of our Citizen's Police
Academies has continued throughout 2004 Continue to pursue technology that will aid
and we will continue to host academies in the development of effective investigation
throughout the 2005. strategies.
State training funds (Public Act 302) will Continue to improve our caseload
remain constant and will be available to us. management. Ensure that detectives are
We have pooled a portion of these funds being assigned to cases in an effective and
with 52 other police agencies in west efficient manner.
Michigan and formed a training consortium.
This allows for very low cost training. Provide a coordinated response to narcotics
violations throughout the city with an
Due to the passage of a millage increase for emphasis on street-level and neighborhood
Muskegon Central Dispatch, municipal enforcement.
assessment costs will be frozen during
2005. Partner with neighborhood and patrol
officers in developing strategies to resolve
Managers have been directed to provide crime issues.
strict control and oversight of our overtime
costs. Maintain positive, working relationships with
the media.
Patrol Bureau:
When necessary, utilize regional task forces
Continue to monitor the impact of the 8.5 to investigate violent crimes.
hour shift schedule. Preliminary results
show a decrease in overtime costs. Eliminate take-home vehicle privileges for
the Detective Sergeant and CSI Detective.
In conjunction with Public Works, continue
to monitor the quality of our vehicle fleet. Administration:
Review vehicle assignments to maximize
the use of our fleet. Maintain an "open door" policy for our
community. Focus on outreach to our
Provide consistent traffic enforcement in minority communities.
those areas of the city, including
neighborhoods, with identified needs. Serve as a leader and mentor in the
development of the department's
Maintain strong ties with our neighborhood management team.
schools.
Develop a Vision/Mission/Value statement
for the department.
33
Ensure that our complaint process is open,
fair and accessible to our community. CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
Foster positive labor-management relations.
Foster Opportunities for City Youth
Fully utilize the resources of the West Our Firematch and Juvenile Firesetter
Michigan Training Consortium to reduce our programs are designed to help troubled
training costs. kids. We will partner with schools and
community groups in an effort to establish
Develop an effective crime mapping positive relationships with youth within our
program. Begin the process of evaluating city.
our 30 year-old patrol districts.
Promote the Economic Stability, Diverse
In conjunction with court officials, review the Economic Growth and Redevelopment
scheduling of officers with the goal of Inspections staff and fire prevention staff will
reducing overtime costs. assist homeowners, contractors and
developers in meeting their code
Develop alternative sources of funding for obligations. Our responsibility will be
community programming. carried out in a professional, customer-
service oriented manner.
Be aggressive in seeking out non-
personnel-based grants. Sustain Natural, Cultural and
Recreational Resources of the
Community
FIRE DEPARTMENT The development of ice and water rescue
capabilities in conjunction with our water-
Department Description borne firefighting function provides a safety
The Muskegon Fire Department provides the net for those utilizing the waterways within
following services: fire suppression, emergency our city.
medical service, fire prevention, specialized
rescue, building and trade inspections and code Foster Strong Ties Among Government
enforcement. The department provides the and Community Agencies
aforementioned services as well as fire The department currently uses mutual aid
prevention and fire safety education for our with neighboring jurisdictions to deliver life
community. safety services to citizens in the most rapid
and efficient manner possible. Staff will
Departmental Relationship to City also explore the possibility of regional
Commission Goals: training and the development of regional
specialty teams. An advisory committee will
Take Leadership Responsibility for be formed to provide feedback to the
Improving Race Relations building and trade inspectors as to customer
The department will continue its efforts to service issues and inspection procedures.
recruit and retain members of the minority
community and women. Department Develop and Maintain Infrastructure and
personnel will participate in community Facilities
forums and neighborhood meetings. Staff is Review the current status of our facilities as
committed to building and maintaining trust, to any needed repairs. Begin the process of
especially with members of our minority evaluating the need for station re-alignment.
communities.
34
Maintain and Enhance the Residential
Neighborhoods of the City
The department will continue to meet with CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
neighborhood associations in an effort to
become familiar with neighborhood-specific
issues. Staff and apparatus are also
present at neighborhood functions.
Inspections staff will continue to focus on
identifying dangerous structures and other
blight related issues.
2005 Budget Highlights
Proposed elimination of the housing
inspection function from Inspection Services
(two Housing Inspector positions). The
function would be re-assigned to fire
suppression personnel as provided for in
the current labor agreement.
The development of an effective apparatus
maintenance program to provide safe
vehicles for staff and to reduce unnecessary
repair costs.
Continue our review of purchasing practices
within the department. Eliminate
unnecessary purchases when possible.
Develop and properly maintain a training
calendar in order to better track and
maintain certifications and mandated
training.
Managers have been directed to provide
strict control and oversight of our overtime
costs.
Aggressively seek non-personnel based
grants.
Foster positive labor-management relations.
Develop a Vision/Mission/Value statement
for the department.
Monitor efforts to reduce Overtime Time
costs.
35
CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
PUBLIC WORKS DIVISON
DIVISION SUMMARY Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
Public Works Services The Public Works Services Division works
directly with developers and architects
Division Description during design and construction to provide
The Public Works Services Division is civil engineering and public works expertise.
responsible for maintaining the City's The division also works towards improving
infrastructure, the life-blood of the City. The and upgrading the City's infrastructure to
division consists of four general departments provide adequate facilities (water, sewer &
with each having several distinct functional roadway system) to encourage and facilitate
operations: Public Works Department economic development.
comprising of major streets and trunklines
including functional areas such as Equipment, Sustain the Natural, Cultural and
Highway, Street Lights, Traffic Signals and Recreational Resources of the
Signs and Barricades; Utilities Department Community.
comprising of Water Filtration Plant, Public Works Services is a community
Water/Sewer Maintenance, Storm Water representative in environmental activities
Management and Sanitation; Engineering such as Ruddiman Creek Task Force,
Department comprising of Engineering Services Muskegon Lake Public Advisory Committee
and Building Maintenance; and Public Works and the Muskegon River Watershed
Administration comprising of Administrative Assembly.
Support, Public Service Building and Senior
Transit. Foster Strong Ties Among Governments
and Community Agencies.
Divisional Relationship to City Public Works Services represents our
Commission Goals community on the Countywide Phase 2
Storm Water Committee, Metro Wastewater
Users Group, Solid Waste Planning
Take Leadership Responsibility for Committee and West Michigan Shoreline
Improving Race Relations and Diversity. Regional Development Commission
The Public Works Services Division works (WMSRDC) Technical Committee. We also
to improve race relations through the work with the Muskegon Conservation
services that it provides. Our clerical staff District on environmental projects.
has been trained in Spanish to enhance
their ability to answer questions and serve
customers. Our Sanitation Coordinator Develop and Maintain City Infrastructure
works extensively with neighborhood groups and Facilities.
to bridge cultural gaps. The Public Works Division is the primary
caretaker of the City's infrastructure assets.
Most of the resources allocated to the
Foster Opportunities for City Youth. Division are used directly for maintenance
The Engineering Department hires 2-3 of streets, water and sewer facilities and
college students as seasonal workers other physical assets.
during the summer and gives them a broad
exposure to civil engineering functions. The
division also participates in the "Take your Maintain and Enhance the
child to work day." Neighborhoods of the City.
Through its sanitation program, Public
Works Services responds to illegal
36
dumping, provides neighborhood
associations with Saturday dumpster CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
service. We also support many volunteer
cleanup projects and volunteer housing Maintains all signalized intersections within
rehab projects with disposal of wastes as the City of Muskegon and neighboring
well as heavy participation in the City's fight communities in Muskegon County. We will
against Blight. update signals with new controllers as
needed and replace outdated incandescent
2005 Budget Highlights signals/pedestrian crossing signals with
There are no significant staffing changes Light-emitting Diode (LED) fixtures.
proposed for Public Works Division budgets.
The budget provides continuation of current Signs and Barricades: Provides barricading
services. The re-organization of the division in on all city streets/alleys/parks and parking
2003 is expected to continue to improve lots to assure the safe flow of traffic. Assists
operation without additional staffing. with traffic control with MPD on various
special event activities/emergency
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (Major and response/crowd control concerns. Continue
Local Streets and State Trunkline) to update to LED lighting systems in
overnight barricades and maintain the group
Equipment Operation: This office purchases purchasing contract with Muskegon County
and maintains all City vehicles and Road Commission (MCRC) and neighboring
equipment. Several purchases are municipalities to reduce costs.
budgeted for 2005 including three small and
two large dump trucks, six patrol cars, five Community Event Support: We will more
sedans, three pick up trucks, one loader, closely monitor Special Event requests to
and one backhoe. ensure that they are billed for services
rendered and thereby reduce costs to the
Highway Operation: This office maintains organization.
200 miles of City streets including
snowplowing, salting, catch basin cleaning, UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
crack sealing, pothole patching, street and
shoulder grading, dust control and guardrail Water Filtration Plant: The City of
repair. We will step up maintenance of local Muskegon serves its 14,000 customers as
streets with crack sealing, pavement repair well as the cities of Roosevelt Park, North
and storm drain repairs. Alleys will receive Muskegon, Laketon, Muskegon, Dalton and
more attention with brush cutting and gravel Fruitland Townships. Producing and
treatment. Concentrate on cleaning storm delivering clean and safe drinking water at
drainage structures by developing strategic an economical cost to our customers is a
cleaning areas. major goal of our office. The state-required
reliability study triggered a major project to
Street Lights: This office administers the make mandated upgrades to the water
reliability of 3,159 streetlights within the City filtration plant. We are required by 2006 to
streets and coordinates the removal/ eliminate the discharge of sediments to
installation of streetlights. We will monitor Lake Michigan, which is created during the
more closely the weekly/monthly checks of water treatment process. Our goal in 2005
the reliability of streetlight functions is to make strides toward meeting that
(outages) to insure proper billing. More deadline. Plant treatment capacity will be
than forty (40+) new streetlights (L-3) will be increased from 28 to 40 million gallon per
installed in the Shoreline Drive project area day (mgd). This capacity is expected to
and eight (8) new ornamental streetlights in meet demands of the system until 2025.
the Western Avenue area. Additional security measures are being
implemented to protect our facility.
Traffic Signals (County-wide maintenance):
37
Water/Sewer Maintenance: We maintain
170 miles of sewer main and 22 lift stations. CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
We also maintain 180 miles of water main in
the City of Muskegon and serve 14,000 will cover the Campbell/Glenside areas. The
water customers. We will continue efforts to
reduce sanitary sewer backups and 2005 sidewalks will be the last year of the
consequent liability claims. We will continue sidewalk program as we know it. We will
our inspection program to eliminate cross continue efforts towards accreditation.
connections between city water and unsafe
sources. We are locating streets and Building Maintenance: We will continue to
parking lots that have drainage to the maintain facilities and equipment in City
sanitary sewer in order to reduce owned buildings.
wastewater volumes from storms. We will
be replacing substandard fire hydrants and PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
will complete the retrofit of all commercial
water meters to "radio-read" type. Public Service Building: We will continue to
retrofit the lighting to energy-efficient units.
Water Distribution: Maintain our contracts to Security improvements will continue and we
distribute water to Muskegon Township area will replace worn-out vinyl flooring. The
located south of the Muskegon River and replacement of obsolete computers will also
the Northside District north of the Muskegon continue.
River in Muskegon, Laketon, Dalton and
Fruitland Townships. Future Outlook
Stormwater Management: We will be Public Works is one of the City's largest
implementing the second year requirements divisions in terms of manpower and funding.
of our Phase II National Pollution Discharge We continue to provide quality services for
Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This internal customers and residents, alike. We are
will involve Illicit Connection Identification also working to develop and implement
/Elimination and Public Education Plans. additional programs that will add to our
efficiency and benefit our customers. The
Sanitation: We service 14,000 residential division will continue to maintain the City's
customers including refuse collection, infrastructure elements and will look toward the
recycling, yard waste, neighborhood future to prepare to address the growing needs
dumpsters. We will continue with defective of the community in the 21st Century.
garbage cart. replacements. Our Saturday
neighborhood dumpster program will
continue, but "Pitch-It" stickers have been
discontinued due to budget restrictions. We
will explore a large cart subscription service
to reduce the need to replace carts.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Engineering Services: We are proud of
some 2004 accomplishments including the
completion of Smart Zone, Seaway
Industrial Park and Shoreline Drive East. In
2005, we will continue to develop, construct
and inspect all infrastructure projects and
monitor any third-party work within the City
right-of-way. The 2005 sidewalk program
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CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
LEISURE SERVICES DIVISION
DIVISION SUMMARY
The division also works closely with the
Leisure Service Police Department to improve community
safety. Programs are jointly sponsored to
Division Description provide information on drugs and other
The Leisure Services Division is made up of the harmful substances, as well as fun
following departments: Parks, L.C. Walker recreational activities for Muskegon's youth.
Arena, Cemeteries, Parking Operations,
Forestry, Farmer's/Flea Market, Recreation,
and Hartshorn Marina. The division is Promote Economic Stability, Diverse
responsible for managing all City park land and Economic Growth and Redevelopment.
other City properties with responsibilities The development of the Lakeshore Trail and
including grass cutting, litter removal, irrigation, the sports complex will help to promote the
preparation of ball diamonds and athletic fields, economic stability of the community and
set up for special events, maintenance of the encourage growth. The need to complete
L.C. Walker Arena, care and maintenance of the trail through Lakeside has already been
the cemeteries, maintaining City trees, demonstrated by the demand from the ferry.
management of the Farmer's Market, providing We continue to work with the West Michigan
recreational activities, and administration of the Trails Council to find money to build trails
marina and launch ramps. throughout the region and connect them to
other western Michigan cities. The addition
Divisional Relationship to City of the Clipper to Hartshorn should enhance
the promotion of tourism on the downtown
Commission Goals lakefront. We continue to promote and
encourage special events, which help to
Take Leadership Responsibility for bring people to the community and help
Improving Race Relations and Diversity. area businesses. The national recognition
The department endeavors to improve race obtained for Pere Marquette Park beach
relations and promote positive community through the Healthy Beaches and Clean
diversity through bringing various diverse Beaches Campaigns, also helps to promote
cultures together in recreational programs. the benefits of living in Muskegon. Each of
Most of the supervisory staff are graduates the neighborhood parks developed help to
of the Institute for Healing Racism program. improve the economic stability of the
The department is also working on having community by raising property value and
the seasonal staff reflect the ethnic diversity promoting Muskegon as a place to live and
of the community. work.
Foster Opportunities for City Youth. Sustain the Natural, Cultural and
Through the Recreation budget, the City Recreational Resources of the
offers opportunities for youth to participate Community.
in a variety of programs including We continue to manage the parks and open
swimming, basketball, and playgrounds. spaces to enhance and sustain their use by
We also work with various community residents and visitors to the city. We
groups, organizations, and youth sports received a grant from the state to plant
programs to provide facilities and funding additional trees within our right-of-ways and
for youth programs. The new Heart's N park and cemetery properties.
Park's program promotes healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, in 2004 we were not able to
39
work with neighborhood organizations to
plant flowers and beautify our neighborhood
parks because of budget cuts. We are CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
working with the Muskegon Conservation
District to provide storm water runoff Waterways Division of the DNR to do other
vegetation at the Grand Trunk Property. major improvements including replacement
With the new Special Events policy, groups of the breakwall. Energy improvements
are requesting fewer services from the city have been done at the Walker Arena. A new
due to the charge for services provision maintenance management plan is being
within the new policy. Therefore, staff will developed to enhance our ability to
spend more time on maintenance of city schedule the management of our facilities
facilities and less time on processing special and properties.
events requests.
Foster Strong Ties Among Governments Maintain and Enhance the
and Community Agencies. Neighborhoods of the City.
Our partnerships with Norton Shores for By maintaining a high level of maintenance
lifeguards have ended, as they are no on our public properties, we help to
longer providing lifeguards. We are enhance the residential neighborhoods of
continuing the agreement with Muskegon our community. Improvements to parks like
Township for the use of Softball World. We Beachwood help to improve the appearance
will be building partnerships for the use of of neighborhood parks that help maintain or
the soccer complex. We partnered with the improve the neighborhood. We continue to
Soccer club to redevelop Reese Field. We remove dead trees to clean up the
continue to work with Volunteer Muskegon neighborhoods. The Walk Michigan
on many projects, including graffiti removal. program was reinstated in 2003 getting
We also continue to work with Muskegon hundreds of people walking for their health.
Public Schools on the joint use of facilities. The walking track at Marsh Field is an
We are a member of such County-wide excellent example of putting new facilities
committees as the Accommodations Tax within a neighborhood to spur new activity.
committee, the Heritage Landing master The youth recreational programs that
plan committee and the Stay Active service most neighborhoods provide
Muskegon Board. The Risk of Drowning wholesome activities for neighborhood
Committee, which we are a member of, is children which enhance the quality of life for
trying to promote the safe use of the beach the residents of those neighborhoods.
through Safety Sam. We work with the "Y"
on the Summer Swim team and we are 2005 Budget Highlights
working with the Main Street program to
beautify the downtown. Parks Department: The department will
eliminate one Horticulturist. Scheduled
Develop and Maintain City Infrastructure capital replacement projects are on hold.
and Facilities. Priorities for the Parks budget will be to
This goal is integral to our purpose as a increase maintenance on City properties as
division -- that is to protect and improve the the need to process special events requests
public facilities we manage. To that end, is reduced. The City will no longer fertilize
Phase IV of the Lakeshore Trail from all properties.
Fisherman's Landing to Heritage Landing
has been completed and is being heavily Cemetery Department: One Cemetery
used; we are working with the Muskegon Maintenance Worker has been eliminated in
County Community Foundation to add a the 2005 budget. Capital replacement
larger (6ft) half-pipe skateramp in the purchases are not anticipated in 2005.
skatepark which was rebuilt in 2004; and Several of the seasonal employees will be
we have received a grant from the eliminated.
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Recreation Department: Much of the youth
recreation programs will be continued. All CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
the playgrounds, the grade school
basketball program, and the winter
recreation programs will continue, as well as
the adult sports programs, where income
covers the expenses.
Forestry Department: The Forestry staff will
assist in the Cemeteries as necessary.
Little or no work shall be done to trees in
Parks and Cemeteries or other city property.
Farmer's/Flea Market: No changes are
proposed for the Farmer's Market. The city
will continue to look at possibly moving the
market sometime in the future.
Marina Department: No major changes are
planned for the 2005 season. Plans for
future renovation of the marina will be
completed during 2005. Plans are under
way to accommodate the move of the
Clipper to the Marina
Parking Ramp: The parking ramp will
remain closed, but the budget reflects work
to be done to the former mall parking lots.
L.C. Walker Arena: Emphasis is being
placed on bringing in new events to the
facility and for reducing the general fund
subsidy to the facility. We anticipate that
the basketball team will generate new
revenue.
Future Outlook
The City of Muskegon has one of the finest
Park systems in all of Michigan. The City is
committed to continuing maintenance and
improvement of this valuable resource. Through
working with the neighborhood associations,
private businesses, other governmental units,
and local organizations, the Leisure Services
Division will continue to improve the quality of
life for all residents.
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CITY OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
DIVISION SUMMARY have youth "mentor" with us throughout the
year. These are good opportunities to help
COMMUNIT