Lookenbill Offers council View of 2002
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We have asked some of the newsmakers of 2002 to give their insider�s view of the events which shaped our county. In the days to come, we will present these viewpoints. This one is by Plymouth Councilman Ken Lukenbill
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By Ken Lukenbill
Plymouth City Council
PLYMOUTH � I have been requested to comment on some of the accomplishments of this past year from the point of view of serving on the Plymouth City Council and to note the challenges to the city for the upcoming year.
The primary focus of the council for 2002 has been budgetary issues. The projected results of the statewide reassessment for property taxes and the state�s shortfall of revenues in its overall budget is definitely going to have adverse effects on the city of Plymouth�s financial picture for the upcoming years and beyond. The City Common Council has taken a proactive approach this year in addressing the city�s less than rosy economic picture. Additionally, the city Clerk-Treasurer Toni Hutchings has done a fine job in assisting the council in its task of limiting spending of the taxpayer�s dollars.
Because of the budgetary problems, the city had basically two options available; either consider borrowing money to meet operational expenses along with increasing the cost to the user of municipal services or limit unnecessary spending within the city budget.
The council saw the first option as an unreasonable burden on the individual taxpayer.
They chose to adopt the second option, even though it requires a belt-tightening for city departments, while still enabling the city to deliver the same quality of municipal services to city residents.
In December, the council members voted unanimously to freeze city- wide new hiring and to limit spending for new equipment and other expenses.
The city and the library board joined forces to acquire additional public parking north of the new library addition. The approximately thirty-two parking spaces will not only serve the library patrons needs, but will also help in the relieving of congested downtown parking especially on Michigan St.
On Pine Road, just south of US 30, Councilman Chuck Ripley led efforts to improve the roadway by reducing the elevation of a portion of the road. The reduction had the effect of increasing the visibility for drivers. The work was done in conjunction with a then-ongoing state road project. The engineers working on the project were able to complete the Pine Road project at a much-reduced cost since the work crews were already on site.
Pine Road serves as an additional entrance and exit to the Industrial Park and lessens the traffic on Oak Road.
The health insurance premiums for city employees and their families came in significantly lower than the 16-18percent estimates that were expected. Nevertheless, based on a recommendation of the insurance committee, the vision coverage was changed to reduce the premium cost of approximately $15,000 per year without appreciably reducing the benefit to employees.
The dental insurance was changed to a reimbursement method for claims, which will result in an anticipated savings of approximately $15,000 without greatly altering the benefits.
The council updated the tax abatement guidelines to encourage new industrial growth and
retain existing industry. Abatements are reviewed individually with prime considerations given to new job creation and increased revenue to the city.
The council continues to take steps to assure the city is moving in the right direction. They approved an already budgeted line item for a traffic study.
With the possible closing of the entrance off US 31 onto 9A Road, the council feels it is imperative to plan for traffic flow in and out of the city.
Other long-range projects include the Greenways Project and the funding for a revised comprehensive plan.
The last comprehensive plan was adopted in 1976.
The council also approved the use of a city owned building that had become vacant for the use of our senior citizens.
During the past year, the Sewer Department has constructed a solution to the South Michigan St. viaduct standing water problem that arose during heavy rain by installing a backwater device and pumping stabilizer.
This project keeps modes of transportation open to the south side of the city including emergency vehicles lessening the need to use side streets for emergencies.
However, it will be imperative that every spending decision for 2003 that is made by this council be scrutinized carefully.
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