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City manager outlines S&P call, reserve policy suggestion and multiple infrastructure projects
Summary
City Manager Deborah Stewart summarized the city's S&P rating call and highlighted a recommended formal reserve policy; she also updated the council on Maple Street culvert closure, wastewater treatment plant start-up, sidewalk replacements and active bidding for the DPW facility.
City Manager Deborah Stewart told the council at its Sept. 2 meeting that staff participated in an S&P rating call tied to future bond sales and that the rating analysts requested the city formalize a reserve policy rather than leave it as an informal annual practice.
“I was really proud of the work that we've done, and demonstrated in that call,” Stewart said, and added that the agency had been impressed with Mason’s three-year budgeting and six-year capital improvement plan.
Stewart updated the council on several capital and maintenance projects: the Maple Street culvert replacement will require a full closure with rerouting and public notices to impacted property owners; staff indicated the closure is expected to last until mid-December. Stewart said the wastewater treatment plant construction and office remodel remain substantial efforts and the city is on track for a full turn-on of the new system in November, after which staff will begin decommissioning and demolition of existing structures if start-up is successful.
Stewart also said sidewalk replacement in the northeast quadrant will run from Sept. 8 to mid-October and that the M-36/127 Cedar Corridor item will return at the next council meeting after workshop feedback. On the DPW facility design and construction, Stewart reported active bidding activity: 31 contractors picked up the bid package and more than 50 individuals attended the site visit. She said staff are managing contractor questions and are hopeful of competitive numbers at bid opening.
A council member raised concerns about Consumers Energy’s pre-construction work and long-term street restoration; Stewart said staff discussed restoration expectations in pre-construction meetings and noted that the impacted area is slated for full street construction next spring, providing additional opportunity for restoration work.
No formal council actions were taken on these project updates at the meeting; Stewart said staff will bring a formal reserve policy for council consideration likely near budget time and will provide further project updates as milestones are reached.
