HART - Following the November elections, many local municipalities councils and boards will change as outgoing members terms expire and new members are voted in. Serving in this capacity is important work.
At last Tuesday’s Hart City Council meeting, City of Hart Mayor Vicki Platt reflected over her past six years on the council, saying, “As a council, we’ve worked to understand and make decisions to the best of our ability. The next council will need to trust our decisions just as we trusted those made before us.”
City Manager Rob Splane then took the opportunity to present a report of some of the city’s major projects completed during Platt’s tenure.
Grant activity included over $8M in grant funds being realized to help upgrade the city’s water and sewer infrastructure; support plant expansion at Hart BioPure; bring a West Shore Community College satellite to Hart; demo a blighted building, create pop-up shops and add parking; install art pieces; create the downtown Pocket Park; and conduct a “First Impressions” tourism assessment.
The city was able to implement several financial initiatives as well, which benefited the city by thousands of dollars: the annexation of several Hart Township parcels into the city; implementation of a city investment policy; updated the city’s TIFA (Tax Increment Financing Authority) plan; implemented Retiree Health Funding Vehicle Corrective Action Plan; implemented meter reading technology to save over 450 staff hours annually; and successfully completed collective bargaining agreements with the police and utility workers unions.
Several improvements to the city’s roads and infrastructure have been undertaken and completed: updates to the DPW and Hart Energy buildings; upgrades to the systems monitoring the city’s water and sewer systems; extensive street work on Lincoln, Hanson, Wigton, Griswold, Wood, Jefferson and Hart Streets; receipt of $9.5M in revenue bonds to improve water flow, add water system redundancy, expand BioPure capacity and allow new efficiency to operations; and replacement of 65+ percent of water meters.
Community and economic development efforts included the creation of a downtown Pocket Park; removing and repurposing of a blighted building on East Main; allowing golf carts on city streets; graduation from Hart Main Street and the creation of HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team); achieved Redevelopment Ready Community Certification; implemented TextMyGov testing system; created a social district downtown; completed wayfinding signage project; developed The Hart Project to bring more art and culture experiences; secured a developer to build new housing units within the Creeks subdivision and worked with the HOA to set up future building opportunities; formed a new Parks and Recreation Department; involved the public and local students in city council retreats; implemented a sidewalk replacement program; began a future streetscape design; negotiated sale of commercial property at 3 E. Main to allow for redevelopment; as well as created and supported several community events.
Despite all that has been accomplished and ongoing over the past six years, the city shows no signs of slowing down. They have a long wish list and are currently working on next steps for several projects including: improving access downtown from Hart Lake; creating an improved pedestrian/bike-friendly streetscape and enhancing public gathering spaces; working toward becoming more inclusive and improving communications; installing more art; creation and implementation of a rental property inspection program, all while striving to develop strong relationships with neighboring communities.
Platt closed the Oct. 8 meeting tearfully, saying, “I can’t say much right now except, you know what you’ve done, and I really appreciate it.”
The past six years have been busy for sure, and it is assumed that every municipality across Oceana County could come up with its own long list of accomplishments. Each entity appreciates and welcomes citizen involvement; from meeting attendance and participation to becoming involved on a committee or running for a council or board position. The Oceana Echo reminds its readers that it’s up to everyone to stay informed and get involved. More information can be found at each municipality and organization’s website. Community members are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions and be a part of helping to make our community better and stronger.
