PARKING

 

DEPARTMENT FUNCTION

 

 

The Parking/Parking Enforcement Department is responsible for operation and maintenance of the five downtown municipal parking lots.  These lots include the following:

 

Lot Number One       Entry north off of Court Street between Church and Jefferson Streets.  Located east of the Hastings Public Library.

 

Lot Number Two       Entry north off of Court Street between Jefferson Street and Michigan Avenue.

 

Lot Number Three     Entries off of Jefferson and Mill Streets.  Located south of the Hastings Fire Station and north of Apple Street.

 

Lot Number Four       Entry east off of Church Street between State and Apple Streets.

 

Lot Number Five       Entry west off Church Street between State Street and Apple Street.

 

          Responsibility for operation and maintenance of these lots is shared by the Department of Public Services and the Police Department.  The Police Department monitors the lots for   parking and other violations.  The Department of Public Services provides winter and summer maintenance.

 

DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

Goal 1:

 

            To provide downtown parking facilities necessary to serve the commercial and other entities located there.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To monitor downtown parking needs and attempt to provide sufficient parking to meet these needs through cooperative efforts with the DDA and other entities.

 

          2.       To provide facilities optimizing the available parking opportunities.

         

          3.       To promote the downtown by provision of adequate parking facilities.

 

Goal 2:

 

            To maintain the downtown parking facilities in a high quality condition as desired by those utilizing these facilities, and those providing funding for maintenance operations.

 

Objectives:

          1.       To provide sufficient labor, equipment and materials to ensure adequate maintenance operations.

 

          2.       To plan for future maintenance and operational needs and to secure funding to provide for these needs.

 

          3.       To constantly seek ways to improve the level of parking service provided.

 

          4.       To work with outside agencies such as the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and the downtown business owners to improve the parking lots and the level of service provided.

Goal 3:

 

            To monitor and enforce parking regulations.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To provide monitoring and enforcement activities designed to optimize utilization of the parking facilities.

 

          2.       To provide sufficient staff for compliance activities.

 

 

PARKS AND RECREATION

 

DEPARTMENT FUNCTION

 

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for all matters relating to the construction, management, maintenance, and operation of the physical properties and services of the parks and recreation facilities owned, leased or operated by the City of Hastings. 

 

The Department is responsible for general operational oversight of the parks and related facilities, including administration of the ordinances related to park operation.   The Department works with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other State and Federal agencies to obtain services and funding for improvements to the parks and recreation system. 

 

The Department works with and provides funds for the Barry County YMCA to provide recreation services for local residents.  Recreation facilities within the parks are utilized by numerous public and private groups.

 

          The Parks and Recreation Department is administered by the Department of Public Services.  The Director of Public Services is charged with direct oversight of the Department.  In turn, the Director of Public Services is accountable to the City Manager who is ultimately accountable to the City Council.  Personnel and equipment from the Department of Public Services are utilized for maintenance and other operations within the park facilities.

 

DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

 

Goal 1:          

 

Maintain the Park and Recreation Facilities within the City of Hastings in the finest possible condition.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To monitor and maintain the park grounds and facilities as required.

 

2.       To repair or replace damaged park equipment.

 

3.       To strive to improve the quality and quantity of park and recreation lands, facilities and services

 

          4.      To maximize the quantity, quality and efficiency of effort spent in obtaining these goals.

 

Goal 2:

         

Provide the Parks and Recreation Facilities most needed by the citizens of Hastings and maximize the use of these facilities.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To maintain the City of Hastings Parks and Recreation Master Plan in current status and to update the Plan as necessary.

 

          2.       To review the Master Plan to determine community needs and desires and to strive to provide facilities in accordance with these needs and desires.

 

2.                  To work closely with the Barry County YMCA to provide programming and recreational opportunities for Hastings citizens.

 

3.                  To work with outside groups and agencies to maximize the use of park facilities through schedule optimization.

 

          5.       To actively promote the Park and Recreation Facilities available in the City of Hastings.

 

Goal    3: 

 

          Construct, monitor and maintain the park grounds and facilities in a manner which maximizes the safety of those using, maintaining or passing near the parks.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To allow only high quality materials and construction methods to be used for construction or maintenance of Park and Recreation Facilities.

 

          2.       To hire, promote and train individuals committed to excellence in service, and to provide adequate incentives to ensure that they will continue to strive to maintain quality performance.

         

          3.       To train, retrain and monitor the park maintenance personnel to insure safe operation of maintenance equipment and interaction with the public.

 

          4.       To inspect the Park and Recreation Facilities and schedule and perform necessary maintenance or replacement of facilities as required ensuring all facilities are as safe as possible.

 

          5.       To monitor legislation and regulatory requirements for provision of facilities and services to insure all facilities are kept up to modern standards.

         

          6.       To seek supplemental funding sources to allow continuous improvement to the park system.

 

7.       To constantly strive for improvement in the services we provide.

         

          8.       Seek to secure adequate funding, manpower and other resources necessary to ensure proper oversight and maintenance of the park system and related improvements.

 

Goal    4:

 

To broaden the number and scope of recreational opportunities available to those utilizing the park system and recreational facilities within the City.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To provide documentation and information regarding grant opportunities and other funding sources for park improvements.

 

          2.       Seek to complete improvements to the Riverwalk and recreational trails with local forces.  Use this work as a match in securing grants from the MDEQ, MDNR, CMI and other sources.

 

          3.       To strive toward accomplishing the goals contained within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and to facilitate the projects contained within the Plan.

 

                4.             To monitor potential opportunities for expansion of recreational opportunities and to provide feedback to those able to capitalize on these opportunities.

         

          5.       To work with agencies advocating community wide recreational programs and to promote the Hastings area as a whole.

 

          6.       To work closely with the Barry County YMCA as the City's recreation services provider.

 MAJOR STREETS

 

DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS

 

          The Revenue Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for providing operating revenue to fund maintenance and routine operation of the major street system within the City.

 

All of the streets in the City are designated under Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951 as either major or local streets.  In general terms, streets which service vehicular traffic whose destination is along or close to that street, are categorized as local streets under Act 51.  Streets serving traffic with destinations outside of the local area of the street are categorized as major streets under Act 51.  Major streets must meet specific requirements for dimension and construction to be eligible for categorization as such.  Act 51 requires annual reporting of any changes to the local or major street system as well as financial and audit reporting of the City's expenditures relating to the street system.

         

The City receives revenue for maintenance of the major street system from the State of Michigan.  This revenue is significantly larger than the revenue received from the State for maintenance of the local street system.  The revenue received is based on a formula (which changes annually) incorporating a funding factor multiplied by the number of miles of major streets within the City.  Several other external and internal sources of revenue supplement the revenue received from the State, primarily the City's General Fund.

 

 

Construction

 

          The Construction Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all new street construction and reconstruction projects on streets classified as major under Act 51 in the City.  Relatively few street construction projects fall in this category due to the smaller number of major streets than local streets (only about 1/3 of the City's streets are classified as major streets) and the requirement for most streets to be constructed as local streets and then reclassified as major streets following construction. 

 

Some outside sources of funding do allow for major street construction with sole or supplemental revenue coming from entities other than the City.  These include but are not limited to; the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Department of Commerce, and Federal transportation enhancement programs such as those developed under the Internodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) or the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). 

 

All major street construction projects are subject to the regulations included in Act 51 and are frequently subject to additional regulation depending on the sources of funding used to finance them.

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

 

Goal 1:

 

          To seek funding for improvements to existing major streets and construction of new major streets as designated in the City of Hastings Master Plan.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To carefully monitor all available outside funding sources to ensure that the City seeks available funding for major street construction, reconstruction or improvements.

         

          2.       To submit the necessary documentation to the appropriate agencies to satisfy the regulatory requirements for eligibility for such funding.

         

          3.       To provide input into the legislative and regulatory processes to promote the interests of the City of Hastings and other similar communities.

 

Goal 2:

         

To plan for required infrastructure improvements.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To maintain an appropriate infrastructure inventory and capital improvements plan to prioritize major street improvements.

         

          2.       To coordinate and obtain authorization for planned improvements with the appropriate entities such as the Hastings City Council and Planning Commission.

         

          3.       To monitor the needs of external developers and others and coordinate infrastructure improvements through the Council and Planning Commission.

 

Goal 3:

 

To implement construction projects funded under the major street program.

 

Objectives:

 

1.       To provide the necessary point of interface for obtaining grants and other funds.

 

          2.       To coordinate construction activities such as project design, construction engineering, project documentation, etc.

         

          3.       To work with outside agencies and other internal departments to ensure that fiscal documentation and other required supporting compliance documents are submitted in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

 

 

Routine Maintenance

 

          The Routine Maintenance Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all maintenance tasks performed on the major street system and the related rights-of-way in the City, other than construction or reconstruction projects.  All work done on these streets must be done in accordance with P.A. 51 to insure that the streets remain eligible for funding as Act 51 major streets. 

 

The major street system functions as the primary arterial network for vehicular traffic in the system, providing a means for non-local destination traffic (non-local to that specific street or neighborhood) to traverse the City.

 

          The Routine Maintenance Department uses employees of the Department of Public Services for most maintenance tasks.  When it is more efficient or special skills or equipment is needed, outside contractors are hired to perform certain tasks.  As with all Major and Local Street Fund Departments, general supervision of the Routine Maintenance Department is the responsibility of the Director of Public Services, with the Superintendent of Streets and Construction overseeing day-to-day operations.

 

Goal 1:

 

To maintain the major street system in a condition which facilitates safe vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the City of Hastings.

 

Objectives:

 

1.       Provide an adequate number of staff properly trained and equipped to repair and maintain the major street system and related improvements.

 

2.                  Maintain a fleet of vehicles and other equipment necessary to allow the Department of Public Services personnel to maintain the major street system.

 

3.                  Monitor and maintain all improvements within the major street right-of-ways in a condition which promotes safe travel to the fullest extent possible.

 

          4.       Seek sufficient internal and external sources of funds to ensure that the major street system is maintained in a condition acceptable to the Hastings City Council and the citizens they represent.

 

Goal 2:

 

To proactively identify and remedy any conditions which may negatively impact the traveling public utilizing the major street system and related improvements.

 

Objectives:

 

1.       Provide a means of actively monitoring the roadways, walkways, right-of-ways and other public travel conduits.

 

2.                  Identify substandard or deteriorating conditions encountered during routine monitoring.

 

3.                  Correct any defects or deteriorating conditions found in a timely manner to the fullest extent possible and reasonable.

 

4.                  Provide ongoing programs designed to prevent anticipated deterioration of the roadways and related improvements from negatively impacting the traveling public to the fullest extent possible.

 

5.                  Provide sufficient enforcement efforts to minimize the amount of loose debris (grass clippings, etc.) entering the streets.

 

Goal 3:

 

To anticipate and address the normal seasonal and other conditions which adversely impact the roadways, walkways and other major street improvements, and to provide a means for minimizing their impact.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To provide labor, equipment and supplies as necessary for timely removal of dirt, debris and other material which may negatively impact the major street system.

 

2.                  To provide labor, equipment and supplies as necessary for maintaining the roadway and walkway surfaces of the major street system.

 

3.                  To plan for staffing, material and equipment needs for accomplishing these tasks.

 

       Sweeping

 

          The Sweeping Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all street sweeping done on the major street system.  Street sweeping is done with a mechanical street sweeper operated during the spring, summer and fall seasons as long as weather permits.  

 

Goal    1:       

           

To provide a means for removal of dirt and debris from the surface of the major street system.

Objectives:

 

1.                  To monitor the condition of the street surfaces to determine the appropriate level of maintenance activities.

 

2.                  Provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies to facilitate timely removal of aesthetically displeasing and potentially hazardous material from the roadway surfaces.

 

          3.       Provide funds to allow for work to be done at times when the roadways are free of vehicles and other obstructions.

 

Traffic Services

 

          The Traffic Services Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for placement, replacement and maintenance of all regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings on or along the major street system in the City.  This includes maintenance and other tasks necessary to insure the traffic services appurtenances function as desired.  Installation and maintenance of signs, signals and pavement markings is done in accordance with the most current federal, state, and local regulations.  The Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides comprehensive guidelines for traffic services material installation. 

 

The cost of installation, operation and maintenance of traffic signals jointly regulating traffic movements on both state trunk lines and major streets (such as at the State Street - Broadway intersection) is shared by the City and the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The State retains the responsibility for actually performing the work.

 

Goal    1:       

 

To provide sufficient regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings to assure safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the major street system to the fullest extent possible.

 

Objectives:

         

          1.       To provide labor, equipment and supplies to insure that the regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings throughout the major street system are in place and functional.

 

          2.       To replace and repair all damaged or deteriorating regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings in a timely manner.

 

3.                  To provide new regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings as needed.

 

Goal    2:       

 

          To monitor and correct as necessary any conditions which may have a detrimental impact on the major street system regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  Provide sufficient staff and time necessary for an effective major street traffic services monitoring program.

 

2.                  Provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies to provide corrective action necessary in response to conditions observed in the monitoring program.

 

3.                  To monitor the impact of regulatory street signs on the motoring public and pedestrians, and to modify regulator signage as necessary to accomplish the desired ends.

 

          4.       To work closely with the City of Hastings Police Department to accomplish the above tasks. 

 

Winter Maintenance

 

          The Winter Maintenance Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for snow and ice removal to the fullest extent possible from the major street system.  Labor for this task is provided by the Department of Public Services.

 

Goal    1:       

 

To provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies necessary for removal of snow, ice and other detrimental substances resulting from winter conditions from the major street system.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To anticipate the annual seasonal winter conditions and to plan to provide the services necessary to minimize their detrimental impact on the major street system.

 

2.                  Provide an adequate supply of resources necessary in response to the anticipated conditions.

 

3.                  Monitor and maintain the necessary inventory of materials throughout the course of the winter months.

 

          4.       To constantly seek ways to improve the winter maintenance activities provided by the Department.

Goal    2:

 

To monitor and respond to the need to provide winter maintenance services in a timely manner.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To coordinate winter maintenance notification efforts with internal and external entities such as the Hastings Police Department, Barry County Central Dispatch, etc.

 

          2.       To seek sufficient funds to be able to provide the level of service desired by the citizens of the City of Hastings.

 


 

 

 

LOCAL STREETS

 

DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS

 

Revenue

 

          The Revenue Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for providing operating revenue to fund the operations for the local street system within the City. 

 

All of the streets in the City are designated under Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951 as either major or local streets. In general terms, streets which service vehicular traffic whose destination is along or close to that street, are categorized as local streets under Act 51.  Streets serving traffic with destinations outside of the local area of the street are categorized as major streets under Act 51.  Major streets must meet specific requirements for dimension and construction to be eligible for categorization as such. 

 

Act 51 requires annual reporting of any changes to the local or major street system as well as financial and audit reporting of the City's expenditures relating to the street system.

 

          The City receives revenue for maintenance of the local street system from the State of Michigan.  This revenue is significantly smaller than the revenue received from the State for maintenance of the major street system.  The revenue received is based on a formula (which changes annually) incorporating a funding factor multiplied by the number of miles of local streets within the City.  Several other external and internal sources of revenue supplement the revenue received from the State.

 

Construction

 

          The Construction Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for all new construction projects or reconstruction projects for local streets.  Most street construction projects fall under this category since most of the streets within the City are local streets (there are just over 30 miles of local streets and just under 15 miles of major streets within the City).  Major streets must also first be designated as local streets before switching into the major category. 

 

Local street construction projects funded by grants, special assessments or other methods, are budgeted (when possible) and tracked through the Construction Department of the Local Street Fund.  Since not all local street construction can be anticipated (public call at mid-fiscal year for a special assessment district may initiate a specific street construction project, for example), it is not always possible to incorporate all expenditures for local street construction into the initial budget.

 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1:

 

          To seek funding for improvements to existing local streets and construction of new local streets as designated by the Hastings City Council.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To carefully monitor all available outside funding sources to ensure that the City seeks available funding for local street construction, reconstruction or improvements where possible.

 

          2.       To submit the necessary documentation to the appropriate agencies to satisfy the regulatory requirements for eligibility for such funding.

 

          3.       To provide input into the legislative and regulatory processes to promote the interests of the City of Hastings and other similar communities.

 

Goal 2:

 

          To plan for required infrastructure improvements.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To maintain an appropriate infrastructure inventory and capital improvements plan to prioritize local street improvements.

 

          2.       To coordinate and obtain authorization for planned improvements with the appropriate entities such as the Hastings City Council and Planning Commission.

 

          3.       To monitor the needs of external developers and others and coordinate infrastructure improvements through the Council and Planning Commission.

 

          4.       To respond to the direction of the Hastings City Council (directly or indirectly through the DDA, LDFA, etc.) to provide local street improvements as designated.

 

Goal 3:

 

To implement construction projects funded under the local street program.

 

Objectives:

 

1.       To provide the necessary point of interface for obtaining grants and other funds.

         

          2.       To coordinate construction activities such as project design, construction engineering, project documentation, etc.

 

          3.       To work with outside agencies and other internal departments to ensure that fiscal documentation and other required supporting compliance documents are submitted in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

 

 

Routine Maintenance

 

          The Routine Maintenance Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for all of the maintenance work done on the local street system except complete construction or reconstruction projects.  Most of the work done by this department is done by employees of the Department of Public Services.  However, when it is either more efficient to contract with outside contractors, or when outside contractors can provide expertise or equipment not available to Department of Public Services employees, the work is contracted out.  The Local Street Routine Maintenance Department is the largest user of labor within the Department of Public Services.

 

          The Routine Maintenance Department primarily focuses on the day-to-day maintenance tasks necessary to keep the local street system (and the related public right-of-ways) in good repair.  These tasks range from the annual seal coating program to tree removal and trimming to storm sewer repair.  All work must be performed with the safety of the traveling public held in the highest importance.   As with all Major and Local Street Fund Departments, general supervision of the Routine Maintenance Department is the responsibility of the Director of Public Services, with the Superintendent of Streets and Construction overseeing day-to-day operations.

 

Goal 1:          

 

To maintain the local street system in a condition which facilitates safe vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the City of Hastings.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  Provide an adequate number of staff properly trained and equipped to repair and maintain the local street system and related improvements.

 

2.                  Maintain a fleet of vehicles and other equipment necessary to allow the Department of Public Services personnel to maintain the local street system.

 

3.                  Monitor and maintain all improvements within the local street right-of-ways in a condition which promotes safe travel to the  fullest extent possible.

 

            4.       Seek sufficient internal and external sources of funds to ensure that the local street system is maintained in a condition acceptable to the Hastings City Council and the citizens they represent.

 

Goal 2:

 

To proactively identify and remedy any conditions which may negatively impact the traveling public utilizing the local street system and related improvements.

 

Objectives:

 

1.       Provide a means of actively monitoring the roadways, walkways, right-of-ways and other public travel conduits.

 

2.                  Identify substandard or deteriorating conditions encountered during routine monitoring.

 

3.                  Correct any defects or deteriorating conditions found in a timely manner.

 

4.                  Provide ongoing programs designed to prevent anticipated deterioration of the roadways and related improvements from negatively impacting the traveling public to the fullest extent possible.

 

5.                  Provide sufficient enforcement efforts to minimize the amount of loose debris (grass clippings, etc.) entering the streets.

 

Goal    3:       

 

To anticipate and address the normal seasonal and other conditions which adversely impact the roadways, walkways and other local street improvements, and to provide a means for minimizing their impact.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To provide labor, equipment and supplies as necessary for timely removal of snow, ice, dirt, debris and other material which may negatively impact the local street system.

 

2.                  To provide labor, equipment and supplies as necessary for maintaining the roadway and walkway surfaces on the local street system.

 

          3.       To plan for staffing, material and equipment needs for accomplishing these tasks.

 

Sweeping

 

          The Sweeping Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for all street sweeping done on the local street system.  Street sweeping is done with a mechanical street sweeper operated during the spring, summer and fall seasons as long as weather permits.

 

Goal    1:

 

          To provide a means for removal of dirt and debris from the surface of the local street system.

 

Objectives:

         

1.       To monitor the condition of the street surfaces to determine the appropriate level of maintenance activities.

 

          2.       Provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies to facilitate timely removal of aesthetically displeasing and potentially hazardous material from the roadway surfaces.

 

3.                  Provide funds to allow for work to be done at times when the roadways are free of vehicles and other obstructions.

 

Traffic Services

 

          The Traffic Services Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for placement, replacement and maintenance of all regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings on or along the local street system in the City.  This includes maintenance and other tasks necessary to insure the traffic services appurtenances function as desired.  Installation and maintenance of signs, signals and pavement markings is done in accordance with the most current federal, state, and local regulations. The Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides comprehensive guidelines for traffic services material installation.

 

Goal 1:

 

To provide sufficient regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings to assure safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the local street system to the fullest extent possible.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To provide labor, equipment and supplies to insure that the regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings throughout the local street system are in place and functional.

 

2.                  To replace and repair all damaged or deteriorating regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings in a timely manner.

 

3.                  To provide new regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings as needed.

Goal 2: 

 

          To monitor and correct as necessary any conditions which may have a detrimental impact on the local street system regulatory and warning signs, signals and pavement markings.

 

Objectives:

         

1.       Provide sufficient staff and time necessary for an effective local street traffic services monitoring program.

 

2.                  Provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies to provide corrective action necessary in response to conditions observed in the monitoring program.

 

 

Winter Maintenance

 

          The Winter Maintenance Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for snow and ice removal to the fullest extent possible from the local street system.  Labor for this task is provided by the Department of Public Services.

 

Goal 1:

 

To provide sufficient labor, equipment and supplies necessary for removal of snow, ice and other detrimental substances resulting from winter conditions from the local street system.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  To anticipate the annual seasonal winter conditions and to plan to provide the services necessary to minimize their detrimental impact on the local street system.

 

2.                  Provide an adequate supply of resources necessary in response to the anticipated conditions.

 

3.                  Monitor and maintain the necessary inventory of materials throughout the course of the winter months.

 

          4.       To constantly seek ways to improve the winter maintenance activities provided by the Department.

 

Goal 2:

 

To monitor and respond to the need to provide winter maintenance services in a timely manner.

 

Objectives:

 

          1.       To coordinate winter maintenance notification efforts with internal and external entities such as the Hastings Police Department, Barry County Central Dispatch, etc.

 

          2.       To seek sufficient funds to be able to provide the level of service desired by the citizens of the City of Hastings.