SH Tribune Candidate: My Answer about Main Issues:
The SH Tribune Candidate Article in its 10/29 edition truncated much of my answer to their question on main issues to address. We were to provide 50-word answers. My 50-word answer to the question presented:
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Housing/Economic Development/Business Development - Ongoing Efforts:
How are we going to address the housing crisis that is slowing growth? It takes many dedicated people with an open mind to listen and find a common path forward. We need to be proactive. The South Haven Community 2023 Housing Analysis shows more than 300 vacant units (p16): 200 vacant dwelling units, 26 multifamily units rented but not occupied, and 122 multifamily units for rent. Housing has always been a top priority for me and that is shown by my involvement in City meetings. Connected with housing (pun intended), the ready-to-serve fees and hook-up fees need to be examined. We need to start thinking outside of the box. I have done that.
I continue to broaden my knowledge on zoning and other mechanisms to help community develop housing for our working families. I just attended a seminar on October 26 presented by MSU Extension on Workforce Housing and Tourism. They spoke of towns setting the bar. Housing discussed was not just for tourism, but how towns, where tourism is a key component of their economy, can make housing for their residents and seasonal workers. It was great to see a few other City of South Haven residents participate in this webinar on Oct 26th, but no other candidate appeared to be present on the zoom webex.
I'm Vice Chair of the City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Local Downtown Finance Authority. We have been hearing of new laws to assist with funding mechanisms. I also follow sources on the County level, for example, blight elimination opportunities through the Van Buren County Land Bank Authority. A key first step is making workforce housing in our community a reality and brining in the right groups and appreciating the hurdles. Did you know the City has received a 2023 Ph II Environmental Site Assessment of the Overton Site? I'm actively involved.
I am a problem solver. I've recently been called a Data Analyst and that was so heartwarming. I am a scientist dovetailed with a lawyer. The best way to get the decision right the first time is to review all viable options. Based on my community involvement over the last few years, I have proven that I am willing and able to roll up my sleeves and cut through the weeds and find the best solution to move forward.
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Lifeguards - More Details:
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Much focus is on lifeguards and I truly appreciate why with the four drownings on yellow flags in 2022. It will take a big effort to address the lifeguard issue before the summer of 2024, but it is possible. There are other actions to be taken that could go a long way to fill gaps. Ready to approach these issues with an open mind?!
The City Council will have to initiate any review immediately in January 2024 if there is any hope of having any impact by Summer 2024. The first step should be creation of a Lifeguard Committee. I propose these people as possible members, keeping it to 5 so the size is manageable and setting up by zoom to avoid travel in bad weather:
(1) Matt Dey: City Beach Safety and on-call SHAES
(2) SHPD: Sgt Adam DeBoer
(3) Resident with a lot of knowledge on the topic: Kam Doughtery or Sean Russell
(4) Non-profit dedicated to education and water safety training: Dave or Bob from Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
(5) City Council Liaison
Dedicated residents and supporters could start now compiling information, if they have not already prepared it, so the committee is ready to hit the ground swimming in January. We need to know at least costs, hourly wages to get qualified lifeguards of adult age where there is a shortage of lifeguards, what to do if we can't find enough lifeguards for what is proposed (fall back positions, e.g., start lifeguards at South Beach, how to cover other beaches, etc.), expectations of what a lifeguard would do (education/pro-active intervention of entering the water to avoid the need for water rescue, authority to issue tickets so SHPD doesn't have to be called, etc.)
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Simultaneously, these dedicated individuals should be able to provide guidance on updates to beach signage and water safety education. The signage has incorrect information. Did you realize the huge sign leading to the pier has this statement?: "Diving or jumping from the pier is not advised." Not too far from that huge sign is red sign high above eye level stating: "ENTERING WATER FROM PIER IS PROHIBITED" Do you agree with me that the messaging is inconsistent? Will you join me to finally get these inconsistencies corrected?
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I also request your support to require educational information about our great Lake Michigan in all places where tourists stay. Our Lake Michigan is more like an ocean with rip tides, among other dangers. In 2020, there was a huge educational effort. That was not visible in 2022 and we had 4 drownings. Volunteers like those in S.H.A.P.E. have filled a gap, but let's get information into places where tourists stay. Until there is a national water safety program, we need to educate our tourists on the local level. This should hopefully let them appreciate the dangers and also remove, or at least minimize, the conflict between those patrolling the water and those in dangerous water conditions so our SHPD do not have to help with beach safety as often as they did in 2023. We appreciate their help, but we also know there is a lot for them to do during the summer.
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Lifeguards and Beach Safety need to be addressed together. It's time for a thorough discussion with those in the know. Once again, I've been involved and know where to start and how to lead.
