Running through Politics

It is not often that my running and the fact that i am on the Zeeland City Council collide. Typically I just happen to notice a crosswalk light or street light that is out and report that to the city manager. This time it deals with a proposed pedtrian walkway between Main Avenue and Washington Avenue and on out to Zeeland Spectrum Hospital.  I will say this project excited me greatly, finally a pedestrian connector and I don't have to run on the road, and it connects me to the pedrtrian paths in Zeeland township. However, I am not alone in wanting a secure walkway, several members of adjacent industrial properties have voiced support of the proposal for safety and exercise opportunities for their employees. Many of the residents of the City of Zeeland and Zeeland township are also excited.

Over the last few years the Zeeland City Council has been trying to complete the gaps in our sidewalks and paths. Thus giving  a seemless feel to our pedestrian traffic. With years of sidwalk and pedtrian path maintenence and expansion our system has become very walkable and almost complete.

Complete except for one of a few loacations,

The red lines in the above image, indicate existing paths and the black line shows part of a proposed path connecting Main and Washington and then out to Zeeland Spectrum Hospital. it does not take much to the the gap that exists on Fairview. 

However, the City is getting push back from one party. Part of the  proposed path is located on the west side of fairview along the wooded area just north of Macatawa Bank and south of the Herman Miller access drive. (as Seen below) Bristol Meyers / Mead Johnson owns this property and does not want a pedestrian path on Fairview Ave for security reasons. I'll admit I am still a bit vague what is insecure with a path across the street.

In speaking with a friend of mine he stated.

" I also wonder why a maker of health products doesn't want to vigorously support tht people want to get and stay healthy? Their own website shows a big picture of a cancer survivor. Why can't they see the "path" to survival for others and support building a "path" 60 feet from their plant on land that has never been touched? When a corporation only thinks of themselves it sends a message as to what is most important to them, and it reflects on their products". -  Doug Barense

You know, Doug is right on the the money. He produced the below video which delt with a possible road closure, that has since been resolved. But he showed,  the need for walk ablilty to the Hospital Area and throughout that section of town. Take a watch through Doug's video.

Bristol Meyers has suggested an alternate route, which completely defeats the purpose of connecting Main and Washington. The red lines below indicate Bristol Meyers Alternate route, and the black line showing part of the original proposal. This alternate proposal has an additional price tag of $200,000, because of the extra distance.

The City of Zeeland is in the midst of discussing Complete Streets and had appointed a Committee to look into different styles as well as resolutions. The above mentioned Doug Barense who is on that committee and sent me over a few documents the committee created. 

"Complete Streets are designed and operated for all users - pedestrians, bicyclist, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Communities that adopt Complete Streets policies are asking planners and engineers to consistently design and alter the right-of-way with all users in mind."

That all said

Run Safe

City of Zeeland Budget

Last night we finished up a two night overview of the City of Zeeland  2011 / 2012 budget. While not the most exciting of sessions, they were no less important. What was evident over that last two nights was Federal and State influences on our budget  This year the Governors office has laid out specific proposed legislation that City's, Townships, Villages will have to follow in order to obtain state revenue sharing, a direct impact to their general funds. Units of government will have a check list to meet if they wish to receive Revenue Sharing. 

• Accountability and transparency performance dashboard October 1, 2011
• Develop plans for Consolidation and collaboration January 1,2012
• Address employee compensation

Other influences we saw were things like the FCC narrow banding project forcing city's all over the country to buy new radios for police fire and municipalities. Tools like the Brownfield Credits that are used for  economic and environmental development are proposed to go away. We may see rules for City employee Healthcare requirements, pension rules, Green power (a whole topic by itself).

All that said. They City of Zeeland is financially sound and will be able to meet the pending proposed legislation requirements, thanks to sound planning over the last few years. Over the next several weeks we will refine our budget, propose a mileage rate ( no increase is proposed) and then a vote to pass the budget. 

Be Safe

Change it up

My running partner and I have been hitting runs together 2 to 3 days a week. This past week her schedule  prevented her from any runs together, except for the our long this weekend. We both spit off and ran with other people and did different things. We both got different types of speed work in, and we both saw times on our Garmins that we were happy to see.

So often routine for one person gets you in that rut and your out there just because. Same happens with two people I believe as well.  Mixing up your routines and mixing with other runners forces you to get out of the box and try something different. Think of it as cross training across different people. Being flexible in your training can bring you good results and get to know some new people too. 

Don't get me wrong it will be nice to run with Amy again this Sunday. Hope we can wear shorts too.

Run safe Run Strong

Took a slush shower

I have become a firm believer that the only people who pay attention to runners and bikers are just that, runners and bikers. Today was just not our day, from the elderly lady who gave us the finger today, and no not that one, the one pointing back and forth at us to move over. Not sure where we were supposed to go and since the truck in front of her moved we really didn't see why she didn't either. And since we were running in the gravel already our choices were a ditch or finger ladies hood. My running partner and I do make it a point to do a "thank you wave" to drivers who do move over or who brake and hold back traffic to let us pass. To top it all of today at mile 6 or 7, a small straight truck decided that he wanted to douse a couple of runners and moved over to hit the giant slush pile and shower us with cold slimy slush. I am certain the driver was getting a pretty good chuckle, least someone did. 

So what side of the steering wheel are you? Is is that hard to move over, Especially during the winter season? for the runner, biker, and the walker? I am pretty sure that the finger lady is a firm believer in lines, and you better not be in them. That said, when your driving make sure you move over if only to teach the driver behind you.

Despite that we managed to crank out 10 miles of snowy roads, and solve a few of the worlds problems at the same time.

As always be safe.

Eat like crap then run

Running with friends sometimes forces you to be a bit flexible. Move your long a day here or there, schedule times differently. Maybe you have to work, maybe the weather one day is better than the other. When being flexible be sure to plan what you eat accordingly. Don't be like me this past weekend.

My son had made some Hormel dip for his lunch and it sure smelled and tasted so good, and I didnt have to cook my own lunch. Little did I know I would get a text an hour or two later and it read "lets get our 8 miles in now"  My running partenr and I  opted to run Saturday afernoon in the sun rather than the pending ice / winter storm that was predidcted on Sunday. Awesome right?

Yup 8 miles of Hormel dip jumping around in my stomach. Forced me to walk a few times just to let my stomach settle down.  Hartburn really bad at mile 7, pushed to just be done and end the stomach lurching.

It was good that I had an understanding running partner who slowed with me when I needed too, and told me to suck it up in the last mile and a half .

Guess that was my reminder that eating better before my longs is a must.

Good stomach = Good Run

Do the doo part Deux

Ah the subtle hints of spring, the days get longer, the weather breaks, the roads are clearer, the side walks show up again. And last but not least the dog doo, lots and lots of it. As I went on my morning run it became a dog doo mine field. I started jumping, skipping and hopping to the next safe spot. I know i was getting laughed at by passerby's that saw me acting like Super Mario. Storm was even getting into the act zig zagging between the danger that lay ahead. He looked up at me, I told him he was right, people just don't think. (don't tell me you don't talk to your dog [insert pet here]) It seemed to span several blocks, traffic cleared and I was able to get back to the safety of the road. 

Anyone who sees me our for a run will often see me with my dog Storm, a nice sized black lab, they will also often see me with a white bag swinging from one of my arms. And if you haven't guessed, it is not running snacks in there. I tend to carry it to the next garbage can, or home and discard it there. I guess people have other uses for those plastic bags you get from the grocery store, or figure the snow will cover it up, or maybe its biodegradable. 

Not every one lets their dogs doo litter the landscape, many are responsible with their pets. And thanks to them for doing what is right. I find it funny, yet sad that we many units of government have laws against doo dropping. drop a Google search and you will find over 100,000 hits.

If you feel as I do please link this, maybe if we spread the word a bit we wont have as many doo land mines. And be sure to thank those who carry bags or buckets for their pets.

/tread safely and cleanly

Tri what

Attending a meeting about doing the millennium triathlon in August, with a group from church.

Hmm not sure what to think about that yet.