Peter Auger

For a few days last week I had the opportunity to attend city manager camp (actually called the Michigan Local Government Manager’s Association Winter Institute).  This is where 225 top municipal managers gather to keep the saw sharpened (for those Steven Covey fans). As an ICMA Credentialed City Manager I am required to attend at least 40 hours of training per year.

This was a very good institute where a lot of ideas were exchanged. It is also a great place to see what others are doing and measure what we are doing versus other communities. Rest assured we are doing a lot of things right, but we can always improve. Finding what other managers are doing well helps us not reinvent the wheel.

One session was on what is coming up on the radar screen for Election Day. Every 16 years the question of a Constitution Convention (Con Con) is placed on the ballot. Electors will get to decide whether we have a Con Con, then we would have to elect delegates to deliberate and come up with a modified constitution or an entirely new one. There is no funding for this process and I don’t think there is any time frame for the process. Then, the final document would be placed on a ballot to see if we the people want to keep the current constitution or move to the “new” one.

Wow, that is big. What would you want in a Michigan constitution? Or would you prefer to leave it like it is.

I attempted to look at the making of legislation and what would be good legislation where I found “Signed by President Lincoln in 1862, the Homestead Act is short and beautiful –two qualities good legislation should have, and two qualities in which legislation today is utterly lacking.”  Larry P. Arnn.

Ok, 1862 for good legislation, what about making a good constitution? I went further back and read “I draw my idea of the form of government from a principle in nature, which no art can overturn, that the more simple anything is the less liable it is to be disordered, and the easier repaired when disordered; and with this maxim in view, I offer a few remarks on the so boasted constitution of England.” Thomas Paine, 1776

Good old Tommy P. then goes on to explain the complexity of the English Constitution and how complicated and convoluted the set of governing laws are. The beauty of the two above authors (some 234 years apart) is that simplicity reigns supreme, when written and if it ever needs to be changed. We may error in trying to cover every circumstance that arises, and then we will need more complex laws to correct the correction, and so on. This does seem to make common sense. Hey, maybe that’s why Mr. Payne used the title for his pamphlets on explaining why a simple representative republic was the best form of governance to live with “Common Sense”.

Very interesting stuff.

Written by Travis Simmons and Dave Harran

In difficult economic times, the City of Auburn Hills Department of Public Services continues to look for ways to reduce operating expense. Continuously researching and testing emerging trends and new technology helps us to stay ahead of the game. One of these anticipated budget reductions for this year is a new advancement incorporated into our sewer maintenance program.

Since the acquisition of a new sewer camera inspection unit in 2008, our inspection crews have uncovered dozens of pipe deficiencies. Seventeen of these pipe deficiencies were budgeted for replacement by a contractor in 2010 at an estimated cost of over $500,000.

The discovery of a new product has had a huge impact with the repair of defective sewer pipes.  A no-dig pipe repair system has been incorporated into the DPS which allows us to repair broken sewer pipes without the expense of excavating the site to make the repair. The repair is guaranteed to last 50 years. Best of all, each repair has a material cost of about $600, which is considerably less than contracting a repair. The DPS is overly optimistic with this new product acquisition. We are anticipating a savings of $350,000 in 2010.  

The picture below is of a typical defective sewer pipe. This one happens to be located beneath a newly constructed roadway along Walton Blvd.

The second picture is of the same pipe repaired less than eight hours later without costly excavation.

The implementation of this product not only reduces repair costs, but also cuts down on sewage treatment costs. Ground water tends to infiltrate the sewer system at separated joints and cracks. As we make repairs to the sewer system and reduce the number of pipe breaks, the ground water infiltration is lessening, thus reducing sewage treatment costs.

This is just one of the many sewer repairs that the DPS can handle in-house with little or no disruption to the surrounding areas above. This technology eliminates the expense of costly excavations, is much safer, and can be done in a shorter period of time. Also, the sewer repair reduces any infiltration that may be present at the pipe defect, thus lowering sewage treatment costs.

The following photos illustrate how trained city employees set up for the repair.

Guest Blogger: Doreen Olko, Police Chief

One thing that distinguishes Auburn Hills Police from other agencies is that we do more than just respond to calls for assistance but we do our best to fix the issues that can plague a community over the long term. 

You may have heard the term Community Policing floating around local government circles (sometimes even at the state and national levels). Often it’s not clear what that really means.  Here in Auburn Hills it means three things:

Unlimited community partnerships

Problem Solving Policing

Intelligence led policing

So what does each of those mean?

Unlimited Community Partnership means that we establish partnerships with all kinds of people and organizations in our community to help us do our job.  For example, we have a school liaison officer who works in all of our public and private schools because we play a role in a safe and secure environment for kids and we help kids become better citizens.  We partner with the private security folks at the large commercial entities in our city so that together we meet their needs whether it is traffic management, homeland security issues, workplace violence or others.  We can spread the resources of our personnel farther through these partnerships and accomplish more with less.  We partner with neighborhood associations so that we know what is important to them and can use our limited resources toward those things they are concerned about the most. 

Problem Solving Policing or POP is a policing strategy that causes us to use the tremendous amount of data we have to analyze where and how community problems and issues are happening and develop strategies to improve the situation.  Crime is one of the problems but it could be other things like a perception that crime is afoot or growing disorder problems that could eventually lead to criminal activity.  We work with our partners (people or groups who have a stake in the issue) to size up the problem, brainstorm solutions, select and try one of the proposed solutions then evaluate our success or lack thereof.  If the problem is not improving then the process is repeated.  Our approach to traffic enforcement is another POP strategy—our goal is to reduce traffic crashes, using enforcement as one part of a total strategy that includes engineering and community education.

Intelligence Led Policing is a policing model that causes us to tackle crime problems by first analyzing the activity and the trends using the large amount of data we gather to direct our limited resources toward the solutions that we believe will bring the greatest chance of success.  It is a targeted approach to crime control. 

We use a combination of all three here in Auburn Hills because we believe that our community wants us to be friendly, professional and effective.   We understand that we contribute to the great quality of life to be found here in Auburn Hills.

Guest Bloggers: Treasurer’s Office

Many people strongly believe in the philosophy that their dog is truly their best friend. They talk to them, bring them everywhere, and love them like they would a child.  That is why it is so important to make sure that your beloved pet is kept healthy and licensed. 

We know that some people do not have their dogs licensed for one reason or another. They may feel the process would be difficult; they may not know where to go; or they simply may forget.  If your child were to disappear you would want a way to locate them.  That goes for your dog as well.  Licensing your dog gives an added way for your dog to be located, and you can do this by simply stopping by the Auburn Hills Treasurer’s Department during normal business hours.

Your dog would be registered with Oakland County Animal Control.  If your beloved pet does become lost and is wearing the license, and is found either by a resident, the Police, or Animal Control, it is quicker for you to get them back home where they are safe and loved (and serve a possible doggie time-out?).

From December 1st until the last business day of May, (this year it is the 28^th), the Treasurer’s office will be selling dog licenses. A rabies certificate signed by your vet needs to be presented in order to purchase the license. If your dog is spayed or neutered, we would also need proof because the price of the license goes down.  Below are the current 2010 rates:

            Male / Female: $15.00

            Spayed / Neutered: $7.50

 Senior Citizen Discount (65 years and older):

            Male / Female: $13.50

            Spayed / Neutered: $6.75

As an added convenience, you can obtain your license on-line by going to www.oakgov.com/petadoption click the link “now get your pet license online” and follow the instructions.

 REMEMBER:

 THE MORE EFFORT YOU MAKE,

THE GREATER THE CHANCE OF FINDING A LOST PET

At first glance the three above might not have much in common, except maybe for some obscure blog.

Today was one of those days that seemed like it was repeating itself. I walked in the door of my house after our council meeting at about 10:30 last night. At 5:45 this morning I was heading back to the office with that feeling that I just did this. Then that radio voice came on the car radio announcing that he was excited to see if “Punxsutawney Phil” was not going to see his shadow and hence an early spring.

Ah, now it makes sense, it’s ground hog day again…wait I have an idea for a movie.

At last night’s city council workshop and city council meeting I was very impressed on the working of a representative style government. Sometimes we simplify the process and say we live in a “democracy”. Call me old fashion, but I prefer a democratically elected representative form of governance. Watching this process is always interesting, but when done civilly and respect for others opinions, no matter how many times I witness it, it is very rewarding.

I think a lot of people are aware of “the tip of the iceberg” saying. Last night the city council finished off the non-union benefit package for 2010. The non-union group has had changes to their total compensation package that will now save the city about $179,000. This is not just for 2010, but every year into the future. Some of the changes affect what they pay for their own healthcare, restructured and reduced pension benefits, and compensation reductions. Over the next ten years these changes will be a saving to the tax payers of about 1.8 million dollars. These types of structural changes are the items that change trend lines and were mentioned last year by the Bond Rating Agencies as they upgraded our Bond Rating two notches.

Many also do not understand that we have artificially capped the non-union wages structurally from being in the top 25% of the peers of their respective comparables.

The city council has made it clear that changes in how we structurally work are not done.

 Maybe we have just seen the tip of the iceberg, but I am sure as we move forward this representative form of government will succeed.

Like many days, today I had the opportunity to speak with a few people about leadership. Over the years I have had plenty of opportunities to exercise leadership, although sometimes not in a leadership position.

Over these numerous years I have tried to continue my growth as a “leader” more by action than words, therefore it is harder for me to put into words to others how to hone their leadership skill sets. Recently I came across a Marine Corps Officer that explained he was exposed to leadership training and he still uses the following traits and principles as a benchmark for developing leaders.

Marine Corps Leadership Principles:
- Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
- Be technically and tactically proficient.
- Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
- Make sound and timely decisions.
- Set the example.
- Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
- Keep your Marines informed.
- Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
- Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
- Train your Marines as a team.
- Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

He also stated “we were never taught to be managers”. I find it interesting if you replace Marines in the above list and place the word organizations in its place, the list for grooming leaders works very well.

Could this be why our armed forces put out some very good people who know how to exercise leadership?

Tonight I get to go watch my daughter compete in track at the college level. Yes, I am proud, just like any parent is when their children work hard and succeed at something they enjoy.

But then I got to thinking…Am I really old enough to have two daughters in college?   That’s just in case you are about my age and weren’t feeling quite old enough today.

Just think the people who are in college now like my daughter, who was born in 1991, are too young to even remember the tragedy involving the space shuttle.

…and their lifetime has always included HIV and AIDS. The CD was introduced two years before they were born. They have always had answering machines or voicemail. They don’t know what snow tires are or where the term “roll up the window” came from. There has always been cable TV. Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Oh wait there is more… Popcorn has always been able to be cooked in the microwave. They never took a swim and had scary thoughts about Jaws.

They don’t know who Mork was or where he was from. They never heard ‘Where’s the Beef?’, ‘I’d walk a mile for a Camel’, or ‘de plane, Boss, de plane’.

What about only having one TV in the house and one phone (and that one didn’t go in the car).

I think in life eggs have been good for you, bad for you, and now again good for you again…Oh yes, a lot has changed in our world in the last 18 years. Even an older guy like me can see a lot of it has been very good, especially about your children becoming young adults and being good at something they enjoy.

Yesterday and today blend together, meeting to meeting, and then off to another meeting. One of the highlights from yesterday was the City’s annual State of the City Address that was hosted by the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce at our Community Center.

Asides from visiting with business friends and enjoying food that was supplied by Vista Grill of our Fieldstone Golf Club, I really enjoyed the Mayor’s reflection of 2009 and inspiration to do even better in 2010.

There is no way I can cover everything and do the Mayor justice, but his theme was that Auburn Hills is Open for Business. Some of the highlights:

The Mayor attributed the upbeat attitude to team of talented individuals who are guiding Auburn Hills into the future. “Our residents serving on Boards and Commissions, dedicated City Council members, knowledgeable administration and employees, and the leadership of City Manager Pete Auger have proven to be a beacon that illuminates the way to innovative and creative solutions to many issues facing municipalities today,” McDonald said.

–Fiscal Responsibility and Budget
The City categorized capital projects into areas of greatest need. By prioritizing these initiatives, $3.7 million could be deferred and $1.3 million are now on hold. This enabled the City to maintain its infrastructure until additional funding options become available to tackle less critical projects. The 2009 annual budget was $68.7 million, but through departmental cost savings measures, the City saved $7.6 million, 11 percent below the original budget. Part of the savings was realized through refinancing existing bonds and a conservative approach to staffing.

–Business Development
The City’s Business Assistance Team continues to establish a friendly business environment by publicizing that Auburn Hills is “open for business” both locally and globally. For the third year in a row, the City was recognized by the University of Michigan-Dearborn for being an “Entrepreneurial City.” Auburn Hills will see construction on vital projects in the areas of high-tech manufacturing and alternative energy. The City also plans to tap into the great potential of Auburn Hills as a college town, and for growth in the medical field with the launch of Oakland University’s Medical School this fall.

–Downtown Development
The Mayor recapped the revitalization of the downtown as a result of the City Council’s adoption of the strategy put forth in the 2009 HyettPalma report to further enhance the rising downtown into a popular gathering place for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

The City has already transformed an unsightly vacant lot on the corner of South Squirrel and Auburn Road into a 600-foot public patio and walkway, and purchased satellite office space at 3395 Squirrel Road that features a conference room for the business community to use at no charge.

Projects underway in 2010 include the Wireless Downtown Initiative to provide access to free internet service in the downtown area. Also, at the February 1st City Council meeting, the City will discuss plans for holding a weekly summer/early fall Farmers’ Market downtown.

–Police & Fire Departments
The Mayor extended kudos for successful efforts to keep Auburn Hills safe.

The Police Department was selected for the 4th consecutive year as a “National Award Winner” for outstanding participation in the 9th Annual National Night Out to demonstrate community effort to give crimes and drugs “a going away party.”

The overall crime rate was reduced this past year, and the most serious crimes, including robbery, assault, homicide and arson, were down 7.7 percent.

Auburn Hills Firefighters’ Helping Hands Organization received an $8,500 donation from the employees of Continental Automotive Systems North America in December to aid their ongoing outreach efforts.

–Environmental Excellence
Auburn Hill continues to be a pioneer in “green initiatives” by reducing waste and carbon emissions.

The City was honored by the American Public Works Association as well as the “Keep Michigan Beautiful” Board for the Public Safety Building Green Roof Project. The “Green Building Policy” was given the 2009 Oakland County Green Achievement Award. Auburn Hills was also recognized as a significant contributor to environmental excellence for Chrysler Tech Center Water Quality and Education Programs and was named a Tree City USA for the 10th year as the Forestry Department planted more than 200 trees in 2009.

Auburn Hills went through an energy audit by the “Rebuild Michigan Program” to find ways to reduce energy consumption. The City began installing LED lighting in a variety of buildings and outside areas with a 72% reduction in electrical power consumption.

The City also installed a new meter reading technology called Mosaic Firefly as a pilot program in November. Approved at the January 18, 2010 City Council meeting, Mosaic transmits meter reading signals wirelessly, reducing vehicles on the road and saving $50,000 annually off the cost of vehicle and personnel expenses.

Auburn Hills adopted a Riverwalk Master Plan last November to create a catalyst for economic development but also improve the environmental quality of the riverfront. The City will look to utilize grants and community support to complete this long-term project.

–Successful New and Continuing Events
The City continued to host a variety of engaging events for all ages throughout the year and added two new events to the entertaining line-up: a successful Downtown Friday Night Music in the Park Series and the Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast 500 Big Wheel Race at the Civic Center to raise money for charity.

In the area of recreation, 32,000 rounds of golf were played at Auburn Hills’ municipal Fieldstone Golf Course in 2009 and 125 golf outings were hosted there.

–Volunteerism
Mayor McDonald reported that volunteerism continues to make a positive difference in the community.

The City implemented a new volunteer program, SHARP (Senior Home Assistance Repair Program), designed to help seniors and disabled residents continue to live with dignity in their homes. In 2010, volunteers will be performing maintenance and small repair jobs throughout Auburn Hills. For more information on how to sign up or become a volunteer, contact Senior Services Director Karen Adcock at 248-370-9353.

Also in 2009, Senior Center volunteers clocked over 6,000 hours delivering 16,000 meals to homebound seniors as part of the Meals on Wheels program.

In conclusion, Mayor McDonald commented on the year that passed and the year ahead.

“Over the past year, the City has witnessed an amazing evolution quite unlike any other we’ve experienced,” Mayor McDonald said. ““Because of the state of the economy, we were forced to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to prepare for a number of scenarios that will lead us into the future. This preparation has allowed us to shape our city into one that has a strong sense of place and community and is accessible and welcoming to new business. Our citizens and employees have approached challenges with inventive solutions that will take Auburn Hills into a strong 2010 and beyond,” he summarized.

Like I said, it is hard to capture everything, but the above gathers some of the important things.

Last year we updated and upgraded our city web site. We did receive some great comments on how much fresher it looked and the improved navigation ability. Well this year we worked on the Fieldstone Golf Web site.

Check it out.  http://www.fieldstonegolfclub.com/

Make sure you view the course layout section. Then click on each hole number. This is going to change my entire game now that they tell me how to play each hole.

It is not too early to think about your company (or charity golf outing). By chance if you don’t have a company or charity outing, stop by, there are plenty fund raisers you can participate in that all go to good causes while having a good time on one of the nicest (and challenging) public courses.

So as we wind down winter (hey it’s the end of January), clean up your clubs and shine those golf shoes, spring is just around the corner.

Sometimes, we in government get frustrated too. We, at the local level of government, often get thrown in with other government levels that we have little to do with. Recently one State elected official came out with a new cause for this year. The effort is to reduce “all” government employees pay by 5% and increase the employee contributions toward health care to 20%. Wow, great bumper sticker, but how does that affect the State budget issues? I will give you a hint, it doesn’t. Local governments, for the most part, are fending for themselves. Here, in Michigan our State has walked away from State Shared Revenue obligations that they are suppose to pass through to local governments to ensure basic levels of service, this is due to actions by the State government, not local governments.

We, again, at the local level, do have to control our cost, and will have to continually adjust to things that are happening in real time. But I know our budget position is stronger than those under the responsibility of said State Legislator.

Sometimes people have to come up with new laws and regulations, just for the act itself. I was recently challenged (by someone who belongs to a Leadership Think Tank that I correspond with) to look up Draconian, it refers you to Draco, the Athenian legislator (about 1777) and his harsh code of laws. “Draconian measures” are often taken when an organization grows too fast, and needs to get control with the chaos that comes with fast changes.

Then we get mission creep when we become more about control than growth and betterment.  This “Draconian” model then squelches innovation. If we can step back a minute, this looks like a common path, but it doesn’t work long term.

One of the reasons for Auburn Hills success is we have not hit that point where we are overbearing with rules, just to have rules. We think we have found the right mix of governance and that puts us in a great shape to lead.

To quote Joanne, from the same Leadership Think Tank, “management is about what you control; leadership is about what you unleash…” I like that.