June, 2006

Kudos for the Water Department

Typically I let the other departments do their own bragging, but I’m going to do some for the Water Department just this once.  I have been on the fire department with two other communities; both having had water departments.  As a result, I have a pretty good idea of how a good water department operates.  Without a doubt the Plainfield Charter Township Water Department is the best designed, maintained, and operated of any that I am aware of.  I attribute this to the hard work and dedication of the former head of the Water Department, Vince Ferrarese. 

Vince has recently retired, opting to spend his time with his family and friends rather than going through the trials and tribulations of keeping water flowing to our homes and businesses.  The fire department and water system are rated by an organization known as the Insurance Services Office (ISO).  Insurance ratings are determined by how well the fire department, water department, and, to a small degree dispatch, are prepared to serve the area. Through the efforts of Vince and his crew the water department has received excellent ratings and has allowed residents to receive lower rates on their home owners insurance.  Homeowners save as much as $50.00 per year for insurance on a home valued at $125,000 because of our current ISO rating.  We received that rating, in part, because of the water department’s willingness to size water mains to allow adequate flow and place hydrants as they are required by the codes.  Believe it or not, there are some communities that are more concerned about the number of hydrants that must be maintained rather then the ISO rating for the community. 

So anyway, thanks Vince Ferrarese.  We appreciate what you have done for the community, and we will miss you.

The second item that I would like to share with you that the fire department will begin work on a new master plan.  As part of the planning process we would like to meet with the stakeholders in the community.  We will be inviting the schools, churches, businesses, and neighborhoods to participate in a values – setting meeting sometime in late June or early July.  Anyone wishing to participate should or call me at(616) 361-2895.  The more people involved in this process, the better we will be able to identify desires for current and future fire department programs and services.