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THANK YOU, WE DID IT!!!
It was an incredible night.
There are so many people that helped me in this process and I’m so grateful to all of you.
We have an amazing city and I am so appreciative of being given this opportunity to help.
For those of you who voted for me, thank you, I promise I will work my hardest.
For those of you who didn’t, I promise I will do my best to earn your respect and your trust.
We are blessed to live in this town, thank you for the opportunity to serve.
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PLEASE VOTE
It is hard to believe that we have only 1 day left until the election.
I got into this race because my family loves living in this city and we care about the community. We have a great city but it has some pressing challenges. We need to make sure our council is focused on the core responsibilities to the residents, Infrastructure, Budget and Public Services. Furthermore, the council needs to have a team with the experience and skill set to constructively help with those challenges. I am an engineer with two decades of experience managing businesses and working through technical challenges.
Our council owes it to the residents to get back to focusing on core responsibilities, not only to give residents peace of mind but also because the division of politicizing the council is a disservice to our city.
I have worked very hard throughout this campaign, I have knocked on thousands of doors throughout the city not only to introduce myself but also to get to know residents. I have listened to anyone willing to talk because council members need to represent our entire community. I promise that when I commit to something I am all in, I will work hard and do my utmost to work with our team to build upon what has made Grosse Pointe Park recognized as one of the best places to live.
Thank you to everyone,
Please Vote Tuesday.
Max Wiener
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Storm Water Summit 10/29
The election is four days away, and beyond campaigning prospective council members need to prepare for the challenges facing our city.
I have continuously said it isn’t sufficient for members of our council to be concerned but to bring insight and experience to the job to be collaborative partners with our team.
To that end I continue to try and study up on issues that face our community with special focus on infrastructure. I attended the SEMCOG Storm Water Summit today.
https://www.mi-stormwatersummit.com/events/2021-regional-stormwater-summit-were-going-virtual
My intention was to get insight into options and practices used in communities across South Eastern Michigan regarding storm water and flooding.
Most interesting to me was some of the storm modeling going forward in our region, spoiler alert, projections are that our capacity isn’t sufficient going forward. That said while we work to review and improve our respective systems there will be possibilities for support, not only in the form of available grants but with communication and cooperation with neighboring communities. We are going to have to be smart and efficient as we try to build upon our city's aging infrastructure.
Beyond that, this week I also met with the owner of a construction firm that is currently upgrading sanitary pumping stations and wet wells in St Clair County. I wanted to hear what are the practical challenges facing water infrastructure construction projects right now, including supply chain and material challenges, cost overruns, etc.
I don’t take responsibilities lightly, and I will always do my best to be prepared for any tasks at hand.
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EERV City Council Meeting October 25
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Extreme Emergency Relief Valve (EERV):
I have spoken to lots of residents about this issue. The single biggest challenge for Grosse Pointe Park regarding flooding is a lack of control of our sanitary system. As of now, our sanitary pipe (barrel), runs under the city and discharges to Great Lakes Water in Detroit (GLWA). GLWA unfortunately has proven to be an unreliable partner and back in June, when their system went down, there was nowhere for the sanitary water to go. Literally the only physical thing that can happen is the sanitary barrel will continue to fill until it can only back up into our homes.
This must be addressed, the interim emergency option that the city is working towards is the EERV. Along Essex the Sanitary and Storm barrels are parallel and close together. Our Storm water is discharged by Grosse Pointe Park pumping stations at Patterson. The Concept of the EERV is to put a bridge valve between the barrels, so that in case of a systemic failure, where GLWA stops taking sanitary water, before the system floods into our homes we can bleed off sanitary water and pressure and discharge into the lake. To give context to numbers, currently we can discharge roughly 80-120 CFS (600- 900 gallons/second) of sanitary water to GLWA, while the EERV isn’t finalized, there are estimates of roughly 100-250 CFS (750-1875 gallons/second) of sanitary water drainage capacity.
This is a no-brainer, we need to have some systemic control. Nobody likes the idea of sanitary water going into the lake, but there are major points:
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· This is an emergency measure, which should only be used in dire circumstances of a catastrophic storm coupled with a GLWA failure.
· This sanitary water would be diluted by storm water and going into a massive fast flowing body of water mitigating much of the issue.
· When basements flood with sewage, residents will end up pumping sewage out of their homes so a portion will inevitably end up discharging with our storm water whether we like it or not.
· The environmental impact of discharging sanitary needs to be weighed against the environmental catastrophe of sewage flooding countless basements, creating dump trucks of trash, a sanitation and health and safety calamity, not to mention the environmental and economic impact of using thousands of gallons of bleach and cleaning solution and then hauling all this garbage away and replacing all the lost property.
This proposal has existed for years, but DEQ now EGLE from the state slow walked the process. However, we now have a tremendous leverage point and we have an opportunity to work towards this. BUT WE NEED TO PRIORITIZE THIS. If you have ever worked with governmental regulators, if you don’t aggressively pursue the opportunity when you have it, THEY WILL MOVE ON. The fact that this isn’t the first and foremost priority of our council right now is mind boggling to me.
There was a vote last night, it was an administrative vote to have the city proceed on the pursuit of the EERV, to work towards the benchmarks that EGLE set out so that we can apply for the permitting to put in place a protection for our homes and city. Council member Fluitt voted against this measure, council member Relan was not in attendance but based on their history of voting together I suspect he would have likely also voted against it. That is way to close and is doubly startling when other than council member Hodges (who voted for EERV) they are the only returning members of council and some of the candidates echo their sentiments.
Ensuring stable infrastructure is the paramount duty of our city to the residents. I have been working in industry for 2 decades, I have been working with governmental regulators just as long, this opportunity will be squandered if our council does not take it seriously. The EERV is a tremendous tool for the city, it is a cost effective stop-gap to protect against catastrophe where we have no options currently. We have an election in a week, we cannot blow this opportunity.
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Water Infrastructure:
As I have discussed in the past, I am a Materials engineer, my studies were heavy in process engineering and plant design. Professionally I have been working in metal finishing and plating for 2 decades, I’ve designed and operated waste water treatment systems. I’ve personally been involved in design and installation of water chiller systems, water reclamation systems and I couldn’t even tell you how many pumps I have personally installed and repaired all serving facilities that process tens of the thousands of gallons of water a day. However, there is always more to learn.
I had a great walkthrough of Port Huron’s waste water system. I know the team there and talked to numerous personnel, ranging from the supervisor, operators, lab personnel to maintenance. Theirs is a facility designed to treat 20 million gallons of water a day, with nominal average flow of 9.5 million gallons a day.
It was a really informative experience on multiple levels. Like us they have been wrestling with extraordinary rainfall and aging infrastructure. I was able to get perspective on their pumps and capacity restraints, failsafes and backup systems, their catastrophic response, as well as insight into day to day operations and routine maintenance (including supplier base) as well as long term capital planning.
Their system is different than our own, but there are parallels and there is overlap. Understanding the dynamics is important and having relationships with other operators and municipalities can be an invaluable resource in a pinch.
To best serve a city we need people who aren’t only concerned but are equipped with experience and insight to constructively work on issues. There is no question that water infrastructure is the single biggest challenge facing our city today. My education and professional experience give me tools that I can bring to help our council but I promise that I will always work to build on my experience to be the best resource I can be for our residents.
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Sincerely,
Max Wiener
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Please Vote
I entered this race because I care deeply about the city of Grosse Pointe Park, I am so glad that I moved here and that I am raising my family here. I simply couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
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I want to give back to our community and I have the professional background as an engineer with 2 decades running manufacturing companies to do just that.
Our residents deserve an informed, focused and qualified council to work towards improving our city. We need a council that has practical experience and understands the fundamental responsibilities of management and team work in order to work together to solve pressing challenges.
My name is Max Wiener and when you fill out your ballot please consider that not only do I believe a council must be focused on Infrastructure, Public Services and Budget but I’ve got the experience and resume needed to tackle them.
Thank you,
Please Vote November 2nd.
Max Wiener
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Absentee Ballots are Arriving, Please Vote
I am running for city council because I love raising my family in Grosse Pointe Park, it is an outstanding community and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
My goal is to give back to the community that has been so good to my family. I want to bring my experience as an engineer and a business owner to the council, to help it focus on the core responsibilities of running a city. When residents know that the infrastructure, public services and budget are the top priority and being managed responsibly they can put their focus on their families and neighborhoods.
Thank you
Max Wiener
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K-Line Trolley is Back!
One of the many gems that made our city wonderful and that my family most enjoyed was the K-Line Trolley. For us it was a little tradition to take a ride and stop and get ice cream or dinner on a nice summer day. It was one of those things that brings us together as a community. I was very disheartened earlier this year when it became apparent it wasn’t going to be running, and the absence of the Trolley was one of the more common questions I was asked about.
I have been active for several months trying to do what I could to help the process of getting the trolley back. Thanks to the hardwork and generosity of the Business Association as well as a number of residents I am very excited to be taking my family for a ride this weekend.
Thank you everyone, I am looking forward to Friday.
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We Came in First in the Primary!​​https://www.grossepointenews.com/articles/wiener-tops-primary-mcconnell-close-second/​​
Thank you to everyone who voted on August 3rd. I did my best to put in the work throughout this process and while I was hoping for a strong showing I was surprised and humbled by the result.
I am grateful for all of you who have supported and helped me in this process and I want you to know that these results just reaffirm my passion to work hard for our wonderful city. My focus has never changed, I am running to get the focus of city government back to the core business of running the city and I believe I have a skill set that will be very beneficial in that pursuit.
Again, I can not thank the residents of Grosse Pointe Park enough for this result but make no mistake, the work is just starting and I am absolutely up for the challenge.
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June 26: Storm Statement from GPP
630pm Storm Update June 26, 2021
The State of Michigan through Governor Whitmer’s Office has declared a State of Emergency for Wayne County Due to Impacts of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding. The City is working with the Wayne County Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Management and the National Weather Service following the storm. Preliminary data shows 8.19 inches of rain fell within a 24 hour timeframe within Grosse Pointe Park
Property Damage- Property that been damaged and needs to be disposed of please bring to the curb right away. Grosse Pointe Park Public Works, Green For Life and other Grosse Pointe Public Works Departments will be assisting to take trash away starting on Sunday and throughout the days ahead. If your trash is typically picked up in the alley but the alley is flooded, please bring to the front of your home.
Vehicles- As best as possible please move cars that have gone into the street as we need access for Public Safety, Public Works, Restoration companies and Trash Services
Communication- For questions or concerns please contact the Department of Public Works at 313-822-5100 or email through our website at www.grossepointepark.org/citizen_request/ City Hall will be available on Monday as well to answer phone calls at 313-822-6200
Water Consumption- At this time there is no concern of restricting water use
Damage Assessment – Please fill out this form if you have damage from a sewage disposal or stormwater system event. The purpose of this reporting form is to collect information only, and is not a mechanism for any other type of reimbursement or financial assistance. Under PA 222, this form must be returned within 45 days of the event. Failure to return this form within that period will bar your claim.
https://www.grossepointepark.org/.../City%20of%20Grosse...
Restoration- For residents considering assistance with restoration and clean up here are a few companies that can help but not limited to:
Servpro of Grosse Pointe
313-882-5499
Balfor Restoration
800-856-3333
Rainbow International
313 347 2233
Detroit Water Damage and Restoration
313-447-0244
MGM Restoration
888-514-4639
We are truly thankful for the community in helping our Public Works and Public Safety clearing catch basins, cars, assisting residents in need and being one community. As more information becomes available we will continue to update.
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League of Women Voters Candidate Forum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohwhr4tK9zg
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Public Services Committee Update :
Water Line Replacement
The meeting was held June 15. I’ve attached the link to watch it, this was a big meeting. The meeting can be viewed at:
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmLvZv-yevDZqYejO9F-ijQ
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First and foremost, residents need to know that our water is safe. The lead line mitigation requirement is a mandate from the Michigan Safe Water Drinking Act of 2018. Our infrastructure is old, and much of it has reached the typically projected end of life cycle point but there is no imminent risk to our health. The situation in Flint was entirely different. What happened in Flint was due to corrosive water leaching the metal. Our water source (GLWA) does not pose any risk to leaching, furthermore, we have an additional safety in that our water is specifically treated to further reduce corrosion. In fact GPP water is currently testing far below the newer stringent limits. I’m saying this not only as an engaged resident who has been following the issue, but I am a materials engineer (this is my area of study) and I work with EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) and the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) before that.
Some bullet points.
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· Initial proposed plan: 4 phases of major infrastructure work over 5 years.
· Infrastructure work is water main replacements, lead line replacement
· Total projected costs of the 4 phases: 27 million dollars
· It is estimated there are 2033 homes that require lead line replacements (48% of total)
· The average lead service line replacement is approximately $6000 and goes up to the meter into the home
· Initial plan 60% of the lead lines should be completed within 5 years
· Subsidy Programs exist (but GPP is not a prime candidate)
· Plan Submission is July 1st, our Special Meeting is June 28th.
· Assuming 20 year bond, the average home will see roughly $400 a year in additional water bills
There is some major infrastructure work that needs to be done regarding the pipes, our water mains are old and are the end of their service life, they need to be changed else we will see increasing breaks and added costs. However, the bulk of the cost is a state mandate (Michigan Safe Water Drinking Act of 2018) requiring municipalities to replace water lines that could potentially have lead leakage points under the right conditions (we aren’t actually talking physically lead pipes but rather joints that have lead composition that could leak under specific circumstances which we aren’t actually at risk of in GPP). Again, this is an across the board mandate in the state effective January 2021 (COVID has resulted in some delays hence the July 1st submission) that municipalities effectively replace 5% of lead services lines per year, and GPP is looking at almost half of our homes (2000+) need this mitigation to be done by the city. That said, this is an aggressive, proactive plan, that would result in 60% of the requirement being done in the first 5 years. The follow up special council meeting will be Monday June 28th at 7pm.
This issue should have been at the forefront of our meetings for the last year and a half. Unfortunately, the political activism being pursued by some council members was a huge distraction costing us on this critical issue. Looking back at some of the meetings in the last year, seeing what consumed time when we knew this was hanging over us, is stunning.
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However, there is no benefit fixating on what could have been, now we need to focus on what the city will do going forward. This episode underscores the need for experienced and qualified people on the council.
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Public Safety Update:
Before my family moved to Grosse Pointe Park, we lived in a cute subdivision in a quiet suburb. One day while my wife was asleep in our bed after a night shift in the hospital, we were victims of a home invasion. Luckily, everything was alright; she called the police, the assailant was caught, however due to that episode we had our first real experience with public safety. I’ve grown acutely aware of what they provide when they are called on.
Since living in Grosse Pointe Park, I have been extremely impressed with what our public safety does for the community. I’ve never felt safer, although I’ll admit, I’ve learned that you don’t mess around when driving in the Pointes.
More than a year ago I started making an effort to get to know our public safety, as well as making sure that my children and other children got to know them. Community isn’t just about knowing your neighbors but also trying to meet and appreciate those that work and serve it. So I made it a point to try and visit our public safety and bring neighborhood kids and to show our appreciation we would bring meals. In all these interactions, public safety has been incredibly gracious, showing the kids around teaching them about what they do. I encourage others to do the same.
Unfortunately, public safety hasn’t been able to escape a big issue that has been hampering our city. The attempts of activist micro-management of institutions they don’t understand. In the last year public safety has been getting showered with a lot of unwarranted criticism, following a similar national trend. I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to the people in the community the officials making these criticisms have made virtually no effort to listen to, get to know our public safety officials or even understand their perspective, these are the same people demanding oversight control.
I try to be very up front about what I know and don’t know, but one thing I am always willing to do is listen and put in the work. To that end, public safety was kind enough to let me come on a ride along this past weekend. It isn’t the role of city council to tell the police how to do their job, but to be responsive when they communicate needs and concerns. Having perspective and relationships is the way that you help to do that job.
It is also important that as a community we say thank you to our public safety. We have the luxury of living in a wonderful and safe community, and that is not a coincidence. Our public safety does an outstanding job and it can be thankless at time. The more I learn about what they do and what they deal with, the more grateful I am to have them serving the community.
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March 1st, 2021 : Filed to Run for Council
