Ontonagon Village approves sidewalk dining, sewer line correction
At their May 10 meeting, the Ontonagon Village Council approved Syl’s Cafe for sidewalk dining this year again. Last year the outdoor dining saw good use and the restaurant wants to offer it again this year. Approved dates are May 25 to Sept. 6.
Interim Manager William DuPont presented a brief report and update, in part, as follows:
• The documents for the forthcoming audit are due on June 1, and the interim manager foresees no problem in gathering this information on time. The audit is expected to be completed by July 1. DuPont reaffirmed that his priority is to have the village’s financials where they need to be. Council can expect to receive relative financial statements by July 1 and every month thereafter.
• One more auditor’s finding, as reported in the 3/31/2020 audit has been addressed but DuPont reported; “We are still bogged down in issues that we have frequently uncovered but once we get through these, we will make solid progress.”
DuPont added; “I feel good about the direction the village is heading and we will do our very best to resolve any outstanding issues.”
It was moved by Councilor Donald Chastan to approve the Interim Manager’s report and carried.
The Village of Clinton had sent a letter dated March 10 inviting the Village of Ontonagon to become a participant in a class action suit against the mandate of the State of Michigan to require municipalities to pay for replacement of specified water lines on private property. They claim this is contrary to General Law Village Charter.
If the legislature is unwilling to change the law(s) involved it may be necessary to take legal action against the State of Michigan. Ontonagon was asked to pledge $2,500 as a share in the legal costs of such a suit. At issue was whether or not it is legal for one municipality to donate to another community to carry on litigation of this nature.
In the opinion of the Michigan Municipal League, this would be quite legal and further more the MML would like to see this matter considered by the courts. The village was advised, however, to consult with its local attorney if there is any uncertainty in the regard.
A recent communication from the Village of Clinton updates the matter in their taking a “different route.” Further action was tabled until matters develop further.
Two bids had been received for installation of the new lift station on Tin Street, as follows:
Northland Electric, $125,531
FA Industrial Services, $187,166
The review of the bids by GEI (engineers) found that both bidders satisfied the requirements. It was recommended that the contract for the 2021 Tin Street Lift Station be awarded to Northland Electric.
It was moved by Councilor Mike Rebholz to accept the Northland Electric bid for the amount listed and this was carried.
A proposal by GEI was considered, in response to the questionable installation of sewer service for the Kulis residence on Gorman Avenue. The project had been authorized by the former manager but was not supervised by a certified engineer and the property owner whose parcel the new sewer line was to serve had serious doubts about the installation. After investigating the situation, the interim manager recommended correcting the problem. GEI Consultants presented a proposal to provide professional engineering services to install 300 feet of 8” sewer main. This is for the design work only and not for the actual construction. The project could total up to $15,000.
It was moved by Trustee Elmer Marks to make matters right by approving the GEI contract for the Gorman Avenue sewer line installation and this was supported by Sarah Hopper and carried.
The US Coast Guard will be holding a free boat inspection on May 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the marina pavilion.
Rebholz reported that he has applied for three sizeable grants:
-Marina Travel Lift: $373,725.00
-Turnout gear washing for the fire department $ 16,134.00
-Rescue truck also for the fire department, $227,995.00