City Council Breezes Through Short Agenda

As seems to be the trend lately, the Lowell City Council held a brief public meeting on Monday. Clocking in at a touch over 35 minutes, the council cruised through a short agenda before going into a closed session to discuss union negotiations. Here are the highlights.

(Note: For details about a trail discussion held during the meeting, please see this article.)

Litehouse Tax Credit Scheduled for Public Hearing

In light of its current expansion, Litehouse is applying for a $6.7 million tax abatement for its real and personal property. Under Public Act 198 of 1974, certain manufacturers can apply for an abatement of up to 12 years.

City Manager Mike Burns noted abatements are relatively routine ways to help encourage plant expansions and job growth in a community. He recommended the City Council consider granting a five year abatement. At that time, local officials could confirm Litehouse had fulfilled its end of the agreement, and the abatement could be extended.

A public hearing will be held on the issue during the April 17, 2017 City Council meeting.

LCTV Grants Approved

When the city sold its cable television business to Comcast years ago, the LCTV Endowment Board was created to award grants using the proceeds. At its Monday meeting, City Council approved the following grants recommended by the board:

  • $4,000 to the City of Lowell for LCTV Fund administration expenses
  • $40,000 to the City of Lowell for a citywide VOIP phone system
  • $4,000 to the Fallasburg Historical Society for website development
  • $25,000 to the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association for a land purchase
  • $3,526.30 to Lowell Area Schools for an audio broadcast console/mixer
  • $20,000 to Lowell Charter Township for the North Grand River Riverfront Park
  • $20,000 to Lowell Rotary to rebuild the Showboat
  • $2,465 to Vergennes Township for AV equipment
  • $14,500 to Vergennes Township for Fiber Optic Expansion

Jefferson Street Project Could Be as Late as August

In his manager’s report, Burns noted the long-awaited Jefferson Street project was finally be sent out to bid. However, the bid notice stipulates contractors can complete the work at any time from April until the start of school. Burns said he hoped giving this level of flexibility would facilitate lower bids for the project.

Councilmember Jim Hodges noted some residents on the street have high school seniors and may be planning summer graduation parties. He hoped families could be notified right away of the project timeline, once it was known, to give them an opportunity to work around the construction dates.

Before going into closed session, council members noted they would be at the Expo being held at the high school this Saturday. Members of the community are encouraged to stop by and say hi.

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