City Council Meeting: Kicking Off 2018

The first City Council meeting of 2018 set a tone for what’s to come during the next 12 months.  There wasn’t the fanfare from their last meeting’s ugly sweater appearance was not there, as the five member group started their first meeting of the year.  

The first order of business was naming the mayor and mayor pro tem, which is required the first meeting in January following an election.  Mike DeVore and Greg Canfield will keep their roles as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the next two years.  

Agenda Highlights
During a prior meeting, Councilmember Canfield requested City Council take a look at current contracts the city has for professional services.  These contracts include the City Attorney, street sweeping, airport plowing, city insurance coverage, and other services the city pays for throughout the year.  Under the direction of council, City Manager Mike Burns will pare down the list removing contracts which are required or an alternative is not available such as financial payments on equipment and Miss Dig.  Council will then look at a list of the 10 most expensive contracts and see if any of the tasks could should be put out for bid upon renewal.  Burns referred to these professional service contracts as a “hire based on fit” and he “view[s] them as a member of staff” due to the nature of the work provided to the city.  

Council also approved a purchase credit for Burns.  This is a purchase of time served to actual time served as a means to have the ability to retire early.  This purchase will be at no cost to the city as funds to pay for the service credit will essentially be transferred from Burns’ previous employer.  

The use of Williams and Works to develop a Street Asset Management Plan was approved during the meeting.  The cost of the plan, not to exceed $19,500 will be paid for by the local and major street funds.  This, along with a Water Asset Management Plan, the Storm Water Asset Management Plan, and Wastewater Asset Management Plan will be used to prioritize Lowell’s infrastructure needs for the next 10 to 15 years.  It’s anticipated all of these plans will be completed and melded together for a master plan by the end of 2018.

The final agenda item established a Public Hearing for Tuesday, January 16 during the next council meeting to discuss medical marijuana.  Those wishing to speak for and against allowing a dispensary within city limits will be allowed to address council.  Letters can also be sent to City Hall to be read into record if speaking is not ideal.  

City Council holds their first meeting of 2018

City Manager’s Report
Mike Burns provided updates and information on a variety of topics during his report.  A projector was used during the meeting to show the meeting’s agenda on a screen.  Burns mentioned the city is looking to enhance technology.  The city’s email server has been moved to a cloud based application and they are looking into using the cloud for other documents and services.  

The Department of Public Works was thanked for their efforts to remove snow, with employees taking time away from their own families and gatherings around Christmas.  This sentiment was echoed by other councilmembers during their comments.  

The Lowell Police Department also received props for their Cold Weather Warrior effort in 2017.  They were able to provide 35 students with cold weather gear.  

During a Committee of the Whole meeting, prior to the next City Council meeting, Burns will share revenue generating options.  He has been working for the past four months researching various options.  It’s clear that the issue of streets and other aspects of city infrastructure need to be addressed.  Likewise, how to pay for replacement, upkeep, and improvement is important.  The presentation of revenue generating ideas will be the springboard for bringing the discussion of infrastructure and funding to the forefront.  

On January 26 Lou Bender will provide members City Council with training.  Last year the focus was working together and with city staff.  This year’s training will deal with goals and objectives.  

Burns also reported he has been meeting with Lowell Township regarding water rates.  They last met before Christmas and will meet again in February.  He indicated progress is being made and a good working relationship has been formed among the 15 people representing both entities.  

The final topic from the City Manager was announcing retirement for both Mark and Theresa Mundt.  The pair combined have been serving the city and community for nearly 45 years.  Mark oversees operations at the wastewater treatment plant and Theresa is the Deputy Clerk and previously worked with the Lowell Police Department.  Their official retirement date is set for Mar. 30, 2018.  They were both thanked for their work over the decades and will be missed and hard to replace.  

Additional Items to Note
Two seats on the Planning Commission remain open and one seat is vacant on the Parks and Recreation Board.  Residents interested in serving should contact City Hall with a letter of interest.  Serving on a board or commission is a great way to learn about aspects of the city and become involved.  We will soon be starting an editorial series based on involvement on boards and commissions.  

Mayor Mike DeVore read a letter which announced clerk certification obtained by Sue Ullery.  The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks established the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk certification to provide education for the numerous aspects of being a city, township, or county clerk.  Ullery was congratulated on this accomplishment and her dedication to her job and serving the city.   

We are still looking for opinions from the Lowell community regarding medical marijuana.  You are encouraged to send an email to [email protected] with your comments for and against this type of business within city limits.  For additional information about the topic and what happened during the first public hearing see our two part article.  The first provides a background on the issue in the state and how the debate came to Lowell.  The second lays out what was discussed during the first public hearing just before Thanksgiving.  It hasn’t been said whether City Council will make a decision following the public hearing later this month but it is an option.  

Meeting Information
The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Tuesday, January 16 at 7pm.  Prior to this meeting a Committee of the Whole meeting will take place beginning at 5:30pm.  City Manager Mike Burns will be presenting information to council and the public on options for generating revenue.  Meeting minutes and agendas can be found on the city’s website.  And meetings can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel.  Or check in with Lowell’s First Look after each meeting for a recap of what happened.

You can also listen to meetings live at WRWW the, Lowell High School’s radio station.  Tune in at 92.3 or listen on their webpage during meetings.  

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