During this week’s City Council meeting an update on the Showboat was provided, food trucks were approved for operation within the city, and an update on Chief Bukala were among the topics touched. The 36 minute meeting was simple and to the point with little to no discussion on agenda items.
Showboat Update
Lou D’Agostino, Chair of the Committee to Rebuild the Showboat, gave an update during an old business item. He indicated the committee is moving forward in designing a floating structure. They have been in contact with Chris Chamberlain, Captain of the Michigan Princess Riverboat in Lansing, to work on design options.
The main structure will be made of a steel and/or aluminium base on barges. Building something which floats and is not a permanent structure will make planning easier. A permanent structure would have to be approved by the Department of Environmental Quality, which would be difficult to accomplish and a more costly project.
When it’s time to decommission the current Showboat what will happen to it? Nothing is set but the committee has been considering auctioning off portions, salvage steel portions such as the pontoons, and keep portions of the boat to be incorporated into the replacement. D’Agostino said the committee will work with City Council, the City Manager, and the community as plans continue to develop.
The $1 million dollar grant from Senator Dave Hildebrand will certainly relieve some financial burden. But an additional $500,000 – $750,000 raised will be ideal to complete the project, which could include some improvements along the Riverwalk, such as rest rooms and building improvements and future upkeep of the new boat.
Food Truck Ordinance and Medical Marijuana Round Out Old Business
In January of this year the topic of allowing food trucks within city limits was a hot topic. During this week’s meeting the issues was resolved. Food trucks are allowed within city limits. There will be rules and regulations which can be found in Lowell’s Code of Ordinances. A fee structure was also approved based on where a truck will be be located and under what circumstances. Specifics on the ordinance and fees can be found in when viewing the agenda packet.
Prior to the City Council meeting a Committee of the Whole Meeting was held to consider information about medical marijuana within city limits. There was no further discussion on the matter.
New Business: N. Jefferson and Fremont Resurfacing, HydroCorp, and MERS
Councilmembers unanimously voted pay CL Trucking and Excavating additional money for the work completed on N. Jefferson and Fremont streets. Although there was an additional cost the project still came in under budget.
HydroCorp was also awarded a three-year agreement renewal for their services. This company manages the cross connection control which protects drinking water from being contaminated by water from other sources.
Finally, the Municipal Employees’ Retirement (MERS) annual meeting will be held in Detroit on September 21st and 22nd. Steve Donkersloot was selected as the employer delegate. Ballots were distributed and Gail Chitwood was selected to represent city employees.
City Manager Report
During his report City Manager Mike Burns said he’s looking forward to attending the fair this week. He started in his position with the city the week after the fair so this will be his first time seeing what it has to offer. He also stated that union negotiations with the Lowell Police Department, Lowell Light & Power, and city workers are complete with contracts in place.
It has been discovered that the ownership of Burch Field has not been officially transferred from the school district to the city. Paperwork was completed over 20 years ago but the deed was never updated. All parties involved are working on resolving the issue.
In the coming weeks the city website will get a facelift. Funds have been budgeted for this project in the current budget. Burns went on to comment about a trip this Friday to Fenton. Councilmembers will have the opportunity to see what Burns was involved with in Fenton pertaining to their streets.
Lastly, Burns provided an update on Chief Bukala. The Chief has been on unpaid leave since June 14. His case is in the judicial stage now. Bukala will not be dismissed from his position and will be able to return once the court case is settled. Burns said the five misdemeanor counts occurred prior to Bukala taking on the Chief of Police position and involved his ex-wife. Burns does not condone the activity but said, “I strongly believe he can come back.” A hearing is scheduled for September 1. If the case cannot be settled at this time a jury trial is scheduled to begin mid-September.
Meeting Information
The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Monday, September 21 at 7pm. 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.
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