(Skip Schulz/For the Gazette) Michael Burzynski of Project Rising Tide addressed the Ontonagon Village Council as to all that the program that former Governor Snyder granted to Ontonagon did for the village.

ONTONAGON — After being granted access to the village to be a part of Project Rising Tide by former Governor Rick Snyder, the project coordinator gave a wrap-up to the Ontonagon Village Council.

Michael Burzynski, fellow of Project Rising Tide (PRT) told the council that PRT worked with the Downtown Development Authority on a revitalization program.

“Their visions and revised plans are based on a vision of enhancement of quality of life for all the residents, attraction and retention of talent, demographic balance, green project, economic development and sharing the beauties and opportunities that the western shore of Lake Superior offer to visitors and new businesses,” Burzynski said.

The list of projects Burzynski reported on included a collaboration between the DDA and the school district. This dealt with students working with local employers. One student participated in the program and upon graduation was hired by a local employer.

The DDA conducted business owner gatherings, public participation events, updated the DDA’s 30-year plan, and worked on compiling a detailed map on Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This included expanding the TIF district.

Burzynski also stated that through the PRT the program on helping the village, business owners, and residents cut their energy bills. He also talked about village promotion via the internet, Michigan Back Roads, and the International Dark Sky Association.

“Facilitated and resourced funding for the hockey and figure skating association in order to repair and restore ice making capability for the Community Center,” Burzynski said. “Filed an application for a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Facade and Building Rehab grant funding opportunity for the business district.”

Village manager Joe Erickson commended Burzynski on all his work. 

“If one was to put a dollar amount as to all that Mike (Burzynski) did, it would be well over $100,000,” he said. 

Erickson talked about all the time Burzynski spent at the village offices and how Burzynski will be missed and is always welcome back.

Erickson also reported at the recent council meeting that the Personnel Committee has reached an agreement with the village employee union on the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement was unanimously approved by the council and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The agreement includes keeping the current health Insurance. It also has a longevity adjustment and a wage increase of 2% per year.

“We will eliminate post-employment health insurance by 2025, and establish a health care saving plan (HCSP) for employees with 1% employee contribution and 1% employer match,” Erickson said. “The employee may have up to 40 hours of leave time paid into the HCSP.”

The council voted to exempt the village from the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act. That was Public Act 152 of 2011 for the year 2019.

Erickson also reminded residents of the village ordinance dealing with no parking on village streets during the late night/early morning hours so that the village crew can plow streets.  Residents that do not obey the ordinance will be given a warning first, then fined after that.