ONTONAGON — After getting a request from a downtown Ontonagon restaurant to allow the business to put tables and chairs on the sidewalk, the Ontonagon Village Council unanimously approved a resolution in support to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and unanimously approved the parameters the restaurant has to meet.

With Ontonagon’s River Street, the downtown street is the start (or end) of U.S. 45, and is under the management of MDOT. Even with MDOT discouraging the village officials from turning the sidewalk into outdoor dining, and turning the parking spots on the highway into pedestrian traffic, the council approved sending their support via a resolution to MDOT.

The restaurant will have to “go through some hurdles” to meet the village’s requirements, including providing liability insurance to the village, and putting up the required signs. The agreement with any restaurant on River Street would only be until Gov. Gretchen Whitmer relaxes her executive orders and allows the restaurant to have 100% capacity, or until Labor Day Weekend is concluded. 

“Whichever comes first,” said Village President Tony Smydra.

Connie’s Restaurant, which is also located in the Downtown District will not be allowed to put outdoor seating on either Rockland Road or Greenland Road. According to Smydra, this is because that restaurant has ample outdoor dining on their own property.

The council also approved Greg and Melissa Betcher to put their “Yooper Shack” mobile food stand at the Ontonagon Marina. This would be located next to the former chamber and Michigan State Police Post. They would have this concession stand on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12-8 p.m.

While the Betcher’s mobile food stand is self-contained, they asked for the use of the building’s electric and water utilities. They offers to pay for the utility costs.

JJ’s Tackle Shop was located in that building. Jill and Bill Johnson had rented that building and were interested in putting up a new tackle shop building on the property.

Former Village President William R. Johnson was appointed to the village’s Planning Commission. Jim Waters was appointed to the Village’s Recreation Commission.

During the village manager’s report, Joe Erickson discussed Gov.Whitmer’s numerous executive orders, including gatherings, temporary restrictions on certain events, and businesses that were released last week. As of June 10, indoor gathering of up to 50 people were allowed in the U.P.  

Since March, the village has been hosting weekly phone conferences on Ontonagon area economic recovery and public health and safety.

“Both of these will continue for the next month or so,” said Erickson. “Rich Ernest, chair of the DDA, has submitted an application for the MEDC Match on Main program. This is a cost-sharing program for downtown businesses to assist with reopening and marketing efforts.

“Ontonagon is one of only seven downtowns that submitted applications from the U.P.”

In response to the workplace safety orders, the Village Office will remain closed to the public.

“The office lobby is not large enough to meet the minimum social distancing guidelines,” Erickson said. “However, do have a window to provide services to accommodate the public interaction. All visitors to the Village Office and council room must complete a COVID health screening form before entry.

“Per MiOSHA, employees have be trained on workplace safety, are conducting daily COVID screening, and have PPEs available to them. Policies are in place regarding COVID leave and return to work guidelines.”

The council discussed meeting in different locations where the full council can meet, along with the public. Indoor public gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed beginning on June 10. The village’s council chambers were evaluated.  “For capacity within the social distancing guidelines and determined to have a maximum capacity of six to eight persons,” said Erickson. “With the size of the council and Commissions, there is not enough room to accommodate the all of the members, staff and the public for a meeting in the council chambers.”

Electronic meetings are allowed until June 30.

“The MML (Michigan Municipal League) anticipates an extension of the order,” Erickson said. “On a MML webinar, it was confirmed that public gatherings, including public meetings, of up to 50 people indoors, must maintain six-feet social distancing. Village meetings will continue as electronic meetings until the end of June.

“I did check on the Rec. Building but the ice coils are still down, so meeting cannot be held there. If electronic meetings are not extended, we may have to look for alternative sites for public meetings.”

The council will have a meeting on June 22 with some members in attendance in the council chambers, and others via teleconference.