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HOUGHTON -- The roster for Houghton's precharrette workshop became closer to filled out Wednesday, as the Houghton City council appointed representatives from itself and the public.
The council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Robert Megowen and Councilors Joan Suits and Virginia Cole to the precharrette workshop.
The council also appointed Alan Kiley, Linda Lohmann, Elise Nelson and Craig Waddell to the four spots for members of the public. There were five applicants in all.
The precharrette would be used to determine what the city wants in a final product from a full charrette, what groups would need to be involved and what outcome they want. It is intended to lead either to a full charrette or another decision-making process that would involve the public.
The workshop is scheduled to take place between June 29-30 at the Dee Stadium ballroom.
The Planning Commission previously appointed City Manager Eric Waara, Kristine
Bradof, Michelle-Jarvie Eggart and Bill Leder.
In other action, the council:
– Heard a report from Waara that the Department of Public Works has finished water work on E. Houghton Ave., and should finish sewer by the end of the week. Downtown has been a locus of activity, with volunteers planting flowers in several locations and crews painting crosswalks. Crews have also been getting Veterans Park ready in advance of the Memorial Day ceremony at 8:30 a.m. The Pewabic Street Community Garden will also hold its plant sale at 1 p.m. Saturday at the garden.
At the East Houghton Park, in addition to routine painting, there will be excavation in order to repair damage to the docks from high water levels. In West Houghton, people may temporarily experience fluctuations in water pressure due to water and sewer repairs. The miner statue is back in town after repairs, and will be reset sometime next week. Waara also reminded residents not to feed the pigeons under the parking deck.
– Heard a request from Councilor Mike Needham asking for feedback to clarify a request made at the previous council meeting for proposed changes to the council's rules of order. In response to comments made to the council, Needham is seeking examples of council actions that demonstrate a lack of transparency, or things that fit a comment about how the council has "drifted."
"I'm not a big fan of change for change's sake but if there are good reasons that we can start talking about, so I can see deeper in the reason behind the request, that would be great," he said.
– Approved a resolution authorizing Waara to complete a Community Development Block Grant agreement. The city is applying for a $1.035 million grant to replace an aging water main and sanitary sewer mains and manholes on Baraga Avenue and Prospect Street. Houghton would contribute $345,000 from the water and sewer funds as a local match. The funds would cover about half a mile of water and sewer line, Waara said. The city may also be able to leverage American Rescue Plan funds for infrastructure improvements, Waara said.
– Authorized Mayor Bob Backon to sign a grant application with USDA Rural Development to assist in buying a new police vehicle. The 2021 Dodge Charger with equipment would cost $46,870. The grant would cover $25,700; the city would cover the remaining costs through its equipment fund.
– Set a public hearing for the city's 2021-22 budget and five-year capital improvement plan for 5:30 p.m. June 9.