HANCOCK — Hancock’s grant request for a Level 3 electric charging station is gathering support.

Robert Tervo, manager of MDOT’s service center in Ishpeming, said making electric vehicles successful in the Upper Peninsula requires charging stations at key points throughout.

“Readily available and consistent charging will help promote the use of electric vehicles in remote locations and reduce ‘range anxiety’ for long distance travelers,” he wrote in a letter of support.

The fastest charger, EV 3 can charge vehicles in 30 minutes, outgoing Councilor Will Lytle noted during the public comment period. The city also received a grant from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for an EV 2 charger.

During the administrative report, Mayor Paul LaBine reported the new website has gone live. More updates are coming to the local history section, LaBine said.

The city Planning Commission will also hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed zoning ordinance 6 p.m. Monday at the Hancock City Hall.

“…It’s pretty much a recession and restatement of our current zoning ordinance,” Mayor Paul LaBine said. “It’s quite a large amendment, the Planning Commission, with OHM and others, have been working on.”

If it is approved by the Planning Commission, it will be passed on to the Hancock City Council.

A draft of the ordinance is available at cityofhancock.com

The Zoning Board of Appeals will also meet at 6 p.m. Thursday to consider zoning variance requests for 1225 Minnesota St. and 308 Quincy St.

Hancock is launching a photo contest to help design banners for Quincy Street. The contest should launch within the next month, and more details will be available on the city’s Instagram account.

Key Ingredients will also return on July 15, the night before Canal Run.

The council will also apply for three equipment grants for a vactor truck, a sander and a pickup. Details on the grants and the required public hearing will be forthcoming, LaBine said.

The city will host a community skating party from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Laurn Grove Ice Rink.

The council also:

– held a 20-second moment of silence for David Wiitanen. A former mayor of Hancock, Wiitanen also founded the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association and was instrumental in creating the Houghton County Arena

– Reappointed Bob Wenc and Andy Lahti to the Planning Commission. Their three-year terms will end Feb. 15, 2025.

– Reappointed John Diebel and Ryan Heinonen to the Downtown Development Authority. Their four-year terms will end Jan. 31, 2026.

– Approved $12,153.26 in payments for phase 2 of the city’s sewer repairs through Federal Emergency Management Agency

– Approved a resolution of intent to apply for Act 51 funding from the state.

– Approved the Hancock Recreation Plan previously approved in November 2020.