HANCOCK — Hancock City Council met in a regular meeting on Wednesday at City Hall where it discussed and approved several new business items, including the Portage Lake Water and Sewer Authority budget, the UPPCO easement on Birch Street and the reconstruction of the Market Street intersection.

After tabling the proposed budget during last meeting due to a clerical error in its language, city council unanimously approved the budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. During discussion, City Manager Mary Babcock said the City of Hancock will increase the amount it pays to PLWSA by $3000 per month, however, the city would be reimbursed later depending on actual resident usage.

Another loose end tied up at the meeting was UPPCO’s easement request for the southern terminus of Birch Street. UPPCO gave a detailed presentation at last month’s meeting, explaining the need for the property. It will drill under the Portage Canal and connect a utility line to the Houghton side. An UPPCO representative said this will ensure the area has an additional safe utility connection in case of an outage.

Several city councilors brought up the language in the easement, including Mandy Lounibos. She said she disapproved of one section allowing UPPCO to “chemically treat” trees, shrubs and other foliage on the property. Other city councilors were concerned of the proximity to the canal, creating dangerous runoff.

An UPPCO representative explained to the concerned officials the utility company will not be using harmful chemicals, like glyphosate — commonly known as RoundUp — to treat the area. He also added the treatment could include getting rid of invasive plants and herbicide contractors UPPCO hires adhere to state regulations.

After the discussion, the council unanimously voted to approve the easement.

According to Babcock, Market Street has been a concern of the city and its residents for a while. The council was presented with two options for reconstructing the intersection between Market Street and US-41 by Pat’s Foods.

Option A was on the docket for approval, but Option B was also on the table for consideration. Option A included a standard two-lane entrance and exit at the intersection. Option B encroaches into the lot and includes extended lanes and a curb. Babcock said the city would have to get permission from the lot owner to build Option B. According to Babcock, the city plans to reconstruct and upgrade the infrastructure on Market Street.

The council voted on and approved Option A, opting for a more conventional and convenient approach.

Other business discussed included reports from Babcock and City Clerk/Treasurer Linda Kalinec. Babcock said crews were still working on cleaning up the city after the winter, as well as preparing for Bridgefest next week. Babcock also explained she was in talks with Police Chief Tami Sleeman regarding downtown parking enforcement. No plans have been made yet.

Kalinec’s only announcement was about the city’s proposed budget for next fiscal year. There will a public hearing on June 24.

The next city council meeting is slated for 6 p.m. on June 17 at City Hall.