Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton city crews work on a section of Bridge Street at the intersection of Baraga Avenue Thursday Morning. The Bridge Street resurfacing project began Monday,and according to City Manager Eric Waara, will be completed by the time school resumes in September/

HOUGHTON — At its regular meeting Wednesday, the Houghton City Council heard an update on the Bridge Street resurfacing project, approved the addition of a new fire fighter, made some last minute budget adjustments and learned the circus is coming to town.

The project, which began Monday, involves repaving the heavily traveled Bridge street from Montezuma Avenue to Sharon Avenue. According to an article in the June 21 Daily Mining Gazette, crews will remove the old pavement, install new gravel work and place new pavement on top.

The project will include the construction of a new sidewalk on the west side of Bridge Street between Edwards and Baraga Avenues, near the Houghton Elementary School. To facilitate the construction, Bridge Street is closed throughout the duration of the project. In his report to the council, City Manager Eric Waara said the project got underway Monday and is expected to be done and paved when school starts in September.

Waara told the council that two downtown businesses, Rhythm Bike Shop and Armando’s Restaurant/Douglass House Saloon are recipients of Michigan Economic Development Corporation March on Main grants. Waara said while it is known the business will be awarded grants, the amount of the grants is still being worked out.

The manager reported two popular summer activities have resumed for the summer. “The farmers market, held on Tuesdays, is really doing well on the downtown pier,” Waara said. “There’s more than 40 venders showing up.” Waara also reported the Good Times Music Summer Slam concert series on Wednesday evenings is increasing in popularity.”It has really developed into something special,” Waara said.

Waara said the City’s planning commission met Monday and discussed placing a moratorium on Data Centers in the City. City Councilor Brian Irizarry cautioned on acting too quickly as data center technology is progressing rapidly and as a result the centers are getting smaller. While calling data centers predatory, Irizarry cautioned against acting too quickly.

Waara told the council no developers have approached the city, but said the moratorium discussion is about preparation.

“If we don’t have something in our ordinance, we might get caught flat-footed someday,” Waara said. “Not that I think there’s a lot of available property within the city for such a development, but we’re trying to do our due diligence.”

Waara announced that a circus is coming to town, but a very unique circus. “It’s an old-school medieval circus,” Waara said. The Kingdom of Wonders Medieval Circus runs July 4-9 at Kestner Park. The story-driven show ditches traditional animal acts in favor of immersive acrobatics, aerial arts, juggling and comedy. The free circus will be in town July 4-9.

Police Chief John Donnelly reported his department responded to 132 calls since the last council meeting, issuing 11 citations and answered 16 calls for help and were called to 11 accidents. Donnelly told the council that after 33 years, Lt. Nick Roberts will retire from the Houghton Police Department on Sept. 4.

Under New Business, the council approved adjustments to the 1026-27 fiscal year budget and approved the appointment of Trevor Partlam to the city’s fire department.