The same issues the Village of Ontonagon has had for the past two years remain, however the setting as to where these issues were brought up has changed.  Instead of a packed Village Council Chambers, the Ontonagon Village Council has met at the Ontonagon Performing Arts.

However, that is going to change also, as the Village Council agreed to go back to meeting via ‘teleconference’ while Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order remains in force.

For over a year questions on the Village’s financial status has been a concern of village residents.   An issue that village tax-payer Sue Lockhart requested to be on the meeting agenda.  Lockhart met the timeline to get on the agenda, however her request was denied.

During public comment, Jeff Lemke asked what it takes to get on the agenda.

The council’s appointed President, Tony Smydra, read off an ordinance as to the only people that are allowed to request to be put on the Agenda. 

“Any council member or representative on Committees or Commissions desiring to place a matter on the Agenda shall notify the Village Manager or any other responsible Village Administrative Officer or employee at the Village Office on such items by 6 p.m. at the Thursday preceding the next meeting.”

While Lockhart had her request in before the deadline she was not allowed to be on the agenda.  Thus she was giver her 5 minutes in public comment.

Lockhart stated that she went through the village’s audit and it showed the village being in debt by over $1.8 million dollars. According to Lockhart, this year’s budget is close to $135,00 in “the red.” 

“For 3 years I believe there has been a handful of people that have been telling you that this money is not in the right places.  Something is not right here,” Lockhart stated. 

With information from Freedom of Information Act requests Lockhart has filed with the village, she stated that one of the accounts that she alleges has not been recorded is the marina account.

Lockhart also alleges that the village has been taking money out of the water fund, “which you are not supposed to take money from.”

Also speaking on an issue that has been before the village council for over a year was Tom Hamilton and the paddle craft landing.  Hamilton questioned the lack of maintenance and upkeep on that village- managed property. 

“I’ll even mow the grass if need be,” stated Hamilton.

The village passed a blight ordinance which required property owners to keep the property mowed, or face a fine.

On the topic of an ordinance, Marlene Broemer asked the council to pass an ordinance not allowing people to put anything on someone else’s vehicle.  It was at the last meeting that Smydra attacked the individual or organization for putting religious material under the windshield wipers of a car.

“I do not want people touching my vehicle, including when I am in church,” stated Broemer.

The village is also looking at another ordinance stipulating what people and organizations can do on village parks and village-controlled property. The ordinance states that ‘noise’ may be an issue, which could eliminate the village from having snowmobile races put on by the local snowmobile club in an effort to bring people to the area.