Chris Amey

The meeting involved discussions across several committees. The Administration Committee addressed delaying the Bruce Johnson Sports Complex Campsites until the fall, decided to waive Ready to Serve Fees for Adam Wood's Whitcomb Lots due to lack of water/sewer mains, and confirmed the Harbor Beach Area Fire Department Subsidy cost remained the same as 2025. The DPW Committee addressed a sanitary sewer backup at 213 S. Third Street, agreeing the City would cover the cost for the City-owned line portion, and discussed revising the Hydro Corp Cross Connection Service Agreement duration from five years to one year. The Police Committee unanimously approved the purchase of AEDs (to be reimbursed by the County) and approved Traffic Control Order 107-T regarding a sign at the Lincoln Memorial Park cul-de-sac.

The City Council meeting focused on several administrative and capital improvement matters. Key actions included the approval of the February 2026 bills, totaling $161,624.93, along with specific payments to Ferris Schwedler & O'Mara, Scada, USA Bluebook, and the Harbor Beach Area Fire Department Annual Subsidy. In new business, the Council approved the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and authorized the purchase of two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be reimbursed via the Huron County Opioid Settlement Fund. Furthermore, the Council adopted Resolution 2026-06 concerning traffic control orders for Trescott Street at Lincoln Memorial Park. Bids were awarded to Booms Construction, Inc. for partition and grab bar installation, as well as door and frame replacement in the North Park bathrooms. Bids were also awarded to Vanerian Painting for painting the North Park bathrooms and to John's Custom Coatings LLC for the bathroom floors.

Discussions during the meeting covered several committee agendas. The Administration Committee addressed borrowing funds from the General Fund to cover costs for Major and Local Street Funds related to asphalt projects. They also reviewed presentations concerning the Bruce Johnson Sports Complex project costs, the North Park Campground Expansion, and the North Park Waterfront Annex. Furthermore, the Utility Director provided an update on the Water Distribution System project costs and necessity. The DPW Committee discussed options for the Cross Connection Control Program and confirmation that MDOT would fully reimburse the cost to replace the retaining wall on North Huron Ave. The Police Committee and Wastewater Committee had no items listed for discussion.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda. The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of various bills totaling $125,145.32 for January 2026, along with specific payments to BTO Controls and Automation LLC, Townley Engineering, Platinum Mechanical, Inc., Wood Contracting LLC, Zimmerman and Sons Electric, LLC, Ace Saginaw Paving Co., and Halfway Fence Company. No new business was discussed before the adjournment of the meeting.

Discussions covered several committee agenda items. The Administration Committee addressed employee agreements for non-union contracts, MDOT road project plans, and financing options for 2027 Water Transmission Main and Water Main Projects. Dates for the March Board of Review Meetings were set, and approval was given for the Tri-County Bicycle Association event in North Park in July 2026. Other topics included bidding for a new mower, upgrades for North Park facilities (bathrooms, lighting to LED, WIFI), project status for dredging (37% complete), and property matters concerning Bruce Johnson Sports Complex fencing and dugouts, and the sale/demolition of City-owned properties. The DPW Committee discussed paving from last fall and the status of Lead Service Line Replacements (250 inspections, 20 replacements completed). The Police Committee noted that Seargent Dave Navock was offered the Police Chief position. The Wastewater Committee discussed the Fourth Quarter 2025 Water Treatment Plant Update.