Keri Lanning

This PFAS Management Plan outlines the City of Cadillac's strategy to address PFAS contamination in private drinking water wells by connecting affected properties to the municipal water system. The plan is divided into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on connecting properties where municipal water service is immediately available and extending service to Marathon Drive. Phase 2 involves extending water infrastructure to areas currently lacking municipal service, including Pennsylvania Avenue, West Division Street, and other specified locations. The overarching goal is to preserve public health by providing a permanent solution to PFAS contamination, with a strong emphasis on securing substantial external funding to cover the estimated $7.925 million cost for these infrastructure projects.

The City Council meeting covered several significant items including public comments and community spotlights such as lifesaving awards. Key agenda topics involved public hearings for conditionally rezoning properties at 407 E. Chapin Street and 620 Arthur Street. The agenda also included several appointments to various boards and authorities, updates on PFAS funding, recommendations from the City Manager regarding bylaw amendments, a Clean Water State Revolving Project Plan, setting a public hearing for a Community Development Block Grant, the Hardship Exemption Policy, scheduling budget-related work sessions, and an update on winter operations. A resolution was adopted regarding a charitable gaming license, and action was taken on bids for Tree Removal Services and a Compact Tractor Purchase. Furthermore, the Council approved entering into an agreement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for the management of the Cadillac Commons. A significant portion of the meeting involved extensive discussion and ultimately the approval of a non-retroactive 9% salary adjustment for the City Manager, separate from the annual evaluation process. Finally, the Council introduced and set public hearings for ordinances related to the conditional rezoning of properties and the vacation of a portion of Wall Street, and adopted a resolution amending the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026 to accommodate the City Manager's contract changes.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several substantive items. Key discussions covered the administration of the Oath of Office for newly elected/re-elected members, a public comment period, and a PFAS update. The consent agenda included the approval of previous meeting minutes. Major actions involved numerous appointments, including the election of a Mayor Pro Tem and appointments/reappointments to the Cadillac Housing Commission, Alliance for Economic Success Board of Directors, Board of Review, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Cemetery Board, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Downtown Development Authority. The City Manager's report addressed recommendations for Maple Hill Cemetery Board fee adjustments, an Early Voting Agreement, and bids for Tree Removal Services, Compact Tractor Purchase, and Fire Department Portable Radio Purchase. Additionally, the Council was set to introduce and potentially adopt ordinances related to rezoning property and vacating a portion of Wall Street. The meeting also planned for a Closed Session to discuss attorney-client privileged material.

The City of Cadillac's strategic direction aims to foster a well-managed, environmentally conscious, fiscally responsible, and appealing community in northwest Michigan. Key strategic pillars include promoting a positive image, advancing quality of life, and enhancing civic, public, and environmental infrastructure. The plan prioritizes economic health and development through business support and financial stability, alongside robust public safety initiatives like crime prevention and emergency readiness. Additionally, it emphasizes organizational enhancement through human infrastructure development, technology utilization, and administrative process improvements.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several key items for consideration and potential action. Public hearings were scheduled regarding the adoption of an ordinance to vacate a portion of Wall Street and reserve a public utility easement, and to consider a resolution authorizing the submittal of a Michigan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Application. The consent agenda included the minutes from the February 2, 2026 regular meeting. Communications covered an honor for Mark Snider's years of service, presentation of FY2025 Audit Results, and requests from the Friends of the Library regarding banners and signage, as well as a request from the Wexford-Missaukee Child Protection Council for blue lights in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In new business, the Council was set to discuss recommendations for 2026-2027 Road Salt procurement through the MiDEAL program, an out-of-state travel request for Fire Department training, and resolutions to amend the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, apply for a NextCycle Michigan Circular Economy Grant, and submit an application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant. The meeting also included setting public hearings for CDBG funding and adopting the Hardship Exemption Policy.