Ryan Lackowski

The committee meeting covered a wide range of administrative and municipal items. Discussions included plans for downtown flowerpots, city entrance welcome signs, an electronic sign for City Hall, and a fire hydrant sandblasting and painting project. The committee approved replacing traditional fireworks with a drone show for the 25th Maritime Festival. Other topics addressed included ordinance development for new battery storage, legal updates on road projects, salary adjustments for seasonal staff, and building material bids for the sports complex. The committee reviewed dredging projects at the marina and potential partnerships with the Army Corps of Engineers, a reimbursement requirement regarding a state grant, utility billing waivers for specific properties, and the status of a proposed water contract with Sand Beach Township.

The committee meeting covered the discussion of the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and explored grant and appropriation opportunities with MDNR and Federal entities. Project management and labor details for the Bruce Johnson Sports Complex were finalized, including dugout concrete work, building management, and backstop material procurement. Additionally, several improvement projects for the Municipal Building were approved, specifically exterior brick veneer, overhead garage door installation, and exterior painting, all subject to completion deadlines and late fines. The committee also discussed potential landscaping and the possibility of a battery storage facility on Pierce Road.

The committee discussed the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and reviewed the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Additionally, the committee explored the proposal for a battery storage facility at the intersection of Pierce Road and Hunter Industrial Drive.

The council approved the payment of various municipal bills and specific project costs, including maintenance services, water bonds, and concrete work. Key new business included adopting resolutions to purchase building materials for the Bruce Johnson Sports Complex and approving a services agreement for a drone show at the upcoming Maritime Festival. Furthermore, the council opened sealed bids for plumbing and website compliance projects, authorized an extension request for a Waterfront Enhancement Project Grant, approved a payment installment for jet ski races, and scheduled a future public hearing regarding water system improvements.

The council meeting addressed several budgetary and infrastructure matters, including public hearings on the 2026-2027 budget and multiple Department of Natural Resources grant applications for park expansions and improvements. The council authorized professional services with Fleis and Vandenbrink for grant funding assistance, approved various construction and maintenance projects at the Bruce Johnson ballfields, and awarded a contract for upgrades to the municipal building. Additionally, the council approved a service agreement with Hydro Corp for a cross-connection control program, waived specific park rental fees, and granted waivers for water and sewer fees for private properties.