Travis Owens

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 August 19, 2024, City Council Agenda included several key items. Discussions and potential actions covered the approval of the agenda, public comments, and consent agenda items, specifically referencing the minutes from the July 22, 2024, special meeting. Community Spotlight included a donation from the Rotary Club of Cadillac. A public hearing was scheduled regarding the Community Recreation Plan 2024-2029. Communications addressed the Highfield Boats Dealer Show, Overdose Awareness Day, Festival of the Races, and a wedding. Appointments were recommended for the Board of Review. The City Manager's report involved recommendations for Actuarial Valuation Services for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), Vermeer Chipper Repair, and bids for Ferric Chloride. An ordinance introduction was planned to amend sections of the Code of Ordinances regarding docking permits, setting a public hearing for September 3, 2024. Resolutions included entering into a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for Trunkline Maintenance and amending the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The session concluded with provisions for public comments, Good of the Order, and a Closed Session for collective bargaining negotiation strategy and attorney-client privileged material review.

The City Council meeting agenda for July 20, 2020, included the approval of the agenda, public comments, and consideration of consent agenda items, such as minutes from the June 15, 2020 meetings. Communications covered various local groups and requests regarding signage for the Farmers Market. Appointments included recommendations for reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Cadillac Housing Commission. The City Manager's report addressed the purchase of an 8" Water Meter and a COVID-19 update. Key legislative actions involved adopting resolutions to authorize a Temporary Construction License for a portion of 514 Wright Street and to introduce an ordinance granting an easement to Consumers Energy Company for a Solar Energy Farm, setting a public hearing for August 17, 2020. The council also planned to discuss the designation of a Social District and review reports from the Cadillac-Wexford Airport Authority and Historic Districts Commission. Discussions from the preceding June 15, 2020 meeting included the controversial approval of the Freedom Festival permit amidst COVID-19 concerns, the approval of a final project plan for water system improvements (Phase II Municipal Well Field Project), and the awarding of a contract for the Shelby Street Improvement Project.