4-Duplex Development Coming to Harrison

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – New Business at the Aug. 19 meeting of Harrison City Council included approval of several actions. The first was adoption of Resolution 2024-15 which establishes a 4-way stop at the intersection of Beech and N. Second streets. The second was a retroactive approval for the sale of the Department of Public Works’ 2006 New Holland tractor in the amount of $9,500. Additionally, Council approved the city manager/clerk to proceed with the low bid of $7,300 for the City’s Tahoe which had been received at the bid opening.

The third approved motion authorized the purchase of new computers for city hall, not to exceed $9,627 using ARPA funds, while waiting for additional quotes, and finalize the purchase before the quote expires on Aug. 28, 2024. The fourth motion, also electronics related, authorized the purchase of a new IT server for city hall, not to exceed $8,020.36 with the final decision to proceed with the lowest quote received once all quotes have been reviewed.

Chris Damvelt, fire chief, reported 245 runs year-to-date, and that the previous Saturday the department had been busy from noon on, with a structure fire in Cranberry, downed power line, and accidents. He also reminded that the department’s 2^nd Annual Golf Outing will be Sept. 21, and that participants must sign up at The Tamaracks. He also affirmed that the HCFD would again be doing the 9/11 walk, with Blake Wallace in charge of that outing.

Sam Russell, DPW superintendent, noted being very busy with Street Fair preparations; working with DTE on a gas main list; and that work was continuing on the sewer project. Russell also informed there had been a delay in acquiring the 50-foot aluminum flagpole to be place on the former Remedy property, as at the recent Downtown Development Authority meeting there had not been a quorum, so the $11,800 purchase/installation cost was not officially approved.

In more DPW reporting, Remi Lipovsky informed that the mower trade-in had been accomplished and the new Xmark sit-down zero turn and stand-up mowers were in and being used. He said they have super tight controls, cut well, and that he’s happy with them. Council also approved the purchase of a stand-up blower for the DPW.

Treasurer Tracy Wheeler-Clay reported being busy collecting taxes, and making some phone calls to those who had forgotten, etc. She said $23,000 of city funds remained to be collected in taxes, at that time.

Justin Cavanaugh, city manager/clerk, reported that the Aug. 6 Primary Election had gone well, with the results being submitted promptly to the county clerk’s office. He also informed that a developer had been given the go-ahead to proceed with construction of a four-duplex development on Grant Avenue, adjacent to the townhouses. Cavanaugh said that developer was taking advantage of a MSHDA grant [formerly Community Development Block Grant] and would invest nearly $1 million into the city. He did note that project would not be hooking up to city water/sewer, and that there is a possibility that developer would be interested in other rounds of projects.

Council also learned that the engineered plans for the downtown parking lot were complete, with the next step being preparation of quotes for the DDA. Cavanaugh also elaborated on the Community Center Grant of $550,000 the City had been awarded. Cavanaugh described the two proposals presented by Fleis & VandenBrink Engineers with the anticipated cost distribution for pickleball courts, and new playscape. One for $535,000 would include renovating and upgrading six pickleball courts and resurfacing the tennis courts. That option would leave the budget short of what’s needed for the playscape. A $634,000 budget would include the four pickleball courts, resurfacing the tennis courts, as well as the playscape (which was something intended as part of the grant). That contingency funding was $94,000 and Cavanaugh suggested Council could choose to gamble that the contingency dollars would not be needed, and thus fund the playscape with that extra. Doing so would enable hitting every objective in the grant the City had submitted. Otherwise, the grant could be amended to say the City was only going to do the pickleball courts, adding that it was up to Council members as to whether they wanted to take that gamble on contingency money. He made clear that the City could be on the hook for all or part of the difference outside the $550,000 provided in the grant. When Council member Garrett Wood asked about whether that difference would be available in the budget, Cavanaugh said it would come from the next year’s budget, and he could include a line item to hold out money to cover the potential overage. He assured it was doubtful the full contingency would be used, and there was “wiggle room” in the contingency, but it ultimately was up to Council to decide how much risk they wanted to take.

The general consensus of Council was that the project should include all that was intended for the community, and so a line item will be included for a possible cost overrun.

Cavanaugh also clarified that the $757,500 Spark Grant project would include a new bathroom building down by the Phelps Nature Trail, as well as connecting pathways throughout the park. He said that project’s Request for Proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Spark Grant group before it can be dispersed.

Harrison has for several years been designated a Redevelopment Ready Community, and Cavanaugh noted that to retain that status there are RRC tasks that have to be done, which he is currently working on.

Cavanaugh also updated Council on the Planning Commission’s decision to change City Ordinance replacing the term  “display cases” with “displays” as well as disallowing outdoor sidewalk displays from October to April, the same timeframe in which street parking is limited.

Harrison Planning Commissioner Andy Saxton has resigned, and Cavanaugh informed that Commissioner Don Patch will be resigning when his commission expires at the end of the year. At that time, the Planning Commission will be getting reduced to seven members.

Council will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 at Harrison City Hall, 2105 Sullivan Drive.