Business As Usual for City Council

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – Actions at the final March meeting of Harrison City Council began with adoption of the March 3 meeting minutes, followed by adoption of the day’s bills.

Mayor Dan Sullivan expressed his gratitude for Mayor Pro Tempore Angela Kellogg-Henry’s filling in during his absence. He also extended appreciation once again to staff at Harrison City Hall and welcomed the new City Program Coordinator Anita Yager. Sullivan further commented on all the leaf piles popping up around town and advised that leaf pickup would not begin the next week. Sam Russell concurred, adding that leaf pickup was not scheduled for another month.

Reports of Committees and Department Heads began with Fire Chief Chris Damvelt reporting 90 runs year-to-date, with 15 of those occurring on the previous Saturday. Of those, one was a house fire, six to seven grass fires (one caused by lightning), and the rest resulted from downed power lines due to high winds.

Sam Russell, DPW superintendent, reported work being done to maintain the city and work at The Venue on Main. Russell also noted street sweeping work began the previous week, “then winter came back.” He also reported that the new Bobcat was back and in service after being sent out to be rustproofed and undercoated, and has been wired for LEDs.

Code Enforcement Officer Mike Freeman reported a “rather busy” week, with two days being more like five days.

Anita Yager reported that as it was her first day on the job, she was still learning. She did note that Street Fair work was underway with 20 letters having been sent out, with three of those already signed up to be vendors.

 Utilities Clerk Kathy Maharas reported things going well at the water department, adding that water is the original energy drink.

Justin Cavanaugh, city manager/clerk, reported having completed his Clerk’s Institute and would be updating regarding some of the City’s meeting procedures, as well as producing more informative meeting minutes.

“It’s like the philosophy of we’ll do the best we can until we know better, and when we know better we’ll do better,’ Cavanaugh said. “I learned a lot, and I’m excited to bring it back and put it into place.” He added that on the last day of the Institute, attendees were charged with creating an action plan and how some of what had been learned would be implemented.

County would issue a check for and then work to collect.

“We did balance with the County,” Cavanaugh said. “We’ll get that check right round May from the County.”

He also noted that a lot of surrounding municipalities had a lot more taxes that went unpaid.

New Business included a motion to close streets for the Memorial Day Car Show. However, as there will be parking lot work in progress at that time, the motion was postponed until a Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce member can attend a Harrison City Council meeting and discuss required/available space.

Council also approved a Venue and Business Hub door upgrade in the amount of $3,820 plus a $28 monthly service fee.

Cavanaugh informed that the workshop prior to the April 7 Council meeting will include discussion of HAEDCO tax abatements, as well as the Clare County Airport information presented at a previous meeting. He also advised that at the April 8 Harrison Planning Commission meeting, Wade Trim planner Arthur Mullen will help hash out some hot button items such as accessory dwellings. Cavanaugh said that it was not included in the Wade Trim contract, Cavanaugh himself would be working on a sign ordinance to include with the big ordinance update.

In response to an inquiry by Council member Phil Duggan, Russell informed that the Power Dock was in fairly good condition structurally, but that it was built in 1988 and thus “has done its job.” He did note that if grant money becomes available for replacing that dock structure, certified engineered drawings would be required which would cost several thousand dollars in addition to structural costs.

“Unfortunately, everything’s more expensive if it’s engineered,” Russell said. “But if you’re getting grant money, if it’s worth it, it’s worth it.”

Council will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, April 7 at Harrison City Hall, 2105 Sullivan Drive.

© Clare County Cleaver