Clare City Commissioners announce airport grant

By ETHAN WALLACE 

CMU Journalism Intern 

CLARE – The Aug. 3 Clare City Commission meeting began as usual with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call and approval of the agenda. Absent was Commissioner Kim Bussell who had been excused from attending as she had a mandatory work commitment.

Despite his absence, Mike Allison was recognized at the meeting for having completed 10 years with the Department of Public Works. Jeremey Howard, city manager, said that he Allison had showed outstanding service to the community.

The commissioners also approved resident Sarah Liske’s appointment to fill a vacant seat on the Parks and Recreation Board.

Two appointments were made for City-chosen delegates to attend the Michigan Municipal League convention and the Municipal Employee Retirement System conference. Howard was voted for the MMI convention, and Gary Bauer and Laurie Jackson  were selected for the MERS conference. Diane Lyon will be the management primary delegate and Vicki Corlew will serve as alternate.

The Commission also approved acceptance of an MDOT Aeronautics project grant in the amount of $22,016.40 which will fund seal coating of pavements on Runway 9/27 at Clare Municipal Airport. Howard added that the top priority is getting a grant for fencing at the airport, which he said will be applied for next year.

The treasurer’s report was short as Vicki Corlew noted a decrease in taxes coming in. However, she said it was likely because most people tend to file on the last day of the tax season.

Howard gave his city manager report which included updates on the Shamrock Lake Dam project. He said  dredging continues nearly every day of the week.

The commissioners also announced the final event of the summer concert series will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 at Shamrock Park.