Clare Road Commissioners approve 3 new street projects

By ETHAN WALLACE 

CMU Journalism Intern 

CLARE – At the July 7 Clare City Commission meeting, commissioners approved street reconstruction projects on the 700 Block of Pine Street and the 300 and 800 Block of East 7th Street in Clare.

They approved two bids for the projects worth $210,315 with a 10% contingency through Robin Harsh Excavating INC., Jeremy Howard, Clare City Manager, said. The city street millage helps fund various street projects, such as these, every year.

He said the Pine Street project is expected to cost $55,950. It entails the removal and replacement of asphalt alongside 770 feet of curb and gutter.

The East 7th Street project is expected to cost $154,365. It also entails the removal and replacement of asphalt alongside 2,040 feet of curb and gutter.

Howard said the asphalt for both projects will be utilized through the Clare County Road Commission, since it will be significantly lower through them.

The board also approved a change order of $7,710 to continue the installation of the well #11 project. Additional funds are needed to continue the project after several issues, such as failed drilling attempts and dry holes, Howard said.

Some changes happening to the project are the installation of a new flow meter, electrical work, relocation of equipment and material change required by EGLE from a solar box to steel pipe.

Updates for the Shamrock Dam project were given during Vicki Corlew Treasurer's and Howard’s City Manager’s Report. Corlew said that she had another meeting with EGLE about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to help fund the project. Howard said that the city should hear if they get the grant in about a month or so.

There’s no definite on the FEMA grant yet, other than there may be extra money available,” Corlew said. “It sounds promising, a lot better than what we heard a couple weeks ago.”

The city has an estimated $6.2 million from both state allocation and EGLE for the $7.1 million project. The city expects to get the $1 million FEMA grant, but will have to set up a contingency if they do not.

During Howard’s report he said that dredging for the lake continues as phase one of the dam project starts. He also remarked how weed treatment for the lake has already made significant improvements to it. The city plans to continue with a yearly treatment plan but still have to figure out the costs.

Karen Hathon, community volunteer, was recognized with the mayoral key of excellence by Mayor Patrick Humphrey at the meeting despite not being able to attend.

“I hereby award Karen Hathon this mayoral certificate of excellence for her distinguished tenure of selfless volunteer service and unwavering commitment to the city of Clare and its surrounding communities,” Humphrey said.

Through this honor, we celebrate Karen's invaluable contributions to the greater Clare area, as both an exemplary citizen and a tireless advocate for others.”

Norm Yoder could also not attend the meeting. He will be recognized for his 15 years of employee service as the city’s full-time mechanic at the next Clare City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. July 20.