County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
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By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY
Cleaver Senior Staff Writer
HARRISON – The May 18 meeting of Harrison City Council kicked off with approval of minutes for both the regular and special meeting minutes of May 4, and adoption of the day’s bills.
Mayor Dan Sullivan reported that there were no injuries sustained during the previous weekend’s softball game where the city squared off with the team from the county.
He offered his thanks to all who participated, as well as to all the city staff who are working to keep the city in good repair.
Reports of Committees and Department Heads began with Fire Chief Barry Wallace Jr. noting thisn had been quiet with the exception of a lightning strike in Meredith that resulted in a one to two-acre fire. He reported 193 runs year-to-date, as well as the comparative numbers of runs over time. He noted a substantial run volume increase over the last few years, Wallace closed by noting 90 kindergartners expected the next day to tour the fire department.
Sam Russell, DPW superintendent, said it had been a busy week for his entire crew, working in the cemetery, installing flags, mowing and spiffing the city in preparation for the Memorial Day Weekend. He then informed of failing sewer lagoon aerator motors, and the need for some two replacements. Council promptly moved to approve replacement of those roughly 30-year-old motors at a cost not to exceed $18,000.
Mike Freeman, code enforcement officer, reported a busy week, and having sent seven written complaints, with one cleanup that same day. He summed it up as: “Welcome to Summer.”
Treasurer Tracy Wheeler-Clay reported moving into the next tax season, and also informed of some color changes on billing to include yellow and blue.
Justin Cavanaugh, city manager/clerk, said he had met with people about the playscape and ADA compliance. He also noted that the restroom locks would have to be paid out-of-pocket as they were not coverable by the grant after all. Cavanaugh informed of changes he has proposed for city ordinances to include deletion of those deemed antiquated, outdated and no longer applicable, and that he had sent the changes to the city’s attorney for review.
Under New Business, Council moved to:
During the public hearing, Brian Rowley of Fleis & VandenBrink presented a plan for the lead and galvanized service line replacements required by the EGLE Lead and Copper Rule (aka lead gooseneck rule as it expanded to include galvanized pipe). He also informed of a possibility that less costly funding could be available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund because Harrison is categorized as “significantly overburdened” which sets its need for assistance ahead of many other municipalities. This would offer a potential for a loan term of 40 years coupled with a possible 1% interest rate. And depending on the type of revenue bond that could be available, the range of monthly cost could range from $3.50 to $1.74 to $0.87 per meter. The total estimated cost of $2.494 million to address some 230 non-compliant water service lines includes engineering, construction, legal, bonding, administrative and related project costs.
Council then moved to:
It was noted there would be a bid opening the last week in May, with the project plan submission due June 1.
The last New Business item was the First Reading of Ordinance 2026- 02 - Short-term Rental Ordinance.
Council meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, June 1 at Harrison City Hall, 2105 Sullivan Drive.
© Clare County Cleaver
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