Onaway in the midst of several projects
by Angie Asam, Staff Writer
The City of Onaway is in the midst of several projects, several of which it has have been discussing for several years.
The M-68 resurfacing and streetscape project has been progressing as both 7&4 News and 9&10 News met with city manager Joe Hefele and did some stories on the project. Hefele has been working the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on the $4.5 million project that is hoped to start in spring of 2011. The project involves the replacement of the old water main, improvements to the storm drains and gutters, additional sidewalks, new streetlights and flower planters.
Hefele believes MDOT will be holding public meetings on the project in the near future. The public meetings will allow the citizens and business owners who will be affected by the project an opportunity to review the plans and give their input on the project. The city has applied for a $460,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Commission (MEDC) to replace the undersized water mains on side streets. Hefele has gotten no word as of yet on the grant but expects to hear something in the next week or so.
The streets in Frenchtown have been a topic of discussion since last fall and over the winter the roads have only gotten worse. Originally the city planned for 400 feet of reconstructed road but with the further deterioration of the street now expects up to 900 feet of reconstruction.
C2AE is doing the engineering for the project and now has a signed contract with the city on the project. It will be working on the specifications and plans for the project so it can go to bid with construction companies this year. Hefele was adamant the roads were in very bad shape and are in desperate need of repair.
A grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase turnout gear for the Onaway Area Fire Department was approved recently. Hefele is now waiting for specifications on the gear to be determined before the purchase of the gear can take place. A use agreement will also be needed since the city will be purchasing the gear but it will be used by the fire department.
The planning commission has been charged with the task of reviewing the zoning ordinance a few chapters at a time in order to create a new ordinance. Hefele believes it will be helpful that the planning commission is reviewing the existing ordinance and making the changes because the members will learn more about the ordinance in the process.
The official bid opening for the courthouse stairway/lift project will be today (Friday) at 2 p.m.
Hyde?s Tree Service is scheduled to do leaf and brush pick up within the city the week of May
Seven parcels in Onaway went into foreclosure when the owners failed to pay the 2007 taxes by April 1. The foreclosures included two houses, one commercial building and four vacant lots. Presque Isle County will have the first option to purchase the properties before the city gets the next option. Hefele planned to have more information on the parcels for the commission at their next meeting.
IN OTHER CITY COMMISSION NEWS: ? The city passed a resolution to again adjust the percentage department heads put into retirement. The new resolution changes the rate from 6.16 percent to 5.93 percent.
? A letter of understanding was approved with the Teamsters union, which states that if a union employee opts out of the union insurance the city will provide the employee with dental and optical insurance the same as non-union employees receive.