Commissioner wishes ‘to put to rest false accusations’

by Richard Lamb-Outlook Publisher

The Onaway City Commission had a quick and drama-less meeting Monday, in sharp contrast to recent meetings leading up to a recall election of two commissioners and the mayor. While only one commissioner, Jessie Horrocks, lost her recall election by the slimmest of margins, mayor Gary Wregglesworth and Charles Abshagen turned back the recall effort.

 

THE ONAWAY CITY Commission met in its first session since the recall election. New member Roger Marsh (at right), who will serve through December, joined commissioners (from left) Ron Horrocks, Bernie Schmeltzer, mayor Gary Wregglesworth and Charles Abshagen. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

The mayor and commissioners welcomed new commissioner Roger Marsh, who defeated Horrocks 115-114 in the recall. Marsh will have a seat on the commission until January when Horrocks assumes a two-year term won in the general election.

Abshagen, who won his recall by a wide margin, thanked the Onaway voters for their support in the election, and promised to continue to do his best for the citizens and taxpayers of Onaway.

“I would like to put to rest some of the false accusations that were made in the recent months. The critics have repeatedly stated that they have provided us with alternative proposals to solve our budgetary problems. They further allege that we have not considered their proposals. This is absolutely not true. Simply because we did not adopt any of those proposals presented to us, does not mean that they were not considered,” Abshagen said.

He continued by giving insight on how decisions were made on important issues faced by the commission, including ceasing funding for the Onaway police department earlier this year.

“What it means is that none of the proposals and/or the suggestions that were presented to us, would have in any way solved the long-term budget issues that faced the city of Onaway. After much study and review of all the possible options, this commission adopted decisions that we believe were in the best interest of the future of Onaway,” the longtime commissioner said at Monday’s meeting. He then offered thoughts on the healing process for moving forward in Onaway.

“With that said, and the election now behind us, it is time for everybody to focus on continuing to move the city of Onaway forward in a positive direction,” he concluded his statement.

Marsh, in his turn during commissioners’ comments, had a brief comment.

“In this short limited time that I will be occupying this seat, I thank everybody and I feel privileged and humbled to be here,” Marsh said.

MOVING INTO the business part of the meeting, the commission tabled action on three leases for space in the courthouse by current tenants. The city leases space to the Onaway Historical Museum, the Presque Isle District Library and the Onaway Chamber of Commerce.

“The thought is to table these leases until the December meeting so (city attorney) Mike (Vogler) can have the opportunity to research this a little bit more. So we will go as is with all three of our tenants through the month of December and put this back on the agenda December 2,” city manager Joe Hefele recommended.

Commissioner Bernie Schmeltzer suggested the lease should include a provision for renewal each year by either party, unless 60 days notice is given. The commission discussed the merits of having a longer term lease with its tenants or having the lease run on the city’s fiscal year, which is April 1 though March 31.

In other matters:

–Hefele presented a Title VI Low English Proficiency Plan (LEP), which must be on file and on the city’s Web site. The plan needs to be on file for the city to obtain future federal transportation funds, which the streetscape program covered. The commissioners will review the 35-page document before discussing it at a future meeting.

–Hefele informed the commission the Chandler Park tree lighting event Dec. 5, run by volunteers, would generate funds for next year’s fireworks display. “Time is running short, but we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss it this year,” Hefele said.

“I think it is great the city is picking this up and keeping it going,” commissioner Ron Horrocks added.

–A list of many city ordinances has been scanned into a computer for review by Hefele and Vogler. Hefele said a review of old ordinances is needed before they could be put on the city’s Web site.

–A letter from the Michigan Municipal Fund suggested training procedures for city workers. It also suggested common sense safety procedures the city should formally adopt. The letter further recommended removal of two wooden swings sets in Chandler Park, due to safety concerns.

“I understand when you start removing things that were perhaps built or donated by families sometimes it is not accepted very well. But it is the recommendation of the insurance carrier and I thought I should bring that to your attention,” Hefele explained. It was not known who donated or constructed the swings, but it came before Hefele became city manager in 2001.

“I think they probably should be removed, if our insurance company said they need to be removed. However, at the same time, we don’t want to hurt the feelings of somebody who donated them or put the labor into putting them up without telling them what we are doing and why we are doing it,” Abshagen suggested. The commission suggested Hefele see if he could find out the history of the swing sets and report back.

“We don’t want to take away thi

ngs people do down there. Certainly that park gets used. But if our insurance carrier is saying we recommend you do this, I think we really need to do so,” added Wregglesworth. He suggested other recreational options be considered, including safer equipment.

–The commission discussed the potential sale of a small strip of property that would allow an expansion to Village Corner. The city manager will notify neighboring property owners of the request and the city attorney will draft a quitclaim deed for consideration by the commission.The next meeting of the commission is set for Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.