The Cadillac City Council is set to meet on Monday, November 27, 2023, where it will consider the approval of next year’s meeting schedule alongside several important updates concerning community initiatives and emergency expenditures. The agenda remains light, with most items categorized as informational.
In a previous council meeting, discussions arose regarding a mistake tied to the November election. To avoid potential disputes, council members reached a consensus that no significant business should be conducted until the newly elected members are sworn in at the beginning of next year. In light of this, Mayor Tiyi Schippers suggested dedicating time during the meetings to hear from local organizations.
The spotlight will be on the Wexford County Council on Aging during Monday’s session, following an earlier presentation by the Cadillac Salvation Army. Additionally, the council will receive an update on an $8.2 million grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) aimed at addressing PFAS contamination in the area.
This grant will fund the connection of private wells to the municipal water system at no cost to residents. The project will unfold in two phases. The first phase will connect approximately 170 households along designated routes, including a significant water main extension along Marathon Drive. The second phase will extend services to about 70 additional homes that currently lack access to municipal water.
As part of the grant’s provisions, funding will also cover the installation of private service lines from properties to the new water main. Furthermore, private wells will be properly closed and abandoned once properties are integrated into the city’s water system. Marcus Peccia, the Cadillac City Council Manager, noted that there may also be potential funding to extend connections to adjacent areas outside the city limits, such as Mary Street in Haring Township.
Despite securing federal grant funding for this significant project, Peccia highlighted that EGLE is still awaiting authorization from the Michigan state legislature to utilize the funds. Consequently, EGLE cannot formalize a grant agreement with the city until this authorization is granted. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, with substantial completion expected by late 2027, dependent on legislative approval.
In addition to the grant update, the council will discuss three recent emergency purchases made by city staff. The first involves the demolition of a property located at 536 Cedar Street, which had undergone a condemnation process. Following court approval, the city awarded the demolition contract to the lowest compliant bidder at a cost of $17,000. This property contained asbestos, necessitating a certified contractor to ensure safe and proper disposal.
Next, the council will address the repair of a street light control box damaged by a vehicle near the intersection of Mitchell Street and Stimson Street. The repair, which has been competitively quoted at $10,775, is expected to begin shortly. The city has coordinated with the insurance provider of the responsible party, which has issued a check for $10,062.50 to cover the damages.
Lastly, the Cadillac Fire Department has recently acquired four portable radios for its frontline staff. These radios, which began to fail last spring, were ordered promptly due to the lead time required for delivery and programming. The total expenditure for these radios amounted to $17,275. With additional funding from a federal grant expected in the future, the existing radios can continue to serve as backups or be reassigned within the city.
The Cadillac City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Cadillac Municipal Complex, located at 200 North Lake Street. Community members are encouraged to attend and engage with local governance.
