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Dana McGrath, Phil Tolliver appointed to Chelsea DDA

When the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority board meets Thursday morning, there will be two new faces at the dais — Dana McGrath, owner of La Maison and Phil Tolliver, ower of BBQ 52.

Both downtown business owners were unanimously appointed to the DDA by the Chelsea City Council on Monday night, Sept. 18 and were officially sworn-in following the regular meeting.

McGrath’s term lasts through Dec. 31, 2019 and Tolliver’s term through Dec. 31, 2020.

McGrath said she’s owned her business for three years and has been a long-time resident of the school district. All four of her children went through the Chelsea schools. A member of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, she is also a member of the Chelsea Rotary and “loves being part of the community.”

Tolliver jokingly said he’s “changed the smell of downtown” since opening BBQ 52 in 2013 and thanked the city for its support since the start of his downtown business. His children currently attend Chelsea schools and among other things he says he has developed a strong relationship with Faith in Action.

The City Council also approved a permit request with contingencies by Gestamp to install construction dewatering wells near its plant at 5800 Sibley Road. City Manager John Hanifan told the City Council that both the county and the state DEQ have approved the company’s application and in addition, city staff has also thoroughly reviewed it.

The contingency reads: “In the event that private wells are impacted, the city permit will be revoked and pumping will cease immediately  upon notification.”

The six temporary dewatering wells are needed for construction of a concrete press pit foundation, according to the application. The wells will temporarily lower the groundwater table for the installation.

In other business, the City Council approved on second reading an amendment to the zoning ordinance that will allow a special use for the manufacturing of beverages not associated with a bar, lounge or tasting room in the Central Business District. This change will allow Ugly Dog Distillery to relocate its business to Main Street and manufacture beverages in combination with a tasting room, retail sales and special events.

The vote was 6-1 with Council Member Melissa Johnson stating that her no vote was not a reflection on the current project, rather it was because she thought the wording in the ordinance was too vague.

The City Council also approved a proposal to construct a portion of Lett’s Creek Linear Park that will connect to the new city dog park. It will provide a pathway to the dog park and is in an amount not to exceed $65,000.

Council Member Frank Hammer jokingly asked if it will be called “Bow Wow Lane.”

The Department of Public Works will soon have a new pick-up truck mounted snow plow at a cost of about $5,870, and a new dump truck at a price of about $142,750. Both items are in the current city budget. The DPW currently has six dump trucks that were purchased between 1992 and 2006.

The City Council also unanimously approved the purchase of 36 reverse osmosis membranes at $540 each for a total of $19,440. The batch replacement plan is in its seventh year. Rather than replacing them all at the same time, the city has opted to replace 36 a year. The water department will also be getting a new truck with a utility box at a cost of about $38,893 through a MI Quote deal with LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The current vehicle is rusting out and in need of additional repairs.

The city is also looking for folks to serve on the DDA Board. If you are interested, please look here for the requirements and an application.

If you would like to view the City Council meeting, please click here and look on the right side of the city’s website for the meeting videos. 

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