By Lisa Carolin
A public hearing for the annual city budget, millage and rates for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 was held at Chelsea City Council’s May 20 meeting.
Council members heard about 2018-2019 fiscal year projects that were completed including the Palmer Commons project, the Mack Building renovation project, the road safety audit for Freer Dexter-Chelsea Road, and the paving of Wenley Street.
The total general fund budget is $4.8 million. The city’s largest general fund expenditures are salaries and wages, defined benefit pension expense, post retirement employee benefits, and infrastructure improvements.
City Council voted unanimously to accept the second reading of Ordinance No. 166-2019-0920 to amend Chelsea Zoning Ordinance No. 166, Section 4.32 Planned Unit Development Zoning District, (D.)(2.) density regulations to include these changes:
“Where a PUD district is exclusively used for single family residential purposes (not mixed use) the maximum lot coverage (LC) may be increased to not more than 35 percent for properties for development that promote clustering of dwelling units, variety of housing design, connections to existing or planned pedestrian/bicycle paths, and/or permanent preservation open space or natural features and/or recreational areas.”
Eagle Scout Brennan Boone was presented with a proclamation by Chelsea Mayor Melissa Johnson during the meeting. Boone, who completed 21 merit badges, also planned, secured funding, organized and managed the refurbishing of six picnic tables for the Chelsea Rotary Club to be used at the Chelsea Community Fair. The project took more than 170 service hours.
Eagle Scout Zachary Handloser, who was also scheduled to receive a proclamation, was unable to be at the meeting so he will receive his proclamation at a future meeting.
City Council adopted a resolution for a power purchase agreement for solar power at a good price. Participants will pay MPPA (Michigan Public Power Agency) a maximum rate of $36.95 per kWh (kilowatt hours) delivered in year one, depending on actual generation. Chelsea City Manager John Hanifan said it’s important to have diversity in the city’s power supply.
The council approved a work session on June 17 at 6 p.m. prior to the City Council meeting to discuss the use of the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage funds.
