The Chelsea City Council unanimously approved both the Teamster’s Local 214, and the non-union and part-time employee’s contracts at the July 20 regular meeting.
The 14-member teamster’s 3-year contract includes a 3-percent wage increase as well as an agreement to re-open the contract during each of the next two years to discuss wage adjustments based on the taxable value of the city.
The contract runs from July 1, 2015-June 30, 2018.
Also included is a $500 signing bonus and a conversion from defined benefit retirement health insurance to a defined contribution retirement savings account — as was agreed to by the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) contract.
The teamster’s contract includes an hourly increase for water and wastewater employees, who maintain current licenses and certifications.
Also approved was a 2-percent increase for the about 10 non-union and part-time city employees, the same salary increased that was agreed to in the new police contract.
In other business, the City Council also unanimously approved the low bid of not-to-exceed amount of $493,723 from C and D Hughes of Charlotte for its upcoming street improvement project on Congdon Street. Included in the project is a full reconstruction of Congdon from Lincoln Street to Summit Street, a new water main, storm sewer, curb and sidewalks.
In addition, the City Council also approved an additional $49,723 (or 10-percent) to cover any unforeseen conditions discovered during the project.The company has done four projects within the city limits, most recently, the Jackson Street alley and parking lot project for the Downtown Development Authority.
The project could begin as soon as Aug. 3 and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30.
The City Council unanimously approved a special event permit for the First Congregational Church for its annual chicken BBQ on July 24 during the Sounds and Sights Festival. The event takes place from 3-8 p.m. and is planned for the driveway along the church from East Middle Street. About 300-400 people are expected to attend.
City Council also unanimously approved a special event permit for the West Summit Street annual block party on Sunday, Aug. 19 from 3-9 p.m. with a rain date of Aug. 23.
