The Chelsea City Council listened to a brief overview of a possible county-wide road millage proposal “authorized under P.A. 283 pf 1909” at its regular meeting held on Labor Day.
City Manager John Hanifan said he attended a county CEO meeting during which Washtenaw County Road Commission officials explained a road millage, which can be levied by the County Board of Commissioners without a vote of the people. It can be levied up to 1.0 mill and would be used exclusively for roads.
Hanifan said if approved by the County Commissioners, it would be a 1-year millage that could be renewed annually and County Commissioner Kent Martinez Kratz was expected to be at the City Council’s Sept. 15 meeting to answer further questions.
In its only business of the evening, the council unanimously approved the $11,500 purchase of a zero turn mower for the Wastewater Treatment plant, which Ray Schmidt, utilities director, said would replace a 1989 model. He said it might also “pull double duty” for the Department of Public Works.
Hanifan also announced that Judge Donald Shelton dismissed the lawsuit that Sylvan Township had brought against Chelsea seeking about 41 percent of the township’s $12.5 million water and sewer debt, but he was unable to provide further details about the ruling.
Mayor Jason Lindauer complimented city staff for the Aug. 5 election and Ed Greenleaf for providing the Chelsea football team with a venue to bowl during the team’s two-a-day practices last month. He said the defense took on the offense and “I believe the offense won.”
Lindauer said he and Hanifan recently met with Chelsea High School Athletic Director Brad Bush to discuss ideas about how to bring more athletic events to Chelsea, which would also benefit city businesses.
The mayor also commended former Bulldogs Nick Hill and Berkley Edwards for scoring two touchdowns each for Michigan State University and University of Minnesota, respectively, in their football team’s season openers.
He bid a “fond farewell” to The Wolverine and thanked the Merkel family for everything they’ve done for the community over the years. “We will miss them dearly and wish them Godspeed” in the future.
Council Members Frank Hammer and Cheri Albertson were absent from the meeting.
