Get the Highlights From Utica's City Council Meeting

Utica City Council Meeting

Honoring Former Police Chief Michael Reeves

Mayor Jacqueline Noonan began the meeting by honoring retired , who worked at the Utica Police Department for 33 years. Noonan presented the former chief with his badge and service weapon and cited Reaves’ service, such as the training and many programs he instituted, including the first canine officer.

“He would stop to help everyone, and the city of Utica and Utica City Council acknowledge and appreciate his service and wish him and his family a healthy and happy retirement in ,” Noonan said. Reaves accepted the acknowledgement by thanking the citizens of Utica.

Koei-Kan Academy of Martial Arts

Mayor Noonan presented with a certificate honoring its 25 years of teaching martial arts in the city of Utica.

New Firefighters Sworn In

Mayor Noonan then swore in four of the five new Utica firefighters hired by the city. Andrew McClure, Tom Fortunate, Matt Myers and Brian Posluszny took their oaths. Cory Jezak, also hired to be a Utica firefighter, was unable to attend the council meeting. The mayor welcomed the new firefighters and encouraged them to stay safe. Fire Chief Kevin Wilseck said the firefighters are extremely well trained medics and he looks forward to them getting on board.

American Legion Poppy Days

A representative from the American Legion launched their Poppy Days drive at the city council meeting, collecting money from council members and visitors in support of veterans in need. The American Legion will hold its Poppy Days in Utica from April 28 to May 1. While audience members were busy donating for their poppies, Mayor Noonan called for a silent prayer for those serving around the world.

Minutes Approved

Minutes from the March 8 City Council meeting were approved, with a change in date noted for the Mayor’s Exchange with Monroe from May 19 to May 24.

Noonan also noted that the Utica Lions White Cane Drive, which was scheduled for April 29-May 8, will change its dates so as not to overlap with the American Legion Poppy Days.

Correspondence

A motion was made and approved to receive and file a letter from Gary Lippard of Woodsmen of the World thanking Bill Oslandil and the city of Utica for being so welcoming at its convention which took place March 26 at the Hyatt Place.

A letter from David Minor, who submitted his resignation as firefighter and basic EMT effective March 29, 2011, was also received and filed.

Library Gets Donation

The Utica Lions presented Marsha Doege of the Utica Public Library with a donation of $500. Doege said the donation will be used to purchase large print and audio books for the visually impaired.

Utica Receives Dividend

A representative from Meadowbrook Liability and Property Pool presented a dividend check for $20,105 to the City of Utica. Mayor Noonan commented that the company does a “superb job” and she was grateful for their service.

Department of Public Works to Buy New Signs, Lawn Mower, Street Lights

Superintendent Bill Lang requested approval to purchase 12 double-sided signs with the new format for a cost of $5,392 from Huron Signs. Noonan noted that some of the signs in Utica have not been replaced for 30 years. The new signs will replace missing signs and those that are damaged. Lang noted that the price for the signs was “clearly a bargain” compared to other alternatives he researched. The council approved the request.

Lang than asked for approval to spend up to $8,000 to replace the 1995 lawn mower the city currently uses to maintain certain public and private properties. The money will be spent on a used mower as opposed to a new mower that could have cost as much as $15,000. The council approved the request.

Lang also asked council permission to sell of miscellaneous equipment no longer being used by the city via online auction. The request was granted.

Lang said that he received an estimate of $13,155 from Great Lakes Electric Supply to replace three street lights that were knocked down this winter, with the cost to be reimbursed through the city’s insurer. Council approved replacing the lights and said that if a budget amendment were needed, it would be done during the May meeting.

Also, Lang noted that the city received an additional $160,000 from MDOT to rehabilitate North Point Boulevard, which is scheduled for repair this summer.  He thanked the county and MDOT for the additional funding.

Lang said he is “holding his breath” on delivery of the bridge, which should be in place for the Fun Run on May 18. “Hopefully, by the end of April, we should see cranes on Nichols Street,” he said.

Upcoming Budget Meetings

Mayor Noonan noted that the next budget meeting is scheduled for April 26. A budget meeting with the auditor is scheduled for later in May. Noonan added that projections are tax revenues will be down by 10 percent.

Several Items Tabled to May

City Clerk Cathy McGrail presented a request for a charitable gaming license from the GM Amateur Radio Club. Council noted that the address on record for the group was Shelby Township and questioned whether the request should have come to Utica. Mayor Noonan also asked for additional documentation. The request was tabled until the May meeting.

In another item, Utica Police Dispatcher Donna Andersen requested permission to purchase 4.5 years service time toward her pension with MERS at no cost to the city. That request was tabled until the May meeting so that Council can get additional information from Ms. Anderson.

Election Day May 3

McCrae noted that there will be a school board election on May 3 with three open board seats on the ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

News From the Parks and Recreation Commission

Noonan announced that the Easter Egg Hunt will be held April 16 at Grant Park beginning at 11 a.m. The Utica Fire Department will have a truck there for children to see.  

Noonan also noted that for Michigan Week, May 17 will be student government day and the Mayor’s Exchange with Monroe will take place May 24.

Utica resident thanks DPW for work on Riverside 175

Mary Lou Kinney stood up and complimented DPW on the work at the senior apartments at Riverside 175 and said the residents are happy with the work being done.