IC Commission approves NIA by-laws

OKs three change orders on new DPW building

IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City commission took care of business in relatively short fashion June 16, completing their regular meeting in around an hour.

Among the items discussed was accepting by-laws for the newly formed Neighborhood Improvement Authority.

The five-page document outlines how the NIA will operate, including having up to nine members to serve on the Board of Directors.

In Section 4, the by-laws point out, “The Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Improvement Authority shall be made up of a Board of up to nine members, but not less than 5. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval of the City Commission.”

The directive goes on to say, “At least 1 of the members shall be a resident of the development area or of an area within a half-mile of any part of the development area.”

Prior to the formation of the NIA, several local residents had addressed the City Commission regarding how to be involved with the newly formed board.

Those inquiring were told to fill out an application and interviews would be held.

Elsewhere in the newly adopted by-laws, the City of Imlay City Treasurer will be asked to serve as the NIA treasurer and along with the Director, approve all accounts payable vouchers for expenditure of funds of the Authority.

The NIA Board may also employ and set compensation for a director, subject to the approval of the City Commission. The Director shall serve at the pleasure of the board and not be a current sitting board member.

In other commission news, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Tanis stepped to the podium speaking for Tanis builders to explain three change orders for the new DPW pole building that is under construction.

Tanis said the three changes, totaling $1,520, were due to increased costs in material and the additional cost of a permit.

He explained crews digging holes to set the poles, “hit all kinds of stuff in the ground. It used to be an old dump back there where everything was buried.”

After giving the update, Tanis requested to be recused from voting on the issue and left the meeting room, while the commission took action, approving the three change orders.

The Commission approved 2.5% raises for all non-union city employees and department heads, effective July 1.

City Manager Craig Horton said negotiations are currently underway with the police union and any potential changes with their pay would also be effective July 1.

The other bargaining group, DPW employees, still have one year left on their contract, according to Horton.

The Safe Routes to School project was discussed once again with construction expected to begin in the coming months. The nearly two-mile long trail will provide a safe route for students, whether they are walking, riding scooters or riding bikes.

The project is a collaborative effort between the school district and city and is expected to cost around $1.2 million. Each of the four schools has been awarded $300,000 for their share of the project.

The entire scope of the project is being funded through a grant and will not cost the taxpayers of Imlay City anything.

Imlay City Downtown Development Association Director Chuck Bennett told the commission he was hoping for some direction before speaking with Vlasic officials regarding the business placing their logo on a city-owned water tower near their facility on Blacks Corner Rd.

According to Bennett, the city is having maintenance on the inside of the tank done this year and thought it might be the appropriate time to do the Vlasic work, if it was agreed to.  Commission members gave the ok to speak with Vlasic to see if the sides can come to agreement.

The lease of the Lamb Steele building to Lapeer County is approaching it’s final year and City Manager Horton brought it to the attention of commission members.

The county uses the upper portion of the building for their senior services programs while the city’s police department occupies the lower half.

The city proposal with the county includes a $1,000 increase each year while Horton recommended the commission consider a 10-year agreement.

If approved by both sides, the new annual charge would be $11,000.

City officials have said based on current rental pricing for commercial space, the building could go for as much as $10,000 per month for other tenants.

“It’s great to have the seniors in there and they have a lot of good activities,” said Commissioner Al Ramirez. “I want to see them there for a long time.”

Commissioner Stu Davis agreed, saying, “We want our seniors in there and we need to do what we have to, to make that happen.”

Horton said in 2025, the city covered the cost of a new HVAC system for the building, to the tune of $500,000.

The commission agreed to the new pricing and length of agreement. The matter will be  forwarded to County Commissioners for their consideration.