Tri-County Citizen

NEWS BRIEFS


HORN ANNOUNCES OFFICE HOURS – State Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth) will hold office hours to meet with constituent on Monday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albee Township Office Building, 10645 East Road, Burt. No appointments are necessary. For more information, or to contact Horn, visit www.SenatorKenHorn.com or call (517) 373-1760.

FLY OVER – Despite colder temperatures, 85 people attended the 100-year celebration of Armistice Day and Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Bell Memorial at Barber Memorial Park in Montrose. Just before the patriotic event began, several veterans witnessed a flyover by an American bald eagle. Dr. Jim Stewart thanked all who attended.

VILLAGE SUPPORT – During the Monday, Nov. 12 meeting of the Chesaning Union Schools Board of Education, Superintendent Mike McGough said the Village of Chesaning probably supported the Saginaw County Career Technical Education (CTE) millage at a higher rate than any other municipality in the county. Data gathered from the Saginaw County Clerk’s election posting indicates that more than 70 percent of Chesaning Village voters supported the CTE millage proposal on Tuesday,

Nov. 6. McGough said, “That will be a game changer for our kids.”

UTILITY LOCATOR – During the Tuesday, Nov. 13 meeting, the Oakley Village Council approved the purchase of utility locating equipment in the amount of $3,344. Village President Richard Fish explained that the village could spend tens of thousands of dollars hiring companies to locate the village utilities. But by purchasing the equipment, it would be cheaper. “We’ve been really lucky,” he said. Fish has been able to find some pipes in the past. However, there are several storm sewers that are more of a mystery. He explained that if they have contractors dig and it’s not right there, it costs the village additional money. “$3,344 is actually pretty cheap. The storm drains go in different places. I’d really like to know where it is,” Fish said. The purchase was approved.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY – The St. Charles Village Council voted to authorize Consumers Energy to replace the street lights in the industrial park with high-efficiency L.E.D lights at a cost of $14,000. John Johnson, the village’s consulting engineer from Spicer Group, said, “This is the bill we expected last July.” Village Manager Matthew Lane

explained that there was a change in the contract, which was why they need the council’s approval again. The council approved.

REMEMBERING TOM WHITE – The St. Charles Village Council adopted a resolution during its Wednesday, Nov. 14 meeting to honor village trustee Thomas Peter White, who died on Friday, Nov. 9. White had served on the village council for 16 years, as well as having served 23 years in the U.S. military. The council honored White for his dedication and service.

AUCTION BLOCK – The St. Charles Village Council has agreed to a proposal to auction off some old equipment that is no longer used. Two auction houses bid on handling the proposal. The auction will be promoted so that village residents as well as the public at large will have the opportunity to bid on the items.

COPPER AND LEAD PIPES – During the Wednesday, Nov. 14 meeting of the St. Charles Village Council, Spicer Group engineer John Johnson talked about the state’s new law requiring communities to replace the lead and copper water lines, including from the curb to 18 inches inside the house. Johnson explained that historically, municipalities were responsible for the service

lines up to the curb. The state is requiring municipalities providing water service to inventory all of their water lines before Jan. 1, 2020 and have those lines field-verified by Jan. 1, 2025. Village Manager Matthew Lane said, “If you don’t know what the waterline is made of you have assume it’s lead and dig it up.” Johnson said, “That’s why there’s a lawsuit. You’re already ahead of the curve.” He proposed mapping out the system with the village DPW doing the work to save money.

MARIJUANA – A woman attending the Wednesday, Nov. 14 meeting of the St. Charles Village Council asked council members if they had considered opting out of marijuana, now that it’s allowed by state law. Village Manager Matthew Lane said, “We need to learn more about it before acting.”

NL VILLAGE COUNCIL VACANCIES – The Village of New Lothrop has two village council vacancies. Those interested in serving must send a letter of interest to the village clerk, P.O. Box 313, New Lothrop, MI 48460. If there are any questions about the vacancies, call the village office at (810) 638-5600.