Posted on May 15, 2019
THREE OAKS — The long-awaited dredging of the Three Oaks sewer lagoons, a project which has been repeatedly delayed by weather conditions, is now scheduled for a two-week period in July.
Saying the village has to move forward, Village President Dave Grosse asked that Village Manager Mike Greene have a “Plan B” ready if the July date is not met.
The dredging must be done before any work can begin on the village’s $1.25 million sewer plant upgrade project. Grosse noted that while the village is not under as much time pressure from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as in past years, it needs to show progress is being made.
During discussion, Trustee Colleen Newquist asked that a detailed report be included with Moore & Bruggink Consulting Engineers’ monthly bills so comparisons can be made with the project’s projected costs.
In a related matter, Greene said an agreement with Journeyman Distillery for village access to its public utility easement should be finalized by the June meeting.
On the water front, Greene said the village is continuing to replace faulty water meters under warranty and is making progress in reducing the number of customers who are receiving estimated water bills. Grosse noted that Michigan Rural Water Association’s asset management report will include a technical explanation in answer to Newquist’s question about the taste of the village’s drinking water.
Greene said the street repair program may be moved up to June, versus late August, and said some curb replacements have been identified that are needed to maintain the integrity of the roadways. In February, the council gave the go-ahead for work Oak Street between Locust and Michigan Streets and Sherwood Street between Locust and Indiana Streets.
The council approved the $7,900 proposal from UIS SCADA to install new components and software in the water plant computers to allow the previously installed radios to communicate conditions and alarms between the water tower and water plant. This will allow the village to discontinue the $1,800 monthly charge for the AT&T phone line between these two points.
The 35-year electric service franchise renewal agreement with AEP was tabled to allow the village to add additional specifications for advance notification to the village of projects to be undertaken within the power company’s right-of-way.
Greene reported that after a rehearing by the Planning Commission, Shoreline Developers is preparing the necessary language requested by the Planning Commission to specify there will be no commercial use included in its plans for multiple units and apartments for senior living. The request should be ready for council approval at its June meeting.
In a Planning Commission update, Newquist reported that the Marijuana Committee is meeting on the third Tuesday of every month to research the options available to the community and said she expects the final draft of the village’s Master Plan to be ready by the next meeting.
Chair Gene Svebakken reported the commission is working on the sidewalk ordinance which he expects to be distributed before the next council meeting.
The council approved the Flag Day Committee’s request for fireworks beginning at dusk on Saturday, June 8, and the request by the Rotary Club of Harbor Country for a rib fest special event including liquor sales on private property at 215 Ash St. on Saturday, July 20.
Downtown Development Authority Chair Angela Reichert reported that the DDA was participating in the May 11 Saturday Spring Stroll open house events and planning for Wurst Fest as part of its “Shop Three Oaks” activities which are being supplemented by advertisements in regional publications and promotional materials.
Source: harborcountry-news.com
