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Non-union employees of the City of Hancock will receive a four percent raise this year.
The increase was approved at last night’s city council meeting, and follows the city’s usual practice of keeping non-union pay increases in line with increases granted to union workers.
The city will continue to make its meetings available for remote viewing via Zoom. Council members felt it was important to continue to include residents who are not comfortable or able to attend meetings in person. Complaints have been received about poor audio quality. City Manager Mary Babcock said part of the problem lies with council members…
Discussion about reducing the council’s meeting schedule to once per month was tabled until all members could be present. Mayor Paul LaBine and councilor Rick Freeman were not present at last night’s meeting.
The council set a public hearing for January 18th at 6:00 to hear comment on the city’s proposed purchase of the Houghton County Arena. The Houghton County Board of Commissioners has already approved a potential transfer, at a cost of one dollar. The Hancock council could make a decision on the arena’s fate at their regular meeting following the hearing.
Council members approved $394,965 to rebuild the city’s aerial fire truck. Fire Chief Bill Lepisto said the truck is 18 years old, and certain systems, including hydraulics, need to be repaired and updated. Money will come from the city’s fire protection millage. Lepisto explained that the truck remains in fundamentally good shape. It would cost $1.75 million to replace it, with delivery time estimated at more than three years. The rebuild is anticipated to take 90-120 days once parts are assembled, and could be undertaken next summer. Lepisto said he would arrange for coverage from neighboring departments while the truck is out of service.
Babcock briefed council members on the ongoing effort to make up ground on the city’s unfunded retirement liability…
Hancock is among many Michigan communities with underfunded retirement plans with the Municipal Employment Retirement System, because of financial setbacks and miscalculations years ago.
Babcock noted that some downtown street lights are out of service. A vehicle hit a utility pole near the pocket park recently, which caused a chain reaction…
Repairs are expected to take place shortly.
With significant snowfall recently, Babcock mentioned that the city is working with property owners to try to find solutions for moving the snow.
And, Babcock reported that the next application window for the state’s Match on Main grants will open soon…
Downtown property owners interested in applying should contact city officials.
