A portion of 4th Street in Calumet is closed as the Environmental Protection Agency begins its cleanup of the May blaze that destroyed three historic structures. It means some obstacles to traffic heading into the Calumet Housing Commission building, and a reduction in the amount of public parking available just south of Agassiz Park.
Acting Manager Dave Geisler says village officials have done everything they can to try and get 4th Street open at night to help, but it isn’t looking promising.
Other topics covered at Tuesday’s work session were a facilitated tour of the Calumet Theatre, which is attached to the Municipal Building. Even National Park Service employees were on hand to survey the auditorium’s condition. A heating unit was installed earlier this year. Results will be discussed at next week’s council meeting. The theatre’s operating board and the council have been increasingly at odds in recent months. There is currently a probe into whether the lease between the two parties has been violated.
Geisler will be in his role until October 1st before Amber Goodman takes over in a permanent capacity. The contract has not been finalized or signed, but she has been attending recent village meetings as she works to learn the ropes. It is more a formality at this point, than a sign of disagreement before the two sides. Geisler will be on-hand daily for two weeks before Goodman is handed the reins on an individual basis. Geisler says he expects her to be ready for most responsibilities by then.
Calumet’s fiscal year ends on February 28th, so budgeting will not be Goodman’s first priority.