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UPDATE: The City of Hancock has provided Keweenaw Report with the full presentation explaining the new logo and how it was designed.
The Hancock City Council held a snappy, 40-minute special session on Tuesday in which it approved three measures. It resolved a matter that had been tabled at a previous session regarding a grant application for obtaining four parcels near Navy Street, including a strip of canalfront land that stretches towards Porvoo Park. Member John Haeussler recommended an editing correction. The acronym used was MNTRF, and he suggested it be changed to properly reflect the organization issuing the grant, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Member Will Lytle was one of two councilors to express hesitation about the resolution earlier this month. He said it was appropriate to take things slow due to the complex nature of the acquisition.
Lytle said he felt his concerns had been met. The vote was 6-0, with member Whitney Warstler absent. There are still changes that could occur in the future. Three of the lots are owned by Finlandia University and they are available for sale. If a third party were to purchase those parcels, the city would have the opportunity to ask for an easement allowing for public access. Hancock already has that arrangement with other properties in the area. Based on current prices, the grant would provide a little over $171,000. The city would be responsible for $60,230 should the application be approved by the MNRTF.
The board also approved the changing of the legal definition for the lot at 444 Hancock Street. A residence there has a door and porch that hang out onto an adjacent parcel. The modification expands the boundaries of the house property, while creating a second address, 446 Hancock, for the lot next door. It has only a garage on it and is otherwise vacant land. The current owners are attempting to complete the sale of the house. The definition change will also affect the assessed value for the parcels.
Lastly, the board approved a new city logo.
