Houghton honors a long-time friend of the community

Houghton honors a long-time friend of the community, Betty Chavis. Last night the city council declared September 28th, 2024 as Betty Chavis Day in Houghton. Chavis has been a friend to the community since moving to the area to work with Michigan Technological University in 1989.

“This is a proclamation honoring Betty Chavis who has a, let’s just say she has a big birthday coming up and there’s going to be a celebration of that. This proclamation would read, whereas Betty Chavis moved to the Houghton area in 1989 to begin her work at Michigan Tech University, and whereas during her time at Michigan Tech, Betty developed Black History Week to showcase African American accomplishments in the United States, an annual Women’s History Week and the annual Parade of Nations to highlight the diversity of students and employees at Michigan Tech and, whereas Betty has worked with numerous student groups and community groups to transform the culture at Michigan Tech and throughout the Houghton area.” – Eric Waara, City manager, City of Houghton

Chavis was responsible for the development of several on-campus programs aimed at highlighting Michigan tech’s diversity. She developed the university’s annual  Black History Week, and Women’s History Week highlighting issues and accomplishments important to students on campus. Chavis was also responsible for bringing the annual Parade of Nations to the community.

Those interested in learning more about Betty Chavis and her accomplishments within the community and Michigan Technological University can find more details here.

With the parade of nations recently wrapped up, the Houghton police chief reported all things went well. Aside from added pressure to cover the parade’s new route, and a couple of ambulance calls that delayed the start of the Parade of Nations, he said the community had a great turnout. He also thanked the Michigan Tech public safety and Houghton Department of Public Works for their assistance during the parade.

Houghton’s council has approved four charter amendments. Each amendment brings the city more in line with state requirements such as adding gender-neutral language to the charter, updating conflicts of interest, and councilor elections language. The city will increase the amount of time to consider councilor vacancies from 60 days to 90 days before an election.

“I don’t believe there’s anything in state law that would govern that appointment process. And if there is, the Attorney General will tell us of all that.” – Eric Waara, City manager, City of Houghton

 The conflict amendment will require the city to develop a specific ordinance to address conflicts of interest for councilors, employees, and etcetera.

But I understand they spent quite a bit of time working on this one. This is essentially reworking the conflict of interest as it is mentioned in the charter. Now this proposed amendment does not set a conflict of interest policy for the city. It simply says that we, as a city, will set one, which if this charter amendment were approved, then the city would have to create an ordinance. – Eric Waara, City manager, City of Houghton

Residents will likely vote on charter amendments in 2025, as there would not be enough time to place the amendments on the November ballot.