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There will be an anticipated nine dockings this summer from cruise ships in the City of Houghton. That brings with it economic benefits, but also significant costs. Manager Eric Waara says there is an agreement in place to help mitigate those expenses.
City officials have presented drafts to both companies planning on docking on the Portage Canal, beginning in June. Waara outlines some of the potential expenditures.
He says the goal is to be revenue neutral.
The farmers market will go an extra hour when it restarts, tentatively scheduled for June 14th. Waara still expects the markets to happen Tuesday nights, staying open until 7:00, rather than 6:00. He says construction projects are out to bid for Baraga and Prospect Streets, with the expectation that the cost will come in higher than expected.
Nick Roberts gave the Houghton Police report at Wednesday’s Council meeting. The department has made a new hire. Jett Heinonen joined the force in recent weeks.
New business was wrapped up quickly. The Michigan Department of Treasury has asked for a formal resolution from the council stating the city’s deficit reduction plan. That was the subject of a special meeting last week. The motion was adopted without dissent by the five members present. Waara also presented adjustments to the current budget, something the administration likes to do at least twice a year. It reflects changes in expenditures and new revenue, such as that derived from grants, deviating from the initial budget passed last June.
Houghton will spend $7,200 from the DDA fund on new downtown banners and begin drafting next year’s budget soon. Work sessions have been tentatively scheduled for March 30th, April 20th, and May 4th. Prior to the 3/30 session, there will be a public hearing for the Zoning Board of Appeals. The owners of 220 Blanche Street want to put an addition onto the back end of the structure, requiring a variance.
