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Hancock city council met last night. On the agenda were a number f topics, and approving Joe Bianucci to replace Ron Antila on the Hancock Housing Commission was one. Ron Antila’s resignation was approved retroactive for June 15, 2021. The city’s housing commission will continue to tackle maintenance and other problems at the Lakeview Manor, which houses close to 100 residents. The building will need modern accommodations in order to help make Lakeview residents more comfortable. Hancock Pro-Tem Mayor John Haeussler had this to say about Bianucci and the issues he will help solve in the coming months.
City Manager, Mary Babcock’s report mentioned that seven applicants have applied for the CEDAM fellowship with the city. The deadline for applications in July 26th. And the first round of interviews will be held by the city, followed by a second round with CEDAM. Her report also included that 86% of renters in the city have reapplied for residential rental permits. The city plans to start inspections of these units in the next two weeks, the inspections will be performed by the city’s fire department. The City will also start movies on Quincy Green on July 29th, the first showing will be The War with Grandpa.
The city council meeting was closed by a long discussion about whether the city will become an associate with the UPSET West program. A program that looks to crack down on large players in the Upper Peninsula’s drug market. Primarily busting criminals who are trafficking/manufacturing both heroine and methamphetamine. The council felt that by tabling the decision for another time will allow them to come back as a more informed council. The tabled item would have the city make a $25,000 pledge over the next 5 years to help fund UPSET. And at $5,000 a year officials want to know more about UPSET’s finances, programs, and conviction rates. As this would be a large financial commitment for the city and it’s citizens.
