City Manager Eric Waara is attending the Michigan Municipal League conference in Grand rapids this week. City Clerk Ann Vollrath presented his report to the council. During a public hearing Vollrath announced that the city has been approved for a Rural Development Grant to purchase a new Dodge Charger police cruiser. The total cost after equipping the vehicle will cost $46,870. the city is eligible for 55% of that cost covered by the grant, with $25,700. The city equipment fund will pay for the remaining $21,170.
The City of Houghton is rocking down Electric Avenue. Back in June the city approved a motion to submit a grant proposal for developing a level two electric vehicle charging station in downtown. The proposal asks the department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for assistance with the project. EGLE came back proposing that the city up their initial funding to 38,000 dollars, so the city can place two charging stations in downtown Houghton.
Last night the proposal for EV chargers passed under resolution 2021-1822. This proposal will have the funds for the charging stations come out of the city’s general fund for civic betterment. The city also agreed to make the final payment toward phase three of both the water and sewer system improvements.