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The Hancock City Council opened its meeting with a moment of silence, and a tribute to former council member Chuck Wicker.
Wicker and his wife owned Kathy’s Country Flowers, and he also had careers as a teacher and administrator. Along with his service on the city council, Wicker was a long-time member of the Hancock Rotary Club, and was active in Hancock downtown business activities.
Mayor Paul LaBine, who is also the president of the Hancock Rotary Club, noted the contributions Wicker made to that organization…
Wicker passed away August 1st at age 86.
City manager Mary Babcock told council members that the city recreation commission survey has prepared a survey, which will ask residents about their views on recreation in the city…
An online version will also be made available.
Resident Tim Givens asked what happened to the sign that had been added to the Hancock City limits signpost on US-41 honoring the 2016 state champion Hancock High School hockey team.
Council member John Haeussler said the Michigan Department of Transportation removed the recognition sign during recent construction because it didn’t comply with state regulations.
The city will look into other options to salute the team.
Babcock said that this summer’s movie nights have been well-attended…
Finlandia University asked that the schedule be continued for several more weeks, and the city has agreed to do that.
The city still faces a significant unfunded liability in its pension program. Babcock told council members that, at this point, there’s only enough money in the fund to cover 59 percent of expected expenditures. Babcock said that extra payments are being made to help resolve the deficit. Discussions are underway to try to develop plans for future employees that will present less future liability for the city.
The council accepted the resignation of Devin Leonarduzzi from the city planning commission, and appointed Kyle Maki to the planning commission. Carol Carli was appointed to the Cemetery Committee. Deb Mann, John Diebel, Dave Dow, Michahel Lancour and Craig Pellizaro were appointed to the recreation commission. The council approved a contract with Erhart Assessing to provide assessing services through the end of May.
