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Alpena, MI

Alpena public meetings in 2022

26 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 19, 2022

Alpena City Council

Council to hold public hearing on moving city elections to even-numbered years

The Alpena City Council will hold a public hearing on changing city elections to even-numbered years, followed by a vote on Resolution No. 2022-18. The council will also consider consent agenda items including bills totaling $427,158.16, a land purchase extension with WSSA LLC, a budget amendment for ARPA funds, and insurance renewal. Additionally, there will be a first reading of a zoning map amendment ordinance and discussion on fluoride and poverty exemption guidelines.

electionszoningbudgetpublic-hearingconsent-agendaordinancefinance
✓ Decided: Alpena City Council votes to end water fluoridation by May 2023

The City Council approved the elimination of fluoride in drinking water starting May 1, 2023. The council also voted to move city elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered years and approved several consent agenda items including bills and insurance renewals.

🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Moved by Councilmember Nowak, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to approve Resolution No. 2022-18. Motion carried by votes as follows:
8 yea · 2 nay
Nowak yea · Walchak yea · Waligora yea · Mitchell yea · Johnson nay · Nowak yea · Walchak yea · Waligora yea · Mitchell yea · Johnson nay
Mon Dec 5, 2022

Alpena City Council

Public hearing on Downtown Development Authority boundary expansion

The City Council will hold a public hearing on expanding the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundary and adopting an updated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan. The council will also consider a consent agenda including bills totaling $1,190,064.19, parade approvals for 2023, and several policy and contract items. No final decision on the boundary expansion will be made tonight; the council must wait at least 60 days before adopting an ordinance.

downtown-development-authoritypublic-hearingboundary-expansiontax-increment-financingconsent-agendaparadesinsurancelease-renewal
✓ Decided: Alpena City Council approves several contracts and grant applications

The Council approved $1,190,064.19 in bills and renewed service contracts for the marina shop and dumpster services. They also authorized grant applications for the Riverside Skate Park and Besser Museum Planet Walk. A public hearing was held regarding the Downtown Development Authority boundary expansion.

🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, to approve the request from Councilmember Nowak to abstain from a vote on the All Marine lease renewal due to a relative being one…
4 yea
Johnson yea · Mitchell yea · Walchak yea · Waligora yea
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Walchak, to renew the Marina Shop lease with All Marine and Storage through December 31, 2023. Motion carried with votes as follows:
4 yea
Mitchell yea · Walchak yea · Waligora yea · Johnson yea
Mon Nov 21, 2022

Alpena City Council

Council to consider pension ordinance change and election date shift

The Alpena City Council will hold a first reading of Ordinance 22-482, which amends retirement allowance options in the city's personnel code. The council will also discuss changing the year of elections for mayor and councilmembers. Other business includes bids for Department of Public Works uniforms and contract renewals for gravel aggregate, portable toilet rental, rugs, and stump grinding.

✓ Decided: Alpena City Council awards DPW uniform contract to Continental Linen Service

The Council approved several service contract renewals and awarded a three-year uniform contract for the Department of Public Works. They also approved $337,235.28 in bills and two Planning Commission appointments.

🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Moved by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Nowak, to renew the portable toilet rental and service contract with Hall’s Serv-All at the requested unit prices for a one (1) year period…
3 yea · 1 nay
Mitchell yea · Nowak yea · Waligora yea · Johnson nay
Mon Nov 7, 2022

Alpena City Council

Council to vote on hiring firm for caustic soda class action suit

The Alpena City Council will consider approving a contract with Financial Recovery Strategies for exclusive claims management in a caustic soda class action lawsuit. The consent agenda also includes budget amendments using ARPA funds for police body cameras ($45,865), fire kitchen renovations ($20,000), and a skate park project ($10,000). The council will hold a second reading of Ordinance 22-481 to amend the zoning map and will adjourn to closed session to discuss two pending lawsuits.

✓ Decided: Alpena City Council approves zoning map amendment and waste management authority

The City Council adopted Ordinance 22-481 to amend the city zoning map and approved the Articles of Incorporation for the Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority. The council also approved several budget amendments using ARPA funds for police and fire equipment. A fluoridation update was postponed to December 19, 2022.

Mon Oct 17, 2022

Alpena City Council

Council to vote on zoning map changes and Bay View Park restroom grant

The Alpena City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a consent agenda including $412,140.44 in bills, appointments to the Recreation Advisory Board and Planning Commission, and a resolution for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to build restrooms at Bay View Park. The Council will also hold second reading of Ordinance 22-480 and first reading of Ordinance 22-481, both amending the zoning map, and discuss a Michigan Boating Pumpout Program grant for the marina, an MDOT contract for Ripley Boulevard, and a lighting contract modification.

Mon Oct 3, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to discuss DDA boundary expansion and river center design

The City Council will consider expanding the Downtown Development Authority boundary and review design services for Phase I of the Thunder Bay River Center. The body will also vote on a zoning map amendment and various board appointments.

zoningbudgetinfrastructureddaappointments
✓ Decided: Council approves Thunder Bay River Center design contract

The council approved a UP Architects & Engineers proposal for Phase I design of the Thunder Bay River Center. They also scheduled a December 5 public hearing on the Downtown Development Authority boundary expansion and its amended development plan. The consent agenda was approved, including a noise variance for Chisholm Street resurfacing and several board appointments.

Mon Sep 19, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council discusses union contracts and marina heating replacement

The Council will consider potential action on fire and clerical union contracts. The agenda also includes a bid recommendation for a heating replacement at the Marina Store.

labormarinaordinancegovernment-operations
✓ Decided: Council approves fire and clerical union contracts through 2025

The Alpena City Council approved three-year labor agreements with Local 623 of the International Association of Firefighters and AFL-CIO Local 211 Clerical Workers, both effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025. The council also awarded a $12,985 bid to Control Solutions for the Marina Store Heating Replacement and approved a noise ordinance variance for Joe's Bar on October 8, 2022. All votes were 3-0 with two members absent.

Tue Sep 6, 2022

Regular Meeting (Adjusted for Labor Day)

Alpena City Council to consider $417,732.11 in bills and budget carry-overs

The City Council will review a consent agenda including bills and several budget amendment requests to carry over funds from FY22 to FY23. The body will also discuss a purchase and sale agreement amendment for US 23 N. property.

budgetreal-estatemarinalitigationappointments
✓ Decided: Council approves consent agenda including property sale amendment and budget carryovers

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included a First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for US-23 North property with WSSA LLC, three budget amendments carrying over funds for Lights, Bridge, and Marina projects, and a mayoral appointment. A proclamation for Alpena Community College's 70th anniversary was issued, and voting delegates for the Michigan Municipal League convention were appointed. The council then recessed into closed session to discuss litigation and labor negotiations.

Mon Aug 15, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to discuss budget carry-overs and odor litigation

The City Council will consider several budget amendment requests to carry over funds from FY22 to FY23 for various departments. The body will also hold a closed session to discuss potential litigation regarding odors from Decorative Panels International.

budgetlitigationpolicewaterroadsappointments
✓ Decided: Council approves goose hunt, mute swan removal, and renews travel lift contract

The Alpena City Council approved a 2022 goose hunt at two locations, authorized USDA mute swan removal at the wildlife sanctuary, and renewed the Travel Lift Operator and Winter Storage Services contract. The council also approved a consent agenda with bills, budget amendments, and appointments. A closed session was held to discuss possible litigation regarding Decorative Panels International and odor issues.

Mon Aug 1, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council approves various bids and financial reports

The Council reviewed the July 18, 2022, proceedings which included approving several departmental bids and receiving financial reports. The meeting also addressed a petition regarding the Culligan Plaza redesign.

budgetpublic-safetygovernment-administrationzoning
✓ Decided: Council approves $565,886.61 in bills; hears Culligan Plaza petition

The Alpena City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a consent agenda item allowing bills totaling $565,886.61, all by 5-0 votes. A proclamation was issued for Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Recognition Day. Residents presented a petition with over 1,200 signatures opposing the Culligan Plaza redesign, and the project committee will meet soon; no action was taken on the petition.

Mon Jul 18, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to review public safety and fire equipment bids

The City Council will discuss bids for a breathing air compressor and carpet replacement for the Public Safety building. The body is also considering the approval of $354,955.27 in bills.

public-safetybudgetcontractsfire-department
✓ Decided: Council awards flooring and compressor bids, approves consent agenda

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, including $354,955.27 in bills and a vote for Lee Kilbourn to the Michigan Municipal League Workers' Compensation Fund Board of Trustees. It awarded bids for public safety flooring to Young's Flooring ($32,447) and a breathing air compressor to West Shore Fire ($49,989.69). The council also received and filed reports from the Huron Humane Society and the fourth quarter fiscal year 2022 financial report, and went into closed session to discuss a tax tribunal appeal and labor negotiations.

Tue Jul 5, 2022

Regular Meeting (Adjusted for Fourth of July)

Alpena City Council meeting includes zoning updates and water grant discussions

The Alpena City Council will meet to discuss a second reading of a zoning map amendment and a Waterways Grant Agreement. The agenda also includes presentations on Target Alpena and the Culligan Plaza renovation.

zoningwatergrantsbusinessordinances
✓ Decided: Council adopts zoning map amendment, approves consent agenda

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, adopted Ordinance 22-479 amending the zoning map, approved a Waterways Grant Agreement with a $156,340 payment, and adopted a resolution for social district permits. The council also received the Target Alpena Semi-Annual Report and discussed Culligan Plaza renovation without formal action. All votes were 4-0 with one absent.

Mon Jun 20, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to discuss water fluoridation and zoning changes

The City Council will consider budget amendments for Fire/EMS and Parks, as well as several service agreements. The meeting includes a postponed decision on water production plant fluoridation and a first reading of a zoning map amendment.

budgetzoningwater-utilitypublic-safetyparks
✓ Decided: Council adopts three ordinances, approves consent agenda and alley closure

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, adopted three ordinances, and approved an alley closure for the Downtown Alpena Alleyway Project. The council also received updates on the Decorative Panels International fire and water fluoridation history.

Mon Jun 6, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council discusses fiscal year budget and water/sewer rates

The Council will address the adoption of the Fiscal Year 22/23 budget, including appropriations and water and sewer rates. Other items include a discussion on downtown social district expansion and potential concrete program bids.

budgetwatersewerzoningordinancespublic-safety
✓ Decided: Alpena City Council adopts FY 2022-23 budget and sets millage rates

The council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2022-23 budget, the administrative salaries and fringe benefits, and the comprehensive fee schedule. It also adopted a resolution appropriating funds for the budget, setting the 2022 millage rates, and authorizing the treasurer to collect property taxes. Additionally, the council adopted water and sewer rates for 2022-23 and awarded the 2022 City Concrete Program to Bedrock Contracting. A decision on water fluoridation was postponed to the June 20 meeting.

Mon May 16, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to hold public hearing on preliminary FY23 budget

The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the preliminary FY23 budget and discuss several downtown initiatives. The meeting includes votes on city ordinances and the potential sale of city-owned property on US 23 North.

budgetzoningpublic-safetyreal-estatedowntown
✓ Decided: Council approves $142K ambulance purchase, rejects $10K SBDC funding

The Alpena City Council approved the purchase of an ambulance from Charter Township of Alpena for $142,000 and authorized $10,000 for upgrades. A proposal to fund the Michigan Small Business Development Center with $10,000 in the FY23 budget failed 0-5. The council also approved a consent agenda, received the H.U.N.T. annual report, approved Ordinance 22-475, and postponed a decision on the social district expansion to June.

Thu May 5, 2022

Alpena City Council

City Council to consider settlement of MBVS Industries LLC lawsuit

The Alpena City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve a settlement regarding a lawsuit filed by MBVS Industries LLC, also known as Meds Café.

lawsuitsettlementlegal-affairs
✓ Decided: Council approves Meds Café lawsuit settlement 4-1

The Alpena City Council met in special session and approved a settlement of the lawsuit filed by MBVS Industries LLC (Meds Café) against the City of Alpena. The motion carried 4-1, with Councilmember Mitchell voting against. No other substantive decisions were made.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Moved by Mayor Waligora, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, to approve the settlement of the lawsuit filed by MBVS Industries LLC, commonly known as the Meds Café vs. City of Alpena. Motion carried…
4 yea
Nowak yea · Walchak yea · Waligora yea · Johnson yea
Mon May 2, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to consider Brownfield Plan for 123 Water Street

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a Brownfield Plan to support the development of a Marriott Fairfield Inn at 123 Water Street. The meeting also includes discussions on the preliminary FY 2022/23 budget and several zoning ordinance amendments.

zoningbudgetbrownfieldeconomic-developmentmarina
✓ Decided: Council approves Brownfield plan for Marriott Fairfield Inn at former power plant site

The Alpena City Council approved a Brownfield plan and a state grant/loan application to support a Marriott Fairfield Inn development at the former Alpena Power Company site (123 Water Street and 310 N. Second Avenue). The council also approved several other items, including zoning ordinance amendments, a fleet lease agreement, a stamped concrete bid, and an asphalt patching contract. Decisions on the Michigan Small Business Development Center proposal and water/sewer rates were postponed.

Mon Apr 18, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council discusses zoning ordinances and marina master plan

The Council will review first readings of two zoning-related ordinances and discuss the Alpena Marina Master Plan. The meeting also includes a financial report and potential action regarding a water and sewer study consultant.

zoningmarinawatersewergovernment-financeordinances
✓ Decided: Council approves ARPA funding plan and marina lease with All Marine

The Alpena City Council approved the FY22-24 American Rescue Plan Act funding recommendations, a lease agreement with All Marine and Storage LLC, and several other items. It also authorized grant applications for playground equipment and a traffic signal replacement, and hired a consultant for a joint water and sewer study.

Mon Apr 4, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council discusses zoning, grants, and firefighter pay

The Council will review a second reading of an ordinance to amend the city's zoning regulations. Other agenda items include water-related infrastructure grants, a TEDF grant application, and a firefighter pay adjustment.

zoninggrantspublic safetygovernment-finance
✓ Decided: Alpena Council adopts zoning ordinance update 5-0

The Alpena City Council unanimously approved a zoning ordinance amendment, authorized grant applications for infrastructure projects, and approved a firefighter pay raise. All votes were 5-0.

Mon Mar 21, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to hold first reading of zoning ordinance amendments

The City Council will discuss amendments to the city zoning ordinance and consider the sale of city-owned property on US 23 North. The body will also review several grant-funded park and marina projects.

zoningreal-estateparksgrantsbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves $150K sale of US 23 North property to WSSA LLC

The Alpena City Council approved the sale of a two-acre parcel on US 23 North to WSSA LLC for $150,000, with conditions on title and survey work. They also approved several grants, contracts, and a zoning ordinance first reading, and declined to consolidate polling locations. All votes were unanimous 5-0.

Mon Mar 7, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council to consider zoning change for 327 N Addison St

The City Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance to rezone a property for duplex use. The body is also reviewing proposals for water plant door replacements and lighting upgrades.

zoninghousinginfrastructureappointmentsbudget
Mon Feb 21, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council discusses water plant proposals and zoning changes

The Council will review proposals for equipment at the Water Production Plant and a new capital asset management policy. The agenda also includes a first reading of an ordinance to amend the city zoning map.

zoningwaterbudgetpublic-worksgovernment-policy
✓ Decided: Council awards water plant contracts totaling over $226,000

The Alpena City Council approved two water plant equipment contracts: $88,324.83 for transmitters and flow meters to Tempest Enterprises, and $137,801 for valve replacement to Meridian Contracting, plus $2,500 for wall repair and $750 for emergency startup. The council also adopted a capital asset management policy and gave first reading to a zoning map amendment.

Wed Feb 16, 2022

CIP Special Meeting

Council to discuss the 2023-2028 Draft Capital Improvement Plan

The Municipal Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to discuss the draft 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. This special meeting was called by the Mayor to review the proposed plan.

budgetinfrastructureplanning
✓ Decided: Council approves 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan 5-0

The Municipal Council and Planning Commission met jointly to hear department heads present their requests for the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. After the presentations and questions, the Council voted 5-0 to approve the plan as presented. The meeting was procedural and adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Mon Feb 7, 2022

Alpena City Council

Alpena City Council meeting includes zoning amendments and financial reports

The Alpena City Council will review a second reading of a zoning map amendment and a fiscal year 2022 financial report. The agenda also includes updates on the Thunder Bay River Center and DDA Boundary Expansion projects.

zoningbudgetgovernmentinfrastructurepublic-works
✓ Decided: Alpena Council adopts zoning map amendment, approves street vacation

The Alpena City Council approved a zoning map amendment (Ordinance 22-469) and a resolution to vacate streets and alleys in the Williams Addition plat. They also approved the consent agenda, including bills and reappointments, and postponed a decision on election polling location consolidation until March 21, 2022.

Tue Jan 18, 2022

Regular Meeting (Adjusted for Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

City Council to consider zoning changes for adult-use marihuana and a property rezoning

The City Council will discuss amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding adult-use marihuana establishments and the rezoning of a specific parcel. The body will also review bills totaling $348,179.57 and receive reports from Target Alpena and the Huron Humane Society.

zoningmarihuanabudgetpublic-safety
✓ Decided: Council adopts zoning ordinance amendments and approves bills

The Alpena City Council approved a consent agenda for bills totaling $348,179.57, adopted ordinance 22-470 amending the zoning ordinance, and received semi-annual reports from the Huron Humane Society and Target Alpena. A first reading was held for ordinance 22-469 amending the zoning map, and a proclamation was issued for Thunder Bay International Film Festival Week.

Tue Jan 4, 2022

Regular Meeting (Adjusted for New Years)

Alpena City Council discusses zoning amendments and park conversions

The Alpena City Council will address a second reading of a zoning ordinance amendment and a proposed conversion of tennis courts at McRae Park. The meeting also includes the administration of oaths of office for the Mayor Pro Tem and a Councilmember.

zoningparksgovernmentpublic-safety
✓ Decided: Alpena Council adopts zoning amendment, approves pickleball court conversion

The Alpena City Council approved a zoning ordinance amendment, authorized converting two tennis courts at McRae Park into six pickleball courts, and made several committee appointments. All votes were 4-0 with one absent (Mayor Waligora). The council also approved the consent agenda, received the FY21 financial report, and appointed Cindy Johnson as Mayor Pro Tem.