One of the ball fields at Memorial Park is underwater on Monday, April 3, 2023. Work at the park will improve drainage.
The Fennville City Commission on Monday, April 3:
Police chief: Was informed interviews are continuing for the Fennville Police Department chief. The city has been without a police chief or officers since Jan. 1 when then-Chief Greg Rekucki resigned. In January, the city commission unanimously agreed to offer the chief position to Rudolph Johnson III of Charleston, S.C. Last month, Johnson withdrew from consideration. A candidate was interviewed last week and another candidate will be interviewed soon.
Park improvements I: Approved on a 5-1 vote a bid for $853,473.28 from Riverworks Construction of Holland to improve drainage and build two baseball fields and soccer field at Memorial Park. The plans include a wetlands area, irrigation and walkway. Contruction will begin this spring. The proposal was about $200,000 over budget, but the commission agreed to pay for the overage with money from the city’s fund balance. Commissioner Brenda Langston voted against the proposal. Commissioner Shawn Machan was absent
Park improvements II: Unanimously authorized the application for a $1.1 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant to replace and repair playground equipment at Paradise Park. The plan also includes a public restroom, improved picnic facilities and a butterfly station. The city would pay 10 percent — $123,130 – if it receives the grant.
Street sweeping: Unanimously approved a bid from Sweeping Corp. of America for a three-year contract at $4,600 a year to clean city streets twice annually.
Fourth Fridays: Unanimously approved the first Fourth Friday event for 5-7 p.m. April 28 in downtown. The event will feature sustainability themed activities, live performances, food and shopping.
Sculpture dedication: Unanimously approved the Hector Vega Sculpture Dedication for 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Fennville District Library, 400 W. Main St. Last year, the commission approved the 12-foot-tall statue “Reaching for the Stars” for $28,500 funded through donations. The artwork speaks to the challenges and suffering many migrant workers endure for the sake of their children.
Financial policy: Sent a proposed financial policy to the Ordinances and Community Relations Committee for revisions. The policy will act as a guide for handling funds and expenses. Commissioners wanted more discussion on the requirements for local purchases and consistency in some rules.
Floodplain rules: Unanimously adopted a resolution to manage floodplain development for the National Flood Insurance Program. The commission also completed the first reading of a proposed ordinance for floodplain management provisions of the state construction code. The commission will vote on that proposed ordinance at its next meeting.
Financial presentation: Listened to a presentation on Dr. Donijo Robbins of Grand Valley State University on financing and budgeting.
Fire department: Received the March run report from the Fennville Area Fire Department. The department responded to 29 calls: 11 in the city, nine in Manlius Township and nine assists, five of those to Lee Township, one to Clyde Township and three to Saugatuck.
Paper recycling: Was informed that the Paper Gator recycling receptacle approved in December for city hall parking lot, 125 N. Maple St., will not happen. The company said Fennville was too far off its route for service.