City plans to auction off vacant lots for new homes

During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed several key initiatives aimed at improving community infrastructure and property management. A significant topic was the ongoing effort to develop a formal policy for the disposal of city-owned lots, particularly those that are buildable. City Manager indicated that while there is a practice in place for non-buildable lots, a comprehensive policy is still in the preliminary stages. The council emphasized the urgency of expediting this process to facilitate potential new housing developments.

Additionally, the council addressed the need to amend existing ordinances to accommodate modern modular homes, which could provide affordable housing options for younger residents. This discussion highlighted the city's commitment to exploring diverse housing solutions in response to community needs.

In financial news, the city was awarded a pension grant of $1.364 million from the state of Michigan, a decrease from the previous year's funding but still a positive development for local pension systems. The city manager noted that this funding will help maintain stability within the pension framework, with strict requirements preventing any increases to pensions.

The council also received updates on infrastructure improvements, including ongoing efforts to address a reported 40% water loss in the system. While there have been fewer water main breaks, officials acknowledged that there are likely undiscovered leaks contributing to the issue. The city is actively working on upgrades to the water system to mitigate these losses.

Lastly, progress was reported on the redevelopment of the former Sears site, where demolition has been completed, and plans for new businesses, including a Chick-fil-A and a car wash, are moving forward. The council remains focused on enhancing the community's infrastructure and housing options while ensuring financial stability through grant funding and careful management of city assets.