Council OKs $94,230 ice-damage contract and accepts $200,000 DNR grant for marina dredging

Petoskey City Council authorized two marina-related actions: a contract award for ice-damage repairs and acceptance of a Michigan DNR waterways grant to support dredging.

Kendall, who oversees marina operations, described heaved pilings and raised finger piers after a heavy ice season, and said the repair work requires a contractor with a barge and specialized crews. Council authorized a contract with RB Lions (Charlotte) in the amount of $94,230 for the ice-damage repairs. "We will likely get them in mid June," Kendall said, noting the work will require coordination with boat owners and transient slips but should be completed with limited disruption.

On dredging, staff explained they had received the Eagle permit from state regulators that allows a five-year window to perform dredging without repeating the full permit process. The DNR grant in the memo is for approximately $200,000; the marina reserve will fund the remaining local share. Staff said the plan is to complete dredging in the fall after the boating season to avoid displacing tenants.

Council discussed options for spoils placement and noted the city has previously considered moving spoils to municipal sites (including potential reuse to support park shaping), but final placement will be determined through specifications and environmental requirements.

Both actions were approved on roll-call votes (contract award and grant agreement each carried 5-0). Staff will schedule the ice-damage repairs and prepare procurement specs and logistics for the dredging work and spoils handling.