Wakefield council approves sewer rate increase

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield City Council raised sewer rates at its Monday evening meeting.

The council agreed to increase the sewer rate from $2 to $3.50 per 1,000 gallons and also to decrease the administration cost for the sewer fund by $3,000.

This will generate an additional $48,600 in revenue for the council, assuming each resident uses 3,000 gallons of water per month, said city manager John Siira in a memo to the council.

Council member Joseph DelFavero said those living on Social Security will have a hard time adjusting to the rate increase. "We have no choice," said member Richard Bolen.

The council approved several budget amendments based on November's income and expense reports.

It adopted Resolution 210, which approves the amended Gogebic County Solid Waste Management Plan. The purpose of amending the plan is to allow the county's solid waste to be disposed of at any licensed landfill in Michigan or to have the county accept waste from other Michigan counties.

The council scheduled a public hearing for Ordinance 215, which would repeal the city's begging ordinance. The public hearing will take place at the Jan. 13 meeting.

The city received a recommendation for approval of a $112,500 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant. The money would be used to renovate two park buildings and a pier.

Derrick Ervans spoke during public comment about a faulty lamp post near Harrison Street. Siira said he was informed the lamp post is not a hazard but it will be fixed in the summer.

Ervans said the post is dangerous and people have been making reports about the post since 2011.

"The pole needs to be changed," said Mayor Les Schneck. Schneck also said Ervans should expect a repairman by Monday, Dec. 30.

The next meeting will be held Jan. 13.