Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By KELSEY HANSEN
Wakefield — The council was presented with a couple notes cited from the 2014-15 fiscal year audit that was tabled at a previous meeting.
One was for financial reporting, which was due to lack of staff and the other was deficiencies reported.
After discussing the situation and based on results from a deficit test, it was determined the city does not have to address the water fund deficit.
The council was also presented with the three sewer related projects the city is currently working on.
The projects include the removal of the Administrative Consent Order, the selection of an engineering firm to assist in the completion of the SAW grant and lastly the renewal of the city’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
The NPDES permit was received on January 25, 2016.
In accordance with the permit, a sewer rate must be implemented to raise a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality required amount of $6,050 per year for capital improvements.
Based on 877 accounts, a 60 cent increase per month per account would generate $6,314.40 annually, totaling $1.20 per month per household.
Based on the recommendation from the finance committee, the council approved the city establish a flat fee operating charge of 60 cents per month per account and establish a NPDES capital improvement flat fee rate of 60 cents per month per account.
An update on the search for a new city manager was given, stating the deadline for applications were Feb. 1, 2016.
Nine applicants applied and after review, the city manager committee recommended six to be interviewed.
Some discussion was held and the council voted 3 to 2 in favor of interviewing all nine candidates.
The council also approved an agreement with the Gogebic Medical Care Facility for the Municipal Building to be a Safe House in the event on an emergency.
The council approved this same agreement back in Sept. 2014.
The 2016 Annual Michigan Municipal League Capital Conference is scheduled for March 22-23 in Lansing and all council members have been invited.
The council has budgeted funds for this event for whoever chooses to attend.
The council approved the attendance of Wakefield city representatives at the conference for anyone that wishes to go.
A few announcements were made including the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing Contest, which will be held this Sat. Feb. 13 on Sunday Lake.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
