City hit with sticker shock

New wastewater treatment plant in Munising could cost $100 million

A complete replacement of Munising’s wastewater treatment plant could cost about $100 million, nearly three times an earlier estimate that engineers have since determined was based on a substantially smaller facility. 

The revised figure was presented during the City Commission meeting Nov. 4, prompting questions about how a community of Munising’s size could afford such an undertaking.

Kelly Heidbrier of Coleman Engineering told commissioners that the previous $35 million estimate prepared by HDR was based on a plant capable of processing 1 million gallons per day, rather than the city’s actual 3-million-gallon-per-day facility. The revised estimate would cover construction of a new plant alongside the existing facility, allowing operations to continue until the replacement was ready.

“How does anybody expect a municipality this size to afford that?” Commissioner Rod DesJardins asked. He noted the city has already spent available sewer fund resources on necessary improvements to the existing facility.

Heidbrier acknowledged the financial challenge, describing the current plant as functional but in need of significant improvements. 

“Your plant is alive, just not doing well,” he said. 

Improvements to the existing plant in phases rather than replacing it entirely could be an option, but Heidbrier cautioned that although this approach would spread the expense over several years, rising construction costs could ultimately make it more expensive than building a new facility.

The city is pursuing options for funding through Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, though Heidbrier noted the application initially reflected the lower estimate and would need to be updated. Engineers also plan to use the forthcoming preliminary engineering report to pursue USDA Rural Development assistance. Additional possibilities include funding for emerging-contaminant treatment and federal National Parks programs that could recognize the wastewater system’s role in serving visitors to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

Commissioners also continued discussing the second phase of the Bayshore boat launch project, with consideration given to a smaller improvement plan rather than the larger project previously contemplated.

City Manager Michelle Harrison, who recently announced her resignation, outlined possibilities that include replacing the existing docks, improving the concrete ramp approach and installing concrete planks to address a drop-off at the end of the launch. She provided an estimated dock replacement at $102,912, including engineering and contingency costs, with the city responsible for about half. Harrison said a broader project incorporating other improvements could cost between $100,000 and $200,000.

Rather than committing to a particular project, commissioners expressed support for gathering public input on what improvements boaters and other residents consider most important. Harrison said she would work toward arranging an informational meeting, potentially during the commission’s first regular meeting in December. 

Mayor Chris Berry supported the idea, saying the commission needed to hear a full range of opinions before deciding how to proceed. 

“We want the good, bad and the ugly,” she said.

The commission also scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to review applications for the city manager position as it prepares for Harrison’s departure. Berry said the search committee had reviewed several applications, eliminated some candidates who did not meet the qualifications and identified several others for further consideration. 

Applications remained open, and commissioners discussed revising interview questions and potentially conducting initial interviews virtually.

Commissioner John Miller raised questions about the use of closed sessions during the application review process. He explained that applications from candidates who have not requested confidentiality should be reviewed in open session, while those who have requested confidentiality in writing may be considered in closed session under the applicable Open Meetings Act exception.

Commissioners also approved releasing the city’s updated master plan for a 42-day public-comment period following a presentation by Emily Bosch of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission.

The plan addresses housing affordability, economic development, infrastructure, transportation and future land use. Among its goals are expanding housing options, improving pedestrian connections, supporting year-round businesses and balancing tourism development with the needs of residents.

During the discussion, DesJardins suggested broadening the plan’s vision statement to include people of all abilities, rather than simply describing Munising as a community for all ages. The draft master plan will undergo public review before returning for further consideration.

The commission received feedback from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources regarding proposed 2027 marina rates. Harrison said the DNR supported a 10% increase for seasonal slip holders but recommended leaving transient rates unchanged because they are already at the upper end of the state’s rate guidelines. Additional marina fees, including sewage pump-out charges, are expected to receive further consideration.

Coleman Engineering also reported progress on the city’s lead service line replacement project, with a second construction crew potentially joining the work. Commissioners indicated support for allowing temporary gravel restoration of public sidewalks during colder weather, with permanent concrete replacement to follow in spring. 

During the organizational meeting preceding the regular session, Berry was reappointed mayor and Jordan Prunick was reappointed mayor pro tem. Prunick was also sworn in for another term as city commissioner after being reelected on Nov. 3, and commissioners approved their committee assignments and the regular meeting schedule for the coming year. 

The city has repaired the camera used to record commission meetings, and recordings will continue to be posted on YouTube, according to Harrison. Commissioner Bob Wilkinson asked about making previous meetings easier to find through the city’s website. Harrison noted the website currently features the most recent meeting, while earlier recordings are available on YouTube.