By Melissa Wentarmini
Associate Editor
The Munising City Commission addressed several infrastructure and policy issues during its March 4 meeting, including potential water rate increases, financing for a large lead service line replacement project and progress on a proposed land acquisition overlooking Munising Bay.
The meeting opened with a public apology from Commissioner Rod DesJardins regarding a statement he made at the previous commission meeting about the salary of the Alger County animal control officer.
DesJardins said he repeated information he had heard without verifying it and later learned the claim was incorrect. He acknowledged the responsibility elected officials carry when speaking publicly and expressed regret for the comment.
“We were discussing economic development and the county’s role in economic development, and I made a comment,” DesJardins said. “I repeated something I had heard that very day that the Alger County animal control officer made $85,000 a year.”
He added that he failed to exercise proper judgment before repeating the claim.
“Words matter. … What we say from the dais can easily be construed as speaking on behalf of the City Commission,” he said.
Later in the meeting, Sean Hayes, president of Munising’s Fourth of July Committee, appeared before the commission seeking feedback on potential options for storing equipment used in the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Hayes said supplies are currently scattered among private homes, barns and an aging trailer that is no longer reliable.
“Today we have stuff in people’s houses, pole barns … up at the orchard in the trailer that’s got two flat tires,” Hayes said. “The situation we’re in is just not sustainable.”
Hayes outlined two potential solutions: placing a temporary structure on nearby Mativ property with access from Memorial Drive or installing a small building on city property near the same area. He emphasized that the committee would seek private funding for the structure and was not requesting city funds, only the commission’s willingness to consider the idea if planning and zoning reviews supported it.
Commissioners expressed general support for Hayes continuing to explore the concept, though no formal action was taken.
Commissioner Brice Burge noted the proposed location is close to the city’s veterans memorial and urged the committee to be mindful of the area’s appearance and significance. While acknowledging the need for a storage solution, Burge said extra care should be taken to ensure any structure respects the memorial and surrounding landscape.
The commission also heard updates from Coleman Engineering on several infrastructure projects underway in the city, including work connected to the Washington Street reconstruction and the state-funded lead service line replacement program. The lead service line project, expected to replace nearly 200 service lines, represents one of the largest infrastructure efforts currently underway in Munising.
As part of the financing process, commissioners approved several steps related to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund bonding process. The commission confirmed Miller Canfield as bond counsel and adopted a resolution authorizing publication of a notice of intent to issue revenue bonds for the project.
Commissioners also approved Benzinski & Co. as the city’s financial adviser after reviewing proposals submitted for the work.
During the discussion, DesJardins commented on the scale of the project, noting the cost of replacing service lines throughout the city. While acknowledging the necessity of the work, he remarked on the significant investment involved.
Commissioners also approved a resolution related to the Munising Bay Overlook land acquisition project, which involves acquiring about 376 acres of timberland located behind the Cox Addition and Connors Road area. The purchase is being pursued through a partnership that includes funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the U.S. Forest Service.
The city’s portion of the project is expected to be about $20,000, with grant funding covering the majority of the acquisition cost. DesJardins suggested Munising Township should be involved in future planning for the property since part of the land lies within township boundaries.
“I would recommend that we cooperate or invite Munising Township into the recreational plan that we’re going to develop for this property,” he said.
One of the more extensive discussions of the evening centered on potential water rate increases following a recent review conducted by the Michigan Rural Water Association. City Manager Michelle Harrison said the analysis found the city’s water system is not currently generating enough revenue to cover operational costs and long-term infrastructure needs.
“The water system currently does not take in enough money to cover its expenses and account for all of the asset management and repair replacement costs that we should have,” Harrison said.
The study recommended a water rate increase of about 13.9%. Commissioners discussed several potential approaches, including raising rates gradually over several years to reduce the immediate financial impact on residents. Burge said a large increase could be difficult for families already facing rising costs.
“A 13% increase is a whole other month of water bill to pay,” Burge said, suggesting the city consider a phased approach to reaching the recommended rate levels.
City officials plan to present additional scenarios and comparative data from other Upper Peninsula communities at an upcoming meeting before making a final decision.
In other business, the commission approved several invoices related to ongoing engineering work and authorized payment to Hall Contracting for renovations to the Tourist Park East shower building. Commissioners also approved a three-year engagement letter with Anderson Tackman to continue providing auditing services for the city and reviewed updates to marina policies, including operational procedures and safety considerations.
Further discussion on water and sewer rates is expected in the coming weeks as the commission continues working through the city’s annual budget process.