By Genine Hopkins
Spring is in the air and many exciting things are happening around the City of Clare, including receiving approval of a State of Michigan grant for work at the City Airport, resumption soon of the Shamrock Lake dredging, a new contract with Blake Assessing Services, and a plaque honoring former Clare County Review editor Patricia Maurer was given to her family in honor of her years of service in the community.
In the Consent Agenda, several agreements were approved, including the Fire Department Mutual Aid Agreement with the Department of Natural Resources, an Intergovernmental Agreement for Floodplain Management services with Clare County Community Development Building Inspector, and approval for acceptance of a State Local Program Grant for both requests: $70,000 for 100LL fuel dispenser and system upgrade and $6,000 to seal pavement and pavement joints. It should be noted that additional improvements requested by MDOT will require significant tree re-moval on the north with limited tree removal on the south side of the airport. The city airport continues to work with MDOT and their consultants, Mead & Hunt to determine how many trees obstruct the required changes/upgrades.
The Clare County Review’s own Pat Maurer, who recently passed away, was given a formal proclamation honor and plaque which was provided to her family at Monday’s meeting, for her long service to the City of Clare community. Maurer’s commitment to journalistic integrity and to keeping the public informed of local issues was cited in the plaque, a beautiful reminder of how much the area will miss her.
The City Manager, Jeremy Howard, informed the commissioners that a proposed budget has been prepared for review and will be presented to the commissioners at their June 2nd meeting for approval, along with the CIP (capital improvement projects for FY 2025/2026), Millage adoption, and Fee and Rate Schedules. The commissioners will hold two budget workshops prior to the June 2nd meeting to make sure any changes can be made prior to that meeting.
The City Airport is still selling fuel from October 2024 at $4.82 per gallon but they are getting close to having to order more soon.
A FOIA request was made by Pastor Thomas Dunn, of the Yahweh’s Liberty & Freedom Church in regard to religious exception request.
The Department of Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has sent a reminder on state law regarding permanent residency on campgrounds. Year around residency by campers is not allowed, with exemptions for care takers, managers, and year round employees in permanent structures on campground property.
A renewal of farming leases to Kremsreiter Farms for approximately 130 acres of property at the Clare Municipal Airport and 72 acres of land in the new Industrial Park #3, south end of Clare, which bring in $14,000 and $11,500 respectively was approved.
