Total cost of Riverside Drive project & continued issues with Crescent Street church/house property

Two grants received for Watervliet Fire Department to help secure gear and equipment

An update was given on the Riverside Drive project by Community Director/Engineer for Watervliet, Alan Smaka at the Watervliet City Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 8, 2023. The work is now completed just a few check offs needed. The total cost of the project came to $1,297.985.39.

Of that amount $725,075.18 was for road construction, $70,659.76 was spent for water main restructure, and $292,553.81 was sewer construction. Engineering, storm sewer design, easement, consulting, and title work amounted to $209,696.64. The project was paid through multiple sources of funds including STP (Surface Transportation Program) of the Small Urban Program through Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Grant Funds. Additional monies came from Highway Infrastructure Programs (HIP) Grant Funds, and local sewer, water, and Major Street funds.

There were some problems along the way such as additional tree removal, gas conflict and storm washout, and storm sewer fix, making the budget overrun. A balance still owed is $48,276.00 but there is a question on $14,943.84 for overages city officials would like the company to explain before that portion of payment is made. Motion made and approved by board.

204 Crescent Street

The 204 Church Street property continues to have stumbling blocks in regards to demolition of condemned building. People are still entering the facility even with it being boarded up for community safety. A Motion was made to send a letter to current owner Mrs. Brown in Illinois and give her options. Watervliet city officials will also look into a possible grant to help with cost of the demolition. The city already has bids for demolition of this building. The place has been condemned. The 2022 taxes were paid but the 2021 taxes are delinquent.

North area storm sewer project

The next engineering project will be the north area storm sewer replacement. The area being studied is bounded by Courtyard Place to the north, Paw Paw Avenue to the south, Western Avenue to the west, and Forest Park Avenue to the east. Currently the storm water is collected and directs to a runoff from the majority of the above neighborhood to an outlet on the neighborhood’s southwest. A few options were presented in a proposal from OHM Advisors. Community Director/Engineer Smaka asked the board to look into the future of what they see they needed, for the north area storm sewer issue.

Fire grants

The Watervliet Fire Department received two grants; $20,000 from State of Michigan Fire Grant and a DNR volunteer Fire Grant of $33,000. These grants will help in the purchase of firefighter gear and fire equipment for the department. Since Medic 1 has been providing service to the Watervliet area the WFD first responder calls have gone down per Chief Bill Whitney. Whitney also discussed that they have tested all the hydrants and found six will need to be replaced soon with an approximate cost is $1,400 per hydrant.

Committee reports

Watervliet Police Department reported having 121 complaints, 13 arrests, 49 verbal warnings, 32 tickets, and seven crashes for October. In addition, there were 10 ordinance violations and 17 verbal warnings; 10 are now compliant. Police Chief Tim Sutherland stated they are down to two part-time police officers and they would like five, but not getting any interest. Sutherland would like to bump up the pay from $19/hr. to $25/hr. Board gave approval.

There has been a purchase of three veteran’s car parking signs, to be placed up and around town.

Planning Commission is still working on the Master Plan.

The Downtown Development Authority reported hosting a hog roast fundraiser at Arclight Brewery.

Financial report

The auditor did a presentation of the audit of city financials.

October payables and payroll approved for the following breakdown: payable $105,019.88 and payroll $66,796.62 – total $171,816.50.