Watervliet City receives bids to demolish old church on Crescent Street

With an audience of only two, the City of Watervliet Board of Commissioners met to be brought up to date on current business for the city. The regularly scheduled monthly meeting for October was held on Tuesday the 3rd at City Hall. In addition to committee and board reports, the Commissioners were informed of the progress for demolition of the vacant church building on Crescent Street.

Committee & board reports

The Planning Commission reported they are still working on the Master Plan.

On Thursday, Oct. 19 starting at 5 p.m. at City Hall, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are having a “City Ideas” planning meeting. Residents of Watervliet City are invited to give their ideas of what they would like to see in improvements for the city. The DDA also shared that school students will be helping plant mums in the downtown area.

The Sewer Board reported they are working to replace their 400 volt system.

The Joint Fire Board is working with Edward Jones financial advisors to create a retirement plan and to help with employee retention for the fire department.

The Watervliet Police Department report for September reflected 110 service calls, 70 traffic tickets, with 11 arrests. Public safety boarded up windows on the Elm Street house fire. An excavator is on site but nothing is happening, they will be following up. Also, the old church on Crescent Street was boarded up.

Things are running smoothly in the Clerks Office after hiring of the new deputy clerk, as reported in September. Clerk Melanie Marvin will be attending a clerk’s educational conference.

Demolition of vacant church on Crescent Street

Estimates are coming in to demolish the former church on Crescent Street, they range from $92,000 to $171,000. There is difficulty involved in the demolition because of the close proximity to other buildings and asbestos that needs to be removed prior to demolition. It is reported that the majority of the funds to cover the expense will be coming from the American Rescue Plan Act ARPA (COVID funds).

New business

The commissioners gave approval to change the date for their November Meeting to Wednesday, Nov. 8, due to the elections taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. They also approved adding Deputy Clerk Tonia Bobay as a signer on the City Pool Account.

In financial reporting, there was a discussion of budget amendments along with approval of Invoices/ Expenditures for September: Accounts payable $175,640.35 and Payroll $68,561.14.

Per Fire Chief Bill Whitney, on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 4-8 p.m. Pizza Hut will be having a give back night for Watervliet Fire and North Berrien Fire in honor of October Fire Safety Month.