Compiled by Kyle Kotecki, kkotecki@pioneergroup.com

Published

12:03 pm EDT, Sunday, September 13, 2020

MANISTEE — On Tuesday, Manistee City Council is set to consider an ordinance which would amend Chapter 867 to allow for an unlimited number of recreational retailer marijuana licenses, a request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act for the former Boathouse Grill building and the purchase of a 2020 ambulance.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.

At the last regular council meeting, council voted to amend the city manager’s employment agreement to require at least 90 days’ notice if the city manager leaves the employ of the city. Previous language required 30 days’ notice.

As ordinances require two separate readings before adoption, the marijuana ordinance — Ordinance 20-09 — could be adopted at the next regular meeting only if introduced Tuesday.

Ted Fricano signed a purchase agreement for the former Boathouse Restaurant located at 440 River St. The city assessor and building official determined the property is functionally obsolete and blighted, qualifying it for the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act. Fricano is interested in rehabilitating the property.

Marc Miller, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce’s economic development director, gave a quarterly report to Manistee City Council at its July work session. In his report, Miller said Ted Fricano signed a purchase agreement for the Boathouse Grill.

“The Boathouse Grill on River Street has been a top priority for the city for several years,” he said. “We have someone who is taking a big leap, and taking on a project and this person is an established and successful restaurant operator.”

For council to consider Fricano’s request for an OPRA, it must first establish an OPRA District that encompasses, at a minimum, the property located at 440 River St. Once done, council could then act on the request for an OPRA for the property.

The City of Manistee Fire Department is requesting to replace the R5, an 18-year-old reserve ambulance, with the purchase of a 2020 PL Custom Classic 170 Type I Ambulance from Halt Fire for $261,268. The construction of a new ambulance was publicly bid with two viable bids received. The low bidder is Halt Fire.

According to the meeting agenda, council will also consider the following:

• Approve the parcel split and combination on 505 Fourth St. and authorize city staff to prepare a letter to the County Equalization Department to authorize the parcel split and combination; and

• Approve the closing of City Hall during future elections for non-election related business and allow city employees to be trained and certified to work as election inspectors for future elections.

The next council work session on Oct. 13 is expected to include discussions on:

• Banning retail pet sales in the City; and

• The Non-Motorized Plan for the Manistee Lake Area.