MANISTIQUE — A section of Manistique’s city ordinance pertaining to the keeping of farm animals in the city was discussed by members of the Manistique City Council earlier this week. They spoke about this topic during their regular meeting Monday.

Discussion was sparked by a request from Manistique resident Jenny VanDyck, who has farm animals at her residence as part of a 4-H project. However, according to Ordinance 199 of 1982, “It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to keep or possess horses, cows, goats, chickens, or other livestock within the City of Manistique, Michigan.” As a result, VanDyck asked that the council think about changing the ordinance.

“She was requesting… to be able to keep hers,” City Clerk Jeff King said.

The council did not make a formal decision on this issue Monday. However, council members noted the keeping of farm animals can create issues related to salmonella and noise.

In other business, the council:

– approved the use of city-owned property as the start and end point for a marathon on the Haywire Trail.

– finalized an agreement with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for engineering work on Marina Drive. “They’re going to make the entrance to the marina more visible — more prominent,” King said.

– approved a tax abatement request from WCH Rentals for a new building, which will be located on their property at 145 River St. after a public

hearing. The request will go on to the state of Michigan for final approval.

– held a close-out hearing for its CDGB Urgent Need Grant, which was received because of issues created by cold weather during the winter of 2013-14.

– awarded a pair of contracts for work related to the Central Park Baseball Field Project to U.P.-based companies. Olsen and Olsen Building Contractors, Inc. of Manistique received a $49,914 contract for grading and aggregates, and Delta Fence and Construction of Escanaba received a $27,780 contract for fencing and appurtenances.

– accepted a bid of $34,033 from Atlas Copco Compressors for a new aeration blower for the city’s wastewater treatment plant.