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City votes to redraw DDA district

ESCANABA — The Escanaba City Council voted to begin the process of redrawing the city’s Downtown Development Authority boundaries during the council’s regular meeting Thursday.

“The city — by a process, which requires a public notice, and I think it was two public hearings — can adjust the boundaries of the area from which the DDA gets its free taxes,” said Council Member Ralph Blasier.

Blasier explained he brought the idea to the attention of the council because of the old Delta County Sheriff’s Office and jail facility.

“There is a possibility of a large development occurring where the old jail used to be,” he said.

Blasier presented the idea to the council because the facility currently falls within the DDA district — meaning if and when the property is developed, only the DDA would benefit from the property taxes. Removing the old jail site from the DDA’s boundaries would allow all of the other local entities that collect taxes — including the city, Bay College, and the county, which collects taxes for the jail’s newly-constructed replacement — to get their share from property taxes should the site be redeveloped.

“I think we should consider strongly going ahead with the necessary notices, and necessary public hearings to adjust the boundaries of the DDA collection to a more equitable geography,” Blasier said.

He motioned for City Manager Patrick Jordan to begin preparing the necessary documents and set a time table for the steps of redistricting the DDA. The motion was supported by Council Member Peggy Schumann.

Mayor Pro Tem Ron Beauchamp said he felt beginning the process of redistricting the DDA boundaries is premature at this time as the old jail facility property is not open to ­bidders yet, but he did want to find out more information on the process.

“Definitely I would want to see more information on what redistricting would involve,” he said.

The motion was unanimously approved by the council.

In other business, the council:

– Held a public hearing and approved the amendment to the appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30. The amendment was needed to balance out over- and under-expenditures within various departmental budgets for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

– Tabled the approval of an amended service contract with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The tribe pays the city $150 per dwelling on their development site. The current contract lists a specific number of units, and the amendment would allow the tribe to add additional units without making further amendments to the contract. The item was tabled after council members discussed wanting to put a limit on the additional units as the current amended contract does not impose a limit.

– Approved the 2019-2020 property and liability insurance renewal. The administration will purchase the insurance coverage from Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA) in the amount of $219,247.

– With the impending retirement of Treasurer Bob Valentine, Jordan asked the council to allow him to reorganize the job description when it comes to finding Valentine’s replacement. Council members felt no motion was needed as it is Jordan’s job to do so and isn’t an item needed to be voted on by the council.

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