MANISTIQUE — The Manistique City Council agreed to partner with the Manistique Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to explore the potential acquisition of the old Renze parking lot across the street from Triangle Park during a recent meeting.

“We essentially gave the DDA the green light … to look into the possibility of purchasing the property for future projects,” Council Member Paul Walker said.

The city will also consider the possibility of submitting an initial application for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Community Development Block Grant, which could be used for work to revitalize the parking lot and Lake Effect Community Arts’ new building.

In other business, the council:

– came to an agreement with the city’s tax attorney on a tax issue regarding a local business after exiting executive session. Walker said he was unable to offer additional information on this matter as of Tuesday evening, as it is still under negotiation.

– set the city’s operating millage rate to be levied July 1 at 18.6633 mills. The city’s taxable value for 2019 is $56,020,176 for all properties in the city.

– allowed a self-funded Manistique high school baseball team to use the Water Tower Field. A second resolution, for the sale of banners, was also approved on the condition that all money raised by these sales be put back into improving the field.

– approved revised bylaws for the Manistique Senior Citizens Center as presented.

– approved photographer Dennis Novak’s request to set up a camera on a city light pole for a time-lapse documenting the production of a mural on the Renze building.

– tabled a proposed amendment to the city’s 2018-19 general fund budget due to a need for additional information.