GLADSTONE — The City of Gladstone is finally able to add another officer to its Public Safety Department and appoint one individual to serve as School Resource Officer (SRO) with the goals of maintaining a safe learning environment, preventing juvenile delinquency, promoting positive attitudes about law enforcement, and helping plan for incidents within Gladstone schools — according to the contract approved by the Gladstone City Commission Monday evening.

The role of SRO is one that the department has wanted to implement for several years now but was unable to fund; it was one of the goals in mind when the recently-passed tax — made possible through Public Act 33 — was drafted. Approximately half the pay for the SRO will be provided by the school, paid quarterly; the rest will come through the city from the aforementioned new taxes. The total, including salary, benefits, healthcare etc., is $120,283.34.

According to the one-year contract, which was approved by the Police Officer Labor Council union before reaching commissioners, the SRO will spend time at Gladstone High, Gladstone Junior High, James T. Jones Elementary and W.C. Cameron Elementary Schools, in addition to athletic facilities and extracurricular events or field trips within the city as requested by the superintendent.

“The hours of work will generally coincide with the hours of work for teaching staff,” the contract reads.

One Public Safety Officer, Mallory Nelson, is reportedly keen to take on the job, according to City Manager Eric Buckman, who presented the agenda item in Public Safety Director Ron Robinson’s stead.

“Public Safety Officer Mallory Nelson, who has a lot of contact time with the high school already, she applied for the job … (and is) really interested,” Buckman said.

At present, officers with the Public Safety Department have been spending time at the schools during their shifts, but having one designated SRO will provide more consistency and stability.

Another Public Safety Officer will need to be hired to “fill the void” in the force — a measure that has also been budgeted for, said the report provided by Director Robinson prior to the meeting.

The contract is just for the 2024-2025 school year, which Buckman said is standard.

“I’m glad we’re getting this in place and ready to go for this school year; it was one of the big things on that plan,” said Commissioner Brad Mantela before making a motion to approve the SRO position and contract, which carried with unanimous votes from those who were present (the newest commissioner, Steve O’Driscoll, was absent).

Other business at the meeting:

– The commission discussed Phase II of a marina renovation, for which a grant was recently obtained from the Department of Natural Resources Waterways Program. The first phase took place 11 years ago — construction in 2013 included the replacement of 13 existing docks with ADA-compliant flotation docking, installation of de-icer units, and upgrades to plumbing and electricity. Four transient docks remain to undergo the same renovation. Coleman Engineering helped the city obtain a 49% grant; the 51% to be covered by the city is $181,000, which is coming from a designated fund just for the harbor.

– Gladstone will be taking part in a “Downtown Day” which was proclaimed by the Michigan Downtown Association to be September 28. Commissioners approved a special event permit application for the event; which will close Delta Avenue between Ninth and Tenth Streets. The aim is for it to be like a street fair with sidewalk sales and music, and it will also showcase the new historical signs in town.

– A list of 15 foreclosed properties that reverted to possession of Delta County due to non-payment of 2021 taxes included one in Gladstone — 611 29th St. The City of Gladstone was given the right of first refusal before it goes to public auction on Aug. 6. The city opted out of purchasing the parcel.

– Along with the consent agenda of past meeting minutes, the commission approved payment of a $9,856 bill to the Northern Lights YMCA for providing lifeguard services at Gladstone Beach. That amount is half of the total due for the season.