[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6081087,"mediaKeyId","2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0","parentId",2943764,"title","Votes at a glance: Alpena City Council actions from Jan. 21, 2025 meeting","audioSeconds",5348,"startMs",304000,"endMs",5652000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0&start=304&end=5652","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0/thumbnail_304000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081087/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Alpena-City-Council-actions-from-Jan-21-2025-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081087-19c83521b0987ef4d7b495f9e90134df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434327&Signature=QIVpK9jVgOyniu6-m6PJ0nKH2yqW0PUYgoYXsm1hS~g2b2l4jl9M0VXwg6rNUZJtjkwCOwK67skczDMT~Q2LrTTvh0WNyuK0MK-5-OMMUy5umlO-xF-4c7hrn7EmhOdb0J1eD42qorK0AUyAaqKQmvmzubuydWYWgfzruDjzsU9xdKXfQ8yknnTNL6mMr8fkpZsCemnJXhCBu1d6ANa2FZq13yqUWKtIGYaLsNsd-vO-8Ah~5FQSEvOUrZmnoCQncDmzbE48odKLZX1nKil9vZCfPDzFiXvQcaxqPN9XnztrQMHaTNsNA66dAS6aHMUZBYN7tFlOqE9pcfUlqwL8-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","cityofalpena","date","2025-01-21T00:00:00Z","article","Below are the formal actions the Alpena City Council recorded on Jan. 21, 2025. This roundup lists each motion, the outcome and key details for quick reference.

1) Approve agenda modification — motion to reorder presentations (film festival proclamation moved earlier): approved.

2) Approve consent agenda — included bills payable $414,071.79; budget amendment of $36,595 for assessor inspections; cemetery deeds (multiple deeds for $750 each); and change order No. 2 for Fair Avenue reconstruction (replacement of lead/lead‑containing water services) in the amount of $20,000. Motion to approve consent agenda: approved.

3) Receive and file FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (audit) — motion approved. (See separate coverage of audit.)

4) Receive and file Target semiannual report — motion approved. (See separate coverage.)

5) Receive and file Huron Humane Society semiannual report — motion approved. Shelter requested increase in contract subsidy from $22,500 to $25,000; council received report but did not change funding at the meeting.

6) Receive and file Corridor Improvement Authority update — motion approved. (See separate coverage.)

7) Approve engagement letter with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP for legal services to assist with establishment of the corridor improvement authority; not to exceed $7,500; authorize city manager to sign — approved.

8) Approve professional services contract with Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) for master plan plus zoning for housing reform; authorize city manager to sign — approved.

9) Budget amendment and equipment purchase: authorize amendment to add $53,000 to equipment line for purchase of a used bucket truck and authorize issuing a check for $52,750 to purchase the truck from an out‑of‑state dealer — both motions approved.

10) Approve multiple plumbing services contracts (hourly rate schedule) to support building repairs and lead service work: awarded to Lakeshore Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. and Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating (each not to exceed $35,000) — approved.

11) Approve multiple utility excavation services contracts (hourly rates/average service installation) to multiple local contractors (Bedrock Contracting; CNC Excavating; E & M Property Improvements; McArthur Construction; Environmental Excavating Michigan) — each contract amount not to exceed $35,000 — approved.

12) Traffic control order 1‑25: prohibit right turns on red at the Third/Bagley/Hobbs signalized intersection (signage to be installed; potential future signal‑head signage being evaluated) — approved.

13) Appointments: Council appointed Carol Walczak as mayor pro tem (term through 12/31/2026) and approved a slate of council committee and board assignments, including appointments to the Brownfield Authority, DDA‑related boards, River City Board, retirement board and numerous advisory bodies.

Procedure notes: routine motions were made, seconded and recorded by roll call; where specific mover/second were not captured in the audio verbatim the record shows the motions passed by majority vote. The council held no closed‑session votes related to these items at the Jan. 21 meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, January 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes at the Jan. 21, 2025 Alpena City Council meeting, including approvals of contracts, budget amendments, equipment purchases, traffic control order, and appointments.","taxTitle","Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan","taxId",71582,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081092,"Target Alpena presents semiannual economic update; DPI site auction and downtown activation among priorities",1046,1789000,2835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0&start=1789&end=2835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0/thumbnail_1789000.jpg","/articles/6081092/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Target-Alpena-presents-semiannual-economic-update-DPI-site-auction-and-downtown-activation-among-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081092-6364e37f11910d665687254fc0c01e92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434327&Signature=Y~Q8ENFUPF8-MX4eClqVj~jNckKXFrh6~SpnutRkIghuGwhJWxlomwlfqjHFrB~-dovRHFZERVdxW1XPd-xku5KiPlCaeuCmxtHCT1f~DwnJifLrpQkZP~5A3y7swGN6jdzM6UePfQOwZgaOkdxfeO4r15bDuf0PQdOMdhavfs608LNoSAvbmqM-fnS0JpyDS~FJ~h13msD8cJBv33t4nbScKGN6nUsMzfNYjGmTcMuCnzexPkNTCK-Tn6TIj0BLtOaOTuAYcuEHB9pj1MCBDFzaoohHjui8ikD38TQVrYOwqfLu6YF1hH~d8nWV~icMCuICpdEitHk9~PavBuxZOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mike Mahler, economic development director for Target, delivered the organization’s semiannual report to the Alpena City Council on Jan. 21, summarizing business recruitment, downtown redevelopment efforts and several active projects and prospects.

Mahler said an auction for the former DPI site was occurring the day of the meeting; he said Target stands ready to assist any new owner to redevelop the property. He also reported success pursuing a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant that produced a $2,149,000 program to support small businesses across the region, with a portion of funds available to Alpena entrepreneurs through the chamber.

He described efforts to activate the former Alpena Power site on Second Avenue and the riverfront—after a prior developer stopped pursuing a 66‑unit apartment project—by looking at short‑term activation options (for example, pop‑up markets) that could serve cruise ship visitors this summer. Mahler also said Target continues to help the owner of the Fletcher paper mill pursue selective demolition options and that Target organized meetings with the State Land Bank to explore funding alternatives.

Other items Mahler highlighted included: the DDA boundary expansion (which now includes the former DPI site), a pending buyer and tenant for the former Huntington branch, new commercial activity at M‑32 and the airport corner, a planned Edward Jones office and a potential Gardens of Alpena senior housing project north of town (covered separately). He noted a county housing study estimating a need for roughly 1,500 new housing units in the county and said Target has a loan fund that made seven loans last year totaling about $210,000 to local businesses.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file Target’s semiannual report.

","Mike Mahler of Target gave a wide‑ranging economic development update covering the DPI site auction, grant programs for small business, downtown activation options for the former Alpena Power site, and other business‑attraction activity; council voted to receive and file the report.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081096,"Huron Humane Society asks Alpena to raise annual contract from $22,500 to $25,000 after rising vet and labor costs",281,3235000,3516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0&start=3235&end=3516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0/thumbnail_3235000.jpg","/articles/6081096/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Huron-Humane-Society-asks-Alpena-to-raise-annual-contract-from-22500-to-25000-after-rising-vet-and-labor-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081096-46cbe13de29edd425c90382562b1d28b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434327&Signature=l6HYyyagx2tRKapR3RDX9ul~6pQSDpEFF~uuuHtg4jE7U~BopMGYObvGmSyPNARIoZdUG1rFKfEzEs-LPNQqVt5eLgHm6uKRXJpFq7IPPQ8OQhoRjBmRdxYfcx3OpdcBAAztv4RsJNMrZ2MT2xdg5RdH042lLryYZa~~AABlmk-oBxCpJYjrTD5F0JLk9j75lf9qr3ZKbz33IxIOvBMiavtsvRT~TWp6y6AYJxL26Kk2s8Kvop~pD9xweYspZE2xT75NKoaR6iulFV6tEzslzPot9lSkolbOFY3szgu-6UJ9PBhfDYD3hMpCvlW1UjrcqPN9qDfKkdQ4a5aiD4X~Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Huron Humane Society told the council on Jan. 21 that shelter intake and veterinary costs rose in 2024 and asked the city to increase its annual service contract from $22,500 to $25,000.

A shelter representative reported that animals taken in from the city of Alpena in 2024 included roughly 327 felines and 56 canines; the total number of animals admitted from all jurisdictions during 2024 was reported at 445 (389 cats/kittens and 56 dogs and puppies). The representative said 405 animals were adopted during 2024 (53 dogs and 352 cats) and 18 animals were returned to their owners (1 dog and 17 cats). Average length of stay reported was 11 days for dogs and 37 days for cats.

The shelter noted significant veterinary spending: in 2023 it reported $66,577.25 in bills to the two local veterinary clinics; shelter leadership said 2024 veterinary costs exceeded the $57,000 budget. The representative said the shelter continues to rely heavily on donations and fundraising and that municipal contract funding is an important subsidy for operations and public health services such as vaccinations, testing and sterilization.

“We care for them,” the shelter representative said when council members pressed on veterinary decisions; “they've come to us. They're in our care. It's our responsibility.” The representative said the shelter had spent nearly $400,000 servicing animals, staff and operations in the prior year and asked the council to consider the modest increase to $25,000 as a cost‑effective public health investment.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file the Huron Humane Society semiannual report.

","The Huron Humane Society presented semiannual intake and outcome data and requested a modest increase in the city service contract to $25,000 to help cover veterinary and staffing costs; the council received and filed the report.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081100,"Independent auditor issues unmodified opinion on Alpena’s FY2024 financial statements; council receives report",384,657000,1041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0&start=657&end=1041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0/thumbnail_657000.jpg","/articles/6081100/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Independent-auditor-issues-unmodified-opinion-on-Alpenas-FY2024-financial-statements-council-receives-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081100-ee3a508e8aac6d14599d88b0f639d2d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434327&Signature=fiAzQykakpJv4QNWvL6qE~v0rjvHp3Gwq3K18Wj~986VrM6OcHA~SytkpodUuNY3v4n5ZO8P88iaclxCX7dutbGd89AbbJOczCKuWE3CWJCLQ0HzA0cmeqBgwU-6At0ueCqShgUUIKJgZhsIpMnpah4dufhUBnUEtgvGJGN2vVrwMkVrqBHzpxDhw6jUlziX2-SnM2o5gyD3z7YbWtS~cqxk2VB~hKVFR9vu-EUf4j4fL8gw8yh2NV0b~IyabeSXGpVHl2RAeMfm4uvyF3Os9JukSZNuxPGMLH-q8wQCJxtSiv3R2NcN9XPQ1~awNYXxxf0Kzl0te0NpeKGdOMpKAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council received and filed the City of Alpena’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, after an in‑person presentation by Chelsea McConnell of Straley, Lamp & Kraenzlein.

McConnell told the council the audit resulted in an unmodified opinion — the highest level of assurance — and that the auditors did not identify any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the city’s internal controls. “I am pleased to say you were issued an unmodified opinion,” McConnell said during the presentation.

Key points from the audit presentation:
- Net position (governmental activities) increased about $500,000 year over year; assets rose roughly $1.8 million overall while capital assets decreased about $940,000 due to depreciation exceeding additions.
- Current and other assets rose primarily because the city held about $1 million in grant receipts that were unearned at year end.
- The general fund’s unassigned fund balance decreased slightly but remained strong at about $4.4 million, representing roughly 136 days of expenditures — above the Government Finance Officers Association’s 60‑day recommendation.
- Business‑type (enterprise) funds: sewer net position rose by about $787,000 (unrestricted portion ~$3.9M); water net position increased by about $1.3M (unrestricted portion ~$5.5M). The water fund increase reflected nonoperating items and a settlement adjustment noted by auditors.

McConnell identified audit areas requiring more audit evidence because of inherent risk, including revenue recognition, significant estimates (pension and OPEB liabilities under GASB 68 and 75), and receivables tied to a major customer with ongoing litigation in the business‑type activities. She also told the council that GASB 101 (compensated absences) will require attention in the coming fiscal year and could result in restatements in future years.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file the FY2024 audit report.

","External auditor presented the FY2024 annual comprehensive financial report, issued an unmodified opinion and identified no material weaknesses; council voted to receive and file the audit.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081104,"Council briefed on proposed US‑23 corridor authority to help finance Gardens of Alpena senior housing",386,3766000,4152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0&start=3766&end=4152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943764-f8f7b674c21ebcd6dc3086f6c1c7a5e0/thumbnail_3766000.jpg","/articles/6081104/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Council-briefed-on-proposed-US23-corridor-authority-to-help-finance-Gardens-of-Alpena-senior-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081104-7bd95a2c2e6d4a67f81f0d72a3249c19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434327&Signature=DYiF2D-Hv1ELGdqyn~YgP1SN23zhxxXaOjmP1f5dRn8UYH9vrVvMW3V7umaaj3Vi6AS2wB6PICqrjm867neCdBSSQC5kCJD90Pf2gUYG6gan09XYhVjcyfPFsYgymJxhVwdTQT3bJXmmy6Fy-7c~9uikvtKthnUhdIpQVOUXtAHCNQfx43bOaiLTuFkyLgt1NjxwMeaWe5KCI4oueaO7RgZ~ZPHvsb-2xueYhAYVAK1dQbjcHh7QuH4b2deNbRXKsXtKoZLX30XgwOskA8NW5bzDS8pU1ByfJNjG0hbnfi1G7h9GK3qKWp8Em48SX2uk93DuouhmXrufBf79e~OQ-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials and consultants updated the Alpena City Council on Jan. 21 about a proposed US‑23 Corridor Improvement Authority that would capture future local property‑tax growth to help finance the Gardens of Alpena, a planned independent/assisted living and memory‑care development north of town. The council received and filed the update.

The Gardens of Alpena developers hold a purchase agreement for roughly 10 acres of city‑owned property along US‑23 and have proposed an independent living component of about 68 units plus roughly 30 assisted‑living and 30 memory‑care units. Consultant Mac McClelland described the project as “a large investment and significant job creation” and told the council that, because construction costs and interest rates increased, “the project really can’t proceed without some sort of community financial support.”

McClelland said the city is pursuing a corridor improvement authority because that tool can capture incremental local taxes and reimburse eligible development costs via a tax increment financing (TIF) plan. He outlined the near‑term schedule: a resolution to establish the authority and appoint its board is planned for the Feb. 3 council meeting, followed by council consideration of the development plan, the TIF plan and a development agreement on March 3.

Why it matters: proponents said the development would put hundreds of new residents and dozens of jobs on the city’s north side and could spur follow‑on investment across the adjacent 70‑acre area. Mike Mahler, economic development director for Target (the local economic development partner), warned the council that earlier developer assumptions about taxable value were optimistic. He said the developer originally proposed an 85/15 split of captured taxes but, after further financial review, is proposing a 90/10 split (90% to developer capture, 10% to taxing jurisdictions) to reflect a lower eligible tax base.

McClelland and others emphasized that corridor CIAs capture only local property taxes (city, county, college and library levies) and do not capture state school operating taxes; that limitation reduces available TIF revenue compared with some developer assumptions. Council members were also told the TIF capture could last up to 20 years and that preliminary estimates included a projected contribution to school districts of roughly $6 million over 20 years once the development is complete and fully taxed, though McClelland said actual outcomes depend on final valuations.

City staff and consultants said the developer remains interested and that the authority’s district boundaries were drawn to ensure at least three property owners inside the proposed district (a statutory requirement), which led to inclusion of Alpena Community College and Alpena Public Schools property in the district map. McClelland said notice and public hearing requirements had been completed and that the county, the college and the library will be asked to review the TIF plan before final approvals.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file the corridor improvement authority update. Separately, later in the meeting the council approved an engagement letter with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP for legal assistance on the Corridor Improvement Authority (not to exceed $7,500), which staff said will support drafting the development and TIF documents and the development agreement.

Next steps: council members were told to expect the formal authority‑establishment resolution and board appointments on Feb. 3 and the development/TIF plan and development agreement for council consideration on March 3. The developers and consultants said work must proceed quickly to preserve project timelines.

","City staff and consultants outlined a plan to form a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) to capture future local property‑tax growth to help finance a proposed Gardens of Alpena senior‑housing project; consultants and the developer said the project likely requires TIF support and a revised revenue‑share of 90/10.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Alpena City Council actions from Jan. 21, 2025 meeting

Target Alpena presents semiannual economic update; DPI site auction and downtown activation among priorities

Huron Humane Society asks Alpena to raise annual contract from $22,500 to $25,000 after rising vet and labor costs

Independent auditor issues unmodified opinion on Alpena’s FY2024 financial statements; council receives report

Council briefed on proposed US‑23 corridor authority to help finance Gardens of Alpena senior housing