Resident warns of recurring nonworking fire hydrants; public-works director and councilors to follow up

Tom Manky, a resident who identified himself at the podium, told the Owosso City Council that he has observed recurring failures and freezing of fire hydrants in the city and urged officials to inform residents about the city's plans to inspect and repair hydrants.

"We can't afford it," Manky said recounting prior discussions; he described incidents in other communities where nonworking hydrants delayed firefighting. "One time when I was here and I asked about it, I was told we've got tanker trucks now." He asked the city to publish online what it is doing to address hydrant maintenance and repair.

Ryan Suhanik, director of Public Services and Utilities, said he preferred to meet after the meeting so he could gather specifics. "I think it would be better if I did it after the fact just so I could have all the specifics," Suhanik said, and he and Manky agreed to arrange a follow-up meeting.

Council members present, including Council member Owens, indicated they had spoken with Suhanik previously and welcomed a post-meeting conversation. No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting on hydrant maintenance; the council directed staff to follow up with the resident and to report back with details.

Clarifying details from the meeting: Manky said hydrants are freezing and at times not working, forcing reliance on tanker trucks during fires; at least one recent fire had a working hydrant, he said. Suhanik asked for time to collect specifics before making public statements or policy commitments.

The council did not set a deadline for staff follow-up during the meeting; the city manager and Public Services staff said they would meet with the resident and provide information to council and, if appropriate, publish guidance for residents.