Council approves consent agenda, appointments; staff says FEMA will reimburse debris cleanup but not tree replanting

The Petoskey City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda on May 5, which included acceptance of the April 21 meeting minutes and acknowledgement of administrative transactions. Council also reappointed multiple residents to city boards and commissions in separate motions; each appointment passed by a 5-0 vote.

During discussion of the consent agenda, Councilmember Walker flagged high payments in the city’s check register to landscaping contractors. Finance Director Audrey Plath and staff clarified the expenses were largely for ice-storm debris cleanup: approximately $293,000 to David Hoffman Landscaping and about $92,000 to Lake Charlevoix Landscaping LLC were identified as storm-cleanup charges. A separate $7,414 check to Dros Landscaping was listed as routine tree service.

City Manager Shane Horn said the city’s point person is working with FEMA and Emmet County on reimbursement. Horn said FEMA will reimburse 75% of eligible debris-cleanup costs but does not cover tree replanting. He told council that the city will pursue grants and, if needed, use part of the city’s fund balance to cover its share or unreimbursed costs. Horn described the city’s fund balance as healthy and said a budget amendment would likely be required later to reflect actual costs and reimbursements.

The council confirmed these items via motion. The meeting record also shows the council approved reappointments to the Compensation Board, TIF board, Zoning Board of Appeals and other commissions; each reappointment was moved, seconded and approved 5-0.