Public hearing held on Natural Resources Trust Fund application for St. Mary's Park; resident asks for Plum Creek cleanup funding

Monroe City Council opened a public hearing and received public comments Thursday on the city's application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for redevelopment of St. Mary's Park.

Manager Robinson told the council the city received a letter from a resident contractor raising concerns about building‑permit fees; staff said the letter was accepted for the record. During the hearing on the Natural Resources Trust Fund application, a resident from 116 Hollywood Drive asked whether a small amount of funding — "maybe a thousand dollars" — could be appropriated to remove tires and downed trees from Plum Creek where it runs through city and adjacent township property. The resident said they have previously removed hundreds of tires from the creek but need help with remaining items.

Manager Robinson asked the resident for a map or clear description of the locations to help staff and DPS identify whether the work falls within city jurisdiction and to coordinate cleanups. Robinson also clarified to the council that the trust fund request under consideration is proposed for redevelopment of St. Mary's Park, not a broader watershed program; no public comments were on file in the clerk's office and the hearing was closed after receiving the oral comments.

No decision on the resident's request for Plum Creek funding was made at the meeting; staff invited the resident to provide map detail to the manager so staff can follow up. The Natural Resources Trust Fund hearing was the first of the items required for that application; staff and council noted this is part of the project's grant process.

The meeting packet and clerk's record include the resident letter and the trust fund application materials for public review.