Petoskey council approves public art purchase, adopts county hazard plan and OKs equipment purchases

The Petoskey City Council on first-regular meeting action approved a series of financial and policy items, including a $60,500 public-art purchase, formal adoption of the Emmet County hazard mitigation plan and purchase of two portable light towers.

Council approved the consent agenda (items a–d), moved by Councilmember DeMour and seconded by Councilmember Shields, clearing routine items including adoption of the May 19, 2025, meeting minutes and authorization to buy a 2019 heavy-duty utility truck. The motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters: the council’s votes commit city funds and enable projects or grant eligibility. The hazard mitigation plan adoption allows Petoskey to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding, and the public-art contract advances a commissioned bronze piece for the Bayfront that will require a deposit and later budget allocation.

The public-art item drew the most extended discussion. Council voted 5–0 to approve the purchase contract for $60,500, authorize the city manager to execute the contract and to pay the deposit (the council approved paying a deposit at the meeting; amount discussed in packet materials). Council members and staff noted a $12,500 grant toward the work and said the piece would be delivered and installed in spring 2026. The Arts Commission had selected the work after a competitive call for artists.

The council also adopted the Emmet County hazard mitigation plan by unanimous roll call. City Manager Shane Horn said the plan is produced every five years, is a countywide collaborative effort, and that each jurisdiction must pass a resolution to adopt it. Councilmember Shields moved the resolution; Councilmember DeMour seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

Council approved purchase of two portable light towers from McAllister Rental for $30,618 to replace older units used for emergency and special-event lighting. Councilmember Walker moved the resolution; the motion passed 5–0.

What was not decided: some items that had originally been on the consent agenda were pulled for discussion (public art was discussed separately before it was approved). Several council members asked for additional budget and site-placement clarification before final installation steps for the sculpture.

Next steps: staff will complete the contract deposit and coordinate the artwork’s installation site with the Parks and Recreation director and the Arts Commission; the hazard plan will be posted on the city website; procurement staff will complete payment and delivery arrangements for the light towers.