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Council approves master plan, audits, permits, appointments and several budget items
Summary
Utica City Council on Jan. 14 adopted the 2025–2029 Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan, accepted the city's FY2024 audit and approved a range of permits, budget amendments and appointments, including conditional permission for three Shelby Township properties to tap into Utica's sewer system and the appointment of Paul Weaver to a vacant council seat.
Utica City Council on Jan. 14 approved a slate of routine and substantive items including the Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan for 2025–2029, receipt of the FY2024 audited financial statements, conditional permission for three Shelby Township properties to tap into Utica's sewer system, and the appointment of Paul Weaver to fill a council vacancy through Dec. 31, 2026.
The meeting also included approval of event permits (Lucky Leprechaun 5K and Utica Puppy Parade), adoption of an amendment to the marijuana ordinance to remove a content-based sign restriction, acceptance of a FEMA AFG grant application and related council funding commitments for the fire department, and several DPW contract and budget amendments related to Van Dyke median revisions and Pioneer Park picnic tables.
Votes on the major items were unanimous unless noted. The council recorded roll-call votes for consent agenda approval, entry and close of the Parks and Rec public hearing, formal adoption of the Parks and Rec plan, receipt and filing of the audit, approval of the Lucky Leprechaun run and associated temporary signage, conditional sewer-tap permission for three Shelby Township properties, adoption of an amendment to Article 11 (marijuana ordinance) to remove the content-based signage paragraph, acceptance of a FEMA AFG grant application and fiscal-2026 match commitment, the Van Dyke median change order and corresponding budget amendment, purchase of Pioneer Park picnic tables funded by private donations, disposition of DPW fixed assets at auction and appointment of Paul Weaver to council.
The council also named Councilmember Ken Sikora mayor pro tem for 2025.
Votes at a glance (selected): - Parks & Rec Open Space Master Plan (2025–2029): Adopted (roll call: unanimous yes) - Receive and file FY2024 audited financial statements: Adopted (unanimous yes) - Permission to tap three Shelby Township residential properties into Utica sewer (subject to Utica and Shelby Township requirements and permits): Approved (unanimous yes) - Amendment to the marijuana ordinance (strike content-based signage paragraph): Adopted (unanimous yes) - FEMA AFG grant application (EMW-2024-FG02432) for fire equipment; council committed FY2026 match: Approved (unanimous yes) - Van Dyke median revision change order ($14,300.32 additional) and related FY2025 budget amendment: Approved (unanimous yes) - Appointment of Paul Weaver to council through 12/31/2026: Confirmed (unanimous yes)
Several routine administrative items (consent agenda, sale of DPW fixed assets at auction, scheduling of events) also passed with roll-call votes.
The council meeting included presentations (the auditor's FY2024 overview, police and DPW updates) and public comment. Several items—most notably the sewer-tap permission for Shelby Township properties—were approved with explicit conditions and caveats noted on the record.
