Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board schedules work session on Sharon Avenue jail proposal, approves Stanton Township support letter
Summary
The board authorized a work session with the sheriff to discuss locating a jail at the courthouse/Sharon Avenue property and approved a letter of support for Stanton Township’s $5.1 million road-repair grant application.
Houghton County officials on March 12 discussed the Sharon Avenue property and next steps for a potential courthouse jail and moved to schedule a work session with the sheriff within 30 days.
County Administrator Benjamin Larson reported that Portage Township and the City of Houghton support annexation for the Sharon Avenue property. He said the church currently on the site may turn keys over to the county in summer 2025 and must vacate by 2026 under the agreement referenced in the minutes. Commissioner Joel Keranen suggested a work group including judges, the prosecutor and the sheriff; the board formally moved to schedule a work session with the sheriff to discuss the courthouse jail within 30 days. The motion carried by voice vote (Ayes 5, Nays 0).
Separately, Commissioner Roy Britz said Stanton Township Supervisor Marty Rajala requested county support for a $5.1 million federal grant application for road repairs. The board approved sending a letter of support to U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman (motion approved YES 5, NO 0).
Public commenters raised the matters during the meeting: Faith Morrison addressed the board regarding the jail/Sharon Avenue property and Craig Waddell commented about the governor’s March 4 press release cited in the drought-resolution discussion. The board’s action on scheduling the work session is a directive for staff and elected officials to meet and study options; no final decision on relocating the jail or any funding commitment was made at the meeting.
