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Caro City Council approves $1.5M CDBG application, awards Norman Street contract and greenlights multiple park and utility projects
Summary
At its March 16 meeting the Caro City Council voted to submit a $1.5 million CDBG application for rental and homeowner rehab, awarded the $628,908.44 Norman Street contract, approved kayak and tennis court grant applications with local matches, and authorized well-drilling work; council also extended the city treasurer’s contract after a closed-session evaluation.
The Caro City Council on March 16 adopted a slate of infrastructure and grant measures, including a resolution to seek $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for rental and homeowner rehabilitation and the award of the Norman Street Rehabilitation Project to the low bidder.
The meeting’s most consequential vote authorized Resolution 2026-01, directing the city manager to submit the $1.5 million CDBG application for rental and homeowner rehab. Councilor Charlotte Kish moved the resolution and Councilor Emily Campbell seconded; all present members voted yes on a roll-call vote. Sharla Horton of Revitalize LLC described the program setup and application guidelines during the public hearing; Kish asked whether a committee would be formed to review applications and Horton explained the anticipated review process.
Council also approved the Norman Street Rehabilitation Project. Councilor Jill White moved to award the contract to Glaser Dawes Corporation for $628,908.44, contingent on contracting and bonding, and instructed the city manager to execute necessary documents; the motion carried.
The council adopted two park-related grant authorizations. Resolution 2026-02 authorizes submission of a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund application to build a kayak launch at Chippewa Landing Park with a maximum local match of $75,045.00. Resolution 2026-03 authorizes a Recreation Passport Grant application to rebuild the tennis courts at Bieth Park with a maximum match contribution of $231,570.00. Both resolutions passed on roll-call votes of present members.
The council awarded the Well #9 and #10 drilling contract to Northern Pump and Well for $453,400.00, instructed the city manager to sign documents, and directed the city treasurer to adjust the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget to account for the increased project cost.
On a procedural infrastructure matter, the council accepted the necessity and scope of the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Program and scheduled a final public hearing on the special assessments for April 6, 2026, after public commenters John and Sharon Slough expressed concern about the necessity of repairs to their sidewalk and a nearby drain; the city manager said staff would schedule a walkthrough to inspect the site.
Near the end of the meeting the council convened in closed session under Section 8(a) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act to consider a periodic personnel evaluation at the request of the named individual. After reconvening to open session, the council approved three-year contract extension for City Treasurer Tammy Ries and set her wages at $72,000 for 2026, $74,880 for 2027, and $77,875.20 for 2028; the personnel actions passed by council motion.
Committee and liaison reports noted upcoming community events, including a Fair Board harness racing event and Bieth Park construction, and staff submitted written manager, clerk and treasurer reports. Council adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
