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Sparta council approves IFT for Great Lakes, retirement amendment, parking ordinance and Town Square design contract
Summary
Following the denial of Aal Toll’s special land use, the Sparta Council unanimously approved Res. 24-19 (IFT for Great Lakes Firearms & Ammunition), amendments to the retirement plan, Act 88 participation, an expanded parking enforcement ordinance, a $79,000 contract for Town Square final design, and dog park ADA improvements totaling $13,467.
After addressing a contested special land use application, the Village of Sparta Council approved several routine resolutions and project contracts at its Aug. 12 meeting.
The Council approved Resolution 24-19 to allow an Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement for Great Lakes Firearms & Ammunition LLC tied to $2,620,000 in new industrial construction; the state-required reapproval allows the building tenant to claim the tax credit intended to incentivize job creation. Tom Peoples moved to approve Res. 24-19 and Courtney Mais seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The council also unanimously approved Res. 24-20, an amendment to the Village’s Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) defined-contribution plan, and Res. 24-21, participation in Act 88 (service credit for prior government service), on motions by Courtney Mais and Dave Cumings, respectively.
Council approved Ordinance 24-06 to expand police enforcement authority in Village-owned parking lots to address vehicle- and pedestrian-related issues, including safety concerns about people living in vehicles and unsecured electrical outlets; Police Chief Andy Milanowski answered council questions about enforcement specifics prior to the vote.
The Downtown Development Authority’s Liz Morse presented the Town Square design proposal and sought a $79,000 contract with Andrus Architecture for final design and engineering work, including soil borings and structural engineering. Council approved the contract unanimously; the DDA expects construction to begin in late winter 2024 with completion by mid-summer 2025.
DPW Supervisor Bill Hunter outlined proposed dog park improvements to achieve ADA compliance ($5,500) and additional enhancements ($7,967) for a total estimated cost of $13,467; the Council approved moving forward and staff will seek an easement with property owner Rex Baker for parking and walkway access.
The Council reviewed July payables totaling $244,919.72 across multiple funds and informational totals for other funds. The meeting concluded with brief staff reports and adjournment at 8:31 p.m.
Motions were unanimous on the items summarized above; Council members noted routine follow-up tasks for staff on contracting, easements and public-notice requirements.
