Linden sets public hearing for West Rolston Road special assessment; council votes 7-0

Linden — The Linden City Council voted 7-0 July 8 to set a public hearing on a special assessment roll for the West Rolston Road project, directing that notice be published and provided to residents in the special assessment district.

City Manager Ellen Glass introduced Eric McGlothlin of Dickinson-Wright, who reviewed Resolution No. 23-24 and said the action will start the statutorily required notification process. McGlothlin told council the resolution authorizes publication and mailing of notice; the specific assessment amounts per property will be calculated and presented at a subsequent meeting.

"The assessment roll hearing will allow residents to review and object to proposed charges before they are finalized," McGlothlin said.

The item followed public comments raising concerns about nearby drainage and whether West Rolston Road is being upgraded to carry semi traffic associated with a local garage door company. A resident said drainage issues appear to include runoff from a nearby car wash and that soap suds have reached the Shiawassee River. "Drainage isn’t just road run-off, but is from the car wash; we have pictures of soap suds," the commenter said.

Director of Public Works Don Grice said he had received earlier reports and would review the drainage site and confirm the road’s weight-rating with the engineer. "I will confirm with the engineer regarding the semi weight rating concern," Grice said.

Councilors asked that assessments and the public hearing date be clear in the notice. The motion to set the hearing was made by Councilor Pam Howd and seconded by Councilor Brad Dick; roll call recorded unanimous approval.

The hearing will give property owners in the district an opportunity to review the proposed assessments and submit comments or objections before any charges are finalized.