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Hillman hears water well timeline, grant prospects and manager's report; FEMA closeout expected
Summary
Huron Engineering reported an easement signed by the high school for a planned well but said an archaeological dig and EGLE approval remain before drilling can be bid; the council also heard about grant opportunities, a Frontier billing issue, and scheduled budget meetings.
Becky Rivard of Huron Engineering told the Village of Hillman Council on Jan. 20 that the planned water well project has cleared a high-school easement but still requires an archaeological/historical dig and approval from EGLE before well drilling can be advertised for bids. Rivard said the project remains on track and on time pending those approvals.
Rivard said the Category B road grant is in a holding pattern with bids expected in the spring and that a planned culvert replacement on Elizabeth Street is delayed due to weather and funding. She identified several funding streams she will monitor: safety grants for a revetment wall and guardrail on 1st Street, EGLE and DNR monies, upcoming well-protection grants in June that add points for the state drinking water revolving fund, and state water revolving funds for replacement water meters. Rivard said she will also pursue walkability or trust-fund sources for an eventual replacement option for the 35'''''-year-old bridge on West Riverside Drive.
Manager Dave Post reported several operational items from his Feb. 3 manager's report: FEMA requires re-signing with enhanced security settings for final closeout (Emma Niswonger completed the step needed for final closeout), the MSHDA quarterly report has been submitted, and FEMA funds are expected in 4'''''''''''' weeks. Post also noted an extension from PAC sanitation that runs through March 27, 2026, and an owner's affidavit required to close out the Emerick Park campsite expansion. He said the council must decide whether to sign a one-year Frontier agreement by Feb. 9 to restore earlier billing levels after a recent increase in the water tower phone bill (from $495.14 to $1,491.65 in recent months).
Trustee Velma Brown raised public-works issues at the airport: recent brush burns require additional clearing on a village-owned northeast strip of land with 50'''''-foot sapling growth, five streetlights remain out (transformers ordered), and a dozer rental of about $2,600 for eight hours may be needed to crush brush before burning. Trustee Steve Orlandi reported a leaning light near the bank after a vehicle strike and complimented DPW for effective snow plowing and salting.
The council set budget meetings for Feb. 3 and Feb. 17 at 5:00 p.m. to address budget details and move forward on the items discussed.
