City manager reports on snow response, community center planning, trail-town application and MLK events

City Manager Roy Atkinson used the council’s Jan. 9, 2023 meeting to update members on a range of operational and community projects.

Atkinson praised the Department of Public Works for its response to the season’s first snowfall and said the Main Street Park Alliance has scheduled meetings with EGLE related to park work. He reported that the Community Center working group met with Steven Petty and Sam Angus and is developing a pro-forma and options for a possible community center.

Atkinson said the Strategic Planning Group received two proposals for facilitation and will review them that week, and that the city’s financial audit is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. He said he is working with Chief Kazyak and Superintendent Bollinger on a fleet-management project and that staff has a meeting with Sylvan Township to discuss an interconnect agreement.

Atkinson noted the deadline for the Pure Michigan Trail Town designation application is this week, and that a working group with Huron Waterloo Pathways is planning an Earth Day trails event for April 22, 2023. He also reiterated details of upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day events and receptions discussed by council and community members.

During public comment, Chelsea resident Joanne Ladio described several MLK Day days-of-service events and encouraged council members to attend; she also detailed a challenge card available for participants.

Council members reported on recent commission meetings and regional activities, including parks and recreation planning, zoning and transportation working-group meetings, and a Chelsea Area Fire Authority discussion regarding potential sites for a new station.

The council expects staff to present proposed dates and a location for the 2023–24 visioning session at its next meeting on Jan. 23, 2023.