Niles council approves airport contract, transit pay raise, utility studies and housing repairs

NILES, Mich. July 22, 2024 — The Niles City Council on Monday approved a series of routine contracts and funding actions affecting the airport, transit workers, utility operations and local housing repairs.

Council authorized a $59,185.31 contract with Mead and Hunt, Inc. for Phase 1 of the Runway 33 Approach Clearing Project; 95% of the cost will be covered by federal and state funds and the citys airport fund will cover about $2,959.26. Council also approved hiring Commonwealth Associates to perform an arc flash hazard study at a cost of $8,802, and authorized a $14,650 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment with TRC, both charged to the Electric Division capital budget.

On personnel and economic items, council approved increasing DART drivers and dispatchers pay to $19.00 per hour, with the expense charged to DARTs budget. Council also approved refinancing an existing Revolving Loan Fund loan for Laura Hollister/Apothica Teas with an additional $18,000, and accepted a bid from Tyler Home Improvement for $87,250 to repair seven residential properties under the CDBG Home Repair Program (funding split: $50,000 CDBG; $37,250 area foundations).

Council authorized the Utilities Department to enter a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for relocation of overhead power lines at M-51 and Fort Street, and renewed the surcharge on customers electric bills in accordance with Michigans Low-income Energy Assistance Program.

All listed motions except the initial Riverfest reimbursement motion passed by roll-call vote. Council later entered a closed session to discuss POLC union negotiations and real property before reconvening and adjourning at 7:24 p.m.

Vote tallies and mover/second information for each item are contained in the meeting record; none of these items were deferred.