Calumet trustees review grants, staffing and infrastructure at May 13 work session

Calumet Village trustees met for a work session on May 13, 2025, at the Village Townhall to review operations, grant updates and several community projects. President Rob Tarvis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; trustees approved the agenda (motion carried 5–0) and heard a series of reports from Village staff.

Village Manager Megan Haselden delivered the Manager’s report, noting that onboarding for new Village Secretary Tara West is proceeding; CEDM Fellow Joey Foster continues RRC work and will attend training in Iron Mountain; and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) grant for training was approved, with a staff workshop planned in June. Haselden also reported that Bring Back Calumet updated trustees on the Rupe Building, with "stabilization work [being] about 80% complete," and that a community donor has stepped forward to fund tuckpointing on the Theatre building while the Rural Development grant covers only the Village Hall side. Haselden said the Village did not receive the Visit Keweenaw grant for Agassiz Park restrooms; the DDA/"DDS" will invest $5,000 toward that project and volunteers are lined up to help with the renovation.

Trustees discussed administrative items including a proposed resolution to designate the week of June 17 as "Big Annie Week" (expanding on the state’s June 17 "Big Annie Day"), the auditor's engagement letter (proposed at the same price as last year), and Manager Haselden’s planned attendance at the UP Managers meeting May 29–30. The council also approved a revised approach to spring cleanup: a mailed notice will go out and DPW will pick up more frequently during the event.

On operations, trustees considered hiring a part‑time summer worker for 20–25 hours weekly, with DDA contributing to offset costs. The discussion included options for restriping village streets: Haselden reported a quote from Superior Polymer for $5,900 and that the village is awaiting a second quote from JCS; Trustee Rob Tarvis suggested purchasing a line‑painting machine for approximately $6,000 and having DPW staff perform the work. Trustee Pamela Que raised concerns about DPW capacity and maintaining specialized equipment given the recent resignation of DPW Supervisor Mark Klein, and recommended contracting out the job to ensure timely and expert completion.

The session included DDA and Planning Commission updates (DDA action on trash cans, bike racks, parking meters and Green Space furniture; Planning Commission continuing the Master Plan update required for RRC). With no public petitions or public comments, Trustee James Tercha moved to adjourn at 6:55 p.m., seconded by Trustee Pamela Que; the motion carried 5–0.