MDOT contemplates three lanes on US 2 in Wakefield

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - Members of the Wakefield City Council learned Monday night that the Michigan Department of Transportation is considering converting U.S. 2 to a three-lane design for several blocks east of Sunday Lake Street. There are currently two lanes in this part of U.S. 2.

City Manager Robert Brown said that the section under consideration would stretch just over a mile from the main street to E. Pierce Street, which is next to the Regal Country Inn.

He said MDOT officials believe the extra lane would help traffic flow more freely.

Mayor Pro Tempore Amy Tarro voiced skepticism, but Brown said state officials plan to visit the city in the near future to display a model of their vision.

The speculated change would be part of an already scheduled repaving of the highway from one end of town to the other in 2022.

Meanwhile, said Brown, the city is working to coordinate a city public works project in conjunction with the state's road work.

He added that the city could save additional funds by timing related sidewalk work to coincide with those activities.

Planning commission may reduce size

In other news, council members also heard the first reading of an ordinance that, if enacted, would allow the planning commission to shrink its members from nine to seven, but with two additional alternates.

According to Brown, the seven members would consist of the mayor, the city manager, and five residents of the city who would be appointed by the mayor after a majority approval by council members. The two alternates also would be subject to majority council approval.

Brown first noted that other communities of similar sizes typically have five-member commissions.

In addition, Karen Manson, who chairs the Wakefield commission, said that attendance problems sometimes have occurred with the existing nine-member group.

Mayor John Granato requested and received a vote of consensus before the first reading of the ordinance.

The council also:

-Voted to pass a policy that will allow city employees to use the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows for a 12-week absence without pay, but with continuing benefits, for reasons such as care of a newborn baby or newly adopted child or an ill or injured spouse.

-Learned from Brown that daylight saving time will end on Nov. 3 when residents will change clocks from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. He added that, in conjunction with the time change, city workers who do not work in the office will switch from their current 10-hour schedule of 6 a.m.-4 p.m. to an eight-hour schedule of 7 a.m.-3 p.m. until time changes again in the spring.

-Learned from Brown that he would like the city to join the American Public Power Association, which will allow him to download its programs and to benefit from its technical support and grant opportunities. Council members granted their informal okay.

-Voted to approve the city manager to work with city attorney Ray O'Dea to draft an agreement in relation to the terms of demolition of a blighted structure at 143 Best Street.

-At the motion of council member Kay Wiita, voted to fund any council member who wishes to attend a $100 Michigan Municipal League training session, scheduled for Dec. 3 in Grayling. Council member Jim Anderson said he would like to attend the session, which will address government finance, responsibilities of local leaders, etc.

-Voted to pay $2,185 as Wakefield's share of an insurance premium for the Michigan Western Gateway Trail Authority, with the understanding that it is done in conjunction with a formal agreement.

-Voted to increase wages of the city's election inspectors from $8.50 to $10 per hour and to raise wages of the related chairperson from $9 to $11 per hour.

The council's next regular meeting will be on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m., and the Planning Commission will meet on Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Coffee with Council, which allows citizens to talk casually with city officials, will be held on Nov. 9 from 9-11 a.m.

All sessions will take place in council chambers of the municipal building. The public is welcome.