Wakefield considers OK of new sports courts

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield — The Wakefield City Council on Monday learned of a bold, new proposal from city manager Robert Brown Jr.

"The council was informed that a local group has proposed the demolition of the existing tennis courts in Eddy Park and the construction of three separate courts for basketball, pickle ball, and tennis," stated Brown in a Tuesday email to The Globe.

Brown did not indicate the nature of the local group but added that its members estimate the cost of the suggested project would be "approximately $200,000 and the funds would be raised privately."

Brown added that the proposal first was presented to the city's recently formed Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and its members issued "a favorable recommendation to move forward."

Brown concluded in his email, "The council agreed to cautiously proceed with the project. In the coming days, the city will mail the residents near the project to seek their input. The council will consider final approval once the public has provided input and the group raises the required funding."

In other news, the council approved a memo of understanding with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources regarding the use of Old U.S. as a portion of snowmobile Trail 2 during the coming winter.

Brown first informed council members that the city’s water project had involved repaving “a significant portion” of Old U.S. 2, which increased the north shoulder by six to eight feet.

“City staff are proposing that the trail route for this winter be the same as the one used in the 2023-24 season,” wrote Brown in his agenda report.

However, he added, “Recent discussions with Shawn Swiontek from the Gogebic Range Trail Authority have led to the belief that the increased shoulder space, along with close communication between groomers and city plow drivers, will facilitate the grooming of a significant portion of Old U.S. 2 this winter.”

Per Brown, the new agreement includes the council’s authorization of the use of right-of-way for Trail 2, including Old U.S. 2, Cemetery Road and Nunnemacher Street.

Council members also:

— Approved the 20th amendment to the market-based rate fill requirements agreement with AEP Energy Partners, a wholesale energy provider based in Columbus, Ohio. "City staff has reviewed the proposed 20th amendment and found the proposal favorable to the city," stated Brown in his related agenda report.

— Approved a traffic control order for the Oct. 19 "Sweater Weather in Wakefield" event, organized by the city and the nonprofit organization We Care. The event will include kids' games, face-painting, cookie-decorating, a corn hole tournament and 20 vendors. During the event, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the road closure will be on Sunday Lake Street from Hancock to Nunnemacher streets, with Pierce and Hancock streets and Maria Lane closed during those hours.

— Approved the city manager to submit an official ballot in relation to candidates up for election to the Michigan Municipal League board. None of the candidates were local.

Brown said the council meeting began with all members present except Scott Heikkila. Councilman Patrick Libertoski then also was excused to referee a game.

Brown concluded that all new business items passed unanimously by the remaining three members.

The council's next regular meeting will be on Oct. 14, and the Planning Commission will meet on Oct. 15. Both meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. in the council chamber of the municipal building. The Parks and Recreation Board will meet on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. in the same locale.