At its Feb. 17 meeting, the Munising City Commission addressed several key topics, including an amendment to City Manager Devin Olson’s employment contract and an emergency purchase for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The commission approved a resolution to amend Olson’s contract, allowing him flexibility to split his time between Munising and downstate Michigan as he prepares for his departure.
Under the new agreement, Olson will remain available for all City Commission, Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority meetings while gradually transitioning out of his role, with his final day set for June 16.
Commissioners expressed confidence in the arrangement, with Olson noting he will still be accessible during normal working hours and will continue to oversee municipal operations remotely as needed.
The commission also approved an emergency purchase of a new variable frequency drive blower for the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of $16,659.83. The decision followed an unex- pected equipment failure that had disrupted forced air flow in the plant, a critical component of the treatment process.
City staff, led by Wastewater Supervisor Ron Kleiman, attempted to repair the existing blower system but, with the assistance of a local electrician, ultimately determined a replacement was necessary.
Crane Engineering installed the new equipment quickly, restoring normal operations.
“It is an older drive unit,” Olson said. “However, it is what provides oxygen to all of the plant.”
Funding for the purchase will come from the city’s Capital Improvement Sewer Treatment budget, which had allocated $75,000 for upgrades this year. After this purchase, approximately $20,000 remains in the fund.
In addition to these decisions, the commission:
• Approved a resolution to apply for a waiver related to the city’s defined benefits pension plan, a routine measure to remain compliant with state regulations.
• Discussed funding opportunities for housing initiatives, including potential participation in the Federal Loan Bank program.
• Approved budget adjustments for the second quarter of the fiscal year, primarily addressing housekeeping items such as reallocations and minor expenses.
• Appointed Commissioner Brice Burge to the Alger County Materials Management Planning Committee, with plans to designate an alternate representative at a future meeting.
The next Munising City Commission meeting is scheduled for March 5, when Mike Grentz will present the 2023-24 audit.
