By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – In an effort to issue and sell revenue bonds to finance around $12 million worth of improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Niles City Council voted Monday night to publish a "notice of intent."
This is the city's chance to secure funding for the bonds with the Michigan Municipal Bond Authority/SRF. Officials tried the same route last year, but the application to the state Revolving Loan Fund was declined.
In other news, council members recommended that the state approve the Niles Main Street/DDA's request for a charitable gaming license. This will allow the DDA to conduct raffle drawings.
Other list of items approved included:
A request from the Riverfront Optimists and Tom Majerek to hold the sixth annual Bluegrass Festival in Riverfront Park from June 5 through June 8.
Approved as well was an increase in golf cart fees at the Plym Park Golf Course. The $1 hike will raise the cost to $11 for nine holes and $22 for 18.
Accepting the quote of $5,875 for the purchase of five Colt M4 carbines from CMP of Lansing and consideration of authorizing the trade-in of old firearms to CMP allowing for a payment balance of $1,575, which will be taken from donated funds.
Accepting the proposal of $0.665 per gallon from Bay Dust Control of Kawkawklin for the application of 10,000 to 11,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride for dust control of five miles of unpaved roads in the city.
Approving a request to purchase a Guardian Kit from Pro-Tech of Berea, Ohio for use by the police department at a cost of $9,035.
Adopting a resolution to approve MDOT Contract No. 2008-0249 for the aircraft refueling area project at Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport.
Entering into an agreement with Mead and Hunt, Inc. of Lansing to handle the design engineering services for the aircraft refueling area project at a cost of $16,878.21 with only a small portion ($421.96) being paid from airport funds and consideration of authorizing the city administrator to sign the contract.
Consideration of approving entering into an agreement with Mead and Hunt, Inc. of Lansing to handle the construction administration services for the aircraft refueling area project at a cost of $20,751.31 with only a small portion ($518.78) being paid from airport funds and consideration of authorizing the city administrator to sign the contract.
The appointment of Keith Scott to a four-year term on the Public Parks and Recreation Board, effective immediately and expiring on December 31, 2012.
Consideration of approving the appointment of Roger Williams to the Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Advisory Committee to complete the unexpired term of John Low.