Emmet City Council

The Emmet City Council met in Emmet City Hall on Thursday (8-15). The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as was auditor’s report (general and street) and water and sewer. Mayor Dale Brooker raised the issue of the allocation of the last $8,000 of ARPA  funding.

A sewage pump that is only working at half capacity will need to be replaced soon.  The pump will cost $6,000-$8,000.  Another item to be funded is a ceiling for the Farmer’s Market pavilion which was promised previously. This would keep birds out and would allow fans to be installed. Since the funding won’t cover both items, the issue was tabled.

The Fire Department roof needs to be fixed. With the allowed use of city equipment, the Fire Department will provide the labor and will look for material to fix it.

The results of the last census have come into effect and taken a toll on Emmet. The ranking went from 51% to 36% low to moderate income. There are two options: accept the results or recount them. The first option would make grants hard to get. Mayor Brooker thinks low to moderate income didn’t get counted correctly. Since people are unlikely to want to reveal their exact income having a threshold instead was suggested.

Property insurance was the next item amounting to $5,586. It will be paid in two installments.

Chad Cole wants to build a mechanics shop in Emmet on 6 acres of land in town. The land needs to be rezoned to commercial. A fence to block the view of the vehicles will be asked for.  As the city wants the business, the property will be rezoned.

A council member brought up the idea of annexing everybody who is served by the Emmet water department.   Discussion ensued concerning on how annexing could be done, the worth of such an annexation, and the exact location of the city limits.

Putting a street through to the Farmer’s Market Pavilion behind the City Hall was discussed. A couple of trees would need to come down and a culvert would need to go in. This will make the Pavilion more accessible.

There was an Emmet Vision Association summit grant meeting with Matt Green. $2,000 was asked for to replace the barrier around the children’s area. The library club asked for $500 to pay for a scholarship.

EVA will hold a workday on August 31st.

There will be a community Trunk or Treat.

EVA has applied for 501c status. Once it’s received the association can apply for a $5,000 grant.

The Park Committee elected a new farmer’s market manager. Taxes are only collected on certain items at the market. The market has to report these taxes but the vendor is responsible for collecting and paying them. Vendors said they do better at the Emmet Market than other well-established markets. Mr. Adams from SNAP said he was impressed with the program.  A Farmer’s Market spotlight is planned for next year each month telling the story in Facebook if one of the vendors. The farmers are very excited about it.  Shades for the farmer’s market pavilion were talked about. While the market vendors will try to pay for the shades, city help may be needed. The council looked at designs and discussed the cost and discussed ways to reduce the amount.  A rental price for the pavilion was discussed. There will be no charge until the ceiling is finished and the fans are put in. There would be no charge for community events but those wanting exclusive use would be charged.

It was noted at the meeting that water bills can be paid for online with a surcharge of $2.25.

Mayor Brooker asked to make sure the names were on the farmer’s market vendor applications.  Mayor Brooker noted he appreciates the three individuals at the meeting connected with the Farmer’s Market.

The subject of the school was raised and its status. There appeared to be no new information.

The meeting adjourned.