During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed ongoing efforts to address the city's longstanding ditching issues, which have been a concern for residents due to standing water and mosquito problems. The city has maintained a ditching list for over 20 years and has now broken the city into sections to prioritize areas with the most severe drainage problems.

City representatives revealed that a new ditching project, which is the first of its kind for the municipality, has been initiated to tackle these issues comprehensively. However, the project has faced challenges, including bids that exceeded initial engineering estimates by as much as $200,000, with some bids reaching up to $1 million. This unexpected increase has prompted discussions about future budgeting and project management strategies.

Additionally, council members addressed a document related to the ditching project that raised questions about potential connections to the Iranian government. City officials clarified that the document was a requirement under Michigan Public Act 517, which mandates that contractors certify they have no ties to Iran. This requirement is part of state law aimed at ensuring compliance with sanctions against Iran.

The council also approved a tax millage resolution and a budget amendment for local streets, signaling ongoing financial planning for infrastructure improvements. The next council meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2024, where further discussions on these topics are expected.