[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6011354,"mediaKeyId","5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9","parentId",5805858,"title","Council approves conditional rezoning to permit duplex conversion with repairs deadline","audioSeconds",477,"startMs",2404000,"endMs",2881000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9&start=2404&end=2881","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9/thumbnail_2404000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6011354/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Council-approves-conditional-rezoning-to-permit-duplex-conversion-with-repairs-deadline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6011354-7ce7c14ac8293eecc2de8d70cc730c0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092465&Signature=E1O1-8Hek5NG36Gl29pzmUWYVaP8Et6Nj4QXEk712otF474ExjdbkqvV7upUlONJF2lsEDQdYZutE0xUlPMxuPmyXVrVuk7uUjKE3xUbB23jyqV34yNP5m5C~oX2fwLCIWNyI3q~ANi1mfDzBOhMP2oivLXaMsQipkf-rItJcClJEMjH5hFspfvI6tkdbvPiUoL~oIWVeIJhci7CuNawECuuIFOoR1heaeGmlTc6fePmWvHSsQty1I6AQa6uzmf7oq~XfD0ra8f4BJXV7vslZUt8KQcSgnR5yr-pgSUE4TQwGwspjBHOJp561shQCBLmg0kHw74NiWKvaDYYHTyyNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alpena City, MI","date","2025-09-03T13:14:52Z","article","The Alpena City Council on Sept. 2 adopted Ordinance 25-5-12 to amend the city zoning map to allow a conditional conversion of a specified property to a duplex, subject to two agreed conditions: all window and siding repairs must be completed by July 17, 2026, and the basement may not be rented or used as living space pending compliance.

A planning memo included in the council packet noted the two conditions placed on the property. Council discussed the deadline and whether the planning commission may later grant an extension; staff explained the planning commission can consider an extension of up to one year for just cause under the ordinance’s conditional-rezoning provisions, but the exterior repair deadline in the condition remains July 17, 2026. Council also addressed parking: staff said zoning requires three parking spaces for a duplex and that the property has adequate space for three spaces.

Before the ordinance discussion, a motion to allow the mayor pro tem to abstain from the discussion and vote was moved and adopted; the record cites the mayor pro tem’s knowledge of the subject property as the reason for recusal. After discussion and public-noted conditions, council voted to approve Ordinance 25-5-12.

Why it matters: the ordinance authorizes a conditional land-use change allowing conversion to a duplex only after specified repairs and conditions are met; the planning commission and staff controls the process for any future extension.

What’s next: the ordinance will be published per normal practice and land-owner work and building-permit applications may proceed consistent with the conditions and applicable permits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, September 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Ordinance 25-5-12, amending the zoning map to allow conversion of a property to a duplex, passed with conditions requiring completion of window and siding repairs and a prohibition on renting the basement; Mayor Pro Tem recused from the discussion and vote due to knowledge of the property.","taxTitle","Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan","taxId",71582,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6011359,"Council approves $127,059 change order for water plant intake repairs and valve work",83,3973000,4056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9&start=3973&end=4056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9/thumbnail_3973000.jpg","/articles/6011359/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Council-approves-127059-change-order-for-water-plant-intake-repairs-and-valve-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6011359-bfdace28bdb4c8aeabf9f8e05952112a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092465&Signature=MHiBqDlRwLkqPvlGpUmKbxcS2o1sb7RNlKPCdW8cqgGH7e8VKfKYPA3PWCdU2TO3NMK2FP04lGXcWR407wFTfqcj40nL~YgUP~HXD-DpMVVRozDsn-wmmBjsIYcHYSMXBQR4A2jQrrB4pc4qnXZpI~~Qj4NbO7zUTPohnu2T3JLIEydbFfe6f-SIPLyesQ-jZQ9wqtLOnYT5~qYSIVCcJGlfW~X7UUhoPONLYQT-FLn6cAJRT3TQWiEZNjbX~swVEeo6uvGdJ9HwtHSIjExbx6l1asCedSNHmef8-jwaY6JmTbciODdZ1HnlFUkNLyOvqj2mytUfBNkVVULIUJ3FUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpena City Council on Sept. 2 approved Change Order No. 1 for the 2024 Water Treatment Plant intake cleaning and repairs project, adding work to install a gate valve and authorizing a total change order amount reflected as $127,059 on the meeting record.

City staff explained the original contract (November 2024) with Meridian Contracting addressed cleaning an intake line that had been plugged by silt and zebra mussels and included a bidder alternate for a gate-valve replacement priced at $109,005.29 that was not awarded at the time. Because the valve replacement was later included in the Capital Improvement Plan and FY26 budget, staff requested a change order to install the valve; the diver company requested an additional $17,530 for remobilization to complete the work. The council approved the change order and authorized payment to the contractor.

Council members asked whether the valve will reduce future maintenance costs; staff responded that replacing the butterfly valve with a gate valve will allow divers and equipment easier access and reduce repeated removals for service. Staff also noted the chemical feed lines that help control zebra mussel fouling remain a critical part of intake maintenance.

Why it matters: the valve replacement and associated diver remobilization are intended to reduce ongoing maintenance time and cost by providing safer, more direct access to the intake for inspection and service; the change order increases the contract cost and was approved by council.","The council approved Change Order No. 1 with Meridian Contracting to add a gate valve and related work at the water treatment plant intake, increasing project cost to $127,059, with the work intended to reduce future service interruptions and ease diver access.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6011364,"City awards $66,802 tree-inventory and assessment contract funded by DNR grant",266,3424000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9&start=3424&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9/thumbnail_3424000.jpg","/articles/6011364/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/City-awards-66802-tree-inventory-and-assessment-contract-funded-by-DNR-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6011364-0aa7e99303d89c6496b6577c37826ce4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092465&Signature=nJ87IJKOihnJ0wzTg8G3WwnZz7x8fkamNZXSnJJHhE~kJcoW9aqpuZdLYlSZOwmAVa~X4ECUOK9-SjsWHJ-Q~rOGqfh-oiFEsHEc2BSdIyVok7Vra5uBByysmI82cDIPc5i6Ro4FjhZXQpESOfyWSpLeKi79KjVtjVeWPHWZWbtCJwsNfK72bydThMZ9zg12YJjz9KLtumwG75H6pURvu3NBR7822ACqfnCRNOYJe-tztIcsVqcj5AmNhqNL51odiROscDZyhzzyvcqqk8zl7qi41jpy~r7slR75nwSsCy1tzT7NvvptrltMamrc8ZrxutV3HI4TjMs8s9SoRk2NCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpena City Council on Sept. 2 approved awarding the 2025 Tree Inventory and Assessment Project, including alternates, to Davie Resource Group of Novi, Mich., for a total not to exceed $66,802.12. City Engineer Steven Schultz told council the project is funded by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources urban and community forestry grant of $160,000 that requires no city match.

Schultz said the contract work includes a GPS inventory of street trees (approximately 6,300 trees estimated in the city’s submission), mapping, development of an urban forest management plan, staff training on tree planting, and identification of sites for approximately 100 proposed new trees. Davie’s bid included alternates for inventorying park trees (about 700–750 trees) and for assistance locating future planting sites. Staff recommended a contingency of up to $10,000 to cover any additional inventory needs; the recommended total remains under the grant amount and under the city’s estimated budget.

Schultz told council that Davie’s proposed per-tree inventory price is $6.67 and that the proposed total stays below the grant estimate included in the DNR award. Council voted to award the contract as recommended.

Why it matters: the inventory and management plan will create a digital, GPS-based record of the city’s urban forest, help prioritize planting and removal, provide data for future grant applications and aid post-storm and disease-response planning. The grant will also fund staff training and a planned tree planting program.","Alpena awarded a contract not to exceed $66,802.12 to Davie Resource Group to perform a GPS tree inventory, management plan, staff training and tree-planting site identification under a $160,000 Michigan DNR urban and community forestry grant; the grant requires no local match.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6011369,"Local Delta Waterfowl chapter reports increased nesting-box success at sanctuary",55,1071000,1126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9&start=1071&end=1126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9/thumbnail_1071000.jpg","/articles/6011369/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Local-Delta-Waterfowl-chapter-reports-increased-nesting-box-success-at-sanctuary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6011369-f2903b2742f332d5b7a2573d33702796/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092465&Signature=Ter7g0XwLSNkPHDJuYJ~HoCWPuDMFVU3Q9rXvRRSY6Y8TqQJ4KCiCXcf1twycWBwdfwYnggBL0mDkuJf6FYpMVtjMvNonPaCQBN21vbR86lCTklUx2Uu~o5MzTIwVNYNkU1RbnHqcuyh5O0SiWzB~QU4-zQiiFMRPwGg0jWv3FS1EhYlf7iaxYIMv4o7p3Cc8w3vdg2zG1ovjJsewo0OZgAvi9QAiEsr~GZnny4b8SYrswJRTSbNJuB1wJ4pob9KEaA8x4oXnfI9Ahg65c-dLSBrs2u~jE93Pg3i3kkkh0fhjI~LzQLjYG-Y7AT8OYnshtXPJ11ht~fL6rwOS918Ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kyle Greer, representing the Sunrise Side chapter of Delta Waterfowl, presented research results and a local update on a nesting-box program at the Alpena wildlife sanctuary and the council voted to receive and file the report.

Greer said the local chapter began placing hen houses in the sanctuary in April 2014. He said the project has expanded to 25 hen houses (13 original, 12 added this spring) plus nine wood duck boxes; of the 25 hen houses, nine were productive this year and of the nine wood duck boxes four showed evidence of hatched chicks. Greer said hen houses increase nesting success and that, “with a hen house, we’re basically 60% more likely that that nest is gonna hatch in that hen house versus on the ground.”

Greer clarified that other predator-management methods discussed by Delta Waterfowl at larger scales — live trapping and euthanasia of nest predators — are not being done in Alpena. He said trapping and larger-scale predator removal occur in other regions such as North Dakota and Manitoba, but locally the chapter’s activities are limited to hen houses, wood-duck boxes and habitat work.

The chapter reported volunteer capacity of roughly six to eight active volunteers for maintenance work and said hen houses typically take three to five years to reach maximum utilization. Greer said the chapter is exploring expansion to other lakes subject to Michigan Department of Natural Resources approvals and emphasized the program’s education and recruitment activities for new and young hunters.

Council member motioned to receive and file the presentation; the motion was seconded and carried by recorded vote. Greer told the council he would return next year with an update if invited.

Why it matters: the presentation documents a localized conservation practice in public wetlands, notes volunteer capacity limits, and flags potential expansion that would require DNR permitting.","A Sunrise Side chapter of Delta Waterfowl told the council the chapter’s hen-house and wood-duck-box program at the sanctuary has produced 9 successful hen-house nests and 4 successful wood-duck boxes this year; the council received and filed the presentation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6011374,"Alpena council authorizes up to $4.1 million for general obligation bond sale",258,1969000,2227000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9&start=1969&end=2227","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5805858-d99a8ecbc455b8a92c4ff3a983bc88b9/thumbnail_1969000.jpg","/articles/6011374/Alpena/Alpena-County/Michigan/Alpena-council-authorizes-up-to-41-million-for-general-obligation-bond-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6011374-b15edbf730e23f2fcea4ae01205a60f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092465&Signature=oZiSBa~m~GlawFKy1so3wfKurL0I70J0Yi96BgJQfjw6kNZXB5YfbxoYa9sIs-RuJMxuO87kF66hEMEuytGjncAArJRkItSEI8AgrPyJ94ZWVR1cvgYqPW34wujQWSq~C8-d9kPVcJmKstWYk8LxSa4Iz3FRvtrmJVUIXl5WjiFsl3Hs1IkiBpzp5g6vRlGs6ZgQYdtzSUZ29d7Y~NCk-tnRsC79medK-Qy3hZhAMR0KB9VL-orYr58A8sXksvpeZORkMAswfZ-2lnFvdchAjUUkMw0rhddQ-YlWXjDe75mXJcPkvvKRPPH5sLgdo2yTr31Xmy9wrAdzwnm9A4GvBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpena City Council on Sept. 2 approved a resolution authorizing issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025, allowing a maximum issue of $4,100,000 and delegating final sale details to designated city officers. Roger Swetz, introduced by city staff as an online presenter from Dickinson, described the measure as the city’s “final formal approval of the issuance of the bonds.”

The resolution sets advertising and sale parameters: the bonds were to be advertised for sale at $4,045,000 and the actual sale will occur one week after publication, with the city required under state law to accept the low bid or reject all bids. Swetz said the resolution establishes bidding parameters including a 6% maximum interest rate but told council the actual rate “will be much lower than that.” He also described the proposed maturity structure as a 20-year issue.

City Manager Rachel Smolinski told the council the resolution delegates authority to specified officers — including the mayor, city manager and clerk/treasurer/finance director — to finalize details and sign closing documents electronically if the sale proceeds as planned. Swetz said the sale notice will appear in The Bond Buyer and bidders will submit competitive bids; the city then either accepts the low bid or rejects all bids in accordance with state requirements.

Council members voted to adopt Resolution No. 2025-9. Council member Mitchell, Council member Kreher and Mayor Johnson were recorded as voting “aye”; no votes against or abstentions were recorded on the motion on the meeting record.

Why it matters: authorizing the issue allows the city to proceed with borrowing for capital purposes; the resolution preserves flexibility in the final amount and delegates execution steps so staff can complete the sale if bids are acceptable. The council can expect closing documents and electronic signatures to be completed by the officers identified in the resolution.

What’s next: the sale will proceed after the required notice period; if the bids are acceptable the city will award to the low bidder and complete closing documents electronically.","The council approved a resolution authorizing issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025, setting a $4.1 million maximum and delegating final sale details to authorized officers; the bonds will be advertised and sold in the coming week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves conditional rezoning to permit duplex conversion with repairs deadline

Council approves $127,059 change order for water plant intake repairs and valve work

City awards $66,802 tree-inventory and assessment contract funded by DNR grant

Local Delta Waterfowl chapter reports increased nesting-box success at sanctuary

Alpena council authorizes up to $4.1 million for general obligation bond sale