City Council Considering Accessibility to Millpond Park Gazebo

Plans to create a wheelchair accessible path from Leroy Street to the gazebo were discussed at the work session Monday evening.

Matthew Parks, of OHM Advisors - the city's engineering firm, presented the council members with three possible options to address the need for not only wheelchair accessibility, but also a more convenient way to bring equipment to the gazebo for events such as concerts and weddings.

“People just drive right down there when they need to unload their stuff,” said Michael Burns, assistant city manager.

Council members were concerned about keeping the visual appeal of the gazebo intact as well as making sure that any ramp would not be an invitation for skateboarders.

The funding for the project will come from a $62,000 Community Development Block Grant.

“With any of the plans, there are some repairs that need to be done, like brick removal, salvaging, etc. That's $27,000 right off the bat,” said Parks during his presentation.

Construction for the project wouldn't begin until September.

More economical mosquito control 

Dan Czarnecki, director of public works, proposed a plan that could save the city $5,700, while still reducing the mosquito population. Tablets that prevent mosquito larvae from becoming mosquitos could be purchased and placed in catch basins. If the city applies the tables on their own, it would save the cost of hiring a pest control company.

“The tablets are activated by water,” said Czarnecki. “And they're easy to put in but hard to get to, so it's safe in that respect.”

The issue of spraying was discussed, as well. Councilman Tim Faricy suggested it be put on a ballot to see if Fenton residents find it effective.

“There are a lot of people who don't like the spraying and would like to see it gone alltogether,” Faricy said.

The council agreed that either way, they would be using the tablets and approved of Czarnecki ordering them. The option of spraying, which would cost about $31,000, will be discussed at future meetings.

Silver Parkway lighting project 

The Planning Commission has moved that a $600,000 plan for lights along Silver Parkway go before the council for final approval.

The plan would include LED lights that are 35 feet tall and 350 to 400 feet apart. Landscaping plans totaling $250,000 were cut from the plan due to costs.

Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce announces membership campaign

FRCC office coordinator Rochelle Jones announced plans for a Membership Campaign being held April 26-28.

“We hired a woman from Texas who has done campaigns in Midland, Saginaw and Bay City. We're trying to generate chamber revenue and create more awareness about what we do in the community,” said Jones.

Incentives available during the campaign include $1,000 worth of advertising.

President Shelly Day also introduced committee members and reviewed events for the coming year.

Artwalk coming to Fenton 

Burns announced the Downtown Development Authority's intent to hold an event called the Fenton Artwalk feauring local artists.

No streets will be closed for the event, since all of the art is going to be displayed inside the businesses.

“We're partnering with local businesses who are willing to host exhibits to make this happen,” said Burns. “We've contacted the FIA and LAVA looking for artists that want to participate. We're hoping to get a good number of participants.”

The event is currently scheduled for 4:30 to 8 p.m. on June 24.