Contract awarded for GLWA connection
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — After years of research, planning, work sessions, lobbying, fighting and setbacks, the future of water in the Macomb County seat began at the July 15 Mount Clemens City Commission meeting.
Commissioners voted unanimously to award Dan’s Excavating, Inc. of Shelby Township a $36,238,263 contract to construct the necessary improvements to Mount Clemens’ water infrastructure to facilitate connecting Mount Clemens to the Great Lakes Water Authority system. The high cost of the work will be partially shouldered by a low-interest loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The DWSRF loan, applied for in May 2023, will see the state provide the city with $42 million, which is paired with $20 million of principal forgiveness.
“It seems a shame that a project this big could be summed up in a paragraph, because this thing actually started long before May 15, 2023,”
See CONTRACT on page 18A
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, left, and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham drive sledgehammers into the Jail Annex building on July 19. The ceremonial demolition, followed by the start of the actual demolition on July 22, is the latest step in the construction of the new central intake and assessment center.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Demolition of old county jail buildings underway
WING FOCUSED ON MENTAL HEALTH TO BE BUILT
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — For about a year, Macomb County’s top elected officials have dreamed and debated about tearing down old buildings at the Macomb County Jail. On a hot morning July 19 while wearing 10-gallon hardhats, the county’s executive and sheriff finally got their wish.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel
and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham bashed the first hole into the wall of the Macomb County Jail Annex, ceremonially beginning demolition and paving the way for a new jail building to be built. Hackel and Wickersham were joined by Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Don Brown and contractors to mark the occasion.
“Demolition is starting today,” Hackel said. “This is the groundbreaking — this is actually
See JAIL on page 10A
HARRISON TOWNSHIP WATERFRONT PARK TO SEE
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
$1.3 MILLION
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Nestled between Jefferson Avenue and Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township Waterfront Park is everything it is advertised as. A playscape, half-size basketball court, public art, pavilion and grills all provide the epitome of the municipal park experience, but nothing quite tops the free access to 275 feet of shore-
Charges amended for suspect in double shooting
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The charges leveled against a Clinton Township man in connection to the shooting of his mother and brother on July 5 have been amended.
Corey Deyshaun Cook, 24, allegedly shot his 27-year-old brother, Arkollin Dleon Cook, and his 49-year-old mother, Yolanda Cook, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. Yolanda Cook died at the scene. Arkollin Dleon Cook was on life support following the shooting. He died at a local hospital on July 13, according to the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The release states that Corey Deyshaun Cook went to the Clinton Township Police Department to report the shooting the same day. He was detained and officers reportedly found his mother and brother when performing a welfare check.
PROJECT
line that makes the park known as a prime fishing spot. Soon, that shoreline and the fishing boardwalk on it will look a lot different. The Harrison Township Board of Trustees in June approved a $1.3 million improvement project that will “soften” the shoreline and build a new fishing pier into the lake. Harrison Township Supervisor Ken Verkest said upgrading the park has been considered for a long time due to the deteriorating seawall but that
See WATERFRONT on page 13A
Following Arkollin’s Delon Cook’s death, Corey Deyshaun Cook’s charges were updated. He now faces two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, felonies punishable by a mandatory life sentence in Michigan. He also faces felony weapons charges.
Corey Deyshaun Cook is currently in the Macomb County Jail on a $1 million bond. A competency hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22 before District Court Judge Carrie Fuca in 41B District Court in Clinton Township.
“The charges were amended to take into consideration the death of his brother,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in the press release. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
At press time, Cook’s attorney, Robbie D. Lang, said he had no comment about the case.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 4981059.
Featuring a sculpture, a nearly 300-foot shoreline and other amenities, the Harrison Township Waterfront Pavilion and Park will see coastal and bathhouse overhauls in time for next summer.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Selfridge base sewer upgrades approved
VOTE AUG. 6
As you prepare to cast your ballot next week, check out our election guide and profiles on the candidates running for local and national office at www.candgnews.com, “Elections.”
MBC TO HOLD AUDITIONS, OPEN HOUSE
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Macomb Ballet Company will hold 2024-2025 open auditions Aug. 22 and Aug. 29. Dancers must be between the ages of 8 and 19. The nonprofit organization welcomes dancers from all backgrounds and training levels to audition. For more information about how to audition, visit macombballet.org. The cast will perform two shows: “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7-9, 2024, and “Wizard of Oz” April 25-27, 2025. The Macomb Ballet Company also invites the public to its open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug 14. The MBC is located at 51504 Danview Technology Court in Shelby Township. For more information call (586) 843-3374.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On July 22, the Harrison Township Board of Trustees awarded engineering firm Wade Trim a $53,130 contract to design and manage the construction of sanitary sewer upgrades to Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The upgrades will focus on upgrading pump stations, installing pipes and installing a new flow meter. The cost of the Wade Trim contract will be reimbursed by Selfridge. Construction costs are estimated to come in at $195,000.
TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS ON DECK FOR CLINTON TOWNSHIP
CLINTON TOWNSHIP —Two public hearings were set in motion at the Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting on July 22. A public hearing was scheduled for the next board meeting, which is August 12 at 6:30 p.m., for the special assessment district millage to fund police and fire departments in Clinton Township.
The renewal on residential properties for the police department is expected to be 5 mills ($18,602,712) and 4 mills ($14,882,170) for the fire department. For industrial facilities, police are set to pull in 2.5 mills ($19,218) and fire will draw 2 mills ($15,375).
Michigan Public Act 33 makes this type of millage pos-
ANTON CENTER CALLS FOR ‘ARTIST’S CHOICE’ ENTRIES
sible. The public hearing was unanimously approved at the July 22 Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting.
The trustees also approved the township’s master plan at the meeting. The next step for the plan is a public hearing tentatively set for the August 22 Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the board chambers. Public Act 33 makes this possible as well.
“The purpose of this Master Plan is to identify the goals, objectives, and action strategies which the Township and its residents wish to pursue,” the plan states.
A draft of the plan can be viewed at clintontownship. com. To find it, check under the drop down menu of the “government” section and select “Agendas & Minutes.” From here, click on the July 22 meeting and select item 11: Draft Master Plan 2024-July 2024.
MOUNT CLEMENS — The Anton Art Center is calling upon artists in five local arts organizations to submit their entries for its annual Artist’s Choice Show.
Open to members of the Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association, Romeo Guild of Art, Shelby Township Fine Art Society and Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Inc., artists can submit up to two works in any media at a cost of $15 per submission. The completed entry form, fee and labels are due no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Visit theartcenter. org or call (586) 469-8666 for more details.
‘Tlatecayotl Caucualtzin’ showcases Mexican artists
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The public is invited to view the “Tlatecayotl Caucualtzin” (Art is Beautiful) Mexican art exhibit through Sept. 14 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center.
The showcase — presented in partnership with the Mexican Consulate — is a collection of 16 unique works of art created by five Mexican-born artists demonstrating a variety of styles and techniques. One piece includes “Abuelita Otomi,” pictured, by artist Arturo Morales Morano.
“We’re excited about this show because it’s so different from what we’ve done in the past,” William Wood, director, Cultural Affairs and Community Engagement, Macomb Community College, said in a prepared statement. “Some of the art will be on display for the first time anywhere.”
The artwork demonstrates styles and artistic methods inspired by modern art in Mexico as well as Mesoamerican art created by indigenous cultures in Mexico and South America. A variety of techniques are employed in creating the artwork including the use of spray paint and black lights.
The Art is Beautiful exhibit is complementary and open to the public Tuesday through Friday through Sept. 14, as well as on Saturdays Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus. The address is 44575 Garfield Road. For more information, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
Credit union makes over $30K in donations to local charities
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union recently made over $30,000 in donations to three community organizations.
The American Lung Association in Michigan, Blessings in a Backpack and Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors all received $10,266.67 apiece.
The funds were raised through a program in which the credit union donated $50 for every new checking account by members. The organizations were selected because of their dedication to education and first responders, according to a press release from the credit union.
“MSGCU is grateful our members helped us give back and make a positive impact in our communities. These donations are a result of their support, and we appreciate how they took action to make a difference,” Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO, is quoted as saying in a press release. “MSGCU follows the credit union philosophy of people helping people, and we are dedicated to serving others through special programs like this one as part of our ongoing community giving efforts.”
Dragonfly sculpture to be unveiled in Tucker Park
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The Harrison Township Beautification Commission is hosting an unveiling ceremony for its newest sculpture. The finished sculpture will be unveiled at Tucker Park at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16.
The sculpture depicts a dragonfly with a 4-foot wingspan and features stained glass and stainless steel materials. The Consumers Energy Foundation provided $20,000 to fund the sculpture’s creation. It is the seventh sculpture acquired by the beautification commission.
CMPL HOSTING EVENTS FOR TEEN, KIDS
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — As the Summer Olympics kick off in France, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library is putting on its own summer games for elementary school students at the North Branch this August.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, kids in grades K-5 are invited to take part in a variety of summer games. At 10 a.m. on Thursday Aug. 8, kids ages 2-5 are invited to run an obstacle course.
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the North Branch at 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, to take part in a creative painting challenge. Participants will be given prompts at random and given the tools to turn their concept into a masterpiece. Other creative opportunities are available at the South Branch where at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, tweens ages 8-12 are invited to make pet toys out of T-shirts. The South Branch is also hosting an anime ice cream social at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. Visit cmpl.libnet.info/events for a full list of events or to register.
Photo provided by Brian Weitzel Photography
Cops crack down on vehicle thefts from dealerships
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb Auto Theft Squad teamed with local law enforcement in Clinton Township, Roseville and Sterling Heights on July 10 to provide surveillance for several car dealerships.
The investigation came after an influx of thefts from dealerships in the county, according to a press release from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the surveillance came after “months” of similar break-ins. He said local law enforcement worked well with the county agency, but the success of the operation was limited.
“We just can’t be everywhere and there are so many of these crews that are out there that are hitting these dealerships,” Wickersham said.
Dealerships in St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township and Roseville were observed being broken into on the morning of July 10. Envy Auto Group in St. Clair Shores was broken into around 3:30 a.m. In Clinton Township, Moran Chevrolet (approximately 4:45 a.m.) and Dorian Ford (approximately 5 a.m.) were burglarized. A&B Motors in Roseville was broken into at about 6 a.m.
One 14-year-old suspect is currently in custody after attempting to flee police in a Ford EcoSport from A&B Motors in Ros-
Dealerships in St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township and Roseville were observed being broken into on the morning of July 10. Envy Auto Group in St. Clair Shores was broken into around 3:30 a.m.
eville. The other suspects remain at large. All vehicles stolen on July 10 were recovered, except for a Dodge Durango stolen from A&B Motors.
Wickersham said these break-ins are often carried out by teenagers, which makes investigating the cases difficult.
“That’s one of the frustrating things that we have seen in a lot of these investigations: the individuals who are doing it are all juvenile status,” he said.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, according to Wickersham.
“I think they’re all connected,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Macomb County Sheriff’s Office faces wave of car surfers
MOUNT CLEMENS — At least three Macomb County teens have found out car surfing is only tubular until you take a tumble.
Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to calls on June 21, July 19 and July 21 with teens in New Haven, Macomb Township and Romeo respectively being injured in car surfing accidents. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, each of the injured teens were left in stable condition while reckless driving charges have been pressed against each of the drivers, with the Macomb Township driver also receiving an operating while intoxicated charge.
“The MCSO takes these incidents of
Correction:
‘car surfing’ very seriously,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a press release. “These participants do not seem to realize that they become projectiles, hitting cement or asphalt at 30-50 miles an hour. No matter what condition these individuals are in, their bodies are just not designed to take that much trauma.”
The sheriff’s office is urging the public not to take part in reckless activities, to avoid succumbing to peer pressure, to speak out about ongoing or planned instances of car surfing and to educate others about the dangers and risks of car surfing.
— Dean Vaglia
The article “Life savers, legislators honored by city commissioners” in the July 17 issue of the Journal should have stated that Mount Clemens was earmarked to receive a total of $8.5 million in allocations as part of the Michigan fiscal year 2024-25 budget. That amount includes a $5 million downtown redevelopment grant, $2 million for the waterfront redevelopment project and $1.5 million for a septic station.
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Photo by Nick Powers
Clinton Township breaks ground on inclusive playground
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Outdoor fun just got a bit more accessible in Clinton Township.
The township held a groundbreaking for an inclusive playground, which is located on the Civic Center grounds, on July 18. A crowd of politicians and community members gathered under clear skies to move the first shovelfuls of the project. According to Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon, the land didn’t always hold so much promise.
“At one time this property was a piece of junk — years ago,” Cannon said.
Cannon went on to say that a stretch of road was supposed to run through the area where the playground is being built. He said that with community support, the $1 million project was halted and the funds were diverted into technology for the township.
“This whole property is much nicer than it would be as a three-lane road going nowhere, that other roads take care of,” he said.
The new playground will consist of three structures for different age groups. The equipment has a nature theme with the appearance of a river. There are frogs, mushrooms and logs incorporated around the green and brown playscapes. The playground also has a quiet area for those who feel overwhelmed and need a breather from playing. It’s expected to be ready in October, according to Clinton Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem.
Though the park is geared toward those
with disabilities, Cannon stressed that this park is for everyone. It will be situated between the splash pad, library and the Clinton Township Historical Museum. The project is a culmination of thousands of dollars in community fundraising and government funds.
State Rep. Denise Mentzer, D-Mount Clemens, and state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, who were both instrumental in getting state funding for the project, spoke at the event. The project received a boost from a $1 million appropriation from the 2024 state budget, which the two
worked to secure.
“This shows you what a true partnership in Lansing can do for our communities,” Mentzer said.
Clinton Township Inclusive Playground Pals, a volunteer group, headed up efforts to get the project going. Working with the Arc of Macomb, a nonprofit that assists people with disabilities in the community, the Pals got the ball rolling for the program with a letter to Gieleghem five years ago.
Inclusive Playground Committee Chair AnnMarie Ottoy said fundraising took many forms, including everything from
drive-in movies to a battle of the bands. The community fundraising netted $135,000 for the project. The Clinton Township Board of Trustees approved an additional $300,000 in funding, closing the gap on the $1.4 million project.
Gieleghem said the project is an example of how government is supposed to work.
“Residents and citizens petitioning their government for what they want to see in their communities for their families: That’s the way it’s supposed to work,” he said. “That’s the way it worked here and we
See PLAYGROUND on page 17A
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Photo by Nick Powers
Elected officials and the Clinton Township Inclusive Playground Committee break ground at the new inclusive playground site near the Clinton-Macomb Public Library main branch July 18.
Peregrine falcons: Bans, bands and the recovery of the world’s fastest bird
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Over the weekend of Memorial Day, a very delicate ecological operation took place.
Two peregrine falcon chicks were removed from a nest at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and rehomed within Mount Clemens’ Old Macomb County Building. The chicks were located in a spot that would have put both them and humans at the airport in danger, forcing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ hand to undertake the risky rehoming.
“The DNR generally doesn’t want to do this, to foster and rehome,” said Danielle Durham, DNR peregrine falcon nest coordinator. “It was kind of an experiment … The (foster parent falcon) pair could not accept them. Luckily their maternal and nurturing instincts are high, and they just want to do what they do and raise chicks and rear young, but they could easily not have accepted those chicks.”
Indeed, it went well and the two birds, later named Dorothy and Bonner (in honor of Dorothy and Bonner Upshaw,) joined the recently hatched falcon chick, Gabe (named in honor of Gabe Anton), under the care of the ever-dutiful mother falcon, Brookie Cookie, at the county nest above Mount Clemens. The rehome occurred not long after the DNR fitted Gabe with tracking bands, making him the first Mount Clemens falcon chick to receive bands since 2016.
Between rehoming and fostering, the DNR shows a deep interest in the survival and care of the peregrine falcon. That’s for good reason: The
See FALCONS on page 16A
University of Michigan in 2019 and has a black/blue
ABOVE: Brookie Cookie, the mother peregrine falcon of the Old Macomb County Building nest, incubates eggs. Brookie Cookie was hatched at the
band with code 52/K.
Photo provided by Barb Baldinger
RIGHT: Danielle Durham, DNR peregrine falcon nest coordinator, holds peregrine falcon chick Gabe during his banding. Gabe hatched in May 2024 as one of four eggs under Brookie Cookie’s watch at the Old Macomb County Building in Mount Clemens.
Photo provided by Macomb County
Kendall Electric gets tax abatement for new development
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees approved a tax abatement for Kendall Electric at its July 22 meeting for a development at the business on 15 Mile Road.
The abatement would be for an approximately 30,000 square foot add-on to the business’ 15 Mile and Harper Road location for 12 years. The cost of the project is just over $2.3 million, according to Todd Seibert, a senior economic developer for Macomb County who answered questions at the meeting.
“This is an additional building on the property that we’re developing as we continue to grow,” Dean Maxwell from the Kendall Group, the parent company of Kendall Electric, said at the meeting.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. website, an abatement is a tax break that incentivizes new businesses to come to an area. This is allowed by
Michigan Public Act 198. The local governing body grants the abatement, and a public hearing is held.
Clinton Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said he wished that there were jobs attached to the abatement but given the nature of the add-on, he understood why this wasn’t possible. He confirmed with Maxwell that the new building would be for storage to accommodate the expansion of the business.
“I think it’s a good move and I appreciate the investment,” he said.
At the board’s June 24 meeting Gieleghem said “very few” of these abatements exist in the township.
“Clinton Township is largely a residential community,” he said. “We have commercial districts. We do not have big tracts of industrial property. We have areas spaced out here and there.”
Clinton Township Trustee Julie Matuzak was the sole no vote on the abatement at the July 22 meeting, saying she disagreed with all abatements and did not have a per-
sonal grudge against the company. There were no members of the public who spoke during the public hearing.
At the board’s June 24 meeting, Matuzak said businesses that get these breaks don’t have sufficient follow-up on whether or not new jobs are being created. She said she would prefer the abatements going toward new businesses.
“But the minute they start doing well, they should be good citizens and pay their fair share for the services they receive,” Matuzak said.
At the June 24 meeting, the guidelines for determining abatements were updated, utilizing a point system for how much investment the business would bring to the community. The more investment, the higher the points and the longer the abatement would last. However, Kendall Electric was exempt from these new criteria because of when it applied.
Gieleghem explained at the meeting that this update tightened criteria on abatements.
“It would award less years,” Gieleghem said. “It increases the amount of the investment that is necessary to receive it. You’re not getting points for a small investment.”
Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer joined Matuzak and Trustee Dan Kress in voting no on the changing criteria for tax abatements. Meltzer said she voted no because the changes could hinder new businesses coming to the township.
“When people come up here and shake their head and act like they know what’s going on in the private sector, I find that insulting,” Meltzer said. “I find it unfortunate that these people making the rules infringe upon others’ rights.”
The change passed with Trustee Tammy Patton, Trustee Mike Keys, Gieleghem and Township Supervisor Bob Cannon voting yes.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
Courtney Seibold – State Farm Insurance Agent: Bringing Trusted Coverage to Mount Clemens
State Farm Insurance agent
Courtney Seibold has relocated her offce from Shelby Township to Mount Clemens, reinforcing her commitment and deepening her connection to the community. She brings a dedication to supporting local families and businesses with the trusted protection and service State Farm is known for.
“When I opened my State Farm agency in 2018, I took over for retiring agent Will Young,” Seibold said. “He was an established agent in the area, and I’m happy to bring my offce back to the town where I grew up and have been a resident for the last 25 years.”
What sets her agency apart is the personal connection customers feel when they call. “There are quite a few companies where you call a 1-800 number and never meet the person whose name is on the sign,” she added. “I’m a hands-on agent. I’m not only here in the offce working with my customers but you’ll also see me out in the community. “We are really happy to be back in the neighborhood,” she continued. “I purchased the building and it will be our forever home.”
With over 26 years of experience in the industry, Courtney is dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions. Her agency offers a comprehensive range of services, including auto, home, life, boat, commercial and pet health insurance.
Insurance is not a one-size-fts-all situation. Courtney and her team tailor coverage to each client, understanding what works well for one person might not be suitable for another.
“We have in-depth conversations with our customers to ensure their coverage meets their specifc needs and protects their assets,” she explained. Courtney advocates bundling insurance — for convenience and cost savings.
She shared, “Our clients often reach out during stressful times, such as after a car accident or when a basement foods. Our detailed initial conversations are crucial because they allow us to ensure the client has the proper protection up front.”
Courtney Seibold – State Farm Insurance Agent is located at 102 North Ave. in Mount Clemens. To see how Courtney can help you save, call (586) 263-7500 or visit courtneyseibold.com.
going to be a wall breaking.”
Demolition commenced in earnest on July 22, beginning with the annex building. The old maximum security, D Block and rehab buildings are slated for demolition at a later time to make way for the new central intake and assessment center. The goal is to better address inmates with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“Today does begin the next journey that will improve our operations here at the sheriff’s office and the county jail,” Wickersham said. “It will make a better environment for my staff and for the inmates. We will focus on a direct supervision model. We will focus on a very hybrid medical and mental health facility dealing with individuals that have those issues and are remanded here by the bench.”
The central intake and assessment center is planned to be over 159,000 square feet with a capacity for 278 beds, setting the total jail capacity at 1,178 beds. Prior plans called for the building to be 177,000 square feet, housing up to 303 inmates. Design renderings call for a bow tie shaped building that is four levels tall and has an extensive use of windows to let in as
much natural light as possible.
“Granger Construction has an extensive resume of correction projects that have been completed over the years, but the central intake and assessment center is truly unique,” said Jeff Havranek, Metro Detroit regional director for Granger Construction. “With an ever-increasing need to address medical, mental health, substance abuse and behavioral disorders that are present in our community, it takes an alternate approach to treatment and therefore an alternate approach to the design and construction of a facility seeking to address those needs.”
Design features will be paired with changes to processing, with correctional deputies screening new inmates for mental health or substance abuse issues upon intake. From there, inmates in need of assistance will be diverted to programs on the top, second and ground floors. Other features planned for the central intake and assessment center include improved video trial capabilities, community corrections facilities, a “full service” court, offices for the county prosecutor and public defenders, and a passageway between the jail and the intake center.
“We know that this county jail is the responsibility of the county to provide a county jail for those that are arrested and detained, and they are now becoming the responsibility of the
page 1A See JAIL on page 11A
“Looking Good for the Cruise”
Saturday, August 3 9am to noon or anytime in between
Gratiot and 16 Mile Intersection
ABOVE: Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel speaks on July 19 during a “wall breaking” ceremony for the central intake and assessment center project.
LEFT: Macomb County Commissioner Don Brown, R-District 1, chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, speaks at the ceremony.
Photos by Dean Vaglia
sheriff,” Hackel said. “We have this responsibility to make sure that we have the right type of facility to manage the people coming in there, but also making a determination as to what are those issues these people may have.”
Plans for the project were announced in May 2023, with the aim of addressing three main improvements for the county jail recognized in a 2016 Macomb County Sheriff’s Office survey: intake and assessment, pretrial services and new medical/mental health environments and services. The $228 million price tag for the project has been consistent since its announcement with funds coming from the county’s general fund, state funding and federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
“Macomb County is managed financially conservatively and as a result, our balance sheet is strong and enables us to pay cash for this project,” Brown said in a press release. “The collaborative effort between the Sheriff, County Executive and the Board of Commissioners has led us to this point. When completed, those who come in contact with law enforcement and have drug or mental health issues receive a chance to turn their lives around. This not only benefits them and their families, but the taxpayers and society at large.”
So far, the project is ahead of its initial schedule, which planned for demolition to begin sometime in 2025. Currently in the third phase of the project timeline, construction is expected to be completed sometime by or within 2027.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
HOMES
RECYCLING COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS MIGHT HELP YOUR GARDEN FLOURISH
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Did you just move and have an excessive number of cardboard boxes around?
Rather than putting the boxes in the recycling bin, you can put them to good use in your own backyard. If you’re a gardener, many common household recyclable items have uses. From pie pans to cardboard boxes, repurposing these items can save you a trip to the store and help you recycle in a more direct way.
Cardboard can be an easy way to create a weed barrier that allows moisture to get in. To do this, flatten the boxes in the area you want to make a garden bed. Put water on the cardboard and put topsoil over it. Once this is set, start planting.
“Cardboard suppresses weeds by blocking sunlight and helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering,” Brian McDaid, of Eagle Dumpster Rental, said in a press release. “It breaks down naturally over time, enriching the soil with organic matter and improving its structure. This method also recycles cardboard that might otherwise end up in a landfill.”
Newspapers can serve a similar purpose. If you’re reading a paper copy of this story, we recommend you finish before you try out this method. Much like cardboard, newspaper can be used as a biodegradable weed barrier. Make sure the newspaper isn’t glossy and is free of any heavy inks. For instance, this paper would be just fine to use. You’ll need five layers to make this work, according to McDaid. Then lightly dampen the layers and add a covering of topsoil.
Caitlin Splawski, Michigan State University Extension consumer horticulture educator, cautioned those using newspaper and cardboard. For cardboard in particular, she said not to use pieces with a glossy finish and to remove all tape. She said opinions are split about using the materials, since it can cause a spike of carbon in the soil that may need to be balanced by adding nitrogen. Though, she said this lacks definitive research.
“It can affect gas exchange and water percolation into the soil in the short term,” Splawski said. “In the medium term, it can
add a lot of carbon to the soil. If you don’t have the proper nutrition with fertilizer added in, that can cause some nutrient imbalances if that’s not addressed.”
She advised using more organic material like pine needles, straw and composted wood chips for a flower bed barrier.
Gardener Kelly Colegio, a former Warren City Council member who helped form the city’s community garden, said there are many items you can use to improve your garden.
“Anything you can imagine,” Colegio said.
In the kitchen, she said, old pie pans can be tied to rattle when a critter tries to find a snack from the garden. Pots can be used as a bird bath. Old teacups can be used as bird feeders. Jars can be repurposed for seeds. Old bread ties can be used in place of zip ties. Old plastic tubs can help as a container for picking berries.
Splawski said plastic containers can be used for many purposes but said sanitizing them with dish soap and water before use is important. Reusing potting containers may need more care. Plant diseases and pests can sometimes survive a normal wash, so using a bleach solution may be required. According to an Iowa State University article that Splawski provided, soak the container in a solution made up of one part bleach and nine parts water for 10 minutes and rinse. Be careful to protect your skin and clothes from the solution.
Colegio said she picked up many of these DIY methods from her mother, who passed away in 2019.
“I learned that you don’t have to buy a lot if you can just figure out how to repurpose what you have,” Colegio said.
She traced her mother’s thrifty outlook to her grandmother, who did these things out of necessity during the Great Depression. Some of these methods, like canning, could be utilized now to reduce waste, according to Colegio.
“Their mindset was different,” she said. “Perhaps not because they were looking to go green; they did it out of necessity. If we could go back and look at some of their practices of self-sustainability, a lot of them were green.”
Colegio said old nylons or old strips
of shirts can be used to prop up plants. Old clothes can be put to use on a homemade scarecrow.
Even larger items like an old sink or a washtub can be used as a planter. Colegio uses an old mailbox as storage for gardening tools.
Splawski said old plastic milk containers can be used for winter sowing. She said some plants have a dormancy mechanism. By starting the seeds outside in a jug, it can make the seeds go through their natural cycle and promote growth.
“A lot of folks swear by it as the way to get — especially native plant — seeds started,” Splawski said.
“If you look at something, and you really look at it for a while, you can find a use
for it out in the garden,” Colegio said. McDaid echoes this idea in the release.
“A home garden is all about sustainability and independence,” McDaid said.
“By being sustainable in how you start and maintain your garden by using things that would otherwise be trash, you’ll have a better gardening experience. One that is cheaper, requires less trips to the store, and is genuinely healthy for your plants.”
Composting can also be a good way to recycle, but that could be an article all its own. Splawski recommends that those interested in composting visit canr.msu.edu/resources/ composting_a_smart_gardening_practice_ to_recycle_garden_and_yard_waste.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
TOP: Old teacups can be used as bird feeders. Shutterstock image
ABOVE: In the finished garden, soil covers the cardboard garden bed weed barrier. LEFT: Cardboard can serve as a garden bed weed barrier.
Photos provided by Kristen Doetzkies
Waterfront
from page 3A
funds were not always available.
The township received a $156,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in 2018 to replace the seawall with a softened shoreline, but no bidders were found for the project when the township first sought contractors. American Rescue Plan Act funds were made available to the township in 2021, $1.52 million of which was rolled into the general fund. Verkest says those rolled-over ARPA funds and the natural resources grant will pay for the shoreline projects at Waterfront Park.
“The grant was based on us softening the shoreline,” Verkest said. “The idea is that seawalls ‘harden’ shorelines. Ultimately (seawalls are) a good way to secure your land, but a natural shoreline absorbs wave energy, and a hard shoreline kicks that wave energy back out into the lake, which leads to turbidity. It eliminates potential for fish habitats and is just unnatural.”
Shoreline softening takes on many forms but ultimately aims to replace harder sea walls with erosion-prevention methods that hold land naturally. Verkest says Waterfront Park will use a method similar to the Lake St. Clair Metropark and Harley Ensign Boat Launch shorelines. Large and small rocks will interlock and slope into the lake.
As the stony slope will require the removal of the existing boardwalk, a 150-foot fishing pier will be constructed in its place. New pathways will be built to connect the pier to the parking lot and pavilion, making the addition compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A ramp for launching small boats like kayaks will be built as well. Construction firm EC Korneffel Co. is contracted to build the soft shoreline, pier and ramp.
“They most recently did the pier at Blossom Heath Park in St. Clair Shores, and they also did the Detroit RiverWalk, so definitely a well-qualified contractor to construct our pier, which is smaller than either of those projects,” Verkest said.
Along with the work to the shore and pathways, the bathhouse will receive general upgrades over the colder months. The township’s Building Department will handle the task of finding what needs to be fixed
and hiring contractors for the work. But spruced-up bathrooms will not be the only thing park-goers will find different about the bathhouse — Detroit-based and globally exhibited artist Pat Perry will paint a mural on the bath house as part of the DIA Partners in Public Art program.
Acquired through the work of Harrison Township Beautification Commission Chair Susan Keehn, the mural will face Jefferson Avenue and focus on a yet-to-be-determined subject. Township officials have already spoken with Perry and concepts are being discussed.
“Having a mural in our community from the community as basically a gift speaks volumes to our residents and visitors and allows them a different view of the community,” Keehn said. “Art speaks to everybody in a different way and different types of art are really lovely to have, and to have the DIA sponsor this and get amazing artists to choose from was really special. We’re in the throes of this right now and really enjoying talking to the DIA and to the artist, putting our thoughts together on what kind of mural we actually wanted.”
Much of the work is set to take place ahead of summer 2025. The shoreline projects are scheduled to begin in October and end around spring 2025, while Perry is expected to complete the mural this fall.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
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As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%
occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the pelvis and can detect it very early.
For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive fights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a facility opened in Southfeld, making these screenings available to Metro Detroit residents.
“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difcult treatments. We can also identify hundreds of conditions
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0391-2431
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
15A/ JOURNAL • JULY 31, 2024
AUG. 4
Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise: Starts at 8 a.m. with car show, other activities include cruise from 14 Mile Road to Wellington Crescent (north of Metropolital Parkway), awards, DJ, games, family fun zone and pedal car race, ends at 5 p.m., ctgratiotcruise.com
AUG. 8
Silent Book Club: Bring own book, mingle and read quietly, 6:30- 8 p.m., Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse (Suite A), (586) 329-1261, htlibrary.org
AUG. 9
Euchre tournament: Card playing for ages 21 and older at 7 p.m. (dinner at 6 p.m. and sign-in at 6:30 p.m.), St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St. in Mount Clemens, RSVP by Aug. 7, (586) 468-4579
AUG. 15
Macomb County Community Baby Shower: For expectant moms and those with children 2 and younger, hosted by The Rial Glam Life, 1-3:45 p.m., Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave., (586) 272-5489, therialglamlife@gmail.com
Sweet Treats and Sweet Rides: Cars on display, music and in-store specials, 5-8 p.m., also Sept. 19, Sanders
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe, 23770 Hall Road in Clinton Township, (586) 464-5372
AUG. 17
Macomb County Pride: Family-friendly event featuring drag queen show and story time, LGBTQIA community performances, food trucks, vendors and DJ, noon-6 p.m., North Main Street in Mount Clemens, www. macombcountypride.com/pride2024
Elton John tribute: Presented by Tom Cridland, 7 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com
ONGOING
Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Nov. 23, City Park & Ride Lot, 141 N. River Road in Mount Clemens, (586) 493-7600, www.facebook.com/ MountClemensFarmersMarket
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 10 and Sept. 14, John F. Kennedy Knights of Columbus Council #5460, 33320 Kelly Road in Clinton Township, (586) 610-2990
Book Break at the Beach: Stories, songs and experiments by Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center, 11 a.m. Mondays until Aug. 12, meet at playground pavilion, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, (586) 329-1261
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Summer Sounds: Concerts run 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3-6 p.m. Sundays, and 3-6 p.m. Labor Day, The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, see lineup at shoppartridgecreek.com
Splash pad: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until Sept. 2, Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, www.metroparks.com/lake-st-clairmetropark
Wellness Wednesdays: Free fitness classes hosted by Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, includes yoga until Aug. 28, 9-9:45 a.m., The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, (586) 416-3849, facebook.com/themallatpartridgecreek
Car shows: 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Louie’s Towne Grill, 79 N. Main St. in Mount Clemens
• 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during summer, Eddie’s Drive-In, 36111 Jefferson Ave. in Harrison Township, (586) 469-2345
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471
• 10 a.m. every third Friday of month, The Pantry, 44945 Morley Drive in Clinton Township, RSVP to Loree at (810) 335-2096
CLASS REUNIONS
Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@comcast.net
Mount Clemens High School - All Alumni Night: Cash food and refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@yahoo.com with questions
Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com
Grosse Pointe North High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes cash bar, food stations, photo booth and GPN gift, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also casual gathering 7 p.m. Sept. 20, WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, grossepointenorth1974.com
Knitting and crochet circle: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse (Suite A), projects donated to charitable organizations, group in need of yarn, fleece craft store gift cards, (586) 329-1261, htlibrary.org
msgcu.org/heloan
Available through August 31, 2024
bird has historically been on the endangered and threatened species lists in Michigan and across the United States.
Peregrine falcons are native to Michigan, making their home along the cliffs of Lake Superior and Isle Royale. Recently, peregrine falcons have found homes among the “pseudo cliffs” of skyscrapers and water towers. Though the birds are traditionally migratory, falcons that make their homes in cities have little need to migrate. Durham says peregrine falcon migration is food-based, and cities supply the raptors with “copious amounts” of prey year-round.
The ability to work within the humanbuilt environment allowed peregrine falcons to thrive and gave birders a chance to see a dynamic bird in action.
“On October 4, 1993, Ruth Glass arranged a Macomb Audubon field trip to the Book Building in Detroit to meet with Judy Yerkey, a peregrine falcon nest monitor for the Michigan DNR,” Barb Baldinger, a long-time birder in southeastern Michigan, said via email. “We were able to see where the peregrine falcons were nesting and saw one of them fly to the nest. Knowing how rare peregrine falcons were at the time, it was very exciting!”
Peregrine falcons are commonly known as the fastest animals on Earth, capable of reaching over 200 mph and up to 240 mph in a dive. The high speeds peregrines are capable of can produce magnificent hunting scenes, alongside other daring maneuvers the bird can pull in flight.
“I have observed peregrine falcons catch their prey in the air as well as defend their territory by chasing off birds larger than themselves,” Baldinger said via email. “On several occasions, I watched a peregrine falcon fly under a turkey vulture, grab it by the talons and flip it upside down.”
There was, however, a major problem. The pesticide DDT killed raptors all across the United States. DDT would accumulate in the fat of prey animals, building more and more as prey was consumed by animals higher up the food chain. Small animals may be able to withstand the DDT, but larger animals were less resilient to the pesticide.
“As they continue to eat it accumulates in their system, and in the case of their peregrines and the ospreys and the bald eagles, it affected their ability to reproduce,” Durham said. “They would lay their eggs, but the eggshell would be thin, and when they would go to incubate the eggs, they would crush the eggs. You were not having new eggs hatched, so you were not having new peregrines added to the population and the old ones were still dying.”
DDT contamination decimated peregrine falcon populations, which reached record lows in the 1960s and several subspecies of peregrine falcon were declared endangered in 1970 under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. Peregrine falcons were all but extinct in the Michigan wilderness.
Responding to DDT pollution and its poisoning of birds took multiple forms across various levels of governmental agencies. Federal endangered species protections offered some aid to the raptors, while the Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT for most uses in 1972. At the state level, reintroduction efforts sought to kickstart the rebound of affected raptors. Baldinger says Canada began its reintroduction efforts in Ontario in 1977. The Michigan DNR reintroduced peregrine falcons between 19861992.
Banding falcons, placing metal bands with alphanumeric codes around the legs of the birds, is an essential part of tracking the growth of Michigan’s peregrine falcon population. Bands are color-coded and are based on which agency banded the bird — the silver bands are federally-owned, and the
A peregrine falcon sits on a railing at the Detroit Zoo water tower. The tower has supported nests over the years with some disruptions caused by maintenance.
RAPTORS ON CAMERA
With peregrine falcons taking up nests on buildings, a number of cameras have been set up to document their lives and the development of falcon chicks.
Falcon nest cameras in the Metro Detroit area include: Warren nest, 30400 Van Dyke Ave, Warren, warrenperegrinefalcons.com/streaming-and-chat Wayne State University Old Main Building nests, 4841 Cass Ave., Detroit, clas.wayne.edu/falcons Old Macomb County Building nest, 10 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, macombgov.org/peregrinefalcons-macomb-county
Jackson County Building nest, 120 W. Michigan, Jackson mijackson.org/Falcon
Falcon bands that are spotted can be reported to reportband.gov through the United States Geological Survey. If the website is not working, email bandreports@usgs.gov.
colored bands are the Michigan DNR’s — and people who spot the bands can report the codes to the appropriate agency. Bands allow wildlife management to track a bird throughout its life; with Brookie Cookie’s bands — black/blue, 52/K — we know she was hatched in the North Quad Tower of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2019.
“Being successful in reading the band numbers on individual peregrine falcons is
a challenge,” Baldinger said via email. “You may spend nearly an hour staring into a spotting scope, waiting for the bird to scratch its face, preen its feathers, or lift its feathers in takeoff for flight, before you get a fleeting look at the band. Sometimes, it takes several visits of trying to get the ID. It is very exciting to discover that a new adult at a nesting location is one that is one that previously
See FALCONS on page 17A
Photo provided by Kayla Niner
Playground
from page 6A
couldn’t be more pleased.”
Gieleghem said that the township makes up 11% of the county’s population but is home to 25% of the county’s families who have a member with a disability. He said this may be due to the hospitals, schools and affordable housing.
“All of those things come together and beg the question: ‘Are we really serving everyone in our community?’” he said. “I think when the board learned that, to their credit, they stepped up.”
Near the end of the ceremony, Cannon highlighted community members who work on projects like the inclusive playground.
“We are lucky to have people this passionate and this loyal to a population that needs extra help from time to time,” Cannon said.
Falcons
from page 16A
hatched in our local area.”
Bans and bands have helped the peregrine falcon population rebound. Only the Eurasian subspecies remains on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list, while peregrine falcons are listed as threatened.
“I have actually seen a trend recently in the last couple of years where I’ve seen fewer banded birds at my nest sites than I do banded birds,” Durham said. “So that’s a good thing to see that they’re really recovering and able to reproduce without us. These are truly wild birds. These aren’t ones that we’re touching, and they’ve rebounded wonderfully.”
So wonderful has the peregrine falcon’s
Ottoy said how grateful she was to the community for making the playground a reality.
“Here we are today poised to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children, if not thousands, giving them an opportunity to spend carefree time outdoors playing and making friends outside of the four walls of school, home, doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments,” Ottoy said. “This was the hope I first had when I wrote this letter to Paul (Gieleghem), but also the idea that building inclusive communities starts with each one of us and can be as simple as playing on a playground.”
Ottoy said her 24-year-old son, Zachary, who is disabled and nonverbal, will appreciate the swings.
“The swings are what he’ll enjoy most at this playground, and that’s what I’m looking forward to taking him on,” she said.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
rebound in Michigan been that the future of the banding program is in jeopardy. Federal delisting and a reduction from endangered to threatened at the state level combined with the sightings of birds without bands all contribute to the idea that the peregrine falcon can thrive on its own once again. An MSUToday article from June 3 notes the 2024 DNR bandings at Spartan Stadium are likely to be the last ones performed there.
“That’s good news for peregrine conservation,” Durham said. “They’ve met all of the criteria to be removed from that endangered status, which is wonderful.”
Durham says the peregrine falcon population is stable in Michigan and will likely remain so for years to come thanks to the existing protections and learning from the mistakes of DDT overuse.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Contract
City Manager Gregg Shipman said. “A project of this magnitude and complexity is a marathon, but we’ve been sprinting.”
In 2022, questions about how Mount Clemens would handle its aging water infrastructure and water treatment facilities reached a boiling point. City commissioners and officials worked to determine whether building a new water plant or connecting to the GLWA’s system across southeastern Michigan, which includes all of the city’s neighboring and nearby communities, made the most sense. While plans to maintain an independent water system were about $27 million to $30 million more than the estimated cost to join the GLWA, city commissioners had reason to believe Mount Clemens could afford it.
Commissioners originally voted 4-3 to seek the $42 million DWSRF loan to pay for the work on Dec. 5, 2022 — only to rescind the plan at the next meeting. By Dec. 19, city officials were informed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy it would not award them the grant for a new plant. At the time, they also just learned from the city’s bond agent that Mount Clemens lacked the bonding capacity to finance the project. In the face of this, city commissioners voted to embark on a then-estimated $17 million journey to end the city’s 130-plus years of municipal water independence and set in motion the work needed to achieve — and afford — joining the GLWA.
About a year and a half later, the dower tone of the meeting on Dec. 19, 2022, was replaced by nervous excitement from commissioners on July 15, 2024.
“The twists and turns of the project were enormous,” Mayor Laura Kropp said. “I know that there are a lot of things that can happen during the project, but I do feel that Fishbeck has been an excellent partner and has had the city’s affordability and best interest at mind. I know this project is definitely more than what everybody anticipated. I still
A sign directs traffic on North River Road
a
more than 130-year-old municipal system.
am confident that building our own water plant would have been a tremendous cost above and beyond what this project is, and they have assured us of that.”
Kropp, Shipman and commissioners expressed thanks to the many people involved in getting the city to where this project can begin considering its enormity.
“I do feel as though this was probably the most important decision that this commission will make and (for) this city as a whole, this is the most important issue — drinking water — that probably has happened in the last 50 years,” Kropp said. “I would say no other issue has been as important as this. And so, I’m really proud of everybody who’s sitting on this commission because it’s not an easy decision and it certainly wasn’t the most popular decision to go with this option, but I feel as though it’s our best chance at water affordability for our residents.”
Shipman made special consideration to thank Maria Sedki, engineer with consulting firm Fishbeck, for her work. Sedki, whose team will manage the project, gave commissioners a timeline for the work.
“(Dan’s Excavating has) a year to design it starting in September,” Sedki said. “They’ll
NOTICE
To the residents of the Charter Township of Harrison, County of Macomb, Michigan.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clerk’s Offce for the Charter Township of Harrison will post, for public inspection, the Agenda for Township Board Meetings and a Synopsis of the approved Meeting Minutes at the Clerk’s Offce located at 38151 L’Anse Creuse Road, and to the Rosso Hall bulletin board located at 38255 L’Anse Creuse Rd. The Agenda and a full text of the Minutes will be available on the Township Website, www.harrisontownshipmi.gov and, upon request from the Clerk’s Offce.
Adam Wit, MMC, MiPMC, Clerk Charter Township of Harrison
Published: Journal 07/31/2024
and storage tank, water mains and help with underground drilling.
While the construction itself will only use about $36 million of the $42 million from the DWSRF loan, the remaining loaned funds will be used to pay for engineering, easements and other costs associated with the project.
Water meters bought
The Mount Clemens City Commission also approved the purchase of Metron Farnier water meters on July 15.
The city purchased 1,500 meters from Metron Farnier about two years ago and is looking to apply the meters to all residential properties due to their accuracy. Metron Farnier meters have an accuracy rate of greater than 95% versus the city’s old meters that are accurate at a rate of 90% or less. Replacing the old meters is expected to help cut the city’s 37% water loss rate, bringing it closer in line with the average 10-15% water loss rate for similar water systems.
design it for a year and they’ll start construction, if all goes well, in September of ’25 and it will be done, if all goes well, by the end of 2028.”
Dan’s Excavating has recruited three engineering teams to design a booster station
The purchase of over 4,600 meters cost the city about $2.3 million. Installation will be handled by Professional Meters, Inc. and it will cost the city $582,700.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
to the Mount Clemens Wastewater Treatment Plant. On July 15, the Mount Clemens City Commission awarded
contract to Dan’s Excavating to connect Mount Clemens to the Great Lakes Water Authority. The GLWA will become the new water supplier for Mount Clemens, replacing a
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Gutters
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DOLL'S
LANDSCAPING
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SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS
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Lawn Maintenance
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Commercial/Residential
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Home Improvement
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KASETA
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Landscaping & Water Gardens
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Painting PAINTINGby-GPC
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American Painting
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PEAKPAINTING
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Plumbing
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