March 11, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Discussions about managing the park and boat launch will be taking place between the City of Howell and the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority over the next couple of weeks.
The City contracts with the Authority to run Scofield Park and the Thompson Lake boat launch for around $45,000. The Authority is responsible for manning the guard booth and handles pavilion rentals, which goes on year-round. It also manages the distribution of annual park passes for City residents and other participating municipalities that include Marion, Howell, Oceola, and Genoa Townships.
The City is facing significant budget challenges and has been looking at different ways to save money. Following earlier budget work sessions, Council gave City Manager Paul DeBuff direction to look into having the City take over management duties in-house for a rough savings of around $25,000. It costs the City around $160,00
February 24, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
An agreement has been approved for the potential sale of property in the City of Howell where a large motorsport and racing track project is being proposed.
During an online meeting Monday night, Council approved an agreement between the City and JD Racing Indoor Karting LLC for the Highland-Howell property that totals 216-acres along I-96 between Lucy Road and Michigan Avenue, as well as two additional parcels to the north. The City has been actively marketing the main property for the past six years. Itâs unclear what current plans look like but during an initial pitch to Council indoor and outdoor karting was described as a small aspect of the overall multi-use development that would be predominantly surrounded by high-end garage condos and a full size track for club members and availability for special events. No comments were made by JD Racing representatives at the meeting.
February 16, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The City of Howell has received some interest in a vacant property on West Grand River that was originally being eyed for a new U.S. Post Office.
The City owns several properties downtown but one of the largest vacant properties is the land adjacent to the existing fire station that totals roughly 6-acres. It is directly adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods so the City has been looking to partner with a developer on a project that can work collaboratively with the surrounding neighborhood. After the Post Office abandoned the project due to public outcry, Council agreed it would be beneficial to market the property and a request for proposals was put out.
February 9, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The City of Howell is reviewing its annual contract with the Howell Parks and Recreation Authority for managing the park and boat launch.
At Monday nightâs virtual City Council meeting, Manager Paul DeBuff sought direction from Council on the agreement in which the City pays the Authority around $45,000 to run the city park and boat launch. DeBuff noted itâs been a conversation with Council as it is a yearly agreement but said it appears the City could perform many of the duties in-house for around $25,000. While the City would see savings, he cautioned that the con is that it would cost HAPRA around $20,000. The City is faced with significant budget challenges and thus various areas are continually being explored to achieve savings.
January 12, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The process to fund a new Howell City Clerk is moving along and some initial candidate interviews are to take place this week.
After 16 years of service, Clerk Jane Cartwright earlier provided notice of her retirement on or around March 1st and has been aiding in the search for her replacement. A search was earlier initiated and at Monday nightâs virtual Council meeting, it was reported that Manager Paul Debuff and Cartwright have been reviewing applicants but the Cityâs new HR generalist will also be involved. Cartwright had been serving in the dual position of Human Resources director. Basic informational interviews that would be around 30 minutes each will be held with ten candidates today and tomorrow. DeBuff told Council theyâve done a lot of advertising and currently have four applicants with direct experience as clerk or deputy clerk. He said some looked good and there a