April 27, 2021
The City of Howellâs Community Development Director is departing.
At Monday nightâs Council virtual meeting, City Manager Paul DeBuff announced that Tim Schmitt is moving on and has put in his notice. Schmitt has been with the City for roughly 6-and-a-half years.
The City website states the department facilitates and promotes high-quality growth and development. Itâs responsible for coordinating long-range planning, current planning and zoning, code enforcement, building inspections, economic development, neighborhood development, and brownfield redevelopment. The department also provides support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the City Manager.
It was stated during the meeting that it will likely take several months to try and find someone to fill Schmittâs spot as it is a very specialized kind of role and the City is currently recruiting now. In the meantime, the City will be working with a c
March 9, 2021 By Jessica Mathews & Jon King / News@whmi.com
The Howell City Council has rescinded a controversial vote to remove a longstanding member from a committee.
At a virtual meeting held Monday night, members apologized for what many referred to as a mistake in voting to remove Robert Spaulding from the TIFA or Tax Increment Financing Authority at the February 22nd meeting. Heâs served on TIFA for 20 years and thereâs been significant community backlash since the original 6-1 vote that was initiated by Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor. At the time, Manor noted that Spaulding currently serves on the Planning Commission and said while he exercised his free speech rights to oppose the Cityâs last Headlee Override request, which voters rejected, he didnât think it was good to have him on one of the City commissions.
February 24, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Most of the time, appointments listed on municipal agendas are basically housekeeping items, but that wasnât the case during Monday nightâs virtual Howell City Council meeting.
There was an initial motion to re-appoint Robert Spaulding and Michael Yost to the TIFA or Tax Increment Financing Authority Board for terms ending June 30th, 2025. However, Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor requested the ballot/vote be split. A motion was then made to re-appoint Spaulding but failed in a 6-1 vote.
Manor explained to Council why he couldnât support the appointment. He noted that Spaulding currently serves on the Planning Commission and said he exercised his free speech rights to oppose the Cityâs last losing Headlee Override request and he doesnât think itâs good to have him on one of the City commissions.
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.
February 4, 2021
Officials in Howell have named the cityâs new clerk.
Angela Guillen has been selected to succeed longtime Howell City Clerk Jane Cartwright. According to a release from the city, Guillen was one of three candidates interviewed by the city council on January 31st, which unanimously voted to extend her an offer of employment. Guillen, who is currently the Deputy Clerk in Genesee Countyâs Mundy Township, accepted the offer, saying âit s an honor to serve the wonderful City of Howell. What a blessing to work with a great group of people. I look forward to what the future holds and meeting the extraordinary citizens of Howell.â