March 2, 2021 By Jessica Mathews & Jon King / news@whmi.com
NOTE: A previous version of this story indicated Blazejewski has run unsuccessfully for a Howell City Council seat. That was incorrect. She had previously applied for an open seat, but later withdrew her name. We apologize for the error.
A former county commission candidate says recent actions by the Howell City Council have inspired her to seek an open seat in the November election.
In a press release (attached below), Lee Ann Blazejewski described herself as a Howell native, registered nurse and PhD candidate in public health. She said her decision to run for the non-partisan seat on Howell City Council was made after observing âthe councilâs recent vote against reappointing someone who spoke in opposition to a past city council proposal.â
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.
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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 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.