By Rosemary Horvath
Herald Correspondent
The Alma City Commission has established six special assessment districts in preparation for sanitary sewer upgrades, slated for the 2025-26 construction season. At a public hearing last week, a small group of property owners gathered to learn more about the proposed improvements, which will affect streets including Pine, Charles, Richmond, Moyer, Austin/South River, and Rosedale.
David Ringle, the city’s director of public services, explained that detailed cost estimates and construction timelines will be shared with residents at neighborhood meetings closer to the start of work. During those sessions, final decisions on street closures and detour routes will also be made.
The sewer upgrades are tied to broader street reconstruction efforts, which will be financed in part by a voter-approved street millage. The cost of the sewer work will be split between the city and homeowners, with residents paying their share over five years.
Commissioner Dan Wernick underscored the long-term benefits of the project, noting that such improvements not only enhance infrastructure but also increase property values.
In addition to the sewer work, the commission has authorized a chip seal treatment for eight neighborhood streets, at a cost of $78,191.96. Shorter repairs, totaling $36,734.04, are planned for 30 other streets. Commissioner Roger Allman expressed his gratitude to voters for approving the millage that has made these repairs possible. Commissioner Andrew Bare was absent from the meeting.
In other business, City Manager Aeric Ripley reported that more than half of the 1,524 households contacted about replacing residential water meters have scheduled appointments. He urged residents planning to leave for the winter to arrange for meter replacement before their departure.
Downtown Rehabilitation Moves Forward
Gemini Capital Management IX LLC is seeking an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for the former Morning Sun newspaper office at 311 East Superior Street. The $3.1 million redevelopment project would convert the nearly century-old building into a mixed-use facility with commercial space in the front and residential units—two on the ground floor and six on the second floor. Interior work is expected to begin in February.
Industrial Developments
Avalon & Tahoe, the Alma-based pontoon manufacturer, has requested an amendment to its Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate to include a recent expansion of its South Building. The city will hold a public hearing on October 22 to consider the request. If granted, the affected area would include properties north of Michigan Avenue, beginning at Bridge Avenue, and extending west and south of the Pine River.
Election Preparations Underway
The city’s Elections Commission, comprising City Clerk Sara Anderson, Mayor Greg Mapes, and Public Safety Director Mark Williams, convened for a special meeting to approve appointments for the November 5 general election for city’s three precincts, which will be located at the Presbyterian Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and Alma Public Library.[/private]