Council Considers Woodland Drive Project, Water Bill Credit and More

Council meets at city hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday night.

Here’s what’s on tap:

• City Council will consider approving a motion to approve a contract between the city and the Michigan Department of Transportation for the reconstruction work along Woodland Drive, from Maple Road to Industrial Drive. The state will pay up to $375,000 with the city picking up remaining costs, estimated at $285,000. The plans should be completed by February with work beginning in June and ending before school resumes.

• City Council will receive a report from Saline Farmers Market manager Nancy Crisp on the finances of the market. The Tuesday farmers market, held for 17 weeks at the library, reported $3,179 in revenue against $2,857 in expenses. Annual stall rentals were less than budgeted, by daily rentals were higher.  The Saturday summer farmers market brought in $8,349, $76 less than budgeted. But expenses were down by nearly $2,500, as the market reduced advertising spending.  The markets netted $2,360.

In her memo to council, Crisp reported the Saturday summer market was “almost always full” and that there was an abundance of customers. One vendor reported an average turnout of 717 customers, 68 children and 32 dogs. In the winter, the Saline Farmers Market began the indoor event at Liberty School.

• The owner of the Saline Amoco are asking city council for a credit on its water bill. The company received a bill with 808,000 gallons consumption, about double its typical usage. It was discovered a bypass valve was not stopping water flow. The city council generally rejects these requests. Treasurer Mickie Jo Bennett is working on a new policy to allow for payment plans.

• Downtown Development Director Art Trapp will report on Winterfest, which takes place Saturday in Saline.

• Retired Police will be presented a watch and a proclamation.

• Nancy Byers will update council on the latest news from the city’s arts and culture committee.