Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer
(Courtesy photo – Charlotte City Council recently gave the go ahead for the Charlotte Junior Orioles youth football program to begin fundraising for a new press box at Gobel Field.)
The Charlotte City Council reviewed several administrative updates, approved infrastructure improvements and authorized multiple grant applications during its meeting Monday, March 9.
Interim City Manager Vincent Pastue confirmed the city already has a policy governing the use of license plate reader cameras from Flock Safety.
The system is operated by the Charlotte Police Department, and Police Chief Paul Brentar presented a brief overview of the policy to council. Councilman Justin Brummette encouraged council members who have concerns about the technology to visit the police department to better understand how the system works.
Pastue also discussed oversight of the city’s tax increment financing districts. Monitoring is typically handled by the community development director or city manager working alongside boards such as the Charlotte Downtown Development Authority and Charlotte Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
Pastue said turnover has been an issue for some boards and noted required reports may not have been filed in recent years with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
He said the city will work to establish a clearer process to ensure monitoring and required filings are completed.
Council members also received a written update on a $200,000 housing repair grant awarded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
The program provides health- and safety-related repairs to qualifying homeowners. Consulting firm McKenna reported that inspections and contractor estimates are ongoing, and two homes have already completed repairs and passed inspections.
Committee reports included an update from the Charlotte Planning Commission, which elected new officers at its March 3 meeting.
The Commission also approved a temporary use permit for TNT Fireworks at Meijer and a site plan submitted by Commonwealth Development Corporation for an income-based workforce housing development at 440 Spring St.
The development would include four buildings with apartments for residents earning roughly $21,000 to $75,000 annually. Developers plan to submit a funding application April 1.
Councilman Joseph Chin reported that the Eaton Transportation Authority is working with students from the University of Michigan to develop promotional material supporting a transportation millage renewal expected on the November ballot.
Brummette also reported progress on trail development toward Vermontville and Nashville, and improvements underway at Oak Park.
The council approved its consent agenda, including claims and expenditures totaling $499,572.08 and a 2026 Arbor Day proclamation.
Among business items, the council authorized the Charlotte Junior Orioles youth football program to build a new press box funded through donations.
The project is expected to cost about $50,000.
The council also approved hiring Pivot Group to facilitate the search for the city’s next manager.
Additional approvals included an amendment to the police union collective bargaining agreement, authorization of advanced metering infrastructure to replace aging water meters and grant applications for economic development and fairground improvements.
Officials said about 2,200 of the city’s 4,100 water meters are more than 30 years old and may not be reading accurately. Replacing them could cost just over $1 million.
Meeting materials are available on the city’s website. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 23 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
