Owosso puts parks and recreation millage on the November ballot
The July 20 meeting also brought a Redevelopment Ready certification from the state, new spending on two water projects, and a long council debate about burnouts at the organic cruise.
Owosso voters will decide a parks and recreation millage this fall. At its July 20 regular meeting, the city council approved a resolution placing the request on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot.
The council also approved Change Order No. 3 to the 2025 Well Improvements Project, adding $33,544 for rehabilitation of the Palmer 2 and Local Well 1 wells and abandonment work on Palmer 1, bringing the contract's not-to-exceed total to $1,924,395. A separate amendment with engineering firm Fishbeck added $69,150 in design work on the water treatment plant filters project, capping that contract at $363,975.
A professional services agreement with Davis & Davis for wastewater-related legal services was approved at $160 per hour, not to exceed $20,000, and the water and sewer rate schedule gained a fee for 12-inch fire protection service connections.
State certification, recycling mandate
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced the city's Redevelopment Ready Community certification during the meeting, and Dr. Kari Krantz presented analysis of the state's new curbside recycling mandate; the council asked for more information on one option before deciding anything.
The organic cruise debate
Councilmember Emily Olson said she was disappointed by burnouts at the recent 11th annual organic cruise, which a resident estimated drew about 7,500 people, saying they damage street surfaces and endanger observers. Mayor Robert Teich Jr. said he had no problem with the car show itself but objected to street damage and garbage the city has to clean up. City Manager Nathan Henne suggested asking the city attorney for a memo on the council's options.
The council also reiterated Councilmember Carl Ludington's previously disclosed pecuniary interest and approved $1,052.96 in contracts with Ludington Electric for late April through late June.
What happens next: The parks and recreation millage goes to voters Nov. 3. Washington Street and parts of downtown will close Saturday, Aug. 29 for Vintage Motorcycle Days under a traffic order approved at the meeting.
The Morning Current. Free, daily, by 6 AM.
Every council vote, police report, and school decision in Shiawassee County — before your first coffee.