The Hart City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 22 with some key agenda items lined up for discussion, including a presentation from the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), a resolution to increase the city's police chief salary, and next steps for the ongoing negotiations between the city and the Starting Block.
The MPPA’s presentation on the agency’s Commercial & Industrial Demand Response Program was given by Jillian Davis, alongside Resolution 2026-44 authorizing the city's involvement in that program. The MPPA resolution was unanimously passed by the council, offering commercial and industrial customers who participate an incentive to earn compensation for reducing their electricity use during periods of high demand while helping the city reduce capacity costs and better manage its future power needs.
Council was also presented with a resolution requesting an adjustment to the police chief's salary, increasing it from $84,773 to $87,316. The council amended the resolution to provide a 3.4% cost of living adjustment based on the current rate of inflation.
The Starting Block is a Hart-based regional kitchen incubator, offering food-preparation space and entrepreneurial assistance to a reported 18 businesses. Nearly 20 years ago, the Starting Block entered into a lease agreement with the City of Hart for the building, with stipulations to remain in good standing and provide updates to the property. The lease agreement expired several years prior, and the city has been paying the organization’s utility bills. This past spring and summer saw numerous discussions and negotiations between the city council and Starting Block leadership to attempt to agree on a way forward that is suitable for both parties.
As of the Sept. 22 meeting, the Starting Block has not accepted the city’s proposed new lease at $1 per month and is seeking legal counsel regarding any purchase rights it may have under the expired 2008 agreement. The city attorney has advised that if a new lease is not executed, the city should initiate the 12-month termination notice.
