During Wednesday's Hancock City Council meeting, Hancock Mayor Paul LaBine discusses the motion to introduce a new zoning ordinance at a public hearing Aug. 10. The city has

HANCOCK — The overhaul of Hancock’s zoning after 50 years could be approved next month. 

The Hancock City Council voted Wednesday night to approve the introduction of the new zoning ordinance and to schedule a public hearing. It will take place at a special meeting 6 p.m. Aug. 10. 

“We worked really hard on making it the best we can,” said Councilor Lisa McKenzie. “It’s not ever going to be perfect. Let’s keep on top of it so going forward we do not have 50 years of corrections to make and to invest this amount of energy in discussion… I think it’s time to move forward with this.”

Introduction of the ordinance passed 5-2, with Councilors John Haeussler and Whitney Warstler voting against.

“I just don’t feel that the content changes I want to see are going to be put in this document, because several of them are content changes that we’ve already agreed on, and haven’t made it into the document,” Haeussler said. 

Changes listed in the motion approved Wednesday would be part of the legal record even if they were not added into the document, Mayor Paul LaBine said. 

Haeussler brought up a number of issues with the ordinance as written Wednesday. He had suggested rewording of a footnote to make clear that residential was not allowed on the ground floors of buildings on the 100 through 400 blocks of Quincy Street. 

“In fact, the footnote that exists says residential dwelling units may be permitted in the DMU District provided that they shall be existing dwelling units or units not located at street level,” he said. “The language of this is saying we’re going to grandfather something that isn’t even currently allowed.”

The language was revised to address earlier concerns that the ordinance as written would have barred businesses from operating on floors above the first floor. Haeussler also requested changing “lower level” to “street level” to avoid confusion for locations with basements.

In other action, the council:

• Approved the restrictions and covenants for the city’s technology park. The issue had been tabled after the first July council meetings after councilors raised questions about language. Most had been addressed in the revised draft; however, City Manager Mary Babcock said she had still not heard from the city’s lawyers about a section discussed at the earlier meeting regarding both parties paying their own attorney fees. The council approved 6-1, with Haeussler voting against.

• Awarded the trail damage improvement project to MJO Contracting for $94,400. The work is part of a recently acquired Department of Natural Resources grant to restore the trail at Navy and Tezcuco streets, which has been damaged by poor drainage. The trail at the west side of the intersection will be torn up, filled in and replaced. Work will be done before Sept. 30. 

• Heard from Babcock the Downtown Development Association agreed to purchase the former Risto’s Hardware site at 224 Quincy St. for $140,000. The council will consider a resolution on an installment loan at its next meeting. DDA tax revenue would serve as the guarantee on the loan. 

• Heard from Babcock the city held a grand opening of the four new Laurn-Grove pickleball courts Wednesday morning. Pickleball players are raising funds for extra amenities such as seating, shade structure, and additional fencing. 

• Approved the Casper’s Truck Equipment quote of $14,991 for a universal under body reversible scraper. 

• Approved accepting a parcel at the corner of Elevation and Elm streets from Jane Riutta with a taxable value of $2,694. The council thanked Riutta for the donation.

• Approved the Command Officers Association of Michigan (COAM) union for the lieutenant and two sergeants positions. 

• Approved the Gedda’s Electrical Repair estimate for a new sewage pump for the beach for $6,100. 

• Approved the Michigan Department of Transportation audit report for Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020. 

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