Saline City Council Tackles Infrastructure, Parks and Long-Term Planning

Saline City Council moved forward on a wide range of issues at its March 16 meeting, from water system repairs and park improvements to long-term planning for the city’s recreation center, while also addressing ongoing questions about the Mill Pond dam and approving several key budget items.

Water System Repair

Council approved a contract to repair Iron Filter #3, a key component of the city’s water treatment system. The work, approved for up to about $120,000, is intended to ensure continued reliability of the city’s water supply.

Mill Pond Park Vision

Council also received a presentation outlining a long-term vision for Mill Pond Park, a plan developed over the past year by the Parks Commission.

The proposal includes a range of potential upgrades, such as replacing aging playground equipment, improving the dog park, adding seating, and upgrading restrooms and pavilions. The plan is designed to improve accessibility and the overall user experience while aligning with broader city goals.

Some of the long-term ideas could depend on what happens with the Mill Pond dam, an issue that continues to draw public attention. Two residents spoke about the dam during public comment.

New Rec Center Team

Council approved the creation of a Rec Center Task Force Implementation Team.

The group will guide how roughly $2.7 million in federal funding is used, while also exploring long-term funding options, including possible millages and partnerships. It will also look at ways to grow membership and community use of the facility.

The team is expected to play a key role in a comprehensive update on the rec center planned for June.

Budget Adjustments

Several financial items were approved as part of the meeting:

• A budget amendment tied to the Davenport-Curtiss House shifts remaining project funds into operational accounts as the city transitions from purchasing the property to managing it.
• A roads resurfacing project came in under budget, but the council approved a final adjustment to account for remaining expenses crossing fiscal years.
• Council also approved over $1.3 million in routine bills.

Park Signage Modernization

Council reviewed updated park rules signage, part of an effort to replace aging signs that are more than two decades old. The new signs are designed to be easier to read and more accessible, with updated language, visual icons, and QR codes linking to additional information online.

Fire Services and Public Safety

Council approved the Saline Area Fire Department’s operating budget, prepared by the SAFD board in the amount of $3,284,813 of which the city’s proposed share is $1,085,885.

In a related move, council adopted a resolution to continue funding fire protection through a special assessment district, which spreads costs across properties citywide.

Dam-Related Work Delayed

Inspection and repair work at the Mill Race connected to the Saline River dam was postponed to April, reflecting ongoing questions and the complexity of the project. The work involves investigating and potentially repairing aging infrastructure tied to the historic dam system.

Other actions and updates

Additional council actions included 1) Extending the Risk Mitigation Task Force, 2) Appointing a new Department of Public Services director, 3) Approving the sunset of the city’s Economic Development Corporation, and 4) Postponing a sewer reconstruction contract to April.

Council members also shared updates on various boards and regional meetings, and discussion topics included truck traffic along U.S. 12, future events such as Jazz in the Park, and ongoing dam concerns.

The council agenda, packet, minutes, and video link for the March 16 meeting can be found on the city’s website.

Photo: E Michigan Avenue at N Ann Arbor Street in Saline. Photo: Google Street View