Several agenda items were visited, some revisited, and all approved during a regularly scheduled Sault Ste. Marie City Commission meeting on Monday at 7 p.m., where commissioners discussed Sault Area Public Schools security detail, parking permit changes, commission seat vacancy and Harvey Marina improvements. Meanwhile, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Chief Ed Miller was introduced to the public for the first time.
Mayor Don Gerrie started the evening off on a positive note by thanking residents for their support of Olympian Abby Roque, who signed autographs and greeted fans for nearly three hours during a welcome home reception at DreamMakers Theatre of Kewadin Casinos on Saturday evening.
“It was really a great event and a great turnout,” said Gerrie. “The Sault rallied behind her during the Olympics. She's really an outstanding young individual.”
Although on the cover of January's Sports Illustrated and cast under the brightest lights of the international spotlight, Roque was referred to as “humble,”
Gerrie gifted her a city key following a special proclamation.
In return, Roque gave her signed Olympic jersey to the city.
“We'll hang it prominently somewhere in the Pullar Stadium after we get a shadow box or something to protect it,” said Gerrie.
In other news, the city does not wish to reinstall physical parking meters in freshly poured asphalt. City staff have recommended using kiosks, along with a standard parking permit and 24-hour tenant parking permit.
The city most recently offered permit-specified area, permit-24 hour-specified area, super permit, and Court Street-specified area parking.
A super permit allows its holders to park at meters without feeding them. Short-time parking proposals eliminated the four permits, creating a parking lot permit for all city-owned lots.
“This adaptation makes me much happier,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy Twardy. “I was really concerned about the mobile app. I know a lot of people love the mobile app. There are a lot of people, like my parents, who have a cell phone; and they forget to bring it with them. They don't know how to use apps and stuff like that. They come to town every single day to go for a walk and they're happy to feed them, but they would not break the law. Then, they would just choose not to park and they would just go somewhere else. I like this much better, and I like the idea of the kiosks.”
The motion to consolidate the permit structure to parking permit and 24-hour parking permit was motioned by Commissioner Jodi Bosbous-Rath and seconded by Commissioner Tim Talentino.
Sault Ste. Marie Public Schools Superintendent Amy Scott Kronemeyer left the meeting with some good news.
She recently approached the police department about bringing on a school resource officer to split time between the middle and high schools.
Chapman said the school district has agreed to pay $100,000 for the 2022 and 2023 schools year, $103,000 for 2023 and 2024, and $105,000 for 2024 and 2025.
“It kind of escalates a little bit with the wage rate within the bargaining unit contracts,” said Chapman. “So, we feel it's a good program. It's going to assist the police department and the chief in working with the schools and trying to deal with issues at that level.”
Sault Ste. Marie City Police Chief Wesley Bierling and Kronemeyer have been meeting regularly over school safety and security. They are eager for the opportunity to work together in the future.
“Being a mom of children, now three, there's nothing worse than getting a text from your child saying they're on lockdown,” said Bosbous-Rath, tearing up. “So, if this kind of hinders any of that… these are crazy times. I tell you what, it sure drops your heart. So I'm all in favor of this.”
Kronemeyer took to the podium.
“We are living in very difficult times,” she said. “We are rebounding from a global pandemic that has left many of our students at home, not getting the social, emotional support. Their parents are working. It's not to blame. It's just a reality. So, we are trying to support them the best that we can.”
The School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement was motioned by Talentino and seconded by Twardy. There were no objections to the SRO.
At which time, the city’s new fire chief was introduced to the public as Ed Miller of Sterling Heights.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to come to the city of Sault Ste. Marie to be your fire chief,” said Miller. “There are great people and a lot of great history to learn from. There's a lot of opportunities to really move the fire department forward for the citizens. That's what we're here for. We're not here for ourselves. We're here for you guys. And that's a primary goal that I want to make sure that everybody understands that it's about service.”
Miller was welcomed to the Sault warmly and graciously appreciated everyone’s kindness.
In the spirit of filling empty sports, the seat of former Commissioner Greg Collins is up for grabs. Anyone interested in applying should obtain an application from city hall. Applications will be available on the Sault Ste. Marie City website beginning Wednesday, May 17. Applications must be in by June 1, 2022.
Getting back to unfinished business. The Harvey Marina had originally been discussed a couple meetings back. Wood has been ordered to start replacing its docks. Enough wood was, reportedly, purchased for five docks.
“I just want to let you know that we are moving forward with some of the repairs,” said Chapman. “We are making it a priority this summer, and we'll keep you guys in the loop as we move forward.”
In order to stay in the loop, view the full city commission meeting agenda on the City of Sault Ste. Marie website.
