CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPLEX HONORED BY BUCHANAN CITY, AMONG OTHERS

By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
BUCHANAN – Project updates and presentations on the downtown infrastructure work, local history, the McCoy Creek trail extension and recent storm damage in the city were the focus at Monday night’s Buchanan City Commission meeting.
State Rep. Brad Paquette presented a plaque signed by himself, State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist to the city, honoring the groundbreaking ceremony that took place March 10. He praised the efforts of local officials, saying, “this project embodies the shared vision and determination of Buchanan leaders.”
Friends of the Trail president Jerry Flenar spoke next, thanking Community Development Director Rich Murphy, DPW Director Mike Baker, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission planner Marcy Hamilton and representatives from Wightman & Associates.  He also thanked Mona Livingston of American Electric Power for AEP’s donation to the project.
Local historian Peter Lysy also made a presentation to city, noting that the Buchanan City Hall building has recently been named to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Clark Equipment National Register Historic District. “A building doesn’t have to be old to be a contributing resource to the district,” he said. “Without this building, the district would be diminished.”
Lysy reported that the city hall building was constructed in 1966 and was part of the Clark administrative complex at a time when one of the 200 biggest industrial companies in the United States. Mayor Mark Weedon read a proclamation honoring the addition of the city hall building to the National Register.
Wheedon also read a proclamation honoring AEP for their response to the March 30 storms that swept through the area and hit Buchanan especially hard with trees down and people left without power.
In reports, Murphy updated everyone on current city projects. The demolition of the old feed mill property will begin soon and take 4-6 weeks to complete. The downtown infrastructure project is also continuing and regular updates are available on the city’s website and social media.
City commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds. City Manager Tony McGhee said the city will be issuing bonds to pay for part of the infrastructure project not covered by the U.S.D.A. loan package as well as emergency street paving work.
The city’s intention is to borrow up to $2 million for 20 years to pay for the infrastructure and paving work. McGhee said his goal is to negotiate an interest rate of 4.75 percent or better and to not have a pre-payment penalty. He will bring the final contract back to the commission.
The commission approved a contract with AStrong Construction to replace the Tin Shop Theatre roof at a cost of $10,020. That work will be done in coming weeks, while work on the Common roof will be done in August.
McGhee asked commissioners to look over a draft of proposed amendments to the city’s Downtown Development Authority ordinance in order to reconstitute the DDA as well as the accompanying tax increment financing authority.
The amended DDA ordinance is expected to be the subject of two public hearings later this month and in early May. Officials said the goal is to get everything in place in order to start capturing tax increment financing this year. Commissioners urged people to apply online or at city hall to be on the new DDA board.