GLADSTONE — The Gladstone City Commission granted approval for Mayor Joe Thompson to sign a formal letter of support recognizing the Gladstone Housing Commission’s intent to designate Fairview Manor under Section 18 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (as amended in 1998).

Section 18, which is for demolition and disposition, grants a housing commission authority to demolish public housing. Because of Fairview Manor’s condition and age and unfortunate basement engineering, the Housing Commission is seeking funds to tear it down and replace it with two new structures, probably in a couple years.

“The City Commission expects that all actions taken will prioritize the well-being of current and future tenants, as well as serve the broader interests of the Gladstone community,” states one part of the city’s letter, which Housing Commission Executive Director Mike Lindahl agreed to.

The City Commission wanted to ensure further stipulations, but some of the terms in the initial draft of their letter could not be guaranteed and were therefore omitted.

The sentence that was removed from the letter stated: “This endorsement is explicitly contingent upon the assurance that demolition shall not commence until full funding has been secured for the construction of a replacement facility with equal or greater capacity.”

Lindahl, appointed by the Housing Commission board, said that it was impossible to guarantee such things. For one thing, the plans for the new builds, though subject to change, contain 42 units, whereas the capacity in the current building is 50.

Funding, not yet secured, is being sought from the State of Michigan, but the Section 18 classification is “just putting the federal government on notice,” Lindahl said.

The letter of support from the mayor is one of many items on a checklist for the Section 18 application. Lindahl explained that the point of the letter was to state that city officials “understand that we have a problem and that we intend someday to tear it down.”

A review of the property, a timetable, justification for demolition and a plan for relocation of the residents are also requirements on the checklist.

“Right now, we’ve got two legislative individuals who are trying to get us that funding; we’re working closely with them,” said Lindahl. “They’re going to do everything they can for us … and we’ll know within a year or two, hopefully before then, if we get that funding. And that funding is going to determine what we do.”

After assurance that the wellbeing of Fairview’s residents would be a priority, the commission authorized Mayor Thompson to sign the letter.

In other business at Monday’s meeting:

– Thompson read into the record some corrections to statements that were made about the school district during the March 24 meeting’s public comment period, and which Brighter Braves Future had addressed in a letter afterwards.

In 2024, Gladstone Area Public Schools collected $125,869 in interest revenue on their investments — not the much higher number that had been claimed.

“It’s important not to perpetuate bad information… People need accurate information to base their decisions on,” read Thompson’s report.

– The commission approved Draw #38 for the wastewater treatment plant project. The draw included payments to Staab Construction for $56,653.00 and to C2AE for $4,990. Such payments are covered through the State’s Revolving Loan Fund and will be paid back by the city over time.

– A permit was granted to Spielbauer Fireworks Co. of Green Bay for the Fourth of July display. City Manager Eric Buckman said that this year, a silent donor is contributing funds for a little something extra.

– The city entered into an agreement with KRICK, LLC to conduct the professional log rolling competition and boom running competition on the Fourth of July. The $11,000 payment to KRICK will come from the Dr. Mary Cretens fund.

– Buckman relayed that the city had just received its annual check from the Community Foundation with the money from Dr. Mary Cretens, whose posthumous donations support things like recreation, fireworks, and the cemetery. Buckman said the check’s amount was right around $153,000.

– Gary Maynard was reappointed to the Economic Development Corporation for a six-year term expiring on April 1, 2031.

– Jason Lippens, Jerry Hebert and Renee Barron were reappointed to the Construction Board of Appeals for two-year terms expiring April 1, 2027. The three make up the entire board, which meets only when called upon.

– Buckman reported that he and Thompson had recently enjoyed hosting a tour for students of the Delta County Home School group, “a really good group of kids” who got to learn lesser-known facts about City Hall and the jail.

– Buckman reported that he met with the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority, the nonprofit organization that cares for the engine that sits at the edge of the Canadian National rail yard. Buckman described its position there as part of a “gentleman’s agreement” with the railroad, but that the location isn’t suitable for a welcome center; the group will be looking for property elsewhere to develop a museum.

Buckman said that reimbursements to the nonprofit authority for money they have already put towards the steam engine would be forthcoming.

– The social district study committee will have their official recommendations ready for the next commission meeting on April 28.

– City Clerk Kim Berry was authorized to hire election workers for the May 6 election, which has only the two school proposals on the ballot.

Berry said that mailed ballots for seasonal residents are being returned to City Hall, not forwarded to out-of-state addresses, and that snowbirds should get in touch if they are seeking ballots. Her email is kberry@gladstonemi.gov, and the phone number for city hall is 906-428-2311.

For anyone who wants to register to vote or get an absentee ballot, that may be done at city hall — Berry said that she will be working on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate.