Harrison City Directs Planning Commission to Reverse ‘Opt Out’

HARRISON – Prior to the start of the March 7 Harrison City Council meeting, Tracy Wheeler-Clay was officially sworn in as Harrison City Clerk. Her oath of office was as follows: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State, and that I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of City Clerk in and for the City of Harrison, County of Clare, State of Michigan according to the best of my ability, so help me God.”

After approving the minutes of both the Feb. 21 City Council meeting and the Feb. 28 public hearing on an adult-use marijuana retail store, as well as adoption of bills, Council moved on to the Visitors portion of the agenda.

Middle Michigan Development Corp. representatives Jim McBryde and Pam O’Laughlin presented the MMDC 2021 Annual Report, which details the activities the organization has undertaken to support and grow jobs, industry and community growth in the region. One of the items detailed by McBryde was MMDC’s local impact, detailing that as 184 company visits; 404 company assists; more than $40.1 million in total local investments by companies; 624 new local hires; and distribution of more than $2.1 million in grant funding.

The report addressed the 2022-2024 revised strategic plan and its focus on future vitality. Under Business Retention and Growth are the intentions to: Conduct regular business retention calls; Advocate for state and local incentives for business expansion; Strengthen supply chain and business export activity; Connect businesses with grant funds and other financial opportunities; and Lead talent attraction strategy, and support workforce development and employee retention through equitable and competitive models. Business Attraction goals are to: Attract new businesses to our area; Market area opportunities to site selectors and developers; Assist incoming businesses with incentives and approvals; Support efforts to foster entrepreneurial growth; and Coordinate with partners for regional attraction strategies.

Community Development strategies include: Work with developers, landowners and real estate brokers to promote redevelopment; Advocate for municipal partners for community development projects; Support place-based businesses and programs that strengthen quality of life and community vibrancy; and Coordinate with partners for community development practices.

McBryde noted that, while there are some 37 sponsors of MMDC listed for 2021, his organization is most grateful for its 2021 partners. Those include: Central Michigan University, Charter Township of Union, City of Clare, City of Harrison, City of Mount Pleasant, Clare County, Hayes Township, Isabella County, Mid Michigan College and the Village of Farwell.

Council was also informed that O’Laughlin would be stepping down from her position with MMDC, and taking up the Chief Operating Officer position at MichiganWorks! in Harrison.

“So, what that means is I won’t be in this role,” she said. “But rest assured, that I will keep my finger on the pulse of all the projects happening in this area. I put a lot of time and effort in, and I certainly don’t want them to fall by the wayside by any means.”

McBryde said it is a huge honor for O’Laughlin, and that the MMDC team would miss her, but that because MMDC works so closely with MichiganWorks!, he believed her presence there would actually serve as an upgrade. He added that there has already been candidate interest expressed in filling O’Laughlin’s position.

Also visiting the meeting was Harrison Chamber representative Kris Stevens, who sought assistance from the city to hang its Veterans Banners. The banners are an ongoing project which enables honoring of veterans, while at the same time raising funds for donation to Clare County Veterans Services for appropriate distribution.

Under Old Business, Council moved to have the Harrison Planning Commission reverse its “opt out” ordinance, so the city can have a marijuana retail store based on geographic location. A lone dissenting vote was cast by Council member Angela Kellogg.

Tracey Connelly, city manager, reported to Council about a study being done to determine the need for a hotel in the City of Harrison. Being Redevelopment Readiness Community certified entitles the city to use some attendant monies on something that will benefit the city, so funds are being directed to the hotel study. Connelly said that study will provide the preparation necessary in order to talk to developers.

She also reported that DPW personnel had talked with Hayes Township regarding a study exploring the feasibility of extending city sewer north along Business Route U.S. 127, and whether the city’s infrastructure could handle the additional volume. Connelly said the city is also submitting a grant for a downtown parking lot (ARPA dollars through Clare County) as well as submitting a grant application for Weldon Drive.

Council will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 21 in City Hall, 2105 Sullivan Drive.