Conservation group questions CanAm water bottling plans

By DEB WUETHRICH

Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch told council members Monday night that a letter that had been submitted to the city by a Traverse City law firm on behalf of Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation (MCWC), opposing a proposed water bottling company in the city and citing several potential violations to the state constitution, city charter and other water regulating entities, was still being reviewed.

“At this point in time as we move through that project, we certainly will respond to council on items that are in that letter as it’s appropriate,” said Welch. “Laura [Schaedler, City Attorney] and I are reviewing that letter.”

 MCWC is a nonprofit organization with over 2,000 members, and the letter stated that its purpose is “to protect and conserve Michigan’s water resources from abuse and exploitation.” The group outlined several points of information to help the city “evaluate the request by CanAm Water Company,” which proposes to construct a bottling facility and utilize up to 160,000 gallons per day of city water.

A report prepared by Welch noted that the company estimates that it would create between 10-20 new jobs and a potential investment of $6-$10 million into the city. Welch said the CanAm Water and Beverage company continues to proceed with its due diligence on the project, which is proposed to take place at 908 Industrial Drive in the Tecumseh industrial park. City council previously approved the sale of the property for $40,000, but that sale has not yet been closed. Welch said city officials plan to meet with CanAm representatives next week.

During public comment following the meeting, Tecumseh resident David Schardt asked, “Are you satisfied that we can supply the water and it won’t hurt the city?” to which Mayor Harvey Schmidt replied, “We’re satisfied.” During previous council discussions on the proposed project, Welch pointed out that the water usage would be comparable to what was sold to Tecumseh Products each year.

The council also held a study session, over which Mayor Pro-Tem Jack Baker presided, to discuss the city’s strategic plan and the 2010 budget. Welch said that, although other cities are in similar straits, the 2010 budget could be especially challenging and proposed that an ad hoc committee of approximately three council members be formed.

“This budget is going to require more decisions on my part and your part in order to meet the challenges ahead, and I thought it might be a good opportunity for an ad hoc committee to review those items that might take an extra level of scrutiny before we bring it back to the full body,” said Welch. He said the meetings, which could begin as early as August, would be open meetings.

“We’ve already asked department heads to look at what would happen if we had to cut by 10 to 15 percent,” Welch said, giving an example of what would be reviewed by council members. “I just think an ad hoc could move along quicker.” Welch will bring the matter up for a vote at a future council meeting.

During her annual report for the Tecumseh City Clerk’s Office, Laura Caterina noted that if a recall election of school board members were successful and new members had to be elected, the school would likely piggyback on the city’s November 3 election for council seats. Caterina said that County Clerk Roxann Holloway said the petitioners have 90 days to get 1,695 signatures for each of the four named board members. They are Karen Januszek, Lou Englund, Dan Gunder, and Kevin Packard.

Tecumseh Herald

 

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