LSC expansions ‘good news’ for jobs, tax base

By DEB WUETHRICH

Tecumseh City Council adopted a resolution Monday night granting local approval for an Industrial Facilities Tax agreement with Lenawee Stamping Corporation for new personal property in the amount of $1,166,251 for a period of 12 years, beginning Dec. 30. The addition of a new line of equipment would help retain 391 existing jobs at the facility, and create an estimated 28 more positions. It is estimated that the action could generate an additional $16,800 each year in tax revenues for the city, according to City Assessor Amanda Lacelle.

“In these tough economic times, it’s good news when we have a company willing to invest into our local economy not only the $1 million-plus in property, but also with new jobs,” said City Manager Kevin Welch. “I don’t know if we have said this lately, but Lenawee Stamping now employs more than 500 people, and I think it’s phenomenal that they are doing well and we applaud them for doing that.” He said granting the IFT is the city’s part to assist the company in making that happen. “I think it’s a win-win for the county, Lenawee Stamping and the city,” Welch added.

Also at Monday night’s council meeting, Acting Police Chief Scott Smith, assisted by Mayor Harvey Schmidt on behalf of the council members, issued a Life Saving Award and pin to Sgt. Troy Stern, who was recently named Tecumseh’s new police chief, and Officer Paul Wolf.

Smith told the audience that the officers were called to a scene at an apartment on Occidental on Aug. 16, and there made contact with a man who was incoherent. As the officers continued to secure the scene, the man stopped breathing and his heart stopped.
“Both officers immediately engaged in CPR and after a short period of time, the man regained consciousness,” said Smith, who added that the man was transported to a hospital and subsequently made a full recovery. “We commend these officers for their quick action in a chaotic situation,” Smith said. “I take great pride in being able to present these officers with this life saving award and pin.

In other business, the city council members:
• Heard an annual report from Brookside Cemetery Superintendent Dan Righter, who noted that there are now 10,135 interments at Brookside. Righter said that the computerization of the cemetery’s records continues, with work nearing the end of the alphabet.
• Heard Welch report that the city has received a number of inquiries regarding whether a solar panel company might locate in Tecumseh. Welch said that this is still an active project that the city is working on, but underscored that it is a long-term process.
• Adopted a proclamation honoring John and Erika Aylward, who are 2010 Business Award Recipients through the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation. The proclamation will be presented when the Aylward’s receive their award at the Maple Leaf Ceremony at Adrian College on Oct. 28.
• Gave approval to contract for professional services of Laura Hallahan for Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals at a cost of $185 per hour.