HANCOCK — The Hancock City Council approved putting five lots up for sale at its business and technology park on Wednesday.
Realtor Kristine Weidner gave presentations on the lots during Wednesday’s meeting. The council approved the governing document for the new park in July.
Three of the lots are near the front of the park, while the other two are in the back. The lots are between 1.6 and 1.8 acres, Weidner said.
For comparable starting prices, Weidner looked at lots at the airport industrial park and commercial lots. Buyers would submit a letter of intent to the city, followed by sealed bids.
“We’re trying to engage some interest level because some of the most desirable lots may not be on that floor,” Weidner said. “I’d hate to put a price out there and increase — it’s not easy to increase your price. I’d rather see what the market tells us and have patience getting them all on the market.”
Weidner would collect a 7% sales commission, with a flat rate of $2,000.
In other action, the council:
≤ Approved an ordinance allowing the council to change parking fines and fees by resolution rather than ordinance. It will take effect in 30 days. The council plans to take up a proposed list of changes by resolution at its first October meeting.
≤ Heard Police Chief Wayne Butler will be retiring in November. He has been Hancock’s police chief since 2014. The city is advertising for a new police chief. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Sept. 19. Interviews will hopefully be conducted the next week, city manager Mary Babcock said.
≤ Heard from Babcock that the city is meeting with Hancock Public Schools about a school resource officer. The district received special funding for the position, which would include posting an officer at the district for 30 to 40 hours a week when school is in session.
≤ Approved giving a presentation to the Houghton County board on the proposal for the city to purchase the Houghton County Arena.
≤ Held a presentation where the Michigan Department of Transportation presented the city with a 20-year service award for its transit system.
≤ Awarded the Maasto Hiihto Trail and Bridge repair work to MJO Contracting for $815,230.56.
≤ Approved the purchase agreement for Spruce Haven Estates Lot 13 with Lars and Bree Kilpela for $19,500.
≤ Approved payment of $11,085 to Erico Electric for the Hancock fire hall generator.
