The Morenci Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St., Morenci, MI 49256 to conduct regular business items for the month of July 2023.
​The City of Morenci Downtown Development Authority will meet for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Morenci City Offices located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI 49256.
​Morenci City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI.
The 2023 Back-to-School Bash is scheduled 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16 in downtown Morenci. This event will close W. Main St. for students and families to play games, pick up free school supplies, shop local vendors, and enjoy food made by Morenci Area Schools cafeteria staff. There will be booths showcasing school clubs and teams, Morenci Fire & Police Department vehicles to check out, and a dunk tank featuring prominent members of the school and city. This collaborative event for kids of all ages is brought to you by Seneca Community Church, Morenci Area Schools, the City of Morenci, Kiwanis of Morenci, in partnership with Adrian Meijer. Even if you don't have school-age children, you're welcome to come and experience the community coming together to ring in the upcoming school year! Kiwanis of Morenci is now collecting school supplies to distribute to students at the event. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Please drop off donations to the Morenci branch of Premier Bank
​The Morenci Police Department has inventoried found bicycles. Click this link​​ to view, and call the MPD at (517)458-7104 to claim. Unclaimed bicycles will be placed outside of the MPD garage for free on July 15 for Garage Sale Day.
The City of Morenci Downtown Development Authority (DDA) initiated a conversation about establishing a social district late last summer. In a social district, individuals are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors when purchased from participating businesses within a designated and marked area. The DDA's goal with the social district is to create additional opportunities for businesses to thrive, enhance the availability of events and activities for adults in the downtown area, and attract individuals from the community and surrounding areas.   The process of creating and maintaining a social district involves several checkpoints with the State of Michigan. Currently, 104 communities in 43 counties have successfully established social districts. In October 2022, the City Council approved the proposed map and maintenance plan from the DDA, and the City of Morenci was notified of state approval earlier this year. Flats Pub and Morenci Eagles applied to the State of Michigan to be included in the Morenci Social District and received their certification in late May.  While some cities allow their social districts to be open every day or during specific hours, Morenci's social district operates on an event-based model. This means that businesses must obtain approval from the City Council to open the social district for special events.   The Morenci Social District is divided into a north zone and a south zone. The north zone encompasses the parking lot behind Flats Pub and extends south to the middle of Main Street. The south zone includes the municipal parking lot behind Morenci Eagles and extends north to the middle of Main Street. Zones can be opened separately or together for events where a street closure is permitted. Either business could request opening only the area behind their establishment instead of opening the entire zone.   Each participating business provides plastic cups with its logo and the social district logo to ensure the origin of each drink is regulated. Patrons are required to finish their beverages before entering another establishment. Signage will clearly mark the boundaries and guidelines for the social district. Again, City Council must approve every request to open the social district.
​The concept design phase of the reactivation of Stephenson Park includes a community engagement meeting hosted by the City of Morenci’s landscape architect and project prime professional, Lisa DuRussel. Residents are invited to the public meeting on Monday, July 24 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stair District Library. Stop in to see the design intention for Stephenson Park, to learn more about the grant funding the City of Morenci was awarded to complete the project, and to provide your feedback. Light refreshments will be served.
​Morenci Monthly Newsletters are being mailed out in water bills this week. Our digital version, which contains additional updates, photos, and helpful links, was emailed to subscribers today.
Morenci’s Annual Citywide Yard Sales are coming up on Saturday, July 15. It’s a good opportunity to sell your unwanted items or score a bargain with a stroll around town. There will be no registration or map this year.
​Morenci Citywide Garbage Pick-up is Saturday, July 22. This service will be in addition to the normally scheduled garbage pick-up on Wednesday, July 19. Refuse items must be placed at the curb before 7:00 a.m. If refuse items are put out after your street has been serviced, the pick-up crew will not be able to return to your residence. This service is for City of Morenci residents only. All refuse items may have only been accumulated from the residence or structure. Click this link for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items: https://5il.co/1ctlu
​In observance of Independence Day, the City of Morenci offices will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4th. Modern Waste Systems refuse pick-up is delayed to Thursday, July 6, due to the holiday.
The City of Morenci's Water Quality Report for 2022 is now available.
The City of Morenci Downtown Development Authority will meet for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Morenci City Offices located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI 49256.
​As part of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, outdated water meters are being replaced throughout the City of Morenci.  The meter purchase of $189,950 and $82,600 for the installation was approved by City Council at their June 12 meeting and is covered by the Capital Improvement Bond. Traditional meters are being upgraded to digital smart meters, which offer several advantages. These include remote reading capabilities, improved accuracy in usage and billing, advanced data analysis features, and an integrated alarm system to detect leaks, tampering, and the risk of freezing.  The City of Morenci has contracted with VEPO Metering to complete the installation. VEPO Metering was selected based on their experience as a meter installation contractor. All installers will have identification, wear uniforms, travel in marked vehicles and have completed background checks. For the installation of the new meter, access to indoor meters is required, and it is essential to ensure that the area is clear and easily accessible. An adult 18 years or older must be present during the four-hour block of time scheduled. Installation takes  approximately 30 minutes. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.   VEPO Metering has sent letters to residents with information and instructions. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-860-8376 or visit https://utilityscheduler.com/s... with your account number. There is no cost for the replacement, but water meter replacement is required in accordance with Ordinance 21-30 Access to Meters.
BURN BAN LIFTED EFFECTIVE 6/14/23: Tomorrow morning at 9am the burn ban will be lifted. We want to thank everyone for the cooperation over the last week and a half during the burn ban. We would ask everyone to please be very mindful when burning of the wind and your surroundings. Conditions are better, however it will not take much to get back to the conditions prior to the burn ban, so please keep in mind that we could put another burn ban on if needed. Please call Morenci City hall, Monday thru Thursday 8 am to 6 pm for a burn permit. Thank you Brad Lonis Fire Chief Morenci Fire Department
​On May 15, 2023, Morenci City Council approved the fiscal year 2023/2024 budget. The spending plan funds current operations of the City of Morenci and addresses some items discussed during the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year council goals session.  Highlights of the budget include:  Curbside brush and leaf pick-up: These will be completed by the City of Morenci’s DPW and will save the City of Morenci approximately $50,000 for the year. Police coverage: 9,200 hours of police coverage has been budgeted for the fiscal year. This allows for the continuation of 24/7 coverage if scheduling allows. Support for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Appropriations from all funds will help cover the cost of CDBG projects, along with revenue from a bond. The CDBG grant includes water lines, sanitary sewer lines and paving on Locust Street and Salisbury Street; the main sewage lift station, and new filter media for the iron removal filters at the water treatment plant. Continuation of Fire & EMS services at the same level currently provided. An additional $120,000 will be appropriated to Morenci Area EMS to cover operational costs. New sexton building will be completed at Oak Grove Cemetery. Roof replacement at Stair District Library Security upgrades at Morenci City Offices Tree trimming and planting Summer Recreation Program Park improvements Minor street repairs Water plant and sewage lagoon repairs Marijuana excise tax revenue is down approximately $25,000 due to the influx of licenses throughout the State of Michigan. The income from this tax is distributed to the general fund to cover expenses among all departments. Additionally, Morenci City Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for both the Water and Sewer services that will fund improvements for the next 20 years. This plan calls for set funding for capital outlay items each year, along with establishing annual rate increases to fund these two funds. Water and sewer rates will increase by 2.66 percent (based on water usage) for the fiscal year 2023/2024. This increase will total $2.46 per month for a family that uses 4,000 gallons of water.   Visit City Hall to view the fiscal year 2023/2024 approved budget. A utility billing rate increase chart is also available for reference on our website.
The July Board of Review for the City of Morenci will meet on Thursday, July  20, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall, located at 118 Orchard Street, Morenci MI  49256.  The purpose of the meeting is to correct mutual mistakes of fact and  clerical errors.
​The Morenci Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Morenci City Hall, 118 Orchard St., Morenci, MI 49256 to conduct regular business items for the month of June 2023.
​Morenci City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 118 Orchard St. Morenci, MI.
​The City’s public works department has several updates that have recently been approved by City Council. These developments aim to improve various aspects of the community’s infrastructure and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.  At Oak Grove Cemetery, an investment of $9,100 was allocated for the purchase of reclaimed historic fencing and pillars. These new additions will replace the damaged sections from the storms as well as those that were recently stolen, while preserving the cemetery’s historical charm. The generous amount of fencing acquired will cover the full façade of Oak Grove Cemetery, including the Old Cemetery. Progress is being made on the restoration of the sexton building. Drawings are nearing completion, and once finalized, the work will be put out for bid. A temporary office, bathroom facilities, and essential utilities such as power and water have been provided until the restoration of the sexton building is complete.  Maintenance issues at Wakefield Park are also being addressed. Deteriorating steel doors have been ordered for replacement, and parking lots have been patched to ensure safe and accessible parking for visitors. Vandalism and damage to the men’s restroom that occurred in May caused a temporary closure, but repairs are underway to ensure full functionality in time for the upcoming Town & Country Festival. The playground surface will be updated this month as City Council recently approved the purchase of engineered wood fiber mulch costing $7,600. Two replacement slides at Wakefield Park were approved for purchase at the March and April City Council meetings, totaling $21,237, to replace those that have broken. They will be installed as they arrive in the coming months. These efforts align with the ongoing improvements made by Morenci Little League, who have repaired and added functioning scoreboards to the Kiwanis baseball field and softball field at the park.  Furthermore, in alignment with the Capital Improvement Plan, the public works department has received a like-new 2013 Vactor sewer truck, costing $250,000, which is covered by the Capital Improvement Bond. This replaces the outdated and non-functional 1986 model. This upgrade enables the city to proactively address issues related to the aging water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable services for the community.  Morenci City Council also approved the $8,347 quote from Rock Hard Concrete at their May 15 meeting for the installation of a new ADA compliant crosswalk on W. Main St., just east of the bridge. City Administrator Brad Moran has ordered a light pole for the crosswalk at Page St. and E. Locust St. These additions will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.  The recent updates approved by City Council demonstrate their commitment to the City’s infrastructure and the well-being of its residents.