MONTAGUE — Council members voted to approve the budget for the new fiscal year starting July 1 at its regular meeting Monday.
One of the main controversies recently has been the large cost towards the creation of a dog park in Maple Grove Park, estimated to cost $75,000. City Manager Jeff Auch said $40,000 of the cost is for fencing, and the remaining funds are for trails and pathways. Council member Paul Schultz stated he received multiple phone calls from community members voicing concerns over the high cost. A community member suggested the council ask for donations for the dog park, as opposed to allocating tax money to the park. Auch stated he talked with three veterinarians, two of which shared their support of a dog park.
“Their concern is the transmission of viruses, which is controlled by people picking up their dog poop,” Auch said. “They feel that having a dog park in the area helps dogs socialize with each other. Having an area where they can interact off-leash is better than when they interact with other dogs while on-leash.”
The city is covered with insurance, which will allow them to post signage about the rules of the dog park, as well as distribute informational handouts. The park will be 400 feet from Cullen Field, which is the same distance as the average city block in Montague, according to Auch. The vets also supported the idea of having two sides to the dog park; one for large dogs, one for small dogs.
There were complaints voiced by public comment participants, as well as council member Bob Hires, about recent high water bills. Auch stated there is a water analysis scheduled for this fall, which the city conducts every 2-3 years.
White Lake Fireworks Committee member Jason Jaekel stated the committee has everything in place for this year’s Independence Day fireworks, but the committee wants to start looking forward to the next couple of years. 2026 will mark the USA’s 250th anniversary and Jaekel said professionals are suggesting local communities start booking companies in advance, by 2025. It was suggested the committee and cities sign contracts for two years of fireworks, ensuring fireworks for the 250th anniversary in 2026.
Councilman Schultz floated the idea of a committee of both Montague and Whitehall council members, mayors and community members to look into firework locations. He has voiced his dislike of shooting the fireworks over White Lake because of the pollution. Councilwoman Susan Newhof supported his statement, talking about the other negative effects fireworks have on the environment. Councilman Ken Mahoney also stated his support and desire to take action soon, and Mayor Tom Lohman supports the idea of creating a festival or day-long celebration on Independence Day. Whitehall Mayor Steven Salter said nobody on the Whitehall council has voiced concerns about the fireworks and wants a study done on how much damage is being done to White Lake as a result of fireworks before making any decisions.
