By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

During a a meeting that lasted a matter of minutes Monday night, Dowagiac City Council granted requests from First United Methodist Church to hold the annual Dowagiac CROP Walk on Sunday, Oct. 4, and from Union High School Student Senate to hold the Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 2.

The council confirmed Mayor Donald Lyons’ appointment of Annette Benjamin to the Housing Commission for a term expiring Aug. 20, 2013.

In the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Comstock, senior member Bob Schuur of Second Ward offered the mayor’s recommendation.

Third Ward Councilman Leon Laylin moved for approval.

Schuur also made the motion, supported by Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling, that the council authorize the finance director to pay bills of $118,447.91 and payroll of $283,691.80 for a total expenditure of $402,139.71.

Laylin said Friday’s dedication of Rosetta’s Cheetahs on the Run was “wonderful for the city. Nothing but absolutely glowing reports from anyone I’ve talked to. Another great addition and well-presented. Tom Dalton did us justice with acknowledgement of artwork created throghout the city and how it came about. Kudos to the family and what they’ve done for us. I’m proud to be a Dowagiacian.”

“I owe you a thank-you for a standing ovation,” added Burling, who was in Grand Rapids Thursday and Friday for an American Dental Association district caucus.

When he introduced himself as Chuck Burling from Dowagiac and said the installation of the three Rosetta sculptures “would make us probably the only city east of the Mississippi with the largest number per capita, the whole group stood up and started applauding. The next guy in line went, ‘How am I supposed to follow that?’ ”

City Manager Kevin Anderson acknowledged that the administration is reviewing the Michigan Municipal Electric Association recommendation on winter disconnects and shutoffs. “I’m trying to get that into form for your next meeting.”
City Clerk James Snow ordered ballots Monday for the Nov. 3 election.