By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Scheduled for action by the Niles City Council Monday night, is possible approval of an increase in electricity rates at an average of 7 percent. The increase would be retroactive to June 1, 2008 and the reason for the increase is stated as "to accommodate the higher wholesale power costs from American Electric Power/Indiana &Michigan Electric."
The city will hold their meeting tonight at 6 p.m. with a 'Truth and Taxation' session just beforehand at 5:55 p.m.
During the meeting, the council is scheduled to consider approving the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce requests for its annual fourth of July fireworks display as well as various requests by the Four Flags Apple Festival Committee for its event, to be held in September.
Also on the agenda for Monday night are three quotes to be considered by the council. A quote of $4,545 – for emergency light bars to be used by the police department for their vehicles is up for review. Also for the police department, the amount of $9,460.50 for ammunition costs and a $9,985 video surveillance system to be used by the Utilities Department.
In addition, the council will be looking at the possible purchase of digital camera equipment and software designed for a patrol car to be used by the police department. The cost of that equipment is estimated a $24,010, plus added shipping costs.
After the City Administrator's report, items scheduled for council action include adopting already amended millage figures as well as the adoption of resolutions pertaining to the City's millage rates and administrative fee levied for 2008 tax rolls.
The council will discuss and take action on whether or not to enter into a 'consulting agreement' with Residential Services of Southwestern Michigan Inc. – which recently held a public forum to discuss fair housing within the City of Niles – to conduct an 'Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing' in Niles. Costs would come to $17,500. Those costs would be paid for with Community Development Block Grant funds.