Dowagiac City Council Monday night set a 7 p.m. Feb. 14 public hearing on the tax abatement sought by Lake X-Ray Inc. for a new building that will be constructed in the industrial park at 57120 Woodhouse Drive.

“In total, they are looking to invest $300,000,” advised City Manager Kevin Anderson.

April 6’s sudden rush of high wind twisted the roof of Lake X-Ray next to Creative Vinyl on M-51 North so violently that part of it almost landed on the house next door.

The rest remained balanced precariously on top, like a crooked cookie jar lid.

The council’s policy by which the amount of money invested, the total jobs created or retained and annual payroll are taken into consideration scored the medical supply company’s application a nine, making Lake X-Ray eligible for a 12-year tax abatement.

Years seven through 12 require annual documentation that original criteria continue to be met.

Anderson said this new investment will generate approximately $1,200 in new taxes for the city and another $900 for other taxing entities.

Six jobs will be retained, according to city economic development consultant Cynthia LaGrow.

In other Jan. 10 business, the council stated its intent to sell a single-axle, 1998 Chevy 7500 dump truck the city no longer needs to Cass County Road Commission for $10,477.20.

City code requires that before selling equipment valued at more than $1,000, the city must adopt a resolution notifying its intent before taking final action, which the council set for Jan. 24.

“The price appears to be fair and within documentable market conditions,” Anderson said.

“Additionally, the CCRC has indicated that should an emergency arise, they would be willing to share this or other equipment with us in the future.”

According to Public Services Director and City Engineer Christopher Bolt, the dump truck being surplus property is possible because of implementation of the one-person leaf vacuum truck and purchase of a new dump truck in 2009.

The truck needs more than $5,000 in new tires and a new transmission to remain part of Dowagiac’s fleet.

It had been primarily used for leaf vacuuming and plowing.

Council confirmed the appointment of Donna Korzun to the Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) board, but Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling and First Ward Councilwoman Lori Hunt questioned the recommended open-ended term.

The administration will bring back to the next meeting an end date at their request.

Council approved requests from Second Baptist Church for permission to hold a Martin Luther King celebration Sunday, Jan. 16, and Peninsular Lodge 10, Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM) to organize the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies on Monday, May 30.

Mayor Pro-Tem Leon Laylin conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor Don Lyons.

Council approved payment of $341,479.20 for Dec. 22 (bills, $217,438.37 and payroll of $124,040.83); and $717,563.35 for Jan. 6 (bills, $504,153.14 and payroll, $213,410.21).

Anderson said $406,105 represented that Dowagiac’s new firetruck was complete and ready for delivery.

It is anticipated it will serve the community’s fire needs for at least the next two decades.

It replaces a truck sold to Wayne Township — a transaction that will be completed in early February.

The city also received grant money for repaving Middle Crossing Road to pay Cass County $45,547.36.