Three Rivers City Commission returns meeting time to 6 p.m.

The Three Rivers City Commission will move its regular meeting time back to 6 p.m., effective immediately, after a vote during Tuesday’s meeting.

Commissioner Christopher Abel introduced the motion, citing scheduling conflicts and travel challenges associated with the current 5 p.m. start time.

“I just know that it’s a difficulty for several people today,” Abel said during the meeting. “I was in Battle Creek until four o’clock and had to drive 85 miles an hour just to get here a couple minutes late. There are also timing issues with the county meetings.”

The motion passed with commission approval. The commission had previously moved its meeting time to 5 p.m. as part of a summer trial period announced last month.

City moves forward with infrastructure projects

The commission approved several key infrastructure projects as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget.

A $59,700 contract was awarded to LV DOSA for stabilization work on the ATAP building, which houses a high-powered motor that has caused structural damage. A new motor pad will be installed, separate from the building foundation, to prevent further deterioration.

Michigan Paving and Materials Co. received an $875,529 contract to repave sections of 11th Avenue, South Constantine Street and Washington Street. The project will avoid areas with known lead service lines due to funding restrictions.

Another project, totaling $162,247, will repair storm sewer damage near the Hoffman Street bridge and fix a failing sanitary line near the former Kim’s Marina site along the railroad.

The commission also finalized the sale of a vacant city-owned lot at 303 Middle St. to AHI Group LLC, under the condition that construction begin within 12 months.

The proposed development will use prefabricated wall panels manufactured locally by Tech Motive, a method city officials say could reduce costs and accelerate the building process.

Commission, residents raise concerns about signage

Commissioner Pat Dane and several residents raised concerns about visual clutter from signs posted illegally on terraces and intersections.

“There is an ordinance that says not to put signs in the yards or terraces, but we don’t do anything about it,” Dane said. “Some areas downtown, like by Little Caesars, are overloaded with signs. Where is someone supposed to look?”

City Manager Joe Bippus acknowledged the concern and said the city will look into it. 

Downtown events feature cruise-in, live music

As warm weather returns, Three Rivers is preparing a full lineup of community events aimed at bringing residents together and supporting local culture.

On May 15, from 4 to 8 p.m., the downtown area will host live music, food trucks, and appearances by the “Plant Landers and Outlaws.” At the same time, the East Alley parking lot will host a classic car and motorcycle cruise-in, as part of an effort to revitalize the city’s long-standing car culture.

“We’ve been holding a Wednesday cruise-in at Aaron’s Dairy Queen parking lot for years,” community member Dwight Lewis said during the commission meeting. “Some years it’s been great, others not so much. We’re looking to relocate and possibly move the day to Thursday, when other regional events don’t compete.”

Following the success of last year’s Water Festival and other car shows in the region, residents have proposed relocating and expanding future cruise-ins to the East Alley parking lot near the new amphitheater.

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter with Watershed Voice.