Utica Council Approves Dance Permit for Dave & Busters

Council approves Dave & Buster's for dance permit
Dave & Buster's in Utica requested and received approval from the city council for a dance permit. The popular entertainment venue is planning to hold a series of dance events called “Michigan-Made Thursdays” and lacked the necessary permit. Council’s approval was needed before Dave & Buster's could be approved for the permit by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Mayor Jacqueline Noonan noted the exemplary reputation of Dave & Buster's and said the dance permit would be “improving the multi-use ability of the facility.”

Residents can make partial payments on summer tax bills
The city of Utica mailed out summer tax bills last week, and Treasurer Phil Paternoster noted that the city will accept partial payments from residents who cannot pay their full balances. Summer taxes are due by Aug. 31. Any balance remaining after that date will accrue interest. Paternoster also said that seniors and disabled veterans can defer their summer tax bill until winter without accruing interest.

Blood drive Wednesday, July 13, at Utica Public Library
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive Wednesday, July 13, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Utica Public Library. Walk-ins are welcome.

Speed & Kolor King on Van Dyke to hold cruise on Saturday, July 16
Gary Ligotti, owner of a new auto business, Speed & Kolor King (44800 Van Dyke), requested and received permission to hold a cruise at his business on Saturday, July 16, from 3-9 p.m.  The event is Ligotti’s way of showing appreciation for his customers. The event will feature cool cars, and customers can listen to a DJ and grab a hot dog. The event is free.

Park It Family Fun Night Aug. 1 in Grant Park
Utica residents can have fun and stamp out illiteracy at the Park It Family Fun Night beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at . Attendees are asked to bring a book, suitable for children in grades K through 8, to the event. Greektown Casino-Hotel has partnered with Park It Family Fun Nights to help build the libraries of metro Detroit schools facing shrinking budgets for books in its “Turning the Page on Illiteracy” campaign. The event includes live entertainment, kids’ activities and a showing of the movie Despicable Me.

Mark your calendars
Residents will want to note the dates for several upcoming fun family events. The Utica Arts & Crafts Festival will be held July 23-24 at Grant Park; the Heritage Park dedication will be held July 29 at 10 a.m.; and a Car Cruise takes place Saturday, Aug. 6, beginning at the American Legion Hall.

Change in zoning ordinance adopted
Due to pending litigation, the city attorney has recommended deleting from the zoning ordinance the sentence that reads: “The Planning Commission, however, may waive location and sign area requirements when said nonaccessory signs (billboards) are located on City-owned property.” The removal of that sentence will bring the ordinance into compliance with court requirements. The council approved a motion to delete the sentence.

Delay in hiring permanent police chief authorized by city charter
City Attorney William McGrail, responding to a request for an opinion, reported that the Mayor and Council’s decision to defer hiring a replacement, full-time police chief and instead appoint an interim police chief is authorized by the Charter of the City of Utica.