1965 - 1966 in the City of Flushing, Michigan
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Flushing City Council (1965–1966)
The 1965–1966 term of the Flushing City Council marked a foundational period for the newly incorporated City of Flushing, Michigan. Under the leadership of Mayor Mylo Ragan and a proactive City Council, the city undertook significant infrastructure improvements, enacted key ordinances, and established formal governance procedures. This term laid the groundwork for Flushing’s transition from a village to a modern city.
| Council Members | |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Mylo Ragan |
| Mayor Pro Tem | Phillip Bueche |
| Council Member | Richard McNally |
| Council Member | Frank McCarty |
| Council Member | Gary Blackmore |
| Council Member | Dr. Russell Phillips |
| Council Member | Melvin Miller |
| City Administration | |
| City Manager | Art Zonkers |
| City Clerk | Arthur Gibbs |
| City Attorney | Robert Ransom |
Major Legislative Actions
Summary of Resolutions and Ordinances
| Date | Title/Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 1965 | Resolution No. 3 – Paving Program | Initiated Special Assessment Districts A & B for street paving; approved plans and cost estimates. |
| 25 Oct 1965 | Resolution No. 5 – Assessment Roll Confirmation | Confirmed assessment rolls for paving districts; set 15-year installment plan with 6% interest. |
| 25 Oct 1965 | Bond Issuance for Paving | Authorized $202,000 in Special Assessment Bonds and $49,000 in General Obligation Bonds for paving. |
| 8 Nov 1965 | Adoption of New Zoning Ordinance | Replaced outdated village zoning code with a comprehensive city zoning ordinance and map. |
| 11 Apr 1966 | Ordinance Amendment – Sewer Hook-up Fee | Imposed a $200 sewer connection fee for new buildings connecting to the sanitary sewer system. |
| 11 Apr 1966 | Fire Service Agreement with Mt. Morris Township | Renewed agreement for fire protection services in Section 31 of Mt. Morris Township. |
| 9 May 1966 | Sewer Bond Authorization – Series I | Issued $305,000 in general obligation bonds for sewer system expansion and treatment plant upgrades. |
| 27 Jun 1966 | Council Rules of Procedure | Adopted formal rules for conducting Council meetings and legislative actions. |
| 27 Jun 1966 | Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion Resolution | Authorized application for federal/state grants to expand the sewage treatment plant. |
Infrastructure Development
Street Paving Program
The Council launched a comprehensive street paving initiative in 1965, creating Special Assessment Districts A and B. Streets included:
- District A: Coutant, Chestnut, Leland, Mill, Hazelton, Cherry, Maple, Mary, George, Henry, Terrace, River Road, Roman Street
- District B: Boman Street
The project was financed through $251,000 in bonds and awarded to Ann Arbor Construction Co. in May 1966. Work began in summer 1966 and included curb and gutter installation, storm drainage, and asphalt surfacing.
Sewer System Expansion
Key sewer projects included:
- Installation of sanitary sewers on Thomas, Gerald, Dale, Warren, and Kapp Streets
- Planning for sewer extensions in the Sunnyslopes subdivision
- Voter-approved $600,000 sewer bond proposal (April 1966)
- Issuance of $305,000 in Series I bonds (May 1966)
- Application for federal funding under the Water Pollution Control Act
- Ordinance amendment imposing a $200 sewer hook-up fee
Water System Improvements
- Formalized water connection policy with standardized fees totaling $305
- Water main extensions on River Road and Flushing Road
- Repainting of water towers (bids solicited in spring 1966)
- Coordination with City of Flint for bulk water supply and future planning
Other Public Works Projects
- Purchase of a 2½-ton dump truck with snow plow and salt spreader
- Acquisition of a new police cruiser
- Installation of acoustic ceiling in the Community Center
- River dam removal and riverbank cleanup (funded by $5,000 donation from Consumers Power)
- Storm sewer improvements in Valleyview and Seymour areas
Financial Management
Budget and Bonding
- Adopted annual budgets for 1965–66 and 1966–67
- Issued $35,000 in Motor Vehicle Highway Fund bonds (Feb 1966)
- Sold $251,000 in paving bonds (Feb 1966)
- Protested proposed Genesee County jail fees
- Designated Rowe Insurance Agency as city insurance agent
- Participated in Michigan Municipal League and Mayor Exchange Day
Administrative Reforms
- Adopted formal Council Rules of Procedure (June 1966)
- Appointed City Board of Canvassers and Planning Commission members
- Created Salary Committee to review employee compensation
- Explored employee retirement plan (MERS Plan C)
- Approved Medicare supplemental insurance for eligible employees
Zoning and Planning
Zoning Ordinance and Map
- Adopted new zoning ordinance and map (Nov 1965)
- Introduced $60 rezoning application fee policy
- Required mailed notice to property owners within 300 feet of proposed rezoning
Subdivision Approvals
- Approved:
- Borgerding Subdivision
- Meadowview Estates No. 1 (after clarification of outlots and access)
- Malesky Plat (with conditions on Lot A development)
- Cole Creek Subdivision (referred for further study)
Rezoning Actions
- Rezoned land east of Flushing Golf Course for nursing home expansion
- Rezoned Somerset area for residential development adjustments
- Reviewed Mobile Home Retirement Village proposal (referred to Planning Commission)
Regional Planning
- Participated in Flint-Genesee County Comprehensive Land Use Study (701 Program)
- Discussed future City Hall and fire station planning
Community Services and Events
Public Safety
- Adjusted downtown traffic patterns (e.g., South Alley two-way evenings)
- Approved glue sniffing ordinance to protect youth
- Renewed fire protection agreement with Mt. Morris Township
- Posted emergency contact numbers at public phones
Recreation and Culture
- Supported Flushing Public Library improvements (roof repairs, expansion planning)
- Sponsored Loyalty Day and Memorial Day parades
- Promoted youth recreation (basketball courts, park improvements)
- Initiated citywide cleanup and beautification efforts
Civic Engagement
- Approved VFW Loyalty Day Parade (May 1966)
- Participated in Michigan Mayor Exchange Day (May 1966)
- Supported Boy Scout Week and other civic recognitions
- Encouraged community involvement in planning and development
Legacy
The 1965–1966 Flushing City Council term established the foundation for modern municipal governance. Through strategic infrastructure investments, administrative reforms, and community engagement, the Council positioned Flushing for sustainable growth and civic pride in the decades to follow.