A master landscaping plan for city hall and the future of the M-4 tank and artillery piece, currently on display at Lake Superior tate University, highlighted Monday’s meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission.
With no money budgeted for the 2012-13 fiscal year, the landscaping plan will serve as direction for any future plantings which occur at 225 E. Portage Avenue, according to City Manager Spencer Nebel. Five different types of trees — ivory silk, sugar maple, red maple, crimson maple and weeping tamarack — will be planted in the future with a variety of hedges and shrubbery in addition to flower gardens for the property.
Commissioner Jeff Stefanski, who has served as the commission’s resident expert in the creation of the landscaping plan, explained those involved in the design were working from an old postcard showing the grounds from the era when the structure was built.
“Everything will be very formal looking,” said Stefanski.
The proposed planting sights will run north and south along the grounds — providing clear sight lines from Portage Avenue to the St. Marys River, while the back of the property will be left somewhat open to accommodate festivals and other gatherings.
The commission is also deciding the fate of the St. Mary statue which stands on the north end of the property. Nebel explained that the city could opt to keep the statue at its current location with a plaque referencing her historical role in the naming of Sault Ste. Marie and the St. Marys River but, as a religious figure, there could be some controversy with her presence on city property.
The commission scheduled a public hearing for the July 16 meeting to take input from the public before making any decision on the statue.
The commission also cleared the way for Lake Superior State University to return the M-4 tank and artillery piece, authorizing Vice President of Finance Sherry Brooks of LSSU to act on its behalf with any future negotiations.
While the city could opt to keep both items and move them to another spot, the maintenance and upkeep on the old military equipment appears to be cost prohibitive.
“I think it would be advantageous for the city to get out of the middle of this,” said Nebel.
Brooks, from all indications, will be looking to return both the tank and the military piece to the U.S. Army unless another eligible entity steps up to take them.
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