Library records busiest summer yet

Chelsea Public Library has been nonstop for the summer, library Director Dana Polk told the Chelsea City Council.

Polk presented summer program enrollment numbers to the council during its Aug. 2 meeting at Chelsea City Hall, noting there were more than 833 program attendees in their kindergarten through adult programs.

“This has been the busiest summer we’ve had,” Polk said.

There were more than 3,000 visits to the library in June and more than 2,600 in July, and the library also saw a boost in teen involvement, Polk said. Most summers, about 12 students sign up for the teen summer program, but 45 signed up for this year’s A Minor Film School program, Polk said.

Polk thanked the City Council and Chelsea Kiwanis for their support of the library’s many programs, and said she hoped the library would be able to continue to add to its resources through grants she recently applied for.

“We’re doing a lot; we’re bursting at the seams,” she said.

Also during the meeting, Chelsea COP Director Jim Thornton introduced past directors of the volunteer-based program and thanked Mayor Earl Niven and the council for their continued support.

“After 17 years, we’re still at it; we’re not driving our own cars anymore,” Thornton said. “We have five [COP vehicles], and the mayor pays the bills. We’re thankful for that.”

Niven thanked the COPs for being the eyes and ears of Chelsea without having any “cowboys,” or individuals who thought they had more power than they actually have, in the program.

Also at the meeting:

► Chelsea Fire and Rescue Chief Wayne Shirley updated the council on news at the fire department, including steps toward extra safety precautions for paramedics during EMS transport. Council member Dale Neuendorf also thanked the department, as he heard a Chelsea resident stopped by the fire station with chest pains, and the firefighters on duty realized he was having a heart attack. He was transported to the hospital and without their quick action, Neuendorf said the man might not have survived.

► The council approved the annexation of a 69.1-acre property on County 336. The property is owned by Scott and Elizabeth Weygand, and while it is still in the planning stages, Weygand said it will be used for a residential development.

► Niven gave a snapshot of city finances, as per the request of individuals running for office this August. The city has about $3.8 million in total funds and about $13.3 million in general obligation warrants. “Anytime you see a growing city that provides for its people, you’re going to have debts,” Niven said.