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He told city council Monday that he recently spoke with John Wolar of Alternate Energy Solutions in Eastpointe. He plans to set up a work session between Wolar and council to discuss the idea.

Lukshaitis was told that wind turbines are "whisper quiet" and could be used to power the Wastewater Treatment Plant, DPW Garage, and maybe even the city's two senior citizen apartment buildings. He also learned that a number of low-interest government loans are available for renewable energy sources.

Lukshaitis learned of Wolar and wind energy from a citizen who attended a recent Alternative Energy Fair at Carsonville-Port Sanilac Schools. CPS is also researching the possibility of using wind to power the district.

A date for the work session has not been scheduled.

In other business, council:

*Approved a contract for city office staff, recreation staff, and the staff of Eastside Manor. The contract is retroactive to March 1, 2005 and calls for a 2% salary increase for 2005, a 2.5% increase from March 1, 2006 and a 2.75% increase on March 1, 2007.

The city has been working to negotiate a contract since the employees joined the Government Employee Labor Council Union in 2005.

*Approved a Wastewater Treatment Agreement between the city and Watertown Township. Township officials were expected to approve the agreement Tuesday.

Lawyers for both parties have been meeting to rework the contract for nearly two years, after Watertown expressed their concern.

According to Councilman Keith Costine, the new contract changes the way the township is billed for use of the city's sewer system. In the past, they were billed based on an estimate. Under the new agreement, meters will be installed.

"It will be more accurate for both parties," Costine said.

*Heard from DPW Superintendent Phil Klaus that a pre-construction meeting was held recently for the Argyle Street reconstruction project. Work is expected to begin the week of April 20 and run until July. The work includes curbs and gutters, blacktop, and storm sewers.

*Heard from Eastside Manor Housing Director Susan Henry that construction of Sunrise Village, the city's second senior citizen complex, is nearly 38% complete. The Margaret Street apartments are expected to open the end of September or early October.

Henry also noted that applications and brochures have been sent out to interested parties. She has already received 40 completed applications, but they have yet to be qualified based on income. For an application call Henry at 810-648-4230.

*Approved a reciprocal agreement that will allow employees hired from other municipalities to maintain any funds they have acquired in the Michigan Employees Retirement System. The agreement will not mean any additional costs for the city.