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The former Sandusky mayor was appointed to the City Council Monday evening, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Keith Costine on April 30.

At the recommendation of Mayor Tom Lukshaitis, council unanimously approved Mitchell's appointment. Mitchell will also take over Costine's duties as chairman of the DPW Committee and member of the finance and planning committees.

Mitchell is a former mayor and councilman. He was one of three applicants for the vacancy. Former council member Lupe Vandercook and businessman Eric Tubbs also submitted resumes for consideration.

"I would like to thank the mayor and council for their support," Mitchell said at Monday night's meeting. "Keith Costine's are some big shoes to fill, but I'll try my best."

The council also voted unanimously to disclaim ownership of a small street on the eastside of Kid's Connection, just off M-46. The street will no longer be maintained by the city, although businesspeople are still permitted to use it.

Councilman Rick Cook discussed at lengths the need to move forward with the ongoing Watertown sewage issue. Cook encouraged members of the council to start coming to terms with Watertown's meter problems, noting the importance of taking care of the situation.

Another order of business was the approval of a $12,500 Neighborhood Preservation Program Planning Grant, awarded to the Human Development Commission by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The meeting also served as the last for City Manager Lou LaPonsie, whose retirement from the council will be effective May 16. Council has narrowed its search for his replacement to two candidates: Tom Youatt, city administrator and clerk of Harbor Beach; and Kevin Mackey, former manager of Vassar.