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Plans to construct the 3,104 square foot bank branch at 4462 Main Street have faced strong opposition in the past. However following reports by Phelan, a consultant for the Carsonville-based bank, and the city's engineer, council approved the site plans with only one dissenting vote.

City engineer Cory Mabery of Davis Land Surveying presented a report detailing the final adjustments he felt the project needed in order to meet requirements for site plan approval. Included in these adjustments were additional drawings for the city, obtaining the required permits for the project, and holding pre-construction meetings.

"Basically we were recommending the engineering approval," Mabery council.

Mabery also said a bond should be set up by the bank to pay for the necessary inspections for the project.

According to Mabery, the site plan, "as presented now...is a much better option than the other two we've seen" and should function as intended."

"We're anxious to get started on the project," said Phelan.

A swale drain will be placed between the bank and the neighboring property to the north, and the property to the north east of the bank will have more "channelized" drainage in a new 12 to 15-inch ditch, if an easement can be obtained.

According to Mabery, city requirements are that the drainage system for the bank site be capable of handling rains from a 10-year storm, and the proposed system should comply.

"These are improvements that are going to be noticeable and visible," Phelan said of the drainage improvements.

Mabery's adjustments to the plans also should have the builders of the bank take "care and consideration" not to allow detrimental drainage onto neighboring property during construction.

"That would be a focus point of a pre-construction meeting," Mabery said.

City council voted in favor of the bank project and its improved site plans. Council member Michael Lents cast the only no vote.

"You're going to be very pleased," Phelan told council.

Construction may start this fall, which would mean a spring opening for the branch on the northeast corner of Main and Cade on the city's west side.

This would be Exchange State Bank's sixth full-service office in Sanilac County. Currently there are branch offices in Applegate, Deckerville, Port Sanilac and Sandusky, and the main office in Carsonville.

In other business:

*City Manager Clint Holmes received an 80.43 percent approval rating from the city council at his semi-annual evaluation.

*A resolution announcing intent to vacate the city's public property rights to the alley between McMorran and Reed streets was passed. The council must wait four weeks before officially abandoning the alley.

*Fire hydrants will be flushed the week of Oct. 8. Residents are asked to avoid laundering white or light-colored items during that time.

* Halloween trick-or-treat hours will be 5:30-7:30 p.m.