Approval of Agenda

Council Member Jones made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Scheid.

The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:

            Ayes:               Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.

            Nays:               None.

Public Comments

Katherine Henry, 806 Wildlife Trail, stated the only thing on the agenda was the proposed resolution for closing the streets and the activities of the American Legion.  If they vote to approve the resolution that was proposed, it does not call for the noise ordinance variance, so she doesn’t know if that was a typo or left out.

Consent Agenda

Reports by Council Liaisons

Council Member Scheid stated he had nothing.

Council Member Lallo stated he would have a meeting with the Labor Day Committee tomorrow night.  There has been nothing with the museum. 

Council Member Jones stated the Rec Board will be meeting after Labor Day. 

Council Member Feuerstein stated they should have a Planning Commission meeting next Tuesday if there are enough people. 

Mayor Gunderson stated he had nothing to report, as there were no meetings.  The DDA meeting is Thursday at noon.  They will have the results from Music in the Park and the online questionaires.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

New Business

Public Comments

David Hodges, 4833 Flat River Trail, stated he has attended the Ionia County Commissioner meetings.  That will get him up to speed.  He is signing up for a class through the Michigan State Extension.  He has reviewed the by-laws and is being mailed the packets. When he starts in January, he will hit the ground running.  His cell number is 616-240-0624.  He asked council to think about what they need and expect from a county commissioner, and what is important to the City of Belding. 

Jeff Hunter, 6302 Zahm Rd., stated he ran into the mayor today.  He said his attitude was the reason nothing around town changes.

Mayor Gunderson stated that was not what he said but could talk to Mr. Hunter later about it.

Katherine Henry, 806 Wildlife Trail, stated she would urge council to put the discussion of the ZBA and why it was originally set up as a separate entity at the first meeting in September.  They have said they didn’t want to act as the ZBA.  She was reviewing the packet and minutes from the last meeting.  They should look into hiring someone part time, maybe local, or sharing with another municipality.  She stated they are probably still researching that.  Even a Tuesday, Thursday or Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  They could look for someone that is a licensed builder.  It would be cost effective.  It would alleviate all the concerns expressed.  She asked that council remember that they have a constitutional right to be present and speak at the meetings.  Some are discouraged from coming and speaking at meetings, because they hear they have to be in the city.  They should value citizens outside the city also.  Every voice should be heard, no matter what side of the issue they are on.

City Manager’s Comments

City Manager Mullendore stated she knows the Labor Day Committee met with local businesses regarding street closures to bring awareness to that situation.  It did not go as well as anticipated, but they wanted them to have information on the time frames.  There will be two parades.  Last year some street lights were not shut down.  The decorative lights can be controlled, but not the Consumers Power lights.  Regarding the Wesco project, they should be getting something to her by the first Tuesday in September.  She met with the proprietors of the old Driftway and they went over the code issues and regulations that have to be met.  They have not signed the papers yet, contingent on the Liquor Control Commission issuing the appropriate license.  Troy and Jen Palmer are wonderful people and they look forward to working with them.

Council Comments

Council Member Lallo wished everyone happy Labor Day and stated he looked forward to seeing everyone downtown.  Football is coming up, too. 

Council Member Jones stated they have a birthday boy in the house – Ron Gunderson. 

Council Member Feuerstein stated the Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday and they will see if they have enough members present.

Council Member Scheid stated he would be out of town Thursday night for the Housing Commission meeting.  They are working on their new budget.  The neighborhoods look a lot nicer with the houses gone.  A couple other houses are also in disrepair.  He wished everyone a joyful Labor Day weekend and stated he hopes things go well.  It is a big homecoming.  He thanked everyone for coming tonight. 

Council Member Jones stated there is a tree hanging low west of the intersection at the Lutheran Church. 

Mayor Gunderson stated that is on the list to do.

Mayor Gunderson stated there was a ribbon cutting on Saturday morning for Rails to Trails at 9 a.m.  There were 75-80 people.  There was a good turnout and speakers.  He thanked Mike Verdun and Dan Mitchell for showing up from the businesses.  The Long Lake Road bridge is open.  He asked everyone to be safe on Labor Day weekend.  He thanked everyone for coming.

Adjournment

Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Lallo.

Ayes:               Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.

            Nays:               None.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.