REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.
Council Member Feuerstein delivered the invocation.
The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Clerk took the roll call:
Members Present: Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Members Absent: None.
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Lallo.
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.
Guest – Mark Mensch – Bike Week
Mark Mensch stated they would struggle to find another presenting sponsor. They had been watching the news and discovered that the mall might be shutting down. The original presenting sponsor will come in as a vendor or minimum sponsor. They hope the city can get things under control. They will try to replace the sponsor. Maybe the presenting sponsor will come back later. Their committee is still committed to next year in July. They will get the sponsorships back in order.
Council Member Lallo stated he did research. Several places have backed down from their event, including John Ball Park, City of Walker and Grand Rapids.
Mr. Mensch stated the only sponsor that backed out was last year. They backed out of going to Grand Rapids because of the Farmer’s Market. At John Ball they never got to do a contract. They signed a contract with the Delta Plex, but Joe Langlois had a one way contract with loose ends. Then they came to Belding.
Council Member Lallo stated he took offense to being told that is the reason they backed out here in Belding.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 61943 to 61995 and Checks 62010 to 62022 in the amount of $91,400.43 (Checks 61996 to 62009 were voided), and Checks 62023 to 62036 in the amount of $3,412.37
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, May 6, 2014
C. Housing Commission appointment – Dorothy Williamson
D. Approval of Finance Director as check signatory
E. Use of city streets and pathways - Shiloh Campground Chapel Pastors Walk/Run
Council Member Jones made a motion to approve the consent agenda, 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.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Housing Commission appointment
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING DOROTHY WILLIAMSON TO THE BELDING HOUSING COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the term of office of Dorothy Williamson on the Belding Housing Commission will expire on June 15, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williamson has indicated her willingness to serve another term on the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Dorothy Williamson be appointed to the Belding Housing Commission with a term of office to expire on June 30, 2019.
D. Approval of Finance Director as check signatory
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER BECKY SCHLIENZ TO SIGN CHECKS FOR THE CITY OF BELDING.
WHEREAS, Becky Schlienz has been appointed finance director/treasurer of the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, the finance director/treasurer must have the authorization of city council to sign checks for the City of Belding.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that authorization is hereby granted to Finance Director/Treasurer Becky Schlienz to sign checks for the City of Belding.
E. Use of city streets and pathways – Shiloh Campground Chapel Pastors Walk/Run
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CITY STREETS AND PATHWAYS FOR THE SHILOH CAMPGROUND CHAPEL PASTORS WALK/RUN 5K AND SUSPENDING THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR THE EVENT
WHEREAS, a request was received to use city streets and pathways for the Shiloh Campground Chapel Pastors Walk/Run 5K on May 30, 2014 at 10 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, the 5K will start at Woodview Elementary School on Orchard St., and from the school the walk will proceed south on Orchard St. to the Silk City pathway on M-44, east on pathway to Water St., north on Water St. to Water St. pathway, continuing north to Silk City pathway behind Belhaven, west on the path behind Demorest field, south on Demorest to Kenwood Ave., west on Kenwood to Orchard, and back to the school; and
WHEREAS, for the safety of the participants intersections will be guarded by race officials and the course will be patrolled by the police department.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the designated city streets and pathways may be used for the Shiloh Campground Chapel Pastors Walk/Run 5K on May 30, 2014 at 10 a.m.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34 Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 34-77 be suspended for the event.
Public Hearing A – FY 2014/15 Budget
Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m.
There was no public comment
Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing at7:10 p.m.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Lallo stated there was nothing new from the Museum. Everyone should look at the Labor Day celebration website. He looked at the website for the tribute band. It will be a fun time.
Council Member Jones stated the Rec Board would meet on May 27.
Council Member Feuerstein stated at the Planning Commission meeting next week they would go over the Master Plan. They would like public input.
City Manager Mullendore stated they would go over the master plan in June. They will do a timeline at the May meeting.
Council Member Scheid stated the housing commission is in the process of getting the landscaping cleaned up. They are concerned about the bridge being out and the people who walk downtown. The dam does not have a walkway. Some can’t afford DART and some can’t walk around. They will have to do something about that. They are still looking for tenants that need housing assistance. The units are being redone. They will put new storm doors on.
Mayor Gunderson stated regarding Rails to Trail, the group met last Friday. They are trying to figure out what connection to work on next, Belding to Greenville or Belding to Lowell. By April, they want a plan to submit to DNR and MDOT. There will be a total of 125 miles when it is done, including the Heartland Trail. It was a good meeting.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business Agenda
Item A – Adoption of FY 2014/15 Budget
The City Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Lallo moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feuerstein.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05-29
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2014/15 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Belding, Michigan has submitted to the Mayor and City Council a budget for Fiscal Year 2014/15 as required by the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan have studied and reviewed said budget; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing on said budget was held on May 20, 2014, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.4 of the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the City Clerk of the City of Belding has in accordance with Section 11.4 of the City Charter, and P.A. 621 of 1978, published notices of time and place of holding such hearings, and of the availability to the public of such proposed budget.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that they hereby appropriate the following sums of money deemed necessary to defray all the necessary expenses, liabilities and reserves of the City of Belding, Michigan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are to be expended and the amount appropriated which authorizes such expenditures, as provided in the City Charter and City Code for each center and purpose are specified as follows:
APPROPRIATION CENTERS
| GENERAL OPERATING FUND | |
| City Council | $ 12,353 |
| City Manager | 147,264 |
| Finance & Administrative Services | 161,777 |
| City Clerk | 95,426 |
| Central Municipal Activities | 123,206 |
| Cemetery | 42,269 |
| Police Department | 783,352 |
| Fire Department | 499,172 |
| Park Maintenance | 82,497 |
| Interfund Transfers | 214,269 |
| Belrockton Community Center | 34,926 |
| Community Promotions | 6,650 |
| Planning & Community Development | 16,659 |
| Contingency | 33,300 |
| | |
| TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS | 2,253,120 |
| | |
| MAJOR STREET FUND | 346,493 |
| | |
| LOCAL STREET FUND | 273,495 |
| | |
| DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | 9,000 |
| | |
| BUILDING INSPECTION | 27,850 |
| | |
| DRUG FORFEITURE | 2,500 |
| | |
| LIBRARY | 380,525 |
| | |
| MUSEUM FUND | 12,000 |
| | |
| TIFA BOND PAYMENT FUND | 204,263 |
| | |
| SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND | 109,035 |
| | |
| BUILDING AUTHORITY DEBT FUND | 79,344 |
|
| |
| CIP BOND PAYMENT FUND | 82,530 |
| | |
| LIBRARY DEBT FUND | 84,125 |
| | |
| LIBRARY BOND REDEMPTION | 14,000 |
| | |
| CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND | 2,898,879 |
| | |
| TIFA GENERAL FUND | 204,825 |
| | |
| DIAL-A-RIDE | 348,477 |
| | |
| SEWER FUND | 1,206,287 |
| | |
| WATER FUND | 908,949 |
| | |
| INTERNAL SERVICE FUND | 226,913 |
| | |
| BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND | 120,400 |
| | |
| MOTOR POOL FUND | 396,891 |
| | |
| HEALTH INSURANCE FUND | 444,500 |
| | |
| TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS | 11,087,051 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
| | AMOUNT APPROPRIATED TAXATION | AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY MILL LEVY |
| | | |
| Capital Improvements | $ 2,898,879 | $ 162,800 |
| General Purpose | $ 2,253,120 | $1,316,000 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2014-15, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan does hereby levy a tax of 17.9500 mills per dollar on the assessed valuation of all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Belding, and further, said mill levy shall include 15.9500 mills for the General Fund Operation, and 2.00 mills for Capital Improvements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an administrative fee of 1% shall be added and collected for all units of government - said fee to be continued until rescinded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to make budgetary transfers within the appropriation centers, also known as funds, established through this budget, except that all transfers between appropriation centers may be made only by further action of the City Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Uniform Accounting and Budgeting Act; and that the City Manager is hereby authorized to release bidding documents for those capital items requiring bids. Bidding documents may also be described as Requests for Proposals.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
New Business Agenda
Item B – Zoning Board of Appeals Composition
The City Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Lallo moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Scheid.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05-30
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE CITY OF BELDING TO BE INSTALLED AS THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
WHEREAS, Public Act 110 of 2006 Zoning board of appeals; Article VI, 125.3601, Sec. 601., appointment; procedural rules; membership; composition; alternate member; per diem; expenses; removal; terms of office; vacancies; conduct of meetings; conflict of interest, allows for the Legislative Body to act as the Zoning Board of Appeals; and
WHEREAS, the zoning board of appeals historically has and still is having difficulty filling the membership with regular and alternate members; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to continue to be a zoning and business friendly city by facilitating a more efficient and effective mechanism in which applicants may be heard; and
WHEREAS, it is logical and rationale to utilize the provisions of the enabling legislation to have the City Council act as the Zoning Board of Appeals.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the legislative body of the City of Belding be installed as the Zoning Board of Appeals and replace all non-legislative appointees.
Council Member Jones stated he would prefer to get a couple more people and leave it as it is. It takes it out of the hands of council. He thinks of the ZBA as a separate entity, instead of looking at it as a political position. Applicants could view that council is the city and they have already made the rule on it. With a separate entity, they would look at it more favorably going in for an appeal.
Council Member Scheid stated he would agree with Tom with what happened in the near past. It doesn’t look right to change it now. Personally, he doesn’t think they should do it, but he doesn’t really care.
Mayor Gunderson stated he sets on the ZBA as the mayor, and one of the issues is trying to get alternates. At the last ZBA meeting they only ended up with four people. He has asked around, as have others, to recruit additional members. His problem is if they tie on a decision at ZBA, it is done with four people. That is not a good thing for those that apply for a decision. He understands Tom’s opinion. Council rarely misses a meeting. They would have a quorum. They would know as a council and be more prepared as they are scheduled.
Council Member Lallo asked how many candidates there were?
City Manager Mullendore stated there was one that did not qualify as she was already sitting on the planning commission. The ZBA would not meet the voting member quorum if two members were serving from the planning commission, and one was serving from the city council, all of which may have previously voted on an issue.
Council Member Feuerstein stated the ZBA can be persuaded to give them what they want. He had a case seven years ago and it was turned down without a quorum. At the second meeting, with a quorum, they changed their mind and he got a variance. The city manager had talked to them.
City Manager Mullendore stated their objective was to facilitate and expedite the process. They should utilize what the legislation has allowed.
Mayor Gunderson asked if it could be revisited?
City Manager Mullendore stated that it could. They could go back to a volunteer board at any time.
Council Member Lallo stated they could do it temporarily as they search for applicants.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Feuerstein, Lallo and Gunderson.
Nays: Council Members Jones and Scheid
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Mullendore stated Becky had the first week under her belt and is doing very well. Sam was in today to go over things. Keven is having a good transition. Ernie hired a DPW full time employee who started today. The Memorial Day event will be held on Monday. They have been trying to catch up and have been in the cemetery. They are trying to get the mowing caught up. The large mowers are down. The smaller ones are taking longer. They are doing the best they can. For the last two weeks, they have been doing six days, trying to get things caught up.
Council Comments
Council Member Jones stated there would be a household hazardous waste pick up in Ionia on September 27. There was a note from Meg regarding a violation of the sign ordinance for the signs that are in the yards. They should wait on that for another month or so. He will be in Fort Worth Dallas for the next meeting in June, so will not be here.
Council Member Feuerstein stated he had no comments.
Council Member Scheid asked everyone to have a good weekend. It should be nice most of the weekend. He hopes it is sunshiny and nice out. Everyone is working in their yards. He thanked everyone for coming.
Council Member Lallo thanked Mierendorf Law offices for their hospitality at the ribbon cutting. It is a beautiful facility. He had the opportunity to tour Ace Tool and Engineering. He has contacted Jordan and B&O saws for a tour. It was nice to see the things there. The memorial benches will be stored there. He wished to congratulate the high school graduates. Belding will host District Baseball on May 27 and May 31.
Council Member Scheid stated Girl’s Track has been undefeated for two years.
Mayor Gunderson stated Bud Almy made a presentation regarding a millage proposal coming up in August. He had asked about previous elections. In November, 1994, it was narrowly defeated. In a 1997 special election, it was defeated by a large margin. He thanked everyone for coming. He appreciates the effort that the town is making. The green grass perks it up and it looks cleaner. The memorial is looking good.
Adjournment
Council Member Lallo moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Scheid.
Ayes: Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
