REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
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, December 1, 2015.
Council Member Lallo delivered the invocation.
The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Clerk took the roll call:
Members Present: Council Members Dennis Cooper, Mike Scheid, Jerome Lallo, Tom Jones and Ronald Gunderson
Members Absent: None
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 Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
SAW Grant Update – Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering
David Bluhm, Elaine Venema and Max George were present from Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering.
Mr. Bluhm stated the project is for Wastewater and Stormwater Asset Management Planning. A power point presentation was done, which gave an overview of the SAW Grant work completed and ongoing field work, the GIS database and mapping development, and the next steps in the program. The grant was awarded at 90%, with a 10% city match. It involves wastewater and stormwater management. The first year field work was to identify and assess the assets.
Ms. Venema stated the mass flow monitoring will prioritize the rest of the field work, sewer televising and smoke testing.
Mr. George stated the Geographic Information System (GIS) takes the data and puts it together with the location. It brings all the data together so they can make better decisions quicker.
Mr. Bluhm stated the GIS map and database pull it all together. They are doing a thorough job of cleaning sewers. The field work will be done by the middle of next year, then there will be data collection to dump into the GIS, then an analysis process. A capital improvement plan will then be developed for the wastewater and stormwater systems. The improvement plan has to be functional and workable. It will produce a planning tool, and then it will take millions of dollars of construction to get the system how they want it. The funds to do that are not there now. They will determine the impacts to the rates for the improvements. The Wastewater Rate Study is due to MDEQ in April, 2017. The Final Asset Management Plan Reports will be submitted to MDEQ in October, 2017.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 65157 to 65245 in the amount of $167,153.99
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, November 17, 2015
- Temporary Street Closure – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Planning Commission Appointment – John Sparks
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the consent agenda, supported by Council Member Cooper.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Temporary Street Closure – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BRIDGE STREET AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY.
WHEREAS, the Belding Chamber of Commerce and the City of Belding would like to temporarily close Bridge Street, from Congress Street to Main Street on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the purpose of holding a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
WHEREAS, a suspension of the Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34 Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 34-77 is also requested for the event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan hereby authorizes the temporary closure of Bridge Street and the suspension of the noise control ordinance for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
D. Planning Commission Appointment – John Sparks
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JOHN SPARKS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, John Sparks has indicated that he is interested in serving a term on the commission; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Planning Commission have recommended the appointment of John Sparks.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that John Sparks be appointed to the Planning Commission with a term to expire on December 1, 2018.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid had no report.
Council Member Lallo stated there was a discussion on the Bel parking and maintenance at the Museum Board meeting. The board is making continuous improvements, and is getting ready for the holidays.
Council Member Jones stated the Planning Commission met last Tuesday. There was a discussion on home occupancy regulations. There was also some discussion on medical marijuana, which was tabled to the next meeting, or upon completion of review by the city attorney to see if it should be in the zoning or regular ordinances. There was discussion on the sidewalk implementation plan. There was an update on the Vietnam Memorial. They approved the application of John Sparks to the Planning Commission. The next meeting will be held on January 26, 2016. Max Gibbs had his last meeting, so there is still one opening at this point.
Council Member Cooper stated there was no Rec meeting.
Mayor Gunderson stated the Library Candlelight Reception was held last night. There was a silent auction with 38 items. They brought in the Belding Fire Department and had all the volunteers with the Fire Department. They announced their years of service. It was a different spin on the Candlelight Reception from the music or entertainment they had in the past. The meeting for the Library Board is December 14, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. State Construction Code Ordinance Repeal – First Reading
ORDINANCE NO. 539
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CITY CODE SECTIONS 14-26, 14-27 AND 14-28 OF CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE II TO RESCIND THE ELECTION TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THE STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Sections 14-26, 14-27, and 14-28 of Chapter 14, Article II of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belding are hereby repealed to rescind the prior election of the City of Belding to administer and enforce the State Construction Code and allow the County of Ionia, Michigan to do the same within the City of Belding, Michigan.
SECTION 2. Severability:
The various parts, section and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or involved by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 3. Effective Date:
This Ordinance will become effective ten (10) days after its adoption and upon publication of a newspaper in general circulation within the City of Belding.
City Manager Brown stated the city entered an agreement with the county, with AGS for building services activities. The city needs to rescind the building code. He met with Randy Kraker and he went through the process to rescind the areas. The first reading is tonight, the second reading is on December 17, with an effective date of December 27. In the interim, AGS will serve the city and pick up the slack for inspectors, and issue building permits. He talked to the State, and if after a year it is not working, they can go back. Council will make a decision after a year.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring Ordinance No. 539 to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Lallo.
Council Member Jones stated the city will review it in a year, and hopefully they can have some time in the week to have permits available here. In the meantime, they will have to go to Ionia for building permits. They may get partial service back in Belding
Council Member Cooper stated he did check on the permits, and most can be done online.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the first reading to rescind the ordinances, supported by Council Member Lallo.
Mayor Gunderson asked for a consensus vote on the first reading of Ordinance No. 539.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
B. Belrockton Parking
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring Belrockton parking to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Lallo.
City Manager Brown stated there has been a lot of discussion on this issue. He met with the Museum Board last week. There was a good discussion and a lot of information came out. There are two users of the building, and the city owns the building. One user is the museum, and they have enough parking. They don’t have large groups and the street parking adjacent to the building and in the back is sufficient for their needs. The other user is for various events and the city charges them. There were 43 events in the last year for residents and 2 events for non-residents. The income was $4,500. There are three parking options. 1. Try to expand on street parking. 2. Build a parking lot to the east of the building. There is not a lot of room, there would be 18 spaces at a cost of $20,000 to $25,000. 3. Lease of the Masonic Temple parking lot. The city had a lease for a number of years, but has not renewed it the last couple of years. They had a 3 year agreement, to pay $2,600 in 2015, $2,800 in 2016 and $3,000 in 2017. The Masonic Temple voided the agreement, so they don’t have an agreement now. The Masonic Temple pays $3,000 a year in taxes. Between the events and taxation, the city can cover the parking lot obligation. That is the best approach. It also provides overflow parking for the library. He would recommend they renew the agreement with the Masonic Temple for Belrockton events. The Masonic Temple has been trying to offset the tax bill and they negotiated this agreement. The city will also be taking care of snow plowing.
Council Member Cooper stated he was in full support of the agreement, as the city will make a little money and be ahead a little bit. The continued use of the building brings people to the community.
Council Member Lallo asked about rental costs.
City Manager Brown stated the fee is $100 for residents and $150 for non-residents. They may look at the rates in the future.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None
C. Belrockton Building Maintenance
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring Belrockton Building Maintenance to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Cooper.
City Manager Brown stated the front steps are in dangerous condition. A number of people have fallen. The steps need to be replaced. There is a bid of $11,500. He met with the Museum Board and they would like to split the cost of $5,750 per entity. The Museum Board was concerned about the budget, as they have $2,000 for maintenance. He did research on the grant given by the Ash Foundation. There is $3,500 available for distribution to the Museum Board. Their half is secure. For the city half, a budget amendment would be done after the first of the year. The city has an obligation to replace the entire steps as it is a city building. This is a good compromise and solution. He would recommend they authorize an expenditure of $5,750 to replace the steps. The work will be done next spring or early summer.
Council Member Cooper asked if it would be a complete replacement?
City Manager Brown stated it would be.
Council Member Cooper asked about the length of the work?
DPW Director Thomas stated it would be timed when there was not a large event scheduled. He believes the company could complete it within a week, maybe less, weather permitting.
Council Member Jones stated they should have signage regarding the danger for liability reasons, saying use caution on the steps. It is very generous for the Museum Board to pay for part of the steps.
Mayor Gunderson thanked the Museum Board for their part of this. It is a city building. He appreciates what they have done.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to budget $5,750 to replace the front steps at the Bel, supported by Council Member Lallo.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Brown stated the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be a nice ceremony. The tree will be lit by a student. They drew posters and they will pick a winner. It will be a nice affair and will be one hour long, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be free donuts and cocoa. There will be coffee to buy. The mayor will open the ceremony.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid stated they lost Jeanne Hughes, who passed away in Hawaii while visiting her son. They will bring her back soon, if not already. Her husband was a council member for 30 years. People wrote his name on the ballot, even if he wasn’t running. She leaves four children. She was a nice lady and he wishes the best for the family.
Council Member Lallo asked to be excused from the meeting on January 19, 2016. He thanked Max Gibbs for his service on the Planning Commission. He was very thorough. The Miss Belding queens will be there to help out with the tree lighting. People have stepped forward for the event. The Lions Club will provide hot chocolate. Leppinks will provide cookies. Third Wave will have coffee for sale. The Home for the Holidays event will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. He appreciates all the event sponsors.
Council Member Jones thanked Fleis & VandenBrink for the update on the SAW grant. He thanked Bruce for spearheading the tree lighting program, and thought the committee involved did a good job. He complimented the city crew on picking up the leaves. He thanked everyone for coming tonight. He has known Max and his wife a long time and he will be hard to replace on the Planning Commission. He did a good job for quite a few years. They need one more person, as it is a seven member board. If interested, see Kareen or Bruce for an application.
Council Member Cooper asked about the Vietnam Memorial status.
City Manager Brown stated he took the plans Denny submitted to the city engineer. The engineer said they were not engineering plans but there was enough information for the calculations. He suggested a number of changes, most were minor. The difference between the two monuments was that the WWII monument was a tall structure. He sent Denny an email that it was approved. He thinks they are ready to do it. They want to make sure the hole is in the right location.
Council Member Cooper asked if the approval was for one year?
City Manager Brown stated that it was.
Council Member Cooper thanked Bruce for the work on the memorial and the tree lighting ceremony. He thanked everyone for coming.
Mayor Gunderson stated he was impressed with Max Gibbs when he came on the board. He thought everything through, was very prepared, and handled himself well. The Christmas tree has been discussed for years, and he would commend Bruce for getting it off the ground. The Chamber and DDA are involved. He wished to thank everyone who is involved with Home for the Holidays. He thanked the supporters of the community events.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Cooper.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
