REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, November 3, 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, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Cooper 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 Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, 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
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Good Neighbor Award – Faith Community School – Face Painting at 2015 “Music in the Park”
Mayor Gunderson presented the Good Neighbor Award to Faith Community Christian School representatives Tracy and Markus Rich, Amy and Alyssa Brown and Cherri and Mika Gladding for doing face painting for the children at the 2015 “Music in the Park”.
Guest – Maria Robertson, Metron of Belding
Maria Robertson, Community Relations for Metron of Belding and Greenville, described the services offered throughout Belding. On the first Wednesday of each month, a blood pressure screening is held at Leppinks from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and they give out treats based on the season. On the first Thursday of the month there is a Caregiver Support Group at St. Charles Church in Greenville from 3:30 – 5 p.m. On the last Friday of the month, Coffee with Seniors is held at McDonalds in Belding from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. It will be held on November 20th this month due to the holiday. Any educational series programs are available for presentation. If the community would like them to assist in anything, they would be happy to support that.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 65032 to 65085 in the amount of $104,109.99
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 6824 to 6829 in the amount of $5,584.70
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, October 20, 2015
- Grand Valley Metropolitan Council Amendment to add Nelson Township and Village of Sparta as members
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. Grand Valley Metropolitan Council Amendment to add Nelson Township and Village of Sparta as members
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 39 IN THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF GRAND VALLEY METROPOLITAN COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the members of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (“Metro Council”) have by majority vote approved Amendment No. 39 (Addition of Nelson Township and the Village of Sparta) in the Articles of Incorporation of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council; and
WHEREAS, the amendment has now been submitted for approval by the legislative bodies of the local governmental units that belong to Metro Council; and
WHEREAS, the city council of the City of Belding has considered Amendment No. 39 in the Articles of Incorporation of Metro Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Amendment No. 39 in the Articles of Incorporation of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is hereby approved.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Cooper stated there was not a Recreation Board meeting. The next one is on Monday.
Council Member Scheid stated he was working out of town when they held the Housing Commission meeting.
Council Member Lallo stated the quilt show was a success. Joanne Stahl was the winner. He thanked Leppinks. There is a barn quilt at Natures Needs, Paulsons and Bruce Feuersteins.
Council Member Jones stated the Planning Commission met on October 27, 2015 to review with Janis Johnson from WadeTrim a comparison of the OS-1, B-1 and B-2 zoning districts. They tabled the application from John Sparks. They discussed revisions to the home occupancy section of zoning. They reviewed the marijuana provisions in zoning vs. the general ordinances. It doesn’t necessarily belong in zoning as it is in the general law of the city. They also talked about being a walkable community and holding a training session for the Planning Commission, City Council and ZBA with Janis Johnson doing the presentation. On November 2, there was a lot of good discussion on the Vietnam Memorial, and it was approved with a couple conditions. Most of those have been met, except the engineering drawings. There was a Supreme Court ruling on portable, temporary signs. They will probably need sign revision work because of that. He wanted city council to have copies of that.
Mayor Gunderson stated the library is looking for a director. The bills were paid and they are working on getting a millage in motion with the Friends.
Unfinished Business
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the floor, supported by Council Member Scheid.
City Manager Brown stated they have been diligently working on getting the project to the finish line. Last night the Planning Commission approved it and moved it to council. Council will make a decision. There were three conditions. 1. Submission of an application. He met with Denny and fulfilled that. 2. Sidewalk issue. They suggested that the two memorials be connected by a sidewalk. They wanted to connect the two memorials to the trail. That is dependent on DNR and their granting of it. Regarding engineering drawings, they have seen nothing but a site plan. Those are under preparation by his engineer. The city will be the owner of this monument as it is on city property. The city will be responsible for the project. The city wants to make sure they don’t assume liability for the integrity of the project and engineering. For the WWII Memorial, extensive engineering plans were provided. Those were reviewed by the city engineer in Grand Rapids. There was a wind resistant issue and that was corrected. The city has not seen the engineering drawings. He is hesitant to move ahead without those plans. Denny’s goal was to have something in the ground by Veteran’s Day. He doesn’t know if council wants to proceed without the advice from the city consultant. Or it could wait until spring. The issue of the engineering drawings is a serious one and they should make sure they feel comfortable with it.
Gary Knowlton stated the process with the memorial has been interesting because of the lack of information they had to work with. They had to do a conditional approval. At the October meeting, they advised Mr. Craycraft of the information needed but he did not have it last night. Conditions have to be met according to a time schedule. When conditional approval was given, the applicant has one year to complete the project or apply for an extension. It has been a challenge. He would remind the audience and council there is a process they use for proper review of projects and the outline of that is in the foyer at city hall. It lists the process and has a summary. The exact process is in Chapter 16. Developers should be familiar with it. Chapter 19 deals with enforcement of the provisions in Chapter 16. He would like to work with manager Brown to make the process more user friendly, with a summary of the steps. He talked to Mr. Brown about having an open house, where the Planning Commission can set down with the applicants and people from the community. They may have questions. They could answer the questions or find the answers. Education is needed so they are informed of what the law is. People have to know what the laws are. They can do a better job of informing people of zoning and planning. One condition for the memorial was voted down at the Planning Commission. There was a condition of a performance guarantee for the sidewalk and paving connections. That was turned down. The city owns the property and will maintain the property, and will have public liability. The city will sweep and clean snow. Mr. Craycraft will probably cooperate with some of that. It was more difficult to consider approval without all the information needed. If Mr. Craycraft meets the conditions, he can proceed. Mr. Brown waived 6-7 of the requirements.
Mr. Craycraft thanked them and said he wanted to thank members of the committee for the backing and trying to move it forward. There was a lot of information he was unaware of, and it was a learning experience for him. He has been building this park for four years without building stipulations. He has a lot of dedication to this community. He has lived here 70 years. Most of the guys who raised him and gave him jobs fought for what the town stands for. He has raised his kids and grandkids. There are two Veteran’s organizations, the American Legion and VFW. This is a tribute to them and the community. He served four years in the Air Force and had two tours in Vietnam. He lost nine brothers in Vietnam. He flew and was shot down twice. They can see where is heart is at. If they had more communication, they wouldn’t be in this situation. For the other monuments, the stipulations were not in play or he was not aware of them. He has thousands of hours in this park. He has thousands of miles working on the Vietnam Monument. He is always looking for financial supporters for this wall. It will cost $160,000 to get it completed properly. He thanks the guys that were behind them. He hopes the right thing will happen.
Council Member Scheid stated he wants to see it completed. Now that Denny knows, he will get things done and move on with this.
Council Member Lallo asked if he knew engineering plans had to be done for the WWII monument?
Mr. Craycraft stated the plans were on the site plan. It had to withstand 160 mph winds. For the Vietnam wall, the cement wall will be in the ground. He tried to contact his engineer again today. He may have them done already.
Council Member Lallo stated separate engineering plans had to be in place for this.
Mr. Craycraft stated WWI and Korea were just a monument. Those didn’t have drawings, as they were just set in place.
Council Member Lallo asked how much digging was done for WWII?
Mr. Craycraft said the same as this one. This one slopes down, so there will not be the same stress on this wall. They have to put re-rod in the wall.
Council Member Lallo stated they want this project to move forward. It is close to his heart. His father-in-law was here for the Korean dedication. It brought a tear to his eyes. His fiancee’s family was here to bury their mother. They drove here to see the brick for Jodi’s dad. There was not a dry eye. They do owe everything to the men and women who fought and died for them. If they allow it to go through without proper paperwork and plans, they are essentially breaking the law. That would send a message. Would they set a precedent if they let this go today? He is torn. The city will be responsible as it is on city property. The city will have the liability. There was no mention of maintenance, on who will be responsible for the upkeep.
Mr. Craycraft stated it was already clarified.
Mayor Gunderson stated the VFW and Legion stated verbally that they would keep it maintained.
Mr. Craycraft stated Meg made the same comment but if you look back in the minutes, the city will be responsible. It said there will be Veteran’s assisting with that. That was in the last year or a year and one-half.
Council Member Lallo stated he asked for people to shovel and he and Ron did it for the first winter and then got a little help. If the city was responsible for it, why was he asking for their help?
Mr. Craycraft stated people in wheelchairs could not get up to the monument.
Council Member Lallo stated if that is the case, they must get something established. DPW personnel are struggling to keep up. If the city is responsible, they will need more staff.
City Manager Brown stated if the city owns it, they are responsible for maintaining it. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the city.
Council Member Lallo stated the project will cost $160,000, and asked how much he had?
Mr. Craycraft stated they have $14,000 in the bank.
Council Member Lallo asked if he can’t finish the project, would the city be responsible for the project?
Mr. Craycraft stated that the city has not spent one penny so far and they underestimate his fundraising ability.
Council Member Lallo stated the skatepark did not proceed until the money was available.
Mr. Craycraft stated tomorrow morning he will have the hole filled. It will not be opened until every last penny is raised.
Council Member Lallo stated if they let every business proceed without funding, how would that be? The city will be the owners of the property.
Council Member Jones stated the Planning Commission did the approval with conditions. One condition has been met with the applicant. The sidewalk is part of the project, and that is strictly up to the DNR. The second condition was to have the engineering drawings done. Could council approve on the condition that the engineering drawings are provided and Bruce make a determination if the city engineer has to review it or not?
City Manager Brown asked if they don’t have engineering drawings, would they allow any level of construction to happen? The Planning Commission left with the understanding that some level of construction could be accomplished if there was a timing issue. That was the hole with footings If rebar is part of the footing process, they would need engineering drawings in hand before proceeding. All they have is a note on the plan that construction would not start until engineering was in and approved. Could it wait until spring?
Mr. Craycraft stated that he doesn’t want the hole setting there all winter.
City Manager Brown stated the hole would have to be filled. If the engineering plans were ready, they could turn it around. If it was ready, they could turn it around with the warm weather.
Mr. Knowlton stated for clarification, they completed the zoning permit application, however a building permit will be required for construction. Mr. Craycraft will pull a building permit. Information needs to be provided with the permit. There has to be two complete sets of construction plans to scale, elevations, and it would have to turned in before the building permit is submitted. It is reviewed by the city engineers, and it would have to be checked off by Ernie and fire. A copy of the permit is posted on the job site to start. So, not only is the zoning permit required, but the building permit would be assigned and investigated by city staff and plans submitted.
Council Member Cooper asked if they pass it tonight, could he get started?
City Manager Brown said yes.
Mayor Gunderson asked with the whole ownership of the city, was that always the intent?
Mr. Craycraft said yes.
Mayor Gunderson asked if he moved forward to set the footings, without the weight load?
Mr. Craycraft stated the architect told what had to be done.
Mayor Gunderson stated the city engineer would have to sign off on, with his engineers. The city taxpayers would be responsible for it.
Mr. Craycraft stated he was doing it for the people in the community and veterans. In getting the property, it was with the understanding that it was city property.
Mayor Gunderson stated they were told something entirely different.
Mr. Craycraft stated he was ready to throw his hands in the air. It was in respect for the veterans and communities. He asked where were all the questions when he started the project?
Mayor Gunderson stated if he asked council to approve with no engineering plans and is putting it on the taxbearers of the city to maintain, he came to him on Memorial Day and told him about this. He showed him what property was what. Since Memorial Day he has not come up with the information needed. The city has paid for their wages on what they have invested with this. The city has paid and it will come back on the council and city. He asked if the setbacks had been checked out?
City Manager Brown stated it had passed.
Mayor Gunderson asked if the light fixtures were the responsibility of the city?
Mr. Craycraft stated he took care of the flags and light fixtures.
Mayor Gunderson asked if it is not done, he doesn’t want the burden of cost back on the city. With the time it has taken to do this, why was it not presented to the city in this time frame? They still don’t have the engineering plan. What will it cost the city for insurance?
Kareen will contact the insurance company.
Council Member Cooper thanked Mr. Craycraft for all the work.
Council Member Lallo stated Gary has been doing this a couple decades. He asked if he had seen anything like this go through without the proper paperwork?
Mr. Knowlton stated they had seen site plans sketched on napkins. The applicant was told to refer to the zoning ordinance and was told of due process for the project. It was rectified and brought back to them. He doesn’t know if they have ever given approval with as little information as they had. In this case, the owner, city and developer would do all this work prior to, and would have understandings before bringing it to the Planning Commission. There are still a lot of things up in the air. Normally there is extensive communication between the developer and owner. They felt a little urgency and wanted to be as cooperative as possible to move it to council for a final decision. The city is the owner for final approval. The city has the law to follow, with site plan approval, with building permits, with plans approved prior to construction. His personal opinion is that everything possible should be done by Craycraft and the city to get construction drawings so construction can begin, so he could start as soon as possible. The review would not take long. Due process should be followed.
Council Member Lallo stated with only $14,000, not much will be built and he doesn’t understand the urgency right now. How much can be moved forward with $14,000? Can they table it for the necessary paperwork?
Council Member Lallo made a motion to table until conditions are met.
Council Member Jones stated they can’t approve until they have engineering drawings. The option would be to make it conditional, until they receive the engineering drawings and it is approved by Bruce or the engineers. Unless they have those, he could not support the motion. The drawings must be completed before construction starts. If there were conditions, he could support it.
Mayor Gunderson stated when he handed out the original layout of the project, it does not show the Vietnam Wall as presented. It was a monument.
Mr. Craycraft stated the others have to be revamped due to the easement of the DNR.
Mayor Gunderson stated Denny made mention that he said it would never have to come to the Planning Commission?
Mr. Craycraft stated he made a comment that Ron had mentioned in the paper it had to go into the Planning Commission meeting. On July 7, he said that at a council meeting. Mr. Craycraft said he was never told by Ron. The city council runs the city and he had no knowledge about the hoops with the Planning Commission. No one told him he had to go in front of the Planning Commission.
Mayor Gunderson asked why would he think he would not have to do it again?
Mr. Craycraft stated Ron said it had to go in front of the Planning Commission in September, not in July.
Mayor Gunderson stated this has to do with protecting the residents of the town, not about not having the wall. The city has cut back in services, and now they will be taking care of a memorial and will insure it. He cannot support this at this time. Proper process and procedures have to be followed. Inspections will be needed.
Council Member Cooper made a motion to go ahead and support and proceed with the Vietnam Memorial as presented, supported by Council Member Scheid.
Council Member Jones asked if there were any conditions?
Council Member Cooper stated with specific conditions to have the engineer drawings.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid and Jones
Nays: Council Members Lallo and Gunderson
New Business
- MERS Uniform 457 Supplemental Retirement Program Resolution – Presentation by MERS representative Michael Tackett
The City Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Cooper.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE MERS 457 SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM
This resolution, together with the MERS 457 Supplemental Retirement Program and Trust Master Plan Document and the MERS 457 Supplemental Retirement Program Participation Agreement and any Addendum thereto, constitute the entire MERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Document.
WHEREAS, the Municipal Employees Retirement Act of 1984, Section 36(2)(a), MCL 38.1536(2)(a) (MERS Plan Document (Section 36(2)(a)) authorizes the Municipal Employees’ Retirement Board (the “Board”) to “establish additional programs including but not limited to defined benefit, defined contribution, ancillary benefits, health and welfare benefits, and other postemployment benefit programs,” and on November 8, 2011, the Municipal Employees’ Retirement Board adopted the MERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
WHEREAS, this Uniform Resolution has been approved by the Board under the authority of Section 36(2)(a), and the Board has authorized the MERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, which shall not be implemented unless in strict compliance with the terms and conditions of this Resolution.
WHEREAS, the Participating Employer, a participating “municipality” (as defined in Section 2b(2) in the Municipal Employees Retirement Act of 1984; MCL 38.1502b(2); Plan Document Section 2b(4)) or participating “court” (circuit, district or probate court as defined in Section 2a(4) – (6) of the Act, MCL 38.1502a(4) – (6); Plan Document Section 2a(4) – (6)) within the State of Michigan has determined that in the interest of attracting and retaining qualified employees, it wishes to offer a deferred compensation plan;
WHEREAS, the Participating Employer has also determined that it wishes to encourage employees’ saving for retirement by offering salary reduction contributions:
WHEREAS, the Participating Employer has reviewed the MERS 457 Supplemental Retirement Program (“Plan”);
WHEREAS, the Participating Employer wishes to participate in the Plan to provide certain benefits to its employees, reduce overall administrative costs, and afford attractive investment opportunities;
WHEREAS, the Participating Employer is an Employer as defined in the Plan;
WHEREAS, concurrent with this Resolution, and as a continuing obligation, this Governing Body has completed and approved, and submitted to MERS and the Board documents necessary for adoption and implementation of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body for and on behalf of the Participating Employer is authorized by law to adopt this Resolution approving the Participation Agreement on behalf of the Participating Employer. In the event any alteration of the terms or conditions stated in this Resolution is made or occurs, it is expressly recognized that MERS and the Retirement Board, as sole trustee and fiduciary of the Plan and its trust reserves, and whose authority is nondelegable, shall have no obligation or duty to continue to administer (or to have administered) the MERS 457 Supplemental Retirement Program for the Participating Employer.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Board adopts the MERS 457 Supplemental Retirement Program as provided below.
- The Participating Employer adopts the Plan for its Employees.
- The Participating Employer hereby adopts the terms of the Participation
Agreement, which is attached hereto and made a part of this Resolution. The Participation Agreement sets forth the Employees to be covered by the Plan, the benefits to be provided by the Participating Employer under the Plan, and any conditions imposed by the Participating Employer with respect to, but not inconsistent with, the Plan. The Participating Employer reserves the right to amend its elections under the Participation Agreement, so long as the amendment is not inconsistent with the Plan or the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable law and is approved by the Board.
- The Participating Employer shall abide by the terms of the Plan, including
amendments to the Plan made by the Board, all investment, administrative, and other service agreements of the Plan and the Trust, and all applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable law.
- The Participating Employer acknowledges that the Board is only responsible for
the Plan and any other plans of the Employer administered by MERS and that the Board has no responsibility for other employee benefit plans maintained by the Employer that are not part of MERS.
- The Participating Employer accepts the administrative services to be provided by
MERS and any services provided by a Service Manager as delegated by the Board. The Participating Employer acknowledges that fees will be imposed with respect to the services provided and that such fees may be deducted from the Participants’ accounts.
VI. The Participating Employer acknowledges that the Plan contains provisions for
involuntary Plan Termination.
VII. The Participating Employer acknowledges that all assets held in connection with
the Plan, including all contribution to the Plan, all property and right acquired or purchased with such amounts and all income attributable to such amounts, property or rights shall be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of Participants and their Beneficiaries under the Plan. No part of the assets and income of the Plan shall be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of Participants and their Beneficiaries and for defraying reasonable expenses of the Plan. All amounts of compensation deferred pursuant to the Plan, all property and rights acquired or purchased with such amounts and all income attributable to such amounts, property or rights held as part of the Plan, shall be transferred to the Board to be held, managed, invested and distributed as part of the Trust Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. All contributions to the Plan must be transferred by the Participating Employer to the Trust Fund. All benefits under the Plan shall be distributed solely form the Trust Fund pursuant to the Plan.
VIII. This Resolution and Participation Agreement shall be submitted to the Board for
its approval. The Board shall determine whether the Resolution complies with the Plan, and, if it does, shall provide appropriate forms to the Participating Employer to implement participation in the Plan. The Board may refuse to approve a Participation Agreement by an Employer that does not possess State statutory authority to participate in the Plan. The Governing Body hereby acknowledges that it is responsible to assure that this Resolution and the Participation Agreement are adopted and executed in accordance with the requirements of applicable law.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: This Resolution shall have no legal effect under the Plan until a certified copy of this adopting Resolution is filed with MERS, and MERS determines that all necessary requirements under the 457 Supplemental Retirement Program Plan and Trust, the Participation Agreement, and this Resolution have been met. All dates for implements of the Plan shall be determined by MERS from the date of filing with MERS of this Resolution in proper form and content. Upon MERS determination that all necessary documents have been submitted to MERS, MERS shall record its formal approval upon this Resolution, and return a copy to the Employer.
In the event an amendatory Resolution or other action by the municipality is required, such Resolution or action shall be deemed effective as of the date of the initial Resolution or action where concurred by this Governing Body and MERS (and a third-party administrator, if applicable and necessary). The terms and conditions of this Resolution supersede and stand in place of any prior resolution, and its terms are controlling.
Michael Tackett, MERS representative, stated they wish to replace an existing program for employees at the City of Belding. He had lots of conversations with Becky regarding the current program, regarding performance and fees. There is a significant difference. The booklet gives a description of the program. It can supplement the program administered by MERS. They can contribute $18,000 per year. There is no cost to the employer. All fees are paid by the participant. They use their size to reduce costs to employees. A handout made a comparison, and illustrated the differences in fees. MERS can offer reduced fees and better performance. When they retire, they want to know how much money is available. The second reason is if they do the retirement program and supplemental program, they can give them information on when they would be ready to retire. It is a good consolidation of information for readiness to retire. Municipalities have to adopt this on their own. They have been converting a lot of groups to this program in the last four years. He met with staff twice with comparisons and information. MERS assumes the fiduciary responsibilities, with selection of investments. There is a heavy emphasis on managed funds, and mutual funds to choose from. In the first option MERS can do it for investors. The second option gives managed funds and develops portfolios with different amounts of risk. The third option is for employees to pick whatever they wish. There is a self-directed brokerage window. They can make changes when they wish. The default would be to the first category to leave the decisions to the experts. The plan has been available for the last four years. MERS has had plans like this for 15 years. It is an entirely voluntary program. It is the most flexible of a supplemental retirement program. They closely monitor investment choices. They have also been discussing the possibility of replacing the health and defined contribution programs.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Lallo, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Jeff Hunter, Zahm Rd, stated there was a lot of talk about the town having laws and ordinances for city property. He asked Council Member Lallo about all the procedures the city went through for the sign on private property.
Mayor Gunderson stated Jeff should talk to the city manager.
Mr. Hunter stated Independent Bank could put up a canopy for their construction project. Did that not violate the set-backs on the property lines? With the WESCO project, there were more than a couple violations that were passed because they were without a zoning board at that time. Why preach about laws and ordinances? They already set precedents. How can the city put a sign on city property for private businesses?
City Manager Comments
City Manager Brown had no comments.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid had no comments.
Council Member Lallo stated the VFW was holding the Veteran’s Day dinner on November 11, 2015. He thanked Ernie and staff for picking up the brush and leaves. WESCO opened and they have pictures of the library, museum and veteran’s memorial. He thanked Gregg Moore and staff for all the work on Halloween. They do something nice for the kids and parents. There were donations from Leppinks, Save-A-Lot, McDonalds, and their wives do the baking. He thanked their staff. He wished to congratulate Betty Jenkins at the library for 40 years of service.
Council Member Jones thanked the city for the party for the kids for Halloween. He thanked Gary, as he wants to get things done and finished for the community. He makes sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, and keeps it on the straight and narrow. He thanked the veterans who are here and those who have passed. Their service is why council can make decisions. Mistakes have been made. Not everyone knows all the rules. If a builder is hired for a building, they have architects familiar with what is required with the drawings. When Mr. Craycraft comes in, he is not familiar with all rules and regulations. They should make it a little more user friendly. When someone comes with a project, they do need to take their hand and walk through what has to be done and the timeframes. He may have been one who asked about it being on city property. If any of them decides it would be nice to have a monument on city property, the city is responsible for it. Regarding the Lion’s Club building, the city does not expect them to sweep and scrub it down. There is a tree at Demorest Field for Devon, and he asked if they expected them to trim the tree and rake the leaves? If they have a written agreement on maintaining a certain project, and down the road the group disbands or it gets old, it still falls back on the city. City manager and council has to be made aware that someone wants to do a project, then understand they will be the one responsible for the maintenance of the project sometime in the future, if not now. If the city lets people do a project on city property, ultimately the city is responsible for it. The city had to buy liability insurance for the Electrolux property.
Council Member Cooper asked the city manager if he had the water policy?
City Manager Brown stated the water policy was adopted at the last meeting. He brought up one of the paragraphs. He stated he needed to talk with Dennis.
Council Member Cooper asked where the city responsibility stopped?
City Manager Brown stated to the shut off valve.
Council Member Cooper stated they need clarification on that.
Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone for coming. He was also happy about Betty’s party and he thanked all veterans.
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 8:41 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
