REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
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, June 7, 2016.
Mayor Gunderson delivered the invocation.
The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Clerk took the roll call:
Members Present: Council Members Mike Scheid, Tom Jones, Douglas Feehan 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 Feehan.
Mayor Gunderson stated he would like to add to the Business agenda Item F for the Leppinks Belding Community Fund Agreement and Item G for the resignation of Dennis Cooper.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Joe Feuerstein, 901 W. State, stated with the approval of the water and sewer rate, the sewer rate should be increased to Pitsch – it should be 3%. What is it by cubic feet? Regarding the four choices from Item E - nothing is enforced anyway. It was passed by the Planning Commission. Why the choices, leave it the way it is.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 66168 to 66247 in the amount of $338,535.94 and Checks 66249 to 66338 in the amount of $345,234.31
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 6918 to 6922 in the amount of $22,931.76
- Approve Minutes: Special meeting, May 12, 2016
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, May 17, 2016
- Museum Board Appointment – Phyllis Jenkins
- Museum Board Appointment – Barb Fagerlin
- Housing Commission Appointment – Jeffrey Swanson
- Planning Commission Appointment – Samuel Mason
- Declare surplus property – 1985 GMC dumptruck
Mayor Gunderson asked to move Item G – Planning Commission appointment of Samuel Mason to Item H under New Business.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the consent agenda, as amended, supported by Council Member Jones.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Feehan, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
D. Museum Board Appointment – Phyllis Jenkins
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING PHYLLIS JENKINS TO THE MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD.
WHEREAS, the term of office for Phyllis Jenkins on the Museum Advisory Board has expired;
and
WHEREAS, Phyllis Jenkins has indicated that she is interested in serving another term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Museum Advisory Board members have recommended the appointment of Phyllis Jenkins to the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Phyllis Jenkins be appointed to the Museum Advisory Board with a term to expire on June 7, 2019.
E. Museum Board Appointment – Barb Fagerlin
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
APPOINTING BARB FAGERLIN TO THE MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD.
WHEREAS, the term of office for Barb Fagerlin on the Museum Advisory Board has expired;
and
WHEREAS, Barb Fagerlin has indicated that she is interested in serving another term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Museum Advisory Board members have recommended the appointment of Barb Fagerlin to the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Barb Fagerlin be appointed to the Museum Advisory Board with a term to expire on 6/7/19.
F. Housing Commission Appointment – Jeffrey Swanson
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JEFFREY SWANSON TO THE BELDING HOUSING COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the term of office of Jeffrey Swanson on the Belding Housing Commission will expire on June 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Swanson has indicated his willingness to serve another term on the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Jeffrey Swanson be appointed to the Belding Housing Commission with a term of office to expire on June 30, 2021.
H. Declare surplus property – 1985 GMC dumptruck
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN DECLARING CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AS SURPLUS PROPERTY.
WHEREAS, Section 2.392 of Chapter 2 of the Code of the City of Belding states that City Council may declare city-owned property that is no longer needed as surplus; and,
WHEREAS, the surplus property may be sold through an online bid process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that the City-owned property listed below be declared as surplus and sold through an online bid process:
1985 GMC Tandem truck with dump box VIN: 1GDM7D1G1FV508923
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid stated at the last meeting there was a discussion on budget items and they will redo their budget. They may have to change some things. NAHRO headquarters will be there to do an inspection, which is done every year. Sharon is trying to get the monies changed a bit regarding the unit sizes. They are trying to change it to a percentage on some units so they don’t lose so much money.
Council Member Jones stated the Planning Commission met on May 24 and had a public hearing on a proposed special land use for a car lot by BC Pizza. They are doing work at the site. There was a report from the sidewalk committee. They discussed an application from Sam Mason for the Planning Commission. They made a recommendation to reduce the number of Planning Commission members from seven to five as there have been issues finding people to serve. The sidewalk committee has recommended a moratorium on sidewalk installation. The moratorium does not exempt installation, it is a two year hold. They are under fire because of the blight enforcement. Bruce will follow through with the sidewalk issues. It will be a nicer, family friendly Belding. Regarding pathways, the Rec Board will review the Master Plan to see if the uncompleted pathways should be on the Master Plan, or an expansion of the Master Plan. Regarding the sidewalk grants, they tried to do an estimate that a property owner may spend $800 for one face of property. The city wants to make it easier and offer up to $400 per property owner, per year for sidewalk installation. Rather than force it to the ZBA for a sidewalk exemption, which would be forever, city council would let the Planning Commission offer a temporary relief from it. They are trying to do enforcement of sidewalk, as well as blight.
Council Member Feehan stated the Labor Day Committee met and are on schedule. They are applying for the fireworks permit. The museum had deep cleaning of the hardwood floor done. The new front steps are completed and they are waiting for the handrail. They are working on window repairs. They should look at the back driveway area, as it is a mess. There is a hole near the rear steps. They are getting set for summer hours. The girls are doing a lot of hard work over there.
Mayor Gunderson stated in the next couple of weeks, the library is hosting the following events:
June 13 – Pre-reader summer program at 6 p.m.
June 14 – Pre-reader program at 10 a.m.
June 15 – Drop in craft day from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
June 17 – Teen craft at 3 p.m. and outdoor movie night at dusk on the wall in the back
June 20 – Prereader program at 6 p.m.
They are offering Ancestry.com
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Adoption of FY 2016/17 Budget
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 Jones.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 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 2016/17 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 17, 2016, 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, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017.
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 $ 9,849
City Manager 125,041
Finance & Administrative Services 218,659
City Clerk 109,306
Central Municipal Activities 137,585
Cemetery 39,597
Police Department 807,173
Fire Department 506,021
Park Maintenance 60,567
Interfund Transfers 197,325
Belrockton Community Center 33,902
Community Promotions 7,150
Planning & Community Development 6,814
Contingency 33,885
TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS 2,292,874
MAJOR STREET FUND 295,886
LOCAL STREET FUND 233,044
PARK ELECTROLUX PROPERTY 1,100
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 6,271
LIBRARY 385,468
MUSEUM FUND 16,650
SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND 107,572
BUILDING AUTHORITY DEBT FUND 81,325
CIP BOND PAYMENT FUND 80,550
LIBRARY DEBT FUND 117,065
LIBRARY BOND REDEMPTION 20,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 736,060
DIAL-A-RIDE 331,606
SEWER FUND 2,047,112
WATER FUND 778,512
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND 221,000
BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND 110,000
MOTOR POOL FUND 521,866
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND 419,080
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 8,803,041
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
| | AMOUNT | AMOUNT TO BE RAISED |
| | APPROPRIATED | BY MILL LEVY TAXATION |
| | | |
| Capital Improvements | $ 736,060 | $ 162,000 |
| General Purpose | $ 2,292,874 | $1,337,000 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2016-17, 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.
City Manager Brown stated the city would add a park ranger to deal with social behavior. The wastewater treatment plant operations will be privatized, as the operator is retiring. That will be worked on by a consultant. A code enforcement officer has been added. A recreation coordinator will be hired to coordinate recreation. A police car and snow removal machine will be purchased. The consultant to the Planning Commission will be eliminated, at a savings of around $15,000 to $20,000. No services are being cut back.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
B. Approval of permit fee increase
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 Feehan.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AMENDING THE 2012 COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan may from time to time review and revise the fees in the Comprehensive Fee Schedule; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the following fees shall be charged in the Comprehensive Fee Schedule as outlined below:
Community Center Rental – Resident $200.00
Community Center Rental – Non Resident $250.00
Grass Mowing $100.00
Snow Removal $100.00
Notary Fees $ 10.00
Parking Violations – Section A $ 20.00
Parking Violations – Section B $ 30.00
Sidewalk Permit $ 20.00
Street Opening Permit $ 20.00
Curb Cut Permit $ 20.00
Tax Abatement Fees
Project Cost from $20,000 to $50,000 $200.00
Project Cost from $50,000 to $100,000 $300.00
Project Cost from $100,000 to $150,000 $400.00
Project Cost from $150,000 and above $500.00
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
C. Approval of water/sewer rate increase
The City Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Feehan moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Scheid.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ESTABLISHING RATES TO BE CHARGED FOR WATER AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SERVICE IN THE CITY OF BELDING.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 86-172 of Chapter 86 of the City Code of the City of Belding, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan may from time to time review, modify, and revise the rates to be charged for water and sewage disposal service in the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, City Staff has completed a water and sewer rate analysis and made recommendations to the Belding City Council for revisions in current rates to be charged for water and sewer disposal services provided by the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan has reviewed the current rates to be charged for water and sewer disposal service in the City of Belding and desires to establish a new rate schedule.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the following rates shall be charged for water and sewage disposal service in the City of Belding for Fiscal Years 2016/17 – 2018/19 as outlined below, and that said rates shall become effective with the October 2016 billing and the annual adjustments shall take effect on the July billings of each subsequent year.
| | | WATER | | | | | ||
| | | | | | | Effective | ||
| Water Fees | | | | | Date | |||
| FY 16/17 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | ||
| | First 1,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.07 | per 100 Cubic feet | 9/30/16 billing | |||
| | Next 19,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.55 | per 100 Cubic feet | 9/30/16 billing | |||
| | Next 80,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.86 | per 100 Cubic feet | 9/30/16 billing | |||
| | Over 100,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.76 | per 100 Cubic feet | 9/30/16 billing | |||
| FY 17/18 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | ||
| | First 1,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.10 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/17 billing | |||
| | Next 19,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.59 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/17 billing | |||
| | Next 80,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.88 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/17 billing | |||
| | Over 100,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.78 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/17 billing | |||
| FY 18/19 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | ||
| | First 1,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.13 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/18 billing | |||
| | Next 19,000 Cubic Feet | | 1.63 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/18 billing | |||
| | Next 80,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.90 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/18 billing | |||
| | Over 100,000 Cubic Feet | | 0.80 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/18 billing | |||
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| Readiness to Serve Charges | | | | |||||
| | | | | | | | ||
| | | | FY 16/17 | FY 17/18 | FY 18/19 | | ||
| | 5/8 " | | 22.04 | 22.71 | 23.40 | | ||
| | 1" | | 30.79 | 31.72 | 32.68 | | ||
| | 1 1/4" | | 35.22 | 36.28 | 37.37 | | ||
| | 1 1/2" | | 39.65 | 40.84 | 42.07 | | ||
| | 2" | | 63.96 | 65.88 | 67.86 | | ||
| | 3" | | 242.46 | 249.74 | 257.24 | | ||
| | 4" | | 308.38 | 317.64 | 327.17 | | ||
| | 6" | | 462.57 | 476.45 | 490.75 | | ||
| | 8" | | 638.70 | 657.87 | 677.61 | | ||
| | 10" | | 826.06 | 850.85 | 876.38 | | ||
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| | Additional apartments, trailers or commercial units on a master meter shall pay a quarterly readiness to serve charge for the master meter plus 0.75 times the 3/4" x 5/8" quarterly meter charge per each additional unit | |||||||
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| | | 0.75 | | | | | ||
| | FY 16/17 | 16.53 | | | | | ||
| | FY 17/18 | 17.02 | | | | | ||
| | FY 18/19 | 17.53 | | | | | ||
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| | | SEWER | | | | | |||
| | | | | | | | |||
| Sewer Fees | | | | | | ||||
| FY 16/17 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | |||
| | Commodity Charge: Each 100 Cubic Feet | | 3.00 | per 100 Cubic feet | 9/30/16 billing | ||||
| FY 17/18 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | |||
| | Commodity Charge: Each 100 Cubic Feet | | 3.09 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/17 billing | ||||
| FY 18/19 | Commodity Charges | | | | | | |||
| | Commodity Charge: Each 100 Cubic Feet | | 3.19 | per 100 Cubic feet | 6/30/18 billing | ||||
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| Readiness to Serve Charges | | | | | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |||
| | | | FY16/17 | FY 17/18 | FY 18/19 | | |||
| | 5/8 " | | 38.83 | 40.00 | 41.20 | | |||
| | 1" | | 54.28 | 55.91 | 57.59 | | |||
| | 1 1/4" | | 62.10 | 63.97 | 65.89 | | |||
| | 1 1/2" | | 69.83 | 71.93 | 74.09 | | |||
| | 2" | | 112.57 | 115.95 | 119.43 | | |||
| | 3" | | 426.72 | 439.53 | 452.72 | | |||
| | 4" | | 543.11 | 559.41 | 576.20 | | |||
| | 6" | | 814.62 | 839.06 | 864.24 | | |||
| | 8" | | 1,124.96 | 1,158.71 | 1,193.48 | | |||
| | 10" | | 1,454.66 | 1,498.30 | 1,543.25 | | |||
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| | Additional apartments, trailers or commercial units on a master meter shall pay a quarterly readiness to serve charge for the master meter plus 0.75 times the 3/4" x 5/8" quarterly meter charge per each additional unit. | | | | | | |||
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| | | 0.75 | | | | | |||
| | FY 16/17 | 29.14 | | | | | |||
| | FY 17/18 | 30.01 | | | | | |||
| | FY 18/19 | 30.91 | | | | | |||
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED pursuant to Section 86-27 and Section 86-186 of Chapter 86 of the City Code of the City of Belding the following fees concerning the water and sewer distribution system shall be effective for all new taps. These tap on fees also include fire suppression taps.
Tap on fees for new connections based on the following table:
| Tap-On Fees – Water & Sewer | ||
| | | |
| Meter Size | Existing | Proposed |
| | Fees | Tap-On Fees |
| | | |
| 5/8"x 3/4" | $ 700 | $ 700 |
| 1" | $ 700 | $ 700 |
| 1 1/2" | $ 1,500 | $ 1,500 |
| 2" | $ 2,000 | $ 2,000 |
| 3" | $ 3,000 | $ 3,000 |
| 4" | $ 4,000 | $ 4,000 |
| 6" | $ 6,000 | $ 6,000 |
| 8" | $ 8,000 | $ 8,000 |
| 10" | $ 10,000 | $ 10,000 |
Unmetered users fee: 125% times the fee charged the meter user of 2,600 cubic feet per quarter.
(Example: Sewer - $3.00 x 125% = $3.75
2,600 x $3.75 = $97.50 per quarter
Water - $1.07 x 125% = $1.34 per ccf for first 1,000 ccf = $13.40
$1.55 x 125% = $1.94 per ccf for next 1,600 ccf = $31.04
$13.40 + $31.04 = $44.44 per quarter
Outside city limits user’s fee: 150% times the fee for metered usage per quarter.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to Section 86-201 of Chapter 86 of the City Code of the City of Belding that the following fees shall be effective for all billings:
Water Shut off and Turn On Fees:
User Requested Turn On/Off $15.00 each
(Mon-Fri. 8:00 am. – 4:30 pm.)
User Requested Turn On/Off: $75.00 each
(Holidays, Weekends, and after 4:30 pm. Mon – Fri.)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to Section 86-246 of Chapter 86 of the City Code of the City of Belding that the following fees shall be effective for all billings after July 31, 2009:
BOD (in excess of 300 mg/l) $0.31 per excess pound
Total Suspended Solids (in excess of 300 mg/l) $0.31 per excess pound
Ammonia - Nitrogen (in excess of 20 mg/l) $0.31 per excess pound
Total Phosphorus (in excess of 10 mg/l) $2.83 per excess pound
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to Section 86-246 of Chapter 86 of the City Code of the City of Belding that the following fees shall be effective:
Trucked in leachate from Pitsch Companies $0.02 per gallon
Council Member Scheid stated the resolution shows a 3% increase for each of three years. It was just to be a one-time raise. He made a motion to table the resolution until it is changed, supported by Council Member Feehan.
City Manager Brown stated the raise was to be for one year.
Council Member Jones made a motion to amend the resolution for a 3% increase for FY 16/17 only and have it readdressed next year, supported by Council Member Gunderson.
The question on the motion to table the resolution until it is changed was called and the result of the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid and Feehan
Nays: Council Members Jones and Gunderson
The motion to table died on the table.
The question on the motion to amend the resolution for a 3% increase for FY 16/17 only and have it readdressed next year was called, and the result of the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
D. Consideration of reducing the number of Planning Commissioners from seven to five members
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring the issue to the table, supported by Council Member Feehan.
City Manager Brown stated the Planning Commission made a recommendation to reduce the Planning Commission from seven members to five members. The Planning Commission talked about the difficulty of getting members.
Council Member Jones stated some thought five was not a broad enough perspective from the community, but if more applications for members come in they could take it back to seven. He has made announcements at council, the Planning Commission and other places asking for applications to the Planning Commission.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to change the Planning Commission from a seven member to five member board, supported by Council Member Feehan.
The question on the motion to table was called and the result of the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
E. Consideration of four recommendations from the Planning Commission Subcommittee on Sidewalks
Council Member Scheid made a motion to issue to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Jones.
City Manager Brown stated there was a three person committee from the Planning Commission to look at the sidewalk issue, consisting of Tom Jones, Gary Knowlton and John LaClear. Ron Gunderson joined as an interested party. There were four meetings with brisk discussion. The consensus of the committee was to bring four recommendations for consideration by city council.
1. There would be a two-year moratorium on the enforcement of the sidewalk ordinance. That would give the Planning Commission the time to create a rational sidewalk implementation program. After the two years, those property owners would be required to put in the sidewalks within one year.
2. The Pathway Master Plan was developed by the Recreation Advisory Board in 2002. It was included in the Planning Commission master plan for the city in 2010. The routes of the Planning Commission were different from the Recreation Advisory Board routes. They would like to bring them together with a revised and updated pathway plan for the city. It would qualify for DNR grants.
3. Some had a problem with the cost of putting sidewalks in, so they discussed sidewalk grants. The city council would put $10,000 in the annual budget for residential property owners to pay for half of the sidewalk installation with a cap of $400. There would be one grant per year to each property. It would just be for sidewalk installation only.
4. The city council would have an ordinance to authorize the Planning Commission to grant relief from the sidewalk ordinance in the following instances:
- It is not a part of the “Walkable Community” system
- No public safety issues exist
- The sidewalk is not required to permit continuity of a current or proposed pedestrian, pathway or bicycle circulation system.
They want to have links between the schools, parks, shopping areas, etc. Pathways are also a link. The Planning Commission was behind the four recommendations, and asked for them to be sent to city council
- Moratorium for two years
Council Member Jones stated they would try to get the city to come up with a rational sidewalk plan in a two year period or sooner. Residents would have another year after that to comply with the finances.
Mayor Gunderson stated his biggest fear was how it would be monitored. How would they track it as a permanent record for the property?
City Manager Brown stated they would have to have a system, probably through the building permit process. They would ask for relief from the sidewalk requirement. It could be attached to BS&A.
Council Member Jones made a motion to accept the two-year sidewalk moratorium, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Council Member Scheid stated he doesn’t like that someone with a corner lot only gets a $400 grant. It will stop people from fixing their places up if they have to install sidewalk. It should be a grant by footage.
Council Member Jones stated there was nothing to stop someone from splitting up the installation. They could apply for $400 in two years to do each side.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Feehan and Jones
Nays: Council Members Scheid and Gunderson
Motion failed.
- Pathways
Update pathway master plan and include the in the Planning Commission master plan
City Manager Brown stated no action was required by city council.
- Sidewalk Grants
Council Member Feehan asked if it was first come, first served, was it based on income? The low income person should have the opportunity first.
City Manager Brown stated administering it would be the trick, but he was right.
Council Member Scheid stated if someone had a corner lot, they would not get people to do it.
Council Member Jones stated the grants were tied in with the moratorium. He could not support the sidewalk grant as the moratorium was not passed.
Mayor Gunderson stated they would be taking the resident’s money for taxes that were paid to the city to help fellow residents out. That is not the intent with paying taxes, to help residents with sidewalks. It would not be balanced with a corner lot.
Council Member Jones stated the city doesn’t tell residents to pay for the street or curb in front of their house, but they have to pay for sidewalks. The city should be paying for all of the sidewalks since it is in the right of way, but he was willing to compromise.
- Planning Commission Appeal
City Manager Brown stated the genesis came from a concern that the Zoning Board of Appeals is the group to generally grant relief from the sidewalk requirement and that is a forever decision. There are times and places that sidewalks are not required and the Planning Commission would look at those according to the three standards talked about.
Council Member Jones stated in the future they could require sidewalks to be put in to make a walkable community, it was the general discussion.
Mayor Gunderson stated if the answer does not come from the Planning Commission, they could still go to the ZBA to get another opinion. They are hoping to eliminate some ZBA decisions. It would be tied into BS&A with the building permit.
Council Member Jones made a motion to authorize the attorney to prepare an ordinance relating to the Planning Commission granting relief from the sidewalk ordinance, supported by Council Member Feehan.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
F. Leppinks Belding Community Fund Agreement
Council Member Jones made a motion to bring to the floor and approve the Leppinks Belding Community Fund Agreement, supported by Council Member Feehan.
City Manager Brown stated Robert Leppink had a big influence in the community and was highly respected. His family would like to set up a fund to underwrite the cost of civic projects in his honor. The agreement creates a community fund which will be maintained and managed by city hall. The family received $4,500 in memorials and would like to use that to establish the fund. They will add funds as projects emerge. The fund will be managed by two people from the Leppink family, the city manager and city treasurer. The projects would be owned by the city. The fund would be owned by the city. The agreement was prepared by Varnum Riddering. He thinks it is an opportunity to do special things in the community and would recommend that city council approve it. Council would be aware of the projects well in advance and be in favor of the direction. The agreement should be approved to establish the fund. It would be a two year involvement.
Council Member Jones stated Leppinks have always been generous with city projects.
Council Member Feehan stated he would agree.
Mayor Gunderson stated he appreciates what they are doing.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
G. Resignation of Dennis Cooper
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring the acceptance of the resignation of Dennis Cooper to the floor, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Mayor Gunderson read the resignation email from Dennis Cooper, with an effective date of June 5, 2016. He thanked Dennis for being on the city council.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Mayor Gunderson stated council has 30 days to replace him. Tom will be back to the Rec Board as the temporary liaison.
H. Planning Commission Appointment - Samuel Mason
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring the item to the floor, supported by Council Member Feehan.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING SAMUEL MASON TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Mason 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 Samuel Mason.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Samuel Mason be appointed to the Planning Commission with a term to expire on June 7, 2019.
Mayor Gunderson stated, regarding the appointment for Sam Mason to the Planning Commission, he had a discussion with him today and asked if he would come into compliance if appointed, and he said he would stay the way he is for compliance. He purchased the store and is not in compliance with the signage in the front of store. He asked if he would be compliant and his answer was no. There is too much square footage of signage. He is not in compliance with the existing ordinances, and it must be enforced better.
Council Member Jones made a motion to accept Sam Mason for the Planning Commission, supported by Council Member Scheid
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones and Feehan
Nays: Council Member Gunderson
Public Comments
Jeff Hunter, Zahm Rd., stated it was brought up that they were being iron fisted for the ordinance code. They lost him a $4,000 job. They don’t care about businesses. With code enforcement, homeowners will have six months to rebuild half their house. They can’t afford to put a roof on the house as they have to buy siding. He was disturbed by the city manager’s attitude that people should maintain their houses. Most people don’t want to live in a rundown house. For code enforcement, there is a mall with the fire suppression shut off, a roof that leaks, no permits and they plug equipment in that could trip people. Will they have six months for the roof and heating and cooling? He donated three days of labor and tore down a garage and shed for $1,000 the owner gave the city to get it done. The cost was about $500 for dump fees and trailer rental. He was lucky if he made $500. They cost him a $4,000 job, so thanks for the business. That building is untouchable, but everyone’s houses are fair game.
Sam Mason, 516 W. May, with the Belding Party at 304 N. Bridge, thanked council for voting him in. He was asked about the sign issue a couple hours ago. Randy and Meg said he was grandfathered in. The house is on the same footage, so it should be close. If he removes the sign, people don’t know he exists. It is like an advertisement. Blight is a major problem. Some people consider blight as art and there are restaurants that are very popular. People like to look at different things. He asked how many businesses they have brought in for 20, 10 and 5 years? They want a business perspective, but how much have they changed?
Joe Feuerstein, 901 W. State, asked with the sidewalk discussion, did anyone talk about raising 1 mill tax rate for sidewalks to be built and maintained? It would take care of the whole city. It would be $80,000 a year. The City of Grand Rapids did it for a couple of mills. They shovel snow and take care of sidewalks. $10,000 is ridiculous. Do more thinking to get ahead.
Robert Brown, 759 Jay St., stated the proposed moratorium was to give the commission more time. They should identify the areas and then release money. He is the chairman of the Fred Meijer Rail Trail. They have contacts and they have invested a lot in Belding. They have to make sure they have portals to get on and off the trails. There is no sidewalk on Depot. If it is on the trail corridor, the Friends would like to be a part of the conversation. As they proceed with the sidewalk plan, get in touch with the Friends, as they have resources to tap into that the city does not.
City Manager’s Comments
The city manager had no comments.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid had no comments.
Council Member Jones thanked Leppinks for their support of the community over the years and into the future. He thanked Dennis for the time he served on council. All council members have things to add and have the support of a group. They may or may not agree, but he respects them. Dennis was a good addition. He heard about the non-compliance with Sam’s business. He would ask the city manager to review what he has. See what percentage he is over on signage. Tom’s dad did not put sidewalks in at his store, but sidewalks now go down Orchard. That will be pending now with the zoning variance. The last sidewalk brouhaha was 20 years ago and three council members did not have sidewalks, and they never did it. The sidewalk issue will not go away and he thought a moratorium would assist. Regarding the blight issues, this is the go ahead for Marci to make sure sidewalks are built when remodeling is done. He thinks it is a city responsibility as sidewalks are on the city right-of-way. The city has some responsibility to put sidewalks in. He thanked the city council for the reduction from seven to five members for the Planning Commission. He thanked Bruce and staff, finance, for getting the budget together.
Council Feehan had no comments.
Mayor Gunderson thanked the city for doing the budget. He thanked everyone for attending the budget workshop. Please submit a letter of interest to Kareen for the city council seat. He thanked everyone for coming.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
