REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, March 15, 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, March 15, 2016.
Mayor ProTem Jones 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, 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, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
There was no public comment.
Resolution of Appreciation – Jerry Lallo
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
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JERRY LALLO FOR HIS SERVICE ON THE BELDING CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, Jerry Lallo was elected to the Belding City Council in November, 2013; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure on the city council, Jerry has striven to be well prepared and informed, and has based his decisions on the good of all residents of the city; and
WHEREAS, Jerry has embraced the community, attending a multitude of events, and has also served as a liaison to the Museum Advisory Board and Labor Day Celebration Committee and has participated in their sponsored activities.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that sincere appreciation is extended to Jerry Lallo for his service to the City of Belding.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 65774 to 65872 in the amount of $90,083.06
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, March 1, 2016
- Approval of Amendment No. 2 of the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Project Agreement
- Board of Review Appointment – John Niemela
- Consideration of alternate dates for Board of Review
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, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Approval of Amendment No. 2 of the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Project Agreement
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2 FOR THE MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR THE SILK CITY NATURE TRAIL EXTENSION.
WHEREAS, the city has an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the Silk City Nature Trail Extension; and
WHEREAS, Paragraph 5 of the Agreement will be amended to read as follows:
5. The words “project facilities” shall mean the following individual components, as further described in APPENDIX C and correspondence from the GRANTEE to the DEPARTMENT dated February 29, 2016.
Pathway – 8’ wide
Wayfinding Signage - 2
Observation Decks - 2
Restoration
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Interpretive Signage - 3
Permit Fees
MNRTF sign
Benches 3 – 5 foot
Trash Receptacles - 3
Ornamental Lighting - 3
Drainage Improvements
WHEREAS, all other provisions of the Agreement shall be continued in full force and effect, the grant amount does not change, and the amendment may be executed separately by the parties and is not effective until both the GRANTEE and the DEPARTMENT have signed it.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Amendment No. 2 to the Silk City Nature Trail Extension Development Project Agreement is hereby approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ronald Gunderson, Mayor, shall be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the City of Belding.
D. Board of Review Appointment – John Niemela
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JOHN NIEMELA TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Board of Review with a term to expire on 01/01/17; and
WHEREAS, John Niemela has indicated his willingness to serve a term on the Board of Review.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that John Niemela be appointed to the Board of Review with a term of office to expire on 01/01/17.
E. Consideration of alternate dates for Board of Review
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
TO ADOPT ALTERNATE START DATES FOR MARCH, 2016, JULY, 2016 AND DECEMBER, 2016 BOARD OF REVIEW
WHEREAS, the adoption of the alternate Board of Review dates as follows is requested, as required per State Tax Commission guidelines :
For the March Board of Review, second meeting in March, can be held either the Tuesday or the Wednesday following the second Monday in March
For the July Board of Review, an alternate date during the week of the 3rd Monday in July, 2016
For the December Board of review, an alternate date during the week of the 2nd Monday in December, 2016
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the listed alternate dates for the Board of Review are hereby adopted.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Jones stated he was out of town for the February Planning Commission meeting. There will be Planning Commission training on March 22 at the depot at 6:30 p.m. All Planning Commissioners are planning to attend. An invitation was issued to the City Council and ZBA. They would like as many people as possible. Wade Trim will perform that as part of the contracted services. They will be going over zoning and planning. The regular Planning Commission meeting will be on March 29, with the zoning variance for Belding Parts Plus to work on vehicles, and home occupancy rules.
Council Member Cooper stated the Recreation Advisory Board met last night. There was good dialogue. They may possibly install cement pads at Lightning Bend disc golf. The championship courses have cement pads. An adult softball league is trying to come to town that would start after the youth league in July. That would be a huge benefit to the community. There will be a park planning workshop facilitated by the park planning firm JJ&R on April 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. They will redo the Master Plan. They are looking for ideas and input.
Council Member Scheid stated the Housing Commission would be meeting Thursday night.
Mayor Gunderson stated there would be a ZBA meeting on March 23 at 6 p.m. Tom will attend in his place at city hall. The library hired a new director to start in a week and one half. They are wrapping up the personnel plan. They are touching on maintenance issues at the library.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Consider adoption of an Ordinance to rescind the elimination of tax exemptions for housing developments related to PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes)
The City Clerk read the preamble to the ordinance.
Council Member Jones moved the adoption of the ordinance and the motion was supported by Council Member Scheid.
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CITY CODE SECTIONS 30-60, 30-61 AND 30-62 OF CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 3 TO RESCIND THE ELIMINATION OF TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Sections 30-60, 30-61 and 30-62 of Chapter 30, Article II, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belding are hereby repealed to rescind the prior election of the City of Belding for the elimination of tax exemptions for housing developments.
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.
Bruce – 2003 eleimated the program. To rescind must rescind ordinance All HC properties are under pilot program at 10% of rental rate. Request from Crosswinds Manor. Gave background on what may happen, other housing projects could apply. The request for Crosswinds Manor is important and result in 700,000 of imp. For property. A number in community will benefit as a result.
Council Member Cooper stated he didn’t know if he could support rescinding the ordinance and proceeding with the PILOT program. That would take $2,500 from the city and up to $9,700 from the other taxing districts. For 23 units, he doesn’t know if it yields the investment. He can’t support that on the backs of the other taxpayers.
City Manager Brown stated they have not had any reaction from any taxing entities.
Mayor Gunderson stated Dennis had a valid point, however it is an investment in the city. Even for the other entities coming on board, it is a win/win. There will be a detailed report from Crosswinds. It is a benefit. He doesn’t see it as a burden.
The question on the ordinance was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: Council Members Cooper
B. Consider an Ordinance regarding the request by TJA Acquisitions for the PILOT (Payment in lieu of Taxes) and tax exemption for the Crosswinds Manor Apartments
The City Clerk read the preamble to the ordinance.
Council Member Scheid moved the adoption of the ordinance and the motion was supported by Council Member Jones.
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE the PAYMENT of an annual service
charge IN LIEU OF TAXES for RESIDENTIAL UNITS SERVING low income
OR MODERATE INCOME PERSONS in accordance with the State
Housing Development Authority, Act 346 of the public acts of
michigan of 1966, as amended, AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1. Purpose. This Ordinance authorizes and approves an annual service charge in lieu of taxes for residential housing developments that: (a) serve Low Income or Moderate Income Persons (as defined in the State Housing Development Authority Act, Act 346 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1966 (1966 PA 346, as amended; MCL125.1401 et seq), and this Ordinance); (b) are financed or assisted by USDA-RD or the Authority in accordance with Act 346; (c) are located within the City of Belding; and (d) comply with this Ordinance.
Section 2. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the “City of Belding Tax Exemption Ordinance.”
Section 3. Preamble. It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for low income citizens and to encourage the development of such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with Act 346. The City is authorized by Act 346 and this Ordinance to establish or change the annual service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any and all classes of housing exempt from taxation under Act 346 at any amount it chooses not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for Act 346. It is further acknowledged that housing for low income persons and families is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefitted and improved by such housing, the encouragement of the same by providing certain real-estate tax exemptions for such housing is a valid public purpose; further, that the continuance of the provisions of this Ordinance for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of taxes during the period contemplated in this Ordinance are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of housing developments which are constructed and financed in reliance on such tax exemption.
The City acknowledges that T J Crosswinds Manor Limited Dividend Housing Association Limited Partnership (the “Sponsor” as defined in Section 4 of this Ordinance) has committed to rehabilitate, own and operate a housing development identified as “Crosswinds Manor Apartments” on certain property located on 901 N. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan, which is legally described in Section 4.G. of this Ordinance, to serve Low Income or Moderate Income Persons, and that the Sponsor has offered to pay and will pay to the City, on account of the Housing Development, an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all taxes.
Section 4. Definitions. The terms used within this Ordinance shall have the following meanings:
A. “Act” means the State Housing Development Authority Act, being Act 346 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1966, (1966 PA 346, as amended; MCL 125.1401 et seq).
B. “Annual Shelter Rents” means the total actual collections during each calendar year from all occupants of a housing development representing rents or occupancy charges, which rental amounts shall be exclusive of charges for gas, electricity, heat, or other utilities furnished to the occupants.
C. “Authority” means the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
D. “Class” means the Housing Development known as Crosswinds Manor Apartments for Low Income or Moderate Income Persons.
E. “Contract Rents” are as defined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in regulations promulgated pursuant to the U. S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended.
F. “Federally-Aided Mortgage” means any of the following:
(i) A below market interest rate mortgage insured, purchased, or held by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) or United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (“USDA-RD”);
(ii) A mortgage receiving interest reduction payments provided by the HUD or USDA – RD;
(iii) A Housing Development to which the Authority allocates low income housing tax credits under Section 22b of the Act; or
(iv) A mortgage receiving special benefits under other federal law designated specifically to develop low and moderate-income housing, consistent with the Act.
G. “Housing Development” means a development which contains a significant element of housing for persons of low income and such elements of other housing, commercial, recreational, industrial, communal, and educational facilities as the Authority determines to improve the quality of the development as it relates to housing for persons of low income. For the purposes of this Ordinance, “Housing Development” means Crosswinds Manor Apartments located on the property legally described as:
CITY OF BELDING PT SW 1/4 SEC 2 T8N R8W COM W 1/4 PT, TH S 569.24 FT, TH E 743.37 FT TO POB; TH E 575 FT TO C/L BRIDGE ST, TH S 407.36 FT, TH W 575 FT, TH N 411.03 FT TO POB
H. “Low Income or Moderate Income Persons” means persons and families eligible to reside in the Housing Development as defined in the Act, as amended. I. “Sponsor” means person(s) or entities which have applied to the Authority for the Tax Credits to finance a Housing Development. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the Sponsor is T J Crosswinds Manor Limited Dividend Housing Association Limited Partnership.
J. “Tax Credits” means the low income housing tax credits made available by the Authority to the Sponsor for rehabilitation of the Housing Development by the Sponsor in accordance with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program administered by the Authority under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
K. “USDA-RD” means the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Services Division.
L. “Utilities” means fuel, water, sanitary sewer service and/or electrical service, which are paid by the Housing Development.
Section 5. Class of Housing Development. This Ordinance shall apply only to the Housing Development to the extent that the Housing Development provides housing for Low Income and Moderate Income Persons and is financed or assisted by USDA-RD or the Authority pursuant to the Act.
Section 6. Establishment of Annual Service Charge.
A. The City acknowledges that the Sponsor and USDA-RD and/or the Authority have established the economic feasibility of the Housing Development in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this Ordinance and the qualification of the Housing Development for exemption from all ad valorem property taxes and payment of an annual service charge in lieu of ad valorem taxes in an amount established in accordance with this Section. In consideration of the Sponsor’s offer to rehabilitate, own and operate the Housing Development, the City agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all ad valorem property taxes that would otherwise be assessed to the Housing Development under Michigan law.
(1) Effective upon the adoption of this ordinance and subject to the receipt by the City of the “Notification of Exemption” (or such other similar notification) by the Sponsor and/or the Authority, the annual service charge shall be equal to ten (10%) percent of Annual Shelter Rents.
B. The Housing Development, and the property on which it is constructed, shall be exempt from all ad valorem property taxes from and after the commencement of rehabilitation of the Housing Development by the Sponsor under the terms of this Ordinance.
Section 7. Limitation on the Payment of Annual Service Charge. Notwithstanding Section 6, if any portion of the Housing Development is occupied by other than Low Income and Moderate Income Persons, the full amount of the taxes that would be paid on those units of the Housing Development if the Housing Development were not tax exempt shall be added to the service charge in lieu of taxes.
Section 8. Contractual Effect of Ordinance. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15(a) (5) of the Act to the contrary, and subject to the terms of this Ordinance including, but not limited to Section 11 herein, this Ordinance constitutes a contract between the City and the Sponsor to provide an exemption from ad valorem property taxes and to accept the payment of an annual service charge in lieu of such taxes, as previously described in this Ordinance. It is expressly recognized that the Authority and USDA-RD are third party beneficiaries to this Ordinance.
Section 9. Payment of Service Charge. The annual service charge in lieu of taxes shall be payable to the City in the same manner as ad valorem property taxes are payable, to the City and distributed to the several units levying the general property tax in the same proportion as paid with the general property tax in the previous calendar year. The annual payment shall be paid on or before May 1 of each year for the previous calendar year. Collection procedures shall be in accordance with the provisions of the General Property Tax Act (1893 PA 206, as amended; MCL 211.11, et seq.
Section 10. Duration.
This Ordinance shall remain in effect and shall not terminate for so long as the Housing Development remains subject to a Federally Aided Mortgage and so long as the housing development submits the required annual notification of exemption pursuant to M.C.L. 125.1415a(1), as amended. The term of this Ordinance shall commence upon the issuance of the Notification to Local Assessor of Exemption as issued by the Authority.
Section 11. Filing of Annual Audit. The Sponsor, or its successor, shall file a copy of any and all annual audits required to be provided to the federal government, the State of Michigan, and/or the Authority simultaneously with the City. The audit shall include detail with respect to occupancy of the Housing Development, Annual Shelter Rents received from the Housing Development, and the cost for utilities during the audit period.
Section 12. Publication; Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective 10 days after publication of a summary of its provisions in a newspaper of general circulation in the City.
Section 13. Severability. The various sections and provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this Ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any section or provision of this Ordinance, other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 14. Repeal. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict.
Section 15. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on __________ _ as provided in the City Charter.
Council Member Cooper asked if it was privately owned?
Mr. Gates stated there is a general partner and limited partner, working with the Great Lake Capital Fund. There will be a cost certification available at the end of the project.
Council Member Jones stated he was glad to see them investing in the community. It adds that much more to them and shows they are working with local business people to encourage more business and people coming to town. They have to encourage them to invest in our community to gain more business and industry coming to town. It will encourage others to invest in our community. It helps the seniors have good, affordable housing. People are very happy up there and get a good service.
The question on the ordinance was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: Council Members Cooper
C. Budget Amendments for FY 2015/16
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 AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2015/16 BUDGET.
WHEREAS, on the 19th day of May, 2015, the Council of the City of Belding, Michigan adopted its 2015/16 Fiscal Year Budget for the administration of all funds and activities; and,
WHEREAS, unanticipated revenues and expenditures are projected which may exceed budget appropriations listed in said budget; and,
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget must be changed to reflect these adjustments;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget be amended pursuant to the attached worksheet.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
D. Consideration of approval of a four year contract with the Police Officers Labor Council – Belding Police Department Division
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 APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL – BELDING POLICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION FOR A NEW FOUR YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2020.
WHEREAS, the Police Union contract expires on 6/30/2016; and
WHEREAS, City staff has negotiated various proposals with the police union; and
WHEREAS, a settlement agreement has been reached between city staff and the police union.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the attached settlement agreement be approved for a new contract between the City and the Police Officers Labor Council – Belding Police Department Division effective 7/1/2016 through 6/30/2020.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
E. Consideration of approval of a four year contract with the Police Officers Labor Council – Belding Police Department Sergeant’s Division
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 APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL – BELDING POLICE DEPARTMENT SERGEANT’S DIVISION FOR A NEW FOUR YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2020.
WHEREAS, the Sergeant’s Police Union contract expires on 6/30/2016; and
WHEREAS, City staff has negotiated various proposals with the police union; and
WHEREAS, a settlement agreement has been reached between city staff and the police union.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the attached settlement agreement be approved for a new contract between the City and the Police Officers Labor Council – Belding Police Department Sergeant’s Division effective 7/1/2016 through 6/30/2020.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
F. Consideration of approval of a four year contract with Belding Fire Fighters Union
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 APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL NO. 2451, BELDING FIRE FIGHTERS UNION, FOR A NEW FOUR YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2020.
WHEREAS, the Belding Fire Fighters Union contract will expire on 6/30/2016; and
WHEREAS, City staff has negotiated various proposals with the fire fighters union; and
WHEREAS, a settlement agreement has been reached between city staff and the fire fighters union.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the settlement agreement be approved for a new contract between the City and the Belding Fire Fighters Union effective 7/1/2016 through 6/30/2020.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
G. Consideration of award of contract for construction of the Silk City Nature Trail Extension project
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 AWARDING THE SILK CITY NATURE TRAIL EXTENSION PROJECT TO CL TRUCKING & EXCAVATING OF IONIA IN THE AMOUNT OF $211,814.00
WHEREAS, RFP’s were requested for construction of the Silk City Nature Trail Extension project within the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, a responsive and responsible bid was received from CL Trucking & Excavating of Ionia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan awards the Silk City Nature Trail Extension project to CL Trucking & Excavating of Ionia in the amount of $211,814.00.
Council Member Jones stated the Garden Club has a Memorial Walk and would like to be involved with the project and flowers.
City Manager Brown stated that is part of the plan.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Thomas Albert, 7304 Ashley, stated he is a Republican candidate for the 86th district. He graduated from U of M with history and political science degrees. He joined the Marine Corps. He used the GI Bill to go to Michigan State for his MBA, with concentration in finance. His job is with the State pension fund. He has a wife, two kids and one on the way. His priorities are 1. Leadership, 2. Courage - as he can make tough choices, and 3. Family – he knows how hard it is to support a family and will be the voice of families. His door is always open. His website is Votealbert.com
Denny Craycraft, 11692 Youngman Rd., Belding, stated there is a lot of action at the Vietnam Wall and they are making progress. He has ordered $20,000 worth of granite to be placed between now and Labor Day. On Memorial Day, the back section of wall will be solid granite with three soldiers engraved in the wall. Hopefully on Memorial Day they will have that part of the wall dedicated. If this comes into play, he would like the ladder truck with the flag. He would like to drape the flag over that section when it is raised. He will order granite from India for the monument in between the V-shape, and the Vietnam map will be engraved on that. It may be July or August to get that from India. It would be great to dedicate that the Friday of Labor Day. The cement work will be done Friday between the two monuments. Lights will come up from stones in the box around the wall. Ernie told him where the sewer is. He wants to put a field cross in with the approval of DNR. He talked with the DNR regarding permissions to use the trail. They have a lot of fund making programs. They would like a 5K walk and run on Memorial Day at 9 a.m. He has to have permission of the Special Events Committee. He has filled out the paperwork. He got advice on how to go through the trail group. He has to fill out paperwork from the Friends Group.
Mayor Gunderson stated he would get him the information to fill out the paperwork. Denny should get the paperwork back to him and the authority will recommend to the DNR and they will give an opinion.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Brown had no comments.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid had no comments.
Council Member Jones stated they have one opening on the Planning Commission. He thanked staff on both sides of the negotiating table. The 4-year contracts are great. He thanked everyone for getting it done before the end of contract. He thanked Crosswinds for the investment in community. It shows faith on their part that Belding is the place to be. It may spur other projects in town with the PILOT program. He thanked the community and said they had a decent crowd.
Council Member Cooper thanked everyone for being there, especially Thomas Albert. He hears from angry individuals on a daily basis on the change in the speed limit south of town. There are some issues with Otisco Township. They should maybe look into that and moving the sign.
City Manager Brown stated the sign in Otisco Township was put there by the State Highway Department.
Mayor Gunderson stated he received several phone calls. It just needs to be handled through proper channels. He talked to Bruce and some is unfounded. Some residents and non-residents are upset about the speed change. The ribbon cutting on March 2 for Spectrum Health was very well attended. There will be a ribbon cutting tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Hair Republic in Leppinks. He thanked everyone for the contract negotiating. It is nice to have done ahead of time. He congratulated Maude Jakeway on her retirement on March 31, 2016. He thanked her for the service to the city.
Closed Session
Pursuant to section 8(3) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act for the purpose of consulting with our attorneys regarding trial and settlement strategy in connection with Mullendore v. City of Belding and others, Case no. 1-cv-297 currently pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and Case No. 15-H-31417 CZ, currently pending in Ionia County Circuit Court, as failure to go into closed session would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigation and settlement position of the City.
Council Member Scheid, made a motion to enter closed session at 7:54 p.m., Pursuant to section 8(3) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act for the purpose of consulting with our attorneys regarding trial and settlement strategy in connection with Mullendore v. City of Belding and others, Case no. 1-cv-297 currently pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and Case No. 15-H-31417 CZ, currently pending in Ionia County Circuit Court, as failure to go into closed session would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigation and settlement position of the City, supported by Council Member Cooper.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
Mayor Gunderson recessed the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Mayor Gunderson reconvened the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to enter regular session at 8:28 p.m., supported by Council Member Cooper.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member
Cooper.
Ayes: Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
