REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, November 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, November 15, 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 Brad Miller, Mike Scheid, Bruce Meyers, Douglas Feehan and Ronald Gunderson
Members Absent: None
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Feehan made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Scheid.
Mayor Gunderson requested to delete Election Agenda Item A – Acceptance of Report of Ionia County Board of Canvassers, as the report has not been received.
He also requested to delete Report on SAW Grant, as that has been rescheduled.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Election Agenda
B. Oath of Office – Bruce Meyers and Brad Miller
City Clerk Kareen Thomas administered the oath of office to Council Members Bruce Meyers and Brad Miller.
C. Election of Mayor
Council Member Scheid made a motion to elect Ronald Gunderson as Mayor, supported by Council Member Miller.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
D. Election of Mayor Protem
Council Member Feehan made a motion to elect Mike Scheid as Mayor Protem, supported by Council Member Miller.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Hearing
- Proposed vacation of portions of Allen Street and Masonic Avenue
Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m.
City Manager Brown gave a description of the street vacations. The streets were platted but not developed. A property owner requested the vacation so the property could be developed. Half of the street goes to the abutting property owner. The parcel of land is not being used and is not developable.
As a clarification, Ryan Peless stated that he owns the parcel shown in pink and the area adjacent. Mr. Satterlee owns the other parcel.
Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank checks 67194 to 67257 in the amount of $141,308.72
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 6990 to 6994 in the amount of $19,008.77
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, November 1, 2016
- Temporary Street Closure – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Historic District Study Committee appointment – Sean Lewis
- Historic District Study Committee appointment – Jared Prosser
- Historic District Study Committee appointment – Marjorie Hansen
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the consent agenda, supported by Council Member Miller.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, Jones and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Temporary Street Closure – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CITY STREETS AND GRANTING A NOISE CONTROL SUSPENSION FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY.
WHEREAS, a request was received to close city streets and the south section of the east mall parking lot for the second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 3, 2016: and
WHEREAS, Bridge Street, from Congress to Depot Streets will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Main Street, from Bridge to Hanover Streets will be closed from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and the south section of the east mall parking lot will be closed from 12 noon until 9:00 p.m. for the set-up of the stage and live reindeer viewing area; and
WHEREAS, the Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34, Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 34-77 will be suspended for the event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding,
Michigan that the designated city streets and south section of the east mall parking lot may be closed on December 3, 2016 for the second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; and
D. Historic District Study Committee appointment – Sean Lewis
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING SEAN LEWIS TO THE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding does support historic preservation activities in the community with the purpose to safeguard heritage; stabilize and improve property values; foster civic beauty; strengthen local economy; and promote education, pleasure and welfare of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan through its State Historic Preservation Office and the adoption of Public Act 169, as amended, does also support historic preservation by many various activities; and
WHEREAS, one of the activities that does support Historic Preservation and all of its benefits has been determined to be through the formation of Local Historic Districts; and
WHEREAS, in establishing a Local Historic District as described in the Public Act 169, as amended, it does require that the local governing body establish a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, within the Public Act 169, as amended, specific guidelines are outlined as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, the State Historic Preservation Office does provide a Manual and technical assistance as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee through member appointments; and
WHEREAS, local residents have called upon the City of Belding to established a Local Historic District to preserve historic structures located within the City of Belding; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding authorized the formation of a local historic district study committee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding appoints Sean Lewis to the Local Historic District Study Committee:
- Historic District Study Committee appointment – Jared Prosser
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JARED PROSSER TO THE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding does support historic preservation activities in the community with the purpose to safeguard heritage; stabilize and improve property values; foster civic beauty; strengthen local economy; and promote education, pleasure and welfare of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan through its State Historic Preservation Office and the adoption of Public Act 169, as amended, does also support historic preservation by many various activities; and
WHEREAS, one of the activities that does support Historic Preservation and all of its benefits has been determined to be through the formation of Local Historic Districts; and
WHEREAS, in establishing a Local Historic District as described in the Public Act 169, as amended, it does require that the local governing body establish a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, within the Public Act 169, as amended, specific guidelines are outlined as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, the State Historic Preservation Office does provide a Manual and technical assistance as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee through member appointments; and
WHEREAS, local residents have called upon the City of Belding to established a Local Historic District to preserve historic structures located within the City of Belding; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding authorized the formation of a local historic district study committee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding appoints Jared Prosser to the Local Historic District Study Committee:
- Historic District Study Committee appointment – Marjorie Hansen
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING MARJORIE HANSEN TO THE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding does support historic preservation activities in the community with the purpose to safeguard heritage; stabilize and improve property values; foster civic beauty; strengthen local economy; and promote education, pleasure and welfare of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan through its State Historic Preservation Office and the adoption of Public Act 169, as amended, does also support historic preservation by many various activities; and
WHEREAS, one of the activities that does support Historic Preservation and all of its benefits has been determined to be through the formation of Local Historic Districts; and
WHEREAS, in establishing a Local Historic District as described in the Public Act 169, as amended, it does require that the local governing body establish a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, within the Public Act 169, as amended, specific guidelines are outlined as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee; and
WHEREAS, the State Historic Preservation Office does provide a Manual and technical assistance as to how to form a Local Historic District Study Committee through member appointments; and
WHEREAS, local residents have called upon the City of Belding to established a Local Historic District to preserve historic structures located within the City of Belding; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding authorized the formation of a local historic district study committee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding appoints Marjorie Hansen to the Local Historic District Study Committee:
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid stated the Housing Commission meeting is Thursday, but he cannot make it to the meeting.
Council Member Feehan stated the Museum will host the Family Christmas tree opening on December 3 and 4 from 1-4 p.m. He encouraged everyone to attend.
Board Member Miller stated the Historic District Commission meets this Thursday at 6 p.m. at city hall. He thanked council for electing people to the study committee.
Mayor Gunderson stated the DDA met on November 2 and passed the by-laws. The ZBA meets on November 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Work Session
- Board & Commission Appointments and Liaisons
Council members will serve on the following boards and commissions:
| Belding Housing Commission | Mike Scheid | Liaison |
| DDA Board | Ron Gunderson | Liaison |
| Historic District Commission | Brad Miller | Appointed |
| Library Board | Ron Gunderson | Liaison |
| Museum Advisory Board | Doug Feehan | Liaison |
| Planning Commission | Brad Miller | Appointed |
| Recreation Advisory Board | Bruce Meyers | Liaison |
| T.I.F.A. Board | Bruce Meyers | Liaison |
| Labor Day Celebration Committee | Doug Feehan | Liaison |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Bruce Meyers | Liaison |
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
- Proposed vacation of portions of Allen Street and Masonic Avenue
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 TO VACATE A PORTION OF ALLEN STREET AND MASONIC STREET, CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding is considering the vacation of a portion of Masonic Avenue, described below as:
That part of Masonic Avenue (99 feet wide right-of-way) described as: Beginning at the NW corner of Lot 130, Demorest’s Addition to Belding, Section 10, T8N, R8W, Otisco Township, Ionia County, Michigan, according to said Plat, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 32, Ionia County Records; thence North 99 feet to the SW corner of Lot 146 of said Plat; thence East 594 feet along the South line of Lots 138 through 146 to the SE corner of Lot 138 of said Plat; thence South 99 feet to the NE corner of Lot 137 of said Plat; thence West 594 feet along the North line of Lots 130 through 137 of said Plat to the NW corner of said Lot 130 to Point of Beginning. Contains 1.35 acres. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights-of-way of records; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding is also considering the vacation of a portion of Allen Street, described below as:
That part of Allen Street (66 feet wide right-of-way), described as: Beginning at the SE corner of Lot 126, Demorest’s Addition to Belding, Section 10, T8N, R8W, Otisco Township, Ionia County, Michigan, according to said Plat, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 32, Ionia County Records; thence North 264 feet along the East line of Lots 126 and 133 of said Plat to the NE corner of said Lot 133; thence East 66 feet along the South line of Masonic Avenue to the NW corner of Lot 134 of said Plat; thence South 264 feet along the West line of Lots 134 and 125 of said Plat to the SW corner of said Lot 125; thence West 66 feet along the North line of Kenwood Avenue to the SE corner of said Lot 126 to the Point of Beginning. Contains 0.40 acres. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights-of-way of records; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the vacation of such street was scheduled, duly noticed and held on November 15, 2016 before the Belding City Council; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the City Council that it is in the public interest that the aforementioned streets be vacated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that a portion of Masonic Avenue and Allen Street be and hereby are vacated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to Section 257 of the Michigan Subdivision Control Act, the City hereby reserves an easement for the purpose of installing, constructing, maintaining, repairing and replacing utilities within Masonic Avenue and Allen Street.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, the Clerk of the City of Belding be and is hereby directed to prepare and forward to the Treasurer of the State of Michigan and to record with the Register of Deeds for the County of Ionia a certified copy of this resolution.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Jim Mason, 210 S. Broas, congratulated Brad and Bruce for supporting our fine city, and for stepping forward. On behalf of the Friends of the Library, he wished to personally invite the council to the Candlelight celebration to be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Lauren Bull, 621 James, stated she owns Parcel A and they have a 66 ft. easement, similar to this.
Mayor Gunderson suggested she set up an appointment with the city manager to discuss the issue.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Brown had no comments.
Council Comments
Council Member Meyers stated he would like to thank the people who voted for him, and his family and friends. He is excited to be a part of the city council and helping with the community. One of the things that interested him, when talking with the people, was unifying Belding and making it a great place for everyone to be a part of. To bring the community together, he would like a community wide organization to better Belding, a community foundation. It would be a good thing, and it would help everyone to be a part of it. He would like to see the council and city move toward their own community foundation.
Council Member Feehan wished to thank Ernie and the crew for the leaf pickup.
Council Member Miller welcomed Bruce to city council, and extended congratulations to Ron and Mike. He stated their mentorship and leadership have been phenomenal. He thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Council Member Scheid extended a welcome to Bruce. He has had conversations with the city manager on the community foundation and it is a great idea. He has been hashing it out, as it is desperately needed in town. He would like certain things fixed up and to involve everyone. He welcomed Brad. He thanked everyone for coming.
Mayor Gunderson thanked Mike for taking Mayor Protem. It is an honor to serve. He thanked all who supported him as mayor. He welcomed Brad back and Bruce coming on board. He likes the way Bruce thinks and he brings something different, as Brad does. Ernie has been working on the leaves, trying to make it before snow flies. He announced Treasures for the Troops, with a pick-up point at BC Pizza on December 1st from 4-7 p.m. It is sponsored by the Blue Star Mothers of Ionia, Kent and Montcalm Counties.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Miller.
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
