REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Council Member Miller 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, Bruce Meyers, Mike Scheid, 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.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
There was no public comment.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Check 69115 in the amount of $1,324.50 and Checks 69316 to 69376 in the amount of $123,287.04
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 7148 to 7154 in the amount of $14,589.58
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, November 21, 2017
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the consent agenda, supported by Council Member Feehan.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Miller stated the Planning Commission met on November 28. They considered an application from Brad Topp for a sidewalk ordinance variance, which passed. They also considered an application for a sidewalk ordinance variance from Lilac Lane Properties for 207 E. Isabelle, which passed. They looked at the zoning ordinance revision and the zoning map. They are going through them, and it is a work in progress. There will be no December meeting. The issues will be discussed in January.
Council Member Meyers stated the Rec Board will meet on December 11 and the Housing Commission will meet on December 21.
Council Member Scheid had no report.
Council Member Feehan stated the Museum has been set up for Christmas. There will not be a meeting in December.
Mayor Gunderson stated there was no Library Board meeting. The Candlelight Reception was held. He doesn’t know how much was received from the fundraiser.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
- Appointment of city manager and approval of contract – John Niemela
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 APPOINTING JOHN NIEMELA AS CITY MANAGER AND APPRUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.
WHEREAS, a vacancy was created in the office of the City Manager on August 17, 2017; and
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed Interim City Manager effective September 19, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Belding City Charter, Section 7.1(b) states the council shall appoint a city manager within ninety days after any vacancy exists in such position; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Belding City Council that John Niemela be appointed as City Manager.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that John Niemela be hereby appointed City Manager; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that authorization is granted to execute the employment agreement.
Mayor Gunderson reviewed the conditions of the employment agreement.
Interim Manager Niemela stated he was real happy to have the opportunity to continue on as manager. That was his goal when he applied for the interim position.
Council Member Meyers stated he talked with John. Things are going well and he will expect the same.
Council Member Scheid welcomed him on board. Things will work out well.
Council Member Feehan welcomed him aboard.
Council Member Miller stated he would echo what they said. When they had the possibility of a transition, it was nice to find a resident. He has landed in the right place. Things happen for a reason.
Mayor Gunderson stated he would echo the comments. He talked to a lot of people. The big thing for the residents is that he still lives here. He has been here before and did not leave. He is happy with how he handles himself and situations.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Ernie Thomas, 847 E. State, stated council made the right decision for the city to move forward. Things are moving in the right direction. John goes by the books. The community needed that. He welcomed him aboard.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Niemela handed out a copy of the emergency rules as approved yesterday, as it relates to the medical marijuana process. He talked to Randy Kraker and he would be willing to come and talk to the council again on the issue. Council may want some background information. He or someone in his office could come back at the next meeting or in January. He had a couple of folks express interest in Belding creating an ordinance. There is interest in a dispensary. Others talked to the Planning Commission about a grow facility. Those must be in agricultural or industrial spaces. It is all based on the interest of city council to move forward. There is no obligation to do anything. Council would have to be proactive to consider the five licenses available under the rules. Council could say they are not interested or say nothing. Or they may want to move forward with the ordinance. The Planning Commission may wish to consider the ordinance itself. The city doesn’t have any drafts or plans at this time.
Mayor Gunderson asked if MML would put their own spin on this and hand it out?
City Manager Niemela stated it may be possible, now that there are emergency rules. He will share any additional information.
Council Member Meyers asked what if they don’t act?
City Manager Niemela stated the applicant must present an ordinance from a jurisdiction, or the State Board will not approve a license.
City Manager Niemela stated the closing on Ranney Village was on Monday. The city now owns the land. The real job begins to locate a developer to acquire and develop the property.
Council Member Feehan asked if they would use a local realtor?
City Manager Niemela stated they will reach out in every direction they can.
Council Comments
Council Member Meyers stated he was sorry he missed the Candlelight Vigil, as he was not feeling well. He was sorry to miss the tree lighting. He thanked everyone who came to the meeting.
Council Member Scheid thanked everyone for braving the weather. They will not be disappointed in John’s performance. They made a wise choice tonight. It is good to have someone who resides in Belding leading the team.
Council Member Feehan thanked DPW, Police, Fire and Keven for Saturday. It turned out nice with a lot of people. He welcomed the city manager aboard.
Council Member Miller stated he had the opportunity to go to the library and tree lighting and parade. It was like living in a movie, a small town community. With Ranney Village, they have the opportunity to expand. He looks at potential and opportunity. He thanked everyone for coming tonight.
Mayor Gunderson welcomed the city manager on board. He got the rankings for the trust fund grants. Tomorrow is the designation of the grants. The City of Greenville, on the rail trail, Belding to Greenville section, ranked 7 out of 132. Greenville ranked 25 with the handicap kayak launch. The Belding to Lowell and Lowell to Saranac sections of the rail trail ranked 37. The City of Belding application ranked 87. Other grants are coming out of this pot of money. He thanked everyone for the parade, which was kind of neat. The weather cooperated. He has talked to lot of department heads and residents of the city and everyone is glad John came on board. He is excited to move forward. He thanked everyone for coming.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
