REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, February 21, 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, February 21, 2017.
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, Douglas Feehan and Ronald Gunderson
Members Absent: Council Member Bruce Meyers
Council Member Scheid made a motion to excuse Bruce Meyers from the meeting, per Section 4.5(f) of the City Charter, 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, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: 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 remove Item C from the New Business agenda.
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
Resolution of Retirement Appreciation – William Ribbens
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 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO WILLIAM RIBBENS ON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, William Ribbens began his career with the City of Belding on January 18, 1971, and retired on January 17, 2017; and
WHEREAS, for 45 years, Bill managed and maintained the sewer lagoons; and
WHEREAS, as DEQ required more licenses and programs on lagoon operations over the years, Bill continued with his education to keep the City in compliance; and
WHEREAS, Bill was also the backup water operator with a D1 and S2 license; and
WHEREAS, Bill helped the DPW with flushing of fire hydrants, other water jobs and even traffic control on occasion; and
WHEREAS, Bill made the city lagoons a valuable asset to the city and he will be greatly missed; and
WHEREAS, Bill was not only a valuable employee for 45 years, but also a great friend to everyone in the DPW.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that sincere appreciation is extended to William Ribbens for his many years of service to the City of Belding, and best wishes are extended to him on his retirement.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 67745 to 67823 in the amount of $209,855.20
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 7045 to 7059 in the amount of $42,405.43
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, February 7, 2017
- Approval of Park Use Agreement – BYBL
- Approval of Park Use Agreement – Church League Softball
- Approval of Park Use Agreement – Michigan Disc Golf Empire
- Approval of Board of Review Poverty Exemption Guidelines
- Approval of DART – Resolution of Intent 2018
- Recreation Advisory Board – Reappointment of Mike Hamp
- Approval of Board of Review alternate start dates
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, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Approval of Park Use Agreement – BYBL
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING A PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH BYBL.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding wishes to enter into a Park Use Agreement with BYBL for the use of Demorest Field facilities; and
WHEREAS, the term of the Agreement shall begin on April 1, 2017 and end on July 29, 2017.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that a Park Use Agreement with BYBL is hereby approved for April 1, 2017 through July 29, 2017.
D. Approval of Park Use Agreement – Church League Softball
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING A PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH CHURCH LEAGUE SOFTBALL.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding wishes to enter into a Park Use Agreement with Church League Softball for the use of Demorest Field facilities; and
WHEREAS, the term of the Agreement shall begin on May 15, 2017 and end on August 14, 2017.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that a Park Use Agreement with Church League Softball is hereby approved for May 15, 2017 through August 14, 2017.
E. Approval of Park Use Agreement – Michigan Disc Golf Empire
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING A PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH MICHIGAN DISC GOLF EMPIRE.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding wishes to enter into a Park Use Agreement with Michigan Disc Golf Empire for the use of Lightning Bend facilities; and
WHEREAS, the term of the Agreement shall begin on March 1, 2017 and end on December 1, 2017.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that a Park Use Agreement with Michigan Disc Golf Empire is hereby approved for March 1, 2017 through December 1, 2017.
F. Approval of Board of Review Poverty Exemption Guidelines
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING THE BOARD OF REVIEW POVERTY EXEMPTION GUIDELINES.
WHEREAS, the Board of Review meets in March each year to consider appeals from property owners regarding the tax assessments; and,
WHEREAS, the poverty exemption guidelines are updated annually to meet federal poverty income standards and maximum threshold of residential value; and,
WHEREAS, the poverty guidelines are as follows:
Persons in family/household Poverty guideline
1 $11,880
2 $16,020
3 $20,160
4 $24,300
5 $28,440
6 $32,580
7 $36,730
8 $40,890
For each additional person $ 4,160
WHEREAS, the following Board of Review poverty exemption guidelines will apply:
1. Applicant must own and occupy the property as a homestead.
2. File a form provided by the City of Belding.
3. Submit federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the homestead, as well as copies of any property tax credit returns.
4. Meet federal poverty income standards.
5. Provide driver’s license or other form of identification.
6. Provide evidence of property ownership.
WHEREAS, applicant must meet the requirements of the asset test as follows:
1 Person under 65 years $25,460
1 person 65 years and over $25,460
2 persons under 65 years $31,547
2 persons with householder over 65 $31,547
3 persons $37,637
4 persons $43,615
5 persons $48,150
6 persons $55,793
7 persons $61,880
8 persons $67,969
9 persons $73,615
WHEREAS, under the poverty exemption guidelines the Board of Review may grant up to 100% exemption for one year.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the Board of Review poverty exemption guidelines are hereby approved.
G. Approval of DART – Resolution of Intent 2018
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN INDICATING THE INTENT TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 UNDER ACT NO. 51 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1951, AS AMENDED.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), it is necessary for the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride, (hereby known as THE APPLICANT), to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2017 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provisions of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for THE APPLICANT, to name an official representative for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to certify that no changes in eligibility documentation have occurred during the past state fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the performance indicators for this agency have been reviewed and approved by THE APPLICANT; and
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has reviewed and approved the proposed balanced (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal operating funds of $43,831.00, estimated state operating funds of $90,757.00, estimated local operating funds of $40,000.00, estimated fare box revenue of $33,000.00, estimated other funds (RTAP & Capital Requests) of $91,500.00, with total estimated revenue of $299,088.00.
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has also requested one replacement bus ($75,000.00) under the capital requests.
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has also requested one replacement roof for depot ($12,000.00) under the capital requests.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that THE APPLICANT hereby makes its intentions known to provide public transportation services and to apply for state financial assistance with this annual plan, in accordance with Act 51; and
HEREBY, appoints Keven Krieger as the Transportation Coordinator, for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51 for 2017.
H. Recreation Advisory Board – Reappointment of Mike Hamp
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN REAPPOINTING MIKE HAMP TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD.
WHEREAS, Mike Hamp currently serves on the Recreation Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hamp has indicated that he is interested in serving another term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Board has recommended the appointment of Mike Hamp to the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Mike Hamp be reappointed to the Recreation Advisory Board with a term to expire on February 21, 2020.
I. Approval of Board of Review alternate start dates
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN TO ADOPT ALTERNATE START DATES FOR MARCH, 2017, JULY, 2017 AND DECEMBER, 2017 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, 2017
For the December Board of review, an alternate date during the week of the 2nd Monday in December, 2017
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.
Public Hearing
A. Informational – Medical Marijuana
Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m.
Attorney Randall Kraker stated the hearing is informational and there will be no action taken this evening. Late last year the legislature passed a series of bills dealing with medical marijuana. In 2008, the voters approved medical marijuana. There were a lot of problems with administration. The legislature adopted acts to deal with other aspects of medical marijuana. Those will be effective at the end of this year. Two lawyers that specialize in medical marijuana will give a brief presentation. They have informational resources.
Attorney Ben Wrigley stated he wished to stress three things. 1. Marijuana possession, cultivation, sale and transportation is illegal under federal law. 2. None of the laws legalize marijuana. 3. The vote was to provide exemptions under the law for card carrying, medical use. They are talking only about medical marijuana, not recreational or adult use. He gave a power point presentation. Under the MMMA of 2008, there are two categories of people. Then there was the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licenses Act. As a qualified patient, you can possess up to twelve plants for your sole use only. A primary caregiver is attached under state law for up to five patients. They grow for them, up to twelve plants for each patient. Under the state registry system, they are linked to five people.
Attorney Bob Hendricks stated the MMFLA was the response of the legislature to problems under the Medical Marijuana Act, which didn’t cover a lot of things. Last year the legislature passed a more detailed set of laws. The act was signed by Governor Snyder on September 21, 2016. The intention was to address problems under the Medical Marijuana Act that could be followed. Applications for licenses can start after December 15, 2017. There are five categories of licenses - growers, processors, secure transporters, provisioning centers (retail outlets for sale of medical marijuana to licensed patients and caregivers) and safety compliance laboratories. It is a two-part license approval process through LARA and local agencies. No applicant for a license can seek a license unless the municipality adopts an ordinance for that type of license. Otherwise, the State of Michigan cannot issue a license. Regarding the role of the municipality, they must affirmatively opt in, or there won’t be a medical marijuana facility in their jurisdiction. The municipality can decide how many of each license would be allowed. The municipality can have input annually when the license is up for renewal. The municipality does not determine who will be licensed, just whether one or more particular types of facilities will be allowed. An annual fee per license of not more than $5,000 can be charged by the municipality. 218,000 patients are registered in the state. Given that patients use between ¾ - 1 pound per person per year, the annual usage in the state would be from 160,000-218,000 lbs. 80-90% percent will buy from a provisioning center. 80% of 218,000 X .75 lbs. X $5,000 = $654,000,000. 80% of 218,000 X 1.0 lbs. X $5,000 = $872,000,000. 90% of 218,000 X 1.0 lbs. X $5,000 = $981,000,000. For excise tax, the retail sales will be taxed at 3% of the gross retail receipts of the provisioning centers. The tax is collected by the state, and a portion of the tax will go back to the municipalities that authorized medical marijuana facilities in their jurisdiction. Of the excise tax revenues, 25% goes to municipalities where the facilities are located, in proportion to the number of facilities. 30% goes to counties where facilities are located, in proportion to the number of facilities. 5% goes to county sheriffs in counties where facilities are located, in proportion to the number of facilities. 30% goes to the State until 9/30/18. This money is deposited into the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund and, thereafter, into the GF. 5% each goes for training local law enforcement officers, through Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and the MSP.
Mr. Wrigley stated a grower can only be located in an ag or industrial zone. There are zoning regulations in the State of Michigan for adopting rules and regulations, and there will be requirements for security and the operation of all the facilities. The city would have to opt in to allow facilities in the community. They can adopt any of the five, as many of the five as they want, or any combination. Or they can say there won’t be any.
Council Member Miller inquired if caregiver vs. patient will not change?
Mr. Wrigley stated MMMA will stay in existence, and the relationship will stay in existence. The only people who can go into a provisional center and purchase would be the caregiver and patient. The sale will be recorded.
Mr. Hendricks stated medical marijuana is not exempted from state sales tax. For sales through a provision center, they will owe 6% sales tax and excise tax.
Mr. Wrigley stated many communities have come through the recession with vacant and abandoned buildings. They would have reuse for the buildings and property tax benefits for the community.
Council Member Miller stated a big portion of the tax goes to the county and sheriff department even though the county does not regulate.
Mr. Wrigley stated at the safety compliance facility they test the purity and make sure there are no problems with the marijuana. That information will be posted on the product to sell. There can be no pesticides or mold, or that batch will not go to sale. Many patients prefer oils and the product digested in food.
Mayor Gunderson asked regarding the zoning, why is it ag and industrial?
Mr. Wrigley stated the legislation said it is an agricultural type of product. That is best set in an ag area and industrial for large scale production. They don’t want it in a residential area.
Mayor Gunderson asked if the Planning Commission set up zoning, can they control hours or is that strictly through the government? Will there be guidelines for the city to follow?
Mr. Wrigley stated there is some guidance under the rules and regulations of the act that LARA can regulate.
Mr. Hendricks stated there should be local control over it.
Police Chief Dale Nelson stated the money would go to the county sheriff, state police and the community. On law enforcement standards, they would use funds to do some of the inspections, any time of the day. Under federal law, marijuana is still illegal. Regarding processing, there are items that come from that. Growers now get in the 30% range of THC. It is now in the 80-90% range in edibles and users get in accidents. THC dissipates in the body very quickly. The only credible way to check is to get a blood draw. By the time they get to medical facilities, the THC level continues to drop. They want to improve roadside testing for THC levels. THC can be added to alcohol. Some criminal enterprises try to ship out of state and use a legal local state to cover up operations in other states. For the moral value of the city, they would do better to opt out.
Mayor Gunderson stated there would be no decision tonight. They may hold another public hearing in the future.
Joe Feuerstein asked if a transporter was licensed only for the City of Belding?
Mr. Hendricks stated a secure transporter is a category that will be subject to rules and regs not made yet. He believes the transporter would need a place to work out of. They will drive to various customers. They have to file a manifest of where they are going. They are subject to inspection at any time.
Mr. Wrigley stated the locality in which the secure transporter has a primary business location will be the only municipality to give permission to operate. They would then be travelling to different sites. They must have two persons in the vehicle and one must stay in the vehicle. It is a cash system, so they can pick up cash and take it to the processor or grower.
Mr. Feuerstein asked if they were subject to liability?
Mr. Hendricks stated they must have insurance.
Sharon Carlson, asked on behalf of the Ionia County Substance Abuse Advisory Board, please consider prevention strategies for substance abuse.
Deb Thalison, Substance Abuse Director for Ionia County, stated she would encourage them to think about what other states have done, and they have had problems. If they don’t have an ordinance, they can do it later. Let others do it and see how they do. She would love to be involved.
Carl French, 8520 Fisk Rd., stated he works for a testing facility, which is approved by the state. He feels concentrates and edibles are what helps. He hopes when they consider this, they do so with the knowledge that it does help people. There are also problems with pain pills and opioids. He used medical marijuana to get off pain pills. He also uses it to help him sleep. They should look at all aspects of it. The people of Michigan voted for this. If they need scientific research, he can get that for them.
John Sparks, 901 N. Bridge, stated he is a retired attorney in the health care field. He serves on the Belding Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. He is a qualified patient under the Act of 2008. He has severe peripheral neuropathy in his legs. The Michigan voters voted overwhelmingly in 2008 to approve the initiative. A national poll indicates 89% of the population is in favor of medical marijuana regulated by states. They should use a national perspective to refine what they may adopt in Belding. The current zoning ordinance was adopted in 2011. The Planning Commission is revising the zoning ordinance and the city manager put in a provision that cut out everything, and said medical marijuana is prohibited until the process is worked out. He would second the last speaker in taking opioids, as they start out working but they have less and less impact and you take more potent doses of them. When he got a license, he was astonished by the immediate relief, and his legs felt almost normal again. A 2015 national study indicated medical marijuana used in states licensed has resulted in a 1-15% reduction in the use of cocaine and heroin in those states. A 2016 national study showed in states licensing medical marijuana, there was a significant drop in violent crime, and another study showed an 8-11% drop in traffic fatalities. There is the potential for abuse. They should require a patient to obtain a certificate from their personal physician, not a stranger. With all the things the attorney talked about, there are enhanced revenue possibilities, and there is oversight by the state that medical marijuana is safe. They need those things. It will not cure medical marijuana use if the city opts out. A state regulatory agency should oversee it. In years past, prohibition led to criminal activity and loss of revenues. Opting in provides all sorts of protections, enhancements, safeguards and a revenue source.
Christina Allison, Sheridan, stated in reference to obtaining a certificate from the primary care physician, that cannot happen. In a certification center, they must have medical records. United Memorial receives federal funds so they do not allow their doctors to sign the certifications. She has doctors refer their people to her clinic. There are 494 cardholders in Ionia County. She can’t tell how many are in Belding. They should be able to access medical marijuana in their own town. The city should get the revenue, as they are just helping their residents. The city is protected by the State of Michigan. They should collect the revenue, up to a $5,000 yearly fee from the people. Younger people will get ahold of it anyway. They don’t get it from dispensaries. That problem exists. This program will not harm that. They cannot come into their buildings to get that. There is a lot to think about. It would help the people in Belding to access their medicine.
Sam Mason, 516 W. May, stated he hopes council considers setting up guidelines and provisions. They sell beer, wine and tobacco. Belding could be the main focus of this situation. Utilize the chance they have and set provisions with the state and federal government. Let everyone follow Belding for once.
Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m.
B. Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate Application – B&O Saws, Inc.
Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 8:20 p.m.
City Manager Brown stated the tax abatement is offered in the industrial area in exchange for new facilities. B&O is building a new building of 14,000 sq. ft. to be more competitive and add employees as time goes on. It is a good way for the city to go. 80% of new job creation comes from existing facilities, to expand and keep in our city. He is much in favor of the IFT.
Jason Kohn, President of B&O Saws, 825 Reed Street, stated he would ask for support for the tax exemption. They are building a 14,000 sq. ft. addition which is a 30% addition to the manufacturing space. They have grown the market share in the last five years. The support of the city is very encouraging. They will be assuming a mortgage, taking a risk, and they must control their costs and make deliveries. They have a lack of floor space and could lose projects. They want to have continued growth. They have agreed to add three jobs. They hope to add machinery and have another expansion. There is help from the city and state for financial assistance.
Morgan Carroll, Right Place, stated they have been working with B&O, and urge their support for the growth and expansion of business within Ionia County and West Michigan to maintain jobs, payroll taxes, and real and personal property taxes. They support their expansion in the City of Belding.
Sam Mason, 516 W. May, asked them to please consider the tax exemption. If the city shows other industries that they are working with small and large businesses, it is a positive thing. Word travels quickly.
Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing at 8:26 p.m.
C. Five Year Community Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 8:27 p.m.
City Manager Brown stated the Community Rec Plan has expired. The Recreation Advisory Board hired Pam Blough to prepare a new five year plan.
Pam Blough stated they are updating the rec plan for the next five years. There were a few changes from DNR for compliance. They do an assessment of the parks and think about the future. That helps qualify for grants. They must have a qualified plan on file with the DNR. Since the last plan was done, there was the land acquisition to expand Lightning Bend Park, extensions of the Silk City Nature Trail, Demorest Field improvements, and the last phases of the trail. The city has been very successful in receiving grants. She is working on a grant application for the Gathering Place. In 2016, the Rec Board had a public survey with 200 responses. The board toured all the parks in August, have been working at the Rec Board meetings, developed a draft plan and there has been 30 days of public comment. Now the public hearing is being held for the public to comment. The plan will be submitted to the DNR. The city can amend the plan, if needed, as time goes on.
Mayor Gunderson inquired about the main changes to the plan.
Ms. Blough stated they tried to update the goals, objectives and action plan for the future. The new Gathering Place property was not in existence. There is a new site plan for Central Riverside Park and the Gathering Place. The Fred Meijer Trail has been built so they would like new connections. They worked on the Pathway Master Plan for connectivity, so that has been updated. It has been a thorough update.
City Manager Brown stated there was a plan for an amphitheater on the Electrolux property, which was in the middle of the trail. There was some concern by the DNR about impact. JJ&R have revised the plan and it is in the plan now.
Sam Mason, 516 May, stated they talked about the Gathering Place grant. How can they get grants, when they do not own the property? The city has surface rights. Don’t they have to own the property?
Ms. Blough stated the city has the legal documents with the property description. The DNR has documentation on the site control form. The surface can be used for the park and trail. It is very specifically stated in the Consent Judgment.
Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing at 8:35 p.m.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid stated he missed the Housing Commission meeting.
Council Member Feehan stated on March 5, 2017 at 2 p.m. they are having Denny Craycraft and films from Vietnam at the Belrockton.
Council Member Miller stated the Historic District meeting has been postponed until next month. The Planning Commission will be meeting next Tuesday.
Mayor Gunderson stated the Library Board meets Monday at 5:30 p.m. and the DDA meets on March 1, 2017 at 4 p.m.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Approval of Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate Application – B&O Saws, Inc.
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.
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION
FOR AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
FOR B&O SAWS, INC.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Act 198 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended ("Act 198"), the City of Belding (the "City") has established an industrial development district in connection with property leased by B&O Saws, Inc. (the "Company") located at 825 Reed Street in the City of Belding, Ionia County, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, the Company has submitted an application for an industrial facilities exemption certificate for a new facility; and
WHEREAS, the City has notified the assessor of the assessing unit in which the facility is located and the legislative body of each taxing unit that levies ad valorem property taxes in the local governmental unit in which the facility is located; and
WHEREAS, notice of a hearing on said application was published on February 10, 2017, in the Daily News setting the date of February 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pere Marquette Depot, 100 Depot Street, Belding, Michigan, as the time and place at which a hearing would be held with respect to the application of B&O Saws, Inc. for an industrial facilities exemption certificate; and
WHEREAS, said hearing was held on February 21, 2017 during the meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, Act 198 authorizes a local governmental unit to approve an application for an industrial facilities exemption certificate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding:
1. The City Council finds as follows:
a. Subject to requisite State of Michigan approval, the City shall approve a Certificate for tax abatement for a term of twelve (12) years for the real property improvements associated with the Project.
b. The new facility is calculated to, and will at the time of issuance of the certificates, have the reasonable likelihood to retain employment, increase employment or produce energy in the City.
c. That the granting of the industrial facilities exemption certificate, considered together with the aggregate amount of industrial facilities exemption certificate previously granted and currently in force, will not have the effect of substantially impeding the operation of the City or impairing the financial soundness of the taxing units that levy ad valorem property tax in the local governmental unit in which the facility is located or to be located.
d. That the state equalized valuation of property proposed to be exempt pursuant to the application under consideration, considered together with the aggregate state equalized valuation of property exempt under certificates previously granted and currently in force, does not exceed 5% of the state equalized valuation of the City.
2. The application of B&O Saws, Inc. for an industrial facilities exemption certificate for a new facility located within the previously established industrial development district described on the attached Exhibit A be and is hereby approved in the form on file with the City Clerk.
3. The estimated date of completion of the real property improvements at the B&O Saws, Inc. facilities, located in the City which is subject to the industrial facilities exemption certificate, shall be April 1, 2017.
4. The applications for the industrial facilities exemption certificate shall be approved for a period of twelve (12) years after completion.
7. The Mayor, City Clerk and City Manager, or any of them, are authorized to take such further action and to execute an Act 198 Agreement in substantially the form on file with the City Clerk and such other documents and agreements on behalf of the City as are necessary or desirable to accomplish the intent of this Resolution and the approval of the industrial facilities exemptions certificate for B&O Saws, Inc.
8. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be, and the same hereby are, rescinded.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
B. Approval of Five Year Community Recreation Plan 2017-2021
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 ADOPTING THE CITY OF BELDING COMMUNITY RECREATION PLAN, 2017-2021.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Community Recreation Plan, 2017-2021 has been established to develop a long-range vision for the park and recreation needs and facilities of the City; and
WHEREAS, the plan is the result of the combined effort of the Recreation Advisory Board, the City Council and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to affirm the City of Belding Community Recreation Plan, 2017-2021.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding hereby adopts the City of Belding Community Recreation Plan, 2017-2021.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
Linda Rousseau, 890 Water Street stated there are eleven students from the band, through the all state band, the Michigan Ambassador Band, who will be touring seven countries in three weeks. It would be nice for the city to recognize them. They each had to raise $6,000 for the trip. It is a wonderful opportunity for these kids.
City Manager Comments
The city manager had no comments.
Council Comments
Council Member Miller thanked everyone for coming out, as there was a great turnout. It is nice to understand the medical marijuana legislation. He congratulated B&O Saws, they support Belding. He was thankful for the five year Community Recreation Plan.
Council Member Scheid thanked the Kohn family. Tom has been in business since he can remember. They always look out for their employees and they make contributions to the city. It is only fair that they help them out.
Council Member Feehan thanked B&O Saws and the Rec Board for their hard work. He stated he appreciated it very much.
Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone for showing up for the medical marijuana discussion, and extended thanks to the Rec Board. Council will look at several retirements, and some employees have been replaced. He thanked Bill Ribbens for his years of service, as well as Don Eady and Bill Burns. The city will miss those employees. He thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Miller.
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
