Approval of Agenda

Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda, supported by Council Member Miller.

Mayor Gunderson asked to add the Commitment for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application for the Silk City Nature Trail Gathering Place Connector to New Business -Item A.

The question on the motion, as amended, 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 were no public comments.

Consent Agenda

Public Hearing

1. FY 2017/18 Budget

Mayor Gunderson opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.

City Manager Brown stated the sewer rate was increased by 5.9% and the adjusted sheet was distributed.  It is a $2.3M budget, $11,000 less than last year.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Gunderson closed the public hearing 7:05 p.m.

Reports by Council Liaisons

Council Member Meyers stated there was a ZBA meeting on April 25.  There was one item.  The owner at 914 S. Bridge requested a waiver to the requirement for a minimum one stall garage.  There was some discussion with community input.  The request was approved 4-0.  The application by Jeremy Cesar was approved and moved to city council. 

Council Member Scheid stated he watched the Housing Commission meeting end.  The budget is ready to send in.  They were meeting a week early to work on the budget.  The next meeting is on the third Thursday.

Council Member Feehan stated the Museum is setting up for “Spring into the Past” this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The floors have been refinished.  They will paint the trim inside next. 

Council Member Miller stated the HDC met.  They heard an update from the study committee chair.  The Michigan Historic Preservation Network staff met with Bruce.  The commission was going after the city hall for the next historic designation, but after the meeting, it was determined they should look at the depot, as well, to keep it together in one district.  That was approved.  The study committee will work on both buildings.  The HDC will review their work and send it to council.  221 W. Washington is in almost blight condition.  It is a beautiful Victorian home.  They found out that a bank sold it to a bank.  They want to track the mortgage owners.  It seems salvageable.  The mural on the wall has been started and it looks great.  That is dependent upon weather.  Once it is completed they will have a dedication.  The “Here Lies Belding” project came up.  Bruce did one in Indianapolis.  They look at the tombstones and bring the history back to the town.  It has been discussed with the Museum, on how do they facilitate that as a tour or to have an understanding of family history?  Some dress up in that era.  The HDC will have quarterly meetings.  The Planning Commission had a variance for a sidewalk at 904 W. Ellis.  Citizens are starting to look at a variance before they need to.  That request was not approved.  They may look at charging a fee when they apply for it.  There should be a disclaimer that if more work is done they must come to the Planning Commission.  They could have hundreds of requests turned in for a variance at no cost.  They must have some constraints and fees attached when there is no need for the sidewalk exception.  They touched on the SAW grant and how it will affect people with the additional sewer expense.  They are going through the city zoning ordinance, which will be much easier to read and enforce.  They want to get through it in the next couple of months. 

Mayor Gunderson stated at the Library Board, bills were paid and they are working on the policies.  The DDA will meet here tomorrow at 4 p.m. They are working with Saranac and Ionia on a Story Time Trail.  The details will be worked out. 

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

New Business

1. Commitment for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application

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.

Public Comments

Larry Lathrop, 101 N. Front, stated he loves it here and it was a great decision to move here.  He is getting questions on the mural from those going by.  The weather forecast will be better.  He had a slower start because of the weather.  He will get to the July 4 deadline.  It is taking shape from several areas he is working on, to make things fit.  He is underpainting now for the values, then he will go with the transparent colors.  It is going along well.  People have been very supportive.  He is very flexible and if they think something is relevant he can add things.    

City Manager Comments

The city manager had no comments.

Council Comments

Council Member Feehan stated regarding the appointment to boards, if there is a new member it would be nice if they would come in and introduce themselves and talk with them.    

Council Member Miller had no comments.

Council Member Meyers stated he attended the Leppink dedication and it was a very nice event.  It was a very nice thing for the Leppink family to do, and he wished to thank them for the donation and for all they do for the community.  He enjoyed it. 

Council Member Scheid had no comments. 

Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone for their work on the budget, the extra workshop, Becky for putting the numbers together and the department heads for their work on the budget.  He thanked Larry for his work on the mural.  He thanked everyone for coming.   

Adjournment

Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member

Miller.

Ayes:               Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Feehan and Gunderson

            Nays:               None

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.