REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, May 16, 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, May 16, 2017.
Mayor Gunderson delivered the invocation.
The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Acting 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
None
Consent Agenda
Mayor Gunderson asked for any separation, Council Member Meyers had questions on Items D. and E. They will be moved to New Business. Item D. will now be Item C. under New Business, and Item E. will now be Item D. under New Business.
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 68223 to 68294 in the amount of $79,948.85
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled Meeting, May 2, 2017
- Approval of Labor Day Celebration fireworks display
- Museum Advisory Board – Re-appointment of Jane Forth
- Museum Advisory Board – Re-appointment of Angie Terry
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.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
C. Approval of Labor Day Celebration fireworks display
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN GRANTING PERMISSION TO MELROSE PYROTECHNICS, INC. TO PROVIDE A FIREWORKS DISPLAY DURING THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND..
WHEREAS, Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc. provides the annual fireworks display during the Labor Day weekend; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Central Riverside Park for the Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday, September 3, 2017, with a rain date of Monday, September 4, 2017; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for approval of a permit for a fireworks display for the Annual Labor Day Celebration, to be held on city owned property at Central Riverside Park; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the preceding requests are hereby granted.
F. Museum Advisory Board – Reappointment of Jane Forth
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JANE FORTH TO THE MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD.
WHEREAS, the term of office for Jane Forth on the Museum Advisory Board will expire on June 3, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Jane Forth has indicated that she is interested in serving another term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Museum Advisory Board members have recommended the appointment of Jane Forth to the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Jane Forth be appointed to the Museum Advisory Board with a term to
expire on May 16, 2020.
G. Museum Advisory Board – Reappointment of Angie Terry
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING ANGIE TERRY TO THE MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD.
WHEREAS, the term of office for Angie Terry on the Museum Advisory Board will expire on June 3, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Angie Terry has indicated that she is interested in serving another term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Museum Advisory Board members have recommended the appointment of Angie Terry to the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Angie Terry be appointed to the Museum Advisory Board with a term to expire on May 16, 2020.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid said the Housing Commission meeting is this Thursday night, so he has nothing to report since the last meeting.
Council Member Feehan had nothing to report since the last meeting.
Council Member Miller had nothing to report since the last meeting.
Council Member Meyers talked about the Rec Board meeting held May 10. He said they discussed the Greenville Area Community Foundation Grant, as well as new sports nets for the tennis, basketball, volleyball, and soccer courts. They also talked about the wood fiber for under the playground sets, and it should be done in June. They also continued to talk about the five year fee program and there will be more discussion on that topic. There was also discussion of the White property that was donated; looking at that and maybe expand by putting in the second disc golf course there. There will be more discussion on that as well. The next meeting is June 14.
Mayor Gunderson gave the Library report. Bills have been paid and have a meeting coming up next Monday, May 29 at 5:30pm at the Library. The DDA met and went over the beds in the parking area.
Unfinished Business
None
New Business
A. FY 2017/18 Budget adoption
The Acting Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Miller.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Belding, Michigan has submitted to the Mayor and City Council a budget for Fiscal Year 2017/18 as required by the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan have studied and reviewed said budget; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing on said budget was held on May 2, 2017, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.4 of the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the City Clerk of the City of Belding has in accordance with Section 11.4 of the City Charter, and P.A. 621 of 1978, published notices of time and place of holding such hearings, and of the availability to the public of such proposed budget.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that they hereby appropriate the following sums of money deemed necessary to defray all the necessary expenses, liabilities and reserves of the City of Belding, Michigan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are to be expended and the amount appropriated which authorizes such expenditures, as provided in the City Charter and City Code for each center and purpose are specified as follows:
APPROPRIATION CENTERS
GENERAL OPERATING FUND
City Council $ 8,384
City Manager 114,664
Finance & Administrative Services 234,390
City Clerk 101,445
Central Municipal Activities 133,956
Cemetery 54,593
Police Department 836,059
Fire Department 542,629
Park Maintenance 82,221
Interfund Transfers 177,525
Belrockton Community Center 29,447
Community Promotions 6,750
Planning & Community Development 6,000
Contingency 34,921
TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS 2,362,984
MAJOR STREET FUND 329,477
LOCAL STREET FUND 215,426
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 5,453
DRUG FORFEITURE FUND 2,500
LIBRARY 394,050
MUSEUM FUND 12,150
SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND 14,646
BUILDING AUTHORITY DEBT FUND 81,325
CIP BOND PAYMENT FUND 31,590
LIBRARY DEBT FUND 97,065
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 56,060
DIAL-A-RIDE 320,634
SEWER FUND 1,034,565
WATER FUND 793,800
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND 218,500
BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND 84,000
MOTOR POOL FUND 412,240
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND 537,280
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $4,640,761.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
AMOUNT AMOUNT TO BE RAISED
APPROPRIATED BY MILL LEVY TAXATION
Capital Improvements $ 56,060 $ 170,000
General Purpose $ 2,362,984 $1,375,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2017-18, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan does hereby levy a tax of 17.9500 mills per dollar on the assessed valuation of all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Belding, and further, said mill levy shall include 15.9500 mills for the General Fund Operation, and 2.00 mills for Capital Improvements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an administrative fee of 1% shall be added and collected for all units of government - said fee to be continued until rescinded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to make budgetary transfers within the appropriation centers, also known as funds, established through this budget, except that all transfers between appropriation centers may be made only by further action of the City Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Uniform Accounting and Budgeting Act; and that the City Manager is hereby authorized to release bidding documents for those capital items requiring bids. Bidding documents may also be described as Requests for Proposals.
Comments:
Council Member Feehan said he was hoping for more in for street improvements, and he still thinks we need a second police officer and he’s hoping that next year we can work those things in.
Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone, staff, City Manager, Council and everybody for doing their job on this. He said he appreciates it.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Gunderson, Meyers, and Scheid
Nays: Council Members Feehan
B. Redevelopment Ready Communities Program
The Acting Clerk read the preamble to the resolution.
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Miller.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE MEDC REDEVELOMENT READY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has established a statewide Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Program to empower communities to shape their future and maximize economic potential: and
WHEREAS, the RRC is a program that provides technical assistance to and certifies Michigan communities who actively engage stakeholders and; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding recognizes the value of the RRC Program and seeks to improve its redevelopment readiness via a detailed review of existing development processes; and
WHEREAS, the RRC Program includes evaluating and strengthening development-related partnerships.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the City of Belding is willing to participate in the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities Program.
Comments:
City Manager Brown said they have been dealing for a number of weeks with MEDC, which is a Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which is the premier economic development arm of State government. They have been meeting with representatives as it relates to some industrial expansion in town, and the Covered Village Mall. During some discussion during the past couple of weeks we were told that the MEDC has adopted this program which is redevelopment ready communities as a basis for future grants and future consideration. So, if we’re going to ask for anything from MEDC, we have to be a redevelopment ready community, and we have to tell MEDC that we’re working on that. He then handed out a summary of what’s required, and he said that we are quite a ways down the road. One of the significant parts of the redevelopment ready community is to update the zoning ordinance. He said we’re within a month of having that completed. There are other practices we need to put in place. The problem has been that they get overwhelmed with requests for assistance, not only financial assistance, but if you’re a redevelopment ready community they will help you market at their expense, up to three properties a year nationally and throughout the State. In order to have them consider you as a community for that kind of activity, they have asked that communities what want to participate with them to become a redevelopment ready community and we all pass a resolution indicating that we’re going to work on that and become a part in it. We have to try and position the City so that we’ll be in a position to apply for economic type grants, economic development incentives, financing, a lot of different programs available.
Commission Member Miller asked if this is just a resolution to show our interest. He said in looking at it, it appears there are a lot of zoning changes we’ll need to look at one more time.
Commission Member Meyers if we would have to redo some of the zoning stuff already done. Manager Brown said no that, but we might have to add a couple of things to the zoning ordinance that they pointed out separately. Commission Member Meyers asked Manager Brown if the biggest portion of this is updating the zoning portion of it, but yet he said we’re quite a ways down the road. He asked to have that explained and Manager Brown said we’ve completely rewritten the zoning ordinances making more easily used and understood. He said he feels one of the reasons we haven’t had a lot of development is because it was regressive, it had way too many issues, so we went through it completely during the past several months. We have streamlined it and made it easier to use, more understandable. We are about a month away from having a document for which we can have a public hearing on. Although there are probably a couple things we may add between now and that time. Commission Member Meyers asked once that’s done when would it be redevelopment community ready? Manager Brown responded with about six or eight months.
Mayor Gunderson asked if we are like three quarters of the way through the goals that they’re asking for, or are you saying we’re not that far; that we’re farther back. Manager Brown said they’re looking for recreation plans, transportation plans, zoning ordinances. We just asked in February for the recreation plan and the pedestrian walking plan. The big ticket long time things we are pretty much through. All this does is say to them “we’re coming” and we’re going to try to reach the objectives of this program. It doesn’t commit you.
Council Member Meyers asked if there is a reason we’d say nuts to that; is there a pitfall down the road. Manager Brown said he doubts it.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Gunderson and Feehan
Nays: None
C. DART – Resolution of Intent for Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy
Mayor Gunderson read the preamble of 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 APPROVING THE RESOLUTION OF INTENT FOR THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND ALCOHOL MISUSE TESTING POLICY
WHEREAS, Dial-A-Ride has received an updated copy of the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regulations 49 CFR Parts 40 & 655.
WHEREAS, it is necessary for Dial-A-Ride, to acquire council approval for proper implementation of policy.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that Dial-A-Ride hereby makes its intentions known to uphold the policy of the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regulations 49 CFR Parts 40 & 655; 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 the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy.
Comments:
Council Member Meyers asked if this is strictly their policy and we abide by that; according to the Department of Transportation, and Manager Brown agreed.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, Gunderson and Feehan.
Nays: None
D. Approval of police garage roof replacement
The Acting Clerk read the preamble of the resolution.
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Miller.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BELDING POLICE DEPARTMENT GARAGE ROOF TO OSTRANDER SIDING AND ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,980.
WHEREAS, the roof on the Belding Police Department garage has been deteriorating, was damaged by a wind storm, and is in need of replacement; and
WHEREAS, three bids were received for the replacement, with Ostrander Siding and Roofing being the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and
WHEREAS, the city received $9,523.56 of the cost of the project from Meadowbrook Insurance as the roof received damage from a wind storm in March, 2017.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the contract for the replacement of the Belding Police Department garage roof be awarded to Ostrander Siding and Roofing in the amount of $15,980.
Comments:
Manager Brown said the Police garage has been deteriorating over the years; it’s not in very good condition, and he feels if we’re asking the private sector to upkeep their property, we should do the same thing. During the wind storm a couple of months ago, there was a lot of damage done to the roof, so he feels it’s time to get that taken care of. They received an immediate bid of $30,000 (thirty thousand dollars), and he sought two more bids, but received just one more. Ostrander Roofing was the low bid at $15,980 dollars (fifteen thousand, nine hundred eighty dollars.) He said it has been referred to the insurance company and the City has already received a check for $9,500 (nine thousand five hundred dollars). He said they have the remaining six thousand dollars and would like permission to proceed.
Council Member Meyers talked about the two bids being so significantly different, and yet when you go through the bid, it didn’t look like there was a whole lot of difference, and wondered if he was missing something. Manager Brown said probably because one didn’t want to do the job. Council Member Scheid then talked about Hansen’s going pretty much to metal roofs and that bumps up the amount. He said Ostrander does a good job and gets it done quickly.
The question on the resolution was called, and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Gunderson, Feehan, Miller and Meyers.
Nays: None
Public Comments
Denny Craycraft, 11692 Youngman Rd., Belding, MI. He ran into an unfortunate situation last week and it is being corrected. His attorneys are on top of it. In 2011 he had a very good secretary and bookkeeper when they started working on the park. He told her they needed a 5013C. They got their account set up and supposedly had their 5013C. He received a letter from the Attorney General last week stating that they are not 5013C. He removed it from the website. He would do nothing to jeopardize this town or Council. He went to Lt. Gov. Calley, Representative Judy Emmons, and Allen Cropsey called him. An individual went to the Lt. Gov. regarding this issue in an effort to negatively affect the Wall. They’ve started paperwork to get it done properly. 90% of money raised for this project is through tournaments, 5k runs, raffles, etc. It’s not a company, nor tax exempt to get the money. He was here to apologize that this embarrassment happened. It will be corrected. It looks like no harm no foul. Tomorrow the monument is coming in and the panels are going up on the wall. Several TV and newspapers will be here as it goes up. Alma Post raised some and will be down here on July 15 to put on a program for their names on the wall. A lot of money has been donated, and on Memorial Day there will be a lot of people here. They’ve received donations from Pennsylvania, and Colorado Springs in Colorado. It’s on Facebook and it’s getting a lot bigger. Eight-West photographer will be here tomorrow and they want Denny to be on their show in a week. After being on Eight-West the time, they received thirteen thousand dollars in donations.
Board Member Scheid asked Mr. Craycraft to please keep them informed.
County Commissioner Dave Hodges, 4833 Flat River Trail. They had a three hour meeting today; the County pension is in good shape and is one of the few in the State that can say that. The big issue is whether to stay as an inactive account or become an active account. That means when you set up the fund through your pension and you basically one guy that oversees the whole thing. The active account will have a gentleman or lady who will watch each fund and what it does. They will make adjustments based on what’s happening. It’s a little more costly but can improve revenue. There was an ICEA rep there to talk about that and what it does for the businesses in the County. Ionia County Road Commission had 15.7 million dollars in revenue that they spent last year. They are starting to see the ripple effect of the new fuel tax. He asked if State Legislators can divert the money and they actually can if they want to. They talked about how they decide which roads they’re going to fix. Otisco is one of the few townships that has millage for road projects. There are townships which are quite poor and cannot come up with the money for road projects. There were other reports given, and Dispatch wanted him to talk about the Smart 911 signal, which goes directly to your phone. He talked about the treasurer and good at getting money for them. Foundation walls are up for the new Court house. Council Member Feehan asked about Smart 911 and whether dispatchers make calls to everyone signed up.
Sam Mason, 516 W. Main St., Belding. He said a new business is coming into Belding at the Old Basket Factory and he would hope all Council members would go up and welcome them.
Work Session
Council Member Scheid moved to bring this item to the floor, supported by Council Member Feehan.
- Use of electronic sign
Bruce Brown talked about the new sign and said questions have come up regarding what should be put on the sign. He told staff City Council meetings, City meetings and activities, Board meetings, etc. He then listed several of the items they have listed. He said each item goes on for six seconds and runs continually all day and all night. A lot of people have asked how to get their information on that sign, including church, business, etc. They broke this down into different items and categories. He is recommending that we look at those items and pare it down to community events, church events, and service organizations. If you allow one group then it opens it up to all groups. Where do you draw the line? Council Member Miller asked if we could learn from other towns with similar signs. He said those that were for profit were eliminated. There was no price, but there were no editorials to be posted on the sign. There were some disclaimers, and then the right to the length and frequency. The City would have the right to determine, and no commercial use. Manager Brown said he wrote down the kinds of things the City of Wyoming has. He did not see churches, organizations, etc. He asked if we should charge. Council Member Feehan said maybe just put business name and addresses in order to inform people about the businesses available here in town. Put names and address of churches. Council Member Miller said that you basically have a couple of seconds to read it, so couldn’t expect a lot out of it. Council Member Meyers is in favor of community events, but wonders about churches and service organizations. With Smash Park already on there, it probably opens it up to soccer and baseball. He likes non-profit part and recognition part. The more you confine to certain things the better it will be and more control for the City. Council Member Scheid said it would be almost a full-time thing for someone to post everything. He feels it would be okay to say something to support local businesses and maybe run it once a week. He feels the same thing for Churches: service times only. It is there for benefit of the City and needs to be that. He feels no advertisements for sales, etc., and he feels there should be a charge for it because it will take someone to post items on the sign. He feels important events should be on there. Council Member Feehan explained his thought that business would be occasionally. Council Member Meyers said to charge for everyone, then who would pay the smash park? Council Member Scheid said even a small fee. There would be an expense to have someone to post items. He said even if it’s just a buck. Council Member Feehan wants to promote businesses. Mayor Gunderson said to remember what it is all about; it is to replace the old sign for the Mall to promote everything in the community. Now, he agrees with a little bit of what everyone has said, community items, doesn’t agree with charging but we need to promote businesses and community. It does what it needs to do. We need not to forget businesses. We need to support community; maybe take a church a week…name, location and service hours. We have Labor Day, Denny’s wall, Macker, etc. Maybe if it’s linked to Facebook page or website so you can look at the rolling screens. He has seen people looking at the sign and we need to have community events. Manager Brown will put something down on paper and then give it to the Council. Council Member Miller said if you don’t have something new and innovative, people stop looking at it. We’ve got to stay community relevant to what’s going on. Council Member Feehan said new businesses.
Community Events – Public Announcements
City meetings
Churches (19) - services
Service Organizations
City Manager Comments
Manager Brown has a couple of things. He read a thank you card from Doris Leppink regarding the clock and sign. They will have a niece come up with a landscape plan around clock base and sign base that will be low maintenance. He also received a letter today from GACF and a check for fifteen hundred and fifty dollars for the sports nets program to replace all sports nets.
Council Comments
Council Member Feehan said the business at the basket factory and furniture fell through.
Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone for coming and those working on the budget. Good to see it on board.
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 8:10 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Shelley Mosher, Acting City Clerk | |
