REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
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, August 7, 2018.
Council Member Scheid 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 Feehan made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Scheid.
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
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 70560 to 70625 in the amount of $2,474.70 and Checks 70626 to 70648 in the amount of $22,861.99
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 7230 to 7237 in the amount of $421,747.01
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, July 17, 2018
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 Feehan said he missed the Museum Board meeting.
Council Member Miller talked about the Planning Commission meeting held July 24. They approved two sidewalk exemptions and a special land use to allow a car lot. Next month they have three sidewalk exemptions to consider. The Commission requested to have a work session with City Council regarding sidewalk exemptions. Councilman Miller explained that there are some inconsistencies between the ordinance and the understanding of the ordinance. Therefore, what the Commission approves doesn’t always match what the Council understands as being correct. He gave the example of looking at the overall exemption form and there is a monetary need option, but the ordinance doesn’t include that. He gave a few other examples of items making it difficult to make good decisions regarding sidewalk exemptions.
Council Member Meyers said the Rec Board meets next Monday, August 7. The Housing Board met August third and there was discussion about the RAD program and how it would benefit the Housing Commission and the City. He gave recognition to Sharon Carlson, Housing Commission Director for her diligence regarding RAD.
Council Member Scheid had nothing to report.
Mayor Gunderson talked more about the RAD and the Kenwood well situation. He also gave recognition to Ms. Carlson.
Unfinished Business
None
New Business
A. 2018 Labor Day Celebration
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 Feehan.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE BELDING LABOR DAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE FOR THE USE OF CITY STREETS, CITY PROPERTY AND TO APPROVE EVENTS, GRANT A NOISE VARIANCE AND GRANT A WAIVER OF ORDINANCE #424.
WHEREAS, the Belding Labor Day Celebration Committee requests permission from the City of Belding for the use of the south section of the East Mall Parking Lot for midway attractions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2018, and the north section of the lot beginning at 5 p.m., on Thursday, August 30, 2018 through Monday, September 3, 2018 at midnight, and the vacant city lot on the SW corner of Bridge and Congress Streets to accommodate a tent and entertainment stage and emergency parking from Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 5 p.m. until Tuesday, September 4, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to close Congress Street, from Bridge to Pleasant Streets for Belding Fire and Police Department access from Thursday, August 30, 2018 through Monday, September 3, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Central Riverside Park for the Fireworks
Spectacular on Sunday, September 2, 2018, with a rain date of Monday, September 3, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Central Riverside Park restroom facilities and a portion of the Gibson Lot for carnival personnel storage and camping from Monday, August 20, 2018 to Friday, September 7, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Main Street, between Bridge Street and Hanover Street, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to close Bridge Street, from Depot to Washington Streets from Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 7 a.m. through midnight on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at midnight, to provide for a car show on Saturday and craft booths and vendors on Saturday and Sunday, with temporary openings for parades on Friday, Saturday and Monday; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Demorest Field from August 31, 2018 through September 3, 2018 for a Softball and Kick Ball Tournament; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for the Twilight and Labor Day Parades to begin at Bridge and High Streets, continuing on Bridge St. to E. Ann Street; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to stage the Twilight Parade on High Street and the Labor Day Parade on High, Riverside, Morton, Gooding and Reed Streets; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for the Saturday Kiddie Parade to use Bridge Street, from Depot Street to Washington Street, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for a permit for a fireworks display for the Annual Labor Day Celebration, to be held on city owned property at Central Riverside Park; and,
WHEREAS, permission is requested for a noise variance until 12:00 a.m. from August 31, 2018 through September 3, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, permission is granted for a waiver of Ordinance #424 to vendors in the East Mall Parking Lot, West Mall Parking Lot, Bridge Street and the vacant lot on the SW corner of Bridge Street and Congress Street; and,
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use city streets for a Spectrum Health 5K Run.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the preceding requests are hereby granted in their entirety.
Discussion:
Police Chief Dale Nelson talked about the Labor Day event being a yearly event. Demorest field will host softball tournaments from August 31st through September 3rd. Street closures include East Mall parking lot, south of Main St. from 8am the 30th until September 4th. The north section of the East Mall lot will close at 5pm on August 30th until Midnight September 3rd. Bridge Street between Washington and Depot Streets will be closed September 1st at 7am until Midnight on September 2nd. West Congress Street at Bridge Street to Pleasant Street will be closed at 5pm on the 30th until Midnight September 4th. The Light parade will happen on Friday night, the 31st, at 9:30pm from High and Bridge Streets to Alderman and Ann Street. The Kiddie Parade will be at 10am on September 1st and will go from Depot Street to Washington and Bridge Street. The Labor Day Parade starts at 11am on Monday, September 3rd and will go from High and Bridge Street to Ann and Alderman Street. He also spoke regarding trash pickup during the event weekend and police coverage.
Mayor Gunderson said he hoped the car show is not up tight to the mural like last year. He suggested that maybe a temporary soft-sided barricade could be erected there.
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
B. Temporary Street Closure – Fire Department training session
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 Feehan
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF REED STREET FOR A BELDING FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING SESSION.
WHEREAS, a request was received from the Belding Fire Department to temporarily close Reed Street between York Street and Merrick Avenue for a training session to burn classroom portables on September 15, 2018 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the closure will keep vehicles from crossing the fire hose and keep spectators a safe distance from the training site; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding,
Michigan that Reed Street, between York Street and Merrick Avenue will be closed for a training session on September 15, 2018 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chief Nelson talked about the training session scheduled for September 15 to practice burn on classroom portables located on Reed Street East of York Street from 7am until 1pm. They need the road closure for safety to the community and vehicle maintenance. He stated that protection is important. Closed 7am to 1pm.
Council Member Feehan talked about permits and smoke arising from this and whether citizens will be notified. Manager Niemela said they will notify any area affected by smoke and reduction of water.
Council Member Meyers asked who is responsible for the final cleanup. Manager Niemela addressed that issue and indicated it would be the owner of the property.
Council Member Scheid asked if DNR will come in, and Manager Niemela said the Fire Chief would have to answer that, because it would involve dry conditions.
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
Public Comments
Bradley Ratliff spoke regarding bringing a medical marijuana growth facility to Belding. He said they presented an educational meeting for the public on July 18. He felt they received positive responses. He asked if the City Council is going to do any future discussions on this as he feels they are currently in limbo regarding this issue.
Council Member Miller made a motion to add this topic to the next City Council meeting agenda, supported by Council Member Meyer.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller and Meyer
Nays: Council Members Scheid, Gunderson, and Feehan
City Manager Comments
Manager Niemela talked about meeting with Ernie Thomas regarding capital improvements. They are looking at possible grants or low interest financing. They made adjustments last year to sewer rates and water usage. They still need to make improvements and need to know what the costs will be in order to make a decision.
He met with DEQ to talk about the entire water system and their desire to work with the Housing Commission regarding the RAD program and property. The main well is in the center of Bel Haven. We are required to have 200 ft. radius around it. It could be a long-term easement with some restrictions including no improvements such as constructing new buildings, no water or sewer work within 200 ft. radius, as well as nothing that would have an environmental impact. The City Attorney is working on writing a contract. Also, the well on Water St. has pretty much a 200 ft. clearance but there is a swampy/brushy area. A deed would be transcribed if that property is sold. Nothing from DEQ indicated that they can’t move forward with that. They are in a position to have affirmative action to move forward, if the Council is up for that affirmative action.
Manager Niemela talked about the recent Gus Macker event and how he received good comments for the police, the city, etc. There were no significant problems.
A lot of media attention has been paid to water systems in this area regarding PFAS. To that end we’ve had some things done here, particularly we had PFAS testing done for industrial treatment program and all tests came back negative. It’s all part of the industrial areas, resident testing will be done by December. Right now, they are doing larger cities and areas known for the chemical. He talked about things the testers can’t do prior to taking the tests, and how they must stay sanitized.
There is a Michigan Municipal League Conference coming up. It’s a joint conference with Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Planning Commission. It will be held in Grand Rapids, and if any Council Members would like to attend, please let him know.
Mayor Gunderson asked for clarification on RAD and not making water changes like drinking fountains. Manager Niemela responded and said plans should come through the City.
Council Member Meyers asked about any updates on the two grants the City has. Manager Niemela said he received email for one kayak launch and there are additions to complete. The basketball courts should be able to start within the next couple weeks and they are hoping to be done by Labor Day. It was funded at the level we requested but didn’t include a few items and those should be added. He’s hoping to get a bid on the whole project.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to add the RAD update to the next 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, Gunderson, and Feehan
Nays: None
Council Comments
Mayor Gunderson asked Manager Niemela to schedule a work session as requested by Council Member Miller regarding the sidewalk exemptions and ordinances.
Council Member Miller talked about the southwest side of Leppinks being closed off for Macker and people were not able to use that. Both Manager Niemela and Police Chief Nelson said it shouldn’t be closed off. Councilman Miller also wondered about Ranney Village and what is happening there. Manager Niemela said we may need to bring some realtors in to market it. Councilman Miller also said that in relation to the Medical Marijuana, we owe a response to the citizens.
Council Member Meyers also talked about parking problems and said the way it is set up it won’t be a walkable city for at least 30 years. He also feels we need to give the medical marijuana issue some direction. He had some personal issues a few weeks ago, and thanked Gregg Moore and Chief Nelson for their attention to that.
Council Member Scheid said he went down to Gus Macker several times during the weekend and it was a very well behaved crowd, and it was very impressive the way it came off this year. He added that it was a very friendly crowd. He added that the Medical Marijuana issue isn’t dead; he feels he needs to get in touch with more people in town to get opinions.
Council Member Feehan said he feels we need to do something with the outside of the Mall. Manager Niemela agreed. It was discussed how it looks like a ghost town with weeds, etc. on the outside. Councilman Feehan talked about the outside falling apart. He added that the east side owners have done some work, but the other side not so much. It should be the Mall Association’s responsibility, but he’s not sure who they are. There are some challenges there including a single water meter, etc., so if one doesn’t pay they all lose out. They appear to be working on separate water meters. Each individual unit owns their part. One owner owns about 52% of mall.
Mayor Gunderson said it is exciting that Macker celebrated 45 years. He talked about the medical marijuana and the informational meeting held. There weren’t a lot of people at the meeting. He feels Mr. Ratliff does need an answer but he would like to get more information and thoughts from citizens, but the issue is not dead. Mayor Gunderson said there are three seats available on the Council. Mr. Davis, Mr. Feehan, Mr. Scheid, and Mr. LaClear are all running.
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 7:50 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Shelley Mosher, Acting City Clerk | |
