REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, November 6, 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, November 6, 2018.
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, and Ronald Gunderson
Members Absent: Douglas Feehan
A motion to excuse Council Member Feehan was made by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Miller.
The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, and Gunderson.
Nays: None
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, 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, Meyers, Scheid, and Gunderson
Nays: None
Public Comments
None
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 71053 to 71114 in the amount of $214,363.63, Check 71115 in the amount of $24.83, Checks 71116 to 71143 in the amount of $62,943.82 and Checks 71144 to 71191 in the amount of $45,742.18
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 7278 to 7283 in the amount of $27,269.01
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, October 16, 2018
- Approve Minutes: Closed session, October 16, 2018
- DART – Job Access Reverse Commute Program Contract
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, Meyers, Scheid, and Gunderson.
Nays: None.
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda.
D. DART – Job Access Reverse Commute Program Contract
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING THE THIRD PARTY CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BELDING, DIAL-A-RIDE, AND THE CITY OF IONIA, DIAL-A-RIDE.
WHEREAS, the City of Ionia, Dial-A-Ride desires to contract with the City of Belding, Dial-A-Ride for the provision of transportation services offered under the Job Access Program; and,
WHEREAS, the term of the contract will be October 1st, 2018 until September 30th, 2019, for the amount of $55,000.00; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding, Dial-A-Ride complies with the conditions stated in the contract with the City of Ionia, Dial-A-Ride.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the third party contract agreement between the City of Belding, Dial-A-Ride, and the City of Ionia, Dial-A-Ride is hereby approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the third party agreement between the City of Belding, Dial-A-Ride, and the City of Ionia, Dial-A-Ride.
Reports by Council Liaisons:
Council Member Miller reported on the Planning Commission meeting held on October 23. They held a workshop with City Council Members regarding sidewalks. He thanked Manager Niemela for bringing a lot of information to the table. It was a good discussion. There were some motions made and recommendation to look at the potential of hiring a Planner Manager to help us in regards to planning overall and addressing the sidewalk issue. So, we are under a moratorium pending further discussion. There may be additional meetings because a lot of the information that came up indicated having to come back to City Council for approval. Everything from the walkable community to the way the sidewalk ordinance is written and how we currently have citizens fill out information in regards to getting exemptions. Overall, it was a great meeting to start off with and more to come. He stated that he feels it is a great topic, and one they need to conquer.
Council Member Meyers reported that the Housing Commission met on October 18. They paid bills, reviewed vacancies, delinquencies, and maintenance reports. They discussed flat rents to make sure the Commission is aligned with PUD. They discussed RAD, and updated the Board on surveys in progress to eventually allow for the transfer of the property over there. They are looking at the current flood insurance policy to see if they can make some changes there in order to reduce some costs. They talked about different ways to approach RAD. He stated that sitting on the Housing Commission Board is truly a Board the City can be proud of. The Commission, by approaching the RAD conversion as early as they did, they are well ahead of the game. There are many communities now jumping in on RAD, and this Board had the thought process already in place, and has already moved through a lot of it. They are ahead of other Housing Commissions throughout the State. They should be commended for that. It’s truly a great Board to work with.
Council Scheid had nothing to report.
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Library Board met and they have new staff in place, bills are paid, and programs are continuing, and things are moving forward.
New Business
A. Credit Card Services Authorization
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 AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CREDIT CARD SERVICES THROUGH MERCANTILE BANK.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding would like to secure credit card services through Mercantile Bank; and
WHEREAS, the following employees will be authorized as designated card holders, each with a credit limit of $5,000, with a total credit limit for the City of Belding of $25,000:
| Library Director Britney Dillon |
| Fire Chief Gregg Moore |
| Police Chief Dale Nelson |
| Director of Public Works Ernest Thomas |
| City Clerk Kareen Thomas |
WHEREAS, Finance Director Rebecca Schlienz will serve as administrator of the Program, and be authorized to sign any agreements pertaining to the contacting and maintenance of the credit card program; and
WHEREAS, City Clerk Kareen Thomas is authorized to sign the credit card agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that authorization is hereby granted for the designated cardholders to use credit card services through Mercantile Bank, Finance Director Rebecca Schlienz is hereby authorized to serve as administrator of the program, and City Clerk Kareen Thomas is authorized to sign the credit card agreement.
City Manager Niemela explained that the reason for the change on this is that there have been issues over the past regarding when interest is applied to the credit card balances, and they were getting shorter and shorter and because it has to come to City Council first, we were running into problems hitting Chemical Bank’s timing on when interest is charged. We spoke to Mercantile Bank who has a longer grace period which would be consistent with how we do our bill paying. So it would be more beneficial to move it there rather than paying interest on the credit card.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, and Gunderson
Nays: None
B. Sale of Breimayer lot
Council Member Scheid moved to bring this item to the floor, supported by Council Member Miller.
Manager Niemela reported that he was approached by a developer representing a retail company that is interested in the Breimayer lot. They had looked at the Breimayer lot, but also at the Gathering Place and were advised that wasn’t an option. He suggested to them that they contact the owner of a significant portion of the Mall to see if they would fit in the space. He doesn’t know if they followed through on that. They did get back to Manager Niemela and said they were still interested in the Breimayer lot. Manager Niemela is asking for a consensus from the Council as to whether or not we should offer it for sale. If the Council agrees to offer it up, Manager Niemela will reach back to the developer, who will then share with us who the interested party is and what their interests are. Then he will bring it back to the City Council for their formal approval of the sale.
Council Member Miller clarified that we do not know who the retailer is. Manager Niemela said that when it goes up for sale we will find out who it is, and then it would then come back to Council for further decision.
Council Member Meyers asked if the price of the lot would be determined then. Manager Niemela said the possible range is in the thirty thousand dollar range, but it would be honed into.
Mayor Gunderson said we are using the Gathering Place to replace the Breimayer lot. And we know that we have surface rights but we do not have sub-surface rights. He is concerned that if we were to lose the Gathering Place and the Breimayer lot is sold, do we have places to put them. There is always a possibility of the Gathering Place being taken by the previous owner. We could utilize Central Riverside Park if need be. Manager Niemela talked about the Rec Board working on a plan to locate a Farmer’s Market in the Central Riverside Park. We used the Breimayer lot initially, but it grew beyond that so they went to the Gathering Place. As part of the Rec Board plan is to have a permanent place for Farmers Market at Central Riverside Park. He has talked to the Rec Board in the past about that property because it came up in the context of whether or not we relocate. Mayor Gunderson said that at this point in time, he doesn’t want to keep a business out.
The question on the Consensus motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Scheid, Meyers, and Gunderson.
Nays: None
Mayor Gunderson stated to keep in mind that this is not a definite vote, just a consensus of the City Council so that the City Manager can proceed forward on his process and sale of the property.
Public Comments
Jeff Hunter, 602 Zahm Rd. He is not sure why the Council would consider selling the last buildable lot. It would have been really cool to see a splash pad for kids down there. He said instead, the Rec Board that would rather push a Farmer’s Market around; telling them where they can and can’t be. He doesn’t consider a farmer’s market a recreational event. He talked about Housing Commission meetings and how anyone who attends their meetings to voice their opinion or concerns is ignored. He said that no one looks at you, and when you voice your opinions you are considered a violent person. He said that hopefully you don’t sell the Breimayer lot. He wants to see a splash pad. He doesn’t think the old dump is a good place. He feels the lot is worth more than thirty thousand dollars.
Sam Mason, 516 W. Main St., This is the first he’s heard about the Breimayer Lot. He hopes it goes on the open market instead of giving it to one person, so that we don’t isolate ourselves to one retailer. He said it would be great to get more business in.
Sharon Carlson, Housing Commission. She expressed appreciation to Mr. Meyers for his comments regarding the Housing Commission and Board. They are a very hard working Board, very dedicated, and most of them have been there many years. They do their homework and they are very welcoming to the public. She said they do hold public meetings and people are able to come in and speak to the Board and express their views. They do not get involved in dialogue. Everything goes back to policy. She then expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Gunderson for maintaining the positive relationship that exists between the Housing Commission and the City, and how hard he’s worked over the years to help them move forward. She appreciated the support and look forward to talking to him in the future.
Joe Feuerstein, 901 W. State, He said he is here to thank Ron Gunderson for good service; the best he’s seen for as long as he can remember. He also thanked Mr. Gunderson for all the patience he’s had. As for Breimayer lot, he feels it is just sitting there and we don’t get any tax money out it. Selling it would bring in business and taxes.
City Manager Comments
Manager Niemela said he had a couple of quick things: 1) watching in West Michigan the findings they found in Belmont regarding PFAS in water wells around that area. The State has gotten heavily involve in wanting to find out all public facilities are doing beyond that area. Our water was tested and found as none detected. They will do more monitoring in the future. We will ultimately be required to do more monitoring in the future just to make sure it doesn’t change. The Federal Government may be lowering standards.
2) He met with the representative from the Census Bureau. They will be opening field offices soon, as well as employees. They will be looking for a lot of response and will be calling for responses too. Michigan is fifth highest response in the nation. The cost is about $1600 per person. He wants the citizens of the City to get involved as it’s an advantage to citizens too. They are going city to city talking to officials regarding what will happen and then to the public. There will be jobs available for that purpose. Mayor Gunderson asked if they will have an office in this area and Manager Niemela said that they will likely have one in each County. Typically the way they target it is the largest municipality in the county.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid said that Mayor Gunderson is the longest serving Mayor we’ve had, and he said, “Thank you” to Mayor Gunderson. He also thanked everyone else for coming tonight.
Council Member Miller echoed what Mike said. He feels not everyone knows what it takes to serve as Mayor; from the side of the amount of time and commitment and energy and emotion that it takes. He tried to get on the Council a few times and didn’t make it. He gave props to Mr. Gunderson because he has helped new Councilmen to learn and understanding the importance of reading notes and understanding detail behind the process. If it isn’t for individuals like Ron to help us with that, then it’s hard to keep carrying the torch forward. He said he is very grateful for that. He also appreciates having someone to talk to in regards to understanding the minutes and what’s going on in town. It’s all important in moving the City forward and he appreciates all that and all that Mayor Gunderson has done. As part of that, he’d like to exercise his right to put in a privileged motion.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Miller and seconded by Council Member Scheid:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO RONALD GUNDERSON FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BELDING.
WHEREAS, Ronald Gunderson was appointed to the Belding City Council on May 5, 2011, and elected on November 5, 2013 for a five-year term; and
WHEREAS, he served as Mayor from November 15, 2011 to November 6, 2018, the longest serving Mayor in the history of the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, he served as an appointed member of the DDA, Local Historic District Study Committee, Historic District Commission, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals; and
WHEREAS, he served as council liaison to the DDA, Historic District Commission and Library Board; and
WHEREAS, Ron has been instrumental in the administration, planning, development and maintenance of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trail; and
WHEREAS, he had a deep commitment to his mayoral position and was very visible at many city related and community events; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure on the city council, Ron has striven to be well prepared and informed, and has based his decisions on the good of all residents of the city; and
WHEREAS, he has served as a valued resource, and has shared his wealth of historical knowledge of the city with city administration and staff.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that sincere appreciation is extended to Ronald Gunderson for his many years of service to the City of Belding and its residents.
Council Member Meyers said, “Like the Resolution, and what both Mike and Brad have expressed, he considers it an honor to sit on this Board with you.” He continued by saying that Ron has always been there for him right from day one. He feels Ron has shown his dedication to this City and his willingness to always search out and be knowledgeable enough to be sure his decisions are what he believes is to be best for the City. He feels that Ron has been a fine example of what a Mayor should be. He ended by saying, “Thank you.”
Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone and stated that he appreciates it. Council Member Myers then presented a gift from the City and the City Council to Mayor Gunderson to show appreciation for all that Mayor Gunderson has done.
Mayor Gunderson opened the gift which was a special gavel and base engraved with the following; “Mayor Gunderson, November 2011 - November 18”. He said, “Thank you.”
Mayor Gunderson said, “I want to thank all the previous Council Members and especially the existing Council Members for putting their trust in me over the years to represent the City and to take on the challenges that are always present. A number of things were mentioned about me being on a lot of Boards, and it’s been a pleasure to do that and to represent the City. I didn’t do it alone; I did it with the support of the Council Members. Not everyone can make it to every meeting, and we always try to work together in that aspect of it, and to every outing and to every adventure and to ribbon cuttings. I do want to thank them. I want to thank all the staff what have worked over the years. It made my job easier because it did become a job. You aren’t just a Council Member you end up being more than that. You end up being part of the community even more than you realize. To do it right, you have to be. I especially want to thank my wife Carla for supporting since 2005 when I first got on the Planning Commission to start this journey I’m ending tonight. She has supported me all the way through this, and she has always been there for me. I want to thank everybody tonight for the kind words and for this gift. Thank you all, very much.”
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member
Miller.
Ayes: Council Members Miller, Meyers, Scheid, and Gunderson
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
| | Ronald Gunderson, Mayor |
| Shelley Mosher, Acting City Clerk | |
