REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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, December 3, 2019.
Mayor Miller delivered the invocation.
The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Clerk took the roll call:
Members Present: Council Members Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers, Douglas Feehan and Brad Miller
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 Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: None
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 73261 to 73335 in the amount of $122,504.89
Approve Chemical Bank Checks 7419 to7424 in the amount of $6,006.33
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, November 19, 2019
C. Approve Minutes: Closed session, November 19, 2019
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 Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: None
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Members Scheid, Davis and Feehan did not have a report.
Council Member Meyers stated the Rec Board would meet on December 9. The Housing Commission met on November 21. They are moving forward with the RAD conversion and are working on resource sharing with the Greenville Housing Commission.
Mayor Miller stated he attended the regular meeting of the Library Board. All bills were paid, they are working on the Third Party Agreement, strategic plan and policy manual, and they purchased a new shed for better weather insulation, and are working on seating. They had an evaluation of Britney, which was a stellar review. The Planning Commission did a preliminary site plan review for the Stahlin addition. They talked about a planning consultant. There was consideration on Ordinance No. 550 for an additional marijuana grower. The next meeting will be held on December 16.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Medical Marijuana Ordinance #550 – first reading
Council Member Scheid moved to bring the Ordinance to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Feehan.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 550 TO PERMIT
AN ADDITIONAL MARIHUANA GROWER OPERATION AND TO
INCREASE THE PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF MARIHUANA PLANTS.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1.
Ordinance No. 550 is amended as follows:
a. The preamble of Section 2 is rewritten to read: The property described may be used for two marihuana grower operations, each with not more than 1,500 plants, provided there is compliance with the following conditions:
b. Section 2.b. is rewritten to read: Only two marihuana grower marihuana facilities may be established and operated by a Licensee in the City, subject to compliance with Act 281, the Rules, and this ordinance.
c. Section 2.l. is added to read: Two marihuana grower operations, each with not more than 1,500 plants are permitted by this Ordinance. The marihuana grower has offered, and the City hereby accepts, that when a new facility is constructed and is being used for a grower operation, the grower operation at the temporarily rezoned property in the now existing building will be discontinued and the licensee for up to 1,500 plants at that location will be surrendered.
Section 2.
This ordinance shall become effective 10 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Belding.
B. SCBA cylinder purchase
Council Member Feehan moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Meyers.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING THE BELDING FIRE DEPARTMENT’S REQUEST TO PURCHASE NEW SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS CYLINDERS FOR THE BELDING FIRE DEPARTMENT.
WHEREAS, the Belding Fire Department is currently in need of new self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders to enhance services and provide for safer operations; and
WHEREAS, funds are current in the Fire Department budget that have not been needed for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant; and
WHEREAS, the level and the quality of services by the Belding Fire Department would be improved with the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan approves the Belding Fire Department’s request to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders in the amount of $18,026 for the Belding Fire Department.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: None
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Niemela stated Janae Cooper is Kareen’s successor. She will be sworn in on January 2. She is currently the Ionia County Clerk. He is excited to have her on board. She is training with Kareen. She will be ready to go on January 2.
He received a letter from the county treasurer on the 13 parcels that were foreclosed on for non-payment of taxes. If the properties don’t sell in two tax sales each year, those properties would, by law, revert back to the city and become city property, unless we notify them within thirty days if we don’t want the properties. December 27 is the date. By the next meeting, he wants it finalized if the city does not want the properties. One individual indicated that they missed the deadline. The treasurer said there is nothing they can do. He had someone interested in a property along the north side of the building. They wanted access for deliveries in back. They would partner with a physical therapist. The treasurer made it into a single parcel, all eleven parcels. The outstanding taxes for the eleven parcels was quite a lot. One person was interested in specific units. Some were interested in specific units. On the second sale, there was a minimum bid of $100 on each unit, plus the 2019 property taxes. No one bid on the second sale. The treasurer included two emails with interest on the parcels. He reached out to the developer out of Grand Rapids. He sees they have residential properties, not commercial properties. He was waiting for them to get back on what they specifically wanted to do. The third inquiry was from LasVegas and he will reach out to them. The city did not have a positive experience last time, when someone had planned, but never fulfilled that. It would be very challenging to take the properties. Otherwise, the parcels will go into the Ionia County Landbank. He will have an answer for the next meeting to respond accordingly. He was one of the twelve appointed to the Ionia County Advisory Board, assuming responsibility to provide advice on the direction of the road commission. Three subcommittees were created, and he is serving on infrastructure. They meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. The next full board meeting is December 16. The county board has not finalized the by-laws on how to function and to give them their charge.
Council Member Meyers asked how many units there were in the mall?
City Manager Niemela replied there were 26.
Council Member Meyers asked what would the cost be to the city, for water and HMO fees?
City Manager Niemela stated that it would be $23,000 for the taxes on those units.
Council Member Meyers asked what the time commitment would be on the road board and the benefit?
City Manager Niemela stated he is not seeing long term, and will not participate if it is not productive. It will return to a five member board.
Council Member Meyers asked for an update on Rite Aid.
City Manager Niemela stated he called, but is playing phone tag with the owner. They haven’t resolved one of the issues with a piece of the property.
Council Member Meyers asked why the change on M-44 between Mel Trotter and Goodwill?
City Manager Niemela stated Mel Trotter wanted to reestablish presence on that space.
Mayor Miller stated they talked about properties. What are the other two parcels?
City Manager Niemela stated one is vacant land at S. Bridge and Isabelle, and the other is a single family residence at 206 or 209 Earle Street.
Council Meyer Meyers state, on Ellis, the adjacent property owners are not interested, so it is sitting. It is non-conforming.
Council Comments
Council Member Feehan had no comments.
Council Member Scheid thanked everyone for coming.
Council Member Davis stated he was sorry he missed the Candlelight Vigil. He planned to be there, but had to work.
Council Member Davis made a motion that the council revote on the motion brought before them at the November 19, 2019 council meeting to extend the City Manager’s contract dated December 5, 2017, two years from December 5, 2019 to December 5, 2021. In addition the following sections shall be amended to include the changes to Compensation and Benefits. The motion was supported by Council Member Scheid.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: Council Members Scheid and Davis
Council Member Meyers stated the Candlelight was one of the nicest events they have every year. The Friends of the Library do so much for the city and library. He stated whenever Chief Moore comes to council, it is a relaxing atmosphere, a give and take between him and council, and it is appreciated. He does a great job when he comes to council. He is prepared and talks passionately. Regarding the motion that Council Member Davis made, they as a council don’t get into the partisan thing so many other levels of government get in, as there is no affiliation with party. When elected, they owe it to the people to vote and express themselves on what is best for the city and how they feel. It is easy to go along and just say yes. When you have a passion and want to do what is best for the city, it is an admiral trait. You don’t hold office just to say you do. Try to make a difference. You owe it to the future of Belding to dream big and not stand in your own way to get things done.
Council Member Feehan had no comments.
Mayor Miller stated he had the opportunity to attend the 17th Candlelight Reception. It was super nice. Our little moment. Just a reminder for Home for the Holidays at 6 p.m. Saturday for the tree lighting. There will be events all day. They are selling trees out there, for $20 a treet. There are lots of good things going on. He would echo what Bruce said. With Kareen and Gregg, so many people comment on the longevity for the city. He doesn’t understand what we will transition. There is so much in history that will be lost. He wishes them success, but there is a lot of tribal knowledge. It is pretty much the same with the department heads. It is incredible, the depth of knowledge. He wishes them the best and they are greatly appreciated. Regarding the vote, they all have the capability to vote one way or the other. They should embrace their passion. It is their ability to disagree and that is what makes a city council, to have the opportunity to share their opinions. It is important, and he would challenge each council member to have intestinal fortitude. Call out what their thoughts are. There is no fear in that. There is a great couple of weeks ahead of them.
Adjournment
Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: None
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
