REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, December 17, 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 17, 2019.
Council Member Scheid delivered the invocation.
Mayor Miller 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.
Mayor Miller asked to add as New Business E, a resolution of appreciation for Kareen Thomas.
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 73336 to 73402 in the amount of $158,885.29.
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, December 3, 2019
C. Library Board reappointment – Carla Gunderson
D. Board of Review reappointment – Douglas Lamborne
E. Board of Review reappointment – Marjorie Hansen
F. Board of Review reappointment – Dave Mierendorf
Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the consent agenda, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Councill Member Meyers asked to separate Item F.
Mayor Miller stated Item D would be for Daryl and Item F for Kareen.
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
Following are the resolutions contained in the Consent Agenda:
C. Library Board reappointment – Carla Gunderson
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, APPOINTING CARLA GUNDERSON TO THE ALVAH N. BELDING MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD.
WHEREAS, the term of Carla Gunderson on the Library Board is expiring; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Gunderson has indicated that she would like to serve another term on the Library Board; and,
WHEREAS, the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Board members have recommended the appointment of Carla Gunderson to this board; and,
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that Carla Gunderson meets the eligibility requirements for appointment to the Library Board as set forth in the City Charter, Section 4.4(f).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that Carla Gunderson be, and the same hereby is, appointed as member of the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Board with a term to expire on December 31, 2022.
D. Board of Review reappointment – Douglas Lamborne
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING DOUGLAS LAMBORNE TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
WHEREAS, the current term of office of Douglas Lamborne on the Board of Review will expire on 01/01/20; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lamborne has indicated his willingness to serve another term on the Board of Review.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Douglas Lamborne be appointed to the Board of Review with a term of office to expire on 01/01/21.
E. Board of Review reappointment – Marjorie Hansen
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING MARJORIE HANSEN TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
WHEREAS, the current term of office of Marjorie Hansen on the Board of Review will expire on 01/01/20; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hansen has indicated her willingness to serve another term on the Board of Review.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Marjorie Hansen be appointed to the Board of Review with a term of office to expire on 01/01/21.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid had no report.
Council Member Davis stated there was no ZBA meeting.
Council Member Meyers stated he missed the Rec Board meeting. The Housing Commission will meet on December 19.
Council Member Feehan had no report.
Mayor Miller stated the Planning Commission met last night. They considered an amendment to ordinance #452-A20 to add additional plants for marijuana at 1331 W. State. The Planning Commission voted to send it to city council. There was a site plan review for Stahlin. They did bring the prints. They are doing an addition on the west side of the building. They did a very nice job. It passed 5 – 0. They reviewed Williams & Works for the planning consultant and that passed 5- 0. At the closing of the meeting, John Sparks made a motion in appreciation of Kareen Thomas.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Ordinance #452-A23 – first reading
Council Member Scheid moved to bring Ordinance to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Feehan.
CITY OF BELDING
IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 452-A20 TO PERMIT
AN ADDITIONAL MEDICAL MARIHUANA GROWER OPERATION AND TO
INCREASE THE PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF MARIHUANA PLANTS.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1.
Ordinance No. 452-A20 is amended as follows:
a. The preamble of Section 2 is rewritten to read: The property described may be used for two medical 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 medical marihuana grower 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 medical marihuana grower operations, each with not more than 1,500 plants are permitted by this Ordinance. The medical 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 license 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.
Council Member Meyers stated he had a concern when it is written temporary, as there was a three year date, so why was that not included?
City Manager Niemela stated the timing is identical in the original ordinance, based on the construction of the new facility. The original ordinance stated they had three years to complete the project.
Mayor Miller asked that the original ordinance be included for the next meeting.
Council Member Meyers stated there are only two medical marijuana grower facilities. When they granted one, there is a license fee to the city. He asked if there was a fee on the second license?
City Manager Niemela replied that there was a fee.
B. Charitable Gaming License – Grand Rapids Tidal Waves
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL FOR A CHARITABLE GAMING LICENSE FOR THE GRAND RAPIDS TIDAL WAVES, THAT IT IS RECOGNIZED AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN THE BELDING COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, per the Michigan Charitable Gaming Division, in order for the Grand Rapids Tidal Waves to obtain a Charitable Gaming License to hold a raffle in the month of February, 2020, it must be recognized as a nonprofit organization operating in the Belding community; and
WHEREAS, the Belding City Council confirms that the Grand Rapids Tidal Waves are recognized as a nonprofit organization operating in the Belding community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the request from the Grand Rapids Tidal Waves of Belding, County of Ionia, to the Michigan Charitable Gaming Division, asking that they be recognized as a nonprofit organization operating in the community for the purpose of obtaining charitable gaming licenses, be considered for approval.
Council Member Davis asked why they had to be recognized?
Pam Blazo stated they are 501(c)3 state recognized. It is a small raffle in February held within the city limits. They want something from the local entity.
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
C. Check signing authorization for Janae Cooper
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING CITY CLERK JANAE K. COOPER TO SIGN CHECKS FOR THE CITY OF BELDING.
WHEREAS, Janae K. Cooper has been appointed city clerk of the City of Belding effective January 2, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, the city clerk must have the authorization of city council to sign checks for the City of Belding.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that authorization is hereby granted to City Clerk Janae K. Cooper to sign checks for the City of Belding.
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
D. Board of Review reappointment – Dave Mierendorf
Council Member Scheid 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 APPOINTING DAVID MIERENDORF TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
WHEREAS, the current term of office of David Mierendorf on the Board of Review will expire on 01/01/20; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mierendorf has indicated his willingness to serve another term on the Board of Review.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that David Mierendorf be appointed to the Board of Review with a term of office to expire on 01/01/21.
The question on the resolution was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Feehan and Miller
Nays: Council Members Davis and Meyers
E. Resolution of Appreciation for Daryl Childs
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO DARYL CHILDS ON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Daryl Childs has held many positions with the City of Belding for the past 45 years, including paid/on-call firefighter, fulltime firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician; and
WHEREAS, in his role as a fulltime firefighter, he served as fire captain, president of the fulltime firefighter’s union, Deputy Chief and most recently, after attending multiple classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg Maryland, is a fire investigator; and
WHEREAS, Daryl was a Department of Natural Resources forest fire keyman and a Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council instructor; and
WHEREAS, Daryl had training in trench rescue, confined space rescue, ice rescue and attained the level of EMT-Specialist, Fire Officer III and Hazardous Materials Technician; and
WHEREAS, “Fireman Daryl” was well known to students of all ages as a certified Safe at Home fire prevention instructor; and
WHEREAS, Daryl served is such a variety of roles during his tenure with the city and did so with a desire to serve his community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that sincere appreciation is extended to Daryl Childs for his many years of service to the City of Belding, and best wishes are extended to him on his retirement.
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
F. Resolution of Appreciation for Kareen Thomas
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO KAREEN THOMAS ON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Kareen Thomas began her career with the City of Belding working part-time while she was still in High School; and
WHEREAS, Kareen became full-time in June of 1972 working as the Deputy Clerk; and
WHEREAS, in 1993 Kareen was elevated to the position of City Clerk and has held additional responsibilities, such as Secretary to the City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager as well as Interim City manager; and
WHEREAS, Kareen has brought respect, honor, and integrity to the City of Belding, the office of City Clerk by leading by example, exhibiting the highest level of ethics and maintaining a superior moral character; and
WHEREAS, Kareen has served with unwavering commitment, willingness and ability to understand and respond to the concerns of the residents of the City of Belding, has made a substantial contribution to the betterment of the City; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan commending Kareen Thomas for her time-honored legacy of dedication, enthusiasm and outstanding public service given to the City of Belding for the past forty eight years, and best wishes are extended to Kareen on her retirement.
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
Jeff Hunter, Zahm Rd. expressed congratulations to Daryl and Kareen, as they are the heart of the city. He stated he was only a month old when Kareen started.
Janae Cooper stated she was speaking as Ionia County Clerk and would be assuming the role of the Belding City Clerk. She has been working in Belding this past month and has also been working in Ionia. She has not heard of an appointment to the Ionia County Clerk position. Kareen has been wonderful to work with, as she is dedicated, professional, courteous and helpful. She helped with the new equipment. Coming in as city clerk, there was a packet of information, she is taking notes for her transition, but she also offered to help with the transition for the Ionia County Clerk. The current staff is setting well. She thanked Kareen for helping her to have a good start and for her work throughout the years.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Niemela stated, regarding the Rec Board, there is nothing new on the basketball court or kayak launch. Those will finish in the spring of next year. The basketball court needs one more coat of paint on the deck and the lines painted. There were concerns about the budget being exceeded on the kayak launch. They have secured additional funding. The trail at the Gathering Place is close to being completed. They installed the pads and benches. They have to do ground restoration, plant trees along the trail, and do the cleanup near Main St. Some sidewalk will be replaced and curb installed for a new driveway. The Rec Board talked about new projects for 2020 and what funding may be available. He will reach out to Pam Blough, as she was the consultant for the grant applications. She has been successful. They will see what the priorities are for recreational grants. An application could be filed for 2020. He hopes she will be available for the January meeting. DART will take possession of two buses next week which were funding through the state. They will make the necessary repairs on the building. There was an obstacle for funding, so the state agreed the city could use the money allocated for two scheduled buses. They are getting a solid estimate for the repairs. They have one shot for state funding. It may cover the cost or the city may have to contribute – there will be little or no cost to the city. The Urban Task Force is for federal dollars. They may be eligible for some level of federal funds. He will meet with the city and the county road commission. They may need to transfer money from the future buses to the building project. He has motions. One is on the process for any foreclosed properties with unpaid property taxes that are up for sale. None of the properties sold under both sales of the county. There are 11 units inside the mall, one at Bridge and Isabelle, and one in the 200 block of Earle St. If nothing is done, the property reverts back to the city on December 30. He would recommend that the city reject the transfer of property to the City of Belding. It would likely move to the Ionia County Land Bank. Some expressed interest, but missed the tax sale. One had no plans. One had not concluded. He did not reach out to someone in Las Vegas. He would not recommend that risk. Council must communicate with the county treasurer to reject the transfer of property.
Council Member Feehan asked if the Land Bank had to maintain the space?
City Manager Niemela stated they argued they did not have to pay the assessments of the mall on the Rayborn property. They would have to do more than let the units sit idle. If something happens in the units, they could have freezing water lines, which feed through the building. There are sprinkler systems throughout, as well. It would cause damage if it was frozen. They must have heat in the building.
Council Member Feehan asked if they had to keep it up to code?
City Manager Niemela stated code violations would have to be the same as anyone else.
Council Member Davis inquired about the upkeep they may have to do to maintain their units to code, at least. Is there any requirement for external, including grass height?
City Manager Niemela stated that would be the mall association for the exterior of the building and also the common areas.
Council Member Davis asked what it would cost to maintain it as the city?
City Manager Niemela stated the 2019 property taxes are still outstanding. The total bill is $23,000. Anyone acquiring the properties would have to pay the taxes, including the city.
Council Member Meyers asked about lawn mowing for the two other properties.
City Manager Niemela stated he would reach out to them to maintain them. They would be responsible.
Council Member Meyers asked, when it comes to litigation, and they don’t keep up their obligations, would the city be involved?
City Manager Niemela stated it would be through them and the mall association.
Mayor Miller stated, as a city, they are not in a position to own real estate. It is not good to invest in it.
City Manager Niemela stated he would assist interested parties to go through the land bank to get the property.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to direct the City Manager to notify the Ionia County Treasurer that the City Council rejects the reversion of the unsold 2016 foreclosed properties located in the City of Belding, 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.
City Manager Niemela stated that the Planning Commission budget allows for a consultant for the Planning Commission and ZBA, which would be Williams & Works. He will let Gary Knowlton know. The City of Lowell was very pleased with them. He would recommend the city get an agreement with them. There will be an hourly rate for services as they render them. They would be available for meetings. They would review the site plans. The Planning Commission is looking at revising the zoning ordinance. They could assist on training for commissioners.
Council Member Meyers asked if the hourly rates were within the budget for the city?
City Manager Niemela stated the city has used Wade Trim in the past. They would be an equal comparable for doing it, but they are in SW Michigan, and there is a qualified firm in Grand Rapids.
Mayor Miller stated it was reviewed in the Planning Commission. They voted 5-0 to recommend moving forward. They have a history here. They did some survey work for the trail and war memorial. They work with small communities. The Planning Commission feels it is needed. A lot of training is needed, and they need support and help.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Williams and Works, 549 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI. to act as the city Planning Consultant, working with the Planing Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and City Council, 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.
City Manager Niemela expressed appreciation for what Daryl and Kareen have done for the city. They are two familiar faces. He has enjoyed working with both of them. It is sad to see them leave. They were appreciated by him and the staff.
Council Member Meyers stated he has asked for quite a while on the police research study work.
City Manager Niemela stated he would copy it for him.
Council Member Meyers asked for a pavilion update.
City Manager Niemela stated that would be in the spring.
Council Member Meyers stated the Rec Board selected projects and noted Pam Blough had assisted in the past. He asked when the next grant cycle was?
City Manager Niemela stated that would be in April. He hopes Pam can come to the January or February meeting.
Council Member Meyers stated there is a Housing Commission meeting on the 19th. He asked if the city manager had a plan on when he planned to work on the resolution, the cooperative agreement with the city, that was filed in the 1950’s?
City Manager Niemela stated it was probably filed away. He did not plan to attend the meeting. Two of them and the board chair and another member would talk about that.
Council Member Meyers stated they never got a report on the speed limit on S. Bridge.
City Manager Niemela stated he would check on that.
Mayor Miller stated they voted on the speed limit at the time.
Council Member Meyers stated with looking at the planning group, there are two or three cities that were development ready. Is the city any closer to moving into that? John had said it was on his desk to work on.
City Manager Niemela stated part of it would be how to address the zoning ordinance to see if changes are needed to make that a part of the MEDC Community Development Ready process.
Council Comments
Council Member Feehan thanked Daryl for his time. He appreciates everything he has done. He thanked Kareen and stated he appreciated what she did.
Council Member Scheid stated a lot of people stayed and worked for the city. It is commendable. They are very good people and always looked out for the city and residents. They could talk to them when they needed to. He will miss them. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Council Member Davis thanked Kareen for her help when running for city council. She walked him through everything. She was extremely organized. Kareen was a resource and it was very eye opening on the amount of information she had and she was easily accessible. He thanked her for helping him through the process. He knows Daryl as a member of the Greenville Danish Festival Band. He has not had much interaction with him in the fire capacity. He thanked him for all he had done. He thanked everyone for coming. It is cool to see people excited to come on the board and the businesses.
Council Member Meyers stated the mayor talked about a calling. What a great life to live out a calling for your career. They are blessed to have her in Belding living out that career. He wished her well. There were days that as a councilman he may have asked a lot, as he does that. Kareen is warm and genuine. That always brings a smile to his face. He appreciates what she has done for the city, and on her own time. He will miss that, and has enjoyed it for the last three years.
Mayor Miller stated he would echo that they have a lot to be thankful for. He has been reading through Daryl’s accomplishments. He would thank him for everything. He has dealt with Kareen the most. She always has the best attitude and it is inspiring that she has allowed them to be a part of the Belding family. That is the epitome as to what they stand for as the city. She has worked with the 18th mayor in her career. He stated it has been an honor to work with her. It is a lot or responsibility. He thanked everyone for coming out and reminded them to come out to the meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
Jim Mason asked that they give them a big hand.
Closed Session
– strategy and negotiation session connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement if either negotiating party requests a closed hearing.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to enter Closed Session at 8:16 p.m., 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
Council Member Scheid made a motion to enter regular session at 9:26 p.m., 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
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 9:27 p.m.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
