REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, November 5, 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, November 5, 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 Meyers asked to remove Item C of the Consent Agenda and move it to New Business Item F.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Good Neighbor Award
- Jenny Bennett – Beatnik Bazaar
Mayor Miller awarded a Good Neighbor Award to Jenny Bennett for the Belding Beatnik Bazaar/Farmer’s Market she coordinates on the second Saturday of each month from June through October.
Guest – Holly Noble, Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park
Holly Noble stated they were awarded a 1-1 matching grant of $24,000 from the GACF for the bronze statues. They had discussed a fundraiser with the city to raise funds. One of the statues would be of Denny and the other would be a soldier ready to board the train. They have a contract for that. She inquired what route they would take if they would like to put signage at the city limits to note there is a Veterans Park?
City Manager Niemela stated the city would have to have the sign design and locations. If the signs were placed on M-91 or M-44, it would go through MDOT. She should bring it to the city first and he would take it to the department. Getting permission can be a challenge. He would suggest starting sooner than later, as it takes time.
Council Member Meyers asked if it would be added to the wayfaring sign?
City Manager Niemela stated that would probably be the best option. They should look at the best locations.
Council Member Meyers asked what was the cost of the bronze?
Ms. Noble stated the estimate for both statues was $63,340 from the bronze sculptor. There is a $15,000 deposit. $15,000 will also be due in the spring when it goes to the foundry. The rest will be due when it comes back. There was an $8,000 discount from the foundry for doing the two statues at once.
Council Member Meyers stated they talked about a layout of what they totally see. He asked if they could share it as a total project?
Ms. Noble stated she would get it to the city manager to give to them.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 73032 to 73111 in the amount of $88,564.54
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, October 15, 2019
- DART – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy approval
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 Member Scheid had no report.
Council Member Davis had no report.
Council Member Meyers stated the Rec Board would meet on November 11. The Housing Commission met on October 17. They heard the staff reports and the director report. The contract has been finalized for the office entry, gutter pans and sealing concrete. They are waiting for the RAD closing date to advertise for contractors. They are waiting for the surveys. They had a report from the committee dealing with the Belding and Greenville resource sharing.
Council Member Feehan stated approximately twenty people attended the cemetery walk. They are planning for the event next year. They are getting ready for Christmas. Santa will be there on December 15 for pictures. Night at the Museum will be held on December 17.
Mayor Miller attended the Library Board meeting on October 28. They went through the active shooter training. The library recognized the efforts of Jenny Bennett with the Beatnik Bazaar. The library was nominated for an award. They are working on a new shed that will be placed on the side of the building. December 2 is the Candlelight event at 7 p.m. They are looking for donations of baskets. The Planning Commission meeting was held on October 24. There was a public hearing on the rezone of 224 W. State from B-2 to RM-1. Mr. Albin is looking to build two to four buildings. They did a conditional rezoning. Andrea Belding is the realtor/owner. They looked at the rezone of 951 Merrick St. They made a motion to not look at it again, but bring it up to city council. The Planning Commission did not want to make any changes. Brad and Lisa Ratliff have new investors and wish to change the zoning ordinance. They had originally asked for 500 plants based on funding. They now have funding for 1,500 plants. They would not change the architecture of the structure. They would like to secure a second license to build a structure behind. They would need that to finalize the licensing. They shared drawings with the commission. They will have state of the art ventilation.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Ordinance No. 552 – adoption
Council Member Scheid moved the adoption of the ordinance and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
ORDINANCE NO. 552
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF BELDING
[Special land use in I-1 District]
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1. Special Land Use in I-1 District. Section 12.3 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Belding is hereby amended by the amendment of subsection K thereof, which shall read in its entirety as follows:
K. Manufacturing processes which utilize, produce or have the potential to produce, a corrosive acid or alkali, cement, lime, gypsum, or plaster of paris.
Section 2. Special Land Use Performance Standards. Section 17.6 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Belding is hereby amended by the amendment of subsection O thereof, which shall read in its entirety as follows:
O. Manufacturing processes which utilize, produce or have the potential to produce, a corrosive acid or alkali, cement, lime, gypsum, or plaster of paris.
1. Access driveways shall be located no less than one hundred (100) feet from the centerline of the intersection of any street or any other driveway.
2. The principal and accessory buildings and structures shall not be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of any residential use or district.
Section 3. Publication; Effective Date. A summary of the regulatory effect of this Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City within 15 days after adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective seven (7) days after such publication.
The question on the ordinance was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: Council Member Scheid
B. Ordinance No. 553 – adoption
Council Member Scheid moved the adoption of the ordinance and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
ORDINANCE NO. 553
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 34 OF THE CITY CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE VI THERETO, TO ESTABLISH AIR POLLUTION CONTROL STANDARDS FOR THE USE OF A CERTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ORDINANCE
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 34 (“Environment”) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belding
is hereby amended by the addition of Article VI thereto, which shall read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE VI. – AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Sec. 34-102. – Purpose and Findings
The City Council of the City of Belding hereby finds and declares that special air pollution control standards are needed in the City to address a unique problem of local concern, involving the use of a certain chlorine-containing, hazardous chemical in the City’s I-1 Industrial District that has the potential to release toxic chlorine gas to the atmosphere in quantities that could be lethal to large numbers of nearby residential populations. In support of the need for a special local ordinance addressing this problem, the City Council makes and adopts the following findings of fact:
(a) There have been at least seven prior instances during which the hazardous chemical compound known as trichloroisocyanuric acid (“TCICA”) has been handled in a dangerous, negligent and otherwise unlawful manner on lands in the I-1 District, resulting in either smoldering chemical reactions or fires, and consequent releases of dangerous and/or toxic gases to the atmosphere.
(b) These incidents have required that the City repeatedly deploy emergency service personnel to the site of the releases, at significant cost to the City and its taxpayers.
(c) These incidents have resulted in the issuance of “shelter in place” orders for nearby residents, and nearby residents have reported adverse health effects resulting from the exposure to released hazardous gases, including burning skin and respiratory irritation.
(d) The use and/or storage of TCICA in the City, including in the I-1 District in particular, is uniquely and highly dangerous because the I-1 District is located nearly in the middle of the City’s primary residential zoning district; it is located less than 200 feet from single-family homes; and, is located just to the west/southwest of the City’s most densely populated residential area, so that it is situated directly upwind from the City’s core residential area, based on the prevailing westerly winds.
(e) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”) has commissioned an air modeling and risk assessment report, using the Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center (“IMAAC”), to analyze the impacts of a complete decomposition of the quantities of TCICA that have been stored by just one manufacturing facility in the I-1 District. The principal findings of the EPA-commissioned IMAAC report include the following:
(1)If the full amount of TCICA at just one facility was to decompose in a reaction with water and other agents, it would result in a fire that would release nearly 25,000 kilograms of chlorine gas.
(2)Anywhere from 136 to 470 persons could be killed by the inhalation of chlorine gas during such a fire, and anywhere from 1,816 to 3,030 additional persons would suffer serious injuries.
(f) Investigations conducted by the Ionia County Health Department (“ICHD”) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (“EGLE”) have revealed that TCICA has been handled in a dangerous, negligent and unlawful manner on lands in the I-1 District.
(g) These same agencies have concluded that, based on the quantities of TCICA stored in the I-1 District at just one facility, a TCICA fire could, depending on wind direction, impact the entire City of Belding and neighboring municipalities, requiring an evacuation zone that might be six to seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
(h) Based on the foregoing findings, the residents of the City are at substantial risk of being exposed to hazardous and toxic gases, if special local air pollution control regulations are not placed into effect to ensure the safe use and storage of TCICA in appropriate quantities.
Sec. 34-103. – Short Title
This Article of the City Ordinance Code may be cited and referred to as the City Air Pollution Control Ordinance (“APCO”).
Sec. 34-104. – Authorization
This Article is authorized by state law, and by City Charter, as follows:
(a) Pursuant to Section 3(j) of the Home Rule City Act, MCL 117.3(j), a home rule city is required to include in its charter, provisions providing for “the public peace and health and for the safety of persons and property.”
(b) Under Section 3.1(b) of its duly-enacted Charter, the City has been granted the authority to declare as a hazard or nuisance any act or condition, upon public or private property, or both, which is, or may be, dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the City.
(c) Part 55 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (“NREPA”), MCL 324.5501, et seq, governing Air Pollution Control, expressly authorizes political subdivisions to adopt air pollution control standards that are more stringent that those established by Part 55, stating, in relevant part, as follows: “Nothing in this part or in any rule promulgated under this part . . . prevents any political subdivision from adopting similar provisions if their requirements are equal to or greater than the minimum applicable requirements of this part.” MCL 324.5542(1).
Sec. 34-105. – Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Any word or term not defined in this chapter shall be considered to be defined in accordance with its common or standard definition.
Acute Exposure Guideline Level 1 (“AEGL-1”) means the airborne concentration of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including susceptible individuals, could experience noticeable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic nonsensory effects; however, the effects are not disabling, and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure.
Acute Exposure Guideline Level 2 (“AEGL-2”) means the airborne concentration of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including susceptible individuals, could experience irreversible or other serious, long- lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape.
Acute Exposure Guideline Level 3 (“AEGL-3”) means the airborne concentration of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including susceptible individuals, could experience life-threatening health effects or death.
Manufacturing process means any activity involving a chemical or substance regulated under this Ordinance, including any use, storage, manufacturing, handling, or on-site movement of such substance, or combination of these activities.
Sec. 34-106. – Air Pollution Standards for TCICA
(a) No person may engage in a manufacturing process on lands zoned in the I-1 District that involves TCICA if the manufacturing process would occur in a facility that is located a distance less than 1,320 feet (1/4-mile) from any residential property line or residential zoning district boundary line, unless prior approval has been obtained from the City Council.
(b) Council approval under subsection (a) above shall not be granted unless the applicant has demonstrated that the total maximum quantity of TCICA to be used in a manufacturing process at the facility at any given time, if it underwent complete decomposition and released chlorine gas to the open atmosphere, would not cause a chlorine gas concentration at the nearest residential property line or residential zoning district boundary line that would exceed the chlorine AEGL-1, based on atmospheric computer modeling conducted in accordance with the methodologies used by the IMAAC or other comparable methodology that meets applicable US EPA and EGLE guidance, including Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51, and based on a ten-minute exposure duration.
(c) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to release or cause the release, whether intentionally, negligently, carelessly, or inadvertently, of any quantity of chlorine gas into the atmosphere that causes a chlorine gas concentration at the nearest residential property line or residential zoning district boundary line that would exceed the chlorine AEGL-1, based on a ten- minute exposure duration.
(d) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to release or cause the release of any air contaminant in a manner that would violate Rule 336.1901 of Michigan’s Administrative Rules for Air Pollution Control, as promulgated under Part 55 of NREPA.
Sec. 34-107. – Application Process
(a) A person seeking Council approval under Section 34-106(b) shall submit the following application information and materials to the City Clerk:
(1)The applicant’s name, business address, e-mail address, and telephone number(s).
(2)The address, legal description and permanent parcel number of the property on which TCICA is proposed to be used and/or stored.
(3)A narrative describing the proposed manufacturing process that will involve TCICA.
(4)The maximum total quantity of TCICA to be used in a manufacturing process at the facility at any given time.
(5)A complete site plan of the property on which the manufacturing process involving TCICA is proposed to be performed. The site plan shall depict the distance, in feet, from the nearest wall of the facility to the nearest residential property line or residential zoning district boundary line in all directions. The scope and contents of the site plan shall otherwise be as stated in Section 16.1.C.3.b(1)(b) of the City zoning ordinance, except such elements or components thereof that are not relevant or necessary for the purpose of making a determination under Section 34-106(b).
(6)A complete copy of the atmospheric computer modeling conducted in accordance with the methodologies used by the IMAAC or other comparable methodology approved by the US EPA or EGLE, including a mapped description of the areas that would be above the chlorine AEGL-1, AEGL-2 and AEGL-3, if the total maximum quantity of TCICA in a manufacturing process at the facility at any given time underwent complete decomposition and released chlorine gas to the open atmosphere. If the applicant relies on an atmospheric dispersion modeling methodology that is different from that used by the IMAAC, the applicant shall submit a technical demonstration that the modeling methodology meets applicable US EPA and EGLE guidance, including Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51.
(7)A regulatory and technical demonstration that any manufacturing process involving TCICA at the facility complies with the general duty requirements of the US EPA’s accidental release provisions, as codified under Section 112(r)(1) of the federal Clean Air Act.
(8)Unless otherwise exempt under Rules 336.1278 through 336.1292 of Michigan’s Administrative Rules for Air Pollution Control, as promulgated under Part 55 of NREPA, a copy of an air use Permit to Install, issued by EGLE pursuant to Rule 336.1201, that stipulates emission limits, control requirements, testing, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements determined by EGLE to be necessary to ensure the safe manufacturing, use, and/or storage of TCICA as a potential chlorine-generating constituent. The Permit to Install must be issued by EGLE no greater than six months prior to submittal of an application under this section.
(9)The prescribed application fee, as determined by Council, and any required escrow deposit to reimburse the City for the reasonable expenses it may incur to obtain review of the application by third-party professionals such as engineers, air-modeling experts, attorneys, or other similar professionals. If the Clerk determines that an escrow deposit is needed to review an application, the Clerk shall notify the
applicant of the amount of the required escrow deposit within 15 days after receipt of the application. The City may require additional escrow deposits if the cost of obtaining professional review of the application exceeds the amount of the initial deposit. Any unused portion of an escrow deposit shall be returned to the applicant after application processing has been completed.
(b) Within 120 days of the filing of an administratively complete application, including applicable fees and escrow deposits, the City Council shall either deny, approve or approve with conditions the application. Written notice of the Council’s decision shall be promptly sent by U.S. mail to the applicant, and, in the case of denial, the reasons for denial shall be included in the notice. The 120-day period for decision may be extended upon the written consent of the applicant.
(c) If the City Council approves an application, the approved application shall state the maximum quantity of TCICA that the applicant can use in a manufacturing process at the facility at any given time (the “Approved Amount”).
(d) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to use a quantity of TCICA in a manufacturing process at a facility that is in excess of the facility’s Approved Amount, as determined by the City Council.
Sec. 34-108. – Violations; Penalties
(a) A violation of any provision of this article, including failure to obtain approval from the City Council under Section 34-106(b), is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
(b) A violation of any provision of this article, including failure to obtain approval from the City Council under Section 34-106(b), is a misdemeanor, subject to penalty for each violation as provided by Section 1-19(b).
(c) In addition to any remedies provided by this section or otherwise available to the City at law, the City may bring an action for an injunction or initiate other available processes against a person to restrain, prevent or abate any violation of this article.
Section 2. Severability. Each portion of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable.
Should any provision of this Ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Ordinance as a whole, or of any other part hereof.
Section 3. Publication; Effective Date. A summary of the regulatory effect of this
Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City within 15 days after adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after such publication.
The question on the ordinance was called and the result of the voting is as follows:
Ayes: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
Nays: None
C. Michigan Liquor Control Commission – The Horse’s Mouth Inc.
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-11-67
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE APPLICATION BY THE HORSE’S MOUTH INC. FOR A BREW PUB LICENSE AT 402 W. MAIN STREET BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL BY THE MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, The Horse’s Mouth Inc. wishes to apply to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a Brew Pub license at 402 W. Main Street; and
WHEREAS, Local government approval is necessary for the license to be considered by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the application by The Horse’s Mouth Inc. for a Brew Pub license at
402 W. Main Street be considered for approval by the Michigan Liquor
Control Commission.
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. Rezone of 224 W. State – first reading
ORDINANCE NO. 452-A22
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF BELDING MICHIGAN, INCORPORATED IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELDING (BELDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 452) BY SECTION 3.2, OF THE BELDING CITY CODE.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS
SECTION 1 The Zoning Map incorporated in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Belding by Section 3.2, of the Belding City Code is amended as follows:
The property rezoned from B-2 (General Business District) to RM-1 (Multiple-Family Residential District) is legally described as:
CITY OF BELDING BROAS 5TH ADDN PT LOT B COM NE COR LOT B TH W 202 FT, TH S 329.66 FT, TH E 112 FT, TH N 100 FT, TH E 90 FT, TH N 229 FT TO POB
Location: 224 W. State, Belding, Michigan.
Parcel: 34-402-100-000-135-00
SECTION 2 The property rezone will be conditional, and if the property is not purchased and transferred to a new owner within six months of the effective date of the ordinance, the property will revert back to B-2 - General Business District.
SECTION 3 All other parts of the zoning map and zoning ordinance are affirmed and shall remain unchanged.
SECTION 4 A copy of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Ionia County Register of Deeds.
SECTION 5 This Ordinance shall be published as provided in the City Charter and shall become effective ten (10) days after publication.
E. Temporary Street Closure – dedication of Desert Storm memorial
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-11-68
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF DEPOT STREET, BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST MALL ENTRANCES FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE DESERT STORM MEMORIAL
WHEREAS, a request was received from the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park committee to temporarily close Depot Street, between the east and west mall entrances for the dedication of the Desert Storm memorial;
WHEREAS, the closure will be required from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding,
Michigan that Depot Street, between the east and west mall entrances, will be closed on November 11, 2019 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the dedication of the Desert Storm Memorial at the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park.
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. DART – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Misuse Testing Policy approval
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-11-66
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING 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 Amanda Hall 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.
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
Jim Mason, 210 S. Broas, congratulated Jenny and said it was a well deserved award. The Friends of the Library thanked her for the donation in February. The Friends had a very successful murder mystery with 75 attendees. It was a nice fundraiser. They will probably do it again next year. The Candlelight Celebration will be held on December 2 at 7 p.m. This year there is a new twist, as a fancy hat is optional. In regard to the Belding Housing Commission, he asked if they could expedite the paperwork for the transfer of properties. It is holding them back from starting on RAD. Now they will have to wait until February as it is that far behind.
Holly Noble, 12225 7 Mile Rd., stated there will be a new monuments for Dessert Storm and Dessert Shield. There is a No Parking sign directly in front of the monument and she asked if it could be moved to the left or to the right.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Niemela stated on the property transfer, they have been working on it. He got an email from the attorney. He claims it should be cleared by tomorrow. Everything is on track to be done by the end of this month. The quit claim deeds for two parcels will be done by the Housing Commission attorney. Then there are the parcels for Belhaven I and II and Woodhaven. The city council has authorized the mayor and clerk to sign the documents. He is waiting on the documents to be signed. The last piece is they must have easements in place for three affected parcels. Those are being verified today.
He received five resumes for the clerk’s position. He wants to interview next week. He will interview two for the position. He will report back at the next council meeting. Then he will look for a new fire chief. He will do one interview for an internal candidate.
The basketball courts won’t be complete until early spring. A fourth layer of coating is needed on the court and 60 degree weather is needed. Then the white striping will be done. The kayak launch project is $42,000 short of the cost to do that. A supplemental application is being submitted to the GACF. They said they would work with the City of Greenville on that as they were the original applicants. That will be a springtime project. The observation deck on the pathway in the Gathering Place has been completed. They are back working on the trail itself. They have been compacting and are ready for blacktop. They want to have it all done by the end of November. Concrete pads and benches will be installed. There will also be plantings and wayfaring signs.
Council Member Meyers asked if there would be brush or tree removal?
City Manager Niemela stated there would be, in front of the observation deck.
Council Comments
Council Member Feehan thanked Jenny for her hard work and Chuck and Holly for their hard work and invitation.
Council Member Scheid thanked everyone for coming in. Ditto on the good people doing the right thing. Jenny added a flavor to the city that they didn’t have.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone for coming out. He thanked Jenney for the Beatnik Bazaar and the Freedom Park crew and people for investing in Belding, and coming here and making Belding better.
Council Member Meyers stated Jenny has shown what one person in Belding can do. She will say she has lots of helpers. She brings a lot of energy each year. No matter who you are, you can do good things for the community and your neighbors. He thanked and congratulated her.
Mayor Miller echoed the congratulations. He appreciates their effort.
Council Member Scheid stated the new benches and trash cans were donated by the DDA and he wished to thank them.
Closed Session
- Evaluation of the city manager
Council Member Scheid made a motion to enter closed session at 7:52 p.m., supported by Council Member Feehan.
Council Member Scheid made a motion to return to open session at 10:22 p.m., supported by Council Member Feehan.
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 10:23 p.m.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |
