REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
City Manager Memo
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, October, 2019.
Council Member Scheid 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.
Mayor Miller stated that the Fire Department Annual Halloween Party/Open House would be added as New Business – Item F.
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
- Approve Independent Bank Checks 72956 to 73031 in the amount of $340,969.21
- Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, October 1, 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
Presentation – Audit Report – Peter Haefner, Vredeveld Haefner LLC
Peter Haefner reviewed the presentation. He stated the finance director and staff were well prepared for the audit. They finished the audit ahead of schedule and could hold the early presentation. He thanked all the staff for having the information ready. There were no instances of non-compliance with internal controls, so that was great. They issued a clean opinion. There were improvements made in processes, positive things, which could be attributed to the staff.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Scheid did not have a report.
Council Member Davis stated the ZBA meets tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the depot.
Council Member Meyers stated the Rec Board met last night. Mike Hamp has left the board, and they accepted his resignation. They will be looking for someone for the Rec Board, who must live within the city limits.
Council Member Feehan stated on October 20, the Museum Board will hold cemetery tours – “Here Lies Belding”. Tours will be held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $5.00, and children under 12 are free.
Mayor Miller stated the Planning Commission met on October 10. They reviewed industrial regulations and recommended to the city council an amendment of the zoning ordinance. They conducted a site plan for the war memorial and approved that. They started construction. The Planning Commission is having another meeting on October 29.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
A. Ordinance No. 552 – first reading
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring Ordinance No. 552 to the floor for discussion, supported by Council Member Feehan.
Mayor Miller stated the packet contained the attorney version. The Planning Commission did some semantic changes at their meeting.
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.
City Manager Niemela stated the city would be in better condition to control what is manufactured in industrial facilities.
B. Ordinance No. 553 – first reading
Council Member Scheid made a motion to bring Ordinance No. 553 to the floor for discussion, 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.
C. Use of city streets – Candlestone 5K-10K
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-10-62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE REQUEST TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE ELLIS AVENUE BETWEEN M-91 AND DEMOREST STREET, GRANT THE USE DESIGNATED CITY STREETS, AND SUSPEND THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR THE CANDLESTONE 5K-10K RACE,
WHEREAS, a request was received to temporarily close Ellis Avenue, between M-91 and Demorest Street for the Candlestone 5K-10K Race on November 2, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the closure will allow for safe passage of the race participants through the designated course from 8 a.m. to noon; and
WHEREAS, High, Crawford, Reed, Gooding, Harrison, Ashfield, Park, Wilson, E. Washington, Hall, E. Center, Ionia, Hanover, Main, Bridge, Depot and W. Main Streets, as well as the East Riverside Park Pathway, Belhaven Pathway and Wright-Ellis Drain Pathway will also be used during the event; and
WHEREAS, due to increased noise level, the Noise Ordinance, Section 34-76 will be suspended for the event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding,
Michigan that Ellis Avenue, between M-91 and Demorest Street be closed on November 2, 2019, from 8 a.m. to noon for the Candlestone 5K-10K Race; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that designated streets and pathways will be used during the
event, and Noise Ordinance, Section 34-76 will be suspended during the event.
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. Temporary street closure – Freedom Wall car show
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-10-63
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING THE CLOSURE OF STREETS AND A SUSPENSION OF THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR THE FREEDOM WALL CAR SHOW
WHEREAS, a request was received from the Freedom Wall committee, regarding the car show that will be held on October 19, 2019 from 1-4 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, October 20, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the committee has requested street closures to accommodate the event, including W. Congress - from Broas to Front Streets, and Front Street – from Congress to Main Streets, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, a suspension of the Noise Ordinance, Section 34-76 has also been requested for the event.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that requests for the street closures and suspension of the noise ordinance are hereby approved for the Freedom Wall car show on October 19, 2019, with a rain date of October 20, 2019.
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
E. Naming of Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-10-64
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN NAMING THE DENNY CRAYCRAFT VETERANS FREEDOM PARK
WHEREAS, Denny Craycraft worked tirelessly for many years in the planning, development, funding and installation of the wall and monuments that are displayed adjacent to the Pere Marquette Depot; and
WHEREAS, he spent countless hours reaching out to volunteers, businesses, Veteran’s organizations and community members to achieve his goals for the park; and
WHEREAS, the community wishes to honor Denny by naming the outstanding park in his memory.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park is named in gratitude for his effort in making his vision and dream become a reality.
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. Halloween Street Closure
Council Member Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member Feehan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-10-65
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN SUPPORTING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S REQUEST TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE A PORTION OF WEST CONGRESS STREET FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY AND OPEN HOUSE.
WHEREAS, the Belding Fire Department would like to temporarily close West Congress Street from Bridge Street to Pleasant Street on Thursday October 31, 2019 from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. for the purpose of hosting their annual Halloween Party and Open House.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan supports the temporary closure of West Congress Street.
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
Brandon Schreur, 1151 Sheerman St., Grand Rapids, stated Meghan has taken a new job in Grand Rapids. He will cover the Belding area for the Daily News, so if they have ideas, reach out to him.
Gary Knowlton, 840 Morton Avenue, stated on March 5, 2019, they had the first reading of Ordinance No. 452-A21, the rezone of 951 Merrick St. That added 53 acres to the industrial park. On April 6, 2019, he presented nine concerns regarding adoption of the rezone ordinance. He would have given his concerns on March 5, but they were not aware of that particular decision. Notice of the rezone was not offered to them. The rezone was not consistent with the Master Use Plan. That reserves the property for residential use. It was not a standard based decision. The standards are listed in the ordinance. There was improper public notice. The only public hearing was held in April, 2018. On April 16, he asked council to reenact the ordinance and do as specified by instructions in the zoning ordinance and the State of Michigan Enabling Act. On August 6, he asked council to consider his concerns. He is still seeking those answers. He did talk to John.
Sharon Carlson, Recreation Advisory Board member, thanked Mike Hamp for his service on the board. He resigned for personal reasons. Michael has served on the Recreation Advisory Board for 25 plus years. He was dedicated. He was instrumental in securing grant funding. His commitment to the people in the community has been outstanding. She has served with him for 22 years. He will be severely missed.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Niemela stated he has a list of the street projects completed at the office, and will get that to council. The list they had is complete. Six blocks of additional streets were added due to cost savings and a shift from Major to Local Streets. Five blocks of James Street has been done. One block of Luther Street has been done from gravel to hard surface. They also completed the original list. He has a list of the streets, as well as a map. There is another map that shows last year and this year. Ernie is working on a list for the next fiscal year for overlaying. They may also do other things on the streets, with the CIP program for water and sewer. There will be water and sewer improvements, as well as street improvements. He had a meeting with a rep from Rite Aid about the progress on their project to rebuild the store. They are working with the adjacent property owner so they could use all the property. They are working on the design plans and will come to the Planning Commission for site plan review. There will be a meeting with them and the staff first. They will do a preliminary site plan review with the Planning Commission, then they can move forward on the site. A Miss Dig has been requested for utility locations at Ranney Village. There are plans to start excavation next week on the first two unit structure. It will be on the NE corner of the street for the first structure. On the Rec projects, the kayak launch bids came in. Greenville is the lead on the project with state grants and the community foundation. The bids came in $43,000 over the estimate because the Belding project moved from Central Riverside to East Riverside Park. Central is not the right place for the launch as it is very shallow. The dock length would be extensive. There is quite a distance to the parking lot that is not in good condition. They wanted the original location at East Riverside Park. The original kayak group wanted to have it at East Riverside Park. It is a much better location for the kayak launch. It will require more grade work. They were awarded the full amount. Greenville can pull a piece out until the funding is secured. They propose to hold out the kayak launch installation in Belding. The site work on the land will be done and the launch will be received when the funding is complete. A supplement application is being submitted to the Greenville Area Community Foundation. The Silk City Trail on the Electrolux property is moving forward and they are working on the observation deck. That is in. They are working on footings and framing. Then they will come in to pave the trail and install the landscaping. Regarding the basketball courts at Central Riverside Park, everything is in place, but not completed. They put up the backboards and hoops and they are being used. The hope was for it to cure more, but no damage has been done. Participants are going through the fence that was installed for the project. The coatings were put on and they are fine. There was cost savings in the project, so they can have orange and black colors, which were more expensive. Two more layers of orange will be put on to cover bleed through, for a total of four layers. The rest will be black with white striping. He had a conversation with the fire chief and he is planning on retiring on January 10. Interviews will be done for Daryl’s position tomorrow. He will look at internal candidates for fire chief, or the outside market.
Council Member Davis inquired about the planner.
City Manager Niemela stated he hopes to have a planner talk to the commission at the end of the month.
Council Member Meyers asked if the trail included trees?
City Manager Niemela stated it included trees, benches and trash containers.
Council Member Meyers asked if the street would be opened into the back subdivision at Ranney?
City Manager Niemela stated it would be opened temporarily for construction equipment to bring through Pineview. He knows Pineview will have to be resurfaced. Since they just resurfaced North State, it would be better for the turns into Ranney Village to wait until a later time. They can come off Bridge Street, on to Pineview.
Council Member Meyers asked if the road would be left open?
City Manager Niemela stated it would be on the west end of Pineview, near the three buildings. They are required to pave that.
Council Member Meyers stated regarding the Rite Aid project, when Independent Bank expanded, they didn’t have the setbacks. WESCO also had issues. When Rite Aid is done, they should take that into consideration so they don’t have similar issues, including lighting.
City Manager Niemela stated they would have parking along the south property line if they can work with the other property owner. There must be a 20 foot buffer to residential. They could go to get a variance. WESCO put up substantial fencing. It is not all open residential, as there are other buildings there. They will have to consider light pollution on the adjacent property.
Council Member Meyers stated regarding the water repairs and sewer repairs, they were to look at water rates this year.
City Manager Niemela stated that will come this year, for an adjustment to the July quarter in 2020. They will get that information out to the people.
Council Comments
Council Member Scheid stated things need to get settled with Gary. It has dragged on too long. He thanked everyone for coming in tonight.
Council Member Davis stated the 5K-10K Candlestone race was brought back, as well as water ball and the beer tent. There is the car show for the Freedom Park and the Halloween open house. It is quite exciting. He thanked Brandon, Gary and Sharon for speaking and everyone who attended.
Council Member Meyers stated he would like to reiterate what was said about Mike, as he was very passionate about the Rec Board and gets fired up. It was very important to him. He wishes him well. For Believe week, the community gets around it and the celebration. He attended a band competition at the high school with tons of people and volunteers. A lot of people are involved to make Belding a better place. With the park renaming, Denny brought so much passion to it whenever he spoke. He was doing it in honor of the people the park was made for. It has been frustrating for Gary to go that long without a decision made. They need to work on that. For the financials they got, thanks goes to John, Becky and the city staff and the councils who have worked over the years to keep Belding fiscally strong. There is a huge improvement on the city streets. There are many more, but they have done a great job with that and he appreciates it.
Council Member Feehan stated he would repeat what they said.
Mayor Miller stated the cemetery tour is October 20. He said everyone did a great job. They will work on that for Gary.
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 8:24 p.m.
| |  Brad Miller, Mayor |
|  Kareen J. Thomas, City Clerk | |