REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
VIRTUAL MEETING
7:00 P.M.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and pubic session via a virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.
Mayor Brad Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The City Clerk, Janae Cooper, took the roll call:
Members present: Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan, Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis and Brad Miller
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Guest
Jenny Bennett addressed City Council regarding comments printed in the Greenville Daily News in regards to the Belding Beatnik Bazaar. Bennett expressed to the City Council that Farmer’s Markets are deemed as essential businesses and that she and the other vendors complied with the Governor’s Executive Orders in regards to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
A. Approve Independent Bank checks 74574 to 74701 in the amount of $323,274.38.
Approve Mercantile Bank checks 1007 to 1012 in the amount of $811,388.68.
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, August 4, 2020
C. Public Park Use Agreement – BASC & Resolution
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING A PUBLIC PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH BASC SOCCER.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of August, 2020.
PRESENT: Council Members Mike Scheid, Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers and Brad Miller
ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan:
WHEREAS, the City of Belding wishes to enter into a Public Park Use Agreement with BASC Soccer for the use of Central Riverside Park facilities; and
WHEREAS, the term of the Agreement shall begin on August 31, 2020 and end on October 17, 2020.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that a Public Park Use Agreement with BASC Soccer is hereby approved.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Schied, Feehan, David, Meyers and Miller
NAYS: None
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2020.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Meyers stated that the Rec Board met on August 10th. They will need to bring some of their projects to City Council. The Housing Commission met on Thursday, August 13th. They approved their operating budget for next year. Additionally, they reviewed the status of vacant units and their financial reports.
Mayor Miller commented that the Library Board will be meeting next week.
Unfinished Business
Moved by Schied, supported by Feehan to discuss a Special Events Application for a Temporary Street Closure for New Monument Dedication Ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The request was submitted by Holly Noble. The event will take place on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Social distancing will be practiced and turn out is anticipated to be minimal.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE DENNY CRAYCRAFT VETERANS FREEDOM PARK FOR THE USE OF CITY STREETS, CITY PROPERTY AND TO APPROVE EVENTS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan and Brad Miller
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid, supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, Holly Noble, Vice President of the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park requests a temporary street closure on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.; and,
WHEREAS, permission is requested to close Depot Street from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. for a dedication ceremony of new monuments that will be placed prior to Labor Day weekend; and,
WHEREAS, there are no guest speakers planned for the event and turn out for the event is expected to be light to the Labor Day activities taking a pause this weekend due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, to encourage social distancing chalk markings 6 feet apart will be done when the road is closed at 9 a.m.; and,
WHEREAS, guests will be advised to maintain social distancing and wear masks; and,
WHEREAS, street closure for Depot St. from Bridge St. to Broas St. from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on September 7, 2020.; and,
WHEREAS, the street closure will allow for use of the street by persons attending the dedication
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the preceding requests are hereby granted in their entirety.
AYES: Council Members Meyers, Davis, Scheid, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: None
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2020.
New Business
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss the 3rd Request to Extend Purchase Agreement with Rite Aid. City Manager, John Niemela advised the Council that Rite Aid is still in a holding pattern due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. They are just beginning to move forward. The requested extension is through November 30th. Niemela stated that he has had no indication that the Rite Aid deal will not move forward. Mayor Miller reassured City Council members that he was on the conference call with Rite Aid and Niemela and he feels confident that the issues being experienced are due to COVID.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY WITH MCV PROPERTIES.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of August, 2020.
PRESENT: Council Members Mike Scheid, Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers and Brad Miller
ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan:
WHEREAS, the City of Belding (seller) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated October 3, 2019, and amended per First Amendment, dated March 13, 2020, and Second Amendment with, dated May 14,2020 MVC Properties (purchaser) with respect to the Property located at 149 W. Congress Street, Belding, Ionia County, Michigan (the "Original Agreement"); commonly known as the Breimayer Lot; and
WHEREAS, the Purchase and Sale Agreement remains in full force and effect pending full execution of this Amendment by Purchaser and Seller; and
WHEREAS, Seller and Purchaser desire to amend the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that approval of an amendment to Article 5 (B) of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended per Section 2 of the Second Amendment changing the date of August 17, 2020 in Section 2 to November 30, 2020 is hereby granted; and
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: None
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF AUGUST 2020.
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss authorizing the request to seek bids for a new fire truck. Niemela advised City Council that this is a request to seek bids, not a final approval to purchase. Fire Chief Tim Lubitz addressed a question by Meyers as to what all was being bid out. Lubitz stated that the bid is for the fire truck and extrication equipment. The Fire Department is currently setting well on hoses, nozzles and ladders. The existing extrication equipment is 25+ year’s old-dating back to when Doug Feehan was Chief. The cost of the extrication equipment is $30-35k, however that is built into the approximated $610,000 cost of the truck. Feehan supports the above request and Scheid commented that the truck and extrication equipment need replacing.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE REQUEST FOR BIDS AND SEEKING OF A FUNDING SOURCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW FIRE TRUCK.
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 18th day of August, 2020.
PRESENT: Council Members Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan and Brad Miller
ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan:
WHEREAS, The current apparatus is 26 years old and starting to have major repair issues,
WHEREAS, A more sustainable replacement program for our fire apparatus should be sought after,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that City Manager proceed with the request for bids and the seeking of a funding source for a new fire truck for the Belding Fire Department fleet.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Sheid, Feehan, Davis, Meyers and Miller
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2020.
Public Comment
Due to so many people attending the virtual meeting Mayor Miller clarified how to use Zoom for commenting as well as referencing the City Charter in regards to Public Comment. He advised that Public Comment is not a question and answer session nor is there dialogue exchanged. Comments should be limited to three minutes.
No one in virtual attendance commented.
City Manager Comments
John Niemela, City Manager informed the City Council that the Rec Board has made progress on their last two projects the pathway at the Gathering Place and the East Riverside Kayak Launch. The trash containers were installed today. There is some expectation of a dedication ceremony in the future. Trees will be planted along the Gathering Place walkway this fall. He addressed some pavement concerns and trimming of trees off the observation deck being unsatisfactory. Fire hydrant flushing starts Sunday, August 23 through Wednesday, August 26. The fire hydrants were unable to be flushed in the spring due to COVID restrictions. The Beta version of the website is currently being reviewed by staff before going live. Mayor Miller challenged anyone to go to the current website and inform staff of how hard/easy it is to use. We are looking to make it more user-friendly and better. The website will only be as good as the information and feedback we receive.
Council Comments
Feehan thanked the City Clerk, Janae Cooper for her hard work on the election, Fire Chief, Tim Lubitz for the information on the fire truck and thanked everyone for attending.
Davis inquired if the website could have a search field for a “quick question”. He encouraged everyone to look at it and provide feedback as that is the only way to make it better. He additionally commented on the status of clearing the trees along the pathway. Niemela advised that money has been withheld from the contractor and that he is trying to get him to come back to finish the job.
Meyers commented on a webinar regarding the CARES Act and inquired about the hazard pay funding. He additionally inquired about the plan for road repairs moving forward and for some background on the wastewater management. Niemela stated that EGLE has noticed improvements and that the City of Belding is on the right track. Niemela will likely be coming back to the City Council sometime, maybe in six months, to inquire about keeping Fleis and Vandenbrink to tend to the wastewater treatment. Meyers thanked Jenny Bennett and Holly Noble for their work in the community as he hears good things about the Beatnik Bazaar and the Veterans Memorial Park.
Schied thanked everyone for coming and commented on getting back to “normal”.
Mayor Miller echoed all of the City Council Member comments and applauded Niemela for his work on the website. He cited the Veterans Memorial Park and the Beatnik Bazaar as gems in the community.
Adjourn
Moved by Schied supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes-all.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
