Approval of Agenda

Mayor Miller made the following amendments to the Agenda: Add under New Business Items B. Zoning Request, and C. Fire Department Unused Equipment.

A motion was made by Commission Member Scheid to approve agenda as amended, supported by Commission 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

Consent Agenda

Reports by Council Liaisons

Council Member Scheid had nothing to report.

Council Member Davis had nothing to report.

Council Member Meyers reported that the Rec Board met on January 13. They went through updates of current projects. The Kayak launch now has sufficient funds to complete it. Silk City Trail is done for the season. The Basketball court needs final coating and striping.  The Board identified projects to do and looking for funds. They reached out to Pam Blough but did not get a response. They will reach out to Williams and Works for help and set up a special meeting with them. The Housing Commission met January 16. They discussed the RAD project. Other Housing Commissions are working together. He also mentioned Public Act 214. 

Council Member Feehan says he has a meeting next Tuesday.

Mayor Miller reported that the Planning Commission held a meeting last night. They talked about Mr. Cantu’s request. The first read on that is tonight for consideration for a rezone. Andy Moore from Williams and Works was present last night. It was exciting and they discussed some things he can do for us. They talked about training. The Library Board meeting is next week.

Unfinished Business

There was none.

New Business:

A.    Fundraiser for Veteran’s Memorial Park – Holly Noble

Council Member Scheid moved to bring this to the floor, supported by Council Member Feehan.

Holly Noble 1227 Five Mile Rd. They are looking to get next project paid for before Labor Day. Between Feb.21 and 23rd they are planning to hold a campout in the Memorial Park. They will ask for the appropriate permits. Johnny Ortize 115 S. Franklin St., Greenville, is a former military person and wants to help people realize how to help others. He has the same vision as Denny Craycraft had. Johnny was brought in on this by the American Legion. He gets involved and helps to get money. He wants to finish the vision! They plan to get a rep from each military branch and camp out from 6pm Friday through Sunday. He has talked to radio hosts and they want to cover the story. It brings attention to the park. He wants a lot of exposure to the park and those honored there. People can donate and want to. Media attention will draw people to the Park. Every red cent will be going to this park. Holly said they will be doing fun activities, and a campfire. They’re working on getting a tent for them to stay in at night. There will be six people; one from each branch of the military, including the guard. They are also hoping to have a recruiter there. They need to know what they’ll need to go forth.  Mayor Miller said there are two meetings prior to their event. Anytime things come up, he suggested that they get plans ahead of time to the City so we can add it to the agenda and can vote. The fire permit can come from the fire department.  Council Member Scheid agreed that we need information in order to make a decision. Council Member Davis said that the best use of their time is to let City Manager Niemela know and he can direct them. Council Member Meyers asked about the recruiter and Holly said they haven’t asked them yet. Johnny said that they aren’t going to be there to recruit; just to support. Council Member Feehan thinks it’s a great thing. Holly and Johnny said they want it to be fun. Mayor Miller encouraged them to work with Manager Niemela.

B.     Ordinance No. 452-A24, First Read Only

A motion to bring this item to the floor was made by Council Member Scheid, supported by Council Member Feehan.

ORDINANCE No. 452-A24

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.

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 OS-1 (Office/Personal Service District) to R-2 (Single-Family Residential District) is legally described as:.

                        CITY OF BELDING SUPERVISOR MOON’S PLAT, PART OF LOT 183 COM AT THE SE COR OF LOT 183 THEN E 44.94 FT ALONG THE S LINE OF LOT 183, THEN N 65.18 FT, THEN 43.7 FT TO THE E LINE OF LOT 183 THEN, S 65.9 FT ALONG SAID E LOT TO POB.

Location:         110 E. Liberty, Belding, Michigan                                          Parcel:            34-403-180-000-550-07

SECTION 2    All other parts of the zoning map and zoning ordinance are affirmed and shall remain unchanged.

SECTION 3    A copy of the Ordinance shall be filed with the Ionia County Register of Deeds.

SECTION 4    This Ordinance shall be published as provided in the City Charter and shall become effective ten (10) days after publication.

City Manager Niemela shared information given to the Planning Commission last night. The property located at 110 E. Liberty Street, Belding, was at one time zoned as Residential but was changed to Office/Personal Service District and was never changed back. It has been remodeled and is for sale with an interested buyer. However, the mortgage company will not make the loan because it is not zoned residential. It is located in an area of like properties.  Council Member Meyers reiterated that it needs to be rezoned because they can’t get financing.  Manager Niemela stated that the previous property owner combined all property there instead of keeping some of it residential. He said other properties in town did not come to be rezoned. Lenders for this property won’t lend unless it’s rezoned.

C.      Fire Department Equipment

City Manager Niemela stated that the Fire Department is in possession of a variety of equipment that is no longer used. Council action is required in order for the property to be declared as surplus, and then sold or otherwise disposed of.  Council Member Davis asked if it’s no longer used or just outdated. Manager Niemela said that it isn’t used and has been excess for a while. Some parts were pulled and used for repairs. Mayor Miller asked if it would be worthwhile to check with the Museum and some of the equipment is very old and could be of interest.  Manager Niemela said he would reach out to other departments of the City.

Public Comments

Jenny Bennett of the Beatnik Bazaar said that she had contacted the City a couple weeks ago wanting to get the Bazaar on the Message Board. No one has answered her. She wants to get this started. She wants to get special permits. Who does she contact? Dale hasn’t been available. She was told to attend a Rec Board meeting and that she has to attend a staff meeting of City Hall. She basically got nowhere.  She is offering feedback because she feels any form needing to be filled out should be linked on the City website.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Niemela reported that he and Mayor Miller are meeting with the Housing Commission tomorrow at 5 pm. The library is trying to get revised for third part agreement. It’s part of the funding mechanism for the addition to the library. They expressed concerns, and we are trying to educate them regarding the addition. A piece was very challenging for library. It’s difficult to budget without knowing what’s due to debt service. They had money in an account to help with debt service; essentially it’s the rent.  Amendments to that will help it to happen. Within a day or so there should be a clear document to share with the board. They are very conscientious as to how they spend money.

Manager Niemela also stated that Jenny did get her application. The system will change so that any document will be available to the community.  He mentioned groups with whom they help with events.  Council Member Meyers was concerned that only City Heads have access. Council Member Davis asked if all those permits are available on line.  Manager Niemela said that they will be on-line on the City’s website.  Mayor Miller said it’s a good opportunity to work together and things back on line is good. Manager Niemela said that regarding taxes, there are forms available on-line with explanation.   He said that he has been working with another city and the State is still behind. We need to keep ahead and current on things. He appreciates Jenny bringing it to our attention.  Mayor Miller added that it does benefit to attend these meetings. He encourages keeping discussion going.

Council Member Comments

Council Member Scheid thanked everyone for coming tonight.

Council Member Davis thanked everyone for coming out and sharing information regarding the Veterans’ Park and Jenny Bennett’s concerns.

Council Member Meyers also thanked everyone for coming tonight.  

Mayor Miller also thanked everyone.

Council Member Scheid moved to go to closed session, supported by Feehan.

Adjourn

A motion was made by Commission Member Scheid to adjourn, supported by Council Member Feehan.