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.

Consent Agenda

Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Consent Calendar.  Mayor Miller noted one change to the Consent Agenda:  Remove item C. Approve Closed Session Minutes: July 7, 2020. They will be presented at the next in-person meeting. 

Reports by Council Liaisons

Meyers attended the Rec Board meeting which met on Monday, July 13^th.  They are still looking for a 5^th member to serve.  This perspective member must reside in the City of Belding due to the makeup of the committee and which seat is vacant.  The Rec Board went over different projects that are going on.  They went over DNR Grants for next year.  Meyers additionally reported that the Housing Commission met on July 16^th and went over maintenance, vacancy and delinquency reports.  They were presented with the auditor proposals that they had received and opted to stay with the same auditors.  The Housing Commission continues to work on the RAD Rehab.

Mayor Miller reported that the Planning Commission meeting for next week is yet to be determined if it will be held or not.  The Library Board is not meeting in the month of July.

New Business

1. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss the location of the August 4, 2020 City Council Meeting.  Mayor Miller advised the City Council members of the need to relocate the next meeting as the Depot doesn’t provide much room for social distancing and the Bel is unavailable due to the August Primary Election.  The Bel is used as a polling location. Zoom meetings can be held through July 31^st however the Governors order allows for Zoom meetings to be extended 28 days after any State of Emergency is declared or extended.  It would be possible to extend the end tables at the Depot and the City Manager and City Clerk could sit in the chairs reserved for the audience.  Mayor Miller sought suggestions from council members.  Davis stated that Legacy Music, 1009 James Street (next to Paula Jeans) is renting space or they may donate it to the City or he suggested using the Library.  Scheid suggested meeting at the Library.  Feehan suggested using Zoom, Council Chamber with adjustments or the Library.  Meyers suggested using Zoom and then revising Council Chambers.  The question was posed about the requirement to wear masks as it makes it hard to hear.            

City Manager Comments

Niemela reported that the basketball courts are finished.  The trail project is close to being done; trees will be planted in the fall.  The kayak lauch has bee installed.  A trash and recycling container and a couple of signs have been purchased and are ready to be installed.  Niemela reported that he will be meeting with the Labor Day Committee on Thursday.  Events tentatively planned are a car show, a cornhole competition and possibly fireworks.  It would be near impossible to monitor social distancing especially with fireworks as this would be a draw for other communities.  The City is close to unveiling the new website.  There will be some new ground and aerial pictures.  We should be able to get a look at the pages yet this week.  Niemela advised City Council that he applied for two grants from the State of Michigan under the CARES Act, due to the coronavirus.  The grants are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.  One is to reimburse 100% of the wages and benefits for all police and firefighters for March and April.  If awarded, this could equate to approximately $125,000.  The second grant is to provide first essential workers (first responders and police) with up to $1,000 of hazard pay.  There will be two rounds of funding with one payout. 

Council Comments

Feehan commented on the challenge of controlling social distancing with the possible Labor Day fireworks.  Niemela has reached out to the Prosecutor and the Health Department to inquire about enforcement. 

Davis inquired as to water bill assistance through the CARES Act.  Niemela advised that there is no assistance to the City, assistance would be to an individual.  The CARES Act would reduce their rate by 25% if they could not afford to pay it.   Davis asked when the trees would be cleared on the trail by the Library.  Niemela advised that the contractor said that they have been cleared out.  Niemela will review the contact to verify the clearing of the trees.  Davis questioned the status of the Park Street pathway.  Niemela advised that an individual approached him wanting to do the repairs.  Niemela has not been back to see if the repairs were completed. Davis asked for an update on the Raney Village builder.  Niemela advised that the builder is still working on the same building and that he plans to build an apartment building on the back 11 acres.  Davis inquired on the Rite Aid extension.  Niemela advised that there has been no update.  The Corporate offices were not working due to Covid-19 last he was aware.  Lastly, Davis inquired about the Fire Department lists.  Niemela advised that they will be putting a capital plan together and that Chief Lubitz plans to attend the next meeting with specs and a time table.

Meyers echoed Feehan’s concern in regards to the fireworks and the draw it will bring from outside areas. Meyers commented on Niemela being proactive in applying for both of the CARES Act grants in a timely manner.  Meyers inquired if the funds for the wages are earmarked or if they could go directly into the General Fund.  Neimela advised that the funds, if awarded, could go into the General Fund.  Meyers offered the Belhaven Community Room as an option for the next City Council meeting location.

Mayor Miller commented on the fireworks and following what the State of Michigan is doing in regards community events such as a Labor Day festivities and to make the decision sooner rather than later.  Niemela advised that RobRoy and the City pay for the fireworks.  If RobRoy will pool their money from this year with next year the City will as well and we will just take a pause from this years’ events and have a huge event next year.           

Adjourn

Moved by Schied supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  yes-all.