Approval of Agenda

Consent Agenda

Reports by Council Liaisons

Meyers commented on the Housing Commission that met on May 21st.  The Housing Commission received routine reports, the RAD conversion closing and its accepted upload to the Register of Deeds.  The RAD conversion project is officially done.

New Business

Holly Noble, Representative for the Belding Veterans Park, requested a street closure.  The closure is for June 13, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Depot Street between Bridge Street and Broas Street. The request is for a car show that expects to have 75-80 cars on display.  The proceeds from the event will go to the Veterans Park for maintenance and improvements.  Moved by Feehan, supported by Meyers to approve the Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Belding, Michigan Authorizing The Request To Temporarily Close Depot Street, Between Bridge And Broas Streets, For A Car Show.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.  The Resolution is as follows:

City Manager Comments

Niemela advised the body about the installation of the final layer of orange striping now being finished on the basketball courts and the trail receiving some final finish work. 

Niemela advised Council that the annual budget adjustments will be presented at the next meeting.  

In regards to the 2020/21 Budget that was adopted at the May 19^th meeting, the City received a notification from the County Treasurer after the fact regarding the millage rates.   There was an adjustment to the limit on how much property values can go up each year.  This necessitated a $60,000 reduction in the previously approved 2020/21 Budget.  At the next meeting, City Council can pass a Resolution to adjust the millage rate.

The kayak launch project will be starting this week.

The City Council members had the opportunity to pose questions or make comments on Niemela’s report to City Council. 

Meyers commented on the Budget, inquired on the date the correspondence was received from the County regarding the millage rates, the status of the capital plan for water and sewer, if and when the needs for a fire truck will be identified, and commented on a private citizen cleaning the sidewalks at the Gathering Place where the 2020 Senior banners were displayed.  Niemela addressed Meyers questions.

Davis inquired about clearing trees on the Gathering Place path, the proposed budget amendments due to the correspondence from the County, if the Park Street Boardwalk

has a maintenance plan and its current condition, the Budget Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs), requested a list of obsolete fire department equipment and plans for the  water/sewer issue.  Niemela addressed Davis’ questions.

Mayor Miller commented on City manager updates during the Covid-19 Stay-at-Home Order and if we are pursuing getting into the Community Program and checking for low interest rates.  Niemela addressed Miller’s questions.

Council Comments

Davis offered comment on Mr. Mason and the Belding Party Store closure.

Meyers commented on the flag at Veteran’s Memorial Park, having a tough past couple of months, and tall grass on May Street across from the Belding Party Store. Niemela advised Meyers that the grass has been cut.

Feehan commented on the possibility of returning to in-person meetings.  Niemela offered a few possible solutions which he will look into, such as meeting at the Bel.

Mayor Miller commented on the 2020 Graduates names being listed on the electronic sign outside of City Hall and citizens waiting for their graduates name to come up.  Mayor Miller commented on continuing to do this gesture in the future.  He received a comment that the flag was “too big.”  He additionally commented on the Budget and  the completion of the RAD conversion, continuing to handle blight.

Adjourn

Mayor Miller noted that Feehan’s connection was lost however a quorum was still present.

Moved by Meyers, supported by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.