REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
BELDING MUSEUM
108 HANOVER STREET
7:00 P.M.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and pubic session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
Mayor Brad Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Miller advised the public of the current CDC Social Distancing Guidelines.
Council Member Scheid gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
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.
Public Comments
Chief of Police Dale Nelson discussed the Belding Police Department Use of Force Policy in light of the events that recently took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chief Nelson reported that the City of Belding has had very few incidents of Use of Force violations during his tenure and ultimately those events were determined to be a perceived use of force. Nelson advised the Council Members that he has reviewed the policy with his staff. Chief Nelson affirmed to Council that the City Police Officers have compliance tools in their arsenal. Chief Nelson commented that they are trained in PPT (Pressure Point Training), using joint restrictions, and that they are trained in all levels of resistance.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 74280 to 74361 in the amount of $51,558.26.
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, June 2, 2020
C. Building Authority Reappointment – John Niemela (6-30-20)
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JOHN NIEMELA TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 16th day of June, 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 city manager historically holds a position on the Building Authority; and
WHEREAS, John Niemela will serve in this capacity as city manager.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding,
Michigan that John Niemela be appointed to the Building Authority with a term to expire on June 30, 2023.
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 16TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
D. Building Authority Reappointment – Ernest Thomas (6-30-20)
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN REAPPOINTING ERNEST THOMAS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 16th day of June, 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 term of office for Ernest Thomas on the Building Authority will expire; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas has indicated that he is interested in serving another term on the authority.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Ernest Thomas be reappointed to the Building authority with a term to expire on June 30, 2023.
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 16TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
E. Planning Commission Reappointment – Dale Richmond II (6-20-20)
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING DALE RICHMOND II TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 16th day of June 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, a vacancy exists on the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Dale Richmond II has indicated that he is interested in serving a term on the commission; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Planning Commission have recommended the appointment of Dale Richmond II.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Dale Richmond II be appointed to the Planning Commission with a term to expire on June 20, 2023.
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 16TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes-all.
Liaison Reports
Meyers stated that the Housing Commission will meet this Thursday at 6 p.m.
Mayor Miller commented that the Library Board and the Planning Commission are scheduled to meet next week.
New Business
Niemela discussed the 2019/20 Budget Amendments at length. Mayor Miller questioned about the mural for $90,000. Niemela advised that we have requested the reimbursement for the project. We are obligated for about 26% of the project--we pay up front and wait for reimbursement. These are the final budget amendments for the 2019/20 FY. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to adopt the final 2019/20 Budget Amendments as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: 4-1, with Meyers voting no. The Resolution is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 BUDGET.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, on the 16th day of June, 2020, the Council of the City of Belding, Michigan adopted its 2019/20 Fiscal Year Budget for the administration of all funds and activities; and,
WHEREAS, unanticipated revenues and expenditures are projected which may exceed budget appropriations listed in said budget; and,
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2019/20 Budget must be changed to reflect these adjustments;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the Fiscal Year 2019/20 Budget be amended pursuant to the attached worksheet.
AYES: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: Council Member Meyers
ABSENT: None
This resolution declared adopted this 16th day of June, 2020.
City Manager Comments
Niemela discussed the project for the steps at City Hall. The project is complete. There has been clean up around the base, it now has a lower rise and an extended walk. A metal guard was added.
The UTV is now fully functional. The Fire Department had to add a skid unit, a pump, a tank and water, a stretcher and medical equipment. It is capable of supporting three people. It can travel from City Hall to Smyrna in 5 minutes by trail, 8 minutes to Montcalm Avenue by trail and 5 minutes to Hock Road by trail. The Fire Department may look into extending their service to the north.
They are also in the midst of looking at specs for fire truck and have reached out to Rural Development for funding as there is some optimism that we may qualify for a grant. The hope is to have a new fire truck in two years, making the decision to move forward by the end of the year. It would take fifteen years to pay off the approximate cost of $600,000 plus cost of equipment. Miller inquired as to how the UTV gets thru the barrier bars on the trails. Niemela advised Meyers that they are able to go around the barrier bars. Work is also being done on cleaning up trees under the bridge.
City Council Comments
Davis commented on Chief Nelson’s explanation of the Use of Force Policy and the possibility of securing a grant for a new fire truck. Davis thanked everyone for coming out to attend the meeting.
Scheid thanked everyone for coming and commented on getting back to normal and fighting Covid.
Feehan commented on starting to get back to normal.
Meyers thanked everyone for coming out.
Mayor Miller thanked everyone for coming out. He stated that he attended the car show this past weekend. There were over 100 cars. Mayor Miller commented on debates on social distancing being personal choices. He thanked Jeff Hunter regarding his contribution to the UTV. Mayor Miller additionally commented on former President Obama’s challenge to mayors to talk to local police to understand the Use of Force policy surrounding the city.
Mayor Miller called for a brief recess to enter into Closed Session Per MCL 15.268c. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to enter into Closed Session at 7:44 p.m.
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to return to Open Session at 8:29 p.m.
Moved by Davis, supported by Feehan to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Belding Police Department. Motion carried by the following 5-0 roll call vote: yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL - BELDING POLICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION FOR A NEW FOUR YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE 7/1/2020 -6/30/2024.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Davis and seconded by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, the Police Union contract expires on 6/30/2020; and
WHEREAS, City staff has negotiated various proposals with the police union; and
WHEREAS, a tentative agreement has been reached between city staff and the police union. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the collective bargaining agreement be approved for a new contract between the City and the Police Officers Labor Council - Belding Police Department Division effective 7/1/2020 through 6/30/2024 .
YEAS: Council Members Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan and Brad Miller
NAYS: None
ABSEN None
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020.
Adjourn
Moved by Scheid supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried by voice vote.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
