REGULAR MINUTES
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
100 DEPOT STREET
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
7:00 p.m.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Council Member Scheid gave the Invocation and led with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Clerk, Janae Cooper took the roll call:
Members present: Mike Scheid, Doug Feehan and Brad Miller
Members absent: Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to excuse the absences of Davis and
Meyers. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the agenda as presented. Mayor Miller added one change Under New Business, Item B. Extend water/sewer pay cycle to April 15th. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 73789 to 73881 in the amount of $102,894.09
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, March 3, 2020 and Budget Workshop Meeting, March 3, 2020
C. Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment – Bonita Steele (3-21-20)
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Feehan reported that the Museum Board meeting scheduled for next week has been cancelled.
New Business
A. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve a Resolution to Authorize the Submission of an Application for Local Bridge Funds.
City Manager John Niemela referenced the recent issue with the Ashfield bridge joint as an example as to how the submission of this Application could be used. Fortunately, the Ashfield Bridge repair was very successful and little interruption was incurred. The Bridge reopened about a week after pouring concrete. The Application that is being requested for submission provides funding through the State of Michigan through MDOT. This allows for not only repair projects but preservation projects as well to extend the life of bridges. The Application must be submitted by May 1st. There is no application fee. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
B. Moved by Scheid supported by Feehan to change the April sewer and water billing cycle to April 15th due to the CDC recommendations of people minimizing coming out of their homes as well as human distancing due to the Coronavirus breakouts. Residents will then have thirty days to pay. The City will post a notice on Facebook and on the City’s website as well as the electronic sign. Scheid noted that some residents do not use social media or computers and suggested putting notices up at businesses such as Leppink’s. Mayor Miller suggested to the media who were present to put in it the newspapers. Niemela commented that the due date would be May 18th with a shut off date of June 1st. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Public Comments
Robert Rickert of 1527 W. State Road, Lot 45, Belding, announced that he is running for Sheriff. He came before City Council to make this announcement as well as so people can put a face to a name. His qualifications include 22 years of service working at the Ionia County jail, 9 years as a Belding Reserve Officer, 4 years in the United States Air Force and he holds a Bacherlor’s degree in Law Enforcement. He wants to improve relationships between communities and to earn the money that the sheriff is being paid for. Rickert commented that in his time in law enforcement that he has only seen one seen one sheriff go out on patrol.
City Manager Comments
Niemela clarified the Bridge Application funding was for the 2023 cycle.
He addressed a City Hall issue regarding a resident who alleges to have made calls to City Hall and did not get answers to her questions. Code and Ernie met with property owner. The resident owns property across from where they live and want to put in a doublewide. It is allowed as long as the roof has a 4-12 pitch and it meets code enforcement. Water and sewer hook ups were discussed with the property owner as they are eligible for hook-up. The residents can move forward now.
Due to the CDC requirements the City closed down the Bel and the Museum on Monday. This has been communicated with the card players. The Chamber has been advised that it is not an available space to use right now. Still some question as to the legality to close city halls, etc. Many have closed or have limited access to the public. Limited public access will start on Thursday at City Hall. A notice will go out. The employees will still be here. Residents will be advised to obtain all permits and forms online and return them in the same fashion. Any business can be dropped off at City Hall. If there is an absolute need the customer will not be turned away. The City of Belding wants to accommodate its citizens the best they can but still within the guidelines of the CDC.
Scheid inquired if the Library has been closed. Niemela advised Scheid that the library has been closed Friday.
Parks may have to be barricaded however Central Riverside is almost impossible to close. The City will deal with this issue day to day. Belding has the ability to adapt when we have to adapt. Soccer and BYBL, etc., are private entities, however we need to err in favor of the community.
Feehan questioned Niemela if First Responders or Life Responders are doing anything. Niemela advised Feehan that they met on Monday. They are trying to handle whatever they can over the phone but will make face to face contact if it is necessary. The jail is selectively accepting prisoners, mostly those who are violent, OUIL’s and Domestic Violence cases. Those with less serious charges/crimes are being sent away for a court hearing later. They are following the protocols regarding exhibiting any signs. 911 will question callers and DHS will handle if corona virus is suspected. We are working with Ionia hospital; we provided a tent for segregation; pooling assets. Would still go to Greenville if have to, but since we are in Ionia county, we lend our resources to Ionia Hospital even though Greenville Hospital is closer. There are limitations for hospital admittance.
Dial-A-Ride is still operating, however, they are limiting the number of passengers and the drivers sanitize more often than usual to mitigate circumstances.
Feehan said it sounds like we have it pretty well covered.
Mayor Miller stated to continue to facilitate good will back and forth. It seems to hit community by community. He said that most of the State working from home but the public has more need for local government. If anyone needs anything from us (Council) to please let them know.
Council Comments
Feehan thanked everyone for coming and to stay safe.
Scheid said the same as thing Feehan.
Mayor Miller stated to practi Brad Miller, Mayor Janae Cooper, City Clerk
Adjourn
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
