REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
7:00 p.m.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened via a virtual meeting in open and public session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Mayor Brad Miller called the meeting to order.
The City Clerk, Janae Cooper, took the roll call:
Members present: Jorel Davis, Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan, Mike Scheid 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.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 74160 to 74229 in the amount of $89,306.37
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank - ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, May 5, 2020
C. Public Park Use Agreements
2. Shuffleboard
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Meyers stated that the Belding Housing Commission will meet this Thursday at 6 p.m. He reported that they are in the final stages of closing on the RAD conversion which has been a three-year process and offered congratulations to all those involved.
New Business
A. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss the Budget Adoption and Resolution. John Niemela, City Manager stated that we have had a work session on the Budget and a Public Hearing has been held. Today it is proposed to vote on the final adoption of the 2020/21 Budget. A revised copy of the Budget was sent out prior to the meeting as the City was just notified that our revenue sharing is decreasing by $83,000. The following three items were removed/reduced in the General Fund to balance as a result of the reduction in revenue sharing: Remove $50,000 for City Hall improvements, remove $30,000 from the Parks Budget relating to the restrooms, and reduced Planning by $3,000. Several other individual pieces of the budget were affected as each department contributes to the City Hall Improvement Fund. The changes in the departments did not affect the overall adoption of the resolution; we will have a balanced budget. Davis inquired if the cuts were absolutely necessary. Niemela said that we do not know the full impact of the coronavirus. Meyers commented that he finds the budget process extremely frustrating. The proposed budget is similar to past budgets and it lacks vision. The City is not moving forward and we are only doing the necessities, there is no direction. Mayor Miller confirmed with City Treasurer, Beck Schlienz that the total amount of the budget for general operating funds is $9,212,694. Mayor Miller stated that we have opportunities in the future. Approval of the revised 2020/21 Budget, as presented, carried 3-2 with the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Miller, Feehan and Scheid
Nays: Davis and Meyers
The Resolution is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Belding, Michigan has submitted to the Mayor Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan have studied and reviewed said budget; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing on said budget was held on May 5, 2020, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.4 of the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the City Clerk of the City of Belding has in accordance with Section 11.4 of the City Charter, and P.A. 621 of 1978, published notices of time and place of holding such hearings, and of the availability to the public of such proposed budget.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that they hereby appropriate the following sums of money deemed necessary to defray all the necessary expenses, liabilities and reserves of the City of Belding, Michigan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are to be expended and the amount appropriated which authorizes such expenditures, as provided in the City Charter and City Code for each center and purpose are specified as follows:
APPROPRIATION CENTERS
GENERAL OPERATING FUND
City Council $ 10,496
City Manager 133,980
Finance & Administrative Services 238,826
City Clerk 141,504
Central Municipal Activities 203,172
Cemetery 71,397
Park Maintenance 160,782
Interfund Transfers 173,700
Belrockton Community Center 30,296
Community Promotions 5,500
Planning & Community Development 28,000
Contingency 42,000
TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS $2,839,622
MAJOR STREET FUND 724,207
LOCAL STREET FUND 575,208
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 12,410
DRUG FORFEITURE FUND 2,500
LIBRARY 467,800
MUSEUM FUND 20,300
SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND 10,259
BUILDING AUTHORITY DEBT FUND 82,150
CIP BOND PAYMENT FUND 24,770
LIBRARY DEBT FUND 93,350
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 203,728
DIAL-A-RIDE 328,105
SEWER FUND 1,288,641
WATER FUND 1,109,729
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND 280,000
BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND 161,000
MOTOR POOL FUND 577,383
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND 540,000
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $9,341,172
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
AMOUNT AMOUNT TO BE RAISED
APPROPRIATED BY MILL LEVY TAXATION
Capital Improvements $ 214,000 $ 210,000
General Purpose $ 2,840400 $1,700,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2020-21, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan does hereby levy a tax of 17.9500 mills per dollar on the assessed valuation of all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Belding, and further, said mill levy shall include 15.9500 mills for the General Fund Operation, and 2.00 mills for Capital Improvements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an administrative fee of 1% shall be added and collected for all units of government - said fee to be continued until rescinded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to make budgetary transfers within the appropriation centers, also known as funds, established through this budget, except that all transfers between appropriation centers may be made only by further action of the City Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Uniform Accounting and Budgeting Act; and that the City Manager is hereby authorized to release bidding documents for those capital items requiring bids. Bidding documents may also be described as Requests for Proposals.
AYES: Scheid, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: Davis and Meyers
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
B. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss Closing Chemical Bank accounts and Resolution. Niemela advised the Board that Chemical Bank’s Belding branch will be closing in August, therefore, in an effort to continue to bank locally, the accounts must be closed and open new ones with another local bank. Council members Scheid and Davis inquired on the closing of the Belding Branch. Although not the normal procedure, Brandon Schreur, a reporter from the Daily News was in attendance virtually and he informed Council that he spoke with their headquarters and did a story in the newspaper confirming its closure on August 7, 2020. Motion to close City of Belding Accounts with Chemical Bank carried 5-0 by the following roll call vote: yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING BECKY SCHLIENZ, FINANCE DIRECTOR, TO CLOSE CITY OF BELDING ACCOUNTS WITH CHEMICAL BANK.
The following resolution was offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, Becky Schlienz is employed as the Finance Director for the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has accounts with Chemical Bank; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has been advised that Chemical Bank in Belding, Michigan is closing their local Belding branch office; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding shall close any and all bank accounts owned by the City of Belding with Chemical Bank; and,
WHEREAS, Becky Schlienz, Finance Director, will seek an alternative local bank for the City of Belding to conduct business; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan to authorize Becky Schlienz, Finance Director, to close accounts with Chemical Bank owned by the City of Belding and to seek an alternate local bank to open accounts for the City of Belding.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
AYES: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: None
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
C. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss opening accounts with Mercantile Bank and Resolution. Niemela stated that due to closing accounts with Chemical Bank, approval is needed to open at Mercantile Bank. Davis inquired as to how many accounts we are opening and closing. Schlienz stated that it involves two accounts. Meyers inquired as to why we would use Mercantile Bank as it is out of the city limits. Niemela advised that City Council that the only other bank within the city limits is Independent Bank and we already have accounts there. Per out auditors we cannot have all of the money in the same bank. Motion to open accounts with Mercantile Bank carried 5-0 by the following roll call vote: yes - all. The resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING BECKY SCHLIENZ, FINANCE DIRECTOR, TO OPEN CITY OF BELDING ACCOUNTS WITH MERCANTILE BANK.
The following resolution was offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, Becky Schlienz is employed as the Finance Director for the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, the Belding City Council has authorized the closure of accounts owned by the City of Belding formerly held with Chemical Bank due to their local branch office closing; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding shall open new bank accounts owned by the City of Belding with the local branch of Mercantile Bank; and,
WHEREAS, authorized signers on the new accounts will be City Manager, John Neimela; City Finance Director, Becky Schlienz; and City Clerk, Janae Cooper.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, to authorize Becky Schlienz, Finance Director, to open City of Belding accounts with the local branch of Mercantile Bank in the City of Belding, Michigan with the authorized signers being City Manager, John Neimela; Finance Director, Becky Schlienz; and City Clerk, Janae Cooper.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
AYES: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
NAYS: None
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
D. Moved by Feehan, supported by Scheid to reappoint Arthur Mahar to the Belding Housing Board of Commissioners. Neimela commented that the request is self-explanatory. Sharon Carlson, Belding Housing Commission Director stated the Mahar is the longest serving member in the Belding Housing Commissions history. It is a very complex position which takes years to understand. Carlson hopes that Mahar will serve another five years and stated that she appreciates his support. Meyers commented that Mahar does a fantastic job. He is always there, always participates and is an asset to the city and the community. Davis commented that he appreciates Mahar’s history with Belding and that he is valued. Scheid commented that Mahar is the nicest guy and is totally committed. Feehan stated that Mahar is always there. Mayor Miller stated that he echoes the comments of the other City Council members. Mahar is a great applicant and a great individual. Motion to appoint Arthur Mahar to the Belding Housing Board of Commissioners carried 5-1 by the following roll call vote: yes –all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
REAPPOINTING ARTHUR MAHAR TO THE BELDING HOUSING COMMISSION.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 19th day of May, 2020.
PRESENT: Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Scheid.
WHEREAS, Arthur Mahar is serving on the Belding Housing Commission with a term to expire on June 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Mahar has indicated his willingness to continue to serve on the board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Arthur Mahar be reappointed to the Belding Housing Commission with a term of office to expire on June 30, 2025.
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 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
E. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss approval of Local Bridge Program Funding Support. Niemela reported that Fleis and VandenBrink looked at all four bridges in the City and estimate a cost of $500,000 in repairs over the next few years. If the City is approved for this funding ($500,000) that the city would be responsible for only 5%. The remaining 95% of funding comes from the federal government at 80% and the state at 15%. Funds would not be available for use until 2023. Motion to approve Local Bridge Program Funding Support was approved 5-0 by the following roll call vote: yes – all. The resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR LOCAL BRIDGE
PROGRAM FUNDS FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF THE BRIDGE STREET
AND ASHFIELD STREET BRIDGES OVER THE FLAT RIVER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 19th day of May, 2020.
PRESENT: Council Members Schied, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller
ABSENT: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, the Michigan State Legislature and the U.S. Congress have appropriated funds for preventative maintenance of local bridges in the State of Michigan, and
WHEREAS, the Bridge Street and Ashfield Street bridges over the Flat River are deteriorated and in need of maintenance, and
WHEREAS, the Council supports an application requesting funding for this project,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves of the filing of an application with the Michigan Department of Transportation requesting funds through its Local Bridge Program for preventative maintenance of the Bridge Street and Ashfield Street bridges over the Flat River and further, that the City is seeking the Department’s active participation in the project.
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 19TH DAY OF MAY, 2020.
Public Comment
Sharon Carlson commented on zoom meetings and thanked City Clerk Janae Cooper, Mayor Brad Miller and City Manager John Niemela for signing the RAD paperwork. She commented that she has been able to get a lot of work done being closed to the public due to COVID-19.
City Manager Comments
Niemela reported that the steps on the north side of the building have been removed and replaced and the railing needs to go up. The step configuration was changed to turn right. It is safer and has wider treads.
In regards to the August Election, the state is going to send out absentee voter applications to all registered voters other than those on our permanent absentee voter list. Citizens are encouraged to vote absentee due to COVID-19. No reason absentee voting was passed in November 2018.
Schools have shut down or postponed graduation ceremonies. The fence at the Gathering Place will be utilized to hang banners with the picture and name of each graduate to show honor to the seniors beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday. There will be a car parade as well but no gathering of people.
Feehan inquired if a coronavirus testing site has been set up at the highschool yet. Niemela stated that he will follow up on this. The Superintendent is ok with it. The Ionia County Health Department along with Sparrow Hospital would like to do this ASAP, continuing through August.
Davis asked if we were still doing the MEDC Program. Niemela stated that we will get back into it.
Mayor Miller commented on COVID-19 testing numbers in the 48809 zip code. The 48809 zip code has 28 cases and Ionia County has 111 total.
The new flag and flagpole at the Veteran’s Memorial Park was briefly discussed. This may not be ready for Memorial Day, it may be postponed until July.
Council Comments
Feehan thanked Becky Schlienz and her staff for the work on the Budget.
Davis thanked Niemela, Schlienz and the staff regarding the Budget, thanked City Council for all the work they do, thanked Niemela and Carlson for their work on the RAD conversion. He clarified his “no” vote on the Budget as an effort to push Belding’s future. HE appreciates everyone’s efforts.
Meyers thanked Niemela and Carlson for wrapping up the RAD conversion. He appreciates the City Staff. Meyers commented on incomplete projects and lost time on some projects-the City is not pushing forward. Meyers stated that he doesn’t mean to be negative, that he is just sharing a concern. Meyers asked for ideas on how to improve the climate and how to increase revenue streams.
Mayor Miller stated that he appreciates the comments. He thanked Niemela, Schleinz and the City Staff for their work. He stated that we may have to be conservative to make it through this year. The RAD conversion was phenomenal. It is good to see reappointments. He thanked Miller for the hand sanitizer. Hopefully we will be back in Chambers very soon.
Adjourn
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
