REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
VIRTUAL MEETING
7:00 P.M.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
Mayor Brad Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
A. Approve Independent Bank checks 74886 to 75029 in the amount of $416,965.12.
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, September 15, 2020
Reports by Council Liaisons
Meyers stated that he met with the Housing Commission on September 17th. They went over financial statements, went through the audit, and paid bills. They advertised for a new maintenance position and discussed renewing the current auditor’s contract or looking into another one. The Housing Commission continues to work through the bid process on the rebab on units.
Miller apprised the Council that the Library meeting and the Planning Commission meeting were both cancelled.
New Business
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss the Application for Appointment to the Recreation Advisory Board. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all. Michael McCarty, introduced himself as the newly appointed member of the Rec Board. McCarty advised the Council members that he is part of the group that built Smash Park and he has been taking care of the course since its inception. He runs the Michigan Disc Golf Empire by doing leagues and tournaments. He teaches second graders how to play disc golf. McCarty is a lifelong resident of Belding. Each council member commented on McCarty and his appointment.
Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to discuss awarding bids for the fire truck. This is not a current budget item but we need the lead time. This will be done over a two fiscal year period. The bids were within 1.4% of each other (about $8,000). Fire Chief Tim Lubitz opted to go with the higher bid as they are a local manufacturer in Michigan (which would be beneficial and cost-effective for support after delivery and in considering future repairs.) The other quote was from a company on the far side of Iowa. There will be no cost for outlay and payment will not be made until the unit is fully inspected and delivery is taken. Lubitz additionally discussed future plans in downsizing the the fleet by potentially eliminating one of the engines and replacing it with a pickup truck. It would be used for medical runs and things of that nature to save wear and tear on the fire engine. The hoses, ladders, flashlights, speakers, sirens, and radios will be reused which will save approximately $30,000. Lubitz plans to purchase new extrication equipment if funds allow. There is a $10,000 allowance built into the price of the new fire engine in which he hopes to put towards that purpose. Lubitz apprised the Council of an extrication exercise that will take place from 8-noon this Saturday using demo tools. Demo tools are slightly used but can be purchased at a 20-40% cost savings. Moved by Scheid, supported by Feehan to proceed with the bid selected by Lubitz to purchase the fire engine. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
City Manager Comments
John Niemela, City Manager advised the Council that tomorrow street paving will be finished up for the season. It will resume in the Spring. Tree trimming will take place at the observation deck at the Gathering Place, he is just waiting for a time to be scheduled. Seven to eight trees will be planted as well. The next city Council meeting will be held in person at the Belrockton to allow for social distancing. The location of following meeting is yet to be determined as it will be Election Day and the Belrockton is used as a polling place. It may possibly be a ZOOM meeting. City Clerk Janae Cooper submitted a grant and received $5,000. Cooper plans to purchase election equipment. The City has received 4 of the 5 grants that have been applied for. Niemela commented on the financing of the fire truck. The initial contact was with RD (Rural Development), and local bank rates were checked. The local bank rates are competitive, if not better. Grants will be sought and it is likely a local bank will be used unless a grant specifies the use of RD.
Council Comments
Davis commented about receiving a major street list, locking in a rate at a local bank for the fire truck financing and the length of time to secure a tree trimmer.
Feehan thanked Lubitz for his hard work and inquired to Niemela to have a Code Enforcement officer look at the northwest corner of the mall.
Meyers inquired about the list of roads/streets for repairs. He discussed the news about the KMI Settlement with the State of Michigan. The settlement does not affect the City of Belding. Meyers thanked Lubitz and his staff for their work on the fire truck.
Schied thanked Lubitz and commended him for looking into reusing parts to save money.
Mayor Miller commented on Halloween in the midst of a pandemic. The City’s position is for everyone to enjoy Halloween as a community. The City Staff will not be participating. He suggested finding creative ways to distribute candy and to be cautious. He recommended checking the CDC recommendations along with recommendations from the State of Michigan and DHHS. Mayor Miller commented on Cooper receiving a $5,000 grant to purchase election equipment and commented on the significant increase in absentee ballots experienced by the City and to be cognizant of how voting is being handled and if Cooper may need help. Mayor Miller commended Chief Lubitz on the fire truck. He also thanked Michael McCarty for his commitment and involvement in the City and becoming a member of the Rec Board.
Adjourn
Moved by Schied supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Motion carried by the following voice vote: yes-all.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
