REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
VIRTUAL MEETING
7:00 P.M.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and pubic session via a virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 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 74702 to 74857 in the amount of $179,279.33.
Approve Mercantile Bank checks 1013 to 1026 in the amount of $2,976,048.33.
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, August 18, 2020
Reports by Council Liaisons
Mayor Miller noted that the Planning Commission met last Tuesday. John Sparks submitted his resignation as a member of the Planning Commission. Mayor Miller thanked Sparks for his service on that Board. Mayor Miller Noted that there will be a Public Hearing at today’s meeting regarding amending Ordinance 452-A20. Mayor Miller advised the Council that the Library Board met last week. The meeting was held outside. They have been delivering books to the older population, are conducting an online reading course, have made some physical updates to the building such as installing additional electrical outlets, resurfacing and restriping the parking lot, cleaned the gutters and repaired the roof where needed. Additionally, all of their bills are paid. They plan to open at the end of September. The Friends of the Library have postponed the Candlelight Auction and the Murder Mystery Dinner due to COVID.
New Business
- Moved by Davis, supported by Meyers to discuss a request to amend the Medical Mairjuana Ordinance #555 and first reading. This is a regulatory ordinance and would allow Botanical Biologics, LLC to potentially add a third license to their facility allowing the growth of 2000 marijuana plants to be used for adult recreational use. Lisa Ratliff of Botanical Biologics, LLC explained to the City Council that the number of patients renewing medical marijuana cards is significantly dropping as the same product is available recreationally. Ratliff advised that there are no differences in the growing process or lab testing; it is essentially the same product with differences in tag labeling--medical marijuana is tagged with yellow tag and recreational use marijuana is tagged with blue tag. Currently Lowell and Cedar Springs sell the adult-use product. Ratliff further explained that the industry is constantly shifting and evolving. Without the amendment to the existing ordinance, Botanical Biologics LLC will be limited as to what stores they can get their product into. They are not selling the product from the store, they are just growing it. A secure transport of product is scheduled for this Friday. Scheid commented that when the City allowed a growth facility that Council Members were assured that they would only be growing medical marijuana and now they are breaking their promise. He will vote no. Ratliff explained that the industry is constantly changing. The State of Michigan is working towards not having a separate license between medical and recreational adult-use marijuana. Feehan stated that he agreed with Scheid’s comments and will only agree to medical use marijuana—it’s not our fault the industry is changing, Feehan added. Davis sought clarification that this is only to be a grow facility. Ratliff concurred. Meyers sought clarification if it was basically the same product—is there a difference between medical and recreational use? Ratliff commented that testing differs. The products will be identified with either a blue tag or a yellow tag. Ratliff explained that there are different strains, levels of THC and CBD between the adult use strain and the medical use strain and that it is frustrating that the State of Michigan has went to this. Lobbyists do not want a difference. When the product is ready to ship they will use the same transporter to a provisional center. The ‘‘flower” goes to a retail store and the leftover trim gets transported to a processing center where CBD oils and tinctures are made. The current facility (Botanical Biologics, LLC) has two licenses where each Class C medical license allows them to grow up to 1500 plants however there is not enough room. Part of their expansion plan would allow for an additional 2000 plants with Class C adult use plants. They plan to break ground on the new structure a year from now. City Manager John Niemela added that the expansion must be completed within three years of the approval date (February or March 2019). Mayor Miller inquired if there is a difference in what the City receives between the different licensing fees. Licensing payments are made at different times of the year. Security breaches were discussed and Ratilff noted two instances, one being on their second or third day of business that a door was not shut properly and another time was due to a recent power outage. Modifications have been made to address these issues. There have been no complaints of odor resonating from the facility.
- Mayor Miller did the first reading to Amend Ordinance 452-A20.
City Manager Comments
John Niemela, City Manager apprised the City Council members that the new city website is up and running. Some additions and changes to content are still being made. Niemela continues to try to make arrangements for a tree trimmer to come to the Gathering Place. The process for firetruck specs has went out to bidders. He is working with Rural Development for financing. Bids for financing must be obtained locally as well. A 15-year note is being sought. One bid has been returned with another 2 anticipated. Friday’s storm caused widespread damage within the City, knocking down trees and wires. The equipment used for clean-up are in for repairs. Things will be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Niemela has applied for three grants from the State of Michigan CARES. He has received an update from one and another update is scheduled for next Tuesday. Distribution of funds should be around September 18th. Niemela has no update on the EGLE wastewater treatment plant. Pond 4 is struggling due to nature with a large plume of algae. Tons of chlorine has been added. The lagoons were built around 1967. To date, there has only been one time that sludge has been removed from Pond 1. The sludge must be disposed of at a proper landfill. Sludge removal is considered maintenance and RD funding cannot be used for maintenance. The main line to the lagoon needs to be replaced and the aeration of the ponds needs to change.
Council Comments
Davis inquired about the two pieces of equipment that are in for repair. Niemela advised that the backhoe is out of commission short-term (a day or two) and the loader is estimated to be out of commission for about a month. Davis commented on the need to establish a fund for legacy costs. Each department should do a capital improvement plan. Davis thanked Lisa Ratliff for attending the meeting.
Feehan commented on the location for meetings. Niemela advised that we are still under orders of no more than ten people. We can possibly open the Bel back up after the Governor gives an update this week.
Scheid commented on the City’s business deal with Botanical Biologics, LLC.
Meyers inquired as to what point in the bidding process (firetruck) does an RD Grant come up? Meyers thanked the Planning Commission and inquired if the City utilizes a professional planning service. Niemela advised that the Planning Commission uses Williams & Works, however training has been a challenge due to COVID. Meyers stated that he looks forward to seeing the Capital Improvement Plans from each department. Meyers voiced his appreciation for John Sparks service and congratulated Friends of Belding members Jim and Jill Mason on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Mayor Miller mentioned that budget planning is right around the corner and encourages everyone to start planning sooner rather than later. He thanked Lisa Ratliff for attending the meeting and asked that the council members base their decision on facts and not emotion.
Adjourn
Moved by Schied supported by Feehan to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. Motion carried by the following voice vote: yes-all.
| | Brad Miller, Mayor |
| _________________________________________ Janae Cooper, City Clerk | |
