REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, August 17, 2021
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
100 DEPOT STREET
7:00 P.M.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at the Belding Museum, 100 Depot Street at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Mike Scheid gave the Invocation.
Mayor Meyers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Clerk, Janae Cooper took the roll call:
Members present: Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis, Bonita Steele, Mike Scheid, and Bruce Meyers
Members absent: None
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Feehan to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 76578 to 76685 in the amount of
$360,629.01.
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, August 3, 2021
Closed Session meeting, August 3, 2021
C. Reappointment & Resolution – Construction Board of Appeals – David Mierendorf (exp 9-18-21)
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Feehan to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All. The Resolution to Reappoint David Mierendorf to the Construction Board of Appeals is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING DAVID MIERENDORF TO THE CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of August, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, the current term of office of Dave Mierendorf on the Construction Board of Appeals will expire on 9/18/21; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mierendorf has indicated his willingness to serve another term on the Construction Board of Appeals.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that David Mierendorf be appointed to the Construction Board of Appeals with a term of office to expire on 8/17/2024.
This Resolution declared adopted this 17th day of August, 2021.
Steele reported that the ZBA approved a 1-foot fence variance on May Street.
Mayor Meyers reported that the Rec Board discussed an update to their 5-year plan. The current plan expires in 2022. A current plan must be in effect to apply for grants, especially DNR grants. Williams & Works assisted with the process and gave their recommendations. There is no word on the current grant request. Additionally, Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission will be meeting on August 19th.
CITY OF BELDING
COUNTY OF IONIA
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
BELDING MICHIGAN, INCORPORATED IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELDING (BELDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 452) BY SECTION 3.2, OF THE BELDING CITY CODE.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS
SECTION 1 The Zoning Map incorporated in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Belding by Section 3.2, of the Belding City Code is amended as follows:
The property rezoned from B-2 (General Business) and I-1 (Industrial) to R-2 (Single Family Residential District) is legally described as:
City of Belding PT N 1/2 SEC 15-8-8 Commencing North 1/4 Corner then North 89°47’59”E 353 feet to Point of Beginning; then north 89°47’59”E 110 feet, then south 00°57’49”west 2657.69 feet, then south 89°52’34”west 1696.67 feet, then north 00°53’05”east 990 feet, then north 89°52’34”east 828.06 feet, then north 00°57’49”east 1306.49 feet, then north 89°47’59”E 400 feet, then north 00°57’49”east 50 feet, then north 89°47’46”east 240 feet, then S00°57’49”west 20 feet then north 89°47’46”east 120 feet, then north 00°57’49”east 330 feet to Point of Beginning.
Location: 1001 West State, Belding, Michigan.
Parcel: 34-401-250-000-317-10
SECTION 2 All other parts of the zoning map and zoning ordinance are affirmed and shall remain unchanged.
SECTION 3 A copy of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Ionia County Register of Deeds.
SECTION 4 This Ordinance shall be published as provided in the City Charter and shall become effective ten (10) days after publication.
B. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to approve the second read of the rezone of property at 1001 W. State Street (parcel ending in 20). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All. The Rezone is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
COUNTY OF IONIA
(Repealing 452-A28)
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF BELDING MICHIGAN, INCORPORATED IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELDING (BELDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 452) BY SECTION 3.2, OF THE BELDING CITY CODE.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS
SECTION 1 The Zoning Map incorporated in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Belding by Section 3.2, of the Belding City Code is amended as follows:
The property rezoned from B-2 (General Business) and I-1 (Industrial) to R-2 (Single Family Residential District) is legally described as:
CITY OF BELDING PT N 1/2 SEC 15-8-8 COM N 1/4 COR TH N89°47’59”E 363 FT & S00°57’49”W 274 FT TO POB; TH S00°57’49”W 2383.69 FT, TH N89°52’34”E 504.33 FT, TH N37°34’46”E 396.36 FT, TH ON CURVE TO LEFT ARC DIS 442.39 RAD 2865.22 LC N33°09’20”E 441.95 FT, TH N00°25’54”E 1701.62 FT, THS89°47’46”W 472.51 FT, TH N00°57’49”E 274 FT, TH S89°47’59”W 66 FT, TH S00°57’49”W 274 FT, TH S89°47’46”W 422 FT TO POB.
Location: 1001 West State, Belding, Michigan.
Parcel: 34-401-250-000-317-20
SECTION 2 All other parts of the zoning map and zoning ordinance are affirmed and shall remain unchanged.
SECTION 3 A copy of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Ionia County Register of Deeds.
SECTION 4 This Ordinance shall be published as provided in the City Charter and shall become effective ten (10) days after publication.
C. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Feehan to approve the Recommendation for Appointment of Rebecca Reinink to the DDA. Motion carried 4-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: – Scheid, Davis, Feehan and Mayor Meyers
NAYS – Steele
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING REBECCA REININK TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of August, 2021.
WHEREAS, open seats are available on the Downtown Development Authority with a term to expire four years from the date of appointment (August 17, 2025); and
WHEREAS, Rebecca Reinink has indicated that she is interested in serving on the Downtown Development Authority.
WHEREAS, The Downtown Development Authority Members recommend the appointment of Rebecca Reinink
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Rebecca Reinink be appointed to the Downtown Development Authority with a term to expire on August 17, 2025.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2021.
D. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Feehan to approve the request for a Temporary Street Closure & Traffic Control Order for the Annual Belding Homecoming Celebration. Motion carried 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 GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE BELDING LABOR DAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE FOR THE USE OF CITY STREETS, CITY PROPERTY AND TO APPROVE EVENTS, GRANT A NOISE VARIANCE AND GRANT A WAIVER OF ORDINANCE #424.
WHEREAS, the Belding Labor Day Celebration Committee requests permission from the City of Belding for the use of the south section of the East Mall Parking Lot for midway attractions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021, the north section of the lot beginning at 5 p.m., and the West Mall Parking Lot in front of city hall beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 through Monday, September 6, 2021 at midnight, and the Gathering Place to accommodate an entertainment stage, beer tent and car show from Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 5 p.m. until Tuesday, September 7, 2021; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Central Riverside Park for the Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday, September 5, 2021, with a rain date of Monday, September 6, 2021; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Central Riverside Park restroom facilities and a portion of the Gibson Lot for carnival personnel storage and camping from Wednesday, August 25, 2021 to Friday, September 10, 2021; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to close Main Street, between Bridge Street and Alderman Street, from Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, 2021 and Main Street, between Bridge and Ashfield Streets for the Drum Line Car Show on Saturday, September 4 at 7 a.m.
WHEREAS, permission is requested to close Bridge Street, from Depot to Congress Streets from Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 7 a.m. through midnight on Sunday, September 5, 2021, for craft booths and vendors on Saturday and Sunday, with temporary openings for parades on Friday, Saturday and Monday; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use Demorest Field on Saturday, September 4, 2021 for a Kick Ball Tournament; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for the Twilight and Labor Day Parades to begin at Bridge and High Streets, continuing on Bridge St. to E. Ann Street; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to stage the Twilight Parade on High Street and the Labor Day Parade on High, Riverside, Morton, Gooding and Reed Streets; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for the Saturday Kiddie Parade to use Bridge Street, from Depot Street to Washington Street, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested for a permit for a fireworks display for the Annual Labor Day Celebration, to be held on city owned property at Central Riverside Park; and,
WHEREAS, permission is requested for a noise variance until 12:00 a.m. from September 3, 2021 through September 6, 2021; and,
WHEREAS, permission is granted for a waiver of Ordinance #424 to vendors in the East Mall Parking Lot and Bridge Street; and,
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use city streets for a Chamber 5K Run on Saturday, September 4, 2021.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the preceding requests are hereby granted in their entirety.
This resolution declared adopted this 17th day of August, 2021.
E. Moved by Scheid seconded by Feehan to approve the request for a Temporary Street Closure & Traffic Control Order acknowledging the 20 Year Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attack. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All. The Resolution is follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CITY STREETS AND GRANTING A NOICE CONTROL SUSPENSION FOR A PATRIOT’S DAY REMEMBRANCE PROGRAM
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Feehan.
WHEREAS, September 11, 2021 will be the twenty-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Hijacked plane in Pennsylvania); and
WHEREAS, a request was received to use city streets for a remembrance day program for Patriots Day; and,
WHEREAS, West Congress Street between Bridge Street and Pleasant Street (in front of the Belding Fire Department), will be barricaded from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; and,
WHEREAS, the street closure will not affect any residence driveway; and,
WHEREAS, the Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34 Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 37-77 be suspended for the event; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the preceding requests are hereby granted in their entirety.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2021.
F. Moved by Feehan, seconded by Scheid to approve the request for a Temporary Street Closure & Traffic Control Order for the “B” Foundation 5K Glow Run/Walk. Motion carried 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 THE USE OF CITY STREETS AND GRANTING A NOISE CONTROL SUSPENSION FOR A 5K RUN/WALK TO SUPPORT THE “B” FOUNDATION.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Scheid.
WHEREAS, a request was received to use city streets after a Belding High School football game for a 5K Run/Walk to support the “B” Foundation on October 1, 2021 from 9:45 to 11:45 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the route will include Hall, E. Washington, Hanover, Congress, Broas, Depot, N. Bridge, W. Ellis to the Candlestone drive; and
WHEREAS, W. Ellis to Storey Rd. (M-91) will be closed during the race; and
WHEREAS, intersections along the route will be blocked by barricades and guarded by volunteers and Police Department full time and reserve officers; and
WHEREAS, the Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34, Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 34-77 will be suspended for the event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the designated city streets may be used for a 5K Run/Walk on October 1, 2021 to benefit the “B” Foundation from 9:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Belding Code of Ordinances Section 34, Article IV Noise Control, Section 34-76 and 34-77 is suspended for the event.
RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2021.
Jenny Bennett of 1125 Kenwood Avenue, commented on communication, handicap spots at City Hall, and the “push button” access located outside.
Sam Mason, 568 Main Street, commented on the sewage treatment process.
David Hodges, District 1 County Commissioner, gave an update on the Road Department (formerly the Road Commission). They negotiated a 3-year contract.
Governor Whitmer contacted Hodges to offer help with reimbursement for road damages that were incurred in June due to all of the rainfall. Additionally, Hodges spoke on the expansion plan that Pitsch is proposing. The County is forming a committee to discuss the expansion and will ultimately offer a recommendation to the County Board of Commissioners, which they can use to make their decision. There will be a public hearing on the matter.
Chuck Robinson, 712 Crawford Street, commented on the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park 2021 Appreciation Dinner.
City Manager John Niemela met with the Museum Board to discuss the condition of the porches on the museum. The porches are not intended for access. The doors to the porches will be locked. Repairs will be done in-house if possible, otherwise a contractor will be hired. Niemela reported vandalism at Central Riverside Park. The damages have been fixed and a police report has been filed, however no suspect(s) have been apprehended. Niemela addressed Sam Mason’s question that was posed during public comment – at this time we the City is awaiting report from EGLE before moving forward on the sewage treatment process. Code Enforcement included a report in the City Council Packet per their request. Chief of Police Dale Nelson explained the report and some of Code Enforcement’s procedures. The report can be refined if needed. Niemela introduced, Val Conklin, the new Dial-A-Ride Director.
Feehan thanked everyone for coming.
Steele welcomed Conklin as the new Dial-A-Ride Director and commented on the Pet Show for Labor Day.
Scheid thanked everyone for coming.
Davis thanked the Labor Day Committee, Jenny Bennett as well as everyone for coming. Davis welcomed Val Conklin to the City.
Mayor Meyers reported that he attended the Mayor Conference and touched briefly on some of the topics that were shared at the conference. Mayor Meyers commented on the Beatnik Bazaar, the Veteran’s Memorial Park Appreciation Dinner, and welcomed Val Conklin to the City.
Mayor Meyers called for a brief recess at 8:00 p.m. to enter into Closed Session to continue the City Manager’s review.
Moved by Steele, seconded by Davis to enter into Closed Session at 8:25 p.m.
Back on the record at 8:49 p.m.
Moved by Feehan, seconded by Scheid to renew the City Manager John Niemela’s contract with a 5% pay increase. Motion failed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Feehan and Scheid
NAYS: Council Members Steele, Davis and Meyers
Moved by Davis seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk