REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
100 DEPOT STREET
7:00 P.PM.
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at the Pere Marquette Depot, 100 Depot Street at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Council Member Ron Gunderson gave the Invocation.
Mayor Meyers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Cooper took the roll call:
Members present: Jorel Davis, Bonita Steele, Ron Gunderson, and Bruce Meyers
Members absent: Mike Scheid
Moved by Steele, seconded by Gunderson to approve the absence of Mike Scheid per section 4.5f of the City Charter. Motion carried 3-1 by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Council member Gunderson, Steele and Meyers
Nays: Council member Davis
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Steele to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
A. Thomas Albert, 86th District State Representative discussed the State of Michigan budget and C2R2 Grants ($25 million clean water state revolving fund, low interest loans with possible principal forgiveness) and a Covid Early Prevention Plan.
B. David Hodges, 1st District County Commissioner informed the council members that the County joined an opioid lawsuit and accepted a settlement of $134,000 a year over eighteen years, with limitations as to what the money can be spent on. The courthouse addition was paid off early. Hodges also gave updates on hazard pay, union negotiations, the County Road Department, pay increases and the proposed Pitsch Landfill project.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Steele to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All. The Consent Agenda is as follows:
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 77145 to 77210 in the amount of $134,548.38
Approve Mercantile Bank Checks 1203 to 1210 in the amount of $12,328.91
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, December 2, 2021
Closed session meeting, December 2, 2021
C. Resolution for Reappointment - Library Board --Janice Lamborne (exp. 12-31-21)
The Resolution is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN REAPPOINTING JANICE LAMBORNE TO THE LIBRARY BOARD.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 7th day of December, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Gunderson and seconded by Council Member Steele.
WHEREAS, Janice Lamborne currently serves on the Library Board; and,
WHEREAS, Janice Lamborne’s term will expire on December 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Janice Lamborne has indicated her willingness to serve on the board; and
WHEREAS, the Library Board recommends the reappointment of Janice Lamborne to serve another 3-year term; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Janice Lamborne be reappointed to the Library Board with a term to expire on December 31, 2024.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 7th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2021.
Gunderson advised that the Library Board did not meet due to the Candlelight Reception. Gunderson reported that the Museum Board cancelled their Christmas events due to Covid and he informed the Council of roof leak concerns at the Museum.
Mayor Meyers noted that the Housing Commission met and conducted normal business.
A. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gunderson to amend the ZBA Bylaws to include the ZBA Final Decision Form. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
B. Moved by Davis, seconded by Gunderson to conduct the first read of the recommendation to rezone the property located at 1135 West State Road. No action is necessary as this is a first read.
Jim Mason, 210 S. Broas, commented on the Candlelight Reception. $1,900 was raised and $200+ were received in donations. Approximately 60 people attended. Mason thanked the City Council members for attending.
Sharon Carlson commented on behalf of the Housing Commission. Federal inspections were completed. Taft and Hilltop Court received a score of 92% and the “Havens” received a score of 95%. She extended thanks to the Board, the Staff, the Maintenance Staff and the residents.
City Manager John Niemela advised the City Council that the city has taken possession of the new fire truck. It was in the Home for the Holidays Parade this past Saturday.
Belding received $300,000 from the MNRTF for improvements to Lightning Bend which will include enhancements to the disc golf course, full bathroom facilities, water, sewer and electricity to the pavilion, paved trails, additional parking off Gooding Street, signage, and an observation deck.
The City received approval for funding for the Local Bridge program. Bridge Street funds of $327,000 will be available in 2024. The City will be responsible for 5% plus engineering costs.
DPW is on their third round of leaf pick up. Weather permitting, a fourth round may be done.
Niemela met with the attorneys regarding the process and procedure for the tear down of 542 Ionia Street.
Belding qualifies as a distressed community for State Revolving Funds for sewer improvements but not for water improvements. There is a chance for federal funds.
Niemela met with Fleis & Vandenbrink and the attorney regarding proposed ACO fines and penalties. A closed session meeting will need to be set up for discussion.
Davis commented on City Manager updates.
Gunderson commented on the ZBA form and possibly developing a similar form for the Planning Commission and to additionally review the zoning ordinances.
Steele commented on the responder truck.
Mayor Meyers commented on lead water line replacement and the City’s capacity to pay for the upgrades.
Davis thanked Representative Albert and Commissioner Hodges for attending the meeting and also commented on the Candlelight reception.
Gunderson thanked Representative Albert and Commissioner Hodges for attending the meeting and also commented on the Candlelight reception, Friends of the Library and the Housing Commission.
Steele commented on the Candlelight Reception and noted that City Manager interviews will be taking place on Saturday.
Mayor Meyers thanked Representative Albert and Commissioner Hodges for attending the meeting. He offered additional comments on the new fire truck, the Lightning Bend Grant, the MDOT Bridge Program, the Candlelight Reception and DPW/WWTP.
Moved by Steele, seconded by Gunderson to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
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Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk