REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
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 via a virtual meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
Mayor Mike Scheid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Acting Clerk, Shelley Mosher took the roll call.
Members Present: Bruce Meyers, Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis, Mike Scheid, and Bonita Steele.
Members Absent: None
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Feehan and seconded by Davis, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
Consent Agenda
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 75673 to 75747 in the amount of $101,235.84
Approve Independent Bank - File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank - ACH transaction File Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, February 2, 2021
C. Special Events Application - Beatnik Bazaar
Council Member Steele asked for separation of Item C. She would like it to go under New Business.
Moved by Feehan and seconded by Meyers to accept the Consent Agenda with the separation of Item C. and to move it to New Business. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
Reports by Council Liaisons
Council Member Meyers reported that there will be a Housing Commission meeting on Thursday, and tonight the Recreation Advisory Board information regarding the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund will be presented.
Council Member Davis stated that the Planning Commission will be meeting Tuesday, February 23rd.
New Business
A. A motion was made by Feehan, seconded by Davis to discuss the Resolution to Allow All Local Residents to Protest to Board of Review in Writing. There was a brief discussion about dates presented and received. City Manager Niemela said that it will be prior to the March meeting. Motion to approve the Resolution was carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - ALL
A 2021 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO ALLOW LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PROTEST TO BOARD OF REVIEW IN WRITING
WHEREAS, the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.30(4) states that, when appealing to the Board of Review, "a nonresident taxpayer may file his or her appearance, protest, and papers in support of the protest by letter, and his or her personal appearance is not required"; and
WHEREAS, MCL 211.30(8) states that "The governing body of the township or city may authorize, by adoption of an ordinance or resolution, a resident taxpayer to file his or her protest before the board of review by letter without a personal appearance by the taxpayer or his or her agent. If that ordinance or resolution is adopted, the township or city shall include a statement notifying taxpayers of this option in each assessment notice under section 24c and on each notice or publication of the meeting of the board of review"; and
WHEREAS, under the Open Meetings Act, MCL l 5.263a, a meeting of a public body may be held electronically through March 30, 2021, and "a public body may use technology to facilitate typed public comments during the meeting submitted by members of the public participating in the meeting that may be read to or shared with members of the public body and other participants to satisfy the requirement under this subsection that members of the public be heard by others during the electronic meeting and the requirement under section 3(5) that members of the public be permitted to address the electronic meeting";
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, in order to ease the burden on taxpayers, the assessor and the Board of Review, and to ensure that all taxpayers have an equal opportunity to be heard by the Board of Review, the City of Belding Council hereby resolves, according to provisions of MCL 211.30(8) of the General Property Tax Act, that the Board of Review shall receive letters of protest regarding assessments from resident taxpayers from the first Tuesday in March until it adjourns from the public hearings for which it meets to hear such protests.
Letters from both residents and nonresidents may include those submitted by (options: handwriting, typewriting, fax, email, text, and in a chat or Q&A option provided by the Board of Review in an electronic meeting service).
All notices of assessment change and all advertisements of board of review meetings must include a statement that the resident taxpayers may protest by letter to the board.
The Chairman declared the resolution adopted.
B. A motion was made by Feehan, seconded by Meyers to Authorize Application to MNRTF (Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund). Ms. Maleah Rakestraw of Williams and Works presented a visual aid showing the scenario chosen by the Recreation Advisory Board. This also highlighted the costs. She indicated that the total grant amount is $430,000.00. There would be $300,000 through the grant, and a 30% match from the City. Motion to approve the Resolution was carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN SUPPORTING AND APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND (MNRTF) GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE PHASE 1 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 16th day of February, 2021.
WHEREAS, the Belding Community Recreation Advisory Board has adopted a Five-year Community Recreation Plan; and
WHEREAS, major components of the Phase 1 Improvements Project are improvements to the existing park trail head off Merrick Street, development of a neighborhood scale trail head off of Gooding Street, the creation of a non• motorized trail connection to both park trail heads and the Flat River, and upgrades to the existing 18-hole disc golf course known a SMASH Park; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has made a financial commitment to the project in the amount of $130,000 matching funds in cash and/or in-kind; and
WHEREAS, if the grant is awarded, the applicant commits its local match and donated amounts from the following sources:
City of Belding - $80,000
Private/Foundations - $ 50,000
Total - $130,000
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Belding hereby supports and approves the application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for a grant for $300,000, and further resolves to make available a local match through financial commitment and donations of $130,000 (30%) of a total $430,000 project cost.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021.
C. A motion was made by Feehan, seconded by Meyers to bring this item to the floor for discussion.
Ms. Jenny Bennett said that this is the seventh season for the Beatnik Bazaar. Last year there were ninety-seven vendors and she expects more this season. They have donated $5,000.00 to the City for various things as a result of the Bazaar. It is entirely run by volunteers. The pricing has been $20.00 per season. She had questions as to why Chief Dale Nelson is now suggesting they have their own liability insurance because she always thought since it occurs on City property they would be insured through the City. City Manager Niemela stated that the Bazaar is not insured, but the City is. The purpose of her getting liability insurance is in case someone gets injured during the events, or as a direct cause of the event. If the injury was due to City fencing, or sidewalks, etc. then the City would be accountable. But if someone is injured at a booth or due to an item sold by the Bazaar, then she could be held accountable. It is merely to protect her and the Bazaar. He also indicated that most other events held have their own insurance. Feehan said that the Apple group always had their own insurance. Steele asked what the cost would be to Jenny now. Ms. Bennett said that they do get their own insurance for the yearly event they hold at the school and that runs $200 per event. She will check to find out what the cost might be for the Bazaar, but they are starting registration March 1st. Meyers asked if it would be more liability to the City if Jenny goes without. He asked her how long the indoor event is at school and Ms. Bennett said it runs about four hours. Meyers asked her if the City waived it for this year would she be willing to get it for future events. Steel stated that she feels like some of these items come up on the agenda before the individual has been approached. Meyers agreed that this should not have happened in this manner. Feehan talked about whether the application says it includes insurance or not. Ms. Bennett said there is a question on the application but since she thought they were insured through the City she always checked no. Ms. Bennett said that she is okay with the stipulation, and she has time to get quotes, and to ask vendors if they are willing to contribute more in their fees. Feehan asked her to please let City Manager Niemela know when she gets that. Ms. Bennett said that she will.
A motion was made by Feehan and seconded by Davis to approve the application with the recommendation of getting insurance. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
City Manager Comments
Mr. Niemela said that they are meeting Friday with regard to the waste treatment plant. He will have more updates after the meeting.
Council Comments
Feehan said he is glad that Bonita is feeling better. He asked Manager Niemela when we will be able to have an actual in-person meeting. Manager Niemela said that March I" the Zoom option no longer exists, so something has to be done soon. He has been in touch with the Governor's office but hasn't been given a date as to when Boards can meet in person.
Davis apologized to Ms. Bennett for how her insurance issue was handled. He stated that the City appreciates the great job she has been doing for several years now and all that the Bazaar contributes to the City. He then asked Manager Niemela about the Planning Committee training and when it will be held. He wondered if we have to wait for approval for in-person training. Manager Niemela said that the City's Planning Consultant can do the training and he will contact them to figure it out. Davis feels it needs to get done sooner than later.
Steele said that several people have said that their attempts to contact the City don't yield any responses. She feels that is not a good thing. Manager Niemela said that some of it has been due to COVID restrictions and when the individuals try to contact.
Meyers thanked Maleah Rakestraw for the great job. He also thanked the current Rec Board and the previous members for all the work getting us to this point. He then asked Manager Niemela if there is an update regarding the fire truck and Manager Niemela said that they are still waiting. Meyers then asked Manager Niemela if there are any updates on the Rite Aid situation. Manager Niemela said they are on their second extension right now. Meyers then asked when Code Enforcement is to be completed. Manager Niemela spoke about Tele-a-net monthly cost, and a penalty for closing out. It was approximately $1,000.00 a month, and now it's $600 a month.
Adjournment
Feehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Meyers. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
Meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
Mike Scheid, Mayor
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Mike Scheid, Mayor |
 _________________________________________ Shelley Mosher, Acting Clerk | |
