REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, March 2, 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, March 2, 2021.
Mayor Pro-Tem Bruce Meyers 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 and Jorel Davis
Members absent: Mike Scheid and Bonita Steele
The City Manager, John Niemela, acknowledged that Mayor Scheid had communicated with him regarding his absence today. Moved by Feehan, supported by Davis to excuse both Scheid and Steele from the meeting. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Moved by Feehan seconded by Davis to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes - all.
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 75748 to 75805 in the amount of $169,678.42.
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, February 16, 2021
Moved by Feehan, seconded by Davis to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Feehan reported that the Museum Board has not met.
Davis reported that the Planning Commission met on February 23rd where they held a Public Hearing to rezone 1009 James Street from residential to multi-family. The Planning Commission’s recommendation has been sent to City Council for a first read on today’s agenda. The Planning Commission members were also given a preliminary site plan review for 1001 W. State Road. The applicant was not in attendance to answer any questions.
Meyers reported that he was unable to attend the Housing Commission meeting on February 18th, however he was aware that they gave their normal reports, approved bills, and went over the rehab status punchlist. Belhaven I is complete and the contactors are finalizing Belhaven II.
A. Dial-A-Ride Resolution of Intent – Dial-A-Ride Director Amanda Hall advised the City Council members that this is a standard resolution presented every year which is needed for the State to approve their budget and reimburse expenses. Moved by Feehan, seconded by Davis to approve the Dial-A-Ride Resolution of Intent. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
The Resolution is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 2nd day of March, 2021.
PRESENT: Council Members Bruce Meyers, Jorel Davis and Doug Feehan
ABSENT: Mike Scheid and Bonita Steele
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), it is necessary for the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride, (hereby known as THE APPLICANT) established under Act 279 to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2022 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provisions of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the governing body, to name an official representative for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to certify that no changes in eligibility documentation have occurred during the past state fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the performance indicators have been reviewed and approved by the governing body; and
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has reviewed and approved the proposed balanced (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal funds of $50,076, estimated state funds of $104,422, estimated local funds of $80,000, with total estimated expenses of $234,498. (Note: Local funds include fare box and any other local revenue)
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that THE APPLICANT hereby makes its intentions known to provide public transportation services and to apply for state financial assistance with this annual plan, in accordance with Act 51; and
HEREBY, appoints Amanda Hall as the Transportation Coordinator, for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51 for 2022.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Feehan, Davis and Meyers
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Members Scheid and Steele
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS, THE 2nd DAY OF MARCH, 2021.
B. Local Bridge Program Funding Support Resolution – Ashfield Bridge
Niemela reminded the City Council Members of the application that the City submitted to MDOT last year for improvements to Ashfield and Bridge Street bridges. Federal and State funds cover 95% of the cost, while the City funds 5% plus engineering costs. Ashfield Bridge is a priority over the Bridge Street Bridge if both do not get approved for improvements/repairs, which is approximately $500,000 combined. Moved by Feehan, seconded by Davis to approve the Submittal of an Application for Preventative Maintenance of the Ashfield Street Bridge Over the Flat River. 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 APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF THE ASHFIELD STREET BRIDGE OVER THE FLAT RIVER.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 2nd day of March, 2021.
PRESENT: Council Members Bruce Meyers, Jorel Davis and Doug Feehan
ABSENT: Mike Scheid and Bonita Steele
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, the Michigan State Legislature and the U.S. Congress have appropriated funds for preventative maintenance of local bridges in the State of Michigan, and
WHEREAS, the Ashfield Street bridge over the Flat River is deteriorated and in need of maintenance, and
WHEREAS, the Council supports the application requesting funding for this project,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves
of the filing of applications with the Michigan Department of Transportation requesting funds through its Local Bridge Program for preventative maintenance of the Ashfield Street bridge over the Flat River and further, that the City is seeking the Department’s active participation in the project.
Upon vote of the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Doug Feehan, Bruce Meyers and Jorel Davis
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Members Bonita Steele and Mike Scheid
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF MARCH, 2021.
C. Local Bridge Program Funding Support Resolution – Bridge Street Bridge. The explanation for this proposed resolution was explained in the prior Agenda Item. Moved by Feehan, seconded by Davis to approve the Submittal of an Application for Preventative Maintenance of the Bridge Street Bridge Over the Flat River. 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 APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE OVER THE FLAT RIVER.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 2nd day of March, 2021.
PRESENT: Council Members Bruce Meyers, Jorel Davis and Doug Feehan
ABSENT: Mike Scheid and Bonita Steele
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, the Michigan State Legislature and the U.S. Congress have appropriated funds for preventative maintenance of local bridges in the State of Michigan, and
WHEREAS, the Bridge Street bridge over the Flat River is deteriorated and in need of maintenance, and
WHEREAS, the Council supports the application requesting funding for this project,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves of the filing of an application with the Michigan Department of Transportation requesting funds through its Local Bridge Program for preventative maintenance of the Bridge Street bridge over the Flat River and further, that the City is seeking the Department’s active participation in the project.
Upon vote of the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis and Bruce Meyers
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Bonita Steele and Mike Scheid
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF MARCH, 2021.
D. Resolution to Appoint Mike McCarty to the Recreation Advisory Board - Moved by Feehan, seconded by Davis to approve the Resolution to Appoint Mike McCarty to the Recreation Advisory Board. 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 APPOINTING MICHAEL MCCARTY TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 2nd day of March 2021.
PRESENT: Council Members Bruce Meyers, Jorel Davis and Doug Feehan
ABSENT: Mike Scheid and Bonita Steele
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Feehan and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Recreation Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Michael McCarty has indicated that he is interested in serving a term on the board; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Recreation Advisory Board have recommended the appointment of Michael McCarty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Michael McCarty be appointed to the Recreation Advisory Board effective October 6, 2020 with a term to expire on October 6, 2023.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Doug Feehan, Jorel Davis and Bruce Meyers
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Members Bonita Steele and Mike Scheid
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF MARCH, 2021.
E. Moved by Feehan, supported by Davis to approve the first read of the Rezone property at 1009 James Street approved by the Planning Commission. City Manager Niemela advised the City Council members that the applicant is requesting a rezone of B2 (Residential) to RM1 (Multiple-family Residential District). The property was previously a daycare center. The applicant’s intentions are to build 3 or 4 residential rental units. Feehan and Davis both questioned the availability of parking spaces. Due to being a first read no action was taken.
City Manager John Niemela reported on the status of the fire truck. Component parts for the chassis as still being assembled in Lansing. Final delivery is still expected to take place in October.
The new police vehicle is in production. Delivery is anticipated late March/early April.
Niemela apprised the council members of the latest Health Department Order related to COVID and in-person meetings. Based on the new criteria, the Rec Board will be meeting in-person at the Bel next week.
The possibility of a vaccination clinic (by appointment only) at St. Joseph Church on Mach 16th is being considered at this time.
Feehan commented on going back to in-person meetings an complimented the Road Commission on their vaccination clinic.
Davis sought some clarification on the resolution for the bid on the fire truck. He commented on McCarty’s appointment to the Rec Board.
Feehan reminded Niemela to do a Good Neighbor Award at the next meeting to Mikayla Linebaugh now that we can meet in person again.
Mayor Pro-Tem Meyers asked if the report submitted to the Council members by Chief Nelson could be laid out in a spreadsheet format to make it easier to decipher.
He commented on some payments in the check registry.
Mayor Pro-tem Meyers commented on the Rite-Aid property and the extensions that took place versus their using the two 90-day study periods that were built into the contract. Niemela advised that during COVID ALL of their contracts were on hold. The City had no leverage due to COVID. Rite-Aid has communicated to Niemela that they are still moving forward on the project.
Moved by Feehan, supported by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
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Bruce Meyers, Mayor Pro-Tem Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk