REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, November 16, 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, November 16, 2021.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Council Member Mike Scheid gave the Invocation.
Mayor Meyers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Acting Clerk, Shelley Mosher took the roll call:
Members present: Jorel Davis, Bonita Steele, Mike Scheid, Ron Gunderson, and Bruce Meyers
Members absent: None
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis 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 77064 to 77144 in the amount of $99,578.75
Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, November 2, 2021
Gunderson didn’t attend the Library meeting.
Steele reported that the ZBA voted on a shed being permitted on a side lot. The vote was yes, all. The Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the responses from the community survey. She will forward the responses to Council members. They also talked about the trails and the DNR. There are two candidates to fill a Rec Board vacancy: Jenny Bennett and Michael Brady. They postponed the vote until the next meeting.
Davis reported that the Planning Commission moved the next meeting to November 29 at 6:30. It was changed from November 22. He also shared that he is stepping down from the Museum Board, and Ron Gunderson is replacing him.
Mayor Meyers reported that the next Housing meeting is scheduled for December 16th.
Moved by Gunderson and seconded by Scheid to bring this item to the floor.
A. DART - Driver Handbook Policy. Valerie Conklin stated that it has been updated. Davis asked if it is listed in color and she said it is; nothing has changed. Davis asked about weekly cleaning, and Conklin said nothing has changed from last year regarding Covid needs. The motion passed 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 TO ADOPT THE DIAL-A-RIDE DRIVER HANDBOOK POLICY
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 November, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Gunderson and seconded by Council Member Scheid.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, has the authority to contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for state and/or federal funds for passenger transportation related services; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan be authorized and directed to approve the Driver Handbook Policy on behalf of the City of Belding.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
Moved by Scheid and seconded by Davis to bring this item to the floor.
B. DART - Service Animal Policy. Valerie Conklin talked about different animals being a possibility. The motion passed 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, TO ADOPT THE DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE ANIMAL POLICY
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 November, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, has the authority to contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for state and/or federal funds for passenger transportation related services; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan be authorized and directed to adopt the Belding Dial-A-Ride Service Animal Policy on behalf of the City of Belding.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
Moved by Scheid and seconded by Steele to bring this item to the floor.
C. DART – Portable Oxygen and Respirator Policy. The Policy is through MDOT and approved by City Council. It doesn’t change unless the State changes. The motion passed 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 TO ADOPT A PORTABLE OXYGEN CYLINDER AND RESPIRATOR POLICY FOR DIAL-A-RIDE
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 November, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Steele.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, has the authority to contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for state and/or federal funds for passenger transportation related services; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan be authorized and directed to adopt the Portable Oxygen Cylinder and Respirator Policy on behalf of the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
Moved by Scheid and seconded by Steele to bring this item to the floor.
D. Temporary Street Closure – Home for the Holidays. A request was made from the Chamber of Commerce for the Home for the Holidays event on December 4. Streets involved are Bridge Street to High Street and Congress Street for the parade and other activities planned for that event. There will be Tree lighting, S’mores with Santa, caroling, tents with other activities. There will be morning events and evening events. The motion passed 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 THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY.
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 November, 2021.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Steele.
WHEREAS, a request was received to close city streets and the south section of the east mall parking lot for the sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 4, 2021: and
WHEREAS, Bridge Street, from High to Congress Streets will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and after the parade the closure will be shortened to the area between Depot and Congress Streets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the south section of the east mall parking lot will be closed from 12 noon until 8 p.m. to allow for the set-up of a stage and live reindeer viewing area; 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 and south section of the east mall parking lot may be closed on December 4, 2021 for the sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; 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 ADOPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
Public Comments:
Jenny Bennett, 1125 Kenwood Street. She gave a report on the Beatnik Bazaar which hosted110 vendors; most from Greenville and Belding, and several from other places. They had fresh produce, local honey, vendors from 8 years old to 85 years old. They helped find homes for pups. There were several food vendors too. They welcomed visitors from all over, and some were using the bike trail. There were many comments regarding loving the event and the green space. She thanked John Niemela, Janae Cooper, and the Committee. They had perfect weather for every market day. She presented a handmade drink coaster to each Councilperson, as well as the City employees present. Mayor Meyers said that the Council is so proud of the market and the City thanked her for everything she’s done.
City Manager Niemela shared that the new fire truck is well along the way to being completed. We should have it by late to mid-December. He reported that the other truck hasn’t come in yet. There has been a delay, but we should have an update on Thursday. We received grant money from Greenville for a boat and it will be coming to replace the old one. Police Dept. has received new body cameras and will be training on them. They are simple to operate. They can also issue tickets on site that will be electronically sent to courts. The water Dept. is looking at the possibility to update meters again. They have to transfer information from each home, and electronically read with a wand and it will be downloaded. Looking toward doing a drive-by to get meter information and will be read electronically. We are looking at costs. There won’t be a need for so many individuals to read them. Davis asked about vehicle/DPW now. Manager Niemela said they drive pickup truck and park and walk.
Steele asked Manager Niemela if a specific house by her has been condemned yet. Manager Niemela said that the County will not be doing it; we have to go through the Health Department; the City is working with the Health Department on this.
Meyers asked about Pond 4, and Manager Niemela said if it doesn’t come through it will have to be done again later. They are waiting on a contractor. Gunderson asked about the report.
Gunderson asked about the Manager search. Meyers said that a special meeting is scheduled for December 2nd. There are six applications; probably when it’s done there will be 12 – 15. We are currently on track. Gunderson also asked about anything happening with the mall. Manager Niemela reported some have come through. Not much detail. He has a list of owners. Gunderson also thanked Jenny Bennett for her efforts through the bazaar.
Steele said the City has lost a fine fireman, Adam Reeves. He was a good man and a great loss; that is sad.
Scheid asked who bought the Chatter Box. Manager Niemela said that he doesn’t know but he will look into it. He also thanked Jenny Bennett.
Davis had a question regarding a permit for land operation when received. He also thanked Jenny, and added that due to ship shortage he might be able to attend. The Thimble Club was in the newspaper and he would like to see that continue with traditions.
Mayor Meyers said that December 2nd will be for a special meeting due to the extension request until December 31. Override and subjects will be difficult to fix. December 7th Representative Albert will be here. He thanked Greenville Foundation for consistently giving to Belding. The Chamber Group steps up for events and he gave a thank you. November 29th is a Candlelight Reception. It will be a good time. He said Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holiday.
Steele asked about the extension and Mayor Meyers said as soon as they get it put together, it will go out to Council Members. She asked about the Headlee Amendment and what needs to happen with it.
Moved by Scheid and seconded by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
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Bruce Meyers, Mayor Shelley Mosher, Acting Clerk