CITY COUNCIL
BELROCKTON
BELDING, MI 48809
7:00 PM
A meeting of the
Members present:
Members absent: None
Mayor Meyers noted the following additions to the agenda: Add Item H. Home for the Holidays, under New Business and add a Closed Session (15.268(h)) after Council Comments. Moved by Davis, seconded by
Mayor Meyers requested an amendment to Item A. under New Business in the November 15, 2022 minutes to add “contingent upon the city attorney’s review of the contract.” Moved by Davis seconded by Gladding approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
The Consent Agenda is as follows:
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation (8)
Approve Mercantile Bank Checks 1353 to 1358 in the amount of $14,026.90
Leary reported on the Museum Board. Topics of discussion:
· Regular business
· Fund Balance
· Donations
· Upcoming events
· Funding possibilities
· Porch repairs
Leary also reported on the Library Board:
· Candlelight Reception
o Belding police Department honored
o Silent Auction raised $2,500
Steele reported on the Rec Board. Topics of discussion:
· Two open seats
· Seven applicants
· No recommendation(s) for appointment agreed upon, thus interviews will be conducted on December 12th
Davis commented that the Planning Commission will meet on December 27th or January 24th.
Gladding reported that the ZBA did not have a meeting.
Mayor Meyers reported on the Housing Commission. Topics of discussion:
· Vehicle purchase versus leasing
· Annual Audit
· 2023 capital improvements
· Reports
· Next meeting December 15, at 6:15 p.m.
A. Moved by Davis, seconded by Steele to recognize the 2022 Election Staff. 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, EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE ELECTION INSPECTORS FOR THE CITY OF BELDING DURING THE 2022 ELECTION CYCLE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 6th day of December 2022.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, would like to express our gratitude to the City of Belding Election Inspectors for their service throughout the 2022 Election Cycle; and
WHEREAS, thirty-two individuals expressed interest in working the elections in the City of Belding, successfully completing the required training and receiving Election Inspector certifications; and
WHEREAS, the Election Inspectors faithfully performed their duties as prescribed by law; and
WHEREAS, the meticulous efforts of the Election Inspectors before, during and after the close of the polls resulted in timely, accurate and recountable results being delivered to the County of Ionia and the State of Michigan; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, to extend our appreciation and admiration to the Election Workers who honorably represent the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2022.
Several election workers were present.
B. Moved by Davis, seconded by Steele to approve the Proposed City Prosecutor Agreement. Motion carried by voice vote: yes - all. The Agreement for Prosecution Services is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
C. Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to set Saturday, January 14, 2023 as the date for a Goal Setting Session with Clerk Cooper being the moderator. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all. The time is yet to be determined.
D. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to open up the Gathering Place discussion. Trevor Wollet a geologist from Fleis & Vandenbrink and Matthew Inkster, an environmental attorney from Varnum both spoke regarding the Gathering Place property that is for sale and the ability to obtain liability protection from existing contamination. A lengthy, informative discussion ensued.
E. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the Resolution – Local Support for DNR Projects (Sparks Grant to revitalize Central Riverside Park) 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 LOCAL SUPPORT FOR DNR PROJECTS
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 6th day of December, 2022.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding City Council supports the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) submission of an application titled, “Central Riverside Park Improvements” to the Spark Grant Program for various building and site improvements at Central Riverside Park; and,
WHEREAS, the location of the proposed project is within the jurisdiction of the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed project, if completed, will be a benefit to the community; and,
WHEREAS, with this resolution of support it is acknowledged that the City of Belding is not committing to any obligations, financial or otherwise; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby supports submission of a Spark Grant Application for Central Riverside Park, by the DNR.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6TH DAY DECEMBER, 2022.
F. Moved by Davis, seconded by Steele, to approve the Resolution – Local Unit Government Match (Sparks Grant Pavilion). 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 LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT MATCH WITHOUT DONATED FUNDS
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 6th day of December, 2022.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding City Council supports submission of an application titled, “Central Riverside Park Improvements” to the Spark Grant Program for various building and site improvements at Central Riverside Park; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding is hereby making a financial commitment to the project in the amount of $60,000 matching funds, in cash and/or force account; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby authorizes submission of a Spark Grant Application for $760,000, and further resolves to make available its financial obligation amount of $60,000 (7.8%) of a total $760,000 project cost, during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6TH DAY DECEMBER, 2022.
G. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to authorize the issuance of a Bond Anticipation Note (for the WWTP). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. Due to the length of Resolution No. 2022-12-45, it will be found as an attachment at the end of this set of minutes.
H. Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to approve the Special Events Application submitted by the Belding Area Chamber of Commerce for the Home for the Holidays event. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Bob Beals, 616 S. Broas, commented on pickle ball courts.
Jim Mason, 210 S. Broas, commented on the City Council recognizing the election committee, and to recognize themselves for dealing with problems that they have inherited from 40 years ago. He commented on the Candlelight Reception and the library.
Sam Mason, 516 W. Main Street, commented on handicap swings.
City Manager Jon Stoppels gave an informational update on the following items topics of interest:
· DPW crew doing their third pass on leaf removal, and their making great progress without having a vacuum. They are finishing two weeks earlier than in the past. DPW workers have volunteered to work weekends. They are taking a break from leaf removal today to put up Christmas decorations.
· Auditors were here last week and are now finishing up.
Steele commented on the following:
· adding a calculator to the website for people to calculate their water bill (regarding the pending rate increase).
· Training, policy and procedures needed.
Davis commented on the following:
· Having the latest master plan for the goal setting session
· Thanked the library for the Candlelight reception
· Thanked election staff
Gladding commented on the following:
· Bringing the City Charter to the goal setting session
· Recommended an on-boarding process for new members
· City staff to have customer service training
Mayor Meyers commented on the following:
· There is a lot on the city’s plate
· Moving in the right direction
· Efficiency
· Thanked Fleis & Vandenbrink and Varnum for their presentation
The Mayor called for a brief recess at 8:39 p.m.
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele to move into Closed Session at 8:43 p.m. per 15.268(h). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to return to Open Session at 8:57 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Leary to approve the City Manager’s recommendation regarding a personnel matter. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Moved by Davis seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:59 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
_______________________________ _________________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk