REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, February 15, 2022
BELROCKTON
108 HANOVER STREET
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at the Belrockton, 108 Hanover Street on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Council Member Scheid gave the Invocation.
Mayor Meyers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Cooper took the roll call:
Members present: Mike Scheid, Jorel Davis, Ron Gunderson, Bonita Steele and Bruce Meyers
Absent: None
The Mayor noted the following change to the Agenda: Move Item C. under Consent Agenda to Item C. under New Business. Moved by Scheid seconded by Gunderson to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
Mayor Meyers stated that the city is in favor of the Beatnik Bazaar, however the city needs to protect the public, vendors, volunteers and the city itself. Each event is reviewed based on its own merits.
Jenny Bennett, 1125 Kenwood, commented on behalf of the Beatnik Bazaar regarding communication.
Moved by Scheid seconded by Gunderson to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes. All
The consent calendar is as follows:
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 77505 to 77564 in the amount of $145,026.41
Approve Independent Bank - ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, February 1, 2022
Steele reported that her meetings were cancelled.
Gunderson reported that his meetings will take place next week.
Davis reported that his meetings will take place next week.
Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission was working on an emergency boiler situation.
1. Regional – connect to the City of Greenville with an 8-mile pipe and pumps and pay Greenville user rates. This option was determined to be not cost effective.
2. Bring the current facility up to code – to remove the biosolids, adding liners to the ponds and the treatment is not cost effective.
3. Mechanical Plant – This is the most effective option. It would be a controlled process. It would be easier to make adjustments to as EGLE standards change.
The full report is on file in the Clerk’s Office.
Jay (refused to give last name or address) commented on the city water and paper trails for the Beatnik Bazaar.
Jeff Hunter commented on fees, pond lining, charging for parks, property taxes and the demolition of the old foundry.
Clinton Hewartson, Owner of NTG Games, commented on transparency between the city and business owners. He would like to meet with the City Manager regarding the mall.
Daniel DeGeest, 201 Bricker, commented on financial issues, the city tax rate, and mismanagement. He advised council that he is circulating a petition to disincorporate the City of Belding. He commented on lower taxes, removing barriers and lowering the cost of living.
Nikki Rubingh, 322 Alderman, commented on fees.
Ron Devereaux, 1115 W. Ellis, commented on charges/paying fees to youth programs.
Sam Mason, 516 W. Main, commented on the Electrolux property, constant electricity to the $25,000 wall and grants.
Linda Russo, 890 Water Street, commented on bringing events into town and charging for park use.
Shelley Gladding, 1020 Pleasant Street, commented on fees and Labor Day.
Bob Brown, 759 Jay, commented on the Veterans Memorial Park.
Heather Champlin, 12885 16 Mile Road, Gowen – Owner of Vinyls and More, commented on the status of handicap access and communication.
City Manager, Jon Stoppels shared that he sent the councilmembers a report on active issues. He commented on the proposed budget, the WWTP, addressing accessibility at City Hall, the water/sewer rate study and that staff are going through the fee schedule.
Gunderson thanked Bennett and thanked everyone for coming. He commented on the demo permit issuance. He also commented that the foundations were buried due to a court order and that he voted no.
Scheid thanked everyone for coming.
Davis thanked everyone for coming. He thanked Bennett for her efforts with the Beatnik Bazaar. He thanked everyone who spoke. He commented that some things need a vote of the city council. He thanked Elaine Venema and Scott Hall from Fleis & Vandenbrink. He commented on strengthening the relationship with the Beatnik Bazaar. He commented that change can be hard.
Mayor Meyers commented on why he joined the city council; wanting to give back to the community and move the city forward. He commented on in-fighting and working together. He noted that the fund balance is good but not enough to fix all the issues faced by the city.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Scheid 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