REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, January 4, 2022
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
100 DEPOT STREET
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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, January 4, 2022.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:00 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
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 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 77331 to 77377 in the amount of $77,753.55
Approve Independent Bank - ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, December 21, 2021
Closed session meeting, December 21, 2021
Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission meets on January 20th.
A. Moved by Mayor Meyers seconded by Scheid to approve the Employment Agreement with Jon E. Stoppels as City Manager.
Mayor Meyers noted one amendment to the contract regarding severance. Davis clarified that the change only effects Stoppels if the city was to terminate his employment without reason. Mayor Meyers confirmed Davis’ clarification. Additionally, Mayor Meyers advised the City Council that today was Stoppels first day. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes-All.
Clinton Hewartson, 5305 Palmer Road - Owner of NTG Games Incorporated, commented on snow removal and remaining ADA compliant for his business.
Heather Champlin, 12885 16 Mile Road, Gowen – Owner of Vinyls and More, commented on City Halls signage and lack of handicap accessibility.
City Manager, Jon Stoppels advised the council that he put together a list of the major issues the City faces and his goals. Stoppels offered his availability to the public. He plans to contact each council member by phone this week to speak with them individually. Stoppels briefly commented on the City’s inclement weather protocol.
Davis welcomed Stoppels and looks forward to seeing what he can accomplish.
Gunderson welcomed Stoppels and thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He looks forward to Stoppels forward thinking and forward changes.
Steele commented that she was a former business owner in the city and things need to be made easier for businesses. She would like to see the city move towards being a redevelopment ready community sooner rather than later.
Scheid welcomed Stoppels and commented on the history of Belding.
Mayor Meyers offered appreciation to the business owners for coming to council and voicing their concerns. He thanked the former City Manager, John Niemela for what did for the city while he was here. He advised that the City Council has put together a list of priorities for the city and is excited to work together to be successful.
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
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Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk