REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, January 18, 2022
BELROCKTON
108 HANOVER STREET
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 Belrockton, 108 Hanover Street at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 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 and Bruce Meyers
Members absent: Bonita Steele
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Gunderson to excuse Steele’s absence per section 4.5(f) of the City Charter. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
Moved by Scheid seconded by Gunderson to approve the Agenda as presented. Mayor Meyers noted the following addition to the Agenda under New Business: Add Item M. Resolution of Appreciation for Ernie Thomas. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Mayor Meyers opened up the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m. to discuss the Rec Board’s recommendation to adopt the Five-Year Parks and Rec Plan, 2022-2026 as presented. Gunderson advised that the Plan is used by other entities for securing grants, making decisions, etc. The number of survey responses received were in line with what was projected; it was considered a good response. Hearing no members of the public offer questions or comments, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:10 p.m. The Clerk took a roll call vote to close the public hearing, with the result of the vote as follows:
Yeas: Gunderson, Davis, Scheid and Mayor Meyers
Nays: None
Absent: Steele
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 77378 to 77428 in the amount of $111,355.57 Approve Independent Bank – File Approval Confirmation
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Transaction Approval Confirmation
B. Approve Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, January 4, 2022
Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission will be meeting on January 20th at 6:00 p.m.
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-01-01
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEW FIVE-YEAR RECREATION PLAN
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 18th day of January 2022.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Recreation Advisory Board has engaged the process to develop a new Five-Year Recreation Plan, which describes pertinent features, recreation facilities, policies and desired implementation to improve recreational offerings in the community during the period between 2022 and 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Recreation Advisory Board facilitated public input via a community survey in October 2021 and three individual focus groups in November 2021 prior to the development of the Plan, enabling citizens and stakeholders to express opinions and needs, ask questions, offer advice, and discuss all aspects of the City’s parks and recreation needs and amenities;
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has prepared the Five-Year Recreation Plan for the benefit of the entire community and to meet the recreation needs of residents as expressed during the public input sessions; and
WHEREAS, a notice was published indicating that the Plan was available on the City’s website and offered for a period of at least 30 days for public comment and review; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Recreation Advisory Board has recommended approval of the updated Five-Year Recreation Plan to the City Council, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the City of Belding Council on today’s date.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Belding City Council hereby adopts the Five-Year Recreation Plan as a guideline for improving recreation for the residents and visitors of the community.
RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY 2022.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JOHN NIEMELA AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 18th day of January 2022.
WHEREAS, an alternate member(s) are allowed to be appointed to the Board of Review to serve in the case of an absence of a regular member; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Niemela is a resident of the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Niemela has indicated his willingness to serve as an alternate member on the Board of Review.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that John Niemela be appointed to serve as a alternate member on the Board of Review with a term of office to expire on 1/01/23.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
Yes – Gunderson, Scheid and Mayor Meyers
No - Davis
Absent: Steele
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING DPW TO PURCHASE A TRACTOR AND REAR MOUNT BOOM MOWER
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 18th day of January 2022.
WHEREAS, to comply with regulations set forth by EGLE regarding grass height and maintenance surrounding the ponds at the lagoons; and
WHEREAS, the terrain surrounding the ponds at the lagoons is uneven and is unable to be sufficiently maintained with the city’s existing equipment per EGLE’s regulations; and
WHEREAS, there are additional areas within the city where tall grass and brush along the roadsides is encroaching into the roadways; and
WHEREAS, to comply with EGLE’s regulations and to accomplish those additional tasks, the DPW requests to purchase a tractor and rear mount boom mower from Burnips Equipment Co., in Dorr, Michigan in the amount of $128,826.91.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Belding City Council hereby authorizes the DPW to purchase a tractor and rear mount boom mower from Burnips Equipment Co., in Dorr, Michigan in the amount of $128,826.91.
RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JON STOPPELS TO A PARTIAL TERM ON THE DDA BOARD.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, there has been a change in the City Manager position in the City of Belding, effective January 4, 2022.
WHEREAS, Downtown Development Authority Act 197 of 1975 states the Chief Executive Officer, being the mayor or city manager, will serve on the board;
WHEREAS, to retain consistency of prior practices established by the City of Belding, that Jon Stoppels, City Manager, be appointed to fill the partial term on the DDA expiring June 1, 2025.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that City Manager Jon Stoppels be appointed to fill the partial term on the DDA expiring June 1, 2025.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPOINTING JON STOPPELS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
WHEREAS, there is a vacancy on the Building Authority with a partial term expiring June 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, as part of their regular duties, the City Manager serves on the Building Authority; and
WHRERAS, there has been a staff change in the City Manager position; and
WHEREAS, the current City Manager, Jon Stopples be appointed to the Building Authority; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Jon Stoppels be appointed to the Building Authority with a term to expire on June 30, 2023.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18th DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN DESIGNATING JON STOPPELS AS STREET ADMINISTRATOR.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, Section 13(9) of Act 51, Public Acts of 1951 provided that each incorporated city and village to which funds are returned under the provisions of this section, that, "the responsibility for street improvements, maintenance, and traffic operations work, and the development, construction, or repair of off-street parking facilities and construction or repair of street lighting shall be coordinated by a single administrator to be designated by the governing body who shall be responsible for and shall represent the municipality in transactions with the State Transportation Department pursuant to this act."
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Jon Stoppels be designated as the single Street Administrator for the City of Belding, Michigan, in all transactions with the State Transportation Department as provided in Section 13 of the Act.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER JON E. STOPPELS TO SIGN CHECKS FOR THE CITY OF BELDING.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, Jon E. Stoppels has been appointed City Manager of the City of Belding effective January 4, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager must have the authorization of city council to sign checks for the City of Belding.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that authorization is hereby granted to City Manager Jon E. Stoppels to sign checks for the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING TO ISSUE A MERCANTILE BANK CREDIT CARD TO JON STOPPELS FOR CITY USE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, Jon Stoppels has been appointed the City Manager of the City of Belding, effective January 4, 2022; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan to issue Jon Stoppels a credit card from Mercantile Bank for city use.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING JON STOPPELS SIGNATURE ON THE LAND EXCHANGE TRANSACTION AGREEMENT
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, Jon Stoppels has been appointed the City Manager of the City of Belding, effective January 4, 2022; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, authorize Jon Stoppels signature on the Land Exchange Transaction Agreement.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY FLEIS & VANDENBRINK TO PROVIDE DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES AND BIDDING ASSISTANCE FOR BRIDGE STREET OVER THE FLAT RIVER BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, The City of Belding’s Application for preventative maintenance improvements for the Bridge Street Bridge over the Flat River was selected by MDOT Local Bridge Program; and,
WHEREAS, there is an estimated construction cost of $327,000 in fiscal year 2024; and
WHEREAS, the scope of improvements identified in the funding application are as follows:
· Resurfacing of the asphalt approaches
· Patching and epoxy overlay of the concrete deck
· Expansion joint replacement and re-sealing other joints
· Concrete spalling repair on the beams
· Miscellaneous structure patching (joint headers, sidewalks and substructure)
· Surface sealer/coating on concrete railings, sidewalks and fascias; and
WHEREAS, the work is not scheduled until the 2023-24 construction season however preliminary design and paperwork is required at this time by MDOT; and
WHEREAS, the total proposed fee by Fleis & Vandenbrink is $25,400.00; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, to accept the proposal submitted by Fleis & Vandenbrink to provide design engineering services and bidding assistance in the amount of $25,400.00 with an estimated cost of $327,000.00 to complete the work.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
APPROVING THE REVISED DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BELDING 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 18th day of January, 2022.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride revised Drug and Alcohol Policy has been approved by MDOT; and
WHEREAS, the policy is necessary to meet our Federal requirements for Public Transportation services; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride is required to adhere to the conditions In the revised Drug and Alcohol Policy; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the revised Drug and Alcohol Policy for the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN APPROVING DIAL-A-RIDE 2023 ANNUAL BUDGET
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January, 2022.
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), to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2022-2023 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provisions of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for THE APPLICANT, 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 for this agency have been reviewed and approved by THE APPLICANT; and
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has reviewed and approved the proposed balanced (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal operating funds of 123,581.00, estimated state operating funds of $120,098.00, estimated local operating funds of $80,000.00, estimated fare box of $40,400.00, estimated other funds (RTAP) of $4,500.00, with total estimated expenses of $323,679.00.
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 Valerie Conklin 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 2022/23.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ERNEST THOMAS ON HIS RETIREMENT
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 18th day of January 2022.
WHEREAS, Ernie Thomas began his career with the City of Belding Department of Public Works in 1974 pushing a hand mower around tombstones in the cemetery. Later that year he began working for the water department; and
WHEREAS, in 1993 Ernie was appointed as foreman of water and sewer; and
WHEREAS, 1996 Ernie was promoted as the Director of Public Works; and
WHEREAS, Ernie has volunteered on the Sesquicentennial Committee, the Labor Day Committee, the Building Authority Board and Music in the Park; and
WHEREAS, in 2014 Ernie was honored as Michigan Rural Water Association Man of the Year; and
WHEREAS, in 2018 Ernie was presented with the Rolly Olney Lifetime Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, Ernie has brought respect, honor, devotion and integrity to the City of Belding, as the Director of Public Works by leading by example, exhibiting the highest in level of ethics and maintaining a superior moral character; and
WHEREAS, Ernie has served with unwavering commitment, willingness and ability to understand and respond to the concerns of the residents of the City of Belding, has made a substantial contribution to the betterment of the City; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan commending Ernie Thomas for his time-honored legacy of dedication, enthusiasm and outstanding public service given to the City of Belding for the past forty-seven and a half years, and best wishes are extended to Ernie on his retirement.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2022.
Barrett Moulter, 715 Kiddville Street commented on Ernie (Thomas) and his staff. He additionally commented on a new business that is considering to locate within the City of Belding.
City Manager Jon Stoppels commented on Ernie’s retirement. Stoppels additionally commented on his past two weeks on the job. He is working towards prioritizing several important issues.
Scheid congratulated Ernie on his retirement.
Davis congratulated Ernie on his retirement, noting that this type of longevity is something rarely seen anymore.
Gunderson thanked Ernie and recognized his dedication to the city. He thanked all who attended the meeting and thanked those who worked on the Rec Plan.
Meyers thanked Ernie, the Rec Board and all who attended the meeting.
Moved by Scheid seconded by Davis to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk