REGULAR MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, May 17, 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, May 17, 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: Bonita Steele, Jorel Davis, Ron Gunderson, Mike Scheid and Bruce Meyers
Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to approve the Agenda as presented. Mayor Meyers noted the following additions to the Agenda as presented: Under New Business, add Item J. Special Events Application for Veteran’s Memorial Park 5K Run. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
A. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to open the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. regarding the FY 2022/23 Budget. City Manager Jon Stoppels gave a brief statement regarding the proposed budget. Hearing no questions or comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.
B. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to open the Public Hearing at 7:06
p.m. regarding the CWSRF WWTP (Clean Water State Revolving Fund; Waste Water Treatment Plant). Fleis & Vandenbrink gave a Power Point presentation on the proposed project. (A hard copy of the presentation along with the proposed plan is on file in the Clerk’s Office). Members of the audience as well as the City Council posed questions to Fleis and Vandenbrink. The question and answer session as related to the public hearing ended at 8:10 p.m.
Moved by Gunderson 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:
Approve Independent Bank – ACH Notifications (9)
(There were no minutes for May 3, 2022 as the City Council meeting was cancelled)
Gunderson reported that the Museum Board is looking into a dehumidifier for the basement, that they have set up a new display upstairs and improvements have been done around the retaining wall outside of the building. Stoppels further updated that decking was discussed and that an outside firm has been hired to draw up specs and then bids will be sought. Thermal scans are also being done. Gunderson reported that the boiler failed at the library and they are currently pricing coils. The murals are being finished, they have updated their dehumidifier and their programs are doing well.
Steele reported that the Rec Board meeting was cancelled.
Davis reported that the Planning Commission meeting was cancelled.
Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission had a routine meeting and a work session regarding their preliminary budget. They will meet again this Thursday.
A. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to approve the FY 2022/23 Budget Adoption. 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 ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Belding, Michigan has submitted to the Mayor Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan have studied and reviewed said budget; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing on said budget was held on May 17, 2022, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.4 of the Belding City Charter; and,
WHEREAS, the City Clerk of the City of Belding has in accordance with Section 11.4 of the City Charter, and P.A. 621 of 1978, published notices of time and place of holding such hearings, and of the availability to the public of such proposed budget.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that they hereby appropriate the following sums of money deemed necessary to defray all the necessary expenses, liabilities and reserves of the City of Belding, Michigan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are to be expended and the amount appropriated which authorizes such expenditures, as provided in the City Charter and City Code for each center and purpose are specified as follows:
APPROPRIATION CENTERS
GENERAL OPERATING FUND
City Council $ 12,900
City Manager 157,500
Finance & Administrative Services 246,500
City Clerk 147,300
Central Municipal Activities 244,000
Cemetery 65,500
Police Department 1,013,528
Fire Department 614,478
Park Maintenance 192,500
Interfund Transfers 97,000
Belrockton Community Center 25,404
Community Promotions 10,000
Planning & Community Development 32,000
Contingency 42,000
TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS $2,900,610
MAJOR STREET FUND 727,500
LOCAL STREET FUND 487,000
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 16,000
DRUG FORFEITURE FUND 2,500
MUSEUM FUND 25,600
SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND 7,400
CIB BOND PAYMENT FUND 19,750
LIBRARY DEBT FUND 96,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 111,695
SEWER FUND 1,124716
WATER FUND 957,341
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND 300,000
BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND 125,000
MOTOR POOL FUND 595,650
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND 513,000
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $9,260,790
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
AMOUNT AMOUNT TO BE RAISED
APPROPRIATED BY MILL LEVY TAXATION
Capital Improvements $ 140,200 $ 140,000
General Purpose $ 2,901896 $1,760,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2022-23, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan does hereby levy a tax of 17.9500 mills per dollar on the assessed valuation of all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Belding, and further, said mill levy shall include 15.9500 mills for the General Fund Operation, and .8406 mills for Capital Improvements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an administrative fee of 1% shall be added and collected for all units of government - said fee to be continued until rescinded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to make budgetary transfers within the appropriation centers, also known as funds, established through this budget, except that all transfers between appropriation centers may be made only by further action of the City Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Uniform Accounting and Budgeting Act; and that the City Manager is hereby authorized to release bidding documents for those capital items requiring bids. Bidding documents may also be described as Requests for Proposals.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.
B. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to approve the Resolution regarding the Clean Water State Revolving Fund; Waste Water Treatment Plant (CWSRF re: WWTP). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FINAL PROJECT PLAN FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AND DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and supported by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding recognizes the need to make improvements to its existing wastewater treatment and collection system; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding authorized Fleis and VandenBrink to prepare a Project Plan, which recommends the construction of a new mechanical wastewater treatment plant and collection system improvements; and
WHEREAS, said Project Plan was presented at a Public Hearing held on May 17, 2022 and all public comments have been considered and addressed;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Belding formally adopts said Project Plan and agrees to implement the selected alternative (Alternative No. 4 - Construct a New Mechanical WWTP).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager, a position currently held by Jon Stoppels, is designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the project referenced above, including the submittal of said Project Plan as the first step in applying to the State of Michigan for a revolving fund loan to assist in the implementation of the selected alternative.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF MAY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A POLICY OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE CITY OF BELDING ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 19th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Davis and supported by Council Member Gunderson
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan has adopted Act 206 of 1893, the General Property Tax Act, which authorizes taxation of all property, real and personal, within Michigan unless expressly exempted; and
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan has adopted amendments to this Act pursuant to 2018 PA 660, the Property Assessing Reform Act; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan State Tax Commission requires local units of government to have written procedures, including accessibility to the Assessing Department; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 2018 PA 660, the City of Belding Assessor, Robert Naumann, is available by phone at 616-794-1900 and email at: assessor@ci.belding.mi.us; and
WHEREAS, an estimated response time for taxpayer's inquiries submitted above will be within 7 business days; and
WHEREAS, A taxpayer wishing to arrange an in-person meeting with the Assessor can contact the Assessor's Office at 616-794-1900 or email at: assessor@ci.belding.mi.us and
WHEREAS, Assessment records are available by contacting the City of Belding at 616-794-1900 or email at assessor@ci.belding.mi.us or by visiting Belding City Hall during business hours. Requests for significant amounts of information may be subject to the City of Belding's Freedom of Information Act Policy. The city office is open Monday-Thursday 7 till 6; and
WHEREAS, Taxpayers wishing to dispute their assessment, taxable value or classification must protest to the March Board of Review. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Assessor prior to the March Board of Review to see if agreement can be achieved regarding the dispute.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Belding City Council adopts the Policy of accessibility for the City of Belding Assessment Department, pursuant to State of Michigan Tax Commission Guideline 2020-01 and 2018 PA 660, being MCL 211.l0g
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING THE BELDING DIAL-A-RIDE FARE INCREASE AND CHANGE HOURS OF OPERATION
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Davis.
WHEREAS, a fare increase to be implemented June 1, 2022
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride bus fare increase will be as follows:
Adults $3.00
Citizens with Disabilities $1.50
Senior Citizens $1.50
Students $2.50
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that the City of Belding Dial-A-Ride Hours of Operation will be as follows:
Monday- Friday 6:30am-4:30pm
Saturdays- 9:00am-2:00pm 1st and 2nd Saturday of the month.
This will be on a trial basis through the summer and will be revisited in the fall.
RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF MAY, 2022.
F. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Steele to approve the Resolution to Reappoint Barb Fagerlin to the Museum Board. 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 REAPPOINTING BARB FAGERLIN TO THE MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Scheid and seconded by Council Member Steele.
WHEREAS, the term of office for Barb Fagerlin on the Museum Advisory Board will expire on June 4, 2022
WHEREAS, Barb Fagerlin has indicated that she is interested in serving another term on the board; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Barb Fagerlin be reappointed to the Museum Advisory Board with a term to expire on June 4, 2025.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.
G. Moved by Davis, seconded by Scheid to approve the Resolution to Reappointment Sharon Carlson to Recreation Board. Steele commented on the reappointment process. Motion a carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Davis, Scheid and Meyers
Nays: Gunderson and Steele
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-05-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, APPOINTING SHARON CARLSON TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Davis and seconded by Council Member Scheid.
WHEREAS, Sharon Carlson’s term on the Recreation Advisory Board is due to expire on June 18, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Sharon Carlson has indicated her interest in serving on the board; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Sharon Carlson be reappointed to the Recreation Advisory Board with a term of office to expire on June 18, 2025.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF MAY, 2022.
H. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to approve the Special Events Application for a Disc Golf Tournament at Smash Park. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - All.
I. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Chief Dale Nelson. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-05-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO DALE NELSON UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS CHIEF OF POLICE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 17th day of May, 2022.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding is proud to recognize Dale Nelson, Chief of Police for the City of Belding Police Department, on the occasion of his retirement; and,
WHEREAS, Dale began his career with the City of Belding Police Department as Chief of Police on January 2, 2002; and,
WHEREAS, Dale has served on the Central Dispatch Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, Dale has brought respect, honor, devotion and integrity to the City of Belding, as the Chief of Police by leading by example, exhibiting the highest level of ethics and maintaining a superior moral character; and,
WHEREAS, Dale has served with unwavering commitment, willingness and ability to understand and respond to the concerns of the residents of the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, Dale has made a substantial contribution to the betterment of the City; and,
WHEREAS, Dale's retirement is effective May 26, 2022; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan commending Dale Nelson for his dedication, enthusiasm and outstanding public service given to the City of Belding for the past two decades, and best wishes are extended to Dale wishing him a long, happy and healthy retirement.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.
J. Moved by Scheid, seconded by Davis to approve the Special Event Application for the Veteran’s Memorial Park 5K Run. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
City Manager Jon Stoppels gave an informational update on the following topics of interest:
Davis thanked everyone for their work on the budget and doing a good job and thanked DPW for their quick response to fix vandalism.
Gunderson thanked everyone for their work on the budget, Fleis and Vandenbrink for their presentation and input, and thanked the staff and everyone else for coming.
Mayor Meyers thanked Chief Nelson, the city staff and Fleis and Vandenbrink.
Moved by Scheid seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk