REGULAR MEETING
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Pere Marquette Depot
100 Depot Street
7:00 p.m.
A meeting of the Belding City Council was convened in open and public session at the Pere Marquette Depot, 100 Depot Street, Belding, MI 48809, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor ProTem Jorel Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Ortego, took the roll call:
Members present: Shelley Gladding, Bonita Steele, Jeannine Leary and Jorel Davis
Members absent: Bruce Meyers
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Leary to excuse the absence of Mayor Meyers per section 4.5f of the City Charter. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: yes – all.
Moved by Leary seconded by Gladding to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding 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 79829 to 79909 in the amount of $459,795.31
Approve Independent Bank ACH Notifications – (4)
B. Approve Minutes:
City Council regularly scheduled meeting – May 16, 2023
Leary reported the following points of interest regarding the Library Board:
· Maintenance repairs – no serious issues
· Censorship and dealing with book-banning solutions
Leary further reported the following points of interest regarding the Museum Board:
· Discussed things that need to be fixed: roof, basement windows
· The Museum Board kept their current slate of officers
· The Garden Walk is June 24th
A. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve a contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink for oversight and inspection services for the Ellis Road reconstruction project. (Copy on file in the Clerk’s Office) Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Leary, Gladding, Steele and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
B. Moved by Steele, seconded by Leary to approve Resolution No. 2023-06-09 to request funding for the maintenance of Merrick Street under Category B funding. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Leary, Gladding, Steele and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A REQUEST FOR FUNDING, DESIGNATE AN AGENT, ATTEST TO THE EXISTENCE OF FUNDS AND COMMIT TO IMPLEMENTING A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR THE MERRICK STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUNDED BY THE TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND CATEGORY B PROGRAM.
Minutes of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, Ionia County, Michigan, held in the Pere Marquette Depot, 100 Depot Street, in said City, on June 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Jorel Davis, Jeannine Leary, Shelley Gladding and Bonita Steele
ABSENT: Bruce Meyers
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Steele and supported by Council Member Leary.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding is applying for $151,250. in funding through MDOT from the Transportation Economic Development Category B Program for HMA Overlay on Merrick Street in the City of Belding.
WHEREAS, MDOT requires a formal commitment from the public agency that will be receiving these funds and will be implementing and maintaining these infrastructure projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City has authorized Jon Stoppels, City Manager to act as agent on behalf of the City to request Transportation Economic Development Fund Category B Program funding, to act as the applicant’s agent during the project development, and to sign a project agreement upon receipt of a funding award.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City attests to the existence of, and commits to, providing at least $151,250 toward the construction costs of the project(s), and all costs for design, permit fees, administration costs, and cost overruns. Estimated Construction Cost of $302,500.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City commits to owning operating, funding and implementing a maintenance program over the design life of the facilities constructed with Transportation Economic Development Fund Category B Program funding.
Upon vote for the adoption of said resolution, the vote was:
YEAS: Council Members Steele, Davis, Gladding and Leary
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Member Meyers
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
C. The following Special Event Applications were presented for approval:
1. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the application to hold a Kid’s Worship Camp (application on file in the Clerk’s Office) as recommended by city staff. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
2. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the application to hold a Blessing of the Animals (application on file in the Clerk’s Office) as recommended by city staff. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
3. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the application to hold Zippy Days at the Park (application on file in the Clerk’s Office) as recommended by city staff. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
4. Music in the Park – City Manger Jon Stoppels included this request as “informational-only” as it is a City-Sponsored event.
D. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve the reappointment of Sandra Boutell to the Housing Commission. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
E. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to give a first reading to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance and set a date for a public hearing and second reading on June 20, 2023. (A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file in the Clerk’s Office). Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
F. Fire Chief Tim Lubitz gave an update on the Ionia County Hazard Mitigation Plan. (A copy of the proposed plan is on file in the Clerk’s Office). The plan was included in the Council Packet for review and will be voted on at a later date.
G. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve a Temporary Precinct Consolidation for the August 8, 2023 Special Election as recommended and approved by the City Election Commission. (A copy of the Election Commission’s resolution is on file in the Clerk’s Office). Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
H. Moved by Steele, seconded by Leary to approve drawing a new precinct boundary line and eliminate Precinct 3, and relocating Precincts 1 & 2 to the Belrockton beginning in 2024 as recommended and approved by the City Election Commission. (A copy of the Election Commission’s resolutions are on file in the Clerk’s Office). Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Steele, Gladding, Leary and Davis
Nays: None
Absent: Mayor Meyers
I. City Council Recognitions
Mayor Pro Tem read aloud and presented the following Recognitions of Accomplishments:
1. Janae Ortego, City Clerk, received a Professional Municipal Clerk Certification (MiPMC). The resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO
CITY CLERK JANAE ORTEGO
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 June, 2023.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortego was appointed as the Belding City Clerk on November 25, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortego was officially sworn-in as the City Clerk on January 2, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortego has completed a minimum of 120 hours of municipal clerk-focused educational training sponsored by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) through Central Michigan University (CMU) ; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortego was awarded a Certificate of Achievement through CMU and MAMC; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ortego attained MiPMC (Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk) designation; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to congratulate Mrs. Ortego for her perseverance and commitment to both her profession and to the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 2023.
2. Mercedes Rendall, Department of Public Works, received an S-2 Certification. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE MERCEDES RENDALL
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 June, 2023.
WHEREAS, Ms. Rendall began her employment with the Department of Public Works on November 15, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rendall has completed several years of continued education classes offered through EGLE, Fleis & Vandenbrink and Michigan Rural Water outside of work hours to earn various water certifications; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rendall recently earned her S-2 Certification, which allows her to distribute, treat and service water facilities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rendall’s experience with the quality of our water and its system functions is invaluable; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to congratulate Ms. Rendall for attaining her latest certification; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council Members recognize and appreciate the integral part Ms. Rendall’s role has in protecting the health, safety and welfare for all of Belding’s residents due to her knowledge, experience and dedication.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 2023.
3. Heather Merryweather, Department of Public Works, received S-4 and D-4 certifications. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE HEATHER MERRYWEATHER
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 June, 2023.
WHEREAS, Ms. Merryweather began her employment with the Department of Public Works on May 27, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of her first year working in a water treatment facility and by continuing her education outside of work hours with taking classes offered through EGLE, Fleis & Vandenbrink and Michigan Rural Water, Ms. Merryweather has earned both S-4 and D-4 water certifications; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Merryweather’s S-4 and D-4 Certifications allow her the capability to perform treatment and distribution processes in water facilities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Merryweather’s experience with water quality and its system functions are valuable; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to congratulate Ms. Merryweather for attaining both her S-4 and D-4 Certifications; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council Members recognize and appreciate the important part Ms. Merryweather’s role has in protecting the health, safety and welfare for all of Belding’s residents due to her knowledge, experience and dedication.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 2023.
4. Joe Cooper, Department of Public Works, received S-4 and D-4 Certifications. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE JOE COOPER
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 June, 2023.
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper began her employment with the Department of Public Works on April 12, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of her first year working in a water treatment facility and by continuing her education outside of work hours with taking classes offered through EGLE, Fleis & Vandenbrink and Michigan Rural Water, Mr. Cooper has earned both S-4 and D-4 water certifications; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper’s S-4 and D-4 Certifications allow him the capability to perform treatment and distribution processes in water facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper’s experience with water quality and its system functions are valuable; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to congratulate Mr. Cooper for attaining both his S-4 and D-4 Certifications; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council Members recognize and appreciate the important part Mr. Cooper’s role has in protecting the health, safety and welfare for all of Belding’s residents due to his knowledge, experience and dedication.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 2023.
Jeff Hunter, 6202 Zahm Road commented on the following topics relating to the Department of Public Works:
· Mowing
· Trash
· City Parks
· Operating equipment
· Requested an apology from a city employee
· DPW lunch hours
Bob Brown, Jay Street, commented on cameras at the Veterans Memorial Park. City Manager Jon Stoppels, advised Brown that he has been working with Holly Noble on the matter.
Stoppels advised the City Council that a large storm sewer on Congress Street was discovered to be decayed and failed. Repair quotes were between $87,000 to $139,000. The City opted to hire an equipment operator with the DPW staff doing the work. The cost to fix the storm sewer saved $60,000 - $70,000.
Stoppels additionally circulated before and after pictures of the cemeteries condition for Memorial Day. (Photographs on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Gladding congratulated the Planning Commission for their work on ordinances.
Leary commended the DPW for doing a good job especially when things turn up unexpectedly, like the Congress Street storm sewer decay/failure. Leary thanked Ortego for her work on elections and looking for efficiencies with elections.
Steele commented on a citizen who needed a water usage issue handled and the citizen gave a huge compliment Mercedes Rendall for her help in the matter. Steele also commented on the employee certifications being great.
Mayor ProTem Davis commented on the following points of interest:
· Thanked Fleis & Vandenbrink
· Thanked Williams & Works
· Thanked Sandra Boutell from the Housing Commission for her interest in being reappointed
· Thanked Cooper, Merryweather and Rendall from DPW
· Thanked Ortego for being proactive and recognizing what needs to be done with elections
· Offered congratulations to those who received certificates and for their continued education
· Thanked Mike Brady for his work on Zippy Days at the Park
· Thanked everyone for their support and understanding
· Commented that he went through the cemetery and was surprised at its condition on Memorial Day—being very impressed.
Moved by Leary, seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
_______________________________ ____________________________
Jorel Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Janae Ortego, City Clerk