Approval of Agenda

Moved by Davis, seconded by Leary to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

Public Comments

Jenny Bennett, 1125 Kenwood, commented on John Chickering’s presentation at the last City Council meeting about the potential email/text option(s) being added to the City website.  

Consent Agenda

Moved by Leary, 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:

Presentations

Corey Turner from Fleis & Vandenbrink presented a handout of photos displaying the progress of the work at the WWTP.  (On file in the Clerk’s Office.) Turner gave a brief update on the current status of the project and reported that they remain ahead of schedule.

Reports by Council Liaisons

Leary reported that she hasn’t had any meetings.

Steele reported that she hasn’t had any meetings, but advised that there will be a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony at Lightning Bend Park on Thursday.

Gladding reported that the Solid Waste Committee met on June 6^th.  The Committee authorized to make a draft plan amendment.  A Public Hearing is scheduled for August 26^th at 7:00 p.m. at Orleans Township Hall.

Davis reported that the Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on June 27^th.

Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission is scheduled to meet on June 20^th.

New Business

City Manager Comments

City Manager Jon Stoppels commented on the following topics of interest:

·         The “space needs” study for the new city hall are starting this Thursday with C2AE

·         He is working on securing a loan with USDA for the renovations

·         Work on rewriting the Master Plan will start at next week’s Planning Commission meeting.  They will also review modifying a driveway ordinance

·         Letters sent to the State and Federal levels seeking funding for the WWTP

·         Bids for the Museum porches came in under budget

·         Alex Bannister was promoted to the DPW Director position.  He will officially begin his new duties on July 1^st.  He is an experienced and current employee.

Council Comments

Mayor Meyers commented on the following:

·         DPW Director interviews

·         Council members to give Stoppels input on their priorities for the new city hall, how it should work and what it should look like

·         Thanked Turner for the tour of the WWTP progress prior to the meeting

·         Commented on Fleis & Vandenbrink’s good communication

Steele commented on the following:

·         Good to see the public’s attendance at the meeting

·         Positive things happening in Belding; Parks, city hall, grants, the new email/texting abilities

Gladding commented on the following:

·         Number of Public attending the meetings

·         Positive things coming to Belding; progress and movement

Davis commented on the following:

·         Congratulated Bannister on his promotion to DPW Director

·         Thanked Fleis & Vandenbrink

·         Thanked Congressman Moolenaar and Senator Stabenow for pushing to help Belding with the WWTP funding

·         Moving forward and accomplishing our goals

·         Commented on the WWTP

·         Commented on his “no” vote on the communication system

Leary commented on the following:

·         New DPW Director

·         New City Hall

Mayor Meyers called for a five-minute recess at 8:09 p.m. to move into Closed Session per MCL 15.2689(c) to discuss Belding Police Department and upcoming Fire Department Union Contract Negotiations.

Back on the record at 8:15 p.m.

Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to move out of Closed Session and resume Open Session at 9:00 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

Stoppels advised the council on additional topics of interest:

·         North water tower has been cleaned

·         BS&A training

·         One-hour lunch closure to accommodate staff training on BS&A

Moved by Leary, seconded by Steele to approve the tentative agreement with the City of Belding Police Department Union.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

Adjourn

Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

_________________________________________                    ___________________________________________

Bruce Meyers, Mayor                       Janae Ortego, City Clerk