REGULAR MEETING
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
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, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Bruce Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Ortego, took the roll call:
Members present: Shelley Gladding, Bonita Steele, Jeannine Leary, Jorel Davis and Bruce Meyers
Members absent: None
Mayor Meyers noted the following addition(s) to the Agenda: Add Item Gunder New Business - Request for Denny Craycraft Veterans Memorial Park. Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried
by the fallowing roll call vote: Yes - all.
Nikolai Zerkle, Aide to Representative Pat Outman, gave a brief legislative update.
A. Moved by Leary, seconded by Steele to adopt the Resolution of Appreciation for City Attorney Randy Kraker. 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, EXPRESSING ITS APPRECIATION TO
CITY ATTORNEY RANDALL W. KRAKER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 21•1 day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, Mr. Kraker, a highly respected legal counselor with Varnum Law, has served as the attorney for the City of Belding for more than 30 years, offering extensive knowledge in governmental law, including but not limited to, municipal law, municipal finance, land use and zoning issues; and
WHEREAS, notable of Mr. Kraker's credentials, he has been a stable recipient of numerous honors, awards and recognitions throughout his career including regular recognition in "The Best Lawyers in America" as well as being named "Lawyer of the Year" in multiple categories of the law; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Mr. Kraker was renowned by the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys as the "Distinguished Municipal Attorney of the Year"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kraker was further acknowledged as an Honoree in the 2021 Hall of Fame in "Michigan Lawyer's Weekly"; and
WHEREAS, we, at the City of Belding, consider ourselves truly fortunate to have had the privilege of being a recipient of Mr. Kraker's proficient representation, always knowing that we could confidently rely upon his expertise; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to thank Mr. Kraker for his many years of commitment and services that he has provided to the City of Belding and sincerely wish Mr. Kraker a long, happy and healthy retirement.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
B. Moved by Leary seconded by Davis to adopt the Resolution of Appreciation for Lanie Feuerstein. 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, EXPRESSING ITS APPRECIATION TO LANIE FEUERSTEIN, RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 21st day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the Belding City Charter and Recreation Advisory Board Bylaws require the appointment of one non-voting student member who is both a resident of the city and is a junior in the Belding High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Feuerstein submitted an application to the City of Belding expressing her interest in the position and was unanimously appointed by the Recreation Advisory Board members on April 10, 2023 to a one-year term; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Feuerstein offered a genuine and fresh perspective representing the youth of this community, including spearheading a "Recreational Interests" survey for students of all ages in Belding Area Schools, and further prepared a report of the complied results and presented it to the Recreation Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Feuerstein's "Recreational Interests" report has become aliving document often referenced by the city and will further serve as a valuable tool as the City Planning Commission now begins preparations for rewriting our Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, clearly a leader, she recruited her replacement on the Recreation Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Feuerstein's accomplishments go far beyond the exemplary actions she has taken in her role on the Recreation Advisory Board. She is a member of the National Honor Society, maintains a 4.0+ GPA which includes her voluntary enrollment at Montcalm Community College since her freshman year, she has successfully completed Advanced Placement courses, is a member of the student council, is active in both volleyball and softball, has received various academic honors and awards for her achievements, including being the sole recipient on her Varsity Softball team to earn an All-Conference Academic Award. In addition, Ms. Feuerstein volunteers at a local church, babysits, and has held employment with two local businesses in the City of Belding; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to recognize Ms. Feuerstein for her well-rounded commitment to the City of Belding and for the smile she brings to everyone's faces when she enters a room. We sincerely wish Ms. Feuerstein success and the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
Scott Hall from Fleis & Vandenbrink gave an update on the progress at the WWTP. (Handout on file in the Clerk's office). The project remains ahead of schedule.
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:
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 81731 to 81752 in the amount of $36,170.94
B. Approve Minutes: City Council regularly scheduled meeting - May 7, 2024
Davis reported that the Planning Commission will be meeting on May 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Depot.
Gladding reported that the ZBA will be meeting at 5:15 p.m. on May 28th at the Depot.
1
Procedures and processes were discussed.
Leary reported that the Library Board met on May 20111• They will be hosting a Touch-A-Truck event in August. Policies and bylaws were reviewed.
Mayor Meyers reported that he Housing Commission will be meeting on Thursday.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 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 21st day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Belding, Michigan has submitted to the Mayor and City Council a budget for Fiscal Year 2024/25 as required by the Belding City 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 21, 2024 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, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
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 | $ 46,800 |
| City Manager | 213,150 |
| Finance & Administrative Services | 264,376 |
| City Clerk | 178,430 |
| Central Municipal Activities | 233,000 |
| Cemetery | 87,500 |
| Police Department | 1,194,800 |
| Fire Department | 750,200 |
| Park Maintenance | 129,500 |
| Interfund Transfers | 53,000 |
| Belrockton Community Center | 42,800 |
| Community Promotions | 11,000 |
| Planning & Community Development | 52,000 |
| Contingency | 50,000 |
| TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS MAJOR STREET FUND | $3,306,556 819,600 |
| LOCAL STREET FUND | 422,000 |
| DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | 0 |
| DRUG FORFEITURE FUND | 2,500 |
| LIBRARY | 520,020 |
| MUSEUM FUND | 8,850 |
| SRF BOND PAYMENT FUND | 7,400 |
| CIB BOND PAYMENT FUND | 35,550 |
| LIBRARY DEBT FUND | 96,000 |
| CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND | 862,000 |
| DIAL A RIDE | 439,713 |
| SEWER FUND | 20,125,554 |
| WATER FUND | 1,003,925 |
| INTERNAL SERVICE FUND | 350,000 |
| BUILDING & GROUNDS FUND | 145,000 |
| MOTOR POOL FUND | 415,750 |
| HEALTH INSURANCE FUND | 418,700 |
| TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS | $28,979,118 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amounts appropriated and allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, be and the same hereby are directed to be raised by mill levy as follows:
| | AMOUNT APPROPRIATED | AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY MILL LEVY TAXATION |
| Capital Improvements | $ 902,000 | $ 100,000 |
| General Purpose | $ 3,307,224 | $1,899,972 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purpose of raising said amounts by taxation in 2024-25, the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan does hereby levy a tax of 16.5572 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 14.9500 mills for the General Fund Operation, and 1.6072 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 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 41 IN THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF GRAND VALLEY METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan was held in said City on the 21st day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the members of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council ("Metro Council") have by majority vote approved Amendment No. 41 (Removal of City of Hastings) in the Articles of Incorporation of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council; and
WHEREAS, the amendments have now been submitted for approval by the legislative bodies of the local governmental units that belong to Metro Council; and
WHEREAS, Amendment No. 41 to remove the City of Hastings as a Member is follows:
AMENDMENT NO. 41
To Remove the City of Hastings as a Member
1. The first paragraph of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
GRAND VALLEY METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
These Articles of Incorporation are adopted and executed by the incorporating units ("Units"), the City of Grand Rapids, the City of Kentwood, the City of East Grand Rapids, the City of Grandville, the City of Rockford, the City of Hudsonville, the City of Cedar Springs, Byron Township, Plainfield Township, Alpine Township, Gaines Township, Kent County, Grand Rapids Township, Algoma Township, City of Coopersville, City of Greenville, City of Ionia, City of Walker, Courtland Township, City of Wayland, Village of Middleville, Tallmadge Township, Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Caledonia Township, Cannon Township, Allendale Township, Cascade Township, Jamestown Township, the City of Wyoming, the City of Lowell, the City of Belding, Ada Township, the Village of Sand Lake, Lowell Township, Nelson Township, the Village of Sparta, and the Village of Caledonia for the purpose of constituting a Metropolitan Council pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 292 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1989 (the "Act"). and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Belding has considered Amendment No. 41 in the Articles of Incorporation of Metro Council; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. Amendment No. 41 in the Articles of Incorporation of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is hereby APPROVED.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21sr DAY OF MAY 2024.
The Cemetery Rules and Regulations (as amended per the above) are as follows:
Cemetery Rules
River Ridge and Old Belding Road Cemeteries
All persons are reminded that the cemetery grounds are sacred and are devoted to the burial of the dead. The object of these rules is to have cemetery grounds that are easily cared for and shall not pose a problem or danger to those visiting, working or maintaining it. Michigan State Law and the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Belding will be strictly enforced. The City hereby gives notice and reserves the right to have the authority to enter upon any lot or site to remove anything that was placed contrary or becomes contrary to the rules set forth below. The City ofBelding is not responsible for theft, loss or damage to anything on the site or the grounds.
Cemetery Hours:
The cemeteries are open daily from dawn until dusk.
Planters/Containers:
1. ALL planters or containers shall be intended for outdoor use, made of durable, unbreakable material, and heavy enough so that it will not blow away.
2. ALL planters or containers shall be placed on the footings, in line with the gravestone so as not to impede mowing or weeding. If footings are not present, ALL planters or containers shall be placed next to the gravestone, so as not to impede mowing or weeding.
3. Planters or containers meeting the above specifications shall be considered as part of the gravestone.
4. Emptied planters or containers meeting the above specifications may remain throughout the winter
5. NO glass, ceramic or clay containers or lightweight containers that can blow away are allowed.
Floral Decorations:
1. Flowers/plants may be real or artificial.
2. ALL flowers/plants shall be fully contained in planters/containers meeting the above requirements for Planters/Containers.
3. Individuals leaving artificial flowers/plants in planters/containers are encouraged to label items with permanent marker indicating the grave name the item is intended for or label the item with their own personal contact information.
Small Figurines/Decorative Items:
1. ALL small decorations, figurines or solar lights shall be FULLY CONTAINED in planters/ containers meeting the above requirements for Planters/Containers.
2. Individuals leaving small decorations, figurines or solar lights in line with or next to gravestones are encouraged to label items with permanent marker indicating the grave name the item is intended for or label the item with their own personal contact information.
Large Figurines/Statues:
1. Statues or figurines shall be large enough to be placed on the footings, in line with the gravestone, so as not to impede mowing or weeding are allowed. If footings are not present, large figurines/statues shall be placed next to the gravestone, so as not to impede mowing or weeding.
2. Figurines or statues shall be heavy enough so as to not blow away.
3. Figurines or statues meeting the above specifications shall be considered as part of the gravestone.
4. Figurines or statues meeting the above requirements may remain throughout the winter.
5. Individuals leaving large figurines/statues in line with or next to gravestones are encouraged to label items with permanent marker indicating the grave name the item is intended for or label the item with their own personal contact information.
Veterans:
1. Flags and flag holders that identify the graves of veterans shall be placed to the side of the grave markers, so as not to impede mowing or weeding.
Shepherd Hooks:
1. Arches or shepherd hooks with a SINGLE HOOK are permitted.
2. The hooks shall be placed directly adjacent to either side of the foundation with the displayed item hanging DIRECTLY OVER the monument, so as not to impede mowing or weeding.
3. The post(s) of an arch or shepherd hook may impale the ground but shall not be cemented into the ground.
4. The post(s) of an arch or shepherd hook shall be heavy enough to remain in place during inclement weather.
5. *ALL items hanging from arches/shepherd hooks shall be removed by November 1st and shall not be replaced before April 1st. ('''see exception under Winter Decorations)
Winter Decorations:
1. Winter wreaths and/or winter decorations, including winter decorations on arches or shepherd hooks, may be placed no sooner than November I" and must be removed no later than April 1st.
Additional Grave Site Prohibitions:
1. Enclosures of any kind such as fencing, coping, edging or grave mounds are not allowed.
2. Rocks, stones, wood chips, tire chips, bark, mulch or any other filler items are not allowed.
3. Grading, leveling or excavating is not allowed.
4. No item shall impale the ground except for an arch or shepherd hook that meets the above requirements. (see Shepherd Hooks)
5. Trees, evergreens, shrubbery, ornamentals, plants or flowers of any kind are not permitted to be planted in the ground of the platted sections of the cemetery.
Cemetery Prohibitions:
1. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed on cemetery grounds.
2. No pets allowed.
3. No firearms may be discharged in the cemetery. Military Honor Guards and law enforcement agencies are excluded from this prohibition.
4. No person shall enter or exit the cemetery except by public access points.
5. Speed limit shall not exceed 10 mph.
6. No person shall ride or drive upon the lawns. All-terrain vehicles and other recreational vehicles are not allowed. Bicycles are allowed on road surfaces only.
7. No person shall be allowed in the cemetery other than during daylight hours.
8. No profane language or lude actions are allowed, so not to disturb the quiet and good order of the cemetery.
Rights Reserved:
1. The City of Belding reserves the right to regulate burial space decoration for beauty and safety.
2. The City of Belding reserves the right to alter the landscape of the grounds.
3. The City of Belding shall trim or remove dead, damaged, diseased, overgrown, hazardous or unauthorized trees, shrubs, plants or vines without prior notification.
4. The City of Belding shall remove damaged or broken planters, containers, baskets and artificial flowers without prior notification.
5. The City of Belding shall remove loose planters, containers, baskets or artificial flowers without prior notification.
6. The City of Belding shall remove arches or shepherd hooks or that are loose or damaged, including items that may be hanging from them, if they are no longer adjacent to the foundation with items hanging directly over the monument.
Dates to Remember:
April 1 through October 31 - Spring, Summer and Fall Decorations may be displayed.
November 1 through April 1 - Winter decorations may be displayed. The Mausoleum will be open on Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Recommendation:
Individuals are encouraged to label items with permanent marker indicating the grave name the item is intended for or label items with their own personal contact information.
Contact Information:
If you have questions regarding gravesite boundaries or burial rules, please contact Belding City Hall at 616-794-1900, extension (TBD) or by email: (TBD).
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Belding cemeteries safe and beautiful, offering a place of both pride and peacefulness and a tribute to all those in their final resting place.
Moved by Davis, seconded by Leary to approve the additional recommendations proposed by the Cemetery Committee as follows:
1. That the city create an official Cemetery Committee serving specific terms, consisting of:
· the DPW Director
· City Manager
· a voting City Council Liaison
· 2-3 citizens, both residents and non-residents, who own a plot(s) in one or more of the cemeteries in Belding
2. Add a cemetery-specific email to the city website for questions or concerns regarding the cemeteries.
3. That the new rules take effect November 1, 2024.
4. Funeral Directors to receive new rules once published when purchasing a lot.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all.
1. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to adopt Resolution #2024-05-13, To Establish Expiration Dates For The Terms Of The Members Of The Downtown Development Authority. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 21st day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has established a Downtown Development Authority governed by MCL 125.1652; and,
WHEREAS, the Belding Downtown Development Authority currently meets quarterly (February, May, August and November); and,
WHEREAS, the current expiration dates for the members of the Downtown Development need to be amended to comply with Public Act 197 of 1975, MCL 125.1654; and,
WHEREAS, for purposes of consistency and clarity, effective May 21, 2024 all staggered terms shall expire on the 30th of April; and,
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to shorten or lengthen the current terms of the existing DDA members to accomplish the establishment of a consistent and clear expiration date; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves that the expiration date for all members of the Downtown Development Authority shall expire on the 30th of April to wit:
Rebecca Reinink - April 30, 2025
Bruce Feuerstein - April 30, 2025
Troy Palmer - April 30, 2025
Peter Reece - April 30, 2025
Sharon Carlson - April 30, 2026
Wendy Rode - April 30, 2026
Jim Mason - April 30, 2026
Clinton Hewartson - April 30, 2026
Nikolai Zerkle - April 30, 2027
John LaClear - April 30, 2027
Mike Tefft - April 30, 2028
James Hickman - April 30, 2028
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk will notify the aforementioned DDA members of their new term expiration date.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
2. Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to table the adoption of Resolution# 2024-05-14, To Establish Expiration Dates For The Terms Of The Members Of The Museum Advisory Board to wait until after their Annual Meeting on May 28, 2024. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all.
3. Moved by Leary, seconded by Steele to adopt Resolution# 2024-05-15, To Establish Expiration Dates For The Terms Of The Members Of The Recreation Advisory Board. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF 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 2P' day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has established a Recreation Advisory Board governed by the Belding City Charter, Section 2-221; and,
WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Board currently meets the 211d Monday of every month; and,
WHEREAS, the current expiration dates for the members of the Recreation Advisory Board need to be amended to stay consistent with the other various boards in the City of Belding; and,
WHEREAS, for purposes of consistency and clarity, effective May 21, 2024 all staggered terms shall expire on the 31st of December; and,
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to shorten or lengthen the current terms of the existing Recreation Advisory Board members to accomplish the establishment of a consistent and clear expiration date; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves that the expiration date for all members of the Recreation Advisory Board shall expire on the 31st of December to wit:
Scott McNeal - December 31, 2025
Sharon Carlson - December 31, 2025
Mike McCarty - December 31, 2026
Ron Devereaux - December 31, 2026
Rebecca Reinink - December 31, 2027
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk will notify the aforementioned Recreation Advisory Board members of their new term expiration date.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
4. Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to adopt Resolution# 2024-05-16, To Establish Expiration Dates For The Terms Of The Members Of The Planning Commission. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BELDING PLANNING COMMISSION
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 21'1 day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has established a Belding Planning Commission governed by Public Act 33 of 2008; and,
WHEREAS, the Belding Planning Commission currently meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month; and,
WHEREAS, the current expiration dates for the members of the Belding Planning Commission to be amended to be consistent with the Zoning Board of Appeals; and,
WHEREAS, for purposes of consistency and clarity, effective May 21, 2024 all staggered terms shall expire on the 31st of December; and,
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to shorten or lengthen the current terms of the existing Belding Planning Commission members to accomplish the establishment of a consistent and clear expiration date; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves that the expiration date for all members of the Belding Planning Commission shall expire on the 3!51 of December, to wit:
John LaClear - December 31, 2024
Audra Geister - December 31, 2025
Jennifer Stone - December 31, 2026
Mike Tefft - December 31, 2027
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk will notify the aforementioned Belding Planning Commission members of their new term expiration date.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
5. Moved by Leary, seconded by Davis to adopt Resolution# 2024-05-17, To Establish Expiration Dates For The Terms Of The Members Of The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 21st day of May, 2024.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has established a Zoning Board of Appeals governed by the Belding City Charter, Chapter 18; and,
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals currently meet as needed; and,
WHEREAS, the current expiration dates for the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals need to be amended to be consistent with the Belding Planning Commission; and,
WHEREAS, for purposes of consistency and clarity, effective May 21, 2024 all staggered terms shall expire on the 31st of December; and,
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to shorten or lengthen the current terms of the existing Zoning Board of Appeals members to accomplish the establishment of a consistent and clear expiration date; and;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Belding hereby approves that the expiration date for all members of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall expire on the 3!51 of December, to wit:
John LaClear - December 31, 2024
Mike Brady - December 31, 2025
Richard Outman - December 31, 2026
Ken Myers - December 31, 2027
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk will notify the aforementioned Zoning Board of Appeals members of their new term expiration date.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MAY, 2024.
Mayor Meyers called for a brief recess at 8:26 p.m. Back on the record at 8:29 p.m.
Jim Mason commented on the following:
· his term change on the Downtown Development Authority
· The Personnel Board used to notify board and commission members of their expiring terms
· Term expiration dates on the city website
· Garbage survey
City Manager Jon Stoppels commented on the following topics of interest:
· Memorial Day preparations/issues
o Issues with grubs and moles
o Driveway sweeping
o Mausoleum cleaning
o Posting the new cemetery rules
o Spickets repaired
· Code enforcement (distributed handout; on file in the Clerk's Office)
· DDA training
Steele commented on the following:
· Thanked Mason for his comment
· Board processes
· Board expectations
Gladding commented on the following:
· Board trainings/Chair trainings
· Blight
· Thanked everyone for coming
Davis commented on the following:
· Thanked everyone
· The Cemetery Committee
· Animal Survey results
· City Charter
· Bylaws
· Mandatory training for Board Chairs
· Roles of Board/commissions
· Thanked Ortego for her work on fixing the terms
· C2AE
Leary commented on the following:
· Thanked all who attended
· Belding graduates were awarded over $120,000 in scholarships from local donors
Mayor Meyers commented on the following:
· Kraker's service to the city
· Noted that the new city attorney is David Caldon
· Thanked Ortego for putting together the resolutions
· Feuerstein's service to the city
· Thanked Ortego for her work on the terms
· Thanked Fleis & Vandenbrink for the WWTP update
· Code enforcement
· Congratulated C2AE
· Thanked the Cemetery Committee
· Rule enforcement
· Tree removal at the cemetery
· Cemetery maintenance
· Thanked Sue Brownell for planting flowers in the planters at the cemetery
Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m.
Motion carried by the fallowing roll call vote: Yes - all.
_________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae Ortego, City Clerk