CITY COUNCIL
PERE MARQUETTE DEPOT
BELDING, MI 48809
7:00 PM
A meeting of the
Members present:
Members absent: None
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Leary to approve the agenda as presented. Mayor Meyers noted one addition under New Business, Item A. Library Board Appointment. The amended agenda was approved by the following roll call vote:
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 82511 to 82573 in the amount of $205,823.37
B. Approve Independent Bank ACH Notifications
Approve Minutes: City Council regular meeting – October 15, 2024
Davis reported the following on the Planning Commission:
· Approved Midwest V LLCs (Dollar General) site plan
· Working on a golf cart ordinance
Leary reported the following on the Museum Board:
· Additional damage was discovered during the porch repair. A new cost estimate is being sought.
· Quilt Show is November 10th
· Santa will be at the Museum on December 8th
Library Board:
· Policy renewal approved, adding a patron behavior section
· Discussed Library Board Appointments
· Painting
Discussions resumed from the October 15th City Council meeting regarding renovations to the new city hall. As staff had minimal involvement in the initial layout proposed by C2AE, City Manager Jon Stoppels advised that staff have constructed a rough draft and would like to forward their proposal to C2AE to review and/or develop a variation of it and estimate a price. Staff’s proposal included moving the entire police department to the second floor, with their entry being at the front of the building (Main Street) and locating City Hall staff to the west end of the first floor of the building and opening up the east side of the first floor to use as council chambers and to conduct elections, entering through the back of the building. Fire Chief Tim Lubitz advised that the proposed council chambers/election area could also serve as a shelter, which would help with the Ionia County Hazard Mitigation Plan as currently Ionia County has a major need for shelters for emergencies. The city could potentially receive funding for a generator and emergency supplies such as cots, and other necessities that could be used in an emergency situation. Leary asked for clearer explanations from C2AE, such as their quotes for flooring; what kind of flooring are they proposing?
Moved by Leary, seconded by Davis to form a committee consisting of Finance Director Becky Schlienz, Chief of Police Dion Sower, Fire Chief Tim Lubitz and two citizens to discuss needs and locations of offices in the new City Hall. This will be a “core group” however all staff are to be included. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Leary to appoint Jennifer Mierendorf to the Library Board for a partial term expiring December 31, 2025. Motion carried 4-1 by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Leary, Steele, Gladding and Davis
Nays: None
Abstain: Mayor Meyers
Sue Howe, 54 Belhaven, commented on the completion of the parking lot at Belhaven and commented about trail erosion.
Stoppels commented on the following topics of interest:
· DPW has been working on leaf collection for two weeks and have made three passes through the city. Leaves will continue to be picked up with the exceptions of rain, snow and freezing.
Steele commented that John LaClear’s terms are expiring on the Planning Commission and on the ZBA on December 31. Steele cited potential issues arising due to unresolved issues in the appointment/reappointment process. Steele further commented on the procedure for becoming a vendor in the city.
Gladding thanked everyone for coming and moving forward.
Davis thanked everyone who spoke and thanked everyone for coming.
Leary offered her appreciation and thanked everyone who came out tonight and commented on coming to a conclusion that works for everybody.
Moved by Leary seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – All.
________________________________ ________________________________
Bruce Meyers, Mayor Janae Ortego, MiPMC
City Clerk