REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
A meeting of the Belding City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan was convened in open and public session at the Pere Marquette Depot, 100 Depot Street, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Mayor Jeannine Leary called the meeting to order and led with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Ortego took the roll call:
Members present: Shelley Gladding, Bonita Steele, Nikolai Zerkle (participating virtually via MS TEAMS, under military duty orders, as allowed per MCL 15.263) Linda Curtis and Jeannine Leary
Members absent: None
City Manager Keven Krieger requested the following additions to the Agenda under New Business: Add Item H. Resolution for Bridge Street Contract and Item I. Brush/bag pick-up fee. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Leah Linebaugh, 204 Front Street, commented on the proposed chicken ordinance.
Bob Brown, Jay Street, commented on the proposed chicken ordinance.
A. Krieger distributed a handout (on file in the Clerk’s Office) and gave his monthly update on the New City Hall.
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 83515 to 83589 in the amount of $281,374.58
Approve ACH Payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Regularly scheduled meeting – May 20, 2025
Gladding reported that the Planning Commission met on May 27th. They have three new members and held public hearings.
Leary reported that the Museum Board meeting was cancelled
Zerkle reported that the ZBA met yesterday. Two variances were granted with a one-year grace period. Jeffrey Puehler was elected as the vice-chair.
A. Mayor Leary read a Proclamation recognizing Gerref Industries, celebrating over 50 years in business in Belding. The Proclamation is as follows:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Gerref Industries, located in the City of Belding, Michigan, has served as a pillar of industrial innovation and economic strength; and
WHEREAS, the company, through its dedication to craftsmanship, excellence, and community values, has maintained a legacy of producing high-quality, custom manufacturing solutions that have contributed to Belding’s proud industrial heritage; and
WHEREAS, Gerref Industries has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to local employment, economic growth, and civic engagement, employing generations of Belding residents and positively impacting the lives of families across the community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding recognizes the exceptional leadership, workforce, and enduring spirit of innovation that has sustained Gerref Industries for over 50 years; and
WHEREAS, such a milestone is a rare and commendable achievement, reflecting both the company’s adaptability in changing times and its unwavering dedication to its mission and values;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Jeannine Leary, Mayor of the City of Belding, on behalf of the City Council and all the citizens of Belding, do hereby extend our sincerest congratulations to Gerref Industries on the celebration of over 50 years of business and express our deepest appreciation for the company’s continued presence, leadership, and contributions to the community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Belding to be affixed this 3rd day of June, 2025.
B. The elevator in the 115 E. Main building does have the required lift canister to meet the current code. However, the rest of the elevator still needs to be upgraded to meet code and ADA compliance. The quote is for approximately $130,000 (on file in the Clerk’s Office). Krieger recommended to add an extra $20,000 for contingency. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele to approve $150,000 (quoted amount plus contingencies, if any) so he can schedule the elevator renovation. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
C. The DPW has an aging fleet. Krieger and DPW Staff reviewed the DPWs CIP and have identified the ability to afford two ¾ ton trucks through the MiDeal Program. Moved by Curtis, seconded by Gladding to authorize the purchase of two used 2022 Ford Super Duty F-350 trucks (one includes a plow) for $81,500.00 through the MiDeal program. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The two “new” used trucks will be replacing a 2000 and a 2001 truck.
D. The first reading of proposed amendments to Section 2.13 (Regulations Applicable to Single-Family (outside Manufactured Home Parks) and Two-Family Dwellings) of the Zoning Ordinance to update design and construction standards for single-family and two-family dwellings including, but not limited to, regulations related to storage areas, and dwelling unit design and orientation was held. (A full copy is on file in the Clerk’s Office).
E. The first reading of proposed amendments to Section 2.18 (Keeping of Animals) of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for and regulate the keeping of chickens in the R-1, R-1.5, and R-2 zoning districts was held. (A full copy is on file in the Clerk’s Office).
F. The first reading of proposed amendments to Section 2.21 (Corner Lots) to clarify the designation of principal and secondary front lines on corner lots and through lots in the city was held. (A full copy is on file in the Clerk’s Office).
G. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve a Special Event Application filed by Holly Noble to hold a dinner/luau at the Veteran’s Park on June 20th. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
H. The contract for the Bridge Street Reconstruction Project was approved at the last regular city council meeting, however, as a formality, MDOT required a resolution be passed versus a motion. Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele to adopt the Bridge Street reconstruction Project Resolution by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-06-19
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE BRIDGE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, CONTRACT NO. 24-5530, JOB NO. 220281CON
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 3rd day of June, 2025.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding, Michigan (“City”), in coordination with the Michigan Department of Transportation (“MDOT”), seeks to reconstruct and improve Bridge Street from Belding Road (M-44) to Ellis Avenue in the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, said project is identified as Job Number 220281CON, Contract No. 24-5530, with a planned project commencement date identified in the MDOT agreement dated December 20, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the total estimated cost of the project is Four Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand Dollars ($483,000.00); and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding has agreed to participate in said project and to contribute a local share in the amount of One Hundred Eight Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($108,600.00) toward the total cost; and
WHEREAS, MDOT will act as the administering agency on behalf of the parties for the purpose of completing the project according to the terms and conditions set forth in Contract No. 24-5530.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
1. The City of Belding hereby approves and agrees to enter into a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to fix the rights and obligations of the respective parties with respect to the Bridge Street Reconstruction Project, as set forth in Contract No. 24-5530, Job No. 220281CON.
2. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute said contract and any supporting documents on behalf of the City.
3. The City agrees to provide the local funding share in the amount of $108,600.00 and to fulfill any other obligations imposed upon the City as a participating party to the project.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 3rd DAY OF JUNE, 2025.
I. Krieger advised the councilmembers that it is common for brush/bags to be placed to road after DPW has already provided service to an area or for it to be placed not according to the city’s standards. In an effort to relieve staff from being forced to do redundant work, Krieger requested that a $50 fee be implemented. Once a blight/code enforcement notice is issued, residents need to pull the brush/bags back, or if a resident still wants the pick-up service, then they will be assessed the $50 fee. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to implement a $50 Brush/Bag pickup fee. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Sam Mason, 516 May Street, commented on the new city hall renovations and the existing door frames being approved by the state Fire Marshall.
Joe Feuerstein commented on environmental issues.
Clinton Hewartson, owner of NTG Games, thanked the police for their help when his vehicle was recently car-jacked.
Leah Linebaugh, Front Street, commented on the city’s water and EPA standards.
City Manager Keven Krieger commented on the following topics of interest:
· It’s been an eventful couple of weeks
· New police officer coming
· New patrol car, hopefully later this month
· Proposed new developments
· Received notification of a Class-Action Lawsuit regarding wastewater, Krieger researching to see if he recommends that the city participate. He may be bringing more information to the City Council based upon his findings.
· Two companies have filed for and received Peddler’s Permits. They are selling water filtration systems.
· Congratulated Mayor Jeannine Leary on her retirement from Belding Area Schools. He congratulated her on this milestone in her life and wished her a long and happy retirement. Everyone is invited to share celebratory cake after the meeting.
Zerkle commented on the ability to participate remotely, the ZBA allowing housing options and expressed his appreciation of everyone.
Curtis commented on the interaction with CL Tucking and residents being positive and voiced that she is glad to see a local business performing the work on the water line replacements. She thanked DPW and all other departments.
Gladding thanked everyone for coming and is glad to see new faces. She further commented on work in the new building taking motion, ADA compliance, performing as much work internally as possible, the wastewater treatment plant being mandated, the city being ahead on replacing the lead lines, growing pains and the working conditions of city staff and safety concerns.
Steele echoed Gladding’s comments, stating that the city should not be the worst employer in the city. She further commented on the wells being monitored, gave statistics on library book rentals and the ability for children to receive free lunches at the library.
Mayor Leary thanked everyone for coming, seeing new faces, the importance of hearing from new people and moving forward in several areas. She thanked everyone for recognizing her retirement.
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Jeannine Leary, Mayor Janae Ortego, MiPMC
City Clerk