REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 4, 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, March 4, 2025.
Mayor Jeannine Leary called the meeting to order and led with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
City Clerk, Janae Ortego too the roll call:
Members present: Shelley Gladding, Bonita Steele, Nikolai Zerkle and Jeannine Leary
Members absent: Linda Curtis
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele to approve Curtis’ preapproved absence per Section 4.5(f) of the City Charter. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
Mayor Leary noted the following additions the agenda: Under New Business, add Item N. Library Board Appointment; Item O. Approve Deficit Elimination Plan (revised); and add a Presentation immediately flowing the Consent Agenda. Moved By Steele, seconded by Zerkle to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Mike Tefft, 715 Bridge Street, commented on New Business, Item M. Discussion to consider creating a sub-committee to explore options to allow poultry in the city. Tefft advised that this matter was considered years ago and it was not favored. A city-wide survey was conducted about a year ago and it still wasn’t favored, and it was further discussed at last week’s Planning Commission meeting, where, after a lengthy discussion, the members recommended that the matter not be pursued any further at this time. As a member of the Planning Commission, he questioned why the council didn’t consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation and to opt to form a sub-committee. He questioned if the Planning Commission is just wasting their time.
Jenny Bennett, 303 Leonard, commented on New Business, Item L. Consider Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance, and Item. M. Discussion to consider creating a sub-committee to explore options to allow poultry in the city. As a former member of the Planning Commission, she questioned why the City Council is circumventing the Planning Commissions decisions. The golf cart issue was thoroughly reviewed by the Planning Commission, where the members recommended to not pursue creating a golf cart ordinance, however, the council came back to the Planning Commission and directed them to create an ordinance anyways, with another recommendation. The same situation is now happening with the chicken/poultry issue. She questioned if the Planning Commission members’ time is even valid?
Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Consent Agenda is as follows:
A. Approve Independent Bank checks 83087 to 83144 in the amount of $204,706.30
Approve ACH payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Regularly scheduled meeting – February 18, 2025
Sergeant First Class Andrew Candler presented Councilmember Nikolai Zerkle with the Army Achievement Medal for going above and beyond the expected standards of conduct in the United States Army. Zerkle is currently in the Army Reserves.
Gladding reported that the Planning Commission had discussions on the proposed Golf Cart Ordinance, whether or not to consider allowing chickens in the city, and two more items that will be forthcoming.
Zerkle reported on that the Housing Commission conducted its general business.
Mayor Leary reported that the Museum Board is finishing porch renovations, and are getting new kitchen appliances. A generous donor helped the Museum Board to achieve these expenses as well as some into the future. They hope to refinish the dining room floors this spring.
Ortego advised the councilmembers that Items A. through I. are “housekeeping items” pertaining to the appointment of Keven Krieger as City Manager.
A. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to appoint Keven Krieger to the DDA. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
B. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to appoint Keven Krieger to the Building Authority. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
C. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-05, Appointing Keven Krieger as Street Administrator. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN DESIGNATING KEVEN KRIEGER AS STREET ADMINISTRATOR
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, Section 13(9) of Act 51, Public Acts of 1951 provided that each incorporated city and village to which funds are returned under the provisions of this section, that, "the responsibility for street improvements, maintenance, and traffic operations work, and the development, construction, or repair of off-street parking facilities and construction or repair of street lighting shall be coordinated by a single administrator to be designated by the governing body who shall be responsible for and shall represent the municipality in transactions with the State Transportation Department pursuant to this act."
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that Keven Krieger be designated as the Single Street Administrator for the City of Belding, Michigan, in all transactions with the State Transportation Department as provided in Section 13 of the Act.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
D. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-06, to add Keven Krieger as Signatory on City Account(s) at Independent Bank. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER KEVEN KRIEGER TO SIGN CHECKS FROM THE CITY’S INDEPENDENT BANK ACCOUNT(S) FOR THE CITY OF BELDING
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger has been appointed City Manager of the City of Belding effective March 3, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager must have the authorization from city council to sign checks from the city’s bank account(s) at Independent Bank for the City of Belding; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, that authorization is hereby granted to City Manager Keven Krieger to sign checks from the city’s Independent Bank account(s) for the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
E. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-07, to authorize a Mercantile Bank Credit Card to Keven Krieger for City Use. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING TO ISSUE A MERCANTILE BANK CREDIT CARD TO KEVEN KRIEGER FOR CITY USE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, was held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger has been appointed the City Manager of the City of Belding, effective March 3, 2025; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, to authorize to issue Keven Krieger a credit card from Mercantile Bank for city use.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
F. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-08, appointing Keven Krieger as the WWTP Project Representative. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
At a regular meeting of the city council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, On January 7, 2025, Interim City Manager/City Clerk Janae Ortego was designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the ongoing Clean Water State Revolving Fund project (CWSRF – 5830-01) per Resolution No. 2022-05-20; and Drinking Water Revolving Fund project (DWA-140); and
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger assumed his responsibilities as Belding City Manager on March 3, 2025, at which time Janae Ortego’s appointment as Interim City Manager expired; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate Keven Krieger, Belding City Manager, as the authorized representative for all activities associated with CWSRF-5830-01 and DWA-140.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
G. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-09, designating Keven Krieger as the Authorized Project Representative for Lead Line and Galvanized Service Line Replacement and Replacing Watermains. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE FOR ONGOING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING LEAD AND/OR GALVANIZED SERVICE LINES AND REPLACING WATERMAINS
At a regular meeting of the city Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, On January 7, 2025, Interim City Manager/City Clerk Janae Ortego was designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the ongoing Drinking Water Revolving Fund project (DWSRF – 7727-01) per Resolution No. 2023-05-08; and,
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger assumed his responsibilities as Belding City Manager on March 3, 2025, at which time Janae Ortego’s appointment as Interim City Manager expired; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate Keven Krieger, Belding City Manager, as the authorized representative for all activities associated with DWSRF-7727-01 in the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
H. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-10, to authorize Keven Krieger as the Project Representative for the DWAM (Drinking Water Asset Management) Grant. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT REPRESENTATIVE FOR ONGOING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE DRINKING WATER ASSET MANAGEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
At a regular meeting of the city Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, On January 7, 2025, Interim City Manager/City Clerk Janae Ortego was designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the ongoing Drinking Water Revolving Fund project (DWA-140); and
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger assumed his responsibilities as Belding City Manager on March 3, 2025, at which time Janae Ortego’s appointment as Interim City Manager expired; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate Keven Krieger, Belding City Manager, as the authorized representative for all activities associated with DWA-140 in the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
I. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-11, Appointing Keven Krieger as Representative to GVMC (Grand Valley Metropolitan Council) Board of Directors. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING DESIGNATING KEVEN KRIEGER AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GRAND VALLEY METROPOLITAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Council Member Zerkle and seconded by Council Member Steele.
WHEREAS, The City of Belding is a member of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC); and
WHEREAS, the GVMC requires that either a member of the governing body or the head administrative official of a governing body be appointed as their representative to the GVMC Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, the former City Manager Jon Stoppels held this appointment which expired upon his retirement as the Belding City Manager on December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Keven Krieger was appointed as the new Belding City Manager effective March 3, 2025; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate Keven Krieger, City Manager, as their representative to the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Board of Directors.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
J. Mayor Leary announced the first reading of Ordinance #564, to consider amendments to the Pole Barns and Accessory Buildings Ordinance. (On file in the Clerk’s Office.)
K. Mayor Leary announced the first reading of Ordinance #563, to consider amendments to the Sewer Use Ordinance. (On file in the Clerk’s Office.)
L. Mayor Leary announced the first reading of Ordinance #562, to consider the Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance. (On file in the Clerk’s Office.)
M. Zerkle proposed that the City Council consider creating a 5-member sub-committee composed of the Planning Commission Chair, two City Council Members, and the City Manager, to explore options to allow poultry in the city. Of the Pet/Animal Survey conducted early last year, the city received 293 responses, which is only 4.9% of the population (5,972). The margin was close with 159 responding yes, that they agree with the prohibition of chickens/fowl in the city and 129 responding no that they do not agree with the prohibition.
Steele commented that poultry is a lot different than chickens; Emu are considered poultry. Additionally, the population (5,972) also consists of babies, children, and teenagers. Steele advised that she is not in favor of forming a sub-committee and that the city has a Planning Commission for a reason.
Gladding advised that she was on both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals around 2012 where a considerable amount of time was spent discussing and researching the chicken issue. An Ordinance was created but was not adopted by the City Council at that time. Gladding advised that the city should consider looking into this again.
Zerkle stated that the Planning Commission gave the matter no consideration whatsoever at their meeting last week. He advised that a current State Representative is having a first reading on legislation to allow backyard chickens and Zerkle thought we should give it more consideration.
Mayor Leary stated her concerns that allowing chickens would create a plethora of problems. The matter has been revisited and although it was a slim majority, against chickens it was still a majority. She asked Zerkle what he hopes to achieve with a sub-committee.
Zerkle advised that both sides need to be considered and stated that he felt some voices weren’t being heard.
Mayor Leary advised that the matter is appropriate for the Planning Commission to discuss and give their recommendation.
Zerkle stated that the Planning Commission’s discussion was one-sided.
Gladding recommended to send the matter back to the Planning Commission, for them to create an ordinance and to offer their recommendation to City Council.
Zerkle retracted his original motion to form a sub-committee and moved for the chicken issue to go back to the Planning Commission to create an ordinance and give their recommendation to City Council. Gladding seconded the motion. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
N. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to appoint Andrew Hurst to the Library Board. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
O. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, to approve Resolution #2025-03-12, authorizing a Deficit Elimination Plan for the Year ending 2024. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Yeas – Gladding, Steele, Zerkle and Mayor Leary
Nays - None
Absent – Curtis
The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03-12
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DEFICIT ELIMINATION PLAN FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Belding, County of Ionia, Michigan, held in said City on the 4th day of March, 2025.
WHEREAS, the City of Belding’s audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 revealed a deficit of the balance of the Water Fund on June 30, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, the plan that was proposed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Belding at a regular meeting on February 2, 2025 was rejected by the State of Michigan, with the State of Michigan requesting a Deficit Elimination Plan showing a two-year budget for the City of Belding being relieved of the deficit; and
WHEREAS, all deficits are expected to be corrected in the upcoming fiscal year; and,
WHEREAS 1971 PA 140 requires that a Deficit Elimination Plan be formulated and filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury by the City of Belding; and,
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the City Council of City of Belding adopts the attached "Municipal Code 142010 Deficit Elimination Plan;" and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the transfer of funds as stated in the plan be made by the City's Finance Director; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Belding’s Finance Director submits the Deficit Elimination Plan to the Michigan Department of Treasury for certification.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
John LaClear, 415 E. State Street, advised that he is the Chair to the Planning Commission. He is proud of all of the people on there and they try to look at all sides. All agendas are on the city website and to insinuate that all sides are not being looked at is offensive, because they try.
Mike Brady, 127 Masonic, stated that the didn’t like what the Planning Commission said, so they are kicking it back to them. The Boards consist of citizens and do their opinions mean nothing. He advised that he offered public comment at the Planning Commission meeting against allowing chickens in the city and others spoke as well. No one who wants chickens showed up to speak on that behalf. He said he was confused and doesn’t like the message this sends. The meeting agenda was advertised.
Clinton Hewartson, Owner of NTG Games, congratulated Krieger on his appointment as City Manager. He voiced concerns regarding Zerkle’s comment that “if one person wants something that it should be considered” and noted that could become a slippery slope. He stated that he was offended because the Planning Commission does takes people’s opinions into account. The actions of the City Council are unacceptable; do better.
Mike Tefft stated that he takes offense to the situation and that the Planning Commission does listen.
Jenny Bennett stated that the City Planner, lawyer, staff and the Planning Commission are spending time and resources on something that should be put past us.
Jeff Harrington asked if the chickens would be caged or free-range? He stated that if you want a farm, buy a farm. He voiced his appreciation of everyone.
Krieger commented on the following topics of interest:
· Thanked Ortego and the staff at City Hall and stated that they have some great ideas
· Congratulated Zerkle on his award and thanked him for his service
· Requested that council members use one point of contact for agenda items by funneling all agenda items through Mayor Leary
· Advised that the cemetery committee has never been formed and inquired as to whether they would like to still pursue it
· Requested work session topics be given to him so he has time to prepare
Steele commented on the following topics of interest:
· New ideas
· She was involved in the (informal) cemetery committee and has a lot of information on it
· Rehashing goals
· If residents who support having chickens don’t come to speak on their behalf, then that speaks for itself
Gladding commented on the following topics of interest:
· Wanting a clear answer regarding the chicken issue so council can give answers to residents who inquire
Zerkle commented on the following topics of interest:
· He offered an apology and advised that his intention was not to offend the Planning Commission members
· Due diligence and viewing issues from both sides
· Thanked everyone for coming
Mayor Leary commented on the following topics of interest:
· Differing opinions and trying to represent everyone
· Thankful to have Krieger on board
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Gladding to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
____________________________ ________________________________
Jeannine Leary, Mayor Janae Ortego, MiPMC
City Clerk