REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 6, 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, May 6, 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, Linda Curtis and Jeannine Leary
Members absent: None
City Manager Keven Krieger requested the following change to the Agenda under New Business: Add Item H. Mayor Proclamation – Municipal Clerks Week. Moved By Zerkle, seconded by Steele to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Ken Raymond commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Lori Johnson commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
David Overhall commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park
Shane Houghton commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Calvin Arnold commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Randy Klacker commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
John (last name unknown) commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Craig Gregory commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Scott Christie commented on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
A. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Gladding to adopt a Resolution of Appreciation for Colton Hummel for his service on the Recreational Advisory Board. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-05-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN, EXPRESSING ITS APPRECIATION TO COLTON HUMMEL, 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 6th day of May, 2025.
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, Mr. Hummel submitted an application to the City of Belding expressing his interest in the position and was unanimously appointed by the Recreation Advisory Board members in April, 2024 to a one-year term; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hummel offered a genuine and fresh perspective representing the youth of this community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hummel’s accomplishments go far beyond the exemplary actions he has taken in his role on the Recreation Advisory Board. He is active in football, basketball and baseball; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Belding City Council wish to recognize Mr. Hummel for his well-rounded commitment to the City of Belding. We sincerely wish Mr. Hummel success and the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 6th DAY OF MAY, 2025.
B. City Manager Keven Krieger reported that he met with some members of the Veteran’s group and mutually came up with a revised agreement. The city’s engineering group must approve the schematics of the proposed Huey helicopter placement. Krieger will send the council members the site plan proposal. Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele, to allow the Freedom Wall/ Veteran’s Group to move forward with the tank and helicopter plan, with the caveat that the city engineer reviews and approves the schematics of the helicopter placement. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
C. Krieger gave an informational update and presentation (handout on file in the Clerk’s Office) on the progress of the new city hall building which include:
· $500 invoice from Architect, including certifying the plans
· The entire lower west side of the building will be used for City Council Chamber and elections, with the exception of the server room and an election storage room
· City has a licensed builder on staff
· Approximately a dozen walls need to be removed
· Paint and flooring to be done (color scheme and including workstation furniture have been determined)
· Building awning and parking lot light posts have been removed
· Elevator meets code, but needs some upgrades
· Certified demo plans have been submitted to the county for approval
· Demolition anticipated to begin next week
· Currently developing a budget
· Hopeful to move in by the end of the year
Mayor Leary opened the Public Hearing regarding the proposed 2025/26 FY Budget at 7:44 p.m., advised that there are no significant changes, only adjustments to major and local streets. Steele commented that the city has a long history of our budgets online. Hearing no further questions or comments, Mayor Leary closed the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele 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 83338 to 83449 in the amount of $2,813,654.44
Approve ACH Payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Regularly scheduled meeting – April 15, 2025
City Council Regularly Special Meeting – April 29, 2025
Gladding gave a report on the Planning Commission.
Steele gave a report on the Library Board.
Curtis reported that the Housing Commission meeting was cancelled in April.
Zerkle reported that the ZBA did not meet.
Leary reported on the Museum Board.
A. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele, at adopt the 2025/26 FY Budget as proposed. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
B. John Bitely of Sable Homes discussed plans to build 17 homes in Belding in the Crooks Street area. He inquired if the city council would be interested in doing a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Plan to help with the infrastructure. Krieger suggested moving forward with the plan. To help Bitley and the Planning Commission to work together with a proposed plan, Bitely needed a time frame of when the city would like the TIF to be repaid. Moved by Steele, seconded by Zerkle for Krieger and Bitely to work with the Planning Commission to develop a plan to build 17 homes in the Crooks Street area with repayment of the TIF being 5 to 8 years maximum. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all.
C. Moved by Gladding, seconded by Zerkle to adopt the Feeding of Waterfowl Prohibition Ordinance as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes all. Chief of Police Dion Sower noted that the Ordinance applies only to public property. Citation would fall under municipal civil infractions however, his intent is to focus on educating the public by posting signage. The Ordinance is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BELDING BY AMENDING SECTION 10-3 AND ADDING Section 10-10 TO pRohibit the feeding of waterfowl on public property within THE CITY OF BELDING
WHEREAS the feeding of flocks of waterfowl on public property within the City of Belding, especially public parks, has caused geese, ducks, and other waterfowl to congregate in large numbers on public property; and
WHEREAS the wastes generate by significant numbers of such waterfowl accumulates on sidewalks and rights of way on public property within the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS such accumulation of animal wastes has been determined by the City of Belding to be injurious to the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS the accumulation of such wastes, and the feeding of waterfowl that causes such accumulation, is considered by the City of Belding to be a public nuisance.
THE CITY OF BELDING ORDAINS:
Section 1. Amendment of Section 10-3. Section 10-3 of the Belding City Code is amended to read as follows in its entirety:
Sec. 10-3. – Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Animal means dog, cat, bird, reptile, mammal, fish or any other dumb creature.
Cat means all cats: male, female and unsexed.
Dog means all dogs: male, female and unsexed.
Feed means the act of feeding or furnishing of food or other substances in any form.
Owner means any person having the right of property in an animal, and every person who harbors such animal or has it in his care.
Waterfowl means wild geese, ducks, swans, gulls and other wading birds native to North America.
Section 2. Addition of Section 10-10. The Belding City Code is amended to add Section 10-10 to read as follows in its entirety:
Sec. 10-10. – Prohibition on feeding of waterfowl on public property; applicability.
The presence of large numbers of waterfowl causes a public health nuisance by contaminating public parks, riverways, sidewalks and pathways used by the public. Accordingly, this section is adopted to prevent conduct that may attract and concentrate waterfowl in the City as follows:
(a) No person shall feed, cause to be fed, or provide food for waterfowl located on public property within the City.
(b) No person shall create or foster any condition or allow any condition to exist or continue which results in a congregation or congestion of waterfowl on public property within the City.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective 10 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Belding.
ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.
D. Moved by Steele, seconded by Zerkle, to reappoint Bruce Feuerstein and Barb Fagerlin to the Museum Board. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
E. Rebecca Reinink appeared before City Council to interview for an appointment to the DDA Board. Krieger read the interview questions.
F. Moved by Curtis, seconded by Gladding to reappoint Rebecca Reinink to the DDA. Motion carried 4-1 by the following roll call vote:
YEAS: Curtis, Zerkle, Gladding and Leary
NAYS: Steele
G. Mayor Leary read the following Proclamation for Memorial Day into the record:
WHEREAS, Memorial Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and its ideals; and
WHEREAS, the people of the City of Belding join communities across the country in paying tribute to the fallen heroes who have given their lives in service to our country throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the responsibility we share to uphold the values of liberty, justice, and democracy for which these patriots gave their lives; and
WHEREAS, we also recognize and express our gratitude to the families of the fallen, whose loss is deeply felt and whose courage and resilience continue to inspire our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding encourages all citizens to observe this day with reflection, unity, and a renewed commitment to supporting our veterans, active-duty service members, and military families;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeanine Leary, Mayor of the City of Belding, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 26, 2025, as Memorial Day in the City of Belding, and urge all residents to participate in ceremonies, services, and observances in honor of those who gave their lives for our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Belding to be affixed this 6th day of May, 2025.
The Proclamation will be read by Mayor Leary at a Memorial Day service on Memorial Day. Zerkle requested to add National Guard and Reserve Service Members into the Proclamation. Moved by Gladding, seconded by Zerkle to approve the reading of the Proclamation for Memorial Day with the added verbiage. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
H. Mayor Leary read the following Proclamation regarding Municipal Clerk’s Week into the record:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Office of the Municipal Clerk is a time-honored and essential part of local government, providing critical services that support transparency, public participation, and effective administration; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Janae Ortego, as the Municipal Clerk of the City of Belding, has demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and integrity in fulfilling the many responsibilities of her office; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Tonda Rich, Deputy Clerk, has played an equally vital role in supporting the functions of the Clerk’s Office through her diligence, attention to detail, and steadfast service to both city leadership and the public; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ortego and Ms. Rich work collaboratively to ensure accurate recordkeeping, the efficient execution of public meetings, and the administration of fair and transparent municipal elections; and
WHEREAS, through their knowledge, commitment, and excellence in service, Ms. Ortego and Ms. Rich exemplify the highest standards of municipal professionalism and have made lasting contributions to the operations of the City of Belding; and
WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks Week, initiated in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and endorsed by professional associations across North America, provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of clerks and deputy clerks in local government;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeannine Leary, Mayor of the City of Belding, do hereby proclaim the week of May 4–10, 2025, as Municipal Clerks Week in the City of Belding, and encourage all residents to join me in honoring Ms. Janae Ortego and Ms. Tonda Rich for their exemplary service, tireless dedication, and commitment to excellence on behalf of our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Belding to be affixed this 6th day of May, 2025.
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele to approve the Proclamation for Municipal Clerk’s Week. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Jim Mason commented on the Friends of the Library Book Sale and thanked everyone for helping him to celebrate his 80th birthday.
City Manager Keven Krieger commented on the following topics of interest:
· Lakeland Cooperative Packet
· Belding Fire Department responded to a Eureka Township fire
· National Police week starts on May 11
· Fire Chief Time Lubitz has contacted Crouch Communications regarding the siren
· Potholes – Shook Asphalt does not open until next week; DPW is working to get ahead before the asphalt comes
Gladding commented on the following:
· Work on Water Street path
· Thanked everybody for coming
· Council’s willingness to work with everyone
· Appreciates everyone
Steele commented on the following:
· Happy Birthday to Jim Mason
· Nice to have a full house, including Planning Commission and DDA members
· Council members are not unapproachable
Zerkle commented on the following:
· Happy to support initiatives
· He was honored to speak on two bills in Lansing
· Appreciates everyone
· Congratulated Reinink on her DDA reappointment
Curtis commented on the following:
· Testimonies from our heroes
· Taking care of concerns
· Thanked and congratulated Reinink on her reappointment to the DDA
· Thanked City Clerk Janae Ortego and Deputy City Clerk Tonda Rich
· Happy Birthday to Jim Mason
Gladding further commented:
· Thanked City Clerk Janae Ortego and Deputy City Clerk Tonda Rich
Mayor Leary commented on the following:
· Thanked everyone who came to the meeting
· Thanked the veterans for reiterating how important and meaningful the Veteran’s Memorial Park is to them
· Happy Birthday to Jim Mason
· Appreciates everyone’s input
· Appreciate Mr. Bitely
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Gladding to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Jeannine Leary, Mayor Janae Ortego, MiPMC
City Clerk