REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, October 21, 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, October 21, 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
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Steele to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
A. Mayor Proclamation – Betty Jenkins was honored for 50 years of service to the Belding Library. Mayor Leary presented Jenkins with the following Proclamation:
City of Belding Mayoral Proclamation
Honoring Betty Jenkins for 50 Years of Dedicated Service to the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library
WHEREAS, for nearly half a century, one constant presence has warmly greeted generations of Belding residents from behind the service desk of the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library — a friendly face always ready with a smile, a kind word, and a helping hand — Mrs. Betty Jenkins; and
WHEREAS, Betty began her remarkable career at just 15 years old, while still a student at Belding High School, when her enthusiasm as a young patron caught the attention of Assistant Library Director Marge McQueen and Library Director Jackie Badersnider, who hired her to assist in the children’s room after school; and
WHEREAS, over the course of 50 years, Betty’s dedication, kindness, and knowledge have made her a beloved and invaluable part of the library’s history — serving as a bridge between generations, helping countless residents discover the joy of reading, and sharing her deep love for the Belding community; and
WHEREAS, Betty’s impact reaches far beyond the library walls. Her encyclopedic knowledge of local history, her compassion for neighbors, and her constant willingness to help others have made her an irreplaceable resource and friend to many; and
WHEREAS, Betty continues to serve as Circulation Manager and Head of Memorials, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to her work, her colleagues, and the library patrons who have long become her extended family; and
WHEREAS, her words remind us of the heart of true public service: “You don’t know everything, but you know where to find it — it’s all about helping each other out.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeannine Leary, Mayor of the City of Belding, on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of this community, do hereby proclaim October 23, 2025, as
“Betty Jenkins Day”
in the City of Belding, and urge all residents to join in celebrating Betty’s 50 years of exceptional service, her enduring kindness, and her unwavering dedication to our beloved library and community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the official seal of the City of Belding to be affixed this 21st day of October, 2025.
City Manager 2nd Interviews
A. Candidate Michael Falcon was asked a series of questions ranging from his management/leadership skills and experience to community involvement, city finances and grant funding. Candidate Falcon finished at 7:37 p.m.
Mayor Leary called for a brief recess at 7:37 p.m. and reconvened at 7:41 p.m.
B. Candidate Ryan Madis was asked a series of questions ranging from his management/leadership skills and experience to community involvement, city finances and grant funding. Candidate Madis finished at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Leary called for a brief recess at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:08 p.m.
Mayor Leary advised that she was approached during the break and requested to add a presentation under New Business. The Presentation will be Item A., with all other items of business moving down by one. Moved by Steele, seconded by Gladding to approve the amendment to the agenda. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
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 84212 to 84285 in the amount of $193,360.74
Approve ACH Payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Special meeting – October 7, 2025
City Council Closed Session meeting – October 7, 2025
City Council Regular meeting – October 7, 2025
City Council Special meeting – October 18, 2025
Gladding reported that the Planning Commission meets next week.
Steele reported that the Recreation Advisory Board met last week.
Curtis reported that the Housing Commission meets Thursday.
Zerkle reported that the ZBA has not has not met since the last City Council meeting, nor is one scheduled at this time.
Mayor Leary reported that the Museum Board meets on October 23rd. The Edmond Fitzgerald legend and song event will take place at that time.
A. Mike McCarty gave a brief presentation regarding the Michigan Amateur Disc Golf State Championship. McCarty advised that this event has been held in Ludington for the past 20 years. He was recently contacted by Shea Aggby of Great Lakes Discs wanting our course to be part of this. This would be a 5-year contract, 2027-2031. It would bring in 700 players over the course of three days. The contract requires that no casual-play be allowed during the event. Additionally, a lot needs to happen in the park to get it up to standards such as the removal of logs from fallen trees that have been cut up. This event would likely take place over Labor Day weekend, which would be a great addition to our Labor Day festivities. There is some wiggle room to adjust the event a week earlier or a week later if it is decided to not be part of Labor Day. It will also bring players to the course outside of the championship to play the course to become familiarized with it. Moved by Steele, seconded by Zerkle to proceed with the contract from Michigan Amateur State Championships. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes -all.
B. Trick-or-Treating Hours – Mayor Leary reported she was contacted by the school, inquiring if the city would consider moving Trick-or-Treating hours to Thursday, October 30th as the BHS football team may make the first round of playoffs. Moving the date and time for trick-or-treating would help parents not have to decide between trick-or-treating or going to the football game. Additionally, there were concerns of increased traffic. Curtis moved to discuss the item. Hearing no support, the motion died. Trick-or-treating hours will remain on October 31st.
C. Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Gladding to adopt the Resolution approving the proposed City of Belding Master Plan for distribution and asserting the City Council’s right to adopt such master plan. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
IONIA County, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROPOSED CITY OF BELDING MASTER PLAN FOR DISTRIBUTION AND ASSERTING THE CITY COUNCIL’S RIGHT TO ADOPT SUCH MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3801 et seq. (“MPEA”) authorizes the Planning Commission to prepare a Master Plan for the use, development and preservation of all lands in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of Belding Planning Commission has undertaken an effort to draft a new Master Plan and has assembled a proposed Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3842, requires the City Council to authorize distribution of the proposed Master Plan to the notice group entities identified in the MPEA; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3843, provides the City Council with the option to assert its right to approve or reject the proposed Master Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Intent to Approve or Reject Master Plan. Pursuant to MCL 125.3843, the Belding City Council hereby asserts its right to approve or reject the proposed Master Plan.
2. Distribution of Draft Plan to Notice Group. Pursuant to MCL 125.3842, the City Council hereby approves distribution of the proposed Master Plan to the Notice Group outlined in MPEA for review and comment.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
D. Deliberations to Select a City Manager Lead Candidate – Mayor Leary opened up the meeting for comments regarding the candidates from the public and the staff. Hearing none, the council members made brief comments about the candidates. Ortego inquired how the council members would like to vote, advising that she had prepared ballots if they would like to use them. Council members indicated the ballots as their choice, as this has been their process in the past. Ortego advised that the ballots have 3 selections to choose from: Michael Falcon, Ryan Madis or Neither. She further instructed that ONE choice should be circled with the council member’s signature at the bottom of their ballot. Ortego distributed one ballot to each council member. Upon their return to Ortego, she used a tally sheet to record the votes and verified each ballot for signature. Upon completion Ortego read the votes aloud. The vote tally was as follows:
Falcon – 1; Madis – 3; Neither – 1
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele, to name Ryan Madis as the lead candidate for the position of City Manager, to authorize Pivot Group to initiate a background investigation and to authorize Pivot Group, the City Attorney and Mayor to enter into contract negotiations with the lead candidate. The Mayor shall present the Council with an employment agreement at the next Council meeting. Motion carried 4-1 by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Gladding, Steele, Curtis and Leary
Nays: Zerkle
Linda Rousseau inquired as to why the Water Street Park was destroyed. Steele addressed Rousseau, advising that it had been discussed at several Rec Board meetings. Former City Manager, Keven Krieger found it to be a hazard in disrepair. The City has applied for a grant to replace the play equipment. Rousseau commented that the money could’ve been used to repair the roads. Zerkle advised that the city has a neighborhood funding plan for the roads and the Bridge Street is scheduled to be fixed next year.
Steele inquired about the land fill certificates. Interim City Manager Becky Schlienz reported that she did not have that exact information with her, but they were well used.
Zerkle commented that he was disappointed on the decision regarding the City Manager, and further commented that he reached out to staff and that they were unsure of a lead candidate.
Gladding thanked everyone for coming, thanked Rousseau for bringing her concern to the meeting instead of Facebook, thanked staff and advised that she did not have the same opinion as Zerkle.
Steele congratulated Jenkins on 50 years at the library, advised that she reached out to staff regarding the City Manager. Steele commented that either candidate was good and expressed her excitement to move forward.
Curtis thanked everyone for coming, stated that it was a tough decision, and hopes that he (Madis) is here for the long haul and not just using Belding as a stepping stone.
Mayor Leary thanked Jenkins for her 50 years of service, advised that selecting a City manager is difficult, and stated that both candidates were very good and thought that they would both be dedicated to Belding
Moved by Gladding, seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Jeannine Leary, Mayor Janae Ortego, MiPMC
City Clerk