REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
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, August 4, 2026.
Mayor Bonita Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Chris Moore from the Zion Church of Ionia gave the Invocation.
Mayor Steele led with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy City Clerk Sharyn Overton took the roll call:
Members present: Shelley Visser, Linda Curtis, Mike Brady, Nikolai Zerkle (Active U.S. Military, virtual attendance per MCL 15.263(2)) and Bonita Steele
Members absent: None
Mayor Steele noted the following changes to the agenda: Add the following item to the Consent Agenda: Item L –Horse’s Mouth Event. Add the following items under New Business: Item D – Amend Resolution 2026-01-01, and E – Approval of Labor Day Special Event Application. Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all.
Bob Brown commented on the $14,000 cost to update the Parks & Rec 5-year Master Plan. He suggested having a Parks & Rec board member work on this, or someone local to save on this expense.
Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
The Consent Agenda is as follows:
A. Approve Independent Bank Checks 85445 to 85531 in the amount of $115,000.07
Approve Mercantile Bank Checks 1767 to 1775 in the amount of $441,739.61
Approve ACH Payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting – July 21, 2026
City Council Special Meeting – July 27, 2026
C. Authorize City Manager John Niemela as Signatory on Independent Bank Accounts (Resolution #2026-08-17). The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER JOHN NIEMELA 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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, John Niemela has been appointed City Manager of the City of Belding effective July 27, 2026; 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 John Niemela to sign checks from the city’s Independent Bank account(s) for the City of Belding.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
D. Authorize City Manager John Niemela as Signatory on Mercantile Bank Accounts (Resolution #2026-08-18). The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER JOHN NIEMELA TO SIGN CHECKS FROM THE CITY'S MERCANTILE 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 18th day of August, 2026.
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed City Manager of the City of Belding effective July 27, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager must have the authorization from city council to sign checks from the city's bank account(s) at Mercantile 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 John Niemela to sign checks from the city's Mercantile Bank account(s) for the City of Belding with an effective date of July 27, 2026.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
E. Authorize City Manager John Niemela a Mercantile Bank Credit Card for City Use (Resolution #2026-08-19). 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 JOHN NIEMELA 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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed the City Manager of the City of Belding, effective July 27, 2026; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan, to authorize to issue John Neimela a credit card from Mercantile Bank for city use.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
F. Appoint City Manager John Niemela as Street Administrator (Resolution #2026-08-20). The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN DESIGNATING CITY MANAGER JOHN NIEMELA 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 August, 2026.
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 City Manager John Niemela 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 AUGUST, 2026.
G. Appoint City Manager John Niemela to DDA (Resolution #2026-08-21). The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
APPOINTING JOHN NIEMELA TO THE DDA BOARD.
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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, Adam Poll resigned as Belding City Manager on July 24, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, Downtown Development Authority Act 197 of 1975 states the Chief Executive Officer, being the mayor or city manager, will serve on the board;
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed as Belding City Manager on July 27, 2026; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan that City Manager John Niemela be appointed to the DDA.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
H. Appoint City Manager John Niemela to GVMC (Resolution #2026-08-22). The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING DESIGNATING JOHN NIEMELA AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GRAND VALLEY METROPOLITAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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 August, 2026.
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 Adam Poll resigned on July 24, 2026; and
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed as the new Belding City Manager effective July 27, 2026; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate John Niemela, City Manager, as their representative to the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Board of Directors.
THIS RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
I. Appoint City Manager John Niemela as Authorized Project Rep for DWAM Grant (Water System Improvements) (Resolution #2026-08-23). 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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, On July 24, 2026 Adam Poll resigned as City Manager; and,
WHEREAS, Poll was designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the ongoing Drinking Water Revolving Fund project (DWA-140); and
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed as Belding City Manager on July 27, 2026; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate John Niemela, 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 AUGUST, 2026.
J. Appoint City Manager John Niemela as Authorized Project Rep Lead and Galvanized Services Lines and Replacing Watermain (Resolution #2026-08-24). 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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, On July 24, 2026 Adam Poll resigned as City Manager; and,
WHEREAS, Poll 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, John Niemela was appointed as Belding City Manager on July 27, 2026; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate John Niemela, 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 AUGUST, 2026.
K. Appoint City Manager John Niemela as Authorized Representative for WWTP Project (Resolution #2026-08-25). 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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, On July 24, 2026, Adam Poll resigned as City Manager; and,
WHEREAS, Poll was designated as the authorized representative for all activities associated with the ongoing Clean Water State Revolving Fund project (CWSRF – 5830-01) and Drinking Water Revolving Fund project (DWA-140); and,
WHEREAS, John Niemela was appointed as Belding City Manager on July 27, 2026; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Belding, designate John Niemela, 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 AUGUST, 2026.
L. Horse’s Mouth Special Event (Application on file in the Clerk’s Office)
Reports by Council Liaisons
Curtis read a brief report on the Housing Commission meeting held on July 23rd. She stated that she had been unable to attend but had received the written update.
Zerkle reported that the ZBA has a meeting scheduled for August 10th.
Brady reported that Museum Board met, but due to several absences, they tabled the election of officers.
Visser reported that the Planning Commission cancelled their last meeting due to lack of business.
None
A. Second reading and adoption of the Tax Exemption Ordinance #575 BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project. Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser to allow discussion on this item. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Moved by Visser, seconded by Brady, to adopt the Tax Exemption Ordinance #575 BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The Ordinance is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE
ADOPTED: August 4, 2026
An Ordinance to provide for a service charge in lieu of taxes for a housing project for low-income persons and families to be financed with a federally-aided Mortgage Loan pursuant to the provisions of the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 (1966 PA 346, as amended;
THE
SECTION 1. This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the "City of Belding Tax Exemption Ordinance - BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project."
SECTION 2. Preamble.
It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its low-income persons and families and to encourage the development of such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the Act. The City is authorized by this Act to establish or change the service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any or all classes of housing exempt from taxation under this Act at any amount it chooses, not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for this Act. It is further acknowledged that such housing for low-income persons and families is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, the encouragement of the same by providing real estate tax exemption for such housing is a valid public purpose. It is further acknowledged that the continuance of the provisions of this Ordinance for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of all ad valorem taxes during the period contemplated in this Ordinance are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of the housing projects that is constructed or rehabilitated with financing extended in reliance on such tax exemption.
The City acknowledges that the Sponsor (as defined below) has offered, subject to receipt of an allocation under the LIHTC Program by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, to acquire and rehabilitate, own and operate a housing project identified as BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project on certain property located at 980 to 999 Taft Court (Taft Court), 921 Kenwood Avenue (Hilltop Court, 1 through 40 Belhaven (Belhaven I), 42 through 71 Belhaven (Belhaven II) and 701 Kenwood Avenue (Woodhaven) in the City to serve low-income persons and families, and that the Sponsor has offered to pay the City on account of this housing project an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all ad valorem property taxes.
SECTION 3. Definitions.
A. Authority means the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
B. intentionally omitted
C. Contract Rents means the total of all charges to all tenants of a Project for dwelling rents and non-dwelling rents (excluding all other income of such Project), less the cost of all dwelling and non-dwelling utilities.
D. LIHTC Program means the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program administered by the Authority under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
E. Low-Income Persons and Families means persons and families eligible to move into a housing project.
F. Mortgage Loan means a loan that is Federally-Aided (as defined in Section 11 of the Act) or a loan or grant made or to be made by the Authority to the Sponsor for the construction, rehabilitation, acquisition and/or permanent financing of a housing project and secured by a mortgage on the housing project.
G. Sponsor means Belding Housing Commission, or an entity of which Belding Housing Commission is a member, and any entity that receives or assumes a Mortgage Loan.
H. Utilities means charges for gas, electric, water, sanitary sewer and other utilities furnished to the occupants that are paid by the housing project.
SECTION 4. Class of Housing Projects.
It is determined that the class of housing projects to which the tax exemption shall apply and for which a service charge shall be paid in lieu of such taxes shall be housing projects for Low-Income Persons and Families that are financed with a Mortgage Loan. It is further determined that BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project is of this class.
SECTION 5. Establishment of Annual Service Charge.
The identified properties in the BHC Courts and Havens Preservation Project shall be exempt from all ad valorem property taxes prior to and after the commencement of construction or rehabilitation. The City acknowledges that the Sponsor and the Authority have established the economic feasibility of the housing project in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this Ordinance, and the qualification of the housing project for exemption from all ad valorem property taxes and a payment in lieu of taxes as established in this Ordinance. Therefore, in consideration of the Sponsor's offer to rehabilitate and operate the housing project, the City agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all ad valorem property taxes. Subject to receipt of a Mortgage Loan, the annual service charge shall be equal to 10 % of the Contract Rents actually collected by the housing project during each operating year.
SECTION 6. Contractual Effect of Ordinance.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15(a)(5) of the Act to the contrary, a contract between the City and the Sponsor with the Authority as third party beneficiary under the contract, to provide tax exemption and accept payments in lieu of taxes, as previously described, is effectuated by enactment of this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. Limitation on the Payment of Annual Service Charge.
Notwithstanding Section 5, the service charge to be paid each year in lieu of taxes for the part of the housing project that is tax exempt but which is occupied by other than low-income persons or families shall be equal to the full amount of the taxes which would be paid on that portion of the housing project if the housing project were not tax exempt.
SECTION 8. Payment of Service Charge.
The annual service charge in lieu of taxes as determined under this Ordinance shall be payable in the same manner as general property taxes are payable to the City and distributed to the several units levying the general property tax in the same proportion as prevailed with the general property tax in the previous calendar year. The annual payment for each operating year shall be paid on or before December 31 of the following year. Collection procedures shall be in accordance with the provisions of the General Property Tax Act (1893 PA 206, as amended; MCL 211.1, et seq).
SECTION 9. Duration.
This Ordinance shall remain in effect and shall not terminate so long as a Mortgage Loan remains outstanding and unpaid and the housing project remains subject to income and rent restrictions under the LIHTC Program.
SECTION 10. Severability.
The various sections and provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this Ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any section or provision of this Ordinance, other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
SECTION 11. Inconsistent Ordinances.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict.
Section 12. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall become effective on August 13, 2026, as provided in the City Charter.
B. Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser to allow discussion on the Williams & Works Proposal for Parks & Rec 5 Year Plan Update. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Mayor Steele stated that this plan is used to obtain grants, so there is a lot of money at stake with the plan, and even though she believes all of the Parks & Rec board members are intelligent, this plan must be worded perfectly. Visser further stated that it is also time-consuming and that it would be a huge responsibility for our volunteer board members. Curtis reiterated the importance of getting all of the wording done correctly, as the slightest mistake could be costly in reference to obtaining grants. Moved by Visser, seconded by Brady, to approve an amount up to $14,715 to be paid to Williams & Works for preparation of the City of Belding Parks and Recreation Five-Year Plan Update. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
C. Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser, to allow discussion on the request from the Belding Police Department for the purchase of handguns. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Chief Sower presented his request stating that the City has received $20,338.00 through the Michigan Public Safety Revenue Sharing Program and explained the breakdown and required use of the funds. He reported that the minimum amount allocated to the Belding Police Department is $15,253.50. His request is for 12 Glock 17 Gen 6 9 mm handguns and 10 Safariland duty holsters from CMP Distributors. To offset the cost of these, he further requested approval to trade in the existing duty firearms. The trade-in value of the current firearms is $3200. If the trade-in is authorized, the total cost for the purchase would be $7,872.90. Moved by Brady, seconded by Visser, to approve the purchase of twelve Glock 17 Gen 6 9mm duty handguns with Holosun SCS-MOS-GR optics and ten duty holsters from CMP Distributors Ince in the amount of $7,872.90, utilizing Public Safety Revenue Sharing funds, and authorize the trade-in of fourteen department-owned Glock handguns. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
D. Moved by Visser, seconded by Brady, to allow discussion on the amendment of Resolution No. 2026-01-01. The resolution amending this will be Resolution No. 2026-08-26. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Moved by Zerkle, seconded by Curtis, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-88-26 ‘Resolution to Amend Resolution No. 2026-01-01 FY 2026 Resolution of Intent’. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all. The Resolution is as follows:
CITY OF BELDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELDING, MICHIGAN
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01-01 FY 2027 RESOLUTION OF INTENT
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 August, 2026.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Act 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), it is necessary for the Belding Dial-A-Ride (hereby known as THE APPLICANT) established under Act 279 to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2027 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provisions of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the governing body, to name an official representative for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to certify that no changes in eligibility documentation have occurred during the past fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the performance indicators have been reviewed and approved by the governing body.
WHEREAS, THE APPLICANT, has reviewed and approved the proposed balance (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal funds $61,740, estimated state funds $113,809, estimated local funds $60,000, with total estimated expenses of $235,549.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Belding, Michigan That THE APPLICANT hereby makes its intentions known to provide public transportation services and to apply for state financial assistance with this annual plan, in accordance with Act 51; and
HEREBY, appoints Kristine Mangus as the Transportation Coordinator, for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51 for 2027.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
E. Moved by Curtis, seconded by Visser to allow discussion on the Labor Day Special Event Application. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Moved by Curtis, seconded by Visser, to approve the Labor Day Special Event Application. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Dustin Johnson, owner of Jordan Manufacturing, suggested that the Council consider contracting with an outside consultant to help with retention of city managers, stating that he sees longevity of managers as a necessity for growth.
City Manager John Niemela briefed the Council on what could be expected from him in the future for reports. He shared that he would be giving them frequent updates, possibly weekly. He reported on various activities, events and projects including street projects, and bridge grants.
Brady commented on the quick response of the Council in regard to the replacement of the city manager. He reported that he has now talked to several City employees and attitudes are good.
Visser stated, in response to the public comment, that the City has used Michigan Municipal League for the hiring process of the last three city managers. The Council has done their due diligence. She further stated that Mr. Niemela has 100% of her support.
Steele commented that Gus Macker went well. Also, in response to the resignation of the city manager, she shared that the resignation came on Friday and the Council was able to make all the necessary contacts and have a plan in place by 7:00 a.m. on Monday.
Curtis commented on the ribbon-cutting of the recently completed 17 home Knightstead subdivision.
Moved by Visser, seconded by Curtis to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Bonita Steele, Mayor Sharyn Overton
Deputy City Clerk