REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
BELDING CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 7, 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, July 7, 2026.
Mayor Bonita Steele called the meeting to order.
Sharyn Overton gave the Invocation.
Deputy City Clerk Sharyn Overton took the roll call:
Members present: Nikolai Zerkle (Active U.S. Military, virtual attendance, per MCL 15.263(2)), Mike Brady, Shelley Gladding-Visser, Linda Curtis, and Bonita Steele.
Members absent: None
Moved by Gladding-Visser, seconded by Brady to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes - all.
There were no public comments.
Moved by Brady, seconded by Gladding-Visser 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 85301 to 85389 in the amount of $215,797.81
Approve Mercantile Bank Checks 1759 to 1766 in the amount of $4,994.88
Approve ACH Payments
B. Approve Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting – June 16, 2026
City Council Special Meeting – June 25, 2026
C. Approve Special Event Application -Gus Macker
Gladding-Visser reported that the Planning Commission will be holding a Public Hearing on June 23rd regarding a special use permit.
Curtis reported that the Housing Commission met on June 18th. New security cameras for the various housing facilities are being investigated, a new plow truck has been purchased, and election of officers was held with the same individuals being elected.
None
A. Fire Chief Tim Lubitz presented the council with a request to purchase a Pumper – Tanker truck from Spencer Manufacturing for the total cost of $742,105.00. He informed the council that this quote is good only until July 10, 2026. Lubitz stated that the department runs with only two trucks currently, as one was eliminated several years ago due to budget issues. The two trucks are relatively old and the chassis on one does not meet state requirements. He stated that the cost presented includes participation in the HGAC Purchasing Program. Through HGAC, governmental agencies can purchase equipment which has been bid out through the company to receive the best price through that process. Lubitz shared that HGAC is very similar to MiDeal, which the City has utilized in the past to purchase several vehicles and equipment. Lubitz further stated that he and Finance Officer Becky Schlienz have discussed various ways to bring in revenue to help recover some of the cost of the truck, and he will be investigating these options more thoroughly and continuing to look for new ways to bring in revenue.
Council members questioned Schlienz as to her opinion on the budget for this. Schlienz stated that it will definitely make things tight until the current truck is paid off and that she would have liked more time to review finances and meet with the bank.
Various questions and concerns were shared by council members, regarding the speed at which this transaction is taking place, the uncertainty of the possible revenue, and bypassing the City’s bid process.
An extensive discussion took place with council members and City Manager Adam Poll contributing to the discussion.
Moved by Gladding-Visser, seconded by Brady, to purchase one Spencer Pumper-Tanker Truck at a cost not to exceed $742,105.00, which includes HGAC Program inclusion. Motion carried 4-1 by the following roll call vote:
Yeas: Curtis, Brady, Gladding-Visser and Mayor Steele.
Nays: Zerkle
Absent: None
Clinton Hewartson shared that he has received threats and harassment due to him videotaping the meetings. He called on the council to disavow the people threatening him and to speak out against this type of behavior. He further noted that a petition is being circulated to have placed on the ballot the issue of requiring the City to livestream all meetings.
Bob Brown requested that the council be forward thinking and plan for the next fire truck replacement rather than waiting until the last minute.
Poll commented on the following:
· Shared his appreciation for the DPW staff for their hard work on the road projects.
· Noted that, due to the heat, the mowing schedule has been reduced.
· He hopes to have an update on the new city hall soon.
· The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new housing development is being scheduled.
· The Wastewater Treatment Plant Grand Opening is scheduled for August 19th.
Brady commented on the importance of tonight’s decisions.
Curtis stated that sometimes decisions are tough, but she believes the council always makes their decisions based on what is best for the City.
Gladding-Visser addressed Hewartson, apologizing for the threats he reported receiving and agreed that no one should be threatened. She also read a prepared statement addressing the livestream issue.
Zerkle reported that the capital improvement grant that was being worked on was approved at the State level.
Mayor Steele shared that she appreciates being able to focus on positive issues, stating that she had received a very positive text message from a resident expressing their appreciation for the efforts the City makes in enforcing code to keep the city clean.
Mayor Steele then called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jim & Sally Weeks, Tim Lakin and Paula Byrne.
Brady expressed his condolences to Chief Lubitz regarding the loss of his father and added his appreciation for him attending the meeting.
Moved by Brady, seconded by Curtis to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.
Bonita Steele, Mayor Sharyn Overton
Deputy City Clerk