City of Saint Johns

The regular meeting addressed several key items, beginning with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the approval of the special meeting minutes from January 8, 2026, receipt of warrants totaling $3,904,880.45, approval of the bid for West End Storm Sewer Ditch Cleaning, approval of mid-year budget adjustments, approval of the PSD/DDA Director contract, and approval for the Fire Chief to sign the IROL Service Level Agreement. Items moved to New Business included a budget amendment for ladder truck repairs, the Bendzinski Water and Sewer Rate Study contract, and the Police Department lawn service renewal. During presentations, the commission recognized Bill Tennant with a new legacy award, received an update on the Friendship City relationship with Shiga, accepted the annual Audit Presentation, and reviewed the Quarterly Budget Report. Public comments focused heavily on concerns regarding recent tree removal along the McConnell Street ditch and the perceived lack of communication. New Business included adopting resolutions concerning Poverty Exemptions, Board of Review start dates, and written protests. The commission adopted Resolution #4-2026 to approve the Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan after extensive discussion regarding maps, road names, and service area designations. Significant discussion occurred regarding the financial struggles of the Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority, leading to the approval of an emergency $2 per capita contribution and a budget increase to $22 per capita for 2026/27. The commission approved an additional $1,000 per month compensation for the Interim City Manager while she serves in the role. They approved the budget amendment for the Fire Department ladder truck repairs and the contract for the water and sewer rate study. The 24-month renewal for Police Department lawn maintenance was authorized, and the commission selected Walsh for the City Manager search process. Finally, the inspection fee for the rental inspection program was set at $150. Updates were provided on the Wilson Center project timeline, the ongoing wage study, the budget calendar, and planning updates for the M-21 road project.

The special meeting was focused on reviewing the Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs) of various departments. The agenda was approved as presented. The main activity involved organizing four breakout sessions where commissioners could engage in detailed discussions with individual departments: Police; Fire & Public Works; Wastewater & Water; and Administration & Parks. The commission discussed the CIP by addressing needs versus wants, determining if any previously cut items requested restoration, establishing prioritization for CIP items, and reviewing how proposed projects would yield future improvements.

The proposed agenda for the City Commission meeting includes several items for the Consent Agenda, such as the approval of previous meeting minutes (Special and Regular meetings of January 26, 2026), receipt of warrants totaling $693,862.57, and staff recommendations to approve service contracts with Walsh Municipal Services for the City Manager search and to award the 2026 Manhole Lining contract to Advanced Rehab for $99,855. Other items include the reapproval of the PSD/DDA Director contract for Heather Hanover, awarding the Cass Street Water Main Replacement to Miller Brothers Excavating ($245,862.44), approving a budget adjustment of $24,480 for a Utility Operator position, approving a LEAP Community Enhancement Grant agreement, and approving a proposal from Michigan Paving and Materials for Downtown Area Street Improvements ($245,495). Additional agenda items include a Public Hearing, a presentation on the Compensation Study, receiving the Capital Improvement Plan, and introductions of resolutions regarding Poverty Exemptions, Board of Review start dates, written protest procedures, the Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan adoption, Clinton Area Ambulance Service funding, Interim City Manager compensation, and a Motor Pool Deficit Elimination Plan.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered minutes from a prior meeting and the December 31, 2025, financial report. Discussions on Old Business centered on the 2026 Event List, specifically debating which events are PSD-sponsored, the involvement of DPW workers, liability for joint events, and coordinating with the Chamber regarding event classifications, deferring final slate approval to February. The committee also referred the issue of categorizing events and granting funds for fair decision-making to the Events committee. New Business focused on the upcoming 2026-2027 Budget requiring committee input for approval. In a closed session, the board approved the 2026 contract for the Executive Director, Heather Hanover, including a $1000 increase. The meeting concluded with a public comment regarding the removal of holiday décor.

The meeting focused on new business, specifically the review of the 2026-30 Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan. The board discussed formally recommending this plan to the City Commission for adoption in January, including an agreed-upon amendment to move the Recreation Director position below the City Manager position within the Administrative Structure section. In old business, an update was provided on the Wilson Community Center roof construction, which was approximately 50% complete, and a potential change in flooring material from laminate to tile for historical reasons was mentioned.