Ben Tucker

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The financials were reviewed with questions raised about snow plowing costs. An update was provided on the pickleball court project, set to commence in the spring, and the purchase of city property for the project was approved. Updates to highway banners were discussed, and information was shared regarding Small Business Saturday. The possibility of holding downtown events was introduced, and the 2024/2025 DDA PA 57 of 2018 Report was approved. The purchase of Christmas lights for Sophie St. was approved, and the 2026 meeting schedule was discussed. A quote for the pickleball court membrane was reviewed, and the purchase of an event trailer was discussed. A new business possibility in the downtown area was also presented.

The council addressed several key items, including the sale of downtown city property to the DDA, approval of the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System agreement, and the 1st Quarter Budget Amendment for 2025/2026. They also discussed the appointment to the GRWA, a special joint meeting with Bessemer Township regarding the Fire Department, and the release of revisionary interest. Additionally, the council approved the appointment of the Fire Chief and granted a request from Bessemer Elementary School PTA for the Turkey Trot, with the condition of contacting the fire department for truck relocation.

The meeting focused on pickleball court bids, with a bid from Ruotsala Construction, Inc. being approved. Discussions covered funding, location, co-sponsoring events, and the various purposes the court could serve. The Manager was requested to contact Action Floors for pricing on the court membrane, to be available at the next meeting.

The council addressed several items, including a door proposal from St George Glass & Window, the DDA PA 57 of 2018 report, and the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Association Agreement. They also discussed a laptop estimate, MML membership dues, and a change order for Cinnabar Street. The council reviewed the final draw request for Cinnabar Street, the Bessemer DWSRF Phase III draw request, and the city manager and DPW reports. Additionally, pickleball courts and a wood chipper agreement were discussed.

The council discussed livestreaming equipment and software needed to meet accessibility requirements and decided to table the discussion. They agreed to proceed as they have been regarding Mr. Stanco's property. Sandra Crebass was appointed to the resident member position in Bessemer Housing Commission. Jeffrey Burt and Suzanne Toth were appointed to the Planning Commission, and Jeffrey Burt was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority. Todd Maki, Jenny, and Barb Adams were hired as election inspectors. The City Manager Report and the DPW report were accepted and placed on file.