Bryan Myrkle

Key discussions included Trustee Rohr reporting complaints about the aesthetic of the new Maple Island Bridge and Trustee Hamilton inquiring about the plow schedule for downtown parking lots and sidewalks. Action items covered approving the revised MERS 457 agreement for the Chief of Police position. The Council approved a pay request for the 2025 Road Improvement Projects. Three PILOT Settlement Agreements were approved via resolution: one with Paw Paw Township, one with Paw Paw Public Schools, and one with Van Buren County. Additionally, the Council approved Change Order No. 1 and Pay Request No. 4 for the Briggs Dam Replacement Project. Committee updates noted that the Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the park millage renewal. Staff comments indicated that the Briggs Dam project is on schedule, noting it will be the first labyrinth style weir in Michigan, and Director Brandys revoked Frontier Communications contractors' right of way permits due to noncompliance and damage to electrical lines. Police Chief Rottman reported on the successful Red Arrow Convoy Lighted Truck Parade and upcoming participation in the Shop with a Cop event.

The Council meeting included approving the agenda with the removal of a public hearing item for the Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance, and approving the claims for the current date. The Council conducted a public hearing regarding proposed Revisions to the Floodplain Ordinance, which was subsequently adopted. A resolution establishing language for the Parks & Recreation Millage renewal, authorizing its inclusion on the May 2026 ballot, was adopted. The Council set public hearings for February 9th concerning proposed changes to the Parks & Recreation Board Ordinance and the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget. Action was taken to approve a pay request for the Maple Island Bridge project, authorize the purchase of energy via a Power Purchase Commitment Agreement, authorize the execution of a Renewable Energy Credits Power Purchase Agreement, and approve amendments to the professional services agreement with SafeBuilt for residential rental inspections. Additionally, an agreement was authorized with the AARP Foundation for administrative assistance. Updates were provided regarding a façade grant awarded by the DDA, the relocation of the Farmers Market, and negative results from recent testing at DPS, leading to a stop order on a local condo build.

The meeting agenda was approved with the addition of Milbocker pay request No. 5 and the 2026 Council Meeting Schedule, and the tabling of the Maple Island Bridge Project Scope Change Order #2. Key actions included approving claims for January 12, 2026, adopting a resolution recognizing the Killer Beez Junior Roller Derby organization for charitable gaming licenses, and adopting a resolution for the Strand Theatre LLC liquor license application. A change order for the water main replacement project (DWSRF) resulted in a significant reduction in cost. The council approved a pay request for Lounsbury Excavating, Inc. A public hearing was set for January 26, 2026, regarding an update to the Floodplain Ordinance. Pay request No. 5 from Milbocker Construction was approved, and the 2026 Council meeting schedule was adopted. Discussions regarding the 2026 Wine & Harvest Festival and a proposed Professional Services Agreement with SafeBuilt for rental inspections were tabled. Committee reports included updates from Parks & Rec on millage renewal, DDA regarding a board member's retirement, Farmers Market relocation discussions, the Fire District Board approving its budget, and the Maple Lake Preservation Committee discussing remedies for the South Basin. The Planning Commission reviewed the Master Plan draft and discussed prohibiting shipping containers in residential areas. Council member comments included proposing dedication of the Briggs Dam walking trail as a memorial trail. Staff reports covered infrastructure repairs and a successful 'Shop with a Cop' event.

Key discussions during the meeting included positive feedback on the Hunters Widow Weekend shopping event, an inquiry regarding a succession plan for the water lab, and a presentation by the owner of the Strand Theater concerning an application for a Redevelopment Liquor License. Action items approved included road closures for the Christmas Parade and the acceptance of a proposal for a Water System Risk and Resilience Assessment as required by the America's Water Infrastructure Act. The Council also approved several pay requests and a change order for the water main replacement project, and authorized an amendment to the Maple Island Bridge project grant agreement via Resolution 2025-13. The Council reached a consensus that joining a Regional Water & Sewer Authority would not be beneficial at this time. Other topics included the DDA Board's support for the theater's liquor license application, changes in management for the Farmers Market, discussions regarding contracting rental inspections with SafeBuilt, extending public water services to Prospect Manor Mobile Home Park, and recognizing an employee for 42 years of service.

The council meeting addressed concerns regarding two-story condos in the Heritage Woods PUD and approved an amendment with specific conditions to address resident concerns. They authorized the purchase of energy by the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) and supported the Red Arrow Convoys' Special Event Application for the Lighted Truck Parade. Additionally, the council approved the PILOT Settlement Agreement with the Paw Paw District Library and authorized staff to bid on a plow/dump truck at an MDOT auction. A change order for the WWTP berm stripping and grading project was approved, along with a pay application for Oselka Construction Co LLC. The council also discussed a possible sale of Village-owned property and received updates on the Briggs Dam project and recent grant funding for road projects. Reports were given on recent events, including the Charlie Kirk Memorial and No Kings Rally.