Daniel J. Coss

The key discussion topic for the meeting scheduled on February 26, 2026, is the review of a PUD Concept Plan regarding the DeWitt & Herbison 43 Acres parcel. The staff report outlines that the concept plan proposes development under the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, which involves mixed residential, office space, and commercial uses, and requires evaluation for compatibility with the existing R-1 zoning, the Master Plan's designation of medium density residential for Planning Area 6, and PUD ordinance criteria. The agenda also includes standard items such as public comments and the approval of the previous meeting's minutes from January 22, 2026.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several key items. Under New Business, the Council was set to confirm appointments to the Board of Review and the District Library Board. Another agenda item involved a review and recommended action to authorize the use of SCCMUA reserve funds, not to exceed $24,004.00, for installing a Cured In-Place Pipe (CIPP) sewer liner on the Cedarwood Street sanitary line between Cherry Street and Pine Street. The meeting materials also contained excerpts from a previous Regular City Council Meeting on February 9, 2026, which reviewed the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and included department reports. Additionally, supporting staff reports detailed the appointment rationale and the necessity for the sewer lining project.

Key discussions for the meeting included the request for a seven-year contract extension with Granger Waste Services, Inc., to commence July 1, 2026, with specific amendments regarding recycling tubs, bulk item pickup scheduling, and yard waste carts. The Council planned to review the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 DAESA Budget, noting the City's proposed contribution of $370,975.64. Additionally, the agenda included consideration for approving easements with Consumers Energy for properties at 119 West Jefferson and 124 East Jefferson, reviewing proposed graphic designs for a new police patrol vehicle, and approving a letter of support for the East Dill Sanitary Sewer Extension funding applications to Senators Peters and Slotkin.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed the appointment of officers for 2026, nominating Commissioner Ware as Chairperson, Commissioner Clement as Vice-Chair, and Commissioner Patterson as Secretary. The commission also reviewed and accepted the 2025 DeWitt Planning Commission Annual Report, voting to forward it to the City Council. Furthermore, the commission reviewed the synopsis of departmental projects and unanimously approved the Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2031, forwarding this approval to the Mayor and City Council.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The Council confirmed mayoral appointments to the Board of Review and the District Library Board. A motion was carried to authorize the use of sewer reserve funds, not to exceed $24,004.00, to install a Cured In-Place (CIPP) liner for sanitary sewer maintenance on Cedarwood Street between Cherry Street and Pine Street. Council reports covered budget committee formation by the Mayor/DDA, scheduling adjustments for the DARA meeting, updates on Parks discussions regarding kayak lockers, ongoing budget discussions for DAESA, and the upcoming tax deadline for the Clerk-Treasurer. The Police Chief provided updates on recent training, a successful lockdown drill, and upcoming interviews for a Sergeant position. A Councilmember expressed appreciation for the city's ambulance services, and another reported positive progress on Ox Roast Planning, including securing a contract for a drone show.