Donald C. Mawer

The Committee of the Whole meeting included discussions on city beautification efforts, specifically the Willkommen Sign Color Change Policy, where the DDA and City Council will reserve the right to approve holiday-related color changes. An update was provided regarding the commercial container swap-out, detailing logistics for dumpster staging and customer notifications regarding fee schedules. The City clarified it will not issue a formal moratorium on data centers due to severe water consumption constraints (462 million gallons annual city limit) and limited industrial land availability. The Sister City Committee presented its 2025 Annual Report, detailing achievements such as establishing a travel endowment, launching "Founders Day," and offering German language lessons. Other reported items included updates on Social District requests, preparations for a WRRF retirement, staffing of Sergeant positions, and planning for the Bavarian Festival and a "Frankenmuth Has Talent" show. City Manager Smith also reported a planned power outage by Consumers Energy for February 19th.

The City Council approved the meeting agenda. New business involved several resolutions, including the approval of engineering services for a sewer flow study and master plan (Resolution 2026-21), a financing agreement for property purchase with the DDA (Resolution 2026-22), awarding the contract for the Mayer Rd and W Tuscola Rd Water Main Replacement and Street Repaving (Resolution 2026-23), an amendment concerning the annexation of a W Tuscola Rd parcel (Resolution 2026-17), approval of the Woodcarver's Guild Lease Agreement for Heritage Park (Resolution 2026-14), approval of a Noise Ordinance Exemption Request from Parks and Rec (Resolution 2026-15), approval of the City Beautification Committee Willkommen Sign Color Change Policy (Resolution 2026-20), amendments to the Sister City Committee Bylaws (Resolution 2026-16), and amendments to the Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws (Resolution 2026-18). The Council also called a public hearing for March 3, 2026, to consider a City Code amendment regarding Parks and Public Grounds. Additionally, the appointment of Bryan Hoesman to the Planning Commission was approved.

The work session meeting addressed several critical operational and developmental topics. Key discussions included a detailed review of the Construction Codes audit, which exposed significant issues within the permitting system, showing backlogs and delays for various permits. The Council also reviewed the Treasurer's report, focusing on end-of-year changes, the fiscal 2025 audit, and planning for the fiscal 2027 budget, with a note on receiving anticipated interest revenue. The Police Department provided updates on recruits and recent protests, emphasizing the need for better traffic safety education and enforcement following a near-miss accident. Council members reported on DDA activities, including the Loesel property purchase and revoked state funding for a sports complex, planning commission matters such as the Cobblestone development, and Parks and Recreation Commission updates. Discussions were held regarding the Commercial Containers Contract, where a recommendation will be brought forward in January, and the NPDES Permit Update, focusing on defining the scope for the sewer inflow/infiltration study. Furthermore, the Council discussed the formation of a Building Authority to oversee bond issuance for the fire station project, DDA plans to annex and develop 36.6 acres of land, and the formalization of a Niagara on the Lake Friendship City Committee.

The meeting included a presentation and discussion of the 2024-2025 financial audit by Rehmann, which confirmed the General Fund's strong health and significant fund balance increase, alongside discussions about long-term obligations including the MERS pension plan liability. A review of the Gunzenhausen exchange highlighted observations on its government operations, focusing on practical approaches to flood control, waste management, and resource consolidation, as well as strong community engagement. Matters discussed under 'Good of the Order' included updates on the CCB resolution progress, appointment of a Parks and Recreation Commission member, the DDA's sports complex purchase agreement, updates on the CEC parade theme, and approval for an owner-occupied bed and breakfast permit by the Planning Commission. The Library Board's strategic plan status and cleanup from a minor fire were also mentioned.

The work session meeting included the introduction of the new Treasurer/Assistant City Manager, Richelle Jimenez. Key operational discussions included the scope of work for the sanitary sewer system model to address inflow and infiltration, financing options for the DDA's purchase of Michigan property including a repayment schedule and interest rate, and the presentation of a policy for changing the color of the city's digital sign for special events. Council members provided updates on various items, such as the upcoming Sister City update, the RFP for downtown trash pickup, and the start of elevator work. The Police Chief provided updates on Snowfest, a planned protest, First Amendment rights, and raised awareness regarding the local presence of Kratom. Discussions also covered proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation Commission's Articles of Operation to add a voting member and change the officer election month.