Dori Foster

Key discussion topics included a public hearing on the Utility Financial Solutions-Electric Rate Study, review of claims and accounts, and monthly board minutes. Council considered the consent agenda, which involved payment for GIS & Training Services, cancellation of an award to NTH Consultants Ltd. and transfer of the award to Farabee Mechanical Inc., and the Union Street Pump Station Bypass. Business items covered quotes for Buck-A-Bout, a contract with Elite Pipeline Services for CCTV Taping, and multiple resolutions regarding MDOT Main Street Construction and the Affordable Solar Project, as well as a Charitable Gaming License. Reports from the City Manager, City Clerk, and Police Chief were also presented.

The meeting agenda was reviewed and accepted. Key discussions included clarification on a new line item in the Financial Report concerning Compensated Absences Payable. In the Librarian's Report, updates were provided on pending Windows 11 availability, delays in book orders due to Baker & Taylor ceasing operations, cancellation of VITA services for the year, and successful repaving of the library driveway. The Statistical Report correction indicated physical circulation was down 8.7% compared to one year prior, not 16.1%. During Old Business, the board reviewed potential shelving locations from MCD Architects regarding the master plan and expressed a strong desire to schedule a February presentation for the final master plan. Announcements included planning activities for Take Your Child to the Library Day on February 7, 2026.

The board reviewed and accepted the proposed agenda, adding a request for reviewing library policies to New Business. Key discussions included the Librarian's report noting the success of the Friends book sale, the establishment of new book vendor accounts due to Baker & Taylor ceasing operations, a forthcoming holiday open house, the notification of a court case related to MeLCat usage, and the receipt of an anonymous $5000 donation. The financial reports for September and October were accepted, including a discussion regarding penal fines and a new required line item on the balance sheet. Statistical reports indicated increased usage for NewsBank and Educate Station. The Old Business section involved a thorough review of the first draft of the Master Plan from MCD Architects, leading to a request for the Library Director to inquire about after-hours usage of City Hall meeting rooms, tabling the topic pending MCD Architects' follow-up. The review of library policies was tabled until a full board is seated.

The City Council meeting included a public hearing regarding three Industrial Facilities Exemption (IFE) transfers. The primary actions involved approving the transfer of three IFE Certificates (2015-198, 2020-013, and 2022-031) to Engineered Plastic Components, Inc. (dba Plasti-Paint). The Council also approved the Claims & Accounts totaling $540,597.10 and received the December 2025 Monthly Reports, with follow-up requested on financial reports. Several Consent Agenda items related to professional services and fees were approved. A significant resolution was passed adopting the Gratiot Countywide Master Plan as the City of St. Louis Master Plan. Furthermore, the Council appointed Chief Richard Ramereiz to the Mid-Michigan Area Group Narcotics Enforcement Board and appointed resident Cole Smith to the Library Board of Trustees. The introduction of Ordinance B-245 concerning a Consumers Energy Franchise was approved for adoption on February 3, 2026. Other discussions included updates on new A.E.D. grant funding and pending architectural security upgrade proposals.

The City Council meeting commenced with an audit presentation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which concluded with an unmodified, clean opinion. Key discussion points involved approving the agenda, discussing and approving Claims & Accounts totaling $572,918.98, and receiving the January 2026 Monthly Board Minutes. The Council approved a Consent Agenda covering several payments, including those for the DWSRF Grant Construction Project, Police Academy Sponsorships, pump rebuilds, and utility line installations. Furthermore, the Council approved the purchase quote for a new Bandit Woodchipper Intimidator 15XP to replace a 1995 model. A resolution establishing guidelines for poverty exemptions (Resolution 2026-06) based on federal poverty guidelines was adopted. An ordinance granting Consumers Energy Company a thirty-year franchise for gas lines and facilities (Ordinance No. B-245) was adopted. Updates to the Water Supply Cross Connection Ordinance were introduced for adoption at a future meeting. The Council also approved a quote for As Needed Professional Services and Training from Clever Surveying & Engineering. The City Manager reported on recent water-main breaks, ongoing fuel tank upgrades, potential vegetation management pilot programs, and security upgrades for the finance counter and police department.