Heather Feazel

The commission held a public hearing regarding an ordinance amendment to Chapter 46, Zoning, specifically concerning construction, layout, and maintenance standards for off-street parking and loading areas. Following the hearing, the commission voted to recommend the approval of this proposed amendment to the City Council.

The council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key actions included the approval of a resolution to opt out of the publicly funded health insurance contributions act, the purchase of ten tasers for the Public Safety Department, and the authorization of a contract with the MDOT for the reconstruction of Coffren Street. Additionally, the council discussed citizen concerns regarding bike trails, sidewalk conditions, and local road maintenance.

The meeting included a public comment session regarding proposed state tax relief legislation and community outreach initiatives. A public hearing was held to solicit feedback on a project planning document for municipal water system improvements. Following the hearing, the council formally adopted Resolution 26-09, which authorizes the pursuit of financial assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to replace lead and galvanized water service pipes as required by current environmental regulations. The city engineer was designated as the authorized representative to manage the loan application and implementation process for these infrastructure upgrades.

The council discussed various citizen concerns regarding meeting recordings, speed limits, code enforcement, and accounts payable. New business items included the adoption of Ordinance 26-02 to rezone a property from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 Single and Two Family Residential. The council approved the Downtown Development Authority 2026-2027 annual budget. Additionally, bids were awarded for the Aerial Apparatus Electrical Power Unit Replacement Project, pickleball court crack repairs, and a large format scanner replacement for the Engineering Department.

The board received and accepted a financial report. Discussions were held regarding winter banner options and table options for Lafayette Street Park, with further review requested for a future meeting. Additionally, the board adopted the budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including an amendment for additional landscaping upgrades to specified parking lots.