Jamie Aris

The Board of Appeals conducted a public hearing regarding a use variance request for animal boarding at a specific location, addressing issues such as facility sanitation, heating, soundproofing, and parking, ultimately approving the variance with conditions including a maximum of 15 kennels and no stacking. Additionally, the Board heard a non-use variance request concerning a second driveway, and reviewed a staff report for a future use variance request for multi-family units at 117 S. Warren Avenue, which involved discussions on density requirements and zoning compliance.

The City Commission discussed the potential re-establishment of a municipal Building Department and reviewed the proposed 2026-2032 Capital Improvement Plan. Resolutions were passed to authorize the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible swing for Northend Riverside Park and to adopt the updated Tax Abatement Policy. The Commission also voted to reject a proposal to participate in the Consumers Energy Renewable Energy Program due to concerns regarding the contract agreement. Additionally, updates were provided regarding a recent watermain break on State Street and an upcoming award recognition for Hemlock Park.

The special meeting included the adoption of a resolution to excuse Commissioner Foster Neill due to personal reasons. Key old business involved reviewing budget balances for supplies and contracted services. Substantive discussions focused on final revisions recommended by Attorney Ron Redick concerning formatting (eliminating specific yellow highlighting and removing margin comments) and updating schedules and names in sections related to election dates, effective dates, and commission member details. New business centered on adopting Resolution No. 01-14-26, which formally adopted the proposed City Charter for the City of Big Rapids for subsequent submission to the Governor for approval. Further discussion addressed strategies for public engagement to inform residents and solicit feedback regarding the proposed charter, including utilizing newsletters, social media, postcards, radio interviews, and a podcast.

The board meeting covered several items of general business, including citizen recognition and the naming and reservation of the New Northend Pavilion. Discussions included a presentation on a Fish Recycling Sculpture Project in collaboration with GFWC Big Rapids and Ferris State University welding students, with plans for installation at Hemlock Park. An update was provided on the Master Plan Fundraising and Naming Policy, which remains under internal review. The board reviewed annual disc golf course usage data, noting approximately 16,000 rounds played. Under agenda additions, staff presented a proposed historical sign design for the Daniels Family Playground and reviewed the Citizen Recognition Award program, encouraging members to consider future nominees.

Key discussions focused on agenda changes, including the postponement of a presentation regarding the city's audit to the next meeting on March 16th. The Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes. A study session addressed the proposal for the City to re-establish its own building department, which was dissolved around 2003, noting that initial inspector staffing would rely on external consultants funded by permit fees to streamline services and ensure compliance with zoning and fire marshal reviews. The main business item involved authorizing the purchase of a wheelchair accessible swing for North End Riverside Park, which was supported by community members and secured by a generous $10,000 donation plus an additional commitment for related costs like the concrete pad. Additionally, the Commission reviewed and moved forward the resolution adopting the 2026-2032 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines major projects including road paving on North Michigan Avenue and Division Street, wastewater projects, and infrastructure for new developments.