Joe Ray

Key discussions and actions included public comments regarding the success of the Hunter Ice Festival, which reported high attendance. The Council approved a license agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians for the use of city images. Significant infrastructure approvals included a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for improvements on Pokagon Street and a resolution to reserve City-owned property for future redevelopment by Corewell Health. The Council also approved grant applications for ADA accessibility upgrades at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, secured memberships to cybersecurity organizations (Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center and Center for Internet Security), and renewed support for DocuWare software and ChatGPT subscriptions. Furthermore, agreements were approved for jurisdictional transfer of Saint Joseph Avenue and Grant Street from MDOT, purchases for the Wastewater Division (knife valves and a submersible sump pump), and building cleaning services for the Utility Service Center. Appointments were made to the Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Niles Public Arts Commission. Councilmembers were excused from prior meeting dates.

The regular City Council meeting included citizen participation where an invitation to the Hunter Ice Festival was extended. A presentation was given by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding the Redevelopment Ready Community Certification. Business approved during the session included the execution of a five-year building and ground lease with Astro Star Aviation, Inc., approval of a three-year secure document disposal agreement with Applied Innovation Shredhub, a two-year agreement with Berrien County for BS&A reporting and tax notices, approval of a fiscal agent agreement with enFocus for managing a $24,000 home improvement grant, and approval of a Home Repair Contract with Future Construction for roof replacement at 1438 Sheridan Avenue. Councilmember comments included commendations for city staff and support for community events. The Council also entered a Closed Session to discuss property acquisition.

The meeting included a public hearing to receive comment on the Draft PY 24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), though no public comment was offered. Citizen participation included updates on county parks, the introduction of a new Mobile Mental Wellness Ministry, and a DDA update mentioning plans for the Hunter Ice Festival. Key administrative actions involved authorizing the City Administrator or Public Works Director to accept an MDOT AERO grant for avigation easements and approving the submission of the CDBG PY 2024 CAPER to HUD. The council also approved bids for replacing an HVAC system at 1002 Birch Street, authorizing the purchase of pumps for the Wastewater Division, approving an emergency purchase for an outrigger cylinder for the Electric Division, and authorizing a service agreement for water tank cathodic protection system inspection. Additionally, approval was granted for the 22nd annual Hunter Ice Festival dates and waiving associated fees, as well as approving a Fire and Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding with Berrien County for mobile Computer Aided Dispatch services. Finally, appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions were approved.

The meeting included presentations and discussions on various topics. The council authorized the Utilities Department to rent a hydro excavation unit and purchase meter reading equipment maintenance services. They also approved the purchase of a concrete pole for the Electric Division and accepted a bid from Villa Environmental Consultants. A contract with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for runway reconstruction was approved. Appointments were confirmed for the Brownfield Authority and the Niles Housing Commission. An ordinance was enacted to amend regulations for licensed microbusinesses. Councilmembers shared reports, and the Mayor wished Councilmember McAfee a happy birthday.

The meeting included a public hearing on the 2025 Forty ($40.00) Dollar Special Assessment for SMCAS. The council authorized a two-year contract with Menard Consulting, Inc. for actuarial review of post-employment benefits, approved an emergency purchase from Hickock Plumbing & Heating, LLC to replace the heat exchanger at the Street Department, and approved the removal and disposal of various vehicles from the Police Department's fleet. Additionally, the Utilities Department was authorized to accept a quote from Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART) for the OBIC polyurea coating of the chlorine contact tanks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, grant right-of-way easements to Indiana Michigan Power, extend contracts with Tree Servants and MAAC Property Services, and accept a bid from A. Meredith Schneider for the purchase of wood utility poles. The council also affirmed the 2025 SMCAS Special Assessment, accepted bids from Future Construction and AirLux for roof and HVAC system replacements, and authorized the purchase of equipment and upfitting services from Midwest 911 for a new police patrol vehicle.