Kathy Brown

The commission reviewed the Cable Communications Fund year-to-date performance, confirming that revenues and expenses are aligned with the fiscal year timeline. Discussions included the 2026 meeting schedule and goals, such as legislative updates and annual reporting requirements. A primary focus was the impact of the proposed MI House Bill 5123-2025, which could potentially affect local franchise fees by reclassifying certain video services. Additionally, the Manager of MCTV provided service statistics for community and government channels and shared programming highlights, including live coverage of local sports and statistics on public usage. Upcoming workshop dates, volunteer opportunities, and library reopening information were also announced.

The council conducted a variety of municipal business, including the adoption of proclamations for Arbor Day and the approval of budget amendments for audit services. Public hearings were held regarding a special assessment district for downtown economic revitalization and the City Manager's proposed budget. The council also authorized numerous contracts and purchases, such as fire station alerting systems, construction inspection services, various bulk materials for maintenance, and flood mitigation projects for pump stations. Additionally, the council approved reappointments to several boards and commissions, amended parks and recreation rules, and discussed the potential sale of city-owned property.

The City Council received and filed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit Report. The meeting included the approval of a $1,000,000 budget amendment for the Barstow Woods Stormwater project and the passage of an ordinance for zoning map amendments. Public infrastructure actions included the formal acceptance of various public streets into the local street system and the decertification of several street segments. The council authorized the solicitation of bids for the sale of a city-owned parcel and approved a contract for a new fire station alerting system. Various reappointments to city boards and commissions were confirmed, and amendments to the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations were adopted. Additionally, the council approved a special event request for a classic car show, awarded contracts for municipal maintenance materials including sand, concrete, and paving supplies, and approved construction management and flood mitigation project contracts. Finally, the council set dates for upcoming public hearings regarding the CDBG budget, budget amendments for audit services, and a special assessment district for downtown economic revitalization, and initiated a show cause hearing for an alcoholic beverage license holder.

The City Council conducted several key items, including designating Arbor Day, authorizing a budget amendment for audit services, and establishing a downtown economic revitalization special assessment district. The Council also voted to revoke a local liquor license due to tax delinquency, introduced ordinance amendments for sewer and water funds, and discussed the proposed city-wide budget. Furthermore, funds were reallocated for flood mitigation projects, the Council passed a resolution in opposition to state zoning preemption legislation, approved a special event liquor license for a community event, and adjusted the sidewalk improvement program. Additional matters included addressing a road reconstruction petition, reviewing regulations for short-term rentals, extending pavement marking and sidewalk repair contracts, and setting public hearings for upcoming projects. Finally, a motion regarding the sale of a city-owned property was postponed.

The board discussed a petition for a dimensional variance regarding the construction of parking at a multiple-family residence located at 315 McDonald Street. Discussions included coordination with the Michigan Department of Transportation, impacts on green space, parking requirements, and traffic considerations. The board also reviewed a request for a six-month extension of an previously approved variance due to procedural and logistical delays in site plan development.