Kristen Gundersen

The proceedings included a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance Number 445, which amends election procedures concerning filing nominating petitions, where a commissioner discussed issues with previous election procedures from 2018. A second public hearing addressed proposed Ordinance Number 446, related to codifying a 20-year policy on sewer laterals, making the responsibility for laterals up to the building inside the structure. The regular meeting commenced after the public hearings, following the invocation and approval of the agenda and consent agenda. The commission proceeded with the second reading and enactment of Ordinance Number 445 and the first reading of Ordinance Number 446. New business involved approving Traffic Control Order Number 261 to establish a no-parking zone on the north side of East Dewey Street between Main and Short Street due to downtown project design work. Marijuana permit renewals for Zen and Cannabis Wellness were considered, contingent upon background checks. Ordinance 2026.03447 regarding the regulation of sidewalk cafes and outdoor service areas was introduced, which will be formalized by ordinance to allow staff to negotiate agreements, addressing accessibility and maintenance issues. The commission reviewed and approved expenditures totaling $44,578.10, including negotiated service calls with Johnson Controls. Finally, a change in City Hall hours effective February 2nd was announced, shifting to Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to create off-hours opportunities. Executive comments noted the start of leaf pickup and the deadline for Christmas tree removal by the end of January.

The meeting involved two public hearings. Public Hearing #1 addressed input on the proposed Ordinance 2026.03/447 regarding the Regulation of Sidewalk Cafes and Outdoor Service Areas. Public Hearing #2 collected comments on proposed Ordinance 2026.02/446, which amends Chapter 102 Utilities concerning Sewer Laterals and Appurtenances. During the Regular Meeting, the Commission considered department head reports, including year-end presentations from the Police Department and Fire Department. Unfinished business included considering the second reading and enactment of Ordinance 2026.02/446 and the first reading of Ordinance 2026.03/447. New business involved awarding a bid for tree stump maintenance to Treeworks, authorizing the disposal of excess inventory, discussing entering a closed session to discuss real property sales and personnel evaluation, and approving expenditures totaling $40,222.04.

This document outlines the City of Buchanan Planning Commission's ongoing process to update the City's Master Plan, a guiding document for strategic community development. The update, which is expected to take one year, involves compiling new data and integrating various existing plans to reflect future land use and priorities. Key focus areas being explored for the updated plan include economic development, housing and neighborhoods, infrastructure and transportation, and environmental sustainability and resilience. The overarching goal is to define the community's vision and achieve its established goals and objectives for the future.

The agenda for the regular meeting included updates on the Bertrand Crossing Extension, PFAS Mitigation Landfill, Water Reliability Study, and Water & Wastewater Department Reports. The board planned to consider approving the Regular Meeting Minutes from November 17, 2025.

The agenda for the regular meeting covered several significant items. Recognition was given to various members of the Buchanan Police Department and the DPW. Discussions included the audit presentation by CPA Brian Hake of Kruggel Lawton, which covered unmodified opinions for both financial statements and the single audit. New business items involved considering the purchase of a Bandit Intimidator 12XPC wood chipper, approving a proposal from Prien & Newhof to update the Water Reliability Study, establishing the Victory Park Fund with the Berrien Community Foundation, approving an annual eCitation access contract with LexisNexis, approving a Draft Early Voting Agreement with Berrien County, and considering Resolution 2026.01/01 placing the McCoy Creek Trail Committee under the supervision of the Buchanan Area Recreation Board (BARB). Additionally, the Commission considered expenditures for January 26th, 2026. Executive comments addressed upcoming City Hall hour changes, infrastructure project updates, and the introduction of a new RxKids program.