Mike Ford

The council held a public hearing regarding the 2026/27 fiscal year budget. Key actions included the approval of the city budget, millage rates, water and sewer rate increases, cemetery rules, and various service contracts. Discussions were held on proposed zoning map amendments for the B-2 Downtown District and ordinance amendments regarding marihuana transfer permits. The meeting also featured comprehensive departmental reports covering city management, public works, law enforcement, fire department operations, and financial status, as well as comments from council members.

The City Council meeting included approval of agreements for interest earned on tax collections with multiple local taxing authorities, authorization of a health insurance contribution hard cap for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and approval for the possession and consumption of alcohol on city property by the Red Flannel Festival. Additionally, the Council addressed the hiring of Williams and Works to update the 5-year Parks and Recreation Plan and contracted with CivicPlus for website services. Discussion items included a Red Flannel Festival medallion, a Red Flannel poster, and the introduction of a truck route ordinance.

The meeting focused on various logistical preparations for upcoming elections. Key topics included the creation and marking of test decks, permitting the City Clerk to schedule the public accuracy test, and authorizing the relocation of several voting sites including an early voting site, Precinct 1, and the Absent Voter Counting Board. Additionally, the commission addressed the establishment of daily early voting hours and authorized the City Clerk to determine the start time for the Absent Voter Counting Board.

The council conducted interviews for two vacant city council seats and officially appointed Martin Fraser and Ron Howell to fill the respective positions. Additionally, the council authorized the City Manager to sign the MiCorps Volunteer Stream Cleanup Grant Contract between Michigan State University and the city.

The council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters for the city. Key items included the appointment of new board members to the Planning Commission and Library board, approval of budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and the authorization of a purchase for a chest compression device for the Fire Department. The council also held discussions regarding local signs and historical items, and reviewed various department reports including public works, law enforcement, and library activities. Additionally, ordinances regarding zoning map amendments and marihuana establishment license transfers were presented.