Penny L. Marot-George

The Council discussed and took action on several items including the recognition of Kenny Stutzman, budget amendments for the 2026 fiscal year, and the adoption of the 2027 fiscal year budget and millage rates. Other topics included the approval of salt barn repairs, parking lot resurfacing at Greenwald Park, sidewalk repair resolutions, and a grant application for a downtown business improvement program. The Council also approved the appointment of a new Clerk/Treasurer, banking changes, the purchase of new body and dash cameras for the police department, and a special event permit for the Branch District Library. A closed session was held for the City Manager's annual review.

The Council meeting included updates from the Branch County Commissioner regarding the evidence building construction. Consent agenda items were passed including monthly and annual reports, bill payments, and investment approvals. New business included the approval of an engineering contract for the Wastewater Systems Readiness Project with Moore and Bruggink, the authorization of grant applications for the Match on Main program to support local businesses, and the update of authorized signatories for the Consumers Credit Union account. Staff members provided updates on departmental activities including police recruitment, water and sewer system maintenance, and public works projects.

The Council discussed several key items, including the approval of a new 30-year Consumers Energy franchise agreement and a professional services agreement with Prein & Newhof for a lead service line replacement project. Resolutions were passed to accept an MDOT Category B grant for street resurfacing, to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport grant for a dog park project, to designate an Industrial Development District for Steadfast Homes, and to support congressional spending requests for City Hall and wastewater treatment plant improvements. Additionally, banking authorization changes were approved, and the Council moved to enter a lease agreement with AT&T after a closed session discussion.

The council discussed and approved Resolution #26-3-6, which authorizes the Assistant City Manager to serve as an official signatory for all city banking and investment accounts.

The Council reviewed an annual audit report which received an unmodified clean opinion, noting the city's strong liquidity ratio and pension funding status. The Council approved an updated fee schedule increasing site condominium development review fees and introducing an escrow for professional review costs. A public hearing was held regarding the 2027 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund project plan for lead service line replacements, detailing project scope, expected costs, and the city's significant overburden status to improve funding eligibility.