Peter Merritt

The meeting began with the election of Trustee Jaminda Springer as acting president following a resignation and absence of leadership. Key discussions included visitor comments regarding the library's security system, updates from the Director on the launch of the Library of Things and carpet replacement, and a review of financial statements. Old business focused on the pending payment to Chloe for mural painting from the city. New business involved the introduction of new Board Member Elyse Apel.

The meeting involved amending the agenda to include discussions on solar farms and data centers under New Business. Old Business centered on reviewing an ordinance regarding residential parking, specifically suggesting limitations on junked/wrecked vehicles, defining those terms, and restricting the number of 'for-sale' or repair vehicles per property. In New Business, the commission reviewed the 2025 Annual Draft and discussed potential 2026 goals, including calendars for ordinance and bylaw reviews. Bylaw review focused on strengthening attendance guidelines, revising the order of business, and correcting numbering hierarchy. The commission initiated the rezoning process for 120 S Broad St from R-1 to B-1, setting a public hearing for February 18, 2026, and set a public hearing for a special conditional use request for 151 S West St for the same date. A request for an illuminated sign for Hillsdale City Church was approved, and staff was directed to gather information on data centers and renewable energy for the next meeting.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda. Committee reports covered the Beautification Committee's request for new downtown banner designs and seeking members, along with assigning staff to obtain a quote for watering downtown flower pots. The Dawn Theater Governance Board discussed the Folk Festival approval for March. The Program Committee noted that outstanding grant applicant projects are complete, leaving a small amount of funds for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Targeted Development committee reviewed three letters of interest for the Dawn Theater Manager position and scheduled a follow-up meeting. Old business included extending the Keefer Promissory Note deadline to July 1, 2026, despite the Chair's abstention due to conflict of interest, and agreeing on a format for future financial reporting memos. New business involved approving budget amendments for FY2025-2026 and updating the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY2026-2027, which included adjusting the TIFA's TAP Grant match and moving parking lot projects. A round table discussion covered the history of the Ferris St parking lot.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items. Discussions included the resignation of Ron Scholl, with subsequent guidance provided for nominating a new member who should have a vested interest in the TIFA or the success of the Dawn Theater. The Board reviewed payments owed to TIFA from the Friends of the Dawn Theater, totaling $596.73 from two December 2025 events. A preliminary concept for a donor plaque honoring significant donations was introduced, though the Board requested a more concrete proposal regarding its size, style, material, location, and price before recommending it to the full TIFA Board. The Board also discussed the next major fundraising effort, a screen/projector project estimated at $100,000, and an approved event application for the ArtWorks Community Event scheduled for April 19, 2026. Old business included an update on the management search and remaining tasks for the organ installation.

The agenda for this City Council meeting included approval of bills and payroll dated December 30, 2025, and the approval of minutes from prior meetings on January 5, 2026. Discussions and actions involved appointments to the Library Board (Eric Moore recommended) and the Election Commission (Ginger Novak and William Mullaly reappointments). Communications covered topics such as Toys for Tots, a letter from Dr. Todd Ryan, Hope Harbor, MSU Extension Virtual Classes, Staff Update on Solar Project Research Request, and an update from Hillsdale County Commissioner Doug Ingles. New Business items included the Highstreet 2026 Insurance Service Agreement, Property and Casualty Insurance, and setting public hearings for proposed 2026 Special Assessment Districts for street projects. Water fluoridation was also listed for discussion.