Phillip W. Kerns

The City Council meeting included departmental reports and updates from various council members regarding committees and local initiatives such as the sports complex property acquisition and park vacancies. The work session featured an introduction of the new DDA Director, discussions on updates to the Known Parties Report, a recap of recent flood management efforts during a high-water event, a review of upcoming general contracting and emergency repair request proposals, and an overview of the proposed sports complex design, including traffic and stormwater management considerations.

Key discussions during this work session included an update from the Treasurer's department on tax payment processing, upcoming budget workshops, and the review of water and sewer rates based on preliminary estimates. The Police Chief reported on a recent vehicle theft trend and provided an update on pending legislation. Council members reported on activities from the Economic Development Corporation, Audit and Finance Committee, Housing Development Corporation, City-Township meeting concerning the Fire Station, and the Library Board meeting. Specific work session items involved addressing a deteriorating pothole at Main Street and Tuscola, an introduction of the DPW Superintendent, discussions regarding the budget ceiling for the new fire station emphasizing transparency, updating the Social District map to include new businesses and potential pauses during the Bavarian Festival, facility updates on the elevator project and Council Chambers, reviewing the Known Related Parties Report for conflict of interest clarity, and addressing open seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and Library Board.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included discussions on city beautification efforts, specifically the Willkommen Sign Color Change Policy, where the DDA and City Council will reserve the right to approve holiday-related color changes. An update was provided regarding the commercial container swap-out, detailing logistics for dumpster staging and customer notifications regarding fee schedules. The City clarified it will not issue a formal moratorium on data centers due to severe water consumption constraints (462 million gallons annual city limit) and limited industrial land availability. The Sister City Committee presented its 2025 Annual Report, detailing achievements such as establishing a travel endowment, launching "Founders Day," and offering German language lessons. Other reported items included updates on Social District requests, preparations for a WRRF retirement, staffing of Sergeant positions, and planning for the Bavarian Festival and a "Frankenmuth Has Talent" show. City Manager Smith also reported a planned power outage by Consumers Energy for February 19th.

The City Council approved the meeting agenda. New business involved several resolutions, including the approval of engineering services for a sewer flow study and master plan (Resolution 2026-21), a financing agreement for property purchase with the DDA (Resolution 2026-22), awarding the contract for the Mayer Rd and W Tuscola Rd Water Main Replacement and Street Repaving (Resolution 2026-23), an amendment concerning the annexation of a W Tuscola Rd parcel (Resolution 2026-17), approval of the Woodcarver's Guild Lease Agreement for Heritage Park (Resolution 2026-14), approval of a Noise Ordinance Exemption Request from Parks and Rec (Resolution 2026-15), approval of the City Beautification Committee Willkommen Sign Color Change Policy (Resolution 2026-20), amendments to the Sister City Committee Bylaws (Resolution 2026-16), and amendments to the Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws (Resolution 2026-18). The Council also called a public hearing for March 3, 2026, to consider a City Code amendment regarding Parks and Public Grounds. Additionally, the appointment of Bryan Hoesman to the Planning Commission was approved.

The work session meeting addressed several critical operational and developmental topics. Key discussions included a detailed review of the Construction Codes audit, which exposed significant issues within the permitting system, showing backlogs and delays for various permits. The Council also reviewed the Treasurer's report, focusing on end-of-year changes, the fiscal 2025 audit, and planning for the fiscal 2027 budget, with a note on receiving anticipated interest revenue. The Police Department provided updates on recruits and recent protests, emphasizing the need for better traffic safety education and enforcement following a near-miss accident. Council members reported on DDA activities, including the Loesel property purchase and revoked state funding for a sports complex, planning commission matters such as the Cobblestone development, and Parks and Recreation Commission updates. Discussions were held regarding the Commercial Containers Contract, where a recommendation will be brought forward in January, and the NPDES Permit Update, focusing on defining the scope for the sewer inflow/infiltration study. Furthermore, the Council discussed the formation of a Building Authority to oversee bond issuance for the fire station project, DDA plans to annex and develop 36.6 acres of land, and the formalization of a Niagara on the Lake Friendship City Committee.