Rob Pierce

The City Council meeting agenda included several key items. New business focused on adopting resolutions requesting State Appropriation Funding for the replacement of the Fire Department's aerial fire truck (Resolution 2026-07) and requesting Congressionally Directed Spending for the same purpose (Resolution 2026-08). Additionally, a resolution was planned to request State Appropriation Funding for the demolition and remediation of the Horner Mill Site (Resolution 2026-09), and a resolution to participate in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge for 2026 (Resolution 2026-10). The agenda also contained provisions for approval of expenditures totaling $426,255.20 for the City of Eaton Rapids, and time was set aside for public comments and departmental reports.

The Work Session agenda included several key items for discussion and potential action. The session featured an Audit Presentation by Siegfried Crandall PC regarding the City's financial statements for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, which covered key findings and recommendations. Other new business items included updates to the Fee Schedule, review of the Budget Schedule, and discussion on handling a penny shortage. The agenda also allocated time for closed session consultation with the City Attorney concerning legal advice and attorney-client privileged communication.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Social District, where two establishments submitted letters of intent and are proceeding with state liquor license applications; the Hometown Family Christmas Market, which had 7 vendors, prompting a decision to discuss the fee schedule for next year's event; and the cancellation of the Wine Event due to low participation. Old business involved a consensus to create a packet of information about the DDA and City for potential new businesses. Under new business, the Board decided against hosting a Valentine's Day chocolate walk in 2026, opting instead for 2027, and voted to sell the three-parcel vacant lot located at 116, 118, and 124 Hall Street, with final sale dates to be confirmed in January. Board members requested future discussions on murals, the use of the 2026/2027 Façade Grant for DDA-owned items like trash cans and bike racks, and Dug Outs at Howe Field. The Window Decorating Contest and the creation of an event calendar for City Council approval early next year were tabled for the January agenda.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes from October 10, 2025, and a Special Meeting from October 29, 2025. The Treasurer reported an ending net revenue/expenses YTD of $55,903.18 and an ending fund balance of $116,990.94. Committee reports covered the Social District, where one bar establishment submitted a letter of intent, the Community Market location at 145 N Main, and updates on the Wine Event, which included submitting the Liquor License Application. The DDA will distribute candy canes for the Hometown Family Christmas event. Under New Business, the board discussed welcoming "Wildest Dream Design" to 145 N. Main Street and agreed to share contact information with new business owners upon approval of a submission list. During Citizen Comments, the board agreed to limit Wine Event participants to 99 to avoid needing a Special Event permit. Other discussions included tabling the vacant land discussion, a suggestion for a February Chocolate Walk, the expected opening of a Deli in January, updates on a building undergoing restoration across from the Post Office, and concerns regarding a dance studio relocating due to the sale of the Union Street School building.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included standard opening procedures, approval of previous meeting minutes (excluding closed session minutes from December 22, 2025, and council work session/meeting minutes from December 22, 2025), and approval of expenditures totaling $456,230.90. New business focused heavily on establishing or revising fees and appointments. Key items included adopting resolutions to establish Rental Inspection Fees (Resolution 2026-01), establish a Solid Waste Collection License Fee (Resolution 2026-02), and approve a revised overall fee schedule (Resolution 2026-03). The council also planned to approve a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for street improvements and appointments/reappointments to the Budget Committee and the Planning Commission, as well as reappointment to the Board of Review.