Robert L. Landgraf

The council granted provisional approval certificates for multiple microbusiness licenses. Key actions included approving an addendum to the Olde Boys Toys Car Club's Night Cruise-In event, authorizing various technology and security service contracts, and renewing software subscriptions. The council also approved a resolution appointing an alternate to the Michigan Public Power Agency Board of Commissioners, accepted water infrastructure within the Bertrand Crossing Industrial Park, and approved various equipment purchases for the Wastewater and Electric divisions. Additionally, the council authorized an easement for Indiana Michigan Power, adopted the Property Poverty Exemption Guidelines Policy, and enacted ordinances amending the City of Niles Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance.

During the public comments section, citizens raised concerns regarding a property contract dispute with AEP concerning new utility poles and damages related to a boulevard tree that has caused sewer and limb damage issues since 2011, with a request for tree removal and compensation. The Council approved Mainy Marathons' use of Riverfront Park South for marathon activities in July 2026, including overnight usage. Approval was also granted for the Olde Boys Toys Car Club's weekly Night Cruise-In event at Riverfront Park North from June through August 2026, with associated fees waived. Furthermore, the Council authorized a five-year airport ground lease resolution expiring December 31, 2030. The bid from Northern Construction Services Corporation for the 2026 Major and local Street Pavement Resurfacing Program, totaling $702,664.80 for ten roadway segments, was approved. The meeting also included the first readings of two ordinances: one amending City of Niles Code of Ordinances Sections 74-35 and 74-41, and another amending various sections of the City of Niles Zoning Ordinance. A council member offered a memorial for her uncle, a former Niles City Police Officer. The council addressed a citizen complaint regarding a snowplow knocking over a mailbox, clarifying liability based on whether the plow or snow caused the damage. The Mayor addressed concerns raised by citizens during public participation.

Key discussions and actions included public comments regarding the success of the Hunter Ice Festival, which reported high attendance. The Council approved a license agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians for the use of city images. Significant infrastructure approvals included a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for improvements on Pokagon Street and a resolution to reserve City-owned property for future redevelopment by Corewell Health. The Council also approved grant applications for ADA accessibility upgrades at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, secured memberships to cybersecurity organizations (Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center and Center for Internet Security), and renewed support for DocuWare software and ChatGPT subscriptions. Furthermore, agreements were approved for jurisdictional transfer of Saint Joseph Avenue and Grant Street from MDOT, purchases for the Wastewater Division (knife valves and a submersible sump pump), and building cleaning services for the Utility Service Center. Appointments were made to the Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Niles Public Arts Commission. Councilmembers were excused from prior meeting dates.

The regular City Council meeting included citizen participation where an invitation to the Hunter Ice Festival was extended. A presentation was given by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding the Redevelopment Ready Community Certification. Business approved during the session included the execution of a five-year building and ground lease with Astro Star Aviation, Inc., approval of a three-year secure document disposal agreement with Applied Innovation Shredhub, a two-year agreement with Berrien County for BS&A reporting and tax notices, approval of a fiscal agent agreement with enFocus for managing a $24,000 home improvement grant, and approval of a Home Repair Contract with Future Construction for roof replacement at 1438 Sheridan Avenue. Councilmember comments included commendations for city staff and support for community events. The Council also entered a Closed Session to discuss property acquisition.

The meeting included a public hearing to receive comment on the Draft PY 24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), though no public comment was offered. Citizen participation included updates on county parks, the introduction of a new Mobile Mental Wellness Ministry, and a DDA update mentioning plans for the Hunter Ice Festival. Key administrative actions involved authorizing the City Administrator or Public Works Director to accept an MDOT AERO grant for avigation easements and approving the submission of the CDBG PY 2024 CAPER to HUD. The council also approved bids for replacing an HVAC system at 1002 Birch Street, authorizing the purchase of pumps for the Wastewater Division, approving an emergency purchase for an outrigger cylinder for the Electric Division, and authorizing a service agreement for water tank cathodic protection system inspection. Additionally, approval was granted for the 22nd annual Hunter Ice Festival dates and waiving associated fees, as well as approving a Fire and Law Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding with Berrien County for mobile Computer Aided Dispatch services. Finally, appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions were approved.