Steve Cook

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The Board Chair and Vice Chair were elected according to charter requirements and discussion. Updates were provided on the Clay Cliffs erosion control measures and the completion of the North End Park Pavilion roofing and winter boarding; the Board requested follow-up on feasible winter restroom sanitation options. A location approval was granted for a proposed bird-themed public art sculpture near the Riverwalk, pending final sculpture selection approval. The Board reviewed the high cost of previous Mitchell Creek Stairs renovation plans, prompting a community input session for alternatives, and continued to evaluate the aging North End Playground structure, including surfacing updates. Staff noted the need to re-establish committees, and inquiries were made regarding the Graffiti Wall status and Riverwalk trail maintenance.

The meeting included a study session where the MOTA Marketing and Public Relations Director provided an update on a feasibility study for Mecosta and Osceola Counties, focusing on service, potential merger with Dial-A-Ride (DART), and facility operations. During public comment, a resident requested additional speed limit signs due to speeding concerns near Northend Park, which the City Commission agreed to investigate. Key general business involved the adoption of Resolution No. 26-01, establishing the 2026 City Commission Meeting Schedule, and the adoption of Resolution No. 26-02, approving a development agreement with Swan WFH Sandy Acres, LLC for the Sandy Acres Development, which includes a $1,000,000 infrastructure contribution from the City. A motion was adopted to approve the 2026 Rules of Procedure for conducting City Commission business, including a definition for the 'Informational Update' agenda item. The Mayor also congratulated the Ferris State University Football Team on their national championship.

The City Commission meeting included a study session where Consumers Energy provided an informational update regarding a Sustainability and Renewable Energy program, detailing potential savings and program logistics without upfront costs. In General Business, the Commission noted that the Park and Recreation Board is developing park naming guidelines. The Commission adopted several resolutions, including Resolution No. 26-04 to rename the playground at Hemlock Park to "The Daniels Family Playground," based on the Park and Recreation Board's recommendation honoring Bob and Leslie Daniels. Resolution No. 26-05 established the intent to apply for State Formula Operating Assistance for Fiscal Year 2027 for the Department of Transportation (DART), naming the City Manager as the Transportation Coordinator. Resolution No. 26-06 approved the fourth lease amendment with AT&T (New Cingular Wireless) for equipment upgrades on the Perry Avenue Water Tower, shifting structural costs to AT&T. Resolution No. 26-07 authorized emergency repair of Fire Department Engine 1 due to oil and radiator leaks, suspending standard bidding requirements. Resolution No. 26-08 approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Mecosta County for additional first response coverage, offsetting staffing costs for Big Rapids Rescue. Resolution No. 26-09 adopted a performance resolution related to construction permits within state highway right-of-way. Finally, Ordinance No. 826-01-20 was adopted to consolidate voting precincts into two areas within the City of Big Rapids. Unscheduled business noted an upcoming informational open house for the Zoning Ordinance, the Charter Revision Commission's plan to submit the revised Charter for approval, and the commencement of the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts.

The session consisted of an informational meeting and a regular meeting. During the informational meeting, goals for the next fiscal year were reviewed, including Slogan Signs, Marketing Initiatives, and Paving and Sidewalk Improvements. The board agreed to remove Dumpster Screening from the project list due to a lack of consensus and progress. During the regular meeting, the board approved reallocation of paving funds to complete the theater parking lot and adjacent alley projects, deferring the North Michigan lot project. Sponsorships totaling $2,000 were approved for Tuba Bach and the Festival of the Arts. The board reviewed progress on slogan sign design submissions, discussed exploring a Pure Michigan partnership for tourism, and agreed to scale back the Mitchell Creek Stairs replacement project due to high bid costs, focusing on essential repairs. Funding of $11,000 was approved for downtown twinkle light maintenance, drawing from the former screening project's carryover. The annual rental quote for parade barriers was approved, with staff directed to research long-term purchase options. Updates were also provided on Cottage Pizza signage and inquiries regarding vacant downtown properties.

The document contains minutes for an informational meeting and a regular meeting of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Key discussions included setting goals for the upcoming fiscal year, resulting in the removal of 'Dumpster Screening' as a project priority. The board approved reallocating paving funds to complete the theater parking lot and adjacent alley reconstruction projects, while deferring the North Michigan lot project due to higher costs. Sponsorships for Tuba Bach ($1,500) and Festival of the Arts ($500) were approved. Updates were provided on a community logo competition for slogan signs, exploration of a Pure Michigan tourism partnership, and strategies for engaging the Social District. The board agreed to scale back the Mitchell Creek Stairs project to essential repairs due to a significantly high bid, and approved reallocating $11,000 from the former screening project budget toward the high-priority replacement and maintenance of downtown twinkle lights. The annual rental of parade barriers was approved while directing staff to research purchase options.