Tammy Ries

Key actions during this meeting included administering the oath of office to John Riley and approving the meeting agenda. The Council approved the consent agenda items, which included invoices and minutes from previous Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. A major focus was Ordinance 491, an ordinance to regulate electronic signs under Chapter 44 of the Zoning Ordinance, which was opened for a public hearing, discussed, and subsequently adopted. The Council also voted to keep a Certificate of Deposit (CDARS) investment at Northstar Bank for 52 weeks. Additionally, Michael Bauerschmidt was appointed to the Transit Authority Board. A postponed item regarding a Special Election to Fill Vacancy on the City Council was removed from the agenda. The City Manager's performance evaluation was scheduled for a later date.

The City Council meeting involved several key actions. The agenda was approved, followed by presentations regarding the 2026 Sidewalk Project and a New Year's Eve Event proposal. The Council approved the consent agenda, including invoices. Major regular agenda items included awarding the Sherman Street Project Engineering contract to Rowe Professional Services for $130,600.00. A quote from Rowe Engineering for the 2026 sidewalk projects, amounting to $7,800.00, was accepted. The Council granted Special Use Permits to Emerald Acres LLC for both Adult Use Class C Grow and Medical Class C Grow facilities. Investment decisions were made to renew two Certificates of Deposit (CDs). Permission was granted for residential grade fireworks for a New Year's Eve party and for the installation of camera signs in Bieth Park. A Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled to review the audit. Several motions regarding the appointment of a vacant city council seat failed. The Manager's report noted that the DPW Superintendent passed his S2 water exam.

The City Council meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including additions for interviewing and discussing a council vacancy, and discussion on the Snow Ordinance. Public comments addressed the council vacancy application and concerns regarding the new snow ordinance. The consent agenda, which included minutes from previous Planning Commission meetings and department reports, was approved. Key actions taken included the approval and filing of the FY 2024-2025 Audit, the re-appointment of an individual to the Board of Review, and authorizing the recording and posting of City Council meetings on YouTube. The Council approved a Certified Resolution for a Special License application for an event scheduled for January 25, 2026. A first reading and setting of a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 491 regarding electronic message signs was approved for January 5, 2026. Furthermore, the Council approved a rezoning request for property at 1081 Cleaver Road, awarded three-year contracts for as-needed Planning and Zoning Services and biosolids removal, and accepted quotes for cleaning and replacing the pump at Well #5. An interviewed candidate, John Riley, was appointed to fill a City Council vacancy until November 2026. The meeting concluded after a discussion on the updated Snow Ordinance, committee reports, and adjournment.

The meeting included presentations from Tri Star Trust and Revitalize LLC. The council discussed and approved the Tri Star Investment Policy Statement, authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Letter of Intent to MSHDA for a Community Development Block Grant, and approving a resolution for a special license application for D-Smilez. The council also approved a contract for a Well #5 Treatment Study and decided to keep CDs at Independent Bank. Additionally, there was an update on council vacancy applicants, streaming council meetings, and website implementation. A councilor commented on feral cat issues.

The council addressed a budget adjustment request for Shop with a Hero and the Water Fund, approving adjustments to the FY 2025/2026 budget. They also approved road and parking lot closures for the 2025 Gingerbread Festival and received and filed the FY 2025/2026 1st Quarter Financial Reports. Committee and liaison reports included updates from the Economic Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, Fair Board, Parks & Recreation, Planning Commission, Tuscola County Board of Commissioners, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Additional public comment was taken regarding clarification on the attorney general opinion and attorney guidance on paid volunteer firefighters holding council seats, as well as the status of Oliver's Pizza.