By Gari Voss
Allegan’s City Council made a number of decision’s that stretched the budget, while improving the infrastructure throughout the city for years to come. Even with access to millions of dollars in government assistance grants, planned project bottom lines have increased since original estimates were made.
The regular meeting began with scheduling a second reading and public hearing for Ordinance 501 for February 28, 2022. The approval of this ordinance would allow the City to identify single lots. Single lots could then be assessed, and unpaid fees could be addressed with individual property owners.
After lengthy discussion had ensued during the Study Session regarding fees to charge for each of the public spaces around town, special approval was given to Christ Community Church and the Allegan Ministerium to meet at Mahan Park on April 15, 2022 for the Good Friday walk through town to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at Walnut and Hubbard Streets. The procession will have a police escort. Then the Friends of Allegan’s Oakwood Cemetery was given approval to hold the Living History Tour at Oakwood Cemetery on June 4-5, 2022.
From discussion during the Study Session, councilmembers felt it extremely important to give the City Staff definite guidelines for charging groups that wish to rent public spaces. Though the Council would love to give discounts to non-profits and other groups, the reality is that the City picks up costs for electricity, clean up, liability insurance, police presence, etc. To assist with these costs, groups need to be prepared to pay money toward those costs.
Reports from the different commissions revealed officers and a number of issues. The Downtown Development Authority reelected Mark Heather as Chair and Michelle Liggett as Vice-Chair then added Carl Canales as Public Spaces Liaison. After a review of the Allegan Streetscape Improvement Projects, conversation focused on parking, flow of traffic to enter the city, landscaping, and developing a mini-mall at the end of Trowbridge Street. They decided to continue advertising in the REVUE Magazine.
The Historic District Commission elected Eddie Quinones-Walker as Chair and Jason Ramaker as Vice-Chair. Approval was given to the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) to replace windows in the old City Hall building. Approval was also given to Steve Tibbitts to install a deck in back of 231 Hubbard Street. Rectify Church was approved to replace all windows at 303 Pine Street. Before adjourning, the Commission wrestled with several properties in the historic district that did not requested approval. This brought concerns from members of the City Council who felt it important to be consistent in following city ordinances.
The Airport Advisory Board was able to fill the Vice-Chair position with Jason Apol, but the Chair is currently not named. Doug Kadzban updated the group that word from MDOT-Aero had not been received concerning which trees needed to be removed. All hangers are rented except #15. In addition, the Credit Union will be holding an Open House on the Airport grounds on May 21, 2022. Several maintenance items will be addressed in and around the terminal.
Public Spaces reelected Judi McCall as Chair and Paula Mintek as Vice-Chair. Mel Brummel explained how he is working with Jim Liggett to construct a bridge that will allow the Allegan Mountain Bike Park to begin expanding the trails to 6 miles which would make it eligible to be recognized by the State of Michigan and apply for special grants. City Manager Joel Dye volunteered to assist with permits and maintain paperwork at City Hall. The new Allegan brochure was examined and approved with minor changes. Suggestions were given regarding the Oakwood Cemetery rules. The final portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the Streetscape plans with suggestions made regarding parking and “furniture”.
After a total disbursement of $2,120,766.60 was approved, housekeeping was done on the 457 Retirement Plan Provisions that would define employee savings for retirement. An amendment and restatement of the Money Purchase Pension MMP Retirement Plan formalized the policy to make monthly payments to employees. These and the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) Procedure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) ensured compliance with the IRS.
The March Board of Review will meet on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 beginning at 10am.The guidelines for Hardship Exemption were reviewed, and residents requesting forgiveness will need to bring proof of ownership and occupancy, file the proper claim, and bring a picture identification.
The request for Kustom Signal Radar units was approved for the new City Police patrol vehicles that should arrive this summer.
The Council then voted on resolutions of intent to purchase bonds. The first would take advantage of a $3 million grant to replace lead service lines that total cost is estimated to be $4.5 to $5 million. The other vote of intent is to take advantage of $1.295 million grant from EGLE for the replacement of the sewer system infrastructure downtown. These are only votes of intent. After further review, the Council will be faced with purchasing bonds.
The rise in costs began to become more apparent as the Council approved $83,000 for L.C. United to make repairs and paint the water reservoir tanks.
That opened the gate as discussion focused on accepting the bid from Milbocker to make the needed repairs to the deck of the Second Street Bridge. The original estimate in 2019 for the repairs was $847,090. When bids came through in August 2021, the cost was $1,054,555.95. The decision was to wait and go out for bids again later. February 2022 heralded a bid of $1,251,196.75. The concern came because the City had received a grant that would cover about $600,000 of the costs. Part of receiving the grant was to begin expending the funds in a required time period. The struggle to come to an agreement focused on the increase and the concern that the decision had to be made now. The motion passed 6 yea to 1 nay.
Another difficult discussion was a decision to work with MDOT to approve creating a round about where M-40, M-89, Ely Street, M-40 South and Hubbard Street come together. MDOT expressed definite support for the Round About design. The City would be responsible only for the reconstruction of Hubbard Street for a current estimated price of $800,000 while MDOT would cover all other costs. City Manager Joel Dye reminded the Council that the planned improvement at this intersection had begun years ago and properties on those corners had been purchased for the sole purpose of improving traffic flow here. After discussion regarding whether or not this was the best answer to the traffic pattern, the motion passed with 5 yea and 2 nay.
On a positive note, the Council accepted the lease agreement with Hoard of the Dragon in the space behind the Regent Theater for $500 a month. In addition, the request from the Allegan County Fair was approved for the Fair Parade, for 6 possible weekend Summer Concerts, and for displaying signage around town.
The Strategic Planning meeting will continue on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 5:30pm at City Hall. The public is welcome.
