By Gari Voss
The City of Allegan’s Council meeting began with the resignation of Dave Redding. Redding had come on the council to fill a vacant seat then was voted into a second term. After making a statement of gratitude to the citizens of Allegan who entrusted him with this position and to the Council members with whom he worked, he wished all the very best in the future.
The next round of business was to receive a $100,000 check from Consumers Energy Foundation’s Community Affairs Manager Derek Nofz. The donation is earmarked to assist with improvements to Mahan Park.
During Public Comments, Emily Jipp, who is currently an assistant prosecutor in Van Buren County, introduced herself to the Council as a candidate for the Circuit Court opening in Allegan County. Jipp has a strong background as a prosecutor and would like to bring back the drug court in Allegan County. Jipp previously worked in Allegan County handling juvenile delinquency cases, neglect and abuse proceedings, misdemeanors, and felonies.
The annual request from Wings of Hope Hospice to display butterflies along the Riverfront rail was approved. This fundraiser allows donors to place names of loved ones on purchased butterflies before adding them to the banner. The banner will be on display from Sept. 6-10, 2024. Those wishing to participate should contact Tammi Sprau at Wings of Hope, tsprau@wingsofhopehospice.com or 269 686-8659.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
The Downtown Development Authority met in July. Mayor Roger Bird reviewed that the group quickly reviewed the matching donations for the $50,000 Mahan Park grant. The Hubbard Street Parking Lot is still waiting for final results then moved onto the downtown pedestrian recycling receptacles. The City has partnered with Broken Arrow Recycling who is setting the dumpsters at no cost around the Allegan Social District. Allegan must pay for emptying the containers.
The City of Allegan has received their fourth Match on Main grant. The $25,000 was awarded to Tilt to make improvements to their outdoor patio at the rear of the building. These grants come through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The Authority received a recap of the July 3rd Jubilee, an update of the M-89 Roundabout, and that El Jaripeo II, Allegan received approval for their liquor license.
The Public Spaces Commission received an update on Mahan Park Improvement funding. Parker Johnson planned on setting a meeting with RCI Adventure Products to explore the replacement of the Jayce Park Trestle Trail Bridge. RCI is located near the bridge plus they are previously designed and manufactured two bridges for the Allegan Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail.
The July 12, 2024, cleanup of Oakwood Cemetery went well with the assistance of the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW). In addition, DPW has been busy cleaning up storm damage at Oakwood Cemetery and a fallen tree in Hanson Park.
The committee will make their annual parks tour on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Acknowledge was given to the completion and installation of bike racks around Allegan.
The Planning Commission spent time discussing the area where Brady meets State St. and State St. meets Water St. This area is not retail space, so the challenge becomes how to create a sub area that better suits the commercial endeavors that are already happening with Perrigo, Tantrick, and probably Green Pharm.
An examination of the future land use map highlighted the need for more housing. This would include separate out buildings plus duplexes in single family areas. Driveways would be dustless, hard surfaces and accommodations for “fair parking” during the Allegan County Fair and other events.
City Manager Joe Dye is working with a buyer for 142 Brady. There was also conversation that Bubba’s had a buyer.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Council approved the requested to pay accounts payable in the amount of $846,346.86 and payroll in the amount of $142,086.06 for a total disbursement of $988,432.92.
Cutler Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Charger required the installation of a 3-phase transformer and electric connection. The installation would cost $8,676.00 to Consumers Energy and this required the approval of a purchase order and budget adjustment.
PREPARE FAIR AT PADGHAM FIELD
The Council approved the request authorizing the Michigan State Police’s Prepare Fair to be held at Padgham Field Airport and the approval of the presence of a Blackhawk helicopter. Emergency Management Director Sarah Clark explained how they were working with DPW Director Doug Kadzban to bring the Prepare Fair to Allegan. MI State Police hosts a fair in one county each year. For 2024, Allegan County was chosen. The event brings community together to learn about preparedness the many agencies involved. The event has been growing with a canine unit, bomb squad, an MSP helicopter, an Air National Guard Blackhawk, on site giveaways, and a possible fly in. Director Clark feels that with the extra planning, the event could bring thousands to Allegan on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
CITY MANAGER & CITY CLERK.
Lakeshore Advantage. The request to renew the annual contract with Lakeshore Advantage for development assistance for $10,000 was approved. The sum is included in the current budget.
OPRA for 217 Hubbard St. The request to adopt Resolution 24.28 to transfer an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate (OPRA) for 217 Hubbard Street from JML Real Estate, LLC, to Jesse Genzink was approved. Rehabilitation Act allows the certificate to be transferred to new owner.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
The request to appoint Jan Morgan to the Public Spaces Commission for a term set to expire on December 31, 2026, was approved. Because Jan is related to council member Bill Morgan, the approval had to be unanimous. Motion passed.
The request to appoint Brandon Gumm to the Planning Commission for a term set to expire on December 31, 2027, was approved. Gumm has a Master’s degree in Urban Sustainability & Resilience and was agreeable to being on the Planning Commission.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joel Dye filled in that a company had inquired about 142 Hubbard and had submitted an offer on the building with a purchase agreement signed. There will be a meeting later in the week. Also, a group planned to submit a residential development plan on 500 Delano for 49 homesites. They will also be looking at Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project which is new to the Council. This will take time to become educated in the process.
Parker Johnson shared that the Mahan Park deadline is July 31st. $36,850 has been raised. Downtown businesses are having fund raisers along with others so there is confidence that the $50,000 will meet their mark to receive the extra $50,000 needed for the improvement project.
Michaela Kleehammer, City Clerk, was approving petitions for the City Council opening that are due July 23, 2024, at 4pm. As the petitions are checked, city staff will look into how the newly opened position left by Dave Redding should be filled.
Council member Delora Andrus acknowledged that DPW did great work during the storms cleaning out storm drains and picking up trees. The ground check done at the Hubbard St. Parking Lot showed no issues during the survey, but results are still unknown. An adult recreation league may be coming as there was interest from a recent citizen. Andrus acknowledged the work of Dave Redding for the city.
Council member Bill Morgan thanked the new commission members for donating their time and expertise to the city. He noticed the cleaning up of properties around the city.
Council member Mike Zeter shared that the old ice cream shop by McDonald’s needs the grass cut. He voiced concern that cars still seem to be parked in yards. In front of old Bubba’s, a person was begging and intimidating visitors. A suggestion was made to have some type of obvious indicator when the timer hits 0 during Public Comments.
Mayor Pro-Tem Peter Hanse shared that the roundabout is looking like a circle.
The room was cleared for a closed session to amend the City Manager contract.
