by Leslie Ballard
Monday’s nights City Council meeting included some informational presentations, discussions and commission reports while action on the City Manager’s contract was tabled until the next meeting.
Mayor Delora Andrus began the regular meeting by reading a Source Water Protection Week Proclamation. Allegan’s water source is a well field, not the Kalamazoo River, and the quality of that well water is excellent. Source Water Protection Week, Sept. 25- Oct. 1. is a reminder about the importance of protecting our groundwater.
The City Council held a public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 504 and then voted unanimously to adopt it. Hydro Corp’s review resulted in a recommendation to update the cross-connection control plan and supporting ordinance. This ordinance amended Chapter 29 – utilities to support the cross-connection control plan that Council adopted at their August 22 meeting.
The Council approved the request from the Allegan Ugly Sweater 5K committee for waived fees to hold its annual race on Saturday, December 3. Registration will begin at 3 pm at the Riverfront Plaza. They anticipate 200+ participants. Allegan Ugly Sweater 5K is a registered non-profit with a history of donating proceeds of the race to local charities. This year’s recipient will be Allegan Homeless Solutions.
Commissions
The Historic District Commission agreed to hold two public meetings on October 4 and October 6 at 7 pm at City Hall. They will then meet on October 17, 2022 to discuss an upcoming presentation on their work at the November 14, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will review the Match on Main grants on October 12. Two grants will be forwarded to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The DDA anticipates receiving six grants.
At the Public Spaces Commission (PSC) meeting, Parker Johnson, Downtown Manager and Assistant to the City Manager, shared the announcement from Allegan Event regarding the relocation of the zip line towers from the Riverfront to the event center next year. Ideas for that newly available space include a structure for protection from the weather, porch swings, trees, public art, and a bike rack.
PSC members also heard the details for a cemetery cleanup organized by the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery and the Christ Community Church on October 15.
The Commission requested that City Council establish nine weeks of leaf and brush pick up in the spring and the fall, with announced special brush ups after storm events. The Department of Public Works will add a week of brush pick up beginning next week. Brush should be separate from leaves.
DDA and PSC members will receive a survey about Streetscape amenities packages for downtown. These include items such as benches, lamps, tables, etc.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a Special Unit Permit for a gunsmith to be located at 239 Riverfront Plaza. Jason Derry of Professional Code Inspections reviewed the Special Permit Use Application and stated that the project conforms to Allegan’s zoning ordinance.
The City Council accepted the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved a Special Use Permit to approve a Special Use Permit to allow Benjamin Taylor to operate a gunsmith store at 239 Riverfront Plaza.
Other Business
The Council approved accounts payable in the amount of $2,507,196.30 and payroll in the amount of $239,830.68 for a total disbursement of $2,747,026.98.
The City Council adopted Resolution 22.40 to adopt the Allegan County Hazard Mitigation Plan. In 2021, the Allegan County Board of Commissioners adopted a multi-jurisdictional hazards mitigation plan, which brought the Allegan County Hazards Mitigation Plan in line with regulations and guidance from FEMA. For the City of Allegan to receive assistance from FEMA in the event of a disaster, the City must adopt the Allegan County Hazards Mitigation Plan.
The City Council authorized a purchase order to West Michigan Garage Doors of Allegan, Michigan for replacing two overhead doors at the DPW building in the not to exceed amount of $15,000.00. Funding is available in the FY 2023 budget under Buildings and Grounds.
Because of City Manager Joel Dye’s unexpected absence, the Council decided to table discussion of his contract. Members will send questions and concerns to Mayor Andrus, which she will then share with other council members and Dye prior to the next meeting.
Study Council
The Council heard two presentations during the Study Session. The first was given by Rosemary Graham, Resource Recovery Coordinator at the Allegan County Health Department who discussed the ability of local units to hold an election on Nov. 8. Local units may choose to participate in the Resource Recovery Program under the current parameters without an election ($25 per household per year), but if they opt for the $50 per household per year plan, the question must be placed on the Nov. ballot. The City will not be participating.
Doug Zokoe of Consumers Energy presented the Council with information about their renewable energy options for municipalities. Council members Peter Hanse, Roger Bird and Dave Redding had a number of questions about the Large Consumer Renewable Energy Program. Enrollment in the program takes place each year in September.
Doug Kadzban reviewed the potential purchases of three pieces of equipment for the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW hopes to purchase a refurbished 2015 model year street sweeper in the amount of $125,000.00 from Bell Equipment of Lake Orion, Michigan; an International cab and chassis for a replacement salt truck in the amount of $91,880.49 from West Michigan International of Grand Rapids; and a Radial Dump Salt spreader (RDS) unit in the amount of $99,820.00 from Truck & Trailer Specialties of Caledonia, Michigan.
Council members also discussed the benefits of the early payoff of two USDA loans, one of which is for the 2004 Airport Hangars (due 2035) and the other the 2010 Eastern Ave Lift Stations (due 2051). The payoffs would come from the existing fund balances. If approved, this will reduce the debt amounts in each fund, relieving operational expenditures. In addition, this will relieve staff of the administrative reporting and annual compliance audits for the loan.
Council members also reviewed the June 2022 Revenue/Expenditure Report. This report includes all revenue received and expenditure invoices received as of September 16, 2022. As of June 30, 2022, the City of Allegan’s Net Revenues & Expenditures for all funds is $1,605,788.03 (94% of Budget Used). After each fiscal year month, the Finance Department provides the report for City Council to ensure that the fiscal year ends within budget parameters.
Several Council members expressed positive comments about the FIT Assessment Report presented at the Griswold on Sept. 22, and the good picture it presented of Allegan and the alignment of the City’s plans with the opportunities for improvement mentioned in the report.
Johnson reported that the report and the presentation have been uploaded to the City’s Facebook page.