[1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
[00:02:35]
>> [MUSIC] [BACKGROUND] GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER 9, 2023 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD FOR THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN.
IF YOU WOULD JOIN ME FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
MS. GORDON, WOULD YOU GIVE US A ROLL CALL PLEASE?
>> CLERK GUTHRIE? TRUSTEE WISINSKI? FIVE MEMBERS PRESENT, TWO ARE ABSENT.
>> THANK YOU. FOR OUR AGENDA IS A PRESENTATIONS.
[4. PRESENTATION]
WE'LL FIRST HEAR ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION FROM MANAGER WALSH.>> THANK YOU MADAM SUPERVISOR AND BOARD.
IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU. IT'S BEEN AWHILE.
[LAUGHTER] TONIGHT I'M GOING BACK TO 2015.
THE STAFF HAS STARTED A VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD PROGRAM FOR.
WE HAVE 100 AND SOME VOLUNTEERS AND THE STAFF GETS TOGETHER, THE DIRECTORS AND IT GOES OVER WHO'S DONE WHAT AND WHO SHOULD WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND WHAT PARTICULAR YEAR.
YOU MAY RECALL THE FIRST WINTER, SO THOSE WERE ACTUALLY BRIAN BEAUCHINE FROM THE ZBA AND THEN PLANNING COMMISSIONERS, ZBA, PATRICIA JACKSON.
IN 2016 IT WAS SUZANNE BROUSE, COMMUNITY RESOURCE COMMISSION AND MARK STEPHENS FROM THE PARKS COMMISSION.
2017, JOHN SCOTT-CRAIG, FROM PLANNING COMMISSION, WHO WAS ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND SUSAN ELDER FOR THE PENSION BOARD.
2018, IN THE ENTIRE MERIDIAN GARDEN CLUB [LAUGHTER] WAS NOTED AND DAVE LEDEBUHR FROM THE EDC.
[00:05:01]
IN 2019, RENEE KORREY FROM THE DDA AND NED JACKSON FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.THEN, OF COURSE WITH COVID, WE HAD TO COMBINE A COUPLE OF YEARS BECAUSE WE WEREN'T.
2020-2022, JOYCE VAN COEVERING, WHO SERVES ON THE PENSION BOARD AND THE BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, FORMER PLANNING COMMISSIONER, AND JOHN SABER FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
THIS YEAR, WE HAVE TWO NOMINEES TO PRESENT TONIGHT.
I'LL TURN IT BACK OVER TO YOU, SUPERVISOR JACKSON, SO YOU CAN MOVE ON WITH THE TWO PRESENTATIONS THIS EVENING. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. FIRST WE'LL HERE FROM MS. EMMA CAMPBELL, WHO'S LAND STEWARD COORDINATOR. SORRY.
A LOT OF PEOPLE EVEN DON'T KNOW WHAT STEWARDSHIP MEANS. [LAUGHTER] I GET IT.
>> IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN STEWARDSHIP, RIGHT?
[OVERLAPPING] I'M A STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR.
>> NO, YOU'RE GOOD. GOOD EVENING, TRUSTEES.
I'M EMMA CAMPBELL AND I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF RUNNING THE MERIDIAN CONSERVATION CORPS, WHICH IS MADE UP OF VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP ME STEWARD 1,700 ACRES OF LAND IN THE TOWNSHIP.
VOLUNTEERS ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF WHAT I DO AND WE HAVE A LOT OF OUTSTANDING PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH US AND HELP US.
BUT THERE'S ONE PERSON WHO REALLY STANDS OUT AMONGST ALL THOSE PEOPLE, WHICH IS STEVE THOMAS.
STEVE THOMAS HAS BEEN A RESIDENT OF MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP FOR 18 YEARS AND HAS NOT ONCE STOPPED STEWARDING BOTH PUBLIC TOWNSHIP LAND AND PRIVATE.
HE HAS BEEN ON THE LAND PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD SINCE 2020 AND HAS MADE HUGE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR BOARD FROM A LAND MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION PERSPECTIVE.
HE HAS PERSONALLY STEWARD AND SOUR WOODS PRESERVE FOR OVER A DECADE, PLANTING NATIVE SPECIES AND REMOVING INVASIVE PLANTS THAT DISPLACE OUR NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS. HE HAS BEEN ATTENDING TOWNSHIP STEWARDSHIP SATURDAYS SINCE THE START AND HAS HELPED GUIDE LAND MANAGEMENT EFFORTS, USING HIS SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AS A LANDSCAPE ECOLOGIST TO ADVANCE OUR PROGRAMS. HE HAS HIMSELF CONDUCTED MANY OF THE LAND SURVEYS FOR MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP PARKS AND PRESERVES DURING HIS TIME WITH COASTAL AND WETLAND RESOURCES, GIVING HIM A DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA AS WELL AS LAND USE HISTORY.
THIS SKILL SET HAS BEEN A HUGE HELP TO OUR STEWARDSHIP EFFORTS AS WE LEARN WHAT WORKS TO NATURE BIODIVERSITY IN OUR NATURAL AREAS, AS WE ATTEMPT TO RESTORE THEM.
HE SPENDS COUNTLESS HOURS GATHERING RARE NATIVE SEEDS FROM ALL OVER THE TOWNSHIP TO PRESERVE NATIVE PLANTS THAT ARE DISAPPEARING AT A FAST RATE.
HIS PASSION FOR RARE SPECIES CONSERVATION AND RESTORING ECOSYSTEMS IS A GIFT TO OUR TOWNSHIP LANDS AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME.
HE ATTENDS ALMOST EVERY SINGLE MERIDIAN CONSERVATION CORPS EVENTS AND STAYS AFTER TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT INITIATIVES, WE SHOULD BE PURSUING TO ADVANCE OUR NATURAL AREAS LIKE NATIVE SEED SOWING AND PRESCRIBED FIRE.
HE TAKES ANALYST'S TIME WITH VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE ALWAYS AMAZED BY THE NAMES OF PLANTS HE CAN RATTLE OFF AND IN LATIN TOO.
[LAUGHTER] HE HAS CHANGED THE PERSPECTIVE OF VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF ALIKE, ALLOWING THEM TO VIEW OUR LANDSCAPE IN A TOTALLY NEW WAY, ONE OF GRATITUDE AND LONG-TERM PERSEVERANCE.
CONSERVATION IS A LONG-TERM VISION, A VISION THAT IS OFTEN HARD TO GRASP.
STEVE'S OUTLOOK INSPIRES PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE SPECIES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST TO THE BUSY SHUFFLE OF MODERN LIFE.
THIS INSPIRATION GIVES VOLUNTEERS THE ABILITY TO SEE THEIR EFFORTS EXTENDED LONG AFTER THEIR LIFETIME.
THESE MOMENTS CREATE A SPACE OF CARRYING WITHIN, A PASSION THAT KEEPS US ALL COMING BACK EACH WEEK TO STEWARD OUR LANDS.
IF WE DIDN'T HAVE SOMEONE LIKE STEVE THOMAS IN THE TOWNSHIP, OUR NATURAL AREAS WOULD BE FURTHER IN DECLINE.
WITH PEOPLE LIKE HIM AROUND, WE HAVE HOPED FOR THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF OUR GREEN SPACE.
HE IS TRULY A HERO OF CONSERVATION AND DESERVES RECOGNITION FOR HIS HARD WORK AND COUNTLESS HOURS HE HAS GIVEN TO OUR TOWNSHIP.
WE HAVE ABOUT 60 EVENTS A YEAR FOR MCC, ONCE A WEEK, SO JUST GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF HOW OFTEN HE IS THERE.
I AM BEYOND HONORED TO PRESENT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD, STEVE THOMAS WITH THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD. STEVE.
[APPLAUSE] WE THANK STEVE FOR ALL OF HIS HELP.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING?
>> THAT WAS EXTREMELY COMPLIMENTARY.
NOW I HAVE TO LIVE UP TO THAT.
[00:10:02]
IF IT WEREN'T SATISFYING TO WORK WITH THE NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS, IT WOULD BE HARD TO DO IT, BUT THAT REALLY KEEPS ME GOING IS BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH THESE LIVING THINGS FIRSTHAND THAT REALLY DO NEED OUR HELP AT THIS TIME, AND THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT COME OUT TO STEWARDSHIP EVENTS AND THAT ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT.A REALLY GOOD, KIND, AND BRIGHT PEOPLE THAT ARE INTERESTING TO TALK TO AND FUN TO BE WITH OUTSIDE.
IT'S GOOD EXERCISE, AND EMMA'S ENTHUSIASM IS VERY CONTAGIOUS, IT'S BEEN REALLY GREAT HAVING HER HERE WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP, AND I HOPE TO KEEP DOING THINGS I'VE BEEN DOING AND SEE PROGRESS.
WE'RE ACTUALLY SEEING PROGRESS IN SOME AREAS, WHICH IS REALLY A GOOD FEELING FOR HOW OFTEN IN THIS WORLD WE'RE SEEING THINGS GO THE OTHER WAY, THAT'S ALL. THANK YOU, EMMA.
THE NEXT AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED BY BRIAN SHORKEY.
MR. SHORKEY IS SENIOR PLANNER AT MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP.
>> CORRECT. GOOD EVENING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK TONIGHT ABOUT A PLANNING COMMISSIONER THAT I'VE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH.
I'VE DONE THIS FOR ALMOST 24 YEARS AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES SEVERAL MUNICIPALITIES, AND SOMETIMES THEY'RE EASY TO WORK WITH, SOMETIMES THEY'RE NOT EASY TO WORK WITH.
THIS PLANNING COMMISSIONER HAS BEEN REALLY ENJOYABLE TO WORK WITH, HIS QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN REALLY POINTED AT TIMES.
LEADING CONVERSATION WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO, AND I'VE REALLY ENJOYED THAT PROCESS AND LEARNING THAT COMMUNICATION SKILL.
I'M SPEAKING ABOUT MR. PETER TREZISE.
MR. TREZISE HAS BEEN A RESIDENT OF THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS.
HE IS GENUINELY A VERY NICE PERSON, REALLY INTELLIGENT, HE THINKS THROUGH EVERY DECISION THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION NEEDS TO MAKE, AND BEST SERVES THE COMMUNITY.
HE'S BEEN ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2018, HE CURRENTLY SERVES AS VICE CHAIR OF THAT BODY.
HE IS THE CURRENT CHAIR OF THE BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS THE PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON.
HE SERVED ON THAT AUTHORITY SINCE JUNE OF 2022.
HE'S PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS THE PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON TO THE EDC AND THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
HE HAS HAD 16 YEARS OF SERVICE ON THE UCOM'S BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND HE'S BEEN PREVIOUSLY PRESIDENT OF THE BRIARWOOD HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION.
AT THIS TIME, I'M HAPPY TO PRESENT THIS AWARD TO MR. PETER TREZISE.
>> DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY?
>> I WANT TO THANK FRANK, AND BRIAN, AND THE BOARD FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
IT'S NOT ALWAYS FUN, BUT IT'S ALWAYS INTERESTING.
I'VE BEEN PLEASED TO WORK WITH A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION WHO LISTEN, WHO TALK, WHO COOPERATE, WHO COLLABORATE, AND HOPEFULLY WE REACH CORRECT DECISIONS MOST OF THE TIME.
IT'S BEEN A JOY, I APPRECIATE THE TIME THAT I SPEND.
IT'S ALWAYS EDUCATIONAL, AND I'D LIKE TO CONTINUE DOING THIS, SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
IT'S A SURPRISE, AND I DON'T KNOW THAT I'M WORTHY OF IT, BUT I WILL ACCEPT IT. THANK YOU.
>> WE MOVE NOW TO ITEM 5 ON OUR AGENDA.
[5. CITIZENS ADDRESS AGENDA ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS]
CITIZENS ADDRESS AGENDA ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS. I HAVE ONE GREEN CARD.IF THERE'S ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD AT THIS TIME, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THESE GREEN CARDS.
I HAVE ONE FROM JOSH NAHUM. REALLY?
>> HELLO. MY NAME IS JOSH NAHUM IT ALL WORKS FOR ME,
[00:15:03]
1517 RIVER TERRACE, AND I'M HERE WITH MY PARTNER, DR. EMILY DAWSON.IN THE LAST REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 17TH, POLICE CHIEF GRILLO SHARE DIFFICULTIES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY FACING.
HE DESCRIBED BOTH AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF OVERTIME AS WELL AS EXTREME DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING AS MANY OFFICERS AS OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS TO FULFILL THE GOALS OF THE MTPD'S CORE VALUES.
IN THE COMMENTS FOR THAT MEETING, I EXPRESSED THE DESIRE TO SEE IF ALTERNATIVES TO UNIFORM POLICE OFFICERS COULD BE FOUND FOR SOME OF THE MANY CHALLENGING AND TIME-CONSUMING CALLS FOR SERVICE IN OUR GROWING COMMUNITY TO BOTH REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS AND ALSO RESPOND MORE APPROPRIATELY TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS.
SINCE THEN, I'VE HAD A PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION WITH JESSICA MARTIN, SUPERVISOR OF THE SOCIAL WORK UNIT OF LANSING PD.
LANSING PD IS THE FIRST DEPARTMENT IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN TO STAFF A SOCIAL WORKER IN THEIR DEPARTMENT, AND THEIR SOCIAL WORK UNIT IS AN EXCELLENT MODEL TO BUILD ON AS THEY PRESENT THEIR SUCCESS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES.
SUPERVISOR MARTIN MANAGES THE TEAM OF FOUR FULL-TIME SOCIAL WORKERS EMBEDDED WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND RESPOND TO SERVICE-RELATED TASKS, INCLUDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISES, DOMESTIC DISPUTES, WHERE NO CRIME HAS OCCURRED.
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER-RELATED ISSUES, SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF VIOLENT CRIMES, STATUS OFFENSES, AND INTERVENTION WITH HIGH UTILIZERS OF POLICE RESOURCES.
SHE STRONGLY SUPPORTS ADDING SIMILAR UNITS TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
OBVIOUSLY, OUR DEPARTMENT IS SMALLER THAN LANSING PD, BUT HAVING SOCIAL WORKERS AS PART OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT IS BECOMING MORE COMMON.
FOR INSTANCE, EAST LANSING'S POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM CONSISTING OF NON-SWORN POLICE SOCIAL WORKERS AND NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE SPECIALISTS.
THEY HAVE ONE FULL-TIME AND THREE PART-TIME RESOURCE SPECIALISTS.
SUPERVISOR MARTIN ALSO SAID THAT NEARBY TOWNSHIPS OFTEN PULL RESOURCES AND HAVE SOCIAL WORKERS RESPOND TO CAUSE ACROSS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES.
I'VE ALSO MET WITH DR. TAKISHA LASHORE, DIRECTOR OF THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AT MSU, TO DISCUSS IF A SIMILAR PROGRAM MIGHT BE IMPLEMENTED IN MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP.
SHE IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE TO INTEGRATE SOCIAL WORKERS WITHIN THEIR DEPARTMENT.
WITH YOUR APPROVAL, I'D LIKE TO FOSTER DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN CHIEF GRILLO, DR. LASHORE, AND SOME OF THE OTHER NEIGHBORING POLICE DEPARTMENTS THAT ALREADY BENEFIT FROM THE EXISTENCE OF EMBEDDED SOCIAL WORKERS.
TO EVALUATE SUCH A SOLUTION MIGHT BENEFIT OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE TOWNSHIP AS A WHOLE, I WOULD GLADLY ARRANGE A PRESENTATION FROM ONE OF THESE LEADERS AT A FUTURE BOARD MEETING SO YOU COULD SPEAK WITH THEM DIRECTLY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE.
I KNOW THAT YOU CAN'T RESPOND DIRECTLY TO POLICE COMMENTS, BUT I'VE INCLUDED MY CONTACT INFORMATION ON THE PUBLIC COMMENT CARD.
UNFORTUNATELY, YOU HAVE TO GO RUN TO PROCTOR A MIDTERM IN A FEW MINUTES, BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. ARE THERE OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? THEN WE'LL MOVE ON TO ITEM 6,
[6. TOWNSHIP MANAGER REPORT]
WHICH IS THE TOWNSHIP MANAGER'S REPORT.>> GOOD EVENING. JUST A FEW THINGS TO GO OVER THIS EVENING.
FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO CONGRATULATE MR. THOMAS AND [INAUDIBLE] FOR THEIR AWARD.
THEY'VE DONE A LOT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND NICE TO SEE THEM HONORED BY THE BOARD AND COMMUNITY.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, IT'S BEEN BEFORE US NOW FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
WE'RE HOPING TO BRING BACK A DRAFT POLICY FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AT THE NEXT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 21ST.
THAT'S OUR GOAL OR REMAINS OUR GOAL AND I DON'T SEE ANY REASON WHY WE CAN'T ACCOMPLISH THAT.
JUST A REMINDER EVERY DECEMBER THE BOARD SETS THEIR GOALS, REVIEWS WHAT'S HAPPENED IN 2023, SETS GOALS FOR 2024.
THESE ARE INTERESTING TIMES THAT WE'RE IN AS WE LOOK FORWARD AND LOOK IN THE REVIEW MIRROR.
AT THE NOVEMBER 21ST MEETING WE'LL BE ASK THE BOARD HAS SET A DATE IN DECEMBER FOR THAT ANNUAL PROCESS.
AT THE LAST MEETING, WHICH WAS ALL THE WAY BACK TO OCTOBER 17TH I WAS NOT AT THE END OF THE MEETING, BUT IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A COUPLE OF BOARD MEMBERS MENTIONED THE IMPROVEMENTS OR THE CONDITION OF MARSHALL PARK UP IN THE HASLETT AREA.
SINCE THAT, WE HAVE FOLLOWED UP ON THAT.
I BELIEVE THAT CAME FROM TRUSTEE, HENDRICKSON AND WILSON.
WE HAVE SENT THAT ONTO THE PARK COMMISSION AND THEY ARE GOING TO VET THAT ON THE NOVEMBER 14TH MEETING.
IF EVERYTHING GOES FORWARD, YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE THAT BACK PERHAPS ON NOVEMBER 21ST OR DECEMBER 5TH, ON HOW YOU WANT TO MOVE FORWARD, DEPENDING ON THE INPUT FROM THE PARK COMMISSION.
THE PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR PROCESS, AS YOU KNOW, DIRECTOR MAISNER IS RETIRING AFTER 24-PLUS YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE TOWNSHIP.
A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN REVIEWING APPLICANTS OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, WHICH CULMINATED IN AN INTERVIEW PROCESS ON TUESDAY.
[00:20:03]
THE COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF IT DIRECTOR STEPHEN GEBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING DIRECTOR TIM SCHMITT WAS ALSO INVOLVED UP UNTIL THE TIME BEFORE HE LEFT FOR SOME OUT-OF-TOWN.DIRECTOR MAISNER WAS INVOLVED AND ALSO THE PARKS COMMISSION CHAIR MARY FARRIS WAS INVOLVED, HR DIRECTOR TITHOF, AND MYSELF. FIVE-MEMBER COMMITTEE.
WE REVIEWED ALL THE APPLICANTS.
WE HAD SOME REALLY STRONG CANDIDATES AND WE'RE DOWN TO TWO OUT OF 61 I THINK IT WAS.
OVER THIS PAST WEEK, WE CONTINUE TO VET THOSE CANDIDATES.
ALSO TOOK THE TIME TO MEET WITH ALL THE OFFICE STAFF FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT, HAD SIX OR SEVEN DIFFERENT MEETINGS INDIVIDUALLY WITH EACH ONE WHICH I CULMINATED TODAY.
I'M EXPECTING WE'RE IN A PROCESS THAT THE NEW DIRECTOR WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY IF EVERYTHING MOVES FORWARD AS PLANNED.
GOOD MORNING MERIDIAN. YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR A LOT ABOUT THAT.
THAT IS ONE OF THE GOALS, THE BOARD HAD A LOT OF GOALS FOR 2023, BUT THE TOP THREE GOALS INCLUDED MSU TO LAKE LANSING, THE TRAIL SYSTEM, THE COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER WAS ANOTHER ONE, AND ENHANCING COMMUNICATIONS ANOTHER ONE, TOP THREE.
WELL, WE'VE DONE A LOT FOR ALL OF THOSE, BUT ON THE THIRD ONE, ENHANCING COMMUNICATIONS, NOT ONLY THE LISTENING SESSIONS, BUT THE IDEA CAME UP WHAT ABOUT TWICE A MONTH HAVING LIKE ALMOST A NEWSCAST WHERE WE PRESENT WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE TOWNSHIP AND INCLUDE EVERYONE IN THAT PROCESS, WE DID OUR FIRST CUT OF THAT TODAY.
SUPERVISOR JACKSON ACTUALLY KICKED IT OFF BY GOING OVER WHAT THIS GOOD MORNING MERIDIAN IS ALL ABOUT.
IT'S AIMED AT BEING A 20-30 MINUTE NEWSCAST TWICE A MONTH TO TALK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON.
WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MARSHALL PARK, WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER? ALL OF THESE THINGS WILL BE A PART OF OUR GOOD MORNING MERIDIAN SHOW.
AGAIN, WE DID OUR FIRST CUT TODAY WE EXPECT WITHIN 10-14 DAYS TO HAVE THE FIRST ONE OUT TO THE PUBLIC. FIRE STAFFING.
WE'VE GOT A BIG PROBLEM, BUT IT'S A WONDERFUL PROBLEM.
CHIEF HAMEL HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL IN HIS RECRUITMENT OF FEMALES FOLLOWING UP ON THE STEPS THAT RETIRED CHIEF PLAGA HAD.
WE JUST INTERVIEWED FIVE CANDIDATES FOR THREE POSITIONS.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, FOUR OF THE FIVE CANDIDATES ARE FEMALE.
DIRECTOR CLARK ACTUALLY SAT IN FOR ME ON ONE OF THOSE INTERVIEWS TODAY AND TALKED ABOUT HOW IMPRESSIVE THIS YOUNG LADY IS THAT WAS BEING CONSIDERED AND RECOMMENDED HER TO JOIN OUR TEAM.
A GOOD ISSUE, I MIGHT SAY, DOWN AT THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION WHERE WE DON'T HAVE THE PROPER DORMITORY AND BUNKING FOR GENDER EQUALITY, GENDER EQUITY, I SHOULD SAY.
WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT THIS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
AS A PART OF THE GOALS SETTING, WE'LL HAVE MORE INFORMATION FOR YOU, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS, THAT WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING.
OUR FIRST THOUGHT WAS POTENTIALLY A COMMUNITY ROOM.
BUT WE'RE REALLY HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THAT FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS.
RIGHT NOW WE'RE LOOKING AT THE POTENTIAL OF AN EXPANSION TO THE EAST.
WE'LL GET BACK WITH YOU WITH MORE DETAILS ON THAT BUT I WANTED YOU TO BE AWARE OF THE SITUATION, BUT WE ARE LOOKING HARD AT HOW TO FIX IT.
PUTTING SOME BEDS IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM EVERY NIGHT IS NOT A SOLUTION FOR EQUITY.
WE STILL HAVE, REMEMBER THE MOON AND A HALF THAT WE'RE COMMITTED TO PUT IN.
AND THEN WE HAVE DOLLARS ON TOP OF THAT AND THEN WE HAVE THE ARC.
THE ARC AUTOMATICALLY GOES IN THE REQUIRED CONTRIBUTION.
THEN THERE'S THE MILLION AND A HALF.
THERE'S SOME DISCUSSION GOING ON RIGHT NOW AND AGAIN, YOU MAY SEE THIS IN DECEMBER IF WE GO IN THIS DIRECTION AS A SUGGESTION TO YOU THAT IT'S REALLY A POLICY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE DIRECTED AND REMANDED BY THE BOARD.
SHOULD WE TAKE THAT 1.5 AND PUT IT INTO A VOLATILE MARKET RIGHT NOW? OR SHOULD WE PUT IT INTO A 12-MONTH TREASURY AT FIVE-AND-A-HALF, WHICH BY THE WAY, EXCEEDS THE 5% THAT WE'RE TRYING TO GET THROUGH MARS? IT'S AN INTERESTING POINT THAT'S COME UP.
WE MET WITH OUR FINANCIAL TEAM AND ADVISORS THIS PAST WEEK TO LOOK AT THAT.
I DON'T HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU THIS EVENING, BUT YOU MAY SEE THAT IN DECEMBER DEPENDING UPON CASH FLOW AND SOME OTHER THINGS IN THE TOWNSHIP.
RENO IS BACK AND BACK AT SERVICE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS SO NOW BOTH OUR CANINES ARE IN OPERATION.
I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE HASLETT VIKINGS FOOTBALL TEAM.
THEY WENT OVER AND KNOCKED OFF A THIRD-RATED TEAM IN THE STATE AT CHELSEA,
[00:25:02]
WHICH WAS A BIG FEAT.THEY NOW ARE GOING TO BE GOING TO GOODRICH TOMORROW.
THEY ARE CLOSELY APPROACHING THE FINAL FOUR IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THEIR CLASS I THINK IT'S DIVISION FOUR.
OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WILL BE GIVING THEM AN ESCORT OUT OF TOWN OF TOMORROW EVENING.
LISTENING SESSIONS FOR THE PUBLIC WE HAVE TWO LEFT, NOVEMBER 14TH, WHICH WILL BE AT THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION.
ON THE 28TH AT CORNELL ELEMENTARY.
YOU'LL NOTICE SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HISTORICAL VILLAGE.
WE'RE DOING SOME UPDATING ON THE ROOF OF THE BARN AND PAINTING THE SCHOOLHOUSE.
WE'RE WORKING WITH A DRAIN OFFICE ON WHAT'S GOING TO BE THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT WERE MADE AT OLD ENGLISH ESTATES.
AS YOU REMEMBER, WE HAD A LITTLE ISSUE WITH THE ROAD WHICH TURNED INTO A BIG DRAIN ISSUE.
WE ARE MEETING THIS WEEK WITH A DRAIN COMMISSIONER TALKING ABOUT WHAT'S APPROPRIATE FOR THE TOWNSHIP TO PAY.
KEEP IN MIND THAT BOARD APPOINTMENTS ARE COMING UP.
START TO THINK ABOUT WHAT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS YOU'D LIKE TO SERVE ON, TALK TO A SUPERVISOR JACKSON ABOUT THAT, BUT ALSO LOOKING AT THE BOARD AND COMMISSION LIST BE CAUSE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF APPOINTMENTS BEFORE YOU IN THE NEXT MONTH.
THE COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR CENTER, I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THAT IN THE LAST MONTH, BUT I'LL LEAVE THAT FOR THE CHAIR OF THAT WHICH IS TRUSTEE WILSON.
EVALUATIONS FOR OUR MT MEMBERS WILL HAPPEN ON DECEMBER 13TH.
A BIG PROJECT AHEAD OF US IS UPDATING OUR JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND UPDATING OUR PERSONNEL POLICY.
OUR PERSONNEL POLICY WAS UPDATED IN 2015, BUT OUR JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE ABOUT 20-22 YEARS OLD.
THAT HAS TO BE AT AGAIN, YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR ABOUT THAT DURING OUR GOAL SETTING, BUT IT HAS TO BE A PROJECT THAT WE TAKE ON AND GET ACCOMPLISHED IN 2024.
THE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ISSUES THAT WERE BEFORE US TWO OR THREE WEEKS AGO IT'S NOT GOING AWAY.
WE'RE ON THAT AND TRUSTEE WILSON, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, AND CHIEF GRILLO CONTINUE TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE.
THE POTENTIAL OF PARK LAKE REZONING.
THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN THROUGH IN FRONT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
I THINK THREE MEETINGS NOW, THE PLANNING COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED DENIAL OF THE REZONING ON PARK LAKE.
IT'S ABOUT NINE ACRES, ABOUT 224 FEET OF FRONTAGE ON PARK LAKE ROAD.
THAT MAY BE IN FRONT OF YOU I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE, BUT IT COULD BE IN FRONT OF YOU ALSO ON NOVEMBER 21ST OR DECEMBER 5TH.
THOSE ARE ALL THE THINGS AS YOU LOOK PAST TONIGHT, ALTHOUGH THE THINGS THAT ARE IN FRONT OF YOU AS WE GO FORWARD, AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT, I APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE NOW COME TO ITEM SEVEN BOARD MEMBER REPORTS OF ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
[7. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS OF ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS]
TRUSTEE SUNDLAND? [LAUGHTER]>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I ATTENDED THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING ON NOVEMBER 2ND.
WE DID JUST DISCUSS OUR NEW 2024 MEETING CALENDAR AND GOALS, BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THAT.
THE MAIN THING THAT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT IS THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE A BUSINESS EXPO AT THE MERIDIAN MALL.
IT'S ON NOVEMBER 11TH AT 11:00 AM, SO 11.11.11.
IT'S AN EXPO OF DIFFERENT EXHIBITORS JUST TO SHOW WHAT THEY DO AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT EVENT.
I ALSO ATTENDED THE MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ON OCTOBER 18TH THROUGH THE 20TH AND THAT WAS A GREAT SESSION TO GATHER TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, THE DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES, AND JUST HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCUSS WHERE THEY'RE AT AND WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
>> ONE POINT IS THAT THE EXPO IS SPONSORED BY MABA.
>> MERIDIAN AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
>> I THINK I SAW MR. DESCHAINE'S HAND.
>> YES. I HAVE JUST A COUPLE OF BRIEF REPORTS.
ON 18TH I ATTENDED THE CATA BOARD MEETING, AND THEY MEET AGAIN NEXT WEEK ON THE 15TH AND DIRECTOR CLARK WILL TALK
[00:30:04]
ABOUT HER PRESENTATION ON THE QUARTER IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY THAT WILL GO BEFORE THE NEXT WEEK AS WELL.THE OTHER MEETING I ATTENDED ALSO ON 18TH WAS A MEETING ORGANIZED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE PENELOPE TSERNOGLOU.
THERE IS SOME CONCERN AROUND RESIDENTS LIVING AROUND THE LAKE THAT THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER IS LOOKING AT REPAIRING AND POSSIBLY IMPROVING THE DAM THERE.
WHENEVER THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER GETS INVOLVED, YOU BETTER CHECK YOUR WALLET BECAUSE IT'S NEVER A CHEAP OPERATION FOR ANY OF THEM.
THEY TURNED OUT IN VERY GOOD NUMBERS.
THERE WERE CONCERNS WAS THE FIRST THING THAT DRAIN COMMISSION DID WAS PUT A VIRTUAL VIDEO UP THERE OF A POTENTIAL FISH LADDER AND OTHER ENHANCEMENTS HE HAD IN MIND FOR THAT DAM AND IT REALLY CONCERNED THE RESIDENTS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THAT WAS GOING TO COST THEM A LOT OF MONEY.
HE WAS THERE, HIS STAFF WAS THERE, AND THEY ASKED A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
BY THE END OF THE MEETING, HE WAS COMPLETELY BACKPEDALING AND SAYING THIS IS NOT GOING TO COST MUCH MONEY, IT'S JUST A VALVE WE'VE GOT TO FIX.
THEY WERE TELLING HIM THEY WERE NOT GOING TO TOLERATE A BIG, EXPENSIVE DRAIN PROJECT AND IT PAID OFF.
I ENCOURAGE OTHER RESIDENTS, WHENEVER A DRAIN ISSUE COMES BEFORE YOU, THERE ARE ALWAYS PUBLIC MEETINGS ABOUT IT AND YOU HAVE SOME INPUT IN THAT.
I REALLY APPLAUD THE LAKE RESIDENTS WHO SHOWED UP IN GOOD NUMBERS AND REALLY REQUIRED THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER TO JUSTIFY WHAT THEY'RE PLANNING.
BY THE WAY, THE FISH LADDER VIDEO'S BEEN TAKEN DOWN.
HE DOESN'T ADVERTISE THE FISH LADDER HE WANTS TO BUILD THERE.
HE MIGHT HAVE THESE GRANDIOSE PLANS, BUT IT'S NOT HIS MONEY HE'S WORKING WITH, IT'S OUR MONEY.
THE RESIDENTS GAVE HIM A REAL CLEAR MESSAGE, FIX THE DAM AS IT HAS TO BE FIXED AND NOTHING MORE.
THEY GOT THAT MESSAGE ACROSS TO HIM.
IT WAS A REALLY PRODUCTIVE MEETING.
I DID NOT ATTEND IN OFFICIAL CAPACITY.
I WAS THERE WITH DEPUTY MANAGER OPSOMMER JUST OBSERVING THE MEETING.
AGAIN, VERY PROUD OF OUR RESIDENTS WHO WERE THERE.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
SINCE OUR LAST MEETING, I ALONG WITH I THINK EVERYONE HERE AT THE TABLE ATTENDED THE NEIGHBORHOOD LISTENING SESSION THAT WE HELD DOWN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND HAD A GOOD TURNOUT.
ABOUT 15 OR 20 FOLKS CAME OUT TO OFFER SOME THOUGHTS ON WHAT WE WERE UP TO AT THAT.
THEN LAST THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, WE ALL ATTENDED THE SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY SESSION THAT THE BOARD HELD AT THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION.
GOT A LOT OF EXCELLENT INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE WE ARE ON THAT PROJECT AND WHAT THE FUTURE MIGHT LOOK LIKE.
VERY EXCITING TO HAVE HEARD THAT AND PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF IT.
>> WE HAVE MORE ABOUT THAT LATER IN OUR MEETING. TRUSTEE WILSON?
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
LAST NIGHT, THE CRC MET, COMMUNITY RESOURCE COMMISSION.
I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WE ARE GOING TO FEED 280 FAMILIES THANKSGIVING DINNER, WHICH IS FANTASTIC BECAUSE OUR SPECIALIST WHO WORKS IN THAT AREA, KATIE LOVE, GOT A $15,000 GRANT.
SHE JUST WROTE A GRANT AND WE'RE FEEDING PEOPLE. THAT'S EXCITING.
ALSO, I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF CHILDREN BEING HURT IN ACCIDENTS WITH A CAB, PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS.
WE'VE TAKEN SEVERAL STEPS, THANKS TO CHIEF RICK GRILLO, POLICE CHIEF, TAKEN SEVERAL STEPS.
WE'RE HAVING A BIG MEETING ON MONDAY AFTERNOON WITH ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS FROM THE COUNTY TO THE SCHOOLS AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND I'M GOING TO BE THERE.
I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE WE'RE REALLY TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY FOR OUR KIDS WHO ARE GOING TO SCHOOL.
STAY TUNED. THERE WILL BE MORE COMING. THANK YOU.
>> I'D LIKE TO ADD THAT I SPENT TWO DAYS LAST WEEK LEARNING ABOUT THE MICHIGAN BROADBAND EXPANSION MERITS AT THE BROADBAND SUMMIT.
THERE'S MORE INFORMATION TO COME.
THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY AT THIS POINT.
I COME TO APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA.
[8. APPROVAL OF AGENDA]
IS THERE A MOTION, MR. HENDRICKSON?>> MADAM SUPERVISOR, I MOVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED THIS EVENING.
>> SECONDED BY TRUSTEE WILSON.
[00:35:01]
ALL IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION, PLEASE SAY YES.[9. CONSENT AGENDA]
JUST THE CONSENT AGENDA.CONSENT AGENDA INCLUDES COMMUNICATIONS, MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 17, 2023 REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING, MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2023 TOWNSHIP BOARD STUDY SESSION.
THE MANAGER'S BILLS OR THE BOARD'S BILLS.
ITEM D IS A LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION FROM [INAUDIBLE] AND THIRD QUARTER 2023 INVESTMENT REPORT.
>> SUPERVISOR, I NOTED THERE IS AN ERROR IN A LEGAL NOTICE AND IT'S SPECIFICALLY THE LEGAL NOTICE FOR ZONING AMENDMENT 2023-05 PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING.
THE NOTICE STATES THE TOWNSHIP BOARD AT ITS REGULAR MEETING ON NOVEMBER 6TH.
I BELIEVE THE REFERENCE SHOULD BE PLANNING COMMISSION AND NOT THE TOWNSHIP BOARD.
SO I WANTED TO BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK WHEN SHE RETURNS FROM VACATION, THAT THAT BE CORRECTED.
SO I HAVE THAT ONE EXCEPTION TO THE COMMUNICATIONS.
>> THE OTHER ITEMS, MR. DESCHANE.
>> I MOVE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
>> I BELIEVE WE NEED A ROLL CALL VOTE, MS. GORDON.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE NO QUESTIONS FOR THE ATTORNEY TONIGHT BUT WE DO HAVE TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS.
THE FIRST IS ITEM 11A CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY CIA TAX INCREMENT FINANCING.
[11.A. Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Tax Increment Financing (TIF)]
WE'LL OPEN THIS PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:36 P.M. THEN HEAR FROM DIRECTOR CLARK, NEIGHBORHOOD AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO INTRODUCE THIS ITEM.>> WELL, GOOD EVENING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
WE ARE HERE TONIGHT TO HOLD THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE DRAFT TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN FOR THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.
AS HAS BEEN NOTICED, OUR TAX JURISDICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PLAN HAVE ALSO BEEN NOTIFIED BY CERTIFIED MAIL.
OUR PLAN IS BEFORE YOU AND THIS IS THE SECTION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR ANY PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE PLAN.
>> I SHOULD MORE FORMALLY PRESENT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.
WE'RE OPENING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TOWNSHIP'S APPLICATION FOR THE MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
>> THAT'S A CHILL GRANT THAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT, I'M SORRY.
>> AT THIS POINT, OUR HEARING IS OPEN TO YOUR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY, CIA TAX INCREMENT FINANCING.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THIS AT THIS TIME?
>> I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE PLAN IS.
>> AMBER, COULD YOU GIVE US THE MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION?
>> THE DRAFT PLAN IS INCLUDED IN OUR PACKET THIS EVENING IS A 20-YEAR DURATION PLAN TO SHARE.
YOU DO HAVE IT ON FOR ACTION IN DISCUSSIONS, SO I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT ME TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THE DETAILS OF THE PLAN RIGHT NOW.
>> WELL, IF THE PUBLIC HAS [OVERLAPPING]
>> GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, WE SHOULD GIVE THEM SOME MORE INFORMATION, YES.
>> YES. THIS TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN IS A 20-YEAR PLAN PROPOSED TO SHARE IN PROPERTY TAXES THAT ARE CONTRIBUTED TO ALL THE FIVE TAX JURISDICTIONS OF MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP.
WE WOULD CAPTURE A PORTION OF THAT AND USE IT TO INVEST BACK INTO THE DISTRICT OVER 20 YEARS.
OF THE PERMISSIONS WE NEED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PLAN ARE MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, INGHAM COUNTY, CAPITAL REGION AIRPORT AUTHORITY, CAPITAL AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY, AND THE LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
WE'VE PRESENTED OUR PLANS PUBLICLY TO THESE ENTITIES OR THERE'S A COUPLE MORE MEETINGS FOR THESE ENTITIES TO MAKE COMMENT, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED TONIGHT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
[00:40:01]
THE MAJORITY OF THE PLAN WILL SUPPORT PUBLIC AMENITIES OR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, SO IT WILL BE A MAJOR DRAIN OR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS LIKE THE THREE PEDESTRIAN ISLANDS WE PUT ON GRAND RIVER RECENTLY, AND REDEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGH FINANCING GAP FINANCING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR ANY PROPERTIES THAT ARE IN THE DISTRICT. IT'S THE GENERAL PLAN.>> [BACKGROUND] INCLUDED AS A MAP [OVERLAPPING].
>> I'M SORRY YOU DIDN'T AN [INAUDIBLE].
THIS IN FRONT OF US IS OUR DISTRICT.
>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME TO THE PODIUM AND GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS OR ASK SPECIFIC QUESTIONS?
>> JUST ASK WHAT WE'RE [INAUDIBLE] JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE INFORMATION.
>> WELL, THERE'S A FURTHER EXPLANATION AT THE POINT AT WHICH WE REACH THE ACTION ITEM.
ANYONE ELSE WHO'S CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE? THEN WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:40 P.M. AND MOVE ON TO ITEM 11B,
[11.B. Application for MSHDA’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Program]
WHICH IS THE HEARING FOR OTHER TOWNSHIP'S APPLICATION FOR THE MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MSHDA'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, CDBG HOUSING, IMPROVING LOCAL LIVABILITY PROGRAM, WHICH IS CALLED CHILL.YOU [LAUGHTER] HEARD FROM MS. MASSEY WHO WILL DESCRIBE THIS.
I'M OPENING THIS PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:40.
>> GOOD EVENING. I AM HERE TO PRESENT THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE SHOW APPLICATION THAT THE TOWNSHIP WILL BE APPLYING FOR.
WE ARE SEEKING ANY AND ALL PUBLIC INPUT ON THE MATTER, SO WE ARE OPEN TO ANY OF THE PUBLIC MIGHT WANT TO DISCUSS.
>> ANYONE HAVE INFORMATION THEY WISH TO ASK OR OFFER RELATIVE TO THIS PROPOSAL? SEEING NONE.
>> I JUST WANT TO MENTION A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT THE PROGRAM IS ABOUT.
IT'S A PROGRAM THROUGH MSHDA, THAT IN CASE AN EXPLANATION DRAWS ANY INTEREST FROM ANYONE IN THE PUBLIC.
IT'S A PROGRAM THAT'S ABOUT A HALF-MILLION DOLLAR GRANT THAT WE'RE LOOKING TO RECEIVE, THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO PROVIDE LOW-INTEREST LOANS OR GRANTS TO HOMEOWNERS TO IMPROVE THEIR HOMES.
THE TERMS ARE NOT SET AT THIS TIME, BUT SOMEWHAT GET A GRANT THROUGH THIS PROGRAM.
IT'S ADMINISTERED BY A THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE FUNDING WOULD HELP HOMEOWNERS MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR HOMES.
IF THEY STAY IN THEM LONG ENOUGH, THAT GRANT GETS RELIEVED.
IT'S ALREADY SET UP IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE COMMUNITIES IT'S INCOME-BASED.
WE'LL HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT.
BUT THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT IT IS THROUGH MSHDA.
IT'S A HOMEOWNER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. [BACKGROUND] QUESTIONS? WE'LL CLOSE THIS PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:42.
WE NOW COME TO OUR ACTION ITEMS. ACTION ITEM 12A IS THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY,
[12.A. Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Tax Increment Financing (TIF)]
CIA, TAX INCREMENT FINANCING OR TIF.AMBER CLARK. DIRECTOR CLARK WILL OPEN THIS DISCUSSION.
>> [LAUGHTER] EXACTLY. WE'VE BEEN WORKING, THE TOWNSHIP BOARD SET A GOAL THIS YEAR FOR THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF A TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN IN OCTOBER.
THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY SUPPORTED THE ADOPTION OF A DRAFT PLAN THAT IS IN YOUR PACKET TODAY.
IN ORDER TO GET A PLAN ADOPTED, THE COMMUNITY MUST NOTIFY THE SHARED TAX JURISDICTIONS.
ESSENTIALLY, IT'S SAYING THIS IS A PLAN THAT WE'RE GOING TO DO.
WE HAVE THE PLAN AND THE VISION TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY AND ASK FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SHARE.
[00:45:04]
THAT IS INGHAM COUNTY, THE CAPITAL REGION AIRPORT AUTHORITY, CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, AND LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE.WE'VE SUCCESSFULLY HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH OUR ENTITIES OR SET UP MEETINGS WITH THEIR SHARED TAX ENTITIES FOR OUR DISCUSS 20-YEAR PLAN.
OUR FIRST MEETING WAS WITH THE REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
THEIR FIRST QUESTION, OF COURSE, IS HOW MUCH ARE THEY GOING TO SHARE IN THE PLAN? THEY HAVE A DECENT SIX FIGURE FOR THE 20 YEARS.
THEIR SECOND WAS, IS INGHAM COUNTY INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN? AT OUR CIA MEETING, THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER CAME TO TALK ABOUT A POTENTIAL PROJECT THAT'S GOING TO HAVE A HEAVY IMPACT ON MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP.
WE WERE DISCUSSING OUR TIF PLAN AND THEY WERE SUPPORTIVE OF THE DISCUSSIONS AND SO MUCH THAT THEY SENT ME A LETTER FROM CLARK HILL SO YES, THEIR LAWYERS DID SEND THIS.
THEY SAID THEY WISH TO ADD SUPPORT TO THE GOALS OF THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN AND THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DESIGNATED DISTRICT TO ENHANCE THE CORRIDOR, REVERSE BLIGHTED AREAS.
THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH THE TOWNSHIP TO MEET ITS GOALS IN THE GRAND RIVER AVENUE AND ADJACENT COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS.
WE HAVE SUPPORT EVEN FROM THE DRAIN OFFICE, SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE PART OF OUR CORRIDOR PLAN INCLUDES PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE OR EVEN SOME PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY TO MAKE A PROJECT WORK.
WE ARE HEAVILY FOCUSED IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF MERIDIAN MALL OR SOME OF OUR LARGE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AREAS.
I CAN THINK OF THE CORAL GABLES KIND OF COMPLEX AREA HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED IN A LONG TIME.
THAT PROPERTY OWNER GOT A LETTER FROM US ABOUT OUR CIA DISTRICT AND OUR TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN.
WE'VE MET WITH THAT PROPERTY OWNER NOW TWICE SINCE THAT DISCUSSION, THEY'RE VERY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF REDEVELOPMENT OF THEIR PROPERTIES.
THEY'VE ALREADY STARTED, JUST SENDING OUT THIS LETTER BACK TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS ALONG THE CORRIDOR HAS REINVIGORATED THAT INTEREST AND THAT DRIVE FROM THE PROPERTY OWNERS ABOUT WHAT'S POSSIBLE.
WE HAVE, OF COURSE, UPDATED THEM ALL ON THE POTENTIAL OF MERIDIAN MALL BECOMING A PICA AS DESIGNATED IN OUR MASTER PLAN, BUT ALSO THAT THEY WOULD BE INCLUDED AS AN ELIGIBLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE TIF.
YESTERDAY WAS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF INGHAM COUNTY.
THEY REQUESTED THAT WE PRESENT OUR TIF DISCUSSION AND NOTICE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING AT THEIR MEETING YESTERDAY.
THEY APPROVED IT WITH CONSENT.
THEY DID ASK ME IF I HAD ANYTHING TO ADD. IT WAS VERY QUICK.
THEY PULLED OFF FIVE OF THEIR 20 ITEMS THAT THEY HAD REALLY NO QUALMS ABOUT THE PLAN AS PROPOSED.
IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, THEIR CHAIR SAID WE'LL SEE YOU WHEN YOU'RE BACK ABOUT TAX SHARE.
THAT SOUNDS VERY POSITIVE TO ME AND THAT'S SOUNDS LIKE THEY'RE READY TO START HAVING THOSE DISCUSSIONS AND AGREEMENTS.
OUR PLAN DOES PROPOSE A TAX SHARE OR A PASS-THROUGH OF 20% FOR ALL OF THE TAX JURISDICTIONS.
IT'S A 20-YEAR PLAN, ABOUT A $30,000,000 IMPROVEMENT ARE OUR EXPECTED INCREASE IN VALUE JUST WITH A 2% INFLATION APPLIED TO THE DISTRICT.
WE'RE ASKING TO UTILIZE ABOUT 10 MILLION OF THAT, REALLY ONLY 6 MILLION GOING TO THE CIA CAPTURE DISTRICT AND THE OTHER FOR GOING BACK OUT TO THE TAX JURISDICTION MAKING THEM WHOLE.
WE'VE NOTICED AGAIN, WE'VE HAD POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM PROPERTY OWNERS AND POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM OUR TAX SHARE JURISDICTIONS FOR THE PROPOSED PLAN.
I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> YES, I STUMPED YOU. [LAUGHTER]
>> I STUMPED YOU. YOU DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER WOULD SUPPORT THIS AND SO MUCH OF THE MONEY IS GOING RIGHT BACK TO HIM.
IT GETS BACK TO MY EARLIER POINT BUT I WON'T DWELL ON THAT.
[LAUGHTER] I'M GLAD THE COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED IT.
ALSO, I'M LOOKING AT YOUR NUMBERS AGAIN AND I'M GLAD YOU HAVE VERY CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES IN TERMS OF THE GROWTH 2.5% A YEAR, HOPEFULLY, WE EXCEED THAT, BUT IT'S A GOOD BASELINE.
ALSO, UNLIKE THE DEA TIF, THERE WAS NO PASS-THROUGH AS THERE IS IN THIS TIF, AND SO YOU MADE IT EVEN EASIER FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN IT.
I'M HOPEFUL THAT WE ARE SUCCESSFUL WITH THAT.
YOU'LL BE SPEAKING AT THE CATA BOARD MEETING NEXT WEEK?
>> NEXT WEDNESDAY. I'M SORRY, I FORGOT.
THERE'LL BE CATA BOARD MEETING NEXT WEEK.
AGAIN, EACH TIME I SIT WITH THE TAX JURISDICTION THEIR MAIN QUESTION IS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO USE THE FUNDS FOR, AND HOW MUCH CAN WE EXPECT POTENTIALLY FOR OUR GENERAL FUND TO BE IMPACTED ONCE
[00:50:06]
THEY ALL UNDERSTAND THE REGIONAL BENEFIT OF TAKING CARE OF OUR PROPERTIES AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT.CATA IS ON NOVEMBER 15TH, NEXT WEDNESDAY, AND THEN I WILL MEET WITH A LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE AFTER THANKSGIVING, I BELIEVE IT'S NOVEMBER 27TH.
>> THE IMPORTANT WORD IN ALL THIS IS INCREMENT THAT THEY'RE NOT GIVING UP CURRENT REVENUES, THEY'RE GETTING INCREASES OVER THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
IT'S JUST THE INCREMENT THAT THEY'RE SACRIFICING AND AT THE END OF THE 20 YEARS, THEY ARE RESET TO THIS NEW HIGHER VALUE, WILL BE $81 MILLION COMPARED TO $54 MILLION.
>> BOARD MEMBERS? MR. HENDRICKSON?
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
THANK YOU TO DIRECTOR CLARK FOR SPEARHEADING THE EFFORT, I SAT IN ON THE INITIAL DISCUSSION WITH THE MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP DELEGATION TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION.
I THINK THAT WAS A REALLY POSITIVE MEETING AND I'M GLAD THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED.
I'LL BE SITTING IN ON THE LCC MEETING, I BELIEVE, THE 27TH OF NOVEMBER LATER THIS MONTH, AND HOPEFULLY WILL RECEIVE A SIMILAR RECEPTION THAT WE DID AT ALL OF OUR OTHER MEETINGS THUS FAR.
THE PLAN HERE CALLS FOR AN ESTIMATED COST OF ALL PROJECTS THAT VASTLY EXCEEDS THE MATTER OF FOREX.
THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE EXPECT TO CAPTURE THROUGHOUT THE LIFE CYCLE OF THIS TIFF.
CAN YOU TALK TO ME ABOUT WHY WE DO THAT? WHAT'S THE VIRTUE OF HAVING DONE THAT?
>> YEAH, THE CIA MEMBERS ASKED THE SAME THING, IT WAS, WELL, YOU'RE SAYING IT'S 22 MILLION, BUT WE'RE ONLY REALLY GOING TO CAPTURE 6.
I TELL THEM THAT THE IDEA IS SO THAT DEVELOPERS WHEN THEY LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL INCENTIVE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THIS IS SO DRIVING INCENTIVE, THEY DON'T HAVE TO FEEL BOXED IN BY ANY PARTICULAR NUMBER.
I TELL THEM THE 23 MILLION IS NOT THE NUMBER THAT WE HAVE TO INVEST IT COULD BE LARGER THAN THAT, IT COULD BE LESS THAN THAT.
REALLY, THESE INDIVIDUAL SEGMENTS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES ARE TO TELL A DEVELOPER THE WEIGHT TO THE PRIORITY THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS FOR THAT PARTICULAR TYPE OF SUPPORT OR DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS BROADBAND, AS A HEAVY TOPIC THAT WE'VE HAD IN THE COMMUNITY.
TO ME, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PRESENT TO THE COMMUNITY THAT A DEVELOPER WOULD LIKE TO UPGRADE BROADBAND, THAT WOULD BE FOR PUBLIC USE OR FOR TENANT USE, THAT WOULD BE BETTER FOR JOBS AND TO SUPPORT THEM IN A GAP FINANCING PARTNERSHIP FOR BROADBAND AND WE ALSO HAVE PROMOTIONS AND THAT'S ONLY $100,000.
WE'RE TRYING TO SHOW OUR PARTNERSHIP PRIORITY, I TRIED TO TELL THE CAA WE'RE NOT GOING TO PUT AS MUCH WEIGHT UNNECESSARILY THE DOLLAR AMOUNT PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS.
WE KNOW THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE CIA DISTRICT FALLS WITHIN THE ALCHEMISTS CONSOLIDATED JUST DRAINAGE DISTRICT, WHICH IS GOING TO HAVE A MAJOR UPDATE.
WE WOULD RATHER SEE A FINISHED COMPLETED PROJECT WITH JOBS AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT HAPPEN THAN TO HAVE A PROJECT HELD OFF BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T GET 1 MILLION OR $2 MILLION AND REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING SO REALLY THE NUMBERS ARE TO SHOW THE COMMUNITY AND ANYONE WHO'S LOOKING AT OUR INCENTIVE, THE WEIGHT, THE PRIORITY OF THAT PARTICULAR AMENITY FOR A PROJECT.
I DON'T BELIEVE WE'RE GOING TO INVEST $23 MILLION.
WE DON'T REALLY KNOW EITHER, IF YOU READ THE PLAN, YOU'LL SEE THAT SOME OF MY DESCRIPTIONS ABOUT THE PARTICULAR PROJECT PLAN OR PROJECT LOCATIONS, IT DOESN'T GIVE VERY MUCH OTHER THAN THE DISTRICT BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A PROJECT THAT'S PRESENTED TO US RIGHT NOW.
OTHERWISE, I WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO SAY WE HAVE A $40,000,000 REDEVELOPMENT ON THIS PARTICULAR PARCEL, AND THESE ARE THE SPECIFICS SO WITHOUT A SPECIFIC PLAN OR SPECIFIC PROJECT THAT'S A LITTLE HARD TO NAIL DOWN AS WELL.
>> THE NUMBERS THAT YOU LAY OUT IN THE TABLES THAT ARE PROVIDED IN THE PACKET, THAT ASSUMES ESSENTIALLY NO DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING ON ANYWHERE ON GRAND RIVER BECAUSE IF IT DID, THE VALUES WOULD SPIKE MUCH HIGHER.
>> YEAH. IT WOULDN'T BE MUCH HIGHER SO RIGHT NOW WHAT WE HAVE AS FAR AS THE NUMBERS, ESPECIALLY STARTING 23-24 THE CURRENT VALUES, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF PROJECTS COMING ON RIGHT NOW, BUT WE WON'T SEE WHAT THOSE VALUES ARE GOING TO BE UNTIL 24 ANYWAY.
WHICH IS WHY I'M HOPING TO SET THE BASE OF THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE GAP TO CAPTURE IN THE FIRST YEAR COULD BE VERY
[00:55:03]
SIGNIFICANT AND CAN BE VERY SIGNIFICANT FOR THE YEAR TO START WORKING OUT SOME OF THOSE DOMINO DEVELOPMENT TACTICS IN ORDER TO GET A PROJECT TO COMPLETION.>> THE LADY WHO LEFT AND RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS.
I THINK, COULD APPRECIATE SEEING THOSE MAPS.
>> THE MAPS. I THINK IT'S ONE MORE DOWN.
THIS IS THE CIA DISTRICT AND THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THIS PARTICULAR PLAN BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND KEPT BOUNDARY SO TELL THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT PEOPLE THAT ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PARTICULAR MAP WILL NOTICE THAT PARTS OF MEYER COMPLEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE CIA DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
CIA MEMBERS HAVE DISCUSSED THAT THEY DON'T THEY MAY NOT FEEL SO POSITIVE ABOUT SUPPORTING MEYER WITH THIS TIFF FUNDING BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY ASSOCIATED WITH THE DDA, BUT ANY OTHER PARCEL WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO COME TO THE CIA FOR SUPPORT.
WE ARE ONLY CAPTURING, EMILY, IF YOU CAN SCROLL DOWN TO MORE MAPS, I BELIEVE.
SORRY. CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE IT IS.
IT'S PROBABLY THE VERY BOTTOM. IT'S THAT BURGUNDY ONE.
THOSE BLUE PARCELS, EVERYTHING THAT'S IN BURGUNDY OR JUST IN GENERAL, THE PARCELS IN MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, BUT THE BLUE HIGHLIGHTED PARCELS ARE THE PARCELS THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TAX CAPTURE AND THOSE HAVE REMOVED MANY OF OUR BIG-BOX STORES LIKE TARGET, COLES, HOME DEPOT, THEY'RE OFF.
MEYER, EXCLUDED, MARSHALLS AREA, THOSE THINGS ARE EXCLUDED.
WE DID INCLUDE PARCELS THAT ARE CURRENTLY FOR SALE OR CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT AS COMMERCIAL PARCELS AND THE CAPTURE.
>> YES. SORRY. IT'S AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REGULAR RESOLUTION LANDING.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
I MOVE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION, INCLUDING THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN OF MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, AND AUTHORIZE THE CLERK TO SIGN THE RESOLUTION 60 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
>> [LAUGHTER] TRUSTEE WILSON WAS THE RESPONSE.
>> DO YOU STILL HAVE SOME FURTHER COMMENTS?
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS THE PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON TO THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY FOR A YEAR OR TWO.
I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS TO ENSURING THAT BODY IS ABLE TO FULFILL ITS BEST AND FULLEST FUNCTION AND OBVIOUSLY, THERE'S A LONG HISTORY OF THAT GROUP AND WHY THEY WERE CREATED AND THINGS HAVE CHANGED.
BUT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT IN OUR MOST TRAFFICKED CORRIDOR IN THE TOWNSHIP HASN'T CHANGED AND SO I'M VERY PLEASED THAT WE'RE PURSUING THIS.
I THINK THIS WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I ASKED TO BE ADDED TO OUR GOALS FOR THIS YEAR AND I'M REALLY EXCITED THAT WE HAVE MADE SUCH PROGRESS THIS YEAR AND WE'LL GET THIS IN PLACE. THANK YOU.
>> I SUPPORT TRUSTEE HENDRICKSON'S REMARKS AND ALSO SAY THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.
I'M GLAD TO SEE WE ARE TAKING ACTION.
>> THIS IS SOMETHING WE REALLY SHOULD HAVE DONE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF THE QUARTER IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.
UNDERSTAND, ONE BOARD MEMBER PRIMARILY HELPED THAT UP, RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A REAL QUARTER IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY, TRUSTEE HENDRICKSON, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THIS AND MAKING IT HAPPEN THIS YEAR.
THEY DIDN'T LINGER, WE'RE GETTING ACTION AND MAYBE HAVE THE APPROVES BY MDA.
IT'S GREAT TO HAVE THE 23 IS THE BASELINE COMPARED TO 24, WHICH COULD BE A MUCH HIGHER VALUE BY 24.
>> ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> FURTHER COMMENTS. NO QUESTIONS.
THEN THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION CREATING THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY TAX INCREMENT FINANCE PLAN OF MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP AND AUTHORIZE THE CLERK TO SIGN THE RESOLUTION 60 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
I BELIEVE WE NEED A ROLL CALL VOTE FOR THIS.
[01:00:03]
>> MOTION CARRIES FIVE TO ZERO.
>> ITEM 12B IS NOW THE MSHDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT,
[12.B. MSHDA’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Program i. Update to the Township’s Public Participation Plan ii. Authorization for Township Staff to Submit the Township’s Application for the CHILL Program iii. Designation of the Authorized Signer of the Grant Application, Grant Agreement and Payment Requests under the CHILL Grant iv. Designation of the Certifying Officer for the CHILL Environmental Review]
CDBG HOUSING IMPROVING LOCAL LIVABILITY PROGRAM.DIRECTOR MASSEY, WHO WILL PRESENT THIS SLIGHTLY MORE COMPLICATED THAN USUAL GROUP OF IDEAS TO US.
AS DIRECTOR SCHMIDT BROUGHT UP AT THE LAST MEETING, WE SUBMITTED A LETTER OF INTENT FOR THE MISCHIEF SHALL GRANT, AND WE WERE THEN INVITED TO APPLY BASED OFF OF OUR LETTER EVENT OF INTEREST.
THIS IS A HOMEOWNER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT GRANT OF 480,000 IS WHAT WE'RE APPLYING FOR.
THERE'S A MAXIMUM OF $40,000 THAT CAN BE SPENT ON ANY SPECIFIC PROPERTY AND THIS IS ONLY GOING TO PROPERTIES OWNED BY LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS.
WE'RE ALSO PROPOSING THE TOWNSHIP MATCHES $90,000 OF LOCAL FUNDS FROM OUR ARP MONEY THAT WE ALLOCATED TOWARDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
IT WILL BE USED TO PAY FOR OUR THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATION ON THE GRANT, WHICH WE ARE PARTNERING WITH CAPITAL AREA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP TO DETERMINE INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY.
TO FINALIZE THE APPLICATION, WE ARE SEEKING APPROVAL OF SIX ITEMS, ALL RELATED TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CDBG FUNDING.
THE FIRST PART IS AN UPDATE TO THE TOWNSHIPS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN.
THE PLAN WAS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED IN 2018, AND THIS IS UPDATING TO INCLUDE SPECIFIC SECTIONS RELATED TO THE CDBG FUNDED PROJECTS.
WE'RE GETTING AHEAD OF THIS ONE.
WE DON'T KNOW THAT THIS NECESSARILY HAS TO BE DONE RIGHT NOW, BUT SINCE WE ALREADY HAVE THIS IN FRONT OF YOU, WE WANT TO DO IT.
WE NEED AUTHORIZATION FOR US TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION, WHICH IS ACTUALLY THE MAIN ACTION ITEM THAT WE NEED TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT.
THE DESIGNATION OF SUPERVISOR JACKSON AS THE AUTHORIZED SIGNER, AND THE GRANT APPLICATION AND GRANT AGREEMENT.
UNDER CDBG FUNDING, THE HIGHEST ELECTED OFFICIAL IS THE PERSON EXPECTED TO EXECUTE OFFICIAL AGREEMENTS AND THAT PERSON MUST BE A FORMERLY NAMED.
DESIGNATION OF MYSELF TO SIGN PAYMENT REQUESTS, SO THIS WILL BE ME SIGNING PAYMENT REQUESTS AFTER ALL PAPERWORK IS VERIFIED AND COMPLETED.
THE FIFTH THING IS DESIGNATION OF CONTENT MANAGER FRANK WALSH AS THE CERTIFYING OFFICER FOR THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
SHOULD OUR APPLICATION BE ACCEPTED, THE NEXT STEP IN THE PROCESS WILL BE COMPLETION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR THE PROJECT.
THE LOCAL OF GOVERNMENTS HIGHEST NON-ELECTED OFFICIAL IS THE PERSON EXPECTED TO CERTIFY THIS PROCESS AND THEY MUST BE FORMALLY NAMED.
THE LAST PIECE IS APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD TO UTILIZE $90,000 OF THE TOWNSHIPS RPA ALLOCATION.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING THAT WE UTILIZE THIS $90,000 AS GRANT MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE ALLOCATION THAT WE SET ASIDE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
THIS WILL BE USED TO PAY FOR OUR THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR TO PROPERLY RUN THE PROGRAM RATHER THAN TRYING TO UTILIZE STAFF TIME TO CREATE THE PROGRAM FROM SCRATCH.
BEFORE YOU TONIGHT WE ARE RECOMMENDING THREE MOTIONS.
ONE IS THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN.
WE PUT FOUR PIECES UNDER THE RESOLUTION FOR AUTHORIZING US TO USE THE $90,000 FROM RPA FUNDING, ADDING SUPERVISOR JACKSON AS THE PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE GRANT AGREEMENT, MYSELF FOR THE PAYMENT REQUESTS AND MANAGER WALSH FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND THEN THE LAST PIECE IS MOTION TO APPROVE UTILIZATION OF $90,000 FROM THE TOWNSHIPS RPA FUNDING ALLOCATED FOR THE THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATION.
IF THE GRANT IS AWARDED TO THE TOWNSHIP.
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE PROVIDED BY CAPITAL AREA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, THEIR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RAUL, EVEN FALSE AND IS HERE TONIGHT IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
IF WE WERE AWARDED THIS GRANT, DIRECTOR SCHMIDT AND I WILL COME BACK TO DISCUSS ALL LOGISTICS THOROUGHLY BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION.
>> BOARD MEMBERS, WE HAVE THREE MOTIONS BEFORE US.
>> THE THREE MOTIONS BE TAKEN UP TOGETHER OR DO THEY NEED TO BE HANDLED SEPARATELY?
>> I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE HANDLED SEPARATELY.
>> DID I APPROPRIATELY OPEN THIS HEARING?
>> YOU DID, FOR THE OTHER PIECES, YES, SO THIS IS JUST THE ACTION ITEMS. YES.
>> OKAY. I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED. I'M SORRY. GO AHEAD.
>> MANAGER, SUPERVISOR, MAY I MAKE THE FIRST MOTION?
>> THANK YOU. MOTION TO APPROVE THE UPDATE TO THE TOWNSHIPS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN WITH THE INCLUSION OF SPECIFIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT RELATED ITEMS.
[01:05:06]
>> THAT IS THAT WE STRUGGLED TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO ASSIST LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WITH HOUSING ISSUES AND THIS PROGRAM WITH REFURBISHMENT OF PROPERTIES, JUST SOUNDS SO PERFECT AND I'M REALLY DELIGHTED THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS.
I ALSO HAVE SOME HISTORY OF MY WORK AT THE DOWNTOWN LANSING FOOD PANTRY WITH CAPITAL AREA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP.
WE REFER A LOT OF PEOPLE TO YOU AND YOUR REPUTATION IS VERY STRONG, SO THANK YOU.
>> I JUST SUPPORT ELVIS ON TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY, BENEFIT LOW-INCOME PEOPLE AND GETTING THOSE THEIR IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR HOMES IS JUST AMAZING.
>> TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU, DR. MASSEY.
ONE IS IF WE'RE APPROVED, HOW LONG WOULD THE MONEY BE AVAILABLE, IS THERE A SET TIME IT HAS TO BE EXPENDED IN 12 MONTHS, 24 MONTHS. THEY'VE GIVEN US A DATE YET?
>> DO YOU KNOW OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD.
>> IT HAS TO BE SPENT BY THE END OF 2025.
>> 2025. SORRY, DIDN'T HAVE IN FRONT OF ME.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE OFFHAND FOR MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, WHAT THAT RANGE IS?
>> I BELIEVE IT WAS A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF THE AMI.
I DO NOT HAVE THE SPECIFIC NUMBER FOR OUR TOWNSHIP, BUT I CAN GET THAT BACK TO YOU.
>> OKAY. IF SOMEONE THAT WANTS TO LIVE IN A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD AND WANTS TO ADD SOLAR PANELS, THEY'RE NOT GOING TO QUALIFY?
>> THIS IS TARGETED SPECIFICALLY AT TWO PRIMARY AREAS, TOWER GARDENS AND THEN THE COURTHOUSE AREA, WHICH IS LIKE NORTHEAST OF THE MARSH AND LAKE LANSING INTERSECTION.
>> ROLLBACK, YOU SAID GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS ON TOP.
>> FOR THIS PIECE, YES, AND THEN WE'RE HOPING THAT IF THIS TAKES OFF AND GOES WELL AND WE CAN POSSIBLY GET MORE FUNDING THAN TO EXPAND IT TO OTHER AREAS OF NEED IN THE TOWNSHIP.
>> DID YOU HAVE ANOTHER COMMENT? I JUST LIKE TO CLARIFY THAT THIS IS A PROGRAM TARGETED TOWARDS HOME OWNERS.
>> CORRECT. THIS IS NOT GOING TO APPLY TO RENTERS.
IT HAS TO BE THE HOMEOWNER THEMSELVES.
>> OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE UPDATE TO THE TOWNSHIPS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN WITH THE INCLUSION OF SPECIFIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT RELATED ITEMS. I BELIEVE WE CAN TAKE A ROLL CALL VOTE.
>> THANK YOU. NOW, THE SECOND MOTION, MR. HENDRICKSON.
>> THANK YOU MADAM SUPERVISOR, I'LL MOVE TO ADOPT THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION FOR THE TOWNSHIPS APPLICATIONS TO MICHIGAN STATE HASN'T DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES CHILL PROGRAM, WHICH WILL DO THE FOLLOWING; AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION OF 480,000 OF CDBG FUNDING UNDER THE PROGRAM WITH $90,000 IN LOCAL MATCH, DESIGNATE SUPERVISOR PATRICIA.
H. JACKSON AS THE PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE APPLICATION AND THE GRANT AGREEMENT, DESIGNATE DIRECTOR OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS, WILSON MASSEY AS THE PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN PAYMENT REQUESTS AND DESIGNATE TOWNSHIP MANAGER FRANK WALSH AS THE CERTIFYING OFFICER FOR ANY PA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. SUPPORT.
>> SUPPORTED BY MR. DESCHAINE. MR. HENDRICKSON.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
YEAH. THIS IS AUTHORIZING US TO ACTUALLY APPLY FOR THE GRANT, WHICH OF COURSE WE HAVE TO DO.
I DID HAVE SOME TREPIDATION THAT FIRST ABOUT NAMING SPECIFIC PEOPLE, WHICH DIRECTOR SMITH AND NOW DR. MASSEY HAVE MADE IT VERY ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT WE CAN'T NOT NAME SPECIFIC PEOPLE.
I PREFER IN THESE CASES, CONTRACTUAL CASES, ESPECIALLY TO NAVAL POSITION, NOT A PERSON, BUT SOME OF THE STATE REQUIRES IT, AND SO WE SHALL, AND SO I'M VERY PLEASED TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF THIS PROGRAM AS A WHOLE BY MAKING THIS MOTION ALLOW US TO BRING THIS FUNDING FOR, AS MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ALREADY STATED, AND UNDER-SERVED POPULATION HERE IN THE TOWNSHIP.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO BRING A FOCUS TO FOR A LONG TIME.
THERE'S NOT A LOT YOU CAN OFTEN POINT AT AND SAY, THAT'S THE PROGRAM WHERE WE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
[01:10:04]
THIS ONE I THINK WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE, SO I'M VERY PLEASED TO BE SUPPORTING IT.>> GLAD TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS OF APPROVING THIS.
WE HAVE THE EASY JOB THAT THEY HAVE ENOUGH HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY BY STAFF.
THEY HAVE THIS APPLICATION READY, INCLUDING THIS OUTREACH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN ALREADY IN PLACE AS WELL SO NICE WORK AND CREDIT.
>> THANK YOU. I'D JUST LIKE TO ADD THAT THE CDBG PROGRAM IS ONE THAT THE TOWNSHIP AND PARTICULARLY THIS TOWNSHIP IS NOT USUALLY ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN.
>> THIS IS A NEW INITIATIVE THAT ALLOWED MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP TO USE THESE FUNDS TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND I'M VERY HAPPY THAT YOU FOUND IT AND THAT YOU FOUND A NEW WAY TO BRING IT TO MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
THE MOTION IS TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT THE GRANT OR 480,000 CDBG FUNDING WITH $90,000 AND LOCAL MATCH.
THE [NOISE] JACKSON, AS THE PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE APPLICATION AND THE GRANT AGREEMENT.
THE DESIGNATION OF DIRECTOR OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS, MELISSA MASSEY AS THE PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN PAYMENT REQUESTS AND THE DESIGNATION OF MANAGER WALSH AS THE CERTIFYING OFFICER FOR NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
CAN WE ROLL CALL VOTES, MS. GORDON.
>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A THIRD MOTION TO APPROVE A UTILIZATION OF $90,000 FROM THE TOWNSHIP'S RPA FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR THE THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHILL GRANT IF THE CHILL GRANT IS AWARDED TO THE TOWNSHIP.
>> SUPPORT, MR. HENDRICKSON. MR. DESCHAINE?
>> WHEN WE SET ASIDE THIS MONEY, I THINK WE HAD NO IDEA WE'D BE ABLE TO POSSIBLY LEVERAGE IT IN THIS WAY AND TO GET FIVE TIMES THE RETURN ON IT THROUGH THIS GRANT.
THIS WAS EXCELLENT THAT WE'VE DISCOVERED THIS GRANT THAT WE'RE APPLYING FOR AND I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO DO IT.
BUT THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE BOARD SET ASIDE THAT RPA FUNDS FOR HELPING TO IMPROVE THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK HERE IN MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP.
>> THANK YOU. I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING TREASURER DESCHAINE JUST SAID.
I THINK THAT THE MONEY THAT WE SET ASIDE FROM THE RPA FUNDING FOR THIS PURPOSE WAS HELPFUL, AND IT'S EXCELLENT TO SEE THAT OUR HOPES ARE BEING FULFILLED IN THIS WAY.
>> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? A ROLL CALL VOTE, PLEASE MS. GORDON.
>> MOTION CARRIES FIVE TO ZERO.
>> ITEM 12C, ORDINANCE 2023-05 REDEVELOPMENT READY COMMUNITIES,
[12.C. Ordinance 2023-05 Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Housing Updates-Final Adoption]
RRC HOUSING UPDATES BEFORE US FOR FINAL ADOPTION.THIS WILL BE PRESENTED BY MR. [INAUDIBLE] SENIOR PLANNER.
>> GOOD EVENING AGAIN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
YOU'VE OBVIOUSLY SEEN THIS ORDINANCE.
PREVIOUSLY, YOU APPROVED IT FOR INTRODUCTION AT YOUR MEETING IN OCTOBER 17TH.
THERE'S A SUMMARY OF CHANGES THAT COLLECTIVELY WOULD ELIMINATE MINIMUM HOUSE OR INDOOR UNIT SIZE, ALLOW MULTIPLE FAMILY UNITS BY RIGHT IN OUR MULTIPLE FAMILIES ZONING DISTRICTS.
ALLOW SECOND-FLOOR RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN OUR CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY AREA.
THAT'S PARTIALLY RELATED TO THE RRC PROGRAM.
IT IS A REQUIREMENT FOR OUR CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY TO DO THAT.
CREATES A PROCESS TO ALLOW ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE DISTRICTS, AND IT ELIMINATES THE SOMEWHAT REDUNDANT PUBLIC MEETING PROCESS IN OUR SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL PROCESS.
[01:15:02]
STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THIS AND I'M HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE AT THIS TIME.>> BOARD MEMBERS? MR. DESCHAINE?
>> I MOVE TO ADOPT TEXT AMENDMENT NUMBER 2023-05 TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN AND MULTIPLE SECTIONS TO BRING THE ZONING ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH THE RRC PROGRAM GUIDELINES.
>> SUPPORTED BY TRUSTEE WILSON. MR. DESCHAINE?
>> WHEN THIS WAS DISCUSSED AT OUR LAST MEETING, YOU WERE ALL VERY EXCITED ABOUT THESE CHANGES.
THE MINIMUM UNIT SIZE AND THE ABILITY TO ADD ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS WILL BE TWO THINGS THAT WILL IN PARTICULAR HELP TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE HOUSING SHORTAGE THAT WE'RE FINDING HERE FOR LOW AND MODERATE AND GENERALLY THE ENTIRE TOWNSHIP, PARTICULARLY IMPACTING LOW AND MODERATE-INCOME RESIDENTS WHO ARE REALLY BEING PRICED OUT OF THIS MARKET.
RENTS ARE GOING UP AND WAGES ARE NOT MATCHING THEM.
THIS IS A FOUNDATIONAL STEP THAT CAN HELP INCREASE OUR HOUSING STOCK SO I FULLY SUPPORT IT.
>> THIS IS ALSO USING INNOVATIVE HOUSING APPROACHES.
ADLS ARE VERY COMMON IN CALIFORNIA AND OTHER AREAS.
I'M PLEASED TO SEE THAT WE'RE GETTING ON BOARD WITH THIS.
IT'S A VERY FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO HOUSING, SO I'M DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT IT.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR, I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS THAT, IT'S NOT ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS, NOT ONE OF THE EXCITING ONES, IS BRINGING OUR CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY INTO COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW.
ESPECIALLY SINCE AS WE'VE DISCUSSED EARLIER IN THE MEETING, WE WILL BE DOING MORE WITH IT IN THE COMING YEARS SO THAT'S GOOD AS WELL.
ALSO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN ADDITION TO ADDING TO THE HOUSING STOCK MORE GENERALLY, IT DOES PROVIDE OTHER OPTIONS BESIDES THE VERY EXPENSIVE PROSPECT OF AGING IN A FACILITY OR A PRIVATE PLACE THAT'S GOING TO BE INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE.
SOME PEOPLE WANT TO BE CLOSER TO FAMILY AND FAMILIES WANT TO BE CLOSER TO THEM.
THIS WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR FOLKS IN THAT CIRCUMSTANCE TOO AND I THINK THAT WE CAN'T DO ENOUGH TO MAKE THINGS A LITTLE BIT EASIER AT THAT POINT, SO VERY PLEASED TO SUPPORT THIS.
>> THEN THE MOTION IS TO ADOPT TEXT AMENDMENT NUMBERED 2023-05, TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN AT MULTIPLE SECTIONS TO BRING THE ZONING ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH THE RRC PROGRAM GUIDELINES.
>> MOTION CARRIES FIVE TO ZERO.
>> COULD I ASK DIRECTOR CLARK AND DIRECTOR MASSIE TO COME UP, PLEASE? TONIGHT I'LL BE BRIEF AND THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE.
>> TONIGHT, YOU SEE ALL THE HARD WORK THAT THESE THREE INDIVIDUALS ARE PUTTING IN.
THESE THREE INDIVIDUALS REPRESENT ALL THE WORK THAT WENT INTO THE PRIDE EVENT.
MELISSA, DIRECTOR MASSIE LED WITH THE HELP OF DEPUTY MANAGER OPSOMMER, LED THE ENTIRE REVAMP OF THIS WHOLE BUILDING.
WE DIDN'T HIRE OUTSIDE PEOPLE.
WE HAD THE BEST JUNETEENTH AT THE FREEDOM FESTIVAL IN THE ENTIRE STATE.
DIRECTOR CLARK LED THE WHOLE THING.
THEY DO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT YOU SEE TONIGHT.
I JUST WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT, SO THANK YOU TO THE THREE OF YOU. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. [APPLAUSE] NOW TO SOMETHING LESS SEXY.
[LAUGHTER] BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND
[12.D. 3rd Quarter Budget Amendments]
THIS ITEM WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE FINANCE DIRECTOR IS TO DANTE IYANI.>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
WELL, THE BITUMEN'S CONTINUAL PROCESS, WE ADAPTED IT FOR THE NEXT YEAR, BUT THEN WE MUST MAKE AMENDMENTS EACH QUARTER AS WELL.
THEY DON'T EXPECT STEMS EXPENDITURES YOU DON'T EXPECT.
[01:20:03]
I'VE PREPARED A MEMO AS WELL AS A DETAIL OF ALL THE DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS THAT WILL BE CHANGED BASED ON THEIR THIRD QUARTER AMENDMENTS.SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS, SOME OF THE INCREASES WE GOT COLLECTED QUITE A FEW ADDITIONAL INTEREST DOLLARS THAT WE'RE ANTICIPATING SO SOME ADJUSTMENTS, DIFFERENT FUNDS FOR THAT.
SOME OF THE MAJOR EXPENDITURES THAT CHANGED WERE FROM OVERTIME.
I'M JUST BECAUSE CAREFUL POSITIONS YOU'RE GOING TO PAY MORE OVER TIME.
SOME DATA IS OFFSET BETTER REDUCE SALARIES BUT THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR CHANGE IS.
THERE WAS A CHANGE OF ABOUT $10,073 ADDITIONAL TO THE FUND BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND.
THE REMAINING FUNDS ARE DETAILED IN THE ATTACHMENT.
THE ONE THAT CHANGED RELATIVELY SIGNIFICANT AS PART OF THE WATER FUND WHERE INFLATION WAS INCREASING THE COST OF MAINTAINING THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SAID INCREASE THE COST THERE FOR ABOUT $95,000 WE HAD BUDGETED PREVIOUSLY.
THOSE ARE THE MAJOR CHANGES. ANY QUESTIONS?
>> QUESTIONS, MR. HENDRICKSON?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTION, BUT IF I WANT I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2023 BUDGET AMENDMENTS WITH AN INCREASE IN BUDGETED FUND BALANCE FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,073, WHICH PROJECTS THE USE OF THE FUND BALANCE OF $6,885,833 BASED ON THE 2023 RESULTS AND PROJECTED FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2023 WILL BE $8,384,073.
>> YES. I DON'T FIND MYSELF DISAGREEING WITH THE SUPERVISOR, BUT I DO FIND THIS SEXY.
[LAUGHTER] ESPECIALLY WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES USING LESS FUND BALANCE THAN WE HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT.
[LAUGHTER] I THINK THAT WE ALL AGREE WITH THAT.
I DO ALSO APPRECIATE THE FLUTTER THE FOOTNOTE AT THE BOTTOM INDICATING THAT NO, WE DIDN'T JUST THROW A FIVE-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLARS AWAY.
THEY ARE STILL BEING SET ASIDE IN SPECIAL FUNDS, EVEN THOUGH THAT DOESN'T COUNT IN THE GENERAL FUND.
THEY ARE STILL THERE AND ARE AVAILABLE TO THE TOWNSHIP.
WHILE IT LOOKS LIKE THE PROJECTED USE OF FUND BALANCE IS YES, 6,800,000.
IN FACT, FIVE-AND-A-HALF MILLION OF THAT IS SET ASIDE IN SEPARATE FUNDS WE ARE KEEPING AS WELL.
I HAVE SAID THIS AT EVERY QUARTERLY BUDGET AMENDMENT THAT WE'VE HAD SINCE WE DID THAT.
BECAUSE I DO FEEL THAT ANYONE LOOKING AT THE PACKET IN A VACUUM AT HOME, AS I'M SURE MANY PEOPLE DO, MIGHT BE CONCERNED TO SEE THAT MUCH USE OF FUND BALANCE USE.
IT'S BEING SET ASIDE FOR OTHER RAINY DAYS AND OTHER AREAS AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT THAT OUT AND I APPRECIATE YOU'RE INCLUDING THAT IN THE MEMO TONIGHT.
>> TRUSTEE WILSON. HOW CAN I FOLLOW THAT UP? [LAUGHTER] I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT TRUSTEE HENDRICKSON SAID. THANK YOU.
>> I WILL BACKUP TRUSTEE HENDRICKSON HERE.
[NOISE] THESE DONORS CAN BE SEXY BECAUSE THEY'RE SHOWING THAT WE HAVE A VERY HEALTHY FUND BALANCE AND DESPITE ALL OF THE BIG PROJECTS WE'VE TAKEN ON THIS YEAR, INCLUDING RENOVATION AT THE TOWN HALL.
WE'RE STILL ADDING TO OUR FUND BALANCE RATHER THAN PULLING DOWN IN THIS CASE IS A SMALL AMOUNT AND YOU MENTIONED THAT WE HAD RECEIVED MORE IN INTEREST INCOME THAN WE ANTICIPATED, AND WE HAVE.
IT'S A VERY GOOD TIME TO HAVE MONEY IN THE BANK OR IN A INTEREST-BEARING SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND WE EXPECT THAT WILL CONTINUE INTO 24 AS WELL.
AS THE BOARD KNOWS, WE'VE BEEN LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF CHANGING BANKS AND ALL THE BANKING PROPOSES WE'VE GOTTEN WILL BE REFINED TO WITH EVEN MORE INTERESTING, WE'RE GETTING ON MORE ACCOUNTS WITH OUR CURRENT BANK SO IT'S ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF LOOKING AT BANKING SERVICES.
AGAIN, WE HAVEN'T CHANGED BANKS IN PROBABLY 15 YEARS HERE.
WE ARE GETTING REALLY AGGRESSIVE PROPOSALS TO MOVE TO THESE BANKS IN TERMS OF THE INTEREST RATE THAT THEY'RE PROMISING, WE'RE STILL GOING TO CHOOSE THE SAFEST BANK AND THE BEST BANK, BUT ALL OF THEM ARE OFFERING BETTER INTEREST RATES FOR 24.
OF COURSE, WE ALSO INCREASE THE AMOUNT WE HAVE BUDGETED FOR IT AS WELL.
WE WON'T REALLY HAVE QUITE AS MUCH AS WE DID THIS YEAR, BUT WE WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL FUNDS NEXT YEAR AS WELL TO COVER THESE.
REALLY IMPORTANT BUDGET AMENDMENTS, POLICE OVERTIME IS NOT OPTIONAL IT'S ESSENTIAL.
FIRE OVERTIME IS NOT OPTIONAL.
[01:25:02]
IT'S ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.THERE'S A NEW FIGURE ON HERE, I DON'T KNOW, I'VE SEEN IT BEFORE.
FUND BALANCE/ AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURES OF 3.89.
OUR FUND BALANCE ARE CARRIERS FOR ALMOST FOUR MONTHS.
>> APPROXIMATELY THE GENERAL FUND. YEAH.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT FIGURE. IT'S A GOOD TANGIBLE NUMBER TO LOOK UP. THANK YOU.
>> THE COMMENTS, THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE THIRD-QUARTER 2023 BUDGET AMENDMENTS WITH AN INCREASE IN BUDGET FUND BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND THE AMOUNT OF $10,073 WHICH PROJECTS.
THE USE OF FUND BALANCE OF 6,885,833 BASED ON 2023 RESULTS, THAT PROJECTED FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2023 WILL BE $8,384,073.
NOW TREASURER DESCHAINE WILL PRESENT ITEM 12E,
[12.E. Placement of Delinquent Special Assessments, Delinquent Utilities, Delinquent False Alarms, Unpaid Lot Mowing/Code Violations and Misc. Fees on the Winter Tax Roll 2023]
PLACEMENT OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.DELINQUENT UTILITIES, TO MAKE WORD FALSE ALARMS, UNPAID LOT MOWING CODE VIOLATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES ON THE WINTER TAX RULE 2023.
>> THANK YOU, SUPERVISOR. THIS IS A STANDARD MOTION THAT COMES BEFORE YOU EVERY YEAR.
IT TAKES BALANCES THAT ARE MORE THAN A YEAR OLD FOR WATER, SEWERS, SIDEWALKS, PAVING, DRAINS, UTILITIES, FIREARMS, AND MOWING THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PAID AND WE'VE SPENT OVER A YEAR TRYING TO COLLECT FEES AND IT MOVES THEM TAX BILL, WHICH MAKES THEM EFFECTIVELY A TAX LIEN ON THE PROPERTY.
THESE NUMBERS ARE IN ALIGNMENT WITH WHAT WE'VE SEEN IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
THEY HAVEN'T SPIKED UP OR GONE DOWN SO WHAT WE TYPICALLY HAVE HAPPENED WITH THE BOARD APPROVAL IS THAT WE WILL MODIFY THE TAX BILLS FOR ANYONE THAT HAS A DELINQUENT BALANCE LIKE THIS, AND IT WILL SHOW UP IN THEIR WINTER TAX BILL.
EVERYONE WHO'S GOT A DELINQUENT BALANCE HAS BEEN INFORMED WELL IN ADVANCE SO THEY COULD'VE AVOIDED HAVING TO SHOW UP AS ATTACKS ON THEIR TAX BILL IF THEY CAME TO THE TOWNSHIP AHEAD OF TIME AND PAID OFF THE BALANCE AND MANY HALF.
THESE ARE THE ONES THAT REMAIN.
>> QUESTIONS. MOTION. TRUSTEE WILSON.
>> THANK YOU, PHIL, FOR DOING THIS.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY THE UTILITY DELINQUENCIES ARE SO HIGH THROUGH AT $33,000.
>> IT IS BECAUSE TYPICALLY HAPPENS AT CREATE THESE LARGE BALANCES.
WE HAVE A LOT OF RENTAL HOUSING IN MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP AND PEOPLE WILL MOVE OUT AND THEY WILL LEAVE UNPAID BALANCE AND A SECONDARY COMES IN WITH A HOUSE SALE AND THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF HOUSE SALES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
THE TITLE COMPANY WILL NOT DO THE DUE DILIGENCE THEY SHOULD AND A PERSON CAN BUY A HOUSE AND THERE CAN BE A WATER LIABILITY THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT, WHICH THEY ACTUALLY PAID THEIR TELE-COMPANY TO DISCOVER AND THEY UNCOVER AND THEY DIDN'T.
THE UTILITY BILLS STAYS WITH THE PROPERTY SO EVEN THOUGH THE NEW OWNER DIDN'T USE THAT WATER IN BUYING THE PROPERTY WITH THAT BALANCE AND THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE CAN STAY SOLVENT IN THE WATER SEWER FUND IF WE HAD TO GO TRACK DOWN THESE FORMER RESIDENTS IN THESE FORMER HOMEOWNERS IT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE.
WE NEED A FULL-TIME COLLECTION AGENTS ONTO IT.
WHAT THE TOWNSHIP DID YEARS AGO WITH THE STATE, CURRENTLY, THE VIABILITY REMAINS WITH THE PROPERTY, NOT WITH THE OWNER OR THE RENTER.
>> I DO NEED EMOTION. TRUSTEE HENDRICKSON.
I'LL MOVE TO ASSESS THE CHARGE IS IDENTIFIED IN THE STAFF MEMORANDUM WITH PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION AVAILABLE IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2023 FOR DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, UTILITY BILLS, FALSE ALARMS, NUISANCE, LOT MOWING CODE VIOLATION, AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES.
AS A TAX LIEN AGAINST THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS AUTHORIZED BY MICHIGAN COMPILE LAWS, MCL 41.727, 41.728 AND THE MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE CODE SECTIONS 58-32, 58-33 78-98, 78-155 465-82, 2718-1 AND 1815.
[01:30:05]
>> TRUSTEE WILSON. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS.
MOTION IS TO ASSESS THE CHARGES IDENTIFIED IN THE STAFF MEMO.
WHAT HE SAID. [LAUGHTER] AS LONG AS EVERYONE'S CLEAR, WHAT WE'RE VOTING ON. WE HAVE A ROLL CALL.
>> COME NOW TO ITEMS 13A AND B.
[13.A. Community/Senior Center Request for Proposals]
THE FIRST IS COMMUNITY SENIOR CITIZEN REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS AND I'LL ASK TRUSTEE WILSON TO DESCRIBE THAT ISSUE FOR US.>> THANK YOU, MADAM SUPERVISOR.
WELL, ALL OF US PARTICIPATED IN A STUDY SESSION ON THIS TOPIC.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.