Council - Regular Meeting

Sorry. [clears throat] I was supposed to park. when we drive by the lights. Okay. You see Right. [clears throat]

Folks, I'm going to go ahead and call our meeting for order. It is 7:02 p.m. If we can start with a moment of silence, please. If we stand for the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for Just as a reminder, if you happen to have a cell phone with you, please make sure that it's author on silence.

City clerk from roll conference, please number Williams. Re here. Stewart here. Ross here. Davis here. Brian here. Sus here. Do I have a motion to approve on the agenda? So move. All in favor say I. I oppose. All right. So this evening we are starting off with a presentation uh with our DC. Yeah. And if Miss Kelly would come up and introduce our presenter.

Absolutely. Um as I mentioned, we're um bringing before you an amended brownfield plan. This brownfield plan was originally approved in 2022. It's for Arc Investments, also known as Dr. Shaheen Development Group, also known as the Big Albium Plan. So, it's been a long time forthcoming. So, I'm very excited that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has said, "Hey, Mr. Shaheen or Dr. Shaheen, we're giving you one last chance for grant funding for your project in Elbian." Um, but one of the um one of the requirements for your grant application is to amend your Brownfield plan. And that's where the city's BRA, the Brown Development Authority, which is part of our economic development corporation, that's where I come in to get this project to come to fruition. So this evening, I'm pleased to introduce Dave Vanharin. He is with Triter. He has done a lot of environmental work with the city of Elbian, with the city bar, and he's working closely with um ARC development and Dr. Sheen and his development group. So Dave is going to do a presentation this evening to kind of remind you what the Brownfield plan is, what it um what it was, what it started out to be, and what it's going to be for the development. Um and and again, it's very important piece of Dr. Shiking's application to the state of Michigan so he can apply for his revitalization and placemaking grant for about $5 million is we're hoping is what he'll end up being awarded. Um so with that this evening um further on your agenda if if I could ask for this body to establish a public hearing for the evening of Monday, March 2nd to um address the amended brownfield plan and also that same evening um to ask this body if they would consider approval of the amended brownfield plan also for March 2nd. And with that I'll bring up

Dave Vanharren from Triter. Thank you, Dave.

Good evening. Good to see you guys again, a few of you. Um, yeah, I'm Dave Van Herren with Trier Environmental. We're environmental consultants and brownfield consultants, meaning we've worked with developers or property owners to put underutilized, contaminated, sometimes blighted, functionally obsolete properties back to use. And this is a prime example of that. These nine parcels just east of here. And um uh this the city council adopted a brownfield plan in I believe it was September when it was 2022. Um and then um the development not all the financing came through and now we're in a position our client is in a position Albian Reinvestment Corporation to put this property back to use. And so I do I think everyone has a copy of the presentation and I'll just kind of flip through it. Um the parcel the subject property is a total of nine parcels. Uh it is on uh the southeast corner of C street. It goes from cast street all the way down to the theater. The nine parcels it's a total of almost.5 acres or point4 85 acres in total. The um property has been deemed to be functionally obsolete by a city assessor, a level four assessor, which qualifies this property for brownfield financing. Um the development is now uh the total development cost is at 11.3 million of total investment going into the property. Uh the project will result in you know the first floor will the ground floor will be all office retail commercial space. It's about 10,000 square feet of office space. And then the upper floor is going to have 21 uh residential apartments. And uh it's estimated this project with the retail

and office space can support eight jobs up to eight full-time equivalent jobs. The buildings were constructed from what we could tell back as far as 1888. And um the the brownfield conditions, the issues associated with these buildings, the costs that are associated these which you wouldn't see at a green field site is there's a speestous containing building materials throughout the building. that's in the pipe wrap for the insul for the old heating system. Uh floor tile, wallboard, window cocking and glazing considerable amount of asbestous and then there's going to be a considerable amount of demolition costs. The buildings are going to stay, but there's a lot of the interiors have to be gutted, demolished. There's some exterior components that will be removed and demolished as well to make way for that investment of 11.3 million. Um the slide I'm on right now is amendment one. Um this is a simple chart that shows the difference between the brownfield plan that was adopted in 2022 versus what's proposed as part of this amendment. So the total investment into the project has increased by 74%. you know, up from 6 and a half million to 11.3 million. That's a significant increase in investment. The eligible activities, the cost have been re reduced by 43% down to 858,000. And so that with the increase in investment and actually the decrease in costs that are proposed um the duration of the tax capture. So this is the use of future property taxes from that investment to reimburse ARC for their cost for brownfield activities is going to be reduced from 27 years to 12 years. So, you know, not great news as far as developer the increase in cost, but good

news as far as what they're asking the city to consider in this brownfield amendment as far as the impact to your taxing units. So, that's been reduced significantly. The next slide shows the breakdown of those eligible activity costs. There's been um the asbestous survey and the actual abatement is is just under 50,000 about a half a million in demolition costs. There will be some um public rightway street curb and gutter the sidewalks not the street but the sidewalks curb and gutter replacement or repairs to that. That's about 25,000. And then um we put a 15% contingency on top of that which is allowed per state guidelines in your policy as well. you get into a brownfield site, you don't know what you're going to uncover. So, we have a good contingency on the cost there as well. And then the cost to prepare and implement the brownfield plan. And then every year when the developer gets reimbursed, the development group gets reimbursed for their cost. There will be a balance of reimbursement yet to be paid back. So, we apply a 5% interest on that balance as well, which is per state guidelines, which is allowed per state guidelines. Um the next slide I like to show this relationship in the current existing taxes are identified here depicted with the blue on the blue part on the bar charts that shows the existing taxes that are paid today. Those existing taxes are going to continue to go to the city and not be part of this brownfield capture. There is a 12-year OPRA obsolete property rehabilitation act tax abatement that was adopted in 2022. There's still about nine years left. Um it actually no it goes it'll go until 2035. Um and about um nine years left.

That's in red. That's the value of that tax abatement. So that'll be you know the improvements on the building itself will be the taxable value will be frozen as it is today and those will improvements won't be realized in the local millillage or the local taxes but in the green above that is still this increases state millage or the state taxes that will be paid and that will be captured to service this brownfield plan after 2035 is when the OPRA tax abatement expires then you see in green it'll be a nice bump in tax the tax bill and then that's going to be captured for three years to finalize that reimbursement for the developer and the development team. Um the next slide just rolls up another summary of the total catcher under the brownfield plan. The first line 858,000 was the developer costs and reimbursement. Then after that, the state of Michigan the um uh requires three mills or 50% of the state education tax to be captured to put into a state revolving loan fund to support other programs. So that's the estimate of what's going to be captured in that in the duration of this brownfield plan is 82,000. And then the brownfield authority is going to capture some of the new local taxes to help administer the brownfield authority and their costs. So, the total impact with this brownfield plan is $956,000 and that's going to be over a 12-ear period. You know, you'll see it's a 16-year brownfield plan, but there was four to five years since 22 when the plan was adopted to when that first capture of new taxes 2027 when that's going to happen. And then so that's why you see the 12 years of capture. So sometimes people get confused with the

two differences there. And um again it's you know this is a brownfield plan that we're looking to have the existing plan the amendment to that plan adopted you know reapproved and to allow for this project to move forward. And as Debbie indicated there's other funds that are from the state. You know the state is a very big partner on this project. So this is going to help springboard or allow for that wrap grant to come to fruition. So and part of that they want to see they require to see some sort of local contribution. So this is your contribution to the project in addition to the that's it. And I'm here to answer any questions you might have. Um and uh I unfortunately I won't be able to be here for the public hearing. Um so if you have any questions I'm here to answer them. I will have a colleague by here if needed to sec. So

are there any council member questions for Mr. Vard? If approved, when do you get to the point project going online be like to break ground. Um that's a great question. I think it was going to be like it'll be this year. Um I don't know if it's this spring or it's going to be this summer. Okay. It's planned to to start this year. Councilman BR. Thank you, Mayor. U Mr. Van Heron, are there any other brownfield programs you've been involved with on Superior Street?

Um, not directly. Our company has been involved. Um, we did the Brick Street Lofts projects with the Dobins family. Yeah, we represent a colleague of mine, my business partner represented that project and then at some point when that um project was completed for a period of time, we also represented the Albian EDC to review their sub I did to review the submitts and and to make sure everything was in compliance for the reimbursement. Um we had um this is mine have been first one I've been directly involved with but the field I'm with uh we did um an area wide you know brownfield plan as well but that large plan is now been kind of carved up these little these smaller individual projects.

Okay great thank you very much. Any other questions? Well thank you for being with us this evening. I know that you spent a lot of time in the city of Albian uh not only presenting to the EDC but also our EDA now for our council. So, um thank you for making sure that we're all informed. Good luck with how that looks like. Um and I couldn't be more excited to finally see this hopefully come to solution.

Yes, absolutely. Thank you for having me. I enjoy being here. Thank you. All right, miss. We have a public hearing in regards to team one classics tax exemption. So, I will go ahead and open up our public hearing. It is 7:16 p.m. If there's anybody Yeah, Deb. [clears throat]

Thank you so much. Good evening, Madame Mayor and members of the council. Um, as you know, I'm Debbie Kelly. the president and CEO of the Albian Economic Development Corporation, and I'm here in support of the proposed tax abatement or industrial facilities exemption certificate. There's two or three names for these, but I normally just call them a tax abatement um for team one plastics. And I have Dave Sanford in the audience with me this evening, who's the plant manager. Um he'll come up in just a few moments after I'm done speaking. Um, as I brought up in the study session this evening, they're building an 11,500 square foot um, building next to their existing building. Um, they are growing by leaps and bounds. They have no more room for any of their machinery and equipment in their existing building. And so they're really looking to increase the size of their production facility to accommodate future sales growth. And as I mentioned, they're going to be hiring at least four new jobs, maybe anywhere four to six, retaining the 89 jobs that they have there now. And their investment for purposes of this tax abatement application is 1.2 million. But they are also investing another 1.4 million in the new machinery equipment, which I mentioned is already under an eligible manufacturing personal property exemption. So they can't also apply for this tax abatement. They can't double dip. Um so with that, um just wanted to introduce Dave Sanford. He's going to come up during the public hearing, say a few words, and um answer any questions that may have. So thank you all for having us this evening. Mr. Sanford.

Hello. Uh Dave Sanford, client manager at Team One Plastics. Um like Debbie had mentioned, we're here for the the tax abatement for the expansion that we're doing. Um um should be putting steel up starting next week. Um if there's any delays, it'll be the week after that. But like she had mentioned for continued uh growth in sales. Uh we've continued to grow over the years. We've been in the in the city for 38 years now. And uh it's finally we bounced around the expansion for five or six years and we finally reached our limit. Now's the time. So, um, exciting moment for, uh, team one plastics and, uh, the Albian community. Councilman Frost, I know that you have a question possibly from Mr. Sandberg.

Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Sanford. Thank you for being here and uh, thank you for your company's contributions to the city development. It's wonderful. I just got a few questions uh, regarding this new development. So, uh, the director of the EC informed us that you're anticipating creating four or five full-time positions with this expansion.

Yep. Uh, that could be anywhere from entry level, could be more than four to five, six, uh, new positions. Really depends on the business um, that we're awarded. There's a lot on the table at this moment. Um, but to be able to bring in anything new to continue growing, uh, the expansion is required. So, um, like I said, could be entry level, could be, uh, technical maintenance, uh, technical troubleshooting, uh, any of the above at this moment. So, I mean, we're we're very highly automated, but um, with the additional growth and, you know, the amount of sales we could do in the expansion, um, without a doubt, there is a need for more employees.

Okay. Uh so a follow-up question is with construction starting as early as next week as we said uh it sounds like the financing for this is is pretty well underway. Yes. Okay. Yeah. We're we're close to um closing on the construction loan but uh we're we're moving forward. Expect to have that closed within the coming weeks.

That's great. Uh so with these uh tax exemption certificates uh they're really put in place to help to offset the the the growing pains the the the initial investment which is perfectly reasonable. Um can you tell us why you're reaching for the maximum of 12 years for this?

Uh we're reached for it. Um, you know, I'm fairly new to it, so I don't know the the exact details, but when I met with uh Dudley a few weeks ago, that's what uh we decided on. And um you know, this is going to be a a financial strain on the business itself. Uh it's not a small amount of money to put down for uh the expansion. U we are a fairly small company. So, uh that's, you know, the main reason why we're going for the the max.

Okay. Okay. My only consideration is that it's 12 years of uh of a [clears throat] tax abatement before about what is it close to $1.3 million. Is that right? Um that's that's a long time for certainly a considerable sum of money, but it's $1.3 million over 12 years. Um uh my question for us to consider is that 12 years is that is that necessary for 12 years or is that something that your company would be able to manage in half of that time six years? Um I'm not in finance so I can't uh you know answer that question accurately I guess is what I would say but uh like I said it would be a financial strain but one way or another we'll we'll make it work.

Okay. I'm just thinking also for you in future development should you come before the council again with another one of these applications. Uh well I can tell you with the current campus that we're on is after the submission was the next we can expend. Okay. So there will be no further expansion property after this one. We'll use up all the all the land we have available. So that at which point if you needed to develop to another property in Alvium. Yes. where maybe a higher percentage, you know, for not a higher percentage, but a longer distance of 12 years might really be necessary where you're putting in $10 million if you

with where the expansion would get us and you know the the amount of square footage and sales dollar that we can do on there. That's really the limit that I think team one is capable of growing up to um within current campus and you know our business scope. Okay. Well, great. Well, thank you very much. my intention to grill but I for just to see your reasoning behind this and uh very very appreciative your business being here. Thank you.

Yeah, thank you very um first I would like to say um congratulations on finding someone to help you apply for this type of funding. I know business owners in this community have um long gone without acknowledgement and help in assisting an insistence to expand and assistance to find funding. I know yourself in this situation with you being being that you're so close to breaking ground next week that this came along had to have come along at the very end of that process. So you guys were staring down the barrel of actually funding this entire project on your own u without any help or resources. Now the state and uh the city allow for these type of developments and these type of um tax abatements so that they can help entrepreneurs like yourselves stay in business and to help employ people that live and work here in the community. You guys, being that you've been in business for over 30 years, 38 years in the Albanian community and been a taxpayer in this tax in this community, don't feel away about applying for any tax abatements that will keep your business going, keep you employing people in the community. My aunt used to work at team one. I have family members that's worked at team one and I worked right across the street when um

ah Royal Court for years for 11 years. I worked across the street from there. So, um to that point, thank you for finding help. Thank you to Daddy Kelly for reaching out to um Team One Plastic. Keep up the good work and stay in the community a very long time. We know that we appreciate it. We plan to stay on going. Thank you. Do we have any other council member comments? Mr. Xander, thank you for being Thank you. We appreciate your Thank you. public comment if there's anybody that would like to stand in counsel in regards to this item.

Are we? No, we're still on public hearing on this demonstrate what Donovan said. Anybody else? All right, I will go ahead and close our public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Now, do I have a motion to approve reservation 20265? Support city manager or Miss P. Items.

Yeah, I'm sorry. I think um the EDC director and I just discovered a um possible discrepancy that I think we can work out but um council will take this resolution up at the end of the agenda so we can sort this out. Okay. Do we need to make a motion to I just Yeah, just place just place it as items. Somebody can move to place it as item. [clears throat]

All in favor say I public comments. If there's anybody on the gallery that would like to stand in the rest council in regards to an agenda item, you may do so at this time. Show us your name, address, and mobile systems.

Good evening, council. Garrett Brown, 16 South Superior Street. Um, just wanted to speak to um item F. Um, in particular, just speaks to process. Um uh I know that there is we're involved in the community for a while so we know the history and everything but um the concern that I always have I think I've been consistent in this um over the years is that um [clears throat] because of the form of government we have um it's really important that we make decisions you know the the electorate puts you on the council and the council elects basically the chief administrative officer for the city and so for the future of the community especially I think right now at the last census where uh population are declining um and rural areas in Michigan around the country are losing population there really needs to be a clear vision about what's next in the city and I think that's part of what an open process provides for I know in the past there were fights about which vendor would do the process would it be MML would it be some other third party um but since I get that there wasn't a real fleshing out of this right I feel like, you know, with the c the questions that the due diligence that you did in asking team one for this tax abatement um that level of questioning and working the candidates um didn't really take place. So I think really like process is there to protect public um and make sure that we are making the right decision because decisions that you're making now are going to be basically have ramification 10 15 20 years ago from now um when some of us may not actually live here or be here. Um so it's really important that um again you have a process that's um open um that actually has competition and that um allows citizens to come in and you all to do your due diligence in

that process. So um I'm disappointed in that. But again that's something that I feel like regardless of who the candidate would uh is I would have still had this public comment if I saw the process went like this and there was no real um public vetting. And then like I said, it just it just went to the mayor and the um the city attorney. I think you know we represent um six of the city. So um I'm disappointed in that. Um I wish the you know decision you make I I wish the city well. Um but again I think that's something that I just I could not not say that the the process was not good. um and it doesn't reflect like I think this is um I guess I end with this some of the concerns that we have on a national level as we see like the disorganization and the um the way decisions and people are being appointed moved and put in positions I think this is no different than that without an actual real process so um it's unfortunate thank you anybody else that would like to see and address council Simon Brown 713 Orchard Drive. Um I agree with everything um former mayor Brown just spoke about. I'm also I'm going to just ask the council and this is no matter who the candidate is. I looked over the contract and I'm just I'm really asking you all to go back and either renegotiate for a um base salary that's more proportionate to Albian's population and operating budget. Um I too am disappointed in the process. um there was no competition. So that's why

you have $170,000 looking at you for salary because there was no process. So it's not too late to go back and do things ethically. Um, I think about trust in the community and this is an example of one of the things that deteriorates the trust from the community. Thank you.

Anybody else I like to say in the rest? Um, one point of clarification that I should have mentioned when I came up to to introduce um, the T1 plastics tax and Mr. um, Sanford um, the Albanian Economic Development Corporation, we do have a guideline and an evaluation system in place to score tax abatement applications as they come in to my organization prior to me reaching out to city clerk and city manager um, to seek, you know, getting this on the agenda and get the information out. I know that for Domingo, she's required to publish the public hearing 10 days prior to this evening um to get the information out. Um but for the evaluation and point system, um I'm not sure if that is in your packet this evening, but I I could share that with everyone.

It is. Okay. And that Okay, perfect. And that's what determines the length of years that the company is awarded their tax abayment. Um so I just wanted to make sure that you all had this. Thank you so much. Would anybody else have to stand on this council in regards to an agenda item? See no movement. Go on to our consent calendar items. Your second, you have your February 2nd study session and regular session minutes. I have a motion to approve. Move support. All in favor say I.

Any oppos? Next. Do I have a motion to approve resolution 21607 and allow our arts council to apply for someone

support? I think I can bring a little bit of clarity to this. We needed to um I've been working with the arts commission on this grant and um they needed a authorized official and um we do go live on David Clark um being that we're in between city managers at the moment and um Perry will be leaving um here pretty soon. So we didn't want to be stuck without authorizing. This will help the arts commission to further expand their um their services and the different programming that they're currently providing. And there's an art fair this month. So, make sure to stop by. And there's also different classes and stuff. So, you make sure y'all check them out on the website or on Facebook. Do

you have any questions for council Williams on this item? That's the only answer. I was just happy to um I'm just happy to see that the uh art uh initiative is flourishing. you know it's uh very Mary is very active in her board and this is something that is getting a lot of attention not but involving traffic from outside as well

yes yes Ross yes yes French yes Williams yes and their Yes. Next is our discussion on resolution 20268 for proposed B language. any.

So, um this is on for discussion only just because putting something out for a um charter amendment is a long cumbersome process that we've done a couple of times uh during my attending hearing and I've learned through experience that um we can't just approve it and send it to the AG's office because they frequently depending upon who's reviewing it at the AG's office will bounce it back. So, um, we're presenting it to you for discussion only, um, before we send it to the DG's office for their pre-approval. Um, the assessor's office has reached out to us several times, uh, having an issue about populating the board of review. Um, they're having a difficulty each year getting a quorum of the current four members. Um, under the state statute, you're only required to have three. And so the assessor is asking, but I think it's more apt to say begging that we please change it to three so they can consistently have a form at the board of review. Um so what's before you is the um proposed change. It literally just changes it to three members instead of four. All the other requirements remain the same.

Any questions for attorney records? Assuming that there are no issues from the AG's office, which I don't anticipate this would go on the November. So you mention this year

this November. Yeah. I mean it generally the AG's office likes roughly six months of lead time to look at these because they're doing reviews for every community in Michigan. So right any comments? Very good. Uh, so speaking of board review, we have an application for Jay

to be appointed to our board of review. Uh, Jay is here with us this evening. So, you want to come up and just say hello, give us a little info about yourself? [clears throat]

Shouldn't show up. Jaylen, 408 West Nash Street. I'm here because somebody called me and said they really sorry because if you all say no, I'll get the beer and not going to worry about it. I really I'm sorry, but that's my honest Yeah. I mean, [laughter] yeah. Um, no. Uh, I was a water foreman. I worked for the city of Alen for 20 years. Only a foreman for four. Um, I've lived in Albian for since 93. Aside from Have you got any questions? We have Mr. Limus.

All right. So, do I have a motion to approve of his application? So, support member. Yes. Davis. Yes, yes, William. Yes, yes, thank you J for being welcome to the board. [laughter] [laughter] Do I have a motion to approve the service proposal with

I'm so sorry that we have a motion to approve uh the updated city hall hours of operation. So move support Mr. Republic,

thank you. Council U Eric Trobin with the uh LBN Claro Alliance. Um yeah, we had uh had several requests from residents where we had issues where folks just weren't able to see us during normal hours and we thought this would be a great opportunity to give those people that work an 8 toive job an opportunity to come see us. So, our proposal, our suggestion, uh, with your permission, is to have the city hall hours open Monday through Thursday, 7 to 6:00 p.m. So, we'd be open basically 11 hours. Um, and, uh, we would then have Fridays off. Um, that would give everybody an extra hour morning, an extra hour in the evening to come and see city hall. Um, we think that that would be significant um, not only for our residents, but it also would be an opportunity for our members to be able to do more of their uh, get more of their work done without having overtime affecting the city's budget. Um, we have several employees that are sometimes having to work over if they just have just a little bit more hours in the day. they can complete their hours of work their or their workload that they needed to get done within that period of time. Um several other cities have already and other municipalities have already gone to this in the letter that I gave you. We listed out like the um county government has switched hours to having reduced hours on Friday. City of Springfield, uh the city of Granville, the city of Reading, Leier, city of Moskegan, city of Portage was the most recent one that switched. uh and the city of Walker which set by Grand Rapids. Um all of those cities have had reduced hours or no hours on Friday uh and have changed that in recent and many other municipalities are currently

looking at that. Um Fridays tend to be a slower time for us. Um, you asked us the last time we met to do a survey and we did find that within that survey that most of the time it it was kind of average for the time period that you had us look at the so we started looking at it October 21st and we stopped looking at it uh at the first of the year and during that time frame the Fridays tended to be the third, fourth or the fifth highest day of the week but almost never the first or the second highest on uh visits to the city hall or um uh phone calls that we get coming in. Um so we we tend to see if we looked at it for a whole year that we think that that you'd even find several days where it would be the f that would be the least the slowest day of the week. Um uh it has been unanimously approved by our union um as well as um by um management uh and and we just think it's a great way to provide the opportunity again for members of the public to have more hours of access to the city. Again, it's not a reduction in time. We're we're still have being open a minimum of our staff will be working 40 hours a week, so no one's getting a free lunch out of it. uh but uh it'll have that opportunity to have that ability to be open longer hours as well as um give an opportunity to have some additional uh thing that provides for recruitment and retention of employees. So is there anything Doug that I missed?

No, I think so. Any questions for either Mr. Tobin or city managers? I know we did have u you know pretty lengthy discussion in our study session to kind of go through some different case scenarios but as our city manager said if we find that this doesn't work then we can definitely maybe look at you maybe going to half a day on Friday um right

you know we'll just have to kind of gauge how our public is taking this change in operations but that's our day strands, we want to make ourselves available and um accessible to our residents. So, but I think having time before that typical 8 to 5 and after, you know, that's hopefully we can see how that works out for our residents in regards to being able to come in without being rushed to get their services taken care of when their needs taken care of. Come.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, a suggestion is maybe we put something on our calendar for 90 days out, for 120 days out, put this on our agenda so that we're proactively thinking about this so that Mr. Tobin, you can um we we can gather responses between now and then and we can in our own precincts. So, it's just a suggestion, but if we don't put it on a calendar, we'll get the words. That's my personal issue in doing this. I forget And then if if I may add just I've already said this to you but for folks that are in the audience um I did was able to speak to many people in my precinct and not one of them had a a concern. They had some questions but they didn't have concerns. They thought it sounded reasonable.

No. Um I agree. I think that because I had some people said, "Well, what if my bill is too on a prior have to pay a late fee?" And I talked to Eric said, "No." And so that kind of settled the issue with them knowing that it was going to be fine.

Yeah. If I might and so speaking to that point, we just had an a situation like that just happened. As you may or may not know, the winter tax bills are due on uh February 14th. That happened to be Saturday. So, while the bills are due on Saturday, we're not here. Uh how how what happens if how am I going to be late? I can't pay it. Could have paid it online or put it to Dropbox. But, um we do give an extra day. In fact, in this case, we gave an extra two days because Monday happened to be a holiday. So, it was you were still able to pay it today without having to pay any late fee or penalty. So, and that's typically how we've done it in the past with any bills that are due on a Friday. as you may or may not do, water bills are not due on a Friday. They're always due on a Tuesday. So, uh to to give you an example. So,

good. Well, I I think somebody else had said, you know, we appreciate you actually getting us this information so that we can make an informed decision. So, anybody else have any questions or comments? Thank you, Mr. D. Thank you. Oh, and Jay's Jay didn't say it, but he's fair, honest, and so I wouldn't say that. Council member Davis, yes. Branch, yes. Williams, yes. Yes. Stewart, yes. Ross, yes. And Mayor Snider,

yes. Do I have a motion to approve the IT services with rapid technology support? Good evening council. Um, as I discussed in the study session, we are looking to switch services from DC3 who is our current IT service provider. They bought out actually they bought out uh it right. Uh we had been it right for many many years. Had good luck with them. uh always had good service as this is a nationwide company BC3 and we feel we are just not getting what we're paying for. We've had conversations with them before they kind of stepped their game up a little bit then it kind of fell back down. Um in the study session I talked about how we went through some issues and the timeliness of getting issues resolved very important issues especially with our payroll clerk and our finance department. We gave uh Rapid River a try and they did a great job. Very impressed. So, this is going to be a little bit more money. Uh we're looking at about 47,000 48,000 for this year. Next year, I anticipate it probably will go up a little bit more because we're going to have them take on more departments. Um but we're also looking to upgrade the finance department. There are a lot of infrastructure issues that we've got to change and we've got to upgrade. So, uh, with this I I would strongly recommend going with Rapid River.

Absolutely. Uh, just one question we didn't really discuss. How long do you think it's going to take to upgrade the entire system? So, it's kind of a complex answer.

It's the main issue is going to be finance right off the bat. We got to get rid of our server of a SharePoint server. We've got to upgrade our licenses at Microsoft licenses from we're at a G3 which is like a moderate level to a G5 which is more secure licenses for the entire city. That'll be all the departments. Most of the other departments, my department, public safety runs off of a cloud-based programs. Everything that we log into isn't going through a server here for the most part. Public Works doesn't have anything through a server. We all log in through somebody else's website. Mo more. So, it's going to be just the fishing scams that you get through emails and so forth. And then with the higher licenses, it'll take care of that. When it comes to upgrading our infrastructure, it's going to be the switches that we have downstairs. It's going to be uh some of the modems and and so forth. Public works, since we're out in different areas, we all have different modems. we all have different uh connections and so it's going to be kind of locking those down with two factor uh authentication. Um we need to get that rolling. We're way behind everybody else on that. Most of our websites have that that we log into but we oursel don't have anything. So um this first initial lift is going to be the biggest and the heaviest. Council.

Thank you, Mayor. I'm Director Kern. I was looking over It appears to me that this isn't really like an IT services contract. This is more like a project. It's bounded and there's specific things that have to be done. I proposed to an IT services contract which is just general support. So, does this cover general support? It does. So, outside of the scope, if it's listed on the project, it covers general support,

right? So I can call in at any time. Uh the clerk's office can call anytime, resolve any types of issues. And our issues are small. We don't have the network like it used to be. A lot of things are independent now. So they have independent machines or computers. They are able to call in and get that resolved or they're actually going to come in on site and kind of go through and start the process. Will that be a fee for service type of a thing?

There will be some fees attached to that. It just depends on how long it'll be. It could be anywhere from $300 to $900. It completely depends on the job that we need them to do. And we currently are paying that now with BC3. So the $42,000 isn't just a flat fee. Every time we call them, if we have them come on site, it's $600 no matter what. And it's $600 per machine. So if they literally walk from the clerk's office, the manager's office, that's 600. That's 600. So those few they just ask the current situation. That's the current situation we have in what will the situation be with this?

It could be le it could be less. It's we really don't know just yet because of we're having them focus on the finance department. We are in-house taking care of upgrading the computers. What we'll probably end up doing is going through them to get a little bit better deal like through a different state bid pricing. So I'm probably not clear on your question. Probably not. But but I hear it.

But you were on the right track before I was asked. So So I see specific project items that are going to be accomplished in the contract and and I'm familiar with it because that's what I used to do. Um what I'm not seeing is the general support items and costs associated with those. And I'm wondering we have an idea of what how that will work. So when you call because you're not yours probably because you're probably all virtual but you're all in cloud based but when someone else's machine needs response and we call for help we have an idea of that's not going to be contract if I'm reading it correct so how much more

so that would be about the $300 to $600 range so it will be do is it an hourly type of it's $75 an But there's travel time as well. And we're paying that same. I just want to clarify that this is for the specific items and it's not for general the other general items that we call and ask for help. We'll be on a case by case basis. But it's it's almost like having the retainer, right? And then as we go out we we get support and we were sensitive.

Thank you mayor. Director Kern. So just looking at the the original quote that that came in that we were able to work down by working specifically with our finance department first which I think is a good strategic move there. I mean, are we looking at eventually at some point in the future having a budget for this this original quote of $80,000?

I don't think so. I can't answer that definitively because it depends on how much we're going to have to upgrade. The biggest thing is this this the 47,000 48,000 under this proposal gets us started on upgrading what we need to upgrade. Um what we've been doing is we've been buying the machines or buying the computers as we go or as we get a good deal on them. So if a deal comes through we're able to get a better deal. We'll purchase it then and then upgrade one person's workstation. where Rapid River would come in is they would then log in remotely go through map the network drives or do what they need to do and get everything up and running make sure the printers are working so forth.

It's not where it used to be where everybody was connected through the server through this figure out why this one was sitting over here and everything else. we have our own printers. Um, and so it it could go up to 80,000, but that 80,000 was to come through and completely revamp everything we had. And that's where uh Doug and I worked on it to kind of pair it down to really need to start focus on our finance first. Sure. And so I don't anticipate it going up to the 80,000 because we're doing the 47 48 now taking care of that problem and then we're going to start working on the smaller ones as we go.

Okay. may become and I would also add we're no longer paying BC3 right so whatever we're paying then it would be rolled into this cost place I don't see it as a tremendous boost in our deficit spending issue because we're just going to funnel money that used to be C3 correct any other questions well thank you for the information Member French, yes. Williams, yes. Yes. Stewart, yes. Yes. Davis, yes. And

yes, I have a motion to approve the city manager contract with Dr. Ontario.

So move board with permission approach for Thank you, mayor, and members of city council. We're at a crossroads. Um, so we heard a lot of good comments tonight, um, and concerns from our citizens. And so I'd like this opportunity to address, um, the proposed contract with, um, Cheryl Ontario and, um, where how we've got to this point. Um, not since World War II have we seen the workforce turned upside down the way it is. And it's it's not in selected fields. It's in all fields. And that includes city management. As you remember approximately a year ago, we went out for advertisement using uh Pivot as a um consultant trying to look for city manager candidates. At that time uh we had received I believe eight applications and we interviewed one and unfortunately that candidate uh didn't turn out and I don't think he was interested in us and we weren't interested in him and so from that time I've been here a little over a year and looking at the market um I've been an interim now this is my fourth city and I've retired um I believe three and a half years ago. What

what we are seeing is there is a shortage of qualified candidates and to bring up to speed when we found out that Cheryl might be interested there was a reach out. Um, and just to give you some statistics, I had provided you a census provided by the Michigan Municipal League of what salaries go for. One of the things and I and please be patient with me. I had um I was sitting in a fast food restaurant in 24 and I wanted to just share with you um this is fast food that and it's changed since then. Uh the store manager was making a h 100,000 assistant store manager 70,000 and a cook was making $19 an hour. this fast. So, we are $34 million operation and when Cheryl came to us, one of the things that she's a colleague of mine and I've known her for and her work for a number of years. She brings expertise, she brings intellect, and she brings vitality to this position. And while I treasure the words of what was said tonight, transparency and what's going on in our nation, I'll be the first one to agree with them. But in this particular case, we have a quality candidate, one that is ready to move back to our city, our sister ready to become a citizen and take the helm

and give us a longterm great job. And so that being said, we began negotiations on a skeleton of a contract. What do the wages look like? Well, [clears throat] just to give you again in front of you, you will see what the wages are for our population model. Now, two of those wages, uh, Grand Ledge, uh, he has been there 15 years. He came from Jonesville. and the other candidate um where I was the uh interim and helped them find him, he is now at 211,000. Now to take it a step further, just an average across the state, the average of city managers in this in this state are at $194,598. That's the average statewide. The the idea is is that we know Cheryl from her past. She again she brings great intellect, vitality and experience. And there's something to be said that brings value. We don't have to pay somebody 130,000, have them here for 18 months or two years and then leave where we're back paying another consultant and we're paying for mistakes because they didn't have those qualities I just listed. We have an opportunity to bring our sister home to live here long term and do a great job. And while I have do appreciate what was said earlier, this is a unique opportunity for us and

I would ask council who have the contracts before you to give serious consideration and I am strongly recommending the adoption of us entering into this agreement and I believe it's the right thing to do. Now, at this time, not trying to um change the the structure of the council tonight, but I would like to bring Cheryl up because I believe that she has just as much if not more stake in coming here as all of us do in Dustin. Cher Wayne, I' I'd like to at this time, ladies and gentlemen of our community, this is Miss Ontario. Um, and her smile is here. Um, I don't you want to be low key. Okay, that's fine. Um, but she is again a colleague of mine. She um has demonstrated proficiency in other communities and again it brings me great pride to think that I will be leaving Albian better than what I found it and better than what I'm leaving it because with the staff that we have and Cheryl's capability I believe that this is the way. So I would like to have Cheryl say a few things.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Council, with your permission. Um, first of all, good evening. Um, I'm standing here today and it reflects a wonderful opportunity to recommmit to the city that I love. I'm willing and enthusiastically eager to return to this role, guided by one simple, unwavering truth, my passion for the people of Albian. My mission hasn't changed. is to make a positive tangible difference in the lives of every resident from our youngest students to our most cherished seniors. Our future success is based on the power of partnership. I've learned that a city manager doesn't lead from behind the desk. They lead through partnership. This includes our youth. We must create a city we are proud of and for them to be proud of to inherit and eager to stay in our seniors. We owe it to them those who built this city to ensure they will will continue to live here with dignity and security. our partners, whether it's Albian College, other educational recreation partners, our local businesses, our community nonprofits. We are one community, one Albi. When one succeeds, we all do. My door isn't just open. I intend to be out in the neighborhoods listening to the people and organization who make Albian breathe. This includes meeting with each of you, our key stakeholders, and people throughout the community to hear their voices and priorities. In regards to a strategic vision because I know this city, I can hit the ground running. We

aren't standing starting from scratch. We are building on a foundation. Inram city manager Doug Terry has built a strong fiscal and operational foundation and we have a solid team of talented directors and dedicated staff. I will work closely with the mayor and all of the council members to focus on economic vitality. I will work tirelessly with our business partners to revitalize our corridors and create an environment where local entrepreneurship thrives. service excellence. I am committed to a high standard of municipal service. Our residents deserve infrastructure that works, roads that aren't bumpy, and a city hall that responds with empathy and efficiency. Fiscal integrity. We will be stewards of the public trust, ensuring that our growth is sustainable and our budget reflects the community's true priorities. In closing, my proposed reappoint is not about revisiting the past. It's a forward-looking commitment to pro provide stable, accountable leadership at a time when the city would benefit from continuity, experience, and clarity of direction. I am considering reappointment with a clear understanding of the city's needs, a lifelong commitment to service, and a readiness to provide steady, accountable leadership. In true partnership and alignment with Albian's elected leaders and community, I am confident we can shape a strong, resilient future and position the city for lasting, transformative success. I'm

ready to serve. I'm ready to listen. And most importantly, I'm ready to work alongside all of you to make the transformation of Albian a reality. Thank you for welcoming me back home to the work to the people in the city that I love and thank you for your consideration of the contract. Um before I leave, I do have um a document I would like to share with the council with your permission and it just outlines um what I would propose as an outlook for the first 90 days. I can share that. So, Madam Mayor, members of council, um before you is a proposed contract. This is a huge step. Um she is required to give 30 days notice. So, with that, a tenative start date should you decide to approve this contract should start somewhere around March 16. Um, as far as Doug Terry, I'm never leaving you. I live on Albian Road.

I'm part of this community.

I'm a phone call away and I will always be here to see you succeed. I will always stand next to my colleague and help her succeed as well as our department heads and our employees. So I think that that offers a strong foundation for a starting place for Cheryl to start and to succeed. I believe that's a good formula for success. And again, I would not present this to council if I did not 100% believe that this was the right thing to do because I do believe in all sincerity this is the right thing to do. It really is. Our citizens will be well served with Cheryl's leadership and of course with the department heads and the employees. We've done wonderful job of seeing them, witnessing them run this city and make improvements like we've never seen before. So again, I welcome any questions or comments. It's an investment. That's how we should think of it. So again, I welcome any questions or comments and strongly endorse the adoption of this contract.

Any questions from council? Yeah. Um we're open to discussion, right?

Okay. Um so just looking at the contract and the information that was provided. So we're looking at $170 base salary, $5,000 relocation, $2,500 signing bonus, $2,500 in six months. um 240 hours of PTO which is about 6 weeks, 320 hours of PTO in the second year which is nearly 2 months with a carryover of 80 hours of rollover which will take us to a total of 2 and a half months and a $400 a month car loans. Now we add all that up that puts us at nearly 200,000 in this first year. Um, looking at the municipalities that were supplied that are similar in size, a few of them have similar salaries. If we looked at Grand Ledge, they're at 171. Um, Grand Ledge is the affluent Flint, Michigan.

Um, St. Joseph was is on here as well. affluent. Hillsdale affluent. Big Rapids affluent. Then you have St. John's and Hudson. I'm not Hudsonville. I'm not really familiar with any of those other cities, but both Hudsonville and St. John's are at around 140 147. Big breakfast is at 140,000. Um, okay. I've known council for 5 years now. In the first two years, I was told that we had capacity issues when I asked if we could hire a grant director. Now, Doug, you have been a lot more transparent than our last um city manager. Um, and that's not a shot. It's just the truth that um when we were asking for money to help the children and to um help people find grants, help the um organizations in town that work with kids find grants. We were told that we have capacity constraints and the capacity constraints were incomes. I mean, it was it was the the funding to pay the salaries. That's what I was told. the entire time I've been on council, um $170,000, I believe, is very excessive for the role of the city manager, especially with it being 50% higher, over 50% higher than what we were paying the last city manager at around what was it 1115 when she left. Somewhere in there. So, we're going to pay $65,000 more than we were paying the last city manager. And I do understand that we have um that it's been difficult to agree upon a city manager to fill the role. We've only run one search. We don't have any competitors here. And I'm so thankful for Cheryl showing up today because one

of my council members didn't even know we were voting on this today because we didn't receive this in the email until 4:40 last night. Um, and had I not checked the email again this morning, the one that came at 5:20 a.m., I wouldn't have known that we were going on this either today.

So, it is good that we were able to hear from Cheryl. I would love for the community to hear from Cheryl, but I can't in good faith obligate the community, the taxpayers to pay $170,000 salary to someone that a lot of them may not be familiar with. Now, she has been president of the community before, but to be honest with you all, I met Cheryl Lans two years ago at CatCon. Very nice lady, very I don't have anything bad or negative to say about her. And this isn't a critique of her at all. This is a critique of the decisions that we're making um in approving a contract that has a $200,000 liability attached to it, especially at a time we don't have a human resource department that is qualified and and efficient and effective to do the job that we have at hand. We have four union contracts. We have um five department heads. When we agree to $170,000 um salary for the head of the city, we will also be agreeing to 30 to $40,000 pay increases for all the other department heads.

That's just how it works. That's that's just how it works. So again, I can't in good faith support a $170,000 expenditure on a salary, especially for someone that we haven't even interviewed. We didn't interview for the role. rebutt. So the last two weeks went in discussion. We're in discussion.

Can we discuss? Is there another council member that has other feedback?

Thank you, mayor. Um, I agree with Councilman Williams assessment that that's a lot of money, but it's no secret that Albine has a reputation not only in the current surrounding community, but in the surrounding counties. It's not good. It hasn't been good. And it shames me when I go around these places and I hear what people say about Albian. And it's because of past decence of poor leadership. You cannot put um a low ball price on good leadership. Now I have interviewed people about Mrs. Tero and her her former contributions to this city. I have not heard a single bad thing about her. She has had glowing character uh reviews from people I have spoken to. reputation means a lot. In some cases, it can mean everything. And I refuse to to discount good leadership, especially in a place and at a time when a city like Albian needs it so much. We are on the precipice of accomplishing wonderful, incredible things in this city and changing our reputation and the way we're perceived in the state. And I think this is a in a direction that we need to go to continue that trajectory. I am so grateful that we've been blessed with interim city manager Doug Terry service to us. We haven't even we haven't deserved what we got. And I think that a big portion of the reason that we're even being considered by someone with the quality and the virtues of Mrs. Tero is because of the service that Mr. Terry has done for us. And I believe that we need to continue this tra trajectory and to vote no against would be a slap in the face to not only

but to the state of Michigan because we have places we're going in this city. Thank you. I agree with him on top grant writer than Cheryl. Okay. and and if you can't find the person that you can walk in the office and say something, explain something to her and tell her, "I need your help." And she'll say, "Okay."

I have seen her at places where the guys were working out on the city street. They were down in holes, digging holes, and then she she's standing there in her boots. You go in her office and her boots are there by she's following the workers around, seeing that things are being done like they're supposed to be done. And and I agree with what he said about uh Doug because Doug has really been fantastic. He has pulled us out of holes that we work in and and I appreciate the fact that he thinks enough of her as to want to recommend her to us to continue because you've done a fantastic job. I appreciate it. Thank you. And and Yes. Amen.

Yep. Thank you. Um thank you to both of the council members for their feedback. I appreciate them both. Um CJ, I got to tell you, I don't want to make this personal, but you've been here a year and a half, bro. You've been in the city a year and a half. Um, I don't think you're fit to fit or qualified to protect the residents of the city of Alban from anything, especially exposure to um overpaying salaries or the favors and commitments that come with

overexposure when you pay people for things that they may not necessarily that may not necessarily be fit to be paid out at that time. Sometimes people get bought and they get bought in the presence of the community. Amen.

But our community members all aren't in all aren't aware of what is taking place tonight or more of them would have been here. Everyone I spoke to about $170,000 salary all had a complaint about man. uh especially when we live in a city that at least 40% of the people live in poverty. At least 40% 60% in my neighborhood in my precinct. Um again, this is 50% $65,000 more than that's just $65,000 on the face of this. I'm not even talking about all the additional stuff. That's $65,000 on the face of this more than the last city manager was making. I can understand if we were offering 130 121 130 something like that. I I really really truly could understand that.

And that would be a very big increase within itself. Amen. But 50% more than the last city manager. You seem ridiculous to me.

I had a couple hands over here. Thank you, mayor. Um, I too, Don, and I appreciate the kindness from the council and and uh we've worked together long enough to be able to to uh speak in a good spirit. And I would say that I do this, first of all, thank you, uh, Councilman Williams. I I went through some of the same thoughts myself, and I've talked to a city manager about some of them, and I will say that, um, it was a little bit of a sticker shock to me. No offense, but um the more I thought about it, the more I am I'm aligned now um in my mind with um I've said it before in council that I I feel like we're in a place right now that we haven't been in since I've lived here and and it's only you know 13 years or whatever it's been. But I feel like we're in a place to move forward finally and I think uh you use the word investment and and I see this as an opportunity to take us where we need to go and and I will I personally will be very frustrated if we miss our opportunity. So I I get that it's it's high, but as far as I'm concerned, now is the time. And I I think we should move on. And Councilman Williams, I will say that I I wish we wouldn't make judgments on other council members and their fitness to make decisions. They're elected officials. They have their own experiences and I don't think it's I don't think it's appropriate to hear from them in the meeting. And I I love you and I care about you, but I think we have to be careful about doing that.

No, I definitely respect that. And my critique isn't of it's of the performance. It's not of the um the opinion. I can respect the opinion. The performance is what I'm talking about. Speaking of people and what they say about the city of Alb and everywhere you go, well, who's responsible for those things? Amen. Who was in leadership before? Who put them there? And why were they there for so long? That's the critique. See, I've been in opposition of the leadership and their lack of leadership and their inability and their incompetence. [clears throat] Competence gets ran off in the city of Al.

This isn't a critique of sharing. I believe she's a very competent person. I've heard that from everybody I know. Mayor Pat, thank you. Um you've heard from a couple of people this evening about fact that um that we have a lot of poverty in Albian and that the salary that we're being asked to improve is somehow inappropriate for us given the level of poverty we have in Albian and I keep thinking about what my grandfather used to tell me and that is you get what you pay for

that if we if we want excellence we have to pay for it. Now, yes, it's a significant increase over uh Haley um Haley's salary, but Haley was in her first position as city manager, and Cheryl has decades of leadership experience uh including city manager positions in and similar administrative leadership in much larger cities. So, of course, she's going to be more expensive for us. So, I think that that's that it doesn't really it doesn't really jive with me that yes, we have a poor community. Yes, we have a tight budget, but what we what we have with with Mrs. Tero is is excellence excellence in the area. And I and I think about because you were on council when we had Dr. Mitchell, now Dr. Tero in our as our city manager, but before she even started, she wrote a grant for $30,000 for Miss Reed to get Colin Park off the ground. And she did that without a salary before she started. and we got it. Yes.

And so that sort of commitment we haven't seen in a very long time and I and I'm willing to pay top dollar for that. Absolutely. Thanks.

How's it? Okay. Um I it appears that um city man interim city manager Dr. Terry has been busy because I came up and had the same questions. I had the same concerns. I had the same what will the perceptions be? And uh I walked away feeling that we're doing the right thing. We're doing the right thing in terms of expertise. We're doing the right thing in terms of commitment to Albia because we have that reputation. I'm out there a lot in terms of around the state of Michigan. And when I say I'm from Albian and I'm on the city council, a lot of times it's not positive. You know, it's like, oh, who who are you all throwing out this time? do who do you have? So, we have a bad reputation of making decisions that aren't necessarily in the best interest of the community, but uh decisions that involve personal gain, personal power and things like that. This is the perception. I would like to change that as well. I am in favor of Dr. Ariel coming back. I am in favor of the skills that she's bringing as well as the first 90 days. We really haven't received the first 90 days from anyone. Well,

to my knowledge, we all have interviewed.

So, so and the people that we we thought of interviewing, they really didn't have the characteristics that she's bringing to the table. you know, we may not have PR, but she has, you know, expertise that I think compensates for what we may not have right now. So, I am in favor of looking forward. I'm in favor of what we heard tonight is excellent. And we need someone in that position to hit the ground running because if we don't have that, we're taking a step. So the city as we know it is a multi-million dollar enterprise. We have a lot of projects, major projects coming, projects that be completed, more projects coming up in the upcoming year. More projects hopefully within the next five years. We have a lot of progress happening now at our east industrial park. We heard from the Gallian plan. We are applying for grants left and right for housing, for new development. We have a lot of things that we're hoping to garner in the city of LA and we need strong leadership to make sure that those projects come to fruition. I'm thankful that we have Mr. Kelly in charge of our EDC because she has been hitting the ground running and I have no doubt that in partnership with Dr. Ontario, phenomenal things are going to happen in our I mean

with all of the connections that they both have at the state level, no doubt in my mind that we are going to see major things happen. So I am in favor of this contract. I think we were so lucky to have Dr. Terry come on when he was in the tooth. He's truly been a blessing. Yes. To our city because he's been able to work with our staff to get things done.

We are so blessed that Dr. Tero is looking to come back to our community. We, those of us that have lived here long enough to know her, we know that she is passionate. We know that she is ethical and we know that she will get things done. So, when we're talking about the salary, you know, not to put your business out there, Doug, but it was a contract. We're paying you $80 an hour for your work.

So, that's over 150,000 just in and of itself. So, it's not that far of a reach for us to say we want to bring another person with that same caliber, with that same level of experience, and to keep her here by giving her a quality salary. The hours that we were looking at for her PO, that's sick time, that's vacation time, that's personal time, that's all rolled into one. So, they don't have separate things. So I think that when you look at that time that's very reasonable to what professionals get at any level what they call the seuite executives. So and then the other things that we had in the contract those were standard to what we've seen in previous contracts with city managers. So other than the salary in and of itself that's not a far reach. that definitely is out of our reach for her level of expertise that she's going to be bringing to our house. I've been on this council, I think it's since 2012. I've been on here. This is my fourth term and I've seen all the the managers that we've had in all of those almost 16 years and none of them I'm not running down anybody. I'm not I'm not I'm not calling any of them incapable, but none of them has done the job that Cheryl did in the years that she was here. and I know her and I know what she's capable of doing and I know that she would be an excellent person this child.

Yeah.

Okay. So, I looked at the uh contract that the current city manager Battle Creek Free. They're paying him they're paying the city manager 190K. Battle Creek has a population of nearly 50,000 people. It also has major industry billion dollar companies corporation Foundation nearly 8.5 billion. Um the the dollar amount we're paying is a sticker shock and it's going to be a sticker shock to everyone in this community. Um, when this runs in the newspaper, people are going to clutch their burls. I just want to make y'all aware of that. I understand we have to do what we have to do. Um, but 107,000 is very steep.

If we don't get somebody else, we're going to be behind. I get that. But we've been behind behind. We've only been behind because they instituted people that they wanted to keep up. Council, sir.

Yes. And thanks again, Councilman Williams. Uh, I didn't articulate it very well before, but when you first were speaking your concerns, you really said what I was concerned about at the beginning way better than I did. So, thank you for that. And I I have shared your concern. I will say that I recently pulled I mentioned this before but I pulled a number of folks in my precinct about 30 people about two different issues and one of them was um potential for a new city manager and the salary that I understood at the time which ended up being the same as what you brought in this and everyone I I had no one now maybe it's just a small samples that I had of 30 in my precinct but no one g so from my standpoint that helped me get over the hump on that so what it's

thank you may um regards to the the amount of money yeah it's a lot and of course Dr. Ontario, should she be um pointing to this position, we're going to expect that her benefit to this community um exceed what we pay her, you know, many many times over. That's that's what the expectation will be. Of course, if she's not working up to an amount just so the city can meet it, but so the city can grow and exceed it. Wouldn't it be great that we could be among these cities like Grand Ledge or you know where we can be among the top paying uh municipalities for our city leaders and I think that this is a step in that direction and I think that the leadership that I understand it not knowing her personally uh but of what I understand she'll bring to the table I think that we are we are making an investment that's going to grow that's going to help our Um, two years ago I was in the city of Charlotte as their interim for approximately eight months. Uh, we worked with two search firms. Um, I hired in at $50 an hour and of course that was a lot more than what I retired at in Lynchfield. Um, their city manager has just left. um two weeks ago. The interim manager that they chose um is the retired city manager from Farmington Hills. He is their interim making over $90 an hour. The point I was trying to make is that

as time goes on in the short term, we are seeing unprecedented changes in the marketplace. We're seeing salaries that are in demand because those people who have the skill sets are in demand. And what we're seeing here is and it's just not city management, it's electricians, it's plumbers, it's all the trades, it's everything. I think there's an actual physical shortage of people. I keep hearing people say people are just sitting home because they don't want to work. That's not the case. Amen.

That is not the case. I'm seeing fast foods. Do you remember the the living wage of eight years ago that was being proposed by fast food workers? Notice how that's gone. It's because purity has been met in the marketplace. the market distances wages. And in this particular case, if you look on the ICE, the International City Managers Association website, we're seeing towns in Kansas size that are paying well in in this area, if not higher. Now, could you go to Litfield and would they be able to afford it for that? No. But I can tell you that their manager now makes a tremendous amount of money.

The I know that their manager makes a tremendous amount of money more than what I made when I retired. So every day, every month, every year, we are seeing unprecedented changes in the marketplace. So when this proposal first came to me, um, of course she's my colleague and I knew of her reputation and and everything, but I thought, "Oh my gosh, our prayers have been answered." Because the uncertainty I had was that if I left within a year in September, which which I thought I was going to do, when were you going to call me again? And I thought this is this is a blessing. This is a godsend that we have this young lady who has the again the intellect, vitality and expertise to carry us forward. Today Jason and I sat in a meeting where we opened up what was it close to $4 million in bids on two grand. We have another bid opening probably what would you say probably just under a million dollars on Thursday.

Yes.

So again we have three grants right now in infrastructure challenges. Um where we've made tremendous investments in going with the meter. Cheryl is or whoever the chosen candidate is has to lead with proficiency. I can't even begin to emphasize it. Just not be a leader. They have to lead with proficiency. And I believe that that's what we're getting with Cheryl. So, is 170,000 a tremendous amount of money? Yes. Um my gosh, 43 years ago when I started off in a small town called Stish, they hired me in at $9,200. I thought I hit the lottery. It was just a young fella. That's why I had to grow a muscle because I look like I was 12 years old. Well, now I'm I'm a senior and I'm telling I'm asking council to consider seriously consider entering into this agreement. I I would not do this if I did not think it was the best route to go in now's future. And I will always be here for you. I will always be here for sure. and I'll be here for you our citizens. So, I don't know if I can make a stronger case than what I just again there's a motion on the floor and I strongly recommend council's endorsement of this.

One last thing for me and I'll try to be brief um but I want to address some comments. So, I did interview a number of people on my but I did not interview Miss Brown or Mr. Brown and so I appreciate you coming today for comments. Um I I worried about the process as well when we first got on here. Um but when I went back through it, we reviewed these eight candidates. We had a professional come help us to find candidates and we had a pool. It was it turned out to be a small pool. let somebody pull the plug when the ring went down that fast because we were only able to even request an interview from one. And we decided as a council that we would pause and we would we would let some time go by so that pool could get refilled and you brought us status updates to our council meeting that said it's not looking good that that pool is shrinking. And then I also talked to you offline asking you similar things and the pool continued to actually get worse.

So since the time we initially asked our consultants, we've been in constant contact with our consultants and the pool has considerably thinned and we're getting the word that when someone does come available, they don't even go on the market. They're already snapped up by the next municipality. So, we've been waiting for something that doesn't appear to hap is like it's going to happen like we're going to have a pool that we can consider further than the ones that we already had. We did consider and now as you mentioned this feels like this is like the best case scenario for us in my opinion that we'd have someone who's qualified that actually wants to be here because as you were stating councilman for us that that's not always the case that somebody who's qualified wants to be here. Thank you.

Williams, no. Bri, yes. Steer, yes. Ross, yes. Davis, yes. French, yes. And mayor Snider, yes. Thank you, Congressman. I'm back. from 2025 20265 in support and this is for the tax exemption for team one class attorney.

So in speaking with our uh CEO of the EDC we discovered there was a little discrepancy in that the application has both materials code at least in the packet for lot five and lot six. the resolution before you was drafted for lot six. We just need to change it and say lot five. So someone wants to amend the mot to approve the resolution with that change. That's the only thing we should have to do for both. I move that we change resolution to be for lot five and not six or five and six.

No just five. Yes. Any questions or comments? Council member Williams. Yes. Green. Yes. Stewart. Yes. Frost. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Oh, okay. Sorry. Now, so that first vote was just on the amendment of the resolution. Now, we're voting on the approval of the resolution with the amended change. Council member Williams, yes. Reed, yes. Stewart, yes. Ross, yes. Yes. Yes. And Mayor Snider, yes. Anything that council would like to see an upcoming meeting? Councilman Ross.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'd like to just revisit um the part of our our meetings where we have the study session. Uh just maybe from my own education that we get a chance to talk about why we have a study session, what we cover, do we need one, that kind of thing. I'm going to preface this with I hope Cheryl has a long tenure with the city of but um when we were on the discussion about our searches for anything you came on during course those searches our charter requirement regarding having to have a master's degree and I can't remember if it was you or maybe the manager that had inquired about modifying that since we're going to be looking at doing one ballot question. Council may want to discuss looking at that if we do want to make the modification because we have time to get the AG to review that and um and submit it for you know our election. Any other items?

Uh, public comments. There's any gallery that would like to stand in address. We may do a set job 409 West Ash. Um, just wanted to thank council for approving the summer or not summer the um, uh, expanded hours. I guess I revised hours. Uh and also want to thank Doug Kerry um publicly that uh he's been a great city manager to work with. Um we found him very reasonable on every request that we've put in front of him as a union and um we're very happy and satisfied with the work that he has done. Uh congratulations to Cheryl. Uh it's been a we've worked with you before and look forward to working with you again. So thank you very much. My name Mark Johnson. I stay 217 West Porter Street. Um, I appreciate what brother uh Williams with the committee has said. He said that the council was informed at 5 in the morning sometime today, sometime tonight about this vote. if a vote like this is taking place and he's young, the citizen should be informed. He said he made a comment that more people would have been here had they known this vote was taking place. I'm new in Albian. I come from Chicago. I've been here six years paying my taxes, paying my light bill, paying my gas bill, paying my water, paying all those bills. But when the youth come, which he's the youth on the committee to be informed about 200,000 150,000, it's financial the city

at such a short hour and to take a vote on it after informing the council member informed the citizens, which I am one new to Alvin that they just got wind of it. some of his colleagues wasn't even aware when they got here today that that vote was going to take place and y'all made a decision today. I will respect the youth by taking what brother Williams said that the citizens haven't been informed such a vote. I wasn't here when the schools closed down the elementary the high school but was she the council manager city manager at the time? I don't know. But I would like to know when the schools got shut down, where was she? A lot of people in Alabama talk about this person official, it was another subject where the candidates for the possible employment wasn't even addressed enough. Like I don't think nobody said we had tried this many people, but somebody did say that she was associated with these people. And sometime that's what the problem is in a city in a committee where the people are so associated that you keep getting associates. Let's not get associates to keep running the city of Alb because we found out what people from Albian do. I'm new here and they talk so bad about Albian. Not just the police, not just the council member lees all in the s house. uh residents sidewalks ain't I'm stepping over ice and all type of stuff on the city sidewalks. Duh. Been the manager who what citizen been fined for not shoveling their snow? That's money that the city could bring in. Duh. I'm just being honest cuz I had to walk

on that city street and ice um what's that? Eden. If you walk down Eaten all the way Eaten as long in front of State Farm Snow in front of the chiropractor right there on Austin is snow and ice in front of the shop right there in front of the store right there. AND DOUG WAS THE MANAGER. I wouldn't take Doug recommendation. I will go with the youth Mr. Williams. He said him and his colleagues wasn't all in form of a vote. If y'all are really about aling, y'all should take some time out to inform the citizens. Thank you, sir. That the vote is taking place before you make a vote.

Again, Sonia Brown, 713 Orchard Drive. Um, first of all, Council Member Williams, I want to thank you for your rational Thank you.

and logical um, approach to the vote on the contract. Um, much appreciated. Um, even though you were a lone voice, you were strong and powerful, very rational, and very much appreciated from a lifelong Ali. Um, second, is the city uh is there the potential for the city to get a refund from the search firm that you all didn't get candidates from? First of all, second, um, the salary range in the initial job posting was what was that? Was that 170,000? Because I'm thinking that they have brought more qualified candidate. I don't know what the original salary range was in the job posting, but just the thought. Um, and then lastly, I'll say this. Um, it's about process process and had the process been followed

and I'm going to butcher her last name because I'm used to calling her Dr. Mitchell. So, Dr. Mitchell had come out as the top candidate. At least it would have been fair, transparent, honest, and people would have known. So, thank you, Council Member Williams.

So, I you know, here Brown 16 South P Street. So, I I don't know the gentleman back there, but he really kind of said I was going to say it's like ultimately one of the things, you know, I'm a a 38-y year resident of Al um and the fourth generation resident of the city. And one of the things that has held us back is that what he was saying like if you're in a certain you talk to that certain click, you you see the city from that perspective and you never really encounter the the lived experience of other people. I think that's really fun that's like that's really what um and not to go the path that's really what a lot of the the political fight has been over is like whether especially like now as we're celebrating um the passing of President Jackson this whole idea of um as we grow as the the rising tide lifts is it going to lift all boats right because like when you make reference to um Grand L Grand Ledge demographically it's very different now it's like 90% % uh white 1% black. Um and so Albian has pride kind of we've taken pride in having a a multi-racial multi-economic level community and that worked when we had um a school and we had industry. Um as that's retreated now I think like we we do have to rethink what the city's going to be. Um, but we have to keep like you were saying to we have to keep in mind always because everyone says like it's going to move us forward progress and then I'm like well towards what what what how are you defining progress? Who who is in Albian 15 years from now? Is it someone who can afford um a certain apartment or can buy a home or you know those kinds of things. And I think that even the conversation the council had um in the last year or so over the Washington gardener thing that was really insightful for me about like um people are saying they need a place to live, right? That that's really what's going

around. It's an affordability price people are making money um but the the the the extent to which their money can go to for groceries and all those kinds of things, it doesn't go as far. So the the new water tower, the new industrial plant, all these other things are going to be great, but I'm always wondering who is going to benefit from that. Is it going to be the people who are here or we we bringing new people in or what what what is that going to look like? And I think that's something that um ultimately as the community's represent rep uh elected representatives, the council really needs to make um that decision, right? You you should come with a vision. You work with the manager to do that. Um, but we can't say that, um, you know, my neighborhood looks better, my friends think everything's going well, and and that's all right because that's that's really the the the issue that that got us here at this point is is the clicks and um, as those people have kind of passed away off the scene, we're left with um, you know, the the infrastructure issues and the other issues. Uh,

yeah. Thank you. Good evening, Council Morris Barry, 2 uh 215 East Malberry. Uh I'll try to be brief. Uh I sat back and listened to a lot of the comments today uh from former council members and present council members about the city manager and the state of our city government. Uh I haven't had the pleasure of working with Cheryl when she was in city government for Albian, but I know her personally. Uh she's a very supportive individual. I listened to Jim talk about the pool of candidates for this position. It was slim to none. [clears throat]

So how can you vet a candidate that's not there for a position nobody wants? Uh I think Cheryl Mitchell will bring some of the integrity back to Albian city council and government. I've worked closely with her in the past. I know her to be a straightforward person, very transparent in her efforts and she's even supported a lot of my initiatives in the community without even living here. So to speak to character and I know the prior governments and the city council members were at odds and we were almost as bad as Flint there for a minute, but I think uh this is a great move bringing Cheryl back, Dr. Cheryl the uh back to Albian the city manager. I think it would be a progressive move for the uh integrity of our government, for the face plate of our government. I think she has a strong reputation. She has been instrumental in the years of her absence in the initiatives in Albian. And frankly, I don't see anybody else up here trying to be a candidate to be city manager of Albian. So, I would implore uh the city council to approve as you have uh put her in her position and let her bring Albian back to life cuz we have been dying for a long time and I think her energy uh will give us a better face in the community. Thank you.

I just want to take a moment to thank you all again for your trust in um my ability and my willingness to serve. I am truly a public servant and Albine is truly my heart. So I am very enthusiastic about working with all of you to move forward. And I'm reminded when I had my first um interview here for city manager and everyone told me, you know, under no circumstances do you want to go into a community where the vote is four to three. So when I did here, what was the vote? Four to three. And there was one amongst you who was one of the no votes. [laughter]

But by working together, I think I can say with confidence that I was able to demonstrate my willingness to work hard and to work together despite any differences. And um, Council Member Williams, I definitely understand your concerns and I know they're not not directed to me, but the process. Um, but I still look forward to working with you as we move together. And in clo closing, I want to leave a quote from Jesse Jackson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, um who we just lost. And he had indicated on moving forward together. We must forgive each other, redeem each other, regroup, and move on. So Albian, it's time to move on together. Thank you.

Thank you. Anybody else have to say anything council? No movement. Um, city management board.

Yes, I have uh missed a couple things. Um, and this is addressed to both council and our citizens. Approximately two weeks ago, um we the administration was approached by a company called Pivotal. They are a company out of Ohio that um had put forth an interest in uh turning u Austin school into mixed income housing similar to um what we did with Washington Gardner. Uh, again, this hasn't been approved or anything like that, but I wanted to let you know that I'm bringing this proposal to the planning commission, not for their approval, but for their knowledge, because at some point it will come back to city council here and the planning commission will have to review it. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to take Washington or not Washingtoner but a or Austin school and turn it into a wonderful place where people can live. So, and it would be for all income levels. So, similar to what we experienced with walking yard, I think it's located geographically where it's going to do a lot of good in that quadrant of our city and give the opportunity for our citizens to live in really nice housing. So, um it will be first introduced tomorrow night at the planning commission. So, if you're interested, you're more than welcome to attend. And after that's done, we will receive more information from um the pivotal group.

Uh they have to supply of zoning permit along with all the attached illustrations and drawings. Um at the same time, city council will be faced with looking at a pilot, which is stands for payment in lie of taxes. It's a way that they garner tax credits from the federal government to help uh pay for the development. So, I just wanted to let council know that that's um going to be a upcoming issue. I think it will be similar to well, it will be to what we experience with Washington Garner. I just don't think it'll be as controversial. But um

well, and if I could add Yes. because Pivotal not only wants to revitalize Austin schools, but they also want to build build a new complex as well at the corner of Clinton and um Miss Austin. So that's in addition, too.

Yes. Yeah. So, very similar to the community housing network, they're going to be applying for the same grant only one if anybody gets approved. So, um, it'll be interesting to see what high proposals they are bringing forth for council's approval, but like the city manager said, this will be coming to the planning commission just as information because that that'll be brought the table for approve. Uh the other thing I have there in council is that again I want to remind our citizens that shortly um as we move into the warmer months we will be opening up uh construction. We'll be working on Beamer Mcdana Dean Holand. We'll be working on West C Street along with Alen. So those are and of course we're going to be finishing up Boke and um the other streets that that we basically want

Austin A and North Eden. Yes. A

and Eaten Street all the way to Ches. So we have a lot of construction coming up. will be having an information meeting on March the 5th up at the old high school where we'll be meeting with the engineers and hopefully contractors will be selected at that time. Um we'll be discussing our proposed dams project and some of the other public works. Jason will give a full report on what DPW will be doing um this summer as well. So, we have a lot of things uh construction wise in the in the process, but construction I know it's an inconvenience, but it's part of rebuilding the community and fortunately um Jer will be here with her expertise to help guide us along. So, um that's all I have here at this time.

Any questions? Council member French. Thank you. I just want to let everybody know that I will not be at the March second uh council meeting. I will be proud of business. So not

Yep. Um, I got the Albian Arts Commission will be having a multicultural exhibit and they have um they will be submitting or showing works from throughout [clears throat] the country um and from people locally as well. Don't miss it. Please don't miss it. Um, the opening reception was on the 13th, but it will be showing Thursday through Sunday from February 13th through March 13th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. So, um, please go down there, check out the new location. It's right down here on Cass in the former recycling center and right by Coca-Cola. Yeah, right by the Coca-Cola site. So, make sure to go down there and check that out. Um, it should be a great event. [clears throat]

Yeah, this will be the jail.

Yes. I just want to make the announcement uh regarding the NAACP founders day is going to be at the theater on Sunday. Uh starting at 2:00 from 2 until 5, we have a youth portion with singing and poetry and things in honor of NAACP as well as a free movie um for citizens with popcorn and there will be food as well. Uh the movie will start at 3 from 3 until 5 and we're uh showing Akila and Libby which is an uplifting kind of uh um movie for all of us to see and be uplifted in honor of of Black History Month. And also, and not in terms of an announcement, but we took a very difficult vote tonight, uh, but as we leave this room as a council, hopefully we can leave as a united hope. you know, we function together, we we work together and we make things happen together without the division, without, you know, um things that would have should but we are leaving here as a united front for our community to work together and to move forward.

Yep. I'd like to also welcome Dr. Cheryl back to the city of Alb. Thank you. Um, and I also want to say to the entrepreneurs and business owners here in the community of Albian, you have long been disregarded and you have long been put to the wayside. Um, we currently have Deborah Kelly here and she is expecting your phone call. So, if you're looking for assistance in many forms, please feel free to contact Miss Deborah Kelly at the EDC. Um, and you can also reach out to some of our board members who also sit on the EDC as well, Jim Stewart, Andy French, and Mayor. So, don't hesitate to get the help that you need. Feel free taxes. It's owed to you. We owe a responsibility to you to help you to maintain your business and to also help you employ your employees here in the city of Al. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Um two things um build off of what you were saying. I uh have uh heavy respect for council person Williams being a lone dissenting vote and and I you may recall that I was a dissenting vote on another big issue and what I like about that is that we're free to do bad and just to repeat what you said. I think it makes us stronger. I think we make better decisions when we can do that and we can walk away still knowing that once we make a decision we're still going to move forward with that in all spirit. [clears throat] So um thank you council member moves again and the second thing I want to say is actually to Mr. Brown's comment. Um, it just resonated with me because I've been on a kick lately that I think as a city we I mentioned it before, but we're we're on the precipice of being able to really move and get some things done. We've already been doing that thanks to our our fabulous staff here at the at the city. But we don't we don't want to give up on that. And one of the things that I think is hindering us, I've said, you've heard me say this before for sure, is that we need as corporate leadership of the city, people that lead the EDC, the EDA and the city council and the mayor and the manager and whoever else I'm not mentioning at the moment, we need to get together purposefully to talk about what is our strategic things that we need to be doing because we get bound up to these arguments because we don't know what what we're trying to be when we grow up. And I think we need to do this sooner rather than later. And so Dr. Mitchell from your two cents Jim Stewart say that I would love to see us be strategic and purposeful in the coming 90 days and start bringing together what is our what are our important you know you make it our top three things. This plan we can all align

around those and we can move towards those together. So I I feel very passionate about that. I think we're in a position right now to do that and I know in just this moment I just think we're in the best position that we've been in in a while and so I'd love to see it. So thanks for this um just uh to give a little recognition to our boy scout troop here in town 158. Last night they held um an anniversary ceremony for 110 years in the city of Albian. In that time they have produced 77 Eagle Scouts which is the highest rate that a person can earn within the scouts itself. They have been led by six scout masters in the past 50 years and they have provided several services through those Eagle Scouts uh products to our community. Um not only to um individuals who need but also in providing our youth a way to be able to learn leadership skills themselves. So I along with um state representative Steven Frisbee, Casey Swanson from Congressman Wahberg's office and myself, we all read proclamations, made comments and so it was a very well attended event and definitely um the Boy Scouts deserve recognition for 110 years in the community and somebody had said that they believe that's the longest running true sage. So if you see a voice out from her path on the back

or her is correct. Any comments? So do I have a motion to move? All say I I need to know. That was a choosy. is good.