City Council - Regular Meeting

saw this morning this afternoon at the open house or VR. Yes.

All right. We'll give her a chance. We just leave two minutes of her pay. Exactly.

Michael, that's Michael's view. Dope. You look just so Christmassy. It's the clothes, not me. Ready, Lindsay? Sorry. I'm waiting for you, though. Tell us when you're ready. I'm ready, mayor.

Okay. Call to order. City council for the city of Tasky for December 15, 2025. ask that you rise with me for a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Miss Beck, would you please call roll? Deore present. Shields present. Act present. Walker ever present. Murphy present. We have a quorum. Now I'm going to turn this over to Sarah back because we have the oath of office administration of the oath of office to the council people that have been elected. So perhaps uh do you want them to come out in front? Sure. One to three of you rise and go out in front. Yes. Yeah. Two, three, four. Picture. Yeah. Either way. Go ahead.

But aren't you

weren't you on the ballot? No. No. The other ones. I can't keep track of who's who's coming and going at this point. Yeah. Perfect. Um, so if you guys can raise your right hand, please. Do you I'm just going to do all at once. Okay. Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Michigan? that you will in all respects observe the provisions of the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Tatasi and that you will faithfully discharge the duties of council member for ward two ward four ward three uh to which you were elected in and for the city of pasi county of emit and state of Michigan according to the best

so I'm gonna have you guys all sign here Charlie supposed to say as the pride I know I'm sorry.

I see. I said to Audrey, I feel like it should say, "And now you may kiss the brush." Yes,

you got I got them today. They're really This is one. They're really good. I can see that. Well, that's that's in addition to them looking good. That's a fine feature. Thank you, Sarah. But yes, thank you for your term starting January 1, 2026. Thank you. Okay, next is a presentation. We're going to hear a presentation on potential Oprah for 224 Michigan Street. Good a evening. Good evening. Green and you're on. You're ready.

Woo. Thank you so much. Wait for the Oh, of course the font is different. Doesn't matter. No one cares about that stuff. All right. Good evening uh council members, mayor, staff. Thanks for the opportunity to present on what I am referring to from now on as the bell tower project and our request to begin the OPRA application process. Tonight's presentation will share the history, current conditions, redevelopment plans, and why OPRA will support um the it will be essential for the rehabilitation of this structure. My name is Lindseay Dodson. I have been here before under other duties and now I am here as owner of this building. So um next slide. Thank you. All right. So the building is historically known as the 7th Day Adventist Church. It was built in 1891 and um they were occupants of the structure until the mid century when the church church of Jesus Christ and the latter-day saints moved in and then for the last 30 or so years it has been used as a private law office and collections agency. Um the the ties to Paskky's heritage run deep. Of course, having been a public gathering space. Uh a lot of memories were made there and and significant life events occurred there. The building's character and civic prominence make it potential cornerstone for the continued uh I would say expansion of downtown uh since it is right on the edge there. It is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it is of Queen Queen Anne Victorian Design and it was dedicated and opened on October 9th of 1891.

Next slide. Oh my goodness. Sorry about the the text there. Um, so why does this building matter? Of course, it's been part of our community for quite a while. uh but its new life is going to be what I think puts it back on the map because for many years it's been covered up and not really available for public use uh since it was being used as a private office. And the focus of this project and the redevelopment of it is of course historic preservation since that's a passion and um expertise of mine. So with retaining all of the original materials that are still intact, which is pretty incredible, including original windows from the 1890s, the project is focusing on retaining and res restoring those materials and the craftsmanship and will serve as a teaching mechanism for people in skilled trades. While we're doing that, next slide. So, the condition of the property when purchased in July of this year, um there had been significant deferred maintenance over the last 30 or so years. Um almost everything on the outside of the building needs some sort of work. Uh the roof most definitely and that's the most noticeable as you are driving by it every day. Um also, there are outdated building systems including old knob and tube wiring that are still intact. It is not ADA compliant at all. Um, not even to get inside. And once you are in, the only restrooms are on the lower level in the basement. and the layout because of some adaptations that happened mid-century when it was transitioned from one congregation to another um chop up the entryway so much so that you can't even access the second

floor which could be reusable space um without floating or levitating. I should have included a picture of that. Essentially, there's a door above a stairwell and it's difficult to get up there. So, uh, it's not really suitable for occupancy or modern use aside from private use, which it kind of has been under for the last how however many years. So, um, repairing these issues will require a substantial investment before we can officially open the doors. Next slide. uh you know the def definition, you're not foreign to this process at this point. But not only is with the the deferred maintenance and outdated systems, we also discovered after purchase that it is contamination contaminated by the dry cleaner across the street and um remediation never took place uh before we got it. So thankfully we are working with Eagle and we are are working on a system that will be permanently installed to make it safe for occupancy. It is currently considered safe for eight hours a day but not for residential use. And that is something that we hope to achieve eventually. Next that's the access sorry that picture access to the bell tower. So clearly really uh safe right so early progress um we've already invested significant time planning and funds into the project which demonstrates our commitment and readiness to move into full-scale rehabilitation once financing and plans are settled. We are working with an award-winning team of historic architects and structural engineers out of Quinn Evans in Ann Arbor to develop a

full scope of work required to get this building back to being accessible and functional for the entire community. A lot of work has happened and most of it's been very um surface level just to clean up the site and get better access to what we to be able to assess what actually needs to be done essentially. None of the work has required permits so far because I know that was a question that came up. Next slide please. So, the future use of the bell tower, the main level is most likely going to end up being a performance and event venue, uh, able to accommodate weddings, concerts, classes, fundraisers. The lower level, right now, there seems to be an immediate need for creative studio space. So, um, that might be a temporary use while we work on the plans for eventually building apartments on the lower level. The outcome, regardless of some of the potential uses, is that it will be a year-round publicly accessible, economically productive landmark. Um, our plan balances preservation with viable adaptive reuse. And because we are taking advantage of historic tax credits, all the work done will adhere to the Secretary of Interior's standards for rehabilitation. Next slide. So, the investment is going to be at least a million dollars when all is said and done. Um, you'll see though that is the layout or the floor plan when purchased, which has already changed thankfully on the main level, but you'll note that the basement is the full length of the building. So, it's pretty much about 4,000 square ft of usable space. And we hope to activate that attic, which once upon a time was a

balcony that overlooked the sanctuary space. Um, and could it could be used for a multitude of things. And of course, access to the bell tower will allow people to take in the beautiful views of the bay from a very high vantage point since the building does sit on top of the hill over there um on Michigan Street. So we yeah essentially are in in in it deep at this point and it's going to be an adventure for sure but the local ownership I think is a unique situation for the s sake of rehabilitating such a an interesting structure. It was on the market for quite some time before this because not a lot of people were willing to take on the task before. So go ahead to the next. Of course, you know, um the the benefits of this this program, but it will be one of the many tools that hopefully come to the table that will help us preserve the historic integrity um and encourage the small smallcale local redevelopment. It aligns with the public benefit um that the building will uh present as far as adding life and and things to more things to do um to town and supporting local artists and musicians and lots and lots of good things, local businesses as well. We have a lot of great pending partnerships on the table that I'm excited to tell you more about in the future. Go ahead with the next slide. Our proposed timeline is our initial rehabilitation period to get the building to function um at its current I shouldn't say current layout but essentially as an event space is about 18 months which started back in July.

There will be several phases of of the project as I've mentioned with potential housing units being added to the basement and reactivation of that second floor. Um because of that we will request the maximum allowable OPRA term of 12 years if possible and we are eager to work with council and staff to bring life back into this community space. Next slide. Um and I was looking over the last time you had one of these presentations uh and just kind of going through some of the questions that were asked. So, if and when the apartments are built, they will be attainably priced. They will not be luxury, especially because they'll be in a basement of a church. Uh but they'll be nice, don't worry. Um and as as far as financing is concerned, this is a a a crucial piece of making the whole perform come together. But other grants and incentives are being pursued as I mentioned with the historic tax credits and some grant opportunities through the state historic preservation office. So uh we I welcome I say we there's more than me, but I'm the face of the project. We welcome your input and look forward to collaborating. Um, if we are so lucky to have your support as resources come to the table, considerations to add apartments. Like I said, that's an emphasis because that was the initial idea when we purchased the property, but when we found out about the contamination, it kind of put things on hold a little bit, unfortunately. So, um, we can go ahead and go to the next slide. Oh, and sorry, that's a rendering obviously. So, we have not gotten that far, but so this is the original sanctuary space that had been subdivided into several offices uh by the former um owner. So, we've opened

that back up and I started playing around with some paint color schemes and lighting ideas. Uh but wanted to show you just so you can enjoy um what it could look like. Uh, and then the next slide is a potential rendering of what the exterior will look like when we're done. But colors TBD, that'll be an ongoing discussion, I'm sure, until the day we are painting the building. Um, so thank you for your time. We're excited about the opportunity to add value to the downtown area and preserve one of its most meaningful historic structures that's needed some love for a very long time. I'll take questions, comments,

Mr. Moore. So, in your presentation, you say if housing can be added. Can you speak to what the if is

the only pending all of the the hoops that are required when it comes to adding residential, you have to start getting into additional systems like fire suppression and sprinklers. and if the building department will even sign off on. Thankfully, the egress windows already exist, so that won't be too much of a lift to be able to to design that. But essentially, we're waiting on the architects and the structural engineers to tell us that that is something that is possible without completely raising the building. So

would that be along with the performance and event venues for weddings, concerts, classes and fundraisers or is it an either or?

It would be along with and there and I know that there are people that are like well who would want to live in a place where stuff like that might be happening upstairs? Obviously, that's going to be a known element when someone signs the lease. And um any event that ever takes place there is going to end at a reasonable time, 9 10:00 uh because obviously there are neighbors to consider in uh anything that's going on. So, yep, it would be both because the space upstairs is wide open and there has been demonstrated many many times by a lot of partnering organizations that there's apparently a need for flexible community space that can be used as as we are hoping to use here. So, and this that includes Blissfest, the Crooked Arts Center. We've had conversations at length with all of these individuals. So uh among other great organizations including the Rotary Club. So

thank you. What else? Mr. Knob on the u the the schedule that showed all the cost breakdown and it was kind of blocked by the um the the the picture. Could we go back to there? I had a I had a question on that. Sure. Go back. Yep. There. Oh, okay. Could you kind of move that? Yeah. So this is a a list of what you're going to spend the money on currently. Yes. So what is capital? What is 642,000 of capital? What does that mean?

Those that's essentially the money still to be spent on the overall rehabilitation of the project. So the other kind of soft cost that and this is sorry and this is a a snapshot from a spreadsheet by MEEDC. So, it doesn't tell the whole story and I apologize for that. Um, but essentially the 642 figure is where we're at currently on the the plan to move forward with

ADA money that you you've raised. Not no we have we have it committed mostly aside from a couple of pending numbers but we have a couple of investors out at the table that is that are graciously being involved in the project in a substantial way which is wonderful. So um but yeah the breakdown of that table is a little strange without the context of the rest of the spreadsheet and I apologize. Rather significant dollar amount that's not accounted for.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry that it's labeled that way. It's MEADC's workbook like I said and I quickly because I was looking for something that kind of snapshotted it and I didn't consider how it just labeled it as capital but that that is most of so there's building renovation and then the capital contribution on top of that is a lot of the soft costs that go into the planning and future work that like the apartment building and reaccessing the second floor. So, it it's strange and I'm sorry that that's a confusing table, but obviously um if we are to move forward, more specifics will be shared.

Part of my ignorance is you say it's it's local ownership. Is it is it a nonprofit ownership or is there a private person or company going to operate it for profit?

So, there's it's actually going to be twofold. So, there is a private company that owns the building. I I'm 50% owner. Um and then the there is a nonprofit component that is being worked on right now for the re like essentially the skilled trade rehabilitation part of the the project because the idea is our entity will continue to do this with other projects. This is my first go at a redevelopment. Um put that out on the table so everyone can pick on me. It's fine. But uh so essentially the nonprofit piece will um will also eventually have a portion of the ownership but not full. So

thank you Mr. Walker.

Thank you. Thank you mayor. Thank you Lindsay for your presentation and also um for the tour that you gave me last Wednesday. It was it was really nice to kind of see your vision unfolding. I guess my questions are in regards to the remediation with Eagle and what they've identified is like it's soil contamination that is it radon or is it PAS that's coming from the previous hooker's dry cleaning like permeating the soil and coming into the building restricting it to the 8 hours of occupancy daily which would be prohibitive for a residential unit living in the basement but all that considered now you said that when we spoke on Wednesday you that um Eagle was uh had provided some like ventil temporary like mobile ventilation systems for circulation of the air. Do you know exactly what the remediation like proposed scope of work would be for that basement unit to get it up to a situation where people would be able to occupy it.

I will know more specifics about the scope uh in a couple of weeks thankfully um because they did just finalize the contract with the person that's going to be doing the work. Um but essentially and and I don't I don't remember the chemical and I should have looked that up just for the sake of knowing that you might ask that question because um it is specific to dry cleaning use but it is compared to a radon kind of contamination where yes it's leeching out of the soil into the into the building into the basement. Um they're continuing to monitor. They had put in um what they call vapor pins uh in the easement or rightway um and in the basement, but then they were denied access to the building after that. And so they couldn't collect the information. So they have some additional sampling to do to con confirm that the levels were are still where they were back when they were checking on it beforehand. Um but essentially the the scope of the thing that's going to be installed um is compared to a radon system.

Okay. And and what all that entails TBD but thankfully they are paying for it which is lovely. Thank you state of Michigan. And I do have a second question mayor if I may. Please.

Thank you. Um so my second question is would this uh beyond Oprah have you considered other um structures for financing that could assist in the redevelopment and would redevelopment ready with like Dan Leonard and company would this would this qualify for this or because the building is already purchased by you and the other person that's developing it um would would that qualify for a potential redevelopment ready property? Is that something that you're considering as well or is it is it too late in the game because you've already acquired the property?

Nope, it is eligible and Dan and I and Hannah and your lovely city manager have been talking about what that could look like. So, there's definitely other potential um benefits on the table for our location and the fact that it's a historic property that will be be mixed use. So, thank you. Go ahead. Oh, I'm telling you and it's the mayor's job. Sorry. I just want to applaud your courage for taking this on. Thank you.

And recognize the the very clear benefits to to our residents and public for seeing that space u brought back to use and and and I didn't realize the the history of that. So, it's fascinating. Um so, wish you the best. Thank you. You mentioned apartments. If you if you did the apartments, are you I I take it you'll be looking for funding to assist with that. Of course. M question. City manager

Lindsay, knowing knowing city council's uh priority for um attainable housing. Have you thought about flipping this and doing more attainable housing on the main floor where maybe the contamination isn't as much of a concern? Potentially

it has been considered. it is. It would be and and again when we start getting more into the details with the architects once we kind of consider what they're bringing to the table. Um we we kind of would like to see I if there were apartments to be added to say the main floor or andor the second floor there would be a lot of structural work that would have to get done because it is kind of a wide open space. Um, but we have talked with Dan Leonard, uh, who was kind of daydreaming about dormers that could go up on the side and the back and it, you know, wouldn't you mess with the integrity of the the history of the building. And so all of those options are still on the table at this point. Um, the most immediate use because this building has to start making money sooner than later because all it's doing is costing me money right now is uh the event space because there is great demand for it. even though we seem to have a lot of options in the area, it's been incredible how many people have come to the table very interested in that use. So, um, so that's kind of a that's happening now while we prepare for hopefully adding at least three if not more residential units. So,

and just assuming you would use the Darling Lot during an event as a potential parking area for your Yep. Not even mentioning all of the uh the suggestion has been to request that it be reszoned to the central business district because it's right now it's um office service right on the corner. Um that is what John has recommended so that we don't have to ask for the variance with parking. So because there's nowhere to put it. It's it's just a building and some corners. Yeah. Would the nonprofits have ownership in this then or not?

Uh not necessarily ownership, but it's it's probably going to be the operator per se for the sake of donations. Like essentially there's going to be a lot of things that we're fundraising for and obviously we want people to be able to get the tax benefits for contributing. So, um, the business model is more of a cooperative between, um, a bunch of these creative entities that I've mentioned and some local artists. Uh, and it's already starting to look like it would be heavily programmed, which is incredible. So, um, yeah. Other questions? No. Well, we look forward to talking to you in the future. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your presentation. You're welcome. And if anyone would like a tour, please feel free to get in touch with me because I love you. Said 12 years. Yes. Yes.

And the reason why I asked Lindsay to to go through this process, you know, typically I think the ones we've done to date, um, I felt pretty confident that they were checking your your boxes from a priority standpoint. this one. When Lindsay and I first talked, housing was a pretty consistent component of the development. Then she found out about some contamination concern. So without that um potential housing component, at least right off the bat, I I wasn't sure where um this was meeting your priority, but obviously it's a historical property. It's a it's a significant property and there's value in in rehabbing historical structures. Um I certainly understand that. I was a little more concerned about it not checking the attainable housing box. So that's why we kind of let's just have a conversation with city council, see where they're at and and then we'll get some direction from them on how to proceed, you know, moving forward. You're going to come back and talk later again.

Yeah, this is just kind of to give you an overview of the project. Um,

typically it's a couple meeting process as you know to um talk about some of the financials a little bit more in depth. Uh, talk about, you know, it's easy for, I'm not saying this is just a Lindsay thing, but it's easy for a developer and owner to say, I need the max, right? But how you got to prove those prove that through, you know, numbers, right? Why do you need why do you think you need 12 years to make this go? So there's a spreadsheet and I she was going to share it and I said, "No, let's not share it tonight. Let's just talk in generalities and then we'll come forward with more detailed numbers on why she believes she thinks she needs the 12 years and what does that look like over that 12-year time span."

So break down yearly. Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Lindsay. Thank you so much. Also, uh pass out. Becky Goodman sent an email this afternoon, right? Nope. That's for the last Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. I was thinking historic. I think she's still supportive of this because I talked to Becky about this project as well, but as speaking from a just historical preservation, you know, the historical society. Yeah.

Okay. Next. Got two pieces of paper here. Next uh we have the uh consent agenda. It's the adoption proposed resolution that would confirm approval of the following. December 1st. Yes. 2000 December 1st, 2025 something uh regular session city council meeting minutes as well as acknowledge the receipt of certain transactions that have occurred administratively since Jan December 1st, 2025 as well as acknowledge a receipt of the November 2025 revenue and expenditures packet that you received. Do I have questions? Possible motion if there are no questions or comments. Miss Walker.

Thank you, Mayor. Um I did have a pre question about light an item um on page 16 dated 12 2025. um check under the check register under my AC hardware placemaking projects and materials and supplies uh for a total of $17,000. I was just in um wanting to know what kind of place making projects

think that is that is that a DMB line is that uh downtown Christmas lights and wreaths and bows and such. No, I think the DMB usually this is the parking fund. Um Oh, it could be it could be salt. Oh, yeah. Materials and supplies would probably be without without looking I might have to get back with you on this. Would probably be the salt purchase. Salt and sand purchase. Okay. The placemaking projects would probably be something related to lights or holiday like placemaking. Holiday. Well, if they're both

514 is is the parking fund. Okay. Okay. We'll get an answer for you. Finalize it. Any anybody else have any questions on it? I have a possible Mr. Shields. Oh, sure. No, apologize. Um, and then on page 19, 19, benchmark engineering, three line items for a total undercontracted services for a total of $27,000.

That is likely surveying work done on Howard Street and also at Magnus Park. With the Magnus Park master plan, we wanted a we hadn't had a survey done of the park, so we wanted a good clean survey as part of the master plan. So, that was part of that. Thank you. Other questions? I entertain the opportunity for a possible motion. May I'll move to approve the consent agenda. Thank you. I'll support.

I have a motion from Mr. Shield a second from Miss Walker. Other discussions? No. I go to Miss Beck for roll. Shields. Hi. Walker. I. Moore. I. No. I. Murphy. I. Motion for the consent agenda. Passes. 5 Z.

Now it's public comment. I have one sitting in front of me and I feel it's probably important if somebody sends something to read it. I have a conflict tonight when I attend city council's meeting. Please share the following. Dear student council, I am writing on behalf of the Little Travis Historical Society. Our board is very supportive of the work you have already pledged to do to keep the historic Kellogg horse sculpture preserved in our community and we're looking forward to seeing this asset located on our waterfront for all to see. Thank you for leading the taking the lead. The Little Travers Historical Society also supports a resolution you'll be discussing tonight that would ask council to authorize manager to apply to this Harbor Springs Community Foundation to to create a special fund project fund that will support this community asset. Thank you. Becky Goodman, president of Little Trevor Historical Society. You'll see that that what she is speaking about. I could have probably waited, but uh it'll be discussed at C under new business. Okay. So, just carrying on with that letter. I thought it was important though it did come in as public comment. Anyone else have anything to say to to the council at this time for public comment? I see none. I'm going to go now to the city manager and I'll turn it over to city manager Horn. He's going to give us an update on his projects. Thank you, mayor. Um just want to congratulate uh our downtown, our staff, um all the volunteers, uh Rotary that assisted with the parade on Saturday. just a lot of lot of folks uh that worked kind of behind the scenes to make the that last two weekends really a special time for

our community and our visitors that uh enjoyed uh those two events. So that all happens due to again a lot of lot of good hard work from from staff and uh the community and volunteers that uh that support our community. So thank you for that. Um this week um downtown management board did cancel their meeting tomorrow night. Um so no regular meeting of the downtown management board. Planning commission does have their meeting on Wednesday uh December 17 at 6:00. They will be reviewing a major amendment uh for the block at Paskki as they um consider the construction of carports and garages for that development. So that will be on for um consideration. And is that a public hearing, Charlie, or

Yes. Yes. Okay. public hearing follow

Yes. discussion. Yep. And then they'll also be reviewing uh Crest View Commons PUD amendment. This is U-Haul is considering um uh those the former Kmart and former Big Lot location for indoor storage. um a couple retail um um spots in that development as well. So that will be back. Uh uh this was this will be the second discussion that s commission has had with uh U-Haul on that site. A few uh project updates just overall. Um I won't really spend a lot of time at the block at Paskki and and Lofts. We we know where those stand. uh the mayor and I and Lindsay um yo um I didn't see Derek were you okay um attended the uh ribbon cutting today for the lofts project so um they had mentioned there was a few folks that moved in over the weekend so and actually there was a big moving truck that uh was trying to unload as people were doing the ribbon cutting so um it's neat to see that spot come to life and Um they have a wonderful community space inside that we we were able to get in out of the weather um and had plenty of room to kind of spread out and they had a number of units that were available to uh to walk through. So congrats to both of those uh projects. Um Delray Apartments um five units um they're projecting January of 26 to start leasing uh those units. They're quite uh quite a long ways along, kind of at the end of that project. Um haven't had a chance to step into that one yet, but looking forward to to walking through that one as well. Uh did

talk to City Park Grove um last week. Um this is nine units. Uh their renovations have begun. Started in the fall. Um did a little bit of um uh leadbus remediation. that's complete. So the the demolition has uh started, renovations have started, and so that's about a year process is what uh is on the table for that project. So then that's nine units above City Park Grill. Um, Leo's Lounge, uh, Randy Flynn. Um, uh, that's eight units, four below, um, basement level and four above, uh, with a a bar, restaurant in between. Um, everything is is lined up for that from a funding standpoint. Um, demolition and construction will start. They were hoping yet this month in December, um, but certainly in early 2026 that'll get started. um initi and and initially that was a year to um 18month construction. So it'll be nice to see that facility kind of get um um rehabilitated and kind of come back to life if you will. 316 318 East Lake. Unfortunately, I did not get any response from um the owner on current status. I know they have been doing some

Who is the owner? The Bergs. Um um so that's six units. Um they did get an extension from MEDC. Um the initial completion date was I believe December of 24. It's now September of 26. So that is right around the corner. So um that they're going to really have to move pretty quickly to meet that milestone. I don't know the appetite of MEDC to continue making amendments, but that'll be their decision. How about pennies? Uh, whoever's doing pennies, those rentals or are those going to be owner owner? Those will be condos. They're not rentals. So, they would be on this list.

No, that project since we're talking projects, is that uh it's been what, three, three and a half years. Is that anywhere to be done? You know, yeah, they are making progress. I don't know what their ultimate end date is on that. Hopefully, um, we don't have to go through another entire summer of, uh, having to look at construction on that corner, but um, know they're they're back working pretty diligently on it again.

Was it an error on our fault our problems of not putting a sunset clause on some of these projects or is that not available for us in the future to do that? Um, certainly you can. Um, and certainly there's language in OPRA to to essentially claw back the approved OPRA at any time. Um, so that's always uh a discretion of council. Um, certainly we want to make sure that we're following, you know, the the statute and the guidelines that are in front of us, but we would have to make our case. But certainly that's the purview of this body to pull those incentives back if you feel like there's not uh significant enough progress going forward. So

Oprah's not involved in that project. Not that one. No. No.

Just some chill grant updates. Um working with a number of um property owners um across the city. Um 803 Grove um they are actively doing actually surprisingly they're going to be doing the roof tomorrow actually. Um uh windows furnace furnace and water heater is been complete. Uh windows will start in early January and then the roof will start tomorrow. um 212 Washington um windows, doors, siding, insulation. Uh that is um under contract and ready for uh starting as well. 218 Wesley Street. Uh just signed papers today. Um there that's a basement waterproofing project, electrical upgrades and flooring. Uh 111 Fulton roofing, 519 Beach roof, uh 411 Monroe windows, furnace, water heater, 1502 Willis siding, and 909 EMTT electrical upgrades, kitchen updates, and door and window replacements. So these are the eight projects that we're actively working on. Obviously, we did get an extension to to go until through the end of May to facilitate this. This took us quite a while to get everything all the boxes checked uh as as this is federal dollars. So, I want to give a lot of kudos and thanks to uh Habitat for their assistance and assisting me and the city and in making sure that all of our due diligence is done on this grant. So, um and I'll turn it over to the mayor for the announcement for the holiday light contest. winners.

On the back page, you'll see that there's a list of the winners from Best of Show. Uh they're spread out around town pretty much. Uh hopefully tried to make sure that it wasn't all going to one corner of the of the block. I will suggest to you if you're riding around, you want to see lights, there's a culde-sac, caramel count uh port court, which is just off of Lindell going towards the high school. Uh there are three past two past winners in the one this year. And uh if you want a good show to see three right next to each other, that's a great place to to head to. Okay. Um, you know, every year it's difficult for we get I get lists in and run it through and pick the pick them up. So, uh, we look forward to next year. Each of these restaurants donated $100 gift certificates to the winners. They'll all have a yard sign that will be put up tomorrow in front of their yard. I thought I'd wait till after the snow got done today. Uh, so they'll have a sign to keep as a memory of it as well and for people to drive by their neighborhood, have a little bragging rights. So that's that's all there is. Miss Deore,

so I just wanted to publicly say that this whole chill grant thing is awesome. I know it was a pain as well, but um just to see these numbers and the number of folks that are really getting something significant done to their homes. And when I total this, this is just from my head, so it's dangerous. $220,000. How much do we have total? We have $410,000 and then it's we have up to 90,000 in admin that we can spend. So 410 in actual construction that we can facilitate. So there is Oops. Sorry. There is some additional room. Um 190 more thousand.

Sure. So if if there's and I would just say if it's some of these that don't require lead and asbestous abatement, we can get in and do fairly quickly. It's it's when you have to remediate uh lead and asbestous that takes quite a long time to facilitate. So, if it's simply a matter of furnaces, water heaters, um, uh, even roofs are fairly straightforward. Um, those are something we could still do by the end of May. But if it's a lot of, um, lead work, remediating lead, abading lead or asbestous, that's going to require a a longer period of time and we may not have enough time to get that done. But I would c certainly would encourage people to apply. Uh we can we'll try to use up as much as of that pot we can. I'd hate to send money back if we don't need to.

And that was part of my question too because somebody did reach out to me to ask if they could still apply. Answer is yes they can. Yes. Whether we can get it done in time depending on what they need. Um if it's fairly straightforward we can certainly get that done. Thank you. Yep. Any other comments or questions? Miss Walker. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Shane, for your monthly report. Um, very helpful. I did want to notice that um the project updates of the uh one, two, three, four, five, six, six. And they are the top four or the bottom four, excuse me, are all Oprah current Oprah properties. Yes.

Um, and those are the only four Oprah properties that have been approved. And as we had discussed, the 316 to 318 East Lake Street is the one that's the oldest and um that actually expires December of 27. Okay. 2027, sixyear Oprah at that time. Um, and is there uh is there a threshold of recommended kind of like Oprah properties for a city of our size for example, or is it at the discretion and the will of the governing body to kind of choose how you know how many?

Yeah, it's really up to this body. Um, you know, one thought that I had was do you do you create the Oprah because you can create more than just one single property. What which is what we've done historically is a district is one single property. You don't have to do that. You could create the whole central business district could be an Oprah and that way you they wouldn't have to, you know, come to this body every time they wanted to do something whether it's, you know, rehab their upper floors or whatever. But certainly the NEZ that you all have gone through in passed will will also provide assistance. I do need to come back to this body, you know, in January or early February to set the parameters of what that looks like so we can kind of get that out a little bit more than we have to this point. But the NEZ will also be a tool that that homeowners

NZ. Okay. Um, if I may just kind of extrapolate on that. Traditionally, as you spoke of earlier, it's been very much geared towards housing related, rental housing related. Um, but there are other avenues that Oprah can be utilized, especially considering the historic nature of like the proposal on the table that was introduced to us tonight. So wearing like that historical commission hat and like preserving of and now it's not in the central business district right now, but there's this it's in the office services um where it's zoned right now. Yep.

Yep. So just multi- kind of considerations in terms of like would the downtown management board and city council consider expanding the central business district to incorporate like historic structures of of this nature potentially as well. Yeah, I think they've gone through that process in the past where they've kind of expanded their their footprint out a little bit more and certainly that could be a topic of discussion at a DMB meeting, you know, in the future. Well, it would have to be approved by council as well, right?

And I think before getting too far along, I think rezoning would be the number one question that you would want to address. And then if I may, mayor, just another suggestion. I would hope that um perhaps in the first quarter of 2026, if we could have Dan Leonard come back to city council to kind of like, wow, we've checked off so many boxes in the past two or three years, what does redevelopment ready look like for 2026 and beyond for the city of Paskki? Um I don't know if he's available in the first quarter if that's something that we could arrange but it would be nice to have that conversation just to kind of come full circle.

Yeah, he was very complimentary to to the city and his comments today on you know early on there was not a really a desire to engage with MEEDC and the city and just over the last you know five years or so we've really done quite a quite a number of projects with MEEDC. So again, kudos to you all for engaging with them and and for obviously MEEDC for being a partner. So yeah, I I would love to have Dan come and kind of present the the state of the MEEDC as it pertains to Paskki. Uh in talking with him, I think he mentioned there's concerns about what funding is available for the next year.

Yeah. not not just from federal but also the state and their willingness to put money towards some of these projects. So, uh maybe he comes in I don't know February. Yeah. After he gets uh we get January in through to see what what funds are going to be available for the year. Mr. more

I have one more followup for the city manager and I'm not it's if you don't know this answer it's fine but um when you talk about clawback so in circumstances where we might consider a clawback due to delays or whatever is there any retroactive financial impact for the folks that aren't moving forward at a pace that might be expected um as far as having to pay back some of the tax savings that they've realized during during that incentive. Yes.

Um that's a great question. Something probably I'd have to get further legal input on. Um I I don't think that you I would just say in the case of 316 318 East Lake, they've not realized the the tax savings of the Oprah because they haven't really done anything. So there's no really difference there in pre-taxable value and post taxable value because it's been such a slow moving train. So really it's to their detriment that they haven't done this because they've lost out on some tax savings that they could have realized. Um and and I guess they could come back to this body and ask for kind of a an extension or redo of that. and I kind of said probably not a great idea. Um so in that case I don't think there would be much to claw back on because they haven't realized any savings.

Thank you. Y

I understand too it was the city has put out what 80,000 90,000 to assist him in securing funds and we had expectations of stuff being done that have not been done. So I guess our expectations are what uh have have been dropped. We've had to lower our expectations. So there is a part of us that got ripped off on this. Next is the uh appointments consideration appointment downtown may management board. I bring to you Becky Phillip uh Krennic. Um as you know um she's reapplying. He's been on the board for I believe two year a year one year only. He owned a business downtown. Um she's been involved with the chamber board. She's lived uh continuously in Bataski 27 years and uh looks forward to continue to work with. Is there any questions or comments, Miss Miss Walker?

I would be happy to make a motion to approve Becky Cranig to re serve again on the downtown management board. And if anybody has not been into her new space, it's really quite lovely and she is now the owner of that building where she was previously a renter across the street. So very exciting. That's be cub by the way. Just I should have mentioned that. I have a motion from Miss Walker. I have a second. I have a second from Mr. Knob. Any other discussion? I go to Miss Beck, our clerk for roll. Walker. I Shields. Hi. Murphy. Hi.

Passes 5. Congratulations, Becky. Next is new business, the adoption of a proposed resolution authorizing final amendments to the city's 2025 annual budget. I'm going to turn it over to our city manager, Horn, to give you the rundown on

Thank you, mayor. So, as required uh in our annual audit requirements, we have to go through and and kind of um clean up the budget as as far as true up the budget. um from any overages and such. Um there is a an uh handout that we h excuse me that we provided to you this evening. We had a bit of a typo in the TIFFA fund on the resolution um we were using grant resources um and not looking at revenues. So the difference remains the same on the far right column, but the um the total revenues and the um amendment numbers um are are correct as it as in the amended version. So I don't know Audrey if you want to hit on that a little bit.

Sure. He was very nice to say we but it was me. Also, there was a typo on the the budget amendments. When you do them, the total amount of expenditures and revenues has to be on uh the resolution. And so that's why you were provided a new one is my my typos is as Shane mentioned. Um so they are required by state law as well through the uniform budgeting budgeting and um finance act. Um so and they are done by estimating what we believe to be the year-end projections for both revenues and expenditures um based on prior um or historical cost during this time you know this last month of the year and also by speaking with different supervisors and directors to see if they have any other larger bills coming you know down the way that we're unaware of. So um these are based by fund and uh enterprise funds do not have to have budget amendments because they are run like businesses. Special funds, street funds, DMB, not parking. Uh but mostly the state really wants to keep an eye on the general fund and how um everything lines up with the budget. Miss Walker.

Um, can you repeat that again? Enterprise funds do not need budget amendments approved by a governing body because they generate their own funds because the nature of the fund is run like a business unlike coming from the general fund for example and they're would because they're not tax I'm sorry. No, it's fine. Please feel free. Go ahead. Because they're not tax dollars. They're based on user fees. parking fund also is based on user fees and not tax dollars. Thank you. You're welcome. Mr. N meant to ask this um through an email today, but I forgot. What was the parks and recreation the 600,000? What was what caused that overage from the original? Was there anything

from from the original? Yeah, this is kind of a long story. So in when we were doing the budget for 2025, we estimated based on um the bar consulting group, they expected to have more done at the end of 2024, the fourth quarter of that million dollar um grant. So our budget was lower than it would have been had we'd known that they wouldn't have um incurred as much cost fourth quarter. So that they finished this year. So that's what necessitates most of that um contracted services within the parks.

There's really no surprise. It was just a timing issue. It sounds like timing. Thank you. on the um

Mr. Moore.

So, uh referencing the housing project fund, can you just speak to the expenditures contracted services $850,000 for Maple Block Construction loan draws? So, is that unexpected or unreimbured or what if you could just This is on the loan itself. So mid year we um set up a project housing fund or housing project fund for the maple block and we had received the loan from the state the million dollars loan but um so we created the fund and this is to initiate or to actually um like set the budget for the housing fund since it wasn't established a year ago right now. So, we're estimating 13,000 of interest income. And to date, I think the last draw we had was I think it's sitting right now at 489,000

500. Yeah. 489,000 in expenditures. And it's just kind of a guess not knowing what that fourth quarter bill will be. So, um I just made it 850,000. If they if they expend more than that by the end of the year um then the auditors will write me up so to speak and if they spend less then um I'll be okay.

Okay, Mr. Moore. And then um I think I think you talked talked about this when we were considering the budget, but just kind of as a revisit when I look at the um proposed amendments to the general fund and under public works and parks. Under public works, there's $235,000 related to ice storm cleanup. And then under parks, there's $564,400 uh linked to spring ice storm cleanup. Um so my question is of that total, how much is do we expect to be reimbursed?

That total was I think it was 275 around 275 to the general fund. Only a partial. Thank you. You're welcome. Have a possible motion or more discussion. Mr. Turn up top. I would move to um approve the the proposed U 2025 budget amendment.

Would you the the amended resolution? The amended. Yep. Thank you. I second the motion. Have a motion for Mr. Drop, second from Mr. Shields. Any other discussion? Council public wish to have any statements on this? I go to miss for roll. Knock I Shields I Walker I Moore I Murphy I motion passes 5 Z. Next the adoption of proposed resolution approving the 2026 poverty exemption policy and the guidelines would like to take that off.

Um this is just an annual kind of housekeeping uh effort. our assessor uh passed this forward. Um we kind of use the same uh guidelines, income and asset test. Obviously the the brackets change and that's based on the state tax commission guidelines uh poverty guidelines. So based on your number um a person's residing in a in a home, those totals obviously typically tend to go up each year. So, we've adjusted those guidelines um matching the state tax commission uh requirements. Um there's a a number of asset tests that are pretty routine that carry forward from one year to the next. Um that that have not changed um again following uh guidelines. Um so it's this is on for your consideration and review and input. Um, and any question there might that might come up?

Questions? Mr. De Moore? No, I don't have a question. But, um, I'm interested because the statute actually allows for partial exemptions as well. That's in the resolution. The exemptions could be at 25%, 50%, 75%, and then 100%. And so I'm open of course to discussion on this, but it just seems like a lot of folks are facing economic challenges right now and people might qualify for, you know, the lower percentage exemptions. So I just wondered if that's something we might want to consider.

Are you saying that? I'm trying to follow what you're what you're saying. I'm trying to understand. Are you saying that these numbers are are too high or too low? I'm trying to follow. Okay. Um, you want to explain a bit better?

No, I mean maybe we'll tag team this. Um, but I think we're your question is typically board of review it's either all or none. It's it's zero or 100. So they just go by these guidelines that are here on on page 50 of this chart. There are in the statute as council member De Moore mentioned it does provide partial exemption opportunities. Um I think historically we've not done that. Uh at least within the last three years we've not done that. Um it does create a little bit of uh additional um work on behalf of the board of review. It's certainly not insurmountable. We would need to adjust this table for, for instance, if you wanted to have uh the statute talks about 25, 50, and 75% partial exemptions. So each one of those brackets would need its own table, if you will. Um so for instance, if you're if you have a 50% um partial exemption, you would add 50% onto these totals so that one person becomes um 50% higher in each one of those number of persons. So you would have to kind of recalculate that which again is not insurmountable. It's just not something we've done. When I talked to our assessor today, they manage, I believe, 12 or 13 um units. None of none of them do partial exemptions. Uh I did do a little bit of research. There are communities that do this um do partials and certainly it's something we could consider. It's just not something we've done in the past.

So, this is a more of a break for the person or more of the city collecting? No, it's it would be more of a break for the property owner that qualifies. The percentage relates to how much of a break you get. Yeah. I mean, obviously you're the other side of that is you're giving up some tax dollars that you're not able to. So, so if a personate two persons, it's $21,150. What would it look like? What would it look like if we were to change it? Well, you're not you're not really changing the 100%. You're just creating c additional categories.

Right. Right. So So you're saying that so somebody who doesn't qualify incomewise for 100% with a bit more income might qualify for 50%. Or 75%. I don't know what others thoughts might be. Mr. N,

having been on the review board for a number of years, this is always an interesting set of discussions. Um, it's a heck of a benefit to begin with. These people, you know, assuming they're assuming they're honest and they give you the right documentation, it is that they're in a they're in a bag of issues. They're not doing so well. But personally, I don't see any reason to increase it. I mean, it this is to me, poverty is poverty, and it we're at the low end of it, and I'm not sure why we need to give 50% or 75% or 25%. This is a I think it's good the way it is, and I don't see why anybody else should get any further, but that's just my own comment.

Are are we talking about a person that makes 23,000 and doesn't qualify for for this? I think she was calculating. Yeah. I mean, yeah, if you're looking at a two person, which is currently 21150, so if you use a 25%, um, that would be an additional $3,900. So, you would add $3,900 onto that total. So, almost what is that was so for

so that 20 that becomes 2562 at a 25%. So, I mean, my only respectful response would be these are still folks that aren't, you know, making very much money. They're also getting other benefits, too. They're This is just one piece. They're getting most of them are getting a fair amount of other support as well. Possibly. Most of them are. I don't I don't know how we can assume that. Well, when you do when they when you do the tax review board does they do basically an audit of their of their income, right?

And so they have to disclo disclose what what money they're getting and including public assistance. Food stamps are on there. This there was one last week at board review. Okay. Mr. Shields,

I I think it's a a great idea to consider. I imagine having some numbers and and would be helpful for decision- making about um what is that tax implication to the city. Uh I think as the city continues to discuss potential um uh millillage I think that you know I have not been warmly welcoming that millillage. something like this potentially would make that more give me more of an appetite for that. I

mean certainly we don't need to do anything this evening. We have uh a couple meetings. I could run some um get some charts for you next meeting and we can continue the discussion. You good with that council? I see it three. Yes. Okay. Yes. So if next meeting bring it back and we will get a better feel for the 2550. Just so I'm um clear the statute spells out 7550 and 25 partials. Is that the brackets you're interested in seeing? Yes. Okay. All right.

Very good. We'll visit that in the near future. Next, the adoption of a proposed resolution authorizing the application of the Tasky Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation to create a special project fund for the waterfront sculpture, which is the fellow ports. Dave, you want us?

Yeah, just briefly, the uh community um uh sorry, art commission um has reviewed this um Hans who has joined us on uh Zoom this evening. Kellogg um presented to the art commission back I believe in June um and maybe one other time last year. Um so the art commission has had a pretty good review of of this uh sculpture. Hans did a great job of providing the history of uh the sculpture. his father's uh work in the city of Paskki in and around the city of Paskki and the historical significance of uh of this horse head structure or sculpture. Um I don't know that we need to go into that full depth uh presentation again, but um one of the things that we really would wanted to see is um and talking to DJ with the Harbor Paskky Harbor Springs area community foundation, he he really wanted to try to facilitate this opportunity in the community. We we talked to a couple different nonprofits and it just wasn't working out um to be that um that person that would generate um uh the the fund through the community foundation. So DJ asked if we would take this on and he wanted to make sure that city council was supportive of it. Um you know authorizing me to go ahead and submit for this special projects fund uh through the community foundation. we would essentially be the um the organization if you will that when and I'll just break it down when when funds were raised in the community um and and Hans has a pretty good start with this already but as funds go through the community foundation and we get to a

point where we have enough funds to bronze the sculpture if you will the the artist or the sculptor would um or the I don't know what the term is the or bronze funing, but that person would build the city. We would pay that person, we would get reimbursed through the community foundations fund. Um, so we would kind of be that that organization that would facilitate that and and be responsible for that. So we the city is not putting essentially money in there um as as city council. I'm not asking you to authorize any funds to go into this, but we would be applying um you would be authorizing me to apply on the city's behalf to create this special projects fund. So, people would have a mechanism to donate toward this sculpture. And then when we get to a point where there's enough funds raised, then we would facilitate that work to be done, installed, and uh hopefully be able to be enjoyed. We have kind of narrowed down the location for this based on input from Hans, based on input from the community foundation. So the history of the the sculpture is is water related. So we wanted it to be close to the the water to the bayfront. Um and it's obviously has historical uh integrity as well to it. So we wanted to kind of be close to the historical uh museum and society. So, we thought that area between the historical society and the tunnel, that area that you walk through there, whether it's on the hillside or in the area where the two sidewalks kind of come together, if you can envision that area, um that people would be walking by, there'd be a plaque there. We'd be celebrating um the history of that sculpture, that piece in our community. Um, so that's kind of

where we envision it being located. Um, and I guess I'll I'll uh ask Hans if you want to kind of jump in and and provide any sort of additional um input at this point. Um I'm Yes, I you guys can hear me. Okay. Yes.

I I am glad to answer any questions. Uh we have verbal uh funds that have been um a verbal commitment to almost half the cost of the uh installation. The cost of the installation is around $50,000 and I've had about $25,000 uh that has been verbally u okayed and uh ready to go. Uh, I'm excited about the potential for this and the uh potential for the legacy of my dad to be able to continue there with uh near the the historical museum.

Yeah, sure. Please, Mr. Moore. So, these are just by way of confirmation to the city manager. The purpose of this is just to um fund this effort through public donations which would be made directly to the community foundation. That's correct. Yes. And then second of all, any associated fees by the community foundation um would be funded through those donations as well. That's right. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Shield. Is this a recommendation from the arts uh council? Yes, it is. Yes. They discussed it. Yes.

I just have a question about uh can you share with me where the location of the original Kellogg Pottery Studio was? I can tell you where that was. It's where Fletches is right now. Excellent. Okay. Right where Fletches is. The entire thing. And this horse was in a row.

It was Yeah. As we would walk to the shop, uh there were uh concrete pyesters that were up and it was on the pyester there. Uh it was actually made of uh pottery. So my dad would put it up in the spring and then take it down in the fall. Um but it was up there for probably 20 30 years and then moved to the library at one point and then was at the library at one point. Yes. Yes.

Thank you. and they uh needed the space got a hold of Hans would moved and now it's coming back it'll have its home in Paskki with a nice plaque that was mentioned about his father and uh relation where is the location reset Mr. not trouble. I I think it's a great this is a great way to do this, too. I love the whole concept of it. My questions were really more in the in the contract with the foundation. The fees were ranging from 2 to 4% and then we give up any interest that we we would get. I'm just kind of wondering um when is it two, when is it? Why don't they just wave the fees for us?

Yeah, I don't think they would do that. that's pretty consistent with what they do with because they will have some some work in getting the donations putting those into the funds accordingly. So there will be some work to do that. Certainly we could do we could go on our own and do this but people are going to have be more prone to give toward a fund like this than because they don't. I mean I love the city. I've worked in local government my whole life. But not everybody has that trust and belief that when they put their money to something it's going to stay where they put it. So in something like this I think people are more prone to to give and know where it's going. the governance would be a heck of a lot better in in the no question about it from

though I will say that the arts commission will be utilizing the city's reference uh resourcing of collection of money though due to the process that the art that uh I I just really support this this is this is cool it is looking forward uh Hans when you get it done I know we'll all be attending the ribbon cutting and the Congratulations to you and your family and to your dad Stanley as well. So wonderful. Thank you.

Thank you. DJ did want me to mention um you know this does still have to be that once we complete the application which is in your packet just so you know what I will be working on. Their executive committee has to approve this fund. So it's not just because we approve it doesn't mean they're ultimately going to approve it. even though I think we have a great story to to share here. So I he's pretty confident. So do I have a motion, Miss Walker? Mayor, I'll be happy to make a motion to approve adopt the proposed resolution providing direction to city staff to apply to the Paskki Harbor Springs Community Foundation for a special project fund for this project.

Support. I have a motion from Miss Walker, a second from Miss De Moore. Any other comments? I go to city clerk beck for roll. Walker I Shields. Hi Ntrab. Hi I Murphy. I congratulations Han moving forward. Thank you hopefully this year. Yeah. City council comments. I'm going to start with the end of the year four. Miss Walker.

Thank you mayor. I had the privilege and honor of attending the lofts at Lumber Square ribbon cutting and open house later this afternoon. Um it's so delightful to see in Oldtown EMTT the fruition of these projects. I look forward to the Hotel Del Rey as well completion in January of 2026 from the dates today. Um so uh feeling like uh lots of energy in in Ward 4. um and lots of new neighbors. So I when I go into those spaces, I also see the opportunities to um to meet with new neighbors and there's lots of public space gathering spaces in both complexes. So very exciting times and also wearing my other hat um really the city of Ataski is a shining star um in terms of its um giving multifamily housing um access to recycling. Traditionally in the recycling world, um single family housing gets its lion share as taxpayers um to the city of Baski. They automatically get to sign up, but we have to ask permission for multifamily properties. And it really is about equity and giving um renters equity and access to convenient curbside recycling services. So I look forward to um further approvals of those and spreading the recycling love to other multif family apartments. So thank you so much Ward three, Mr. Knobra.

Yes. I wanted to uh just give a little extra shout out tonight for the it's called the NextGen program at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts and and it's focused on a a giving kids free of charge um a full range of opportunity in the performing arts area. And so far this year, they've done 300 they've provided 300 and some kids of Paskki in just three performances. next uh couple of months, we're going to have another 500 kids. It ranges from prek to um um college. But the thing I really wanted to talk about was they they just received a grant from the Michigan Family Engagement Region 2. and and it's for them for the for the Great Lakes Center to take the lead to for systemic changes in our area around normalizing kids with special needs through a series of of events to support how all of us can interact with these guys in their special challenges and and compare it to how we are and try to kind of normalize being exposed to people with special needs. And it's it's an unusual program for performing arts center to do that. I wanted to give them an extra shout out.

Very nice, Miss Deore. Ward one. So I just want to take a moment and thank my colleague Derek Shields. I know everybody joins me in this for your service to the community, for your persistence on issues that you believe in, giving voice to those because I'm a big believer that it's super important on this planet to respectfully use your voice for the opportunities for respectful differences always. Thank you, Mr. Shields.

Mr. Mayor, I'm last opportunity to use my voice. I'm going I'm going to if you don't if you allow me

allow me. It's one page of comments here. But um it's been a great great honor to be a public servant for the city of Paskki. Uh thank you manager Horn um Sarah Audrey and all the city staff and all civic leaders for serving the people of Paskki. Um thank you to Ward 2 residents who entrusted me to represent them and thank you to my family who's also given to this cause. Uh in reflecting over the last five years, I've tried to show up consistently and thoughtfully, offering ideas for innovation and encouragement for meaningful action within an institution that is rightly designed to move carefully and deliberately. Uh the norms and structures that support stability, accountability, and public trust are deeply important, and I respect the role they play in good governance. At the same time, those same structures can sometimes limit flexibility, experimentation, and the ability to respond proactively to evolving community needs. Safety and risk management are core responsibilities of government and essential community values. Yet, it is also worth acknowledging that extended caution and delay can carry their own risks, often less overt and sometimes with fewer immediate political consequences, but very real ones for residents. I'm drawn to how the National League of Cities, drawing on former Justice, Supreme Court Justice Lewis Brandis, describes cities as laboratories of democracy, not pristine or sterile laboratories. I picture something more messy, sometimes imperfect inventor type laboratories where learning happens through doing. Cities are not businesses alone. They are of, by, and for the people. Citizen involvement may not always be the most efficient, but it is often the most effective way to build good, attractive,

and thriving places. I encourage continued and public engagement. It is essential. Communities are at their best when people are encouraged to lead from any seat or role and when institutions can make room for that leadership to influence outcomes. The challenges we face are complex and caution has its place. I believe however that we are capable of being careful and more responsive of managing risk while still solving problems more often and more meaningfully. We can say yes, not without caution, but with commitment to working for the common good. We can boldly invest in the winter sports park. We can go after the 20 million uh wheelway repair. We can develop distributed solar energy projects with or without MPPA. We can make meaningful zoning changes to keep this a livable piti. We can achieve functional zero homelessness. And we can allow to allow residents to have very low-risk backyard chickens. I can keep going. I want to end by where I started when I was first thinking about running for elected office, and that is that politics is a good word. It's about how we order our shared life and our shared space together, and that getting involved in that discussion and embracing that tension is life-giving. There is much to mourn, reject, and be outraged by the world. But when you look at the the villages and the cities around the world, like us here in Pitaski, when you look at that local level, you'll find there is much more to be impressed by, curious about, and inspired from. Thank you.

Well, I have this for Mr. Shields. I would like somebody to take a picture of us because I feel it's is well worth it. You got it. Well, I don't I have the ability to attend the chamber. We both went to the chambers Wednesday

ideas of what you believe in for it. That's really cool because you weren't afraid to express how you feel. You weren't afraid to stand up what you believe in. We need more of that in this world. So this is thank you Derek Chills for two council member 20212 the great honor and recognition for 5 years of loyal dedicated service as council member for the city of test. Congratulations and best wishes. probably your office over there or at home. You put five years. Thank you.

You want a box? Take it home. for the weather. Yeah, I thought so. I would Here's the bag. Yeah, keep it dry. Um I guess my summary is he did a great job of giving a summary of what we need to continue to work for for the for the coming year. And that one of it is working together. It's been a great pleasure this last year to work together with all four of you city staff. Amazing Audrey, you know, especially Sarah Bat. She's the glue that holds everything together.

So, have a safe holidays. Enjoy your family. Live every day. I call this being a jerk.