City Council - Regular Meeting

to the restroom. Let's call this Lane City Council meeting to order. If you please rise and join my colleagues tonight for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. [clears throat]

Thank you very much. Members present this evening are council members Dylan Gearbout Deloro Halsh, Mayor Prom Rice, and Mayor Marl. From [snorts] city staff, we have city manager Swallow, deputy clerk Alexa, community development director Aken, city engineer Humphris, uh deputy city manager uh Cole. Am I missing any members of staff? I believe that's it. Uh the rest of you who are in the audience this evening, we welcome you. There are copies of the agenda on the back table. There was one item added to the agenda uh today at the request of of staff and legal. Um it will appear as the final uh item under new business which is agenda item 2617 resolution confirming the sale of 1080 East Michigan Avenue. Again, copies of the agenda are on the back table along with a sign-in sheet um and listening devices if you require them. Um noting that one change to the agenda, is there a motion to approve the agenda as amended?

Moved by Gearb Dylan, would you like to be the second? Sure.

Very good. All those in favor of approving the agenda as amended signify by saying I. I post say nay. Eyes have it. The motion carries unanimously. There are no absences. So, we'll proceed with public comments. Before I read the the spiel here, um I I do want to note that the deputy clerk and city clerk received a number of written comments uh in advance of tonight's meeting which the individuals wanted their remarks read. I think most if not all during this first public comment period. If you did submit a a comment um yet you're here in person uh please indicate u as such when you when you uh when you come to the podium because we do not want to be reading um statements twice. Um so uh now we come to the open meetings act. Uh we come now to the this portion of the opens meeting act in which any person may come forward and make comment or question on an item that appears on this agenda. Comments will be limited to three minutes per person. Those wishing to speak are requested but not required to state his or her name and address for the record. Before you begin your comment, please clearly state which specific agenda item you are addressing. Please note, council will not answer questions during this initial public comment period. And again, we're going to start with those in the audience. Is there anybody in the audience this evening who has a um a comment pertaining to a specific agenda item? You may come to the podium and begin when ready.

Yep. Feel free to adjust.

Uh Brett Pington, uh 319 North Ann Arbor Street and uh commenting on 25 516 my first mansion purchase. Um all right. Long before I lived in the city of Seline, I would pass through town on a commute. I would admire the hallmark of Louis downtown and daydream about what it would be like to live here. Like I [snorts] imagine many out oftowners passing through Seline. In my dream, I would live in the Diamond Port Curtis home. The most [clears throat] beautiful home in Seline and frankly one of the most beautiful homes I've ever had the luxury of stepping foot in. I mention all this because I've spent the last 90 plus days telling anyone willing to listen to me uh why I think this purchase is a terrible idea. I don't have opposition to the purchase because I don't love this home or because I don't understand the home's history or because I I can't see its potential as a community asset. I oppose the purchase because it's not the right time. And I think if council is honest with themselves, they know this, too. I believe that this is why no community input was gathered. I've heard many times that community input was avoided because we were in a due diligence period. It didn't make sense to gather public sentiment until council decided if they wanted to purchase the home. Did you ask yourselves if the community wanted uh wanted you to make this purchase? If I were a betting man, I would guess you did. I would guess that all of you are completely aware of the public sentiment around this issue. And that's exactly why scheduled public comment periods were essentially non-existent. I would guess that most of you saw the separate polls that Tran and I both held on the Seline Post uh producing the same result. People overwhelmingly oppose this purchase. We live in a republic and each of you was elected to represent us as Selenians. But if you purchased this home, can you honestly say you're fulfilling the desires of the people you're supposed to serve? Thank you.

Thank you, Brett. Appreciate your comment. Additional citizen comment on agenda items. Again, you'll have three minutes once you begin. It may take me longer to get there,

but I'm here. I don't fall in the I'm Bonnie Arister 205 Circle. I'm here about the treatment plant [snorts] that's in my backyard just a few feet from my property line and I'm sick about it. There should have been a fence before you started it, I believe. And I've been told the fence should have come up first before you started digging. My bathroom tile is all cracked. My newly tiled that's only two years old in my kitchen are cracked and falling down.

Bonnie, excuse me. This public comment is limited to agenda items. Do you would would you like to address any item that's on our agenda this evening? You're welcome to talk about the waste wastewater treatment plan or any other issues for that matter at the conclusion of our meeting tonight. Okay. Well, my oxygen won't last till the conclusion of the meeting. Okay. We we we took note then of your your concerns about the wastewater treatment plant again. Are there any uh agenda items that you'd like to address this evening? So, when can I talk about the treatment plant and all that stuff? You're welcome to talk about that the conclusion of our meeting during the last public comment period.

Unbelievable. Mayor, may I make a motion to allow Miss Armbbrustster to finish her comments due to her uh accessibility issues? Um, that motion is in order. If there's a second, second. Second. Okay. Is there any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say I. I. Oppos say nay. Eyes have it. You may continue.

Thank you, everyone. So, my bathroom tile is all cracked from the pounding. I've had to often go to bed because it's made me so dizzy all the pounding. The the tile, like I said, in my bathroom, newly tiled, two years old, is all broken. Bathroom tile is all broken from all the pounding. And I'd like to know when somebody's going to pay for that tile and stuff that's broken because I'm sorry I'm having trouble talking with my oxygen pipe. I think we should have done something. put up a fence or something before all that started. And I've been told the fence should have been put up before it all started. I have a clear view from my kitchen patio door. I have a clear view of everybody down at the treatment plant working. Everybody. And [snorts and clears throat] I I don't understand. I have congestive heart failure. I'm not going to live that long and I know that. [bell] But I really wish that somebody would have paid attention to putting up a fence before they even started. I have no fence. No, no, nothing can be planted because there's too much ground movement. I've been told and

I'm trying to do the best I can. I'm trying to do the best I can. [clears throat] I'm just asking for some help that something's going to get fixed before I die. We appreciate the comments, Miss Arster. We'll make sure that staff follows up with you. We reach the end of the 3 minutes. So, thank you for your your comments this evening. We will we will connect with you later this week. Well, I can't come to the end of the meeting because my oxygen record No, we we'll reach out. You you do not need to stay to the end of the meeting. We'll we'll we'll call email. We have your contact information. So, three minutes are up. Correct.

That's really sad. That's really sad. Are there additional citizen comments this evening on agenda items? You may come forward, please. [clears throat and cough] Hello, I am Le. I have served on the Historic History Council since 2022. I originally worked for the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, which is the historic preservation body of the New York City. Um my background is I have a masters in science of historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and I come to comment about the Davenport house. It is a common pitfall to make houses museums. If you have a historic house you think oh let's let's make this into a museum but it's just very important to be aware that that can be a common pitfall because they often are not revenue generating. And in fact the best way to preserve a house is to have somebody live in it. That is because it will have constant HVAC. It will have heating. It will avoid moisture problems. And it will have a pair of eyes that is actively interested in the well-being of the house knowing the moment something goes wrong. Um I also want to mention that in terms of the possibility of relocating the house, the house is significant in part because of the landscape where it is located. It was designed to be set in that landscape and that is part of its significance. It's part of the context of the house. So the landscape itself is also as important as the house in terms of the impact and the historic importance. Um I think the best thing for the house would be to get it in a local historic district. It's currently in a national historic district but national historic districts do not provide any local protections. The only thing with protections is a local historic district but we do have that potential. I think East Michigan Avenue as well as some of the surrounding

buildings around the Davenport House have long needed to be put into historic district to have some um some protection and so I my suggestion for the preservation of Dport House is to get into a local district. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate your comments. There additional citizen comments on agenda items this evening. As soon as you're ready, you can come to the podium and if you want want to form a line, that's fine as well. Again, you'll have three minutes. Why don't you begin?

My name is Carolyn Manette. I live on 375 Mills Road and I am speaking across the Davenport Curtis House. Um I concur with what Brett has said. I also wanted to add that in my opinion um I think it is a foolhardy decision. It is fiscally irresponsible and it is a disrespectful of the taxpayers money and trust in people that we have voted to be fiscally responsible uh for the city. Why is it foolhardy? Um we have a saying in our house uh when we do things or when we try to spend money need to do, nice to do and not to do. need to do is pay the bills, you know, get your groceries in. Um, you have to fix fix the house up, put and you have to dig in your money to put a roof on. Those are neat to do. Nice to do is boy, it'd be really nice to renovate renovate a room or or paint to paint a new room or put in an addition. Nice to do if you got the money. Nuts to do. nuts to do is well, let's just uh let's just [clears throat] uh blow everything and and uh put in a a swimming pool when you you know, you can't really swim that many times here in Michigan. Um purchasing the David Curtis house is nuts to do in my opinion. Fiscally irresponsible. Some of you ran on fiscal responsibility and I voted for you. I expect you to do your job and be fiscally responsible with your t with taxpayers money. [clears throat] Disrespectful. You just heard Brett saying that there was a poll taken and

what is the consensus? The consensus is this is not the right time. It's a great idea, but it's not the right time. And you're being disrespectful of the people that voted you in. Um, and again I wonder this was mentioned in September. Why didn't you start a a committee and a task force then? Why are you waiting now? Is like let's buy it and then we'll figure out what to do with it. Is that what you would recommend for your high school student or your college graduate when they they gave you an idea. This is how I want to spend my money, mom. That's my thoughts.

Thank you. Appreciate your comments. Additional citizen comments, please.

108 East Henry Street cement since 1995. Um I'm speaking to item number 2516 in particular um the motion there and um asking that if this motion if the motion uh council acts upon I think it it needs a little bit of clarification of the charge to the working group um specifically the part about reviewing and evaluating use options for the property. What use options does that is that talking about? Is this intended to include a full range of options from full public ownership and city operation [clears throat] to the other extreme of complete private owner ownership and operation and or any combination any variation combination of those two aspects? Or is the working group restricted to looking only at options for the city's use of the property? that that did not seem clear to me in um in reading the motion. My own preference would be for a full range for the working group to have the ability to look at evaluate and recommend from a full range of options. And if that were the case, I would I would support um the purchase of the house. I think it's an extraordinary opportunity for the city to pre preserve a part of its its heritage and its look and feel. Um, but I think that um restricting just to city use of the property is is too narrowly. Um, I also think that the the three-year time limit

is important to abide by. Um, we're not always as as corporate bodies good at keeping to time limits. I think the the three-year limit um is gives me some is somewhat reassuring to me about with my um previously expressed concerns about fiscal responsibility. Um I think the three timeline is good.

Thank you for your comments. Additional citizen comments on agenda items. Please, you'll have three minutes once you begin. factor 275 South Ann Arbor Street. I'm also seeing next door district commission. Um my comments are also about 25-16. Uh I feel that this home is lovely and worth preserving. But I think when we're thinking about it in the scale of uh a home museum or an event space, it's while it's lovely and preserving, it's worth preserving and a beautiful home for downtown Seline, it's not on the scale of a regional draw like a Frank White House or the AP house or even the Dodge Break Hall in Rochester Hills. Um, with that being said, that I think limits its options somewhat and cities in general make poor stewards of this type of real estate and I agree with Meredith that this house would be better off in private hands as a living building. And I feel the city can best support the goal of preserving the Curtis Mansion by working with the historic district commission [snorts] to set up um those historic districts and continuing to make Seline a great place to live so that that home will become viable for a family to live in. And the city council should continue to focus its efforts on the infrastructure including ongoing water issues, the downtown including contining to support denser housing near the downtown, the green space and parks that have been planned for downtown that are already uh already out there being worked on and talked about uh and continuing to support the rec center and the farmers market which are again great assets for the city and continue to make us be a great place to live and we encourage people to come live in this community along with continuing to support our schools. I don't think it makes sense for the city to take over direct management and ownership of an unwieldly

historic building as an owner of unwieldy historic building. There's so many better things you could be doing with your time. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate your comments. Additional comments on agenda items. You will have three minutes once you begin.

I did want to clarify that I submitted comments in writing, so I'm going to provide a summary of those comments as well. My name is Rebecca Schneider. I live at 107 West Henry Street. My family's lived in downtown Seline on Henry Street for 22 years. I'm here tonight to urge you to purchase the Devon Fort Curtis Mansion. This wellpreserved, beautiful Victorian home is an invaluable centerpiece for our town's [clears throat] history landscape. When unexpected opportunities arise, communities can either embrace possibilities or they can default to saying no. Saying no is always the easiest option. During my time working as the district director for Congressman Joe Schwarz, who represented Seline, I became very familiar with the seven counties that made up the seven the former seventh congressional district. It was always clear to me which communities said no. You could just feel it and see it in their communities. Those places believed that they couldn't afford anything new, that people wouldn't support old ideas, and that change was too risky. They totally accepted mediocrity. And Spleet is not a mediocre place, and I did not move here to live in a mediocre town. People who say we don't need a museum are completely missing the broader point that the house sits on 6 acres of property in downtown Seline, an extraordinary asset. The property opens the doors to numerous revenue generating possibilities that could help support the preservation of the house itself. People who say we can't afford this opportunity because pie isn't big enough to support all of the challenges facing to have forgotten about the option of growing the pie. I don't mean just by raising taxes. I mean by fully exploring options. What grant opportunities are available? What other partnerships could help? Vibrant communities are not just focused

on the current pie. They are leading the way to a bigger, better tasting, more interesting pie. As a founding board member of Seline Main Street, I've read every marketing study conducted for the last 13 years, and they all say the same thing. They say that people come here because of our historic small town charm. If you decide [clears throat] not to protect our most significant historical asset, how does that affect our prospects of attracting new residents or future businesses? What does it say about our priorities? So ask this, what is the worst case scenario? The city purchases the home, puts the protections in place so it can't be torn down, attempts to make prevention [clears throat] preservation financially sustainable, and ultimately decides to sell the house at a significant profit. That's a pretty lowrisk scenario for the taxpayers of Seline. The greatest risk is saying no. Without protections in place, the Daven Davenport Kurts mansion is likely to be lost forever. When our grandchildren ask us what happened to that great house, just say yes. Please preserve the house.

Thank you for your comments, Rebecca. Additional citizen comments.

Hi, I'm Terry Socan. I'm a resident of downtown Seline. Um, full disclosure, I also my husband and I own a historic preservation company, have been in the business for over 30 years. So, just a little background about me and I I just want to make a couple of points that maybe is repeating things that have already been said, but I thought it was important um to at least say a few things. So, as everybody knows, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places provides no real protection for the house and property. It does, however, make the property eligible for federal and state tax credits, grants, and other preservation funding down the road. The property is also part of the Motor City's National Heritage Area, which tracks heritage tourism. I don't know if that's been talked about a lot here, but in this area, the total economic benefit from local and outoftown visitors is just over $48 million a year. Some of the sectors that contribute to that total are hotel and lodging, $99.3 million, restaurants, $74.9 million, and museums, historical sites, and parks, $26.1 million in heritage tourism in this area along the heritage route. The um I also looked up the MDOT traffic counts for this area and for the road directly in front of the property, the count is 21,64 vehicles per day. There would be very very few people who travel that who travel Michigan Avenue who wouldn't know the property and associated with Seline and you cannot say that about the rec center. The house is perhaps one is one of perhaps as few as 11 surviving Second Empire Victorian homes in Michigan. [clears throat] It is also one of absolutely the most impressive and iconic.

The potential for future benefit is limited only by letting it pass [snorts] in uncertain hands and urge you to consider buying the property. It does have some fallback causes which should help and I think it's a valuable asset in the long run [snorts] for Thank you Terry. Appreciate your comments. Additional citizen comments on agenda items. You'll have three minutes once you begin.

Thank you. My name is Jim Cameron. I live on Detroit Street and I encourage you to vote in favor of the Devon Fort Curtis mansion purchase. Sounds like the main obstacle here is money. And money is available from outside the city. As was mentioned previously, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office evaluates, protects, and promotes Michigan historic build environment. They lead by helping local and state agencies identify and seize opportunities to celebrate and rehabilitate historic places that define local communities and make our state uniquely. Michigan. Shipo or the state of Michigan does have money available. We need to access it.

[clears throat]

The National Trust for Historic Preservation current work focuses on building sustainable communities through adaptive reuse of historic spaces, preserving and protecting sites of c cultural significance, advocating for greater stewardship of historic places on public land, and leading innovation in the management of historic properties. For the fiscal year 2026, Congress recently appropriated over $25 million for this purpose. This is money that we, as taxpayers, are already committed to paying. We can access that through National Trust for Historic Preservation grants. So with that additional information and exploring other opportunities for financing from the state and federal level, I encourage you to vote in favor of the Davenport Curtis Mansion purchase. Thank you.

Thank you, Jim. Appreciate the comments. Additional citizen comments on any of our agenda items this evening. Again, you'll have three minutes. Why don't you begin?

Hi, Doug Fry. Doug Fry, uh, lifelong Seline resident along with my all my ancestors, 50 years in business in Seline. So, I've been around here a little bit. And the situation that I see here is that I not saying buy it or not buy it, but I think a little bit more research has got to be done. You start buying a place like that that has asbestous in it, lead paint, all this and that and you're just buying a money pit. No question about it. They're not. And you're not going to let people go in a place that's somebody don't approve. And if it has [snorts] that stuff in it, that's thousands, hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix. not going to get rid of asbestous, mold, mildew, uh critters, all that stuff in um in a short period of time. It's not an easy fix. So, like [snorts] I said, I I think a little bit more research is being done. I'm not sure if I'm coming here and you're going to pursue to buy it or I'm coming here to you determined to buy it. But I think if you're come here, you're determined to buy it, I think you ought to do a little more research on it. And if you think, oh, we got a home inspector, that don't mean nothing. You sign that bottom line that says he he's responsible for nothing. I think a lot of our money should be more spent on preserving what we got. Curtis parts the dump. It needs major fixes. The dam definitely needs work, but it's a biggest asset to our city. The [snorts] rec center, you put money in it and you still need to put another couple million in it.

Just because you fix one thing, there's still all kinds of stuff wrong there. A lot of the stuff that's wrong with it is the mechanical. So, like I think you have to do a little bit more research on it. I agree with Mr. Cameron, if you know funds are available through the state and all that, I would definitely, you know, look at seriously buying it. But to vote tonight on whether you're going to buy it, that would be in my mind ridiculous. And my credentials, um, I have a lot of credentials on these different things, especially with the mechanicals and stuff. [snorts] this old house. I own the old historical house in Seline and my understanding is it's a real process. Either fix it, it will cost you millions or you you can't hold those or you go through a lot of [snorts] stuff to try to hold those. So obviously the land is very valuable. There's no question about that. I think also too should pursue a Benson property up town and look at buying that while you might have a chance. [snorts]

Thank you. Thanks Doug. Appreciate the comment. Additional citizen comments on agenda items. Again, you'll have three minutes once you begin.

William Manette 375 Road number 2516. Why are we thinking about buying this building? Well, here in the memorandum on page one, it says placemaking. Place thinking, however, is a process of creating quality places for people to want to live, work, play, and learn it. Somebody's living in it now, but they won't be living in it if it's a municipal building. And work. Yeah, there'll be staff working in there. Play, I can't picture that. And learn in only if we convert it into museum. We go on and talk about the uh, you know, the amendment would be necessary. And this is going to be a 20 to 25 year annual budget commitment. Our kids will be buying this house. Your kids will be buying this house and grandkids. And I'm going to ask a question here. I don't mean to be Audrey, but 3 million is the asking price. Did we haggle it all? Did we try to drive the price down? I've read this administration approach due diligence with the level of scrutiny appropriate for a major municipal acquisition. At this time, all verbal professional feedback indicates no material deficiencies or dealtop concerns. Written reports will follow. Excuse me. There were some written reports in this, but we all know what verbal means. Okay. One of the things some of the things it said moisture wicking evident in basement wall and floor water staining and add attic evidence of previous leaks. Roof is in good to fair condition for its age. Now what does that mean? Really nothing. Now the inspector goes on to suggest revisiting the attic after a heavy rain to make sure. So they're not convinced either. Okay. Um, now it was compared to Ann Arbor's

cobblestone farm in Monroe Sawyer House and the homestead. I never heard of either of these. I've lived in Seline for 21 years. I've been traveling to to Ann Arbor for 27. And then he go on to talk about the Adrien Fee House. Okay, I have driven by the fee park, but pages 50 and 51 of this tell us that none of these street nearby venues is paying for itself. Income only pays for day-to-day operations. Any large-scale repairs or upgrades are paid for by the city and taxpayers. And remember, a venue for weddings, parties, etc. requires a paid promotional staff to get the word out so it can be rented, which is another expense. Now, will the price of rental be reasonable for the ordinary people to leave to hold their events there? Don't know. My vote is that we let the free market work here. declined to buy the house. The existing owners will take the best offer. Something will be done with it which will contribute to the city's tax base. Remember, the existing owners also have a vested interest and will not allow the building to be misused. Sometimes you have to say no to the you can say yes [clears throat] to the best. In my opinion, the best for Selen is affordable housing, clean water, functioning sewage treatment plant, and dam removal for repair. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate the comments. Additional citizen comments on agenda items this evening. My name is Dan 325 North and Harvard. [clears throat] Um I don't know if there's going to be a discussion later or it's just going to be a vote on the mansion. Um commenting on the mansion. Uh there's just a couple of items that I don't think came up during the previous conversations or at least I've either read or listened to. Um, in regards to the due diligence on the mansion, [snorts] I think that there has been a decent assessment,

a decent assessment of the mansions, qualities, and uh, you know, structural integrity and stuff. But the couple of items that I think that I was hoping would be addressed would be whether the tax assessor did a um, estimate of what property taxes would be received on a $3 million sale of the house in downtown Seline. I don't think we had a sale of a house of that nature in the city of Seline. So, it would be nice to know what type of tax revenue we could potentially be looking out on in the event that that sale were to go through to the public at that amount. [snorts] Um, and then the other thing is just a larger discussion item being what like uh legitimate issues could arise or what concerns the city has if they were to not uh procure this house. you know, if the city didn't purchase this house. I mean, I've heard speculation of someone could come in and knock the house down and build a bunch of condos to somebody could, you know, buy it and make it a nice house and everywhere in between. And I think that discussion could be a little bit more in depth. I mean, I don't know a lot about zoning and kind of the logistics with that, but um just a curiosity of whether there is whether the city has protections that are in place to where if purchase were not to go through what um you know whether they whether there are some items that could protect that house even if it isn't an asset by the city. So, just some thoughts and I wanted to put that up there. So, thank you all.

Thank you, Dan. Appreciate those thoughts. Additional citizen comments on agenda items. Jonathan F north street. Um given the historic district move to Seline because we love the historic district. Um like the deport house which is what I want to talk about. Um very much in favor of preserving uh and protecting the [clears throat] property. Um but I think that there's not been enough consultation on this matter um with the city in general. Um I think you know the purpose of purchasing the property as it's being proposed is to preserve the land. Um protect that again support there. Um in the documentation [clears throat] and I say I've only you know really looked into this in the last week or so and I've heard this is happening. this the only time I had to prepare um and look at this stuff and I've watched back the videos of this being presented and I'll say that it seemed like when you present this on the 2nd of September it you said something along the lines of that this was like a first step but I don't think that we've had enough of the other [snorts] steps in between to really explain to the city what is going on there. uh in the in the packet that we did put out um last last week uh there's a statement in there that says that the uh core governing principle is that well-run cities do not borrow before they know what they are building and in this case you guys still don't know I think what we're really going to do with Davenport uh house there was discussion I saw a video with Dean Gerbash discussing this guy uh outside the front of the Dor house set. Uh you were talking about, you know, parties and such. It's a great [snorts] idea. Um I would say that the noise and even in that video, you're struggling to be to be heard over the sound of traffic and the um just went by. Um, I I don't know that that's really the best

location for doing uh outside parties and that kind of good stuff, but um maybe uh maybe that's for I don't know for more consideration. But I would say that if we're going to do that that kind of thing, have public events in that area than that 40 zone that is there on Michigan Avenue, we should be lobbying for that to be tuned down to a 30 all the way through Michigan Avenue. [clears throat]

Uh but anyway, I think that the city itself um shouldn't really be seeking to take on these additional assets um as profit centers. You're discussing how we're going to use this asset um and it's going to pay for itself. And we've heard before and even in your own documentation, it shows that really it's not going to be that. So, if you're going to make a case that we should be buying um this property to preserve it as a historical asset, you should do that on its own merits and and consider it is going to be a tax. it's just going to be a burden on the um on the city to pay for it um going forward. Um I also have concern because the city does actually and I I live in the historic district again um believe in it, but this city actually has a track record as far as I'm concerned of allowing historic buildings to be raised in order for um to be built. And I would say like North Maple, Monroy Street and now Waterworks Road, historic buildings have been raised to um uh build condo. So I I am concerned we want to keep that property as one big property. Um and I would like to follow up on basically Dan stole my fund a little bit. Is what are the other options? Is this is this dichotomy really that if we don't buy the property, we're going to lose it. It's going to be raised. We're not going to be able to protect it. I think there must be other things that we can do to ensure protection.

Very good. Appreciate your comments. Any additional comments from those in the audience this evening? Then we're going to proceed to our written comments. Ken, you'll have three minutes once you begin.

Hi, my name is Karen Peters. I live on 396 River Drive. Um, I also want to speak on the topic of the Curtis Davenport Mansion. Um, I had a lot of things I was going to say, but since a lot of people spoke before me, I won't repeat. But one thing I wanted to tag on to that, Will Manette said about did we haggle about the price. I don't know if he did or didn't, but I looked it up on Zillow and the estimate on Zillow is 1.4 million. So, I wonder why are we [clears throat] offering to pay three million for something that's only assessed to be worth 1.4 million. Um, the other thing I have an issue with is not knowing what you're going to use it for. Um, people have said maybe a wedding venue. I can't imagine what the cost would be to install a commercial kitchen in that house to make it um usable for a wedding. [clears throat] Plus, do we really want to be competing with Wellers? I mean, that's an important historical asset. I wish we could muster up the same enthusiasm for [snorts] preserving and supporting Wellers and the dam that was built by Henry Ford as we are for saving the the Davenport Curtis Mansion. Um, another thing I wanted to comment on the the tax the property taxes that we would lose of the city bought it. It was said in the uh article in the Selen Post that right now it will cost the city about 17,000 a year. I agree with what the previous gentleman said. If that sold for three 3 million, the tax is going to be way greater than 17,000. So that's not really an accurate number to say that the tax loss would be much greater than that.

Um, the other thing I did think of, I'm not saying I'm in support of making this purchase because I don't think it's fiscally responsible, but if you could convince me that it would be self- sustaining and revenue generating to turn it into something like Kerry Town Concert House that's in downtown Arbor, I would love the idea of having entertainment acts in that house, But you would have to prove to me that it's self- sustaining and that the city this would not become another financial liability like the rec center. Yeah. So that's all I have to say. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. Any additional comments from those in the audience this evening? One last opportunity. Deputy clerk Alexa, it is all you. I will time you. How many comments do we have here this evening? 18.

18. Okay. You may begin when ready. Um, I do want to voice my opinion and I think that it would be fiscally irresponsible for the city council to vote for the city of Seline to purchase the Curtis Mansion. We cannot even keep the rec center running smoothly. How can we purchase something that would would need major renovations and maintenance to keep it up? I do not want to see my tax dollars spent on purchasing the Curt Curtis Mansion. an individual an individual purchased the smaller yet still large historical home behind the Curtis mansion and that family is enjoying the home and keeping it up. I walk our dog by there every day. There may be a family who has the resources to purchase and maintain the Curtis Mansion as a residence which would be much better idea. Please let my opinion be known on Monday's meeting. Kathy Kern at 271 Old Creek Drive.

Very good. We appreciate that comment. You may proceed to the next. Um, I'm writing to indicate my support for the city's proposed purchase of the Davenport mansion. The possibility of losing this essential piece of Selen's history, which is also one of the city's landmarks on the city's ownership could lead to the downtown features we've all been hoping for. The purchase price and taxes are modest compared to the possible return on investment. Stephanie Kuster. Okay, very good. Proceed to the third, please.

Please vote no on the city purchase of the 150year-old Davenport Curtis Mansion. The city of Seline does not have the funds to maintain this property, including replacement of outdated plumbing, lead, galvanized pipes, knob and tube wiring, foundation issues, asbestous, termites, and a failing roof that will require major extensive system replacement. Structural repairs not obvious obvious from curb appeal. accept significant costs for updating critical components like electricity, plumbing, especially sewer lines to the street, HVAC, plus potential hazardous materials like asbesus, lead paint, and dealing with complex, expensive to replace original features, turning charm into costly surprises. This is all in addition to grounds maintenance and approximately 9 acre piece of property including lawnmowing, tree maintenance, and gardens upkeep. James Jatson at 609 Palm Brook Drive.

Appreciate his comments. Would you like to proceed to the fourth?

Um, I do not favor the Davenport Curtis property purchase and urge you to vote no. I've read the city council work meeting agenda for January 5th to 2026. The document is thorough and does a good job at supporting and limiting itself to outlining the benefits of the acquisition. It deal it details some areas of concern like the cracking plaster, open voids, and the likely presence of lead paint and asbestous. Unfortunately, it never addresses the cost to redeem redeem them. Overall, I thought the report was a bit optimistic on its on its income potential and very light on the cost of ownership. But what good sales pitch, isn't it? I was very surprised that there was no discussion on the tax revenue the property would generate if not purchased by the city. I would imagine that it would be a significant amount by eliminating this and limiting the discussion of the city's liability to only the bond payback. It's grossly understates the true cost of the purchase. Then there are recommendations. One is to use the property as a park. Currently the city has dozen dozens of parks. The DT DPW does a admirable job at keeping the grounds repairing these things that need to be fixed. Unfortunately, in the last decade, the city has done little to the facilities to improve the ROM and play structures. The next to nothing has been done to address issues of accessibility. I'm not against having a 13th park, but I'm much rather the park use its limited funds to update and upgrade the ones we already have. Another idea is to use the grounds for different functions like an art festivals. Again, it's a worthwhile option. However, given the property's

location along their busiest street and it lacks the available parking, I would think one of the our existing parks would be safer safer and more suitable. Lastly, as a member of the most recent rec center task force, I had an inside look at how important financial decisions are made after the decisions of deliberation. My biggest takeaway was that set aside from things that provide or directly support essential services, it is not in the best the city's best interest to own or invest in anything that can't pay for itself through its income or millillage. If that's the truth hasn't changed and we can take an honest look at all the numbers, I don't see how we can justify the Davenport purchase. As I've already noted, if you're ready to if we're ready to part with a few million dollars, it makes m much more sense to mend and approve those things we already own before we add any new liabilities. Please go to Dellet.

Thank you. Appreciate that comment. Please proceed with the uh the next comment. Deputy Clerk Alexa,

thank you for your thoughtful leadership and in considering the potential acquisition of the [cough] Curtis [clears throat] Mansion at 300 East Michigan app. I write in support of the opportunity and appreciate the care for which the city is evaluating its long-term value. As a com as a community, we are guided by the city's strategic plan, a roadmap shaped by the residents and leaders that outline Seline's missions to bring people together, provide sustainable public services, and evaluate our city for today and tomorrow. This plan prioritizes effectively asset management, purposeful planning, and smart growth, and supporting a viable viable community along other goals. The Davenport Curtis Mansion built in 1875 is a distinguished second empire archaeology style and listed in the National Registry of Historical Places is one of the Selen's most significant historical assets. Its preservation and thoughtful acti activation can advance several strategic priorities all at once. This strategic priority directs the city to proactively manage community assets to ensure long-term sustainability. The mansion is more than a building. It is an irreplaceable culture and agriculture architectural asset that deserves stewardship rather than leaving its fate to the open market. proactively securing its own alliance with this pri priority and prevents unnecessary risk in inappropriate re redevelopment. The strategic plan calls for growth that aligns with community needs and vision. By acquiring the Davenport Curtis Mansion, the city gains the time and control to thoughtfully explore adoptive reuse and and serves their residents, supports downtown, and preserves the

historic character that makes Seline unique. A viable community is one where residents feel connected, proud, and engaged. Programming at the mansion can be for the community connection, residents, and for all ages into deeper engagement with local history, culture, and civil life. Allowing this opportunity to pass without city involvement would be a risk to our community values. We cannot know who might purchase this property on the open market. Rather, a future owner will prior prioritize preservation, let alone community benefit. Worst case, it could sit vacant and fall into despair. The best case might be a private owner maintaining it quietly, but ownership by the city ensures community alliance and aligns with the strategic plan long-term vision for smart sustainable stewardship of our shared spaces. In contrast to past opportunities that have been discussed like

have to end it there, deputy clerk who what was the name on that? Mary Dling. Okay, very good. Appreciate Mary's comment. You may proceed with the next comment.

Um, my name is Jill Doran. I'm a long life resident of Seline, a local business owner and the board president of the Seline Main Street and want to voice my support for the city purchasing [clears throat] the Davenport Curtis Mansion. This is truly a once in a generation opportunity to invest in both the history and future of the city. I recently had the opportunity to tour the home and I was blown away by how beautifully it had been maintained and the city will still by this by the history that still lives there through its original furnishing and details. This is not something that can be replaced once it's lost. Is this a big investment? Yes, but some investments require vision. Preserving this home ensures that is protected for public benefit rather than lost forever to private development. Once this happened, there's no way to get it back. This property also presents real opportunities for community access, education, tourism, and finan sustained financial with thoughtful stewardship. It could offer public tours, school programming, community events, and experience that draw visitors by supporting their downtown and local businesses. From both a community and economic development perspective, I believe this property will not lose value, historic assets like the strength of the city's identity and help preserve the unique character that helps Seline be special. I grew up here and I'm proud to call Selene home. Decisions like these are paramount to preserving the charm and sense of place to define our community for future generations. I urge you to step forward.

Appreciate that comment. That was from Jill Dernan. Uh, you may proceed with the next comment. Deputy clerk Alexa, please vote no on the Curtis Mansion purchase. Carolyn Fitzgerald, thank you. Please.

As 20-year residents of Seline, we are property owners and taxpayers. We would like to register our opposition to the purchase of the Curtis Mansion. The city of Seline has multiple ex expenditures that are in the multi-million billion dollar range. These include the wastewater treatment plant, refurbishing the Seline Rec Department, as well as Mil Pond Dam. Residents already pay extremely high taxes for the benefit of living in Seline. Taking on additional multi-million dollar project with no no clear benefit to residents is grossly negligent. Let's [snorts] take care of what we currently have on the books and not further increase the tax burden. We ask that our elected leadership refrain from approving this purchase. David [clears throat] and Cheryl.

Thank you. Please proceed. The Curtis Mansion is a treasure to Seline. So is the rec center and the parks treasures in Seline. The city has difficulty addressing the issues at the rec center and parks. I find it difficult to agree to the purchase of the Curtis Mansion if the city cannot address these current issues. The mansion will cost thousands of dollars to maintain why we cannot even maintain our current structures. Therefore, I urge city council to vote no on the purchase Curtis Mansion, Bob Rose.

Very good. Thank Bob for his comment, please. Um, it is a pivotal moment in Selen's history regarding the future of 300 East Michigan A. The house and grounds are a combined historic and natural monument to the city. It would be very risky leaving its future to enhance or assume that someone would purchase the property and maintain its integrity. The city's planning commission does not adequately address the changes and controls necessary to ensure proper urban planning and possible development of this situation. Future planning and/or development should be carefully executed and the best and most effective approach to do so is to have the control of the property in conjunction with thoughtful and professional planning. This is valuable within the heart of the city. It is its own collateral, but its true value being forward will be how we plan and shape its future. Eric Roseman.

Good. Please proceed with the next comment.

Please vote no on the Curtis Mansion purchase. We are [clears throat] disgusted by the lack of responsibility by the city's financials and the consideration of this abomination. Let's take care of the infrastructure we have and show that we are able to maintain and maintain that before we take on more. The poor maintenance on the wastewater treatment facility and things such as the city entrance signs say enough. We don't have the money to take on projects of this type. Please be responsible with our tax dollars. You are seriously talking about closing the rec center because of its cost and you would consider taking on a project like this. Come on, Joseph and Mary Ellen Hudman.

We appreciate their comments. You may proceed.

Well, I have always enjoyed having the Curtis home in the city [clears throat] landmark. I don't feel purchasing is a smart expense to the P taxpayers as if we have yet to redeem the issues of the wastewater treatment plant, the mill pond dam, and the rec center money pit. The initial purchase is not the end of the expense. The land and buildings must be carefully maintained over the years. It has been my experience that the city is not very consistent with maintaining its [clears throat] properties. I don't feel this taxpayer burden the city should be considering. Donna Johnston, we thank Donna for her comment. Very good. Please proceed with the next comment.

I was asked Oh, I'll just Well, okay. Um, I have a background in museum and art history with a degree from the University of Michigan. I also belong to a family that works for a large airline. Because of this, I have been to many homes around the world, including the Claude Monet's house in France and Frank's house in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Roman Pumpy in Italy, the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Buffalo, New York, the Claude Um Pete,

yes in France, the Davenport Curtis House in Seline should be purchased by the city. This house ranks with all of those famous places. Hopefully you will find a way to make this happen. Robert Lane,

you're good. We thank Bob for his comment. Please proceed. While the Curtis mansion is amazing historical building in Seline, I do not think this makes sense for the city to become financially entangled in this property. I think it makes more sense for the current owner to stipulate how the property is used when they sell it. I think the city should include its historical district. This would ensure that it can't be changed easily. Overall, I want to see the property maintained just through private ownership. You can look at a lot of cities in Michigan like Marshall that have historical buildings and private owners continue to maintain them. Allison Holding. Thank Allison for comment.

Just a few more. Okay. Yeah, please proceed.

Um, my name is Scott Wrenchler, a lifelong and current resident of the city of Seline. I would like to express my support for the city of Selene to purchase the Davenport house and property. History is important to us. Our historic district protects our culture, agriculture, architectural, and historic assets. The Davenport House along with the depot and Wellers are in my opinion the three most important historical sites Seline to protect. This past Saturday, the Selen Historical Society board had a chance to tour the house. And at our brief meeting after the tour, we were all in favor of the purchase to protect this most historical treasure. I ask that you consider purchasing this property so that at the very least it can be properly protected so the residents and visitors alike can enjoy this incredible historic homes and and grounds. I

appreciate that comment from Scott. Please proceed with the additional comments.

I've lived in downtown Seline for 10 years and also were business owners in the city. We are writing here today because we are being handed a once in a-lifetime generation decision decision whether we step up to protect the Davenport Curtis Mansion or allow it to slip away. This isn't just an old house. It's a landmark at 6 acres of land in the center of our city. It's a symbol of whether Seline sees its history or its burden or as an opportunity. Jeff and I have watched communities faced with moments like this. Some choose imagination. Others choose comfort. Comfort usually sounds like it's too expensive or it's too risky or now it's that now isn't the time. Comfort is saying no. This decision also isn't about whether Seline needs another museum. It's about what we do for the extraordinary downtown property. that land can host events, partnerships, education, celebrations, uses that can uses that can support preservation rather than drain resources. History and sustainability can coexist. Every study [clears throat] ever done in Seline says the same thing. People are drawn here because it feels authentic, because it has character, because it doesn't look like everywhere else. If you walk away from the most significant [clears throat] historic property, we weaken the very the very thing that makes Selene attractive. Let's talk honestly about risk. The downside of buying and protecting this property is limited. The upside is enormous. The true risk is doing nothing and watching this place be altered or lost forever. Years from now, someone will ask what stood at the center of Seline and it's and why it's gone. We want us to be able to say that we tried, that we saw the value, the possibility, the responsibility. We have a rare chance to act in our own terms and in intention and vision. Jeff and I are ready to help do the work. We

hope you're ready to say yes. Jeff and Kate Spence. Okay. We thank the Spencers for their comment. Um, any additional comments? Two more.

Two more. Please proceed. The Curtis Mansion should not become a financial burden in Seline for on Seline taxpayers. Instead, it should be sold to a private buyer who will assume full responsibility for the cost and ownership and maintenance. This approach would allow us to continue enjoying its beauty as well as as we walk or drive by just as we always have. Moreover, if the city purchased the property, we would forfeit many tens of thousands of dollars in annual tax property tax revenue and the property owner would generate. Once again, I'm hopeful that the city leaders prioritize the true needs of our community over the desires of a a few on council. At the very least, the decision of this magnitude, including millions of public funds, deserves to be put directly to a vote to the citizens. Chris Vodman.

Thank Chris for his comment. Final comment.

All right. As the resident of the city of Seline, I'm requesting that you please vote no for the purchase of the Curtis Mansion. The residents of the city do not need any additional purchases made given that they are going to continue to increase our taxes. There is no way this purchase will do enough to benefit the residents to justify even one penny increase in our taxes. In addition, please stop subsidizing the city rec center with the taxpayer dollars at if this business cannot sustain itself. It needs to be shuttered like any other business that cannot ex succeed financially. City of Seline residents are subsidizing the rec center and many non city residents are benefiting from that. Stop stop giving it giving it our money. We have already seen our city services decline. snow removal in particular. Why taxes, water and sewer bills increasing extensionally over years over a year far outpacing our salaries. Jeff Wise.

Okay. And we are sure uh deputy clerk Alexa that that is all the comments. Yes, there is one letter from [clears throat] the um Eastern University that was handed out.

Okay. Yeah, that's a longer document. Um I believe it is dated uh January the 7th, 2026. It's signed by a Nancy Villa Burke uh professor of uh preservation studies and director of graduate program in president in preservation preservation studies excuse me at Eastern Michigan University and I believe that's expressing support for the acquisition. So a nice eclectic mix of of of comments. We appreciate everyone sharing their opinions and we will deal with that momentarily. Um for the public's benefit, I wasn't planning to ask this question but I'm going to. I think it's best directed at the community development director. However, if the deputy city clerk or or the deputy city manager, excuse me, or city manager would like to address it, um that would be fine as well. Um a number of comments and questions uh were raised regarding the initial due diligence on the property, evaluating the the the structure, the outbuildings. Um can you comment on that and more importantly if if people were to uh if people wanted to take a look at the documents where they would find those? Yeah, the the uh inspections [clears throat] that were done by our our inspectors were just on the surface. Obviously, as I mentioned last week, they didn't go into the walls and do things like that. Um they uh do mention that the uh HVAC system is [clears throat] wellmaintained. I think it's 10 to 15 years old. It's been serviced every year. It's documented right on the unit. Uh new water heater. Uh there's a generator. electrical system is updated. Um, then we had structural engineers come in, went through all the houses. Uh, they did, [clears throat] excuse me, as was mentioned, they did note that there's um standing in the boards up in the attic uh from leaks. Uh, that roof was replaced 15 years ago. That's only the second roof that's been on the structure. Um, it's all slate. uh the owner has been very very diligent about having um any leaks uh addressed and and taken

care of and the environmentals everything came back clean. That was a I think a 638 page document. Um and they did a very uh in-depth historic look at the entire property. I mean there was nothing there prior to this house being built 150 years ago. Uh there no uh threat of any contamination in the grounds um based on the age of the site. Yeah there there might be some material in there that contains asbestous. They recommended uh doing some further tests if any [clears throat] work needs to be done in there have it abated or avoided altogether. and um single name. I mean that's just based on anything what is it 197072 or so probably have that and then there's a fair chance that it is and city manager if if individuals within the community wanted to take a look at those documents all that material is available on minutes on demand correct

yeah several of the documents were provided uh particularly for the work session uh January 5th so we do have uh that online and [clears throat] we can certainly you know if there's more detailed reports like the uh environmental um phase one review uh Those can be made available as well. Yes. Very good. Thank you. Uh we're going to proceed to the consent agenda. Again, we'll get to the um the issue of the Davenport Curtis home momentarily. Again, we appreciate those who attended this evening and uh those who submitted comments. Uh the following consent agenda will normally be adopted without discussion. However, at the request of any citizen or council member, any item may be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. I'd like to approve as I would like to remove item 26-11. Okay. Um would you like then to make a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended?

Yes. Okay. Council member Rice, would you be amendable to seconding that? Sure. Okay. There's a motion on the floor moved by Dylan, seconded by Rice to approve the consent agenda as amended. Uh noting the subtraction of agenda item 26-11. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Post say nay. Eyes have. The motion carries unanimously. We come now to agenda item 26-11. Appointment of Tracy Shelton Marion to TIFF and EDC boards. This will be a motion to appoint Tracy Shelton Marian to the Tiffen EDC boards. Move to acknowledge. Moved by Dylan to acknowledge. Is there a second? [clears throat] Second. Seconded by Gerba. Uh, Council Member Dylan, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Um, my question was that we do have a city ethics policy that has a nepotism issue. Uh, Miss Marian is a spouse of a city employee and I just want a clarification that we are because we are deviating from our policy and just making sure that everyone is aware of that and if we are going to deviate then we should probably be looking at changing the policy.

If you want to comment, I'm not aware that we're deviating from the policy but go ahead. mayor. Yeah, the policy I'm aware of that was uh discussed prior to the meeting was uh relative to council members uh immediate family. Obviously, this is a city employee, so slight difference, but um again uh again that the policy I was aware was uh relative to council members, right? And in in my opinion, they should just sort of mirror. I mean, if if you're going to have rules for council, they should be the same for staff.

Any additional comments, Mr. Kba? I've been consistent on this with my nepotism thing. I mean, we've had issues where, you know, people have hired their sisters or I had other things where staff have hired for temp positions and things that we should be consistent in our policy even with our committees and such. Um, I mean the concern gets to be basically we have issues related to those type of things. So, um, further perhaps this is a discussion that we need to talk. I mean, if we believe that council shouldn't have their spouses on um committees, I'm not sure where the line should be crossed where we wouldn't have [clears throat] it be with um employees. I mean, a similar type of thing I think happened with even the school boards in terms of how they were employed can't be employed by one entity and then also serve as a member of the other. Um I'm just saying that this probably is a discussion that we should have a little more merit to it. I I don't have any objection to having additional discussion and I think as I made mention in a email today that this is an item that the policy committee should should address if the existing uh standards ought to be amended or or modified. I don't see any inherent conflict or problem with uh appointing a spouse of a staff member to our economic development boards. I can't imagine what what the the conflict or um issue would be. Um I I've I've known um Tracy Shelton Coulson uh Marian for a number of years lifelong Selenian. I interviewed for her for this position. She's deeply passionate about our community. I think she'll be a an excellent addition to our board. So, uh during the subsequent motion, I will be uh uh voting an affirmative yes to confirm the appointment. If there's nothing further, we'll move uh we'll proceed to vote on the motion. Moved by Gearb, seconded by Gearbos simply to acknowledge receipt. All those in favor say I.

Post say nay. Nay. Um to acknowledge receipt. Oh, to acknowledge pardon me. Yes. To Okay. Um is there a motion now [clears throat] to appoint? Move to appoint. Moved by Rice to appoint. Is there a second? Second. Is that Del Orco? Yes. Thank you. Is there any additional discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Post say nay.

Eyes have it. Motion carries 5 to2. Thank you. Uh we move on to new business item 26-13 resolution uh instituting a temporary moratorium on approval of data centers in the city of Seline. This will be a motion to acknowledge a receipt and to adopt or not to adopt. Resolution number 2613 instituting a temporary moratorum on the approval of data centers in the city of Selen, Michigan for a period commencing on the date of the resolution and terminating 365 days uh from the date of the resolution. Motion tootion to approve and adopt. Um it's actually going to be a motion. I'm looking for a motion to acknowledge and to adopt. Are you amendable to making that motion? Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Seconded by Rice. um city manager actually uh community devel development director Akin would you like to begin?

Yeah, just with the influx of data centers that have been popping up throughout the state, we felt it's best to put a moratorum on this since we don't have anything in the zoning ordinance uh directly related to uh these types of uses. Uh I have spoke with a couple of other communities both down river that are seeking to do the same thing. I believe uh just late I think it was last Thursday uh Allen Park was entertaining a proposal for a data center there. Uh they do have some sizable [snorts] lots available in their industrial park but nothing near what is being done over in Selen Township. So I'm not sure how they're going about this. Um city of uh Taylor I spoke with them. Uh they're considering moratorum as well. Um, so I think for the near future, uh, this will allow us some time to look into it, figure out what would be best and, uh, if we were approached with this type of use within the city.

Very good. I think you and I actually discussed this matter back in October and November. Um, and I'm I'm strongly in favor of of moving forward this evening. Um you're indeed correct or the inference you made is correct which is uh we don't have ample available space currently in the city for a large data center unless of course there was a developer who was was to was able to cobble together several several parcels which I think would be unlikely at best. However, I would note for council and for the public's benefit, we were receiving calls last year in 2025 from Fortune 100 companies who were interested in developing large parcels directly adjacent to the city of Seline and then seeking annexation and the use of our utilities. So, I think this approach is is pragmatic and and prudent to evaluate what kind of um um uh what kind of additional regulatory framework we need to put in place to protect our existing residents and and and business owners. I'm not against data centers in their totality. Um, but I do think uh putting this moratorum in place makes makes sense for the next next year. Um, am I if I'm not mistaken, was this matter discussed at the December policy committee of city council?

It was mentioned there wasn't any in-depth discussion about it. And I would note too because I think I shared this with you and the city manager and maybe even the deputy city manager. Um, Pittsfield Charter Township is either they've either cons are are either currently considering a similar policy or it's been adopted. And I was just notified last week that the city of Northville also um codified a very similar policy at their most recent city council meeting. Are there questions for uh for city staff? Mr. Gb, just real quick, um looking at this and the similar thing that happened in Sling Township, the defense of this, we have no concerns about the ability to defend this, not running into some kind of expensive um legal thing if somebody decides to push back with a moratorum. Yeah. No.

Okay. [snorts] Any additional questions, Mr. Delorco and then I'll jump to uh Miss Miss Dylan.

Yeah, given what um Selene Township has experienced, I think this is a a wise move moving forward to protect ourselves um from overdevelopment in data centers. But I also think it gives us an opportunity to look more into um the support systems and the support businesses around the data center, the battery storage facilities construction and the um alternative um sources of energy, windmill technologies. um uh um solar panels. All of that could uh generate potential interest in the business industrial parks in the slain community and we might want to be mindful of having an eye on how those businesses are going to impact our community.

Thank you for that, Council Member Dylan. Thank you. Um was this reviewed by the city's attorney? No, it was not. The moratorum was not. This was uh drafted from a existing moratorum. So the language that is in there is consistent uh with other moratoriums that I've read.

Um and I guess Mr. Gerba has already asked about it being defendable. Um the other question I have is are data centers known by any other names? By saying data center, is that a generic term that is all-encompassing? or are there other avenues in which people can sneak through?

The last uh we received a phone call from somebody last week. It was a storage was in some sort I think they're referring to the one in Selen Township and it was [snorts] um storage was I think might have just been data storage or something of that nature. Um, I don't know how that went through. Uh, I could easily see them considering these offices um or R&D, but I mean

I I guess that's my concern right now if you know if we can amend this to be anything just similar in concept. And then just to understand and it may just be that I'm not reading this correctly. There's a whereas clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 um it's the eighth whereas clause which is the city council has determined that it may be necessary to expedite the pursuit of certain development [clears throat] or business opportunities and may be appropriate to provide mechanism allowing a petition to the city council for an exception to the deferral contained in this resolution. So are you saying that we can actually by a vote of this body override our moratorum

by deferral? Yeah, I would concur with that statement. I mean obviously this is a council action can be overturned by a council action. So at any point in time uh that that is empowered uh empowered by council and I think it is appropriate for example if we had development that you know was acceptable that we wanted to move forward that we could bring it forward to council but we take action to override this. There's also nothing that would mitigate it anytime council from offering a a motion to uh to lift the moratorum or lift it prior to the 365 days. We have everything passed and everything. So is

right and so in the 365day time frame is there are we looking at ordinances coming forward? Is there something do we have a time frame? Do we have an idea of what that's going to look like? Um moving forward.

Moving forward. No, not yet. It's basically going to come down to, you know, the amount of land is necessary. Uh setbacks, building height, things like that. uh your standard zoning requirements. Um I I'm not up to speed with how the one in Selen Township [snorts] is going to function. I don't know if there's a certain level of noise that is going to emanate from there. Uh so there's all those things have to be taken in consideration. Yeah, the goal is to bring an ordinance language forward within that 365day or one-year time frame. uh in theory it could also be extended uh but you have to show that you've made progress towards you know adopting regulations or adopting zoning ordinance amendments uh within that time frame. So the goal would be to yes bring an ordinance forward within the one-year time frame.

Thank you. Additional questions or comments? Any discussion on the motion? We have a motion on the floor moved by Harm, seconded by Rice to acknowledge and to adopt. All those in favor signify by saying I. I post nay. I have the motion carries unanimously. We move on to new business item 26-h4 county emergency communication consortium agreement renewal. This will be a motion to acknowledge the receipt and to approve or not to approve a two-year agreement with county project oversight committee to manage and support the county emergency communications consortium in the form of the attached memorandum of understanding and authorize the clerk and police chief to execute the memor memorandum. Is there a motion? Move to approve. You want to acknowledge a receipt first uh Mr. Delco and then approve.

To acknowledge and to approve. Okay. Moved by Deloro to acknowledge and to approve. Is there a second? Second. Was that Rice? Yes. Thank you. Um, in the absence of the police chief, I will turn it over to the city manager.

Uh, thank you, mayor and council. This has been a longerterm agreement that the city of Selena has entered into with uh what's the project oversight committee which is really a division of county that manages the uh 800 megahertz uh radio system or the communication systems uh for public safety. So with that we're asking basically for another two-year renewal uh to take us forward another two years. Um the funding uh that is basically flows from county through the city and then uh is actually mostly a pass through to the public safety management group. Um many people know Mr. Swinson who manages that group. Um and so majority of the funding is passed through uh for their management. Uh they operate obviously the radio system uh here. They coordinate with all the uh departments in uh Washington County uh for uh for those communication systems, work the local fire departments and EMS um as well as police. And then they also manage the boards, the the project oversight committee as well as the county uh communications consortium. Uh they manage those boards and uh manage their feedback and whatever updates to the system etc that may need to be made. Uh so as part of this uh the city would enter an agreement with the county uh project oversight committee. Uh the total funding over a two-year time frame would be $326,611. Uh that is split between uh 2026 and 2027. Uh and then again uh we subsequently enter into a contract with the public safety management group. So so I take any questions that council may have.

Any questions for the city manager? Um council member Dylan. Thank you. So this is the money we're agreeing right now. This is the money coming from the county to the city. Where is the agreement from the city to the entity? I'll move that forward at your next meeting on February 2nd. And is it the same dollar amount? Is there additional costs to the city at that point? So in discussions that one of the reasons they didn't bring them concurrently is what uh there's small retainage by the city to manage contract but a majority would go through to the so roughly the same dollar amount would go through to the public safety management group. There's no increase in cost to the city to maintain this agreement.

There are if you look at previous agreements there's a inflationary escalator included in here. So this is a larger dollar amount than was previously approved for the previous two-year period. Does that make sense? Okay. Is there a reason that they weren't brought together, the two agreements? Just want to make sure that this one was passed and adopted prior to entertaining the other because without this funding, uh, then you obviously we don't have the funding to support the agreement with the public safety management group. Okay. Um, and this agreement is dated October 31st. When did it expire? Has it expired already? So the the uh agreement would be for the calendar year 2026 and 2027. Okay. So

So [clears throat] then the contract this current by the uh project oversight committee with uh Washington County. Okay. Um again I'm going to ask that we get a better tickler system so that we're seeing these things before contracts expire. Um I think that's a bit of an issue. Um, there's also a couple of typos in this that I hope that somebody would have picked up. Thank you.

If you want to send those typos, appreciate the catch uh to the city manager. We can get those corrected without objection. I would note because it was a a good suggestion. I I would recommend in the future uh city manager swallow that the motion that u council member Dylan made reference to the subsequent motion it just be a and b on the same agenda. I think that's just a better way to streamline the process. Additional questions or comments from the day? Um then we'll proceed to vote unless there's anything further. It's been properly moved by Delorco, seconded by Rice to acknowledge and to approve. All those in favor say I.

I. Post say nay. I have it. The motion carries unanimously. We move on to new business item 26-15 Northview subdivision tap grant design engineering. This will be a motion to acknowledge receipt of the memo and to approve or not to approve the professional service agreement from OM in the amount of $37,200 for Northview subdivision tap grant design services. Is there a motion, folks? Move to acknowledge and approve. Move by Rice to acknowledge and approve. Is there a second? Seconded by Harmount. Um, engineer Humpress. The floor is yours.

Okay. Um, this is just moving up a project um in our capital plan or in our current budget because um we got some TA fund grant funding this fall. I'm going to start over. Um there's a big crowd here tonight and I'm just going to focus on what I'm here tonight and there's a bunch of people listening to me talk about um road resurfacing projects. So um this is a capital road reservicing project for North View and Colony Estates. Everything basically on the northwest um corner of Waterworks and Anna Road. Um that's a project that's been in our capital plan for um quite a few years now. Uh we became engineering aware of an opportunity for some TAP grant funding in um early October of this year. We had about a one month turnaround time. we were able to capture $285,000 um through SAP COD and transportation alternative um um programming that will allow us to do all of the ADA ramps. Um so we are proposing to do the ADA ramps in fiscal year 27 um to come back and do the road trip in 28. Um so basically this is like a $285,000 flush of funds into our road funding for the year. Ultimately good news we're moving around a little bit of funding in this current to the approp appropriate general ledger lines. Um, but I guess open up to questions beyond the end.

Very good. There are questions for engineer Humphress. Uh, Council Member Dylan. Thank you. Um, I think this is great. I mean, this is what we did at Torwood that we were able to do this. It looks like by your drawing, I think there's 11 spots and where they would do it. Um, my big concern is do they do them all at the same time? And I mean because the issue is these are our ADA ramps and making sure that there is still accessibility for those people. Taking all of the ramps out at the same time. Um I I want to make sure that we've that we're providing some other mechanism for people to safely navigate our our sidewalks.

So you're talking about during actual construction looking at a sequence of constructions for um ADA access during construction. That's absolutely something we can look toward. And this again is to authorize designers to get this building. Right. Any further questions? Mr. Gbon, just to clarify, and these are for existing handicap rants that were that were replacing. I know in Torwood there was something or Selen River Drive where a ramp was placed and shouldn't have been put in. So making sure that they validate to recall [snorts] they put one in and then they had to tear it out after it was installed. Um well, I think you're speaking maybe about a cross. Um something all of the So these are all the rampid block. Yeah, we don't have any mid blocks for this.

Yeah, mid. And these are all and the locations are shown on a map in the packet. They're all at the intersections where there are existing um ramps and there aren't or existing I guess I would call them curb cuts. Um there's not any of the ADA ramps and such. So if you go into the except for the very I think there is one actually has ramps at um maybe the intersection on the very northern end, but all the routine intersections don't just some of them even have the big wide Right. Right. is just replacing but is no longer replacing that 80 which will be something required before we do the road project anyway. So again that's just source of money that's um helpful for our roads. Okay, thank you. Any additional questions? Council member Halch,

just one [clears throat] really quick. Um is this a source of funding that is sort of renewable beyond 2027? Um and then is this our first time being awarded these funds? Um so the TAP the transmission um alternative planning funds um we did receive also for the S12 West sidewalk project. So that project we applied for also fiscal year 27. Um this particular funding opportunity was that somehow the federally state whoever much bigger government entity than us there extra funding available in fiscal year 26 and 27. They extended the funding to local agencies um road agencies which we are for 27 for very specific safety improvements. Um, so we weren't so that funding um typically is for like non-motorized um transit bus routes and that's why we got [clears throat] it for US Southwest sidewalk because that's a non-motorized transit. Um, so that's why we apply for the ADH ramps because that was a big chunk of money big enough [clears throat] for us to justify the federal funding and something we could actually turn around relatively quickly because Northw was already in our plan. So we knew the costs and the number of ramps then and such. So yes, we have gone up. I personally at least I'm aware of two opportunities. Um I've now been here for four years. So those are two that in the last four years.

Awesome. Thank you. Anything further? There we have a motion on the floor moved by Rice, seconded by Harmount to acknowledge and to approve. All those in favor say I. I.

Post say nay. I say have it. Motion carries unanimously. Engineer Humphress. Thank you very much. We appreciate your time. We move on to agenda item 25-16. Davenport Curtis Home Acquisition Consideration. You have several uh motions to uh to consider this evening and the chair of course would be happy to entertain a modified motion in just a moment. However, I did not get an opportunity at the last meeting to ask some questions. So, I'm going to ask a a couple obligatory questions primarily for the public's benefit and I believe these will be directed to um Deputy City Manager Cole who's taken the lead on this project over the past four to six months. Um, Deputy City Manager Cole, can you um confirm there what protections um uh exist on the property today that would prevent the demolition of the home out building or any significant modification to said buildings that would undermine or compromise their integrity?

Currently, right now there are no protections over the building or the outbuildings. Okay. And based on your research of the past um uh four to six months, uh what have you determined to be the best way to um to go about putting those protections in in place so that the home and structures can be preserved in perpetuity? Well, when we s sit and review all the options that we have, the the best opportunity for us as a city is to place those restrictions on there. Um as private citizens selling the home, it's much more difficult for those um those uh historic requirements to stay in place. especially around development.

Yeah. And this last question, I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I'm going to. If you don't want to answer, that's fine. But I think the council and the community would would benefit from an answer. You've invested a lot of time and energy into this issue, which we we appreciate. And you also probably have a better understanding of the history and the impact that that family has had on on the Seline community for many generations. Uh if you were in our seat this evening, how would you proceed? Um it is my opinion that it it is best uh to protect and preserve the not only the home itself but also the opportunity for the six acres um in reviewing the risks associated with the property. I think that it is prudent to [clears throat] be temporary custodians of the property to preserve its historic nature and to have the sixacre opportunity within our downtown.

Very good. I appreciate your cander. Um again we have some motions presented. Is there somebody who would like to make a motion from the floor? Mr. Mr. Gearbal, I'll I'll yield to you because I think you have some modified language.

Yeah. Um based on the first motion that's in here written, I would move forward with to acknowledge receipt and approve the acquisition of the property located at 300 East Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the Davenport Curtis House for the agreed upon purchase price of $3 million and authorize the city manager to take necessary actions to proceed to closing under the terms of the purchase agreement dated September 2nd, 2025 as amended December 3rd, 2025. and further to direct the formation of a Devonport Curtis House working group to review and evaluate the use options for the property and to make a recommendation to city council within three years to include a determination of ongoing ownership of the property by the city and a fiscally sustainable operational plan for the property if the city retains ownership. Furthermore, if appropriations or other funding is not available to maintain the property at in its current state as of the city's acquisition, a corrective action plan, including the sale of the property, will be developed and submitted to the council for immediate action.

You want to read that addendum one last time because I know the deputy clerk's going to want to get that for the purposes of uh of of of our minutes this evening. Please proceed. Furthermore, if appropriations or other funding is not available to maintain the property in its current state as of the city's acquisition, a corrective action plan, including the sale of the property, will be developed and submitted to the council for immediate action. The chair will declare that motion in order. Let me first defer to the assistant clerk. Are you um clear on the additional language? Um you wanted to read it one more time. Yes. Okay. One more time, Mr. here Bob. I could pass this to you or two other He's got good handwriting. Well, sort of.

Yeah, better than mine. Um, everyone clear on the motion at the deis? Is there a second to that motion? I'll second. You'll second. Okay. Seconded by Dylan. Okay. So, the motion is the bulk of of option A with an additional um sentence. Um, we'll open up for questions or discussion. And because of the the magnitude of this issue, I would app I would appreciate and will certainly allow everyone the opportunity to just speak. I'll begin with the mover. Uh Mr. Gerba.

Um I would like to make it clear that the reason why I'm supporting this and I've looked at other things over our many many years as I've been on council our community, we've looked at investments and we've acquired land for different things. We've acquired land for our industrial parks to make that investment and resell it for the purpose of development and in improving our tax base and diversification. We purchased property that was on Monroe Street and that turned that into housing. Part of that was parkland. We sold that land. Um, this is an investment in the development and the consideration of a land and also the historic aspects of a property that as we have heard is something that has not changed in 150 years and is a key identity of our community. what we can do with this in an attempt to purchase it at this point in time is to protect it and is to put those things in place that will make this property foreseeable um approach to which I believe and I have seen it and I have talked to many individuals in this community that we want to see this protected if we didn't want to do this we wouldn't have historic districts in on Ann Arbor Street or on South and Arbor Street or on Henry Street a number of these things are no differently than when we're trying to preserve open space outside of the state outside of the city people step forward, sell their development rights. The purchase price that we're paying for this property does not reflect what the market would bear and the property itself is more valuable than what we at this point in time are paying for it. If it was to be developed and we could forego many taxes on this, but that's the same statement that we can make for all of our parks at this point in time. If our goal was to generate tax revenue, we would not be maintaining parking lots. We would not be maintaining private bu buildings or public buildings. We would not be maintaining our parks. This is at some point. It's this community. If we want to be a city that's going to grow and protect for our future and for our children, the children that will be paying if we do not save this because we will not have the open space and the protected farmland, I mean the protected green space for them to use. I've grown

up in this community 63 years and I've seen this property and every time I've heard somebody say, "Doesn't the city own it?" No, we don't. Who's protected it? We can't protect it. We have never been able to put HDC on this property. we've not been able to approach it because the owners that time have not, you know, didn't want us involved in their business. Well, at this point in time, we are now making that decision. We as leaders are purchasing this property to make that move forward. The reason why I put that additional motion on that, we cannot as a city uphold and make the stewardship, then we will put it on the private market. We will sell it again and that will be up to the private entity, but we will have protected the property.

Very good. Let me if I if I may and I'll read a statement and then I I welcome thoughts from uh from uh my uh my other five colleagues. Um to begin, let me thank city staff for their work and analysis on the potential acquisition of the Davenport Curtis property. Specifically, Deputy City Manager El Cole for her dedication and time these past six months or so as we began initial evaluation on the appropriateness of purchasing purchasing said property. My colleagues and I also appreciate genuinely the feedback we received from area residents and business owners. Whether you were expressing support, opposition, or simply raising a question or concern, we thank each of you for reaching out to express your opinion. In addition to our regular council meetings, this matter was discussed in depth at three of my most recent coffee hours town halls in the latter half of 2025. Those dialogues and discussions were very advantageous. Some excellent ideas were shared and will undoubtedly be pursued further if council approves closing on the property. Now, let me say I've heard the comments regarding the timing here, and I agree. The timing is far from perfect, but with all due respect, that's sort of beside the point. I found that no matter how hard you plan or prognosticate, some opportunities presented by external stakeholders will never be anticipated. Further, if you only act when the timing is ideal, you will undoubtedly forego countless opportunities. I'd rather lead a government which operates in the spirit of creativity and bold action than one frozen by timidity and indifference. To be very clear, great cities and communities are not simply defined by their geographic locations, exceptional schools, growing economies, or quality municipal services. They are also defined by their history and cultural assets. I have [snorts] heard the voices and calls for redoubling our efforts and investing robustly in core services and infrastructure. I have also heard advocates plea for the preservation of our small time town

identity as well as the preservation of our unique cultural and historic assets. In my humble opinion opinion, we can do both and must do both. Further, I know that there are many government and political types today, unfortunately, in 2026, who would suggest compromise, middle ground, or common ground ought not to be pursued, that opinions have coarsened and bridging the divide is not worth the time or the effort. I emphatically disagree. Compromise and brokering common sense solutions are noble pursuits and must be done by those in leadership positions. In this vein, the proposal before us in the motion made by council member Gearbaugh is a fair compromise and is both reasonable and pragmatic. It is not suggesting or advocating that we maintain ownership of the property in perpetuity. Rather, it is suggesting suggesting we become at the very least temporary stewards of one of the most prominent and important cultural assets in the Seline community. Further, if we assume ownership, we ought to give ourselves three years to evaluate and perform significant due diligence on the property to see if we can transform this one-of-a-kind home and parcel into an accessible, appealing public amenity for all to enjoy, ensuring as well um that all of this is done in a responsible and sustainable manner. The financing and maintenance plan here is manageable and should not detract from the projects and initiatives already underway or scheduled in the ensuing years. In [snorts] order to put this property on a sustainable trajectory, public private partnerships and/or partnerships with existing or emerging emerging nonprofits will need to be identified. At first blush, the amount of work that lies ahead seems daunting, but I'm optimistic, especially if private citizens step up to help lead this initiative uh in the ensuing months and years. I've lived in Seline my entire life. So too have my mother, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great great grandparents. The people of

our community, our identity, our culture, they matter to me. It's personal. Further, our history and iconic assets, they must be preserved. And we learned earlier, just earlier this evening, that the absolute best way to preserve the Davenport Curtis property is for the city to close on the parcel and subsequently put in place the appropriate easements and/or legal protections in order to safeguard the home and outuildings for generations to come. Tonight, we are called upon to take another step in this process. I am all in and will cast an emphatic vote in favor of closing on the Davenport Curtis property. Thank you. Additional comment from the D. Council member Rice and then Council Member Harmo. When we were approached by the family um in early fall of this past year, um I remember having a conversation with the mayor where I said, "I'm going to do anything I can to keep this property the way that it is to preserve it. Um to ensure that is it's the beacon of the city of Seline." Um over the last three months, I do believe that we have done a decent job of assessing it as a homestead, assessing it as a residence. Um taking a look at um the condition which the property is in. It's in great condition. The family has done an amazing immaculate job. As a as a homeowner who lives in the historic district who lives in a house that falls apart often, uh I'm very impressed by how they've been able to maintain uh this house. With that said, um I do emphatically believe this is not the right time. As someone who has been personally affected by decisions at our federal and state levels, um I still believe that the next few years of our lives are up in the air. as far as finances go, as far as the availability of funding goes, as far as um honestly any decision that a municipality can make could change at the whim of the ad

the current administration. Um therefore, as a municipality, I think we need to look at responsibly making decisions that we can control, that we can pursue, and that we can be successful upon. Um the documents that have been provided again have shown that the status of the home is you know A+ status for a historic home. However, as a municipality in turning it into an event space I don't believe that we have really thought about or had the time honestly we just haven't had the time to think about what the second and third order effects of taking on a project like this are. Do we have the staffing? Do we have the community input? Um though I will vote no on this. I will put every effort behind me to make it successful. If we vote on this today and we purchase this mansion, you better believe that I'm going to be at these meetings, that I'm going to be talking to the community, and that I'm going to be finding a way to make this successful because I believe in it. I just don't believe it's the right time. Thank you,

Council Member Harl. Um, so, uh, is it true that a historic a local historic landmark designation can be, um, established onto a property, uh, even if the city's not the owner? Question for staff with the uh, permission of the owner. Yes. Is that is that accurate? It's my understanding that it can be petitioned um to be designated without uh the agreement of the owner, but the agreement of the district, the the historic local landmark designation, not a historic district designation

with a landmark, but for local historic district, it needs to have the approval of the owner.

Okay. Um I am going to also mirror what council member uh Rice mentioned. Um, it's not that I don't value the aesthetics of this this building. Um, you know, it is a landmark of our of our community. However, I also was elected um to be fiscally responsible. And I just don't think that I think that even a temporary ownership is a risky situation both financially um and and I'm not super um I know there's been a lot of concern about the lack of the concrete plan um moving forward, you know, uh ahead of the actual vote. So, um for that I will most likely be a no.

Uh council member Dylan, I'll go right down the data. So, we'll do Council Member Dylan, Council Member Deloro, and end with Council Member Halch.

Thank you. Um, a lot of what I was going to say, um, have been said by others so far. Um, I do want to touch on a couple of things. Um, because the one thing that has been said over and over is it's not a good time in life. There's there's never a perfect time for anything. We probably would never have had children. we wouldn't have bought houses or cars or things like that because it's not the right time, kept the job, whatever the case may be. What we have to look at is this is the moment in time that we are in. And when you wake up tomorrow and say, are we okay with not having that landmark in our community? Is that what you're okay with? That's the piece. because right now if the city does not purchase it, there is absolutely nothing in our power that to preserve that house and that property the way it is. So, we need to think about that. Um, we need to think about and the mayor mentioned this and it's something that I I wholeheartedly believe in which is public private partnerships. It's something that we are working through with the green space downtown. It's things that we have worked through with a lot of other projects and you see very successful models in other communities. We need to give ourselves the time to be able to find what the use of that property will be, what that private partnership will look like. And maybe we're not a piece of it. But we need to make sure that that property is maintained. That's the part that I feel the city has the obligation to right now.

And then when we start talking about the financial aspects of it, after we're done with this, we're going to talk about another piece of property that the city owns, lot 20, the empty lot next to Zippies that we're about to close on. the city is going to be coming into approximately $650,000 with with the sale of that property. This is why we have properties and maybe those funds can be designated towards this there. You know, there's opportunities for things when people say, "Oh, we're going to have to forego things." Every year that we do a budget, we have that same conversation. Sometimes there's different things. We just approved a very large contract for police apparatus, but we valued it and that's where we chose to spend our money. And with that, that's where I think the city should spend its money with the purchase of this property.

Thank you, Council Member Dylan. Uh, Council Member Delarco, any thoughts you'd like to to share?

Yeah, I I've carefully listened to the public input and the comment this evening. Uh there are a lot of comments made more than I've heard in a long time both for and against uh the acquisition and purchase of this property. In my view, if there were already deed restrictions placed on the property, we would not be having this conversation. I made a pledge [clears throat] to the electorate when I was running for reelection in this office that I would do everything in my capacity to to asssure that those deed restrictions would be put in place. With that, I also pledge that this we would do so and we would maneuver the acquisition in such a way that it would not become a burden on the community and the taxpayers. We are not closing the door on the sale of the property. We are securing ownership long enough to put the appropriate historical protections and deed restrictions in place to prevent the home from being destroyed. and to contemplate the possibility of long-term ownership as a self- sustaining asset. I I fully recognize that that is a lofty goal and a heavy lift that may or may not be possible. And it is only because we are putting the necessary guard rails and exit strategy in place that I can support the motion as amended. Were it not for that, I don't think I agree with the opposition that this would not be a wise move. However, I feel the loss of of this historical asset would be a detriment and a travesty. The home has a value of historical and personal aspects that are greater than dollars and cents.

And that's a value that can't be measured. Thank you, Council Member Delarco. Uh, Council Member Halch.

Oh, yeah. So, I actually have a number of questions. Um, kind of just for me more of the process and kind of getting to um some of the specifics that have been mentioned in the packet around financing. Um, I hope you'll bear with me and and and hopefully there's some clarity for the public. Um so my first question is can you explain what the timeline is between today and year three of acquisition of this property being that I think year three has been identified as the sort of beginning of that offering. When when you mean the financing,

not necessarily the financing, but just so my understanding is that if we purchase the home today or we we move forward with purchasing that ultimately um we have I guess up to 3 years to kind of iron out that plan. Is that an accurate assessment of

Okay, if I [clears throat] may, Council Member Hal, if if the motion that was moved by Gearbot, seconded by Dylan, is approved. Uh, my office in conjunction with the city manager would likely present at our next regular meeting the establishment of the mentioned working group. Um, and if approved by council, then the clock would begin on that that particular date, which would mean they would have to issue their final report no later than the the 1st or 2nd of February, 2029. Okay, great. Um, what is our contingency? We I I I hear this mention of, you know, the value is is I I think 3 to 4 million. What is our contingency if in 3 years market conditions aren't favorable to the sale of the to the sale of the if we if we get to that three third year um and we say we got a sale, what what happens yet if market conditions aren't favorable at that three-ear mark? I think that we can uh pontificate many different scenarios. Um but the real value in that piece of property is the land.

Okay. Uh I think the question still applies. So if if at that 3 years are we saying that hey the house isn't working so we're going to look into selling the land like do is there do we have any sense of contingency uh should we get to that threeyear or even that 5year mark because I think the the offramp is 5 years total correct it's it's three the the original um thought process was five we shortened it down to three to make it tighter and more succinct um and to deliver that guarantee of you know the stop loss on the gap. So, um, with the home, I I think what you're trying to say is what what is the timeline maybe? What is the total exposure?

Well, I know I I so I understand the total exposure. My my I guess what I didn't see um any mention to and I understand again that we have to form this working group and those sorts of things. Um but again have we considered or did we make any considerations within the like I said within this plan that looks at contingencies?

Yes we did. So I the one thing that I would like to mention too is that the contingency actually is the um remediation plan in three years. So, I would love to be able to predict in the future the market conditions, um, what the task force decided to use the space for because those are not known. The three-year time frame that calls for that contingency action plan, which includes the sale of the home, is your plan.

Okay. So, let's say next our um our working group is is decided and they, you know, go with plan A. um who is responsible for assessing the performance of plan A and if we decide that we need to pivot at year three. Are we resetting our timeline or do we need to come back with the new timeline for pivoting?

That is a decision for the elected body at that point in time. Uh and I think it'd be pretty easy to assess whether it is a balanced budget or whether it's struggling. um much like we assess every single department that we do on an annual basis and those decisions will be for council. Okay. Um so I think we've we've one of the things that I think has been a little bit perturbing to me when we think about the cost of the acquisition. Um the true acquisition cost that we are signing up for today is more than the 3 million. What is that total cost that we would be committing to by year three?

If you're looking at the debt service plus the maintenance, so that does not include the total $3 million because that is part of the debt service. So I'm just talking one number. That's about 330 to $335,000 a year. So that would be the potential risk. Now that does include some p, you know, some principal. So there is value in the home. So if we were selling that that would be returned. So this is just a very loose estimate. But approximately between 330 and 335 annually. So about 2 million I guess if I'm doing the math over three years. Three years be less than a million.

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Just over a million. Added a zero there. Um okay. So [clears throat] then what I know with the amended motion um that we want to uh we need to have a corrective plan. How does that does that corrective plan occur in alignment with you know this sort of three-year offramp or is that something that's going to be before this threeyear I guess I don't understand like concurrent. Yeah. Okay. concur. Um, so those are all kind of my financial questions. Um, and so what I want to move now kind of into is the process. Actually, no, before I go, how do we know how much tax revenue and or investment revenue we're foregoing in those first three years?

The current amount of tax revenue that the property is is $17,000 a year. um barring any um added tax value that the city puts on it or development, that would be the amount, but the the task force could decide to do a a plethora of different things that could potentially bring in tax revenue as well.

What about the investment revenue? Because I know we we're making a pretty decent amount on our investments and and from our general fund. Now, do we have a number on what that would look like that we'd be foregoing? Um generally the real estate market tends to fall in line with the investment market. Um in fact we invest in real estate in our investment portfolio. So this is um albeit in our neighborhood and we're investing in ourselves just a little bit type of difference in that investment but it should return about at the same rate. Yeah I totally understand. Is there is there a specific number that we have on that?

Are you asking? And yeah, not necessarily predict, but if let's say we have a 4% return between for over these next three years, do we do we have an idea of kind of what we would be forgoing on that $3 million in our general fund as far as our investment returns? Yes. Yep. Correct. And do we have that number? So the the percentage rate that we will be earning is it's about five four to five and I would say it would be about the same rate of return that we'll get on the increase of the value in the home.

Okay. the process. One of the things that I heard about this process and one of the things that I think I've seen throughout this process that [clears throat] really really disturbed me, I know that the mayor just mentioned coffee houses, but I don't recall uh that any of those coffee house uh coffee hours were specifically common periods, listening sessions, or or anything specifically related to the mansion. And so, one [clears throat] of the one of the main things that I ran on was the concept that we govern together. Clearly, as this room is shown, by my count, I think there were about 11 pro purchase and about 17 no purchase with three neutrals. It seems to me that there were a number of opportunities that I think both the city staff and also council, especially once it was public in Sep September, um to open up the due diligence to the public. Um, when we think about that 90-day period, I think the most important due diligence that we missed were the citizens of Salem. So, my question is, what were the barriers the council and city staff faced to soliciting citizen input and how can we overcome those barriers to ensure that citizen input is solicited at the earliest possible decision point?

Absolutely. I believe the the first barrier is the negotiation of the the sale of the property itself. So, a real estate deal is a little bit different than a traditional municipal operation or deal. So, you want to not kind of play your cards out in front of everyone when you're negotiating. So, that that's the first thing that slows down the process. The second part that slows down the process is doing the due diligence, which might seem, oh, we did a couple inspections and it might seem easy. It's not. There are a We went through so many different inspections and it is extremely timeconuming. And then when you kind of realize and step back and you think about the involvement of the community, we don't have time to stop and go to the community and see what they believe to be the highest best use for the property. And that is exactly the intent of the rec center work group so that they do have a say. And the say may be we don't want to keep it. we want you to put the restrictions on it and we want it turned around and off of the city's books.

So I guess again I my question there is even if you think about this working group that's going to be something that's ultimately selected by the mayor. So that is ultimately going to reflect who the mayor sees fit as you know being in that working group. Do you still think that that's enough to ensure citizen input? because I understand the negotiations and I understand that, you know, there is a time sensitivity to this, but I also want to point out that sort of in that in the same sort of time span, Seline Township citizens have more input on the data center than we as a city have had on this mansion. And I know we can't always do surveys. I know we can't always solicit, you know, every single citizen's input, but I have to believe that between September and January 12th that there were opportunities that we could have taken. And I wasn't on council then, but I still feel as though there were opportunities that could have been taken to directly solicit uh the public's input on the the the purchase of this mansion. Um, and so I would ask, what were the specific reasons? Well, no, never mind. I don't need to ask that question. My next question, we we've mentioned that the public uh private partnership seems to be what everyone is calling for or or kind of seems to be uh the next best alternative to outright purchasing. Let's say we move forward with a public private partnership. Do they also does that partner also have governance on how and what can be developed on that land? That is a technicality of a contract, an agreement that the city would make with the potential partner.

Okay. Um, and then I guess I don't know if there's any representatives from the family here, but during the negotiations, were we made aware of any considerations that the family could potentially or have made in preserving the the house? [clears throat] Because I kind of feel like they've known it's historic. It wasn't historic, you know, just when they came to us to buy it. So, it kind of, as people have pointed out, I think there is some responsibility that the family could take in preserving this property because it it to me it kind of seems they aren't really worried about being it it being protected and, you know, it the the honest is being put on the city and ultimately the taxpayers to do that protection. So, were there any considerations during the negotiations to protect the property? Absolutely. In fact, the family's consideration to offer the property to the city of Seline was with the forefront in their mind of protecting the property. If the property were sold um via private sale um because it sits on a sixacre block that is completely undeveloped if they were to make the sale even with restrictions um to kind of mark off any development. If the person who purchased the property were to turn around and start to develop it, it would be the responsibility of the family to then try to fight back and it would be a very difficult fight where if we're able to put those restrictions on and, you know, have everything be preserved from a legal standpoint, that's not going to be as difficult um in the long run if if there's another change of hands.

Okay, awesome. I And again, bear with me. I just I I really have had a lot of questions. I know we didn't have a lot of time. I'm at the working meeting. Um, so then [clears throat] speaking of the the I know that sort of the funding mechanism that we've discussed with this proposal is we intend to ultimately uh issue a bond to kind of replenish that uh fund balance. That'll leave us you know about 1.8 million. So what is the the timeline to which we will have that bond uh have that general fund replenished? Once we issued a bond, at what point, I guess, can we expect it to be back where our uh charter calls for?

Um, it it doesn't take very long at all. So, once the bond is issued, it normally is about 30 to 60 days.

Okay, awesome. Um, another question. How often has the city used Wellers for public events or for just events? During my tenure as a council member or mayor, I believe we um have reached out to the proprietor on on a few occasions and I recall on at least one instance, maybe two um using the Henry Ford room for a gathering space for a regional meeting with uh westside businesses. So is there any concern of of you know potentially cannibalizing sort of the both the historic nature of Wellers but but also Wellers as a venue space and event space? Um, not in my judgment, but if council were to move forward with the motion that was presented this evening and we follow up at our subsequent meeting with a a proposal to establish a working group, I I would cite a number of things within that that that memo, including that whatever opportunities um are pursued on the site of the Davenport Curtis property um that we try our our very best not to cannibalize or detract from existing businesses or nonprofits uh in the Selen community. I would also note to an earlier question or an inquiry that you made to the um deputy city manager that there's nothing in the sales agreement that precludes us from subdividing the existing property, moving in a new direction, and selling portions of of the lot if we deemed that appropriate.

So, okay. Um so, I [clears throat] I think that those are all my questions. Um, and I appreciate first of all all the work that you've done uh both city manager Swallow and Deputy uh City Manager El Cole. Um, and and as I think about this mansion and I think about this purchase, I' I've visited the home and as someone who is a book lover, like I wish I could have that library for myself. U, I am a huge history buff. I I completely recognize the historical value like I if I had the money myself I would pay for it.

Um my problem and the reason why I am voting no is it it for me it goes back to that principle of together. Um, we have to remember even as we sit here as elected officials, when we think about the oric chart for this city, citizens sit at the top before council, before the mayor, before anything, our citizens sit at the top. And I ran on the promise and I will continue to govern on the promise that every decision that we make that we can, I want to hear the the input of the citizens, the input of the people who are paying our bills. And so I hope that as we move forward, not just with this purchase, as we move forward with the rec center, as we move forward with the dam, as we move forward with the wastewater treatment plant, that we remember that the most important due diligence that we will ever do for any project in this city rest in its people. Thank you. Thank you for that comment. Uh I do want to confirm or go back to an earlier point that was raised and and deputy city manager Cole, you can confirm this. The last coffee hour that we hosted uh here in council chambers with commissioner beamman. Uh the main thrust of that presentation was on the Curtis Mansion and that was advertised via press release and on social media. Do you want to talk I I believe you took um I don't mean this in a pjorative way nearly 45 minutes discussing the due diligence and the evaluation on the on the the Curtis property.

Yes, we we spent about 45 minutes um at the coffee hour that morning um with the Curtis mansion as the main topic. think it was a very good um session and there was a lot of input both pro pro and negative. Um I thought it was a very useful situ uh conversation for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Very good. Let me just say this and then I'll entertain any final comments before we vote. Um and and I made a few of these remarks last week in a live stream interview with uh with Mr. Tran Longmore, the proprietor of the of the Seline the Selen Post. Uh, I I I I hear the concerns and I I I I agree with with many of the thoughts that have been articulated this evening and in the preceding weeks. Um, I don't know if we were going to be able to make this work, but I can tell you from my perspective, I would rather make a good faith effort and try and fail than forego this opportunity and see the asset lost uh in in the ensuing years. So, I'm willing to uh to uh like I said, step forward um and support a motion to acquire the property to become temporary stewards or custodians and put in the time and effort to see if we can turn this into a valuable, viable uh community asset for all of our residents to enjoy. I do want to jump back to a comment that was made by uh Mayor Prom Rice, which one of the things that makes the Selen community exceptional is that we fight hard when the stakes are high and we close ranks when a decision and consensus is reached. So, if there is a a vote, and there will be in just a moment, and the vote is in the affirmative to purchase the Curtis Mansion, I'm hope that I'm hoping that everyone will do their part to uh to try and make this a successful process to do a thorough due diligence and again to try and turn this into a a valuable amenity that all of our people can enjoy and that will enrich our our community's quality of life. Uh, with that, are there any additional comments before we vote? Um, everyone clear on the motion? Deputy Clerk Alexa or um Alexa, are you clear on the motion? Okay. Um, it's been properly moved by GearBosa, seconded by Dylan to acknowledge and to approve noting modified language at the end of the motion. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

Post say nay. Nay.

Eyes have it. And the motion carries. Four to two. 4 to three, excuse me. Motion passes. Uh, we will proceed to the final uh business item uh tonight, which is 26-17 resolution confirming the sale of 1080 East Michigan Avenue and designating authorized signatures. Uh this is a motion to acknowledge receing to approve or not to approve resolution number 20 226-17 authorizing the delivery and execution of such closing documents and legal instruments on behalf of of the city uh to consummate the sale of 1080 East Michigan Avenue including the memorandum of real estate purchase development agreement that stipulates the city shall have the right to repurchase the property should the purchaser fail to satisfy its obligations. I'll move to approve with adding the value of the um final sale.

You want to first move to acknowledge to approve and then uh for the public's benefit, Mr. Gear, uh please state that number. I believe it's uh could you clarify it? I don't have in front of me right now. 15. Is that the number you're looking the purchase price? Yep. The purchase price 615 for a purchase price of 615,000. You clear on that, clerk Alexa? Okay. Is there a second to that motion? Second. Seconded by Dylan. Everyone clear on that motion? Okay. Um, who would like to begin? City manager or um community development director?

I can start. First of all, thank you uh for merit council for considering this. I know it was an addition to the agenda. However, the developer uh has uh indicated that they would like to close on the property in January. So, that's why it's bring forward uh to you today. obviously was previously considered by council at the end of 2024 uh with approving the purchase agreement uh for as the noted amount of $615,000 uh in again October 2024. So uh this is a request from the title company to clarify uh you know the city's authorization for the sale of the property as well as designate the signitories uh to that uh for the deed and the other documentation that's required for uh consummation on the sale. So, I appreciate that going forward, checking any questions you may have.

And as noted in uh my state of the city address last week, for the public's benefit, the preliminary site plan approval for a 1080 East Michigan A will be considered by the planning commission this Wednesday at 7 p.m. here in council chambers. So, if you're interested in reviewing the project or providing comment, we welcome you to attend that meeting. Uh Mr. Gerba, did you have a comment or question?

Uh just as I expressed it, I think when we got this comment sent to us in email, um my concern again is making sure as Mr. Akens Aken has been looking at it is the preliminary report and making sure that this development moves forward in a timely manner. It seems like we've had some delays and um I know we have our deadlines and things in here that we properly manage and track those to make sure that we don't lose out on any potential repurchase or whatever. Seems like this property has taken more than a decade to try and develop and every time we have something seems to basically kind of fall back. So, I'm hoping that some of the indications that we've seen because we were supposed to have a preliminary review at Wednesday's meeting, but that's not going to happen. It's just going to be a discussion. Um, I'm hoping that this developer is doing its due diligence so that we do by signing on this and selling it that the development will get this on the tax rolls as soon as possible.

And as part of that, obviously, we did enter uh that they have agreed to enter into the real estate purchase and development agreement that sets those time frames. So yes, we'll track those uh closely. Obviously within 90 days they have to uh start construction. Then within the 30 months uh they have to or excuse me within 9 months that start construction. Within 30 months they have to uh have the u um uh certificate accuracy uh for the development.

Can you clarify since we're looking at this preliminary are there any concerns with you in terms of that Mr. Aken that this contract currently doesn't have to make sure that that those due diligence and things occur? the due diligence that's been done on the property. Um, as far as the site planning, I have been working with them quite quite a bit to get it uh tuned in. Uh, the reason why it's not going to planning commission this Wednesday is I wasn't comfortable in our planning commission knowing that it would get postponed uh because there was some it was lacking some information. Um it's kind of a it's a tricky site because SPA1 uh with commercial then some residential and you throw the declaration of uh restrictions for Soft Trail Business Park on there. So it's there's there's a lot happening in there. Um so I I just didn't want anything to go in front of the planning commission that I wasn't confident in at this point.

Just to be clear is being considered by the planning commission is a discussion item just not voted on. as a discussion item just basically to go over some of the finer points as to why it didn't make it this time. Do you think it could be considered at their meeting in February? We are pushing to hopefully get it on uh have the January 28th okay year mark. Uh we're going to see if we can get them on for they want to get moving on on do working on the ground at some point here soon. Just that that's my concern and that I don't think that's going to be enough time actually based on what you were showing me that they could respond back with appropriate.

It all depends on what their architect can get back to me within the next couple of weeks. I mean, things that I see on there that are insignificant to a preliminary site plan, I can easily show on the final site plan. I'm not even concerned, but setbacks, building height, things of that nature. Um, [clears throat] could in the parking count could change the size of the detention area and then really change the shape of the layout. So, I didn't want them to have to come back and do that again, which is fine. I just want to make sure that once we get to that point, there isn't anything that's going to in this contract potentially jeopardize our position as a city to make sure that Thank you.

Additional questions. Uh, Council Member Dylan and then Mayor Promma. Uh, Rice. Thank you. Um, so I feel like we haven't done this before. Doesn't the contract specifically state that you have the authority to sign agreements, city manager? The purchase agreement didn't specifically state that, though. Uh now under the charter there is authorization for the mayor and clerk to execute agreements but the title company had specifically requested uh a resolution from council to confirm that and that who the signatorries would be.

That seems odd that seems like it would have been one of our standard contracts that legal would have developed. So I'm just a little surprised going into the resolution though. I just do have a couple because there is a whereas clause that is showing that in two days you are closing on this property. So, are you closing prior to site plan approval? Because that's the date that's showing in here. Yeah, the site plan approval was not part of the original development agreement. It was just that was strictly for due diligence. Okay. So, they are purchasing the property in two days. That is a proposed closing date. Yes. Okay. And if that should not happen, what is our recourse?

This is the anticipated closing date. So the resolution would still stand even though obviously this is just a projected closing date, right? And so I guess I just want to understand I I'm going to let me step back a second is one of the things that I don't see here when we talk about economic impact are the two extension period financial obligations that they were due to pay. Have those each of those $10,000 payments been made? those first extension I believe was [clears throat] paid I don't know that was uh late fall okay

um and then the second one it was I think that expired at the end of December and then with the holidays we just kind of pushed it off because of the closing date and so [clears throat] they have not paid the second $10,000 extension and there's no obligation for them to do that even though it was in the contract. I didn't see the obligation since there were closing. Okay. I I just want to make sure I understand if it's if it's a very close window of a couple weeks. I see that. But what I want to make sure is that now they haven't paid the second due diligence and that this date keeps rolling out.

Yeah. Then they did pay the $10,000, but there's also that $25,000 that they put up at the beginning of the contract also, right? But they've had two due diligence extensions, which should have been 10,000 each. Correct. And so, um, I guess what I I just want to make sure that we're getting that. And then we have some money less, our net is less than obviously the proceeds. Um what are our closing costs for? So I think there are some potential um costs for you know just the the title insurance etc. But I I don't

because it's showing here impact 615 gross proceeds estimated at approximately 590 net at closing costs. So I mean that's 25,000 in closing costs. the we haven't seen the final uh statement from the title company. Okay. The 25 the initial 25 would be taken off of that and then the other 10 the initial 25 that they put down as the deposit is that okay. Yeah. So there there's those reductions. Okay. I appreciate Thank you for that clarification.

Uh so the mayor had to step out for a moment, but I did have a a comment and a couple of questions. Um, I I'm going to go back to when we first saw a preliminary site plan of this development. Um, I do not believe I believe we're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole here. I think the density is way off for this area and I'm going to stick by it because I don't feel like there was any adjustments made by the developer here. Um, I think that this is area that's prime for higher density. We are talking about a walkable shopping retail area primed for high density. And if we want to encourage additional diversity and housing in the city, if we want to encourage additional taxpayers in the city, um these small homes that we're packing into this this small area, I don't think are it. Um, now with that said, um, this image that we have here, is this what they're still working toward? Is this still what their site plan looks like? [clears throat]

No. Okay. Not at all. What about the density of it? Is the density still the same? There are going to be a total of 36 units. Now going back to what I said about the declaration of covenants for the sock trail buildings are not permitted to be over 30 ft tall. Um and then when you have multi-unit buildings [clears throat] there's a restriction limit how close they can be front to back side to side to front all that stuff. So they've done their best and then with the detention that they have to add on to it that takes up quite a bit of area um in the back there. So

those restrictions that you mentioned are restrictions that we've put into place in our own planning ordinances trail business declaration. So the planning [clears throat]

they they are they are stuck with with how many units they can currently fit in there. They couldn't go higher. density can be up to for um three or three units or more per building. Uh 11 units per acre and I believe uh [groaning] give me a second here. They are one is uh 4.8 8 units per acre and the other is [snorts] 3.76 units per acre. And what's the total on that? You know, you have that off hand. I'm sorry.

What would be the total of the acreage that they have then or total density for the area that they have? Total area of the entire development is 6.54 acres. That includes the commercial. And then once you

So I guess you know my point here is not that I'm going to vote no to this because I I still think that this is a valuable um piece of land and I think that the city is doing a a great job of uh you know bringing in some income here. Um but I do think that we as a city and as a planning commission we really need to think about what we want things to be right like what do we want that area to be? Do we want it to be these single home condo things? Maybe we do. Um, but when I picture a retail area, I picture multi-use. I picture retail incorporated in with housing and, you know, housing above retail, things like that. And in my mind, uh, this is this leans more toward the benefit of the developer than it does the benefit of what we're trying to accomplish in the city of Selen with in increasing our housing and increasing our tax base. Um, so I just wanted to put that out there. Again, it's not that I'm going to vote no for this because I think it's a it's a good sale. I just wish we could encourage developers and somehow incentivize them to be a little bit more creative with creating higher densities.

Any additional comments or questions from the deis? Any additional discussion? Okay, it's been properly moved by um is it Gearb the mover and Dylan the second? Okay, my handwriting sloppy. Excuse me. Uh to acknowledge, to approve, and of course note the sale price. All those in favor signify by saying I. I post say nay. I have it. The motion carries unanimously. on to reports and other announcements including updates from boards, committees, commissions, and task forces. I'm going to start to my uh to my left and end to my right. Um uh Council Member Harmount, any um comments this evening?

Uh yeah, we had our historic district commission meeting last night. We had um a couple properties brought up to review and approved. Um and then on Wednesday, we have the environmental commission meeting on the 21st, which is not uh this Wednesday, but next Wednesday. Very good. Mayor Prom Rice.

Um I want to nothing from council from commissions or boards. I we meet next week, but I want to read a quick statement um to our acting deputy city manager, Miss Cole. Um I want to acknowledge the city of Chelsea's decision to make an offer to El Cole to serve as its next city manager. Uh during her tenure in Seline, especially over the last several months, L has made meaningful and lasting impact in our community. Her leadership during the challenges facing Thornest residents demonstrated her ability to act quickly, bring partners together, and center compassion in local government. From helping mobilize support for residents facing sudden eviction to working with community partners to establish the Thornrest Residents Assistance Fund, L played a critical role in ensuring our community responded with care, coordination, and urgency. Those same skills will serve the city of Chelsea well. L has proven has a proven ability to bring people together around shared goals, navigate complex situations, and turn collaboration into action. Her strengths in community engagement and problem solving will be a real asset as Chelsea continues to move forward. From day one, Eli Ella and I have been in constant communication and working collaboratively to move the city of Selene forward. We've always been open with one another, and any issues or challenges from the past are exactly that. They're in the past. Any conversations related to my decision to not personally recommend L for Selen's position occurred long ago under high tension and emotions. It is important that we remain focused on the future. Seline has many important projects ahead and we are in good hands with capable staff who continue to lead the city in a positive direction. L I wish nothing but the best for you and I hope your contract negotiations go well.

Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Council Member Gervan, any reports, announcements or updates from boards, committees, commissions, or task forces? Yes, mayor. A few of them. Um, fire board met this past week to discuss the well, the fire authority moving forward on that. We're looking at the articles of incorporation. A number of changes have been made that. Um, as you know, the city manager has sent out a draft of that. We'll be reviewing that, I believe, at a work session, the first meeting in February. That'd be up to council. If you uh feel a work session is necessary, I'd put forward that in my Friday communications as to you know, please let me know um and we can we can schedule that. Let me uh let's stay on that point just for a moment. I would defer to our reps on the fireboard, Council Member Deloro and Council Member Gear. You think a work session would be advantageous

and and Miss Champ, she's not present, but she's not present, but uh I believe so. I think um most of the issues in there are pretty straightforward, but if there's any concerns of issues, we want to try and turn this around fairly quickly because they want to make sure that should this be moving forward for millage and so forth um that's going to get onto the ballot appropriately in the time period that's How about you, Mr. Delco? I agree. They um they're looking for input from this the municipalities and we need to this is a time-sensitive issue, so we need to move forward quickly. How about 6 PM on on the 2nd of February? Does that work for everybody? That's our regular meeting. Yep. Next meeting 6 pm. Come an hour early. [clears throat] All right. Good. Please continue, Mr. G.

Right. Um, asset management met this past Friday. Um, we were focusing on the GIS and the dashboard moving forward a number of the information and getting that populated. So, that information will be available. also um to bring and I think we mentioned there's looking at some of the repairs for the dam and just recently the issue related to the mill race is trying to figure out how to address that in terms of potentially either repairing it or addressing how to fix the um stop logs or whatever related to that. So more issues will be coming on that. And then [snorts] also risk management met this week. Uh city manager um Swallow has managed to bring forward and reduce down about the number seven or eight uh clear issues that we feel that are going to be straightforward to deal with risk management and looking forward on that. Bring that forward to council. As you know, we've had a number of them, but there's some core ones that he feels are clear that we would look towards um resolving and working towards into also our strategic plan.

Thank you. Uh, Council Member Dylan.

Uh, thank you. Um, the cable commission is meeting tomorrow and we're hoping for some very positive information. Um, we had crews out there digging last week at the mill race and uh, excuse me, not at the mill race uh, at the middle school uh, to um to repair the fiber line. So, we're hoping that we'll have those repairs all done and have the access channel up and running very quickly. Um, Mr. Gearbot did talk about asset management. Um, also another aspect of that is I think that we will be bringing some aspects forward just to make sure that all of council understands what's happening as far as some future planning um that and um and the way in which decision- making is being made on the back side um and it's it's very much decision- based uh you know and so understanding that aspect of it um and urban planning meets um excuse me it's been a very long urban county meets uh this week and we will continue we are still working through our process of fund allocation to all the participating municipalities and how that's going to work. Um, the only comment outside of committee reports I'd like to make is that there was discussion about the truck traffic and I just wanted to for public edification that kind of came up we it came up on social media. It came up here. We've had some internal conversations and so I don't want to put the city manager on the spot now, but maybe at our next meeting either Mr. swallow or Chief Razi can kind of talk about what we're trying to do to mitigate some of the truck traffic and things like that moving

forward. We're definitely taking a close look at enforcement particularly on US12 or Michigan Avenue. Um we believe that you know some of this is obviously related to major construction project in the nearby community. Uh as well as uh evaluating we had some previous studies done and legal opinions on weight limits uh for our local streets. Um, and so taking a closer look at those and what uh what uh the police department may need for further enforcement and uh training in terms of uh in terms of the officers as well as our scales that we would utilize. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Delra.

Thank you. I attended the same board meetings as uh council member Gerbaw on the fire board and council member Gerba and Dylan on the um asset management team. I think they adequately covered everything that was discussed. So I don't have anything substantive to add. [cough and clears throat] Help.

Yes. Um so I met actually this past uh Friday with uh parks and wreck and also youth council uh staff leaison Lambert to get up to speed on uh youth council which we meet I think next next week the 20th. Um, I also, um, introduced and got up to speed for our, uh, arts and culture committee, uh, meeting this coming Thursday. I think we actually, um, just last week sort of created the subcommittee for, uh, Jazz in the Park. So, really excited to get started planning with that. Um, and then I also, outside of comments, I have to echo Nicole. Um, I don't think I I would be sitting here if it weren't for you, L. And I just want to say that uh as a friend and as a professional, um, thank you for seeing something in me that I didn't see. And I'm I promise I'm going to try not to cry. Thank you for see truly seeing something, not just in me, um, but also in this city. It is so undeniable um how much you care and not just for for this city and the city staff, but also for the people of this city. Um I I thank you for tirelessly um making people that aren't always seen in this city feel safe and seen. Um and I'm going stop there cuz I don't want to cry in front of everybody, but I will be in Chelsea cuz I love Chelsea Burger. Um, so you haven't gotten rid of me yet, but I thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Uh, is there anything else to be brought before council tonight before we move into public comment? No. [gasps and sighs] Well, then under the open meetings act, any person may now come forward to make a comment to city council. This public comment period will be listed to three minutes per person. Those wishing to speak are requested but not required to state their name and their address for the record. Please note, council will not answer questions during the public comment session. [snorts] You may begin.

Hi, this is Donnie Aron Brewster 2005 Circle. Um, [snorts] I guess I'm curious uh that I can't sell my property because I can't sell my house because of the sewage treatment plant is actually just a few feet from my property line. I'm sad that that was done to my property because now I can't sell it. Who wants to buy my house on the banks of the sewage treatment dump? Nobody wants it. I've had people come and look. Nobody wants it. So, I'm stuck. Sadly, I'm stuck. I pay high taxes. for [snorts] property that won't sell, that can't sell. Nobody wants it. Again, a few feet for my property line. I used to have beautiful gardens. Of course, now I can't do a lot of that stuff. And I also have left so many messages for the mayor who I don't know where he went but so many messages I have left for him on his voicemail. And he has never returned my calls. Not once. I even asked him once if the city would like to buy my house since nobody else does. No return phone call. Has he blocked all my messages? Does he have me blocked? I'm apparently thinking that's what's going on. And I've been told

I've been told that that is against the law to block my messages. Yes, I have retained counsel. And the other thing I don't understand is why there is alcohol in the mayor's office and why he has served it to someone who told me about it and who said it tasted good. Why is this the mayor got alcohol in his h in his office on the city hall property? I would trust that's against the law, too. [snorts] I didn't vote I didn't vote for a lot of things, but a lot of things have been dumped on me. Anyway, I'd like you to come to my house anytime you'd like to. 205 Circle Court. Come and take a look. I can see people through my patio door walking around.

Thank you, Miss Armburster. We we will get we will have the city manager return a phone call for you so you can um properly file what you need to with the city. Yeah. Well, why is there alcohol being allowed on the premises? That's what I'd like to know. You've had you've had your time today and we appreciate you coming here and we will get back to you. Do we have any further public comments? Yeah.

Did city assistant city clerk did we have any additional public comments that they wanted to be read? No. Well then with that um I would accept a motion to move to adjourn at 9:37 p.m. So moved. Moved by Gerba. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Harmon. Uh then we are adjourned. City Council is adjourned at 9:38 p.m. I was going to say