Work Session — Key Points

• Grant writing: City wants outside grant help; common pay is $90–$150/hour. You can’t pay grant writers from most grant awards.
• Possible $8M bond (10 years): Manager argues to borrow now because construction costs (~6.5%) outpace inflation. Plan is a 45-day public comment window before any decision. Target to have funds by April 1 to keep projects moving.
• How to repay: Use TIFA/LDFA and Local Community Stabilization money (the replacement for personal property tax). Estimate about $1.1M/year could cover the annual bond payment.
• Projects mentioned: West Colby Promenade, Lake Street, industrial park resurfacing, Benson & Livingston roads, “Swedentown” streets, lift stations, water/sewer work.
• Risk talk: Interest rates could change; construction costs likely won’t drop. City’s strong finances help them get a good rate.

Work Session — Other Topics

• Tannery Bay public access: Site is marshy with a conservation easement; engineering alone was quoted near $99k. Past plans (boardwalk/gazebo/restaurant) changed over time. Staff will dig up older grant/agreement records.
• RV/camper & street parking: Planning Commission’s update stalled; council leans toward posted time limits on Warner St. near the school instead of a citywide ordinance change.

Regular Meeting — Decisions & Votes

• Consent agenda: Approved. Template fix: minutes will now say “public comments were received” to avoid misses (someone noted a past comment wasn’t captured).
• New City Treasurer: Crystal Buddy confirmed to start Oct 20.
• Resolution 25-29 (Friends of the Playhouse raffle license): Approved (name corrected).
• Resolution 25-30 (West Colby Promenade contractor): Approved awarding Clifford Buck Construction for $1,485,518. Some members were nervous about timing vs. funds, but the plan is to start site work now and pay bills monthly while bond/next-year budget is set.
• Resolution 25-31 (Move city elections to even years): Approved. Saves money and should boost turnout. Next after the current cycle will be 2028.
• Resolution 25-32 (Lift station funding backstop): Approved to leverage sewer and water funds to meet state match/backup.
• Resolution 25-33 (Lake Street engineering): Approved to Aben Marsh at $89,700, pending staff review to confirm full scope. Noted: large spread between low and high bids; council wanted competition beyond Prein&Newhof.

Follow-Ups / Action Items

• Draft the bond-process resolution to open the 45-day comment period.
• Clarify with the State of Michigan exactly how Local Community Stabilization funds can support bond repayment across TIFA/LDFA boundaries.
• Document hunt: Locate older DNR/brownfield grant terms and any development agreements tied to Tannery Bay and public access promises.
• Post time-limit parking signs solution for Warner St. (traffic control order).
• Keep the community updated on the West Colby Promenade scope (stage/bathrooms vs. roads) and budget timing.
• Ensure minutes templates consistently capture public comment occurrences.

Public Comment Highlights

• Several residents asked the city to prioritize road repairs over the promenade.
• A resident flagged an incorrect minutes entry (their comment was missed); staff adjusted the template going forward.