City of Lapeer City Commission Meeting - 8/4/25

The City of Lapeer City Commission meeting on August 4, 2025, involved a broad range of discussion spanning infrastructure, local economic development, and community aesthetics. The session began with public comments, which included a formal announcement of Mayor Jeramy Hing's candidacy 6:44 and various testimonies regarding the economic and social benefits of the Oakdale Trail system 9:13.

The legislative portion of the meeting focused on several key administrative actions, such as approving a sewer inspection system purchase 23:19 and an agreement for the M24 tunnel connection project 24:47. However, the meeting was marked by intense debate regarding two specific projects: the Oakdale Trail Extension and a proposed downtown mural. In both instances, the commission declined to approve the proposals as presented, opting instead to establish subcommittees to address concerns regarding bidding, long-term planning, and artistic representation 1:00:28, 1:00:05.

• Infrastructure & Utilities: Approval of sewer inspection equipment 23:19 and the M24 tunnel connection project 24:47.
• Recreation & Trails: The Oakdale Trail Extension proposal 29:48 and the importance of a non-motorized master plan 34:48.
• Public Art: Debate over the design and implementation of a new mural at the pocket park 38:42.
• Local Governance: Announcements regarding mayoral candidacy 6:44 and appointments for the MML annual meeting 1:06:56.
• Community Events: Updates on "Back to the Bricks," the HDC Fund Fair 1:05:30, and the Lilac project 1:25:38.

• Jeramy Hing: Resident and announced candidate for Mayor 6:44.
• Joshua C. Atwood: Commissioner 22:17.
• Stefan Brady: Commissioner 4:32.
• Linda Glisman: Commissioner 4:12.
• Melissa Petrie: Commissioner/Mayor Pro-Tem 4:12.
• Mike Womack: City Manager 1:06:56.
• Lynne McCarthy: Newly elected Commissioner 8:07.
• Ben Lindström: Resident and Davidson City Council member, advocating for trail extensions 9:13.
• Chris Turner: Owner of Crank Cycle and Fitness, advocating for trail expansion 13:01.
• Jason Bowler: Trail volunteer 16:10.
• Kelly Nolan: Resident, speaking against a library trustee 1:12:56.
• Shelley: Grant Administrator at the housing department 55:30.

• Sewer System Purchase: Approval of a QC550 sewer inspection system from MTech for up to $98,919 23:19.
• M24 Tunnel Project: Approval of a construction and engineering agreement for the M24 tunnel connection 24:47.
• Trail Extension Proposal: A motion to approve the Oakdale Trail Extension proposal failed 1:00:28.
• Mural Project Proposal: A motion to approve the mural artwork failed 1:00:05.
• Trail Subcommittee: Formation of a subcommittee to finalize the concept and location for the trail extension 1:01:09.
• Mural Subcommittee: Formation of a subcommittee to finalize the mural artwork concept and location 58:18.
• MML Convention Appointment: Appointment of Joshua Atwood as the official voting member for the MML annual meeting 1:07:17.

• Approved: Agenda approval with the removal of consent agenda item G5 4:12.
• Approved: Approval of meeting minutes from July 14 and July 21, 2025 4:32.
• Approved: Bill listing for August 4, 20 ​25, totaling $1,127,788.70 22:38.
• Approved: Purchase of the QC550 sewer inspection system 24:24.
• Approved: Road professional services agreement for the M24 tunnel connection 29:27.
• Failed: Approval of Trail Sense LLC's proposal for the Oakdale Trail Extension 1:00:28.
• Failed: Approval of the mural project artwork 1:00:05.
• Approved: Formation of a subcommittee to finalize the Oakdale Trail Extension 1:01:33.
• Approved: Formation of a subcommittee for the mural artwork 58:39.
• Approved: Appointment of Joshua Atwood as the MML convention delegate 1:10:03.
• Approved: Reappointment of Katherine Bostic Julius to the Planning Commission 1:11:47.
• Approved: Acceptance of Ashley Fansen's resignation from the DDA 1:12:10.
• Approved: Approval of the HDC Fund Fair special event for August 19, 2025 1:06:34.

• Trail Extension Funding and Planning: Commissioners and community members discussed the necessity of an updated non-motorized master plan 34:48, the transparency of the bidding process for Trail Sense LLC 32:16, and the economic impact of trail-related tourism 10:36.
• Mural Design and Identity: A heated debate occurred regarding whether the proposed mural adequately represents the "heart and soul" of Lape#er 47:07. Critics argued the design felt more like "New Orleans" than Lapeer 47:07 and expressed concerns about the rush to implement the design 43:58.
• Library Board Controversy: A resident raised concerns regarding a library trustee's alleged breach of fiduciary duty due to his support for a property tax amendment 1:12:56.

The community sentiment regarding the trails is overwhelmingly positive, with residents emphasizing economic benefits and quality of life 9:13, 13:01. However, there is notable tension regarding city-funded art, with some residents and commissioners expressing a desire for artwork that more clearly reflects local identity 46:24. There is also a sense of dissatisfaction from some residents regarding political transparency and infrastructure maintenance 6:00.

• Jeramy Hing: "Something is broken about the local politics here... I will force myself, my team, and other candidates to raise their standards just to compete with me" 6:44.
• Commissioner Swindell: "I am deeply disappointed and disgusted that once again we have art but it's not good enough for this commission... We do not come with solutions. We just say no" 1:20:27.
• Commissioner Petri: "I don't want to rush... I want it to be something that everybody that lives in Lapeer and that comes to Lapeer go, 'Oh, that's beautiful'" 42:33.