City of Lapeer - City Commission Meeting - February 2, 2026 (Part 2)

The City Commission meeting focused heavily on administrative procedures and community development. A primary agenda item involved determining the parameters for an appeal hearing for SDRLT Group LLC, a local marijuana grower, following the denial of their license renewals due to ordinance violations 3:43. The commission debated the appropriate time limits for the group's presentation and the structure of the hearing to ensure due process 9:04.

The meeting also served as an update for several community-centric initiatives. Updates were provided on the America 250 celebrations, including potential expenditures for flagpoles and community events 19:18. Additionally, commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the economic implications of tax increment financing (TIF) for new housing developments, weighing the benefits of growth against the potential loss of long-term property tax revenue 40:12.

Finally, the Mayor and City Manager addressed recent municipal challenges, such as a water leak in City Hall and the need for maintaining transparency and accuracy in public discourse 51:01, 57:42.

• SDRK Group LLC Appeal: Establishing a hearing date and presentation rules for contested marijuana grower licenses 3:43.
• America 250 Celebration: Planning for community events, including a scavenger hunt and potential installations of large flagpoles 19:18.
• Economic Development and Housing: Debating the use of tax incentives for developers and the necessity of providing housing to retain young talent in the region 45:52.
• City Infrastructure and Maintenance: Updates on a recent water leak in City Hall and the importance of maintaining city services 51:01.

• Mayor Jeramy Hing: Presiding officer who emphasized the importance of accountability and accurate reporting 0:00.
• Mike Womack (City Manager): Provided reports on the SDRK appeal, Flight Night, and City Hall maintenance 3:14.
• Mr. Francis (City Attorney): Provided legal counsel regarding the appeal process and time limits 4:04.
• Commissioner Petrie: Discussed America 250 and provided historical context regarding downtown Lapeer 49:51.
• Commissioner Atwood: Discussed the importance of downtown investment and the need for housing to retain talent 43:15.
• Commissioner Brady: Moved the motion to set the SDRK appeal hearing date 16:45.
• Andy Schengel: Owner of SDRK Group LLC, who participated in public comment 42:31.
• Mr. Webber: A resident who provided public comment regarding the financial risks of tax increment financing 38:09.

• Motion Passed: The commission voted to set the SDRK Group LLC appeal hearing for the next regular meeting on February 17, 2026 16:45.
• Financial Discussion: The commission reviewed a potential $15,000 budget consideration for America 250 projects 25:03.
• Infrastructure Update: The City Manager reported a recent water leak in City Hall 51:01.
• Payment Approval: The commission moved toward finalizing a payment to DTE for electrical work 0:21.

• SDRK Group LLC Appeal Hearing: February 17, 2026 3:43.
• America 250 Scavenger Hunt: February 21, 2026 20:30.
• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Anniversary: February 2nd 53:07.

• Lapeer City Hall: The location of the meeting and the site of a recent water leak 51:01.
• Downtown Lapeer: The focus of discussions regarding development, housing, and the America 250 flagpoles 43:15, 34:51.

• Due Process: The commission sought to establish clear presentation limits for the SDRK appeal to ensure fairness and order 11:03.
• Economic Strategy: Commissioners debated whether tax-incentivized housing would benefit the city's long-term revenue or create a cycle of "subsidized renters" 41:26.
• Governance and Trust: The Mayor emphasized the necessity of "due diligence" to protect the city's interests and the need for accurate information to maintain public trust 57:42, 58:26.

• Appeal Presentation Length: A debate between limiting the SDRK Group's presentation to 10 minutes versus 20 minutes to ensure they have sufficient time to present their case 9:04, 12:38.
• Funding Non-Profits: The ethics and logistics of the city providing $15,000 to a group that is not a registered non-profit for the America 250 celebration 27:59.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Risks: Concerns that providing tax reimbursements to developers like Ellen Edwin could lead to a long-term loss of property tax revenue for the city 40:12.

• Set Appeal Date: Set the SDRK Group LLC appeal hearing for the February 17th regular meeting 16:45.
• Develop Educational Materials: City staff to work with the LDC to create professional/educational packages regarding infrastructure and development 18:13.

• Increased Engagement: The Mayor noted a positive shift toward residents providing "informed questions" and "constructive input" 54:39.
• Ongoing Tension: The Mayor also acknowledged that public comment has previously been used as a platform for "personal attacks and defamation" 55:23.

• Resident Historian: Offered professional expertise in curation and historical context to assist with city projects 38:40.
• Mr. Webber (Resident): Expressed deep concern that tax-incentivized residential developments would force residents to bear an "unfair burden" of service costs without corresponding tax revenue 40:36.
• Commissioner Atwood: Remarked that the city must look at all options for development to ensure the "longevity" and prosperity of Lapeer 47:14.

• Presentation Limits: Commissioner Petrie asked if the 10-minute time limit for the SDRK group was for the entire group or per person 6:59.
• Public Participation: Commissioner Brady inquired if the general public would be invited to speak during the specific SDRK appeal segment 12:59.
• Budgetary Obligations: Commissioner Brady asked if the America 250 subcommittee had any immediate budgetary or contractual obligations to the city 24:43.
• Legal Presence: Andy Schengel asked if a lawyer would be permitted to be present during the SDRK appeal hearing 42:31.