City of Lapeer City Commission Meeting - 05/19/25

The City of Lapeer City Commission meeting, held on May 19, 2025, opened with the swearing-in of new police officer Daniel Horn 6:19 and a formal tribute to the retirement of Sergeant Charles Bonestill after 32 years of service 22:19. The session covered significant financial business, most notably the adoption of the 2025-2026 annual budget 27:17 and the approval of several component unit budgets for various authorities, including the DDA and TIF districts 41:05.

The Commission engaged in several-item deliberations regarding municipal services. Commissioner Brady raised concerns regarding the need for strategic, project-oriented planning for TIF districts 41:48 and suggested that the city explore more equitable fee structures for non-residents using city recreation facilities 33:18. Additionally, the Commission approved a proposal for engineering services from WSP to assist with a due care plan and demolition estimate for a property on East Napier 55:18.

The meeting concluded with the City Manager, Mike Womack, providing updates on an upcoming citizen survey, a draft bicycle ordinance, and various community events 1:05:35.

• Law Enforcement Updates: Swearing-in of a new officer 6:19 and retirement of a long-serving Sergeant 22:19.
• 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget: Adoption of the annual budget and discussions on deficit spending terminology 27:17.
• DDA and TIF Management: Requests for public hearings for plan renewals 12:01 and concerns regarding the strategic use of TIF funds 41:48.
• Parks and Recreation Equity: Debate over charging non-residents higher fees to offset the costs of infrastructure use 33:18.
• Infrastructure and Maintenance: Discussion on road maintenance, crack sealing, and special assessment priorities 52:29.
• Property Development: Engineering proposals for demolition and due care at 18 East Napier 55:18.

• Mayor Jeramy Hing: Presiding official 9:32.
• Mike Womack (City Manager): Provided reports on the budget, citizen surveys, and ordinances 1:04:12.
• Commissioner Linda Glisman: Commission member 9:32.
• Commissioner Joshua C. Atwood: Commission member 21:24.
• Commissioner Stefan Brady: Commission member; raised several points regarding TIF and Parks 28:07.
• Commissioner Melissa Petrie (Mayor Pro-im): Commission member 21:24.
• Commissioner Swindell: Commission member 9:32.
• Brad Hagadon (Lapeer County Commissioner): Reported on county payments and courthouse progress 10:57.
• Jim Alt (DDA): Provided updates on the DDA plan and downtown events 12:01.
• Officer Daniel Horn: Newly sworn-in officer 6:19.
• Sergeant Charles Bonestill: Retiring officer being honored 22:19.

• Swearing-in: Officer Daniel Horn was officially sworn into the Lapeer Police Department 6:19.
• Budget Adoption: The Commission adopted the budget resolution for the 2025-2026 fiscal year 27:17.
• Proclamation: A formal proclamation was adopted to honor Sergeant Charles Bonestill upon his retirement 24:47.
• Engineering Contract: Approval of a proposal from WSP for a due care plan, demolition cost estimate, and rendering for 18 East Napier, not to exceed $21,277.70 55:18.
• DDA Public Hearing: Set a public hearing for June 16, 2025, regarding the renewal of the DDA 10-year development and TIF plan 1:03:04.

• May 19, 2025: Date of the City Commission meeting 24:47.
• July 1, 2025: Effective date for the new fee schedule 32:55.
• June 16, 2025: Scheduled public hearing for the DDA renewal 1:03:04.
• May 31, 2025: Warrior Grip Fitness 5K 1:19:34.
• June 7, 2025: Kuansas Club 5K 1:19:34.

• TIF Planning: The need for long-term planning was raised because several TIF plans are set to sunset in 2028 and 2032 28:07.
• Park Revenue Equity: The discussion regarding higher non-resident fees was motivated by the desire to ensure city taxpayers are not subsidizing usage by those outside the city 34:50.
• Due Care Process: The WSP contract was presented to initiate the necessary environmental and engineering steps for safe property demolition 58:50.

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Glisman, supported by Commissioner Swindell 9:32. Carried.
• Approval of May 2025 Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Glisman 10:14. Carried.
• Approval of Consent Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Brady, supported by Commissioner Swindell 19:51. Carried.
• Approval of Bill Listing ($475,835.36): Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Glisman 21:24. Carried. Roll call: Atwood (Yes), Brady (Yes), Glismann (Yes), Petrie (Yes), Swindell (Yes).
• Adoption of Sergeant Bonestill Proclamation: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Swindell 24:47. Carried.
• Adoption of 2025-2026 Budget Resolution: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Atwood 27:17. Carried. Roll call: Brady (Yes), Glisman (Yes), Petrie (No), Swindell (Yes), Atwood (Yes).
• Adoption of Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Swendell, supported by Commissioner Petrie 32:55. Carried. Roll call: Glisman (Yes), Petrie (Yes), Swindell (Yes), Atwood (Yes), Brady (Yes).
• Adoption of Component Unit Budgets (LDFA, TIF, etc.): Motion by Commissioner Swendell, supported by Commissioner Atwood 41:05. Carried. Roll call: Swindell (Yes), Atwood (Yes), Brady (Yes), Glisman (Yes), Petrie (Yes).
• Approval of 2017 Special Assessment Taxes for 2025 Roll: Motion by Commissioner Swendell, supported by Commissioner Atwood 51:18. Carried. Roll call: Atwood (Yes), Brady (Yes), Glisman (Yes), Petrie (Yes), Swindell (Yes).
• Approval of WSP Proposal (18 East Napier): Motion by Commissioner Swendell, supported by Commissioner Atwood 55:18. Carried. Roll call: Brady (Yes), Glisman (Yes), Petrie (No), Swindell (Yes), Atwood (Yes).
• Setting DDA Public Hearing (June 16, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Swendell, supported by Commissioner Brady 1:03:04. Carried.

• TIF Strategic Focus: Discussion on moving TIFs away from routine funding and toward strategic, project-oriented investments 41:48.
• Parks/Rec Revenue: Debate over whether to increase fees for non-residents to ensure the recreation department covers its costs without over-relying on the general fund 33:18.
• Engineering Vendor Selection: Discussion regarding the benefits of continuing with WSP due to their familiarity with the property versus engaging a new local firm 57:03.
• Budgetary Terminology: Clarification from the City Manager that the budget is "fund balanced" rather than a "deficit" 30:42.

• Non-Resident Fee Research: City Manager Womack to investigate potential fee changes for non-residents using city facilities 35:47.
• Special Assessment Policy: City Manager to continue working on finalizing the special assessment policy 28:49.
• Board Training Plan: Development of a training plan for the new members of various city boards 45:38.
• Citizen Survey: Implementation of a citizen survey via QR code in the upcoming summer tax bill 1:05:35.

• Public Concern over Privacy: Citizens expressed significant apprehension regarding the use of License Plate Readers and the potential for data breaches 15:35.
• Public Concern over Infrastructure: Residents expressed dissatisfaction with spending on crosswalk studies instead of repairing existing road conditions 16:38.
• Support for Police: Local residents and commissioners expressed strong support for the police department and honored retiring personnel 14:27.

• Commissioner Brady on TIFs: "TIF should fund growth that lifts the tax base inside the district that they represent" 42:09.
• Commissioner Brady on Park Fees: "The city folks are already paying taxes for living in the city... when county people come in and use the parks... they're not paying the same amount" 35:04.
• Officer Daniel Horn's background: Chief Pow noted his "impeccable" training and background in specialized law enforcement tasks 7:26.