City Commission - 09-15-2025

The September 15, 2025, meeting of the Lapeer City Commission covered a wide range of municipal business, from routine approvals to complex policy discussions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to infrastructure and public works, including the purchase of wastewater treatment components 30:16, the continuation of parking lot improvements 32:00, and the potential demolition or refurbishment of the city's unused water tower 1:30:38.

The meeting also featured intense discussions regarding city policy and community development. City Manager Mike Womack presented a recommendation to suspend the enforcement of the Special Assessment District policy until 202/27 due to transparency and implementation issues 58:16. Furthermore, the commission discussed the upcoming rewrite of the city's Master Plan and Non-Motorized Plan using MEEDC funding 46:07, as well as the impact of zoning changes on the historic Old Opera House 22:27. Public comments also highlighted community tensions regarding homelessness, safety, and the enforcement of blight ordinances 8:27, 1:17:15.

• Infrastructure & Public Works: Wastewater equipment purchases 30:16, parking lot phase two 32:00, sewer line repairs 1:31:42, and water tower demolition/repainting 1:30:38.
• Zoning & Land Use: Ordinance amendments for the Old Opera House 22:27, marijuana processing license transfers 40:47, and the new Master Plan rewrite 46:07.
• City Policy & Finance: Suspension of Special Assessment District enforcement 58:16, MHDA fund allocations 55:47, and the 10-year road infrastructure plan 1:00:22.
• Community Issues: Public safety and homelessness concerns 8:27, blight and signage enforcement 1:17:15, and library/parental rights 1:44:07.

• Mike Womack (City Manager): Provided reports on infrastructure, special assessment policy, and blight 57:56.
• Commissioner Atwood: Made several motions regarding agenda approvals and project authorizations 4:57, 29:36.
• Commissioner Brady: Led motions for minutes approval, bill listings, and infrastructure purchases 6:23, 17:26.
• Commissioner Petrie: Raised critical questions regarding zoning enforcement, the Master Plan, and special assessments 22:48, 46:27, 1:01:29.
• Commissioner Swindell: Actively participated in motions and discussed the necessity of policy direction 1:07:05.
• Greg Hagod (County Commissioner): Provided updates on the county budget and MSU Extension agreements 7:04.
• Austin Franzel (Lapeer County Young Republican Chairman): Provided public comments regarding local safety and housing development 11:35, 1:41:06.
• Francis (City Attorney): Provided legal guidance on license transfers and grant agreements 41:53, 54:10.

• Approved: Ordinance amendment to change zoning for the Old Opera House from OS1 to B1 22:27.
• Approved: Transfer of marijuana processing licenses from 4K Processing, Inc. to Cahoot Holdings, Inc. 40:47.
• Approved: MEEDC agreement for funding the city's Master Plan and Non-Motorized Plan updates 46:07.
• Postponed: The discussion regarding the Flock camera system project to the October 6, 2025, meeting 29:36.
• Decided: To suspend the enforcement of the Special Assessment District policy until January 1, 2027, to allow for a proper review and new policy development 1:00:22.

• The Old Opera House: Concerns were raised regarding the condition of the building and whether the change to B1 zoning would mandate necessary property improvements 22:48.
• Special Assessment Policy: A debate ensued regarding the City Manager's recommendation to halt assessments, with some commissioners concerned about how projects like First and Second Street would be funded without them 1:01:29.
• The "15-Minute City": The City Manager explained the planning concept of having essential services reachable within a 15-minute walk, bike, or drive 47:50.
• Blight Enforcement: Discussion on the difficulty of enforcing ordinances regarding overgrown grass and temporary business signage without causing significant community friction 1:17:15.

• Road Planning: Direct staff to engage an engineering firm to develop a 10-year road infrastructure plan 1:00:22.
• Policy Review: Review and restructure the Special Assessment District policy 1:00:22.
• Site Visit: The Commission will meet on-site at the water tower on the 23rd to discuss demolition/refurbishment 1:30:59.
• Sewer Proposal: Obtain a proposal for the replacement of the sewer line in the Parking Lot 9 area 1:35:18.