City Commission Meeting - November 4, 2024

The meeting, led by Mayor Jeramy Hing, began with a presentation from Chris Turner of Crank Cycle and Fitness, who donated upgraded bicycles and gear to the Lapeer Police Department to support the continued operation of the bike patrol on local trails 7:45. This presentation highlighted the community's commitment to maintaining trail safety and accessibility.

The legislative portion of the meeting included the approval of the agenda, minutes, and a substantial bill listing 23:01. Significant discussion and debate centered on proposed amendments to the City Commission's rules and procedures regarding public participation. While City Manager Mike Womack and City Attorney Francis argued that the changes were necessary clarifications to align with current law and protect against disruption, some citizens and commissioners expressed concerns regarding First Amendment rights and the potential "legislating of behavior" 36:45.

The meeting concluded with administrative reports from the City Manager, including updates on marijuana ordinance amendments, the "Rainbow Bridge" project, and the management of committee memberships to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act.

• Police Bike Patrol: Donation of new bicycles and equipment to the L/PPD 7:45.
• Rules and Procedures: Amendments to the rules regarding public participation and definitions of "defined groups" 27:50.
• Financial Approvals: Approval of a $552,500 bill listing 23:28 and the purchase of a new chlorine tank 25:40.
• Public Participation Concerns: Debate over the scope of "jurisdiction" and the potential for restricting public speech 32:08.
• City Administration: Updates on the MCHA housing vouchers, marijuana ordinances, and the Oakdale Trails pump track 50:38.

• Jeramy Hing: Mayor 6:01.
• Mike Womack: City Manager 27:50.
• Chris Turner: Owner of Crank Cycle and Fitness, presenter 7:45.
• Officer Jesse Melby: Police officer noted for his work with the bike patrol 7:02.
• Commissioner Joshua C. Atwood: Commissioner 22:40.
• Commissioner Stefan Brady: Commissioner 12:47.
• Commissioner Linda Glisman: Commissioner 12:47.
• Commissioner Melissa Petrie (Mayor Pro-Tem): Commissioner 24:10.
• Commissioner Lynne McCarthy: Commissioner 22:40.
• Commissioner Swendal: Commissioner 25:40.
• Francis: City Attorney 40:36.
• John D'Angeles: Resident, provided public comment regarding First Amendment concerns 14:15.
• Peter McCre: Oakdale Trails Coordinator, provided public comment 19:04. Note: Other commissioners and staff mentioned include Clerk Ramona Sanchez and Deputy Clerk Dana Jansson.

• Bicycle Donation: Crank Cycle and Fitness provided new bicycles, bags, gear, and graphics to the police department at cost 9:35.
• Bill Listing Approval: The Commission approved a bill listing for November 4, 2024, totaling $552,500 23:28.
  • Vote (Roll Call): Commissioner Atwood (Yes), Commissioner Brady (Yes), Commissioner Glisman (Yes), Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner McCarthy (Yes). Motion carried.
• Chlorine Tank Purchase: Approval to purchase a Ferris chlorine tank from Hamlet Environmental Technologies for an amount not to exceed $297,777 25:40.
  • Vote (Roll Call): All in favor (Yes). Motion carried.
• Rules and Procedure Amendments: Adoption of amendments regarding public participation, specifically addressing profanity, duration, and the definition of groups permitted to present 27:50.
  • Motion: Made by Commissioner Swendal, seconded by Commissioner Brady. Motion carried.
• MCHA Housing Voucher Resolution: Adoption of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority housing voucher program 23:49.
  • Motion: Made by Commissioner Brady, seconded by Commissioner Petrie. Motion carried.

• Meeting Date: November 4, 2024 22:40.
• Upcoming Election: November 5, 2024 16:55.
• Veterans Day: November 11, 2024 1:01:30.
• Farmers Market: Saturdays through December 228, 2024 11:53.

• Rule Changes: The City Manager and Attorney stated the changes were intended to "protect ourselves from a liability situation" and to provide the tools necessary to maintain order during meetings 37:48.
• Chlorine Tank Replacement: The previous tank was leaking and lacked necessary heating features 26:25.
• Bike Patrol Upgrades: To replace 20-year-old 26-inch bicycles with modern technology and better maintenance capability 9:35.

• Public Participation Limits: A significant debate occurred between the City Manager/Attorney and citizens regarding whether the new rules would restrict the public's ability to discuss matters outside city jurisdiction or effectively "legislate behavior" 36:45.
• Committee Membership/Open Meetings Act: City Manager Womack raised concerns about the legality of multiple Commissioners serving on the Oakdale Trails board, noting it could require the board to hold formal public meetings to avoid Open Meetings Act violations 52:04.
• Building Ordinances: Commissioner Brady suggested that the current building color ordinances (restricting colors primarily to "tan") are too restrictive and should be reviewed 1:03:38.

The community sentiment was mixed. While there was widespread praise for the police bike patrol and the economic benefits of the trails, there was notable tension and concern regarding the new rules for public comment, with residents expressing fear of losing First Amendment protections 14:38.

• John D'Angeles: "I was wondering if the commission... would be willing to accept that in their commissioner comments... my concerns are... it has to do with you're restricting what we can talk about in public time 14:15."
• Peter McCre: Emphasized the "predictable model" of economic development and stewardship that follows trail improvements 19:46.
• Commissioner Petrie: "I want everybody to understand when I'm voting no... it's because there are things in it that I don't feel 100% approval about 59:17."
• Commissioner Brady: "We are at the point that we are turning into a tan town... the world is a colorful place 1:03:38."