Village of Marcellus Council Meeting Update

Due to the Editor’s absence, News columnist Paula Johnson graciously covered the July 22, 2025, regular meeting of the Marcellus Village Council. These are the notes from that meeting.

by Paula Johnson

  Attorney Dan Hatch gave an update regarding the on-going Downtown Beautification. Project. He opened with “through no fault of the Village”, but entirely upon the construction, this project has reached this point. He has had in person meetings with all parties, and a 26-page letter/notice of default has been sent to those parties involved including construction, architects, surety bond insurance company, etc. It is now in the hands of the surety company (operating as a risk management organization in the interests of the village) to do one of the following: (1) work with the at-fault business to make a decision, (2) hire their own contractor to (3) finish the job, or (4) give a check to the village to complete the project (this is rarely used). Trustee Joe Watts asked about moving forward without more money spent and what options are available. Attorney Hatch said that he needs to investigate the contracts and those specific provisions.

   Also during the meeting, President Dennis Irwin recognized a group of students from the MHS class of 2026 to give a presentation. Led by their English teacher, Melody Schneider, three students braved the spotlight and gave an excellent PowerPoint presentation to repair, replace and give new life to the Ray Gyllstrom Memorial Park, also known as the Lions Park.

   The students’ presentation included: (1) a history of the park in disrepair, well used and unsafe equipment and surroundings. Input from community members who have but no long use, those who continue to use, and many who would like to use the park but are fearful of injury to their children, (2) their plan to repair, replace and/or add equipment and foundations to create a safe and inviting place for children and their families, (3) a budget for both equipment and labor, and (4) a list of researched grants that are possible for this particular project.

   The presentation was well received by both the council and members present. An energetic discussion from the council regarding agreement of the need, possible funding from the council Parks and Recreation Department From this year’s budget and next year’s budget because grant money isn’t “fast” in providing the funding, extensive information from Trustee Muriel Haley on equipment and from Joe Watts on labor to move this project along. Each member had positive input and cited the Planning Commission as well as the Parks Dept. working in alignment with this project. Sarah Engstrom remarked that it is important for this council to help the class of 2026 to “put their name in the community.” All agreed to move forward with this project.

   James Thomas Jr. Chair of the Planning Commission read results from the Master Plan survey to-date. The survey will run until August 31, 2025. Anyone who has anything to do with the village (live, work, buy, sell, eat, bank, etc.) is asked to seek out this survey and complete it for a true picture of moving forward in this village. Thomas indicated that the Planning Commission will be meeting often through December to assess and work on the forward implementation of input to the Master Plan. Thomas made a proposal to the Council for approval. He recommended a temporary pause to the issue of having egg-laying hens in the village and work within the guidelines as stipulated by the State of Michigan. It was unanimously accepted.

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