Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings – Regular Meeting

May 24, 2022

President Welburn called the regular meeting of the Marcellus Village Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on May 24, 2022, at the Marcellus Village Hall Council Room.. Trustees present: Simmons, Irwin, Thomas, Oswalt and Webb. 

Agenda

Motion by Simmons, supported by Oswalt, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. 

Minutes

Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin, to approve and place on file the minutes of the

May 10, 2022, Regular Meeting. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. 

Bills

Motion by Oswalt, supported by Thomas, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of $87,297.10. Roll call vote – Ayes: Irwin, Thomas, Welburn, Oswalt, Webb and Simmons. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Webb, supported by Oswalt, to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.

President’s Report

Village Boundaries

President Welburn began the discussion regarding the Village’s plans for annexation by asking those in attendance if they had any questions. A lengthy discussion was held regarding whether annexed properties would be required to connect to Village water and sewer services, the availability of such services and what the future of the Village’s growth could look like given the township plans for solar farms abutting the Village boundary and the fact that a substantial portion of the properties being eyed by the Village are Village-owned.

Open Village Council Seat

President Welburn reminded the Council and those in attendance that there is still an open Village Council position.

Clerk’s Report

Resolution 2022-03 – Village Council Rules of Procedure

Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin to readopt Resolution 2022-03, Village Council Rules of Procedure (Bylaws) for the Village of Marcellus Council, and the Village of Marcellus, as further revised. Roll call vote – Ayes: Thomas, Welburn, Oswalt, Webb, Simmons and Irwin. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Quotes for Village Hall Boiler

Motion by Irwin, supported by Oswalt, to approve the quoted price of $19,000.00 for the replacement of the Village Hall boiler and upgrading the existing expansion tank in the Village Hall. Roll call vote – Ayes: Welburn, Oswalt, Webb, Simmons, Irwin and Thomas. Nays: None. Motion carried.

J. C. and Sons – Mulch Donation

Village Council members expresses appreciation for the recent donation of natural mulch for use in the Village’s downtown and parks areas from J.C. and Sons.

Public Hearing 7:30 p.m. – Truth in Taxation – L4029

   Motion by Webb, supported by Welburn, to move into a public hearing on Truth in Taxation at 7:30 p.m. Roll call vote – Ayes: Oswalt, Webb, Simmons, Irwin, Thomas and Welburn. Nays: None. Motion carried.

   The Clerk and Trustee Webb explained the purpose for the Truth in Taxation Hearing, which is to gain a percentage of Village Operating Funds revenue which is lost through the Headlee Rollback and MCL 211.34d.  By holding a Truth in Taxation Hearing, the Village Operating Millage rate sees a gain of 0.2807 for a total of $4,561 and the Street Improvement Millage rates sees a gain of 0.1509 for a total of $2,452. The Truth in Taxation Hearing nets a total increase of $7,013.00 for 2022. 

  Following public comment and questions, Webb moved, supported by Irwin, to close the Public Hearing and return to the Regular Meeting at 7:44 p.m. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. 

   Motion by Webb, supported by Thomas, to authorize the maximum levy permitted by law, approve the Truth in Taxation Resolution 2022-05, return the completed L-4029 form, Cass County’s new and required questionnaire and a copy of the Resolution to the Cass County Equalization Department following the endorsement by the Village President and Clerk and direct the Village Treasurer to levy the 2022 Village taxes as authorized. Roll call vote – Ayes: Webb, Simmons, Irwin, Thomas, Welburn and Oswalt. Nays: None. Motion carried.

EGLE Letter Re: DWSRF Categorical Exclusion

Clerk Terrill shared the May 20, 2022, letter/notice from EGLE regarding the DWSRF Categorical Exclusion. The notice advises interested parties of a proposed decision by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that the criteria for qualifying for a Categorical Exclusion are met and this project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment or public health, and thus, qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion under Section 5408 of 1994 PA 451. Consequently, an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is not required to implement the water supply project for the Village’s Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacements projects. Information about the notice and 30-day comment period/where to send comments are available on the Village’s website or in the Village Hall. Questions about the project can be sent to Jonesc13@michigan.gov, by mail to EGLE, P.O. Box 30457, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7957, or via telephone 517-599-4553 or 517-284-5433. Motion by Webb, supported by Welburn, to receive and place the notice on file. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.

DPW

Quote – Corrpro Companies, Inc. Cathodic System Service Plan for Village Water Tower

Motion by Irwin, supported by Oswalt, approving and authorizing the Village Clerk or Village President to sign the annual service agreement provided by Corrpro Companies, Inc., for “Plan C Service,” which includes the following for $655.00:

1. Tank to Water potential profile within tank to monitor and verify effectiveness of system on submerged surface of tank.

2. Electrical Measurements to test anode and reference cells.

3. Inspect, test and clean rectifier, controls, meters, contacts, wiring and connections. Replace fuses as required.

4. Adjust system for optimum corrosion control on submerged metal surface of tank.

5. Submit report with all data obtained evaluation of data and recommendations for continued performance.

Roll call vote – Ayes: Simmons, Irwin, Thomas, Welburn, Oswalt and Webb. Nays: None. Motion carried.

DPW Position

Trustee Irwin reported that Jessica Preston Clark, previously recommended for hire by the Personnel Committee, and recommended for hire during the May 10, 2022, Village Council meeting has taken a position with another employer and will not be working for the Village. He then moved, supported by Webb, to advertise for the position again. Roll call vote – Ayes: Irwin, Thomas, Welburn, Oswalt, Webb and Simmons.

Planning Commission

Planning Commission Chair James R. Thomas, Jr. reminded Village Council members and attendees that the Planning Commission will hold a Special Land Use Hearing and a Site Plan Review Hearing on May 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

Adjournment

Motion by Simmons, supported by Oswalt, to adjourn at 8:06 p.m. Ayes:  All. Nays:  None. Motion passed.

Jacqueline A. Terrill, Village Clerk

Ronald Welburn, Village President