President Irwin called the regular meeting of the Marcellus Village Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 10, 2025, in the Marcellus Village Hall. Trustees present: Markle, Engstrom, Webb, Irwin, Haley M., Haley G. and Watts.
Agenda
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom, to approve the agenda with the following additions:
• Under Consent Agenda – Add: May 2025 Bank Statements and May 9, 2025 MAESA Report
• Under DPW Report – Add to Item F. May 2025 DPW Report
• Insert Item No. 12. Communication Issues
Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Minutes
Motion by Webb, supported by Engstrom, to approve and place on file the minutes of the May 27, 2025, regular meeting. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bills
Motion by Haley G., supported by Watts, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of $26,824.55. Roll call vote – Engstrom, Haley M., Watts, Webb, Irwin, Markle and Haley G. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Webb, supported by Engstrom, to receive and place on file the items on the Consent Agenda. Roll call vote – Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Brian Hake – Kruggel Lawton CPAs 2024 Audit Report
Staff Accountant Brian Hake, of Kruggel Lawton CPAs, provided the Village Council with an oral summary of the 2024 audit. He thanked the Village Council and Village Manager/Clerk Terrill for their work and cooperation in completing the audit. Kruggel Lawton CPAs has issued an unmodified opinion, indicating that the financial statements are fairly presented and show positive results. The audit reflects the Village’s effective approach to building its funds for projects, with a plan for appropriate expenditures.
Financial highlights from the 2024 audit, as reported by Mr. Hake, include an increase of 19.95% in the Village’s combined net position, which rose from a year ago. When reviewing governmental activities separately from business-type activities, governmental activities showed an increase in net position during the year, while business-type activities also experienced an increase in net position.
Further details from the 2024 audit regarding Economic Factors, Budgets, and Future Projects indicate:
The Village of Marcellus continues to demonstrate good fiscal management, and the Village will continue to monitor the budget to ensure fiscal responsibility. Progress is being made on key projects, supported by successful grant acquisitions:
• ARPA Funds: Of the $119,696 in ARPA funds, $55,722 has been spent on stormwater and blight elimination, with $63,974 remaining for the historic Tailgater building stabilization.
• DWSRF Construction: This $3,065,887 water main project was significantly offset by a $1,074,000 grant and a $2,860,452 loan. Additionally, the $1,872,386.19 in lead service line costs were entirely covered by grants or loan forgiveness.
• Downtown Beautification (RAP): This $649,467 project includes $225,170 in grant funding.
• High Water Grant Project: This $757,725 project is partially funded by a $427,952 grant.
The Village is also advancing homeowner improvement projects with MSHDA CHILL Grant ($483,000) and MSHDA MI Neighborhood Grant ($469,217) funds. Efforts are ongoing to secure additional funding for the $4 million Water Treatment Plant project, utilizing $1 million in secured Community Project Funding, and seeking funds for a new WTP standby generator. Renovations to Village-owned buildings are also planned at an estimated cost of $159,077, with funding actively being sought for the remainder. Overall, the Village’s proactive financial strategies and successful pursuit of external funding are driving substantial community improvements.
Motion by Webb, supported by Haley M., to receive and place on file the Kruggel & Lawton audit of the Village of Marcellus’s financial records for 2024. Roll call vote – Ayes: Webb, Markle, Haley G., Irwin, Watts, Haley M. and Engstrom. Nays: None. Motion carried
2024 Act 51 Report
Motion by Webb, supported by Markle, to file with MDOT and to receive and place on file 2024 Act 51 Report, prepared by Kruggel Lawton CPAs as part of the Village’s 2024 audit activities. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Markle, Haley G., Irwin, Engstrom, Webb, Watts and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
President’s Report
DWSRF Change Order No. 3 Update
President Irwin reported on a meeting held today, June 10, 2025, concerning the Village’s DWSRF project. Representatives from Balkema Excavating, Inc., Wightman & Associates, Inc. and SWT Excavating, Inc. were present to discuss Change Order #3. Questions raised appear to have been answered satisfactorily. It is anticipated that discussions and approval for both Change Order #3 and the subsequent Change Order #4 will take place during the June 24, 2025, Village Council meeting.
Higgins & Associates – Main Street Inspection
President Irwin reported that MaryJean McCarthy-Tapp of Higgins & Associates was in the Village on May 27 and 28, 2025, to inspect and investigate the design, engineering and construction work done on the Village’s Downtown Beautification Project. He anticipates that Ms. McCarthy-Tapp and Attorney Dan Hatch will attend the upcoming June 24, 2025, Village Council meeting to provide an update.
Clerk’s Report
Autoagent Data Solutions (Municipay) for Development Fees
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom, to approve the agreement with Municipay to provide online payment options for the Village’s development fees: zoning, mechanical, plumbing, building and electrical permit applications. The agreement includes service fees of 3.5%, with a minimum charge of $3.50 that will be charged to users who chose to use the online payment option with no additional charges to the Village. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley M., Watts, Irwin, Webb, Markle, Engstrom and Haley G. Nays: None. Motion carried. Applicants will still be able to pay for these services by check or money order as is currently the case.
Review Draft Resolution No. 2025-03 – A Resolution for Sale of Property – Tailgate Sign
Village Council members reviewed draft Resolution No. 2025-03, a Resolution for the Sale of Village Property – Tailgater Sign and discussed a minimum bid for the sign.
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley G., to: Approve Village staff placing an advertisement on the Village’s Facebook page to solicit sealed bids for the Tailgater sign. A minimum bid of $50.00 is required. Bids will be opened and Resolution No. 2025-03 considered during the June 24, 2025, Village Council meeting. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley G., Webb, Irwin and Engstrom. Nays: Markle, Watts and Haley M. Motion carried.
Public Amenity – MSHDA MI Neighborhood
Manager/Clerk Terrill shared the Public Amenity Change Request that was approved by Juli Chant of MSHDA on June 4, 2025. The list includes the following items and their associated, estimated costs and requested approval to move forward with these items and bring bids to the Council for review.
Items Estimated Cost
Banners: 3,301.00
Trash Cans: 5,700.00
Electric (at Pole f/ Decorating): 11,500.00
Flag Brackets: 360.00
Flag Poles: 300.00
Sidewalks/ADA Pads: 40,000.00
Hanging Baskets: 2,268.00
Tulips: 3,000.00
Bulb Planters: 200.00
Lighted Garland: 4,000.00
Park Planter Boxes: 2,400.00
Compost: Donation
Tree & Shrub Mix: Donation
Wood Chips: Donation
Christmas Lights for Hall: Unknown/IF Funds Allow
TOTAL ESTIMATE $73,029.00
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom, to approve the listed changes and purchases to the Public Amenity portion of the Mi Neighborhood Program with bids brought to the Council for review. Roll call vote – Ayes: Watts, Haley M., Webb, Engstrom, Haley G., Markle and Irwin. Motion carried.
MSHDA Mi Neighborhood Program Updates
MSHDA Mi Neighborhood (MIN) Program Local Team Member Seth Carlson shared the following update regarding the MIN program:
The program is moving forward with homeowner and property preparations for rehabilitation. To date, essential documentation for all participants, including income verification, homeowner certification, and supporting documents, has been completed. Contractor and insurance details, along with property tax verification, are also on file. Inspection reports have been received for two properties (400 South Street, Lot 27, and 287 East Dibble Street), allowing property owners to proceed, while reports for three other properties are still pending. Future steps include reviewing inspection summaries, preparing mortgage/note documents for projects over $10,000, obtaining two contractor quotes per home, submittal to MSHDA, awarding contracts, conducting home energy audits for full roof replacements, documenting the construction phase and completing project closeout with homeowner surveys.
DPW
Lagoon Discharge to LASA
The Village’s DPW Superintendent, through President Irwin, reported on recent activities with the Village’s wastewater management. The Village began sending its raw sewage to LASA due to elevated fecal coliform levels in the Village’s lagoons. The discharge to LASA ceased earlier than anticipated due to elevated phosphorus levels that were detected in LASA’s system, both before and during the acceptance of the Village’s wastewater. The Village expects to resume this discharge arrangement with LASA once LASA’s system can accept the inflow in compliance with regulatory standards.
New DPW Superintendent Michael Clark – S-3 Exam: President Irwin reported that new DPW Superintendent Michael Clark successfully passed his S-3 Water Licensing Examination on May 7, 2025. This certification pertains to water distribution systems and is a step toward Michael Clark’s and the Village’s goal of him becoming the Village’s primary water systems operator. Mr. Clark is scheduled to retake his D-3 Water Licensing Examination in the fall. The D-3 certification focuses on limited water treatment and a passing grade on the test will qualify him for the water (systems) operator roll.
It was reported that Quentin Clark, currently serving as the Village’s Water and Sewer Lagoon Operator, will provide a proposal for the extension of his services through the end of 2025 for both water and sewer systems operations. It was noted that this extension, in its current form, has received preliminary approval from EGLE.
Grames Tire & Battery, Inc. – Batteries for Lift Stations and Pumphouse Generator
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley M., to approve the purchase of batteries for each of the Village’s two lift station generators and the pumphouse generator at a cost of $868.00 from Grames Tire & Battery, Inc. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley G., Engstrom, Markle, Irwin, Webb, Haley M. and Watts. Nays: None. Motion carried.
May 2025 DPW Report
Motion by Irwin, supported by Markle, to receive and place on file the May 2025 DPW Report. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Trustee Watts Communication Issues
Public Comment: The following public comments were received:
•Tony Raucho: Inquired about the lack of communication regarding MaryJean McCarthy-Tapp’s recent visit.
•Jill Dwyer: Requested an update on the location or status of the flower boxes.
• Erica Watts: Emphasized the importance of effective communication, and read an email from Sarah Ayers, owner of Patch & Remington, which expressed frustration regarding the absence of notification concerning MaryJean McCarthy-Tapp’s visit.
• Ronald Welburn: Posed questions pertaining to the CHILL Program.
• Mike Dwyer: Asked for the definition for “so noted.”
• Trustee Engstrom: Raised questions concerning Village Zoning ordinances, specifically regarding backyard chickens.
• Tony Raucho: Inquired about the Village’s plans to address the cracked window at Patch & Remington and expressed concern regarding the safety of children who might lean on or accidentally break the window, potentially causing harm.
• Trustee Webb and Markle: Reminded Village Council members of Seth Carlson’s invitation to the Community Stakeholder Listening Session, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 12, 2025, to be held at Patch & Remington.
Adjournment-Motion by Markle, supported by Haley M., to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion passed.
Jacqueline A. Terrill
Village Manager/Clerk
Dennis Irwin
Village President
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