President Irwin called the regular meeting of the Marcellus Village Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 24, 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:
• Insert Item No. 12. Planning Commission
Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Minutes
Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin, to approve and place on file the minutes of the June 10, 2025, regular meeting, provided that the paragraph under Trustee Watts, Communication Issues, be deleted. Roll call vote – Ayes: Markle, Webb, Watts, Irwin, Haley M., Engstrom and Haley G. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bills
Motion by Haley G., supported by Engstrom, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of $52,126.73. Roll call vote – Irwin, Haley G., Engstrom, Markle, Webb, Watts and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Downtown Beautification Project Construction Update from Attorney Dan Hatch
Attorney Daniel Hatch, of Butzel Long’s Grand Rapids office, provided an update on the construction inspection performed by MaryJean Higgins-Tapp on May 28, 2025, and shared the following initial findings, noting that the report is preliminary:
• Missing isolation joints at businesses with concrete up against buildings
• Downspouts not connected to below-grade paving
• Damaged concrete
• Parking spaces in front of fire hydrants and other misapplied striping
• Flair sides at ramps do not meet ADA requirements
• Slopes that do not meet ADA requirements
• Two steps installed at businesses do not meet ADA requirements
• A requirement that a project cannot result in decreased accessibility has not been met
• Non-compliant riser heights
• Missing handrails and concerns over the expense of installing them only to have to remove them to fix the problems
• Benches too close to road
• Slope of decorative sidewalk too steep
• The decorative sidewalk is stained black
• Incomplete work on the curbs from the original scope and punch list items
Mr. Hatch relayed that a letter will be sent to Balkema Excavating, Inc. and Wightman & Associates, Inc., with the list of issues, a length of time for fixing the issues, giving both an opportunity to fix the problems with the project, sharing that MDOT and the Village’s consultant will review for quality control since MDOT will not close the project until the issues listed by it are resolved.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Webb, supported by Haley M., to receive and place on file the items on the Consent Agenda. Roll call vote – Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
President’s Report
DWSRF Change Order No. 3 Update
President Irwin repeated his report from the June 10, 2025, Village Council meeting where he shared that a meeting was held on 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 appeared to have been answered satisfactorily. It was anticipated that discussions and approval for both Change Order #3 and the subsequent Change Order #4 would take place during tonight’s Village Council meeting.
After discussion, Village Manager/Clerk Terrill was asked to request an update from Wightman & Associates, Inc., on the status of the punch list items and a progress update. The subject was rescheduled to the July 8, 2025, Village Council meeting.
Tailgater Sign Bid
President Irwin reported the Village had received one sealed bid for the Tailgater sign. The bid was opened to reveal a $5.00 bid from Village resident Kevin Jach. He moved, seconded by Haley M., to accept and award the bid to Mr. Jach for $5.00. Roll call vote – Ayes: Markle, Haley, Engstrom and Watts. Nays: Webb, Irwin and Haley G. Motion passed.
Resolution 2025-03 – Sale of Village Property
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley M., to adopt Resolution 2025-03 a Resolution for Sale of Property – Tailgater Sign. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley G., Haley M., Watts, Engstrom, Irwin and Markle. Nays: Webb. Motion carried.
Clerk’s Report
MML – Commercial Liability & Property Pool Proposed Renewal
Motion by Irwin, supported by Thomas, to renew the MML Liability and Property insurance with the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Liability & Property Pool through Meadowbrook, Inc., at a cost of $28,382.00. Roll call vote – Ayes: Markle, Webb, Watts, Engstrom, Irwin, Haley G. and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Public Amenity MSHDA Mi Neighborhood Grant – ($8,227.61 f/listed items) Motion by Engstrom, supported by Haley G., to authorize the purchase of the following items for the MSHDA Mi Neighborhood Public Amenity at a total cost of $8, 227.61:
1. Flag Poles – Amazon $295.40
2. Flagpole Brackets – Display Sales $358.00
3. Lighted Garland – Display Sales $3,496.00
4. Trash Receptacles – The Cary Company $4,078.21
Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley M., Watts, Engstrom, Irwin, Haley G., Markle and Webb. Nays: None. Motion carried.
MSHDA CHILL and MI Neighborhood Update
MSHDA’s CHILL and MI Neighborhood programs team member Seth Carlson provided the Village Council with an update on both initiatives. He reminded the Council that the CHILL program is federally funded, while the MI Neighborhood program is state-funded, noting their similar yet distinct requirements. Mr. Carlson also informed the Council that program progress is delayed slightly due to MSHDA’s late notification regarding the lead policy bulletin. He then requested that the Council vote to support the transition of one home from the CHILL program to the MI Neighborhood program for funding.
Motion by Webb, supported by Engstrom, to approve Mr. Carlson’s request to move one property from the CHILL program to the Mi Neighborhood program due to the lead standards and based on available funding. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley G., Engstrom, Markle, Webb, Haley M., Watts and Irwin. Nays: None. Motion carried.
MSHDA MI Neighborhood 2.0
Village Manager/Clerk Terrill asked for Council’s authorization to submit the letter of intent (LOI) for the MSHDA MI Neighborhood 2.0 program. This submission, which is due on July 17, 2025, is for a proposed $400,000 project. Markle moved, supported by Watts, to approve the LOI as requested. Roll call vote – Ayes: Engstrom, Watts, Irwin, Haley G., Webb, Markle and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
DPW
Water/Sewer Operator – Certified Operator Services, LLC
Motion by Markle, supported by Haley M., to approve the six-month extended contract with Certified Operator Services, LLC, for Drinking Water and Wastewater Operations Services for the Village of Marcellus Water and Sewer Systems to ensure that the Village of Marcellus remains in compliance with EGLE and EPA regulations/requirements with the Operator providing at least two site visits per week to oversee system performance and support municipal staff with sampling and compliance requirements at a cost of $3,400.00 per month, which includes 20 hours of on-site oversight per month beginning July 1, 2025, and expiring on December 31, 2025.
Emergency Response Services provided by Certified Operator Services LLC will be provided 24/7 for system failures or urgent operations issues, as needed, at a rate of $200.00 per hour.
Additional services requested beyond the agreed-upon scope, including extra site visits, troubleshooting or special projects will be billed at a rate of $130.00 per hour.
Roll call vote – Ayes: Engstrom, Irwin, Haley M., Markle, Webb, Watts and Haley G. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Wyoming Asphalt Paving Col, Recycled Black Top $1,4750.50
Motion by Irwin, supported by Markle, to approve the purchase and delivery of 50 tons of recycled black top from Wyoming Asphalt Paving Company at a cost of $1,457.50. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley G., Irwin, Markle, Haley M., Watts, Webb and Engstrom. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Chapter 2 Customs Quote for Water Pump Chevy 1-ton
Motion by Irwin, supported by Markle, to approve the replacement of the water pump in the Chevy 1-ton truck by Chapter 2 Customs of Marcellus, Michigan, at a cost of $1,668.26. Roll call vote – Ayes: Watts, Webb, Markle, Irwin, Haley M., Engstrom and Haley G. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Push Mower
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley G., to approve the purchase of a push mower from Rouch Outdoor, LLC, of Three Rivers, Michigan, at a cost of $519.00. Roll call vote – Ayes: Haley M., Engstrom, Irwin, Webb, Markle and Haley G. Nays: Watts. Motion carried.
Planning Commission
Trustee Markle reminded Village Council members that the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Planning Commission is working on the Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Plan surveys in addition to beginning a discussion on potential Zoning Ordinance text amendments.
Public Comment
During public comments, Christie VanTilburg suggested that the Village Council consider adopting effective “meeting mechanics” to foster positive and productive sessions. She specifically recommended that meetings begin with the presumption that all participants are present for the good of the community.
Erica Watts thanked council members for attending the June 12, 2025, community gathering at Patch & Remington.
Seth Carlson, host for the June 12, 2025, Community Gathering, then thanked the meeting participants, reminding attendees that progress is not always easy, and that it requires effort to listen and participate. He added that there would be more to share from the June 12, 2025, community gathering and expressed his hope for the development and presentation of these valuable community tools.
Trustee Webb then spoke about the value of parliamentary procedure as a tool for effective decision-making and for providing clear avenues for action. He also emphasized the importance of active listening to foster deeper understanding and constructive dialogue among Council Members.
Adjournment
Motion by Markle, supported by Haley M., to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion passed.
Jacqueline A. Terrill
Village Manager/Clerk
Dennis Irwin
Village President
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