THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BUCHANAN in compliance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, as amended, B2103192 of 2021, hereby gives notice of a regular meeting of the Buchanan City Commission to be held in the Chamber of City Hall.
* All members of the public will be muted by the moderator, except for during the public comment portions of the agenda. To minimize background noise and/or feedback, we ask that participants manually mute their phone or computer microphone during this portion of the agenda if not speaking. Anyone who speaks during the meeting must provide their full name to the Clerk for recording in the official minutes.
* Requests to be added to the agenda as a “Scheduled Matter from the Floor” should be submitted in writing to the City Clerk at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled meeting during which the speaker wishes to appear, and the approval of such requests remain within the discretion of the Mayor. If denied, the speaker may nonetheless speak during the “non-agenda items only” public comments section of the agenda.
* Those who are unable to appear during a meeting but who still wish to share public comment may submit such comments in written form to the City Clerk at least 4 hours in advance of the meeting.
* Individuals with disabilities may request necessary reasonable accommodations by submitting requests to the City Clerk, preferably at least 24 hours in advance.
* Written requests and comments may be submitted to the City Clerk either in person or via mail to Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, MI 49107, or via email to bpitcher@cityofbuchanan.com.
September 13, 2021, Regular Meeting; September 20, 2021, Special Meeting Minutes.
Approve banner placement request from Ann Tuite on behalf of the Buchanan Tree Friends for a large horizontal banner to hang on South Redbud From October 1-17, 2021 to advertise grant-funded tree planting on October 16, 2021.
Approve banner placement request from the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce for a large horizontal banner to hang on South Redbud from Nov. 12th-29th to advertise the White Saturday Shop Local Event that will be held the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Pending internal approvals, approve the request from Sarah Gault at the Buchanan District Library for a street closure on Days Avenue from Front to the Library parking lot on Saturday, October 2, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. to accommodate the Pumpkin Jamboree Pedal Pull.
Pending internal approvals, approve a street closure on Front Street from Duck Pond Park to Oak Street on Fri., Oct. 8th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the Homecoming Parade.
Update on DPW Building Committee and staff transitions.
Update on the hiring of a new police officer.
Addendums to be considered for Facade and Restaurant Incentive Programs.
Request for approval of Downtown Façade Program application by Molly Thornton and Union Coffee House, 115 E. Front St.
Consider approval of an Adult Use Class C Grow Facility at 402-404 S. Oak St., Buchanan, Michigan, 49107. Sardor Vakihidov, Blackbird LLC submitted their application and received approval from the Planning Commission on September 14, 2021.
Consider adoption of Resolution No. 2021.09/236 to adopt Buchanan City Master Plan 2021.
Review and discuss the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities baseline report for the City of Buchanan.
Consider adoption of Resolution 2021.09/237 Authorizing the Implementation of Recommendations Necessary to Receive Redevelopment Ready Communities Certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
In a letter included in the agenda packet, the Council reflects on 2020 and looks forward to plans for 2021.
ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit tree organization, is partnering with the City of Buchanan, Buchanan Tree Friends, St. Joseph River Basin Commission, the Indiana DNR, Davey Resource Group, and the MDNR – Urban and Community Forestry Program to plant 50 trees on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Buchanan City Hall and along East Front Street, Buchanan Middle School, and 3rd Street. Trees provide many benefits to communities such as shade, improving economic vitality of commercial districts, absorbing stormwater, and reducing carbon in our atmosphere.
Funding for the program is provided through a US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant awarded to ReLeaf Michigan to support and expand local capacity to manage community forest and trees. Tree locations were determined based on the results of a tree canopy assessment, which identified areas where trees would have the most environmental, economic, and aesthetic impact.
Masks are recommended. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing and bring a shovel and work gloves if they have them. The group will meet at Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Red Bud Trail at 8:45 a.m. to sign in and enjoy refreshments. Volunteers will then watch a planting demonstration from ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts.
Event occurs rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary, and families are encouraged. Join us for the morning and leave an environmental legacy that will add to the beauty and health of your community for generations. We hope to see you there!
Special thanks to city officials and the Buchanan Tree Friends for their much-appreciated collaboration to enhance this wonderful community.
Where: Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Red Bud Trail, Buchanan, MI 49107
When: Saturday, October 16th from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sponsors: ReLeaf Michigan (www.ReLeafMichigan.org)
City of Buchanan St. Joseph River Basin Commission
US Forest Service Davey Resource Group
Indiana DNR MDNR – Urban and Community Forestry Program
Cost: This event is free! RSVPs are appreciated. RSVP to www.ReLeafMichigan.org/rsvp
For questions, call Ann Tuite (312) 662-3149 or email treefriends@cityofbuchanan.com.