Regular Meeting of the Buchanan City Commission Monday, August 28, 2023 07:00 PM Chamber of Buchanan City Hall - 302 N Redbud Trail, Buchanan MI

THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BUCHANAN, in compliance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, hereby gives notice of a regular meeting of the Buchanan City Commission to be held in the Chamber of City Hall.

* 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 clerk@cityofbuchanan.com

I.Call to Order

II.Recognition

III.Pledge of Allegiance

IV.Roll Call

V.Approve Agenda

VI.Open of Public Hearing

  1. A.Public Hearing and Public Comment on Establishing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation (OPRA) District for Longbranch Livery LLC 206 Days Ave. Buchanan, MI 49107.

    -P.A. 146 of 2000, as amended- The Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA), PA 146 of 2000, as amended, provides property tax exemptions for commercial and commercial housing properties that are rehabilitated and meet the requirements of the Act. Properties must meet eligibility requirements including a statement of obsolescence by the local assessor. The property must be located in an established Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District. Exemptions are approved for a term of 1-12 years as determined by the local unit of government. The property taxes for the rehabilitated property are based on the previous year's (prior to rehabilitation) taxable value. The taxable value is frozen for the duration of the exemption. Additionally, the State Treasurer may approve reductions of half of the school operating and state education taxes for a period not to exceed 6 years for 25 applications annually. Applications are filed, reviewed, and approved by the local unit of government, but are also subject to review at the State level by the Property Services Regular Meeting of the Buchanan City Commission Agenda Page 2 of 4 Division. The State Tax Commission (STC) is responsible for the final approval and issuance of OPRA certificates. Exemptions are not effective until approved by the STC.

VII.Close of Public Hearing

VIII.Public Comment - Agenda Items Only (3-minute limit)

IX.Consent Agenda (can be approved all in one motion, for general housekeeping items)

  1. A.Minutes

    1) Consider approving the Regular Meeting Minutes from August 14, 2023.

  2. B.Crossing Guard Agreement

    1) Consider approving the 2023-2024 Crossing Guard Agreement with the Buchanan Community Schools.

  3. C.Expenditures

    1)Consider approving the General Expenditures for August 28, 2023, in the amount  of $331,101.58.

X.Scheduled Matters from the Floor (if any)

XI.Reports by: Departments, Committees, Boards

  1. A.Community Development Report- Director Rich Murphy

    1) Consider Resolution 2023.08/21, a Resolution for the establishment of an OPRA district for Longbranch Livery LLC, 206 Days Ave.

    2) Consider Resolution 2023.08/22, a Resolution to accept the terms of the project agreement for McCoy's Creek Trail Extension to River St.Joe Brewery MNRTF Grant. 

    3) Consider Resolution 2023.08/23, a Resolution of support for the Redevelopment Liquor License for the Sweet Shop Cafe Italiano LLC at 205 E Front St.

    4) Update on 123 Days Ave proposed bids. 

  2. B.Mainstreet Update- Assistant Community Development Director, Ashley Regal-  MainStreet Summer 2023 Update.

  3. C.Water Department- Craig Miller, OIC- The City of Buchanan is looking for a company to Hydro-excavate 250 water service lines on both the City of Buchanan side and the Homeowners' side of the water shut-off valve. This info will be given to the State of Michigan (EGLE) for future lead service line replacement criteria for the City of Buchanan.

     1) Consider approving the request for proposal (RFP) for water service line material identification of address within the city.

XII.Unfinished Business

XIII.New Business

  1. A.Water/Sewer Procedure and Policy - City Manager, Ben Eldridge & City Clerk, Kalla Langston

    1) Consider approving the Township Resident Procedure to Tap-in to City Water/Sewer Services

    2) Consider approving the Policy Establishing Regulations Governing Water Service.

  2. B.September 11, 2023, City Commission Regular Meeting Time Change 

    1) Consider moving the Regular Meeting for September 11, 2023, to start at 6 P.M. Due to the 9/11 ceremony being held in the city at 7:00 P.M.

XIV.Communications (informational only, formal board action is not necessary for these items, unless so desired)

  1. A.Patriot Day 2023- Commemorating Buchanan's Annual 9/11 Observance Monday, September 11, 2023, at 7:00 P.M. in the Buchanan Common 

XV.Public Comment - Non-Agenda Items Only (3-minute limit)

XVI.Executive Comments

  1. A.City Manager Comments

  2. B.Commissioner Comments

  3. C.Mayor Comments

XVII.Adjourn