Regular Meeting of the Buchanan City Commission Monday, February 12, 2024 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 Public Hearing & Roll Call

II.Opening of Public Hearing

1. A.Public Hearing for the possible sale of City Property at 401 River St.- The public hearing is being held pursuant to Section 8.7 of the City Charter for the purpose of the City Commission, considering, accepting public comment on, and deciding upon the possible sale of City Property located at 401 River St. Buchanan, MI 49107.

III.Close of Public Hearing

IV.Call to Order the Regular Meeting

V.Pledge of Allegiance

VI.Roll Call

VII.Approve Agenda

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 January 22nd, 2024.

   2) Consider approving the Special Meeting Minutes from January 31st, 2024.

   3) Consider approving the amended minutes from December 11, 2023. 

• 1-31-2024 minutes.pdf (0.04 MB)
• 12.11.23 Special City Commission Meeting Minutes.pdf (0.06 MB)
• 01.23.24.pdf (0.06 MB)

2. B.Expenditures: Consider approving the expenditures for February 12, 2024, in the amount of  $94,383.43. 

• 02.12.24.pdf (0.10 MB)

X.Scheduled Matters from the Floor (if any)

1. A.Presentation of "Did Grass Make Things Meaner? Legalization of Marijuana and Violent Crime in the Nicest Place in America". A recent article that was published by SKEPTIC Magazine and written by John D. Van Dyke. 

• Grass Meaner Buchanan .pdf (1.08 MB)

XI.Reports by: Departments, Committees, Boards

1. A.Community Development Report- Director, Rich Murphy & Assistant Director, Ashely Regal

   1) G2 Development/ 7Engines Marihuana Permit Renewals for 2024.

   2) Victory Park Pavilion Picnic Tables to be ordered from Schalon Foundation Grant.

   3) Consider Resolution 2024.02/05- A resolution for Mobile Food Vending Fee Schedule. 

• 2024.02.05- Food Vendor Price.pdf (0.01 MB)
• '24 Food Vendor Application.pdf (0.03 MB)
• Victory Park Tables (1).pdf (0.59 MB)

2. B.Fire Department- Chief Mike Adams 

   1) The City of Buchanan Fire Department applied for a grant and is requesting up to a 10% match if awarded. For the AFG Grant for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), the match amount would be $7,771.43

3. C.Election Report- City Clerk, Kalla Langston

   1) Permanent Mail Ballot Voters- Selection Forms.

   2) Early Voting Starts February 17th - February 25th-  At the Berrien County South County Building, Door 13, 1205 North Front St. Niles. 

   3) Presidental Primary Election, Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 Polls are open from 7 AM- 8 PM. 

• Voting Information.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Feb 27 FAQ.pdf (1.07 MB)
• Voting info.pdf (1.15 MB)
• Early Voting Flyer.pdf (1.60 MB)

XII.Unfinished Business

1. A.Consider City Attorney Memorandum, regarding Carla Jackson Johnson Complaint.

2. B.Consider and Vote whether or not to proceed with the Commission Public Hearing, pursuant to the City Code of Conduct on Carla Jackson Johnson Complaint.

• COC complaint Mayor Denison.pdf (0.80 MB)

XIII.New Business

1. A.Consider Resolution 2024.02/06- A Resolution of the Buchanan City Commission to sell the city-owned property at 401 River Street. 

• 2024.02.06 (1)-2.pdf (0.01 MB)

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

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