All right. Good evening all. It is uh 6:30
Monday, August 24, 2026. This is the Walker City Commission
Committee, the whole meeting. Um first off, let's uh we've got a number of
items on the consent agenda. Um, one is we have an update uh from our public
services director around the uh gas electric utility rebate assistance. Um,
Scott is here if there's any further questions. Um, the memo did a really
nice job explaining out um, you know, initially, you know, we talked about
some of the legal things. It's it's a concept I know some of us were familiar
with from our business careers. Um, but it does spell out. I mean, really, we we
are out nothing. It's basically finding money that we don't have right now and
we don't have the capacity uh to necessarily do that and uh uh you know
part of the return for doing that is getting a cut of the pie. So um so I
guess with that in mind is there any questions or discussion items around
that item
anybody? All right you're making this easy. All
right. Um so that is item 8B. The expenditures are what are there any
questions on the expenditures? Okay. Um let's jump to 8C. Uh rental
facilities. Um one other thing I'll ask our city manager to give some context
that there's uh just been a lot of um a lot of things coming at us. Very
exciting time next door um with the library. everybody know that that bright
shiny um I'm not going to say toy but bright shiny investment we made in our
community um that was long long overdue um and sorely needed um but with the
usage of the facility that there's uh um some things that we're going to have to
to tighten up there of how what does this look like make sure we get things
right. So, um, kind of tee it up from there, but this is one that we
definitely we're trying to get ahead of before we get to the library opening and
like, uh, we're trying to figure it out, then we're figuring it out. So, yeah, as
the mayor had said, this is a it's a great new asset for our updated asset
for our community. So we want time to understand what function and use the
city will have for some of those rental facilities and then KDL as well and
marry those two together and then create a policy from that on how those
facilities can be rented out, who they can be rented out for, giving preference
to local businesses and residents of the city and then tier that out to
non-residents, other entities, things of that nature and then build out the fee
structure and the rental platform. So, we just want a little time to make sure
we get all of that and understand how that facility operates once it's open
and fully functioning. >> That makes sense to me. I'd rather
» Mhm. Yep. Exactly. Okay. Any other discussion, questions on
that? >> I was just curious how you landed on six
months. not no inflammation either way.
» I certainly hope it takes shorter than that, but I wanted to make sure that
staff and KDL had time to work together to understand how things operate and
work within that facility once it's fully opened. So that gives us an ample
buffer time >> because that'll take us
6 months from tonight or 6 months from the opening. Six months from the
opening. >> I should have been more clear. It should
be six months from the opening. >> That's what I assumed. Okay. So, so
you're looking to November, December, >> April. I think that more than enough.
You've got a holiday time frame in there. You have a new governing body
coming here too and and there may be discussion around um policy, what have
you at that point in time. But um um I do agree with I think it's a good it's a
good strategy. >> Yeah. And that pairs up well. It'll give
the city commission time to also um review and consider the use of
facilities policy, which lays out what can happen at any facility that owned by
the city, whether it be a park. this chamber, the library, things of that
nature. So, we can marry those two policies together as well.
» Perfect. Okay. Any other discussion or questions
on 8C? All right. Um 8D is back in front of us.
We've had some discussion on this up here, but uh anything further? We have
basically a um situation where the city had uh um had went too far in a project
uh on uh onto property and uh resident has approached us for uh this. So I
guess that's the the short of it. The details are in the packet, but is there
any question or discussion from commissioners,
city manager, anything? We're good. >> No, I think this is an ammo agreement.
it it resolves kind of a long-standing issue and hopefully we'll move it behind
us. We've documented everything very well so that way this won't creep up in
the future. >> Perfect.
And then last but not least, the only action item we have on the agenda
tonight outside of the consent agenda is resolution 26-812,
poverty exemption policies and guidelines. And this is basically to get
us in compliance with the state uh for now. There may be um further iterations
of this down the road, but this is to get us aligned and uh um our uh um newer
assessor newer >> yes
» um assessor um has prepared a memo in there if there's any questions or
discussions from Charlie on that. >> All right, we should roll through 7
o'clock then. >> Yes. And this is a policy that probably
should get updated not annually but frequently more frequently so we can
adjust those poverty guidelines and things of that nature so we stay up to
par on that. >> It's fair.
» I'll leave that up to the assessor there. He's more tied into that world to
understand the the rhythm from which these are updated and how often.
» Mayor, if I can ask. >> Yes.
» Can I ask a question? Just out of curiosity, how often is the It mentions
an audit by the [snorts] tax commission. How often do we go and undergo that
process? >> I It's not annually, but it's it's
semifrequently. >> Yeah. I mean, if that's like a periodic
two or three years, that seems like a natural opportunity to review the
policy. >> For sure. And then check in with other
Kent County. >> Now, if it's like five or 10 years,
probably we can be a little bit >> correct more poignant than that.
» Yep. And the cities get wide birth on what those guidelines can be. So we can
increase, decrease, you know, it it's really you you get an understanding of
who what your community threshold should be. And it's also a very underutilized
um exemption because you you have to be in pretty dire straits to qualify for
this. >> Even based on the content of the memo,
it doesn't sound like these are like hard and fast. You have to do these
things. It sounds like they're just kind of recommending and we're trying to do
best align to best practices, but it does seem like there's this is really
soft guidance, not >> Yes. And if if a resident is denied on
this, they can always uh escalate this up to the tax tribunal and be heard at
that level as well. So there is multiple layers baked into this.
» Yeah, we love that process. >> Yes.
» So not that I don't support this. My first wondering was just budget
implications. Any preliminary estimate? >> I can get those, but it's it's very
infrequent that these are granted because again, you have to be in pretty
significant dire straits to qualify for the property exemption.
Good question. All right. Any other discussion on the
real or the poverty exemption resolution?
» Okay. Okay. All right. Well, let's jump into comments. Uh, madame clerk, we will
start with you. >> Uh, just two things. The Kent County uh,
board of canvasers did certify the August 4th election on August 13th. And
then also, Walker was randomly selected to have an audit of precinct 2. um that
is scheduled for tomorrow, August 25th, at 10 a.m. and that'll be held in the
clerk's office. It will be a hand count of precinct 2's um in-person election
day and counting board. So, absentee ballots, US Senate race.
» Okay. >> Thank you, Commissioner Gilbert.
» Uh nothing for me. >> Okay.
A few of us attended the ice cream social last week for the public safety
um teams and it was very well attended. Lots of good feedback. Um and our public
service our safety teams did a really good job too getting out in the
community and um spreading the word on anything that people wanted to know
about. So yeah, it was great. >> Good deal. Christ
» uh also went to the ice cream social and it was very well attended. Um was happy
to see that. Um had a DDA meeting last week, Tuesday I think. Um
Scott, maybe can you give a little quick update on the path from the
station two to community park? >> Sure. Um the uh community park path
that's going to connect the back of fire station number two uh has received its
permit from the state. That's from Eagle. Uh, so it's an environmental
related permit, which is great news. Um, we're looking at final plans for that
now, probably bidding in the next month or two, and then hopefully construction
next year with completion before the first concert, which I think is a big
deal. >> Okay,
» good deal. Thank you. >> All right, Commissioner Chase.
» Yeah, just echoing what Commissioner Groers and Babcock said about the ice
cream social. [snorts]
Mr. >> Same same uh police and fire did an
excellent job um interacting with the community and a lot of smiles on kids
faces and a lot of ice cream there too. >> You stole mine.
» Same. Anyway, Commissioner Birdie. >> Yeah, I think everyone knows school's
back up and running. Uh streets are a little bit busier now. uh had a chance
to meet with the superintendent West Michigan Environmental Academy today and
also met last week with Kenna's superintendent just for a few minutes. I
still think we have some great opportunities for school city
partnerships and um got a couple people in our I think in our corner that'll be
supportive of that as well. >> Awesome.
Mr. City Manager, >> um nothing major. I also attended Double
Dip. That was great. Um, and my 18-month-old very much enjoyed the ice
cream. >> Oh, yes. Oh, yes. I almost forgot to the
uh uh the Coventry Woods one. >> Yes.
» Um that we went down to city manager um uh chief deputy chief um our new
communications manager who by the if you haven't listened to his podcast, he did
a really nice job uh with that. I know it just dropped last week, but um that
turned out well. Um so I had uh other things I think building on what our
clerk had shared. Uh congratulations Commissioner Leara um um in uh winning
uh with more than 50%. So she is uh stepping into this. Did confirm with our
city attorney just to make sure with all the changes in state laws that things
everything is copacetic with all of the roles and uh it is uh December 1st for
all possessions and a discussion December 1st at noon I
believe it was um 11:59 a.m. >> Yes. Something like that. So something
I'll find out. >> But December 1st is the date.
» That's correct. >> So perfect.
» Good. All right. So that's that. Um and then uh thank you to Mayor Prom covering
for me while I was traveling uh the JJ Wright uh 10 year anniversary but also
opening of their new location on Remembrance Road. We had just approved
that uh [snorts] that resoning request. Um and then also want to thank the KDL
uh team um even our project management team with Scott leading that from uh the
library piece. Um after talking through with the uh KDL team, it uh really came
up about um you know, we have a pressure to to get I mean when you walk over
there right now, it just it's like absolute chaos cuz like everything's all
around like there's no way this is going to be open by October 19th. Um but
nonetheless, um that being said, it's it is coming along and um they're actually
going to be closing. There was a notification, I think it went out email
today, um they're going to be closing actually a week earlier um at the
temporary location just to allow that pressure to get everything done not to
become strut because it'll be it's that there's a lot there's like way way more
it's a much larger facility and uh um so that being said, I wanted just wanted to
thank them for working with we had a really healthy discussion last week um
around that um changing that date. And then last but not least, the um um
double dip um in Coventry was uh the milich piece. So that's think that's all
I had. So if there's nothing else, we are at uh 7:43.
Um so we can take a break until about 7:59. 6:59, sorry. Thanks. Thanks. So
we'll stand adjourned till 659. >> Oh, mayor.
» Yes. >> There an opportunity for public comment.
Um, >> not until
» not till 7 o'clock just because it'll be a matter of public record at that point.
If you could please. >> Awesome. Good. Thank you.
» Thank you very much. >> Yep.
There it is.
And guys, when we get to the second public comment, the first one's agenda
items only. I'm assuming it's non-aggenda. The second, so the second
one I'll give you kind of the head knot. So, and that way it's in the public
record for you. >> Perfect. You got it. You got it.
» [snorts]
» We are at 7 o'clock. Good evening all. It is Monday, August
24, 2026. This is the regular city commission meeting for the city of
Walker, Michigan. Um, I'd like to open invite Commissioner Shane to deliver the
invocation, lead us in, and pledge of allegiance.
» Shall we pray? Heavenly Father, we come before you today in humility and faith.
We thank you for all that you have given us and the many blessings in our lives.
We ask you for your guidance and your strength. Show us the way and fill us
with courage and wisdom. Help us to remember your love and your grace and to
be faithful in our service to you. Give us the patience and the understanding to
face life's challenges with grace. Please watch over our police, our
firefighters, our military and our community and our residents. Help us
also to take care of others and to take care of ourselves. We ask in these
things in your name. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you. Like to invite the
audience to stand and join us in the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Thank you all. If I could ask the clerk
to please call the role. >> Mayor Kerry,
» present. >> Commissioner Gilbert,
» present. >> Commissioner Babcock,
» present. >> Commissioner Groers,
» present. >> Commissioner Chase,
» present. >> Commissioner Dashaine,
» present. >> Commissioner Birdie,
» present. >> All right. Thank you all. Um, first on
the list is approval of minutes from the August 10th, 2026 city commission
meeting. Is there any discussion on said minutes? Seeing hearing none, I a motion
for approval and support, please. >> I'll make a motion.
» I'll support Chase, Commissioner Tasha. All those in favor, please say I.
» I. >> I. Those opposed. All right. Um, next is
public comment on any agenda items. Agenda items only. Any public comment?
Going once. Going twice. All right. Um, next is consent agenda items. I'm going
to spell all list all four of these out for the uh viewing audience. First is
the expenditures in the amount of 6,322,66.38.
Uh, the second is uh item 8B is the Walker Library Gas and Electric Utility
Rebate Assistance. We discussed at our committee the whole meeting this
evening. Next is 8C, Walker Library Rental Facility Policy and a six uh
six-month um um uh just extension just to get uh get the house in order there.
Um and then uh 8D is purchase of real property. We also discussed at um the
committee the whole meeting at 6:30. Is there any discussion um on any of the
consent agenda items? Seeing hearing none, I a motion for approval and
support, please. >> So move support.
» Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Birdie, I heard second. Uh, all those in favor, please say I.
» I. Those opposed. Thank you all. Um, next is resolution uh 26-812.
This is the poverty exemption policies and guidelines. We just discussed this
uh at our committee the whole meeting at 6:30 as well. Is there further
discussion or questions on said resolution? Seeing hearing none on a
motion for approval and support, please. >> So moved. Support. Commissioner Babcock,
Commissioner Chase. All those in favor, please say I.
» I. Those opposed. All right. Resolution 26-812 is passed. Next is other public
comment. Um, please feel free to come up to the stand. I believe that is on, but
it didn't sound like it at the 6:30. >> Hello.
» Um, it does not. We've got a pretty good echo in here, but uh or pretty good uh
noise thing in here. So, if you just speak up nice and loud, just state your
name. Um if you're within the city of Walker, you're addressing from outside
the city. Um just your uh city location and then uh have the floor. Uh so you
have it. >> Great. Thank you. My name is Matthew
Sanders. I do not live in the city of Walker. I live in the city of Grand
Rapids in the third ward. Um but I drive in the city of Walker a fair amount. Um
Walker is home to some [snorts] of my favorite places to shop. Uh many
fantastic businesses, both large and small, are located in your city. My
workplace is lo located on the west side of Grand Rapids and that makes it fairly
convenient to come to Walker for stuff like shopping, but like every other
municipality in the greater Grand Rapids area, I am subject while I'm driving
through to the surveillance from Flock APR cameras um when I choose to drive
through the city. Now, I'm not here to scold you for allowing Flock cameras on
your roadways. I'm technically not your constituent, so what would be the point
of that? And even though I'd be happy to stand here for my aotted time and list
in excruciating detail the problems with ALPR cameras, from abuse and misuse by
law enforcement to the truly staggering amount of inaccuracies that have turned
up from audits and of course the vulnerabilities created by data sharing
with federal agencies like ICE. What I'd like to impress upon you today is the
opportunity that is currently staring your city in the face. Perhaps you've
noticed the increasing numbers of cities around the country who have begun to
cancel their contracts with flock and remove their cameras. I would urge you
to become the first city in the greater Grand Rapids area to do this exact
thing. There's currently a ground swell of opposition against flock cameras and
a growing majority of regular people are becoming increasingly concerned with
flocks abuses of their privacy, myself included. Of course, this perception
will only continue to grow as more campaigns are waged against this
technology nationwide and more people become aware of the issues associated
with flock. Therefore, my argument to you is that no unique benefit exists
from keeping your flock cameras in place. But the amount of goodwill and
increased business traffic would receive by being the first municipality in this
area to cancel its contract would be sudden, immediate, and likely to grow
continuously until other cities followed suit. Walker has the opportunity to lead
the way in this regard. Flock has to date not been able to demonstrate a link
between their cameras and any decrease in crime rates. The benefits of
currently deployed ALPR technology do not outweigh the ongoing cost to the
city or the benefits that could be gained by removing them. I thank you for
your time. >> Thank you.
I'm just going to move this away just so that's easier for me. My name is Griffin
Sigma. I do not live within the city of Walker. I'm a constituent of Comtock
Park, so the greater Grand Rapids area as well. I'm also here today to voice my
opposition towards ALPRs. I'm going to build upon a little bit of what Matthew
said and give a little bit more specifics. So ALPRs, automatic license
plate readers, to many colloally known as flop cameras. Their reported use is a
tool to be used helpate crime in the area and that is
used by tracking information. Supposedly uh they can track a suspect's license
plate. They can track them where they move to follow them and then apprehend
them at at that point. Um however, ALPRs uh do not exactly follow how their
namesake is. They do not just read license plates. They also read bumper
stickers, makes and models of cars, any other dents, dings, scratches may be
easily identifiable. And it's not limited to just cars. It also will track
anybody. If you walk by a flock camera, it will scan your face and leave an
imprint. And that data is sent to a national database. That is anybody who's
walking by, anybody who's biking by. There are flock cameras that are pointed
towards parks in the greater Grand Rapids area. So any kids that are
playing at these playgrounds are having their face scanned and uploaded to a
national database. And the city of Walker in the greater Grand Rapids area
have no local authority over these cameras. what they're scanning, how that
information is being used elsewhere, and everything. As such, anybody who is a
Flock contract member has access to all of this information, whether they live
in New York City, Miami, Florida, Texas, California, anybody who has a FL
contract has access to these cameras. So my question is, why do we as a people
allow this private business to have so much information from us where, as
Matthew said, there has not been a great link to
actually reducing crime rates for areas that these flot cameras are. A recent
study of the Los Angeles block cameras shows that there was approximately 32%
error rate. Now, I don't know about you, but if I went to work and had a 32%
error rate, I would not be working there for very long. And as we all know,
Michigan with their license plates is very formulaic. So one digit that is off
could implicate a number of different people in a crime that they may have no
idea, no suspect, no impact, and they may be stopped for that reason. So I
don't believe that this data is very useful for the constituents of Michigan.
Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.
Any other public comment, agenda items, non-aggenda items?
All right. Seeing hearing none, uh, one more time around the horn, Mr. City
Manager, anything on your end? >> Nothing to add.
» Commissioner Birdie said, >> Commissioner Duchaine,
» good. >> Commissioner Chase, Commissioner Groers,
Commissioner Babcock, Commissioner Gilbert, Madam Clerk, nothing. All
right. Undertain a motion for actually before then, uh, thank you in advance
for covering. I will be gone for the two September meetings, um, due to business
travel. So, um, our Mayor Prom has the helm up here. Um I don't see anything
like major coming down the uh the shoot. So um but anyway, that being said, I had
a motion for approval and support to adjurnn. Please
» motion. >> Commissioner Birdie,
» support. >> Commissioner Chase. Um actually, hold on
a sec. Commissioner Birdie, >> go please.
» Support. >> Thank you. Get on one time. Thank you.
So, uh Commissioner Groers, uh all those in favor, please say I.
» I. Those opposed. 710. Uh, thank you.