[0:09] Ice flag of the United States of America and

[0:14] to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with

[0:20] liberty and justice for all.

[0:29] Yes.

[0:35] » Mayor Barbara, >> Mayor Pro Tim Bob

[0:39] » here. >> Commissioner Tom,

[0:43] » Commissioner Ste Davis >> here.

[0:45] » Commissioner Joe Duca, Commissioner Al Ramirez

[0:49] » present. >> Commissioner Luke Stimpian

[0:52] » here. >> City Manager Craig Morton

[0:54] » here. >> Fire Chief Keith Kloakar

[0:56] » here. ADA director Chuck Bennett >> here.

[0:59] » Thank you. >> Okay,

[1:03] the agenda. Is there anything?

[1:08] » Um, we don't have anything additional. We we we did uh uh get the flyer for

[1:13] pilot. We put a copy that for the volume that the uh 45day extension has been

[1:18] approved or or uh received. So, um it's your call when you want to do that. Um,

[1:25] I'm thinking since we're three commissioners short, I'm not sure we

[1:28] want to make a major decision today. That's up to you guys.

[1:32] » I move we approve the agenda.

[1:37] » All in favor?

[1:41] » Appro consent agenda items. Any questions?

[1:49] If not to move, >> I move to consent items including the

[1:53] payment of 700 784,813.73

[2:06] » Davis. >> Yes.

[2:08] » Stimpian. >> Yes.

[2:10] » Ramirez, >> yes.

[2:13] » Dannis, >> yes.

[2:14] » Thank you. >> Okay. The citizens of the for

[2:21] like to speak now is your time right now. So yes,

[2:26] » I have some questions. >> Yes.

[2:29] » Yes. >> Your address, please. Your address,

[2:31] please. State your name and address.

[2:35] » Uh try over 360 West. >> Okay.

[2:38] » I had some questions. >> Sorry.

[2:43] I had some questions at um I tried to contact the police chief about some of

[2:46] the local people have questions about. I think a

[2:50] couple of other people have kind of directed me. They're far less

[2:54] surveillance, more security and observation. I just if anyone had

[2:58] anything they wanted to add. >> All I can tell you is the police have

[3:04] not come to the commission to put up with cameras. So, they are not those.

[3:08] Those are just security cameras. >> That's what I

[3:10] » There you go. >> There were a bunch of people up in arms

[3:12] about it and I just wanted to get some answers so that people could

[3:15] » Okay. Thank you. Y

[3:21] we have Craig Ross. Would you like to step up to

[3:26] the podium, please?

[3:38] » Okay. Sir, you want your wife over? You can

[3:42] have her. >> No, she's fine. She hurt her back so she

[3:47] didn't want to stand up. >> Okay. All right. Okay. I'm going to read

[3:52] the question for you. Okay. We're asky fashionally and with dedicated

[3:59] dedication served embassy as an embassy firefighter for more than 32 years. And

[4:05] whereas Craig during years of service, he has been highly respected firefighter

[4:12] with mentor and guidance from many new firefighters. And whereas due to being

[4:18] well respected by his peers [bell]

[4:25] was pronounced to lieutenant in 1979,

[4:30] assistant chief in 2000, and was acting chief in 2001.

[4:37] And we're asked Craig was one of the leaders of the city firefighters

[4:42] association and helped the group raise money and equipment outside the fire

[4:47] department budget and in for local area causes and whereas Craig

[4:56] dedication, passion, mentorship and leadership was voted the Pier County

[5:01] Fireman's Association fire [bell] in 2014

[5:06] and Emily City's firefighter of the year in both 2013 and 2023.

[5:13] And whereas Craig had life changes at times and his dedication to the

[5:18] department throughout those years demonstrate the determination and

[5:23] realism that defined his career. And now therefore, we have proclaimed that the

[5:30] city of Emily City and the commission does hereby recognize and commend Greg

[5:36] Ross for his dedication and contribution to the Emily City community given with

[5:43] integrity and genuine faithfulness. May it be further proclated that we present

[5:49] this proclamation to Ross as a token of the appreciation and his well-earned

[5:55] retirement and Our extended gratitude for dedication of faithful services,

[6:01] leadership, mentorship and faithfulness. This day is first day of September 2026.

[6:12] [applause]

[6:19] [applause]

[6:27] » [applause] >> get pictures after this, but we got

[6:31] something else first. >> Okay, so you're back.

[6:44] We've got a couple more. I we've been I've chasing a few things down in the

[6:48] last results. We were successful. First of all, I've got a letter from Sn's

[6:53] office that she put together. Basically, congratulations on your well-deserved

[6:57] retirement after 32 years of dedicated service with the El City Fire

[7:01] Department. The achievement is a testament to your commitment,

[7:04] leadership, and dedication to serve the community. Throughout your career, you

[7:08] serve with distinction as a lieutenant, assistant chief, acting fire chief. Your

[7:12] your leadership, integrity, and commitment to the fire service earned

[7:15] you the respect and admiration of those who served alongside you. Your

[7:19] experience and willingness to mentor and support others, help strengthen the

[7:23] department. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the Emily

[7:27] City Fire Department. On behalf of Michigan's ninth district,

[7:30] congratulations. Once again, your retirement and chief, please don't

[7:33] hesitate to call my office immediately.

[7:37] [applause]

[7:43] » [applause]

[7:47] » Lastly, we were able to get a proclamation from the state of Michigan.

[7:52] So, JB's off the road together. So we ended up being green Kevin Daily Gil

[7:59] Press and what sign

[8:04] says, "Let it be known that with great pride and sincere appreciation, we honor

[8:08] Frank Ross upon this occasion of his retirement from the Emily City Fire

[8:12] Department. After 32 years of dedicated service to the residents of Emily City

[8:16] and the surrounding communities for more than three decades, Craig has answered

[8:21] the call of duty with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment

[8:24] protecting the lives and property of others. As a firefighter Emily City Fire

[8:29] Department, he has faithfully served alongside his fellow first responders,

[8:33] amplifying the values of selflessness, professionalism, and compassion that

[8:38] define firefighting profession. Whether responding to fires,

[8:43] emergencies, or accidents, Craig has demonstrated remarkable resilience and

[8:47] willingness to place the well-being of others before his own. His calm

[8:51] leadership, dependable character, and commitment to the team and strength and

[8:56] department helped ensure the citizens of LA city received the highest level of

[9:00] service possible. The LA City Fire Department has long

[9:04] been recognized for its commitment to to training and community service. Craig's

[9:08] careers embodied these principles throughout the years of service.

[9:11] the impact to Craig's career extends beyond emergency services he responds

[9:15] to. His example has helped shape the culture of the department, inspiring

[9:19] newer firefighters through his experience, dedication, and willingness

[9:23] to serve. His 32 years of faithful service reflect not only an

[9:27] extraordinary commitment to the fire service, but also a genuine devotion to

[9:32] the community and to those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. This

[9:36] occasion marks a close and exceptional career defined by sacrifice, courage,

[9:40] and awed dedication. In a special tribute, therefore, this

[9:44] document is signed and dedicated to Craig Ross in recognition of his

[9:47] remarkable 32-year career with the Emily City Fire Department. We extend our

[9:52] extend our deepest gratitude for his years of faithful service and steadfast

[9:56] commitment to protecting the people of Emily City. May his retirement be filled

[10:01] with good health, happiness, and satisfaction knowing that his legacy was

[10:05] will serve older generations since it comes.

[10:11] [applause]

[10:18] [applause]

[10:25] Before

[10:42] [clears throat]

[10:47] we're done, I want to get all

[10:53] sushi.

[10:59] I'll just take the same.

[11:19] » Thanks, guys. Thanks, guys. Should we with him holding his

[11:26] plaques?

[11:29] » Can we do that? >> Bring up the crew with them.

[11:35] » Yeah, they can do it. [laughter]

[11:41] » Wow.

[12:04] That's what I figured. We get a tighter a little tighter group.

[12:16] I figured you can do that first. [snorts]

[12:34] Thank you, GENTLEMEN. [applause]

[12:46] for the fans. >> Yes.

[12:59] Wow.

[13:12] » Thank you. >> Oh, thank you.

[13:24] » We do have a department head for us.

[13:27] » Yep. after the department head since um Jeff Park and Ben just got back from

[13:34] looking for looking at moving the truck and so they're going to give an update

[13:39] the status and what the deal is what's going on and so forth. Okay, why don't

[13:43] we go ahead and have a report?

[13:47] » So, as Keith said, um we literally just got back from the airport.

[13:53] It was a very hot two days because it's just like this over. Um

[14:00] started Monday morning. Got to see the truck finally complete. It's we looked

[14:06] back. This has been a 4-year project. I was Ted, our sales rep, the Tuesday

[14:11] after Labor Day in 2022. So, this has been a long

[14:16] » Yeah. >> labor intensive at times project.

[14:20] Right away, we noticed some things that were incorrect, as you will out on a

[14:24] build like this. Realistically, compared to some we've seen, weren't too bad. In

[14:30] total, we had 74 corrections that I have a list here. We went over one by one

[14:35] with the project manager and the lead on the floor to tell us what the plan is to

[14:40] fix it. A lot of it is scuff mark, a little bit

[14:45] of run out of paint that already went through overnight after we saw it the

[14:49] first time. And we're already getting it prep for paint. Little things. We had

[14:56] Ben's a certified diesel mechanic. He crawled underneath, looked at everything

[15:00] there. So, we had a game plan for all the corrections.

[15:06] First and foremost, it's a beautiful truck. I mean, we had multiple

[15:11] departments coming up to us, hey, we have red trucks, but that looks sharp.

[15:16] So, well worth it. All the equipment works. We went out and tested it, flow

[15:20] water, tested the foam system just to make sure it works correctly. We will

[15:25] get additional training once it gets back here and we're in service.

[15:31] But all in all, it is great piece of machinery. This is

[15:36] the truck 2s is 20 plus years in this community.

[15:42] Is there any other questions about it? >> Did they give you a time frame for uh

[15:48] you know final delivery? Then >> with the holiday gun this weekend, we'll

[15:51] probably take delivery anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. They drive it manually from

[15:56] Wisconsin to Wixom at the Rant facility. Main reason they do that is just the

[16:02] working see if better something hop there whether it's a line or anything

[16:09] happens between okay it happened now not we get it fresh off the trailer

[16:14] and go grab there so we're going to look at schedules after the holiday what

[16:20] works when we can get it up here once it is up here we have more work to do still

[16:27] because we have to model the tools again get everyone trained driving it running

[16:33] the pump running the foam system. The pump and foam training is included in

[16:38] the price of the truck. So, it's just scheduling at that point, getting the

[16:42] trainer here to teach us. We got a crash course on it.

[16:47] I remember most of it, but I'll tell you right now, I don't remember all of it

[16:51] cuz we had so much going on. Um, but yeah, so hopefully by the end of

[16:56] the month it's here in service, it's all about schedule and we're going to start

[17:01] looking at dates for that. >> Thank you.

[17:03] » Thank you. And yes, it's still, you know, it's still safer.

[17:10] [laughter] >> I second that.

[17:13] » If you go online, if you go online, we actually have pictures out there on the

[17:16] web. They put they put numerous pictures. It's it's a pretty truck. It's

[17:19] got it's got the lower is the the typical yellow, but it's got a gray

[17:22] upper. It's It's a good looking vehicle. >> It came out al fantastic.

[17:27] » I got to tell you one thing. Before I left in New York, I got a brand new

[17:31] truck and we were upset. It cost us $56,000.

[17:38] » Well, I can tell you with this project, and I asked this camera yesterday, today

[17:44] when we voted it, it was 959,000. >> Yeah.

[17:47] » With changes we made, it was just over 953 or just below

[17:53] » right around there. So, we saved a little money there.

[17:56] » If we would have priced that truck out today, you add 15% right on top. No,

[18:02] it's only getting worse. While we were out there, we did discuss our plans

[18:06] forward. What's next? Because of the wait for trucks to see what we want to

[18:12] do next. How quick, how soon, that is up to our

[18:16] new truck officer, Lieutenant Ben Horton. So, this was my to-do and I'll

[18:21] pass out along the way with the next. >> Good luck.

[18:25] » Great job. I've got a couple couple more quick

[18:30] items. >> Um, one of my lieutenants stepped down.

[18:35] That was Neil. He stepped down. So, I had we had a hold for lieutenant. So, we

[18:38] we go ahead and we did post an interview and then Lieutenant Ben Horton is now in

[18:43] that position for this year. I I went into the budget and got and got

[18:49] approved. We actually added a third lieutenant and we subdivided our work

[18:54] plus the fact we just need better coverage on our officers throughout the

[18:57] day and night. So we did the same thing we posted it we interviewed and then

[19:02] Mike Raven is now a lieutenant effective today.

[19:06] So I now have two lieutenants in the system. So

[19:10] » congratulations and thank you for all your service.

[19:13] » Thank you. >> And then just one more item. We

[19:16] currently have three people in the mix right now that we're going through the

[19:19] We actually want to deliver process right now. I'm asking get the background

[19:23] stuff back and then we'll keep proceeding out. You know, keep

[19:26] proceeding along. So, I got three potential new hires on top of the one I

[19:29] brought in this year >> because it's going to take three people

[19:32] to replace Greg. >> Oh, yeah.

[19:35] Actually, four [laughter] in. So, yeah. So, that that would be

[19:41] that would get me up to that 20 number that I want to be that'll pass out. Very

[19:46] good. So that's why you guys Thank you. >> All right. Your staff.

[19:51] » Thank you all. >> Could be a 20.

[19:53] » 20. >> Yeah,

[19:55] » that's pretty good for a hard.

[20:01] » All right. Um, you're all done. You're done.

[20:15] [laughter] >> Unfinished business. city own property

[20:17] community center. >> Yes. Basically, all I want to come here

[20:20] tonight for is to see if any commission members had questions on the uh draft of

[20:25] the rental policies and that we put together the committee. You know, it's

[20:30] already been due to DDA board. We got their recommendations, made changes. I

[20:34] want to make sure there's no questions before we took it live.

[20:38] » Just the 40,000 is not necessarily a figure that we're going to deal with.

[20:42] » That is we're talking community center. >> That's a different topic, don't you?

[20:47] If not, you know, the goal will be to uh get this live, get it on the city's web

[20:52] page, DA's web page, get information out there, and then I'll schedule a meeting

[20:56] with the committee and we'll start tackling the next project, the next

[20:59] project. So, >> I thought that committee did a pretty

[21:02] good job on the draft, too. I said, I read it twice.

[21:06] » Excellent. Good. >> Through it, so

[21:08] » perfect. I'll relay the information. We'll get it live. Thank you, gentlemen.

[21:11] » Yes. Thank you.

[21:19] Okay. New business. Um, wait a second.

[21:25] » Do you want to just check again with the Sweet Corn?

[21:29] » You want to discuss that? >> Yeah. Sweet corn social your packets.

[21:33] You got flyers. Just kind of a reminder. You would like to join us. It's going to

[21:37] be on the 19th of September. And we are going to have we're kind of tweaking

[21:43] this week on social a little bit. We're still going to have lots of free sweet

[21:45] corn for everybody to eat, but we're also going to do a celebration of

[21:48] agriculture. So, we're going to have presenters there um like the library as

[21:53] examples will be there um letting people know that we have books in how to can,

[21:57] how to garden, how to do things around the house. They're also hoping to bring

[22:01] their uh computer down so you can even sign people up for library cards there.

[22:05] The museum, it will be a presenter talking about some of the artifacts that

[22:08] they have so people can learn about the agriculture in LA city. We will also

[22:12] have the cornhole tour happening at the same time. Uh cornhole corn social. And

[22:18] then uh we actually are having a young kids marketplace, a young entrepreneurs

[22:22] marketplace where anybody under the age of 19 with a parent can set up a booth

[22:26] and it'll be free of charge and they can sell what they make and try to promote

[22:30] some entrepreneurship in their town. Um but that that's basically the event.

[22:36] We're going to go from noon till 5 and then setups at 11:00 for the market and

[22:40] then cornhole will be going a little bit longer until they have their corner

[22:45] and it'll be happening right now

[22:49] to >> 1 to six on what's Yes sir.

[22:55] » Yeah, no problem. >> We need a motion to approve the permit.

[23:01] » I make that motion. I will to approve the special event permit 2026-10 the

[23:06] sweet corn social as sponsored by the LA city DDA to be held on Saturday

[23:10] September 19th 2026. >> All right.

[23:18] All in favor? >> I

[23:27] do the permit for Christian school project.

[23:38] » Same thing. We need a motion for that to approve that as well.

[23:42] » Nothing else changed the same as last year's.

[23:44] » Yes. I'll make that motion then too to

[23:47] approve parade permit 2026-03 for city Christian school turkey trot to

[23:53] be held on Saturday November 21st of 2026

[23:58] support all in favor

[24:01] » I carries okay um

[24:07] as far as far as the property group yeah we got

[24:13] this Um I think we're missing too many members of the commission to be moving

[24:18] forward. Leave it on the 45day term

[24:23] probably >> probably.

[24:27] » Okay.

[24:31] » We'll move it to the next. >> Yeah, we'll move it to 15.

[24:36] » Y very good. Okay.

[24:42] Um, I guess we're back to citizens from the floor. Would anybody like to speak?

[24:51] » Yes, Brett. I'd just like to say for uh Craig's um leadership and everything. Uh

[25:00] he was there over 30 years, 27 and that years I was there with him. His

[25:05] leadership, professionalism, his officers,

[25:09] everything um top notch. So, Congratulations on your retirement. Good

[25:14] c. I'm right behind you. [laughter]

[25:22] » Okay. Anybody else? >> I guess if not then I guess we

[25:29] » No need for a close session. >> No need a close session. City managers.

[25:34] » I don't have anything additional. No >> commissioner time. No. Thank you for

[25:40] coming gentlemen. And congratulations to the fire

[25:43] department. >> Yes. Big congratulations all around the

[25:47] fire department. You guys truck be beautiful. It's going to be better

[25:49] department than ever. And even though we're missing a good long-standing

[25:53] member there with it, you know, you guys are fill in all those footsteps. It's

[25:56] going to be great. Thank you guys. >> Thank you guys.

[26:02] » Okay. Uh thanks guys for coming out. Shows you know what we like about Craig.

[26:08] Otherwise, we wouldn't be here, right? We appreciate it and keep up the good

[26:13] work, guys. And

[26:17] thanks again for coming out.

2026.09.01 City Commission

Transcript