1 00:03:10,319 --> 00:03:17,280 Good evening everyone. Let's call this meeting to order. It's 2 00:03:14,319 --> 00:03:24,480 tonight is our regular council session. It is August 17, 2026. If you join me in 3 00:03:21,200 --> 00:03:29,840 the pledge of allegiance, please. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 4 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:36,400 United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation 5 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:40,040 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 6 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:47,080 » Just take a quick moment of silence. 7 00:03:49,519 --> 00:03:54,560 Uh Christian, we do a roll call, please. >> Trusty Fields here. 8 00:03:53,599 --> 00:03:56,000 » Trusty Wagner >> here. 9 00:03:54,959 --> 00:03:59,360 » Trusty Easter >> here. 10 00:03:56,480 --> 00:04:00,959 » Trusty Cox. Trusty Kissinger >> here. 11 00:03:59,760 --> 00:04:02,319 » President Pro Timm Keller >> here. 12 00:04:01,360 --> 00:04:06,159 » President Frisbee >> here. 13 00:04:03,840 --> 00:04:09,680 Trusty Cox is out on on business tonight. 14 00:04:07,920 --> 00:04:14,560 Hopefully she'll be able to at least phone in during our session later. Um we 15 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:20,160 have an agenda in front of us. I'd like to make an addition of the V Fixburg 16 00:04:17,040 --> 00:04:26,080 Historical Society. Miss Leah is going to uh present. Um was there any other 17 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:32,120 changes or additions to the agenda as presented? Hearing hearing none entert 18 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:43,600 hearing no more additions or changes entertain a motion to approve the agenda 19 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:49,600 as presented. >> I move as amended support. 20 00:04:47,280 --> 00:04:54,080 » All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. We have an agenda in 21 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:58,840 front of us. So that'll take us to Miss Leah. if you would please. 22 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:06,240 » Hi, I'm >> with the Vixsburg Historical Society. 23 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:10,400 I'm the museum administrator and curator there. Um, as you know, we lease the 24 00:05:08,479 --> 00:05:13,600 historic village from the village of Vixsburg and we're very thankful for 25 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:19,840 that relationship. Um, and it allows us to continue our mission to share and um 26 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:24,639 preserve the Vixsburg area history. Uh with that I wanted to share just some 27 00:05:21,680 --> 00:05:28,240 of our um programs this year and some of our upcoming programs which is going to 28 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:33,120 be two of our largest events of the entire year. Uh this year we've provided 29 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:37,360 historical presentations through our speaker series program which brings in 30 00:05:35,199 --> 00:05:42,320 speakers from all over the state. This year's programs included uh Michigan 31 00:05:39,440 --> 00:05:47,120 railroads and agriculture. Uh we talked about the polar bears of World War I and 32 00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:51,840 we had a pictorial history of the Kazoo area. We also hosted a new pro program 33 00:05:49,680 --> 00:05:55,680 called Roots and Branches uh that brought in representatives from the 34 00:05:53,199 --> 00:06:02,160 Kalazoo Valley Genealological Society as well as the Library of Michigan. 35 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:06,319 Um and that program uh was meant for people looking at historical research 36 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:10,319 and genealological research. And so those organizations came in to talk 37 00:06:08,240 --> 00:06:14,720 about their resources that are available to um the state and our community as 38 00:06:12,960 --> 00:06:18,639 well. Um we've partnered with many 39 00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:23,680 organizations and businesses within within the community and we'll continue 40 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:28,880 to do so um in our upcoming events. Um so this year we still have our harvest 41 00:06:25,759 --> 00:06:35,199 festival to go. Um and with that we have our pumpkin decorating contest. So yay. 42 00:06:31,759 --> 00:06:40,400 Uh uh this is our largest fundraiser and our largest event. It brings over 3,000 43 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:46,080 people to the community. Uh it is largely free. So there are food trucks 44 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:50,720 available as well as vendors, but um places like Apple Knockers provides a 45 00:06:48,160 --> 00:06:55,600 lowcost meal for families. Um and there are plenty of free activities the day of 46 00:06:53,680 --> 00:07:00,720 including wagon rides, face painting, games, antique engine demonstration 47 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:06,240 demonstrations, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, story time, an art project, 48 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:10,960 music, word and artifact scavenger hunt with prizes, and we also offer antique 49 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:16,720 car rides for a dollar per person. Uh so it turns out to be a really great event. 50 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:21,039 This is at least our 15th year. It might be more than that actually if you really 51 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:24,960 count it down, but uh it's been really successful and it's over the last 5 52 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:28,479 years really started to grow even more than I think anticipated. So we're 53 00:07:26,960 --> 00:07:34,160 really looking forward to that and we'd invite all of you to come and uh join us 54 00:07:31,440 --> 00:07:40,479 for that. Um so then after that we are doing our uh 55 00:07:38,080 --> 00:07:44,639 second Vixsburg cemetery tours. So that's the following weekend on October 56 00:07:42,160 --> 00:07:50,160 3rd. Um again this is somewhat of a fundraiser for us. Um we are focusing on 57 00:07:47,840 --> 00:07:53,840 veterans that are buried within the cemetery. So they're not all local 58 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:57,599 people but they have interesting stories. Um there's a lot of families 59 00:07:55,840 --> 00:08:03,039 and a family history that comes up with this. So um it'll it'll reach a lot of 60 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:08,400 people. We hope. Um, and then in December, we also do our um, annual 61 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:15,280 model train run every Saturday in December for the holidays. So, with 62 00:08:12,080 --> 00:08:18,960 that, that's all I have to bring. Any questions or anything? 63 00:08:17,199 --> 00:08:23,199 » Did you mention the date of the harvest fest? 64 00:08:20,160 --> 00:08:27,520 » It is Sunday, September 27th, 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is always the last Sunday 65 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:29,919 of September every year. >> Thank you. 66 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:34,719 » Yes. Did you do like a haunted tour last year 67 00:08:32,719 --> 00:08:39,120 right around Halloween time? >> Um, we did a cemetery tour last year. We 68 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:46,160 That was kind of our last event outside of December. So, no, we'd love to 69 00:08:43,519 --> 00:08:50,519 do some ghost hunting would be fun, but no, nothing planned right now. 70 00:08:51,680 --> 00:08:56,480 » All right. >> Well, thanks so much, Leah. Thanks. 71 00:08:54,000 --> 00:09:01,519 Thanks for everything your organization is doing. Last year was one of the 72 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:06,320 biggest uh October Fest or the harvest fest I've ever seen. So, it was it was 73 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:09,120 tremendous. So, keep up the good work. >> Yep. 74 00:09:07,279 --> 00:09:10,399 » It's awesome and we appreciate you doing it. 75 00:09:09,519 --> 00:09:13,920 » Thanks. >> Thanks for coming tonight. 76 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:19,839 » Y >> So, we have a quick uh public official. 77 00:09:17,519 --> 00:09:24,399 Miss Wendy Maer is with us. She's our county commissioner. 78 00:09:22,560 --> 00:09:28,720 » Good evening everyone. Wendy Maer, county commissioner. Um, I just have a 79 00:09:26,640 --> 00:09:34,320 couple of brief items. Most of our time right now is being spent on the 2027 80 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:39,120 budget. Um, Dr. Catelyn, our administrator, his last day was last 81 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:43,519 Friday. And the assistant deputy, Terrell Cole, has been named the interim 82 00:09:41,440 --> 00:09:47,519 administrator, so he's seeing us through the next six months. So, um, that's 83 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:49,440 about all I have. So, >> thanks so much. 84 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:52,080 » Thank you. >> We can't let her get away that quick 85 00:09:51,279 --> 00:09:57,279 second. >> All right. Couple things. Um, and 86 00:09:55,440 --> 00:10:02,000 appreciate you coming and always staying in contact and in the letters of 87 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:06,640 support. I wanted to publicly thank you again for uh we're going to give a 88 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:11,200 update on the parking lot which we secured that $535,000 89 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:16,320 grant and received your letter of support which was instrumental. Also 90 00:10:13,519 --> 00:10:20,880 wanted to thank you uh for your donation to uh Bird Days and the arts that goes 91 00:10:18,880 --> 00:10:22,560 on within Bird Days. So, thank you very much Wendy. 92 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:25,880 » Yeah, thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Wendy. 93 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:32,560 » Well, it takes takes right me to the president's 94 00:10:30,560 --> 00:10:38,320 comments and I'll be brief and I just want to apologize in advance because 95 00:10:35,040 --> 00:10:43,279 there's going to be a long delay as our first action item. So, um all those 96 00:10:41,120 --> 00:10:47,680 watching uh please bear with us and then thank you for your patience. Uh this 97 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:52,720 opens it up to uh citizens comments or anything on the agenda if anyone's so 98 00:10:50,480 --> 00:10:56,959 inclined to speak. Seeing none, we have our minutes from 99 00:10:54,800 --> 00:11:02,959 our special council meeting August 3rd warrant reports and uh event request. So 100 00:11:00,959 --> 00:11:08,399 everyone had an opportunity to review our meet minutes from uh August 3rd. Was 101 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:12,399 there any corrections, clarifications? If not, entertain a motion to approve 102 00:11:10,959 --> 00:11:17,440 consent agenda. >> I move to approve and submit. report. 103 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:18,800 » We do a roll call, please. Christian. >> Trusty Kissinger. 104 00:11:18,399 --> 00:11:20,079 » Yes. >> Trusty Easter. 105 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:21,360 » Yes. >> Trusty Wagner. 106 00:11:20,959 --> 00:11:22,560 » Yes. >> Trusty Fields. 107 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:24,160 » Yes. >> President Prom Keller. 108 00:11:23,760 --> 00:11:28,240 » Yes. >> President Crisby. 109 00:11:25,279 --> 00:11:35,040 » Yes. >> So now is our next first action item for 110 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:42,480 the night. >> Mr. President, I'd like to move into 111 00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:45,920 close session per MCL 15.268 268 subf for the purpose of to review job 112 00:11:44,399 --> 00:11:50,079 applications for the village manager position. 113 00:11:48,640 --> 00:11:52,079 » We have motion to have support. >> I support. 114 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:54,160 » We have a motion to support. May we do a roll call, please. Christian. 115 00:11:53,200 --> 00:11:55,440 » Trusty Wagner? >> Yes. 116 00:11:54,480 --> 00:11:56,800 » Trusty Kissinger? >> Yes. 117 00:11:55,839 --> 00:11:58,000 » Trusty Fields? >> Yes. 118 00:11:57,120 --> 00:11:59,440 » Trusty Raster? >> Yes. 119 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:02,320 » President Prom Keller? >> Yes. President Frisbee. 120 00:12:00,800 --> 00:12:06,360 » Yes. >> So hang with us, please. 121 01:13:59,360 --> 01:14:05,920 to return uh into open session and close the closed session. 122 01:14:04,320 --> 01:14:08,880 » Support. >> We have a motion to support. Will you do 123 01:14:07,360 --> 01:14:10,239 a roll call, please? Christian. >> Trusty Wagner? 124 01:14:09,920 --> 01:14:11,440 » Yes. >> Trusty Fields? 125 01:14:11,120 --> 01:14:12,640 » Yes. >> Trusty Kissinger? 126 01:14:12,320 --> 01:14:13,920 » Yes. >> Trusty Rester? 127 01:14:13,520 --> 01:14:15,360 » Yes. >> President Prom Keller? 128 01:14:15,040 --> 01:14:20,000 » Yes. >> President Frisbee? Yes. 129 01:14:18,159 --> 01:14:25,040 So, we're back in open session. We're going to take a fiveinut restroom break 130 01:14:22,800 --> 01:14:27,040 if you would all entertain that. Five minutes. 131 01:14:25,520 --> 01:14:28,560 » I move that we take a fivem minute recess. 132 01:14:27,760 --> 01:14:33,760 » Second. >> All those in favor say I. 133 01:14:29,840 --> 01:14:33,760 » I. As Gail's walking out the 134 01:20:17,600 --> 01:20:22,920 return to regular session. Support 135 01:20:23,120 --> 01:20:27,560 those in favor say I. >> I 136 01:20:29,920 --> 01:20:33,560 take a minute right now 137 01:20:34,800 --> 01:20:42,159 a minute to introduce Frank Walsh with Walsh Municipal Recruiters. uh he's been 138 01:20:40,159 --> 01:20:46,960 doing a stellar job for us and brought some really talented people to the uh 139 01:20:45,040 --> 01:20:51,120 table for us. So Frank, if you would please. Thanks. 140 01:20:48,000 --> 01:20:54,880 » Well, thank you. It's been a great few weeks here uh recruiting for Vixsburg. I 141 01:20:53,360 --> 01:20:58,880 can tell you that there's a lot of community struggle throughout the state. 142 01:20:56,480 --> 01:21:03,760 Vixsburg did not. Uh your town shows very very well. Um there was a lot of 143 01:21:01,280 --> 01:21:07,840 attraction towards uh being the village manager here. We received uh 20ome 144 01:21:05,920 --> 01:21:12,400 applications for the position and obviously we brought six forward tonight 145 01:21:09,679 --> 01:21:17,040 out of that group. A lot of experience, a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of passion 146 01:21:15,360 --> 01:21:20,480 for local government. I think you have a great group of candidates uh before you, 147 01:21:19,199 --> 01:21:24,800 but it really goes back to your leadership that you've had here for the 148 01:21:22,000 --> 01:21:29,360 last 10 years with uh manager Mallerie and this council. This council is known 149 01:21:27,040 --> 01:21:33,440 throughout the region as being united and one that gets along well and you 150 01:21:31,120 --> 01:21:37,840 have a great community. That's not easy to find. All you have to do is read the 151 01:21:35,120 --> 01:21:41,760 newspapers in Michigan and you can see all the turmoil that's out there in 152 01:21:39,280 --> 01:21:45,280 Michigan. But um we have a really good stellar group before you and look 153 01:21:43,679 --> 01:21:49,920 forward to the interviews and continuing the process with you. But Vixsburg shows 154 01:21:48,080 --> 01:21:53,120 extremely well and you have a great group of candidates. So I'd be happy to 155 01:21:51,920 --> 01:21:57,120 answer any questions that you might have. 156 01:21:54,800 --> 01:22:02,159 » Thanks Frank. Any other questions for him? I think we went through all of that 157 01:22:00,239 --> 01:22:04,800 earlier. So, we really appreciate appreciate the talent you brought to the 158 01:22:03,840 --> 01:22:08,920 table for us. >> Good luck. 159 01:22:05,679 --> 01:22:08,920 » Thank you. 160 01:22:08,960 --> 01:22:22,639 » Mr. President, I would like to make a motion that we put forth candidates 161 01:22:15,920 --> 01:22:28,880 number 11, 14, 18, and 19 for a public interview to be held on September 1st of 162 01:22:25,440 --> 01:22:36,239 2026 starting at 400 p.m. here at the Village Hall. um meeting center. 163 01:22:34,239 --> 01:22:39,040 I support. We have motion to support. You do a roll 164 01:22:38,000 --> 01:22:40,400 call, please. Christian. >> Trusty Kissinger. 165 01:22:40,000 --> 01:22:41,840 » Yes. >> Trusty Fields. 166 01:22:41,440 --> 01:22:43,280 » Yes. >> Trust Easter. 167 01:22:42,880 --> 01:22:44,639 » Yes. >> Trusty Wagner. 168 01:22:44,239 --> 01:22:46,159 » Yes. >> President Prom Keller. 169 01:22:45,840 --> 01:22:49,120 » Yes. >> President Brisby. 170 01:22:47,199 --> 01:22:55,639 » Yes. Thank you so much. 171 01:22:52,239 --> 01:22:55,639 Thanks, Rank. 172 01:22:57,760 --> 01:23:04,480 » Yeah. And as always, uh, we have to thank, uh, Katherine Kaufman, our 173 01:23:02,080 --> 01:23:08,960 attorney, and, uh, thank you so much for all the support and, uh, wise advice 174 01:23:06,719 --> 01:23:15,239 you've given us, and appreciate you being here with us tonight. 175 01:23:12,080 --> 01:23:15,239 » Thank you. 176 01:23:17,120 --> 01:23:24,480 » So, we have uh, 11B in front of us, Mr. Mallerie, the Taplain Group. 177 01:23:22,719 --> 01:23:29,600 » Yes, this is the fourth year. It's remember we put in forward a 10-year uh 178 01:23:27,040 --> 01:23:34,159 maintenance plan on cammering the su sewer system, seeing the conditions and 179 01:23:31,840 --> 01:23:39,760 putting an appropriate evaluation and a historic documentation. So, this is the 180 01:23:36,960 --> 01:23:44,719 fourth year of that plan. It is at the same cost last year. Taplan kept it and 181 01:23:42,080 --> 01:23:49,840 this is a countywide if municipalities with infrastructure systems choose to 182 01:23:46,880 --> 01:23:53,280 participate. So, uh, it was a competitive bid process and we're 183 01:23:51,520 --> 01:23:58,639 recommending a motion support and approval for the manager to enter that 184 01:23:55,440 --> 01:24:07,120 contract. This section will continue off the neighborhoods on 22nd Street or um, 185 01:24:03,440 --> 01:24:13,920 uh, the maps included. Um, but it's the next 10% uh, which is when we started 186 01:24:11,120 --> 01:24:17,719 this process, the fourth oldest section to to be evaluated. 187 01:24:19,280 --> 01:24:27,440 Thanks, Jim. Were there any any other questions for Jim? 188 01:24:25,280 --> 01:24:31,520 » Yeah, we'll need a motion to uh enter into this agreement. 189 01:24:29,120 --> 01:24:35,840 » I make a motion to approve um the Taplan group. 190 01:24:34,239 --> 01:24:39,920 » Support. >> We have a motion to support. Were there 191 01:24:37,280 --> 01:24:41,920 any other questions, discussion? Hearing none, we do a roll call, please. 192 01:24:41,440 --> 01:24:43,360 Christian. >> Trusty Kissinger. 193 01:24:42,960 --> 01:24:44,639 » Yes. >> Trusty Fields. 194 01:24:44,239 --> 01:24:47,199 » Yes. >> President Prom Keller. Yes. 195 01:24:46,320 --> 01:24:48,400 » Trusty Easter. >> Yes. 196 01:24:47,520 --> 01:24:49,760 » Trusty Wagner. >> Yes. 197 01:24:48,719 --> 01:24:54,480 » President Frisbee. >> Yes. 198 01:24:51,280 --> 01:24:59,440 And uh we had a couple of uh applicants for the planning commission board 199 01:24:56,239 --> 01:25:03,440 opening that we had. Uh I hadn't had an opportunity to talk to the one 200 01:25:00,800 --> 01:25:08,639 gentleman, but I I left him a voicemail and an email thanking him and I'm sure 201 01:25:05,440 --> 01:25:13,600 we'll be reaching out to him very soon. But uh Bobby Derky, I would like to 202 01:25:10,880 --> 01:25:17,280 recommend to this uh council that we appoint uh Bobby to the planning 203 01:25:15,520 --> 01:25:21,760 commission. You know, he's got extensive background in zoning and we all know 204 01:25:19,840 --> 01:25:26,239 Bobb's worked with us in the past from the planning commission. So, he was a a 205 01:25:24,239 --> 01:25:30,400 a really really good fit for this. So, I'd like to entertain. I nominate Bobby 206 01:25:28,880 --> 01:25:35,280 Derky. Would like your approval and support. 207 01:25:32,800 --> 01:25:38,560 » I'd love to. I'll make that motion. >> Support. 208 01:25:36,960 --> 01:25:43,360 I've got some comments on that. >> Yes, please. 209 01:25:39,600 --> 01:25:48,000 » Uh, didn't didn't I say that at the last meeting saying that uh Bobby Derki 210 01:25:45,760 --> 01:25:51,280 should be sought out because I I thought I was joking. I didn't think we had a 211 01:25:49,440 --> 01:25:54,880 chance to get Bobby. So, I'm actually I love to hear that Bobby was interested 212 01:25:52,719 --> 01:25:59,520 and wants to participate because he is an exceptional wealth of knowledge and 213 01:25:56,639 --> 01:26:03,920 expertise. So, I couldn't be more proud to confirm this nomination. 214 01:26:02,080 --> 01:26:09,280 » I think it was a group effort and tag team. I know I talked to him. I know Jim 215 01:26:06,320 --> 01:26:12,320 talked to him. I know Chad talked to him. So that was 216 01:26:10,719 --> 01:26:15,840 » a moonshot for me. [laughter] >> He just said yes. So you would shut up. 217 01:26:14,000 --> 01:26:23,920 » I think so. >> We'll take it as a a commitment. So 218 01:26:20,560 --> 01:26:30,560 » did we did we uh vote? Yes. No. >> We have a nomination. Uh and uh we have 219 01:26:26,880 --> 01:26:36,080 a motion in support. You do all those in favor of nominating Bobby Derky to the 220 01:26:32,560 --> 01:26:38,400 planning commission. All those in favor? >> I. 221 01:26:36,639 --> 01:26:43,360 » Those opposed? >> Welcome, Mr. Derky back. We appreciate 222 01:26:40,719 --> 01:26:49,280 it. Look forward to it. >> This takes us to uh agenda item 12, our 223 01:26:46,880 --> 01:26:55,199 village manager report. >> Yeah. Uh couple things. Wanted to update 224 01:26:51,760 --> 01:27:00,239 the council. As uh all of you are aware, um been working. We received a a 225 01:26:57,840 --> 01:27:03,760 preliminary event plan here in the last few weeks from the mill group at an 226 01:27:02,239 --> 01:27:11,280 activation uh proposal in in summer of uh late late 227 01:27:07,360 --> 01:27:16,080 summer of 2000 or 2027 uh specifically August. So we have uh uh 228 01:27:14,080 --> 01:27:23,360 staff and a lot of meetings going on to finalize that and work towards a final 229 01:27:19,679 --> 01:27:28,080 plan. Um so exciting times. looking forward to to continuing those 230 01:27:25,199 --> 01:27:33,360 discussions and and finalizing the the plan so staff can evaluate it and and be 231 01:27:30,880 --> 01:27:37,440 in front of the council and if we need a a certain aspect in front of the 232 01:27:34,800 --> 01:27:43,520 planning commission um to get uh seek those approvals um as we move forward um 233 01:27:40,719 --> 01:27:48,960 and it's just uh one more step uh in into the future of positivity here in 234 01:27:45,840 --> 01:27:54,800 Vixsburg. Um, and if someone has a specific question, go ahead or I'll move 235 01:27:51,280 --> 01:27:59,600 to Sprinkle Road, which might not nearly be as positive. Um, 236 01:27:58,051 --> 01:28:05,760 [laughter] uh, yes. So, the Sprinkle Road project, 237 01:28:01,840 --> 01:28:10,239 you know, is uh, it's been a a long endeavor, and we don't have to highlight 238 01:28:08,000 --> 01:28:16,719 how it started in 2018 with all the planning, but but has has about $3.8 8 239 01:28:13,440 --> 01:28:24,400 million worth of uh federal uh grant assistance on that project. Uh we we are 240 01:28:21,120 --> 01:28:30,000 south of the S-curves on Sprinkle Road. We have another uh similar to earlier in 241 01:28:27,760 --> 01:28:35,840 the project, the specs that were provided by utility companies have the 242 01:28:32,800 --> 01:28:39,920 gas lines about 8 feet from where the documentation on the prints showed 243 01:28:37,760 --> 01:28:43,840 they'd be. And so once they call it potholeing, kind of opening up the 244 01:28:41,760 --> 01:28:51,199 ground in front where we're projected to put this uh force main. So there's 245 01:28:47,040 --> 01:28:57,520 there's some um mid-pro engineering to asssure that we don't uh have those two 246 01:28:54,320 --> 01:29:05,120 uh collected or connected in any manner. Um they assure me that um though it at 247 01:29:02,480 --> 01:29:10,480 this time or last week was a a couple days delay that they will uh they have 248 01:29:07,920 --> 01:29:17,280 two crews working and the project is still on time to be completed by 249 01:29:13,600 --> 01:29:23,600 December 1st. Uh one of the things that uh we are certainly aware of is how long 250 01:29:21,120 --> 01:29:28,159 ashalt is being produced in Michigan as we move into November and December. Um 251 01:29:26,080 --> 01:29:34,639 so we probably could foresee some updates in that area but we are 252 01:29:31,600 --> 01:29:42,000 confident the pipe will be in the ground and the lift station work will will be 253 01:29:37,840 --> 01:29:48,239 concluded. Uh and why that uh is such a timing is that federal grant assistance 254 01:29:44,719 --> 01:29:53,679 needs to be expended by then. So uh we're monitoring that fairly closely. Um 255 01:29:51,679 --> 01:29:58,800 but moving forward [clears throat] parking lot project. We did receive word 256 01:29:55,840 --> 01:30:03,520 today that the uh light poles are in transit which they're on time and uh 257 01:30:01,920 --> 01:30:08,480 we're pretty confident by the end of the month we'll have those light poles up 258 01:30:05,120 --> 01:30:15,600 and the stream lights on Liberty Lane uh west. Uh that's a about a $1.2 million 259 01:30:11,600 --> 01:30:20,080 project had 50% with MEDC. So once it's completed, we did a soft opening of the 260 01:30:17,760 --> 01:30:24,000 parking lot, but we will come in with the uh street cleaner, clean it back all 261 01:30:22,239 --> 01:30:28,080 up, and we'll have a formal ribbon cutting where all of you, the public, 262 01:30:26,239 --> 01:30:31,920 MEEDC uh leadership from uh Frederick's and 263 01:30:30,080 --> 01:30:38,480 and the worker bees are invited to actually have an official uh ribbon open 264 01:30:34,560 --> 01:30:44,000 cutting uh to to the new parking lot. So um in in that, 265 01:30:41,199 --> 01:30:49,600 don't want to jinx us, but Mr. Frederick has us on time and under budget as we 266 01:30:46,320 --> 01:30:54,880 sit here today. Um we'll report back uh at the September meeting. 267 01:30:52,239 --> 01:30:59,440 We do still have it's announced and uh uh this week we will be making another 268 01:30:56,800 --> 01:31:04,080 round of announcements on our clerk position opening. We are all aware uh uh 269 01:31:02,320 --> 01:31:08,719 Christian uh Wines who's done a fantastic job has opportunities down 270 01:31:06,800 --> 01:31:14,159 south in the state of Florida and will be with us uh uh to the near end of 271 01:31:11,360 --> 01:31:19,440 October. So, our goal is, and I'll work with the council HR committee to be 272 01:31:16,400 --> 01:31:25,760 scheduling interviews, but anticipating those to be the week of uh September 8th 273 01:31:22,800 --> 01:31:31,120 after Labor Day. Um hopefully to have someone on board end of September, 1st 274 01:31:29,040 --> 01:31:34,960 of October to get some exposure with Christian and Michelle Morgan as a 275 01:31:33,280 --> 01:31:38,320 director of finance will lead that group. 276 01:31:36,159 --> 01:31:43,440 in and that we did I did notify the council 277 01:31:40,159 --> 01:31:48,719 um but uh Diane has she's two days a week in the office. Dian's worked for 278 01:31:45,280 --> 01:31:53,199 the village uh as of three years ago she worked for a couple years so knows our 279 01:31:50,480 --> 01:31:59,600 system knows the work and I'm confident that we will have a smooth transitional 280 01:31:56,080 --> 01:32:04,719 uh time uh and now it's focused on getting a clerk. So that is uh my 281 01:32:03,280 --> 01:32:08,360 report. be happy to answer any other questions you might have. 282 01:32:12,960 --> 01:32:16,560 » All right, it's time for the committee updates. 283 01:32:15,199 --> 01:32:22,159 » I do. I'm sorry. >> My question was I wanted to just say 284 01:32:18,560 --> 01:32:25,679 that um we do have one more Berg day, right? 285 01:32:22,639 --> 01:32:30,480 » Yes. Uh we have uh it's a good point. We have uh Berg Days this Wednesday. It'll 286 01:32:27,840 --> 01:32:35,280 be the final Berg Days on the 19th. We also will be into week three of busking 287 01:32:32,639 --> 01:32:42,480 in the Berg where we're putting three uh solo musicians out on the bumpouts 288 01:32:38,400 --> 01:32:49,360 downtown on every Thursday from 5:30 to 700 p.m. as an attraction to try to get 289 01:32:46,320 --> 01:32:54,760 people in the downtown uh on Thursday. So, um those activities are are going 290 01:33:01,840 --> 01:33:09,159 I'm trying to come off like I'm a >> above a novice in that area, but 291 01:33:10,159 --> 01:33:15,760 » that's how they sold it to me. It's kind of catchy busting in the Berg and I'm 292 01:33:13,840 --> 01:33:19,199 like, I'm going with it. >> That's right. 293 01:33:16,400 --> 01:33:22,239 » We we had to define it at our planning planning meeting as well. 294 01:33:21,600 --> 01:33:28,159 » Yep. >> I actually called Teresa and said, "What 295 01:33:24,639 --> 01:33:31,840 is it?" She didn't know. >> All right. So, it takes us to committee 296 01:33:29,760 --> 01:33:37,280 reports. Any updates on the trees? >> Um, we we will be meeting next week. 297 01:33:35,440 --> 01:33:41,679 » Uh, parks and wreck. >> We finished up the last two movies in 298 01:33:39,440 --> 01:33:48,239 the park. So, three movies well attended. Uh, special thanks to Alyssa 299 01:33:44,960 --> 01:33:55,520 Phillips with the library, Kelazoo County State Bank, and of course all of 300 01:33:51,199 --> 01:34:02,400 the um parks and wreck members. Also, at our last meeting, we met with Vixsburg 301 01:33:58,880 --> 01:34:06,800 Arts to kind of discuss possible collaborations with the funding that's 302 01:34:04,719 --> 01:34:15,440 been put to them to do things in the park. So, tenatively, we're looking at 303 01:34:10,639 --> 01:34:22,159 six creative park popups with the first starting August 29th. August 29th, 304 01:34:18,960 --> 01:34:27,840 they'll be uh come after the Berg Day social media, then it 305 01:34:24,800 --> 01:34:32,639 all switches to this popup event in the park on August 29th with arts 306 01:34:30,560 --> 01:34:33,840 interaction on the youth. [snorts] >> Correct. 307 01:34:33,199 --> 01:34:39,600 » Which park? >> And uh the first one will be Park and 308 01:34:36,800 --> 01:34:45,840 they are they are looking at you know spreading the love around to all of the 309 01:34:41,679 --> 01:34:53,840 parks. Um so in addition to those six creative popups, there will also be two 310 01:34:49,600 --> 01:34:58,560 larger um community arts projects. And just to give you an idea of some of the 311 01:34:56,560 --> 01:35:04,960 things, and mind you, these are just, you know, some ideas that were tossed 312 01:35:00,800 --> 01:35:13,679 around um a cardboard box um boat building at Sunset Lake and then boat 313 01:35:08,320 --> 01:35:18,800 race. Um, some things would be hands-on participation, 314 01:35:15,199 --> 01:35:24,800 some things would be more entertainment. So, we had a a really nice little back 315 01:35:22,000 --> 01:35:30,000 and forth brainstorming session. I'm really looking forward to this. Um, some 316 01:35:27,600 --> 01:35:37,440 illuminated puppets at Halloween kind of thing. So, very very um big ideas being 317 01:35:34,719 --> 01:35:44,480 tossed around. So, looking forward to and this was all Just a reminder, part a 318 01:35:40,320 --> 01:35:50,159 big part of the park's master plan was the input that was received from the 319 01:35:46,960 --> 01:35:55,760 community and the stakeholders was we want to see arts in the park. So, we're 320 01:35:53,360 --> 01:36:00,480 gonna we're going to do that. >> Well done. 321 01:35:58,080 --> 01:36:04,159 Uh the uh cat's meeting was cancelled for July. 322 01:36:02,239 --> 01:36:08,320 Uh planning commission >> planning commission was brief. We did 323 01:36:06,159 --> 01:36:11,920 not have quorum, but we still discussed um some of the things Jim talked about 324 01:36:10,000 --> 01:36:18,560 already this evening. Busking in the Berg um the events that are incoming 325 01:36:14,480 --> 01:36:22,880 from the mill um and the like. Um yeah, that's about it. 326 01:36:20,320 --> 01:36:28,159 » There's no real sewer update as it relates to the village. Takes us to 327 01:36:25,280 --> 01:36:33,360 South County Fire. Uh just reminding everybody that Wednesday night at 5:00 328 01:36:30,719 --> 01:36:38,880 at Schoolcraft Township Hall, we will have a meeting to discuss 329 01:36:36,080 --> 01:36:45,679 um how the four entities are going to move forward financing the authority. So 330 01:36:42,719 --> 01:36:49,920 we'll have uh information available. So, I encourage members of the board if you 331 01:36:47,520 --> 01:36:53,600 can make it for a little bit, um, we would greatly appreciate it because, as 332 01:36:52,080 --> 01:36:59,199 I said, one of the entities, Prairie Round already has uh an assessment for 333 01:36:57,119 --> 01:37:02,320 the township, Schoolcraft Township, Schoolcraft 334 01:37:00,880 --> 01:37:08,000 Village, and Vixsburg Village. We write a check every every year. Um, so we need 335 01:37:06,000 --> 01:37:13,600 to decide whether we still want to do that as a village or we want to move 336 01:37:10,560 --> 01:37:18,320 forward. So, um, that'll be the big thing on Wednesday. And then next a week 337 01:37:16,159 --> 01:37:23,360 from Wednesday, we'll have our regular monthly meeting. And our new 338 01:37:20,000 --> 01:37:27,880 administrator did start uh last week. So she is on station. So 339 01:37:28,800 --> 01:37:37,440 thanks so much. Uh seeing the citizens didn't want to wait for our long delay, 340 01:37:34,560 --> 01:37:44,159 uh we'll pass by that trustees time. We'll start with uh Trusty Fields. 341 01:37:41,760 --> 01:37:49,440 Um, I appreciate again Frank and Katherine coming in tonight, going 342 01:37:46,800 --> 01:37:56,320 through all of the process with us, explaining everything in such great 343 01:37:52,320 --> 01:38:02,880 detail, and counseling us in this process. I again 344 01:38:00,080 --> 01:38:10,800 highly commend Manager Mallerie for and his staff, 345 01:38:08,000 --> 01:38:18,920 which will be greatly missed as well, for setting this entire community on 346 01:38:14,800 --> 01:38:18,920 such a stable 347 01:38:19,360 --> 01:38:30,239 platform that we were able to attract some serious talent. 348 01:38:27,119 --> 01:38:36,400 The shoes are going to be big to fill, but the community that's been built here 349 01:38:33,679 --> 01:38:41,280 by you and your team has helped to make that a little bit 350 01:38:40,159 --> 01:38:44,920 easier. >> Thank you. 351 01:38:41,760 --> 01:38:44,920 » Thank you, 352 01:38:45,600 --> 01:38:54,000 » Trusty Wagner. >> Uh I was going to echo the same and just 353 01:38:49,600 --> 01:39:00,320 to say um to have I think uh Mr. Walsh had said over 20 applicants of solid uh 354 01:38:58,480 --> 01:39:04,320 experience, expertise, and all the requirements we were looking for through 355 01:39:01,840 --> 01:39:09,360 all the stakeholders that um it's going to be a fun process to go through and 356 01:39:07,040 --> 01:39:14,480 get those interviews done and hopefully um as Wendy's said, the foundation's 357 01:39:12,560 --> 01:39:20,080 been set. um previous boards, staff, manager 358 01:39:16,960 --> 01:39:25,280 Mallerie and others uh have made Vixsburg a desirable place to come and 359 01:39:22,719 --> 01:39:29,600 to lead. So that's the exciting part about this process. Despite Jim's 360 01:39:26,960 --> 01:39:33,679 departure, um it's a new opportunity for us to set a good tone, make a great 361 01:39:32,080 --> 01:39:36,679 selection, and looking forward to that process. 362 01:39:38,639 --> 01:39:41,639 » Trustee. 363 01:39:43,040 --> 01:39:51,119 Well, I just say ditto to what they have said. Um, it doesn't need to be said 364 01:39:47,119 --> 01:39:57,360 again. Um, and also I think we're we're really really fortunate to be living in 365 01:39:53,600 --> 01:40:01,600 this community. Um, I I find that every day when I have to go out and find 366 01:39:59,040 --> 01:40:07,280 volunteers and so forth, people are so willing to work in this community. And 367 01:40:04,080 --> 01:40:12,239 so I think Jim's Jim has set a real high bar, a very high bar. And so we're 368 01:40:10,239 --> 01:40:16,639 hoping I'm looking very much forward to the interviews. 369 01:40:14,000 --> 01:40:21,679 » Thanks, Trusty Ginger. >> Um I'm going to stay in the same vein. 370 01:40:18,719 --> 01:40:27,119 Um it it may seem I feel like that Vixsburg is hitting above its weight 371 01:40:23,440 --> 01:40:31,040 when we pulled 20 plus candidates um and the like. But I don't think that's true. 372 01:40:28,960 --> 01:40:36,000 I think we have we're sitting in a building that's paid for. Um we have an 373 01:40:33,920 --> 01:40:40,000 annual event that now is attended by thousands. Um, and that all comes from 374 01:40:38,320 --> 01:40:44,639 Jim's leadership and the team that he had around him. So, um, I think I think 375 01:40:42,960 --> 01:40:48,960 it just showed what what Jim and his team have done for the last 10 years, 376 01:40:46,080 --> 01:40:54,880 and it's awesome to see, um, to to see that. 377 01:40:51,040 --> 01:40:59,520 » Thanks, President Prom Keller. >> I'll pile on a little bit, but first, I 378 01:40:56,719 --> 01:41:03,600 want to thank the DPW for last week. The Lions Club was the nonprofit that was 379 01:41:01,840 --> 01:41:09,840 featured during Berg Days and we brought our uh kids sight trailer in and uh so 380 01:41:07,760 --> 01:41:17,440 the DPW really helped us get the trailer set up. So we we gave eye exams to not 381 01:41:13,119 --> 01:41:21,920 exams but we checked uh the eyes of all any kids that wanted it done. It was 382 01:41:19,360 --> 01:41:26,000 free. Um we do that at the schools too. So it was I really appreciate their help 383 01:41:23,520 --> 01:41:32,000 on that. I do want to remind everybody on the council, probably most of you 384 01:41:28,159 --> 01:41:36,239 don't remember this, but I do. Um, I was around 385 01:41:33,920 --> 01:41:44,000 when a previous manager was stepping down and we had interviews 386 01:41:40,159 --> 01:41:52,560 for for prospective managers. It was held over at the depot. 387 01:41:46,719 --> 01:41:58,800 It was very quiet on how it was done. And curiously, the the individual that 388 01:41:56,560 --> 01:42:03,440 ended up getting the position was the last one that was interviewed and it was 389 01:42:01,760 --> 01:42:07,520 on a separate night from all the rest of them. Where I'm going with this is this 390 01:42:05,679 --> 01:42:13,199 community should be very comfortable in the fact that this process has been very 391 01:42:10,239 --> 01:42:19,360 out in the open, very transparent. Um, there's not going to be any 392 01:42:14,880 --> 01:42:23,600 surprises and I am very proud of what this staff has done over the last 10 393 01:42:21,199 --> 01:42:29,360 years to get us to this point and this council that the backroom deals that 394 01:42:26,239 --> 01:42:35,360 were done 25 years ago are a thing of the past. They're not done anymore. And 395 01:42:32,239 --> 01:42:41,159 I'm looking forward to this next chapter um when Jim finally decides he wants to 396 01:42:37,679 --> 01:42:41,159 be done. So, 397 01:42:41,440 --> 01:42:51,199 » thanks for that. I just want to u take a take a quick 398 01:42:47,119 --> 01:42:55,600 minute to u read a letter uh that we received from the state of Michigan 399 01:42:52,960 --> 01:43:01,520 department of treasury lancing July 28 2026 addressed to Donald Els township 400 01:42:59,280 --> 01:43:06,960 supervisor schoolcraftraft township kazoo county state tax commission staff 401 01:43:04,239 --> 01:43:11,280 have reviewed completed the review of a complaint submitted by our legal counsel 402 01:43:09,199 --> 01:43:15,040 for the village of Vixsburg and legal counsel for the village of Schoolcraft 403 01:43:13,040 --> 01:43:19,280 as well as correspondence submitted by Schoolcraft Township in a response in 404 01:43:16,960 --> 01:43:24,400 the complaint filed by Ben Brousoe, President Appraisals Plus Group LLC. 405 01:43:22,880 --> 01:43:28,800 Based on our review, this matter involves allegations of emitted property 406 01:43:26,480 --> 01:43:32,800 affecting multiple properties parcels and consequentially the proper 407 01:43:30,560 --> 01:43:36,080 assessment collection of property taxes for the village of Vixsburg, the village 408 01:43:34,400 --> 01:43:41,199 of Schoolcraft, the schools, the state of Michigan and Schoolcraft Township. 409 01:43:39,040 --> 01:43:45,119 Upon identifying the error reporting errors, a township should have initiated 410 01:43:43,119 --> 01:43:50,159 process to correct the affected assessment rules pursuant to MCL 411 01:43:47,600 --> 01:43:54,560 211.154. In response to the investigative letter, 412 01:43:52,639 --> 01:44:01,440 Ben Brusso stated that he and his colleague Linda Pel were able to create 413 01:43:58,080 --> 01:44:05,600 a listing of all missing permits and get the true scope of the project. The 414 01:44:03,360 --> 01:44:11,280 correspondence further indicates that the necessary data has already been 415 01:44:07,520 --> 01:44:14,880 compiled to prepare form 627 assessor or equalization director's notice of 416 01:44:13,119 --> 01:44:20,639 property incorrectly reported or admitted from assessment role for any 417 01:44:17,920 --> 01:44:24,400 party wishing to pursue that avenue. Accordingly, the information suggests 418 01:44:22,719 --> 01:44:28,880 provided suggests that the township processes information necessary to 419 01:44:26,880 --> 01:44:34,080 proceed with a correction process under MCL 21154. 420 01:44:31,600 --> 01:44:38,880 Therefore, within 21 days of the date of this letter, the township shall submit a 421 01:44:36,639 --> 01:44:43,040 corrective action plan to the state tax commission. At a minimum, the corrective 422 01:44:41,119 --> 01:44:48,560 action plan shall identify all parcels in which petitions will be filed 423 01:44:45,199 --> 01:44:52,639 pursuant to MCL 21154, including the partial identification 424 01:44:50,400 --> 01:44:57,360 number for each affected parcel and shall include a proposed timeline for 425 01:44:55,360 --> 01:45:04,480 the preparation and submission of those petitions. To preserve the ability to 426 01:45:00,560 --> 01:45:07,480 correct 2024 2025 assessment years, all MLM211.154 427 01:45:08,000 --> 01:45:16,560 petitions must be received by the state tax commission no later than December 428 01:45:13,199 --> 01:45:21,760 31st, 2026. So, they cited on our our uh our 429 01:45:20,239 --> 01:45:27,040 complaint with the assessors and the township. So, 430 01:45:23,920 --> 01:45:30,159 we're moving to that resolution as we speak. 431 01:45:28,239 --> 01:45:35,040 Uh just real quick on the dam projects, you were all seeing that Prairie Street 432 01:45:31,920 --> 01:45:39,199 is uh blocked off. That is the first phase of the dam. So they'll complete 433 01:45:37,280 --> 01:45:43,920 that and then they'll open the Prairie Street back up and move to the dam 434 01:45:41,360 --> 01:45:48,560 proper. So this I don't know the length of time, but it's not going to be as 435 01:45:46,000 --> 01:45:52,560 long the dam completion. Uh we're being told they're going to complete it mid to 436 01:45:50,159 --> 01:45:55,040 end November, but Prairie Street should be done relatively 437 01:45:53,920 --> 01:45:59,520 » by early next week. >> By early next week. Thank you, Jim, for 438 01:45:56,800 --> 01:46:02,800 that update. Yeah, >> they have to they have to divert the 439 01:46:01,199 --> 01:46:06,480 flow while they're putting the dam in. So, that's why this is being done on 440 01:46:04,639 --> 01:46:09,840 Prairie Street. Uh, you already talked about the last Berg Days, but I want to 441 01:46:08,159 --> 01:46:14,639 thank all the businesses, all our sponsors, uh, and most of all, you know, 442 01:46:12,960 --> 01:46:19,360 the people who attend and have a good time at that event. Uh, congratulations 443 01:46:17,280 --> 01:46:23,600 to the 8 to 10 year old Little League District 15 champions of Vixsburg. 444 01:46:22,000 --> 01:46:28,000 Congratulations. Um, it's going to be really interesting. 445 01:46:25,520 --> 01:46:32,800 September 4th through the 7th, the tandem bike rally is going to be held 446 01:46:29,920 --> 01:46:36,800 Kazoo Portage in Vixsburg. So, let's they're into their 50th year of putting 447 01:46:35,040 --> 01:46:41,199 this together around the country. So, they're they're holding it here this 448 01:46:38,400 --> 01:46:46,719 year. And of course, the uh bike celebration weekend, the weekend of 449 01:46:42,800 --> 01:46:50,560 September 18 is uh and let's really through September, we're going to have a 450 01:46:48,080 --> 01:46:56,080 lot of bikes on the road and schools coming back into session. So, put your 451 01:46:52,960 --> 01:47:01,920 phone down, slow down, be careful. It's uh it's dangerous out there. So, be safe 452 01:46:58,400 --> 01:47:06,719 everyone. So, that wraps up my comments. So, uh barring any further discussion, 453 01:47:04,400 --> 01:47:09,199 entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. 454 01:47:08,239 --> 01:47:15,400 » Support. >> All those in favor say I. 455 01:47:10,800 --> 01:47:15,400 » I. Meeting adjourned. Thank you all.