City Commission Meeting - 11/03/2025

The November 3, 2025, meeting of the Lapeer City Commission was characterized by a transition in leadership, as it marked the final meeting for Mayor Mark Quarton and Commissioner Swindell. The session began with standard administrative procedures, including the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to administrative resolutions, such as revoking a tax exemption for Testing Services Group LLC, pursuing CDBG grants for the Little Magna Opera House, and approving a triple net lease for the Clover Group. The meeting also featured several heartfelt farewells from commissioners, reflecting on years of service and the upcoming municipal election.

• Leadership Transition: Farewell tributes to retiring Mayor Mark Quartary and Commissioner Swindell.
• Administrative Approvals: Approval of bill listings, liquor licenses, and bank account signatories.
• Zoning and Development: Resoning of B2 to general business and approval of a triple net lease agreement.
• Municipal Election: Discussion regarding the upcoming election (Nov 4) and a suggestion to move future elections to even-numbered years.
• Community Updates: Updates on the lilac planting project and the new city mural.

• Mark Quarton: Retiring Mayor.
• Commissioner Swindell: Retiring Commissioner.
• Commissioner Joshua C. Atwood: Commissioner.
• Commissioner Stefan Brady: Commissioner.
• Commissioner Linda Glisman: Commissioner.
• Commissioner Melissa Petrie: Commissioner Mayor Pro-Tem.
• Mike Womack: City Manager.
• Kelly Nolan: Resident providing public comment.
• Rodney Church: Director (mentioned in relation to the lilac project).

• Resolution 2025-15: Approved the revocation of industrial facilities exemption certificate number 2014-145 for Testing Services Group LLC.
• CDBG Grant: Approved a letter of intent to reapply for round three of the Michigan Neighborhood CDBG program for the Little Magna Opera House Project.
• Liquor License: Approved an on-premises liquor license for Oxcadia (owners Chris and Christina Hair).
• Zoning Amendment: Approved an ordinance amendment to the zoning ordinance (Article 7.02.02A40) for B2 to general business.
• Triple Net Lease: Approved a lease agreement between the City of Lapeer and Clover Group (Anon Incorporated) for the property at 3496 Davidson Road.
• Financials: Approved the bill listing for November 3, 2025, in the amount of $1,393,181.56.

• November 3, 2025: Date of the meeting.
• November 4, 2025: Date of the municipal election.
• November 11: Veterans Day.
• October 14: Referenced regarding the DDA Fall Ladies Night Out.

• Election Timing Suggestion: Commissioner Glisman suggested exploring a move from odd-year to even-year elections to increase voter turnout and realize potential cost savings.
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Commissioner Glisman disclosed a personal friendship with the owners of Oxcadia during the liquor license discussion but proceeded with the vote after confirming no financial interest existed.

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Glisman, seconded by Commissioner Swindell. Carried.
• Approval of Minutes (Oct 20, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Glisman, seconded by Commissioner Swindell. Carried.
• Bill Listing ($1,393,181.56): Motion by Commissioner Brady, seconded by Commissioner Swindell.
  • Roll Call: Commissioner Atwood (Yes), Commissioner Brady (Yes), Commissioner Glisman (Yes), Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner Swindell (Yes). Carried.
• Resolution 2025-15 (Tax Exemption Revocation): Motion by Commissioner Petrie, seconded by Commissioner Glisman. Carried.
• CDBG Letter of Intent: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, seconded by Commissioner Petrie. Carried.
• Oxcadia Liquor License: Motion by Commissioner Glisman, seconded by Commissioner Swindell. Carried.
• Choice One Sports Officials Bank Account Signatories: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, seconded by Commissioner Atwood. Carried.
• Zoning Amendment (B2 to General Business): Motion by Commissioner Glisman, seconded by Commissioner Petrie. Carried.
• Clover Group Lease: Motion by Commissioner Brady, seconded by Commissioner Swindell. Carried.

• Retirement and Service: Extensive discussion regarding the contributions of Mayor Quarton and Commissioner Swindell to the city.
• Election Logistics: The importance of voting in the upcoming election and the challenges of running for office in the current political climate.
• Election Year Cycles: A debate/suggestion on the merits of even-year vs. odd-year local elections, specifically regarding voter engagement and cost-effectiveness.

• Kelly Nolan: Expressed appreciation for the new mural but noted that its visibility is limited when driving past Nicing Street.

• Election Oversight: The City Clerk is tasked with running the election on November 4, 2025.
• 501c3 Filing: The attorney for the lilac project will file for 501c3 status once state documents arrive.
• Election Year Review: The Commission is encouraged to investigate the feasibility and cost implications of moving local elections to even-numbered years.