City of Lapeer - City Commission Meeting - February 2, 2026 (Part 2)

The February 2, 2026, City Commission meeting covered a variety of municipal business, ranging from infrastructure and utility agreements to significant legal appeals and community planning. A primary focus was the establishment of a process for the SDRK Group, LLC to appeal denied marijuana grower license renewals, with the commission voting to grant the group a presentation period at the next regular meeting.

The meeting also featured extensive discussion regarding the "America 250" initiative, including potential budget allocations of $15,000 and the installation of commemorative flagpoles. While much of the meeting was collaborative, the public comment period brought forward sharp criticisms regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the long-term economic impact of subsidized housing developments on the city's tax base.

The session concluded with Mayor Hing defending the commission's recent commitment to rigorous due diligence and transparency, specifically citing the importance of thorough review in preventing long-term municipal errors.

• SDRK Group, LLC Appeal: Establishing a due process framework for contesting denied liquor/marijuana licenses.
• America 250 Celebrations: Planning for community events, budget considerations, and the use of non-profit partnerships.
• Infrastructure and Utilities: Finalizing agreements with DTE for electrical work and managing recent City Hall water damage.
• Economic Development and TIF: Debate over the use of Tax Increment Financing for developers and the impact of low-income housing on the city's revenue.
• Downtown Revitalization: Discussion on the importance of investment in the historic downtown district.

• Jeramy Hing: Mayor
• Mike Womack: City Manager
• Mr. Francis: City Attorney
• Melissa Petrie: Commissioner and Mayor Pro-Tem
• Joshua C. Atwood: Commissioner
• Stefan Brady: Commissioner
• Linda Glisman: Commissioner
• Lynne McCarthy: Commissioner
• Andy Schengel: Owner of SDRK Group, LLC (Public Commenter)
• Mr. Weber: Resident/Critic of TIF (Public Commenter)
• Mr. O'Meara: Mentioned regarding construction management
• Jill Lyons: Representative from PIX Theater/Art Gallery (Mentioned)

• SDRK Appeal Hearing: The commission approved a motion to set an appeal hearing for February 17, 2026, allowing the group up to 20 minutes to present their case.
• DTE Agreement: Approval to proceed with payment and signing the agreement to ensure electrical work is scheduled.
• Capital Improvement Bond: Discussion of the city's intent to issue a $3,750,000 general obligation bond for project funding.
• America 250 Planning: Discussion of a $15,000 potential budget and the installation of two illuminated flagpoles (estimated at $3,000).
• Water Main Break/Damage: Report of a recent water leak in City Hall and the subsequent mitigation efforts.

• February 17, 2026: Scheduled date for the SDRK Group, LLC appeal hearing.
• February 21, 2026: Scheduled America 250 scavenger hunt event for children.
• September 2026: Planned "Gala" event for America 250.

• SDRK Appeal: To provide due process for a licensee whose renewals were denied due to alleged ordinance violations.
• DTE Payment: To prevent further delays in utility work caused by past payment/agreement delays.
• America 250: To celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary through community engagement and historical commemoration.
• TIF Criticism: To voice concerns that tax reimbursements to developers may lead to a long-term loss of property tax revenue for the city.

• Mayor Jeramy Hing: Presided over the meeting; defended the commission's "due diligence" approach and criticized the use of public comment for personal attacks.

• City Manager Mike Womack: Provided reports on the SDRK appeal process, HTF/LDC updates, and City Hall maintenance issues; emphasized the importance of staff coordination during recent utility emergencies.

• Commissioner Melissa Petrie: Raised questions regarding bond contingency and the specifics of the America 250 programming; expressed personal connection to downtown history.

• Commissioner Joshua C. Atwood: Advocated for the importance of housing availability and welcoming new developers to the downtown area.
• City Attorney Mr. Francis: Provided legal counsel regarding the structure of the SDRK appeal and the legality of presenting time limits.

• Motion: To set the SDRK group LLC appeal hearing date for February 17th, 2026, at the next regular meeting, allowing a presentation of up to 20 minutes.
  • Moved by: Commissioner Brady
  • Seconded by: Commissioner Petrie
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Commissioner Atwood: Yes
    • Commissioner Brady: Yes
    • Commissioner Glisman: Yes
    • Commissioner McCarthy: Yes
    • Commissioner Petrie: Yes
  • Result: Motion Carries.

• SDRK Presentation Time: A debate occurred between whether to limit the group to the standard 10-minute policy or extend it to 20 minutes to ensure they could fully present their case without being interrupted by subsequent public comments.
• America 250 Funding: Discussion regarding the ethics and logistics of the city providing $15,000 to a non-profit "umbrella" group and the cost-sharing of community projects.
• TIF and Subsidized Housing: A debate on whether providing tax incentives to developers (like the Edwin Allen project) creates a "cycle of subsidized renters" that fails to increase the city's long-term wealth and prosperity.

• DTE Payment: City staff to issue the check and signed agreement to DTE as soon as possible.
• SDRK Appeal: SDRK Group to prepare for their presentation on February 17.
• America 250: Committee to continue gathering ideas and coordinating with local non-profits for upcoming events.
• HTF/LDC Materials: City staff to prepare educational materials regarding the costs of infrastructure (water/sewer) for the next meeting.