City of Lapeer City Commission Meeting - August 18, 2025 (recorded)

The meeting opened with a ceremony honoring approximately ten members of the Lapeer Fire and Rescue Department for promotions and academy graduations. The department emphasized their core values of integrity, leadership, and professionalism during the badge-pinning ritual.

Following the ceremony, the Commission addressed several administrative and infrastructure items. Key decisions included approving a significant bill listing, authorizing a contract for a new pavilion at the Community Center, and approving a bid for an election storage room. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed discussion regarding a proposed "road diet" for Genese Street, where commissioners debated the merits of adding bike lanes and pedestrian crossings versus the potential for increased traffic congestion.

The meeting concluded with updates on municipal development, including housing proposals being presented at the Michigan Municipal League, and the appointment of new members to the EDC TIFFA Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Local Development Finance Authority.

• Fire Department Promotions: Recognition of new officers and fire academy graduates.
• Genese Street Road Diet: Discussion on transitioning from a four-lane to a three-lane road, including safety, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Boiler replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and a new pavilion for the Lapeer Community Center.
• Administrative Approvals: Election storage room construction and budget amendments.
• Local Appointments: Appointments to the EDC TIFFA and LDFA.
• Public Safety & Traffic: Discussion regarding school start dates and increased driver caution.

• Jeramy Hing: Mayor
• Joshua C. Atwood: City Commissioner
• Stefan Brady: City Commissioner
• Linda Glisman: City Commissioner
• Melissa Petrie: City Commissioner (Mayor Pro-Tem)
• Mike Womack: City Manager
• Haley Savola: Traffic Engineer (representing the engineering study)
• Brian Clutter: Mayoral Candidate (Public Comment)
• Commissioner Swindell: Participating Commissioner (noted as making/supporting several motions)
• Brad Haggedone: Pierson County Commissioner (via update)

Motions and Decisions: * Agenda Approval: Motion by Commissioner Petrie, supported by Commissioner Glisman, to approve the August 18th agenda and add item G3. Carried. * Minutes Approval: Motion by Commissioner Atwood, supported by Commissioner Swindell, to approve the minutes from the August 4, 2025, meeting. Carried. * Bill Listing: Motion by Commissioner Brady, supported by Commissioner Swindell, to approve the bill listing for August 18, 20 $2025, in the amount of $4,968,479. * Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Atwood (Yes), Commissioner Brady (Yes), Commissioner Glisman (Yes), Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner Swindell (Yes). Carried. * Election Storage Room: Motion by Commissioner Brady, supported by Commissioner Swindell, to approve the DH Rentals and Rehabs LLC bid for construction of an election storage room (not to exceed $5,479.68) and the corresponding budget amendment. * Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Brady (Yes), Commissioner Glisman (Yes), Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner Swindell (Yes), Commissioner Atwood (Yes). Carried. * WWTP Boiler Replacement: Motion by Commissioner Brady, supported by Commissioner Glisman, to approve a contract with Johnson and Wood Mechanical Contractor for boiler demolition, disposal, and installation (not to exceed $25,540) and a semiannual HVAC maintenance contract (not to exceed $4,71x). * Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Glisman (Yes), Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner Swindell (Yes), Commissioner Atwood (Yes), Commissioner Brady (Yes). Carried. * Community Center Pavilion (G3): Motion by Commissioner Brady, supported by Commissioner Swindell, to approve a quote from Timberquest Construction Company for a 20ft x 30ft pavilion at the Lapeer Community Center. * Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Petrie (Yes), Commissioner Swindell (Yes), Commissioner Atwood (Yes), Commissioner Brady (Yes), Commissioner Glisman (Yes). Carried. * Genese Street Road Diet: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Glisman, to authorize staff to pursue Genese Street road diet and pedestrian crossing design work for the area between M24 and Sagenov Street. Carried. * EDC TIFFA Appointment: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Petrie, to appoint Brody Campbell to the EDC TIFFA Brownfield Redevelopment Authority through March 1, 2031. Carried. * LDFA Reappointment: Motion by Commissioner Swindell, supported by Commissioner Atwood, to reappoint Andrew Harrington to the Local Development Finance Authority through August 1, 2027. Carried.

• Bill Listing: $4,968,479 approved for the period ending August 18, 2025.
• Election Storage: $5,479.68 for construction and related budget amendment.
• WWTP Project: $25,540 for boiler installation and approximately $4,710 for HVAC maintenance.
• Master Plan Grant: $50,000 received for the Master Plan and Non-Motorized Plan.
• ADA Compliance Grant: $10,000 received for City Hall ADA compliance.

• Lapeer Days: High praise from commissioners and the Mayor for the success of Lapeper Days, despite extreme heat.
• Public Safety: Concerns were raised regarding the safety of pedestrians on Genese Street and the need for caution as the school year begins.
• Development: There is an expressed interest in improving downtown aesthetics (fixing bricks) and advancing housing initiatives.

• Commissioner Atwood: Noted the significant amount in the bill listing, remarking, "in honor of the late Commissioner Bennett."
• Brian Clutter (Mayoral Candidate): Delivered a formal introduction, emphasizing his experience in municipal budgeting, strategic planning, and his nonpartisan approach.
• Commissioner Swindell: Warned residents that school starts Monday and urged drivers to be extra cautious due to the "hot mess express" of drop-off lines.
• Mayor Hing: Commemorated the anniversary of women's suffrage (August 18, 1920).