Important non-agenda items dominate conversation at second August council meeting

By Justin Tiemeyer | Contributing writer

8/30/2024

Lowell’s city council gathered for a regular meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024 starting at 7 pm, at city hall, with all council members present.

If the council had only addressed the three line-items of new business on the agenda, it would have been one of the briefest meetings held in months - the council took steps to appoint Bloom Sluggett to perform ordinance prosecution work on behalf of the city, approved a quote of $53,785 from Strawser Construction Inc. to resurface Lowell airport’s primary runway, and officially proclaimed Friday, September 13, 2024 Pink Arrow Pride Day - but the city’s leadership clearly detected a need and an opportunity to address some of the broader issues affecting the people of Lowell these days.

Dennis Kent and Perry Beachum were the first to address the August 7 joint meeting between the City of Lowell and Lowell Charter Township, regarding the water agreement for the township’s proposed Covenant Business Park, during their public comments, and they spoke to the community’s confusion and concern.

“I don’t think that the rate payers for the City of Lowell should be holding the whole bag,” Beachum said.

City Manager, Mike Burns, acknowledged that there are still many components of the plan that are up in the air. He noted that the city is still in the process of seeking answers. The city held an open house the following day, on Tuesday, August 20, and the township followed suit on Wednesday, August 21. There will also be public hearings during the city’s September 3 council meeting and the township’s September 16 board meeting.

Council members shared takeaways from an exchange program set up between City of Lowell and Village of Middleville leadership.

“I went in expecting to learn nothing,” Mayor Mike DeVore said, citing the fact that his mother has lived in Middleville for a while, and he is familiar with the village, “and the opposite of that happened.”

The leadership of Middleville were amazed at what an asset the city has in its Flat River and the adjacent Riverwalk. They also commented that everything the community does makes Lowell “a more welcoming and walkable community.” Mayor DeVore mentioned that Middleville is currently in talks to become the first municipality beyond the county line to join the Kent District Library system, which prompted him to comment on the value of the Englehardt Library and its staff.

“You forget what a valuable asset that is until you go in there and have someone tell you what it is,” Mayor DeVore said.

Council Member, Leah Groves, took some time to clarify the council’s position on the Flat River cleanup efforts, as well. “It’s not that we don’t want to be involved,” Council Member Groves said. “I think the ask is to have the city organize it all, and I just don’t think that’s within our capacity.”

In other words, while it is easy to find personal interest, it is difficult to find grounds for authority. Per the refrain that City Manager Burns has repeated, whenever the topic arises, there is no mandate for the city to be involved, and electing to do so interferes with the city’s existing mandate. Council Member Groves’ sentiments were echoed in different ways by each of her colleagues on the council.

As the council appeared to be winding down to an end, Council Member, Marty Chambers, and Mayor DeVore, each dropped his own large conversation topic. Chambers suggested pulling the Riverside Drive road construction project until such a time as funding for the water looping issue for the 900 block could be addressed, as well; a concept in bold strokes that was largely unpopular with his colleagues because of the negative impact on neighbors outside of the 900 block. However, a small caveat to Council Member Chamber’s proposal, taking only the 900 block construction project out of the road plan while continuing the project for the rest of the distance, led to a coalition of support. The council did not make or vote on a resolution, nor did they commit to returning to the idea at a later council meeting, but it would be surprising if this were the last the community hears of creative solutions to the Riverside Drive water looping problem.

As for Mayor DeVore, his announcement was a teaser for a topic he wishes to address at the first September council meeting. He noted that during both the marijuana hearings and the river cleanup conversation, people spoke out-of-turn, held side conversations, and repeated comments, and things got out of hand. “All of it is my fault,” Mayor DeVore claimed.

During past meetings, Mayor DeVore has gone out-of-the way to waive the strictures of decorum that are expected at other board meetings, in order to facilitate open conversation, but he announced a plan to work with the city attorney to “maintain a semblance of order.” He also noted that City Manager Burns is available four days a week and that two council members have businesses on Main Street that make them equally accessible.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm, a day later than usual, due to the city offices being closed for the September 2 Labor Day holiday. Those interested in watching the August 19 meeting can find it on the City of Lowell YouTube channel, @cityoflowell. The agenda can be found at the City of Lowell home page, lowellmi.gov.