City Commission

346 June 23, 2026 Mayor Bob Farrell called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. followed REGULAR MEETING by the Pledge of Allegiance. CALL TO ORDER Present: Mayor Bob Farrell, Mayor Pro-Tem Bridget Foltz, Commissioners Becky Houser, Jennifer ‘Beano’ Hampton and Aaron ROLL CALL Place Absent: None Staff: Doug Varney, Zach Sompels, Abdul-Azeez Lawal, Josh Bernthal, Sam Demel, and Jessica Puroll Others: There were approximately 8 citizens in attendance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2026-06-96 MOTION Commissioner Houser moved, Mayor Pro Tem Foltz seconded to approve the June 23, 2026 agenda. The motion was adopted by voice vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 CONSENT AGENDA 2026-06-97 MOTION Commissioner Foltz moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve the consent agenda which consisted of: -Approve the June 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented. The motion was adopted by voice vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT Aaron Schroeder stated that he had been advised he could reduce his costs by signing up for the water and sewer project in advance but expressed concern that the location of his proposed service connection had not been followed. He also raised concerns regarding other aspects of the project in the area near the airport, encouraged Commissioners to visit the site, and expressed hope that the project would be audited. Todd Alderman, President of Daifuku, shared his perspective regarding the Tax Tribunal case and discussed the company's long- term investment and commitment to the Boyne City community. Dave Kronberg, Director of Business Growth for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), discussed the importance of industrial  347 businesses to the economies of Boyne City and Northern Michigan. He encouraged the Commission to carefully consider the Daifuku Tax Tribunal matter during the closed session scheduled for that day. Jackie Malloy inquired about when the next bubbler community meeting would be held and how the concerns raised during the previous meeting would be communicated to the public. Stephen Camilletti, Plant Manager for Daifuku, expressed the company's commitment to continuing to support the Boyne City community. He highlighted Daifuku's community involvement, including charitable contributions and participation in mock interviews, and stated a desire to maintain a strong partnership with the City. Received and filed. -2025 Water Quality Report CORRESPONDENCE -2025 GFOA Award -Consumers Energy Notice of Hearing – June 30, 2026 -Consumers Energy Notice of Hearing – July 7, 2026 Received and filed. CITY MANAGERS REPORT Received and filed. -Monthly Financial Reporting Update REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND STANDING COMMITTEES Mayor Bob Farrell announced that, as noticed on the agenda, Agenda Item 9.A would be taken up at 2:00 p.m. The Commission continued UNFINISHED BUSINESS with the remaining agenda items before returning to Agenda Item 9.A 2:00 P.M. – Joint Meeting at the noticed time for a joint meeting with the Evangeline Township with Evangeline Board regarding planning and zoning services. Township Board Parks and Marina Supervisor Joshua Bernthal explained the request to allow designated backcountry skiing and snowboarding within a NEW BUSINESS wooded portion of Avalanche Preserve. He stated that participants Michigan Backcountry would hike to the starting point, no mature trees would be removed, Alliance and only deadfall, underbrush, and limited head-height branches would be cleared as needed for safety. He noted that the proposal is intended to have minimal impact on the natural environment, attract additional visitors to Avalanche Preserve, and use deadfall to help define the end of the trail and discourage users from entering pedestrian pathways. Public Comment: None Commissioners questioned whether the proposal would include more than one corridor and what impact removing saplings would have on the forest canopy. Questions were also raised regarding similar projects completed elsewhere and the adequacy of the proposed buffer to prevent skiers from entering pedestrian pathways. Commissioners noted that the proposal could provide an organized approach to an activity that is already occurring while encouraging outdoor recreation.  348 2026-06-98 MOTION Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve request to develop and utilize designated alpine touring corridors within Avalanche Preserve for the 2026–2027 winter season, subject to coordination and approval of all corridor locations and vegetation management activities by the Parks and Marina Supervisor, with the program to be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission after one year. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Planning Director Zachary Sompels stated that the City's Granicus subscription for short-term rental address identification services is up Granicus Address for renewal. He explained that staff obtained an additional quote from Identification Contract another vendor, but it was approximately twice the cost of the Renewal Granicus proposal. Public Comment: Aaron Schrandron questioned whether the higher-priced proposal included additional services that would justify the increased cost. Commissioners expressed that the Granicus contract is a necessary tool for monitoring short-term rentals. They questioned whether Planning Director Sompels believes Granicus has been effective in identifying short-term rentals within the City and inquired about the geographic area covered by the service. 2026-06-99 MOTION Commissioner Houser moved, Mayor Farrell seconded to approve the proposal from Granicus for a one-year contract for short term rental address identification services for a total price of $8,992.49, and to authorize the City Manager and/or City Clerk Treasurer to execute the necessary documents. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Parks and Marina Supervisor Joshua Bernthal explained that the proposed Ridge Run Dog Park Memorial Plaque Program would Ridge Run Dog Park provide a standardized process for recognizing beloved pets while Memorial Plaque generating dedicated funding for future dog park maintenance and Program improvements. He stated that the program would establish a consistent plaque design and approval process. Public Comment: None  349 Commissioners expressed consensus support for moving forward with the Ridge Run Dog Park Memorial Plaque Program. 2026-06-100 Commissioner Hampton moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve the Dog Park Memorial Plaque Program utilizing a MOTION standardized plaque design, establish a donor fee of $75 per plaque, and authorize the purchase of up to 50 plaques from Stonefly Signs at a cost not to exceed $525, and authorize the City Manager and/or City Clerk Treasurer to execute the necessary documents. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 City Manager Sam Demel states that Great Lakes Energy may request the same thing. This would be on already established poles. Public Comment: None Commissioners discussed that it is unclear at this time how the proposed fiber optic lines would ultimately be utilized. It was noted that Great Lakes Energy provides service outside the City limits, while Consumers Energy provides service within the City limits. Commissioners inquired whether the proposed franchise would involve a one-time fee or an ongoing franchise fee. It was stated that the proposal involves the use of existing utility poles and would not require ground disturbance. Commissioners confirmed that if new poles or other structures were needed in the future, the applicant would be required to return to the City for approval. 2026-06-101 MOTION Commissioner Place moved, Mayor Farrell seconded to approve Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc.’s METRO Act request as presented and authorize the City Manager to complete and return the necessary paperwork. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 2026-06-102 MOTION Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve to go into closed session to consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement in connection with specific pending litigation (Daifuku v City of Boyne City, Michigan Tax Tribunal Case No. 24-002138) because discussion in an open meeting would have a detrimental  350 financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the City pursuant to Section 8(1)(e) of the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.268(1)(e)) and to consider the request from City Manager Sam Demel to go into closed session for the purpose of conducting a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(a) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, PA 267 of 1976, as amended. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 2026-06-103 MOTION Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve to return to open session. The motion was adopted by voice call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 The meeting recessed from 1:47 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. before reconvening for the joint meeting with the Evangeline Township Board as previously noticed on the agenda. At 2:00 p.m., the City Commission participated in a joint meeting with the Evangeline Township Board to discuss the 2025 Planning 2:00 P.M. – Joint Meeting Services Cost Reduction and the proposed 2026 Planning and with Evangeline Zoning Services Agreement. Representatives of the Township Township Board presented a list of instances in which they believed planning services were not provided as expected during 2025, along with a revised draft agreement. Township representatives stated they had not received further communication following the April City Commission meeting and requested the joint meeting to continue discussions. They expressed that, based on the level of service provided, a reduction in the 2025 planning service fee was warranted. City Manager Sam Demel also presented a revised draft planning agreement for consideration. Following discussion, both parties reached consensus on a 30% reduction to the 2025 planning service fee and agreed to review each proposed draft agreement before continuing negotiations on a 2026 planning and zoning services agreement. 2026-06-104 MOTION Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Place seconded to approve a 30% reduction to the 2025 Planning and Zoning Services invoice for Evangeline Township. The motion was adopted by voice vote:  351 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 2026-06-105 MOTION Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Place seconded to approve to go into closed to consider the request from City Manager Sam Demel to go into closed session for the purpose of conducting a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(a) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, PA 267 of 1976, as amended. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 2026-06-106 MOTION Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve to return to open session. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Commissioners wished everyone a happy Fourth of July. Good of the Order Mayor Farrell directed staff to bring the MOXIE development agreement back to the Commission with staff comments and recommendations. -City Offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026 In Observance of Independence Day Announcements -The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Place seconded to adjourn at 3:21 p.m. ADJOURNMENT __________________ _________________________ Bob Farrell Jessica Puroll Mayor City Clerk/Treasurer