City Commission

346 July 14, 2026 Mayor Bob Farrell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by REGULAR MEETING 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, Syrina Dawson, Kevin Spate, Zach Sompels, Dennis Amesbury, Sam Demel, Jessica Puroll Others: There were approximately 20 citizens in attendance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2026-07-107 MOTION The Commission agreed to move Agenda Item 6B from the Consent Agenda to the end of New Business for discussion prior to the closed session. Commissioner Place moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve the July 14, 2026 agenda. The motion was adopted by voice vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 CONSENT AGENDA 2026-07-108 MOTION Commissioner Houser moved, Mayor Pro-Tem Foltz seconded to approve the consent agenda which consisted of: -Approve the June 23, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented -Approve the June 23, 2026 closed meeting minutes as presented -Approve the Local Governing Body Resolution supporting the application of Summertree Residential Centers, Inc. for Charitable Gaming License through the Michigan Charitable Gaming Division and authorize the City Clerk/Treasurer or Deputy Clerk to execute the resolution as presented. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT Camille Moss, a resident of Earl Street, expressed concern that the proposed duplex-style low-income housing development is not consistent with the character of the neighborhood. She suggested incorporating a tree buffer as a compromise but stated that she does not believe this type of housing is appropriate for the area.  347 John Schaefer read aloud a written statement from a neighboring property owner expressing opposition to the Housing Commission development project. Jackie Malloy stated that she had received a summary of the Bubbler Forum but noted that it had not been posted on the City's website. She also inquired about when the next Bubbler Forum would be held. Richard Brannon questioned whether the proposed density of the Housing Commission development was consistent with the applicable zoning. Pat Carrie suggested that the City consider utilizing City-owned property for the proposed Housing Commission development. Dave Shinavier stated that he and his neighbors value the character of their neighborhood and purchased their homes for that reason. He urged the Commission to consider the concerns of the surrounding residents. CORRESPONDENCE Received and filed. -Legislative Update – Public Act 17 of 2026 -Veteran’s Park and Peninsula Beach Playgrounds -Preapplication Meeting Follow-up HQN-V93A-RMVDE CITY MANAGERS Received and filed. REPORT REPORTS OF Received and filed. OFFICERS, BOARDS -Main Street Meeting Minutes – June 4, 2026 AND STANDING -Economic Development Corporation Meeting Minutes – June 8, 2026 COMMITTEES -Local Development Finance Authority Meeting Minutes – June 8, 2026 -Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – June 11, 2026 -Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – June 15, 2026 -Airport Advisory Board Meeting Minutes – June 25, 2026 -Main Street Planning Session Meeting Minutes – June 26, 2026 -Local Development Finance Authority Special Meeting Minutes – June 26, 2026 -Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes – June 29, 2026 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Planning Director Zachary Sompels explained that the proposed MOXIE Agreement timeline establishes target dates while allowing flexibility if needed. He noted that the dates were intentionally scheduled to maintain project momentum but are intended as a fallback, with the hope that the process can move forward more quickly. Commissioners confirmed that the only proposed amendment was the addition of the project timeline dates and that no further action by the Commission was required for MOXIE to continue pursuing Brownfield Plan approval. Commissioners expressed support for the amendment.  348 MOTION 2026-07-109 Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Place seconded to approve the development agreement between the City of Boyne City and Flats on Court, LLC, and authorize the City Manager and or Clerk/Treasurer to execute the agreement. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 NEW BUSINESS City Manager Sam Demel stated that the proposed bylaw revisions LDFA Bylaws Revisions were reviewed to align the Local Development Finance Authority Bylaws with those of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and to provide consistency between the two organizations. He noted that the revisions had been reviewed by both the committee and the City Attorney. Public Comment: None Commissioners expressed consensus support for approving the revisions to the Local Development Finance Authority Bylaws to reflect changes in state statutes. MOTION 2026-07-110 Mayor Pro Tem Foltz moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve to adopt the revised bylaws as approved by the Local Development Finance Authority. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Drinking Water Asset Director of Public Works and Utilities Doug Varney explained that Management Grant – Amendment No. 2 reallocates the remaining DWAM grant funds to Amendment 2 Approval complete additional eligible projects, including a water rate study, capital improvement planning, GIS enhancements, and staff training, without requiring additional local funding. Public Comment: None Commissioners agreed that the proposed amendment was an appropriate use of the remaining grant funds and expressed consensus support for approving Amendment No. 2 to the DWAM Engineering Services Agreement.  349 MOTION 2026-07-111 Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Place seconded to approve Amendment No. 2 to the City of Boyne City Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) Engineering Services Agreement with C2AE, authorize the additional engineering services as presented, acknowledge the EGLE-approved grant closeout extension to September 15, 2026, and further authorize the City Manager and/or City Clerk/Treasurer to execute all necessary documents. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Strategic Planning City Manager Sam Demel explained that the proposed agreement Services Agreement with with Networks Northwest would facilitate the development of a Networks Northwest community-driven strategic plan to guide the City's future priorities. He noted that the project would be partially funded through an MEDC grant, with the remaining City contribution of $3,937.50 representing an unbudgeted expense. Public Comment: Zach Vega, Community Planner with Networks Northwest, provided a brief overview of the proposed strategic planning process and the community engagement services Networks Northwest would provide in developing the City's Strategic Plan. MOTION Commissioners expressed support for developing a strategic plan and updating the City's goals to help guide future decision-making and priorities. 2026-07-112 Commissioner Place moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve the proposal from Networks Northwest to facilitate the City of Boyne City’s Strategic Planning process in the amount of $15,750, authorize the use of the MEDC grant funds, 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 Managed Cybersecurity City Manager Sam Demel explained that following the City's May 10, and Information 2026 cyber incident, he solicited for bids and received four for Technology Services managed cybersecurity services to strengthen the City's information technology security. He noted that while the proposals were difficult to compare, he recommended two for the Commission's consideration, with a preference for CommonAngle due to its existing relationship with the Police Department, municipal experience, local presence,  350 and assistance provided during the City's cyber incident. He also noted that the proposed services were not included in the current fiscal year budget. Public Comment: Police Chief Kevin Spate expressed support for selecting CommonAngle, noting that the Police Department has utilized the company for the past seven to eight years and has been very satisfied with its services. He stated that CommonAngle's local presence has provided timely and convenient support when needed. Desmond Moore, Founder and President of CommonAngle, explained that the company is a managed IT services provider based in Petoskey, Michigan, with a strong focus on serving municipal and healthcare clients. He stated that cybersecurity represents a significant portion of the company's work and expressed confidence in his team's expertise and commitment to continuous improvement. He also noted that CommonAngle's existing relationship with the Police Department would allow for a smooth transition to providing services City-wide Syrina Dawson expressed support for selecting CommonAngle, echoing previous comments regarding the quality of its service. She stated that the Police Department has not regretted its decision to switch to CommonAngle and noted that the company provides additional services, including 24-hour support, cybersecurity training, and other resources not offered by the competing proposal. Hunter Boesch, representing RSM, participated via Zoom and thanked the City for the opportunity to submit a proposal. He explained that RSM is headquartered in Boston, employs approximately 16,000 people nationwide, and was not surprised that its proposal was the highest-cost option. Commissioners emphasized the importance of strengthening the City's cybersecurity to help prevent future incidents and protect both City operations and the community's information. They described the proposed services as a necessary investment and noted the positive feedback they had received from staff regarding CommonAngle's performance. MOTION 2026-07-113 Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Hampton seconded to approve the agreement of management cybersecurity and technology services from CommonAngle for the amount of $3,750, and authorize the City Manager and/or City Clerk Treasurer to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the services. The motion was adopted by roll call vote:  351 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Contract Modification for Director of Public Works and Utilities Doug Varney explained that the the 2024 Streets Project 2024 Streets Project has been completed and that the proposed final balancing change order would reduce the contract amount by approximately $48,832, allowing the project to be closed out upon approval of the final pay application. Public Comment: None Commissioners expressed appreciation for the project update and support for approving the contract modification and final pay application. MOTION 2026-07-114 Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Hampton seconded to approve the City Manager to accept change order #2 to decrease the cost for the project titled “2024 Streets” to Reith Riley in the amount of $48,832, and approve the process Pay Application 3 after the credited amount in an amount not to exceed $35,979.75. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Agenda Item 6B - City Manager Sam Demel explained that, after reviewing historical Veteran’s Park and records, Parks and Marina Supervisor Joshua Bernthal determined Peninsula Beach the City is not in compliance with the playground's required due care Playgrounds plan. He stated that long-term planning is needed for the playground, including the future replacement of the engineered wood fiber surfacing. He noted that the associated costs were not included in the current budget and that the community has been notified of the issue. Public Comment: Scott Mackenzie stated that he participated in the fundraising and construction of the original Veterans Park community playground more than 25 years ago, as well as the refurbishment project approximately 10 years ago. He emphasized the playground's importance to the community and expressed confidence that there would be strong community support for preserving it. Commissioners discussed the wooden playground as a longstanding community asset while recognizing that significant safety and maintenance issues must be addressed. They also noted the need to address similar concerns at the Peninsula Park playground. Commissioners directed the City Manager to update and repost the warning signage to clearly identify all known safety concerns.  352 MOTION 2026-07-115 Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve to go into closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(e) to consult with legal counsel regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with Cain v. City of Boyne City. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 MOTION 2026-07-116 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 MOTION 2026-07-117 Mayor Farrell moved, Commissioner Houser seconded to approve the settlement and release between the City of Boyne City and former City Manager Michael Cain on the terms discussed in closed session and authorize the City Manager and/or City Clerk/Treasurer to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to carry out its terms. The motion was adopted by roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Good of the Order Commissioners thanked City staff and volunteers for their efforts during the Fourth of July and Boyne Thunder weekends. Special appreciation was expressed to the Department of Public Works and Parks staff for maintaining the cleanliness of the community despite the significant increase in visitors. Commissioner Place informed the Commission that he would be absent from the July 28, 2026 City Commission meeting. Announcements -Early voting for the August 4, 2026 Primary Election will be held July 25 through August 2, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Charlevoix County Downtown Building, 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix -The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.  353 -The State-wide Primary Election will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2026, polls are open from 7am – 8pm ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Houser moved, Commissioner Place seconded to adjourn at 9:23 p.m. __________________ _________________________ Bob Farrell Jessica Puroll Mayor City Clerk/Treasurer