Regular Meeting of the Village Council

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL Monday, April 27, 2026 6:30 PM Village Hall – 21 East Church Street, Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 693-8391 ext. 102 1. Call to Order The April 27, 2026 Village Council Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by President Pro Tem Ford. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum PRESENT President Pro Tem Stan Ford Council Member Nancy Moshier Council Member Michael Lamb Council Member George Dandalides Council Member Alex Comparoni Jr Council Member Eric Papacek ABSENT President Teresa Rutt STAFF PRESENT Village Manager Darwin McClary Police Chief Mark Amundson DPW Director Wes Sanchez Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Lynsey Blough DDA Executive Director Matthew Gibb MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Comparoni Jr., to excuse President Rutt from the April 27, 2026, Village Council Regular Meeting. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt  MOTION: Carried 4. Presentations None. 5. Call to the Public None. 6. Approval of Agenda MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Comparoni Jr., to approve the agenda for April 27, 2026, Village Council Regular Meeting with the following change:  Addition of item 10E Brief Discussion of Additional CIP Funding Council Member Dandalides questioned the need for further discussion, noting that four prior lengthy budget work sessions had already been held. Council Member Lamb responded that the Council would briefly address a few remaining outstanding topics in order to finalize them. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried 7. Consent Agenda All items on the Consent Agenda are approved by one vote. MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve the April 27, 2026 Village Council Regular Meeting Consent Agenda, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried A. Receive and File the Planning Commission 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to receive and file the Planning Commission 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried B. Receive and File of Orion Township Building Permit Report from March 15, 2026 to April 15, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to receive and file the Orion Township Building Permit Report from March 15, 2026 to April 15, 2026, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried C. Acceptance of Donation – (2) Electric Bicycles MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to accept the donation of two electric bicycles valued at $9,200 from Lake Orion Bike Shop along with in- kind signage services from Wildfire Signs. Voting Yea: President Pro Tem Ford, Council Member Moshier, Council Member Lamb, Council Member Dandalides, Council Member Comparoni Jr, Council Member Papacek VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried D. Acceptance of Donated Funds from LOLA to support attendance of the Michigan Sheriffs Association (MSA) Marine Training for LOPD MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to accept a $1,300 donation from the Lake Orion Lake Association (LOLA) to support Marine Training Academy attendance for Lake Orion Police Department personnel and to approve Budget Amendment BA-2026-207-003 increasing 207-000-694-000 (Miscellaneous Revenue) by $1,300, 207301-957-000 (Education and Training) by $400, and 207-301-863-000 (Travel Expense) by $900. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried E. Approval of Special Event – Downtown Lake Orion Cornhole League MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-013 to approve Downtown Lake Orion Cornhole League Special Event Application and the License Agreement between the Village of Lake Orion and Lloyd Coe of the American Legion and the Sons of American Legion for the use of various Village properties scheduled every Thursday night, beginning June 4, 2026, until September 10, 2026, between 6:45PM and 9:30PM, and to authorize the Village Council President and Village Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the Village.  VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried F. Approval of Village Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve the Village Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried G. Approval of Village Council Special Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve the Village Council Special Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried H. Approval of Village Council Special Meeting Minutes April 15, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve the Village Council Special Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried I. Approval of Village Council Special Meeting Minutes April 20, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve the Village Council Special Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried J. Receive and File of DDA Regular Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to receive and file the March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes of the Downtown Development Authority Board, as presented. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek  VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried K. Budget Amendment – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant (Can-Am Defender) MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to approve Budget Amendment BA-2026-207-004, increasing revenue account 207-000-528000 (Grants – Other) and expenditure account 207-301-977-000 (Capital Outlay) in the amount of $24,750, to recognize grant funding and appropriate funds for the purchase of a Can-Am Defender utility vehicle for public safety use. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried L. Receive and File of Invoice Distribution Report for April 28, 2026 MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Dandalides, to receive and file the bills in the amount of $195,305.30 of which $16,931.62 are DDA bills for a net total of $176,373.68and to receive and file the DDA bills. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried 8. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 9. Public Hearings None. 10. Other Items A. Revised Policy Assessing a Reasonable Fee for the Handling and Auditing of DDA Funds DDA Executive Director Gibb stated for the record that the administrative fee, historically set by mutual agreement, was changed last year by Village policy with limited DDA input and now encompasses broad operational costs, including a new tax collection charge. He emphasized that while the DDA does not levy taxes, the revised fee structure significantly increases costs, approaching $78,000 when including tax collection, which has required internal budget reductions, including staffing impacts. Village Manager McClary clarified that the base fee increase is from $62,000 to $69,000, consistent with the policy adopted after prior negotiations, and noted that similar fees existed historically. He explained that although the DDA does not levy taxes, it receives a substantial  share of collected taxes and should pay a proportional share of collection costs. He also stated that the Village cannot subsidize DDA operations and that the fee is reasonable under state law. President Pro Tem Ford summarized that both the Village and DDA are working to manage limited resources, acknowledging the financial impact on both sides and expressing support for the DDA’s contributions to the downtown while recognizing the difficulty in balancing these interests. MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Comparoni Jr, to adopt the revised Resolution Assessing a Reasonable Pro Rata Share of the Funds of the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority for the Cost of Handling and Auditing the Funds of the DDA Against the Funds of the Authority Pursuant to MCL 125.4228(2). VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried B. Police Services Special Assessment Proposal Village Manager Darwin McClary presented the Police Services Special Assessment proposal. He provided background on current police millages, funding structure, and the impact of DDA capture on police revenues. He explained that transitioning to a special assessment under Public Act 33 would eliminate DDA capture of police funds, fully fund police operations and capital needs, and reduce overall costs to taxpayers. He reviewed the proposed millage reductions, special assessment structure, and associated financial impacts, including effects on the DDA and long-term funding sustainability. Council Member Alex Comparoni Jr. inquired about the impact on DDA-funded infrastructure. Village Manager McClary responded that certain funding would decrease, but alternative funding sources such as grants, utility funds, and special assessments could be utilized depending on the type of project. Council Member Eric Papacek asked whether the projected cost savings to taxpayers would be sustainable in future years. Village Manager McClary stated that special assessments would generally remain less costly than millages, though future rates would be subject to Council determination. Council Member Michael Lamb confirmed that the proposal would reduce overall costs to taxpayers and provide full funding for police services, and he expressed support for the proposed approach. Council Member George Dandalides sought clarification on the calculation of taxpayer savings. Village Manager McClary clarified the distinction between comparisons to the current year and the proposed budget year, noting that while savings are shown against the proposed millage rates, the reduction compared to the prior year would be smaller. Council Member Dandalides further distributed a comparative analysis of the proposed police special assessment and the existing millage structure. He reviewed projected taxpayer savings, impacts to the Village Infrastructure Fund (75/25), and long-term revenue implications, noting that the proposal would reduce 75/25 contributions from approximately $247,000 to $1,026 for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 and decrease cumulative 75/25 funding through 2039. He expressed concern that the proposal would provide Council greater authority to adjust funding levels without voter approval and stated he could not support the change. Council Member Comparoni Jr. stated that while he supported the concept of fully funding police services, he shared concerns regarding the flexibility of future special assessment increases and the absence of fixed limitations. Council Member Papacek stated support for the proposal, noting the potential taxpayer savings and suggesting that safeguards or limitations could be adopted to prevent excessive future increases. Council Member Michael Lamb voiced support for the proposal, stating that it would fully fund police services, reduce taxpayer costs, and eliminate DDA capture of police-related revenues. He characterized the annual approval process as an adequate safeguard. President Pro Tem Ford noted concerns regarding long-term infrastructure funding needs, particularly related to future water main improvements within the DDA district and questioned whether short-term taxpayer savings would outweigh future funding impacts. Village Manager Darwin McClary responded that water and sewer infrastructure improvements would continue to be funded through utility rates and advised that estimated future water main improvements could cost between $7 million and $7.5 million. Additional Council discussion focused on balancing taxpayer savings, police funding stability, DDA infrastructure impacts, and future fiscal flexibility. Steve Samet expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns that it would reduce DDA infrastructure funding, create future opportunities for increased assessments, and circumvent Headlee limitations. Harry Stevens recommended additional study of the proposal and suggested that any such change should be presented to voters as a ballot question. Rosemary Ford expressed concern regarding the increasing use of special assessments, uncertainty surrounding future increases, and the potential loss of long-term funding stability. Justin Yurgens opposed the proposal, citing concerns regarding long-term financial planning, reliance on special assessments, and transferring future rate-setting authority from voters to Council. Steve Samet reiterated that the residents present opposed the proposed change and urged Council to consider that feedback in its decision-making. MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Papacek, to direct the Village Manager to prepare the final Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget reflecting the levy of special assessments for police services and capital needs rather than tax levies in accordance with the Village Manager’s presentation. VOTING YEA: Moshier, Lamb, Papacek VOTING NAY: Ford, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Failed  Village Manager Darwin McClary acknowledged Council’s direction and stated that administration would proceed accordingly. C. Council Training on Meeting Decorum (requested by Dandalides) Council Member Dandalides introduced the idea of training on meeting decorum, procedures, and Robert’s Rules of Order, noting uncertainty around proper practices and expressing that such training would benefit the Council. Council Member Papacek and Council Member Comparoni Jr. agreed that training would be beneficial, particularly for newer members, but both raised concerns about potential costs. President Pro Tem Ford supported the concept and suggested first exploring costs and possibly creating a resource for future Council members. Council Member Moshier acknowledged the value of training but emphasized budget constraints and suggested considering lower-cost or internal options. Council Member Lamb supported additional training and advocated reinstating an orientation binder or educational materials for new members. Village Manager McClary noted that training is available through the Michigan Municipal League and that approximately $2,800 remains in the Council’s training budget. Overall, Council expressed general support for training, with consensus to evaluate costs and available resources before moving forward. MOTION made by Council Member Dandalides, Seconded by Council Member Lamb, to direct the Village Manager to investigate training possibilities for council and make a recommendation back to Council with cost consideration. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried D. Establish Ad Hoc Village/Township Consolidation Study Committee (requested by Dandalides) Council Member Dandalides introduced the item as a follow-up to the Council’s Annual Goal Setting, noted a desire to move the process forward in a timely manner, and proposed establishing an ad hoc subcommittee. MOTION made by Council Member Dandalides, Seconded by Council Member Papacek, to establish a Council subcommittee to investigate and report on Village/Township consolidation by June 30th in support of 2026-2027 Village Council Objective 1.3. The subcommittee would include three Council Members and the Village Manager. Council Member Lamb suggested amending the proposed subcommittee to include two Village residents, noting that a prior committee on Cityhood benefited from resident participation and diverse perspectives, which contributed to a successful process. President Pro Tem Ford and Council Member Papacek supported exploring the issue, noting public interest and the value of reaching a clear, informed conclusion, while Ford also expressed a personal preference for maintaining the Village. Council Member Comparoni Jr. opposed the effort, viewing it as unnecessary and counter to preserving the Village, while Council Member Moshier questioned revisiting the topic and raised concerns about cost and redundancy. Harry Stephens suggested that meaningful analysis would require participation from both Township and Village representatives, while DDA Executive Director Gibb recommended focusing on potential shared services or cost-saving collaborations rather than full consolidation. Rosemary Ford cautioned that residents may underestimate financial implications, particularly regarding existing Village debt. Council Member Dandalides clarified that the subcommittee’s role would be limited to evaluating the process, pros, and cons, not making a final decision, before determining whether further study involving the Township is warranted. MOTION made by Council Member Dandalides, Seconded by Council Member Lamb, to amend the previous motion and to establish a Council subcommittee to investigate and report on Village/Township consolidation by June 30th in support of 2026-2027 Village Council Objective 1.3. The subcommittee would include three Council Members, Village Manager, and two Village residents. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: Comparoni Jr ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried President Pro Tem Ford noted the need to select three Council members for the subcommittee. Council Members Lamb, Papacek, and Dandalides volunteered, and Council Member Dandalides noted that President Rutt had also expressed interest but was willing to defer. Council Member Lamb initially moved to appoint himself, Council Members Papacek, and Dandalides. However, the motion did not receive a second. Council Member Dandalides recommended President Pro Tem Ford for broader perspectives. MOTION made by Council Member Lamb, Seconded by Council Member Comparoni, to recommend Council Members Lamb, Papacek and President Pro Tem Ford to be the three Council Members for the Ad Hoc Village/Township Consolidation Study Committee. VOTING YEA: Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Papacek VOTING NAY: Ford ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried Council discussed the process for selecting two citizen members for the subcommittee. Council Member Lamb suggested soliciting volunteers, and President Pro Tem Ford agreed, recommending outreach to the public with a set deadline for interest. Council Member Papacek noted that interested residents could also submit their names electronically. Village Manager McClary recommended directing applicants to the Clerk’s Office and posting the opportunity on the Village website with an application process. Council Member Lamb then moved to have the  Village Manager solicit citizen applications through the website. However, the motion did not receive a second. Council agreed in discussion to set a timeline aligned with the next Council meeting for selecting citizen members. During discussion, Justin Yurgens volunteered to serve, and Council agreed to seek an additional interested resident. E. Brief Discussion of Additional CIP Funding Council Member Lamb discussed potential approaches to funding additional CIP needs, stating that prior budget sessions revealed no surplus without service reductions. He suggested exploring revenue generation instead of staffing cuts, focusing on economic development and future tax base growth from properties coming off tax abatements or previously underutilized, including several large redevelopment sites, like the Ehman Center. He proposed reviewing whether certain properties could be removed from the TIF to increase Village tax revenue and noted prior legal opinions he believes support that approach. He also emphasized this as an alternative to budget cuts affecting personnel or services and encouraged Council consideration of these revenue strategies. 11. Call to the Public None. 12. DDA Executive Director Comments DDA Executive Director Gibb announced an upcoming Downtown Cleanup Day on May 9, encouraging public participation and noting strong volunteer turnout in the prior year. He also provided updates on DDA activities, including support for the upcoming Flower Fair, appreciation for Council attendance at a recent DDA meeting, and progress on the Lumberyard development project, which is moving toward planning commission review. He added that the DDA is on track to finalize its budget with the Village earlier than usual and encouraged community involvement in upcoming events. 13. Council Comments Council Member Lamb thanked Village Manager McClary for his cost-saving efforts, emphasized that Council decisions are made in residents’ best interests despite disagreements, and noted the budget process went smoothly while highlighting the need for adequate funding to sustain services, staffing and infrastructure. Council Member Comparoni Jr. said that the evening’s decision was difficult and preferred broader public input, potentially through a ballot measure. He thanked the DDA for the basketball court, noted that infrastructure upgrades can raise property values, and praised the Village’s character and safety, while expressing concern that rapid growth is becoming overwhelming.  Council Member Dandalides highlighted the basketball court as a strong example of effective collaboration between the Village and DDA, noting that previously unavailable funding became feasible through DDA infrastructure funds and expressing appreciation for the DDA’s support. Council Member Moshier thanked attendees and staff, shared feedback from residents regarding toddler-friendly features at Atwater Park and concerns about pump station noise and infrastructure projects, and encouraged greater public participation in meetings. She also expressed appreciation for Village Manager McClary’s presentation and acknowledged Village staff for their work. Council Member Papacek noted the value of the evening’s balanced discussion and public input, highlighted the contribution of Lake Orion Lake Association (LOLA) and Lake Orion Bike & Adventure o of local developments approved in the consent agenda, and expressed enthusiasm for local businesses, community events, and increased activity in the downtown area. President Pro Tem Ford provided updates on Paint Creek Trail operations, including bike patrol staffing, maintenance activities, and upcoming infrastructure improvements and art installations along the trail system. He also noted increasing trail usage and rising concerns related to e-bike speed and enforcement challenges, and discussed potential education and signage efforts in partnership with local businesses. Ford supported the use of DDA and Village funds for the basketball court and emphasized continued investment across the Village while balancing multiple ongoing projects. 14. Village Manager Comments Village Manager McClary reported on ongoing Public Works operations, including the gradual raising of Lake Orion, completion of water system flushing, and the finalization of engineering and contract documents for the Atwater Park basketball court project. He also provided updates on upcoming budget steps, the start of police collective bargaining negotiations, and noted that Council goals and objectives have been posted publicly. DPW Director Sanchez announced that the final week of village-wide leaf pickup is underway, with a focus on Section 3 and a final pass through the entire Village, urging residents to have remaining leaves out for collection. 15. Closed Session Items 16. Business From Closed Session 17. Adjournment MOTION made by Council Member Dandalides, Seconded by Council Member Comparoni Jr., to adjourn the April 27, 2026, Village Council Regular Meeting. VOTING YEA: Ford, Moshier, Lamb, Dandalides, Comparoni Jr, Papacek VOTING NAY: None ABSENT: Rutt MOTION: Carried The April 27, 2026, Village Council Regular Meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM. ________________________ _________________________ Teresa Rutt Lynsey Blough, CMC President Deputy Clerk/Treasurer _________________________ Sonja Stout Clerk/Treasurer Date Approved: as presented on May 11, 2026