Vassar public meetings in 2024

City Council

The City Council will consider proposals from four firms (Vettraino Consulting, PIVOT Group, Double Haul Solutions, MML) to conduct an executive search for a new city manager. The council will also consider appointing an interim city manager, taking an oath of office, and passing resolutions to authorize the interim manager on bank accounts and designate a street administrator.

• Consideration of executive search firm proposals from Vettraino Consulting, PIVOT Group, Double Haul Solutions, and MML
• Appointment of interim city manager and oath of office
• Resolution #2024-15 to appoint interim city manager to City of Vassar bank accounts
• Resolution #2024-16 for designation of street administrator

The council appointed Police Chief Ben Guile as Interim City Manager for 18 months and created an ad-hoc committee to negotiate his compensation. They also approved resolutions adding him to city bank accounts and designating a street administrator. The council declined to hire an executive search firm for a permanent city manager at this time.

• Appointed Police Chief Ben Guile as Interim City Manager for 18 months
• Created ad-hoc committee (Fabbro, Damm) to negotiate Interim City Manager compensation
• Approved Resolution #2024-15 appointing Interim City Manager to city bank accounts
• Approved Resolution #2024-16 designating a Street Administrator
• Took no action on executive search firm proposals for a new City Manager

DDA

The Vassar Downtown Development Authority will approve the December agenda and November minutes, then hear public comment. Key discussions include the 2025 budget and maintenance plan for downtown pots and fountain, replacement of bulbs on the Star Bridge lights over N. Main, and a proposed Cocoa Walk event in early 2025 (likely February). The Coffee with the City Manager program is suspended because the city manager is leaving effective January 3, 2025. A plaque for Paul the Barber is ready for installation on his bench.

• Discussion of 2025 budget and maintenance plan for downtown pots and fountain
• Replacement of bulbs on Star Bridge lights over N. Main
• Suspension of Coffee with the City Manager program due to city manager departure
• Proposal for a Cocoa Walk downtown event in February 2025
• Installation of a plaque for Paul the Barber on his bench

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the Cost Recovery Ordinance #2024-02. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of newly elected council members and the organization of council leadership.

• Public hearing for Cost Recovery Ordinance #2024-02
• Consideration of USG Water Solutions proposal for a water tank maintenance contract
• Acceptance of the report of election results via Resolution #2024-14
• Auction of a front mount roller brush attachment
• Review of the FY2026 budget timeline

ZBA

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review and potentially approve minutes from August 2023. The board will also consider a variance request for the property located at 412 Arch St.

• Variance request for 412 Arch St.

Vassar Charter Commission

The Vassar Charter Commission is meeting to review a completed version of the city charter for approval. The commission will also approve minutes from the January 9, 2024, meeting.

• Review of completed Charter for approval

Parks and Recreation

The commission will discuss preparations for the 2025 Parks and Rec Master Plan update with Wade and Trim, including a review of the current plan and brainstorming in early 2025. They will also consider input on placing Little Libraries for an Eagle Scout project and acknowledge a member resignation. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Parks and Rec Master Plan update meeting set for April 2025 with Wade and Trim
• Eagle Scout seeking input on placement of Little Libraries
• Commission member resignation announcement
• Brainstorming sessions planned for February and March 2025

DDA

The DDA will approve the November agenda and October minutes, then discuss ongoing holiday projects including Coffee with the City Manager, downtown building lighting, tree lighting, and Christmas in the City. Donations received include $1,000 each from Bomic Real Estate and Genesys CU, plus contributions from local businesses. The board will also discuss a tribute for Paul the Barber and plans for the downtown fountain next year.

• Approval of November 2024 agenda and October 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of holiday event logistics: Coffee with City Manager, tree lighting, Christmas in the City
• Donations received: Bomic Real Estate $1,000, Genesys CU $1,000, Gleaners (in-kind), Hanlin's $300, Karr's Auto $250, Vassar Building Center $150
• Potential replacement of downtown building lights via Star Improvements
• Discussion of a plaque or other tribute for Paul the Barber

City Council

The Vassar City Council will hold a first reading of Ordinance #2024-02, a cost recovery ordinance for Chapter 50:2-38. The council will also vote on Resolution #2024-13 approving an interfund loan from the wastewater fund to the fire fund, consider a lease quote for fire department SCBA purchases, and discuss preconstruction services and an owner's representation agreement for the public safety building project. Additionally, a variance request from Canapa Valley Grow for an extension of license fee payments under Ordinance 50-2 will be considered.

• First read of Ordinance #2024-02 – Cost Recovery Ordinance (Chapter 50:2-38)
• Resolution #2024-13 – interfund loan from Wastewater Fund to Fire Fund
• Fire Department SCBA purchase lease quote from Community Leasing
• Consideration of Spence Brothers preconstruction services for Public Safety Building
• Variance request from Canapa Valley Grow to extend payment of license fees (Ordinance 50-2)

Parks and Recreation

The Vassar Parks and Recreation Commission will consider approving the October agenda and September minutes, and hear public comment. They accepted a proposal from Wade Trim for a 2024 Parks Master Plan draft, and secured a $30,000 MSHDA grant for pickleball, dog park shade, safety upgrades at the Youth Football Field on Water Street, and new park furnishings.

• Acceptance of 2024 Parks Master Plan draft from Wade Trim of Bay City
• $30,000 MSHDA grant for pickleball, dog park shade element, safety signs, speed bumps for Youth Football Field on Water St., plus new garbage cans, picnic tables, and grills
• Ongoing project: Pumpkin Roll
• Approval of September 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period for residents

DDA

The Downtown Development Authority is reviewing the status of ongoing downtown projects. The body is discussing holiday preparations and building lighting.

• Status check on Christmas in the City banners and fundraising
• Lighting of downtown buildings
• Planning for a fountain project for next year
• October 29 Coffee with the City Manager

City Council

The Vassar City Council will consider Resolution #2024-12, a notice of intent to issue capital improvement bonds for a public safety facility. Other new business includes professional service contracts for bond legal work (Miller Canfield), pension bond advising (Bendzinski), and odor testing (Webster Environmental). The council will also consider an ambulance service contract with VAAS and a road closure request for the annual Pumpkin Roll on October 12, 2024.

• Resolution #2024-12: Notice of Intent to Bond for Capital Improvement Bonds (Public Safety Facility)
• Professional services engagement letters: Miller Canfield (bond legal), Bendzinski (pension bond), Webster Environmental (odor testing)
• VAAS ambulance service contract (revision)
• Road closure request for Annual Pumpkin Roll on Saturday, October 12, 2024
• Appointment of Kortney Peppler to the DDA for a 4-year term

EDC

The Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and consider Resolution 2024-01 regarding a land purchase. The board will also elect officers for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

• Consideration of Resolution 2024-01: EDC Land Purchase Resolution
• Election of officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer)
• Approval of May 2024 EDC meeting minutes
• Public comment period for items not listed as public hearings

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a study session to discuss the City of Vassar Future Land Use Map. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and public comment limited to items listed as public hearings, though none are scheduled. No voting actions or dollar amounts are on the agenda.

• City of Vassar Future Land Use Map discussion (study session memo and packet provided)

Parks and Recreation

The Vassar Parks and Recreation Commission will review a $30,000 MSHDA grant secured for pickleball courts, dog park shade elements, safety signs and speed bumps on Water St., plus new garbage cans, picnic tables, and grills. They will also discuss a draft of the 2024 Parks Master Plan from Wade Trim, updates on the Disc Golf Park and Eagle Scout projects, and plans for the 30th Annual Pumpkin Roll on October 12.

• $30,000 MSHDA grant for pickleball, dog park shade, safety signs, speed bumps on Water St., garbage cans, picnic tables, and grills
• 2024 Parks Master Plan proposal draft from Wade Trim of Bay City
• Disc Golf Park signage and new posts completed
• Eagle Scout projects: picnic tables refurbished at T. North Pavilion, carpet ball game added with billing balls storage concern
• 30th Annual Pumpkin Roll on Saturday, October 12, noon to 3 p.m.

DDA

The Vassar Downtown Development Authority will hold a largely procedural meeting with discussions on ongoing projects including downtown building lighting, Christmas in the City planning, and potential fundraising merchandise. No formal votes or financial decisions are scheduled.

• Discuss goals and timelines for lighting downtown buildings
• Begin planning for Christmas in the City event
• Consider selling additional mugs or shirts as fundraising
• Review pot return and fountain winterization plans
• Seek volunteer hosts for Coffee with the City Manager

The DDA approved funding for seasonal decorations: up to $1,200 for Christmas trees and up to $700 for mums plus up to $2,000 for fall décor like cornstalks and pumpkins. They also decided to move the tree lighting event to Friday, December 6, and discussed hosting caroling and refreshments. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved up to $1,200 for Christmas trees (all in favor)
• Approved up to $700 for mums (all in favor)
• Approved up to $2,000 for fall décor (all in favor)
• Moved tree lighting event to Friday, December 6, at Vet's Memorial Park

City Council

The Vassar City Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance #2024-01, which establishes procedures for vacating or renaming streets and alleys. The council will also consider a resolution approving a Michigan Department of Transportation state trunkline maintenance contract, a parks and recreation master plan update proposal from Wade Trim, disposal of DPW equipment at auction, and a professional services proposal from Elite Facility Consultants. Consent agenda items include the August vendor listing and an appointment to the Economic Development Corporation.

• Public hearing on Ordinance #2024-01 for street/alley vacating and renaming procedures
• Resolution #2024-09: Michigan Department of Transportation state trunkline maintenance contract
• Proposal from Wade Trim for Parks and Recreation Master Plan update
• Consideration of DPW equipment disposal via auction
• Appointment of Jean Barden to the Economic Development Commission for a 6-year term

DDA

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss ongoing projects including downtown building lighting, Christmas in the City planning, and fountain winterization. They will also consider fundraising for merchandise, member recruitment, and hosts for Coffee with the City Manager. No votes on expenditures or ordinances are listed; the agenda is largely procedural and discussion-focused.

• Coffee with the City Manager needs hosts for August, September, and October
• Lighting of downtown buildings – begin discussion on goals and timelines
• Christmas in the City – begin discussion on goals and timelines
• Fundraising/merchandise – deciding on more mugs or shirts
• Fountain upkeep, winterization, and budgeting for next year

City Council

The Vassar City Council will hold a first reading of a new ordinance establishing procedures for vacating or renaming streets and alleys. They will consider a professional services proposal from BKV Group for a space needs study and master plan for the Public Safety Building, an assessor contract with Vassar and Tuscola Townships, disposal of DPW assets via auction, and an amended mutual aid agreement. The Council will also vote on waiving ordinance rules of conduct for two upcoming events and appoint Andrew Niedzinski to the Economic Development Commission for a six-year term.

• First reading of Ordinance #2024-01 for street and alley vacating and renaming procedures
• Consideration of BKV Group proposal for a Public Safety Building space needs study and master plan
• Consideration of assessor contract with Vassar Township and Tuscola Township (draft dated July 27, 2024)
• Consideration of DPW asset disposal via auction list
• Consideration to waive Ordinance Section 54:8 for Mud Runners (Sep 28) and Tuscola Youth Gymnastics (Sep 14) events

DDA

The Vassar DDA is discussing staffing and merchandise for the Downtown Summer Concert Series. Members will also review preparations for the August 2 Rock the River event and a banner quote from Larsen Graphics.

• Discussion of 50/50 ticket sales and potential merchandise for Downtown Summer Concert Series
• Status update on Rock the River Block Party/Cruise In and Concert
• Review of updated Christmas in the City banner quote from Larsen Graphics

City Council

The Vassar City Council will consider a resolution for Category B funding for Oak Street. The council will also review proposals for zoning ordinance updates and corrections to the City's Master Plan.

• Resolution #2024-08 regarding Category B funding for Oak Street
• Proposal for Zoning Ordinance updates
• Proposal to correct the City's Master Plan
• Third addendum to the City Manager contract

Planning Commission

The meeting includes the approval of March 2023 minutes and a business item regarding a zoning ordinance assessment. Public comment is limited to items listed as public hearings on the agenda.

• Zoning Ordinance Assessment

DDA

The DDA will discuss maintenance plans for the Vet's Memorial Fountain and preparations for the Downtown Summer Concert Series. The City Manager announced a $782,000 funding request for a streetscape project involving updated sidewalks and signage. The agenda also includes ribbon cuttings for two local businesses.

• $782,000 funding request for Streetscape Project (sidewalks, signs, and bollards)
• Ribbon cutting for Enchanted by Cathy Floral Design and Enchanted Moon on June 20
• Maintenance and upkeep discussion for Vet's Memorial Fountain
• Ticket sales planning for Downtown Summer Concert Series on July 10

Parks and Recreation

The commission is reviewing the May 2024 minutes and discussing ongoing projects. Signage and new posts have been installed at the Disc Golf Park. Grant funding for pickleball has been requested through PILOT and MSHDA, with outcomes to be discussed in July.

• Installation of signage and new posts at the Disc Golf Park
• Pending proposal from Spicer regarding park inventory
• Grant funding requests submitted to PILOT and MSHDA for pickleball and other park updates

City Council

The Vassar City Council will vote on routine consent items and discuss several new business items, including a letter to townships about a fire squad purchase, a quote for hockey board replacement, a resolution authorizing tax liens, and FY24 year-end budget amendments. Public comment is allowed on agenda items and other topics.

• Letter of notice to townships for fire squad purchase
• Consideration of quote for hockey board replacement (Timber Oaks)
• Resolution #2024-07 authorizing assessment of liens to city taxes
• FY24 year-end budget amendments
• Road closures for Corkpine Fair Parade (June 22) and Shifter Car Show (Aug 3)

Parks and Recreation

The commission is meeting to review ongoing park projects and plan for future infrastructure. Members will discuss drafting a new Parks Master Plan with Spicer to replace the current one expiring in 2025.

• Proposal to sign off on Connor McTaggart's Eagle Scout project for the Disc Golf Park
• Status update on the Musical Fence at Gazebo Park on Cass
• Drafting of a new Parks Master Plan with Spicer
• Purchase of shirts at $20 per person
• Planning for Vassar Park Crawl event

DDA

The Vassar DDA is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, hear public comment, and review ongoing projects including downtown tree planting, floral displays, a fountain dedication, and upcoming events. They will also plan future Coffee with the City Manager meetings and acknowledge member changes.

• Fountain dedication scheduled for Monday, May 20 at 6 PM; request to 'flip the switch' to turn on the fountain
• Enchanted by Kathy grand opening on Saturday, June 1; DDA involvement requested
• 1st Annual Rock the River block party on Friday, August 2, 5:30-11 PM, organized by The Shifter's of Vassar
• Downtown floral pots planted; delivery after Mother's Day, before Memorial Day; seeking independent maintenance company
• Christine Jobson leaving the DDA; Courtney Farmer welcomed as new member

City Council

The Vassar City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2025 budget, then vote on resolutions setting millage rates and general appropriations. The council will also consider a tower maintenance agreement, a fireworks display waiver, traffic orders, and a youth football donation.

• Public hearing and vote on FY2025 budget
• Resolution #2024-05 setting millage rates
• Resolution #2024-06 general appropriations
• Tower maintenance agreement with USG Water Solutions
• Waiver of Ordinance 50-181(C) for fireworks display on July 24, 2024

EDC

The Vassar Economic Development Commission is scheduled to review the FY25 EDC budget and a request from Tuscola County EDC. The body will also consider a proposal from Enchanted By Cathy and authorize the City Manager to sign documents and use EDC funds to purchase land in the absence of the EDC President.

• Review of FY25 EDC Budget
• Tuscola County EDC Request
• Enchanted By Cathy Proposal
• Authorization for City Manager to sign in absence of EDC President
• Authorization for City Manager to use EDC funds to purchase land

Parks and Recreation

The commission is reviewing status updates for the Disc Golf Park and Gazebo Park on Cass. Discussion includes planning for DDA tree plantings at the campground and dog park, as well as coordinating Eagle Scout project locations.

• DDA Tree Planting on April 22 at the campground on Cass and the Dog Park
• Sale of Parks and Rec shirts for $20 per person
• Planning for Eagle Scout projects including a Carpetball game, Butterfly Garden, Little Libraries, and bird houses
• Conducting the 2024 Park Inventory

DDA

The Vassar DDA is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, hear public comment, and discuss ongoing projects including tree planting for Earth Day, downtown floral decor, and the block party. They will also review the proposed FY 2025 budget.

• Tree planting planned for April 22 (Earth Day), with pines along Cass Ave near the Campground
• Abele's quote for downtown pots and plants; final decision on number and types
• Block party flyer created and shared; updates needed
• FY 2025 DDA budget attached for review
• DDA 2024 event calendar shared with businesses

City Council

The Vassar City Council will consider scheduling a FY25 budget hearing and waiving ordinance Section 54:8 (Rules of Conduct) for Mud Runners and Vassar Rotary Club events at the fairgrounds. The agenda also includes presentations from the Fire Department and Tuscola Youth Gymnastics, consent agenda items, and board appointments.

• Consideration of FY25 budget hearing scheduling
• Waive ordinance Section 54:8 for Mud Runners (June 20-22) and Vassar Rotary Club (multiple dates) at fairgrounds
• Appointments: Paul Whitney (EDC), Cindy Waterman, Steve Waterman, Daniel Peche (Planning Commission)
• Presentation: Vassar Fire Department non-profit, Tuscola Youth Gymnastics fairgrounds lease
• Consent agenda: March 2024 vendor listing, board minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a special use permit for 196 E. Huron Ave. The body will also review the Capital Improvement Plan for 2024-2025.

• Public hearing for Special Use Permit at 196 E. Huron Ave.
• Review of Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2025

Parks and Recreation

The commission is reviewing ongoing park projects and planning for spring activities. The body is discussing a pavilion request and coordinating a 2024 park inventory.

• DDA tree planting on April 22 at the campground on Cass and the Dog Park
• Request from Vassar Victory Center for T. North Pavilion use July 13-14
• New requirement for Eagle Scout projects to go directly to City Council
• Planning for 2024 Park Inventory
• Discussion of signage for the Disc Golf Park

DDA

The Vassar DDA is meeting to approve its March agenda and February minutes, then discuss ongoing projects and business items. Key topics include finalizing plans for an April 22 Earth Day tree planting along Cass Avenue, reviewing a quote for downtown floral decor, and outlining 2024 calendar items such as a fountain presentation and the city's 175th anniversary celebration.

• Earth Day tree planting planned for April 22, with pines along Cass Ave near the Campground
• Abele's quote for downtown decor/floral reviewed
• May 2024 fountain presentation discussed
• July 24, 2024: City of Vassar's 175th Anniversary during Downtown Concert
• Potential ribbon cutting for Enchanted by Cathy

City Council

The Vassar City Council will consider four resolutions authorizing grant applications, including for a downtown streetscape project, a skate park, and firefighter assistance. They will also vote on disposing of a DPW sewer jet and approving professional service agreements with HydroCorp for commercial and residential accounts. The meeting includes routine consent agenda items and public comment periods.

• Resolution #2024-01: Apply for Michigan Township Participating Plan (Par Plan) Risk Reduction Grant
• Resolution #2024-02: Support appropriation request to Senator Gary Peters for Downtown Streetscape Project
• Resolution #2024-03: Apply for T-Mobile Hometown Grant for skate park construction
• Resolution #2024-04: Support Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from DHS/FEMA
• Consider disposal of DPW sewer jet and HydroCorp professional service agreements

DDA

The Vassar DDA will approve the February agenda and December minutes, then discuss ongoing projects including the 2024 event calendar, tree planting, and a proposed holiday light donation. Business items include downtown decor and potential board position changes. Public comment is open.

• 2024 DDA Event Calendar with 50/50 date July 10 during Stone Street Revival
• Tree planting consideration for first day of Spring or Earth Day
• Lights donation from Shifters, including Santa in a car or truck
• Downtown decor pots from Abele's Greenhouse, no cost info yet
• Discussion of board position changes

Parks and Recreation

The committee is reviewing ongoing park projects and coordinating with the DDA for tree planting. Members will discuss a baseball field contract and the potential for a new sledding hill at the former Wastewater Treatment Plant site.

• Disc Golf Park signage quote of roughly $600 for 18 signs from Larsens
• MSHDA denial of funding request for the Dog Park
• Review of Baseball Field/Vassar Youth Baseball contract
• Planning for DDA donated tree planting on March 20 or April 22
• Proposed dog park social hours: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm and Saturdays 10 am-11 am

City Council

The Vassar City Council will hold its regular meeting, including approval of minutes, consent agenda items, and public comment. New business includes a request for the Vassar Corkpine Fair, renewal of the Wellhead Protection Plan, and FY24 six-month budget amendments. The meeting also includes council discussion and direction to the city manager.

• Vassar Corkpine Fair request
• Wellhead Protection Plan renewal (2024-2025)
• FY24 6-month budget amendments
• December 2023 and January 2024 vendor listings
• Boards and commissions minutes (DDA, Charter Commission)

DDA

The Vassar DDA is meeting to approve the agenda and December minutes, hear public comment, and discuss ongoing projects including the 2024 event calendar and a Zoom meeting with Liam Dreyer. Business items include downtown decor/art, a possible lighted decor purchase funded partly by a $1,000 donation, and board position changes. The agenda is mostly routine with some concrete items.

• Proposed 2024 DDA event calendar (initial draft)
• Purchase of lighted decor item, with $1,000 donation from Shifters of Vassar
• Discussion of board positions being changed
• Welcome of Baeli Partridge for Government for Tomorrow
• Zoom meeting with Liam Dreyer

Vassar Charter Commission

The Vassar Charter Commission will meet to review the completed charter. The body will also approve the minutes from the December 12, 2023, regular meeting.

• Review of Completed Charter