By Mark Constance
WEST BRANCH – The West Branch City Council met for its regular meeting Nov. 19.
Council voted 7-0 to go into closed session to discuss the purchase of real property. After voting to come out of closed session, council voted 7-0 to temporarily close Greenland Street.
The Michigan Open Meetings Act allows an elected board to go into closed session: “To consider the purchase or lease of real property up to the time an option to purchase or lease that real property is obtained.”
Clerk John Danzer said the reason for the closure could not be disclosed at this point because it had been discussed in closed session.
The board and community members were given a presentation by Cindy Scott of Stephenson & Co. in regard to the city’s annual audit. In a brief power point presentation, Scott indicated that overall, the city was on solid footing.
The city has a fund balance of $1,287,546, which Scott indicated is better than many municipalities across the state.
“With the net pension liabilities most government entities are in the red. You are in the black,” she said.
(For complete budget information contact City Manager Heather Grace at 989-345-0500)
In other action Council:
- Invited the public to attend the Council Open House after the Dec. 17 meeting. City staff will participate in their annual “Ugly Sweater Contest” as part of the open house. City Manager Heather Grace has been authorized to give the winner one day paid vacation
- Accepted a Nov. 12 report from City Police Chief Ken Walters indicating officers handled a total of 97 complaints in October resulting in 10 arrests. Two of the arrests were for breaking and entering in which officers were able to identify the suspects from DNA left at the scene. Walters also noted the new police cruiser should be on the road in about a week. The vehicle will have new entering and existing technology, as well as a new camera system tied into the onboard computer system, which will display interior and exterior views; and
- Voted 7-0 to use Great Lakes Technology, LLC as the sole source bidder to store and secure the city’s records. Total cost will be $19,083.93 and will include a server, computer, monitor, software, installation and more. Grace recommended the purchase be made without bidding as Great Lakes Technology already has the contract for tech support services; and they “are the only practical source for the provision of these services.”
To review council agenda and packet file in its completion visit westbranch.com/11-19-18%20Packet.pdf.
