Laingsburg council adopts master plan, sets Summerfest street closures

The Laingsburg City Council approved a master plan resolution, a library district agreement and a Treat Street right-of-way sale at its July 7 meeting, according to the minutes signed by City Clerk Kim Hamilton and Mayor Gregory Beavers.

Mayor Pro Tem Randy Cragg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Council members Robert Miller, Jody Frank, Tim Leonard and Jason Innis were present. Mayor Greg Beavers and Council Member Scott Dedic were absent, the minutes state. Every recorded motion carried with all members present voting in favor, except one vote on which Innis abstained.

The council approved the consent agenda — the treasurer's report, bills and prior minutes — on a motion by Leonard, seconded by Miller. The minutes list checks 43086 through 43114 totaling $12,830.97 dated June 5 to June 29, 2026, and e-checks totaling $10,598.70 dated June 26 to June 29, 2026. Tax disbursements were listed at $0.

Among the items of business, the council approved Resolution 2613 on the master plan on a motion by Innis, seconded by Frank, and Resolution 2614 declining ownership of drinking water for Hidden Glen Apartments on a motion by Innis, seconded by Miller. On a motion by Miller, seconded by Frank, the council approved the 2026 poverty exemption guidelines.

For parcel No. 022-60-077-000 on Treat Street, the council chose Option 2 on a motion by Leonard, seconded by Innis. Under that option, the minutes say, the city will pay the attorney fees for preparing resolutions and deeds and for legal review, while the purchaser will be responsible for the survey, legal description, recording fees and all other direct project costs.

The council approved the Laingsburg library 2026-27 budget on a motion by Frank, seconded by Leonard, and approved the proposed District Library Agreement on a motion by Innis, seconded by Miller, contingent on review by the city attorney and clarification of any language deemed necessary. According to the minutes, discussion followed on the review process, with the understanding that substantial recommended changes would bring the agreement back to the council at a special meeting, and that no further council action would be needed if no changes were required.

The council also approved a $1,000 SEDP membership on a motion by Frank, seconded by Innis; began changes to ordinance numbers 18-302(g) and 18-304(b) on a motion by Miller, seconded by Innis; and approved up to $2,500 for trees to create a visual buffer between the kayak launch and the neighboring property on a motion by Leonard, seconded by Cragg. The minutes state Innis abstained from that vote because the trees will be purchased from Van Atta's Greenhouse and Flower Shop, and all other members voted in favor.

For Summerfest and the pancake breakfast, the council approved closing Grand River Road from Roosevelt Row to South Laing Street from Wednesday at 7 a.m. through Monday at 8 a.m., with Crum Street also closed at Grand River Road. On Saturday, the closure extends along Grand River Road from Woodhull Street to South Laing Street, with Roosevelt Row remaining open for parking, the minutes say. The motion was made by Cragg and seconded by Innis.

During public comment, Mr. Eveleth gave an update on Shiawassee Health and Wellness and discussed the organization's programs and activities, according to the minutes. Committee reports were listed for the library, planning commission, DDA, DPW, finance, police and building inspector. The item on the DDA response to a mural referred readers to the DDA meeting minutes.

What happens next

The district library agreement goes to the city attorney for review. If substantial changes are recommended, the minutes say the agreement returns to the council at a special meeting; if not, no further council action is required. The council also directed the DPW supervisor to project the monthly hours needed to complete all scheduled projects, on a motion by Leonard seconded by Innis. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.