Perry council OKs $63,210 in DPW work, accepts two resignations

The Perry City Council approved $63,210 in public works spending and accepted two resignations at its regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, according to the minutes signed by Mayor Susan J. Hammond and City Clerk Shirley Smith.

Every motion passed unanimously on voice votes recorded in the minutes as "all in favor." Roll call listed Mayor Hammond, Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Lambert and council members Bob Porter, Mindy Galbavi, Kamal Ghazi and Kristin Babel. Council member Mike Connell was absent, excused. One member of the public attended.

The largest item was a paving and excavating quote from Smith Paving. On a motion by Ghazi, seconded by Porter, the council approved removing a foundation and milling and repaving the city parking lot off Second Street behind Charlie's and the dental office for an amount not to exceed $37,500, and milling and repaving the alley for an amount not to exceed $15,450. The council authorized DPW Superintendent John Souder to sign the quote and schedule the work.

On motions by Lambert and seconded by Ghazi, the council also approved a time-and-material quote to repair the Bath Road lift station for an amount not to exceed $4,160, and a Smith Paving quote to seal coat and stripe parking lot lines at the City Hall parking lot and driveways for an amount not to exceed $6,100. Souder was authorized to sign and proceed on both. Souder reported the DPW is still working on sidewalk edging.

Clerk Smith read a resignation letter from Lambert, resigning from the City Council and Planning Commission effective Aug. 7, 2026, and a letter from Gerrad Leitelt resigning from the Planning Commission effective July 24, 2026. Porter moved, with Ghazi seconding, to accept Lambert's resignation "and thank him for his years of service to the City of Perry." Porter moved again, seconded by Galbavi, to accept Leitelt's resignation with thanks for his service to the Planning Commission. Both passed unanimously.

The council also committed to financial support for the Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency's Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027 budget year in an amount not to exceed $8,436.86, on a motion by Ghazi seconded by Porter. The clerk was authorized to send SATA a letter confirming the commitment.

Two items were deferred. Souder said there is a need to increase water and sewer rates, and Nolan Pacitto of OHM presented information on potential increases. The minutes state the council discussed possible different increases and decided to bring the matter back on Sept. 3 with additional comparisons. A related item to set a public hearing on water and sewer rates drew no action and was moved to the same date. On a proposed temporary moratorium resolution tied to a data center, the council said it wanted to review the information provided and discuss it at the Aug. 20 meeting.

In department reports, Treasurer Meggen Galbreath said auditors were due Aug. 17, that it is tax season, and that she has disbursed the second round of payments. She reported Sergeant Monroe led National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with between 300 and 400 people attending. Clerk Smith reported 227 in-precinct voters on election day, 315 absent voter ballots mailed with 230 returned, and nine residents who voted during early voting in Corunna. She said the city will move forward with a website redesign to comply with new ADA requirements. Mayor Hammond reported the city was not chosen for the street lighting grant and was told it has a better chance next year. Police Chief Kyle Bawks was absent.

What happens next

The minutes list mayor's appointments and the data center discussion as agenda items for the next meeting. Water and sewer rate increases and the public hearing question return to the council on Sept. 3. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.