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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
President Irwin called the regular meeting of the Marcellus Village Council to order at 7:00 p.m.
on April 14, 2026, in the Marcellus Village Hall. Trustees present: Markle, Engstrom, Webb, Haley M., Haley G. and Watts.
Agenda Motion by Markle, supported by Engstrom, to approve the agenda with the following additions: - Under Clerk’s Report —Add Item H. SAFEbuilt, 495 S Worden Street, Zoning, Street, - Fain |. RRC — Economic Development and Marketing Plan - Under DPW Report — Add Item C. Flat Bottom Boat and Trolling Motor $200.00 Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Minutes
Motion by Webb, supported by Haley G, to approve as presented and place on file the minutes of the March 24, 2026, regular meeting. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bills Motion by Haley G., supported by Engstrom, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of
$237,706.88. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Haley M., Watts, Webb, Markle, Irwin, Haley G. and Engstrom. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin, to receive and place on file all items on the Consent Agenda. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
President's Report
North Street Storm and Settlement Agreement
Motion by Irwin, supported by Webb, to approve and authorize the execution of the cost sharing agreement with Balkema Excavating, Inc., for storm pipe repairs on West North Street.
The repairs on West North Street were conducted by the following two contractors: e Clean Earth Environmental Contracting Services, of Kalamazoo, Michigan: Vactored to
jet-wash a section of storm water line and clean a basin. It was found that the storm pipe was caved in and would need to be replaced.
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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
» Roberts Bros. Excavating, of Three Rivers, Michigan: Dug up and replaced approximately forty feet of storm water pipe. On one end, the pipe was crushed due to infrastructure and on the other end, there were two new water services drilled through the storm water pipe during the DWSRF water project.
The Village and Balkema Excavating, Inc., reached an agreement to split the total repair cost of $8,560.00 equally, resulting in a 50% share of $4,280.00 for each party.
Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Engstrom, Webb, Inwin, Markle, Watts, Haley G. and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
DWSRE Balancing Change Order No. 6 — Reducing Contract by $317,700.13
Motion by Irwin, supported by Webb, to approve the DWSRF balancing Change Order No. 6, which reduces the cost of the DWSRF Water Project by $317,700.13. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Haley G., Invin, Engstrom, Haley M. and Webb. Nays: Markle and Watts. Motion carried.
James R. Thomas, Jr., and Brian Wilmore - Planning Commission Board Appointments
President Irwin re-appointed James R. Thomas, Jr., and Brian Wilmore to the Planning Commission Board for terms expiring April 20, 2030. Webb moved, supported by Engstrom, to ratify and confirm the appointments with terms expiring April 20,2030. Roll call vote - Webb, Markle, Watts, Engstrom and Irwin. Haley G. and Haley M. abstained. Motion carried.
James R. Thomas, Jr. DDA Board Appointment
President Irwin re-appointed James Thomas, Jr., to the DDA Board for a term expiring November 20, 2029. Webb moved, supported by Watts, to ratify and confirm the appointment of James R. Thomas, Jr., to the DDA Board for a term expiring November 20, 2029. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Watts, Markle, Engstrom, Webb and Irwin. Haley M and Haley G. abstained. Nays: None. Motion Carried.
BDA Report
Motion by Engstrom, supported by Markle, to receive and place on file the April 9, 2026, DDA meeting packet/report. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
MAESA Report
President Irwin expressed concern regarding the reimbursement process for MAESA capital expenses under the three-party agreement. He noted the importance of consistent application of capital thresholds to ensure MAESA is properly reimbursed by Marcellus Township. President Irwin plans to meet with Township Supervisor Edward J. Koshar to discuss aligning these administrative procedures.
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom to receive and place on file the April 13, 2026, MAESA meeting packet. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Webb, Irwin, Haley M., Engstrom and Haley G. Nays: Markle and Watts. Motion carried.
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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
Clerk's Report
Wellhead Protection Plan Activities
Village Manager/Clerk Terrill reported on upcoming educational activities related to the Village’s Wellhead Protection Plan, noting that Village Treasurer/Administrative Assistant Tina Thornburgh has coordinated the following activities:
+ Wellhead Protection Presentation: Kyle Mead, Senior Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) specialist with the Van Buren County Conservation District, is scheduled to give a presentation to the high school Junior class at the Marcellus Community School Library on April 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Mr. Mead will use a groundwater model to illustrate how water moves underground and talk about how it can be protected.
e Junior Class Essay Contest: Following the presentation, students will be invited to participate in an essay contest by writing and submitting an essay on “how you define safe drinking water and what can be done to protect it now and in the future.”
e Deadlines and Awards: Completed essays are due to the High School Principal Mrs. Wagner by May 7, 2026. Civic Leadership Awards, using donated funds, will be issued directly to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place recipients at $500.00 for the first-place recipient, $250.00 for the second-place recipient and $125 for the third-place recipient.
Resolution 2026-03 Establishing Scheduled Wage Increases for DPW and Office Staff
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom, to adopt Resolution 2026-03, a Resolution Establishing Scheduled Wages increases for DPW and Office Staff. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Irwin, Haley M., Engstrom, Markle, Watts, Haley G. and Webb. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-04, A Resolution Opposing Michigan House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585 Regarding Local Municipal Zoning Authority
Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin, to adopt Resolution 2026-04, a Resolution Opposing Michigan House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585 Regarding Local Municipal Zoning Authority and to share the resolution with the MML and with the Village’s Elected Officials at the State of Michigan. Roll Call Vote —- Ayes: Webb, Irwin, Engstrom, Markle, Haley G., Watts and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Ray Gyllstrom /Lions Club Memorial Park Project
Manager/Clerk Terrill provided the following updates on the Ray Gylistrom/Lions Club Park Project:
« Consumers Energy Foundation: The application for a $25,000.00 contribution will be submitted through the online portal once all letters of support are received.
« Patronicity Crowdfunding: Utilities/Deputy Clerk Deborah Garcia is collaborating with English teacher Melody Schneider, the Marcellus High School Class of 2026, and MEDC’s Patronicity group to launch a $20,000.00 fundraising campaign.
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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
e AEP Foundation: The Village is awaiting word from the AEP Foundation so that it may discuss an invitation to apply for an AEP Foundation grant. If received, the Village intends to apply for $25,000.00.
MML 2025 Property Appraisal — Updated Valuations
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley G., to accept the 2025 updated property endorsement and property schedule (including replacement coverage cost in the event of loss) provided by the Village's MML Liability and Property Pool underwriter. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Watts, Markle, Engstrom, Haley M., Irwin, Haley G. and Webb. Nays: None. Motion carried.
FEMA Building Resilient Communities and Infrastructure (BRIC) Grant
The Village Council discussed the MSP-FMA-BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) program, which supports community infrastructure projects. It was noted that the Village had previously started an application for this grant, but FEMA suspended the program in April 2025. Following the recent release of a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and submitting a new Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Michigan State Police (MSP) to replace the Village's 45-year-old Water Treatment Plant generator, the Village has been invited to apply again. Irwin moved, supported by Watts, to approve an application as a subgrantee of the MSP to FEMA and to approve the required match funds if the Village is awarded a BRIC grant. Roll Call Vote — Ayes: Haley G., Invin, Engstrom, Haley M., Markle, Webb and Watts. Nays: None. Motion carried.
SAFEbuilt Services
495 South Worden Street Discussion
Village Manager/Clerk Terrill introduced Sharon Craun and Alton Neal from SAFEbuilt to clarify the scope of their services and address the following specific concerns:
¢ Zoning Administration: SAFEbuilt confirmed they are responsible for Zoning Administration services within the Village of Marcellus.
» 495 South Worden Street Property Issues: Significant work, including a large new driveway and fencing, has been completed at 495 South Worden Street (Parcel 14-051- 622-021-10) without prior consultation with Village Zoning or SAFEbuilt Building Officials.
1. Parcel Complexity: This parcel routes to a southern property (Parcel 14-051-022- 005-01) which is subject to a 425 Agreement between the Village and Marcellus Township. While the two properties share a line, the northern parcel is within Village boundaries, whereas the southern parcel is governed by the 425 Agreement.
2. Assessor Error: It was noted that these properties were mistakenly combined by the assessor. Although "uncombined" at the Village's request, both parcels now carry Village parcel numbers. This remains problematic as it creates confusion
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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
for building/zoning officials in both municipalities and the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) regarding the southern property's Marihuana licenses.
3. Governing Ordinances: Per the 425 Agreement, the southern property is subject to Township Zoning and Building Codes unless a marihuana business ceases operations, at which point Village ordinances would apply.
4. Street and Infrastructure Concerns: The Village noted that planned activities on the property remains unknown. Concerns were raised regarding potential heavy truck traffic on Worden Street, which is not built for such loads and is currently posted "No Trucks." Discussion included whether the owner would assist with street upgrades to meet business needs, address stormwater runoff or mitigate impacts on Worden Street residents.
Outcome and Action: Alton Neal reported that he will issue formal notice and a request for permit documentation for the marihuana operation, noting that a Township official stated the Township is currently "handling it."
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley G., to contact the Village attorney regarding the situation at 495 South Worden Street. Roll call vote - Ayes: Webb, Engstrom, Irwin, Haley M., Watts, Haley G. and Markle. Nays: None. Motion carried.
RRC — Proposed Economic Development and Marketing Plan
Motion by Webb, supported by Irwin, to give preliminary approval with final consideration at the April 28, 2026, Village Council meeting of McKenna’s Proposed Economic Development and Marketing Plan. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
DPW
Motion by Irwin, supported by Markle, to receive and place of file the March 2026 DPW report. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Flat Bottom Boat and Trolling Motor $200.00
Motion by Irwin, supported by Engstrom, to purchase a flat-bottom boat and trolling motor from Trustee Haley G. in the amount of $200.00 for use at the Village sewer lagoons to enable the DPW to monitor sludge levels. Roll Call Vote - Ayes: Engstrom, Irwin, Watts, Webb and Markle. Abstained: Haley G. and Haley M. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Planning Commission Report and April 8, 2026, Meeting Packet
Planning Commission Chair James Thomas, Jr., reported that the RRC presentation to the Village is tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, during the First Friday Event.
Motion by Irwin, supported by Markle, to receive and place on file all items in the Planning Commission Report and Meeting Packet. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. Public Comment
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Regular Meeting April 14, 2026
Village of Marcellus Council Proceedings
During Public Comment, Bryce Davis of Family First Funeral and Cremation Care, located just outside Village boundaries at 52780 M-40 North, Marcellus, expressed interest in and asked the Village Council what it would take for this property to be annexed into the Village.
The new owner of the property at 138 East Main Street, David Blair along with his father, Randy Blair, requested clarification regarding architectural and electrical drawings which were requested by SAFEbuilt. SAFEbuilt officials will coordinate with the property owner to clarify which documents are required.
Adjournment
Motion by Irwin, supported by Haley M., to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion passed.
a) Af Dennis Irwin lage Deputy Clerk Village President
Text extracted from the official record; formatting may differ.