City Council Meeting: Saying Goodbye to Jim Hodges

The conclusion of decades of service came during Monday’s City Council meeting.  It was the last for Councilmember Jim Hodges, who decided earlier this year not to seek reelection.  Prior to the meeting, an hour-long reception was held allowing citizens to thank Hodges for his years of service to the community.  

Council Chambers had more in attendance for the meeting, again showing support for the efforts Hodges has put into the community.  A light, two-item new business agenda lead to a meeting where comments thanking the retiring councilmember were the focus of the evening.   

Citizen Comments
Representative Thomas Albert spoke during citizen comments.  The representative for the 86th District, of which Lowell is part of, gave an update on his activities in Lansing.  While a recent measure did not pass, Albert is working on auto insurance reform saying the state has one of the highest rates but also some of the best coverage.  He’s looking to reach some sort of middle ground making the insurance more affordable while will providing excellent coverage.  He is also working on efforts regarding veteran compensation, student loan debt, and pension retirement reform.  

Jim Reagan also spoke during citizen comments.  He wanted to remind everyone of the upcoming public hearing on allowing a medical marijuana dispensary within city limits.  He referenced Smart Approaches to Marijuana as a source for a national non-partisan organization which offers a science-based approach to legalizing marijuana.  

Finally, Connor Baker addressed council.  Baker is behind Buzz Solutions, LLC, a company looking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Lowell.  He thanked councilmembers for researching the subject of medical marijuana with an open mind.  

Agenda Items: Cost of Living Adjustment and Asset Management Data Collection Agreement
The first item of business was approving a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Lowell Light & Power (LL&P) retirees.  Each year the LL&P board reviews a COLA.  This year the board approved a 2.5% increase beginning in January 2018.  The expense will be $78,129 and will be paid for by LL&P.  Because LL&P falls under a city-wide plan Council must also approve the increase, which was done so unanimously.  

The second item on the agenda was approval of an Asset Management Data Collection Agreement.  The City of Lowell and Village of Sparta have been asked to participate in 21st Century Asset Management Pilot project.  Lowell will provide data gathered from Regional Geographic Information System (REGIS) to the State of Michigan.  This information will be used to address infrastructure needs by developing an asset management plan.

City Manager Update
In a number of items from City Manager Mike Burns his first item to relay to council was to remind people of this week’s City Council election.  Burns said he’s looking forward to working with whoever is elected.  A special meeting to occur at 6 pm on November 13 to seat new councilmembers following the election.  

Burns also indicated if more time is needed for the public hearing on medical marijuana it will be added as an agenda item for the City Council meeting following the Committee of the Whole meeting where the hearing will take place.  The public hearing will start at 5:30 pm on November 20.  

A downtown master plan has been in discussion among the City Manager, DPW Director Rich LaBombard, and representatives from Williams and Works.  A master plan was in the process of being formulated under the direction of former City Manager Mark Howe.  After Howe’s departure further discussion and action has not taken place.  Burns indicated a public hearing in January will take place to hear resident input.  

Burns has also been working on revenue options.  He indicated he has more than 20 spreadsheets with various scenarios.  Information will be presented to council in January.  

A new pop machine has been placed in the lobby near the police department.  The machine was received free of charge from the federal government.  All proceeds from the sale of drinks will to the LPD to use for their winter coat drive.  

Council Comments
During his comments Councilmember Canfield suggested the city look at contracts for services received to ensure cheaper options are not available.  

The majority of the council comment portion of the meeting was directed toward Jim Hodges.  Each councilmember thanked Hodges for his service saying his shoes will be hard to fill.  Councilmember Chambers thanked Hodges for passing along a coffee with council handbook.  Chambers is taking the reigns on leading the monthly opportunity for residents to meet informally with city council members. 

Mayor Mike DeVore presented two gifts to Councilmember Hodges.  The first was a drawing of City Hall which was from his wife, Chris.  Second was Public Service Award of Excellence on behalf of the City.  

Jim Hodges gave his final council comments, at times giving into emotions as he spoke.  He thanked his wife Chris for the support over the years.  He named each councilmember past and present he has worked beside.  He spoke of Mike Burns, Mark Howe, and Dave Pasquale, the three City Managers during his time serving the city.  And in his final act, Hodges closed the meeting one last time saying, “I move we adjourn at 7:37.”  With that Jim Hodges retires from his role as Councilmember and former Mayor.  

Meeting Information
The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Monday, November 20 at 7pm, following a 5:30 Committee of the Whole meeting where a public hearing regarding medical marijuana dispensaries.  Meeting minutes and agendas can be found on the city’s website.  And meetings can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel.  Or check in with Lowell’s First Look after each meeting for a recap of what happened.

You can also listen to meetings live at WRWW the, Lowell High School’s radio station.  Tune in at 92.3 or listen on their webpage during meetings.  

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