Monday’s meeting of Lowell City Council ran for approximately 50 minutes and covered five pieces of new business. All councilmembers were present, but City Manager Mike Burns was away. Assistant City Manager Rich LaBombard assisted with the meeting in his absence.
Public Comments: Appreciation for Lowell Light & Power
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Perry Beachum provided an update on recent Lowell Light & Power activities. Beachum is chair of the LLP Board.
He noted that members of the utility participated in the annual Lineworkers Rodeo last month. The event – held in Roseville, California, this year – provides an opportunity for lineworkers to meet with others in the industry and participate in a friendly competition that shows off their skills.
Although LLP is one of the smaller municipal utilities in the country, Beachum says it is recognized nationally for its excellence and its linemen represented the community well during the rodeo.
Closer to home, a crew from LLP has been in northern Michigan to assist with restoring power there after a significant ice storm swept through at the end of March.
“Word back from them is that it’s a nightmare up there,” Beachum said.
During their final comments of the night, several councilmembers also shared their appreciation for the work that LLP linemen and staff do.
Asset Limit for Poverty Exemption
The first piece of business on the agenda was the addition of an asset limit to the criteria for a property tax poverty exemption.
The poverty exemption is required by state law, and municipalities must adopt income limits each year that are no lower than the federal poverty limits. They must also approve an asset test, which is the maximum amount of assets a person can have outside their principal residence. Those meeting the income and asset requirements can apply for a full or partial exemption from paying their property taxes.
Lowell City Council had previously approved the income limits for the poverty exemption, and at Monday’s meeting, they voted unanimously to set the asset limit at $20,000. That amount was recommended by city assessor Jason Rosenzweig, who said it is the same amount used by Algoma Township, where he also provides assessing services.
Prior to the vote, Councilmember Eric Bartkus asked if the asset limit would include retirement funds, and Rosenzweig replied that it would. Rosenzweig also said that the city has never received an application for a poverty exemption during his time as assessor.
The asset test limit will increase each year based on the Consumer Price Index, which is the most commonly used measure of inflation
YMCA Park Use Agreement Extended
An agreement between the city and YMCA to allow the non-profit to use city parks for activities – typically sports events – expired on March 31. However, at Monday’s meeting, councilmembers voted unanimously to extend the agreement for another year.
The terms of the agreement will stay the same with the YMCA paying the following fees:
- $10 per participant
- $100 per day for tournament games which prevent the city from renting out the Creekside pavilion
The agreement allows the YMCA to use both the Creekside Park fields as well as Recreation Park.
Parts Purchase and Infrastructure Updates
The grit conveyer belt at the water treatment plant has reached the end of its lifespan, and councilmembers voted unanimously to replace it. The current conveyer belt was installed in 1995 and will be replaced at a cost of $25,616. RS Technical of Lowell will do the work.
Councilmembers also voted unanimously to spend $43,960 so Anlaan Corp of Grand Haven can install a sewer lining near the intersection of Main and Monroe. Apparently, an issue with the sewer was discovered in 2023, but it was decided that it would be best to wait until the installation of an island on Monroe Street to complete this work.
The sewer lining is an unbudgeted expense, but a memo outlining the project notes that the city has “excess revenue in the sewer fund” and received “approximately $40,000 more in interest.” This money will be used to cover the lining cost.
As part of voting for the lining, councilmembers also gave their blessing to create an island in the center lane of Monroe at the Main and Monroe intersection.
“For the public’s knowledge, this island is to stop trucks from turning and going down a residential street when have a truck route (on Jefferson),” said Councilmember Marty Chambers.
With the addition of the island, signage will be added prohibiting left turns off Monroe onto Main Street.
Other Meeting Items
Other action items and updates from Monday’s meeting included the following:
- Unanimous approval of an updated contract with Axon for additional and updated body cameras and vehicle cameras for the Lowell Police Department. The five-year contract has an annual cost of $25,751.
- LaBombard noted that the city received a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant that will be used to repave some side streets in the city.
- Bartkus said the Arbor Board is working on plans to add more trees to W. Main Street to improve the streetscape there. He added that trees by City Hall were also marked for removal because of the berries they drop on the ground. They will be replaced with other varieties of trees.
- Councilmember Jim Salzwedel mentioned that there will be one more Coffee with Council session in the evening on April 28. Then, they will take a hiatus until September.
- Mayor Mike DeVore shared that the Downtown Development Authority removed funding for a Lions and Rabbits project. It was decided that the community has enough resources locally to pursue the placemaking projects proposed by the organization.
- Councilmembers attended the 2025 CapCon, put on the Michigan Municipal League, and Bartkus said it was a valuable experience.
The meeting adjourned at 7:52pm. The next regular meeting of Lowell City Council will take place on Monday, April 21, at 7pm in Lowell City Hall.
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