Perry council approves two ordinance changes and $15,281 workers' comp renewal

The Perry City Council approved two ordinance amendments and a $15,281 workers' compensation renewal at its regular meeting on June 18, according to the minutes signed by Mayor Susan J. Hammond and City Clerk Shirley Smith.

All three items passed with no recorded opposition. The minutes record each motion as carrying with "all in favor." Roll call showed Mayor Hammond, Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Lambert and Councilmembers Mike Connell, Bob Porter, Mindy Galbavi, Kamal Ghazi and Kristin Babel present. The minutes list no absences. Two members of the public attended.

Council approved Ordinance Amendment 408, Chapter 860, Section 860.6, covering the requirement and procedure for issuing a license, on a motion by Lambert seconded by Ghazi. The amendment had been read at the June 4 regular meeting, the minutes state. Council then approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment 409, Section 3.31, Marihuana Provisioning Center/Retailer, subsection (b), on a motion by Lambert seconded by Porter. That amendment was also read at the June 4 meeting.

On a motion by Connell seconded by Ghazi, council approved a Michigan Municipal League workers' compensation renewal in the amount of $15,281. The minutes list the coverage period as "July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026." Council separately approved the bills as presented and authorized payment, on a motion by Connell seconded by Porter.

Water tower talks with the school board

Mayor Hammond reported that she and John Souder met with the school board on June 15 to discuss the possibility of placing a water tower on school grounds. The minutes say the board "seemed interested in hearing more" and that Hammond will report further as the matter progresses.

County report

County Commissioner Matthew Shepherd told council the county paid $11 million in bills, and that the RESD will now receive tax money directly from municipalities rather than from the county treasurer. He also reported the sheriff's department is upgrading and resurfacing the jail parking lot, that Pete Preston's contract is up for renewal, and that the county zoning variance application fee will increase to $600 per application.

Shepherd further reported that Morrice Schools purchased SCOA and will lease the building to SCOA for senior activities, that the Creek Pointe project in Corunna will add ten new home builds, and that a new pole barn and parking lot expansion at the Veterans Office will be funded with PA 214 money.

Traffic concerns

Ghazi raised concerns about vehicle speeds on First Street and drivers not stopping at stop signs. Porter said cars are turning around and speeding through his neighborhood when a train is stopped on the tracks and causing a long delay, and asked about signage. The minutes state Clerk Shirley Smith will talk to the chief of police about both matters.

What happens next

Smith reminded council and residents of Summer Fun Night on Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Hammond said she will report back on the school-grounds water tower discussion as it develops. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.