November 10, 2026 - Village Council

0:05 just crash outs all over. Good evening and let's try that again. >> No. >> Good evening and welcome to the November 10th, 2026 council meeting for the village of Ali. Clerk, please call the role. >> Wine Bunner >> here. >> Wendle >> here. >> Ryan >> here. >> Pascal >> here. >> Cole >> here. >> Ky >> here. Brandon, >> here we have a quorum. Mike Micheller, will you please approach the podium and lead us in the pledge of allegiance?

0:51 >> Everybody ready? Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Mike. >> That unison was pretty awesome. Not too many people do it. >> This brings us to the approval of our consent agenda. All items listed under consent agenda are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the village council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and discussed separately in new business. Do I hear a motion to

1:36 approve the consent agenda? >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> I'll second it. >> We have a motion by Wendell. We have a support by Weerunner. Clerk, please call the role. >> Ryan, >> yes. >> Pascal, >> yes. >> Wurner, >> yes. >> Paul, >> yes. >> Ker, >> yes. >> Wendle, >> yes. >> Brandon, >> yes. Motion carried. We have no reappoints or new appointments this evening. We do have several presentations. The first three are from Chief Nar. Chief, the floor is yours.

2:24 >> Run, Chief, run. >> I am running. That was top speed, by the way. You're welcome. Greetings, council, madame president and council and community. Um, once again, you know, every I say it every time, but once when we can open a meeting, uh, with recognizing staff and doing amazing things, um, I think it sets the tone uh, for everything, but uh, it certainly does for us. And, uh, I'm honored tonight to recognize, too. So, even though I had, uh, Sergeant Michael Hul on here, um, there was a situation, uh, where they had to be away. So, we're gonna, uh, recognize Sergeant Hul on uh, the December meeting. So that u but I would like to call um reserve sergeant Ardan Grim up to join me.

3:21 So I think you know just about it's the first time I've ever had to raise a microphone. I'm always lowering these things. Um, it's my privilege to recognize art, and I think everybody in town knows art, but there's parts parts of art that I'm going to introduce to the community tonight that I'm extremely proud of. It's my privilege to recognize Art Ingram for two well-earned honors. Uh, his receipt of Common Ground's Kh Legacy Award and his promotion to reserve Sergeant with the Holly Police Department. Both recognitions reflect the same commitment. Art seems uh Art sees people who need help and he makes himself available whether he is answering a crisis call or serving a neighbor here in Holly. He gives his

4:06 time because he believes he can make a difference. Art is a United States Marine Corps veteran who serve served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He has made Holly his home for more than a quarter century and raised his family here. He holds an associates degree in business management and a bachelor's degree in psychology. It's probably why you sit in the office and just stare at me at times. Uh bringing both practical experience and an understanding of people to his service. His involvement in this community reaches far beyond our department. Art serves as the Holly VFW or served as a Holly BFFW aent adjunct and served as the previous quartermaster and co- captain of its honor guard. He

4:53 also serves as the treasurer of the Holly area community coalition and co-founder and former treasurer of the Holly area Veterans Resource Center and is a member of the Holly American Legion and Moose Lodge. So in his spare time, Art cares for his horses and likes to restore old cars and boats. For nearly a decade, Art has volunteered with Common Ground. And as a trained crisis intervention specialist, he helps people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His work includes answering crisis and suicide prevention calls, serving as a crisis support liaison, and representing common ground through community outreach. The award brochure on the night he was recognized for the Kwite Legacy Award um describes Art's belief

5:41 in the power of simply being there for someone. That is a meaningful description of his service. When someone reaches out in a crisis, a patient uh voice and a person willing to listen can help them take the next step towards support. and Art has dedicated himself to being that person both at Common Ground and here in our community as a liaison with the Holly Police Department in that same role. On October 16th, Common Ground recognized that commitment by presenting him with the Kwite Legacy Award. The award honors dedication and leadership in advancing Common Ground's mission of helping people move from crisis to hope. Its recipients demonstrate the selfless commitment and inspirational spirit that sustains the work. Here in Holly, we

6:32 have our own reason to be grateful. Art graduated from the Oakland County Community College Reserve Police Officer Academy in March of 22. And in August of 22, the police department assumed responsibility of the village code enforcement. Officer Art and Officer Renee Jones were assigned at that time to the newly established program. And today, code enforcement team includes reserve officer John Junga. Although code enforcement is a paid part-time position, Art declines compensation. Imagine that. He's still donating his time. He donates his surface both as a reserve officer to the community and as a code enforcement officer because he wants to improve the community he calls home. And that's what he says over and over again.

7:17 The choice says a great deal about him. It is also why I'm pleased to recognize his promotion effective October 28th, 2026 to reserve sergeant. And that's something that uh I think exemplifies and encapsulates what he does within the reserve unit. Um he's at every event. He's always there serving and also within the code enforcement unit. Um as as kind and gentle as art is, he's our enforcer. Now, by that I mean the other two have jobs that they have to be at. So our has to write all the tickets >> so he can appear in court. So but he does that with such and and the beauty of it is I would say we're probably somewhere in the range of 90% of the success rate in our code enforcement is

8:04 voluntary compliance and that is achieved through communication and we don't just walk up and find a violation. Uh we walk up we discuss it as a team effort. we have a program in place. Then they go knock and talk and then we bring copies of ordinances. We also bring solutions how we can help you and what programs are available that we can provide you to get this done at low or no cost. So art exemplifies that service in our community. Uh and this pro this promotion recognizes Art service and places confidence in his leadership. His example will guide his fellow reserve officers who serve with him and strengthen our work on behalf of Holly residents. Art, thank you for serving our country, for being there for people in crisis, and for continuing to give so

8:49 much to Holly. Congratulations on the K legacy award and your promotion to reserve sergeant. And I am pleased uh to recognize you today before council in our community. Thank you. >> Thank you. before. >> Thank you. >> I still think he's Joe Pesh. >> Yeah. >> The first time I met him, it was Mr. Pesh.

9:34 251 books. when we were when we were at the um common ground ceremony and Art was getting his um award beforehand, he was telling me all about his time in the Marine Corps and how, you know, like his his his promotion in the military and sometimes he went down in rank two and he always wanted to be a sergeant and that if he had anything from us that he would like to do and Chief Nar had already told me this plan that he wanted to do this and so I was like, "Yeah, I think we can do something about that." So, it's great. No. Um, just again our code enforcement, our police sometimes have to interact with people on the worst day of their life and it's just amazing how many people have come up to me and said how much they love him because how uh compassionate and caring he was in that time. So

10:19 >> awesome. >> He needs to say something. >> No, Art needs Art. >> You got you got to say something, Art. Sorry. Well, people that know me know that I'm a man of few words. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> But I think uh I I hope and I believe that the promotion is based on our excellent work that we've done with code enforcement. And my uh team consists of Renee Jones and John Junga. And I think that uh we all have our specialties and we all do our thing. And I I think I couldn't do this without the confidence of our police chief and with the guidance and technical support from our

11:07 fire chief, Mr. Watson. I also want to thank the ladies that work in the office because without them, I couldn't do what I do and they're really special people. And so I just thank the community for allowing me to do what I do. And I thank the confidence that the chief has in me and also for our village manager, Mr. Price. So, thank you very much. Thank you, Art. And now probably the hardest part is so

11:54 Bill. The retirement recognition for officer William Bill Hoffman. Tonight, I'm honored to recognize Officer Bill Hoffman as he prepares to retire from the Holly Police Department. >> He's not allowed >> after more than 26 years. And the cool thing is you guys I I know I've been talking whenever we do budgets I talk about the inevitability and I refer to it as the cliff that we're coming to because we hired so many at the same time that officers are leaving. Bill knew that and he was eligible to retire July of last year. So he stayed until we could get a little more stable. >> Well, thank you. Um, Bill graduated uh from the Mcome Criminal Justice

12:40 Center in 1998. His first police job came in 1999, working part-time for a small community in Shyawasi County. The position paid 750 an hour. >> Wow. >> He supplied his own firearm, purchased his first badge from a retired officer, and wore uniforms passed along from the county law enforcement and Michigan State Police. I don't even want to know the name of that police department. It was a modest beginning to a career that would become his life's work. On June 30th, 2000, Bill joined the Holly Police Department as a full-time patrolman. From his first day here, he knew Holly was going to be where he wanted to stay. He remained committed to this department, to this community ever since. His last day of service will be November 30, 2026, with his retirement effective December 1st. Throughout those

13:31 years, Bill's focus has been on doing the job. He chose to remain in patrol, passing up opportunities for promotion because advancing in rank was not what drove him. His commitment was to the work itself, to his fellow officers, and to the people of Holly. Bill also helped prepare other others for their careers in law enforcement. He assisted in training several part-time officers who went on to successful careers, including service as FBI agents as SWAT team members with larger agencies. And his experience and guidance helped those officers build a foundation uh they carried into their own work. He served as a pistol and shotgun instructor uh and has continued that up until today, sharing his

14:19 knowledge and helping officers develop their skills. He also served as an armorer uh for several years on multiple platforms which saved us money for maintenance and operations for more than 20 years. He also served as the department's union steward and we got along. >> I think I did. I don't know. I think we did great. Um I think we did great. >> He hasn't left yet. Watch. >> Well, he stayed that year. That was awesome. that was um and he also served as the uni steward representing his fellow officers in accepting the responsibilities that came with their trust. That's a that's a heavy heavy uh role. Although Bill has never been comfortable drawing attention to his accomplishments, his service has earned recognition for professional excellence, mortorious service, bravery,

15:08 life-saving, and community service. Those are recognitions he has received throughout his career at the police department. Those honors reflect meaningful work, including actions that help protect and save lives. Over more than two decades, Bill has met the challenges of police work, built lasting professional relationships, and earned the respect of the people he served alongside. He can look back with pride on his contributions to this department and the difference he has made in our community. Now, the cool thing is is I know Bill this dimension. So his wife Michelle gave us some awesome words about how well these words >> and and I think this is awesome. Relle explained that Bill's career has never

15:54 been about making notches or being the limelight. He has always had the mindset that this job is his job and he chooses to do it every day. Being popularized from this job is not now nor has ever been his style. He has done so much in his career. Much of it probably should have been talked about in public because all it would do is bring up some painful memories for people who have lost loved ones over the years. But to this day, um there are still people coming up to Michelle telling uh her to thank him for not only what he does, but for who he is as a person. And she said that when she was growing up in this town, if you heard the names Hoffman and Simpson, you knew it was not playtime. Nope. >> Yep. You knew if he wanted uh to if you

16:39 wanted to go out drinking or do something considered illegal to leave town because these two would be all over you and you would likely get caught. Even with that, I people come up to me all the time. She states that have gotten in trouble by those two throughout the years to thank them because looking back on their childhood, they see that running into these two saved them and put them on a much better path. Bill has earned so much more than awards and Holly. He and Sergeant Simpson throughout their years on the road together earned respect. And it has always been said that these two guys treated you fairly no matter what. That is a reputation worth honoring. Respect is earned. Over time through decisions, conversations, and the way an officer treats people when circumstances are difficult, Bill can take pride in

17:26 knowing that people remember both his commitment to the law and his fairness toward them. And I want to recognize uh Michelle and Bill's family. A career in policing affects the people at home as well as wearing the badge. And especially when you serve in the same community because there are times where you arrest people that also know that's your wife and if she's working uh someplace in town, it's difficult. And uh people could have that uh that attitude towards you. But they have navigated that well. and thank you for the support you have given him throughout his years of service. Bill, it has been an honor to have you serve as a member of this department. Tonight, we have the opportunity to recognize that service and to thank you for all you've given to Holly. So, on behalf of the Holly Police Department and the

18:12 community you have served, thank you for more than 26 years of dedicated service and for accepting the responsibility of this uh profession. you leave with our appreciation, our best wishes, and uh as you and Michelle and your family begin this next chapter. Congratulations, my friend. So before he says a couple of words, you know, we got to have trinkets. So I I don't because it takes a while to have the badge ordered. I tried to beat it in time and uh so that's still coming his actual retirement badge, but I do

18:57 have his old man retirement badge ID >> and the new holster. >> So uh that's one part of it. And we started a tradition with Sergeant Simpson and it continues on. Uh and that is officers have the ability to purchase the sidearm they carried for Bill. This one's been for many years. and uh so he elected that option and he purchased his sidearm to take with him. So what we have done is taken this out and engraved it uh with your years of service uh the state of Michigan seal, his badge number across the top and the Holly police symbol on the bottom. So uh this uh will go with you as protect you in the future as it has for many years. Congratulations.

19:54 So for those of you who do know me, I am very few words. Very, very few words. I do do not like being a lawyer, let alone standing in front of everybody. Um, but I want to thank everybody. Buster, for those who don't know, Buster was actually my training officer when I started for the whole >> Buster >> three days that I could tolerate him. Um, but outside of that, you know, um, with everybody that I've worked with, the chief, it's it's been a hell of a ride. I wouldn't trade it for anything. You know, we've we've all had opportunities to go elsewhere and do things for other departments and other communities. and Simpson, myself, a couple other guys that are left, we chose to stay here and serve this

20:40 community because it's what we wanted and we chose it every day that we woke up. So, thank you for that opportunity. >> No, thank you >> for serving us. Appreciate that. >> Thank you, >> Chief. Next time we'll get you the Kleenex up there. like 30 times. >> So, is his last call chief going to be on November 30th then?

21:28 >> Yeah, >> he is done. >> That's Is that when he does his final call? >> Like they did with Simpson over the uh Facebook? >> Okay. >> You'll see that again. >> That's what I want to make sure of. >> It's kind of a tearjerker, but photos whenever >> I mean we do have a great police department saying all the I mean when I had all my violations come up art came up with Dan I know something's up Okay,

22:17 now we have a presentation from Chief Watson. And Chief, when you're done, I have a bit to say as well. >> Good evening, Madame President, members of the village council, village manager Price, and members of our community. Tonight, I have the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing an individual who has dedicated an extraordinary 39 years of his life to serving the village of Holly and the Holly Fire Department. Mike Mishler, please join me at the podium.

23:05 Thanks, Mike. 39 years. I want everyone in this room to think about that for just a moment. 39 years of answering the call. 39 years of leaving family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, and countless nights of sleep behind because someone in our community needed help. 39 years of service to something greater than himself. When Mike began his career with the Holly Fire Department, which was Holly Ambulance at that time, our community looked a lot different. The equipment was different, the technology was different. The fire service itself was very different from what it is today. But the one thing has remained constant throughout those years. The need for dedicated individuals willing to step forward when others are facing some of

23:50 the worst moments of their lives. For nearly four decades, Mike has been one of those individuals. Throughout his career, Mike has witnessed tremendous changes in the fire service. He has served alongside generations of firefighters, experienced the challenges that come along with emergency response and the contributed to the history and traditions of this department. Think about the countless emergency calls, structure fires, medical emergencies, the accidents, and the moments when families throughout Holly needed someone they could depend on. While we may never know the exact number of lives Mike has touched throughout his career, I can assure you that his service has made a difference. And that is something we're celebrating. One of the things I've come to appreciate as fire chief is that a fire department is not defined solely by its

24:39 apparatus, its equipment, or even the building it houses. A fire department is defined by its people. It's built upon the dedication, sacrifices, commitment of individuals who choose to serve their neighbors. People like Mike Mishler. 39 years of service represents far more than a number on a retirement certificate. It represents a lifetime of commitment to this community and enduring connection to the Holly Fire Department. Mike, I also want to recognize the sacrifices made by your family over the years. The fire service has a way of becoming part of our families. Whether they signed up for it or not, every emergency response, every late night call, and every unexpected departure from home affects those who support us. To Mike's

25:25 family, thank you for sharing him with the village of Holly for so many years. Your support has been an important part of his ability to serve. Mike, as your fire chief, I want to personally thank you for the years you have dedicated to this department. Not everyone can say they've spent nearly four decades serving their community. Very few can say they have remained part of an organization throughout so many years of change, challenges, and progress. You have earned this opportunity to step away from the responsibilities of emergency response and enjoy the next chapter of your life. I hope retirement brings you more time with family, more opportunity to do things you enjoy, hunting down those freighters, and perhaps for the first time in a long time, the ability to hear a fire truck go down the road without feeling the

26:12 need to respond. Although your active service is coming to an end, your place in the history of the Holly Fire Department will always remain. You will forever be part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of this department. And while someone else may eventually fill the position, no one can replace the 39 years of memories, experiences, and services that you leave behind. On behalf of the Village Holly Fire Department, our firefighters, the village administration, and the residents we proudly serve, I extend our deepest appreciation and congratulations. Mike, thank you for your dedication. Thank you for the sacrifices. Thank you for answering the call for 35 39 years. And most importantly, thank you for being part of the Holly Fire Department family. Congratulations on your retirement, Mike. You have earned it. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in

27:00 recognizing and congratulating Mike Mitcheller for 39 years of dedicated service to the village of Holly Fire Department. Not sure how to present that, Mike. One thing, you can't forget your uh official butt plat. >> I mean, coat tail. >> I have a feeling he's going to take that axe off there and beat down the door. >> Madam President, would you like to give Mike the opportunity to speak or would you like >> Absolutely. >> The floor is yours, Mr. Mishler. Well, April Brandon, I appreciate everything

27:47 you guys have done. Um, April Brandon's a friend, good friend. Um, she's very good at quoting James T. Kirk from Star Trek Star Trek. So, I just wanted to say my service here at the community was the best of times and the worst of times from Star Trek 2. Um, I started 17 or 39 years ago at the age of 17. >> I took Mr. Church's class. Uh, Mr. Mr. Church was a first- aid instructor. Many of you guys that went to Holly know that Mr. Church loved showing people delivering babies in bomb shelters and there was never any blood. So, I was always fooled before we went on calls because I never thought I'd see blood because Mr. Church always showed us stuff without blood. So, at 17, I was still in high school. I had a pager and I responded to calls. My first call was

28:35 a special needs kid who choked on a hot dog and wasn't choking when we got there. And I was like, "Oh, look. I'm a hero. Then my second call is a very bad car accident that involved Holly PD. Two of my friends from the high school and um one of my friends was severely injured and he ended up surviving but he was in a halo for all about half the time I was in the high school. And he'd always say to me, "What's up, Hero?" And I'd be like, I was just the new kid going, "I can't wait to tell my parents what just happened because I'm 17. Oh, I got to lift that stretcher. It was horrible." So I started out with highly ambulance age 17. I got 75 cents an hour like we talked about that and $10 a patient. So when we went on car accidents I would sign off everybody including the squirrel at $10 a patient. So um I slowly but surely went to Holly

29:23 Fire. I ended up at Flint Township Fire where I learned to be a true smoke eater. I learned all my fire training and see more fire than I'm pretty sure the Chicago guys see over in Chicago because we assisted the city of Flint all the time. I was there 10 years. Station two on uh by Sunage departments and station three at the airport. I served on a Bill Clinton detail while I was there um and many other things. And then I came back to Holly because Holly was in need of volunteers. I worked the first duty shift for North Oakland Fire. One of the first duty shifts was uh we had a trainer. I was the only one on duty. And I'll never forget dispatch telling me one day that or that day that uh there's probably a crazy guy at Quick Road dressed in plain clothes. So, would you go check that out? And I thought, sure, like any other horror flick starts like this? >> So, when I got there, the guy was like,

30:10 I'm not crazy. I'm with the railroad, and there's a train derailment. And that was my first shift with North Oakland. So, it was a train derailment. So, I've been I've served with fires at the Holly High School, Holly Gardens, if we remember Holly Gardens, I was on that fire. I was on the Holly Arcade fire and both train derailments that happened in Holly and many of everybody's medicals and fires. So, it's been a long 39 years. So, I don't want to keep you guys sitting here long, but um I still work EMS with MedStar Ambulance where I'm an FTO and I work out of the Fountain Station, which I actually work out of a train depot since I'm a railroad person. Um and I'll still be doing emergency response with them as a full-time job. So, and with my photography, I'm award-winning photographer and we'll go from there. I'll continue to raise that

30:55 up over the years. So, thank you everybody. I appreciate I want to thank special thanks my wife Deiana, my dad and all my fire guys are here. I appreciate it. >> So, all good things must come to an end. My last Star Trek quote. Come on now. >> Well, don't sit down yet. >> Okay. >> You get to stand there awkwardly while I read to you. Okay. >> You still have my speech, but I'm going to say it anyway. >> That's cool. Today we have the privilege of recognizing someone who has dedicated nearly four decades of his life to protecting and serving our community. Mike Michler. Mike began his career right here in Holly with Holly Ambulance making a whopping 75 cents an hour. In

31:41 February, he would have reached 40 years of service and that's an extraordinary commitment to a community, one that deserves our recognition and our gratitude. Mike's career has taken him through several departments. He began with Holly Ambulance, became a volunteer firefighter with the Holly Fire Department, worked in Flint while continuing to volunteer here in Holly, and also served with Knockout. Through all those years, one thing remained constant, his commitment to Holly. Mike has served as a firefighter, safety officer, field training officer, CPR, and first aid instructor. Taught me CPR. He was there for both train derailments and Holly, responding when our community needed its first responders most. That's something worth reflecting on when the rest of us are running away from danger.

32:27 People like Mike are running toward it. For nearly 40 years, he's answered that call and his contributions extend well beyond emergency services. He's an accomplished photographer and artist, 19 awards to his credit and work featured in numerous books. He's donated his artwork to local organizations, including pieces displayed on the memorial wall in Battle Alley. He's also served on the Holly train uh depot board, preserving another piece of our community's history. I've had the opportunity to know Mike beyond his work as a firefighter. Just a couple years ago, I took one of his CPR classes. Mike taught me how to perform CPR, giving me the knowledge and confidence to potentially save someone's life. Staying alive. Staying alive. Remember, I know I'm not the only one in this room who has benefited from his instruction. When

33:12 you teach someone a life-saving skill, the impact of that lesson can extend far beyond the classroom. Mike and I share something else. We're both lifelong Truckies. We even had the opportunity to meet William Shatner together. And as lifelong Star Trek fans, we've watched many of the same actors and icons we grew up with that we grew up admiring pass away. It reminds us how quickly time goes by and how important it is to appreciate the people who have made a difference in our lives while they're still here to to hear it. And Mike, you've certainly made a difference. You've spent nearly 40 years answering emergency calls, training others, protecting your neighbors, preserving our community's history, and sharing your artistic talents with Holly. You've given us your time, your knowledge, your

33:59 creativity, and your service. As village president, I have the privilege of recognizing many people for their contributions to Holly. And there's something especially meaningful about recognizing someone who spent four decades doing the work that keeps the community safe. Retirement doesn't erase those 39 years. Your contributions are part of Holly's history, and your legacy will continue through the people that you've trained, the lives you've touched, the community that you helped protect. on behalf of the village of Holly, our council, first responders, and the residents you've served for nearly 40 years. Thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your service, and your friendship. And since we're both Chuckies, I think there's only one appropriate way to send you into retirement.

34:46 Live long and prosper, Mike. Make it so. Congratulations. We're going to take 10 minutes for pictures.

48:13 But is the camera >> camera's been on? >> Nobody watch 646. >> The real Slim Shady needs to be quiet, please. >> Hey, Daniel. >> Sit here and watch it. Oh, you better not. Uh, Chief, where's Chiefs? Because I'm gonna get arrested now. >> All right, cameras on. Mics are on. Jesus. >> Can we shut the door, please? >> I got you. >> Thank you.

49:01 Where'd everybody go? This brings us to public comment. Members of the audience may address council on any item not on the agenda. Those addressing council will be limited to three minutes of speaking time. After each agenda item, there will be an additional two-minute public comment period to speak on that item before council votes. Council will hear all comments for future consideration, but will not have a response at this time. Prior to addressing council, members of the public shall state their name and address for the record. >> No, it doesn't. >> You don't have to state your address. Just say whether or not you live in the village of Holly. >> Any public comment, >> Mr. Cos. Damn it. >> Oh,

49:47 >> he could turn down though. on the bottom. There you go. >> Yeah, we're full service here. >> We're full% off. You know, smarter than the object you're trying to work with. >> Uh Indie Goss, I live here in Holly. >> Uh first of all, Jim, thank you so much for your service towards Holly. Your tenacity and drive has been one of the most refreshing things that this town has seen and has definitely needed in a very long time. So, thank you, Amber. Your cander is what makes you one of the best council members that uh this

50:33 town has seen to date. Thank you so much for your honest opinions, not sugarcoating how bad off the village has been. And uh I appreciate that. Thank you so much, Shannon. You are not only thorough, very smart, but you bring a level of humor that is most refreshing when times get hard here. You are the balance that was absolutely necessary, and I appreciate all of the work that you've put in here as well. Lastly, April village president, it's not an easy task. I won't ever claim to understand the level of time and effort

51:19 that you've put in uh for so little in return. You have worked tirelessly to do your best for this village and the same village has unfortunately not been receptive to the help that you and the rest of the council here has been trying to provide. I'm not going to take up much of your time, but I just wanted to say thank you very much for everything that you've done and it's been a pleasure working with you guys uh in the very limited capacity that I have. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Andy. Thank you, >> Mary.

52:09 Barry Blanchard and I do live in Holly Township. I'm here tonight as a U manager for Holly Township Parks and Recreation and I would like to make sure that the council as well as any residents know about our park survey. Uh this is in conjunction with our new master plan that is coming up. It'll serve us for the next five years. So, we're asking residents and people even outside of our community who use our parks to fill these out. We have a paper copy as well as a online version. And um I did uh put some up there for the council and any other audience members now that they've left uh who would like to um we would feel honored to have people sign them. Thank you so much. And

52:59 thank you to all of the council members. Even though I had a conflicting meeting the same night as your meetings, I didn't come very often, but I appreciate all you of your help. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mary. >> Mary, we'll make sure to get that on our email and social media as well for >> Thank you so much. >> Any further public comment? Regina. >> Regina Kikos. I am a village of Holly resident. Good evening, Madame President Council. The Mil Pond is the biggest reason that I became heavily involved in our local government. It's how I began meeting people, asking questions, learning about the challenges facing our community, and gaining a much deeper understanding of this wonderful village that I've become

53:46 to call home. Tonight marks a significant transition for Holly, and I find myself feeling a lot of things about it. There are major infrastructure issues ahead of us, including the Mil Pond, that require collaboration, understanding, communication, and above all, a willingness to do the work. The thought of approaching a largely new council to continue conversations and progress that have taken years to develop makes me very nervous. Four seats are changing, including the village president, and with them goes an enormous amount of experience, knowledge, and understanding that cannot be replaced overnight. I don't know what moving forward will look like and tonight that uncertainty is pretty heavy for me. I recently read a comment online suggesting that these women didn't lose

54:32 an election. Holly lost them. And uh I fully agree with that. I've had the privilege of watching these women and of course Jim devote countless hours to researching, learning, and navigating complicated issues that they knew very little about just a handful of years ago. They confronted problems that were decades in the making, asked difficult questions, and worked tirelessly to find responsible ways forward. Their willingness to listen, educate constituents, and pursue transparency helped to make the progress that we've achieved with the Mil Pond possible. I could not have done it without you. But beyond their work, these women in particular became my friends. They've inspired me to ask more questions, learn more, and become more involved. They've reminded me that caring about your

55:21 community means being willing to do the often thankless work of making it better. And that's what's part of makes tonight so emotional. Feels like we're losing far more than four elected officials. We're losing years of hard-earned understanding, working relationships, and forward momentum at a time when our village can scarcely afford to stand still. I sincerely hope that those who are stepping into these roles recognize the weight of what they're inheriting. There is so much important work still unfinished and the responsibility to carry it forward is enormous. To those leaving, thank you for what you've done. Thank you for the time you've given, the friendship that you've offered, and the example that you've set. You've made a lasting difference in how I understand and serve this very community. I only hope the dedication you've shown Holly doesn't become something we fully appreciate

56:08 only after it's gone. I will continue to remain inspired by all of you and I look forward to any work that we get to do in the future. So, thank you so much for your time and your dedication all of you. >> Thank you, Regina. Any further public comment? >> Jan Jan Vanzafi, village of Holly. Um, I did not prepare a speech, but um, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for your service on this um, board and I hope that um, I'll still see you serving. I know I know that Shannon's still going to be a part of part TJ Maxx >> and I will see you at TJ Maxx. Um, but

56:57 yes, I do appreciate all of your hard work. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but um, I hope to also see you here at the council meetings in the future. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jan. Any further public comment hearing? None. Seeing none, that moves us to new business. Consideration of village council approval of the tentative bargaining agreement with the teamsters local 214. Do I have a first to consider item A of new business? Make a motion for the consideration of the village council of approval of the tenative bargaining agreement with the teamsters local 214 with an amendment adding the grievance number. Do we know the grievance number?

57:46 So there's a section that's missing a grievance number. >> Yeah. We just need to add the grievance number because um as you know with our our previous MS um our our our merge settlement that we had with uh with police uh we also had one uh simultaneously with teamsters. When we close out the police one, they had like a a me too with teamsters, but during that time the the police one uh was only really addressed the 2.5 plan and the 1.5 one they kind of let go. Well, everyone under and the teamsters portion were 1.5 and so we're just looking at proper resolution for that one. And so we just will add the the grievance number. So this language was from our labor attorney. So, we just we'll add that number, the actual grievance

58:32 number. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. We have a motion by cost. We have support >> from Ky. >> Tim, will you introduce this item? >> Yeah. Similar to our uh here you go. Similar to our our our police command police labor um uh collect bargain agreements that we approved at a previous meeting. This is one for our teamsters which represent our DPW, the people, you know, our our people on the DPW team, our wastewater, our water treatment, and our front office staff here that work with us. And so this is a a three-year uh agreement with similar um wage reopeners pending the uh what the police do. So if they get an an

59:20 increase greater than the 3% then it will then if they get one then we would reopen for wages. If not we just maintain a 3% increase. Correct. Yep. Had a lot of negotiations lately. So I just want to make sure I said that all correct. And so that those are big changes. We did we're trying to uniform these as much as possible across the board. So there were some a lot a lot of other uh incremental changes but very similar to that which you saw with police command and labor. >> Any public comment on this >> patrol? >> Hearing none. Seeing none. Council discussion. >> Clerk please call the role. >> Wine brother. >> Yes. >> Pascal. >> Yes. >> Ker. >> Yes. >> Wendle. >> Yes. >> Ryan.

1:00:07 >> Yes. >> Cole. >> Yes. >> Brandon. >> Yes. Motion carried. Item B, consideration by village council to approve the contract for the whole building and construction for concrete work in a not to exceed amount of $10,500. Do I have a first to consider item B of new business? >> I'll consider B uh consideration by village council to approve the contract with all building and construction for concrete work in and not to exceed 10,500. >> I'll second. We have a motion by Weinbrunner and a second by Wendell. Danny, the floor is yours. >> Good evening, council. Uh, in front of you is a council action request um for some concrete replacement work throughout the village. Uh, as you know,

1:00:53 we have repairs to sidewalks or um curb lines as we have water issues or um sewer issues um throughout throughout the village. Uh calculated kind of what's all needed. Um we did submit uh to multiple concrete companies and we only got two bids back. Um Hall building came back at uh 10,500 for the work which um seems uh applicable to the amount of work that needs to be done. Um Cena maintenance came came in quite a bit higher. So um I would ask that you approve this uh so we can kind of get it rolling because we're running out of time. Good weather. So >> thank you Danny. Any public comment? Hearing none. Seeing none council discussion. >> Uh just a quick question for the parks

1:01:42 part of that. Is that the the new walkway that we were talking about going to? No. >> No. There was uh a part of the uh sidewalk that was damaged when we did the um when we did the wood chip replacement. >> Okay. >> So, we need to replace two uh two flags of concrete there. >> Perfect. >> Council Jim. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, is this the this sidewalk contract that we've used in the past? >> No. >> No. Okay. Um, the second question, um, I know there's a repair on North Holly Road. >> Is that the one that is by the fire hydrant that was just fixed? >> Yes. >> So, going further north on the same side of the street, there's another section. >> Okay. >> Um, I think it was Oakland County that did it and they just put an asphalt in. Is that

1:02:29 >> that was not included with this? No. Is that something that we should be doing or is that something that's Oakland County's responsibility? >> It's something I can look into. Um I know that Oakland County ended up doing that repair because we never did it. >> Um so >> and my understanding with asphalt when I've when I've looked at curbs before the plows just destroy them so quick. So if we have an asphalt section there, my concern would be is that section's just going to blow out again. >> Okay. >> But if it's not included here, then not included here. >> Yeah, that is that is not included. It is just the section that would be in front of the hydrant that was replaced. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Council clerk, please call the role. >> Pascal, >> yes. >> Ky, >> yes. >> Wendell, >> yes.

1:03:15 >> Ryan, >> yes. >> Cole, >> yes. >> Wrunner, >> yes. >> Miranda, >> yes. Motion carried. Item C, consideration of council resolution 2026-050 authorizing recommended budget amendments to the fiscal year 2627 budget. Do I have a first to consider item C of new business? I'll make the motion to consider council resolution 2026-50 authorizing the recommended budget of amendments to the fiscal year 26-27 budget. I'll second the motion. >> We have a motion by Wendell. We have support by Wein Bunner. Danny. >> Yes. So, um, historically, we have the

1:04:06 ability to have a uh permanent part-time position. That person works 32 hours. They they don't have retirement. They don't have health care. Um, they basically just work the hours and uh they don't get the benefit of like holiday hours or anything like that. I currently have a seasonal employee that I would like to keep on staff. Um, this was something that was unbudgeted uh when we discussed um our our current budget. So, in order to do that uh in front of you, you should have the full breakdown of how it needs to look. It's our best guesstimate um of how that needs to look because uh currently that gentleman is um a seasonal employee and gets paid out of parks and cemetery. Um, so I would like to be able to fund him and this position through all of my

1:04:55 budgets. Um, and so these are the bud budget amendments that would be needed in order to have him on through the spring. And and then um once we look at our coming budget, we would budget uh the appropriate wages for him to stay on. And then I still have um the appropriate wages in my uh cemetery and parks part-time to bring on two more seasonal employees come springtime. >> Any public comment? Hearing none. Seeing none, council, >> are you thinking about bringing up the full-time at all? >> I don't have a full-time position that uh that uh he would have the qualifications for. yet. >> Yeah, we want to we will we Danny is

1:05:44 like working on training and developing people so they can fill like gradually fill like bigger bigger positions as they go through. So develop our people like that. >> I like I like the idea of promoting within essentially bringing someone that you already know on and giving them more responsibility and more uh resources to succeed in our succeed in our community. So good work on that on identifying people that are good fits. >> So I know um all the amendments are coming from the various utility departments. >> Okay. >> Are we covered on the wages for the public works department as well out of the 101 fund? >> Yes, because that is coming out of a contingency line item.

1:06:34 >> Clerk, please call the RO. Yes. >> Wendell, >> yes. >> Ryan, >> yes. >> Cole, >> yes. >> Wine Bunner, >> yes. >> Pascal, >> yes. >> Brandon, >> yes. Motion carried. >> Thank you, councel. >> Okay. Um, we're going to do reports before we go into close session. >> So, let's start with the village manager. Um yeah, no uh I know a lot of people have said it, but um it's just been an honor to work with all of you. Um this job, what what we inher what I inherited coming in, you know, it's an impossible task in a lot of ways and it's very difficult task and it would have been

1:07:23 impossible without a council that was like willing to learn, willing to listen and uh like I truly believe we were the people we needed at the time in order to get through a lot of this. and I just can't express how much I appreciate um how you've worked with me over the last two years uh and how much I've learned from you guys and uh have a ton of respect for everyone out there. So, >> thank you Tim >> Lisa. Um so for me I have um first of all set out with the foyer requests we have for the month of October we have 13 foyer requests 12 of them were closed and one's waiting to deposit payment. Um we still have historical in the lawsuit appeals process. Update on the projects. Um I'm excited to say that we only have three utility poles out of the 29 that

1:08:12 haven't been removed. So, yay to consumers energy um for working on those. And she said that she'll she's trying to get those done by the end of the um the month. The other thing that um another yay for us is that um Danny and I have been working with um Oakland County on getting the reprogramming for the hydrants. And um we had I had said we had um submitted to Shipo which is a state historic um society and they have approved us for the next step in the in the uh for um to get the reprogramming. Oakland County, we just had to put a um a notice out on the board today and they said that it'll take about 25 days from today in order for them to go through the whole process. So, this is going to be looking like a spring project

1:09:01 because, as we know, the weather's getting, you know, going to be cold and they can't dig down and and do things. So, I just wanted to give an update on the hydrants. Um the audit update. The village has passed the management review stage of the audit and we should be receiving the uh the draft either later this week or early next week. Cemetery records organization. Um I've been working on organizing the files for the cemetery. I've completed the move of the files to the fire filing cabinet and I've updated all the veteran status in the in the quantum software. Um I'm currently working on alphabetizing the files and validating all the records that are in the software system with the files in the back. Lastly, um council, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you guys um for being for your

1:09:48 decisions, your dedications, your leadership, and your services to this community. The time and effort you give often behind the scenes help make the village a better place for all who live, work, and visit here. On a personal note, it's truly been a pleasure working alongside each of you. Your professionalism, commitment, and the willingness to collaborate have made even the most challenging pro uh projects rewarding. Thank you for your service, your partnership, and the positive impact you continue to make. It has been an honor and a genuine enjoyment working with each and every one of you. >> Thank you, Lisa. >> Mike, do you have anything today? just uh to Jim and uh ladies, um it was nice working with you for the time that we had and thank you for your service. That

1:10:34 uh that's it. I'm happy to answer any other questions about >> real work, but that's the only comment. >> Thank you. So, we're not real work. >> That's what he said. >> No. Yeah. I'll say I'll say you have been real work. >> Oh, I got one for you. department heads. >> Yes, >> Jerry. >> Just real brief, I don't have a microphone, but I'm pretty >> I'm like, >> a few words. >> But seriously, I I I've been there, too, and I know how hard that is. And I can't tell you how much we appreciate um what

1:11:20 Tim said, Manager Price said, and Lisa is you guys literally parachuted into a city on fire with bombs and bullets coming at you from everywhere. You guys were in the middle of that and had the task to have to fix that and save this town. Um there is no easy path. There never is in that situation, but collectively, um I can't thank you enough. Uh Jeremy and I are the biggest eaters of any budget. We are that way in every town. Um public safety is the first goal and function of of government. And you guys accepted that. All of you accepted that. Um and and looked at it wisely. We got out every sharp pencil we could, but at the same time, they just weren't sharp

1:12:06 enough at times. And you stood up to that. And I I can't thank you enough for public safety. You guys were awesome. And uh in my opinion, those decisions saved this town. Um I I I just I've watched this before in other towns where we don't and uh the towns disappear and uh it's difficult decision, but thank you uh for public safety and on behalf of public safety and my team. The struggle continues, but what you guys your service and your efforts um in my opinion were a life-saving maneuver and thank you so much. It's not just his opinion of mine. It's also wouldn't like municipal analytics, the department of treasury has said the same thing. So yeah, like did the work that needed to be done. >> Incredible. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jerry. >> Thank you.

1:12:53 >> I think I speak for all of us leaving that uh it was worth it. >> Not for me. >> All right. Not for Joe. >> Wow. >> Got to come back. You'll be a civilian. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I know. All right, I think we're ready to move on to council. Uh, Thomas >> uh, public works committee met today and um, >> first day. >> Yep. So, we were discussing the water tower by the police station. So, there's going to be more to come on that when we have more information really to get, but it's not looking pretty. >> Okay. >> And also, thank you guys, especially Amber and April. They were the ones that kind of got me involved here. Oh, they were the ones forcing you to

1:13:38 run against me. >> Thank you, >> Cluster. >> I like to say it's been a pleasure >> working with you, Shannon, Amber, April, and Jim on this council. And thank you for your dedication. >> Thank you. >> Sorry to see you leave, but I'll see you around town. >> Yeah, you will. >> You know, I like to see you first. That's a threat. >> That's a threat. >> Wow. >> Jim, >> thank you, Madam President. Um, so I I got a couple notes here. There were a few things I had hoped to see improved upon with my my time here. U, the first thing, and I told my wife the only

1:14:24 reason I wanted to be here to serve the community was to fix the floating welcome to Holly signs. So, unfortunately, they're still floating, some of them. So, if we can unflat them, >> Danny, that would be great. >> It's tacky, isn't it? Tack >> with the flowers there. You can't you can't see them with the flowers there. When the flowers are gone, it's going to be floating again. Um, I'm I'm I'm also very proud of the work that uh Miss Cole and Miss Ker and myself did on our water and sewer rates over the past year and a half. That was a lot of work, figuring stuff out and and working through that. Um, this that's actually what I was really looking to to do on council with my time here. I didn't really care about the

1:15:09 floating stuff, okay? Even though I might have brought it up at least once a week, but um and I think I think the changes our council implemented are for the betterment of all of our water system users. So, I think we all can be proud of that. Um, one other item that is was concerning. I think there's been some miscommunication or uh mischaracterization. Um, I've heard that there needs to be a repair of the bond between the DDA and the village council. And I just think that's hogwash. So, I think this council has protected and we've personally tried to talk to members there and the executive director um to to do things the right way. That's all I personally wanted to do is make sure people were

1:15:55 following the law. And I can give you one example where our council stood up and said, "We are just going to amend and make sure everything works because that's what we're going to do for our village." Um, you'll recall we had a budget amendment come before our um village council from the DDA that was voted down by council unanimously. Um, dang near the next day, members of our DDA started working to do an endound to go around that denial. So, we said no to spending. and they said, "We're going to spend." Actually, they did do that and they ended up spending tens of thousands of dollars. They didn't justify this overspending. They didn't communicate with council. They just spent tens of thousands of dollars outside of budget. When they finally figured out what they were doing wasn't allowed, a budget amendment finally came through to retroactively approve those tens of thousands of dollars that was explicitly

1:16:41 previously denied. And you know what our council did? We unanimously unanimously approved it. So, I think great work everybody here. Um, finally, one two other items. Uh, one item, while the finance committee was discussing rates and bond payments, uh, I know in the past it has been mentioned that the amount collected for bond payments didn't cover all of the needed bond payments. Um, once the numbers were actually dug into, we did find that there was a surplus. So, we collected more than uh, what we had previously mentioned. So, uh, anything you want to weigh in on that accurate? >> We're we're still working with, um, with municipal analytics to make sure all the numbers are, you know, correct before we, you know, but we'll provide them to

1:17:28 all the, you know, council in the community when we figure all out. >> I mean, but it is I mean, we like previously we had made statements that we didn't collect enough. We did collect enough and and I think the important thing to note is even though we did, municipal analytics was aware of that. We talked about it at the one of the meetings we had. So math checks out. So that's that's that is not too much of a concern in my in my mind. Um and the last request, can uh somebody send us the contact information for our auditing firm? An email address? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um so there have been uh no actually reports. Okay. Now I'll actually get to reports. Uh there

1:18:14 actually uh I was unable to attend the last um uh planning commission meeting. Uh my wife's in school and didn't work out unfortunately. So uh Mr. Watson is here but everything I saw at the meeting going back everything's still on track. Mr. Hopper is u well he will be uh be keeping us for the capital movement plan. So everything's going to be going forward with that still. So, I think everyone will be happy with that. Uh, thanks for staff. I know some of us uh contacted you guys uh after hours and late hours and emails and I'm sure you got multiple of the emails from all of us. So, thanks for putting up with us >> carrying our window. >> Now, I had I had camouflage on and he

1:19:02 did not see me. >> It was rumored. It was a ghillie suit. >> It was rumored. He has a ghillie suit. So, it was rumored. So, thank you everybody. >> Thank you, Jim. >> Thank you. >> Daniel, >> um HDC did meet last month. Uh we're having we got a pamphlet. I have to say it's bigger than council's pamphlet this month for all the stuff that we got to go through. We're extending we're looking to shape the boundaries of HTC to the better area for the village and get all that stuff done. Um, on a sadder note for everybody, it's it's sad to see the people that we've worked with up here for the last 2 years go. Um, it's it's hard for me really because me and

1:19:50 April started out as people that wouldn't even talk to each other really and because we didn't know each other. And she became a wonderful teacher to me. Taught me a lot of things. Same with Shannon. Same with Amber and of course Jim. You always got to put Jim in there. But it's gonna be sad to see you guys go. Um it's interesting to see how the village carries on. Um and I do hope to see you guys in the audience group me once in a while with my slim shady hairdo. >> Thank you, Daniel Shannon. All right, guys. >> Tough one to follow, >> right? That's a tough one. Um, so I did not have a four-year position here. I

1:20:40 came in after Lisa was hired and um my actual first order of business was get sworn in. Here's five resumes. You're hiring a manager straight off a plane from Portugal. I'm like, "Okay, I I slept. I think I'm good, but here we go." Um, Tim, Lisa, you guys came into such a hot mess. There's nobody who lived in Holly who didn't know that this wasn't going to shake out Crazy Lake. It was going to be wild. At least I've lived here 20 years. I knew after the last 16 it was going to be something and we were going to find it. I don't necessarily know what I signed up for when I was like, "Yeah, I want a piece of that." But um I do want to thank the residents of Holly for the opportunity to have served for the last two years. Uh when I like I

1:21:28 said when I was appointed to this seat I did not come with answers. I didn't know what was really going to happen but I did come with a willingness to learn. Um I asked a lot of questions and most importantly I did the work hours of it. I spent countless hours uh reading budgets, researching issues, asking difficult questions. I met with neighboring municipalities governments. I, you know, did all these different things to try and figure out where we were and what was going on in the village of Holly. And we made decisions and we made difficult decisions that um people were mad about. And but that's what you learn, right? I learned that government wasn't always going to be about making the easy decisions or the popular ones. It was about doing the

1:22:16 responsible thing. Uh people depend on you and that is important. We made decisions that are going to affect Holly for years to come all the way down the road and we understand those ramifications. I learned that some people just want to be heard not informed and that is a big difference in government. You people want a voice and I'm proud of what we've done. I'm proud that I advocated for keeping local public safety. Police and fire in this village is going to be a pet project of mine. I'm sure you've seen my Facebook reels, but um it's important to have public safety here in this village where

1:23:02 residents can come to the meetings, question their officials, understand technology that's being used, what's on the budget, and all of those things. That's important. I am proud that we switched our billing system to a meterbased system. That meterb-based system makes it equitable across the board between a single family home or a wedding venue. They don't put the same demand on the system. They should not be charged the same. Up until

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