Council approves consent agenda, sets May 19 budget hearing and moves into closed session; Jeff Tong honored

The Berkeley City Council on April 21 approved its consent agenda, set a public hearing for May 19 on the city's proposed 2025–26 operating budget and voted to go into a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.

On the consent agenda the council approved minutes from its April 7 regular and special meetings; warrantless payments (No. 1409); Resolution R325 authorizing a West Nile virus expense reimbursement request; Motion M23-25 to remove the treasurer and add the deputy treasurer as an authorized signer at Flagstar; Motion M24-25 approving a four-year copier lease with Konica Minolta at $278.27 per month; and proclamations for May 2025 recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and Building Safety Month as well as designating May as Berkeley History Month. The council also adopted Proclamation P16-25 honoring Jeff Tong for his decades of volunteer service with the Berkeley Historical Museum.

During approval of the consent agenda, Council member Hennen asked a clarification to the work-session minutes to change a sentence so it would not imply deficit spending. The clerk confirmed the correction before the consent vote. The consent agenda passed on a roll-call vote with unanimous affirmative votes.

Council members next authorized publication of a notice of public hearing to be held May 19 regarding the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26. The city said the draft budget will be posted on the city's website the following morning and that budget work sessions are scheduled for April 28 and April 29 in the Public Safety Conference Room. The motion to publish the hearing notice (R0425) was moved by Council member Hennen and supported by Council member Baker and passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Late in the meeting the council voted to enter a closed session to consult with the city's labor attorney on strategy and negotiation sessions connected with collective bargaining agreements under the Open Meetings Act, MCL 15. Council member Patterson moved to go into closed session with support from Council member Vilani; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. The mayor stated the council would take no further action after the closed session and would return only to adjourn.

Recognition: The council presented a proclamation honoring Jeff Tong for his long service as curator and volunteer with the Berkeley Historical Museum. Tong addressed the council and reflected on decades of volunteer work and local memory-collecting. Mayor Bridget Dean and multiple council members offered brief remarks thanking Tong; the proclamation was entered into the record and signed by Mayor Dean.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, warrantless 1409, R325, M23-25, M24-25, P13-25, P14-25, P15-25, P16-25): motion by Council member Baker, support by Council member Black; outcome: approved (unanimous). - R0425 — publish notice of public hearing on FY 2025–26 operating budget: motion by Council member Hennen, support by Council member Baker; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy (Open Meetings Act, MCL 15): motion by Council member Patterson, support by Council member Vilani; outcome: approved (unanimous).

The council adjourned following the closed session with no further votes taken that evening.