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Battle Creek commission introduces rezoning ordinance, approves closed sessions and $81,500 settlement; advances city manager search
Summary
On July 1 the Battle Creek City Commission introduced a conditional rezoning ordinance for five parcels south of West Columbia Avenue, approved two closed-session resolutions under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, authorized a settlement in Yonge v. City of Battle Creek not to exceed $81,500, and advanced the city manager search to the next stage.
The Battle Creek City Commission on July 1 approved several procedural and legal actions, including the introduction of a conditional rezoning ordinance, two closed-session resolutions, an $81,500 settlement and advancement of the city manager search.
Introduction of rezoning ordinance: Commissioners voted to introduce proposed ordinance O6-2025, a conditional rezoning that would rezone five parcels south of West Columbia Avenue between South Helmer Road and Stonejug Road. The ordinance text states the applicant intends the site to accommodate a mix of employment-generating light industrial development, single- and multifamily housing, and open space as a natural buffer; the ordinance notes no specific development is currently planned or under contract. A commissioner moved to introduce the ordinance and another commissioner supported the motion. The commission voted to introduce the ordinance.
Closed sessions: The commission approved Resolution 185, citing the Michigan Open Meetings Act to meet in closed session under section 8(e) to consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation. The resolution sets a closed session regarding a legal matter for July 1, 2025. The commission also approved Resolution 186 to hold a closed session immediately following commission comments to review and consider confidentiality-requesting applicants for the position of Battle Creek city manager.
Settlement and personnel search: In closed session the commission approved a settlement in Yonge v. City of Battle Creek, Case No. 23-CV-00010, in an amount not to exceed $81,500, with other terms to the city attorney’s satisfaction. The commission then voted to advance the city manager search “to the next stage” with the candidates as previously discussed during the closed proceedings. Commissioners moved and supported each action; the meeting record notes the motions were approved.
Consent agenda: Earlier in the meeting the commission approved the consent agenda; no items were pulled for separate discussion.
Details and procedure: The meeting record shows motions were made and supported and that outcomes were announced as approved. The transcript does not include detailed roll-call vote tallies or the names of the individual commissioners who moved and seconded each motion; where the transcript omitted a mover or seconder name, this article reports the motions as moved and supported as recorded.
