Milan City Council approves DDA budget amendment, pays $464,512.19 in bills and accepts $2,500 police donation

The Milan City Council unanimously approved a fiscal-year 2024 budget amendment for the Downtown Development Authority’s Milan Main Street program and authorized payment of $464,512.19 in bills and payroll during its Dec. 19, 2023 meeting.

Councilmember Dave Baldwin moved to approve the DDA budget amendment; Councilmember Kevin (Wayne) seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Later in the meeting, Baldwin moved to pay the bills and payroll totaling $464,512.19; Councilmember Jesse Nie seconded and the council again voted unanimously to approve the payment.

City Administrator Jim Lancaster provided the meeting’s overview of citywide updates and improvements, and Police Chief Don Tillery publicly thanked the Nie family for a $2,500 gift to the police department fitness fund. Chief Tillery also urged drivers to exercise caution during the holidays and extended holiday wishes to attendees. Treasurer Sarah Finch offered holiday greetings, and council members exchanged farewell remarks for Councilmembers Dave Baldwin and Jesse Nie, who were recognized by the mayor and colleagues.

On routine business, the council approved the consent agenda, which included the Building Department and Code Enforcement report for November 2023 and the City of Milan’s scheduled meeting dates for 2024. The minutes show those consent items were approved on a single unanimous motion by Pro-Tem Kerkes with a second from Councilmember Nie.

The council also approved a motion to enter a closed session to consider material exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.268(h); the motion to go into closed session was made by Councilperson Jesse Nie and seconded by Councilperson Dave Baldwin. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

The council announced its next regular meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, with an agenda submission deadline of Jan. 10, 2024.