Milan council adopts exemption option under 2011 Public Act 152

The Milan City Council on Sept. 5 unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-16, titled "A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE EXEMPTION OPTION AS SET FORTH IN 2011 PUBLIC ACT 152, THE PUBLICLY FUNDED HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION ACT." Councilmember Kofflin moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Nie seconded; the motion carried with all members present voting in favor.

The resolution, listed on the meeting agenda as item 1 under Matters for Action, directs the city to adopt the exemption option described in 2011 Public Act 152, the state law referenced on the record. The council record does not include debate or detailed explanation of how the exemption will be applied to city benefit contributions beyond the resolution title and the formal motion.

Council members also approved routine business: the agenda and Aug. 15 regular meeting minutes were approved at the start of the meeting; the consent agenda was adopted and included (1) permission to place signs on City Hall property for a fundraising event at The Center on Sept. 9, 2023; (2) acceptance of Milan Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from May 1 and June 5, 2023; and (3) the Building Department and Code Enforcement report for July 2023. The council approved bills payable and payroll totaling $529,869.37. Those motions were passed unanimously.

City Administrator Jim Lancaster provided a brief update on the County Street reconstruction project and said he "continues to work with EGLE regarding the Nature Park project," and he asked resident Danette Talbot to share her e-mail correspondence with EGLE to assist coordination. Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley told the council the city is preparing a printed community publication to be distributed one to three times per year and that a website refresh is under way; she also noted she will participate in the "America Walks No Driving Challenge" alongside Mayor Pro-Tem Kerkes, Councilmember Baldwin and members of "MSHL staff" (the acronym was not expanded in the meeting record).

Several council members offered brief remarks of appreciation for staff and volunteers. Councilmember Wayne clarified on the record that Tolan Street was closed eight years ago. Mayor Ed Kolar said he "takes pride in all of the work he has done for the City of Milan" and invited residents to bring questions or concerns to him, describing an open-door policy. The council set its next regular meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, with an agenda-deadline of Sept. 13; the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Agenda approval — motion by Councilmember Nie, seconded by Councilmember Baldwin; carried unanimously. Minutes approval (Aug. 15) — motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Kerkes, seconded by Councilmember Thompson; carried unanimously. Consent agenda approval — motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Kerkes, seconded by Councilmember Baldwin; carried unanimously. Resolution 2023-16 adoption — motion by Councilmember Kofflin, seconded by Councilmember Nie; carried unanimously. Bills payable and payroll approval ($529,869.37) — motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Kerkes, seconded by Councilmember Thompson; carried unanimously. Adjournment — motion by Councilmember Nie, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Kerkes; carried unanimously.