Sparta council approves daycare special‑use, property deal and road contracts after audit finds strong finances

An independent auditor told the Village of Sparta Council on May 19 that the village is in "very excellent financial condition," and the council moved forward that night on a series of land‑use, property and street‑repair actions.

Dan Veldheizen of Sigfield Crandall presented the audit and said there were "no recommendations," noting the finance director had supplied information and only a few unique liabilities remain. Finance Director Dave Carpenter was cited during the presentation as having provided requested records.

Following the audit, the council approved a special land use for an in‑home daycare at 172 W. Averill after the planning commission and staff reviewed compliance with local regulations and state law. Brenda Braybrook moved for approval, Tom Peoples seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Council also authorized an agreement with Dance with Me for a parcel at 223 E. Division that the DDA and village remediated. Under the agreement the property owner would transfer the site, grant a dedicated easement for a future public boardwalk and commit to fund 50% of the bridge construction up to $40,000. Courtney Mais moved to authorize the agreement with support from Tom Peoples; the motion passed 7‑0.

On infrastructure, the village accepted bids and authorized contracts to advance the FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan. Michigan Paving & Materials Company was authorized for asphalt resurfacing at $179,957.50; the council approved using Kent County Road Commission contracts for $30,000 in concrete curb work and $10,000 in inspection services; and council approved an invoice of $28,803.61 for a completed mastic surface treatment, funded from the crack‑sealing budget. Robert Carlstrom moved for the road approvals with support from David Cumings; the motion passed unanimously.

Council approved April payables across multiple funds totaling $545,026.24 (general, major and local streets, airport, sewer, water, equipment rental) and noted additional informational totals of $50,945.59 for other funds. Bill Taylor moved for payment of bills with support from Courtney Mais; the motion recorded a 7‑0 vote in favor.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, fire board minutes, road closure Exec Orders 25‑02–25‑05): Motion by Courtney Mais, support by Brenda Braybrook — Passed 7‑0. - SLU: Daycare, 172 W. Averill: Motion by Brenda Braybrook, second by Tom Peoples — Passed 7‑0. - Dance with Me agreement (223 E. Division): Motion by Courtney Mais, support by Tom Peoples — Passed 7‑0. Owner to fund 50% of bridge up to $40,000. - Road work and related contract approvals (Michigan Paving & Materials Co.; Kent County Road Commission contracts; invoice approval $28,803.61): Motion by Robert Carlstrom, support by David Cumings — Passed 7‑0. Asphalt contract $179,957.50; $30,000 curb work; $10,000 inspection. - Payment of bills (April payables): Motion by Bill Taylor, support by Courtney Mais — Passed 7‑0. Total $545,026.24 (informational totals $50,945.59).

The council also reached consensus to list Village Hall and the Civic Center with Coldwell Banker (Mike Lamb) while keeping final approval of any sale with the council. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.