by Joseph Schultz
The Wayland City Council Monday night granted Fire Chief Jon Timmers’ request to participate in the Michigan Fire Insurance Withholding Program.
The program provides financial protection for the city against the cost of cleaning up a damaged structure following a fire loss.
The city would receive up to 25% of a policyholder’s final settlement, to be held in a separate escrow account until the structure is repaired, replaced or demolished. Once the building inspector signs off on the property, the escrow funds would be released by the municipality back to the property owner.
City council voted unanimously to participate.
In other news from the city council meeting:
- Dan Veldhuizen, of Sigfried Crandall P.C., presented the results of the city audit. Veldhuizen reported that the city books were much improved over last time. Later in the meeting, the council members and mayor praised and thanked the work of Financial Director Kate Balfoort, and City Manager Erik Wilson in getting and keeping the financial books in order.
- The city received a letter from the Christian Neighbors Food Pantry, requesting the city pay for half of a fence the organization wants to put up. The food pantry wants the fence because of “the hoard” on a neighboring property causing an ongoing rodent issue. City Manager Erik Wilson said the lease for the food pantry clearly states that any improvement to the property would be the pantry’s responsibility. Wilson did acknowledge that the hoard issue was in violation of the city code, and it would be enforced administratively.
- This meeting was the last one for City Council Member Grace Sefranek. The other council members and mayor expressed their heart-felt gratitude for Sefranek’s work on the council for the past two years. Sefranek said that she was thankful for the opportunity to serve on the council, and for the many people she has come to know. She is stepping down to take care of a family medical issue.
- There were six high school students in attendance at the council meeting. The students were there to complete a civics assignment, and got a first-hand look at how local government operates.
