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Charlotte City Council Meeting 6/22/26
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Charlotte Recognized for Environmental Leadership; Downtown Beautification and Park Improvements Underway
The city of Charlotte received a silver award from the Michigan Green Communities Program for its environmental leadership. Council member Christensen noted her involvement in the E-Tran transportation project, which includes developing a strategy for a millage renewal in November. The city is also exploring options to remove deed restrictions on 'dark stores' to facilitate their repurposing. On a community level, the DDA is supporting a program of downtown banners honoring local veterans, with plans to add 28 new banners annually. The DDA is also investing in city-owned Christmas and Halloween decorations for downtown. The Camp Francis board secured an Eaton County Parks grant for developing a walkway from the cabin to the fire pit. Additionally, a mural project is underway on a wall west of City Hall, intended to beautify the area.
City Recognized for Environmental Leadership; Various Community Projects Update
The city recognized its environmental leadership by achieving a silver award from the statewide Michigan Green Communities Program. Council member Christensen highlighted her involvement with the E-Tran transportation piece, which includes a plan for millage approval in November. Discussions also touched on potential state-level changes regarding video franchise fees for streaming services and legislation allowing the removal of deed restrictions on 'dark stores' to enable productive reuse. Additionally, a request for $8,000 in funding from the Historical Museum, due by August 1st, was noted for follow-up. A mural project on the wall west of City Hall, initiated by property owner Ross Cupp, was praised for beautifying the city. Updates were provided on Camp Francis, including the cancellation of a meeting and the successful securing of an Eaton County Parks grant for a walkway development. The mayor announced office hours and a library presentation on election security in Michigan.
Council Clarifies Roles; Governance and Transparency Concerns Addressed
The council discussed the role of council members versus city staff in managing city operations. Mayor Fullerton emphasized that council members facilitate city operations by approving funds and policies, rather than directly running the city, and advised directing concerns to the city manager. Concerns were raised regarding the Higby Drain project, with council members requesting the drain commissioner present the project due to past issues with the drain commission's transparency and potential for high assessments on property owners. The council also discussed the IT department's security, suggesting a potentially higher-cost proposal is necessary to address critical security needs, with potential long-term savings if security breaches are avoided. The city manager is working with the Woodhill Group to improve financial procedures and prepare for an upcoming audit, addressing issues from the previous year's audit.
DDA Initiatives Highlighted; Higby Drain Project and IT Security Discussed
During public comment, John Lelt, chair of the city's DDA, discussed several initiatives. He highlighted the new banners in downtown celebrating local veterans, a program supported by the DDA and executed by Natalia Klow of Eagle Fit, with plans for 28 new banners annually sponsored by families. The DDA also voted to fund city-owned Christmas and Halloween decorations for downtown, with subcommittees developing plans for future expansion. Nicole Christensen echoed appreciation for the veteran banners and thanked organizers of 'Charlotte Celebrates,' noting the success of Touch a Truck, the Car Show, and a concert. She also acknowledged the Eaton County Fair Board's pancake breakfast. Discussions also arose regarding the Higby Drain project, a $3 million initiative where the city's share is $1 million, broken into components for water system adjustments, street/right-of-way improvements, and the airport. Concerns were raised about the drain commissioner's visibility and the potential for significant property owner assessments, with council members requesting the commissioner present the project. The city manager noted that the petition is largely out of the council's hands once initiated, and the project has been in development for years due to previous flooding issues. The council also addressed IT security, with a discussion suggesting a move towards a higher-cost proposal to address security concerns, potentially adding $50,000, though the long-term cost of inaction could be higher. The city manager is working with the Woodhill Group to address audit findings and implement training for staff regarding financial procedures.
City Approves Multiple Service Agreements and Contracts
The council discussed and approved several service agreements and contracts. A contract with ENG for inspection services related to additional road miles was approved for $76,520 [cite: 327, 330]. A service agreement with the Woodhill Group was approved to provide financial assistance, including audit preparation and staff training, with an estimated cost potentially exceeding the budgeted $135,000-$140,000 for a finance director position [cite: 351-356, 379]. An audit engagement extension with Manor Casterian was approved, noted as being $20,000 less than the previous provider [cite: 463-468, 475-476]. A consulting service agreement with Great Lakes Municipal Consulting LLC was approved to assist with transitions, potentially including up to 100 hours of service through July 17th, with further use at the discretion of the new city manager [cite: 486-496, 500-501].
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