WYOMING, MICH. – APRIL 7, 2025 At its April 7 meeting, the Wyoming City Council moved through a steady docket of fiscal, administrative, and policy items, including a key update to the city’s Fair Treatment Policy, preparations for the upcoming budget cycle, and approvals tied to state and federal grant funding.

After opening with an invocation from Pastor Wayne Ondersma and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council approved minutes from its March 17 meeting and adopted the night’s agenda with no changes.

Budget Planning Kicks Off

With the new fiscal year on the horizon, the council set a public hearing for May 5 to review the proposed 2025–2026 city budget. Councilmembers noted how quickly the annual budget cycle returns, but there was no discussion on the details of the proposal during this meeting.

Also on the finance front, the council approved a $90,622 budget amendment to fund police training. The funds, covered entirely by a state MCOL CPE grant, were described as revenue-neutral by staff.

Employment Approvals for City Officials’ Relatives

In two separate resolutions, the council approved seasonal employment for relatives of a councilmember and a city-appointed official. The charter requires a unanimous vote for these hires: Veda Vanderwood, Mayor Jack Poll’s granddaughter, will take a Parks and Recreation position, and Clara Vandenberg, daughter of an appointed official, will work in seasonal maintenance at the wastewater plant. The mayor abstained from the vote regarding his relative.

Council Approves Revised Fair Treatment Policy

In one of the evening’s most substantive discussions, the council approved an updated Fair Treatment Policy that brings city guidelines into compliance with recent changes in state and federal civil rights law.

City Attorney Scott Smith explained that the revised policy consolidates existing non-discrimination guidelines and adapts to changes in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which now explicitly protects sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Smith emphasized that compliance with federal and state law is essential to maintaining grant funding, especially from agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and HUD.

Still, the vote was not unanimous. Councilmember Hostler cast the lone “no” vote, raising concern over language in the policy that anticipates adopting future federal changes automatically. Smith clarified that any future shifts would still be reviewed and brought before council as needed. The policy passed 6–1.

Spongy Moth Program Moves Forward

The council confirmed special assessment rolls for the city’s ongoing spongy moth suppression program. Properties under half an acre will be assessed $30 per parcel, while larger lots will pay $93 per treated acre. The total cost to the city for this year’s program is roughly $3,000. No residents spoke during the public hearings on the matter.

New Permit for Southern Smoke Tasting Room

The council also gave the go-ahead to Southern Smoke LLC for a new on-premise tasting room permit at 4023 Division Avenue South. While not a standard liquor license, the permit allows the business to serve alcohol produced by other makers on-site. Staff clarified this type of permit is not tied to the city’s quota of full-service liquor licenses.

State Grants Secure Trail and Park Improvements

Two long-anticipated infrastructure projects received official approval as the city accepted:

  • $3 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for non-motorized trail improvements along 52nd and 56th Streets
  • $500,000 from the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) department for improvements at Veterans Park, including repairs to its iconic brick wall

Both projects are expected to advance this year.