The draft minutes from the June 22 Chelsea City Council meeting were approved at this week’s regular council meeting, held on Monday, July 28.
Meeting Overview
This summary is based on the official minutes; the full text is embedded below.
Public Comment
18 people spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. The majority spoke in opposition to the city’s proposed acquisition of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), raising concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse of technology. Others commented on the conditional rezoning of 175 Park Street, and a resolution regarding council member health insurance.
Presentation
Abraham Ortiz and Chris Tran from Axon gave an informational presentation on automatic license plate reader data storage and privacy, and clarified points raised during public comment.
Key Decisions from June 22 Meeting
- Alex Siwicki and Keith Parker were appointed to the Planning Commission for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029.
- City Manager Elle Cole was appointed as Member Representative and Derik Bollinger as Alternate Member Representative to the Chelsea Area Construction Agency.
- Budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year were approved across the General Fund, Major Streets Fund, Local Street Fund, DARE Fund and E911 Fund.
- City Council members can now opt into the city’s health insurance plan at their own expense.
- The first reading of Ordinance 194, which amends city park rules, was approved.
- A 2026 BS&A Cloud ERP upgrade agreement was approved, with an annual fee of $35,070 and a total commitment of $84,690.
- The first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment for 175 Park Street was approved, allowing conditional rezoning (from residential to downtown mixed use) with added restrictions, including a prohibition on outdoor dining and restaurants.
- A new three-year contract with Carlisle/Wortman Associates for planning and zoning administration services was approved, running through June 30, 2029.
- A proposal from Carlisle/Wortman Associates for zoning ordinance updates was approved.
- The Chelsea Police Department utilizes body-worn cameras and vehicle video cameras for its evidence and transparency needs. The current contract with Axon expires in August. A 10-year contract was worked out with Axon for $340,761.16 for existing systems. No decision was made on ALPRs at this meeting.
Other Updates from Council and Staff
- City Manager Elle Cole stated that strategic planning will start in July
- Water treatment plant expansion design work is underway
- Two new businesses are coming to Chelsea — a Mediterranean restaurant and car wash
- The Planning Commission elected new officers, approved new sheds for Chelsea Lumber, and will review site plan for Wolf Development
- Other council reports included updates on Human Rights Commission civility work and CERC programming
The official approved minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting are embedded below.
Chelsea City Council and commission agendas, packets, and minutes are also available at city-chelsea.org.
