Commission newcomer Anthony Stanfill elected mayor pro-tem on split vote

The Three Rivers City Commission met last night for a third straight meeting that included the appointment of mayor pro-tem on its agenda.

The first time, at the commission’s November 14 meeting, Fourth District Commissioner Carolyn McNary was appointed to the position by her fellow commissioners on a unanimous vote. At the next meeting, on December 2, McNary announced she was declining the position, and commissioners attempted to vote for an alternative, but a low-attendance commission was unable to come to a consensus. Finally, last night, commissioners voted Third District Commissioner Anthony Stanfill into the position by a 4-3 split vote.

Commissioners decided to change the procedure they had been using by nominating a single commissioner and then voting to see if a majority was reached. Instead, they nominated two commissioners and went down the line, having each commissioner vote on either candidate.

Commissioner Stanfill and First District Commissioner Pat Dane were nominated. Dane, who has been on the commission since 2017, was contrasted with Stanfill, who has been on the commission for just over a month. The vote went as follows:

For Stanfill: Commissioners Lucas Allen, Anthony Stanfill, Carolyn McNary, and Mayor Angel Johnston.

For Dane: Commissioners Steven Haigh, Torrey Brown, and Pat Dane.

Johnston cast the final tiebreaking vote to reach a slim majority for Stanfill.

The mayor pro-tem serves in the mayor’s absence when necessary.

Other business

Commissioners approved two corrections they had to make to previously approved items that were not fully completed due to staff error.

The first was the purchase of 810 Constantine St., which the commission initially approved at its November 13 meeting. However, the meeting minutes did not reflect the correct purchase amount. During last night’s meeting, the commission approved $140,000 to complete the purchase of 810 Constantine St., plus $10,000 for contingencies from the General Fund balance. The purchase was discussed in closed session previously and approved during last night’s open meeting.

Commissioners also considered the review and approval of ambulance service contracts with Park, Fabius, Lockport, and Flowerfield townships that were signed in 2022 and had been active since. It was discovered that the contracts were not brought to the city commission for formal approval and execution. While all parties had been acting in good faith, City Manager Joe Bippus took responsibility for the oversight.

“They [the contracts] should have gone to the clerk’s office to get signed and keep the records,” Bippus said. “It’s my fault for not getting it there.”

Commissioners also approved setting a public hearing related to a Michigan Neighborhood Community Development Block Grant application tied to the redevelopment of 111 Portage Ave. The total project would be $1 million, including a proposed $700,000 grant request and a potential $300,000 local match from the city. Grant requests over $400,000 require a dollar-for-dollar match for the amount above that threshold.

The funds would be used to renovate the upper floors of 111 Portage Ave. into three apartments and support any structural issues the building may have. Commissioners had questions about whether the city would make any of its potential $300,000 investment back.

“I doubt we’ll get all our money back, to be totally honest,” Bippus said.

The city currently owns the building and is renovating both the top and bottom halves, intending to make the bottom a blank slate for a potential downtown business and three apartments in the top half.

Bippus also shared that the building next door, 109 Portage Ave., sold for $185,000 three years ago after it was fully renovated.

Mayor Johnston questioned whether the city is required to commit any funds on top of the $400,000 grant threshold, noting that the additional $300,000 would not be mandated but rather an optional route to access more grant funding. Bippus said he was not able to provide a definitive answer at the meeting but indicated Johnston’s understanding was likely correct. The commission moved only to set a public hearing for comments at its January 6, 2026 meeting and did not formally commit any funds.

Commissioners approved setting the hearing on a 6-1 vote, with Lucas Allen as the lone opposing vote. Allen did not indicate why he was opposed.

Holiday light parade reminder

The holiday light parade that was rescheduled from November will take place Friday, December 19, at 6 p.m. in downtown Three Rivers. There will be decorated cars, tractors, floats, pets, and people showing off their Christmas spirit downtown, with the parade kicking off at Hoppin Elementary.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.