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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2019 @ 5:30 P.M.
MUSKEGON CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2019,
Commissioner Willie German, Jr. opened the meeting with prayer, after which
the Commission and public recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen J. Gawron, Vice Mayor Eric Hood, Commissioners
Byron Turnquist, Ken Johnson, and Willie German, Jr., City Manager Frank
Peterson, City Attorney John Schrier, and Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Young.
Absent: Commissioners Debra Warren and Dan Rinsema-Sybenga
HONORS AND AWARDS:
A. Presentation of 2019 Beautification Awards
Recipients of the Residential and Business 2019 Neighborhood Beautification
Awards were recognized for their effort in making the city a beautiful place.
Those present were presented with a Certificate of Recognition.
2019-62 CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the minutes of the July 23, 2019 Regular
Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Designation of Voting Delegates for the Michigan Municipal League
Annual Business Meeting City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To designate by action of the Commission, one of our
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officials who will be in attendance at the Convention as an official
representative to cast the vote of the municipality at the Annual Meeting; and,
if possible, to designate one other official to serve as an alternate.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
C. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Reclassification of a Tavern License to a
Class C License for Port City Cruise Lines, LLC City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To adopt a resolution approving the reclassification of
a Tavern License to a Class C License for Port City Cruise Lines, LLC at 560 Mart
Street.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQURIED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution approving the license
reclassification.
D. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Off-Premises Tasting Room License for
Wonderland Distilling Co. City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To adopt a resolution approving an Off-Premises Tasting
Room License & Permit Application for Wonderland Distilling Co., 1989 Lakeshore
Drive.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution approving the license.
E. Memorandum of Understanding – Justice Assistance Grant Public
Safety
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Director of Public Safety requests that the
Commission authorize the Director and the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with the City of Muskegon Heights and Muskegon County in regards
to the disbursement of the FY 2019 Justice Assistance Grant. It is further
requested that the Mayor be authorized to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding. Note that time is of the essence as this grant requires a
governing body review period and the grant submission and the grant deadline
is August 23rd.
Although the Bureau of Justice Assistance has designated us as being in a
disparate funding situation due to the County providing more than 50% of the
jail facilities, our proposal is to keep the allocations exactly as they initially came
down from the BJA which is as follows: County of Muskegon $0; City of
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Muskegon $20,463 and City of Muskegon Heights $14,732. Not that BJA uses
crime data versus population in making these allocation decisions.
The City of Muskegon portion is planned to be used in continuation of the
manner in which the previous year’s JAG funding was used which is for the
prosecution of city ordinance cases dealing primarily with neighborhood issues.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this request.
F. 2019 Verizon/Central Dispatch License Agreement Public Safety
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Public Safety Department is requesting approval for
Comcast to construct, replace, maintain, repair, operate, inspect, augment and
remove communication system from the Central Fire Station Building.
Central Dispatch and Comcast require this agreement to begin the upgrade to
the Central Dispatch 9-1-1 phone communication system. The agreement
includes all facilities necessary or useful for distributing upgraded
communication services.
Peninsula Fiber Network has subcontracted Comcast to complete the fiber
optic utility work. The License Agreement has an initial term of ten (10) years,
beginning on the effective date and will automatically renew for two (2)
successive periods of five (5) years each.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $0.00 Cost covered by Peninsula Fiber Network.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the license agreement.
G. LC Walker Arena – Ironmen Lease City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is requesting approval of the lease to allow
the West Michigan Ironmen to play indoor football at the LC Walker Arena for
five seasons, beginning in 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To authorize the Clerk and Mayor to sign the
lease with Muskegon Football.
H. Water Main Easement Department of Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize the DPW Director and City Clerk to sign the
private water main easement with 2420 Remembrance Drive LC.
The easement allows for installation of a privately-owned water main across a
section of city owned property that fronts on Black Creek Road. The water main
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is being installed to provide fire protection via a hydrant on the site that is being
developed by KL Industries for warehouse and storage and serves no other
public purpose.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the DPW Director and City Clerk to sign
the easement.
I. DPW Roofing Department of Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Award the contract for roofing of Section #1 at the
DPW Building to the low bidder Ostrander Roofing in the amount of $141,494.00.
This will repair the front section of roofing at DPW primarily over the office areas
of the building, which has suffered from several leaks over the last year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $141,494.00
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None. This project was included in the 19-20
Budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Award the contract to Ostrander Roofing.
J. Industrial Park Lift Station Pump Department of Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize staff to purchase a replacement pump for
the Industrial Park sewer lift station at a cost of $16,333 from Kennedy Industries
(sole supplier).
Due to wear and tear the pump motor died and needs to be replaced. The
pump is 20 years old and was nearing the end of its life expectancy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $16,333
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None. This project was included in the 19-20
budget (Lift Station Repairs).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the purchase of a replacement pump
from Kennedy Industries.
L. Opportunity Zone Incentive Program Economic Development
REMOVED PER STAFF REQUEST
O. Acceptance of Property from Muskegon County Planning & Economic
Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Accept the quit claim deed from Muskegon County for
property at 1390 Henry Street commonly referred to as the Carpenter Brothers
site.
DPW and Planning staff have been working with the West Michigan Shoreline
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Regional Development Commission and the County to design a green
infrastructure project on the parcel. The project will treat a portion of the City’s
stormwater prior to the outlet at Rotary Park, and City staff will be responsible for
maintenance since it serves our stormwater system.
The parcel also includes the downtown Bark Park and the DDA has taken
responsibility for maintenance of that facility.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept the quit claim deed.
P. Lease of Yuba Street Property to the Community Foundation from
Muskegon County Planning & Economic Development
REMOVED PER STAFF REQUEST
Q. Sale of the Buildable Lot at 1245 5th Street Planning & Economic
Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is seeking approval to sell the vacant, buildable lot
at 1245 5th Street to Bethany Housing Ministries, Inc., dba Community EnCompass
for $1 with the understanding that they will sell us their vacant buildable lot at
174 Mason Avenue for $1. The deal would be contingent upon the City
receiving verification of a clean title commitment and any backup documents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the sale and for the Mayor and Clerk
to sign the resolution and deed.
R. Community Relations Committee Establishment of Farmers Market
Advisory Board City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To establish the Farmers Market Advisory Board.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To concur with the recommendation of the
Community Relations Committee and establish the Farmers Market Advisory
Board.
S. Community Relations Committee Appointment Recommendations City
Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To accept appointments as follows:
Accept the appointments of:
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Ron Hayward to the Neighborhood Association Representative position on
the Citizen Police Review Board.
Karen Evans to the Mayor/City Commission Appoint Position on the District
Library Board.
Kimberly Williams to the Citizen Representative from Ward 4 position on
the Equal Opportunity Committee.
Larry Boersma, Dianne Snow, Jon Visser, and John Zandstra to the
Seasonal Farmers positions on the Farmers Market Advisory Board.
Kristin Johnson and Kathi Upman to the Seasonal Crafters/Artisans
positions on the Farmers Market Advisory Board.
Woody Van Blargan to the Seasonal Food Vendor position on the Farmers
Market Advisory Board.
Melanie Lyonnais and Cindy Larsen to the Citizens At Large positions on
the Farmers Market Advisory Board.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To concur with the recommendations of the
Community Relations Committee and approve the appointments.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner German, to
approve the consent agenda as presented, except item K, M, and N.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2019-63 ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
K. Public Meeting Training Development Services
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Approve funding for training on managing civil,
productive public meetings. Beth Buelow and a co-facilitator will lead a four-
session training targeting department and division heads as well as the mayor
and commissioners with the objective of preparing us to present information and
manage interactions in a proactive, positive, and productive manner.
Additional workshops will be offered to neighborhood associations with the
objective to provide them tools to communicate and collaborate with city
leaders. Training is expected to be scheduled fall of 2019.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $10,000
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: Will be included in the next quarterly forecast.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve funding for public meeting training.
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Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Johnson, to
approve funding for public meeting training.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
M. Lakeside Business Improvement District (BID) Initial Resolution Planning &
Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: We are requesting the resolution be adopted
establishing a Business Improvement District for the Lakeside commercial district
along Lakeshore Drive from 1595 Lakeshore (Wasserman’s Flowers) to 2801
Lakeshore (Muskegon Country Club). The boundaries are outlined in the
attached map as the district are those commercial properties with frontage on
Lakeshore Drive. It is also requested that the commission establish an initial
Lakeside BID Board with the following recommended individuals as offered by
the Lakeside District Association:
Troy Wasserman – Wasserman’s Flowers, 1595 Lakeshore
Richard Ghezzi – Ghezzi’s Market, 2017 Lakeshore
Mark Flermoen – VF Ventures, 1845 Lakeshore
Michael Kordecki – Marine Tap Room, 1983 Lakeshore
Ann Funk – Auto Body Clinic, 2054 Lakeshore
Blake Evans – Water’s Edge Fitness, 2465 Lakeshore
City Manager (by statute) – City of Muskegon
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The city can anticipate receiving approximately 15
percent of the proceeds that would be an administrative fee for staff support if
the BID is established and the BID board concurs.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To adopt the resolution as presented.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner German, to adopt
the resolution establishing a Business Improvement District for the Lakeside
Commercial District along Lakeshore Drive inclusive of the recommended
individuals offered by the Lakeside District Association.
Amendment
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner German, to
amend the district by removing 2275, 2311, 2363, 2371, 2400, 2425, 2441,
and 2801 Lakeshore Drive from the District.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Hood, German, Turnquist, Johnson, and Gawron
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Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ON ORIGINAL MOTION (AS AMENDED)
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Gawron, Hood, German, and Turnquist
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
N. Sale of Lots 3 & 4 of Seaway Industrial Park Planning & Economic
Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the sales of lots 3 & 4 of Seaway Industrial
Park to Adam McCausland for $292,000. The lots total 3.4 acres and are zoned
I-1, Light Industrial and are also located in the Medical Marihuana Overlay
District.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The sale of this lot will generate additional tax revenue
for the City and will place the property back on the City’s tax rolls thus relieving
the City of continued maintenance costs.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution and purchase
agreement and to authorize both the Mayor and Clerk to sign the deed.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Johnson, to
approve the resolution and purchase agreement and to authorize both the
Mayor and Clerk to sign the deed.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Hood, German, Turnquist, Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2019-64 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Convention Center – Site and Utilities Bid Pack City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is requesting acceptance of the letter of
recommendation from Clark Construction awarding Concrete, Electrical Hotel
Power, and Earthwork to Cascade Cement Contracting, Newkirk Electric, and
Accurate Excavators, respectively at a total cost of $2,386,258. Approving these
three bids will allow Clark to move toward the anticipated August 22
commencement of work, while finalizing the remaining bid packages in
anticipation of awarding the remainder of the contract at the August 27 City
Commission Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $2,386,285 to be funded with bond proceeds.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To authorize the City Manager to accept the
recommendation and award the contracts as described.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner German, to
authorize the City Manager to accept the recommendation and award the
contracts as described.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Appoint LeighAnn Mikesell as alternate to Wastewater Advisory Board
City Manager
City Manager, Frank Peterson, requested that the Commission appoint LeighAnn
Mikesell as voting alternate to the Wastewater Advisory Board. Currently Leo
Evans is the City’s Representative and Frank Peterson is the alternate. A meeting
is coming up to vote on the budget and neither will be able to attend.
Motion by Vice Mayor Hood, second by Commissioner Johnson, to appoint
LeighAnn Mikesell as alternate to the Wastewater Advisory Board.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, and Hood
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Commissioner Comments were received.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Public Comments were received.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Young, Deputy City Clerk
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