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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS @ 5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
Mayor Warmington opened the meeting with a prayer from Reverend Dennis
Remenschneider from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church after which the Commission and
public recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen Warmington, Vice Mayor Stephen Gawron,
Commissioners Clara Shepherd, Lawrence Spataro, Sue Wierengo, and Chris
Carter, City Manager Bryon Mazade, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk
Ann Marie Becker.
Mayor Warmington presented a resolution to Jeannine Davis and family in
remembrance of Commissioner Kevin Davis who passed away September 2, 2007.
2007-82 CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of Minutes. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve minutes for the September 10th Commission
Worksession, and the September 11th Regular Commission Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Resolution to Sell 280 Iona. COMMUNITY & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the resolution to sell the City-owned house at
280 Iona to Mr. James E. Evans of 1502 Peck Street, Apt. # 8, Muskegon, for the
appraised value of $103,000 minus the $18,000 subsidy.
The house at 280 Iona was part of an acquisition and clearance project where the
original house that was on the City’s dangerous building list was obtain from the
State of Michigan through the tax reversion process. Once it was acquired, it was
demolished and the new structure was built. A few years ago the house next door
at 284 Iona went through the same process the previous structure was demolished
and a new home was built in its’ place. This project at 280 Iona entitled a
“Metamorphosis from Old to New” is one more example of the City’s aggressive
efforts to redevelop our neighborhoods.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The program income derived from this transaction will be
deposited in the City’s HOME account.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution and the sale of 280 Iona to
Mr. James E. Evans.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The City Commission approved both the
acquisition of the original structure and the construction of the new home.
C. Vacation of the East 106 feet of the Dead-End Alley in Block 757 Bounded
by Simpson Avenue, Beach Street and Watson Avenue. PLANNING &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Request for vacation of the East 106 feet of the dead- end
alley bounded by Simpson Avenue, Beach Street, and Watson Avenue, located in
Muskegon Revised Plat of 1903, Bock 757.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends vacation of the east 106 feet of the
dead-end alley bounded by Simpson Avenue, Beach Street, and Watson Avenue,
with the condition that unrestricted utility easement be retained.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommended
vacation of the alley at their September 13, 2007 meeting, with the condition that
unrestricted utility easement rights be retained. The vote was unanimous with T.
Michalski, J. Aslakson, and B. Smith absent.
D. Payment for Fire Station Site Work. CITY MANAGER
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve a request to pay Muskegon Downtown
Believers for site work associated with the new Central Fire Station. This work was
done in conjunction with site work for the new Harley Davidson building.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $64,940.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve payment to Muskegon Downtown
Believers in the amount of $64,940.
F. Budgeted Equipment Replacement. PUBLIC WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Approval to purchase one BC 1800XL brush chipper from
Vermeer of Michigan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $38,872.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve purchase.
G. City – MDOT Agreement for Federal Money Loan to Reconstruct Division
Street, Laketon to Southern. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the contract with MDOT for the reconstruction
of Division St. from Laketon Ave. to Southern Ave. and to approve the resolution
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract for the Federal Funds
Loan from the State.
The advantage on this project is that this whole agreement is merely a paper- work
matter since the City could not have spent any construction money against the
Federal Funds to accrue any interest until those funds become available.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time. The City’s share of the cost will
come out of the Major Street and Water funds as will be shown in the 2008 budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the contract and resolution and authorize the
Mayor and Clerk to sign both.
H. City – MDOT Agreement for the Reconstruction of Division Street, Laketon
to Southern. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the contract with MDOT for the reconstruction
of Division St. from Laketon Ave. to Southern Ave. and to approve the resolution
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: MDOT’s participation is limited to the Federal funds of $252,875
and $63,218.75 of State funds (Local Jobs Today Grant) for a total grant of
$316,093.75. The estimated total construction cost, without engineering, is
$911,500. The engineering cost is estimated at an additional 15% of the
construction cost.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time. The City’s share of the cost will
come out of the Major Street fund and will appear in the 2008 budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the contract and resolution and authorize the
Mayor and Clerk to sign both.
I. City – MDOT Agreement for the Whitetopping of Sherman Blvd. at Henry
St. Intersection plus the Sidewalk Installation along Sherman Blvd.
between Henry & Barclay. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the contract with MDOT for the whitetopping
of Sherman Blvd. at the Henry St. intersection plus the sidewalk installation along
Sherman Blvd. between Henry St. and Barclay St. and to approve the resolution
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: MDOT’s participation is limited to the Federal funds of $209,800
and $52,400 of State funds (Local Jobs Today Grant) for a total grant of $262,200.
The estimated total construction cost, without engineering, is $262,000. The
engineering cost is estimated at an additional 15% of the construction cost.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time. The City’s share of the cost will
come out of the Major Street fund and will appear in the 2008 budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the contract and resolution and authorize the
Mayor and Clerk to sign both.
J. Nutritional Services for Older Americans, Inc/City of Muskegon
Agreement. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The City of Muskegon has had an Agreement with
Nutritional Services for Older American, Inc. (NSOA). They are requesting that this
Agreement be renewed for another year (through September 30, 2008). NSOA will
pay the City $200 a month for expenses associated with the McGraft Park
Community Building, where they operate as a location for senior meals and
support services for seniors in the area. The City will provide financial support in the
amount of $8,316 for staff time for recreational programs provided at McGraft Park
and their other locations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City will receive $200 a month in rent from NSOA and will
provide $8,316 in staff time and recreational programming.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the Agreement between NSOA and the
City and authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve the
Consent Agenda as read minus items E and K.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2007-83 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA:
E. Service Agreement with Roosevelt Park. PUBLIC WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement with
Roosevelt Park to maintain their fleet.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Potential revenue of $5,000 to $15,000.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the service agreement with Roosevelt Park
and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve the
Service Agreement with Roosevelt Park to maintain their fleet.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, and Shepherd
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
K. Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application for Smith-
Ryerson Park Increase in Match Due to Items That Can be Done In-house
(Force Account Labor/Materials). PLANNING & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT/LEISURE SERVICES
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The State has requested more information for the City’s
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application regarding the first phase
of proposed upgrades to Smith-Ryerson Park. The City is allowed to increase their
points for the grant by including any in-house services that can be done to
increase the match. The removal of one baseball/softball field, creation of two
educational signs (dune and the creek), pier at the creek, trimming of enough
overgrowth for placement of the pier, and the cost to re-stripe the current parking
lot with appropriate handicap signage will be added as the City in-house (force
account labor/materials) costs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no impact for the 2007 budget year. If the application
is approved, it will be budgeted in the 2008 budget year.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: The total estimated cost for the in-house (force
account labor/materials) is $13,850. This will be budgeted in the 2008 budget year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution to increase the match by
doing additional items in-house (force account labor/materials), and to have the
Mayor and Clerk sign the resolution.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve the
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application for Smith-Ryerson Park
increase in match due to items that can be done in-house (force account
labor/materials).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Request for a Time Extension for the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation
Exemption Certificate at 790 Terrace. PLANNING & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
(REMOVED PER STAFF REQUEST)
COMMUNICATIONS:
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
2007-84 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. 2008 Budget Adoption. FINANCE
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The City Commission may take action to adopt the 2008
budget with whatever changes or adjustments it deems necessary. City Charter
requires the budget be adopted no later than September 25, 2007.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The budget sets forth the priorities and overall financial plan
for operations in the year 2008. As proposed, the budget includes no property tax
increase.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: Adoption of the budget resolution provides the legal
appropriation authority necessary for City departments to conduct operations in
2008.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the proposed 2008 City of Muskegon Budget
resolution.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve the
budget as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro
Nays: Warmington
MOTION PASSES
B. Concurrence with the Housing Board of Appeals Notice and Order to
Demolish 2409 Crozier. PUBLIC SAFETY
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: This is to request that the City Commission concur with the
findings of the Housing Board of Appeals that the structure located at 2409 Crozier
is unsafe, substandard, a public nuisance and that it be demolished within thirty
(30) days. It is further requested that administration be directed to obtain bids for
the demolition of the structure and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized
and directed to execute a contract for demolition with the lowest responsible
bidder.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: General Funds.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To concur with the Housing Board of Appeals decision
to demolish.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to concur with
the Housing Board of Appeals notice and order to demolish 2409 Crozier.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro
Nays: Carter, Warmington, and Wierengo
MOTION FAILED
C. Restrictive Covenant Purchase. PUBLIC WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize staff to make a $10,000 offer for restrictive
covenant on 1385 E. Keating. The City had made a $9,000 offer which was
rejected by the owner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $10,000.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve purchase.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Wierengo to approve
the restrictive covenant purchase of $10,000 for 1385 E. Keating.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Wierengo, and Carter
Nays: None
Absent: Warmington (stepped out of the room)
MOTION PASSES
2007-85 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consideration of Bids for the Spring Street, 24” Sanitary Sewer
Replacement (S-627). ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize staff to enter into an emergency repair contract
with McCormick Sand Inc. out of Twin Lake to replace approximately 110’ of
partially collapsed 24” sanitary sewer in Spring Street at Wood since they were the
lowest responsible bidder with a bid price of $48,410. The bid prices are inclusive
of all labor, material and traffic control necessary to perform the replacement.
Also, the bids were based on non-prevailing wage standards.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The construction cost of $48,410 plus engineering costs which
is estimated at an additional 5%.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Award the contract to McCormick Sand, Inc.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve the
consideration of bids for the Spring Street, 24” sanitary sewer replacement (S-627).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Vacation of the West 200 feet of the Dead-End Alley in Block 690 Bounded
by Crozier Avenue, Fountain Street and Harding Avenue. PLANNING &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Request for vacation of the west 200 feet of the dead-
end alley bounded by Crozier Avenue, Fountain Street, and Harding Avenue,
located in Muskegon Revised Plat of 1903, Block 690.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends vacation on the west 200 feet of the
dead-end alley bounded by Crozier Avenue, Fountain Street, and Harding
Avenue, with the condition that all utility easement rights be retained.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommended denial
of the vacation of the alley at their September 13, 2007 meeting. The vote was T.
Harryman, L. Spataro, B. Larson, B. Turnquist, S. Warmington, and B. Mazade
opposed, J. Aslakson in favor of the vacation and T. Michalski and B. Smith absent.
Motion by Vice Mayor Gawron, second by Commissioner Spataro to deny the
vacation of the dead-end alley in block 690 bounded by Crozier Avenue, Fountain
Street, and Harding Avenue.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, and Shepherd
Nays: None
MOTION TO DENY PASSES
C. MERS Administrative Cleanup Issues. FINANCE
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The transfer of retirement assets to MERS is complete. A
couple of “cleanup” issues have emerged, however, which we would like to
address at this time.
Definition of “Hours per Month” for Firefighters.
Rebalancing of Assets Among MERS Group Accounts.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: rebalancing assets among the various MERS groups will help
reduce the City’s required contribution rates.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time. Any identified pension contribution
savings will be factored in future quarterly budget reforecasts.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the resolutions implementing these
changes.
Motion by Vice Mayor Gawron, second by Commissioner Shepherd to approve the
resolutions implementing the changes for the MERS administrative cleanup issues.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
D. Participation in MML Legal Defense Fund to Intervene in Consumers
Energy Rate Filing. WATER FILTRATION
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve a financial contribution to the Michigan
Municipal League Legal Defense Fund to intervene in the Consumers Energy rate
filing request to the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase its rates for
generation and distribution of electricity.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: An in-kind contribution, along with the Cities of Grand Rapids
and Wyoming, not to exceed $5,500.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: The in-kind contribution will be taken from the Water
Fund.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Mayor and Commission
authorize staff to make this contribution in an effort to mitigate the proposed
twenty-one percent increase to the present cost of electricity at the Water
Filtration Plant.
Motion by Vice Mayor Gawron, second by Commissioner Wierengo to authorize
staff to make the contribution so that we may participate in the Michigan
Municipal League Legal Defense Fund to intervene in the Consumers Energy rate
filing.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Wierengo, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and Warmington
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
E. Concurrence with the Housing Board of Appeals Notice and Order to
Demolish the Following: PUBLIC SAFETY
1235 Ransom – Area 11b
740 Wesley
273 Sumner
222 E. Forest – Area 13
1497 Division – Area 12 (REMOVED PER REQUEST OF STAFF)
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: This is to request that the City Commission concur with the
findings of the Housing Board of Appeals that the structures are unsafe,
substandard, a public nuisance and that they be demolished within thirty (30)
days. It is further requested that administration be directed to obtain bids for the
demolition of the structures and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and
directed to execute a contract for demolition with the lowest responsible bidder.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: CDBG Funds.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To concur with the Housing Board of Appeals decision
to demolish.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Commissioner Shepherd to concur
with the Housing Board of Appeals notice and order to demolish 1235 Ransom, 740
Wesley, and 273 Sumner.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, and Wierengo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to concur with
the Housing Board of Appeals notice and order to demolish 222 E. Forest.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, and Carter
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioner Spataro commented on the houses at 299
Houston and 775 Washington and on the County jail proposal dislocating
businesses. Mayor Warmington welcomed our new City Commissioner Steven
Wisneski.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission Meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
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