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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 11, 2021 @ 5:30 P.M.
MUSKEGON CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
REMOTE MEETING
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held
electronically with the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioners participating via
Zoom – a remote conferencing service, Clerk staff present at 933 Terrace Street,
Muskegon, MI at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
ROLL CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen J. Gawron (Muskegon, MI), Vice Mayor Eric Hood
(Grand Rapids, MI), Commissioners Ken Johnson (Muskegon, MI), Dan Rinsema-
Sybenga (Muskegon, MI), Willie German, Jr. (Muskegon, MI), Teresa Emory
(Muskegon, MI), and Michael Ramsey (Muskegon, MI), Acting City Manager
LeighAnn Mikesell, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk Ann Meisch.
HONORS/AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS:
A. Convention Center Presentation Jon Rooks, owner of Parkland
Properties and private business partner in the Muskegon Convention
Center provided an update on the VanDyke Mortgage Convention
Center with photos and descriptions of amenities. The first event, Home
and Garden Show, was recently held and was deemed a success!
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM:
2021-44 CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the minutes of the April 20, 2021 Special
Meeting and the April 27, 2021 Regular City Commission meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the minutes.
B. Carlisle’s Lease – Arena City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is seeking approval of the proposed lease with
Carlisle’s at the Mercy Health Arena. Nearly two years ago, the City Commission
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approved Carlisle’s response to an RFP seeking restaurant operator for the
arena. Following a number of delays, including issues with the City’s liquor
license and the COVID-19 Pandemic, the ownership group is ready to move
forward. As part of the lease, the ownership group is obligated to cover the
upfront cost of construction and receive a credit toward rent payments to
recover their expenses. The base rental rate is $12.50 per square foot. Initial
designs estimate the square footage of Carlisle’s to be 3,500 square feet,
resulting in a $3,125 base monthly rent. In addition, Carlisle’s will pay a CAM Fee
equal to $1,750 per month, and certain fees during USHL hockey games,
professional indoor soccer games, and professional football games. These funds
will be used by the City to meet any obligations to the three existing sports
teams that serve as our anchor tenants. Total gross rent is expected to equal
$77,500 annually for the first five-year term. Carlisle’s can recoup their
construction expenses at a rate of $7.00 per month for each $1,000 spent. Initial
estimates for construction were $350,000. We capped the reimbursable
expenses at $500,000.
Note: Exhibit A is being finalized by the City Attorney’s office. This exhibit is a
management agreement between the DDA and Carlisle’s that will give the
restaurant authorization to operate under the DDA’s liquor license. Additionally,
the pricing in Exhibit C will need to be updated.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the lease and authorize the Mayor and
Clerk to sign.
C. Social District Permit Recommendation Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The City Commission must recommend approval of the
Michigan Liquor Control Commission permits of participating licensed
establishments in the Downtown Muskegon Social District. With the establishment
of the Downtown Muskegon Social District, participating licensed establishments
must receive a Social District permit from the Michigan Liquor Control
Commission. The MLCC must first receive a recommendation for approval from
the City Commission before granting the permits. The attached resolution is for a
second location for Pigeon Hill Brewing Company LLC at 441 W. Western (the
former night club/bowling alley) and for Pines Bar LLC, 149 Shoreline Drive, Suite
B (Hot Rod Harley-Davidson’s new liquor license). Both are seeking a Social
District permit from the state and seeking City Commission recommended
approval. The Social District plan contains now 24 potential participating
licensees within the district. Other licensed establishments may file a Social
District permit application in the future.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution recommending
Michigan Liquor Control Commission approval of Social District permits in the
Downtown Muskegon Social District and to direct the City Clerk to certify the
City Commission action with the MLCC.
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E. Sale of Vacant Lot – 1210 Morgan Planning
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is seeking authorization to sell the city-owned
vacant lot at 1210 Morgan Avenue to Edward S. Pierce Jr of 1311 Adams
Avenue. The City has owned this property for many years (there is no sale
information on this property). The adjacent property owner would like to buy this
property to construct a single-family home on it within 18 months of closing. Mr.
Pierce offered $4,000.00 plus costs associated with the closing and registering of
the deed. The policy is to sell the property at 75% of the True Cash Value (TCV)
which would be $4,875.00 ($6,500(TCV)@75%).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Mayor and Clerk to sign the
Purchase Agreement and deed and to allow staff to complete the property
sale.
F. Updated User Fees for Parks Department Finance
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Additional user fees from the Parks and Cemetery
departments that have to be incorporated into the Master Fee Resolution.
Key Updates: (See highlighted items on the spreadsheet for all changes)
• DPW Parks – various Channel and Picnic Shelter Rental
• DPW Parks – Hackley Park & Harbour Towne Special Events
• Cemetery-Headstone Setting Fee
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the additional user fees from the
Parks and Cemetery departments to be incorporated into the 2021 Master Fee
Resolution.
G. 3rd Quarter Budget Reforecast Finance
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: At this time staff is asking for approval of the 3rd Quarter
Budget Reforecast for the FY 2020-2021 budget year. A memo outlining some of
the highlights is included.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the 3rd Quarter FY2020-2021 Budget
Reforecast as presented.
H. County Water System Easement Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is requesting authorization to approve the
easement requested by Muskegon County on Parcel 61-24-205-734-001-00
(Margaret Drake Elliot Park).
Muskegon County has finalized their route and accepted bids for the second
phase of their water main project to construct a new water main from the
Muskegon Water Filtration Plant under the Muskegon Channel and connect into
the Northside Water System.
Muskegon County has an existing agreement in place which allows for the
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placement of their utilities within the public Right-of-Way however the project to
cross the channel will require that a section of the water main be placed
underneath Margaret Drake Elliot Park which requires the city to issue an
easement for this place.
The construction will have minimal impact on the park as the line under the
channel will be placed by means of horizontal directional drilling. This method
requires impact to the ground surface only in two relatively small areas one near
the split at Beach Street and the other in the parking lot of the Bathhouse at
Muskegon State Park.
This easement grants the county the right to have their water main placed
below Margaret Drake Elliot Park and is necessary to complete their water
system loop which benefits the entire system that is served by the City of
Muskegon Water Filtration Plant. The proposed easement is outlined in the
attachment. The easement language has been reviewed an accepted by legal
counsel.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the easement to Muskegon County
and for the Mayor and Clerk to sign the easement.
I. Port City Industrial Park – Engineering Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is requesting authorization to approve the
Professional Services Agreement with HRC, Inc. to provide comprehensive
engineering services for an expansion of the road and utility network within the
Port City Industrial Park at the former MDOC property.
Staff solicited proposals from Engineering Firms to provide comprehensive
engineering services related to an extension of Olthoff Drive and the public
utilities within the Port City Industrial Park to provide improved access and utility
services to the former MDOC property which will be required by any future users
of the site.
Staff scored the proposals utilizing a Qualification Based Selection criteria to
ensure we were selecting the best partner for this important project. After the
preliminary scoring was completed showing HRC as the leading firm staff
negotiated the attached priced proposal for consideration.
The objective for the project is to complete survey and forestry (separate item)
this spring, design and bidding over the summer and construction in the Fall of
2021. The remainder of the state grant funds (Approximately $790,755) will be
utilized to fulfill these items of work.
HRC has provided prior engineering services for the City of Muskegon in the form
of design engineering services for the Musketawa Trail Connector project that
will be constructed later this year within the Port City Industrial Park.
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $114,400 AMOUNT BUDGETED: $790,755
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FUND OR ACCOUNT: 482-91908 FUND OR ACCOUNT: 482-91908
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sign the professional services
agreement with HRC, Inc. to provide Engineering Services for the expansion of
the road and utility system into the former MDOC property within the Port City
Industrial Park.
J. Port City Industrial Park – Forestry Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is seeking approval of the bids for forestry work
from Habitat Management of Michigan to provide forestry services at the former
MDOC property in the Port City Industrial Park.
Staff worked with Professional Forester (Randy Kuipers) to mark timber and solicit
bids for the harvest of timber and land clearing work on the former MDOC
properties within the Port City Industrial Park. This was done in an effort to
prepare the site for future development while utilizing the remainder of our state
grant funds that are dedicated to the site. Mr. Kuipers is a professional forester
whom provides forestry services for the Muskegon County Wastwater in
managing their forests.
Mr. Kuipers reviewed the site, marked the timber on the site and solicited bids
from timber harvesting firms for the wood on the site. In addition, Mr. Kuipers
assisted us in obtaining a bid for the land clearing work on the site which
includes removal of the non-marketable timber, stumps and any other small
clearing work.
The result of these solicitations was that Habitat Management of Michigan
provided the best bid for both services with their bids contingent upon being
hired for both operations.
• Habitat Management – Marketable Timber Bid = $22,750.00 (Revenue)
• Habitat Management – Land Clearing Contract = $4,500/Acre (Expense)
and will generate revenue to partially offset that cost via the sale of Small
Logs ($25/Cord) and Firewood ($7/Cord). This land clearing contract is
expected to be a net expense to the City of approximately $35,000 -
$40,000 depending on the value of the small logs and firewood from the
site and the final footprint of the clearing operation.
In addition to the above contracts Mr. Kuipers would be paid a net of 14% of the
total timber sale proceeds (~$3,900 - $4,600). This percentage was checked
against work at Muskegon County Wastewater and found to be identical to
contracts paid there.
The net cost to the city for all forestry work and Mr. Kuiper’s services is estimated
at approximately $25,000 depending on several variables.
Sealed bids were not received at the Clerk’s Office for this work, as it is
traditional for the hired forester to solicit and obtain bids and represent the client
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from a fiduciary standpoint. This represents a deviation from the current
purchasing policy but was done in an effort to follow industry standards.
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $25,000 AMOUNT BUDGETED: $790,755
FUND OR ACCOUNT: 482-91908 FUND OR ACCOUNT: 482-91908
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to accept the bids from Habitat
Management of Michigan to harvest the marketable timber and to complete
the land clearing at the former MDOC site within the Port City Industrial Park and
to authorize payment to Mr. Kuipers for his forestry services in the amount of 14%
of the net timber sale proceeds.
L. 425 Agreement Business Park North Removal Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The department has gotten signatures on the purchase
agreement for 902 Pine in exchange for disposition of the 425 Agreement at
Business Park North. The resolution is to that end, per Commission instruction by
motion. The attached resolution removes the City of Muskegon from the 425
Shared Jurisdiction Agreement between Muskegon County, Dalton Township,
and ourselves. The resolution is contingent on the approval of similar documents
from both other parties.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution as presented.
M. Finance Director Appointment City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is recommending the appointment of Ken Grant
to the position of Finance Director, effective May 31, 2021.
Current Finance Director, Beth Lewis, announced her retirement effective May
31, 2021. The Finance Director position was advertised in an open and
competitive manner. All applicants that met the minimum standards were
invited to participate in the oral examinations. The exam was administered by
the County Human Resources Department in the same manner as all other oral
examinations at the City of Muskegon. A three-person panel consisting of Beth
Lewis, Dwana Thompson, and Frank Peterson scored the applicants. Ken Grant
was identified as the top candidate and was provided a conditional offer of
employment pending City Commission approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Appoint Ken Grant as Finance Director effective
May 31, 2021.
N. Sale – 246 Monroe Avenue City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is seeking authorization to sell the city-owned
home at 246 Monroe to Andrea Riegler.
The city constructed this townhouse as part of the phase two of our infill housing
program. Our contract to construct the home was $164,470. We also
anticipated $11,512 in sales commissions. The accepted purchase price is
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$174,900, and the incurred sales commissions are $12,775. After receipt of the
initial purchase agreement, and addendum was provided to increase the sales
price by $29,879 and obligate the builder to finish the living space in the
basement level. Staff is recommending that the purchase agreement and
addendum be approved, and 246 Monroe be sold to Andrea Riegler at a cost
of $204,779.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to complete the sale
of 246 Monroe Avenue, as described in the purchase agreement and
addendum.
O. Purchase of Truck for Elections City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: DPW has located a 2011 GMC Sierra for a total of
$19,500 for the City Clerk’s Office. The City Clerk’s Office has grant monies left to
purchase a vehicle to pull the Muskegon Votes trailer. My Auto Imports has a
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with 50,000 miles on it for $19,500 out the door.
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $19,500 AMOUNT BUDGETED: Election Grant Funds
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To authorize staff to purchase the vehicle in the
amount of $19,500
P. Sale – 235 Monroe City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is seeking authorization to sell the city-owned
home at 235 Monroe to Tammy and Dave Whynot. The city constructed this
townhouse as part of the phase two of our infill housing program. Our contract
to construct the home was $164,470. We also anticipated $11,512 in sales
commissions. The accepted purchase price is $182,900, and the incurred sales
commissions are $12,803. Staff is recommending that the purchase agreement
be approved, and 235 Monroe be sold at a cost of $182,900 to Tammy and
Dave Whynot.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to complete the sale
of 235 Monroe Avenue as described in the attached purchased agreement.
Q. Sale – 244 Monroe City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: City staff is seeking authorization to sell the city-owned
at 244 Monroe to Michael and Darci Banks. The city constructed this townhouse
as part of the phase two of our infill housing program. Our contract to construct
the home was $164,470. We also anticipated $11,512 is sales commissions. The
accepted purchase price is $174,900, and the incurred sales commissions are
$12,775. Staff is recommending that the purchase agreement be approved.
and 244 Monroe be sold to Michael and Darci Banks at a cost of $174,900.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to complete the sale
of 244 Monroe Avenue as described in the attached purchase agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Commissioner Emory, to
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approve the consent agenda as presented, minus item D and K.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Hood, Ramsey, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory,
and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2021-45 REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
D. Request for Proposal Approvals Community & Neighborhood Services
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: There are requests of proposals from sub-recipients to
provide Child Care Services and Financial assistance for children from low-
income households, and provide youth with work and educational experiences
throughout the year.
Muskegon YMCA: Child Care services and financial assistance - $100,000
Community enCompass: YEP Youth Program - $20,000
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $120,000 AMOUNT BUDGETED: $120,000
FUND OR ACCOUNT: CDBG-CV 2020
CDBG 2019
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the agreements with Muskegon
YMCA and Community enCompasss.
Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to
approve the agreement with Muskegon YMCA only.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Hood, Ramsey, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory, Johnson
Hood, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
K. Spring Street – Change Order #003 Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is seeking approval of Change Order #003 to the
Spring Street Construction Project (590/591-91851) with Jackson-Merkey
Contractors and also for approval of Amendment #003 to the associated
Engineering Services Agreement with ENG, Inc.
Staff worked with ENG, Inc. and Jackson-Merkey Contractors to identify a
potential extension of the project limits on Yuba Street from Eastern Avenue
towards Giddings Avenue that would address a particularly poor section of
pavement in Yuba Street. Work on the adjacent section of Yuba Street was
completed last fall as a part of the larger Spring Street sewer upgrades through
the worst section of Yuba Street was not done at that time since it was not
required of the sewer project.
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Several other small projects have fallen off from the Local Streets budget
combined with reduction in expenses for maintenance on the local system as a
result of COVID furloughs and a relatively light winter. Additionally, staff has
been able to direct revenue from the sale of salvaged aggregates at the former
MDOC prison site into the local street fund creating additional revenue. These
factors have all combined to allow us enough flexibility within the local streets
budget to recommend adding this additional work on Yuba Street be
incorporated into the current contract.
Work will include removal of the pavement for an additional ~ 700 FT of the
worst section of Yuba Street, repair of the existing curb and gutter, and
placement of new asphalt. The total cost of this change order is estimated at
$148,609.25 which will push the project above the staff approval thresholds for
Change Orders outlined in the purchasing policy.
In addition to change order with Jackson-Merkey staff is also requesting
approval of an amendment to the Engineering Services Agreement with ENG,
Inc. in the amount of $60,180.00. This is partially due to the additional work on
Yuba Street and partially due to scope creep from the original ESA that was
established in 2018. The circumstances are very similar to the ESA Amendment
we approved with Prein & Newhof at the April 13th 2021 meeting. The total
engineering contract value pending approval of this amendment is $300,405
which represents a total of 9% of the Construction contract value which is a very
good rate. The average engineering cost is typically 12%+.
The Change Order and $12,000 of the ESA Amendment are not eligible for
inclusion with the SRF/DWRF Bonding Programs and will be budgeted in the local
street fund (203). The remaining $48,180.00 of the ESA Amendment would likely
be eligible for inclusion with the SRF/DWRF Bonding Program and would fall
within the already budgeted 6% Contingency on the $3M project.
Staff is recommending approval of both the change order with JMC and the
Engineering Services Agreement Amendment with ENG, Inc.
AMOUNT REQUESTED: AMOUNT BUDGETED:
$160,609.25 (203-91851) $160,000.00 (203-91851)- 3RD Quarter RF
$48,180.00 (590/591-91851) $191,224.99 (590-591-91851)-Contingency
FUND OR ACCOUNT: 203/590/591-91851
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to approve Change Order #003 to
Project 91851 in the amount of $148,609.25 for the extension of paving on Yuba
Street and authorize staff to approve Amendment #003 in the amount of
$60,180.00 to the Engineering Services Agreement with ENG, Inc.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga,
to approve the agreement with Muskegon YMCA.
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ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Ramsey, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory, Johnson,
Gawron, and Hood
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2021-46 PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. 5-Year Regional Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan Hearing
Community & Neighborhood Services
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton
Shores are preparing a 5-year Regional Consolidated Plan along with a
municipal Annual Action Plan for 2021. This document will present strategies and
prioritization of programs that will assist our community residents through CDBG
and HOME HUD allocations.
FUND OR ACCOUNT: CDBG - $974,379.00
HOME - $336,456.00
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To allow the public to comment and respond to
the proposed 5-year Regional Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan 2021.
PUBLIC HEARING COMMENCED: No public comments were received.
Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Commissioner German,
to close the public hearing and allow public comment and respond to the
proposed 5-year Regional Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan 2021
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory, Johnson, Gawron Hood,
and Ramsey
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2021-47 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Reconsider Community enCompass Development Agreement
Amendment Commissioner German
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Commissioner German is requesting possible
reconsideration of the request for the Community enCompass Development
Agreement Amendment. At the April 27, 2021 meeting there was a “Motion by
Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to approve the
amendment to the development agreement as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Hood, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory, Johnson, and Gawron
Nays: German
*Commissioner Ramsey disclosed a conflict of interest and did not vote on this
item. The City Charter requires a unanimous vote of the remaining members to
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pass a motion where a conflict of interest is noted. MOTION FAILS
RECOMMENDED MOTION: To reconsider the motion to approve the amendment
to the development agreement with Community enCompass.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga,
to reconsider the motion to approve the amendment to the development
agreement with Community enCompass.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, German
Nays: None
Commissioner Ramsey did not vote due to a conflict of interest.
MOTION PASSES
B. Community enCompass Development Agreement Amendment
Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The lot of 1259 Sanford has been removed from the
agreement, and an alternative city owned lot will take its place to be
determined by city staff.
The Muskegon County Land Bank elected to not execute the purchase
agreement for 1259 Sanford that was previously approved. The prices for
materials and the homes keeps increasing on the manufacturer side and we
need to execute the development agreement soon, so staff is recommending
that the agreement be amended with language to add a third city owned lot
that will be determined during project implementation. The city has many lots
still available in the McLaughlin neighborhood in proximity to the other two lots
that would suit the single-family housing design, but we have not cleared title on
a specific one to add to this agreement as of yet. Approving the development
agreement amendment and giving staff latitude will help ensure that we
complete these affordable homes in this building season, deliver the most units
possible within the budget, and also keep the project on track financially by
allowing us to move forward with the unit purchases before we are exposed to
further material price increases.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the amended development
agreement as presented.
Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to
approve the amendment to the development agreement with Community
enCompass as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Emory, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, German, and Rinsema-
Sybenga
Nays: None
Commissioner Ramsey did not vote due to a conflict of interest.
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MOTION PASSES
2020-48 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Farmers Market – Waiver of Fees for Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of
Commerce City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber is hosting their
Interns on Deck Event on Thursday, June 3, 2021 and is requesting use of the
Farmers Market building for attendee check-in and for a brief presentation.
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber expects 30-40 people to attend the Interns
on Deck event and are requesting use of the Farmers Market as a place for the
attendees to check in and to give a brief presentation. They will then do a bus
tour and use the Farmers Market as an ending location to pass out goody bags.
The fee for rental is $250 for 4 hours.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To waive fees and allow the Muskegon Lakeshore
Chamber to use the Farmers Market on Thursday, June 3, 2021 for their Interns on
Deck event.
Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Commissioner Ramsey,
to waive fees and allow the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber to use the Farmers
Market on Thursday, June 3, 2021 for their Interns on Deck event.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Gawron, Hood, Ramsey, Rinsema-Sybenga, and
Emory
Nays: German
MOTION PASSES
B. Resolution to Place Charter Amendment on the November 2, 2021 Ballot
City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: A resolution is being proposed to amend the City
Charter by changing all gender specific terminology to gender neutral terms
and to correct a cite to the 1908 Michigan Constitution. The resolution is to
place the following language upon the November 2, 2021 ballot.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MUSKEGON CITY CHARTER
The City of Muskegon Charter would be amended to make it clear that the
Charter applies equally to all persons, regardless of gender, and make the
Charter gender neutral.
Shall the City of Muskegon Charter be amended to make it gender neutral?
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution to place a question on
the November 2, 2021 ballot to amend the City of Muskegon City Charter by
changing all gender specific terminology to gender neutral terms and to correct
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a cite to the 1908 Michigan Constitution.
Motion by Commissioner Emory, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, to
approve the resolution to place a question on the November 2, 2021 ballot to
amend the City of Muskegon City Charter by changing all gender specific
terminology to gender neutral terms and to correct a cite to the 1908 Michigan
Constitution.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Hood, Ramsey, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Emory,
and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioner German asked for an update from Chief
Lewis regarding an occurrence from the past weekend. Commissioner Johnson
requested an update on how federal grant money will be spent.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comments were received.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC – City Clerk
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