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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
December 12, 2011
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2011-86
Present: Commissioners Warmington, Gawron, Wierengo, Carter, Spataro, Shepherd, and
Wisneski.
Absent: Vice Mayor Gawron.
Improvement Plan for Hackley Park - Donor.
A donor has come forward who wishes to make several landscaping improvements to enhance
Hackley Park in honor of her late husband. Schultz Transport, Inc. along with Cathy Brubaker-
Clarke made a presentation of the proposed improvements.
This item will be considered by the City Commission at the December 13, 2011 meeting.
Mayors Task Force.
Mayor Warmington made a presentation regarding the Mayors Task Force. The Task Force has
been discussing issues currently facing the youth in our community. Problems include lack of
employment, community trust, safety, cultural, communication barriers, programs, and outlets
for the youth.
Representatives from Michigan Works were present to explain the changes they’ve made to their
approach to youth seeking employment. A nine week program was added which allows younger
people to be paired with employers to develop skills needed in a work environment. Muskegon
High School has a JAG program that works with students to make sure that school grades are
satisfactory, develop employability skills, invite speakers, etc. The program is specifically
working with students who have struggled with issues within the society to make them
productive members within the community.
Dwana Thompson, Affirmative Action Director, is with working with organizations to register
with 2-1-1 so residents may obtain information of those services available in one location by
through that program.
Chris Carter suggested a program be developed through the high school to teach life skills to
students and how to deal with conflict, anger management, and other issues placed on the youth.
The City Commission agreed that the City will fund the first organizational meeting to develop a
plan with organizations to teach youth the life skills needed to succeed. All future programs
supported by the City will be required to give a small amount of time toward this endeavor to be
considered for any grants from the City.
Mr. Churchwell spoke about the Youth Service Counsel.
Dave McGough spoke about a reading program and the difficulties encountered by those that can
not read and their lack of employability. Reading credits should be mandatory in the Junior and
Senior High Schools.
The Mayor has scheduled meetings with all neighborhood organizations to discuss the program
and issues that are being faced by the youth.
Agreement with Digital Spectrum Enterprises.
The Commission indicated they want to continue televising City Commission meetings. City
staff will present an agreement for their consideration at the January 10, 2012 meeting.
2012 and 2013 Salary Schedule for Part-Time and Limited-Term Employees and the 2012
and 2013 Salary Schedule and Fringe Benefits for Non-Represented Employees.
The salary schedule for employees was discussed.
This item has been placed on the December 12, 2011 for consideration.
Adjournment.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Shepherd to adjourn at 7:12
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
________________________
Ann Marie Cummings, MMC
City Clerk
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