View the PDF version Google Docs PDF Viewer
City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
March 9, 2015
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2015-14
Present: Commissioners German, Hood, Rinsema-Sybenga, Gawron, Johnson, Turnquist, and
Spataro.
Absent: None.
Presentation for P.I.L.O.T. - Berkshire Muskegon.
Frank Peterson, City Manager, announced the city just received notification from MSHDA that
the site has not been approved. Josh Hafron, of General Capital Group, 212 W. Kinsey, Chicago,
IL thanked city staff for their hard work and indicated they would like to find another site in the
downtown area to host a 65 to 75 unit project.
Second Quarter 2014-15 Budget Reforecast.
Staff is transmitting the Second Quarter 2014-15 Budget Reforecast which outlines proposed
changes to the budget that have come about as a result to changes in revenue projections, policy
priorities, labor contracts, updated economic conditions, or other factors.
Derrick Smith, Finance Director, reviewed the second quarter proposed adjustments to the
budget.
This item will be on the March 10, 2015 Commission Meeting for consideration by the
Commission.
Business Improvement District (BID) Resolution.
The Commission is asked to consider adopting a resolution establishing a Business Improvement
District. The boundaries are outlined in the map provided. It is also requested the Commission
establish the board with the following recommended individuals:
Amanda Garabedian – First General Credit Union (121 W. Western Ave.)
Bruce Lindstrom – BellaBay Realty (587 W. Western Ave.)
Justin Clark - Frontier (860 Terrace St.)
Doug Pollock – Parkland Properties/Holiday Inn (939 3rd St.)
Gary Post – Port City Construction Western Ave. Properties LLC (350 W. Western Ave)
Bob Tarrant – Hume Properties LLC (900 3rd St.)
City Manager – City of Muskegon
Jonathan Seyferth, of Downtown Muskegon Now, gave an overview of the proposed BID. A
letter was sent to 130 property owners last week explaining the proposal and he has been
answering questions from those individuals. This does not impact residential property owners.
This item will be on the March 10, 2015 Commission Meeting for consideration by the
Commission.
Any Other Business
Commissioner Johnson questioned the proposed Mobile Food Vendor ordinance amendment and
if fees should be lowered for food vendors who do not own another restaurant in the City of
Muskegon.
Vice Mayor Spataro and Frank Peterson, City Manager, indicated it is a tool to give
entrepreneurs the opportunity to try a food business in downtown and decide if they would like
to open a brick and mortar business in the City.
Frank Peterson asked if the Commission is interested in purchasing more tickets for the Lake
Hawks game for the three additional games during play-offs for $2500 which does include airing
all three games on our government access channel. This will be considered at the March 10,
2015 Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Johnson asked staff what the latest information from Bike Time is?
Jonathan Seyferth and staff did have a meeting with Bike Time. It is unknown who will formally
put in the request to close Western. If the businesses do so, Downtown Now will probably
submit it. The other scenario is a partnership with Bike Time. It will more than likely be a
smaller area being closed for fewer days.
Adjournment.
Motion by Commissioner Hood, seconded by Vice Mayor Spataro to adjourn at 6:53 p.m.
MOTION PASSES
____________________________
Ann Marie Cummings, MMC
City Clerk
Sign up for City of Muskegon Emails