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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
April 13, 2009
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2009-31
Present: Commissioners Warmington, Wierengo, Shepherd, Wisneski, Gawron, Carter (arrived
5:38 p.m.), and Spataro.
Absent: None.
2008 Audit Review
Tim Paul, Finance Director, introduced the auditors Eric VanDop and Tim Arter from the firm of
Brickley Delong. Mr. VanDop presented the 2008 audit. The Finance Department was
commended for its handling of city finances.
Wastewater Metering
A new metering device was placed at the C Station to try and get an accurate reading of usage.
Several staff members have been working on the project over the last several months to
determine if the city is being billed accurately.
Bob Kuhn, DPW Director, gave a brief explanation how the system works.
Dave Kendrick, from Muskegon County Wastewater System, stated that the city has the most
complex system to meter. By using the temporary meters, they are trying to get a better read of
the actual flow. With the new meter at the C Station, it is the first time that actual reads have
been obtained for the best read.
The C Station meter will be used along with the other meters for future billings. Currently it
does appear that the city will benefit from the readings and the bill may be reduced in the future.
Mr. Kendrick believes the data can be used for the April billing. Tim Paul stated there is around
a $300,000 billing discrepancy each year in the city’s favor.
Approximately 95% of the flow of the city goes through the C Station.
F irst Quarter Budget Reforecast
Tim Paul, Finance Director, presented the first quarter budget reforecast. The loss of jobs has
created a large negative impact on city income tax revenues. The drop in revenue is larger than
ever anticipated. The state shared revenue is $100 million short each month. It is expected that
the city’s portion of revenue will decrease.
A $500,000 budget stabilization transfer is being recommended at this time.
Bryon Mazade, City Manager, stated that the 2010 economic climate is anticipated to be worse
than 2009.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro seconded by Commissioner Carter, to approve the first
quarter budget reforecast of 2009 and will be put in place April 30h -May 1st as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and Warmington.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
Resolution of Support to Designate US 31 as a Heritage Route
Motion by Commissioner Wisneski, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to adopt a
resolution of support to designate US 31 as a Heritage Route.
MOTION PASSES.
Charter Amendments
a. Change Fiscal Year
b. Change Winter to Summer Tax Collection
c. Modify or Eliminate City Civil Service System
d. Reduce Duration of Board of Review
e. Charter Parks
f. Elimination of a Primary Election in odd years
The City Manager will provide the City Commission additional information regarding charter
parks and a system that could replace the current Civil Service system. Administration will have
language drafted for possible placement on the ballot.
COPS Grant
This item was removed from discussion.
Request to Host National league of Cities
Moved by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Spataro, to approve the
request to host the National League of Cities in September 2009 contingent upon outside
funding sources be secured.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Wierengo, and Wisneski.
Nays: Warmington.
MOTION PASSES.
Commissioner Carter left at 8:00 p.m.
Any Other Business.
150th Anniversary of Muskegon County
Moved by Commissioner Wierengo, seconded by Commissioner Spataro, to approve the
purchase of ½ page ad in the Muskegon Chronicle celebrating Muskegon County’s 150th
Anniversary.
Ayes: Gawron, Spataro, and Wierengo.
Nays: Shepherd, Warmington, and Wisneski.
MOTION DEFEATED.
Public participation was accepted.
Adjournment
Motion by Vice Mayor Gawron, seconded by Commissioner Shepherd, to adjourn at 8:15
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
________________________
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
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