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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
March 9, 2009
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2009-20
Present: Commissioners Warmington, Wierengo, Shepherd, Wisneski, Gawron, Carter, and
Spataro.
Absent: None.
Muskegon Public School Bond Issue. Colin Armstrong
Colin Armstrong presented a proposal in which Muskegon Public Schools is asking for a 5.7 mill
for a bond proposal to purchase computers, upkeep on the school buildings, as well as other
improvements. A special election will be held on May 5, 2009.
Muskegon Summer Celebration Payment Plan Request. City Manager
Joe Austin and Tim Achterhof presented a letter requesting approval of a payment plan for
Muskegon Summer Celebration indicating even though ticket sales were large last year, artists’
fees have increased dramatically.
Bryon Mazade disclosed that he is chairman of the Muskegon Summer Celebration board.
Mayor Warmington disclosed that he is chairman of Muskegon Bike Time board and find they
are in a similar position.
Moved by Commissioner Shepherd, supported by Commissioner Spataro to approve
Muskegon Summer Celebration’s request for a payment plan of city fees incurred in 2008
that will include a $20,000 payment by June 1, 2009 and the remainder of the balance by
September 30, 2009.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, and Wierengo.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
Charter Amendments. City Manager
City Commissioners have been asked to consider possible charter amendments. A list of
possible charter changes are as follows:
Changes in the city’s fiscal year to align with the federal, state, and county fiscal years.
Change from winter to summer tax collections.
Eliminate the August Primary for City Commissioners.
Modify or eliminate the city’s civil service system.
A reduction in the number of days that the Board of Review holds session to better align with the
session of other local units.
A release of certain properties from the “Charter Park” restriction.
Commissioners asked that a plan be presented that would take the place of the current civil
service system if it is replaced.
Mr. Mazade will provide a list of charter parks to the City Commissioners.
This item will be placed on the April worksession for consideration.
2009-2010 Healthcare Program. Finance
Mr. Tim Paul, Finance Director, presented the proposed 2009-2010 healthcare program. Citing
rising costs, several changes are being recommended to the current program. It is hoped that the
changes will keep premiums at approximately the same rate for 2009-2010.
Any Other Business.
Public participation was accepted.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Shepherd to adjourn at 6:30
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
________________________
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
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