City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – October 20, 2015 A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by her honor, Mayor Colleen Kenny on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Colleen Kenny, Edward Cote, Roger Zielinski, James Smith, Mark Wittlieff, and Eric Gustad. ABSENT: Robert Goodspeed. ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager – R. Ben Bifoss, City Attorney – George Saylor, City Clerk – Michelle Wright, DPW Director – Jeff Mikula, Finance Director – Ed Bradford, and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton / Spicer Group. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS. None received. CONSENT AGENDA.  Minutes ‐ October 5, 2015 ‐ Special Meeting ‐ October 6, 2015 ‐ Regular Meeting ‐ October 12, 2015 ‐ Special Meeting  Payroll ‐ Sept. 28 – Oct. 11, 2015 ‐ $ 111,464.01  Monthly Bills ‐ September 3, 2015 ‐ $ 2,297,970.75 ‐ September 25, 2015 ‐ $ 424,838.61  Notification Regarding Next Work Session – December 8, 2015 There is no work session in November. A discussion will be conducted on fireworks, Ad Hoc Deer Herd Committee, and such business as may come before the Council. MOTION by Cote, second by Zielinski to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Kenny, Cote, Zielinski, Smith, Wittlieff, and Gustad NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS FOR LIGHTHOUSE PLAYGROUND. The Department of Public Works has been researching existing conditions, options, and costs regarding impacts of the wood preservative used in the materials that form Lighthouse Playground. The preservative is Chromium Copper Arsenate (CCA) and was commonly used for more than 70 years until 2001. While the MDEQ and EPA only regulate arsenic levels in the soil, high concentrations of CCA have been found in the wood structure, chips, and soils at Lighthouse Park. Options include removing the playground, capping or removing the soil, and capping the soil and maintaining the existing structure. | Page 1  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – October 20, 2015 DPW Director Jeff Mikula gave background information on this project. Discussion followed. Council directed staff to continue their research for additional information and schedule a public hearing on this matter to seek public input on the future of the playground. A REPORT FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND THE NON‐MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. Ms. Betsy Evans reported on the activities of the Alliance for Economic Success and responded to questions the Council had regarding their activities. Ms. Christa Johnson reported on the activities of the Non‐Motorized Transportation Committee and responded to questions the Council had regarding their activities. CITIZEN COMMENT. Comments received by:  Gini Pelton – 329 First Avenue and Mary Paine – 531 Broad Avenue / co‐chairs of Lighthouse Park 20 years ago; glad no aggressive action is being taken; would like to be included in future discussions.  Dan Scripps – 103 E. Fifth St., Northport – introduced himself as a candidate for the 101st District State Representative; wants to learn local issues. OFFICIALS AND STAFF. None received. COUNCILMEMBERS. Zielinski stated that a good job was done on the Fire Hall open house. Smith stated that a Veterans Dinner will be held on October 24th at the Elks Club and encouraged all veterans to attend; thanked the Clerk’s Department for their work on the upcoming election. Kenny reminded the public of the Boos, Brews and Brats event happening this weekend. ADJOURN. MOTION to adjourn was made by Cote, second by Zielinski. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Michelle Wright MMC / CPFA, MiCPT City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer | Page 2