City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2017 The Manistee City Council met in a work session on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dale Cooper, Lynda Beaton, Roger Zielinski, Robert Goodspeed, James Smith, Mark Wittlieff, Erin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Thad Taylor, Finance Director Ed Bradford, DPW Director Jeff Mikula, Sergeant Steve Schmeling, City Engineer Shawn Middleton, Public Public Comments on Work Session Related Items. None Discussion on Recycling Center. Councilmember Mark Wittlieff requested an opportunity to discuss the recycling center. He is concerned with camera clarity and with the possibility of problems with trash at the center.  Viewed various video clips from various cameras at the Recycling Center.  Question: Is Recycling Center open to businesses; it isn’t.  Discussion on recycle container contamination; has not been an issue to date.  Talked about Manistee Township situation and avoiding a similar situation in the City. CONSENSUS: Continue with current mode of operation. Monitor and recommend changes if/as necessary. Provide education on residential use only. Move high definition camera to position of maximum benefit. Work with media on article regarding recycling and rules of recycling center. Discussion on Traffic Speeds on First Street. Councilmember Erin Pontiac requested an opportunity to discuss traffic speeds on First Street and requested 15 mph signs on First Street near Cherry.  Sergeant Schmeling explained that 15 mph signs are unenforceable, prima facie speed on residential streets is 25 mph.  Talked about enforcement steps taken and perception that vehicles are going faster than they actually are.  Don’t believe we can post lower than 25 mph due to UTC and MVC stipulations. CONSENSUS: Place radar trailer in straight-away portions near beach. Police Department to have directed traffic patrol in the area of beach/playgrounds/pavilions. Consider portable speed bumps. Council Work Session - August 8, 2017 Page 1 Discussion on Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and Ways to Address Streets Faster. Mayor Pro-Tem Zielinski requested an opportunity to discuss ways to address streets faster. City staff and engineer provided a presentation on the current plan, cost estimates and past presentations to Council.  Jeff Mikula talked about focus on protecting good roads to prevent them from going bad.  Jeff Mikula said limiting factor is amount of dollars available.  Discussed TIP and also increased state funding for streets.  Discussed needed repairs to Quincy Street to include underground utilities.  Discussed scope of work needed for streets in very poor condition.  Discussed Headlee override to fund more street improvements. CONSENSUS: Bring back dollars needed to address street problems and options for an expanded street improvement plan for Council to discuss. Discussion on Blight Ordinance / Procedures. Councilmember Lynda Beaton requested an opportunity to discuss blight and would like the Police Department to work with Tyler Leppanen on a fillable blight complaint form for City’s website. Sergeant Schmeling explained blight complaint process. Talked about capacity of Police Department for blight enforcement. Discussed adding part-time person in next year’s budget to assist with blight enforcement. CONSENSUS: Develop an online reporting form for website for citizens to report blight conditions; include complainant contact information. Discussion on Redevelopment Liquor Licenses. DDA Director Tyler Leppanen requested an opportunity to discuss proposed changes to the DDA’s Redevelopment Liquor License policy. Reviewed DDA’s changes to the policy. CONSENSUS: Agreed with the changes to the Redevelopment Liquor License policy/guidelines. Adjourned at approximately 8:52 p.m. Thad N. Taylor, City Manager TNT:cl Council Work Session - August 8, 2017 Page 2