City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 The Manistee City Council met in a work session on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 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, James Grabowski, and Erin Pontiac ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, Public Mayor Smith requested a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the attacks on our country 17 years ago on 9/11. Public Comments. Bob Grabowski, 341 Fourth Street / stated he would like a change to the refuse ordinance enforcing removal of garbage totes from the curbside after the refuse has been picked up. Jim Snoeyink, Vogue Theatre Manager / believes something has to be done with the current refuse situation, but hopes it is something manageable by all on River Street. Discussion on Nonunion DC Pension Plan. Finance Director Ed Bradford led the discussion on the potential of closing the MERS Non‐Union DB Pension plan to new hires and placing all new hires into a defined contribution (DC) plan. If Council decides to close the DB Pension to new hires, it is recommended that we continue using our ICMA 457 plan to provide the DC Plan benefit to new hires. Recommended Plan Structure:  City to Contribute a base 3%, regardless of employee contribution  City matches dollar for dollar up to an additional 7% of salary  Maximum City contribution is 10% CONSENSUS: Staff to prepare agenda item for action at the September 18th or October 2nd meeting. Bandshell Committee Update. Public Works Director Jeff Mikula made a presentation on the First Street Beach Bandshell and reviewed the Parks concept plan. Discussed location, uses, maintenance, and potential revenue from the site. The next step is a feasibility study including market for concerts, constructions costs and funding sources. CONSENSUS: No direction given. Council Work Session – September 11, 2018 Page 1 Discussion on Street Plan. Mayor James Smith requested an opportunity to discuss development of a Street Plan and asked if there was a way to have a summary of information available for residents to access. Public Works Director Jeff Mikula made a presentation showing the extensive database that is already maintained and the information that is currently available. A review was given of street work already completed and anticipated work through 2022. CONSENSUS: No direction given. Discussion on Ordinance 18‐08 Chapter 1060 Garbage and Rubbish Collection and Disposal – Tabled from 8/21/18 agenda. Council led the discussion on Ordinance 18‐08 Chapter 1060 Garbage and Rubbish Collection and Disposal. Discussion included:  Establishing ad hoc committee  This is everyone’s problem – not just River Street  5 Member Committee  Residents included  Jim Grabowski would like to be on committee CONSENSUS: Staff to develop ad hoc committee with 5 members that represent the entire City. Discussion on Ordinance 18‐09 Chapter 1024 Sidewalks (Animals on Riverwalk) – Tabled from 8/21/18 agenda. Council led the discussion on Ordinance 18‐09 Chapter 1024 Sidewalks (Animals on Riverwalk). Discussion included:  Pet friendly community  Allowing dogs on the wider section of the Riverwalk  Bags and receptacles for dog waste  Safety Concerns  Signs  Enforcement  Continue with no skateboards or bicycles on the Riverwalk CONSENSUS: Council would like this item to be added to the agenda for the next Council meeting to direct staff and the City attorney to prepare proper ordinance language. Staff. Middleton gave an update on meeting with MDEQ; productive meeting; discussed basis of design; moving in right direction. Kozal commented on recent grants awarded; ready to move forward with bidding. Council Work Session – September 11, 2018 Page 2 Council Comments. Beaton asked for follow up with the DDA. Zielinski questioned 10% pension cap for new hires in Steelworkers contract. Grabowski asked for an update in the old telephone boxes located around town; wondered if AT&T had been contacted to see if they could be removed. Pontiac stated she has been receiving complaints on blight and overgrown weeds in her district; also questioned the status on cleanup of the home on 11th Street that had the fire. Smith thanked Chief Kozal for reminder of Patriot’s Day; pleasure to lower flag to half‐staff; thanked everyone for attendance at tonight’s meeting. Adjourned at approximately 8:39 p.m. Heather Pefley CMC | CMMC | MiCPT City Clerk Council Work Session – September 11, 2018 Page 3