City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2019 The Manistee City Council met in a work session on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 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, Michael Szymanski, James Grabowski and Erin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, and Public Public Comments None DISCUSSION ON FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN – City Manager Thad Taylor and Finance Director Ed Bradford – City Manager Thad Taylor and Finance Director Ed Bradford led a discussion on the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Staff presented a proposed budget which is balanced, includes funding for street improvements and does not use fund balance. Councilmembers voiced concern for needing a part-time blight enforcement employee and inquired about options to add this to the budget. Bradford indicated that there will be health care cost savings of approximately $6,000 and that savings could be put toward the cost of hiring a blight employee. However in order to cover the balance of the cost either cuts would need to be made to the proposed budget or would need to use fund balance. Beaton suggested instituting a method for blight reporting by citizens on the City’s website. Beaton also asked for an overview of the future City street repair schedule. DPW Director Jeff Mikula and City Engineer Shawn Middleton provided the lists of proposed street projects for the years of 2020 – 2023. Budget discussions also included City Marina revenues and expenses. Bradford is hopeful that completion of the dock repairs will increase revenues this year. Consensus: Council asked Staff to include a part-time blight enforcement employee to the proposed budget and agreed to the use of fund balance and health care savings to cover the cost. Council Work Session – April 9, 2019 Page 1 OTHER – City Manager Thad Taylor updated Councilmembers about erosion occurring along the south side of the river channel as well as damage to the Riverwalk from the extreme winter weather and high lake water levels. Mikula presented photos demonstrating the erosion and existing damage. Sections of the Riverwalk have been closed to the public for safety reasons. Taylor explained that there will be discussions with the Corps of Engineers to explore viable options for repairs and stabilizing those areas. Adjourned at approximately 8:07 pm. Respectfully submitted, Lora Y Laurain Deputy Clerk Council Work Session – April 9, 2019 Page 2