City Council
Regular MeetingManistee, MI · August 20, 2019
Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by his honor, Mayor Roger Zielinski
on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Dale Cooper, Lynda Beaton, Roger Zielinski, Robert Goodspeed, Michael Szymanski,
James Grabowski and Erin Pontiac.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager – Thad Taylor, City Attorney – George Saylor, City Deputy Clerk – Lora
Laurain, DPW Director – Jeff Mikula, Finance Director – Edward Bradford, Public
Safety Director – Tim Kozal and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING – RURAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE II WET WEATHER CORRECTIVE
ACTION PROGRAM (WWCAP)
A public informational meeting is required as part of the Rural Development funding and application
submittal process. This meeting provided the citizenry an opportunity to become acquainted with the
proposed project as well as to comment on such items as economic and environmental impacts, service
area and alternatives considered for the project.
DPW Director Mikula presented Council with the background on the NPDES Permit and Correction
Action Plan and updated timelines for Phase II of the wastewater improvements funding and
construction. Mikula laid out the next steps of the process including Rural Development Loan
Application, Review, Permit Submittals, Project Bidding and Construction. The Project is scheduled to
begin in Spring 2020 and be completed Fall 2020, with a possible alternative completion date of Fall
2021.
Ed Tegler, 522 Fifth Avenue – asked about conditions of a catastrophic event.
City Engineer Middleton provided information on current wastewater flow capacity and stated that the
new system will quadruple the flow capacity when completed.
No other comments were received. Public Hearing closed at 7:22 pm.
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS
Paul Glaser, 253 Fifth Street – spoke regarding the golf cart issue.
Michelle Hanson, 387 Eleventh Street – encouraged Council to limit the number of marihuana licenses
available.
Eric Piedmont, Traverse City resident, of Fresh Coast Provisioning – spoke against unlimited marihuana
permits in the City of Manistee.
Tom Swedenborg, 562 First Street – supports the purchase of additional No Wake signage in the harbor.
Art Periard, 9 Cottage Lane – spoke in support of the proposed golf cart ordinance.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
CONSENT AGENDA.
Minutes - August 6, 2019 - Regular Meeting
- August 13, 2019 - Work Session
Financial Reports
- Payroll July 2019
- Invoices July 2019
Consideration of Ordinance 19-19 Adding Chapter 460 Golf Carts
Michigan law permits, subject to a municipality authorizing, the use of golf carts on streets of a
city with a population of less than 30,000. The Ordinance Committee has reviewed Ordinance
19-19 that would add Chapter 460 to the city of Manistee Codified Ordinances and would allow
the use of golf carts, registered with the City of Manistee Police Department, on City streets.
Use of the golf carts is subject to restrictions established within the ordinance.
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the
August 6, 2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
Consideration of Ordinance 19-20 Amending Chapter 866 Medical Marihuana Facilities
The City of Manistee Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinance permits up to three Provisioning
Centers. Under State law, a single business may operate both a Provisioning Center and
Marihuana Retailer, at the same location. This means that three businesses could utilize all six
Provisioning Center permits and Marihuana Retailer licenses. Initial interest suggests that the
requests for Provisioning Center permits and Marihuana Retailer Licenses will exceed what is
currently authorized by City Ordinance. An amendment to chapter 866 is being proposed that
would authorize an unlimited number of Provisioning Center permits; however, the number of
parcels available in the marihuana Sales Overlay District is a limiting factor in how many
Provisioning Center permits will be requested. The proposed amendment also limits the
duration of a provisional permit to one year.
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the
August 6, 2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
Consideration of Ordinance 19-21 Amending Chapter 867 Recreational Marihuana
The City of Manistee Recreational Marihuana Ordinance authorizes up to three Marihuana
Retailers. Under State law, a single business may operate both a Provisioning Center and
Marihuana Retailer, at the same location. This means that three businesses could utilize all six
Provisioning Center permits and Marihuana Retailer licenses. Initial interest suggests that the
requests for Provisioning Center Permits and Marihuana Retailer Licenses will exceed what is
currently authorized by City Ordinance. Similar to the previous agenda item, an amendment to
Chapter 867 is being proposed that would authorize an unlimited number of Marihuana Retailer
Licenses and Marihuana Microbusinesses; however, the number of parcels available in the
Marihuana Sales Overlay District for these businesses is a limiting factor in how many licenses
will be requested. The proposed amendment also limits the duration of a provisional license to
one year.
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the
August 6, 2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
Consideration of Ordinance 19-22 Amending Chapter 1420 State Construction Code
In 2015 the City eliminated local building inspection responsibilities and delegated that
responsibility to the State of Michigan. City Council agreed to a contract with SAFEbuilt to
conduct all inspections (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical). For the City to resume
handling building inspection responsibilities and to assume the responsibility for electrical,
plumbing, and mechanical inspections, an Amendment to Chapter 1420 is required. The City
Attorney has prepared Ordinance 19-22.
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the
August 6, 2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
Notification Regarding Next Work Session – September 10, 2019
A discussion will be conducted on Refuse Collection Options/Refuse Committee
Recommendations, Project Rising Tide Update, and Strategic Plan Update; and such business as
may come before Council.
Consideration of Manistee Catholic Central Homecoming Parade
A request has been received to hold the Manistee Catholic Central High School Homecoming
Parade on Friday, September 27, 2019 commencing at 4:30 pm. The parade would assemble at
the Manistee Tire parking lot and parade down Division Street to River Street, concluding at Oak
Street.
Councilmember Szymanski requested the removal of item VII; c.) Consideration of Ordinance 19-21
Amending Chapter 867 Recreational Marihuana; and Mayor Pro-Tem Beaton requested the removal of
item VII; b.) Consideration of Ordinance 19-20 Amending Chapter 866 Medical Marihuana Facilities.
MOTION by Szymanski, second by Grabowski to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the
removal of items VII; c Consideration of Ordinance 19-21 Amending Chapter 867 Recreational
Marihuana and VII; b Consideration of Ordinance 19-20 Amending Chapter 866 Medical Marihuana
Facilities.
With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 19-20 AMENDING CHAPTER 866 MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES
The City of Manistee Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinance permits up to three Provisioning Centers.
Under State law, a single business may operate both a Provisioning Center and Marihuana Retailer, at
the same location. This means that three businesses could utilize all six Provisioning Center permits and
Marihuana Retailer licenses. Initial interest suggests that the requests for Provisioning Center permits
and Marihuana Retailer Licenses will exceed what is currently authorized by City Ordinance. An
amendment to chapter 866 is being proposed that would authorize an unlimited number of Provisioning
Center permits; however, the number of parcels available in the marihuana Sales Overlay District is a
limiting factor in how many Provisioning Center permits will be requested. The proposed amendment
also limits the duration of a provisional permit to one year.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the August 6,
2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
MOTION by Beaton, second by Cooper to adopt Ordinance 19-20 amending Chapter 866 Medical
Marihuana Facilities.
Discussion included aspects of competition and the possibility of amending the ordinance in the future.
With a roll call vote this motion to amend the ordinance passed, 4-3.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski and Szymanski
NAYS: Goodspeed, Grabowski and Pontiac
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 19-21 AMENDING CHAPTER 867 RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA
The City of Manistee Recreational Marihuana Ordinance authorizes up to three Marihuana Retailers.
Under State law, a single business may operate both a Provisioning Center and Marihuana Retailer, at
the same location. This means that three businesses could utilize all six Provisioning Center permits and
Marihuana Retailer licenses. Initial interest suggests that the requests for Provisioning Center Permits
and Marihuana Retailer Licenses will exceed what is currently authorized by City Ordinance. Similar to
the previous agenda item, an amendment to Chapter 867 is being proposed that would authorize an
unlimited number of Marihuana Retailer Licenses and Marihuana Microbusinesses; however, the
number of parcels available in the Marihuana Sales Overlay District for these businesses is a limiting
factor in how many licenses will be requested. The proposed amendment also limits the duration of a
provisional license to one year.
As an ordinance two separate readings are required. This ordinance was introduced at the August 6,
2019 meeting and could be adopted at this time.
MOTION by Beaton, second by Cooper to adopt Ordinance 19-21 amending Chapter 867 Recreational
Marihuana Facilities.
With a roll call vote this motion to amend the ordinance failed, 3-4.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton and Zielinski
NAYS: Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
CONSIDERATION OF APPLYING FOR A LOW INTEREST LOAN TO FUND PHASE II OF THE CITY’S WET
WEATHER CORRECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM
The current NPDES Permit includes requirements to complete a Wet Weather Corrective Action Program
(WWCAP). This WWCAP includes a two-phased approach to reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) at its
source and to convey, treat and store excess I&I at the WWTP. As part of this program, the City has
secured Phase I funding through Rural Development (USRDA) and requires a second loan for Phase II to
finance the work.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
MOTION by Cooper, second by Goodspeed to approve the application for a USRDA loan application in
the amount not to exceed $18 million dollars and if successfully awarded, authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the necessary documents.
With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CONSIDERATION OF A LICENSE RENEWAL WITH THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO ALLOW
ANNUAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON THE SOUTH BREAKWATER, MANISTEE HARBOR
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has requested a renewal of the license agreement with the City of
Manistee for the annual fireworks display on the south breakwater located in the harbor at First Street
Beach. The current license agreement expired July 31, 2019. The administrative fee to renew the license
is $350 for a five year term.
MOTION by Goodspeed, second by Grabowski to support and approve a license agreement with the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to allow the annual fireworks display on the south breakwater in the Manistee
Harbor.
With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CONSIDERATION OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUNITY POOL AGREEMENT FOR THE OPERATION
OF THE PAINE AQUATIC CENTER
The original agreement expired on August 12, 2019. A new agreement has been reached with the
Manistee Area Public Schools. The agreement is, for the most part, identical to the original agreement.
This agreement is for five (5) years and will automatically renew for an additional five (5) years unless
otherwise amended and signed by both parties in writing. The City’s annual contribution will remain the
same at $40,000.
MOTION by Goodspeed, second by Szymanski to approve the new Intergovernmental Community Pool
Agreement for the Operation of the Paine Aquatic Center; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
sign the document.
MOTION by Grabowski, second by Cooper to table the Consideration of An Intergovernmental
Community Pool Agreement For The Operation Of The Paine Aquatic Center for discussion at the
September 10, 2019 Work Session.
With a roll call vote this motion to table passed unanimously.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF A 2020 FORD EXPLORER
The City of Manistee has provided a vehicle for staff members to utilize for travel and training. The
current 2007 Ford Escape was scheduled to be replaced in the next fiscal year; however, it has
experienced mechanical issues and requires replacement. Feedback from staff utilization has resulted in
the recommended purchase of a 2020 Ford Explorer purchased through MiDEAL.
MOTION by Beaton, second by Grabowski to approve the purchase of a 2020 Ford Explorer from Gorno
Ford in the amount of $29,647.
With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF NO WAKE SIGNAGE FOR THE MANISTEE HARBOR
The City of Manistee has received several complaints of boaters violating the No Wake Zone in the
Manistee Harbor. The Harbor Commission requested as part of the enforcement to analyze needs for
improved and additional signage. Twelve large no wake signs and eight small no wake signs were
recommended. The Harbor Commission recommends Council approval to purchase and erect new No
Wake signage for the Manistee Harbor. This will assist with notification and enforcement. The total cost
would not exceed $1,600.
MOTION by Cooper, second by Szymanski to authorize the purchase of No Wake signage for the
Manistee Harbor.
With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Cooper, Beaton, Zielinski, Goodspeed, Szymanski, Grabowski and Pontiac
NAYS: None
CITIZEN COMMENT
Set Pratt, 355 Second Street – spoke regarding blight and noise issues at 353 Second Street.
Paul Glaser, 253 Fifth Street – spoke regarding additional hit and run incidents on Fifth Street; and also
regarding the motion on the Paine Aquatic Center.
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 20, 2019
OFFICIALS AND STAFF
Taylor addressed the blight issue on Second Street and reported that police are monitoring the situation
and will continue to follow up.
Kozal also provided information on police action regarding the blight issue on Second Street as well as a
blight issue on Twelfth Street.
Bradford reported that the Fifth Avenue beach camera is now functional and draws a large amount of
web traffic and there is the possibility of adding more cameras in the future.
COUNCILMEMBERS
Pontiac encouraged the public to use the City’s website feature which allows for blight reporting.
Beaton stated that blight is the number one complaint by residents and suggested that Council form an
ad hoc committee comprised of City residents to address blight issues.
Council consensus was that they would like City Manager Taylor to form an ad hoc committee
comprised of a representative from each district along with staff to address blight concerns.
ADJOURN.
MOTION to adjourn was made by Goodspeed. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm.
Lora Y Laurain
Deputy Clerk
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