City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2020 The Manistee City Council met in a work session on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dale Cooper, Lynda Beaton, Roger Zielinski, Jermaine Cipcic, Michael Szymanski, James Grabowski and Erin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, Public, and Media Public Comments: Kathryn Levy, 361 Second Street – spoke in favor of a blight patrol officer. Dick Albee, 365 Lighthouse Way S. – encouraged Council to approve the proposed resolution for Racial Justice, Inclusion and Diversity at the March 17th Council meeting. Lisa Allen, 74 Pine Street – spoke in support of the resolution for Racial Justice, Inclusion and Diversity. Chris Schultz, 500 Second Street – spoke in opposition of the proposed resolution for Racial Injustice, Inclusion and Diversity. Teresa Omachi, 355 Lighthouse Way S. – spoke in support of the resolution for Racial Justice, Inclusion and Diversity; will give Manistee a good reputation and be welcoming to all. Al Frye, 2264 Merkey Road – expressed the importance of the proposed resolution. Discussion on Racial Justice, Inclusion and Diversity Resolution. – Manistee County Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative. Council made recommendations for amendments to the revised resolution presented. Items discussed included: • addition of the word color, familial status, & economic status • support the laws of our Constitution, Federal & State Government • not intended to restrict first amendment rights • acknowledge the Federal Government is the authority with regards to immigration • resolution is not law, but a position taken as a community; affirmation of things we believe and would like to support and acknowledge • review by City Attorney Council Work Session – March 11, 2020 Page 1 CONSENSUS: Council directed staff to make the recommended revisions to the resolution, have it reviewed by the City Attorney, and add it to a future agenda for Council approval. Consumers Energy Remediation Presentation – Andrew Santini project manager gave a presentation on the Consumers Energy remediation of the former Manufactured Gas Plant site. The presentation included status of work completed, upcoming work, process and schedules. A temporary license will be needed from the City for completion of work required. Council will consider approval of this license at the March 17th Council meeting. Discussion on Neighborhood Enterprise Zones – Kyle Storey, Manistee County Planning and Zoning Administrator gave an informational presentation on Neighborhood Enterprise Zones. The presentation included an overview of the program, how it works, types of projects, process, and target areas. The NEZ is an opportunity to fix the current housing stock in the City. Council agreed that Maxwell Town would be good starting point for this program. Discussion on Short-Term Rentals – Kyle Storey, Manistee County Planning and Zoning Administrator gave a presentation on Short-Term Rentals. Presentation and discussion included: • short term/vacation rentals • websites associated with short-term rentals • significant increase in short term rentals from 2016-2019 • pros and cons • need for housing • revenue from short-term rental licensing fees • goals of short-term rental policies • options • licensing requirements • regulation Discussion on Budget Priorities - Thad Taylor, City Manager led the discussion on budget priorities and asked Council for input on ideas outside of the bond issues already discussed. Council ideas included: • First Street Bandshell – need assessment • Blight Officer • Streets • Sidewalk/bike paths; walkability study Taylor informed Council that staff will be meeting next week to try to get to a balanced budget. OTHER: Pontiac asked when the new garbage service will begin. Council Work Session – March 11, 2020 Page 2 Mikula stated the mandatory cart with trash bag opt out service will begin July 1st; currently working with Republic Service now on implementation and public education. Also, notified Council that the yard waste bags previously sold by the City will no longer be used for leaf pick up; we will now only pick up the brown kraft paper bags, sold by local stores, for leaf pickup. Pontiac asked for an update on the recycling drop off site now located at MCC. Zielinski informed Council that Ken Armor, owner of Iron Works, would like to meet with some Councilmembers to discuss plans and receive input. Pontiac asked for an update on the election. Adjourned at 8:37 pm. Respectfully submitted, Heather Pefley CMC/CMMC, MiCPT City Clerk Council Work Session – March 11, 2020 Page 3