City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 The Manistee City Council met in a work session on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bachman, Lynda Beaton, Cindy Lundberg, Jermaine Sullivan, Michael Szymanski, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, and Public PUBLIC COMMENTS: None DISCUSSION ON RECYCLING - Department of Public Works Director Jeff Mikula and Matt Biolette, Republic Services led a discussion on recycling. Mikula gave an overview of the current recycling program which is in partnership with and located behind Manistee Catholic Central School. The school is planning to move the collection area away from the school building and closer to 12th Street. During the pandemic it has been difficult to staff the cardboard collection program with volunteers, however the site is checked daily by DPW staff and there are no major issues with the current system. Biolette explained changes in the recycling industry since 2015 including increased processing costs and pandemic related shifts in volumes from commercial to residential. Glass continues to be cost prohibitive to include in the recycling program. Staffing shortages caused by the pandemic also add to increased costs. The following three recycling program alternatives were presented: 1. Continue and improve the partnership with Manistee Catholic Central School 2. Bring the program back to the City as a drop off location 3. Institute curbside recycling for all City residents – approximate cost to residents would be $6 - $8 per month CONSENSUS: Council directed staff to present curbside recycling options and costs. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Department of Public Works Director Jeff Mikula and Engineer of Record Shawn Middleton provided an update of construction projects in the City. 2021 Construction Projects: • Riverbank erosion, retaining wall and Riverwalk repairs • Jackson & Van Buren Streets • Municipal buildings roof improvements: Clean Water Recovery Facility, City Hall, Maple Street Bridge House, well field pump houses, DDA restroom, Fire Station, and Water Works Building • Rural Development Phase IIA Conveyance • Rural Development Phase IIB CWRF Council Work Session –September 14, 2021 Page 1  • 8th Street • Rural Development IA Pipe Lining • Municipal Marina Dock Replacement Phase 2 2022 Anticipated Projects: • Quincy & Cleveland Streets • Fire Hall exterior and site improvements • Maple Street Bridge • 5th Avenue area flood mitigation • 1st Street relief sewer • Municipal Marina dock repairs • Rural Development IIA Conveyance – 7th & Ramsdell Streets • Rural Development IIB – headworks, pumps, screens, tank storage, etc. • Washington Street/Memorial Drive – exploring funding options • Riverwalk asset management plan • Water towers maintenance Mikula encouraged Councilmembers to contact him for tours of any of the current and future projects; reported that the manufacturer of the clock located downtown has not responded to requests for repair estimates. OTHER Grabowski asked for clarification on the Rietz Park apartment complex renovation plans. Beaton asked if the City has received any ARP funds. Martin Pontiac asked for an update on recent pedestrian involved incidents. Police Chief Glass reported that the demolition of 1018 High Street is in progress. Beaton introduced new City Manager Bill Gambill. Mr. Gambill stated that he is happy to be working here in Manistee and has been addressing roofing issues, the student pedestrian incidents and is scheduling meetings with department directors. Councilmembers welcomed Gambill and expressed a desire to meet with him soon. Fire Chief Cameron announced the new ambulance has arrived and is being utilized. Adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lora Y Laurain, MiPMC Deputy Clerk Council Work Session –September 14, 2021 Page 2