City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 2022 The Manistee City Council met in a study session on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 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: Department Directors and Media PUBLIC COMMENTS: None received. SMOKE ON THE WATER EVENT PRESENTATION – Bob Ogilvie, Salt City Rock and Blues Inc. and William McKenzie, Authentic 231 gave a presentation on the collaboration between the Salt City Rock and Blues Fest and Authentic 231 for the Smoke on the Water Event. The proposed event would feature the Deep Purple Tribute Band on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Mr. Ogilvie provided background on Salt City Rock and Blues and noted they are entering their 10th year of service to the Manistee Community. He reviewed their notable community efforts and accomplishments and stated their current focus is the construction of the First Street Beach Amphitheater. Mr. McKenzie further explained Authentic 231’s commitment to investing in the community and reviewed their recent community involvement. Mr. McKenzie addressed community concerns including liability, security, and transportation to and from the event. He also provided facts about marijuana and marijuana use. Discussion included: • Dial A Ride service for event • Booth space will be offered to other local marijuana establishments to rent at the event • Attendance will be limited • Tickets will be sold prior to the event • Cannabis will only be allowed in the designated consumption area at the event • Law enforcement increase call for service • Increase revenue for hotels, restaurants, retail shops, etc. • State of Michigan requires 90 day notice for these events CONSENSUS: This event will be on the April 5, 2022, regular meeting agenda for Council consideration. DISCUSSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTAKE PROCESS – Economic Development Director Marc Miller led the discussion on the Manistee County Development Incentive Plan and presented a draft Property Tax Abatement Incentive Matrix and asked for feedback from Council. Council commented on the various requirements listed in the matrix and provided input. Council would like to see additional focus on smaller investors. Council Study Session – March 8, 2022 Page 1 DISCUSSION ON BIRD SCOOTERS – City Manager Bill Gambill presented information on Bird Scooters and stated the company is interested in bringing their scooters to the City of Manistee. The scooters are accessible by a smartphone app that unlocks the scooter for a fee paid by a credit card. Discussion included: • Technology limits where scooters can travel • Scooters not allowed on sidewalks or riverwalk • Bird would handle repairs and balancing of scooters • Revenue sharing for City • Liability • City is indemnified • Unlock fee & charged per minute • Locations for parking scooters • Local ordinance may be needed DISCUSSION ON SIGN ORDINANCE – Manistee County Planning Director Mike Szokola gave a presentation on signs and improving signage on US-31. He reported on the types on signs currently used, their current conditions, problems with implementation, current sign ordinance, wayfinding, and next steps. Discussion included: • Grandfather Clause • Signs in the right of way • Removal of signs • Education – website/social media • Blighted signs • Enforcement OTHER: Grabowski asked if an estimate as been received to have the clock on River Street repaired. Szymanski asked if the light at River Street and Maple Street could be changed to a flashing light while the Maple Street bridge is closed for construction. There being no further business, the study session adjourned at approximately 8:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Heather Pefley, CMC/ MiPMC II City Clerk Council Study Session – March 8, 2022 Page 2