City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by her honor, Mayor Lynda Beaton on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: David Bachman, Lynda Beaton, Cindy Lundberg, Jermaine Sullivan, Michael Szymanski, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager – Bill Gambill, City Attorney – George Saylor, City Clerk – Heather Pefley, Finance Director – Edward Bradford, DPW Director – Jeff Mikula, City Assessor – Molly Whetstone, Planning & Zoning Administrator – Katie Mehl, Police Chief – Josh Glass, Fire Chief – Mark Cameron, and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS None received. CONSENT AGENDA • Minutes April 19, 2022 Regular Meeting • Financial Reports Cash Balances March 2022 Revenue & Expenses March 2022 Quarterly Financial Report Quarterly Investment Report • Notification Regarding Next Study Session – May 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. A discussion will be conducted on blight enforcement and fees; and such business as may come before Council. • Consideration of Manistee DDA Holding the Hops & Props Event on Saturday, September 17, 2022. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Sullivan to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING THE 2022-2023 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND APPROVING THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022- 2023. Under Section 7-4 of the Charter, the annual budget must be adopted before May 15 of each year. The budget has been the subject of multiple work sessions and a public hearing. Additionally, the City of Manistee is required by state statute to approve the budget of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) before it can be adopted by the Downtown Development Board. The DDA’s proposed budget was | Page 1  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 presented to City Council at the April 5, 2022, City Council regular meeting. If approved by Council, the Downtown Development Authority Board must still hold a public hearing on their budget and vote to adopt it. MOTION by Bachman, second by Szymanski to adopt a resolution approving the 2022-2023 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan and approve the Downtown Development Authority’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The 2022-2023 Budget includes an increase to the seasonal boat launch fee from $45 to $50 as recommended by the Harbor Commission. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 2022-01 FOR FISCAL YEAR END JUNE 30, 2022. The City of Manistee is required by State law to ensure that actual expenditures do not exceed budgeted amounts. Over the course of the current fiscal-year, unanticipated and unbudgeted events and\or Council approved expenditures have occurred. The proposed budget amendment addresses expenditures associated with these events to ensure compliance with State statutes regarding appropriations. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Martin Pontiac to adopt budget amendment 2022-1 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING A CONTRACT TO SUPPORT THE DRINKING WATER ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN. The City received a grant to begin implementing a Drinking Water Asset Management Plan. A portion of the work includes excavating and inspecting water service leads to determine the existing materials. This portion of the work has been publicly advertised and bid. Four bids were received as follows: Monchilov Sewer Services $172,940.00 Davis Construction $363,700.00 Underground Infrastructure Services LLC $364,040.00 Plummer’s Environmental $633,404.00 Engineer’s Estimate $195,700.00 Grant proceeds will fund this work. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the contract documents. MOTION by Martin Pontiac, second by Bachman to award a contract to low bidder Monchilov Sewer Services in the amount of $172,940.00 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement. | Page 2  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING A CONTRACT TO COMPLETE UPGRADES TO TWELFTH STREET FROM OAK TO ELM. The City’s Transportation Improvement Plan has included upgrading a portion of Twelfth Street form Oak to Elm Street for a number of years. Recently safety concerns and the delay of the Washington Street project has moved the project forward in the schedule. The project includes widening the street section to major street standards, adding curb and gutter, construction of a new sidewalk along the north side, pedestrian crossing and new pavement. The project was publicly advertised and bid, with one bid being received as follows: Swidorski Brothers Excavating, LLC $547,849.88 Engineer’s Estimate $600,072.00 The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the contract documents. MOTION by Grabowski, second by Martin Pontiac to award a contract to low bidder Swidorski Brothers Excavating, LLC in the amount of $547,849.88 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MATCH ON MAIN GRANT AGREEMENT. The City of Manistee and Blue Fish Kitchen LLC were awarded a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Match on Main grant. This grant will provide up to $25,000 of reimbursement for eligible activities to renovate and expand the Blue Fish Kitchen restaurant’s back deck. MOTION by Grabowski, second by Szymanski to approve the MEDC Match on Main grant agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the document. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY, RENAISSANCE LOT 12. The City recently received two offers to purchase the City-owned parcel described as Renaissance Lot 12. | Page 3  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 This lot is part of the Renaissance Park located in Manistee Township. These lots are currently subject to Restrictive Covenants. Offer #1: $25,000 Cash Use: Self Storage. The Restrictive Covenants would need to be amended to accept this use, as it does not meet the employment intent. Accepting this offer would be contingent on eliminating/amending the Restrictive Covenants. Offer #2: $17,325 Cash Use: Light Industrial, HangryBrand fishing supplies. The company anticipates hiring 6-10 people within the first two years. They will need a 15,000 sq ft building to start but plan on expanding. MOTION by Bachman, second by Sullivan to accept Offer #2 with a counteroffer in the amount of $22,500. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF THE SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY, SIXTH AVENUE LOT, 51-51-211-105-01. The City has received an offer to purchase the City-owned parcel located on Sixth Avenue just west of Maple Street bridge along the Manistee River. Offer: $110,000 Cash Use: Build two or four-unit housing with finger docks. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Martin Pontiac to accept the offer contingent on the buyer’s acceptance of a counteroffer in the amount of $120,000 and inclusion of the Riverwalk easement and 2-year development agreement. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. The City Clerk has taken action to advertise vacancies on the Compensation Commission, Harbor Commission, Historic District Commission, Housing Commission, PEG Commission, Tree Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayoral and Manager appointments require a motion, second and Council voted support. Nominations for Council appointments do not require a second. After all nominations are made, Council votes on the nominees until one nominee receives majority support. The following applications have been received: *Incumbent | Page 4  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 HOUSING COMMISSION. One vacancy – term ending 05/31/27; Mayoral appointment. Thad Taylor – 581 Eighth Street *Douglas A. Parkes – 724 Harbor Drive Virginia Pelton – 329 First Avenue Mayor Beaton appointed Virginia Pelton, 329 First Avenue, to the Housing Commission, term ending 5/31/2027. MOTION by Sullivan, second by Bachman to support the appointment of Virginia Pelton, 329 First Avenue, to the Housing Commission, term ending 5/31/2027. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Two vacancies – terms ending 05/31/25; applicants shall be a representative of the population distribution and of the various interests present in the City; Mayoral appointment. *Glenn C. Zaring – 321 Fifth Street Mayor Beaton appointed Glenn C. Zaring, 321 Fifth Street, to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term ending 5/31/25. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Grabowski to support the appointment of Glenn C. Zaring, 321 Fifth Street, to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term ending 5/31/25. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None A REPORT FROM THE CITY ASSESSOR. Ms. Molly Whetstone reported on the activities of the City Assessor’s Office and responded to any questions the Council had regarding their activities. CITIZEN COMMENT Seth Pratt, 355 Second Street / commented on the road conditions on Fourth Street and the proposed park at the Ninth Street Boat Launch. Dennis Skiera, 1453 Maple Road / commented on blighted properties in the City and presented photos to staff. | Page 5  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 3, 2022 Gini Pelton, 329 First Avenue / thanked Council for supporting her appointment to the Housing Commission and looks forward to serving; commented on the action being taken by police to clean up blight in the City and notable progress made. Tabbi Krause, 531 Ninth Street / inquired about an upgrade to the light at the intersection at 8th Street and US 31. OFFICIALS AND STAFF Gambill thanked Finance Director Ed Bradford, Staff, and City Council for their work on the budget. Mehl gave an update on a potential increase to the fees for the Zoning Board of Appeals. COUNCILMEMBERS Martin Pontiac thanked everyone for their work on the budget and asked for an update on the demolition for the Gateway project. Grabowski asked for updates on the purchasing of a camera of DPW sewer work, road work at 8th and Cherry, Morton Park, and misc. blight. Szymanski offered recognition for Teacher Appreciation Day/Week and asked for an update on the opening of Maple Street Bridge for pedestrians and cars. Beaton commented on a recent House Bill signed by the Governor that amended the Open Meetings Act to require audio or video recordings of public meetings and added that the City was already in compliance with this requirement. She also offered a reminder for an upcoming fundraiser at the Ramsdell to raise money for the Ukraine; thanked Ed Bradford, Bill Gambill, and Staff for their work on the budget; thanked Boards & Commission applicants. Lundberg inquired about live streaming for Council meetings. ADJOURN MOTION by Szymanski to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Heather Pefley, CMC / MiPMC II City Clerk | Page 6