City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 17, 2022 A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by her honor, Mayor Lynda Beaton on Tuesday, May 17, 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, Police Chief – Josh Glass, Fire Chief – Mark Cameron, and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS Tabbi Krause, 531 Ninth Street / spoke in support of the Electric Mobility Devices and Shared Mobility Devices Ordinance and the agreement with Bird Scooters. Lindsey Swidorski, 2797 W. Fox Farm Road, owner Tj’s Pub / spoke in support of the proposed agreement with the Manistee Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development Services. CONSENT AGENDA • Minutes May 3, 2022 Regular Meeting May 10, 2022 Study Session • Financial Reports Payroll April 2022 Invoices April 2022 • Notification Regarding Next Study Session – June 14, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. A discussion will be conducted on short-term rentals; and such business as may come before Council. MOTION by Grabowski, second by Martin Pontiac 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 ORDINANCE 22-02 TO ADD CHAPTER 470 – ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES AND SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES TO THE CITY OF MANISTEE CODIFIED ORDINANCES. The City Attorney has worked with the City Staff to draft Chapter 470, which governs the operation of electric mobility devices and shared mobility devices within the City of Manistee. As an ordinance two separate readings are required. If this ordinance is introduced at this time, it could be adopted at the next regular meeting. | Page 1  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 17, 2022 MOTION by Grabowski, second by Szymanski to introduce Ordinance 22-02 adding Chapter 470 – Electric Mobility Devices and Shared Mobility Devices to the City of Manistee Codified Ordinances. Discussion included the 15 mile per hour speed limit applies to electric scooters not electric bicycles, age restrictions, and enforcement of violations. The Ordinance will exclude electric bicycles from the 15 mile per hour restriction. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH BIRD SCOOTERS TO PROVIDE SHARED MOBILITY SERVICE IN THE CITY OF MANISTEE FOR THE 2022 SPRING/SUMMER SEASON. The possibility of Bird Scooters providing shared mobility service to the City of Manistee was discussed at the March 8, 2022, City Council Study Session. This proposed agreement with Bird Scooters is a one season trial, with the agreement terminating in December 2022. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Sullivan to approve the agreement with Bird Scooters to provide shared mobility service in the City for the 2022 spring/summer season and authorize the City Manager 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 THE SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY, RENAISSANCE PARK LOTS 10 AND 11. The City received offers to purchase City-owned parcels described as Renaissance Lots 10 and 11. These lots are part of the Renaissance Park located in Manistee Township. Apex Utility Services is requesting to purchase the properties to build a 24/7 data center for long term blockchain computing hosting facility. The company plans to hire 3-5 staff. Apex Utility Services has verified with Consumer’s Energy that there is sufficient power available at these lots to support their proposed operation. The lots were both listed for $23,850 each; Apex has offered $21,000 for each lot. Gambill presented his proposed counteroffer in the amount of $22,500 for lot 11 and $22,500 for lot 10 with additional terms and conditions including seller retains oil, gas, and mineral rights, excluding right to explore for or produce from the property being sold; removing language that requires the City turn over property free of debris as it doesn’t apply; contingent on Manistee Twp. Zoning approval. MOTION by Szymanski, second by Sullivan to accept the offers of $21,000 for each lot with the inclusion of the City Manager’s recommended proposed additional terms and conditions; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute all closing documents. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. | Page 2  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 17, 2022 AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Lundberg, Sullivan, Szymanski, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE MANISTEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. The Adopted City of Manistee FY 2023 Budget allocated $20,000 to the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development. MOTION by Sullivan, second by Martin Pontiac to approve the three-year agreement with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development services 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 A REPORT FROM THE ENGINEER OF RECORD AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Mr. Shawn Middleton and Mr. Lucas Richardson reported on the activities of the Engineer’s Office and responded to any questions the Council had regarding their activities. Ms. Stacie Bytwork reported on the activities of Economic Development and responded to any questions the Council had regarding their activities. CITIZEN COMMENT Terry Sabo, State Representative / introduced himself as a State Senate Candidate for the newly drawn District 32 which includes the western half of Manistee County and provided his background information. OFFICIALS AND STAFF Gambill commented on enforcement for unregistered rentals and stated he will keep Council updated as more information becomes available. Middleton provided an update on the Maple Street Bridge. COUNCILMEMBERS Bachman mentioned Consumers Energy has been replacing existing streetlights with new LED lights. Lundberg commented on events that took place over the weekend including the Ramsdell Gala and Kid’s Safety Day. Martin Pontiac also commented on Kid’s Safety Day and reminded everyone of the upcoming Tightlines for Troops Event. | Page 3  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 17, 2022 Grabowski asked if the occupants had vacated the blighted house on Davis Street and if there was an update on the removal of debris from the Davis Street property that was previously demolished. He also inquired about the placement of the signs for dogs on the beach. Szymanski mentioned street repair needed on the south side of the Maple Street bridge and stated it is Police Week and reminded everyone to thank our officers for their service. Beaton commented on recent events including the antique car show hosted at the Wagoner Center and the Ramsdell Gala. ADJOURN MOTION by Szymanski, second by Grabowski to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. Heather Pefley, CMC / MiPMC II City Clerk | Page 4