City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 9, 2022 The Manistee City Council met in a study session on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 7:00p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bachman, Lynda Beaton, Cindy Lundberg, Jermaine Sullivan, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Szymanski ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, Public, and Media Mayor Beaton stated City Assessor Molly Whetstone had discussion for item c.) OTHER and that she would be moving this item to the first item of discussion after public comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON STUDY SESSION RELATED ITEMS. None received. OTHER. Molly Whetstone, City Assessor gave an update to Council on guidance from the State Tax Commission for local assessors regarding the Poverty Exemption Policy. Prior to this year, the policy did not allow the Board of Review to deviate from the income guidelines. Whetstone has drafted a new subsection in our guidelines under process that would allow the Board of Review to grant exemptions on a graduated scale. Discussion included: • Graduated scale for exemptions • Process for escrowed taxes • Change would benefit citizens • Keep current guidelines or accept the proposed change CONSENSUS: Council is willing to move forward with the recommendation and will consider this item at a future Council meeting after the State has set their income guidelines for 2023. DISCUSSION ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – Fire Chief Mark Cameron led the discussion on emergency medical services and provided the history of Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport and Mutual Aid services. Discussion included: • Annual call volume • Licensure Levels • Current staffing • Number of calls outside the City • Distance of calls • Fire station left unmanned • Services unavailable to City residents when assisting outside the City limits Council Study Session – November 9, 2022 Page 1  • Need for two additional City paramedics • Part time paramedics – struggle to find/hire • Paramedic education • Current MMR agreement • Limit area for mutual aid • Need for additional conversation with County • Countywide millage • Upcoming Fire Department budget to include request for additional staffing OTHER (cont.) Gambill provided a brief update on recent discussions regarding the Gateway Project and stated more information will be provided when available. Martin Pontiac asked for an update on the election and offered feedback received. Pefley stated the election went well, provided voter turnout, and noted options for assisting voters at future elections to locate their precinct for voting. There being no further business, the study session adjourned at approximately 8:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Heather Pefley CMC, MiPMC II City Clerk Council Study Session – November 9, 2022 Page 2