City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JULY 5, 2023 A regular meeting of the Manistee City Council was called to order by her honor, Mayor Jermaine Sullivan on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 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, Jermaine Sullivan, Seth Pratt, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac ABSENT: Cindy Lundberg ALSO PRESENT: City Manager – Bill Gambill, City Attorney – George Saylor, City Clerk – Heather Pefley, DPW Director – Jeff Mikula, Finance Director – Edward Bradford, Police Chief – Josh Glass, Fire Chief – Tom Hernden, and City Engineer – Shawn Middleton CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS Comments provided by: - Bob Ogilvie, Salt City Rock and Blues CONSENT AGENDA • Minutes June 20, 2023 Regular Meeting • Financial Reports Cash Balances May 2023 Revenue & Expenses May 2023 • Consideration of International Overdose Awareness Day event to be held at the Manistee City Marina on Thursday, August 31, 2023. The International Overdose Awareness Day event is happening through the joint efforts of the Centra Wellness Network, Catholic Human Services, Northern Michigan Regional Entity, and Clean Lines Tattoo for the annual recognition of this day. The Marina Open Space will have vendors present and information and education available. Outside, in the area around the fountain, more vendors will be set up, in addition to music and guest speakers. MOTION by Pratt, second by Grabowski to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Sullivan, Pratt, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASING A JOHN DEERE TRACK LOADER The Public Works Department has been leasing a track loader (skid steer) for the past five years on an annual basis. Machines are no longer available to be leased based on industry demand. The Fiscal Year 2024 Motor Pool budget includes $80,000 for the purchase of a new track loader. John Deere | Page 1  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JULY 5, 2023 currently holds the MiDEAL contract with the State of Michigan and has quoted the City $71,399.30. MOTION by Bachman, second by Martin Pontiac to approve the purchase of a John Deer Compact Track Loader 325G II. With a roll call vote this motion passed unanimously. AYES: Bachman, Beaton, Sullivan, Pratt, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: None CONSIDERATION OF RENAISSANCE PARK LOT #12 REQUEST TO SELL HALF THE LOT The owners of Renaissance Park Lot #12 requested to have their parcel split into two 3.26-acre parcels; Manistee Township approved this request. The owner’s intentions are to fulfill their original plans to build and employ 6-10 people on one parcel and sell the other. The final sale of the parcel would be subject to Council approval and the new owners would be subject to the Renaissance Park Protective Covenants. MOTION by Martin Pontiac, second by Grabowski to approve the Renaissance Park Lot #12 owner’s request to sell half the lot. With a roll call vote this motion passed, 4-2. AYES: Bachman, Sullivan, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: Beaton and Pratt CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH HUNDEN STRATEGIC PARTNERS FOR A BEACH AMPHITHEATER MARKET AND FEASIBILITY STUDY The City of Manistee requested proposals from qualified firms to perform a market and feasibility analysis for the beach amphitheater project. Two firms responded and the Amphitheater Project committee reviewed the proposals, interviewed both firms and is now recommending Hunden Strategic Partners be awarded the contract. MOTION by Grabowski, second by Bachman to approve an agreement with Hunden Strategic Partners for a beach amphitheater market and feasibility study; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. With a roll call vote this motion passed, 4-2. AYES: Bachman, Sullivan, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac NAYS: Beaton and Pratt CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The City Clerk has taken action to advertise vacancies on the Board of Review, Compensation | Page 2  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JULY 5, 2023 Commission, Harbor Commission, Housing Commission, Neighborhood Restoration and Beautification Commission, PEG Commission, Tree Commission, and the 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 the majority support. The following applications have been received: *Incumbent Harbor Commission – Two vacancies, one (1) term ending 10/31/23 and one (1) term ending 10/31/25. Purpose: Advisory on Marina and harbor development issues. Council appointment. Wesley Smith – 278 Third Avenue Pratt nominated Wesley Smith, 278 Third Avenue, to the Harbor Commission term ending 10/31/25. With a roll call vote this nomination passed unanimously. SMITH: Bachman, Beaton, Sullivan, Pratt, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac OTHER: None Neighborhood Restoration and Beautification Commission – One vacancy, term ending on 04/30/25. Purpose: Identify, research, and recommend opportunities and resources to help prevent, remediate, and eliminate blight and help beautify the City of Manistee. Council appointment. Luke Guzikowski – 316 Fourth Street Jess Stallings – 324 Sixth Street Pratt nominated Jess Stallings, 324 Sixth Street, to the Neighborhood Restoration and Beautification Commission term ending 04/30/25. With a roll call vote this nomination passed unanimously. STALLINGS: Bachman, Beaton, Sullivan, Pratt, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac OTHER : None PEG Commission – One vacancy, term ending 12/31/23. Purpose: Oversees operation of Manistee Public Access. Council appointment. Al Gorman – 406 Third Street Beaton nominated Al Gorman, 406 Third Street, to the PEG Commission term ending 12/31/23. With a roll call vote this nomination passed unanimously. | Page 3  PROCEEDINGS OF THE MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL – JULY 5, 2023 GORMAN: Bachman, Beaton, Sullivan, Pratt, Grabowski, and Martin Pontiac OTHER: None CITIZEN COMMENT No comments received. OFFICIALS AND STAFF Gambill provided comments and updates. COUNCILMEMBERS Bachman, Beaton, Pratt, Grabowski, Martin Pontiac, and Sullivan offered concerns and comments. ADJOURN MOTION by Pratt, second by Beaton to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Heather Pefley, CMC / MiPMC City Clerk | Page 4