City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2023 The Manistee City Council met in a study session on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 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, Seth Pratt, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, Media, and Public PUBLIC COMMENTS ON STUDY SESSION RELATED ITEMS None. DISCUSSION ON THE CITY OF MANISTEE HOSTING THE GUS MACKER – Scott McNeal and Patty Donovan of Macker Basketball, LLC presented information regarding the possibility of a Gus Macker Basketball Tournament being held in the City of Manistee. Discussion included: • History of the tournament • Ludington’s decision to discontinue hosting the tournament • Fees and costs incurred, and possible revenue generated • Services provided by Macker Basketball, LLC • Services required to be provided locally • Possible legal issues • Number of teams • Sponsorships • Decision to move forward would need to be made by early October Consensus: Council directed Mr. Gambill to look into the legality of the City of Manistee using public funds to host a tournament; and to look for other entities willing to sponsor the tournament with the City taking a more supportive role. DISCUSSION ON THE FUTURE OF THE WATER WORKS BUILDING – City Manager William Gambill presented a Comparable Market Analysis on the Water Works Building located at 520 First Street. Tracey Davis of Housing North spoke about the possibility of a housing development at the site. Marc Miller of the Chamber of Commerce stated that the property is an RRC site and the MEDC could be contacted to create renderings of possible future uses. Discussion included: • Possibilities: Development as an RRC Site, Housing through Residential Facilities Act, and Sale • Market Value of $413,750 Council Study Session – August 8, 2023 Page 1  • Land Bank • Community input • Sale stipulations Consensus: Council directed Mr. Gambill to look into the possibility of placing stipulations on a future sale of the property; and to contact MEDC regarding renderings of possible future uses to aid in the future sale of the property. GEOFENCING DEMONSTRATION – Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Manistee County Tourism Authority Executive Director, gave a demonstration of the VISTA website. VISTA is a tool which analyzes visitors’ information, such as where they are from, places visited, and overnight accommodations, as they travel to Manistee County. OTHER Grabowski spoke about adding pickleball courts; and inquired about City Hall steps, noxious weeds, and downtown restaurants outdoor seating. Pratt inquired about brush pick up and cleaning of park restrooms. Beaton indicated she would like to receive public input regarding the Water Works building. Lundberg asked about the next steps for a Gus Macker Tournament and would like to look into partnering with other sponsoring entities. Tracey Davis of Housing North provided NEZ and Rural Readiness Grant updates. Adjourned at approximately 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lora Y Laurain, CMC/ MiPMC Deputy Clerk Council Study Session – August 8, 2023 Page 2