City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023 The Manistee City Council met in a study session on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bachman, Lynda Beaton, Jermaine Sullivan, Seth Pratt, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: Cindy Lundberg ALSO PRESENT: Police Chief, City Clerk, Planning and Zoning Director, Manistee County Housing Ready Program Coordinator, and Media PUBLIC COMMENTS ON STUDY SESSION RELATED ITEMS No comments received. DISCUSSION ON NEZ POLICY – Tracy Davis, Manistee County Housing Ready Program Coordinator, presented the proposed Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) map representing 292 total acres in the City and the draft NEZ policy. The NEZ is proposed to address concerns with current housing stock within the city. Discussion included: • Review of the map of the proposed designated area for the NEZ • Commercial space and scattered Housing Commission sites are not eligible for program • Requirements of the NEZ Act – Act 149 of 1992 • Review of Draft NEZ Policy • NEZ Goals • Under NEZ rentals are eligible only if owner occupied • Marketing for the program • NEZ certificate is transferable with the sale of the property • Property eligibility criteria • Must follow the city’s standard procedures for rehab and construction • Rentals must be registered • Payment of delinquent taxes on the property being renovated • Exceptions for inherited property • Applicant eligibility • No delinquency on financial obligations with the city • Application fee - $75.00 • 7- year term as default for NEZ exemptions • NEZ Housing Ordinance is required • Council will need to establish the NEZ by resolution • Applications requesting a NEZ certificate will be approved or denied by resolution of Council • Ther is no maximum amount of NEZ certificates allowed within the NEZ Council Study Session – October 10, 2023 Page 1  • Minimum amount of investment • Review of entire process from application to completed project • City council shall be provide a yearly report on approved NEZ certificates • Reviewed next steps Consensus: Council directed staff to move forward with the NEZ policy. OTHER Glass gave an update on the 5th Street residence, LRSB grant approvals, and the US 31 bridge detour. Pefley provided an update on the Early Voting agreement with Manistee County. Grabowski commented on Gus Macker staying in Ludington for the next season and ambulance issues occurring in other communities. Martin Pontiac asked for an update on the demolition of the Kosciusko Street house. Adjourned at approximately 8:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Heather Pefley, CMC/ MiPMC II City Clerk Council Study Session – October 10, 2023 Page 2