City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024 The Manistee City Council met in a study session on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660. MEMBERS PRESENT: Cindy Lundberg, Jermaine Sullivan, Seth Pratt, James Grabowski, and Erin Martin Pontiac MEMBERS ABSENT: David Bachman and Wesley Smith ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Department Directors, Public, and Media PUBLIC COMMENTS ON STUDY SESSION RELATED ITEMS Public comments provided by: - Mark Fedder, 251 10th Street/ Manistee County Historical Museum Executive Director DISCUSSION ON BUDGET PRIORITIES – Finance Director Ed Bradford and City Manager William Gambill led the discussion on the FY 2025 budget priorities. Discussion included: - FY 2025 Budget Calendar - Initiatives: DDA Streetscape/Lighthouse/Waterworks Building/Events/State requirements - High level revenue and expense items - Debt /potential future bond issues - Priority items from previous budgets with result and status of those items - Grant writing responsibilities Gambill asked each Councilmember to make a list of their top three budget priorities and bring them back to the February 6th council meeting. CITY COUNCIL CORE VALUES REVIEW #2, WISH PRINCIPLES – Chief Tom Hernden recapped the wish principles assignment and reviewed the list of common obstacles provided. Hernden offered various ways currently in place to overcome these obstacles and possible ways to improve in the future. DISCUSSION ON SABLE POINTS LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS ASSOCIATION MANAGING THE MANISTEE NORTH PIERHEAD LIGHTHOUSE – Jack Greve, Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) gave a presentation on the mission and background of their association. Discussion included: - Keeper program - Operated lighthouses - Revenue review / 501c3 - Onsite gift shop / tower climbs - Cost to open Manistee North Pier Lighthouse - Keeper residence Council Study Session – January 9, 2024 Page 1 - Solar panel placement - Extensive interior lighthouse work - Estimated timeframe for opening - Projected annual revenue - City financial assistance OTHER: Howard Schaefer and Ken Cooper spoke regarding a potential SHPO grant for the Olde Kirke Museum located at 304 Walnut Street, housed in the oldest Danish Lutheran church in the USA built in 1868. Background was provided on the museum and the programs offered to the community. The Old Kirke Museum is a 501c3 with donation-based income. The museum building needs a new roof and new steeple covering. Mr. Shaefer has prepared a grant narrative; however, City sponsorship is required to submit the grant to SHPO. The grant is due February 2, 2024. Schaefer and Cooper are asking the Council to consider supporting this project in the form of City sponsorship of the SHPO grant. A Council resolution and memorandum of understanding is required and would need to be considered at the next regular meeting of council to meet the submission deadline for the grant. Pratt inquired about the lift at Sands Park and the event ad hoc committee. Grabowski commented on styrofoam being left in the plastics recycling container. Martin Pontiac inquired about demolition sites and what happens after properties are demolished. Adjourned at approximately 8:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Heather Pefley, CMC/ MiPMC II City Clerk Council Study Session – January 9, 2024 Page 2