MINUTES
The
Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall, 933
Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 5:30pm, Tuesday, April 24, 2001.
Mayor
Fred J. Nielsen opened the meeting by introducing Dr. M.J. Bender, of
Conquering Faith Fellowship, who offered the prayer after which the members of
the City Commission and the members of the public joined in reciting the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL
CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Fred J.
Nielsen; Vice Mayor Scott Sieradzki; Commissioner John Aslakson; Jone
Wortelboer Benedict; Robert Schweifler; Clara Shepherd; Lawrence Spataro.
2001-44
CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Approval of Minutes. CITY
CLERK
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve the minutes of the
Commission Worksession that was held on Monday, April 9, 2001 and the Regular
Commission Meeting that was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2001.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the
minutes.
b. Annual Taxicab License
Renewal. CITY
CLERK
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: This request is from Thomas
Wakefield, owner of Wakefield Leasing, whose office is located at 770 W Sherman
Blvd., Muskegon, MI. Mr. Wakefield is
requesting approval of a license to operate 20 taxicabs for both Port City Cab
and Yellow Cab Company. He has 16
taxicabs at this time and plans on adding 4 more. The Muskegon Police Department has inspected 16 of the taxicabs and approves this
request. Staff recommends approval of the 16 taxicabs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of 16
taxicabs.
c. Purchase of 2026
Waalkes Street (Seaway Industrial Park)
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To purchase property located
at 2026 Waalkes Street pursuant to the City of Muskegon goal of creating the
Seaway Industrial Park. This request is
pursuant to a purchase agreement signed by Henry Herbst, 4127 Deerrun, Muskegon, Michigan on April 13, 2001. The purchase price is $43,000.00.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
State of Michigan Urban Land Assembly or U.S. EDA funds will be used to
purchase this property.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: To grant approval of
the resolution consenting to the purchase of 2026 Waalkes for the development
of the Seaway Industrial Park.
d. Sale of Buildable
Vacant Lots on Erickson Street. PLANNING
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve the sale of the
four (4) vacant buildable lots on Erickson Street (designated as parcel numbers
24-205-141-0012-10, 24-205-141-0012-00, 24-205-141-0013-10, and
24-205-141-113-00) described as Lots 12 & 13, Block 141, Revised Plat of
1903 to Douglas and Jeanette Moore, of 1232 Chestnut Street, Muskegon, MI. The combination of the four buildable lots
results in a lot that is 132 X 132 feet.
The lot is being offered to Mr. and Mrs. Moore for $3,500.00. They plan to use the land for the
construction of a 1,366 sq. ft. single-family home with a two stall attached
garage. The Moore’s are participants in
the City’s Infill Program. The price of
the lot is set through Jackson Hill Marketing Plan at $3,500.00 and the Moore’s
submitted the only bid of $3,500.00.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The sale of this lot for construction of a new home will generate
additional tax revenue for the City and will place the property back on the tax
rolls thus relieving the City of continued maintenance costs.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution
and to authorize both the Mayor and City Clerk to sign said resolution.
COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION: The LRC recommended
approval at their March 20, 2001 meeting of these four lots for the
construction of one single family home through the city’s In-Fill Program.
e. Approve the City of
Muskegon 2001 Action Plan. COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve the 2001 Community
Development/HOME Action Plan for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. It is further requested that the Commission
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the 2001-2002 Action Plan, so the
Community and Neighborhood Services can request the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development to release the 2001-2002 City of Muskegon CDBG/HOME
Funding.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total CDBG/HOME funding is approximately $1.8 million dollars.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: To approve both items.
h. City
– MDOT Agreement for: Laketon Avenue, Wood to Peck. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve the contract with Michigan Department of Transportation for
the Milling & Resurfacing as well as the construction of a left turn lane
on Laketon Ave. from Wood to Peck and to approve the resolution authorizing the
Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Michigan Department of Transportation participation is about
$150,000. The estimated total cost of
the project is $350,000.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None at this time. The City’s share of the cost will come out
of the Major Street Fund as was budgeted.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: That the agreement and
resolution be approved.
i.
Purchase
of Computer Equipment.
POLICE
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: Police Department staff request that the Commission approve the use of
FY 2001 Weed and Seed grant money to purchase new computer hardware and
supporting software for the narcotics team.
The current hardware ranges in age from 4-6 years. This request includes an upgrade that will
allow easy access to our county-wide records system, photo retrieval and
reproduction and instant access to the Law Enforcement Information Network.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No impact on general fund monies.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: $16,886.31 in grant money to
be utilized for this purchase. Dell
submitted the low bid.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: In order to increase
the efficiency of the narcotics unit, staff recommends that the Commission
authorize the purchase of the computer system.
Moved by Commissioner Schweifler, seconded by Commissioner
Spataro to approve the consent agenda as read with the exception of items f,g,
which were removed.
ROLL VOTE: AYES:
Spataro, Aslakson, Benedict, Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd, Sieradzki
NAYS:
None
MOTION ADOPTED
2001-45
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
f.
Consideration of Bids – Houston, Sanford to
First. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To award the contract for the
construction of Houston between Sanford and First to Felco Contractors since
they were the lowest responsible bidder with a bid price of $98,088.25.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The construction cost of $98,088.25 plus related engineering expenses.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None, this project will be
funded from the money that was budgeted for Division Street.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Award the contract to
Felco Contractors.
Moved by Vice Mayor
Sieradzki, seconded by Commissioner Aslakson to award the contract for
construction of Houston between Sanford and First to Felco Contractors.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Aslakson, Benedict, Nielsen, Schweifler,
Shepherd, Sieradzki, Spataro
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
g. City
– MDOT Agreement for: Sherman Blvd, Glenside to Lincoln. ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve the contract with Michigan Department of Transportation for
the Milling & Resurfacing of Sherman Blvd. From Glenside to Lincoln and to
approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the
contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Michigan Department of Transportation participation is about $560,000
but not to exceed 81.85% of eligible cost.
The estimated total cost of the project including engineering and water
services which are not a participating cost is $850,000.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None at this time. The City’s share of the cost will come out
of the Major Street and Water Fund as was budgeted.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: That the agreement and
resolution be approved.
Moved by Commissioner Aslakson, seconded by Commissioner
Spataro to approve the contract with MDOT for Milling and Resurfacing of
Sherman Blvd. From Glenside to Lincoln.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Aslakson, Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd,
Sieradzki, Spataro
NAYS:
Benedict,
MOTION ADOPTED
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
COMMUNICATIONS: None
2001-46 CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
a.
Report
on Special Assessment Notification.
Discussion was held on Special Assessment
Notification. No action was taken at this time.
2001-47 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a.
Concurrence
with Housing Board of Appeals Notice & Order to demolish 15 E. Muskegon
INSPECTIONS
(From April 10 meeting)
(Staff requests that this item be delayed
until the next regular meeting unless items are worked out with the property
owner prior to that date (then it will not need to be on the agenda).
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: This is to request that the
City Commission concur with the findings of the Housing Board of Appeals that
the structure located at 15 E. Muskegon,
Muskegon MI is unsafe, substandard, a public nuisance and that it be
demolished within thirty (30) days. It
is further requested that administration be directed to obtain bids for the
demolition of the structure and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and
directed to execute a contract for demolition with the lowest responsible
bidder.
Item postponed until
the May 8th meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Benedict, seconded by Commissioner
Schweifler to postpone this item until the May 8th meeting of the
Regular Commission.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd, Sieradzki,
Spataro, Aslakson, Benedict,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
2001-48
NEW BUSINESS:
a.
First
Quarter 2001 Budget Reforecast. FINANCE
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: At this time staff is transmitting the First
Quarter 2001 Budget Reforecast which outlines proposed changes to the
original budget that have come about as a result of changes in policy
priorities, labor contracts, updated information, or other factors. For the next meeting, an action item will be
placed on the agenda for adoption of the proposed first quarter budget reforecast
together with any additional changes deemed necessary by Commissioners.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The first quarter 2001 Budget
Reforecast reflects only very minor changes. The primary adjustments are in the area of capital improvements. We’re pleased to report that two major
budgetary challenges (2000 census and healthcare costs) have been surmounted
with no real damage to the budget.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: Self-explanatory
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: The City Commission
should review the Reforecast to
ensure it reflects their policy initiatives.
At the next City Commission meeting, staff will request formal approval
of the Reforecast and related budget
amendments.
No vote necessary at this time.
b. Street Vacation, Watson
Avenue, east of Nelson.
PLANNING
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: Request for vacation of Watson
Ave., east of Nelson St.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the alley vacation at their April 12th
meeting. The vote was unanimous.
Moved by Commissioner Schweifler, seconded by Commissioner
Spataro to approve the vacation of Watson Ave, east of Nelson Street.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Shepherd, Sieradzki, Spataro, Aslakson,
Benedict, Nielsen, Schweifler,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
c. Alley Vacation, bounded
by Beach, Nelson, Rodgers and Lake. PLANNING
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: Request for vacation of both
the north/south and the east/west alleys in Block 753 (bounded by Beach St.,
Nelson St., Rodgers Ave., and Lake Ave.).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the alley vacation at their April 12th
meeting. The vote was unanimous.
Moved by Commissioner Schweifler, seconded by Commissioner
Aslakson to approve the vacation of both the north/south and east/west alleys
in Block 753.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Sieradzki, Spataro, Aslakson, Benedict,
Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
d. Muskegon County
Gasoline Prices.
CITY MANAGER
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: To approve a resolution to
support Muskegon County’s investigation into why gasoline prices are more
expensive than those of area counties.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Reduction in gasoline prices could save the City significant money.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the
resolution.
COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION: This resolution was
requested by the City Commission at their meeting of April 10, 2001.
Moved by Commissioner Shepherd, seconded by Commissioner
Aslakson to approve the resolution to support Muskegon County in their
investigation into the gasoline prices.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Spataro, Aslakson, Benedict, Nielsen,
Schweifler, Shepherd, Sieradzki,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
e. Condemnation of Land
for Lakeshore Bike Path (Waterfront Centre property). PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: Approval of resolution to
initiate eminent domain (condemnation) proceedings against Fifth/Third Bank for
a parcel of land required for the construction of the Lakeshore Trail. Fifth/Third has been offered $22,000.00 for
the subject property, which was based upon an independent appraisal. The condemnation would constitute a “partial
take” of the property, amounting to approximately 15,000 square feet. No response to this offer has been received
from Fifth/Third Bank.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$22,000.00 plus any jury verdict in excess of this amount, plus
litigation costs. The funds will come
from the proceeds of the sale of the Chase Hammond Golf Course.
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends
approval of this request and for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the
Declaration of Taking and Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Benedict, seconded by Commissioner
Schweifler to approve the resolution to initiate eminent domain proceedings
against Fifth/Third Bank for a parcel of land required for the construction of
the Lakeshore Trail.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Aslakson, Benedict, Nielsen, Schweifler,
Shepherd, Sieradzki, Spataro,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
f.
Request for Permission to apply for two (2) FEMA Grants for Fire Protection. FIRE
SUMMARY OF
REQUEST: The Fire Department is
requesting City Commission permission to apply for two (2) Federal Emergency
Management Agency grants for fire protection for the City of Muskegon.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$70,000 from Public Improvement Fund
BUDGET ACTION
REQUIRED: None
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends
approval of grant applications to Federal Emergency Management Agency for a
fire training tower and rescue boat.
Moved by Commissioner Benedict, seconded
by Commissioner Aslakson to approve the request for permission to apply for 2
Federal Emergency Management Agency grants for fire protection.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Benedict, Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd,
Sieradzki, Spataro, Aslakson,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
2001-49 ANY OTHER
BUSINESS:
a. Reports on Tax abatements:
Moved by Commissioner Spataro, seconded by Commissioner
Schweifler to table the issue on tax abatements for the next work session
agenda for the May 7th work session.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Nielsen, Schweifler, Shepherd, Sieradzki,
Spataro, Aslakson, Benedict,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
2001-50 PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION:
Various comments
were heard from the general public.
Moved by Vice Mayor Sieradzki, seconded by Commissioner
Spataro to refer the issue of leaves on vacant city lots to the Land
Reutilization Committee.
ROLL VOTE: AYES: Schweifler, Shepherd, Sieradzki, Spataro,
Aslakson, Benedict, Nielsen,
NAYS: None
MOTION ADOPTED
ADJOURNMENT:
The Regular
Commission Meeting for the City of Muskegon was adjourned at 6:55pm.
Respectfully
submitted;
Gail
Kundinger, CMC/AAE
City
Clerk
GK/da