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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2017
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS @ 5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Pastor
Leroy Lockhart, New Birth Ministries, opened the meeting with prayer, after
which the Commission and public recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen J. Gawron, Vice Mayor Hood, Commissioners Ken
Johnson, Debra Warren, Willie German, Jr., Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, and Byron
Turnquist, City Manager Franklin Peterson, City Attorney John Schrier, and City
Clerk Ann Meisch.
2017-09 CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the minutes of the January 24, 2017 Regular
City Commission Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
E. Annual Pavement Marking Program Department of Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Staff is requesting permission to enter into annual
contractual agreements with the Muskegon County Road Commission (MCRC)
and their designated Contractor for Centerline Painting and Special Pavement
Markings. This contract bid is awarded by the MCRC and also for local agencies
in the Muskegon County Pavement Marking Group, to enter into, with each
member being billed separately by the designated Contractor for painting
services requested.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Estimated costs are projected to be $25,000 annually,
for both Centerline Painting and Specialty Pavement Markings.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None, contractual work has been budgeted for
in the Highway Majors budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve request to enter into annual contracts
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with MCRC and their designated Contractor for Centerline Painting and Special
Pavement Markings.
F. Grand Trunk Launch Ramp Dock Purchase Department of Public
Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize staff to purchase two replacement floating
docks from Stabil-Float Systems LLC for Grand Trunk launch ramp.
Both floating docks currently at Grand Trunk are not usable due to wear and
age.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Total Cost $21,540.00.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None – contingent upon approval of 2nd Quarter
Budget Reforecast.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve purchase from Stabil-Float System LLC.
H. Sale of Boat Slip A-11 Pigeon Key Marina Condominium Department
of Public Works
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize the Mayor & Clerk to sign the attached
purchase agreement with Mr. & Mrs. Geisler for boat Slip A-11 at Pigeon Key
Marina since they submitted the highest bid of $20,195.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The sale price of $20,195 less associated fees will be
used to settle the city’s obligations regarding this slip.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None at this time.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the
purchase agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga,
to approve the consent agenda as presented, minus items B, C, D, G, and I.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Gawron, Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga,
and Turnquist
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2017-10 ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
B. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Request of the City Clerk to Apply
for a Liquor License for the City’s Farmer’s Market City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: It was recently discovered that we are eligible to apply
for a Liquor License for the Farmer’s Market. We qualify as a Municipality with a
Civic Center. We are asking the Commission to adopt a resolution approving
the request to apply for a Liquor License which is a permanent license, to be
utilized at the Farmer’s Market which qualifies as a Civic Center.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: Approximately $600 annually.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving the request of the
City Clerk to apply for a Liquor License for the City’s Farmers Market.
Motion by Commissioner Warren, second by Commissioner Johnson, to approve
adopt a resolution approving the request of the City Clerk to apply for a Liquor
License for the City’s Farmers Market.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga,
Turnquist, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
C. Pedestrian Crossing at Intersection of Shoreline Drive and Third Street
Planning & Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The City of Muskegon Planning Department has been
consulting with TrafficScapes by Ennis-Flint for potential upgrades to pedestrian
crossings on Shoreline Drive in downtown Muskegon. Initially, three locations (3rd,
4th, and 7th) were under consideration, but the City has decided to move
forward with one crossing at the Shoreline Drive – 3rd Street intersection.
The upgrades would include enhanced pavement markings using TrafficPatterns
stamped-brick treatment for the full length of the crossing. The enhanced
crossing would be similar in appearance to what was installed on Lakeshore
Drive in Lakeside, and downtown on W. Western, Muskegon, and Webster
Avenues.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has agreed to partner with the City
on the project with the objective of reviewing how the product performs at the
Shoreline Drive – 3rd Street crossing. The upgrades will be the first step in a long-
term plan coordinated with MDOT for improving pedestrian crossings along
Shoreline Drive.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The final price for the work provided by the applicator is
$14,183.55. This price will include all prep-work such as cleaning and/or pressure
washing of the area, and existing line removal. $7,091.77 (50% of the total cost)
will come from the City of Muskegon’s street fund; the remaining $7,091.78 will
be from the MDOT contractual services fund.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to enter into a contract with
TrafficScapes by Ennis-Flint to install the TrafficPatterns product at the Shoreline
Drive – 3rd Street pedestrian crossing.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to authorize
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staff to enter into a contract with TrafficScapes by Ennis-Flint to install the
TrafficPatterns product at the Shoreline Drive – 3rd Street pedestrian crossing.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist,
Johnson, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
D. Ameribank Building – Option Agreement Extension Between the City
of Muskegon and Port City Construction & Development Services,
LLC Planning & Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The City entered into an Option Agreement with Port
City Construction & Development Services, LLC for the former Ameribank
Building at 800 First Street on May 17, 2016. The term of the initial Option was
through October 1, 2016. As allowed for in the Agreement, an extension through
January 1, 2017 was later requested and approved (with the Extension payment
of $2,000). Port City Construction & Development Services, LLC is now requesting
a further extension through June 30, 2017 (which includes another payment of
$2,000).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Agreement Extension allows for more time for the
potential purchaser to package the redevelopment of the building in order to
renovate it and put it back into productive use. Future occupants will generate
taxes for the City.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the Option Agreement Extension
between the City of Muskegon and Port City Construction & Development
Services, LLC through June 30, 2017 and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign
all necessary documents, including closing documents at the time of sale.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga,
to approve the Option Agreement Extension between the City of Muskegon and
Port City Construction & Development Services, LLC through June 30, 2017 and
authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign all necessary documents, including
closing documents at the time of sale.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner German, to table
the item and refer to staff until March 14, 2017.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson and German
Nays: Turnquist, Gawron, Hood, Warren, and Rinsema-Sybenga
MOTION FAILS
VOTE ON FIRST MOTION
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ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, Gawron, Hood, and Warren
Nays: Johnson and German
MOTION PASSES
G. Police Vehicles DPW/Equipment
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Due to General Motors closing their Chevy Caprice line
of Police Vehicles, we are asking the Commission to rescind the prior
Commission approval on October 25, 2016 to purchase three Chevy Caprice
Cruisers and authorize staff to purchase three (3) Police SUV’s instead from
Gorno Ford the Mi-Deal State contract holder.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $83,994.00 or $27,998.00
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None. Amount is what was budgeted.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Authorize staff to purchase 3 Police SUV’s from
Gorno Ford the State Mi-Deal contract holder.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga,
to authorize staff to purchase 3 Police SUV’s from Gorno Ford the State Mi-Deal
contract holder.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Gawron, Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga,
and Turnquist
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
I. Non-Represented Wages and Benefits City Manager
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: As part of the city’s efforts to reorganize its operations
into a more sustainable structure and to address rising pension costs, a number
of changes are proposed to the non-represented Wages and Benefits. The
changes include the reduction of the non-represented pension multiplier from
2.25 to 2.0, a 3% wage increase, the relocation of a number of positions on the
wage/salary table, and changes to the fringe benefit package.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the non-represented wage and
benefit structure, as presented.
Motion by Commissioner Warren, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to approve the
non-represented wage and benefit structure, as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga,
Turnquist, and Johnson
Nays: None
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MOTION PASSES
2017-11 PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Request to Create a New Neighborhood Enterprise Zone District at 275
W. Clay Avenue Planning & Economic Development
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Pursuant to Public Act 147 of the Michigan Public Acts
of 1992, the developer of the Berkshire Muskegon project has requested to
create a new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) district for the parcel at 275
W. Clay Avenue. Properties located in this NEZ district will be eligible to apply for
NEZ certificates, which will lower the residential property taxes on new
construction. Notice letters were sent to the taxing jurisdictions on December 13,
2016 and a public hearing was held on January 24, 2017. State law requires that
the resolution must be adopted at least 60 days after the notice letters were
sent. This project will include 16 market-rate units.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact at this point. However, being in a
district will allow them to apply for a rehab NEZ certificate, which will lower the
residential property taxes for 1 to 15 years.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the new NEZ district.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Warren, to approve
the new NEZ district.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Hood, Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist,
Johnson, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2017-12 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Approval of Sale of City-owned Home at 867 Williams Street
Community and Neighborhood Services Department
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve the resolution and instruct the Community
and Neighborhood Services Department to complete the sales transaction with
Nancy Crider for the totally rehabilitated home at 867 Williams Street: purchase
price $58,900.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proceeds from the sale will be used to continue the
rehabilitation of affordable homes through the HOME program and provide
funding for our Homebuyer’s Assistance Program.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution and direct the CNS
staff to complete the sale.
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Motion by Commissioner Rinsema-Sybenga, second by Commissioner Johnson,
to approve the resolution and direct the CNS staff to complete the sale.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Warren, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, Johnson,
Gawron, and Hood
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Adopt a Resolution in Support of Muskegon Heights Public School
Academy System City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To adopt a resolution in support of Muskegon Heights
Public School Academy System prepared by Commissioner Kenneth Johnson
and presented at the February 13, 2017 Worksession Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To adopt the resolution.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Vice Mayor Hood, to approve the
resolution.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron,
Hood, and Warren
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
C. Community Relations Committee Recommendations for the Various
Boards and Committees City Clerk
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To concur with the recommendations from the
Community Relations Committee regarding appointments and resignations and
to make the following board appointments:
~ Local Development Finance Authority: Kevin Ricco, Patricia Camp, and
Justin Jennings
~ Business Improvement District: Bruce Lindstrom, Bob Tarrant, and Phyllis
Loudermill
~ Citizen’s Police Review Board: Carlos Flores, William Mohammed, Ann
Craig, Ellouise Hieftje, Quintan Cooley, and
Karla Betten
~ Board of Review: Bryon Mazade, Ralph Burr, and Sandra Boone-Thomas
~ Construction Code Board of Appeals: Lane Bensten, Vicki Luthy, and Wade
VandenBosch
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~ Election Commission: Louis Sypke
~ Equal Opportunity Commission: Leroy Lockhart and Steven Santo
~ Housing Commission: Derrick Smith (Appointment by City Manager)
~ Income Tax Board of Review: Catherine Young
~ Local Officers Compensation Commission: Todd Susterich
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the recommendations of the
Community Relations Committee from their February 13, 2017 meeting.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Approve the recommendations of the
Community Relations Committee from their February 13, 2017 Meeting.
Motion by Vice Mayor Hood, second by Commissioner Turnquist, to concur with
the CRC recommendations of appointments.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, Hood,
Warren, and German.
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC, City Clerk
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