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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
April 8, 2013
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2013-28
Present: Commissioners Gawron, Spataro, German, Markowski, Hood, Turnquist, and
Wierengo.
Absent: None.
Endorsement of Farmer’s Market Relocation.
The Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation (DMDC) is requesting an endorsement
from the City Commission to relocate the Farmer’s Market to properties owned by the DMDC in
the vicinity of Morris Avenue, Terrace Street, and Western Avenue.
Steve Olson, committee member of DMDC, presented the latest proposed plans to relocate the
Farmer’s Market to the downtown. Highlights include 166 on-site parking spaces, 340 off-site
parking spaces, water connection for every four to six vendors, commercial kitchen, and part of
the market will be open year-around.
Cindie Larson, Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, indicated several public meetings have
been held and citizens had the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.
Members of the Public were present and gave input.
This item has been placed on the April 9, 2013 City Commission meeting for consideration.
2013-14 Healthcare & Wellness Program.
It is time to renew the City’s healthcare coverage for 2013-14 plan year (6/1/13-5/31/14).
Renewal premiums for the City’s current healthcare program have come in at a 5.04% increase
over the current year. Last year we experienced a 7.90% increase and in 2011-12 the increase
was 8.83%. In comparative terms, the rate increase is moderate as many employers are
experiencing sharp double-digit rate increases. Also, the City’s healthcare costs remain well
below the “hard cap limits” set by PA 152 and remain cost competitive with the standards set by
EVIP for new hires. These are good independent indicators that the City’s program is cost-
effective.
This item has been placed on the April 9, 2013 City Commission meeting for consideration.
City of Muskegon Vision Statement.
Motion by Commissioner Turnquist, seconded by Vice Mayor Spataro to adopt the revised
Vision Statement as stated below:
Muskegon, the Premier Shoreline City offering a vibrant, affordable and
ethnically diverse city where citizens feel safe, enjoy their neighborhoods and
have access to their city government.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Spataro, German, Wierengo, Turnquist, Markowski, Gawron, and Hood.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES
RFP’s for City Manager Search.
Nine Requests for Proposals were received for the City Manager search. They include Bob
Murray, MML, Voorhies Associates, Slaven Management, Mercer Group, Waters Group,
Anchor, Bassinger, and SGR.
The Commission reviewed each proposal and voiced their likes and dislikes.
This item has been placed on the April 9, 2013 City Commission meeting for consideration.
Any Other Business.
MDNR Resolution to Receive Funding for Emergency Dredging.
Motion by Commissioner Turnquist, seconded by Commissioner Wierengo to adopt the
resolution accepting the terms of the agreement for emergency funding for dredging from
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: German, Wierengo, Turnquist, Markowski, Gawron, Hood, and Spataro.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES
Adjournment.
Motion by Commissioner Hood, seconded by Commissioner Wierengo to adjourn at 7:04
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
____________________________
Ann Marie Cummings, MMC
City Clerk