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CITY OF MUSKEGON
1st QUARTER – LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
City Commission Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Carter, Steve Warmington, Steve Wisneski, Steve
Gawron, Clara Shepherd, and Larry Spataro
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sue Wierengo
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Warmington, seconded by Spataro to approve the minutes of January 28,
2009.
MOTION PASSES.
NEW BUSINESS:
Outdoor Seating – Mayor Warmington
Mayor Warmington suggested that an application process and fee be established for those
businesses who utilize outdoor seating.
Commissioner Spataro suggested that the current encroachment process be utilized but
with a possible change to the current fee schedule.
Motion by Warmington, seconded by Spataro to establish a $50 fee the first year to
those establishments who are licensed through the City and Liquor Control
Commission to serve alcohol and utilize outdoor seating on city property. Year two
and beyond a $150 annual fee will be imposed on those establishments who are
licensed through the City and Liquor Control Commission to serve alcohol and
utilize outdoor seating on city property and a $100 fee to those food establishments
who do not serve alcohol but utilize outdoor seating on city property.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wisneski, Carter, Warmington, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
Special Assessments – Bryon Mazade
Commissioner Carter stated he would like to take 4/10ths of the current millage marked
for street projects and let it replace special assessments.
Mayor Warmington suggested that the Commission evaluate special assessments for
2009 only at this time.
Commissioner Carter left at 6:20 p.m.
Moved by Warmington, seconded by Spataro to rescind the special assessment
policy for streets.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wisneski, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and Warmington.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
Motion by Spataro, seconded by Warmington that the City Commission will request
consideration that a minimum five percent of Community Development Block
Grant funds be dedicated toward street improvements and the remainder be
allocated from the existing millage not to exceed $250,000.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wisneski, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and Warmington.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
Baggy Pants – Clara Shepherd
Discussion if an ordinance prohibiting wearing “baggy pants” could not be enforced.
Such an ordinance is subjective.
Vice Mayor Gawron suggested that the board support education given to the children
through the school regarding the issue.
Economic Stimulus Program – Bryon Mazade
Discussion of several proposed projects were discussed. Projects are broken down into
timeframes as required such as 30, 60, 90, and 120 days.
Update on Disciplinary Actions and Outcomes – Larry Spataro
Report received.
Update on Building Code Enforcement – Larry Spataro
Deferred at this time.
Update on Neighborhood Business Districts – Larry Spataro
Deferred at this time.
Downtown Plowing of Sidewalks
Commissioner Wisneski requested that the City consider snowplowing sidewalks in the
downtown area.
Commissioner Spataro stated that cost is estimated to be $35,000 - $40,000.
Mr. Mazade suggested that information be gathered for the City Commission to consider
within the next few months.
Economic Stimulus Program
Motion by Wisneski, seconded by Spataro to authorize expenditures up to $100,000
from the street fund for engineering design of the top three or four projects
presented in the economic stimulus program.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, and Wisneski.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES.
_____________________________
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk