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City of Muskegon
City Commission Meeting
Minutes
July 25, 2023, 5:30 pm
Muskegon City Hall
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440
Present: Mayor Ken Johnson
Commissioner Rebecca St.Clair
Commissioner Eric Hood
Vice Mayor Willie German, Jr.
Commissioner Teresa Emory
Absent: Commissioner Rachel Gorman
Commissioner Michael Ramsey
Staff Present: City Manager Jonathan Seyferth
City Clerk Ann Meisch
City Attorney John Schrier
Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Young
1. Call To Order
Mayor Ken Johnson called the Muskegon City Commission meeting to order at
5:30 p.m.
2. Prayer
Pastor Dwayne Riley, Crestwood United Methodist Church, opened the meeting
with a prayer.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited by the Commission and the
public.
4. Roll Call
As recorded above
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5. Honors, Awards, and Presentations
5.a MCC Student Recognition
The Police Department would like to recognize Alexander Smith and Alex
Near for their hard work on designing the wrap for the new City community
bus donated by Ramos and Sons. Alexander and Alex are students at
Muskegon Community College working on their Associate of Arts and
Science in Graphic Design. Their creativity skills captured the essence of
our great city and will be displayed throughout our neighborhoods at
various community engagement events.
Emily Morgenstern, Police Community Coordinator for the Public Safety
Department, recognized Dave Ramos, of Ramos Towing for his donation
of the shuttle bus to the Muskegon Police Department. The outside of the
shuttle bus was given a makeover thanks to the creative minds of
Muskegon Community College students Alex Near and Alexander Smith,
along with their Instructor, Kevin Kaiser. The Shuttle bus is currently
being used for Pop Up parties in local neigborhoods throughout the city,
providing an opportunity for positive interactions between residents and
law enforcement.
5.b Introduce New Staff
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth introduced Derrick Oakes, Muskegon
County HR Representative, who will be on-site in city hall to work with
staff.
6. Public Comment on Agenda Items
Public comments were received.
7. Consent Agenda
Action No. 2023-81
Motion by: Commissioner St.Clair
Second by: Vice Mayor German
To accept the consent agenda as presented, (item E has been removed from the
agenda), minus item C and H.
Ayes: (5): Mayor Johnson, Commissioner St.Clair, Commissioner Hood, Vice
Mayor German, and Commissioner Emory
Absent (2): Commissioner Gorman, and Commissioner Ramsey
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MOTION PASSES (5 to 0)
7.a Approval of Minutes - City Clerk
To approve the minutes of the June 27, 2023 Regular Meeting, July 10,
2023 Worksession, and July 11, 2023 Regular Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the minutes.
7.b MML Workers' Compensation Fund Board Ballot
As a member of the Michigan Municipal League's (MML) Worker's
Compensation Fund, the City of Muskegon votes for the fund's board
members. The Commission must approve a slate of up to six candidates.
The recommended slate of candidates can be found on the page following
the memo.
As a member of the Michigan Municipal League's (MML) Worker's
Compensation Fund, the City of Muskegon votes for the fund's board
members. The Commission must approve a slate of up to six candidates.
The recommended slate of candidates can be found on the page following
the memo include the following individuals.
First Term Recommendations:
• Christine Burns, Manager, Village of Spring Lake
• Juan Ganum, Manager, City of Bridgeman
• Kevin Klynstra, Mayor, City of Zeeland
Re-election to Second Terms Recommendations:
• Devin Olson, Manager, City of Munising
• Adam Smith, Manager, City of Grand Ledge
• David J Toosava, Mayor, City of Hastings
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the MML Worker’s
Compensation Fund Board of Trustees slate as presented and authorize
the City Manager to sign.
7.d Deputy City Manager Contract - Manager's Office
The City Commission had indicated a desire to see the Deputy Manager’s
position memorialized with its own contract. This contract is based largely
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on the City Manager’s contract and notes that the DCM position is outside
the Civil Service.
The contract is based largely on the City Manager’s contract
and includes benefits provided to other department/division heads.
Key Highlights:
- Car allowance
- Educational allowance (with a passing grade)
- Remote work option (structured and reviewed annually)
- Contract would be retroactive to May 1, 2023
AMOUNT REQUESTED: $144,000
FUND OR ACCOUNT: 101-172-5100/various
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: : To approve the Deputy City Manager’s
contract as presented and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
7.f Water Supply System Bonds - Finance
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of Water Supply System Junior Lien
Revenue Bonds.
To authorize the issuance of Water Supply System Bonds in an amount
not to exceed $8,865,000. The Bonds are expected to be sold to the
Michigan Finance Authority and payable in 20 annual principal
installments at an interest rate of 1.875%. Scheduled closing is September
20th.
Estimated Principal Forgiveness: These numbers are still being finalized
and do not include the reductions for the ARPA Grant and principal
forgiveness, which is 75% of the project cost amount, leaving the amount
of the loan to be repaid of $2,216,250.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the ordinance authorizing the
issuance of Water Supply System Revenue Bonds.
7.g Sanitary Sewer Collection System Bonds - Finance
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of Sanitary Sewer Collection System
Junior Lien Revenue Bonds.
To authorize the issuance of Sanitary Sewer Collection System Bonds in
an amount not to exceed $3,910,000. The Bonds are expected to be sold
to the Michigan Finance Authority and payable in 20 annual principal
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installments at an interest rate of 1.875%. Scheduled closing is September
20th.
Estimated Principal Forgiveness is approximately $1,955,000.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the ordinance authorizing the
issuance of Sanitary Sewer Collection System Revenue Bonds.
7.c Tax Foreclosure City Property Acquisition 2023 - Economic
Development
Staff is seeking approval to purchase various vacant lots for infill housing
and homes for rehab prior to their procession to the Tax Foreclosure
Auction.
We have received the list of properties and structures in the city limits that
are proceeding to the tax auction. Staff has compiled the attached list that
we feel are in the public interest for the City of Muskegon to acquire for the
purposes of new construction infill housing, as well as affordable housing
rehabs through CNS. We anticipate that most of these properties will be
built on in calendar 2024 and will be a blend of for-sale and for-rent
product.
The lots are requested for purchase as follows:
• 1974 Dowd ($1,216.50)
• 647 Marquette ($520.79)
• 77 Hartford ($726.68)
• 1278 Pine ($508.27)
• 611 Leonard ($655.03)
• 1124 Langeland ($981.66)
Total for Lots: $4,608.93
The house requested for CNS Rehab is 1295 James ($5,610.34)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the purchase of the properties
on the 2023 Tax Auction List as presented, and to authorize the city
manager or his designee to close on the properties.
Action No. 2023-82(c)
Motion by: Vice Mayor German
Second by: Commissioner St.Clair
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To approve the purchase of the properties on the 2023 Tax Auction List as
presented, with the exception of 1295 James Street, and to authorize the
city manager or his designee to close on the properties.
Ayes: (5): Mayor Johnson, Commissioner St.Clair, Commissioner Hood,
Vice Mayor German, and Commissioner Emory
Absent (2): Commissioner Gorman, and Commissioner Ramsey
MOTION PASSES (5 to 0)
7.e AT&T Lease Agreement Renewal - DPW - REMOVED PER STAFF
REQUEST
7.h Update to Paid Parking Policy - Manager's Office
The Paid Parking Policy was approved in January 2021. At the request of
the City Manager and Commissioners, the policy has been updated to
allow 2 free passes per city residence. In addition to the property tax
database, city utility bills can serve as proof of residency.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the amendment to the Paid
Parking Policy.
Action No. 2023-82(h)
Motion by: Commissioner St.Clair
Second by: Commissioner Emory
To approve the amendment to the Paid Parking Policy and to publish
Proof of Residency Parameters as determined by the City Manager to
relevant sections of the city's website.
Ayes: (5): Mayor Johnson, Commissioner St.Clair, Commissioner Hood,
Vice Mayor German, and Commissioner Emory
Absent (2): Commissioner Gorman, and Commissioner Ramsey
MOTION PASSES (5 to 0)
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8. Public Hearings
8.a Creation of a Redevelopment Area District - Planning
Request to approve the “Redevelopment Area District” pursuant to Public
Act 501 of 2006, which will allow the issuance of liquor licenses under
certain circumstances within the proposed “Redevelopment Area District.”
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the “redevelopment area
district” pursuant to Public Act 501 of 2006.
Planning Manager, Mike Franzak, provided an overview of the request to
create a Redevelopment Area District.
PUBLIC HEARING COMMENCED: No public comments were received.
Action No. 2023-83
Motion by: Commissioner St.Clair
Second by: Commissioner Hood
To close the public hearing and approve the “redevelopment area district”
pursuant to Public Act 501 of 2006.
Ayes: (5): Mayor Johnson, Commissioner St.Clair, Commissioner Hood,
Vice Mayor German, and Commissioner Emory
Absent (2): Commissioner Gorman, and Commissioner Ramsey
MOTION PASSES (5 to 0)
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
10.a Issuance of a Redevelopment Area Liquor License at 350 W. Western
Ave - Planning
Request to issue a Redevelopment Area Liquor License to 18th
Amendment at 350 W Western Ave pursuant to Public Act 501 of 2006.
18th Amendment, located at 150 W Western would like to change their
liquor license type from a distillery to a traditional liquor license. With none
available, they have applied for a Redevelopment Area Liquor License
through Public Act 501 of 2006. Please see the statement from the
Assessors Department regarding the qualification of the investment levels
in the Redevelopment Area.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the Redevelopment Area
Liquor License to 18th Amendment at 350 W. Western Avenue.
Action No. 2023-84
Motion by: Commissioner St.Clair
Second by: Commissioner Hood
To approve the Redevelopment Area Liquor License to 18th Amendment
at 350 W. Western Avenue.
Ayes: (5): Mayor Johnson, Commissioner St.Clair, Commissioner Hood,
Vice Mayor German, and Commissioner Emory
Absent (2): Commissioner Gorman, and Commissioner Ramsey
MOTION PASSES (5 to 0)
11. Any Other Business
11.a Public Restroom Availability at Arena
Commissioner St.Clair asked for an update about the status of allowing
use of public restrooms at Trinity Health Arena and if they were available
during Rebel Road. They were available for the most part but locked when
staff left for the day. There are issues with the locks, they will be fixed.
11.b Shoreline Drive Update
DPW Director Dan VanderHeide informed the commission that Shoreline
Drive has been staged and equipped for Phase 2 of the PILOT Road Diet.
They are waiting for MDOT authorization before restriction of traffic is
imposed.
11.c Community Engagement Update
Community Engagement Director, Deborah Sweet, announced that the
first edition of the monthly e-newsletter will be released tonight. Deborah
Sweet was tasked with creating this e-newsletter and it will be published
monthly. Content was provided by C2EM Committee. Subscription to the
e-newsletter is available. Also, a printed newsletter will be coming soon.
The Connect Muskegon Hub is up and running and there are 10-12
projects available for those interested to learn more about.
11.d Community Engagement Recognition
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City Manager, Jonathan Seyferth, announced that Deborah Sweet and the
Community Engagement team was recognized by the software company,
ZenCity, for the teams use of the Public Engagement product, they are
used an example for other municipalities and are in the top 5% of content
creators. Great job.
11.e Special Meeting Reminder
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth, reminded everyone of the Special
Commission Meeting scheduled August 2, 2023 at 1:00 to review ARPA
grant applications. He is trying to get a feel for what the expectation is
from the commission for the meeting next week. There is a good number
of applications to review and there is not necessarily an expectation to
vote at the Special Meeting. They will review, discuss, and deliberate, and
determine a course forward but the commission does reserve the right to
vote on items if they are so inclined.
11.f Lakeshore Innovator of the Year Reception
Mayor Johnson announced that there will a reception to recognize and
honor finalists for the Lakeshore Innovator of the Year Award. Mike
Franzak and the Planning Team are among the finalists.
11.g Clean Slate Legislation
Public Safety Director Kozal announced that his staff has been diligently
updating 25,000 records for individuals that had convictions set aside due
to the Clean Slate Legislation that was recently passed. He commended
his staff and their diligence in processing the updates to records and
expects to continue to receive more notices to set aside convictions
impacted by this legislation for some time.
11.h August 8 Election Reminder
City Clerk Ann Meisch announced that we are holding a primary on
August 8, 2023 for Ward II and Ward IV and there will be no city
commission meeting that night.
11.i Campaign Signs
Vice Mayor German raised concerns about candidate signs that have
been coming up missing.
11.j Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Deadline to File
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Mayor Ken Johnson announced that the deadline to file for the Parks &
Recreation Advisory Committee is July 27, 2023.
12. Public Comment on Non-Agenda items
• Reminder: Individuals who would like to address the City Commission
shall do the following:
• Fill out a request to speak form attached to the agenda or located in the
back of the room.
• Submit the form to the City Clerk.
• Be recognized by the Chair.
• Step forward to the microphone.
• State name and address.
• Limit of 3 minutes to address the Commission
• (Speaker representing a group may be allowed 10 minutes if previously
registered with City Clerk.)
Public comments were received.
13. Closed Session
14. Adjournment
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Motion by: Commissioner Hood
Second by: Commissioner Emory
To adjourn.
_________________________
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC - City Clerk
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