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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
June 9, 2014
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2014-42
Present: Commissioners Hood, Rinsema-Sybenga, Gawron, Johnson, German, Turnquist, and
Spataro.
Absent: None.
Farmers Market Permit to a Qualified Small Wine Maker.
A new state law now allows wine sampling at Farmers Markets. A maximum of three samples
may be given. Samples can be no more than 2 ounces.
Motion by Vice Mayor Spataro, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to authorize staff to
adopt regulations to allow Farmers Market vendors to have wine tasting in conformity
with the new state law.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gawron, Hood, Spataro, German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, and Johnson.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES
2014-15 Budget.
The third quarter budget re-forecast was given.
Proposed general fund expenditures are $24,733,617 and are up from the 2013-14 original
budget of $23,775,700. Revenues for 2014-15 are estimated at $24,733,981 and are up from the
2013-14 original budget of $23,183,205. This essentially creates a break even budget for 2014-
15.
The budget includes the elimination of two code compliance inspector positions and one
customer service representative I position (environmental services) with the privatization of
environmental and rental code compliance services. Three additional firefighter positions were
added with the reduction in contractual services for part-time firefighters.
The budget does include a .5 mill increase for refuse and a .5 mill increase to the overall millage
rate and represents a balanced budget.
The budget reflects the continued contractual relationship with SafeBuilt to provide trade
inspection services and rental inspection services. We will continue to contract recreation
services with outside agencies at the same funding level.
Due to relatively low ridership, staff is proposing the elimination of senior transit services.
Refuse collection costs are anticipated to increase by 1%, pursuant to the contract with Republic.
Over $499,000 has been budgeted for capital improvements that include playground equipment,
radios for the fire department, GIS mapping of grave sites, replacement of windows at city hall,
force continuum equipment for police department, ADA compliance at various locations, roof
repair or replacement at fire station #4, and Veteran's Park upgrades.
A proposed millage increase was discussed. Staff was directed to finalize a proposal and take it
to the June 24, 2014 Commission meeting for consideration of the November ballot.
Commissioners asked several questions regarding various line items within the proposed budget.
The City Manager, Finance Director, and staff answered questions.
The public hearing on the budget will take place at the Commission meeting on Tuesday, June
10, 2014 Commission meeting.
Any Other Business.
After a discussion with city staff, the City Manager recommended the Commission consider
placing a question on the November ballot to remove the “Rule of 1” from the Civil Service
rules. The “Rule of 1” currently allows an employee with the highest score to promote into a
position. Removing the rule would allow supervisors to select any employee with a passing
score for promotion.
This item has been placed on the June 24, 2014 agenda for consideration by the City
Commission.
Adjournment.
Motion by Commissioner Hood, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn at 7:23
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
____________________________
Ann Marie Cummings, MMC
City Clerk