CITY OF MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN

REGULAR COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

NOVEMBER 20, 2006

 

 

 

 

A regular meeting of the Menominee City Council, City of Menominee, County of Menominee, State of Michigan, was held Monday, November 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers.

 

The Honorable George W. Krah called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

 

PRESENT:       Mayor Krah

Council Members Fernstrum, Jasper, Mick, Organ, Pintarelli, Schloegel, and Sorensen

ABSENT:               Council Member Hudon (excused)

 

PRESENT:  8                ABSENT:  1

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Organ to excuse Council Member Hudon from the meeting.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to approve the agenda for the meeting dated November 14, 2006.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

There being no additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 2006 or the special meeting of November 6, 2006, the minutes stood approved as presented.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Mayor Krah opened the public comment session called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on agenda items only.

 

Pat Polazzo, 2810-20th Street, said it was very dark in Circle Lane and they need another street light.

 

Jerry Mullins spoke on behalf of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and thanked council for their consideration of extending the Revolving Loan Fund loan repayment.  They have nearly doubled their employment.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Schloegel to close the public comment session.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Two

 

 

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

 

Under reports of officers, Mayor Krah submitted the following appointments for confirmation:

 

Ted Hoff to the Downtown Development Authority, replacing Jewel Henes who resigned, with his term to expire January 25, 2010.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to confirm the foregoing appointment.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

Mark Desotell to the Historic District Commission, replacing Jewel Henes who resigned, with his term to expire May 11, 2009.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to confirm the foregoing appointment.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

Brian Chaltry to the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Debra Lemay who resigned, with his term to expire October 15, 2008.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to confirm the foregoing appointment.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The MIDC reported that they had reviewed the request from Enstrom Helicopter to extend one of their existing loans from the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and they recommended that the loan be extended for an additional three years at the current payment rate and that the interest rate continue to be a floating rate as it was in the original loan.

 

S/ M I D C

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Organ to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The MIDC reported that they had reviewed the request from Mark Allgeyer for partial forgiveness of the Stateline Pallet loan from the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and they recommended that the request be denied.

 

S/ M I D C


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Three

 

 

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.

 

AYES:              Jasper, Krah, Mick, Pintarelli, Schloegel, Sorensen, and Fernstrum

NAYS:             Organ

 

This motion was carried.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Police and Fire Retirement Board reported that they had reviewed retirement benefit calculations and they recommended to city council that the police and fire bargaining units’ contracts be amended to insure language concerning retirement benefits appropriately mirrors Act 345 language as amended by collective bargaining agreements to clarify the intentions of the parties.

 

S/POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT BOARD

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Finance Committee reported that they reviewed the claims for October 2006 and they recommended that checks be drawn on the treasurer in payment of the bills as follows:

 

            General Fund in the amount of $418,620.16

            River Park Fund in the amount of $20,726.08

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Finance Committee reported that they had reviewed the purchase of two (2) new police cars (2007 Ford Crown Victorias) and they recommended that the City purchase the squad cars through Signature Ford, drop shipped to The Motor Company at the cost of $20,679 each and the bid process be waived because this was the State contract pricing.

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Four

 

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Judicial and Legislative/Personnel and Labor Committee reported that they had reviewed department head and non union benefit adjustments and they recommended to city council that they approve a $1 per year increase in longevity.

 

S/JUDICIAL AND LEGISLATIVE/PERSONNEL AND LABOR COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Schloegel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Judicial and Legislative/Personnel and Labor Committee reported that they had reviewed the need to clarify retirement benefit calculations for police and fire union employees and they recommended to city council that they adopt letters of understanding with the Police and Fire Unions.

 

S/JUDICIAL AND LEGISLATIVE/PERSONNEL AND LABOR COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Judicial and Legislative/Personnel and Labor Committee reported that they had reviewed potential cable television legislation that could negatively impact the City and they recommended to city council that they adopt the following resolution and to authorize the city manager to send letters to our state legislators opposing the proposed legislation:

 

RESOLUTION FOR OPPOSITION TO HB 6456

 

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee has been served by cable television providers under local franchise arrangements for years; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee is ready and willing to promptly negotiate local cable franchise agreements with additional providers to permit fair competition in, and improved services to, our community; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee does NOT support House Bill 6456, commonly referred to as the “Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act”, as written; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee does not support the bill due to current language which would:

 

1.         Allow cable companies to terminate their franchise contracts at any time.

2.         Permit any cable provider to selectively “cherry-pick” areas where they want to provide service.

3.         Create negative revenue impacts for local communities estimated at $42-$57 million.


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Five

 

 

 

4.            Remove the authority of local communities to manage community public rights-of-way and eliminate local emergency alert systems.

5.            Eliminate or cut back community, school and public access television due to revenue and in-kind service reductions.  There are also several provisions that will increase operating costs on these facilities.

 

WHEREAS, HB 6456 will erode local control of local issues,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee is opposed to HB 6456; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee requests that Governor Granholm, State Representative Casperson, and State Senator Prusi oppose HB 6456 in order to save our citizens from the consequences outlined above;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee requests all other representatives of the Michigan State Legislature to vote against HB 6456.

 

S/JUDICIAL AND LEGISLATIVE/PERSONNEL AND LABOR COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Parks and Recreation/Buildings and Grounds Committee reported that they had reviewed the proposals received from real estate agents/brokers to market the available lots currently for sale abutting 20th Street in Circle Lane Subdivision Phase III and they recommended accepting the proposal from Best! Real Estate Services (GMAC) and they further recommended that lot number 55 remain as one parcel and not be split to the abutting property owners.

 

S/PARKS AND RECREATION/BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Organ and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed award of the Assistance to Firefighter grant to purchase equipment for the Fire Department and they recommended the following:

 

a)                  accepting the low bid submitted by J S Electronics to supply fifteen pagers in the amount of $369 per unit for a total of $5,535.00;

b)                  purchasing fifteen portable radios from J.S. Electronics at the cost of $8,376 and waiving the bid process because this is the State Purchasing Program price;

c)                  accepting the low bid submitted by Procomm Americas to supply fifteen bone conducting microphones in the amount of $498.10 per unit and $25 shipping for a total of $7,496.50;


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Six

 

 

 

d)                  purchasing five mobile radios from J.S. Electronics at the cost of $7,937 and waiving the bid process because this is the State Purchasing Program price;

e)                  purchasing a portable radio battery conditioner from J.S. Electronics at the cost of $993;

f)                   purchasing four dry water rescue suits from Pomasl Fire Equipment at the cost of $2,200.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed the negotiated bid received to provide proprietary equipment for a fire station alerting system and they recommended accepting the negotiated bid in the amount of $10,307.00 from ComTech Communications.

 

The Committee further reported that they had reviewed the balance of the Assistance to Firefighter grant funds available and they recommended the following:

 

a)                  Use of the remaining funds, not to exceed $9,860.50 for the installation of the alerting system and provision of associated hardware, wiring, and audio equipment and the provision of necessary radio components that interface with the station alerting system;

b)                  Waiving the City’s normal bid process due to the short time period required to expend grant funds (by December 7, 2006).

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Schloegel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed a request from Wayne Polazzo to have an additional street light installed on 20th Street between 28th Avenue and 30th Avenue in Circle Lane Subdivision III and they recommended denying the request. 

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.

 

AYES:              Krah, Mick, Organ, Pintarelli, Schloegel, and Jasper  

NAYS:             Sorensen and Fernstrum

 

This motion was carried.


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Seven

 

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed adopting the National Incident Management System and they recommended adopting the following resolution:

 

RESOLUTION

ADOPTING THE NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGMENT SYSTEM

IN THE CITY OF MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN

 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Menominee, Michigan does hereby find as follows:

 

WHEREAS, the President in Homeland Security Directive (HSPD)-5, directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, and local governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity; and

 

WHEREAS, the collective input and guidance from all Federal, State, and local homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development, effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS; and

 

WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable that all Federal, State, and local emergency agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management; and

 

WHEREAS, to facilitate the most efficient and effective incident management it is critical that Federal, State, and local organizations utilize standard terminology, standardized organizational structure, interoperable communications, consolidated action plans, unified command structure, uniform personnel qualification standards, uniform standards for planning, training, and exercising, comprehensive resource management, and designated incident facilities during emergencies or disasters;

 

WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities, and resources will improve the City’s ability to utilize federal funding to enhance local agency readiness, maintain first responder safety, and streamline incident management processes; and

 

WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an integral part of various City incident management activities, including current emergency management training programs; and

 

WHEREAS, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) recommended adoption of a standardized Incident Command System;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Menominee, Michigan, that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is established as the City of Menominee standard for incident management.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE


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November 20, 2006

Page Eight

 

 

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed Pay Estimate #3 in the amount of $86,563.92 and Contract Modification #4 increasing the contract amount by $4,075.65 to Barley Trucking and Excavating, Inc. for Contract 06-RD-01, 2006 Road Project and they recommended that they be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Sorensen and seconded by Council Member Jasper to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $105,525.70 to Barley Excavating, Inc. for Contract 06-RD-06, Storm Sewer Construction 10th Street, 16th Avenue, and 18th Avenue and they recommended that it be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Sorensen to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed Pay Estimate #3 in the amount of $2,728.00 and Contract Modification #2 increasing the contract amount by $1,728.00 to Kakuk Construction, Inc. for Contract 06-RD-05, 18th Street Watermain and Roadway Construction and they recommended that they be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 


Regular Council Proceedings

November 20, 2006

Page Nine

 

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

The Public Safety/Public Works Committee reported that they had reviewed Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $53,464.50 and Change Order #1 decreasing the contract amount by $1,669.00 to Snowden, Inc. for Contract 06-RD-04, US-41 Concrete Joint Repair and they recommended that they be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC SAFETY/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS:

 

The following resolution was considered next:

 

RESOLUTION PLEDGING LIMITED TAX FULL FAITH AND CREDIT

City of Menominee

County of Menominee, State of Michigan

_______________________________________

 

Minutes of a regular meeting of the City Council the City of Menominee, County of Menominee, State of Michigan, held on the 20th day of November, 2006, in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.

PRESENT:            Members:  Fernstrum, Jasper, Krah, Mick, Organ, Pintarelli, Schloegel, and Sorensen

ABSENT:            Members:  Hudon

 

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Schloegel and supported by Member Organ:

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee, County of Menominee, State of Michigan (the “City”) has previously created the City of Menominee Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (the "Authority") pursuant to Act 381, Public Acts of Michigan, 1996, as amended (“Act 381”); and

WHEREAS, the Authority proposes to issue its Tax Increment Bonds, Series 2006 (Limited Tax General Obligation)(Taxable) in the original principal amount of not to exceed $225,000 (the "Bonds") to finance the cost of eligible activities for Bellisle Motor Sports, LLC 3700 10th Street (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the Authority has adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of the Bonds in accordance with the provisions of Act 381 and Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended ("Act 34"); and


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November 20, 2006

Page Ten

 

WHEREAS, Section 17(2) of Act 381 provides that the City may pledge its full faith and credit for the payment of the Bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

 

1.         Public Purpose.  The City hereby finds that the accomplishment, completion and financing of the Project is in the best interest of the health and welfare of the City, is in the furtherance of the purposes of Act 381 and constitutes a public purpose.  The City expressly approves obtaining and using funds derived from the proceeds of the Bonds to finance the Project.

2.         Limited Tax Pledge.  The City hereby irrevocably pledges its full faith and credit and resources to the payment of the Bonds.  If at any time the Debt Retirement Fund (as that Fund is established by the Authority) is insufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Bonds as the same become due, the City upon notification by the Authority’s Treasurer, shall as a first budget obligation advance from its available funds a sufficient amount to pay said principal and interest, or in the event of insufficiency of the City’s general funds, levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable property within the boundaries of the City in an amount sufficient to pay said principal and interest, providing such tax levy shall be within applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.

3.            Authorization for Further Actions.  The Mayor, City Clerk, Treasurer and other officers, agents and employees of the City each is authorized and directed to take all other actions necessary or advisable, and to make such other filings, applications or request for waivers with the Michigan Department of Treasury or with other parties, to enable the sale and delivery of the Bonds.

4.         Notice of Meeting.  The City hereby confirms that the posting required pursuant to Act 34, as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, was done in due time and form as required by Act 34.

5.            Rescission.  All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be and the same hereby are rescinded.

AYES:    Members:  Jasper, Krah, Mick, Organ, Pintarelli, Schloegel, Sorensen, and Fernstrum

NAYS:  Members:  None

 

RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Schloegel and seconded by Council Member Organ to adopt the foregoing resolution.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Mayor Krah opened the public comment session.

 

Jill Schwanz commented on street lighting in Circle Lane and said that installing additional lights should be revisited due to the fact that the area does not have sidewalk.


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November 20, 2006

Page Eleven

 

 

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Mick to close the public comment session.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

ADJOURN:

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Schloegel to adjourn the meeting.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas F. DeNike, City Clerk/Treasurer

 

 

 

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