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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2009
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS @ 5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City
Hall, 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 13,
2009.
Mayor Warmington opened the meeting with a prayer from Pastor Trent
Williams from the Zion Baptist Church after which the Commission and public
recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL FOR THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen Warmington, Vice Mayor Stephen Gawron,
Commissioners Sue Wierengo, Steve Wisneski, Chris Carter, Clara Shepherd and
Lawrence Spataro, City Manager Bryon Mazade, City Attorney John Schrier, and
City Clerk Ann Marie Becker.
2009-02 CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of Minutes. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To approve minutes for the December 8th Commission
Worksession, and the December 9th Regular Commission Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) Grant. PUBLIC SAFETY
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Director of Public Safety is requesting approval to
accept a Risk Avoidance Grant (RAP) in the amount of $2,625. This grant will be
utilized to purchase Ready Buckle Restraints for all of the marked police cruisers.
This grant represents 50% of the funding for the restraint system.
The Ready Buckle Restraint system makes it easier and is safer for the police
officers when they are securing a handcuffed individual in the rear seat of a
police cruiser.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The remainder of the funds will be drawn from the
Equipment Fund.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the agreement.
D. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance – Temporary Buildings, Structures
and Uses. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Request to amend Section 2334, # 1 (Temporary
Buildings, Structures, and Uses) of Article XXIII (General Provisions) to include
“movie production” structures as permitted temporary buildings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends amendment of the Zoning
Ordinance to include “movie production” structures as permitted temporary
buildings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommended
approval of the request at their December 11th meeting. The vote was
unanimous with B. Mazade, B. Smith, and J. Aslakson absent.
E. Metro PCS Tower Lease Agreement. PUBLIC WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Metro PCS Michigan, Inc. a Delaware Corporation and
the Department of Public Works have been in negotiations to enter into an
agreement to allow Metro PCS to lease space and install antennas and
communication equipment on the Nims Street Water Tower.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Monthly rental will begin at $1,700 per month to be
escalated at the rate of 3% per year starting in 2009, including any renewal
terms. Revenue generated from the rental of the space shall be used to offset
Water Tank Maintenance Projects.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the Lease Agreement and to authorize
the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement.
PUBLIC
F. Response Agreement-Department of Veteran Affairs Police.
SAFETY
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Director of Public Safety is requesting approval to
enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of
Veteran Affairs Police. This agreement, known as a “threshold agreement”,
coordinates public safety response to Veterans Affairs offices within the City,
specifically: 165 East Apple Avenue, Suite 201. There are no costs associated
with this agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the agreement.
PUBLIC
G. Budgeted Vehicle Replacement – Two 2009 Ford F-150s.
WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Approval to purchase two 2009 Ford F-150’s.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $45,324.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve purchase using State of Michigan
Purchasing Program.
H. Budgeted Vehicle Replacement – Seven 2009 Crown Victorias. PUBLIC
WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Approval to purchase seven 2009 Crown Victorias.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $149,079.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve purchase from Great Lakes Ford.
I. Special Events – Multiple Liquor License Request for Racquets
Downtown Grill. LEISURE SERVICES
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Racquets Downtown Grill (in partnership with the
Muskegon Jaycees) is requesting an extension of their liquor license to host their
annual SnowFest event on February 5, 6, and 7, 2009. The first license is held by
Linne Lodge # 57, Independent Order of Vikings, for their Winterfest event on
February 6, 7, and 8, 2009.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Leisure Services staff approved this
request in December, 2008.
J. Recommendations for the Various Boards and Committees. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To concur with the recommendations from the
Community Relations Committee regarding appointments and resignations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Community Relations Committee
recommended approval at their January 5, 2009, meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Shepherd to approve
the Consent Agenda as read minus items C, K, and L.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and
Warmington
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2009-03 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA:
C. Rezoning Request for Properties Located at 1264 Terrace Street and 185
E. Isabella Avenue. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Request to rezone the properties located at 1264
Terrace Street and 185 E. Isabella Avenue, from R, One Family Residential District
to OSR, Open Space Recreation District.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommended
approval of the request at their December 11th meeting. The vote was
unanimous with B. Mazade, B. Smith, and J. Aslakson absent.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve
the rezoning request for properties located at 1264 Terrace Street and 185 E.
Isabella Avenue.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo,
and Wisneski
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
K. Gaming License Request for USS LST 393 Preservation Association. CITY
CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The USS LST 393 Preservation Association is requesting a
resolution recognizing them as a non-profit organization operating in the City for
the purpose of obtaining a Gaming License. They have been recognized as a
501(c)(3) organization by the State.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Commissioner Shepherd to
approve the Gaming License Request for USS LST 393 Preservation Association.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington,
and Wierengo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
L. Liquor License Transfer Request for CJ’s on the Beach, LLC, 1601 Beach
Street. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Liquor Control Commission is seeking local
recommendation on a request from CJ’s on the Beach, LLC, to transfer
ownership of the 2008 Class C and SDM Licensed Business with Outdoor Service
(2 Areas), Dance-Entertainment Permit, Drive-up Window without Alcohol
Beverage Sales, and 2 Bars located at Pere Marquette Park, 1601 Beach Street,
Pavilion Bldg., from BLMC Enterprises, Inc.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: All departments are recommending approval.
Motion by Commissioner Wisneski, second by Commissioner Spataro to approve
the liquor license transfer request for CJ’s on the Beach, LLC.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo,
Wisneski, and Carter
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2009-04 PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Request for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for AFI
Machining. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, AFI
Machining, 1920 Port City Blvd., has requested the issuance of an Industrial
Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate. The total capital investment will be
$1,366,766 in personal property and will create between four to eight jobs within
the first two years of project completion. This qualifies them for a tax abatement
of seven years under the current City policy. However, since this project has the
potential of creating 50-75 jobs within the next three to five years, the applicant
would like to apply for a 12-year abatement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City will capture certain additional property taxes
generated by the expansion.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the resolution granting an Industrial
Facilities Exemption Certificate for a term of 12 years for personal property.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. Comments were heard from Steve Kutches, President of AFI Machining,
1920 Port City Blvd.; and from Leland Davis, 125 Delaware.
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Spataro to close the
Public Hearing and approve the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for AFI
Machining for 12 years.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter,
and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Request for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for AFI Hole
Drill. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, AFI
Hole Drill, 1920 Port City Blvd., has requested the issuance of an Industrial
Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate. The total capital investment will be $576,536
in personal property and will create between two to four jobs within the first two
years of project completion. This qualifies them for a tax abatement of six years
under the current City policy. However, since this project has the potential of
creating 50-75 jobs within the next three to five years, the applicant would like to
apply for a 12-year abatement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City will capture certain additional property taxes
generated by the expansion.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the resolution granting an Industrial
Facilities Exemption Certificate for a term of 12 years for personal property.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner Wisneski, second by Commissioner Shepherd to close
the Public Hearing and approve the resolution granting an Industrial Facilities
Exemption Certificate for AFI Hole Drill for a term of 12 years.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron,
and Shepherd
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2009-05 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Liquor License Request for Muskegon Athletic Club, LLC, 333 Western,
Suite B. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The Liquor Control Commission is seeking local
recommendation on a request from Muskegon Athletic Club, LLC, for a new
Additional Bar Permit for a total of 2 Bars and a new SDM License to be held in
conjunction with the 2008 Class C License with Sunday Sales Permit, Dance-
Entertainment Permit, Outdoor Service (1 area), and Official permit (food)
located at 333 Western, Suite B.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: All departments are recommending approval.
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to approve
the liquor license request for Muskegon Athletic Club, LLC, 333 Western, Suite B.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Warmington, Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd,
and Spataro
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: County Commissioners Charles Nash and Bill Gill invited
the Commission and City of Muskegon to the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and
Museum February events to honor Black History Month. Veterans Recognition
Night is Friday, February 27th.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk