City Commission Worksession Minutes 03-13-2017

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                                   CITY OF MUSKEGON
                             CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION

                                    Monday, March 13, 2017
                                           5:30 p.m.
                             Muskegon City Commission Chambers
                            933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440


                                         MINUTES
     2017-18
     Present:     German, Rinsema-Sybenga, Turnquist, Johnson, Gawron, Hood, and
                  Warren
     Absent:      None

     Designation of Pine Street From Apple to Muskegon Avenue
     The section of Pine Street between Apple Avenue and Muskegon Avenue will be
     designated as Bill Gill Way in recognition of his years of dedicated service on the
     Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and in the community. The sign designation
     will be placed on top of existing street name signs, not impacting any addresses. A
     presentation will be made and a Resolution will be adopted at the March 14, 2017
     Regular Commission Meeting.

     Unit 7 – Loan
     A six story mixed-use building is being proposed at 351 W. Western Avenue. There
     would be retail space, office space, and living space in the building. Staff has been
     working with 351 W. Western LLC on a potential loan from the revolving loan fund for
     their project at 351 W. Western Avenue, also known as Unit 7. This item will be placed
     on the March 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Agenda.

     PILOT – Amazon Building
     Muskegon Redevelopment Limited Housing Authority purchased the Amazon property
     in 2016. There is currently no PILOT for the property, although it is a Low Income
     Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project. In order to obtain the financing necessary to make
     additional capital improvements to the Amazon, a PILOT is required. Since the property
     is within the City’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the PILOT will result in a
     decrease of taxes being paid into the DDA. An amendment t the current PILOT
     Ordinance is being recommended for Section 82-51 (1), changing the service charge for
     the PILOT from 4 percent minimum to 3 percent minimum. The City is able to capture
     an additional percentage for the City service fee.

     Mr. Back of Muskegon Redevelopment Limited Dividend Housing Authority is
     requesting a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for the Amazon property (550 W.
     Western). The property is currently a MSHDA LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit)


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     project. Normally, LIHTC properties also have PILOT Agreements, which allow them to
     make improvements over time, despite restricted rents. Since the Amazon was
     originally in a Renaissance Zone, a PILOT was not initially received. The property is no
     longer in a Renaissance Zone. Muskegon Redevelopment Limited Dividend Housing
     Authority purchased the building out of bankruptcy in 2016 and they have put a
     significant amount of investment into the property. However, additional major capital
     improvements are necessary, and the only way the funds will be available is through a
     PILOT designation. Fortunately, Muskegon Redevelopment Limited Dividend Housing
     Authority is only requesting a five year PILOT for the Amazon. This will enable the
     owner to make the necessary improvements, while providing additional market-rate
     units in the facility. The long-term goal is to increase the number of these market-rate
     units. Currently, the development includes 49 units (60% Area Median Income), 61 units
     (50% Area Median Income) and 12 units (Market-Rate); as well as five commercial units
     (with plans to convert some of these to market-rate apartments). The Amazon
     Apartments contain 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, common area, a community room, and
     outdoor courtyard. The minimum service charge of 3% will be imposed (assuming the
     PILOT Ordinance Amendment is first approved by City Commission) as well as an
     essential service fee to the City of 3%.
     This item will be on the March 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Agenda.

     Walker Arena Lease
     City Staff has been working with a group of local business owners interested in creating
     a restaurant and bar to service the LC Walker Arena and also provide more daily
     food/beverage options to the downtown community. Rad Dad’s Taco and Tequila Bar
     is proposing to lease approximately 3,500 square feet of concourse space in the arena
     and 500 square feet of outdoor space to provide outdoor dining space at the corner of
     Western Avenue and 4th Street. In addition to operating Rad Dad’s Taco and Tequila
     Bar, the ownership group is interested in entering into a management agreement to
     operate the arena’s numerous concession stands during event days.
     The owners would like to open by June 1, 2017. Staff would like to begin
     implementation of the concession management contract in August, with the expectation
     that full implementation will take place prior to the beginning of the Lumberjacks’ 2017-
     18 hockey season. This could create approximately 20 jobs. This item will be on the
     March 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Agenda.

     Election Polling Locations
     The City Clerk explained the obstacles the Clerk’s office has been running into while
     attempting to make several polling place changes. The Clerk explained some of the
     options that are currently being considered for moving certain polling places. This is
     something that the Clerk will continue working on.

     Farmer’s Market Update
     The City Clerk discussed several suggestions for fee structure changes and for rule
     changes. The market is currently operating at a loss and the goal is to get closer to a
     break-even position. Some rules for the Farmer’s Market also need to be modified.

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     Any Other Business

           CDBG Funds
           There was discussion about the use of Community Development Block Grant
           Funds and how they should be used. It is being suggested that neigborhoods
           choose what projects should be funded.

     Adjournment
     Moved by Hood, second by Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

                                           Respectfully Submitted,



                                           Ann Marie Meisch, MMC
                                           City Clerk




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