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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
June 8, 2009
City Commission Chambers
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2009-
Present: Commissioners Warmington, Carter, Wierengo, Shepherd, Wisneski, Gawron, and
Spataro.
Absent: None.
Deer Herd in Beachwood.
A petition from residents of Beachwood was presented to the City Commission by Jean Gray
requesting the City develop a system to eliminate some deer in the Beachwood neighborhood.
Other residents spoke and stated the same concern.
The Commission requested the City Manager place a call to the MDNR and ask that a
representative attend the next Worksession meeting in July.
Third Street Promenade.
Gary Post a representative of Baker College made a presentation requesting that the City partner
with the Third Street Promenade for additional improvements. They request the City
Commission consider making a contribution and donating in-kind services to the project. The
project is expected to cost approximately $750,000 when all is done.
The Mayor explained the Commission will be considering budget cuts this evening and he would
not feel comfortable offering assistance on the project at this time.
Other Commissioners re-iterated the same thoughts.
Charter Amendments.
Six charter amendments are being proposed to be placed on the November ballot. They are as
follows:
1. Allowing City Commission to change the fiscal year.
2. Charter relating to the tax collection cycle
3. Date for submission of the budget
4. Eliminating the Charter provision relating to Board of Review sessions
5. Eliminating requirement for primaries
6. Eliminating the Civil Service System
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, seconded by Commissioner Wierengo to adopt the
resolutions to move forward with the proposed charter amendments and place on the
November ballot.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Warmington, Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, and Spataro.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES
Second Quarter Budget Reforecast.
Commissioners clarified some budget reforecast recommendations as proposed by
administration.
Tim Paul stated the 2010 budget will be dismal.
Mayor Warmington asked that residents and employees contact their Representative and tell
them not to cut the City’s State Shared Revenue.
Several employees addressed the Commission.
Commissioner Carter urged the unions to gather together and suggest ways for employees to
retain their jobs. Any reductions must be made across the board.
Milwaukee Clipper Relocation.
The City Manager asked if the City Commission would like to include a proposal to the
Waterway Commission to move boaters from the small boat basin and requiring relocation to the
large boat basin. The MDNR recommends the small boat basin be moved. There are
approximately 28 boats in the small boat basin. Cost of the large boat basin is triple the cost of
the small boat basin.
The Commission is not interested in moving the small boat basin and asked that the original
proposal be presented to relocate the Milwaukee Clipper.
Kathy Evans Presentation.
An update from representatives of WMSRDC was given of the proposed south branch and Grand
Trunk design project. Recipients of the grant will be notified by the end of June.
Any Other Business.
Public participation was accepted.
Closed Session to Discuss City Manager’s Evaluation.
Moved by Commissioner, seconded by Commissioner to go into closed session to discuss
the City Manager’s evaluation.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Wierengo, Wisneski, Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, and Warmington.
Nays: None.
MOTION PASSES
Moved by Commissioner, seconded by Commissioner to go into open session.
MOTION PASSES
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Shepherd to adjourn at 7:55
p.m.
MOTION PASSES
________________________
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk