JACKSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 13, 2010

CALL TO ORDER.

The Jackson City Council met in regular session in City Hall and was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Karen F. Dunigan.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - INVOCATION.

The Council joined in the pledge of allegiance.  The invocation was given by Councilmember Gaiser.

ROLL CALL.

Present:  Mayor Karen F. Dunigan and Councilmembers Carl L. Breeding, Robert B. Howe, Daniel P. Greer, Kenneth E. Gaiser, Andrew R. Frounfelker and John R. Polaczyk-7.  Absent:  none. 

  Also Present:  Interim City Manager Christopher W. Lewis, City Attorney Julius A. Giglio and City Clerk Lynn Fessel.

AGENDA.

Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to amend the agenda, by adding the following two items under Other Business:  (1) Consideration of the continuation of the services of the Education Associates, the search for a city manager and other related matters to the Manager and (2) Receipt of and consideration of a letter from Frank L. Walsh offering assistance to the City with no charge.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt the agenda, as amended.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

CITIZEN COMMENTS.

Tom Mijal, Benjamin Kriesch and Dan Siefken all spoke in support of the City providing compost to encourage organizations to adopt vacant City lots for the development of community gardens.

John Wilson spoke in opposition to the proposed 2010 Building Inspection Division Fee Adjustment Schedule. 

Eric Miller spoke in opposition to the costs for the Summer Planting Day.

Scott TenBrink spoke in support of the City providing compost for the development of community gardens and the construction of a new non-motorized railroad crossing and repair to the bridge sidewalk on Trail St.

Cheryl Pezon, on behalf of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, reminded Council that if there is anything they can do to help the City Council make Jackson a better place in which to live and do business, they are here to help.

Jason Kildea, on behalf of the Gillespie Group, stated he is available to answer any questions regarding the Carnegie Place, LLC agreements on tonight’s agenda.  He also praised the community gardens project.

Bryant Ramsey, RTD Manufacturing President, presented the Council with a $100,000.00 check, representing payment in full of their CDBG Jobs Creation Loan, two and one-half months earlier than required.  He reported on the success of RTD’s contract to manufacture integration brackets and expressed his appreciation to the City Council, Community Development Director Carol Konieczki and Interim City Manager Chris Lewis.

PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.

None.

CONSENT CALENDAR.

Councilmember Frounfelker requested Item D be removed for separate consideration.  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the following Consent Calendar, with Item D removed for separation consideration.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 23, 2010, and the special City Council meeting of March 31, 2010.
• Approval of the request from the Family Service & Children’s Aid to hold their 8th annual 5K Run for Fun on City streets on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., beginning and ending at 330 W. Michigan Avenue, with police assistance at major intersections, and closure of Michigan Avenue between Blackstone and First Streets from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  (Recommended approval received from the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering, and Public Services Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority.  Proper insurance coverage received.)
• Approval of the request from the Jackson Police Department to hold their annual Police Memorial Service at Bucky Harris Park on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 12:00 p.m., to honor Jackson County police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  (Recommended approval received from the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering, and Parks/Forestry Departments and the Downtown Development Authority.  Insurance coverage is in place.)
• Removed for separate consideration.
• Approval of the request from the Downtown Development Authority to hold Cruise In on Friday, May 28th, June 25th, July 23rd and August 27, 2010, and to close streets from 5:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., and on Saturday, September 25th, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., closing the following streets:
  Michigan Avenue from Blackstone Street to Francis Street
  Jackson Street from Cortland Street to Louis Glick Hwy.
  Mechanic Street from Washington Avenue to Pearl Street
  (Recommended approval received from the Police - police officers are not available; Fire, Traffic Engineering, Parks/Forestry and Public Services Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority.  Insurance coverage is in place.)
• Approval of Traffic Control Order (TCO) No. 2043, requiring traffic traveling east and westbound in the 200 block of West Wesley Street between Jackson and Blackstone Streets to stop for pedestrians, and installation of a crosswalk in the same location.
• Approval of Traffic Control Order (TCO) Nos. 2051-2060, reinstituting two-hour parking on downtown streets with appropriate short-time zones.
• Receipt of the City of Jackson’s summary of revenue and expenditures for eight (8) months ended, February 28, 2010.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM D.

Approval of the request from the Downtown Development Authority to conduct their Summer Planting Day on Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in downtown Jackson and Bucky Harris Park.  (Recommended approval received from the Traffic Engineering and Parks/Forestry Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority.  Insurance coverage is in place).

Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the request as presented and, hopefully, make it come in under budget.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS.

None.

APPOINTMENTS.

None.

PUBLIC HEARINGS.

None.

RESOLUTIONS.

• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION HONORING POLICE OFFICER JAMES D. BONNEAU FOR GIVING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF JACKSON.  (TO BE PRESENTED AT POLICE MEMORIAL EVENT, MAY 5, 2010.) Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HOUSE BILLS 5550-5554, ALLOWING ISSUERS OF EXISTING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SECURITIES TO REFINANCE ALL OR ANY PART OF ITS OUTSTANDING SECURITIES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2012, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO WRITE LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO THE LOCAL STATE REPRESENTATIVE.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to amend the motion by adding the names of our Representative, Senator and encourage the Governor to sign if it reaches her desk.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
  
    The main motion, as amended, was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A NEW RATE SCHEDULE INCREASING THE CHARGES FOR REGULAR USERS OF CEMETERY SERVICES EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2010, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF CEMETERIES, FORESTRY AND PARKS.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-5.  Nays:  Councilmembers Breeding and Gaiser—2.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4189 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4190 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS BUIILDING DEPARTMENT FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4191 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4192 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS WASTEWATER FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4193 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS WATER FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY 11, 2010, AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4194 FOR DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ASSESSOR TO PREPARE THE ROLL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt resolutions D through I.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW NON-MOTORIZED RAILROAD CROSSING, AND TO REPAIR THE BRIDGE SIDEWALK ON TRAIL STREET, AT A TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF $62,500.00, WITH $50,000.00 FROM THE FEDERAL LOCAL SAFETY PROGRAM, AND $12,500.00 FROM CITY FUNDING, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY ENGINEER TO APPLY TO THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT) FOR A FISCAL YEAR 2012 FEDERAL LOCAL SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Gaiser and Frounfelker-5.  Nays:  Councilmembers Breeding and Polaczyk—2.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS TO AMEND THE CITY CHARTER, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ELECTION DATE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY ELECTORATE:
  
  
  1. RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 13.8 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON OR FIRM SHALL CONDUCT THE AUDIT OF THE CITY’S FUNDS FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS IN SUCCESSION.
     
     Motion was made by Mayor Dunigan and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to postpone consideration of this matter until the next Council meeting after the next Finance Committee meeting.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Breeding—1.  Absent:  0.
     
       Please note that K. 5 was considered prior to K. 1.
  2. RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 8.8 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAJORITY OF COUNCILMEMBERS SERVING SHALL BE A QUORUM FOR MEETINGS.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt the resolution, establish August 3, 2010, as the date for the amendment to be submitted to the City electorate and to establish that election as a special election in conjunction with the primary election.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Howe-1.  Absent:  0. 
  3. RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 11.1 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXISTING POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT BE COMBINED INTO A PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY A VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE CITY ELECTORS AT A REGULAR OR SPECIAL CITY ELECTION.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt the resolution, establish August 3, 2010, as the date for the amendment to be submitted to the City electorate and to establish that election as a special election in conjunction with the primary election.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Breeding-1.  Absent:  0. 
  4. RESOLUTION CREATING SECTION 11.1.5 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH NEIGHBORING JURISDICTIONS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF METROPOLITAN DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE MUNICIPAL SERVICES AS REQUIRED BY CHARTER AND/OR STATE LAW.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt the resolution, establish August 3, 2010, as the date for the amendment to be submitted to the City electorate and to establish that election as a special election in conjunction with the primary election.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
  5. RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 11.4 OF THE CITY CHARTER, TO INDICATE THAT THE CITY CLERK SHALL BE SWORN INTO OFFICE BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY, AND THAT THE CITY CLERK SHALL KEEP A RECORD OF ALL OATHS OF OFFICE FOR ALL APPOINTED AND ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to adopt the resolution, establish August 3, 2010, as the date for the amendment to be submitted to the City electorate and to establish that election as a special election in conjunction with the primary election.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

ORDINANCES.

• A. FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2010.05, AMENDING CHAPTER 5, CITY CODE, ADDING ARTICLE VIII TO DESIGNATE THE BUILDING OFFICIAL AS THE ENFORCING AGENCY TO DISCHARGE THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY OF JACKSON, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to adopt Ordinance No. 2010.05.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
  
  
  1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO MANAGE FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

OTHER BUSINESS.

• CONSIDERATION OF THE 2010 BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION FEE ADJUSTMENT SCHEDULE, (FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.)  (ITEM POSTPONED AT THE MARCH 23, 2010, COUNCIL MEETING.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to adopt the Building Inspection Division fee adjustment schedule, in concurrence with the Finance Committee recommendation.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Howe, Greer and Polaczyk-4.  Nays:  Councilmembers Breeding, Gaiser and Frounfelker-3.  Absent:  0. 
• RECEIPT OF AND CONSIDERATION OF A LETTER FROM FRANK L. WALSH OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO THE CITY WITH NO CHARGE.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to receive the letter.  The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to accept his offer of assistance and schedule a meeting with him as soon as possible.  The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE SERVICES OF THE EDUCATION ASSOCIATES, THE SEARCH FOR A CITY MANAGER AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS TO THE MANAGER.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to postpone consideration of this matter until the next regular City Council meeting.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer-4.  Nays:  Councilmembers Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-3.  Absent:  0. 

NEW BUSINESS.

• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE AMENDED OPTION, PURCHASE, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CARNEGIE PLACE, LLC, AND THE CITY REGARDING CITY OWNED VACANT PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH OF THE HAYES HOTEL AND WEST OF THE JACKSON DISTRICT LIBRARY, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S), AND FOR STAFF TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS AND TAKE ALL OTHER ACTION NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE A CLOSING ON THE PROPERTY.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED DATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011, FOR THE CLOSURE OF CITY HALL FOR EMPLOYEE FURLOUGH DAYS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to postpone consideration of this matter until the union has had an opportunity to meet with the Interim City Manager or the next regular Council meeting, whichever comes first.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE AUTHORIZATION FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) GRANT, ASSISTANCE TO FIRE FIGHTERS GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,778.00 ($14,077.00 MATCH FROM THE CITY) FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS’ (SCBA).
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO PROVIDE, AT NO CHARGE, AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF CITY COMPOST TO ENCOURAGE ORGANIZATIONS TO ADOPT VACANT CITY LOTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS, ADOPTION OF THE COMMUNITY/URBAN GARDENING PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR VACANT CITY-OWNED LOTS TO BE USED BY CITY RESIDENTS, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO PROGRAM DOCUMENTS IF NECESSARY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FORESTRY AND GROUNDS.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

ADDITION TO NEW BUSINESS:

Motion was made by Councilmember Gaiser and seconded by Councilmember Greer to offer a one-year contract to Warren Renando to provide the services of Interim City Manager with the same conditions ironed out approximately three weeks ago.

Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to postpone consideration of this matter until after the Council has an opportunity to talk with Mr. Walsh.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-4.  Nays:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding and Gaiser-3.  Absent:  0. 

CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ COMMENTS.

Councilmember Breeding would like to see agendas prepared that fit each meeting by deleting any items that have no actions.  He also asked about the City’s website, since we have changed vendors.  He noted problems with downloading Council meeting packets and the availability of Council meeting minutes and agendas.

Councilmember Gaiser asked for clarification on how Councilmembers submit agenda items.  Interim City Manager Lewis stated that agenda items should be sent to the Manager’s office and he announced a deadline of the Friday before the Tuesday meeting at noon(ish).  He also inquired about the decision to contract Jackson County Fair protection with the Sheriff.  Mr. Lewis responded the City was not consulted in this matter.  He also requested a copy of the information concerning a plan for improvement regarding the ISO reduction.  In closing, he reported on his attendance at the Michigan Municipal League Conference where he learned about a possible increase in the gasoline tax to offset a reduction in gasoline usage.

Councilmember Frounfelker reported that the Gillespie Group wishes to give presentations on the Carnegie Place project to the Council and other groups.  Community Development Director Konieczki will coordinate dates and times for these presentations.  He also reported that he will conduct a Fifth Ward Neighborhood Meeting on April 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to update residents on what is happening in the City and in the Fifth Ward.

Councilmember Polaczyk stated he is pleased that RTD Manufacturing presented the Council with their check tonight.  He thanked them for choosing Jackson and keeping some jobs here.

MANAGER’S COMMENTS.

None.

ADJOURNMENT.

No further business being presented, a motion was made by Councilmember Howe and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Lynn Fessel
City Clerk