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 Jerry F. Ludwig.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - INVOCATION.
The Council joined in the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember Frounfelker gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Jerry F. Ludwig and Councilmembers Carl L. Breeding, William A. Mure, Daniel P. Greer, Sarah E. Mead, Andrew R. Frounfelker and John R. Polaczyk-7. Absent: 0.
Also present: City Manager William R. Ross, City Attorney Julius A. Giglio and City Clerk Lynn Fessel.
AGENDA.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mure and seconded by Councilmember Mead to adopt the agenda. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.
A. PRESENTATION BY C. JAN MARKOWSKI, CITY ASSESSOR, ON THE SUBJECT OF PROPERTY VALUES AND TAXES.
Mr. Markowski provided a list of 648 home sales in the City in 2006, with an average price of slightly over $86,000. He stated that statistics run by the Michigan Association of Realtors indicate that an average house price in the Jackson area is almost $129,500 and the reason our houses are selling for a lot less is because the housing stock is old. He remarked that in accordance with a study conducted by the County Equalization Department, his office performed a reappraisal and a reassessment of all the properties in the City and increased assessments by approximately 4.3%. He discussed the increase in property values in the “Frogtown” area since the zoning was changed from industrial to residential. He explained how Proposal A, passed by the voters in 1994, created a taxable value on which properties are now based. He further explained how property taxes are computed. In closing, Mr. Markowski encouraged residents to find out if they are eligible for a Homestead Exemption, a Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit and a Home Heating Tax Credit.
CITIZEN COMMENTS.
Scott Rogers, Jackson Police Department Senior Sergeant, addressed the Council requesting a meeting to discuss in private, or in a public forum, allegations of misconduct in the City's Police Department.
Don Davis spoke on behalf of Eaton Aeroquip, Inc., thanking the Council for considering the Redevelopment Renaissance Zone Development Agreement and asking them to approve it.
John Stevens, 445 Maitland, addressed the Council regarding contracts the City has with his company, Lawns R Us. He stated he is trying to make the City look better, but he has not been given the chance.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Mead to refer the Scott Rogers' matter to the Rules and Personnel Committee for study and report back to Council. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-5. Nays: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmember Greer-2. Absent: 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR.
Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the following Consent Calendar. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
Consent Calendar
A. Approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 13, 2007.
B. Approval of the request from Daryl Hoskins, Daryl's Downtown, for authorization for temporary outdoor service, add bar permit and dance and entertainment permit on May 25, June 8, June 15, June 22, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 4, August 17, and August 24, 2007 for a series of events. (Approval recommended by the Police, Fire, Public Services, and Traffic Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage received and approved.)
C. Approval of the request from the Orthopaedic Rehab 8K Run/5K Walk Committee to hold their run/walk on City streets on Saturday, April 14, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., beginning and ending at Kuhl's Bell Tower Market, with police assistance at major intersections and closure of the south lane of Louis Glick Highway from Mechanic to Jackson Street, and Jackson Street from Louis Glick Highway to Michigan Avenue. (Approval recommended by the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering and Public Services Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage received and approved.)
D. Approval of the request from Advance Packaging Corporation to conduct their 14th annual Advance Packaging 5000 5K Run/Walk on Friday, May 18, 2007, beginning at 7:00 p.m., with police assistance and closure of one westbound lane of E. High Street from Executive Drive to Elm Street. (Approval recommended by the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering, and Public Services Departments. Insurance coverage received and approved.)
E. Approval of the request from the Downtown Development Authority to conduct their Discover Downtown Again “DDA” Day at Bucky Harris Park, Blackman Park and throughout downtown on Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (Approval recommended by the Traffic Engineering, Public Services and Parks/Forestry Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage is in place.)
F. Approval of the request from the Downtown Development Authority to conduct their Summer Planting Day on Saturday, May 19, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in downtown Jackson and Bucky Harris Park. (Approval recommended by the Traffic Engineering, Public Services and Parks/Forestry Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage is in place.)
G. Approval of the request from Foote Hospital Auxiliary to use five parking spaces in front of 151 W. Michigan Avenue for valet parking for their 71st Pink Ball, on Saturday, April 14, 2007. (Approval recommended by the Fire, Police and Traffic Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage received and approved.)
H. Approval of Traffic Control Order Nos. 1943, 1944 and 1945, regarding parking on Wisner Street.
I. Approval of the offer to purchase the City-owned property located at 322 W. Biddle Street, in the amount of $300.00, waive a development agreement, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Purchase Agreement, subject to minor modifications and approval by the City Attorney, in accordance with the recommendation of the Community Development Director.
J. Receipt of the City Engineer's report for street construction on Douglas Street from First Street to Woodbridge Street, and establishment of April 10, 2007, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
K. Receipt of the City Engineer's report for street construction on Hibbard Avenue from Ganson Street to North Street, and establishment of April 10, 2007, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
L. Receipt of the City Engineer's report for street construction on Morrell Street from Hupp Avenue to Elm Avenue, and establishment of April 10, 2007, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
M. Receipt of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) financial summary through February 2007.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
None.
APPOINTMENTS.
A. APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT BILL HOLDA TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM, BEGINNING MARCH 30, 2007, AND ENDING MARCH 29, 2011.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mure and seconded by Councilmember Mead to approve the recommendation. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
None.
RESOLUTIONS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE JOHN GEORGE HOME, INC., 1501 E. GANSON STREET, AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OPERATING IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING A CHARITABLE GAMING LICENSE.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mure and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
ORDINANCES.
None.
OTHER BUSINESS.
A. SELECTION OF CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEMBER.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mead to appoint Councilmember Breeding to the City Affairs Committee.
Mayor Ludwig stated that he sent an e-mail to each Councilmember and learned that both Councilmembers Breeding and Greer were interested in the appointment. He further stated that he didn't feel nominations were necessary and requested a voice vote. The Clerk called on each member of the Council, with the following results: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk voted for Councilmember Greer. Councilmembers Breeding, Mure and Mead voted for Councilmember Breeding. With a total of four votes, Councilmember Greer was appointed to the City Affairs Committee.
NEW BUSINESS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE BID AWARD TO BAR HOME IMPROVEMENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,907.00, FOR THE OWNER-OCCUPIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT LOCATED AT 819 EATON, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mead and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
B. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE REDEVELOPMENT RENAISSANCE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND EATON AEROQUIP, INC., AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S), AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE DOCUMENT AND TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS TRANSACTION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6. Nays: Councilmember Mead-1. Absent: 0.
Councilmember Mure requested quarterly staffing level reports from Eaton Aeroquip.
C. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE BID AWARD TO PUMPS PLUS, INC., FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN, FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) BOOSTER PUMPS TO BE INSTALLED AT THE SOUTHERN MICHIGAN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY METER HOUSE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,885.00 (PAID BY THE STATE PRISON), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES AND THE PURCHASING AGENT.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mead and seconded by Councilmember Mure to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas; Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
D. RECEIPT OF AND DISCUSSION ON A MEMORANDUM REGARDING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE CHANGES FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY'S EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEM (ERS) RETIREES.
Motion was made by Councilmember Mead and seconded by Councilmember Greer to receive the report. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
Personnel and Labor Relations Director Catherine Brechtelsbauer recognized members of the ERS Retiree Committee present in the audience.
E. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE LOW BID AWARD TO ROTHENBERGER COMPANY, CONCORD, MICHIGAN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $557,242.30, FOR THE MILWAUKEE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE CONTRACT DOCUMENT(S), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ENGINEER.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Mure, Greer, Mead, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS.
Councilmember Greer asked the City Manager for an update on the audio/visual equipment being installed in the Council Chambers. The City Manager reported the audio system is in place. The cameras are also in place, but not in use. Everything should be complete so that Council meetings can be broadcast live on April 10, 2007.
Councilmember Greer thanked everyone who supported him for the Committee appointment and stated he will do his best.
Councilmember Breeding thanked City Assessor Jan Markowski for his excellent presentation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A LEGAL OPINION.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Mure to go into closed executive session. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION.
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT.
No further business being presented, a motion was made by Councilmember Mure and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Lynn Fessel
City Clerk
© City of Jackson, 2012
