JACKSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 13, 2012
CALL TO ORDER.
The Jackson City Council met in regular session in City Hall and was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
by Mayor Martin J. Griffin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - INVOCATION.
The Council joined in the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was given by Councilmember
Jaquish.
ROLLCALL.
Present: Mayor Martin J. Griffin and Councilmembers Carl L. Breeding, Kimberly Jaquish,
Daniel P. Greer, Laura Dwyer Schlecte, and Derek J. Dobies-6. Absent: Councilmember Andrew R.
Frounfelker-l.
Also Present: City Manager Larry Shaffer, City Attorney Julius A. Giglio, City Engineer Jon
Dowling, Assistant Fire Chief Dave Wooden, Police Chief Matt Heins, Deputy City Manager/Community
Development Director Patrick Burtch, Carmen Ryan from the City Clerk's office, and Jason Yoakam
from the City Assessor's office.
AGENDA.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to adopt
the agenda. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers
Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
CITIZEN COMMENTS.
Jerry Bougher asked the Council to put the money for the solar project into the sewer system or
streets. He also suggested setting the money aside to redo the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
John Wilson stated that property owners of the city now pay a millage for Jackson Transportation
Authority. He said property owners would be subsidizing bus service owned and operated by a private
entity. He stated that supply and demand should be allowed to determine the future of the Michigan Flyer.
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Jeff Mazur wants to be able to modify the Rental Registry. He stated good landlords would be
charged the same rate as the poor landlords that take more time to be inspected. He stated he would be
willing to sit on a panel to look at the costs that are being charged, and suggested that the inspections to
be conducted be charged hourly.
Anthony Kiszka spoke in support of the Solar Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Cindy Eby owns an organic fruit farm. She spoke in opposition of the change of an ordinance that
allowed her to have egg chickens needed to produce manure for her fruit farm. She stated she has to spend
much more to get her manure now that the ordinance was changed. She said that enforcement of the old
ordinance would have been more effective than changing it.
PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR.
Councilmember Schlecte requested Items A and D be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmember Breeding requested items E and F be removed for separate consideration. ~v1otion was
made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the following
Consent Calendar, with Items A, D, E, and F removed for separate consideration. The motion was
adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer,
Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-1.
Consent Calendar
A. Removed for separate consideration.
B. Approval of the request from the Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
(CPCAN) to conduct the Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off at Governor Austin
Blair Memorial Park on Monday, April 2, 2012, from 12:00 1 :00 p.n1. (Recommended
approval received from the Police, Fire, Parks, Engineering, and Public Works
Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. A Hold Harmless Agreement
has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.)
C. Approval of the award of the 2012 Wastewater Treatment Plant Lawn Care Contract to
Greener Solutions Lawn, Jackson, in the amount of $12,250.00, and authorization for the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract on behalf of the City, in concurrence with
the Purchasing Agent.
D. Removed for separate consideration.
E. Removed for separate consideration.
F. Removed for separate consideration.
G. Receipt of the Dangerous Building Report through February 29,2012.
H. Receipt of the 2012-2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME
Draft Action Plan and authorization of dissemination for the 30-day public comment
period between March 20, and April 20, 2012.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM A.
Approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 21,2012.
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Motion was made by Councihnember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Dobies to
approve the minutes of the February 21,2012 regular City Council meeting at the March 27, 2012 regular
City Council meeting. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and
Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: o. Absent: Councilmember
Frounfelker-1.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM D.
Approval of the award of the 2012 City Private Lots Mowing Contract (entire season) to Noel Lawn
Services, Monroe, in the amount of $30,125.00, and Greener Solutions, Jackson, (for half of properties
in May and June) in the amount of $31, 875.00, and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the appropriate document(s), in accordance with the recommendation of the Purchasing
Agent.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Schlecte to
proceed with the contract as recommended. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor
Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: o. Absent:
Councilmember Frounfelker-1.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM E.
Approval of the award of the 2012 As Needed Surveying Consulting Services contract to Wade Trim,
Taylor, Michigan in the amount of 62,880.00 and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the appropriate document(s), in accordance with the recommendation of the Purchasing
Agent.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to award
the 2012 As Needed Surveying Consulting Services to Wade Trim. The motion was adopted by the
following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and
Dobies-6 . Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-1.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM F.
Approval of the purchase of replacement radios from Tait North America, Inc., in the amount of $38,
684.50, in compliance with Federal Communication Commission mandate, and authorization for City
Engineer/Director of Public Works to sign the purchase order.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to
approve the purchase of replacement radios from Tait North America, Inc. The motion was adopted by
the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and
Dobies-6. Nays: o. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-1.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
A. RECEIPT OF THE FINANCE/TAX POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT OF
FEBRUARY 21, 2012.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Dobies
to receive the Finance/Tax Policy Committee report. The motion was adopted by the
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following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer,
Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
APPOINTMENTS.
A. APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION TO REAPPOINT WENDY
CLIFTON AND RICHARD SNEARY TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM EACH, BEGINNING MARCH 30,2012,
AND ENDING MARCH 29, 2016.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Schlecte
to approve the recommendation. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6.
Nays: O. Absent: Councilmelnber Frounfelker-l.
B. APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT CHARLES
C. REISDORF TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS/SIGN BOARD OF
APPEALS FILLING A CURRENT VACANCY BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY AND
ENDING DECEMBER 31,2014.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Greer to
approve the recommendation. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Y eas: ~v1ayor
Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O.
Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
A. PUBLIC HEARING OF NECESSITY FOR STREET CONSTRUCTION ON DURAND
STREET FROM THE SOUTH END TO MORRELL STREET.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing.
There were correspondences received fron1 Virgil J. Hertzer, 1048 S. Durand Street, and
Connie Mancini, 1051 S. Durand Street, to show their support for the project. There were
also correspondences received from Veronica Desnoyer, 1030 S. Durand Street, and Rita
A. McLaughlin, 1005 S. Durand Street, to speak in opposition of the project because of
the damage incurred to the street by school buses.
John Downing, 1042 S. Durand Street, spoke in support of the project and thanked the
Council and City Engineer. Jim Keersmaekers, 1116 S. Durand Street, spoke in
opposition of the removal of all the curbs and narrowing the street. He opposed
narrowing the street particularly because of the school bus traffic. John Wilson, 1045 S.
Durand Street, spoke in support of the project and thanked Jon Dowling, Randy McMunn
and Sandee Porter for presenting the proposal. Megan Keersmaekers, 1116 S. Durand
Street, was concerned about narrowing the street and moving the curbs. She stated during
the fireworks it would increase the congestion in that area. She wanted to know jf we
looked into grants to pay for the project. She felt parking should only be allowed on one
side of the street if it is narrowed. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CONSTRUCTION AND PREPARATION OF THE
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL.
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember
Greer to adopt the resolution by leaving the width of the street and also the curbs in place
and go forward with the construction.
A new motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by
Councilmember Jaquish to postpone the adoption of the resolution until the next regular
City Council meeting. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor
Griffin, Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O.
Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
B. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
2005 FIRST STREET (PARCEL 1D#3-320800000) FROM R-1 (ONE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL) TO 1-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL).
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Mayor Griffin closed
the public hearing.
L CONSIDERATION OF AN ORnINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28, SECTION
28-32, CITY CODE, TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2005 FIRST
STREET (PARCEL ID#3-320800000), FROM R-1 TO 1-1. (CITY PLANNING
COMMISSION RECOMMENDS DENIAL)
RESOLUTIONS.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by
Councilmember Schlecte to concur with the recommendation of the Planning
Commission to deny the applicant's request to rezone the property. The motion
was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin, Councilmembers
Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent:
Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE JACKSON
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OPERATING
IN THE COMMUNITY.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember
Dobies to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6.
Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING AMY CANTU PERMISSION
TO OPERATE A MOBILE FOOD CART IN THE CITY'S CENTRAL BUSINESS
DISTRICT.
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Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember
Jaquish to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6.
Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $225,000.00 FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEMOLITION AND RELATED
EXPENDITURES UNDER THE NEIGHBORHOOD ECONOMIC STABILIZATION
INITIATIVE.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember
Dobies to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-4. Nays:
Councilmen1bers Breeding and Jaquish-2. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
D. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ENDORSING AN APPLICATION BY THE
JACKSON TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING FROM THE
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FOR REHABILITATION OF THE
ADMINISTRATION/MAINTENANCE FACILITY.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmelnber
Jaquish to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-5. Nays:
Councilmember Breeding-I. Absent: Councilnlember Frounfelker-l.
E. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE MICHIGAN
FLYER TO REINSTATE FULL BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM THE CITY OF
JACKSON, AND INSTRUCT THE CITY MANAGER, AND ENCOURAGES THE
JACKSON TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO COOPERATE AND
NEGOTIATE THE CONDITIONS NEEDED TO ALLOW FOR FULL
REINSTATEMENT OF THE MICHIGAN FLYER SERVICE IN JACKSON.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember
Dobies to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Greer withdrew his first motion and
made a new motion to direct the City Manager to have discussion with the Michigan
Flyer without the need for the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote.
Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and
Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
ORDINANCES.
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 2-509.3, CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE VI, CITY CODE, TO CREATE A NEW DEFERRED RETIREMENT
OPTION PROGRAM (DROP) COMMENCING JULY 1, 2012, AND EXPIRING
JUNE 30, 2016.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer to adopt the ordinance after further
discussion he withdrew his motion. The motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and
seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to not approve the ordinance. The ordinance was not
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adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish,
Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE VI- FORECLOSED,
VACANT AND ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REGISTRY TO
CHAPTER 14, CITY CODE, TO PROVIDE A REGISTRY OF FORECLOSED,
VACANT, AND ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN ORDER TO
PROTECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF THE
CITY OF JACKSON BY PREVENTING BLIGHT, PROTECTING PROPERTY
VALUES AND NEIGHBORHOOD INTEGRITY, AND ENSURING MAINTENANCE
OF FORECLOSED, VACANT, AND ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember
Greer to approve the ordinance contingent upon Deputy City Manager/Community
Development Director Patrick Burtch meeting with realtors specializing in foreclosures,
and also by making himself available for fine-tuning the ordinance. The motion was
adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmelnbers Jaquish, Greer,
Schlecte and Dobies-5. Nays: Councilmember Breeding-I. Absent: Councilmember
Frounfelker-l.
OTHER BUSINESS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO ACCEPT THE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT TO SELL THE PROPERTY AT 1707 E. GANSON STREET FOR
$28,000.00, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE DEED; FOR THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE,
TO SIGN ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT CLOSING, AND FOR THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE CLOSING
DOCUMENTS AND TO TAKE ALL OTHER NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE
CLOSING. (POSTPONED AT THE FEBRUARY 21, 2012, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.)
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Dobies to
accept the purchase agreement. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer and Dobies-5. Nays: O.
Abstain: Councilmember Schlecte-l. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
B. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO ACCEPT THE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT TO SELL THE PROPERTY AT 509 W. FRANKLIN STREET FOR
$25,000.00, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE DEED; FOR THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE,
TO SIGN ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT CLOSING, AND FOR THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE CLOSING
DOCUMENTS AND TO TAKE ALL OTHER NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE
CLOSING. (POSTPONED AT THE FEBRUARY 21, 2012, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING.)
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember
Dobies to accept the purchase agreement. The motion was adopted by the following vote.
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Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer and Dobies-5.
Nays: 0 Abstain: Councilmember Schlecte-l. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
NEW BUSINESS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, AND CITY
CLERK IF NECESSARY, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED
TO ACCEPTING INSPECTION AUTHORITY FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING,
QUEEN OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SCHOOL.
Motion was made by Councilmember Jaquish and seconded by Councilmember
Greer to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas:
Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies-6.
Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
B. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE AUTHORIZATION OF A
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY AND HARVEST ENERGY SOLUTIONS,
JACKSON, TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT AlSO kW PHOTOVOLTAIC FIELD
AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AT A COST OF $500, 663.00, AND
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE ALL
APPROPRIATE CONTRACT DOCUMENT(S).
Motion was Inade by Counciln1ember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish
to postpone the request until the next regular City Council meeting. The motion was adopted
by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer,
Schlecte and Dobies-6. Nays: O. Absent: Councilmember Frounfelker-l.
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS' COMMENTS.
Councilmelnber Jaquish wanted to thank Frank Weathers for all the work he has done getting the
people who were evicted because of housing code violations a place to stay.
Councilmember Breeding wanted someone to look into the organic farm ( chicken manure). He
also said inspecting by the hour peaked his curiosity.
Councilmember Schlecte would like to see some surveys go out to property owners that have had
work done by either city employees, or contracted workers of the city in order to determine if they need to
improve or if they are doing a good job. She also stated that she would be proposing some amendments to
the Housing ordinance.
Councilmember Dobies wanted to congratulate Wendy Clifton, a resident of the Sixth Ward, for
her appointment to the Downtown Development Authority. He also wanted to congratulate Charles
Reisdorf, also a Sixth Ward resident, for his appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals/Sign Board of
Appeals. He also wanted to thank Jeff and Lori Grantham of Douglas Street, for purchasing three digital
cameras to be used by the Jackson Fire Department to document fire scenes and other disasters, as well as
for public education.
MANAGER'S COMMENTS.
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City Manager Shaffer wanted to thank the City Council for postponing action on the Harvest
Energy Project. He stated that it would give him another opportunity to gather information so that he
could present it in such a way that the Council could approve it.
ADJOURNMENT.
No further business being presented, a motion was nlade by Councilmenlber Greer to adjourn the
meeting. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Carmen Ryan
City Clerk's Office
© City of Jackson, 2012
