JACKSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 27, 2012
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 Martin J. Griffin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – INVOCATION.
The Council joined in the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was given by Councilmember Greer.
ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Martin J. Griffin and Councilmembers Carl L. Breeding, Kimberly Jaquish, Daniel P. Greer, Laura Dwyer Schlecte, Andrew R. Frounfelker and Derek J. Dobies—7. Absent: 0.
Also present: City Manager Larry Shaffer, City Attorney Julius A. Giglio, City Clerk Lynn Fessel, Deputy Police Chief John Holda, City Assessor David Taylor, City Engineer Jon Dowling and Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Patrick Burtch.
AGENDA.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Mayor Griffin to adopt the agenda, as amended, with Items 10.D. (Special Assessment Roll No. 4208)) and 13.B. (Change Order No. 3 to Dore & Associates contract) deleted. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
CITIZEN COMMENTS.
Dale Fisher distributed a hand-out and shared experiences with his solar electric generation system that has been in operation for 18 months.
Amy Torres, Vice-president of Economic Development at The Enterprise Group, thanked the Council for their investment in The Enterprise Group so that they can reach outside the community and bring in jobs and tax base to the community while they are assisting existing businesses grow and 3/27/12 2
prosper. She highlighted the Semi-Annual Report on Performance for the period of July 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, along with some additional updates.
Chelsea Bryant reported (and provided pictures to the Council) that trash and other unwanted items are being dumped in wooded property located on E. Addison Street between Merriman and S. Milwaukee, as well as the open field located on Addison Street between S. Milwaukee and Francis. She requested that when Council considers the proposed ordinance for a Foreclosed, Vacant and Abandoned Residential Property Registry that Council also discuss an ordinance that would remedy the problem of trash and debris in open land areas located in City of Jackson neighborhoods.
Anthony Kiszka, who teaches renewable energy at the Dahlem Center and has a solar array system at his home, believes the paybacks will be much quicker than are being forecast for the proposed photovoltaic field at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
John Downing discussed the Durand Street project and asked the Council to approve the project in the manner that is proposed by the Engineering Department.
Megan Keersmaekers asked the Council to consider the cost of the Durand Street project and not replace the curbs or narrow the street.
Jim Keersmaekers spoke in favor of the Durand Street project, but spoke in opposition to the complete replacement of curbs and narrowing of the street.
PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR.
Councilmember Schlecte requested Item A be removed for separate consideration. Councilmember Dobies requested Items P and Q be removed for separate consideration. Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Dobies to approve the following Consent Calendar, with Items A, P and Q removed for separate consideration. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
Consent Calendar
A. Removed for separate consideration.
A.1. Approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 13, 2012.
B. Approval of the request from Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists to conduct their Annual Orthopaedic Rehab Run on City streets on Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
C. Approval of the request from the March of Dimes to conduct the March for Babies event at Ella Sharp Park on Sunday, April 29, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from the Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
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D. Approval of the request from the National Day of Prayer Task Force of the New Covenant Living Church to conduct their annual Jackson National Day of Prayer event at Bucky Harris Park on Thursday, May 3, 2012, from 12:00 p.m., to 1:30 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
E. Approval of the request from the City Police Department to conduct their annual Police Memorial at Bucky Harris Park on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority.
F. Approval of the request from Cascades Humane Society to conduct Paws in the Park at Sparks Park "Cascades" on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
G. Approval of the request from Advance Packaging Corporation to conduct their Annual Advance Packaging AP5000 5K Run/Walk on City streets and bike lanes on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
H. Approval of the request from Together We Can Make A Difference to conduct the annual Jackson County Prayer Walk on Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on City streets. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
I. Approval of the request from the Fitness Council of Jackson to conduct their Boy/Girl Quest Run on City streets and bike lanes on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
J. Approval of the request from the Jackson County Rose Festival, Inc., to conduct their 2012 Jackson County Rose Parade and Party in the Park at Ella Sharp Park and City streets on Sunday, June 3, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Contingent upon receipt of proper insurance coverage.)
K. Item deleted.
L. Item deleted.
M. Approval of the request from the American Cancer Society to conduct their 21st annual Relay for Life at Cascade Falls Park on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Insurance coverage has been approved.)
N. Item deleted.
O. Approval of the request from the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) to conduct their Annual Grand River Cleanup at the Consumers Energy Amphitheater on Saturday, September 8, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Recommended approval has been received from Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Engineering Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority. Contingent upon receipt of proper insurance coverage.)
P. Removed for separate consideration.
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Q. Removed for separate consideration.
R. Receipt of the CDBG and HOME Financial Summaries through February 29, 2012.
S. Receipt of the 2011 City of Jackson Annual Report.
T. Establishment of April 10, 2012, at the City Council meting as the time and place to hold a public hearing on the application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate filed by Die-Namic Tool & Design, LLC, 147 Hobart Street, and referral to the Finance/Tax Policy Committee for recommendation.
U. Establishment of April 10, 2012, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing on the application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate filed by Alro Riverside, LLC, 2425 E. High Street, and referral to the Finance/Tax Policy Committee for recommendation.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM A.
Approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 21, 2012.
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember Breeding to approve the minutes with the following addition. On page 6, Item C, second paragraph, add after "two-year cycle" the words "and the Non-Owner Occupied Residential Property Registry." The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM P.
Approval of Traffic Control Order (TCO) No. 2106, to install a "Deaf Child Area" sign on Orange Street between Maguire and Blakely Streets, per citizen request.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to approve Traffic Control Order No. 2106. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM Q.
Approval of Traffic Control Order (TCO) Nos. 2107, 2108, 2109, and 2110, establishing marked crosswalks on West Michigan Avenue and West Cortland Street.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to approve Traffic Control Order Nos. 2107, 2108, 2109 and 2110. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. RECEIPT OF THE CITY AFFAIRS/RULES & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT.
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to receive the report. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0. 3/27/12 5
APPOINTMENTS.
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
RECESS AS A CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS A BOARD OF REVIEW.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to recess as a City Council and convene as a Board of Review. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
A. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4205, DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke; no correspondence was received. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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 Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
B. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4206, DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. Celena Charles, 1809 Lewis Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed special assessment on her property – Stencil No. 6-1774. The City Clerk reported on correspondence from Janet Carothers, 908 Russell Street (Stencil No. 6-1223), and Doyle Rice, 1218 Fourth Street (Stencil No. 3-1656), protesting their proposed special assessments. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to adopt the resolution, with the deletion of Stencil No. 6-1774 (Celena Charles). The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
C. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4207, DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS CDBG FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke; no correspondence was received. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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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 Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
D. DELETED WHEN THE AGENDA WAS ADOPTED. ALL PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ON ROLL NO. 4208 HAVE BEEN PAID.
E. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4209, DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS WATER FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke; no correspondence was received. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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 Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
F. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 4210, DELINQUENT MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS FUND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke. The Clerk reported on correspondence received from Janet Carothers, 908 Russell Street (Stencil No. 6-1223), protesting her proposed special assessment. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
ADJOURN AS A BOARD OF REVIEW AND RECONVENE AS A CITY COUNCIL.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Dobies to adjourn as a Board of Review and reconvene as a City Council. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
G. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 28 (ZONING), CITY CODE, WHICH CONSOLIDATES AND REPLACES SEC. 28-121 THRU –129, NONCONFORMING LOTS, STRUCTURES, AND USES OF STRUCTURES AND LAND, WITH A NEW SEC. 28-121, AND PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SEC. 28-5, SEC. 28-71, AND SEC. 28-79 TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEW PROVISIONS.
Mayor Griffin opened the public hearing. No one spoke; no correspondence was received. The Mayor closed the public hearing. 3/27/12 7
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the ordinance and place it on the next regular Council meeting agenda for adoption. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—6. Nays: Councilmember Breeding—1. Absent: 0.
RESOLUTIONS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CONSTRUCTION AND PREPARATION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE DURAND STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. (POSTPONED AT THE MARCH 13, 2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.)
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Dobies withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution and have a follow-up meeting with residents to determine specific specifications. Councilmember Dobies withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution, as amended by striking the words "in accordance with plans, maps, and specifications in the City Engineer’s office." The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to have the Mayor, Councilmember Dobies, the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager and the City Engineer take a look at any potential changes on Durand Street and make the appropriate changes based on comments received, with the recommendations coming back to the City Council for a vote. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Breeding to refer the matter of street standardizations to the City Affairs Committee. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
B. ITEM MOVED TO 12.B.1.
ORDINANCES. 3/27/12 8
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE IX, CITY CODE, DEFINING GRAFFITI OFFENSES, PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF GRAFFITI, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR GRAFFITI. (CITY AFFAIRS/RULES & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AND FINAL ADOPTION.)
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the ordinance and place it on the next regular Council meeting agenda for adoption. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—6. Nays: Councilmember Jaquish—1. Absent: 0.
B. FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2012.4, 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 Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to adopt Ordinance No. 2012.4. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Greer, Frounfelker and Dobies—5. Nays: Councilmembers Jaquish and Schlecte—2. Absent: 0.
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 Griffin and Councilmembers Greer, Frounfelker and Dobies—4. Nays: Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish and Schlecte—3. Absent: 0.
OTHER BUSINESS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY AND HARVEST ENERGY SOLUTIONS, JACKSON, TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A 150KW PHOTOVOLTAIC FIELD AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AT A COST OF $440,663.00, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE ALL APPROPRIATE CONTRACT DOCUMENT(S). (POSTPONED AT THE MARCH 13, 2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.)
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to approve the request. The motion FAILED adoption by the following vote. Yeas: Councilmembers Jaquish and Greer—2. Nays: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—5. Absent: 0. 3/27/12 9
Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Schlecte to not authorize a contract between the City and Harvest Energy Solutions. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish and Schlecte—4. Nays: Councilmembers Greer, Frounfelker and Dobies—3. Absent: 0.
B. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO THE CONTRACT WITH DORE & ASSOCIATES CONTRACTING, INC., IN THE INCREASED AMOUNT OF $280,000.00 FOR THE FORMER CONSUMERS ENERGY BUILDING ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PROJECT, 212 W. MICHIGAN AVENUE, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S), AND FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS AS NECESSARY.
This item was deleted when the Agenda was adopted.
NEW BUSINESS.
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO PURCHASE THREE (3) 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX FROM SHAHEEN CHEVROLET, LANSING, THROUGH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN MIDEAL CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,625.00, TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDING THE TITLE FEE, FOR USE BY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTORS.
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 Griffin and Councilmembers Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—5. Nays: Councilmembers Breeding and Jaquish—2. Absent: 0.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE USER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE JACKSON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF THE FARMER’S MARKET, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN SAME, AND FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGREEMENT.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dobies and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
C. CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, AND CITY CLERK IF NECESSARY, TO EXECUTE THE RENEWAL OF THE REQUEST FOR ANNUAL DELEGATION OF SCHOOL INSPECTION AUTHORITY TO A LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT ENFORCING AGENCY FOR JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Motion was made by Councilmember Schlecte and seconded by Councilmember Dobies to approve the request. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin 3/27/12 10
and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
D. CONSIDERATION OF A SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT ON PERFORMANCE – THE ENTERPRISE GROUP FROM JULY 1, 2011 TO DECEMBER 31, 2011, AS REQUIRED IN THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to receive the Report. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies—5. Nays: Councilmembers Breeding and Frounfelker—2. Absent: 0.
Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Jaquish to reconsider the vote. The motion was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte, Frounfelker and Dobies—7. Nays: 0. Absent: 0.
The motion to receive the Report was adopted by the following vote. Yeas: Mayor Griffin and Councilmembers Breeding, Jaquish, Greer, Schlecte and Dobies—6. Nays: Councilmember Frounfelker—1. Absent: 0.
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ COMMENTS.
Councilmember Breeding expressed his displeasure with the format staff is using for City Council agenda item memos, specifically who they are addressed to, the lack of dates and the inclusion of motion language. He discussed the City’s water bills, asking if amounts are rounded off, if people are being overcharged or undercharged and if the rates could be shown on the bills. He laughingly remarked on the City Attorney’s section of the 2011 Annual Report, which has a picture of the scales of justice - which are not in balance.
Councilmember Jaquish reported on her visit to the Fire Department last Friday and accompanying Fire Fighters on their runs. She thanked the Firefighters for explaining their jobs and Deputy Chief Wooden for allowing her to participate.
Councilmember Greer would like the City Manager to provide an update in the near future on his plans for conducting the annual budget process. He would also like to see a goal setting/strategic planning session scheduled. He reported on his and Councilmember Schlecte’s attendance at the Michigan Municipal League Capital Conference. He stated that it was a very informative conference and noted that the MML Board of Trustees authorized the establishment of a natural gas pool. This would allow communities to purchase natural gas from this pool and realize cost savings.
Councilmember Schlecte requested that special event agenda items from the DDA include a master checklist of department responses, but not the individual emails. She visited DPW and received a nice tour from Mr. Dowling. She saw an inventory of old signs and wondered if these could be donated for auctions. The Jackson Community Action Agency received a HUD grant for foreclosure counseling in the amount of $18,549. She thanked Career Quest for providing an extern to the Parks and Recreation Department for 120 hours at no cost. She remarked on a good step toward customer service being worked on by American Title and the Water Department. She learned that the West Avenue bridge is not going to have a railing between the sidewalk and the road and would like to see the matter of railings addressed in the street standardizations that are going to be developed. 3/27/12 11
Councilmember Frounfelker would like to see the downtown parking bays re-striped and wondered if this would be a good time to purchase salt as opposed to the fall. He congratulated the Jackson Fire and Police Departments on a job well done today when a fire broke out at the Sharp Park Academy.
Councilmember Dobies also congratulated the Jackson Fire and Police Departments on an excellent job today.
Mayor Griffin agreed with Councilmember Schlecte regarding the DDA special event agenda items.
MANAGER’S COMMENTS.
City Manager Shaffer stated that he was disappointed with Council’s vote on the photovoltaic field and more disappointed in himself that he was not able to deliver a package that Council could approve. He still believes that these are very forward thinking projects, necessary for the City to get involved in sustainable energy. He looks forward to bringing to the Council, again, projects that make sense from a sustainability perspective. He doesn’t give up easily.
ADJOURNMENT.
No further business being presented, Mayor Griffin adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Lynn Fessel
City Clerk
© City of Jackson, 2012
