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JACKSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 10, 2009

CALL TO ORDER.

The Jackson City Council met in regular session in City Hall and was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Jerry F. Ludwig.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - INVOCATION.

The Council joined in the pledge of allegiance.  Councilmember Polaczyk gave the invocation and requested that a moment of silence be observed to remember the service personnel who died at Fort Hood and to remember a service person we may have known and lost.

ROLL CALL.

Present:  Mayor Jerry F. Ludwig 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 Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Howe to amend the agenda by adding Item A under Other Business to modify the timeline for the city manager search.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Howe to delete the “Executive Session to discuss legal opinions” from the agenda.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-4.  Nays:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Greer and Gaiser-3.  Absent:  0. 

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

PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.

• A. MAYOR WILL READ A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2009, AS CITY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION WEEK.
  
  Mayor Ludwig read and presented to Labor Relations Technician Sheila Jackson the proclamation proclaiming the week of November 8 through November 14, 2009, as City Employee Recognition Week.

CITIZEN COMMENTS.

Robert McCarthy, Consumer Services, Inc., requested that additional language be added to the proposed changes if Council is going to adopt the ordinance amending the definition of “family.”

Katrina Sims, Megan Springer and Lesia Pikaart discussed the Homeless Connect 2009 Project scheduled for November 20 at the Salvation Army.  Ms. Pikaart also discussed housing as it relates to the MPRI.

Frank Galardi stated that citizens in his neighborhood are concerned with parolee housing.  He also thanked Mayor Ludwig for his service as a Councilmember and Mayor.

Scott Wehner, 123 E. Porter, expressed his concern with safety in the City, the laying off of two police officers and the need for a City Manager when the City has a Mayor.

Kevin Thomson, 180 W. Michigan, commended Mayor Ludwig on a fine job as a Councilmember and Mayor.  He also spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance amending the definition of “family.”

Jonathan Williams, 803 Brighton, thanked Mayor Ludwig for his service to the City, congratulated Mayor-elect Dunigan and asked the Council to extend the city manager search timeline so that Ms. Dunigan may be included in the process.

Carmon Yeloushan spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance amending the definition of “family.”

Brad Williams, 902 Oakridge, thanked Mayor Ludwig for all he has done for the City of Jackson.

Francis Berkemeier, 1203 W. Washington, spoke in support of the proposed ordinances amending the definitions of “family” and “rooming house.”

Jeff Eccleton and Samuel Lalomia, 311 S. Thompson, remarked that the city manager search timeline should be extended so that Mayor-elect Dunigan may be part of the process.

Mike Hoover, 224 Randolph, stated he doesn’t support the proposed ordinance amending the definition of “family;” there are ordinances in place that deal with disturbing the peace.

Salah Huwais expressed his appreciation for Mayor Ludwig and all he has done.  He also thanked Councilmember Frounfelker for adding an item to the agenda to extend the city manager search timeline.

Bishop Ira Combs, Jr., 4580 Eagle Drive, urged Council to extend the city manager search timeline.

Gerald Montgomery, 341 Hill, submitted 4 petition sheets, with 37 signatures, in support of the proposed ordinance amending the definition of “family.” 

Jon Hart, 410 Garfield, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinances amending the definitions of “family” and “rooming house.”

David Klein, 7190 Rives Junction Road, thanked Mayor Ludwig for his service and asked Council to extend the city manager search timeline.

Philip Moilanen spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance amending the definition of “family.”

Travis Fojtasek, Browns Lake Road, respectfully requested that the Council extend the city manager search timeline so that Mayor-elect Dunigan may participate in the process.

Stephen Artz, 1150 S. Elm, explained that RTD Manufacturing is part of a $430M contract and thanked the Mayor and Council for having faith in and supporting them.  He announced that they have just been awarded another contract and they will have more exciting news for Jackson. 

Gail Mahoney, 114 Moore, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance to amend the definition of “family” and asked Council to extend the city manager search timeline so that Mayor-elect Dunigan may participate in the process.

CONSENT CALENDAR.

Councilmember Greer requested Items M and O be removed for separate consideration.  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the following Consent Calendar, with Items M and O removed for separate consideration.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig 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 October 20, 2009.
• Approval of the payment of the Region 2 Planning Commission Invoice, in the amount of $14,494.34, for planning services for the month of September 2009, in accordance with the recommendation of the Interim City Manager.
• Approval of the request to exercise the first renewal of the lease agreement between the City and Jackson Affordable Housing Corporation for office space at the rental rate of $1.00 annually, and authorization for the City Attorney to draft the appropriate document(s) for renewal, and for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign same, in accordance with the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent.
• Approval of the request from the Kiwanis Club of Jackson to hold their 91st annual newspaper sale on City streets on Friday, December 11, 2009.  (Recommended approval received from the Police and Fire Departments and the Downtown Development Authority.  Proper insurance coverage received.)
• Approval of the request from the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade Committee to hold the annual Christmas Parade on Friday, November 20, 2009, and to close the following streets from 4:45 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.:
  
  Michigan Avenue from Steward Avenue to Louis Glick Highway
  First Street from Washington Avenue to Wildwood Avenue
  Wildwood Avenue from Michigan Avenue to Louis Glick Highway
  Cortland Street from First Street to Francis Street
  Blackstone Street from Washington Avenue to Pearl Street
  Jackson Street from Washington Avenue to Pearl Street
  Mechanic Street from Washington Avenue to Pearl Street
  Francis Street from Washington Avenue to Michigan Avenue
  Hayes Street from Michigan Avenue to Pearl Street
  (Recommended approval received from the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering, Public Services, Parks/Forestry Departments, and the Downtown Development Authority.  Insurance coverage is in place.)
• Approval of the request from the Downtown Development Authority to conduct their Holiday Discover Downtown Again “DDA” Day at Bucky Harris Park, and throughout downtown on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  (Recommended approval received from the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering and Parks/Forestry Departments.  Insurance coverage is in place.)
• Approval of the following street closure requests from the Downtown Development Authority regarding the Eve on the Ave celebration on Thursday, December 31, 2009, and Friday, January 1, 2010:
  1. Michigan Avenue from Jackson Street to Mechanic Street, between 11:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
  2. Michigan Avenue from Mechanic Street to Louis Glick Highway, and Francis Street from Cortland to Michigan Avenue, between 11:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.  (Recommended approval received from the Police, Fire, Traffic Engineering, Parks/Forestry and the Public Services Departments.)
• Approval of the fireworks permit for the fireworks display for the Eve on the Ave celebration on Thursday, December 31, 2009, pending adequate insurance coverage received by the City Attorney’s Office, in accordance with the recommendation of the Downtown Development Authority Director.
• Approval of Traffic Control Order No. (TCO) 2039, reviewing the traffic control at the intersection of Burr and Oak Streets with the recommendation that westbound traffic on Burr Street shall be required to yield the right of way to traffic on Oak Street, in accordance with the recommendation of the City Engineer.
• Receipt with regret the resignation of Victor Cuiss from the Downtown Development Authority.
• Receipt with regret the resignation of Richard Lawson from the City Planning Commission.
• Receipt of the City of Jackson’s summary of revenue and expenditures for three (3) months ended, September 30, 2009.
• Removed for separate consideration.
• Establishment of December 15, 2009, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing for the consideration of an amendment to a Brownfield Plan for 249-269 W. Michigan Avenue (Anesthesia Business Consultants), as recommended by the Jackson Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (JBRA), and the Community Development Director.
• Removed for separate consideration.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM M.

Establishment of December 15, 2009, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold public hearings for the following:  (1)  To consider a resolution creating an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District (OPRD #7) at 230 W. Cortland Street. (2) Approval of an application for an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) Tax Exemption Certificate at 230 W. Cortland Street.

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to establish the public hearings and refer the matter to the City Affairs Committee for a recommendation.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM O.

Establishment of December 15, 2009, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing for the consideration of a Personal Property Act Tax Exemption Certificate (PA 328) for MiraMed Properties, LLC, 230 W. Cortland Street.

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to establish the public hearing and refer the matter to the City Affairs Committee for a recommendation.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

COMMITTEE REPORTS.

• CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE RULES AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE:
  
  1. CONSIDERATION OF COMPENSATION FOR INTERIM CITY MANAGER CHRISTOPHER W. LEWIS.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Mayor Ludwig to place Mr. Lewis’s compensation at a Class Grade 18, Step 9 for his position as Interim City Manager, retroactive to October 1, 2009, and for him to remain at this level when he returns to the position of Director of Personnel and Labor Relations.
     
       Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to divide the question. The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Breeding to place Mr. Lewis’s compensation at a Class Grade 18, Step 9 for his position as Interim City Manager.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0.
     
       Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer that Mr. Lewis’s compensation remain at a Class Grade 18, Step 9 when the Interim City Manager position ends.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-5.  Nays:  Councilmembers Breeding and Gaiser-2.  Absent:  0.
   
  2. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY CLERK LYNN FESSEL.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to compensate the City Clerk at the level of a Class Grade 18, Step 8 and to give her the honor of being the Purchasing Agent and Supervisor of City Hall and Grounds.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

• RECEIPT OF THE CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
  
  

  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to receive the report.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
  
  

  1. DIRECT THE CITY TREASURER TO REVISE THE 1040 CITY INCOME TAX FORM TO ALLOW CITIZENS TO DONATE THEIR REFUND TO THE CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to direct the City Treasurer to revise the 1040 City Income Tax form. The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
  2. CONSIDERATION OF CEASING OPERATIONS AND CLOSING THE CITY’S RECYCLING CENTER ONCE THE GOODWILL RECYCLING CENTER IS FULLY ESTABLISHED.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to cease operations and close the City’s recycling center once the Goodwill Recycling Center is fully established. The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

APPOINTMENTS.

• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION, IN CONCURRENCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION, TO REAPPOINT EDWARD PETERSON TO THE JACKSON HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Howe to approve the Mayor’s recommendation, in concurrence with the recommendation of the HRC.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT SHEILA M. TROXEL TO THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION FILLING A CURRENT VACANCY BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009, AND TO REAPPOINT MS. TROXEL TO THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Howe and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the Mayor’s recommendation.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS.

• PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST FROM KRT PRECISION TOOL & MANUFACTURING, INC., FOR AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES TAX EXEMPTION FOR 1300 MITCHELL STREET.  (CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.)
  
  Mayor Ludwig opened the public hearing.  No one spoke; the Mayor closed the public hearing.
  
  1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Howe and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

RESOLUTIONS.

• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FAMILY SERVICE & CHILDREN’S AID AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OPERATING IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING CHARITABLE GAMING LICENSES.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2009-2010 (YEAR 35) HOME BUDGET REALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO THE DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000.00.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the resolution.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS LEGAL OPINIONS.

This Item was deleted when the agenda was adopted.

ORDINANCES.

• CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28, SECTION 28-5, CITY CODE, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “ROOMING HOUSE.”  (POSTPONED AT THE OCTOBER 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Howe and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt the ordinance.  The motion FAILED adoption by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Howe, Greer and Gaiser-3.  Nays:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-4.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28, SECTION 28-5, CITY CODE, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY.”  (POSTPONED AT THE OCTOBER 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Howe to REJECT the ordinance.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to amend the motion to have staff evaluate the need for changes to allow the City to have better control over nuisance properties.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig 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 Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25, SECTION 25-31, CITY CODE, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS TO DISTRICT COURT, IMPOUNDING VEHICLES, OR IMMOBILIZING OF VEHICLES WHERE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE HAS SIX OR MORE UNANSWERED PARKING TICKETS. 
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to refer the proposed ordinance to the City Affairs Committee for a recommendation.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2009.14 AMENDING CHAPTER 18, SECTION 18-185, CITY CODE, CLARIFYING THAT TRANSPORTING, CARRYING, OR POSSESSING A DANGEROUS WEAPON DOES NOT INCLUDE FIREARMS BECAUSE STATE LAW EXCLUSIVELY REGULATES FIREARMS FOR THESE PURPOSES.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to adopt Ordinance No. 2009.14. The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

OTHER BUSINESS.

• A. CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY MANAGER SEARCH TIMELINE.  (ITEM ADDED WHEN THE AGENDA WAS ADOPTED.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk that we extend the timeline of the city manager search to move the second round interviews, site visits, site team report to Council, new manager named, contract development, manager on the job and facilitation workshop to begin the week of November 30 and to fall in line with the recommendation of Education Associates, as also called by the City Council.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to amend the motion to move the first round interviews until after December 1.  The motion FAILED adoption by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Greer and Gaiser-2.  Nays:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-5.  Absent:  0.
  
  The main motion was voted on and adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.

NEW BUSINESS

• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP) CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE AND NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP) CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE NOTE IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $916,000.00, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS IF NECESSARY, AND FOR THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER (NRC), 1015 S. FRANCIS STREET, LEASE AMENDMENTS FOR THE ELNORA MOORMAN CENTER, THE JACKSON COUNTY BRANCH NAACP, AND HELPING ALL PEOPLE EXCEL (HAPE), AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS IF NEEDED, AND FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO EXCEED THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) REHABILITATION LOAN LIMIT BY $1,885.00 FOR A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $21,885.00, PLUS CLOSING COSTS, FOR REHABILITATION WORK AT 404 S. GRINNELL ST., IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.
  
  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 Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A 2010 FORD F450 FROM GORNO FORD, WOODHAVEN, (THROUGH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN EXTENDED PURCHASING PROGRAM) IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,195.00, AND THE PURCHASE OF THE BODY TO COMPLETE THE TRUCK FROM AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE COMPANY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,493.00, FOR A TOTAL COST OF $36,688.00, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM WATER DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR.
  
  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 Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE LOW BID AWARD TO FALCON ROAD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT, MIDLAND, AT THEIR LOW BID OF $15,000.00 EACH, FOR A TOTAL OF $30,000.00, FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) ASPHALT PATCHING MACHINES, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S) AND FOR STAFF TO MAKE ANY MINOR MODIFICATIONS NEEDED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PURCHASING AGENT AND THE CITY ENGINEER.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSAL FROM COUNCILMEMBER FROUNFELKER, RULES AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, TO REORGANIZE THE RULES AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE TO BECOME THE PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE TAKING EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2009.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to refer the matter to the Rules and Personnel Committee for fine tuning and recommendations.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Ludwig and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF RESCINDING NOVEMBER 5, 2009, CITY COUNCIL ACTION TO REMOVE MR. ROBERT MASON’S NAME FROM THE LIST OF CANDIDATES TO BE INTERVIEWED FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk to NOT rescind the action.  The motion died for lack of a second.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MAYOR FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN.

Vice Mayor Frounfelker, speaking from the podium, commended Mayor Ludwig on his twelve -year public service career, which led to many great things for the community, which may not have been successful without his involvement.  He also remarked that the Mayor has provided mentorship and a point of reference on many issues in our community to the past and present members of the City Council and he, personally, has enjoyed working with him during the past four years.  In conclusion, the Vice Mayor quoted a verse from 2 Timothy.  “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and you have kept the faith.”  He thanked Mayor Ludwig and, on behalf of the citizens of Jackson, presented him with a ceremonial gavel as a tribute to his service as the Mayor of the City of Jackson.  He then read a special tribute from State Representative Martin Griffin. 

Mayor Ludwig thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Jackson.  He expressed his love for the City and stated he will remain here for the rest of his life.  He wished everyone in the City administration well and asked for God’s blessing on the City of Jackson. 

CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ COMMENTS.

Councilmember Howe wished the Marine Corps a happy 234th birthday today and reminded everyone that tomorrow is Veterans Day.  He told Mayor Ludwig that it has been fun serving with him and even though they have had a few disagreements they have remained good friends.

Councilmember Greer wished Mayor Ludwig and his family the best and thanked him for his many years of service to the community. 

Councilmember Gaiser commented on being Mayor Ludwig’s teammate on their baseball team and commended him for being a wonderful public servant.

Councilmember Frounfelker announced he will hold a Neighborhood Meeting on Monday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.  He asked if caution signs could be placed on Trail Street at the closed railroad tracks.

Councilmember Polaczyk asked staff to look at the area of First Street between South and Sulgrave for the possibility of placing stop signs.  He asked staff to review the need for water main replacement on Durand Street between Morrell and Frost School due to reduced water pressure and to consider moving this project to the 2010 construction season.  He stated that the Mayor was a hard act to follow in the Sixth Ward and he only hopes he can serve the Ward as well as he did.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS.

Interim City Manager Lewis told the Mayor he has enjoyed working with him and wished him the best.

ADJOURNMENT.

No further business being presented, a motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m. 

Lynn Fessel
City Clerk