« Return to previous page

JACKSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 9, 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 Frounfelker.

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 Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to adopt the agenda, as revised due to weather, and with the addition of an executive session for real estate and labor negotiation matters.  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. 

CITIZEN COMMENTS.

Earl Poleski introduced himself as a candidate for State Representative - 64th District.

Shane LaPorte, on behalf of the POLC-Non-Supervisory Unit; Elmer Hitt, on behalf of the POLC-Supervisory Unit; and Richard Terrell, on behalf of the IAFF, asked the Council to support their Letters of Agreement.

Jason Kildea, on behalf of the Gillespie Group and Pat Gillespie, stated they are excited to move forward with the Carnegie Place development.

PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS.

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A LEGAL OPINION OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS.

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to go into closed executive session.  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 Attorney Giglio explained that a 3/5’s vote of the Council is required to go into executive session to discuss a legal opinion regarding the sale of real property.  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to reconsider the vote.  The motion to reconsider 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. 

Council voted again with the following outcome.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-4.  Nays:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding and Gaiser-3.  Absent:  0.  Not receiving the required 3/5’s vote, Council went into closed executive session to discuss labor negotiations only and not the legal opinion on the sale of real property.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION.

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to return to open session.  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 REQUEST TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME PROGRAMS OR POSTPONE UNTIL THE MARCH 9, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  (POSTPONED AT THE FEBRUARY 9, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to postpone consideration of this matter until the March 9, 2010, Council meeting. The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  Councilmember Frounfelker-1.

PUBLIC HEARINGS.

• PUBLIC HEARING ON ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH’S APPEAL OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION’S DECISION DENYING THE CHURCH’S REQUEST TO DEMOLISH THE ST. JOHN’S RECTORY LOCATED AT 717 FRANCIS STREET.
  
  Mayor Dunigan opened the public hearing.  Jim Schneider, St. John’s Parish Business Manager; Father Jim Shaver, Pastor of St. John’s Church; and Bob Cole, 109 W. Washington, spoke in support of the Church’s appeal.  Marilyn Guidinger, HDC Chair, spoke in opposition to the appeal.  No correspondence was received; the Mayor closed the public hearing.
  1. CONSIDERATION OF ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH’S APPEAL OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION’S DECISION.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker to appeal the HRC decision and give St. John’s Catholic Church the opportunity to rebuild the rectory.
     
       Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to amend the motion by adding that the City Council overrules the decision of the Historic District Commission.  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 voted on and adopted by the following vote. Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0.




• PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REQUEST FILED BY REFRIGERATION SALES, INC., TO AMEND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 80.  (CITY AFFAIRS COMMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.)
  
  
  Mayor Dunigan opened the public hearing.  No one spoke; no correspondence was received.  The Mayor closed the public hearing.
  

  1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDED DISTRICT.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to concur with the recommendation of the City Affairs Committee and 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.

 


• PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (IFEC) FILED BY REFRIGERATION SALES, INC., LOCATED AT 910 MYRTLE STREET.
  
  
  Mayor Dunigan opened the public hearing.  No one spoke; no correspondence was received.  The Mayor closed the public hearing. 
  

  1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION.  (CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.)
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to concur with the recommendation of the City Affairs Committee and 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.

• PUBLIC HEARING OF NECESSITY FOR THE PROPOSED STREET PAVING ON W. ARGYLE STREET FROM N. WISNER STREET TO N. WEST AVENUE.
  
  
  Mayor Dunigan opened the public hearing.  No one spoke; no correspondence was received.  The Mayor closed the public hearing. 
  

  1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE STREET PAVING AND PREPARATION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL.
     
     Motion was made by Councilmember Greer 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.

APPOINTMENTS.

• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT MICHELLE WOODS TO THE ELLA W. SHARP PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES FILLING A CURRENT VACANCY, BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY, AND ENDING JANUARY 31, 2013.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to confirm the Mayor’s recommendation.  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.
• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT KEN STAPLETON TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW FILLING A CURRENT VACANCY, BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY, AND ENDING JANUARY 31, 2013.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Breeding to approve the Mayor’s recommendation.  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.
• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO REAPPOINT DIANE CERQUEIRA TO THE LOCAL OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION FOR A SEVEN-YEAR TERM, BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2010, AND ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2017.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to confirm the Mayor’s recommendation.  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.
• APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO REAPPOINT DAVID MIKELONIS AND ROBERT F. COLE TO THE JACKSON TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EACH, BEGINNING MARCH 2, 2010, AND ENDING MARCH 1, 2013.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to approve the Mayor’s recommendation.  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.

RESOLUTIONS.

• CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR AN APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011 FEDERAL APPROPRIATION FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,500,000.00 TO ASSIST WITH THE DEMOLITION OF THE 212 W. MICHIGAN AVENUE BUILDING, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AND THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S).
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Frounfelker 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 THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTER FOR FAMILY HEALTH’S NEW FACILITY LOCATED AT 505 N. JACKSON STREET.
  
  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.

CONSENT CALENDAR.

Mayor Dunigan requested Item D be removed for separation consideration.  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker 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 January 26, 2010.
• Approval of a taxicab license for the year ending April 30, 2010, in accordance with the recommendation of the City Clerk.
• Approval of the request to approve the low bid award to Bio Tech Agronomics, Beulah, Michigan, at their low bid price of $0.03 per gallon, for hauling and land application of sewage sludge, in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Sewage Treatment and Facilities and the Purchasing Agent.
• Removed for separate consideration.
• Receipt of the 2010 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
• Receipt of the 2009 District Court/Administrative Hearings Bureau (AHB) Annual Report.
• Receipt of the City Engineer’s report for street construction on W. Mason Street from Jackson to Mechanic Street, and establishment of February 23, 2010, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
• Receipt of the City Engineer’s report for street construction on Wesley Street from Jackson to Blackstone Street, and establishment of February 23, 2010, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
• Receipt of the City Engineer’s report for street construction on Mason Street from Mechanic to Francis Street, and establishment of February 23, 2010, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
• Receipt of the City Engineer’s report for street construction on State Street from Pearl to Ganson Street, and establishment of March 9, 2010, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.
• Receipt of the City Engineer’s report for street construction on Loomis Street from LeRoy to Argyle Street, and establishment of March 9, 2010, at the City Council meeting as the time and place to hold a public hearing of necessity.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM D.

Consideration of the request to approve Amendment No. 5 to the contract with Hamilton Anderson Associates in the increased amount of $16,781.75, for a total not-to-exceed price of $424,967.75, for the Grand River ArtsWalk project, and authorization for the Interim City Manager and City Engineer to execute the appropriate document(s).

Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the request.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmembers Howe, Greer, Gaiser and Polaczyk-4.  Nays:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding and Frounfelker-3.  Absent:  0. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS.

• RECEIPT OF THE CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to receive the report.  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. 
• RECEIPT OF THE RULES AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF THEIR RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL BRING WARREN RENANDO IN AT HIS EARLIEST CONVENIENCE FOR DISCUSSION.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Greer to receive the report.  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 Gaiser to concur with the recommendation of the Rules and Personnel Committee.
  
    Councilmembers Greer and Gaiser withdrew their motion and second.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to bring Warren Renando in for discussion regarding our City Manager position and to determine whether or not we want him to serve as Interim City Manager for a specific period of time.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Greer and Gaiser-4.  Nays:  Councilmembers Howe, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-3.  Absent:  0. 

ORDINANCES.

• FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2010.03, AMENDING CHAPTER 25, CITY CODE, ADDING SECTION 25-31 THAT WILL AUTHORIZE ISSUING CITATIONS TO DISTRICT COURT, IMPOUNDING VEHICLES, OR IMMOBILIZING OF VEHICLES WHERE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE HAS SIX (6) OR MORE UNANSWERED PARKING TICKETS.  (CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.)
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt Ordinance No. 2010.03.  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. 
• FINAL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2010.04, AMENDING CHAPTER 28, CITY CODE, ADDING REGULATIONS GOVERNING WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adopt Ordinance No. 2010.04.  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. 

NEW BUSINESS

• ITEM DELETED.
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL FUNDING APPLICATION FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Gaiser to approve the request.  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. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME PROGRAMS.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to postpone consideration of this matter until the February 23, 2010, Council meeting.  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 2010 BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION FEE ADJUSTMENT REQUEST AND REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Greer to refer the 2010 Building Inspection Division fee adjustment request to the Finance Committee for review and recommendation.  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 Polaczyk to also refer to the Finance Committee a matter regarding possible energy savings for the City.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  0.  Abstain:  Councilmember Frounfelker-1.  Absent:  0.
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE A LETTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL (POLC) - NON-SUPERVISORY UNIT AND THE CITY REGARDING EMPLOYEE WAGE CONCESSIONS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2011, AND A CONTRACT EXTENSION UNTIL JUNE 30, 2012, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
  
  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, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0.   
• CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO APPROVE NON-UNION EMPLOYEE WAGE CONCESSIONS AND SUSPENSION OF APPENDIX A-1 AND APPENDIX A-2, CITY PERSONNEL POLICY, BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2011, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
  
  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, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER’S TEMPORARY WAGE REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE PERCENT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION.
  
  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 Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST TO APPROVE A LETTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL (POLC) - SUPERVISORY UNIT AND THE CITY REGARDING EMPLOYEE WAGE CONCESSONS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2011, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
  
  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, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0. 
• CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO REFER TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR THE CITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS THE CITY’S INVOLVEMENT IN SPECIAL EVENTS.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Breeding and seconded by Councilmember Greer to refer the matter to the City Affairs Committee and the Finance Committee.  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 A LETTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS (IAFF) REGARDING EMPLOYEE WAGE CONCESSIONS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2011, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Frounfelker and seconded by Councilmember Polaczyk to approve the request.
  
  Motion was made by Councilmember Gaiser and seconded by Councilmember Greer to postpone consideration of this matter until the next regular Council meeting.  The motion FAILED adoption by the following vote.  Yeas:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Nays:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Absent:  0.
  
    The main motion was then voted on and adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-6.  Nays:  Councilmember Gaiser-1.  Absent:  0. 

CITY COUNCILMEMBERS’ COMMENTS.

Councilmember Gaiser reported that the former City Manager met with Ms. Rawlins and other Hibbard Street neighbors.  There were discussions and some promises made and they are now asking the City to move forward.  He commended the labor unions for their hard work and stated he hopes that the wisdom of the Council prevails because he thinks we are going to end up with serious financial difficulties as a result of these (Letters of Agreement).

Councilmember Frounfelker remarked that three appointed officials wish to bring concessions before the Council and asked if those could come directly to the Council without first going to the Rules & Personnel Committee.  The consensus was that they could.  He also noted that dates for special meetings for discussion with Warren Renando and a budget strategy session need to be established.  He inquired about changes to the downtown parking.  He reported on his trip to Midland, stating that they have some neat development in their downtown and 3-hour parking.  He announced the next Town Hall meeting will be held at the Jackson District Library - Carnegie Branch on March 11 at 6:30 p.m.  In closing, he thanked the Council for supporting the Gillespie project.

Councilmember Polaczyk thanked all City employees for working with the Interim City Manager on negotiations and apologized to Councilmember Greer for calling his remarks “babble.”

Councilmember Breeding asked, in light of all the concessions, for an up-to-date summary of revenue and expenditures in hard copy.

Councilmember Howe thanked City employees for recognizing tough times and problems and taking concessions. 

Councilmember Greer thanked everyone who attended the first Town Hall meeting, stating that is was a great meeting with good discussion.  He is looking forward to the compilation of input from the Town Hall meetings.  He encouraged all Councilmembers to attend the MML’s Capital Conference on April 13 and 14.

Mayor Dunigan announced that the MML will give a special presentation on February 22 at the Ella Sharp Museum on the future of city government.  She also reminded everyone of the importance of participating in the census.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS.

None.

ADJOURNMENT.

No further business being presented, a motion was made by Councilmember Howe and seconded by Councilmember Greer to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. 

Lynn Fessel
City Clerk