March 22 2010 Minutes
CITY OF BUCHANAN COMMISSION MINUTES
March 22, 2010
The Mayor called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. and invited public to express comments regarding an application for Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate Transfer from C & S Machine Products, Inc. Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was continued to April 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
The regular scheduled meeting of the City Commission was held at the Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan, Monday, March 22, 2010 directly following the public hearing. Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
The Pledge was recited by all in attendance. Pastor Pat Ramsden gave the Invocation.
Commissioners present: Carla Cole, William Norton, Earl Scanlon, Warren Weaver
Commissioners absent: Patricia Moore
Staff present: City Manager Meg Mullendore and Clerk Gladys Bybee
Guests/Visitors present: DDA Director Debra Patzer and Preservation Practices Owner Pam O’Connor along with 24 visitors including 1 reporter
Scanlon moved, seconded by Weaver to amend the Agenda by removing item A. under Unfinished Business; Consider Agreement for Granting of an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate (IFEC)Transfer from Premier Tool & Die Cast to C & S Machine Products, Inc. to expand their manufacturing of precision parts for the computer, aerospace, and defense industries. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Weaver moved, seconded by Scanlon to approve the Consent Calendar with the amended agenda. Roll call vote carried unanimously.
• Agenda as amended
• Minutes: Regular Meeting March 8, 2010, Joint Meeting with DDA Summary March 10, 2010, and Special Meeting March 11, 2010
• Checks 589075 to 59135 in the amount of $98,413.25
• Accept resignation from JT Adkerson from the Board of Review effective April 1, 2010
• Acknowledge receipt of 2010-2011 Annual Budget as presented by the City Manager in accordance with Charter Section 9.2: Call Public Hearing April 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to invite and hear public comments according to Charter Section 9.4
• Appoint Jeff Griffin to the Buchanan Area Recreation Board (BARB) to fulfill the vacant term caused by Scott Wahlstrom through 2011
• Appoint Mayor Carla Cole to the Downtown Development Authority, Southeast Berrien County Landfill Authority, Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA), and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
• Appoint Commissioner Joe Scanlon to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Joint Water & Sewer Board
Pam O’Connor distributed a revised National Register of Historic Places Designation for Buchanan’s Residential District and summarized the process as it began a couple years ago. She explained the boundaries of the district with the probability of minor changes forthcoming. There was shared discussion with commission and O’Connor about effects and restrictions when tax credits were utilized.
The City Clerk reported current vacancies on Boards and Committees.
Tom Fehlner, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the McCoy’s Creek Watershed reported their recommendation that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to engage knowledgeable consultants and engineers to plan and give a cost estimate in preparation for a permit application required by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). He explained the three components of the recommendation in detail and passed around a model cross vane structure. The committee suggests that Joe Mitchell from RiverTenders be engaged to provide a cost. Fehlner asked that their written recommendation approved as presented. Comments from commission were heard and discussion followed. Discussion was shared.
Alan Robandt, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce explained their request for the Commission to approve the date change of the Buchanan City Wide Annual Garage Sale to coincide with the US 12 Heritage Route Garage Sales (212 miles). Norton moved, seconded by Weaver to approve the City Wide Garage Sales date change from June to August 13th and 14th as presented and recommended. Roll call vote carried unanimously.
Debra Patzer explained the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) request for support of continuing the beginning phase, Associate Level of the Main Street Program. Scanlon moved, seconded by Norton to approve the resolution as presented.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S LETTER OF INTENT TO THE MICHIGAN MAIN STREET CENTER TO REMAIN IN THE MAIN STRET PROGRAM AT THE ASSOCIATE LEVEL FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR.
WHEREAS, the City of Buchanan City Commission created the City of Buchanan Downtown Development Authority in 1976 pursuant to the provisions of P.A. 197 of 1975 to be a catalyst in the development and redevelopment of the Downtown District, and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has supported the activities of the Downtown Development Authority to preserve the historic character of the downtown and to strengthen its economic base, and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority and concerned citizens and business owners have participated in the Main Street training sessions offered at the Associate Level over the past year, and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority and those who have participated in the training feel that the four points of the Main Street Program – Organization, Promotion, Design and Restructuring are the key to downtown Buchanan’s revitalization and wish to stay in the Main Street Program for one more year at the Associate Level, and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority has prepared a Letter of Intent that was sent to the Michigan Main Street Center at MSHDA stating our intent to remain in the program at the Associate Level for one additional year, and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority, at their Wednesday, March 10, 2010 unanimously passed a resolution of support for the Main Street Program which is necessary to enable Buchanan to remain in the Main Street Program at the Associate Level for one additional year;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the City of Buchanan City Commission fully supports the actions of the Downtown Development Authority sending the Letter of Intent to the Michigan Main Street Center and passing a Resolution of support to stay at the Associate Level for one more year, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Commission will continue to support the activities of the Downtown Development Authority and cooperate with them as they participate in all four points of the Michigan Main Street Program.
Roll call vote unanimous, Resolution 2010.03/06 declared adopted.
The City Clerk explained the Nominating Petitions process for three City Commissioner seats and announced the upcoming May School Election.
Commissioner Norton proposed amending the Fiscal Budget 2010-2011 to include funding the membership for Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA) and the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce. Norton moved, seconded by Scanlon to withhold the SMEGA payment until receiving a report from them and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to the organization. Roll call vote carried unanimously. The Chamber of Commerce Director urged attendance to the annual membership meeting with SMEGA.
Public Comments from Randall Peart were heard and he distributed a written request for an ordinance amendment.
City Manager and Commissioners’ comments were heard.
Scanlon moved, seconded by Norton to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
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Gladys M. Bybee, CMC-City Clerk Carla M. Cole, Mayor
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