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CITY OF BUCHANAN COMMISSION MINUTES
May 24, 2010

The Mayor called the public hearing to order at 6:00 p.m. as published and invited public to express comments regarding an application for Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate for C & S Machine Products, Inc., 215 South Post Road.  Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance Director Shelley Klug introduced Dominick Sarratore from C&S Machine and then she explained that C&S is a manufacturer of precision parts for the computer, aerospace, and defense industries with a total project cost of $2,313,000 and requesting that the City Commission approve the application.  There was discussion between Commission, and Sarratore regarding his business.  Hearing no public comment and receiving no written comment, Moore moved, seconded by Norton to adjourn the public hearing at 6:06 p.m.

The regular scheduled meeting of the City Commission was held at the Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan, Monday, May 24, 2010.  Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
   
The Pledge was recited by all in attendance.
Commissioner Scanlon read the biography of Jim King and the Mayor presented the Citizen Appreciation Recognition Award to Mr. King.
Dean and Kyra Clark accepted the Mayor Gavel on behalf of their wife/mother Barbara Clark as presented by Mayor Carla Cole.

Commissioners present: Carla Cole, Patricia Moore, William Norton, Earl Scanlon, Warren Weaver
Commissioners absent:   none
Staff present:      City Manager Meg Mullendore, Downtown Development Authority Director Debra Patzer and Clerk Gladys Bybee
Guests/Visitors present:  17 visitors including 1 reporter

After information from the clerk, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to amend the Consent Calendar to include D. DPW Roof under New Business and two checks to the check register in the total amount of $12,879 for the closing on the sale of the Art Center.  Roll call vote carried unanimously. Moore moved, seconded by Weaver to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.  Roll call vote carried unanimously.
• Agenda as amended
• Minutes: Regular scheduled meeting, May 10, 2010
• Checks 59397 to 59474 in the amount of $549,093.81 as amended
• Banner Placement 5-31 to 6-14: Buchanan Rocket Football Cheerleading Sign-ups
• Banner Placement 6-21 to 6-30: Buchanan Rocket Football Cheerleading Sign-ups
• Banner Placement 7-5-10 to 7-18-10: Michiana Cruisers Car Show
• Introduce Ordinance 2010.06/____, Amendment of Zoning Ordinance; Call a Public Hearing for June 14, 2010 at 7:00 pm to hear comments on the proposed Ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
• Street Closure Request: 5-27-10 from 6:15 to 8:00 pm on Smith, Detroit, Harlan, Main, Moccasin and Front Streets for Girls on the Run
• Street Closure Request:  7-18-10 from 8 am to 2:30 pm on Smith Street for Michiana Cruisers Car Show
• Certify Delinquent Utility Billings to the 2010 Summer Tax Roll
• Appoint Mayor, Mayor Pro-tem and City Attorney to Contract Review Committee

After brief discussion, Weaver moved, seconded by Norton to grant the Agreement for the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to C & S Machine Products, Inc. 215 South Post Road and approve the resolution as presented.
RESOLUTION GRANTING AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FOR C & S MACHINE PRODUCTS, INC. 215 SOUTH POST ROAD
WHEREAS, pursuant to Michigan Public Act 198 of 1974, M.C.L. 207.551 et seq. (“Act 198”) after duly noticed public hearing held on June 28, 1982, this Buchanan City Commission (the “Commission”) by resolution established the Andrews Farm Industrial Park’s "Industrial Development District – #58-01-82" located at 215 South Post Road, Buchanan, Michigan; and 
WHEREAS, C & S Machine Products, Inc. (the “Applicant”) has filed an application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate (the “Certificate”) with respect to personal property at 215 South Post Road facility; and
WHEREAS, before acting on said application the Commission held a public hearing on May 24, 2010 at the Buchanan City Hall, at which hearing the Applicant, the Assessor and a representative of the affected taxing units were given written notice and were afforded an opportunity to be heard on said application; and
WHEREAS, the installation of personal property (the “Project”) had not begun earlier than six (6) months before the date of the acceptance of the application for the Certificate; and
WHEREAS, completion of the Project is calculated to and will at the time of issuance of the Certificate have the reasonable likelihood to retain, create, or prevent the loss of employment in Buchanan City (the “City”). 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission that:
The Commission finds and determines that the granting of the Certificate considered together with the aggregate amount of the certificates currently in force under Public Act No. 198 shall not have the effect of substantially impeding the operation of the Commission, or impairing the financial soundness of a taxing unit, which levies ad valorem property taxes in the City.
The Letter of Agreement between the Applicant and the City is hereby approved.
The Application for the Certificate is hereby approved and when issued shall remain in force and in effect for a period of 12 years after completion.
Roll call vote carried unanimously, Resolution 2010.05/15 declared adopted.

After confirmation that all parties agreed, Scanlon moved, seconded by Moore to approve the Street Closure Request: 6-26-10 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, on Front Street from Redbud to Oak for Buchanan’s Great Cruise In. Roll call vote carried unanimously. 

After confirmation from the City Manager that money is available in capital equipment reserve, the 1995 year old mower would be sold as an auction item, and questions answered from Commissioners, Weaver moved, seconded by Moore to approve the purchase of the Kubota mower in the amount of $17,100 as low bid from HFS Tractor Sales & Service as presented.  Roll call vote carried unanimously.

Director Debra Patzer summarized the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) 2010-2011 Budget that was unanimously approved by the Downtown Development Authority at their May meeting and requested favorable approval of their proposed balanced budget.  After questions and discussion about the Michigan Main Street Program, Scanlon moved, seconded by Moore to approve the 2010-2011 DDA Budget as presented. Roll call vote carried unanimously.

Patzer summarized her memo to the City Manager while all reviewed the documents presented including a map and information about the properties.  She presented the notebook with all detailed information on the individual properties and explained the few property exceptions.  Patzer urged Commissioners to visit her office, welcomed questions from them, and invited them to the June DDA meeting.  Discussion and debate was shared with Commissioner’s, Patzer and Alice Kring (who worked for the City and was on the DDA board from its inception). Commissioners agreed to their attendance of the June 9th DDA meeting. 

Norton asked about the status of the DPW roof since it was brought forward several months ago.  Mullendore confirmed her work with the building inspector and he has recommended an architect and/or structural engineer to review.  Norton moved, seconded by Weaver to hire an architect to develop specifications to replace the entire Department of Public Works roof with a pitched roof.  The City Manager confirmed that the DPW Director has a quote to repair the partial rubberized roof with a 25 year warranty and she would bring forward quotes. After shared discussion, the motion failed. YEA: Weaver, Norton. NAY: Scanlon, Cole, Moore. 

Public comments were heard from Alice Kring and she requested permission from the Commission to utilize Mill Alley during the Cruise In on June 26th as it was possible a DJ would be playing.  Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to approve the request as presented.  Roll call vote carried unanimously.

City Manager comments were heard.

Commissioners’ comments were heard. 

Scanlon moved, seconded by Norton to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

 
_____________________________          ____________________________
Gladys M. Bybee, CMC-City Clerk            Carla M. Cole, Mayor