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 June 14 2010 Minutes CITY OF BUCHANAN COMMISSION MINUTES The Mayor called the public hearing to order at 7:02 p.m. as published and invited public to express comments regarding Ordinance 2010.06/____, Amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Article III – Definitions and Use of Terms; Article V – R-1A & R-1B Single-Family Residential Districts. Hearing no public comment and receiving no written comment, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to adjourn the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Commissioners present: Carla Cole, Patricia Moore, William Norton, Earl Scanlon, Warren Weaver Weaver moved, seconded by Moore to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Roll call vote carried unanimously. American Legion Post 51 Service Officer Marv Pruett presented a map of Oak Ridge Cemetery Veteran’s Circle and explained their request to construct a Columbarium closer to Knight’s Chapel as previously planned. Discussion and questions were shared with Pruett and Commissioners while the map rendering was reviewed by all Commissioners. Scanlon moved, seconded by Moore to authorize the American Legion to work with the Cemetery Sexton to proceed with the construction of the columbarium in the Veterans’ Circle at Oak Ridge Cemetery as reviewed and planned previously from original drawings reviewed by then Building Inspector Warren Weaver and Legion Commander Lyle Sumerix. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Patzer announced the newest members of the DDA and reported on their budget past and future. She further explained the future events for the Downtown Arts and Historical District along with the expenditures for grants/loans to downtown business owners for infrastructure programs afforded by the $250,000 loan. Police Chief Marx highlighted his previously distributed written report while all reviewed. Discussion was shared regarding more foot patrols downtown because of witnessed vandalism in the downtown historical district with the City Manager confirming that surveillance cameras would continue to be utilized as a continued tool. Fire Chief Gowen summarized his distributed written report with fire calls for the first six months of 2010 while all reviewed. After explanation from the City Manager of review by the Plan Commission and Legal Counsel, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to approve the Ordinance as presented and recommended by the Buchanan City Plan Commission. Patzer distributed and summarized her memo regarding the proposal from the DDA and explained her conversations with Berrien County Community Development Director Dan Fette with regards to the Andrews Farm TIF $250,000 loan (tax capture). She reaffirmed information from DDA Chairman Dave Hagey from the Joint meeting between the DDA and City Commission on June 9th and quoted the unanimously stated motion from the DDA board. After concerns about other taxing entities signing off of return of their taxes, Mullendore confirmed that the other entities had already forgiven their share of the taxes three years ago when she worked with Berrien County Representatives Bret Witkowski, Bill Wolf and Dan Fette. After shared discussion between Patzer, Mullendore and Commissioners, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to accept the eleven parcels of property now owned by the DDA in consideration of the $250,000 Andrews Farm TIF loan and release the DDA obligation of paying for the downtown street lights although the DDA would remain in charge of all the programming with the downtown Arts and Historical District properties. Roll call vote carried by majority. YEA: Cole, Moore, Scanlon. NAY: Norton, Weaver. The City Manager confirmed discussions from 2010-2011 Budget Work Session and recommended that the remainder of the balance, $202,110 for the purchase of the fire truck be repaid with a seven year bank loan. After shared discussion about the open bid process, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to authorize the City Manager to move forward with procuring a loan from Chemical Bank in the amount of $202,110 for the remainder of the balance due for the new fire truck as presented. Roll call vote carried unanimously. After the Mayor confirmed the positive discussions with the City Manager and Joe Mitchell along with comments heard from Ad Hoc Committee Chairman Tom Fehlner, Moore moved, seconded by Scanlon to approve the expenditure of $10,000 to River Tenders for the design and permits for the duck pond area and dam removal, Mill Race to Pears Mill, and McCoy’s Creek from Elliott property line to the St. Joseph River as recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee. The City Manager confirmed that Joe Mitchell from River Tenders has built a good rapport with Jay Wesley from the DNR and explained all three proposals for the design and permitting would be completed throughout the summer. She reported that fund balance would have to be used to finance the project and confirmed grants would be pursued. Roll call vote carried unanimously. After deliberation about the fee, Cole moved, seconded by Scanlon to approve the resolution as discussed. After explanation from the Fire Chief and shared discussion with Commission, Scanlon moved, seconded by Moore to authorize the Fire Chief to acquire the engine exhaust removal system for the Fire Department in the amount of $6,272. Roll call vote carried unanimously. The City Manager announced concern for the liquidity of the Landfill as she is unsure of its worth and the bank would hold the City of Buchanan (and other owner jurisdictions) responsible to make the loan payments whole if the Landfill cannot pay the full payment. Mullendore explained the fiduciary responsibility and each commissioner voiced their concern and discussion/questions were shared. Scanlon moved, seconded by Moore to not support the “Limited Guarantee” for the $1,200,000 loan the Landfill needs to construct the new cell. Roll call vote carried unanimously Public comments were heard from Tom Fehlner and Debra Patzer. City Manager comments were heard. Commissioners’ comments were heard. Scanlon moved, seconded by Norton to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
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