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 August 27 2007 Minutes
CITY OF BUCHANAN COMMISSION MINUTES August 27, 2007 A regular meeting of the City Commission was held at City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan Monday, August 27, 2007 and called to order by Mayor Moore at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge was recited by all in attendance. Sergeant Harvey Burnett gave the Invocation. Commissioners present:David Hagey, Jennifer Harrington, Patricia Moore, Carla Cole, and Barbara Clark Commissioners absent:None Staff present:City Manager Meg Mullendore, Assistant City Manager Joe Vander Meulen, and City Clerk Gladys Bybee Guests/Visitors present:9 visitors, including 1 reporter The Mayor asked for public comments regarding any agenda item. No comments were made. Hagey moved, seconded by Clark to amend the Agenda to include a report from Mark Siebenmark under Reports by Departments, Committees, Boards. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Hagey moved, seconded by Harrington to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Roll call vote carried unanimously. •Agenda as amended •Minutes: Regular meeting August 13, 2007 •Checks 53171 to 53270 in the amount of $1,950,647.37 •Peddlers or Solicitors License Fee Waiver for Berrien County 4-H Clubs for Sale of Calendars, Cookbooks, and Candy bars •Resolution 2007.08/14, Accepting Additional Financial Assistance Sections 5311 Dial-A-Ride FY 2006/2007 and Signatory Authorization WHEREAS, the State of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has offered the City of Buchanan Dial-A-Ride public transportation system 5311 operating monies equal to 17 percent of audited costs for FY2007; and WHEREAS, the MDOT Agreement No. 2007-0181/Z1/R1, Project No. 889770 will provide 17 percent of eligible audited operating costs, not to exceed $20,060. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Buchanan does hereby make its intentions known to accept this MDOT Agreement No. 2007-0181/Z1/R1, Project No. 889770 Section 5311 federal increased operating assistance for FY2007. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Buchanan authorizes Julianne O’Bryant as Transportation Coordinator, and Patricia A. Moore, Mayor of the City of Buchanan to jointly execute MDOT Agreement No. 2007-0181/Z1/R1, Project No. 889770 for the Commission for 2007 Section 5311 Federal operating assistance. RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED this 27th day of August, 2007. •City of Buchanan Organizational Chart Dave Jones was not in attendance and was unable to provide a report on the Berrien County Landfill. Harvey Burnett gave a report and update to Commissioners on the hostage situation at Harding’s that took place earlier in the day, and assured Commissioners that no one was hurt in the incident and appropriate actions were taken to ensure safety. Liza Moon was in attendance and specifically explained her calculations of measurement to illustrate how the electrical box encroaches upon Library property. She explained that the Library is not interested in dragging out the issue, and that the Library wants to resolve the issue by being willing to place the fence to where it no way intrudes on the electrical box. Hagey expressed concern with spending $7,000 of public funds to enhance the value of the library property, but was in favor of trading the second floor for the lease of the box. Moon explained that she will be getting a quote from Kevin Barker for the fence and will draft a letter of intent and price quote to the Commission once lineage is determined. Hagey moved, seconded by Harrington that the City admits the error of the placement of the electrical box on Library property, that the City would lease the 6’ x 20’ space back from the Library to allow the electrical box to remain, that the City would relinquish claim to the top floor of the Library for the remaining 2 ½ years, and that the City would pay up to $1,000 for the installation of the fence, contingent upon the Library being responsible for keeping the area open and passable during business hours. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Hagey moved, seconded by Harrington that the City would agree to take the generous offer of the Library Board to host a meeting between the City, DDA, Library Board, and property owners to discuss and try to remedy the property line situation. Roll call vote carried unanimously. There was a brief discussion among the Commission of the date for Trick-or-Treat, and after discussion, Clark moved, seconded by Cole to set the Trick-or-Treat date for October 31st. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Vander Meulen reported that the International truck is in good condition but that it is in dire need of a dump box, and requested favorable approval of the purchase from Truck & Trailer Specialties, Inc. in the amount of $8,326. from Commission. Harrington moved, seconded by Clark, to purchase the dump box from Truck & Trailer Specialities, Inc. in the amount of $8,326. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Mullendore explained the Request for Proposal for engineering services for the water and wastewater upgrades was sent to seven firms with five responding. She explained that staff has recommended using Abonmarche for the project, as their proposal included preparation for rural grant applications, pursuit of USDA grants, and a financing study for Rural Development Funds. Kenton McAndrew of Abonmarche explained the State Revolving Funds (SRF) and Drinking Water Revolving Funds (DWRF) to Commission. Hagey requested that a grant application to the Rural Development be included upon acceptance. Hagey moved, seconded by Cole to approve Abonmarche’s proposal for engineering services for the water and wastewater upgrades in the amount of $28,650 that included research and preparation of any USDA Rural Grant opportunities. Roll call vote carried unanimously. Hagey reported suggestions from citizens, and proposed Small Advisory Groups of 2-3 persons to do research relative to City concerns with a Commissioner Liaison. He suggested such Small Advisory Groups as for the Mill Race, the Farmers’ Market, festivals, advertising, downtown promotion, getting the Tin Shop weatherized, etc., and recommended putting a call out to all citizens who wish to participate. Hagey will be the Commissioner Liaison for the Mill Race and will discuss the issues with Scott King, Harrington will be the Commissioner Liaison for the Tin Shop, and Cole will be the Commissioner Liaison for the Farmers’ Market. Kathy Kingery reported that she spoke with Dick Young the Bruiser, who said he was very pleased to be in Buchanan for the Old Mill Festival. Lyle Sumerix of the Friends of Oak Ridge Cemetery presented “Pillars of the Past” and informed Commission of a day work shop and a brochure through the genealogical society on Saturday, September 8th. He told Commission that the next Cemetery Walk will be held on September 29th, with a rain date of September 30th. He reported that the base had been poured for Potter’s Field for the plaque, but that the dedication will take place next year. He reported that there would be a press release to raise funds to complete the entrance sign on Front Street. Mullendore commented: •Tom Bennett from Wetland and Coastal Resources, Inc. will put a power point together to present at a special meeting for the Millrace issue. •Pam O’Connor will bring in a gentleman from the State Historic Preservation Office as some of the houses may not qualify , but onsite visits will be done and a proposal sent to the City on the cost to do go for historic status. •National Night Out was during the Old Mill Festival, and a Community Night Out will occur in conjunction with the Old Mill Festival in the future. •Thanked merchants for their donations to National Night Out. •Congratulated Old Mill Festival organizers and all those who helped out. •Need a Commissioner to do an article for the newsletter. •City Hall closed next Monday for Labor Day. Harrington commented: •Questioned if Healy’s Skating Shoes qualify as skateboards/roller skates •Expressed her sympathy to Judy Smith’s family. •Congratulations to little Mr. and Miss Buchanan •Commended Joe and the Departments for their work during the storms •Tree blocking fireworks from the Beer Garden Hagey commented: •Commended City crews for their hard work during the storm before Old Mill Festival •Grateful for what we have in Buchanan •Conscientious of spending City dollars •Commended Chamber, DDA, and Sponsors of the Old Mill Festival Clark commented: Commended Joe and City workers Cole commented: •Commended Mayor Moore on her wardrobe •Thanks to businesses •Condolences to family friends, co-workers of Judy Smith •Commended Police Department on handling crisis today Moore commented: •Acknowledged Meg, Joe, Willie, Jon, and Mike for the huge tree on Remus Drive. Will be putting a letter in their file •Thanked Fire Department for protecting people from downed electric wire on Terre Coupe •Old Mill Festival was fantastic, congratulations to all •Sympathy to the Library Board •Congratulated City Manager on her singing •Thanked Commission and City staff for their dedication to being involved Harrington moved, seconded by Clark to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Voice vote carried unanimously. |
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