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 August 11 2008 Minutes
CITY OF BUCHANAN COMMISSION MINUTES August 11, 2008 The regular scheduled meeting of the City Commission was held at Buchanan City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan Monday, August 11th. Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. No Invocation was heard. Commissioners present: Barbara Clark, Dave Hagey, Jennifer Harrington, Patricia Moore Commissioners absent: Carla Cole Staff present: City Manager Meg Mullendore and City Clerk Gladys Bybee Guests/Visitors present: 15 visitors including 2 reporters Ann Marie Buchanan Jones asked about agenda VIII.B., regarding the moving of the horse drawn hand pumper fire engine; how much would it cost and why. Moore replied that it was estimated to cost $500. to MSU for preparation to move and it is an antique piece of equipment, purchased by the City in 1863, part of City culture/history and working to bring it back for the 150th birthday celebration. Stella Proud announced she was excited about the new restaurant right outside the City limit. Hagey moved seconded by Clark to add 9 checks to the Check Register for summer tax distribution in the amount of $290,021.91; specifically check numbers 55461 to 55469. Roll call vote carried unanimous. Harrington moved, seconded by Clark to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Roll call vote carried unanimous. • Agenda • Minutes: Regular Meeting July 28, 2008 • Checks 55354 to 55469 in the amount of $391,133.34 • Banner Placement on Redbud Trail for Buchanan High School Class of 1983 • Accept resignation of Phil Hempel from the DDA/TIFA Board • Accept resignation of Alan Robandt from the DDA/TIFA Board • Appoint Dorothy MottL to the DDA/TIFA for a four year term expiring 2012 as recommended by the DDA/TIFA Board Mary Lister, Board President and Executive Director of the Buchanan Art Center reported the mission of the Center and announced August 25th going into 4th year with 3 galleries open. She explained artists are within 50 mile radius, 36 classes available for fall, just opened pottery room, over 30 volunteers, again doing scarecrows this year, funded $40,000 endowment, advertised in Beacher and Lake Magazine. Questions were shared about plans for the Sesquicentennial Exhibit on August 22nd. The Mayor commended the Art Center. Mullendore reported the request to purchase public property, stated it was unbuildable with the opportunity to generate revenue and decrease the City mowing, and recommended consideration to sell. Clark moved seconded by Harrington to call a public hearing on September 8, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. to sell public property as specified in City Charter Section 8.7. Roll call vote carried unanimous. The Mayor reported learning about the hand pumper fire engine being stored at Michigan State University and proposed that minimal dollars ($500) be expended to MSU for careful handling. She explained that Express-1 was donating a truck to transport it with City crew assisting in the move. Commissioners shared discussion about costs to move back and forth ($500. here and $500 back), costs for Public Services Director along with four seasonal workers to drive there, Attorney fees, and reestablishing the claim to ownership of the fire engine. The Mayor further explained the attempt to acquire the piece of equipment for Buchanan 150th birthday celebration as it would add to our cultural heritage as an important part of Buchanan history. Hagey congratulated the Mayor on her search and moved to expend the funds as estimated by MSU and get equipment returned to the City. Moore seconded the motion. Discussion included location to be displayed, timing, and availability of funds. Roll call vote, motion lost. YEA: Moore, Hagey. NAY: Harrington, Clark. After brief explanation from the City Clerk, Harrington moved seconded by Hagey to approve the resolution as presented. TO PLACE DIAL-A-RIDE MILLAGE FOR ONE YEAR 2010 UNDER UMTA SECTION 5, FTA ACT OF 1978 UNDER GENERAL TRANSPORTATION FUND PROGRAM, AND ACT 327 OF THE P.A. OF 1972 AS AMENDED WHEREAS, Dial-A-Ride provides a necessary service to the citizens of the City of Buchanan; and WHEREAS, the City of Buchanan has contracted with Transportation Management, Inc. to operate the City’s Dial-A-Ride program which has been proven successful during the past years; and WHEREAS, a Dial-A-Ride millage is necessary to meet the local share portion of the annual operating budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Buchanan City Commission to place a proposition on the November 4, 2008 Election Ballot to read: Shall the City of Buchanan continue its local support of the “Dial-A-Ride” Bus System, more properly known as the “Dial-A-Ride Transportation System”, under UMTA Section 5, Federal Transportation Act of 1978, the general transportation fund program, and Act 327 of the P.A. of 1972, as amended, of the state of Michigan by levying one mill (One [$1.00] Dollar per each One Thousand [$1,000.00] Dollars) on the taxable value of all taxable property in the City of Buchanan to support its local share, for a period of one (1) year, to be levied in 2010? The requested millage rate represents a renewal of a previous millage of 1 mill (One [$1.00] Dollar per each One Thousand [$1,000.00] Dollars), on the taxable value of all taxable property in the City of Buchanan. Based on current valuation, it is estimated that the amount of revenue generated from the total millage in 2010 will be approximately Eighty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Ten ($88,510) Dollars. 0YES 0NO Roll call vote unanimous. Resolution 2008.08/30 declared adopted on this 11th day of August, 2008. Stella Proud thanked Mullendore for taking care of high grass and trash reported at last meeting. Buchanan Jones congratulated candidates who made it through primary and stated that she researched rental inspection with the State of Michigan since the July meeting and found out that jurisdictions can regulate by ordinance. She asked what is keeping Buchanan from developing a rental ordinance. She also asked how much the City contributes to Old Mill Fest. Commissioner Hagey responded to Ms. Jones questions. After questions from Kathy Kingery about Reliable Trash disposal Mullendore confirmed to provide a copy of said contract. Alice Kring offered comments that the City already has regulations for rental properties through the building code and building maintenance through ordinances and suggested information in newsletter to residents. She also thanked the City for support of Old Mill Fest and urged volunteers. City Manager Comments: • Very good turn out for National Night Out, Thanks to all that volunteered • North parking lot completed. Thanks to DDA • 140 resumes received for Administrative Secretary and interviews this week • Urged attendance to Old Mill Festival Commissioners’ Comments Harrington commented: • Congratulations to candidates • Sympathy to the Desenberg family Hagey commented: • Congratulations to all 6 candidates and 4 successful ones, wish them success • Disappointing turnout for voting • Funds to acquire the fire engine well below the limit that City Manager can spend per the Charter and urge her to go forward. He confirmed he would contribute personally. Clark commented: • Congratulations to successful candidates • Congratulations to the Art Center • Will not be at next meeting or festival Moore commented: • Thanks to all for National Night Out • Thanks to Express-1 for volunteering to transport the fire engine from MSU • Thanks to DDA for downtown flowers and north parking lot reconstruction, especially with a lot of care taken to notify businesses • Sympathy to Desenberg family. • Congratulations to all candidates, urged participation to November voting Harrington moved, seconded by Clark to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Voice vote carried unanimous. |
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