Alma, Michigan
April 26,2016
Mayor Nyman called a regular meeting of the Alma City Commission to order at 6:05 p.m. at the Alma Municipal Building.
Present: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman, & Piccolo.
Absent: None.
Mayor Nyman asked the City Commission and members of the audience to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Motion by Vice-Mayor Mapes as supported by Commissioner Ayers to approve the minutes of the April 12. 2016 regular meeting and the April 12, 2016 closed session meeting.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Ayers to set a public hearing for Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. to consider a request from 123 Net, Inc. for a Metro Telecommunications Permit under the METRO Act provisions.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Vice-Mayor Mapes to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda for payment: $19,431.00 to Tyler Technologies (New World) for the annual maintenance agreement for the Logos.Net software support and site licenses; $3,252.00 to Gratiot County for the Gratiot County Master Plan fee; $4,305.00 to Alma Housing Commission for compliant and non-compliant rental Inspections.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Harrington to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $4,156.52 to G & W Products for steel sidewalk forms for the Public Works Department.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Ayers as supported by Vice-Mayor Mapes to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $10,214.00 to Wonsey Tree Service for stump grinding.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Mott as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $4,480.00 to Country Rocks for landscape mulch and playground fibar.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Mott as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $3,465.24 to Fredrickson Supply for a sewer hose for the Public Works Sewer Flusher.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Ayers as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $2,856.00 to Medler Electric for a street light fixture and light pole on Heather Lane that was damaged by a wind storm in February.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Commissioner Allman to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $8,395.00 to Library Corporation for the annual automation renewals for hardware and software for the Alma Public Library.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Vice-Mayor Mapes as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to approve the Request for purchase in the amount of $2,170.00 to BS & A Software for conversion of fixed assets data from New World Systems for the Finance Department.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Commissioner Allman to approve the request to ratify the purchase in the amount of $7,481.00 to Advanced Controls, Inc. for an emergency replacement of the 150 HP VFD Center Blower for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Commissioner Allman to approve the request for purchase in the amount of $2,900.00 but not to exceed $4,000.00 to Blueglobes, LLC for repair work to the PAPI instrumentation system at the Airport.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Vice-Mayor Mapes to receive the bids for the purchase of Traffic Control Pavement Markings and to award the bid to low bidder P. K. Contracting, Lake City MI for the total amount of $24,601.22.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Ayers as supported by Commissioner Allman to table the receipt of bids for the demolition of 100 Park Dr.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Piccolo as supported by Commissioner Harrington to approve the resolution of appreciation recognizing John Peak on his retirement after 20 years of service to the City of Alma.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Ayers to adopt Ordinance#788 to amend Chapter 50 of the Ordinances of the City of Alma to extend the duration of the annual service charge in lieu of taxes with respect to Countryside II Apartments.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Vice-Mayor Mapes as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to approve the three-year maintenance agreement with Frontier Communications of America, Inc. for the total amount of $18,231.80.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Commissioner Mott to receive the following reports and place them on file: March 2016 Financials and Planning Commission minutes of April 4, 2016
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Public Services Director, Ron Turner presented reports with regards to the establishment of Special Assessment Districts #1 and #2 for 2016 for the construction of sidewalks on Orchard St. and Garfield St. and Special Assessment Districts #3, #4, & #5 for the construction of sanitary sewer leads on Orchard St., Garfield Ave., and Second Avenue. All costs are split 50/50 between the City and the property owners. Darrell Towersey and Delbert Towersey, property owners on Orchard wanted to express their concerns on this sidewalk project. The cost they felt would be a burden to them and as they have lived in this location for 85 years why now is a sidewalk needed. City Manager, Phillip Moore explained that the cost of the Special Assessment is spread out over a term of 5 years. Vice-Mayor Mapes explained that when a street reconstruction project is planned the sewer leads are replaced and if sidewalks do not exist they are added to the project. Vice-Mayor Mapes believes that sidewalks add to property value but relayed to the Towerseys’ that they should talk to their neighbors to come to the public hearings on these issues. Mayor Nyman reported to the Commission that once these reports have been presented and received public hearings will be asked to be set, this will allow for property owners and interested parties to give their opinions on the matters.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commission Harrington to receive the reports on the construction of sidewalks on Orchard St. and Garfield Avenue and the reports on the construction of Sanitary Sewer Leads on Orchard St., Garfield Ave., and Second Avenue.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Piccolo:
Whereas, the City Commission has ordered the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll on as-built costs for the purpose of assessing the special assessment district's share of the cost of the Orchard Street Sidewalk Construction Project in Special Assessment District No. 1 for 2016.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that:
1. The City Commission shall meet at the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building in the City of Alma on May 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll.
2. The special assessment roll and the report of the City Manager concerning said public improvement shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Resolution Declared Adopted.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Commissioner Piccolo as supported by Vice-Mayor Mapes:
Whereas, the City Commission has ordered the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll on as-built costs for the purpose of assessing the special assessment district's share of the cost of the Garfield Avenue Sidewalk Construction Project in Special Assessment District No. 2 for 2016.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that:
1. The City Commission shall meet at the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building in the City of Alma on May 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll.
2. The special assessment roll and the report of the City Manager concerning said public improvement shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Resolution Declared Adopted.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Vice-Mayor Mapes as supported by Commissioner Piccolo:
Whereas, the City Commission has ordered the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll on as-built costs for the purpose of assessing the special assessment district's share of the cost of the Orchard Street Sanitary Sewer Lead Construction Project in Special Assessment District No. 3 for 2016.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that:
1. The City Commission shall meet at the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building in the City of Alma on May 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll.
2. The special assessment roll and the report of the City Manager concerning said public improvement shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Resolution Declared Adopted.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Commissioner Harrington as supported by Commissioner Piccolo:
Whereas, the City Commission has ordered the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll on as-built costs for the purpose of assessing the special assessment district's share of the cost of the Garfield Avenue Sanitary Sewer Lead Construction Project in Special Assessment District No. 4 for 2016.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that:
1. The City Commission shall meet at the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building in the City of Alma on May 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll.
2. The special assessment roll and the report of the City Manager concerning said public improvement shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Resolution Declared Adopted.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Piccolo:
Whereas, the City Commission has ordered the City Assessor to prepare a special assessment roll on as-built costs for the purpose of assessing the special assessment district's share of the cost of the Second Avenue Sanitary Sewer Lead Construction Project in Special Assessment District No. 5 for 2016.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that:
1. The City Commission shall meet at the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building in the City of Alma on May 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll.
2. The special assessment roll and the report of the City Manager concerning said public improvement shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Resolution Declared Adopted.
Motion by Commissioner Allman Vice-Mayor Mapes to approve Warrant No. 16-20 and to authorize the City Treasurer to issue checks in payment of all claims.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Mayor Nyman opened the floor for Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Harrington as well as the full assembly of commissioners sent Congratulations out to John Peak for a job well done in his employment with the City for the past 20 years.
Commissioner Allman announced that the Alma Highland Festival Queen and Wee Queen will be picked this weekend at the Heritage Center at Alma College.
Mayor Nyman then opened the floor for Public Comments.
Tim Lambrecht, Gratiot County Commissioner wanted to inform the City of Alma that the County Commission has started the process to look for a new County Administrator. Jeff Huff will be retiring in September 2016. Mr. Lambrecht also wanted to add that as a past member of the Alma Planning Commission he knows that a great deal of thought and effort went into the planning for the development of the Riverfront at State Street and Mechanic Street.
Laurie Wilson of 206 ½ N Grover Ave wanted to address a complaint she has with her landlord. There are many items in and at the property that the landlord is neglectful in repairing. City Manager, Phillip Moore asked Ms. Wilson for her phone number so that he could have staff investigate and he would report back to her.
Vice-Mayor Mapes wanted to thank the public for their comments both here in the Commission Chambers and at the Commissioner Work Session
Motion by Commissioner Ayers as supported by Vice Mayor Mapes to enter into closed session to discuss property matters at 6:59 p.m.
Roll call vote taken by City Clerk Letourneau
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Commissioner Allman as supported by Commissioner Piccolo to adjourn the closed session at 7:23 p. m.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
Motion by Vice-Mayor Mapes as supported by Commissioner Allman to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:24 p. m.
Yes: Allman, Ayers, Harrington, Mapes, Mott, Nyman & Piccolo.
No: None.
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Melvin A. Nyman, Mayor
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Sheila Letourneau, City Clerk