Council
Proceedings
(Official)
ARegular Meeting of the St. Ignace City Council was held on Monday, October 16, 2017, in theCouncil Chambers at City Hall.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Clapperton gave the invocation.
Present: CouncilmembersClapperton, Fullerton, Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, Councilmembers
Paquin, St. Louis andTremble.
Absent:Mayor Litzner. It was moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, seconded by Councilmember Paquin, to excuse Mayor Litzner, as she is out of town. Motion carried unanimously.
Staff Present: Les Therrian, City Manager;Andrea Insley, Assistant City Clerk;Mark Wilk, Police Chief; Deb Evashevski, DDA Director; Renee Vonderwerth, City Clerk/Treasurer.
Consideration of minutes from October 2, 2017 Council meeting:
It was moved by Councilmember Paquin, seconded by Councilmember St. Louis, to approve the minutes of October 2, 2017. Motion carried unanimously.
Limited Public Comment:
No public comment was received.
Additions to the Agenda:
Police Chief Wilk – Applications received for position of Police Officer.
- Request to support “No Shave November.”
Councilmember Clapperton - Request for update on current park projects.
Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin – Welcome new City Manager.
- Thank you to community.
1. MARSU MOTEL/LAWSON HEARING:
City Attorney, Tom Evashevski, updated Council of the actions taken by the City with this propertyin regards to the City ordinance for dangerous buildings. Brian Olsen, Building Inspector, also informed Council of his findings during inspection of the structures on the property. Mr. Olsen confirmed the condition of the structures to comply with the dangerous buildings parameters, and suggested they be removed. Fire Chief Gary Sorenson informed Council that the property owner, Mr. Lawson, had requested the structures be considered for a controlled burn by the Fire Department. City Attorney Evashevski reviewed with Council the next steps to be decided in the process. Mr. Lawson presented a written document concerning his property in question and asked that Council review the information before making any decision. After some discussion, it was the consensus of Council to postpone this item until after review of Mr. Lawson’s document. In the meantime, Fire Chief Sorenson agreed to research if the property could be considered for a controlled burn and what would be needed.
2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT REVISED:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT
CITY OF ST. IGNACE
COUNTY OF MACKINAC, STATE OF MICHIGAN
Minutes of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of St. Ignace, County of Mackinac, State of Michigan, held in said City on the 16th day of October, 2017, at 7:00 o’clock p.m., prevailing Eastern Time.
PRESENT:Councilmembers Clapperton, Fullerton, Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin,
Councilmembers Paquin, St. Louis, Tremble.
ABSENT: Mayor Litzner
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Councilmember Fullerton and supported by Councilmember Tremble.
WHEREAS, an Installment Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between the City of St. Ignace (the “City”), Rudyard Electrical Service, Inc., Rudyard, Michigan (the “Vendor”), and Central Savings Bank, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (the “Assignee”), for the purchase and installation of 66 new 200 watt LED light fixtures with dimming controls and light kits for parking lot fixtures for the Little Bear Ice Arena (the “Equipment”) has been prepared; and
WHEREAS, the City shall purchase the Equipment for a purchase price of $53,187.90 (the “Purchase Price”) which shall be financed through execution of the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the outstanding balance of all purchases by the City under Act 99, exclusive of interest, shall not exceed one and one quarter percent (1-1/4%) of the taxable value of the real and personal property in the City at the date of such contract or agreement; and
WHEREAS, purchase of the Equipment pursuant to the Agreement will not result in the outstanding balance of all such purchases in excess of the limitation contained within Act 99 as set forth above; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement is to be assigned to the Assignee; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to approve the Agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement and authorize City officials to execute certain other documentation relative thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1.Approval of Agreement. The Agreement is hereby approved substantially in the form attached hereto at Exhibit A. The City shall incur the debt described in the Agreement through execution of the Agreement by the Mayor and City Clerk, which debt shall consist of the Purchase Price of $53,187.90 which shall be payable in ten (10) annual installment payments of principal due October 1 of each year commencing October 1, 2018, through and including October 1, 2027, with interest payable semi-annually on October 1 and April 1 of each year commencing October 1, 2018 at the rate of 2.625% per annum; provided that the City Manager is hereby authorized to adjust the final details set forth herein to the extent necessary or convenient to complete the transaction authorized herein, and in pursuance of the foregoing are authorized to make determinations regarding the principal and interest payment dates provided that the principal amount of the Agreement shall not exceed $53,187.90, the interest rate per annum shall not exceed 2.625%, and the Agreement shall be payable in not more than ten (10) annual principal installments.
2.Execution and Delivery of Agreement. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the Agreement and deliver it to the Vendor, substantially in the form attached hereto with such additions, changes and modifications as shall be approved by the City’s Bond Counsel.
3.Useful Life of Equipment. The useful life of the Equipment is hereby determined to be not less than ten (10) years.
4.Additional Actions. The Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk and Treasurer are each hereby authorized and directed to execute such additional documentation and open such accounts as shall be necessary to effectuate the closing of the Agreement and the assignment thereof.
5.Assignment of Agreement. The assignment of the Agreement by Vendor to the Assignee is hereby approved.
6.Limited Tax Pledge. The City hereby agrees to include in its budget for each year commencing with the current fiscal year, a sum which will be sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Agreement coming due before the next fiscal year. In addition, the City hereby pledges to levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable property in the City each year in an amount necessary to make its debt service payments under the Agreement, subject to applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.
7.Tax Covenant. The City hereby covenants that, to the extent permitted by law, it shall take all actions within its control necessary to maintain the exemption of the interest on the obligations under the Agreement from general federal income taxation (as opposed to alternative minimum or other indirect taxation) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including but not limited to, actions relating to the rebate of arbitrage earnings, if applicable, and the expenditure and investment of proceeds of the Agreement and moneys deemed to be proceeds.
8.Qualified Tax Exempt Obligations. The City hereby declares that its obligations under the Agreement shall be designated as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” for purposes of deduction of interest expense by financial institutions under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
9.Rescission. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be and the same hereby are rescinded.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Councilmember Fullerton, Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, Councilmembers Paquin,
St. Louis, Tremble and Clapperton.
ABSTAIN: None.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Litzner.
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
3. RESOLUTION AUTUMN APPLE DAYS AND GREAT PUMPKIN ROLL 2017:
RESOLUTION
The following Resolution was offered for adoption by Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, supported by Councilmember Paquin:
WHEREAS, the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce requests permission to conduct Autumn Apple Days and Great Pumpkin Roll, and
WHEREAS, this event requires the usage of the St. Ignace public sidewalks, and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 413 of the City of St. Ignace, “The Peddler’s Ordinance”, requires certain criteria be met in order for the event to be held.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Ignace City Council has determined that the Chamber of Commerce does meet the criteria established in the various sections of the Ordinance No. 413, and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council does approve the usage of the public sidewalks for this event on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the closure of Goudreau Street, from Ellsworth to N. State Street on Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, Councilmembers Paquin, St. Louis, Tremble, Clapperton
and Fullerton.
No: None.
Absent: Mayor Litzner.
Resolution declared Adopted.
4. RESOLUTION STREETLIGHT REQUEST:
City of St. Ignace Downtown Streetlight Project TAP Grant
Resolution of Support
The following resolution was offered for adoption by Councilmember Paquin and supported by Councilmember Clapperton:
WHEREAS, the City of St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board has approved a project to replace the 93 downtown streetlight globes with new antique streetlamp LED fixtures; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed streetlight project is located in an established traditional downtown area and is supported by the DDA 30-year plan; and,
WHEREAS, the DDA attracts thousands of visitors into the downtown area by supporting nighttime downtown events is striving to make the sidewalks safer for those visitors by offering lighting that promotes pedestrian safety, and
WHEREAS, the proposed project helps the City fulfill its goals as stated in the City of St. Ignace Complete Streets Ordinance of 2011 to “… construct all transportation improvement projects, both new and retrofit activities, to provide appropriate accommodation for bicyclists, pedestrian, transit users …”; and,
WHEREAS, the City of St. Ignace is the Michigan Department of Transportation Act 51 agent that will administer this project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Ignace City Council hereby authorizes submission of a Michigan Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to cover 60% of the project cost, and further appoints the DDA Director as the Authorized Official to submit said grant, and further resolves to make available a local match through the financial commitment of the DDA of 40% of the project cost if the grant is approved.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Councilmembers Paquin, St. Louis, Tremble, Clapperton, Fullerton and Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin.
No: None.
Absent: Mayor Litzner.
Resolution declared Adopted.
5. ADDRESS CITIZENS CONCERNS:
City Manager Therrian informed Council of concerns by a couple residents involving storm water not draining efficiently and affecting their property. City Manager Therrian explained the drainage issue is during heavy rains only and gave details of the existing system’s operating deficiencies. City Manager Therrian noted that there is no funding for storm water systems at this time.
City Manager Therrian also updated Council regarding a retaining wall on Goudreau Street and R. S. Scott’s inspection of the process to reinforce the wall from caving in on a resident’s property. City Manager Therrian stated the determination is not complete at this time.
City Manager Therrian informed Council of a property owner on Robinson Street that is not satisfied with the follow-up of planting grass in their back yard due to a recent project that operated through the yard. After some discussion, it was decided by Council to approve DPW to repair and plant grass in the yard next summer as needed.
6. ELECTION OFFICIALS APPROVAL:
It was moved by Councilmember Tremble, seconded by Councilmember St. Louis, to approve the Election Inspectors for the November 7, 2017 General Election. Motion passes unanimously.
7. APPROVAL OF DDA DIRECTOR HIRE:
It was moved by Councilmember Fullerton, seconded by Councilmember Paquin, to approve the recommendation from the DDA Board to hire of Renee Kosor for DDA Director.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. FINANCIALS:
City Manager Therrian reviewed the monthly financials with Council.
Additions to the Agenda:
Police Chief Wilk – Applications for position of Police Officer
Police Chief Wilk informed Council there have been eight applications received for the open position of Police Officer.
Police Chief Wilk – Request to support “No Shave November”
It was moved by Councilmember Fullerton, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, to approve support for Police officers to participate in the charitable cause for the month of November. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Clapperton – Update on current park projects
Deb Evashevski, DDA Director, updated Council on the working status of the St. Anthony’s Pocket Park project, stating the project has met some additional cost. DDA Director Evashevski confirmed that with the additional funds the DDA contributed and continued on-line donations, the project has received $135,000 to complete the building this fall. DDA Director Evashevski indicated she will seek additional funding to complete the retaining wall next spring. DDA Director Evashevski also informed Council on the cost challenges with the Little Bear East park project, but confirmed everything is progressing.
Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin – Welcome new City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Paquin welcomed the new City Manager, Mike Stelmaszek.
Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin – Thank you
Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin thanked the Council and the public for their support during his wife’s illness and passing.
Public Comment:
No public comment was received.
Consideration of Bills:
Councilmember Clapperton questioned the invoice for Advanced Rehabilitation Technology and City Manager Therrian explained the charges were for a manhole replacement near the Driftwood Restaurant. Councilmember Clapperton also inquired about the Patriot 2000 invoice, which was confirmed to represent heavy equipment parts. After consideration of the bills, it was moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Paquin, seconded by Councilmember Tremble, to approve the bills. Motion carried unanimously.
The following bills were presented to Council for payment:
ACE HARDWARE / 623.23ADVANCED REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY / 2,125.00
ALL-PHASE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO / 145.00
BLARNEY CASTLE OIL CO / 549.22
CHEBOYGAN CEMENT PRODUCTS INC / 1,219.00
GARY SORENSON / 218.34
GBS Inc / 62.03
GINOP SALES INC. / 183.26
GORDON FOOD SERVICE / 74.25
KOORSEN FIRE & SECURITY / 155.66
KSS ENTERPRISES / 415.17
LEWIS MUNICIPAL SALES / 675.00
LYNN AUTO PARTS / 2,526.41
MACKINAC PLUMBING AND HEATING CO / 228.50
MACKINAC SALES / 115.29
MICHAEL D PIEHL / 145.00
MICHAEL RICHARD LAMB / 290.00
NATIONAL OFFICE PRODUCTS / 1,861.50
NCL OF WISCONSIN INC / 1,651.32
NORTHERN TREE SERVICE / 1,100.00
O'CONNOR'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP / 97.55
PATRIOT 2000 INC / 270.00
R S SCOTT ASSOCIATES / 2,737.00
RUDYARD ELECTRICAL SERVICE INC / 734.80
SAULT PRINTING COMPANY / 221.16
SPARTAN STORES / 103.13
ST IGNACE AUTOMOTIVE / 1,920.63
ST IGNACE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / 116.90
ST IGNACE TRUE VALUE / 1,138.80
STEPHEN J BECKER / 3,500.00
STRAITS BUILDING CENTER / 2,161.01
TOM H EVASHEVSKI P L L C / 3,618.50
U P ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS INC / 1,225.00
VANTON PUMP CO / 469.06
WESLEY H MAURER JR / 891.37
Grand Total: $33,568.09
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:00p.m.
______Steven Paquin, Mayor Pro-Tem Andrea Insley, AssistantCity Clerk
1