Meeting Minutes for March 5, 2007

OFFICIAL COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 5, 2007

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Harbor Beach was held on Monday, March 5, 2007 at City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Swartz.

Present: Burkhard, Goniewicha, Kleinknecht, Wood and Mayor Swartz
Finance Officer/Clerk Youatt

Absent: None

It was moved by Kleinknecht, seconded by Goniewicha to approve the agenda as presented, with the date of the February 20, 2007 Council meeting minutes corrected (from February 19, 2007). Motion carried. 5 yeas.

It was moved by Wood, seconded by Kleinknecht to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2007 Council meeting as presented. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

Bills for February 2007 in the amount of $ 259,880.83 were presented to Council. Following discussion, it was moved by Wood, seconded by Goniewicha to approve payment of the bills as presented. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

Citizen Comment: Barb Lemanski inquired as to why the Mayor did not have an office at City Hall. Mayor Swartz stated he would bring this issue up under Council Reports.

Mike Oliver questioned why there were phone bills for the Marina and North Park Campground if these facilities were closed for winter. Youatt stated the phones were needed to take reservations for campsites and boatslips for the upcoming season. Also, questioned the costs for the Tennis Court project at Davidson Park. Council stated that this issue was discussed at previous meetings and that bids will be taken for the remaining items in the project.

Jennifer Kerry asked about where her proposal was for a Beautification program. Mayor Swartz stated it would be on the agenda for the next Council meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: It was moved by Wood, seconded by Burkhard to renew the Assessing Services contract with Eric Thompson, Landmark Appraisal, from April 15, 2007 to April 15, 2008 at a cost of $ 17,400, which is the same cost as the current fiscal year. Motion carried.
5 yeas.

It was moved by Kleinknecht, seconded by Goniewicha to accept, with regret, the resignation/retirement of Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Aaron Miller, effective June 29, 2007, and to authorize the Finance Officer/Clerk to advertise the position in appropriate publications. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

It was moved by Wood, seconded by Kleinknecht to approve the 2007 Fire Department Appropriation in the amount of $ 52,145.61. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

Council reviewed bids for the creek embankment restoration project at North Park Campground. Youatt reported that 3 campsites are currently unuseable and there is a safety hazzard at this area of the campground, due to erosion from the creek. The Recreation Commission accepted bids for the project and 3 bids were received as follows: Schott Excavating for base cost of $ 760 plus $ 10 per cubic yard for clay and $ 14 per ton for shale; Don Plester Tiling for base cost of $ 1,500 plus $ 7.50 per cubic yard for clay and $ 10 per ton for shale; and, from Ramisch Construction for base cost of $ 600 plus $ 10.20 per cubic yard for clay and $ 38.60 per ton for shale. The Recreation Commission recommends awarding the bid to Schott Excavating. It was moved by Burkhard, seconded by Goniewicha to accept the bid from Schott Excavating as presented. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

Resolution # 2007-05, Michigan Liquor Control Commission Entertainment Permit for Sam Capling (Smalley’s) located at 130 S. Huron Avenue, was presented to Council. Youatt stated that a Law Enforcement Recommendation and Local Government approval is required for the
Entertainment Permit to be approved. Chief Schock is recommending approval of the Permit. It was moved by Wood, seconded by Kleinknecht to adopt Resolution # 2005-07 as presented. Motion carried. 5 yeas.

Engineer Report: Youatt reviewed the written report dated March 5, 2007 provided by Engineer Bergdolt.

Finance Officer Report: Attended a meeting this afternoon regarding Transportation Asset Investment Reporting System as mandated by the State. Also will meet with Forester Township officials regarding potential water sales and also a meeting with Sand Beach Township and Village of Forestville officials regarding clarification of an item in their water sales agreements.

Council Reports: Councilmember Wood thanked Aaron Miller for his service and also for providing the City with plenty of notice of his retirement in order to allow for a smooth transition.

Mayor Swartz reminded citizens of the Chamber of Commerce quilt show on March 21st. Asked if any Councilmembers would attend the annual MML Legislative Conference. Councilmember Wood stated he would attend.

Mayor Swartz noted the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for March 31st at 9:30 a.m. at the Murphy Museum grounds, which is sponsored by the Lions Club.

Mayor Swartz stated that an Administration Committee meeting has not been held yet regarding Jack Kriete’s suggestions on budgeting for projects, but a meeting will be scheduled soon.

Mayor Swartz discussed his request for an office at City Hall. Mayor Swartz asked the audience whether they thought he should have an office at City Hall with a majority indicating he should. Following further discussion, it was moved by Goniewicha to provide an office at City Hall for the Mayor. There being no second, the motion died for lack of a second.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Tom Youatt, City Clerk