December 3, 2001

CITY OF MASON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

201 W. ASH ST., MASON, MICHIGAN

MASON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

DECEMBER 3, 2001

The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Whipple.

Present: Council Members: Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

Also present: Martin Colburn, City Administrator

Norman Austin, Finance Director/Treasurer

Dave Scutt, Acting Fire Chief

Kathy Revels, Asst. Finance Director

Deborah Stein, Deputy Clerk

Councilmember Naeyaert led in the Pledge of Allegiance and offered the invocation.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: November 19, 2001

The Minutes of November 19, 2001 were approved as written.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

It was moved by Howe and supported by Soule to approve the payment of the bills in the amount of $233,130.99 as submitted.

VOTE: Yes (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

Norm Austin, Finance Director/Treasurer addressed the Council.

As this will be my last regular Council meeting as a full time employee of the City of Mason I would like to make a few remarks. Over the last 39 out of 41 years I have had the opportunity to work for the City as a full time employee. During that marriage I have been fortunate to have earned a living well enough to support my family and live in this beautiful community. In turn I have really dedicated my time to the City and tried my best to do the best possible job that could be done.

It has been an exciting run. And now that I have reached this point in my life I can look back at what we have accomplished over those many years. And here let me stress the “WE” in that sentence. Because we are a team, a complete team with you the Council included. We all work for the same thing and that is the health, welfare, safety, and betterment of this Community for ALL the citizens.

I have seen the transformation from a dirt, gravel, pothole filled streets, no recreational places, run down homes, and poor business Community to a fine smart looking community with good streets with curb and gutters, to neighborhoods with upgraded housing, sidewalks for our citizens to walk on, children to play and be safe on, parks with well kept lawns, ball diamonds, a beautiful new downtown look, a thriving business district downtown, multiple new municipal buildings, a new water tower, new industry, new commercial businesses outside the downtown area, new subdivisions, upgraded and new water and sewer systems, and many other things too numerous to speak of here.

I marvel each time I go to another community our size and see what they have. The majority of the time, they don’t even come close to what we have. Sometimes I think we are really spoiled because we have it so much better than others.

I have been fortunate enough to work for some very good team leaders including Marty Colburn and Pat Price, and in each case I have been able to learn from them. The Council’s ability to pick good team leaders to lead the rest of the Staff is key to keeping the Team’s stability intact and to implement the Council’s goals and policies. The implementation of the Council’s policies have been the forefront of both of these team leaders. Because of this, we have been able to accomplish what has been done.

I have been fortunate over the years to have good Staff personnel and that is such a key to a successful career. My current Staff strives to achieve the upper levels of financial understanding and customer service is the number one priority. I am positively thrilled that Kathy Revels has been appointed by Marty as the new Finance Director/Treasurer and I hope and pray that you confirm that appointment as I think she is qualified, has the experience, has the education, and is a wonderful person that will serve this City well for hopefully many years to come.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve you, all the preceding Councils, and the Citizens of the City of Mason. I will not wish you Good Luck in the future with your ventures because I do not think it takes Good Luck. It takes good, strong policy, good planning, good budgeting, good leadership, and hard work.

Thank you for this time.

Bob Clark, Cable Commission Chairperson, commented on the Millennium information received by Mason subscribers.

REGULAR BUSINESS

Resolution No. 2001-66 - Mayoral Appointments for City Boards and Commissions

Resolution No. 2001-66 was introduced by Preadmore and seconded by Clark.

CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2001-66

MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS

December 3, 2001

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Mayor does hereby make the following appointments to fill unexpired terms with confirmation by the City Council, commencing December 3, 2001, ending December 31, 2004, unless noted otherwise.

Ethics Board (1) Willliam H. Noud, Jr.

(2) Kathleen Dean

Historic District (1) Gary Nesbitt

(2) Loren Shattuck

(3) Jeff Taylor 2003 (filling an unexpired term)

Planning Commission (1) James J. Johnson

(6) Tami J. Boyic 2002 (filling an unexpired term)

Local Officers Compensation Commission (1) William Phillip

Traffic Commission (1) Roger Bauer

(2) Robert Cone

(3) Harold Judd

YES: (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

NO: (0)

Resolution No. 2001-67 - City Council Appointments for City Boards and Commissions

Resolution No. 2001-67 was introduced by Preadmore and seconded by Clark.

CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2001-67

December 3, 2001

CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mason does hereby make the following appointments commencing January 1, 2002, ending December 31, 2004.

Board of Review (1) Larry Briggs

Building Authority (1) Ron Rhoades

(2) Norman L. Austin

Cemetery Board (1) Gerri Babcock

Cable Communications Commission (1) Larry Briggs

Local Development Finance Authority (1) Gary Naeyaert

Water & Sewer Rate Study Committee (1) Larry Briggs

(7) Ruben Droscha

(8) Larry Howe

(9) Linda Ward

Zoning Board of Appeals (1) Pete Curtis

(2) Kathy Smith

YES: (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

NO: (0)

Resolution No. 2001-68 - City Administrative Officers

Resolution No. 2001-68 was introduced by Preadmore and seconded by Clark.

CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2001-68

December 3, 2001

RESOLUTION OF CITY OFFICER APPOINTMENTS

WHEREAS, in accordance with the Charter, City of Mason Michigan, Adopted June 26, 1951; and

WHEREAS, as listed in section 4.6, the Administrative Officers of the City are listed; and

WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 32-A-95 which replaces Ordinance 32 originally ratified October 3, 1955, created the Office of City Administrator; and

WHEREAS, Ordinance 91-A-77 creates a Building and Zoning Department, establishing the Building and Zoning Official; and

WHEREAS, In accordance with Ordinance No. 32-A-95, Section 5, A, the City Administrator shall recommend to the Council the appointment of officers, and

WHEREAS, the recommendations by the City Administrator to fill several City Officers vacancies are:

· City Treasurer Kathy Revels

· Fire Chief David Scutt

· Zoning Official James Howard

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Mason does hereby appoint the above listed personnel as “Administrative Officer” to their respective office, and are charged with performing their duties and responsibilities.

YES:(7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

NO: (0)

2002 Sidewalk/Driveway Improvement - Special Assessment Resolution No. 1, Project No. 2002-1

It was discussed that individual property maps will be provided to each homeowner in Devon Hills for review and comment. Discussion ensued on sidewalk placement, driveway approaches, tree preservation, and the special assessment process.

Special Assessment Resolution No. 1, Project No. 2002-1 was introduced by Helbig and seconded by Preadmore.

CITY OF MASON

2002 SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION NO. 1

PROJECT NO. S.A. 2002-1

At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Mason, Ingham County, Michigan (the “City”), held in the City Hall, 201 West Ash Street, Mason, Michigan, on Monday, the 3^rd day of December, 2001, at 7:30 o’clock, p.m.

Present: Council Members - (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

Absent: Council Members - (0) None

The following resolution was offered by Council Member Preadmore and supported by Council Member Clark.

WHEREAS, upon its own motion and without petition, the City Council of the City of Mason desires to be advised of the feasibility of certain sidewalk and driveway improvements within the City, generally-described as follows:

The installation of sidewalks and related improvements, and/or the replacement of sidewalk, the installation of concrete driveways between the sidewalk and curb, seeding, fertilizing, and mulching in the public right-of-way of the following properties and along and adjacent to the following streets: 440 N. Jefferson, 107 Royce, 108 Royce, 113 Royce, 114 Royce, 119 Royce, 120 Royce, 125 Royce, 126 Royce, 437 N. Barnes, 461 N. Barnes, 451 N. Barnes, 467 N. Barnes, 454 N. Barnes, 448 N. Barnes, 442 N. Barnes, 436 N. Barnes, 430 N. Barnes, 424 N. Barnes, 418 N. Barnes, 412 N. Barnes, 406 N. Barnes, 425 N. Barnes, 413 N. Barnes, 407 N. Barnes, 401 N. Barnes, 201 Devon Hill, 207 Devon Hill, 210 Devon Hill, 213 Devon Hill, 219 Devon Hill, 230 Devon Hill, 501 N. Rogers, 455 N. Rogers, 449 N. Rogers, 443 N. Rogers, 437 N. Rogers, 431 N. Rogers, 425 N. Rogers, 419 N. Rogers, 413 N. Rogers, 407 N. Rogers, 500 N. Rogers, 466 N. Rogers, 460 N. Rogers, 454 N. Rogers, 448 N. Rogers, 442 N. Rogers, 436 N. Rogers, 430 N. Rogers, 424 N. Rogers, 418 N. Rogers, 412 N. Rogers, 406 N. Rogers, 362 N. Rogers, 356 N. Rogers, 350 N. Rogers, 344 N. Rogers, 338 N. Rogers, 332 N. Rogers, 365 N. Rogers, 361 N. Rogers, 357 N. Rogers, 353 N. Rogers, 349 N. Rogers, 345 N. Rogers, 341 N. Rogers, 337 N. Rogers, 333 N. Rogers, 455 N Rogers, 449 N Rogers, 443 N Rogers, 437 N Rogers, 437 N Rogers, 431 N Rogers, property on E Columbia, 209 Valley, 229 Valley, 311 Valley, 316 Valley, 317 Valley, 323 Valley, 310 Valley, 202 Valley, 208 Valley, 214 Valley, 230 Valley, 371 Okemos, 381 Okemos, 420 N. Jefferson, 104 S. Jefferson, 108 S. Jefferson, 118 S. Jefferson, 109 S. Jefferson, 117 S. Jefferson, 119 S. Jefferson, 129 S. Jefferson, 210 S. Jefferson, 213 S. Jefferson, 223 S. Jefferson, 951 E. Columbia, 1015 E. Columbia, 1025 E. Columbia, 1111 E. Columbia, 1115 E. Columbia, 241 State, 202 Park, 174 W. Maple, 213 Park, 205 Park, S. Cedar - north of Willow Creek bridge on east side;

and

WHEREAS, an estimate of the expenses of the Project and engineering drawings must be made, and the proposed special assessment district therefor must be determined.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

· The City Council does hereby tentatively declare its intention to proceed with the Project.

· The City Administrator and/or Treasurer are hereby ordered to cause plans showing the Project, the location thereof, the proposed special assessment district, and estimates of the cost of the Project, to be prepared by Wolverine Engineer and Surveyors, Inc., Mason, Michigan.

· The City Administrator, when the engineering plans and estimates for the Project are completed, is ordered to file same with the City Clerk, and said plans and estimates shall be made available for public inspection.

· The City Administrator and/or Treasurer are hereby further authorized to proceed with all other necessary actions to initiate the Project.

· All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be, and the same are, hereby rescinded.

Yeas: Council Members - (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

Nays: Council Members - (0)

Absent: Council Members - (0)

Resolution declared adopted.

2002 Sidewalk/Driveway Improvement - Special Assessment Resolution No. 2, Project No. 2002-1

Special Assessment Resolution No. 2, Project No. 2002-1 was introduced by Helbig and seconded by Preadmore.

CITY OF MASON

2002 SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION NO. 2

PROJECT NO. S.A. 2002-1

Present: Council Members - (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

Absent: Council Members - (0) None

The following resolution was offered by Council Member Helbig and supported by Council Member Preadmore:

WHEREAS, the City Council has ordered plans and estimates of costs of certain sidewalk and driveway improvements, described more specifically below, to be made; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mason, deems it advisable and necessary for the public health, safety and welfare of the City and its inhabitants to carry out the following generally-described sidewalk and driveway improvement project:

Further, the City Council deems it advisable to defray all or a portion of the cost of the Project through special assessments assessed against the properties specially benefitted thereby; and

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to proceed further with the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. Upon completion, the plans showing the Project and location thereof, and the estimate of the cost thereof, shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for public examination.

2. The City Council tentatively declares its intention to proceed with the Project as generally described above, and to defray all or a portion of the cost thereof by special assessments against the properties specially benefitted thereby in the proposed sidewalk and driveway improvement special assessment district.

3. There is hereby tentatively designated a special assessment district against which all or a portion of the costs of the Project are to be assessed, consisting of the lots and parcels of land described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.

4. The City Council shall meet at a regular meeting in the City Hall, 201 West Ash Street, Mason, Michigan 48854, on Monday, the 7^th day of January 2002, at 7:30 o’clock, p.m., at which time and place the City Council will hear any objections to the Project and to the proposed special assessment district therefor.

5. The City Clerk is hereby ordered to cause notice of such hearing to be made to the owners of the lots and parcels of land described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference, pursuant to Ordinance No. 37 and the provisions of the City Charter. Said notice shall be in substantially the following form:

6. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be, and the same are, hereby rescinded.

Yeas: Council Members - (6) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

Nays: Council Members - (0)

Absent: Council Members - None

Bid - City Hall Renovations

It was discussed that one bid was submitted for City Hall renovations for the Finance Department.

It was moved by Soule and seconded by Naeyaert to accept the $12,950.00 bid of Greiner Construction, Inc. for the remodeling of the Finance Department at City Hall.

VOTE: Yes (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

Wellhead Protection Grant

Public Works Director Dean commented on the proposed $7,336.00 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) that has been received for a wellhead protection program on expenditures that the City made for regional water studies in participation with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. The City has already contributed $3,668.00 to the 50/50 split. Christine Spitzley, Environmental Programs Planner for the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, gave a brief presentation on the grant.

It was moved by Helbig and seconded by Howe to accept the $3,668.00 Wellhead Protection Program Grant from the MDEQ.

VOTE: Yes (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

Purchase - Request to Waive the Bid Process for Extrication Equipment

Fire Chief Scutt commented that he is requesting to waive the bid process to purchase extrication equipment. A committee of the Fire Department researched the equipment and is recommending to purchase Hurst equipment because of the compatibility to existing equipment in use, ease of use and handling, and the low bid. The equipment will be funded by a grant and $140 will be taken from the capitol improvement account.

It was moved by Preadmore and seconded by Clark to waive formal bid process for the Fire Department to purchase Hurst extrication equipment form Apollo Fire Equipment Company for $15,940.

VOTE: Yes (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

Directory of Charges Update

It was discussed that an amendment to the Directory of Charges is being proposed to cover the cost of the City providing these items.

It was moved by Preadmore and seconded by Naeyaert to approve the changes as stated in the Directory of Charges, dated December 3, 2001.

VOTE: Yes (7) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Whipple

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

· None

NEW BUSINESS

· None

COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE

· Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission

· Discussion was held to participate with the Michigan Association of Mayors for Mayor Exchange Program in 2002.

LIAISON REPORT

Councilmember Helbig commented that the next regular Cable Commission meeting will be in January 2002.

Councilmember Soule commented that the next regular Planning Commission meeting is Tuesday, December 11^th.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Colburn commented that a new dump truck with mounted sander and snow plows, as well as the boom truck have arrived. The Local Officers Compensation Committee met last week. Katheryn Street has the first layer of asphalt on it.

Finance Director/Treasurer Austin commented on the investment report and current investments.

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

Kathy Starmer of 430 N. Barnes Street commented on the sidewalk program and policy. She stated concern that the sidewalks would cause damage to trees that would not be realized right away. Administrator Colburn commented that a claim could be filed with the City for review. She asked who would be responsible for the sidewalk assessment if she sold her home. Finance Director /Treasurer Austin commented that it is an assessment against the property, not the owner. Ms. Starmer asked for the sidewalk installation time frame in Devon Hills. Administrator Colburn commented that the construction schedule will be established possibly in April 2002.

Kerry Minshall, Fire Department Captain, commended Administrator Colburn’s personal input on selecting a Fire Chief.

Mayor Whipple commented that it has been his pleasure to work with Norm Austin. He stated that he doesn’t believe there is a more exceptional Finance Director in the State of Michigan, or a more exceptional person. He has worked with him personally through the City and Fire Department and he wishes him well. He echoed Mr. Austin’s sentiments that Kathy Revels is a an excellent choice for the Finance Director/Treasurer. He also stated that Dave Scutt is an excellent choice for Fire Chief and will serve the City well. He commented that the City is well served by the people that are leaving, but also by the people who are still here, and he is very proud of that.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

_________________________ ________________________

Martin A. Colburn, City Clerk Russell W. Whipple, Mayor