CITY OF MASON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                  201 W. ASH ST., MASON, MICHIGAN

                    MASON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

                                    June 3, 2002

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Whipple.

 

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

Also present:      Martin Colburn, City Administrator

Dennis McGinty, City Attorney

Kathy Revels, Finance Director/Treasurer

Deborah Stein, Deputy Clerk

 

Council Member Naeyaert led in the Pledge of Allegiance and offered the invocation.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: May 20, 2002

The Minutes of May 20, 2002 were approved as written.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS         

Motion by Soule, supported by Howe,

 

To approve the payment of the bills in the amount of $97,488.61 as submitted. 

 

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

  No (0)                                                               

MOTION CARRIED

 

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

·           None

 

REGULAR BUSINESS

Public Hearing - Michigan Packaging Company - Industrial Facilities Tax

Mayor Whipple opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.

 

John Klien, Vice President/General Manager, and Chris Wylie, Tax Representative, for Michigan Packaging Co., commented on the tax abatement request submitted for a financial commitment of approximately two million dollars for new plant equipment. He stated that currently there are 113 employees working at the Mason plant and that in thirty years there have not been any employee layoffs.  Discussion was held on net increase in value if there is an exchange in equipment and not an addition of equipment.  Attorney McGinty commented that Mr. Wylie spoke to him just prior to this evening’s meeting on amending the proposed Industrial Facilities Exemption Agreement by replacing the ‘No Layoff Clause’ with a statement indicating that they have maintained a no layoff clause.  Discussion was held to defer any action to the next meeting to allow Attorney McGinty to address the proposed amendments.

 

Mayor Whipple closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m.

 


Resolution No. 2002-23 - Industrial Facilities Tax for Michigan Packaging Company

Resolution No. 2002-23 was introduced by Naeyaert and supported by Preadmore.

 

Motion by Clark, supported by Naeyaert,

 

To defer Resolution No. 2002-23 to the next meeting, June 17, 2002.

 

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

  No (0)                                                           

MOTION CARRIED

 

Resolution No. 2002-24 - Industrial Facilities Tax for Lear Technologies, LLC

Resolution No. 2002-24 was introduced by Naeyaert and supported by Preadmore.

 

Kirk Fisher, Tax Manager for Lear Corporation commented on the tax abatement request submitted.  Discussion was held on the census of employees for the duration of the abatement. 

 

Motion by Helbig, supported by Soule,

 

To amend paragraph 3 (b) of the proposed agreement by adding language to read as follows: does not reach its stated target of engaging an additional one hundred fourteen (114) full-time employees in the City of Mason within the required two (2) years.

 

VOTE: Yes (4) Soule, Naeyaert, Helbig, Clark,

  No (3) Preadmore, Howe, Whipple                                                                

MOTION CARRIED

 

Mayor Whipple presented Resolution No. 2002-24, as amended for a vote.

 

City of Mason

City Council Resolution No. 2002-24

 

June 3, 2002

 

Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate

Application and Agreement from Lear Technologies L.L.C.

 

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has enacted Public Act 198 of 1974 allowing industrial property owners property tax abatement under certain conditions; and

 

WHEREAS, Lear Technologies L.L.C., 21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Michigan 48086-5008, has petitioned the Mason City Council for a hearing on its application; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted Council Resolution No. 99-14, after a public hearing duly noticed by publication, to establish an Industrial Development District pursuant to Act 198 to encompass the land and territory within which the Applicant proposes to acquire and maintain the building, land improvements, machinery, fixtures, and equipment to be acquired by the Applicant

 

WHEREAS, the description of said property is:

 


A part of the South ½ of Sec 5, T2N, R1W, City of Mason, Ingham County, Michigan; described as commencing at the South ¼ corner of said Sec 5; thence N00d04’16”E 1487.83 feet along the North-South ¼ line to the intersection with the Northeasterly Right of Way line of Cedar Street (M-36) and the point of beginning which is S00d04’16”W 1161.2 feet from the Center of Sec 5; thence N48d36’18”W 511.31 feet along the Northeasterly Right of Way line of Cedar Street; thence N41d24’11”E 105.38 feet; thence N47d32’45”W 60 feet; thence N41d24’00E 46.51 feet; thence N89d27’01”E 327.92 feet, thence N00d04’47”E 665.33 feet to the Center of said Sec 5; thence N89d56’09”E 268.73 feet along the East-West ¼ line of said Sec 5 to a point in the Westerly Right of Way line of Conrail Railroad; thence S18d57’00”E 1096.32 feet along said Westerly Right of way line; thence

S18d57’00”E 470.18 feet; thence S06d16’27”E 161.74 feet; thence S90d00’00”W 72.67 feet; thence S00d00’00”E 132.80 feet; thence S89d11’00”E 114.87 feet; thence S18d57’00”E 105.20 feet; thence S89d54’06”W 307.86 feet; thence N24d30’W 10.89 feet; thence N25d01”W 44.20 feet; thence S89d54’06”W 462.96 feet; thence N00d09’18”W 603.03 feet; thence S48d13’54”E 113.64 feet to point of beginning.  Containing approx 25.98 ac.

 

WHEREAS, Lear Technologies, L.L.C. wishes to purchase new equipment and machinery at the cost of approximately $4,006,750 worth of machinery furniture, on property legally described above; the value of said personal property to be approximately $4,006,750; and

 

WHEREAS, Lear Technologies, L.L.C. seeks an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate on personal property, as described in its Application, dated April 1, 2002; and

WHEREAS, the City Council met in public hearing on May 20, 2002, as heretofor resolved and noticed for the purpose of considering approval of said application; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council met in pubic hearing on June 1, 1998, as heretofore resolved and noticed, for the purpose of establishing an Industrial Development District of the City of Mason; and

 

WHEREAS, during said public hearing the City Council heard all persons desiring to be heard, either orally or in writing, with respect to the designation of the subject area as an Industrial Development District, pursuant to 1974 P.A. 198, MCLA, Sec. 207.551 et.seq.; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has afforded the applicant, the public, the Assessor, and all of the affected taxing units an opportunity for a hearing; and

 

WHEREAS, the granting of an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to Lear Technologies, L.L.C. will not substantially impede the operations or financial soundness of the City of Mason;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mason finds and determines that the granting of the Lear Technologies, L.L.C. Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate considered together with the aggregate amount of certificates previously granted and currently in force under Act No. 198 of the Public Acts of 1974 and Act No. 255 of the Public Acts of 1978, shall not have the effect of substantially impeding the operation of the City of Mason, or impairing the financial soundness of a taxing unit which levies ad valorem property taxes in the City of Mason; and

 

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the application of Lear Technologies L.L.C. for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for personal property improvements is hereby approved for a period of twelve (12) years; and

 

FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Mason and Lear Technologies, L.L.C. shall enter into an Agreement containing provisions allowing for the revocation of the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate if conditions imposed by the City of Mason are not met.

 

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

No: (0)

 

Clerk’s Certification: The undersigned, duly qualified and Clerk of the City of Mason, hereby certifies that the foregoing constitutes a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by said Council at a regular meeting held on Monday, June 3, 2002, the original of which is part of the Council’s Minutes.  The undersigned further certifies that notice of the meeting was given to the public pursuant to the provisions of the “Open Meetings Act” (Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended).

___________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

 

Resolution No. 2002-22 - Fire Works Agreement

Resolution No. 2002-22 was introduced by Naeyaert and supported by Preadmore.

 

                                                                                        CITY OF MASON

                                                                CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-22

                                                                                                       

                                                                                   FIRE WORKS DISPLAY

June 3, 2002


BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Mason that it does hereby grant permission to the Mason Fire Department to hold a fireworks display on the evening of July 4, 2002, in conjunction with the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Ingham County Fairgrounds.

 

YES: (6) Naeyaert, Preadmore, Helbig Clark, Howe, Whipple

NO: (0)

 

CLERK'S CERTIFICATION:  I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the City Council at its regular meeting held Monday, June 3, 2002 the original of which is part of the Council's minutes.

____________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

 

Proclamation - General Raymond G. Davis

Mayor Whipple commented that he presented General Raymond G. Davis with a proclamation on Memorial Day.

 

Discussion - City Administrator’‘s Contract

Discussion was held on increasing the monthly car allowance for the City Administrator.

 

Motion by Helbig, supported by Soule,

 

To amend the employment contract between Martin Colburn, City Administrator, and the City of Mason, by increasing the automobile expense, paragraph three, Automobile Expense, from $500 to $550 per month, effective July 1, 2002.

 

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

  No (0)                                                           

MOTION CARRIED

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

·           None

 

NEW BUSINESS

·           A brief discussion was held on the lawn mowing ordinance.  Council Member Naeyaert stated that residents have expressed to her that they would prefer a four way stop at Washington Street where the direction of the stop signs were recently changed.

 

·           Discussion was held on the lack of broadcast quality for Channel 10, and that there was not any sound for the most recent broadcast Council meeting.

 

COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE

·           Letter - Dan Schlottman - A brief discussion was held.  It was the consensus of the Council to add Downtown Parking to the next agenda.

 

LIAISON REPORT

Cable Commission

Council Member Helbig commented that the next meeting is scheduled for July 17, 2002.

 

Planning Commission

Mayor Pro Tem Soule commented that the next meeting will be held June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

 


Downtown Development Authority

Mayor Whipple commented that two proposals have been submitted for the Old Fire Station.

 

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Colburn commented that the fire station dedication in honor of Fire Chief Jim Pelton will be held on Saturday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m.   Flags will be flown at half-mast.  The Skate Park project has broken ground and the county is working with the city to dredge the creek.  Irish Construction has come to an agreement with Tim Payne.  State Street a report has been forwarded including the requirements of the history of the culvert, etc.  The Mason Public Schools and City of Mason Joint Recognition Ceremony will be held June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the High School.

 

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

·           None

 

ADJOURNMENT

Being there was no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________                                              ________________________

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