CITY OF MASON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                               201 W. ASH ST., MASON, MICHIGAN

                                  MASON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

                                                 MARCH 4, 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

Dave Scutt, Fire Chief

Joe Dean, DPW Director

Don Heck, City Engineer Representative

Deborah Stein, Deputy Clerk

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: February 18, 2002

The Minutes of February 18, 2002 were approved as submitted. 

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS       

It was moved by Howe and supported by Soule to approve the payment of the bills in the amount of $225,692.05 as submitted. 

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                             

MOTION CARRIED

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

Alex Lebodovych of 405 ˝ S. Barnes commented on his concerns of the 1997-98 budget and gave Council information that he compiled.

 

Marilyn Zollweg of 448 N. Barnes asked about the city policy on driveway approach installation when sidewalks are being installed.  Mayor Whipple commented that there is no written policy that the City uses for the varying situations.  A standard operating procedure is observed for individual instances.

 

REGULAR BUSINESS

Resolution No. 2002-08 - Skate Park Bid

Discussion was held on the seven bids received on construction of the Mason Bond Skatepark.  Irish Construction Company was the low bidder.  It was discussed that the company has not built a skatepark before.  It was expressed that although Tim Payne helped with the design, he did not submit a bid, nor did he bid with any of the contractors.  At the last design meeting Mr. Payne requested that the bid be relinquished to him outside of the bidding process.  At that meeting Mr. Payne indicated that he was the best suited to build the skate park and did not feel he should go through the public bidding process. 

Mr. Don Heck commented that Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors have had positive past experience with Irish Construction.  Irish Construction has indicated that they intend to use a local concrete company, Cantu Construction.  Mr. Heck commented on the experience and projects of Cantu Construction and indicated that he feels they are able to perform the job.

 

Mr. Dave Grueber, Optimist Member, commented that although it is a specialized project, the design was developed per the specs and reviewed by Tim Payne. 

 

City Council Resolution No. 2002-08 was introduced by Clark and seconded by Soule.

 

                                                                                 CITY OF MASON

                                                          CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-08

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASON BOND PARK SKATE PARK

 

March 4, 2002

 


WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources approved the “Community Recreation Plan,” Resolution No. 2000-02, adopted by the Mason City Council on February 7, 2000; and

 

WHEREAS, a Skatepark was established as the top priority project; and

 

WHEREAS, the Mason Optimist Club has pledged support both in funding and development of the creation of a Mason Skate Park facility; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has designated an area for the Skatepark within Bond Park, a city owned park; and

 

WHEREAS, the Great State of Michigan has committed a $179,000.00 grant available through the Clean Michigan Initiative Local Recreation Bond in addition to the 51% city match of $185,000.00; and

 

WHEREAS, on November 19, 2001 the Mason City Council authorized staff to proceed with going to bid for the construction of the Mason Bond Park Skatepark; and

 

WHEREAS, seven bids were received and read aloud on February 19, 2002.

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mason does herewith accept the recommendation of City Engineer William Potter of Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors, Inc., awarding the contract to Irish Construction Company of Howell, Michigan, in the amount of $348,728.00.

 

YES: (7) Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Naeyaert, 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, March 4, 2002, the original of which is part of the Council's minutes.

____________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

 

Resolution No. 2002-09 - Notice of Intent - Special Assessment Projects 2002-1 and 2002-2

City Council Resolution No. 2002-09 was introduced by Clark and seconded by Soule.

 

                                                                   CITY OF MASON

                                                                  CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-09

                                                                                           March 4,2002

 

NOTICE OF INTENT

SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENT

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PROJECTS 2002-1 AND 2002-2

 

 

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Mason, Ingham County, Michigan (the “City”), was held in the City Council Chambers, 201 West Ash Street, Mason, Michigan, on Monday, the 4th day of March, 2002, at 7:30 o’clock, p.m.

 

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

                                                                                               

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

Absent:  Council Members - None

 

The following resolution was offered by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member Soule:

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will be necessary to issue bonds of the City for the purpose of defraying the cost of acquiring and constructing certain sidewalk and driveway improvements, and related improvements, in certain areas of the City (the “Project”); and

 

WHEREAS, Section 5(g) of the Home Rule Cities Act, Act 279, Public Acts of Michigan, 1909, as amended (the “Act”), requires the publication of a notice of intent to issue the bonds necessary to produce the monies required to finance a portion of the cost of the Project; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the estimate of costs for the Project, including contingencies, in the approximate amount of One Hundred Forty Thousand  Dollars ($140,000.00); and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council intends to issue special assessment bonds (the “Bonds”) to finance a portion of the cost of the Project; and

 

WHEREAS, not to exceed Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000) of the aggregate Project costs, including the costs of issuance for the Bonds, is to be financed by issuing the Bonds; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council is desirous of authorizing the issuance of the Bonds and the approval of the required Notice of Intent to Issue Bonds; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to proceed with the issuance of the Bonds, it is also necessary for the City to obtain exceptions from prior approval from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT  :

 

1.     The City Clerk shall publish the following notice in the Ingham County Community News, Mason, Michigan, a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Mason, as a display ad of at least 1/8 page in size:    

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS


TO THE TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF MASON

AND NOTICE OF RIGHT OF REFERENDUM

 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BONDS, SERIES 2002

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the City Council of the City of Mason, Ingham County, Michigan, intends to authorize the issuance pursuant to Section 5(g) of the Home Rule Cities Act, Act No. 279, Public Acts of Michigan, 1909, as amended, of NOT TO EXCEED $65,000 City of Mason Sidewalk Improvement Special Assessment Bonds, Series 2002 (Limited Tax-General Obligation), for the purpose of defraying a portion of the cost of acquiring and constructing certain sidewalk and driveway improvements, and related improvements, in certain areas of the City (the “Project”).  The bonds will be payable in not more than three (3) annual installments at a rate of interest to be determined upon sale of the bonds, not to exceed seven percent (7%), payable on the unpaid principal balance from time to time remaining outstanding on the bonds.

 

                                                                 SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS

 

THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON the bonds will be fully payable from uncollected special assessments levied against benefitting real property in: the Sidewalk and Driveway Special Assessment District - S.A. 2002-1; and the Sidewalk and Driveway Special Assessment District - S.A. 2002-2.  While it is not anticipated that any funds of the City will be required for the retirement of the bonds, the City will pledge its full faith and credit for the repayment of the bonds in the event the special assessment revenues pledged for repayment of the bonds are insufficient.  The total Project cost is estimated to be $140,000, of which approximately $65,000 is to be defrayed by assessment, and the balance of the total Project cost is to be defrayed by budgeted general funds of the City and/or contributed funds.  No tax increase is required to fund the Project.

                                                                NOTICE OF RIGHT OF REFERENDUM

 

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 5(g) of Act 279, Public Acts of Michigan, 1909, as amended.  If within forty-five (45) days from the publication of this NOTICE OF INTENT to issue bonds a PETITION signed by not less than TEN PERCENT (10%) OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS residing within the limits of the City of Mason shall have been filed with the City Clerk requesting a REFERENDUM on the question of the issuance of the bonds, then the same shall not be issued until approved by the vote of the majority of the electors of the City qualified to vote and voting thereon at a general or special election.  The current number of registered electors in the City is 4,891.

 

Further information regarding the street and sidewalk improvement project and the bonds is available at the City Clerk’s offices, 201 West Ash Street, Mason, Michigan 48854.

 

__________________________________

Martin Colburn, City Clerk

City of Mason

 

2.     The foregoing notice and method of publication thereof are hereby determined to be adequate to notify the residents of the City of their referendum rights and of the nature of the debt obligations proposed to be issued by the City.

 

3.      Pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act, Public Act 202 of 1943, as amended, the City

hereby resolves to request from the Local Audit and Finance Division of the Michigan Department of Treasury an exception from prior approval for the issuance of the Bonds.

 

4.      The City Administrator and Finance Director/Treasurer, or a designee thereof, are hereby authorized and

directed to complete the necessary “Notice of Intent to Issue an Obligation” application and to file the same with the Local Audit and Finance Division of the Michigan Department of Treasury, together with:

 

(a)  a certified and fully executed original copy of this resolution authorizing the request for exceptions from prior approval; and

 

(b)  a draft in the amount of $100 made payable to the “State of Michigan.”

 

5.      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) Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Naeyaert, Whipple

Nays: Council Members - (0) None

Absent: Council Members - (0) None

Resolution declared adopted.

_____________________________

                                                        Martin Colburn, City Clerk

City of Mason

STATE OF MICHIGAN )

)ss

COUNTY OF INGHAM )

 

I, the undersigned, the duly qualified clerk of the City of Mason, Ingham County, Michigan, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of the proceedings taken by the City Council at a regular meeting held on the 4th day of March, 2002.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed by official signature this 4th day of March, 2002.

 

______________________________

Martin Colburn, City Clerk

City of Mason

 

Resolution No. 2002-10 - Ten Year Street Program

City Council Resolution No. 2002-10 was introduced by Soule and seconded by Clark.

 

Discussion was held on the process for paving alleys, the alley priority list, the millage designated to the street program, and when funds would be available to begin.   A brief discussion was held on Mason Street, the last unpaved road in the city.  It was discussed that staff would provide cost estimates for the three remaining unpaved alleys. 


                                                                                        CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-10

TEN YEAR STREET PROGRAM

March 4, 2002

 

WHEREAS, a ten year street reconstruction program was prepared and presented; and

 

WHEREAS, it includes a street project prioritization program based on a study conducted by the Public Works Director and reviewed by the City Engineer; and

 

WHEREAS, costs and revenue estimates for the projects have been made; and

 

WHEREAS, City Council will review the project list annually to make appropriate allowances or changes to priorities and estimates;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED:

1.  That a Ten Year Street Construction Program has been accepted by City Council for project planning and budgetary considerations.

 

2.  An Alley maintenance Program has been accepted by City Council for project planning and budgetary considerations.

 

Yes: (7) Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Naeyaert, 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, March 4, 2002, the original of which is part of the Council’s minutes. 

_________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

 

Resolution No. 2002-11 - Correction to 2002 Sidewalk Special Assessment Roll

It was stated that the sidewalk measurement was corrected for Mason Rentals LLC located at 300 W. South Street.  The assessment roll was originally approved by resolution and therefore any changes to the roll must be approved by resolution.

 

City Council Resolution No. 2002-11 was introduced by Clark and seconded by Soule.

 

                                                                                 CITY OF MASON

                                                          CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-11

                           CORRECTION TO 2002-2 SIDEWALK SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL

                                                                           March 4, 2002

 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mason did confirm the Sidewalk Special Assessment Roll for W. South Street on February 18, 2002; and

 

WHEREAS, Mason Rentals LLC, owner of 300 W. South Street was assessed for 165 feet of new sidewalk at a cost of $1,059.30 on the Sidewalk Special Assessment Roll; and

 

WHEREAS, the actual amount of new sidewalk that will be installed is 54 feet at a cost of $346.68; and

 

WHEREAS, the total of Special Assessment Roll 2002-2 was $15,434.06;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council does hereby amend the Special Assessment Roll to reduce the special assessment for Mason Rentals LLC from $1,059.30 to $346.68, and the total of Special Assessment Roll 2002-2 is reduced from $15,434.06 to $14,721.44; and

 

FURTHER, the Finance Director/Treasurer is hereby ordered to make the proper adjustments.

 

Yes (7) Preadmore, Helbig, Clark, Howe, Soule, Naeyaert, 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, March 4, 2002, the original of which is part of the Council's minutes.

_______________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

Bid - Tertiary Filter Pump No. 2 Repair Project

It was discussed that one bid was received on the repair to the Tertiary Filter Pump No. 2.

 

It was moved by Soule and seconded by Naeyaert to accept the $7,096 bid from Layne Northern to repair the Tertiary Filter Pump No. 2 at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                        

MOTION CARRIED

Bid - Sewage Pump Control Upgrade    

A brief discussion was held on the two bids received to repair and upgrade the twenty-five year-old control for the four sewage pumps at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.


It was moved by Preadmore and seconded by Naeyaert to accept the $10,495 bid from T.H. Eifert Inc. for the sewage pump control upgrade at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                        

MOTION CARRIED

 

Extension of Mason 2002 Street Improvements Contract

Discussion was held on the proposal to extend the current contract with Aggregate Industries to continue the 2002 planned street work at the 2001 rate.  The current rate is one dollar per ton less than last year due to oil and additional related material costs.

 

It was moved by Howe and seconded by Naeyaert to approve the extension of the 2001 street construction contract between the City of Mason and Aggregate Industries for the 2002  construction program.

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                        

MOTION CARRIED

 

Discussion - Cost Estimate of Installation of Storm Sewer and Lead Connections

DPW Director Dean spoke to the request of Council on providing a cost estimate for  storm sewer installation in Devon Hill Subdivison.  He commented that there are various unknown factors and poor soil conditions in that area.  Mr. Dean commented that his recommendation is not to proceed with the proposed project because the parameters of the policy have yet to be determined.  It was noted that Finance Director Revels provided the requested clarification that three houses on Columbia were assessed at 50/50 and the payment was due over a five year period for storm sewer work.

 

Request - MACC Annual Events

A brief discussion was held on the street closures requested by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce

 

It was moved by Helbig and seconded by Naeyaert to approve the request of the MACC for the street closures and waiver of fees for the Fourth of July and Holiday Celebration  per the February 12, 2002 request submitted by Executive Director Joe Watkins.

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                        

MOTION CARRIED

 

Fire Department - Annual Report

Fire Chief Scutt commented on the submitted Annual Fire Department Report.  A brief discussion was held on having Fire Chief Scutt review the Draft False Alarm Ordinance prepared by City Attorney McGinty. 

 

It was moved by Preadmore and seconded by Soule to receive the 2001 Annual Fire Department Report and place it on file.

 

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

  No  (0)                                                                                        

MOTION CARRIED

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mayor Whipple commented that he met with Administrator Colburn and City Attorney McGinty 

to review the proof copy of the codified ordinance.  He indicated that the designation of the Building Official and Zoning and Development Director needs further definition and the draft False Alarm Ordinance needs further review to implement them into the ordinances prior to codification.

 

NEW BUSINESS

·        None

 

COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE

·          The American Legion


·          Certificate of Appreciation, Mason Area United Way

·          Monthly Budget Report

 

LIAISON REPORT

Planning Commission

Mayor Pro Tem Soule commented that the next Planning Commission meeting will be held March 12, 2002 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Cable Commission

Robert Clark, Cable Commission Chairman, commented that the next Cable Commission meeting will be held April 17, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Downtown Development Authority

No report was received at this time.

 

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Colburn commented on the Ingham County Jail meeting regarding the withdrawal of  103 inmates by the Michigan Department of Corrections.  Since then, Oakland County has contracted with Ingham County for the available beds.  The courts have issued an Administrative Order to relieve overcrowding.  The city cemetery was vandalized.  Two of the juvenile suspects have confessed and were arrested.  Mr. Colburn commented that the City of Mason held five liquor licenses, however one license has been in escrow and a business within Ingham County has taken that allocation.  Also, as a result of the 2000 Census numbers, eligibility for one license was lost.  Discussion was held to hold a budget work session May 1 and 2. 

 

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

·          None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was moved by Clark and seconded by Soule to adjourn to executive session to discuss property acquisition and the City Administrator’s personnel evaluation.

 

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

                           No (0)                                                                                              

MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned into executive session at 9:02 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________                                        ________________________

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