CITY OF MASON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

201 W. ASH ST., MASON, MICHIGAN

MASON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

April 15, 2002

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

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

Also present: Martin Colburn, City Administrator

Dennis McGinty, City Attorney

Kathy Revels, Finance Director/Treasurer

Joe Dean, Public Works Director

Eric Smith, Asst. Finance Director

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: April 1, 2002

The Minutes of April 1, 2002 were approved as written.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

It was moved by Soule and supported by Naeyaert to approve the payment of the bills in the amount of $58,277.99 as submitted.

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

No (0)

MOTION CARRIED

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

Eric Smith, Assistant Finance Director/Treasurer was introduced to the Council by Martin Colburn.

Nancy Lee, 126 Okemos, she came to request that the City Council reconsider the placement of the skatepark. She thinks that the skatepark noise will be very disruptive to the residents at the senior apartment building.

REGULAR BUSINESS

Resolution No. 2002-13 - The Buy/Sell Agreement for 502 Park Street

Resolution No. 2002-13 was introduced by Preadmore and seconded by Howe.

CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-13

April 15, 2002

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE BUY/SELL AGREEMENT FOR

502 PARK STREET

WHEREAS, the City of Mason is seeking to purchase land located at 502 Park Street for future use; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mason had a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Review of this property; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mason and the property owner, CitiFinancial Mortgage Company, Inc., have come to a mutual agreement on the sale price of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($115,500) total; and

WHEREAS, the City of Mason has received competitive quotes for financing from local banks; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council for the City of Mason, Michigan does hereby authorize staff to enter into said Buy/Sell Agreement to purchase the residential property located at 502 Park Street, Mason, MI 48854 for the purchase price of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($115,500).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council for the City of Mason, Michigan does hereby accept financing from Mason State Bank at 4.65% to be paid in equal annual installments over the next fifteen years. The interest total is $47,491.12 with the total expenditure being $162,991.12. The purchase is forwarded with the full faith and credit of the City of Mason.

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

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, April 15 2002, the original of which is part of the Council’s minutes.

___________________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

Resolution No. 2002-14 - Bid - MDOT - State Street and Bridge

It is requested by Martin Colburn, City Administrator that the City Council take no action on this Resolution. MDOT has not posted this bid for approval at this time. The City should have an answer to this project by the first Council Meeting in May.

Sanitary Sewer Overflow Action Plan

Joe Dean spoke for a moment regarding the long range plans for the Action Plan. At this time no funds are needed, staff labor may be needed to put the goals into action, and no Council action is required at this time.

Request - Lions Club - Use of Public Right-of-Way for White Cane Week

The request to allow the Lions to sell white canes on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 2002 has been approved by Clark and seconded by Preadmore.

Presentation - Laylin Park

Mike Canteberry, Registered Landscape Architect, made a presentation regarding the state of Laylin Park. The reports discussed the state of Laylin park with regards to erosion issues and the health of the creek. Two studies were done. The first looked at the trees and the second looked at the creek itself. In the first study they did an inventory of the trees and their condition. A certified arborist was consulted regarding the health of the trees. It is recommended that some trees be either pruned or removed. The creek is highly eroded and does create a safety hazard. It is recommended that areas of the creek be graded or stone placed in the area to help grading and erosion. It was mentioned that there is an entrance to Laylin Park from Columbia Street but it seems that the entrance area has been taken over by the adjacent residents. A pathway is recommended in the plans for this area. The study is in the City Administrator’s office for further review. This report has been taken to the Drain Commission for review. Marty did state that some money may be available in the budget for some of the smaller issues. This is considered a long term project. No council action is required at this time.

Tree City USA Designation - National Arbor Day Proclamation - Arbor Day Honoree

The City of Mason has been selected as a Tree City USA for the eleventh straight year. Arbor Day will be April 26, 2002, with a presentation at 12 noon at the Ingham County Courthouse. The Tree Commission has selected Mike Canteberry as the 2002 Arbor Day Honoree.

Resolution No. 2002-15 - FOP Agreement

This was discussed in executive session from 8:15 - 8:38

Roll Call was taken and all were present.

Resolution No. 2002-15 was introduced by Soule and seconded by Howe.

CITY OF MASON

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2002-15

Capitol City Lodge #141, Fraternal Order of Police Labor

Program, Inc., Police Non-Supervisory Unit

April 15, 2002

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mason that it does hereby ratify an Agreement between the City of Mason and Mason Police Non-Supervisory Unit, Capitol City Lodge #141, Fraternal Order of Police Labor Program, Inc., dated July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004;

RESOLVED FURTHER, the Mayor and City Administrator are hereby authorized to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City Council.

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

NO: (0)

CLERK’S CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the City Council at its regular meeting held on Monday, April 15, 2002, the original of which is part of the Council’s minutes.

_____________________

Martin A. Colburn, Clerk

City of Mason

Ingham County, Michigan

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Council member Soule gave the dates for Mayor Exchange Day which is May 21, 2002, Chelsea will be here. An agenda is being worked on for this day. The agenda was discussed with suggestions such as: have another plan for rain day, renting tents for the park.

Council member Helbig: thank you to Mr. McGinty for the hardship assessments.

NEW BUSINESS

· None

COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE

· Letter from President and CEO on the Founders Award to Frank Guerriero

· Letter from Mark Farrell congratulating the city on redecorating the Council Chambers

· Letter of Resignation from Robert Clark, Cable Commission. It was discussed about talking to him and asking him to stay with the Commission.

LIAISON REPORT

Cable Commission

Helbig stated that she would like to keep Robert Clark on the Cable Commission as his presence would be missed.

Planning Commission

They held a meeting and voted to deny the preliminary site plan review for Hidden Lakes Development. There were several issues and no representation. They also discussed the Master Plan Process where the Council could vote rather than just receiving the plan. The target date for the revised master plan is now spring/summer of 2003.

Downtown Development Authority

No report at this time.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Colburn commented on the new Harley Motorcycle. The Harley came fully loaded with sirens and will be housed in either the Fire Station or an Officer’s house if properly secure and available. Two officers will be certified on the motorcycle. Jefferson Square will have a ribbon cutting on May 10, 2002. Preconstruction meetings on projects have started and staff will provide door-to-door notices with construction dates. The budget hearing will be May 1, and May 2 in Council Chambers.

PEOPLE FROM THE FLOOR

State Senator Diane Byrum spoke on Legislative matters on the ballot. Sanitary sewer funding may be financed thru low cost loans. Discussions are in process for this bond issue. Coffee hours, broadband legislation, and Sedway vehicles were mentioned.

Thomas Waltz, 1544 Kelly, Troop 141. He is an Boy Scout working toward his Eagle Scout. He and his mother were thinking of projects he could do such as a welcome sign into town. When he heard about the new city signs being discussed, he called Marty Colburn and talked to him about working together to help him with his project. The City is not currently ready for the signs to be placed but the Council instructed staff to work with him on this project.

Nancy Lee, 126 Okemos, would like to request that the Council reconsider placement of the skatepark, or provide a skateboard for the seniors.

ADJOURNMENT

Being there was no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

_________________________ ________________________

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