aREGULAR MEETING OF THE WEST BRANCH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL, 121 NORTH FOURTH STREET, MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2002

Mayor Todd Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Mayor Todd Thompson, Council Members Gregory Clark, William Ehinger, Kim Ervans, Paul Frechette, Russell Jackson, Chad Lucas

Absent: None

Other officers present: City Manager Patrick McGinnis, Clerk/Treasurer Jane Tennant, Sergeant Steve Morris, Attorney Michael Juarez, and County Commissioner Clarice Sperry

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board of Review Member Jean David was recognized for her 5 years of service.

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Steve Leonard, West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Director, asked that the Council enter into a lease agreement on the Senior Center. He stated that a lease agreement was needed to renew the Bingo license.

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Council Member Lucas reported that he and Council Member Ervans attended the Downtown Merchants meeting and reviewed the parking lot light issue. He stated it was the consensus that there are a number of places that could use more lighting. Manager McGinnis stated he has a meeting scheduled with a representative from Consumers Energy and will review those areas of concern. He stated he would have a report for the Council at their next regular meeting along with the cost for the additional lighting.

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Manager McGinnis reported on a meeting he and Council Member Jackson had with a representative from Rural Development to see what was available to enhance the sewer system. He asked Council to allow him with the help of Wade Trim to apply for Rural Development funding.

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Manager McGinnis requested that the Council allow him to apply for a grant through MEDC to buy, demolish, and turn the Wangler property into a parking lot with restrooms.

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Manager McGinnis asked Council to waive the publication guideline for the purchase of a bucket truck. He stated that there is not a suitable publication for the advertisement of a used bucket truck. Attorney Juarez stated that Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances does allow Council the flexibility to waive the publication guideline if there is not a suitable publication. Council Members felt the Ordinance was not clear enough in this area and felt that a notice should be published in the Ogemaw County Herald as well as sending notice to the companies that are known to deal in used bucket trucks.

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Attorney Juarez reported that Senior Center Inc. has moved their office equipment but are still occupying the building.

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County Commissioner Sperry reported on the Commissioner’s organizational meeting, PLOC union contract, the insurance committee, and she showed the Council a copy of the proposed jail renovation plans.

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Council Member Lucas questioned the "Merit" line item. Manager McGinnis stated he would get the information to Council on who received a merit incentive and when it was reported.

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