REGULAR MEETING OF THE WEST BRANCH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL, 121 NORTH FOURTH STREET, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2002

Mayor Todd Thompson called that 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, Police Chief Rodger Williams, Attorney Christine Juarez, and County Commissioner Clarice Sperry

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Manager McGinnis reported that there would be a summer management intern in 2002 and that the position may be funded through the Michigan Local Government Management Association whereby the City could receive a summer intern. He stated that it would be the City’s responsibility to provide lodging for the intern.

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Vic Ritter, owner of Buccilli’s Pizza at 619 W. Houghton Ave., was present concerning snow removal for his parking spaces along Houghton Ave. Mr. Ritter explained that in the past he would pile the snow in one area and when the DPW had time they would remove it. He further explained that since planters were installed in the area he normally piles the snow, he must pile the snow in the parking spaces and this takes up at least three parking spots. He asked that the DPW remove the snow from his parking areas the same as they do for the downtown businesses.

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Council Member Jackson asked if the bridges on N. Second St., N. Fourth St., and S. Valley St. are scheduled for repairs this year. Manager McGinnis stated that MDOT is handling this project with the repairs going out for bid this spring.

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Council Member Lucas informed Council that some people may be interested in taping the County Commissioner’s meetings and having them replayed on WBTV. He stated that they may need to borrow the City’s equipment to accomplish this goal. Mayor Thompson stated he did not feel this was a good idea, he felt the County Commissioners should purchase their own equipment to accomplish this, and he is concerned about the tapes and who would have access to them. Manager McGinnis noted that the tapes would be the property of the person taping the meetings.

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Manager McGinnis stated that the Consumers Energy representative has not put together a written report on the parking lot light issue. He felt Council could make a more informed decision if they knew what lights existed, what was proposed, and what the cost would be to add additional lights. He did note that the owner of Carol Ann’s Dance Studio on S. Second St. may agree to have a light placed on her building and to pay the monthly utility cost for the light.

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Manager McGinnis informed the Council that Walkable West Branch is getting ready to kick off another program (100 miles in 100 days). He stated that he is hoping this round will be funded by a tobacco settlement grant; however, he asked Council to approve $1,500 to fund this event if the grant is not approved. He informed the Council that 1^st Bank has agreed to put up the other half of the cost if the grant is not approved.

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Attorney Juarez reported on the bidding process and Council’s obligation. She stated that §33.04 (G) is somewhat vague and could be amended. Council Member Lucas stated he likes the bid process as it is and feels it is there to protect the Council.

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Attorney Juarez reported on the rail cars sitting in back of the old mill that 1^st Bank renovated. She stated that 1^st Bank and the railroad are close to a settlement and felt that the Council should not take any action at this time.

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Attorney Juarez reported that the Senior Center Inc. was served a second 60-day notice to vacate the senior center. She stated that today was their last day to vacate, which they have not done so she will file a complaint tomorrow in court. She stated that she received another settlement request from Mr. Devine, the Senior Center Inc. attorney, asking for $12,500 and they will vacate by April 1, 2002. The Council unanimously declined the settlement offer.

Attorney Juarez also reported that there is a scheduling issue. She advised Council that if they send this issue to a Special Master both parties split the cost unless the Special Master determines that one party was intentionally taking advantage of the other party. Manager McGinnis noted that when the City schedules an event in the Senior Center we provide the Senior Center Inc. with a notice telling them what the event is and the time and day the event will take place. Manager McGinnis stated he felt the Senior Center Inc. should give the City the same information.

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County Commissioner Sperry reported on the taping of the meetings, the proposed jail expansion, and the RELAY program.

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Manager McGinnis explained that the scope of the public utility improvements project has expanded and asked that Council approve a change in engineering services with Wade Trim.

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Council reviewed the proposed change to the sign ordinance. Mayor Thompson stated that the changeable copy signs would only allow the business to advertise special events not, for example, their interest rates. Discussion followed on the Northland Credit Unions sign and the fact that they do not advertise special events but their own services. Manager McGinnis stated that these signs are not allowed in the downtown district and they do allow those businesses on the outskirts of the City to compete with Township businesses.

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Jim Howard stated he received additional correspondence from Group Work Camp Foundation. He stated they want a date when the program can start in the area.

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Ike Clelland, representative for Cub Scout Troop 3971 and Boy Scout Troop 971, asked that these troops be allowed to conduct their annual food collection in April.

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Manager McGinnis gave a GIS presentation.

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