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

Mayor Todd Thompson called the meting 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, County Commissioner Clarice Sperry

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Manager McGinnis reviewed a rendering of proposed renovations for the parking area along Page Street at Maplewood Manor. He stated the Planning Commission and the DPW Superintendent Richard Dack have reviewed these plans. Council Member Jackson asked what Mr. Dack thought of the landscape stone. Mr. McGinnis stated Mr. Dack thought it would be better if the concrete was poured right up to the curb and eliminate the landscape stone.

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Mayor Thompson commended the Department of Public Works for the fantastic job they did clearing the snow during the recent storm.

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Mayor Thompson stated that Council did receive Hospital Board nominees 10 minutes before the Council meeting. He asked that the Council table this issue until March 18 to allow the Council time to review these names; he noted that the next Hospital Board meeting is scheduled for March 25.

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Council reviewed the bids on the sale of the S-10 pickup truck as follows:

1. Frank Izworski $325.88

2. Allan Short $357.00

3. Dennis Jameson $700.00

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Attorney Juarez gave an update on the Senior Center Inc. lawsuit.

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County Commissioner Sperry reported on the meeting with the jail financial advisor, proposed new use for the law library, Building and Zoning Department staff position, and Group Workcamps program.

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Council reviewed the well closure bids as follows:

1. R. Simmons & Son Well Drilling, West Branch $15,900.00

2. A & A Well Drilling, Houghton Lake $ 7,552.00

3. R Webb & Son Well Drilling, Hale $ 9,200.00

4. C & C Water Well Drilling, Kalkaska $ 8,974.00

5. Pearson Drilling Co., Lake City $ 8,450.00

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Council reviewed the waste hauling bids as follows:

1. Waste Management, East Tawas $ 7.10 per pick up per month, 0 per pick up for bulk   items, $ 1.00 per additional bag collected, $100.00 per removal of 40-yard compactor, $ 0 per month per cardboard container, $ 0 per session for consumer recycling training, % of recycling revenues – see attached sheet

2. White’s Disposal, Gladwin $ 7.87 per pick up per month, Charge for bulk items included, Charge for additional bags included, No bid on the removal of 40-yard compactor, No bid on cardboard containers, No bid for consumer recycling training, No bid on recycling revenues, Written explanation on each of the no bids was submitted as requested.

3. American Waste Disposal, $ 7.73 per pickup per month, West Branch $ 0 per pick up for bulk items, $ 0 per additional bag collected, $100.00 per removal of 40-yard compactor, $ 0 per month per cardboard container, $ 0 per session for consumer recycling training, 0% of recycling revenues to be paid back to City.

Council Member Lucas asked if this would be a 5-year contract. Manager McGinnis stated this is one area that will need to be negotiated with the successful bidder.

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Ken Carlson introduced himself to Council and stated that he is a candidate for the State House of Representatives.

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Jim Howard thanked Council for proceeding with the Group Workcamp program. He asked if the Council was planning anything for the City’s 100^th birthday.

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Police Chief Williams stated that they need more cell phones for the new Cell Phones for Seniors program.

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