TITLE III: ADMINISTRATION

Chapter

Section

30.01 Appointment to serve on municipal boards and commissions

 

Editor's note: City Council provisions are contained in Chapter 6 of the City Charter.

Holders of municipal office or employment may be appointed to any municipal board or commission by the Mayor and/or City Council except as otherwise provided by ordinance or state statute and consistent with the West Branch City Charter section 4.21, and provided there is no apparent or future conflict of interest with such appointment.

(Ord. 159, passed 1-26-81; Am. Ord. 211, passed 8-19-91)

[Reserved]

Editor's note: City officials and employees are now covered by Chapters 4 and 5 of the City Charter.

Section

Police Department

32.001 Adoption of minimum employment standards of state law enforcement officers training council

 

Planning Commission

32.015 Definitions

32.016 Establishment; powers and duties

32.017 Membership; appointment and compensation

32.018 Terms of members

32.019 Holding other municipal offices

32.020 Removal of members

32.021 Vacancies

32.022 Chairperson and other officers

32.023 Meetings; quorum

32.024 Rules; record of transactions

32.025 Expenditures

32.026 Recommend overall development plan

32.027 Necessity for approval of plats; street system

32.028 Subdivision of land; bond to secure improvements; publication

32.029 Approval or disapproval of plats

32.030 Modifications or interpretations of zoning ordinance

 

Housing Commission

32.040 Establishment

32.041 Membership; terms; compensation

32.042 Meetings; organization

32.043 Powers and duties

32.044 Annual report

 

Airport Aeronautical Board

32.055 Establishment; organization

32.056 Powers

32.057 Procurement options on real property

32.058 Budget

32.059 Finances

32.060 Reports

 

32.061 Termination of agreement

32.062 Disposition of property upon termination

32.063 Enforcement

32.064 Amendments

 

Fire Department Services

32.080 Funding of Fire Department

32.081 Benefit of fire services

32.082 Expenses

32.083 Payment billing

32.084 Time period for payment

32.085 Exemptions

32.086 Collection of charges

32.087 Non-exclusive charge

32.088 Multiple property protection

 

Zoning Board of Appeals

32.100 Zoning Board of Appeals provisions are contained in Chapter 15 §152.135

 

Medical Arts Center

32.115 Title

32.116 Purpose

32.117 Board of Trustees; duties and responsibilities

32.118 Trust moneys, gifts and bequests

32.119 Special funds

32.120 Excess funds

 

Downtown Development Authority

32.135 Title

32.136 Definitions

32.137 Determination of necessity

32.138 Creation of authority; powers

32.139 Description of downtown district

32.140 Board of Trustees

32.141 Appointment of Director; bond

32.142 Fiscal year adoption of budget

32.143 Statement and recommendation of Plan and Amendment

32.144 Findings

32.145 Public purpose

32.146 Best interest of the public

32.147 Approval and adoption of Plan and Amendment

32.148 Conflict and severability

32.149 Paragraph headings

32.150 Publication and recordation

32.151 Effective date

 

City Boards and Commissions to Be Established

32.155 Other City boards and commissions

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

(A) The minimum employment standards for law enforcement officers as established and adopted by the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council in accordance with Act No. 203, Public Acts of 1965 are hereby adopted as follows:

(1) The applicant shall be a citizen of the United States.

(2) The applicant shall be of the minimum age of 18 years.

(3) The applicant shall have graduated from high school or the equivalent. Equivalent is defined as having attained a passing score on the General Education Development test indicating high school graduation level.

(4) The applicant shall be fingerprinted with a search of local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

(5) The applicant shall not have been convicted of a felony offense.

(6) The applicant shall be of good moral character as determined by a favorable report following a comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, home environment, personal traits and integrity. Consideration will be given to any and all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions as indicating a lack of good character.

(7) The applicant shall be in acceptable physical, emotional and mental fitness as established by a licensed physician following examination to determine if the applicant is free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect his performance of duty as a police officer.

(8) The applicant shall possess normal hearing and normal color vision. He shall be free from any impediments of the senses. He must possess normal visual functions and a visual acuity in each eye correctable to 20/20. The applicant must be physically sound, well-developed physically, with height and weight in relation to each other and to age as indicated by accepted medical standards, and in possession of his extremities. He shall be free from any physical defects, chronic diseases, organic diseases, organic or functional conditions, or mental instabilities which may tend to impair efficient performance of duty which might endanger the lives of others or himself if he lacks these qualifications.

(9) A declaration of the applicant's medical history shall become a part of the background investigation. The information shall be available to the examining physician.

(10) An oral interview shall be held by the hiring authority or his representative, to determine the applicant's acceptability for a police officer position and to assess appearance, background and ability to communicate.

(11) Candidates shall be required to pass the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council reading and writing examination or an approved agency equivalent examination; pass the MLEOTC physical skills performance examination or an approved agency equivalent examination, and pass the MLEOTC certification examination upon the completion of basic training.

(12) Individuals must successfully complete the basic police-training curriculum.

(13) Fingerprint applicant with a search of state or federal fingerprint files to disclose criminal record.

(Ord. 213, passed 1-20-92)

PLANNING COMMISSION

For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

APPOINTED MEMBER. The seven or, if the Mayor is a member, the six members appointed by the Mayor with the approval and confirmation by a majority of the City Council.

CITY COUNCIL. The chief legislative body of the City.

CITY MANAGER. The chief administrative officer of the City government who is responsible to the Council for all City functions with the exception of those under the direction of the City Attorney.

COMMISSION. The City Planning Commission for purposes of this subchapter.

EX OFFICIO MEMBER. The members of the City Council appointed by the majority of the City Council and the City Manager pursuant to Charter and the Mayor if the City Council deem this desirable. (See Section § 32.017)

MAYOR. The executive head of the City with such powers as are provided by statute and the presiding officer of the City Council.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

There is hereby created a planning commission for the City to be known as the City Planning Commission. The Commission is created in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 285 of the Public Acts of 1931, as amended, being M.C.L.A. § 211.2 et seq. The Commission shall have all the duties and powers and shall perform all of the functions provided by such Act as amended.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

See City Charter § 4.20

 

(A) The Planning Commission shall consist of nine members, which shall include one member of the City Council and the City Manager as ex officio members as provided by the Charter, and seven members shall represent insofar as possible different professions or occupations.

(B) If deemed desirable by the City Council, the Planning Commission may consist of the Mayor, the City Manager and one member of the Council selected by the Council, as ex officio members and six persons appointed by the Mayor subject to approval and confirmation by a majority vote of the City Council. The other six members shall represent insofar as possible different professions or occupations.

(C) Appointed members may be compensated at a rate to be determined by the City Council.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

The term of the appointed members of the Planning Commission shall be three years, except that two of the members first appointed shall be for one year and two shall be for two years. The term of the City Manager shall be that of his tenure in that office. The term of the Mayor, if applicable, and that of the councilmember shall be for the term to which elected; however, the City Council shall, at its regular meeting to be held on the second day of January of each even numbered year, re-determine the desirability of the Mayor being named as an ex officio member and in the applicable even numbered years shall appoint or reappoint a Council member as an ex officio member for the ensuing four year term.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

The appointed members of the Planning Commission shall hold no other municipal office except that one member may be a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

Appointed members of the Planning Commission may, after public hearing, be removed by the mayor for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Council may, for like cause, remove the ex officio member selected by it.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

A vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the same appointing authority and in the same manner as was the appointment of the vacated member.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

The Planning Commission shall elect its own Chairperson from the members of the Commission and create and fill such other of its offices as he may determine. The term of the Chairperson shall be one year, with eligibility for re-election.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

(A) The Planning Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month.

(B) A majority of the Planning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

The Planning Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be open to public examination.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

The expenditures of the Planning Commission, exclusive of gifts, shall provide the funds for equipment and accommodations necessary for the Commission's work. No expenditure of any kind shall be made without an appropriation therefore having been first made by the City Council.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

(A) Publication; alteration.

(1) The Planning Commission shall make and adopt an overall development plan for the physical development of the City including any areas outside of its boundaries which, in the Commission's judgment, bear relation to the planning of the City. The plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts and descriptive matter, shall show the Planning Commission's recommendations for the development of the territory, including, among other things:

(a) The general location, character and extent of streets, viaducts, subways, bridges, waterways, flood plains, water fronts, boulevards, parkways, playgrounds and open spaces, the general location of public buildings and other public property, and the general location and extent of public utilities and terminals, whether publicly or privately owned or operated, for water, light, sanitation, transportation, communication, power and other purposes;

(b) The removal, relocation, widening, narrowing, vacating, abandonment, change of use or extension of any of the foregoing ways, grounds, open spaces, buildings, property, utilities or terminals;

(c) The general location, character, layout and extent of community centers and neighborhood units; and

(d) The general character, extent and layout of the replanning and redevelopment of blighted districts and slum areas, as well as a zoning plan for the control of height, area, bulk, location and use of buildings and premises.

(2) As the work of making the whole overall development plan progresses, the Planning Commission from time to time may adopt and publish parts thereof, any such part to cover one or more major sections or divisions of the City or one or more of the aforesaid or other functional matters to be included in the plan. The Planning Commission from time to time may amend, extend or add to the plan.

(B) In the preparation of the overall development plan referred to in division (A) of this section, the Planning Commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of present conditions and future growth of the City and with due regard to its relation to the neighboring territory. The overall development plan shall be made with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the City and its environs which will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development; including, among other things, adequate provisions for traffic, the promotion of safety from crime, fire and other dangers, adequate provision for light and air, the promotion of the healthful and convenient distribution of population, the promotion of good civic design and arrangement, wise and efficient expenditure of public funds, and the adequate provision of public utilities and other public requirements.

(C) Adoption of whole or parts by resolution of Commission; hearing; notices; certificates to Council and register of deeds.

(1) The Planning Commission may, after approval thereof by the City Council, adopt the overall development plan, referred to in division (A) of this section, as a whole by a single resolution or may by successive resolution adopt successive parts of the plan, such parts corresponding with major geographical sections of divisions of the City or with functional subdivisions of the subject matter of the plan, and may adopt any amendment or extension thereof or addition thereto.

(2) Before the adoption of the plan or any such part, amendment, extension or addition, the Planning Commission shall hold at least one public hearing thereon, notice of the time and place of which shall be given, not less than 15 days prior to such hearing, by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and in the official newspaper, if any, of the City, and by registered United States mail to each public utility company and to each railroad company owning or operating any public utility or railroad within the geographical sections or divisions of the City.

(3) The adoption of the plan or of any such part or amendment or extension or addition shall be by resolution of the Planning Commission carried by the affirmative votes of not less then six members of the Planning Commission. The resolution shall refer expressly to the maps, the descriptive and other matter intended by the Commission to form the whole part of the plan, and the action taken

shall be recorded on the map and plan and descriptive matter by the identifying signature of the Chairperson and/or secretary of the Planning Commission. An attested copy of the plan or part thereof, when so adopted, shall be certified to the City Council and to the County Register of Deeds.

(D) Approval by Commission and Council and body having jurisdiction; plans for future.

(1) Whenever the Planning Commission shall have adopted the overall development plan of the City or of one or more major sections or districts thereof, no street, square, park or other public way, ground or open space, or public building or structure, shall be constructed or authorized in the City or in such planned section and district until the location, character and extent thereof shall have been submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission; however, in case of disapproval, the Planning Commission shall communicate its reasons to the City Council which shall have the power to overrule such disapproval by a recorded vote of not less than two-thirds of its entire membership. If the public way, ground, space, building, structure or utility is on the authorization or financing of which does not, under the law or charter provisions, governing the same, fall within the province of the City Council; then the submission by the Planning Commission shall be to the board, Commission or body having such jurisdiction, and the Planning Commission's disapproval may be overruled by such board, commission or body by a vote of not less then two-thirds of its membership. The Planning Commission shall, after having adopted the overall development plan, prepare coordinated and comprehensive programs of public structures and improvements.

(2) The Planning Commission shall annually prepare such a program for the ensuing six years, which program shall show the public structures and improvements, in the general order of their priority, which in the Planning Commission's judgment will be needed or desirable and can be undertaken within the six-year period. The above comprehensive coordinated programs shall be based upon the requirements of the community for all types of public improvements, and to that end, each agency or department of the City concerned with such improvements shall, upon request, furnish the Planning Commission with lists, plans and estimates of time and cost of public structures and improvements within the purview of such department.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

Whenever the Planning Commission shall have adopted that part of an overall development plan relating to the major street system of the territory within its jurisdiction or part thereof, and shall have filed a certified copy of such plan in the office of the County Register of Deeds, then no plat of a subdivision of land within such territory or part shall be filed or recorded until it shall have been approved by such Planning Commission and such approval entered in writing on the plat by the Chairperson or Secretary of the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

(A) Before exercising the powers referred to in § 32.027, the Planning Commission shall adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction. Such regulations may provide for the proper arrangement of streets in relation to other existing or planned streets and to the overall

development plan, for adequate and convenient open spaces for traffic, utilities, access of fire-fighting

apparatus, recreation, light and air, and for the avoidance of congestion of population, including minimum width and area of lots.

(B) Such regulations may include provisions as to the extent of which streets and other ways shall be graded and improved and to which water and sewer and other utility mains, piping or other facilities shall be installed as a condition precedent to the approval of the plat. The regulations or practice of the Planning Commission may provide for a tentative approval of the plat previous to such installation; but any such tentative approval shall be revocable and shall not be entered on the plat. In lieu of the completion of such improvements and utilities prior to the final approval of the plat, the Planning Commission may accept a bond with surety to secure to the City the actual construction and installation of such improvements or utilities at a time and according to specifications fixed by or in accordance with the regulations of the Planning Commission. The City is hereby granted the power to enforce such bond by all appropriate legal and equitable remedies.

(C) All such regulations, prior to adoption, shall be approved by the City Council and after such approval shall be published as provided by law for the publication of ordinances, and before adoption, a public hearing shall be held thereon. A copy thereof shall be certified by the Planning Commission to the County Register of Deeds.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

(A) The Planning Commission shall approve, modify or disapprove a plat within 60 days after the submission thereof to it otherwise such plat shall be deemed to have been approved, and a certificate to that affect shall be issued by the Planning Commission on demand; however, that the applicant for the Planning Commission's approval may waive this requirement and consent to an extension of such period. The ground of disapproval of any plat shall be stated upon the record of the Planning Commission.

(B) Any plat submitted to the Planning Commission shall contain the name and address of a person to whom notice of a hearing shall be sent; and no plat shall be acted on by the Planning Commission without affording a hearing thereon. Notice shall be sent to the address by registered mail of the time and place of such hearing not less than five days before the date fixed therefore. Similar notice shall be mailed to the owners of land immediately adjoining the platted land, as their names appear upon recorded plats in the Register of Deeds office and their addresses appear in the directory of the City or on the tax records of the City or county.

(C) Every plat approved by the Planning Commission shall by virtue of such approval, be deemed to be an amendment of or an addition to or a detail of the municipal plan and a part thereof. Approval of a plat shall not be deemed to constitute or effect an acceptance by the public of any street or other open space shown upon the plat. The Planning Commission may, from time to time, recommend to the City Council amendments of the zoning ordinance or map or additions thereto to conform to the Planning Commission's recommendations for the zoning regulation of the territory comprised within approved subdivisions.

(D) The Commission shall have the power to agree with the applicant upon use, height, area or bulk requirements or restrictions governing buildings and premises within the subdivision, provided such requirements or restrictions governing buildings or premises within the subdivision conform to the effective zoning ordinance of the municipality. Such requirements or restrictions shall be stated upon the

plat prior to the approval and recording thereof and shall have the same force of law and be enforceable in the same manner and with the same sanctions and penalties and subject to the same power of amendment or repeal as though set out as a part of the zoning ordinance or map of the municipality.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

All matters affecting modifications or interpretations of the City zoning ordinance shall first be submitted to the Planning Commission for investigation and recommendation. The Planning Commission shall make such investigation and submit its recommendations in writing within seven days from the date of reference. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall take no action within such period, awaiting recommendations of the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 136, passed 7-19-76)

Pursuant to Public Act 18 of the Extra Session of 1933, as amended, a commission is hereby created in and for the City, to be known as the City Housing Commission.

(Ord. 116, passed 10-23-74)

The Housing Commission shall consist of five members to be appointed by the Mayor. The term of office of members of the Commission shall be five years. Members shall be appointed for the term of five years. Members of the Commission may be removed from office by the Mayor. Any vacancy in office shall be filled by the Mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Ord. 116, passed 10-23-74)

The Housing Commission shall meet at regular intervals. These meetings shall be public. It shall adopt its own rules of procedure and shall keep a record of the proceedings. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the Commission. The Commission may appoint a director who may also serve as secretary, and such other employees or officers as shall be necessary. The Commission shall prescribe the duties of all of its officers and employees and may, with the approval of the Mayor, fix their compensation. The Commission may from time to time as necessary, employ engineers, architects and consultants.

(Ord. 116, passed 10-23-74)

The Housing Commission shall have the following enumerated powers and duties:

(A) To determine in what area of the City it is necessary to provide proper sanitary housing facilities for families of low income and for the elimination of housing conditions which are detrimental to the public peace, health, safety, morals and/or welfare.

(B) To purchase, lease, sell, exchange, transfer, assign and mortgage any property, real or personal, or any interest therein, or acquire the same by gift, bequest or under the power of eminent domain; to own, hold, clear and improve property; to engage in or contract for the design and construction, reconstruction, alteration, improvement, extensions, and/or repair of any housing project or projects or parts thereof; to lease and/or operate any housing project or projects;

(C) To control and supervise all parks and playgrounds forming a part of such housing development but the Commission may contract with existing departments of the City for operation or maintenance of either or both;

(D) To establish and revise rents of any housing project or projects, but the Commission shall rent all property for such sums as will make them self-supporting, including all charges for maintenance and operation, for principal and interest on loans and bonds, and for taxes;

(E) To rent only to such tenants as are unable to pay for more expensive housing accommodations;

(F) To call upon other departments for assistance in the performance of its duties, for which said department shall be reimbursed for any added expenses incurred therefore; and

(G) It shall have such other powers relating to said housing facilities projects as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution of the City or as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

(Ord. 116, passed 10-23-74)

The Housing Commission shall make an annual report of its activities to the City Council and shall make such other reports as said City Council may from time to time require.

(Ord. 116, passed 10-23-74)

AIRPORT AERONAUTICAL BOARD

There is hereby created the West Branch Community Aeronautical Board. The Aeronautical Board shall consist of six members as follows: three members appointed by the City Council and three members appointed by the County Commission. Successive appointees shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the

appropriate appointing body. Members shall serve without compensation other than actual expenses. The Aeronautical Board shall choose one of its members as Chairperson, one as Vice-Chairperson and one as Secretary-Treasurer. The Aeronautical Board may adopt and from time to time amend rules of procedure. The County Road Commission Manager-Engineer shall serve as an ex officio member.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

The Aeronautical Board, except as hereinafter provided, shall acquire necessary property for, establish, construct, enlarge, improve, maintain, equip, operate and regulate the airport and other air navigation facilities and airport protection privileges to be jointly acquired, controlled and operated under this subchapter. The Aeronautical Board may exercise on behalf of the county and City all the powers of each of such municipalities granted by M.C.L.A. § 259.134 as amended, except as otherwise provided in this subchapter. No real property and no airport, other air navigation facility or air protection privilege acquired under this subchapter shall be disposed of by the Aeronautical Board by sale, lease or otherwise except by authority of both City Council and the County Commission; but the Aeronautical Board may lease space, area or improvements and grant concessions on airports for aeronautical purposes, or purposes incidental thereto subject to the provisions of M.C.L.A. § 259.134, as amended. The Ogemaw County Road Commission is hereby designated to maintain the facilities.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

The Aeronautical Board on behalf of the City and county may procure options on real property suitable for the site of the proposed airport. No real property, airport, restricted landing area, air protection privilege or personal property costing in excess of $500 shall be acquired and no condemnation proceedings shall be instituted except after authority to do so has been granted in each individual case by the City Council and the County Commission. Condemnation proceedings shall be instituted in the names of the City and county jointly in accordance with M.C.L.A. § 259.134, as amended. Real property acquired under this subchapter shall be held by the City and county as tenants in common. The City shall own a 50% interest and the county shall own a 50% interest in the property acquired hereunder.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

(A) The Aeronautical Board shall each year prior to September 1 prepare a budget for airport finances for the ensuing calendar year. The budget shall be in two parts and shall be substantially balanced.

(1) Part 1 shall show for the airport improvement fund established by § 32.059 of the following:

(a) Estimated revenues, divided as follows:

1. Federal and state grants;

2. Contribution from City;

3. Contribution from county; and

4. Miscellaneous revenues.

(b) Estimated expenditures, divided as follows:

1. Personal services;

2. Services other than personal;

3. Supplies and materials;

4. Equipment;

5. Real estate and improvements; and

6. Miscellaneous expenditures.

(2) Part II shall show the following for the current airport fund created in § 32.59:

(a) Estimated revenues, divided as follows:

1. Federal and state grants and reimbursements;

2. Contribution from City;

3. Contribution from county;

4. Earnings from concession, leases and charges made for use of airport facilities; and

5. Miscellaneous revenues.

(b) Estimated expenditures, divided as follows:

1. Personal services;

2. Services other than personal;

3. Supplies and materials;

4. Equipment;

5. Real estate and improvement;

6. Payment to City for investment; and

7. Payment to county for investment.

(B) Such budget shall be submitted not later than October 1 to the City Council and the County Commission. Part I of the budget shall be for the information of the City Council and County Board to assist in their financial planning. Part II of the budget shall be submitted for action by the City Council and County Board. The final decisions of the City Council and County Board as to the requested contributions in Part II shall be reported back to the Aeronautical Board which shall adjust the budget if necessary. The City shall pay 30% of the total contributions paid into the current airport fund by the City and County each year. If either the City Council or the County Commission fixes its contribution at less than the amount requested by the Aeronautical Board, the contribution of the other shall be decreased proportionately, unless the latter shall decide to pay a larger portion of the total contribution than is required by this subchapter. The expenditure allowances as finally adjusted and approved by the Aeronautical Board shall control the year's spending program except that excess revenues received may be spent upon the approval of five members of the Aeronautical Board. The Aeronautical Board shall not itself levy taxes or borrow money; and it shall not approve any claims or incur any obligations for expenditure unless there is unencumbered cash in the appropriate airport fund (either state, federal or local) to the credit of the Aeronautical Board with which to pay the same. Any surplus in revenues over the cost of maintenance and operating expenses of the properties acquired under this subchapter may be transferred by the Aeronautical Board to the City and county in the same proportion as they are required by this division to contribute for maintenance and operation.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

(A) For the purpose of financing the necessary expenditures in carrying out the provisions of this subchapter, there are hereby created in the City accounts and treasury two special funds to be called respectively the West Branch Community Airport Improvement Fund and the West Branch Community Current Airport Fund. Into the West Branch Community Airport Improvement Fund shall be placed the various revenues enumerated in Part I of the budget provided for in § 32.058 and from it shall be paid claims for various airport expenditures as so enumerated. Into the West Branch Community Current Airport Fund shall be placed the various revenues enumerated in Part II of the budget provided for in § 32.058 and from it shall be paid claims for various airport expenditures as so enumerated.

(B) For purposes of budgeting, accounting and reporting the fiscal year of the Aeronautical Board and the fund shall be annual. An audit of the funds shall be made annually. Such audit may be made independently of or in conjunction with any audit which may be made of the funds of the City.

(C) Any employee of the aeronautical board who handles cash in the process of collection shall furnish a surety bond in such amount as is determined by the Aeronautical Board.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

The Aeronautical Board shall as soon as possible after the end of each fiscal year prepare and present to the City Council and the County Commission a comprehensive annual report of its activities and finances. The County Road Commission shall also prepare and present to federal and state officials such reports as may be required by law, regulation or contract.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

This subchapter shall be in full force and effect for the term of 25 years from the date hereof and thereafter for like periods of 25 years until terminated by written notice from either party to the other party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of any such period. Notwithstanding termination, powers of the Aeronautical Board under this subchapter shall continue to the extent necessary to maintain and operate the airport until disposition under § 32.062 of the property acquired under this subchapter.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

As soon as practicable after termination of this agreement, the City Council and County Commission shall dispose of all property acquired under this subchapter, including surplus funds, in any manner they shall then agree upon. If no agreement as to disposition is reached within three months after termination of these regulations, the City Council shall, within 30 days thereafter, appoint some person, who may be a City official, as its representative; the county shall similarly appoint a representative; and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission or successor in function shall appoint a third person, who shall together constitute an advisory board on disposition of the airport property. This board shall as soon as possible prepare and recommend to the City Council and County Commission a complete plan for the disposition of all property acquired under this subchapter, and such plan shall provide for the continuation of the use of the property as a public airport, if practicable. Upon termination of these regulations, each party shall provide for the payment of principal and interest on its outstanding bonds issued as a result of this subchapter, and in the absence of another arrangement mutually agreed upon each party shall assume the payment of debts and liabilities incurred by the Aeronautical Board in the same proportion as it is required to contribute to the Current Airport Fund under § 32.058(B).

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

Specific performance of the provisions of this subchapter may be enforced against either party by the other party.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

This subchapter may be amended in any particular by following the procedure used for the adoption of this subchapter. Before any amendment is adopted the City Council and County Commission shall hold at least one joint public hearing thereon after ten days public notice of the time and place of such hearing.

(Ord. 93, passed 12-15-65)

FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES

This subsection is adopted for the purpose of reimbursing the City for actual costs incurred in the operation of a Fire Department. Those receiving direct, or indirect benefits from the fire protection service should bear part of the financial burden of fire services. It is the further purpose of this subsection to provide for partial funding of the Fire Department operation which remains, in part, an at-large governmental expense based upon the general benefits derived by all property owners within the City from the existence of a local fire department and its availability to extinguish fires within the City and perform other emergency services.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

The record owners of real estate, and/or personal property, receiving the direct or indirect benefit of fire services provided by the Ogemaw Fire Department shall be responsible under the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

Charges shall hereafter be due and payable to the City at an hourly rate set periodically by the City council for all emergencies and non-emergencies resulting in a Fire department response. Charges shall be based on all costs to the City, including, but not limited to, labor and equipment expenses.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

§ 32.083 PAYMENT BILLING.

Within 30 days after the fire or emergency service provided to the owner, the City shall send a statement to the owner's mailing address as shown by the City tax rolls, or to the owner of damaged personal property as recorded by emergency response personnel.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

All statements issued by the City pursuant to this section shall be due and payable by the owners within 30 days after the statement is issued.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

The following properties and services shall be exempt from the forgoing charges:

(A) Fires caused by railroad trains which are the specific statutory responsibility of railroad companies.

(B) Fire involving City buildings, grounds and/or property.

(C) Fire service performed outside the jurisdiction of the City under a mutual aid contract with an adjoining municipality.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

In the event the owner fails to pay the charges invoiced, the charges may constitute a lien against the owner's real property in the City and may be collected as delinquent taxes. In addition, the City may proceed in District Court, Circuit Court, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction for the collection of the charges.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

The foregoing rates and charges shall not be exclusive of the charges that may be made by the City for the costs and expenses of maintaining a Fire department, but shall only be supplemental thereto. Additional charges may be collected by the City through general taxation after a vote of the electorate approving the same or by a special assessment established under the Michigan statutes pertaining thereto. General fund appropriations may also be made to cover such additional costs and expenses.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

When a particular service rendered by the Fire department directly or indirectly benefits more than one person or property, the owner of each property so benefited, and each person so benefited, where property protection is not involved, shall be liable for the payment of a portion of the charge for fire service. The interpretation and application of the within section is hereby delegated to the City Manager subject only to appeal, within the time limits for payment, to the City Council, and shall be administered so that charges shall only be collected from the recipients of the service.

(Ord. 218, passed 9-21-92)

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Editor's note: Zoning Board of Appeals provisions are contained in Chapter 15 §152.135 of the Zoning Code.

MEDICAL ARTS CENTER

The existing buildings and facilities presently situated in Block 7 of the Peoples Addition to the City which is attached to the City-owned Tolfree Memorial Hospital and used as an ambulatory care facility shall hereafter be known as the Medical Arts Center.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83)

The purposes and objectives of the Medical Arts Center shall be to provide health care facilities and services that will expend, compliment and support the health care services offered by the Tolfree Memorial Hospital which shall include:

(A) Maintaining ambulatory health care facilities;

(B) Offering office space for health care provided;

(C) Generating revenue for Tolfree Memorial Hospital;

(D) Carrying on educational activities related to health care and promotion of health care;

(E) Participating, insofar as circumstances may warrant, in activities designed and carried out to promote the general health of the community; and

(F) Becoming qualified as a health care provider insofar as this may enhance the Medical Arts Center's ability to provide health care services.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83)

(A) Organization.

(1) The Medical Arts Center shall be managed and operated by a board of three trustees as a City-owned health care facility, subject to such rules, regulations and bylaws as shall be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Trustees and approved by the City Council, in accordance with provisions of this chapter.

(2) The Board of three voting Trustees shall consist of the Chief Executive Officer of Tolfree Memorial Hospital and two people to be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. These two people shall possess the qualifications hereinafter set forth for the Medical Arts Center. These individuals must be legal residents of the City who have resided in the City for a period of not less than two years immediately preceding the date of appointment or be freeholders owning real property subject to real property taxes within the City limits and live within the boundaries of the county for a period of not less than two years immediately proceeding their appointment. The Chief Financial Officer of Tolfree Memorial hospital will be an ex officio Trustee without vote.

(3) The term of the Board members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council shall be for a two-year term to expire alternating years. Any vacancy in these Trustee positions shall be filed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.

(4) The person appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Medical Arts Center, or filling any such vacancy, shall, within ten days after receiving written notice of appointment, take and subscribe the official oath of office and file the same with the City Clerk.

(B) Duties and responsibilities.

(1) The Board of Trustees shall conduct an organizational meeting in the month of July within ten days following the first regular meeting of the City Council in the month of July at which appointments to the Board have been made and the Board shall reorganize at this annual meeting. In addition thereto, the Board shall meet at least once in each calendar month for the purpose of conducting the regular business of the Board of Trustees.

(2) The Board of Trustees shall adopt bylaws in accordance with legal requirement and with its community responsibility identifying the purposes, mission, role and goals of the Medical Arts Center and the means of fulfilling them. The bylaws shall not be in conflict with this chapter or with any laws of the state or of the United States.

(3) The authority granted by this chapter to the Board of Trustees to manage and operate the Medical Arts Center shall include all the rights reasonably necessary to carry out this purpose. It being expressly understood and agreed; however, that the City is not delegating legislative or discretionary powers which are exclusively those of the City but only administrative and ministerial powers which may be lawfully delegated to carry out this proper governmental function.

(4) The Board of Trustees shall provide for the election of its officers and shall adopt a schedule of meetings, attendance requirements and methods of recording minutes of governing body proceedings.

(5) The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Tolfree Memorial Hospital shall act as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Medical Arts Center.

(6) The Board of Trustees shall endeavor to provide appropriate physical resources and personnel required to meet the needs of the patients and shall participate in planning to meet the health needs of the community.

(7) The Board of Trustees shall endeavor to take all reasonable steps to conform to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations including those relating to licensure fire inspection and other safety measures.

(8) The Board of Trustees shall provide for the control and use of the physical and financial resources of the Medical Arts Center.

(9) The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the maintenance of an accounting system and records which will accurately reflect in detail all income, disbursements, assets and liabilities. These financial records shall be available at all times for inspection by the City Council. The books and records of the Medical Arts Center shall be examined annually by an independent certified public accounting firm, and audit made, and a certified copy of the audit shall be filed with the City Clerk.

(10) The Board of Trustees shall assist in the establishment of a schedule of charges for all services rendered by the Medical Arts Center which shall not be unreasonably or unwarranted for the services rendered, which schedule shall be available for review by the City Council at all times. Such a schedule will be developed with the recognition and cooperation of physician, physician groups, or other leases in the Medical Arts Center that are active in the private practice of medicine or other health related activities.

(11) The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the collection and receipt of all moneys in connection with the operation and management of the Medical Arts Center, shall maintain accounts for the deposit and safe keeping of such sums in such bank or banks as the Board of Trustees shall from time to time designate as official depositories of the Medical Arts Center with a view toward protecting, as far as is practical, such deposits to the extent of federal insurance.

(12) The Board of Trustees shall have authority to pay operating expenses from such funds and deposits and the right to bond employees.

(13) The Board of Trustees shall have authority to enter into contracts and agreements.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83; Am. Ord. 175, passed 6-20-85)

The Board of Trustees shall have power to receive in trust, moneys or property by way of gifts, grants, devises or bequests for the Medical Arts Center purposes.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83)

To the extent that the same is permitted by law, the Board of Trustees shall have the power to establish trust and/or receive plant expansion or replacement funds and to hold such funds in the bank or banks designated by the Board of Trustees as official depositories of the Medical Arts Center.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83)

All excess funds, that is all excess of revenues over expenses at the end of each fiscal period not otherwise placed into allowable reserve shall be paid over to the Tolfree Memorial Hospital for restricted use of capital related projects.

(Ord. 169, passed 10-4-83)

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the Downtown Development Authority Regulations.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

For the purpose of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply to the same meaning as given to them in Act 197 unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

AMENDMENT. Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing and Development Plan.

AUTHORITY. The City Downtown Development Authority created by this subchapter.

ACT 197. Act 197 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1975 as now in effect or hereafter amended being M.C.L.A. §§ 125.1651 et seq.; MSA 5.3010 (1) et seq.

BOARD or BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The Board of Trustees of the Authority, the governing body of the Authority.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Mayor of the City.

CITY. The City of West Branch, Michigan.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. The downtown district designated by this subchapter as now existing or hereafter amended.

PLAN. The Tax Increment Financing and Development Plan

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

The City Council hereby determines that it is necessary for the best interests of the City to halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation where possible in the business district of the City, to eliminate the causes of that deterioration and to promote economic growth by establishing a downtown development authority pursuant to Act 197.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

(A) There is hereby created pursuant to Act 197 a downtown development authority for the City. The Authority shall be a public body corporate and shall be known and exercise its powers under title of City Downtown Development Authority. The Authority may adopt a seal, may sue and be sued in any court of this state and shall possess all of the powers necessary to carry out the purpose of its incorporation as provided by this subchapter and Act 197. The enumeration of a power in this subchapter or in Act 197 shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers of the Authority.

(B) Except as specifically otherwise provided in this subchapter, the Authority shall have all powers provided by Act 197 as amended July 1984 subject to the limitations imposed by laws and herein. The Authority shall have the power to impose tax increment financing pursuant to Sections 14 through 16 of Public Act 197 as amended July 1984.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79; Am. Ord. 178, passed 7-1-84)

The Downtown District in which the Authority shall exercise its power as provided by Act 197 shall consist of the following described territory in the City, subject to such changes as may hereinafter be made pursuant to this subchapter and Act 197:

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79; Am. Ord. 184, passed 11-17-86)

The Authority shall be under the supervision and control of a Board of Trustees consisting of the Chief Executive Officer of the City and eight members as provided by Act 197. The members shall be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer subject to approval by the Council and shall hold office for the terms provided in Act 197. All members shall hold office until the member's successor is appointed.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

If a director is employed as authorized by Section 5 of Act 197, he shall post bond in the penal sum of $5,000 as required by that section of the statutes.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

(A) The fiscal year of the Authority shall begin on July 1 of each year and end on June 30 of the following year, or such other fiscal year as may hereafter be adopted by the City.

(B) The Board of Trustees shall annually prepare a budget and shall submit it to the City Council on the same date that the proposed budget for the City is required by the City Charter to be submitted to the Council. The Board shall not finally adopt a budget for any fiscal year until the budget has been approved by the City Council. The Board may, however, temporarily adopt a budget in connection with the operation of any improvements which have been financed by revenue bonds where required to do so by the ordinance authorizing the revenue bonds.

(C) The Authority shall submit financial reports to the City Council as requested by the City Council. The Authority shall be audited annually by the same independent auditors auditing the City and copies of the audit report shall be filed with the Council.

(Ord. 154, passed 12-17-79)

The Authority has previously prepared and approved a Plan. The Authority has prepared and recommended for approval an Amendment to the Plan for the Development Area in the Downtown District within the City. The City Council held a public hearing on April 21, 2003 on the Plan and the Amendment for the Authority’s Development Area in the Downtown District pursuant to the Act. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the duration of the Plan, to increase the maximum amount of bonded indebtedness permitted by the Plan, and to update project costs. The City Council has given the taxing jurisdictions in which the Development Area is located an opportunity to meet with the City council and to express their views and recommendations regarding the Plan and the Amendment as required by the Act.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The development plan portion of the Plan and the Amendment meets the requirements set forth in section 17(2) of the Act and the tax increment financing plan portion of the Plan and Amendment meets the requirements set forth in section 14(2) of the Act.

 

The proposed method of financing the development is feasible and the Authority has ability to arrange the financing.

 

The development is reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act.

 

Any land included within the Development Area to be acquired is reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act.

 

The Plan and Amendment is in reasonable accord with the master plan of the City.

 

Public services, such as fire and police protection and utilities, are or will be adequate to service the Development Area.

 

Any changes in zoning, streets, street levels, intersections, and utilities, to the extent required by the Plan and Amendment, are reasonably necessary for the Plan and Amendment and for the City.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The City Council hereby determines that the Plan and Amendment constitute a public purpose.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

32.146 BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC

 

The City Council hereby determines that it is in the best interests of the public to halt property value deterioration, increase property tax valuation, eliminate the causes of the deterioration in property values, and to promote growth in the Downtown District to proceed with the Plan and Amendment.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The Plan and Amendment are hereby approved and adopted. A copy of the Plan, the Amendment, and all later amendments thereto shall be maintained on file in the City Clerk’s office.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

Ordinance No. 154 is hereby amended by this Ordinance. All ordinances, resolutions, and orders or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of the Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed, and each section of the Ordinance and each subdivision of any section thereof is hereby declared to be independent, and the finding or holding of any section or subdivision thereof to be invalid or void shall not be deemed or held to affect the validity of any other section or subdivision of the Ordinance.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The paragraph headings in this Section are furnished for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered to be a part of this Section.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The Ordinance (Ordinance #03-05) shall be published in summary after its adoption in the Ogemaw County Herald, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, qualified under State law to public legal notices, and shall be recorded in the Ordinance book of the City, which recording shall be authenticated by the signature of the City Clerk.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

The Ordinance is hereby determined by the City Council to be necessary for the interests of the City and shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication and as required by the City Charter.

(Ord. 03-05, passed 5-5-03)

CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO BE ESTABLISHED

Other City Boards and Commissions are established by Charter or are created pursuant to controlling state statutes.

CHAPTER 33: PURCHASING

33.03 Purchases or Contracts Over $2,500 and Under $10,000

The City Manager or the Manager's designated representative shall act as the Purchasing Agent of the City. Any such designation shall be made in writing to the City Clerk. Every purchase order shall be approved by the Purchasing Agent before being issued. The Purchasing Agent may adopt rules regulating requisitions and purchase orders.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

Purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or services, the cost of which is less than $2,500 may be made in the open market, but such purchases shall, where practical, be based on at least three competitive bids and shall be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. An award to a bidder other than the lowest must be explained to City Council in writing before payment is issued. Such bids may be solicited over the telephone, by mail or in person, but in all cases such competitive bids shall be recorded and included in the request for payment to the City Council and kept on file.

(Ord. 231 passes 2-6-95)

Purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or services, the cost of which is more than $2,500 but less than $10,000, shall be made based on three competitive bids, solicited in the open market and approved by a majority vote of the City Council. Notice shall be posted on the bulletin board at City Hall at least ten days in advance of the deadline for the submission of bids and may, at the discretion of the Purchasing Agent, be printed in a suitable publication. The approval of a bid by City Council is not approval to issue payment. Payment must be approved by City Council as part of the regular billing cycle.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

Purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or services, the cost of which is more than $10,000, shall be made based on the formal solicitation of sealed bids as set forth below.

(A) A notice inviting bids shall be published in a suitable publication as determined by the Purchasing Agent. The notice shall indicate where complete specifications are available and when and where bids will be accepted.

(B) A notice inviting bids may be sent by mail to all vendors identified by the Purchasing Agent as likely to be interested in bidding.

(C) Bid deposits, or bid bonds, may be required by the Purchasing Agent as evidence of good faith. Unsuccessful bidders shall be entitled to the return of any deposit made with the bid. A successful bidder shall forfeit any deposit or be subject to the calling of any bond upon failure to enter into a contract within ten days of award.

(D) Bids shall be opened in public in the presence of the Purchasing Agent and/or the City Clerk at the time and place specified in the notice inviting bids. The City Clerk shall record the opening of the bids. The record shall include the time, date and place of the bid opening, the name and address of each bidder, the price bid by each bidder and the names of those in attendance at the bid opening. Bids shall be made available for public inspection immediately following opening. All bidders may be provided with a tabulation of bids received. Bids received after the scheduled deadline shall be automatically disqualified.

(E) A bid tabulation shall be prepared by the City Clerk and submitted to the Purchasing Agent, the City Manager and the City Council. The City Manager may make a recommendation to the City Council to accept or reject any or all bids at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council following the bid opening.

(F) The City Council may direct that the formal bid opening be held at a regular meeting of the full City Council, but such direction shall be made prior to the issuance of notice pursuant to § 33.04 (A) herein.

(G) The City Council shall have the right to reject any or all bids, or to waive irregularities in bidding, and to accept bids which do not conform in every respect to bidding requirements.

(H) Performance guarantees in the form of bond, deposit or other forms acceptable to the Purchasing Agent shall be required on all contracts entered into under this section.

(I) Contracts, bonds and other legal instruments relating to purchases under this section shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

The "lowest qualified bidder" shall be the bidder submitting the lowest bid, provided that

(A) The bidder is not disqualified pursuant to § 33.10,

(B) The Purchasing Agent determines that the bidder is able to provide the goods and/or services in a timely, satisfactory manner, and

(C) The bidder satisfies local preference criteria established by the Purchasing Agent or the City Council. Local preference criteria are based on a belief that local vendors contribute positive economic benefit to the City of West Branch and her citizens and such benefits should be formally recognized by local authorities.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

Periodic purchases from a single vendor for reasons of timesavings, availability and competitive pricing may be made using a blanket order. The competitive pricing of such goods or services shall be reviewed no less frequently than every 24 months.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

In the event of an emergency the City Manager is authorized to make purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or services which are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare without complying with the purchasing requirements set forth in this chapter. In the event of such emergency purchases, the City Manager shall report the details of the emergency to the City Council at the next regular meeting.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

The Purchasing Agent may make additional purchases of supplies, materials, equipment or services from a successful bidder provided that:

(A) Amounts of additional purchase are at the same cost per quantity as originally bid by the vendor, and

(B) Amounts of additional purchase do not exceed the cost of the original purchase, and

(C) The purchase occurs not more than 12 months after the date of the original purchase, and

(D) The Purchasing Agent is reasonably certain that the same supply, material, equipment or service is not available at a lesser cost from any source.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

Supplies, materials, equipment and services may be purchased without formal bidding when the City Manager demonstrates in writing to the City Council that there is only one practical source for the supply, material, equipment or service.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

No bid shall be accepted from or contract awarded to a bidder who is in arrears to the City, who is in default on any contract with the City or who has previously demonstrated bad faith in dealings with the City.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

The City may participate in cooperative purchasing arrangements with other public bodies provided that the purchasing policies and practices of the other public bodies are deemed to be fair and competitive by the Purchasing Agent and City Manager.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

The Purchasing Agent may sell surplus City personal property valued at less than $2,500 upon the successful negotiation of a reasonable sale price with an interested buyer. The availability of property for sale valued at $250 or more shall be noticed in a classified advertisement in a suitable publication as determined by the Purchasing Agent. City employees, elected or appointed officials shall not be permitted to purchase City property unless approval is granted by City Council at a regular meeting.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

City personal property valued over $2,500 but under $10,000 shall be made following notice in a suitable publication as determined by the Purchasing Agent, the posting of a notice for at least ten days on the City Hall bulletin board and the approval of City Council at a regular meeting (except an interest in real estate).

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95)

City personal property valued at over $10,000 and any interest in real estate, except real estate offered for sale by the City or corporations subordinate to the City engaged in the promotion of legitimate public interests, including but not limited to construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing that the State or Federal government shall either fund, have an outstanding and unpaid mortgage on or have any interest in the affordable housing shall be sold using the following guidelines:

(A) Notice of sale shall be printed in a suitable publication determined by the Purchasing Agent. Such notice shall include a description of the property offered for sale, a time and place for the inspection of the property, a deadline for the submission of bids and the time and place of a public bid opening.

(B) Bids shall be opened in public at the time and place specified in the notice inviting bids. Bids shall be opened in the presence of the Purchasing Agent and/or the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall record the opening of the bids. The record shall include the time, date and place of the bid opening, the name and address of each bidder, the price bid by each bidder and the names and addresses of those individuals present at the bid opening. Bids shall be made available for public inspection immediately following the bid opening. All bidders shall be offered a tabulation upon request.

(C) A bid tabulation shall be prepared by the City Clerk for submission to the Purchasing Agent, City Manager and City Council. The City Manager may make a recommendation to the City Council at the regular meeting following the bid opening. The City Council may accept or reject any or all bids in the public interest.

(Ord. 231, passed 2-6-95; Am. Ord. 07-03, 5-21-2007)

This article shall be known and cited as the White Birch Apartment LDHA Tax Exemption Ordinance.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its citizens of low income and to encourage the development for such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, being Public Act 346 of the Public Acts of 1966 as amended, MCLA 125.1401 et seq.; MSA 116.114(l) et seq.

The City is authorized by said act to establish or change the service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any and all classes of housing exempt from taxation under the act at any amount it chooses not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for the act. It is further acknowledged that such housing for persons and families of low income is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, that the encouragement of the same by providing certain real estate tax exemptions therefore is a valid public purpose; further, that the continuance of the provisions of this article for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of taxes during the periods hereinafter contemplated are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of the housing development which is constructed and financed in reliance thereon.

The City acknowledges that White Birch Apartments Limited Dividend Housing Association, a Michigan Limited Partnership, the "sponsor", has offered subject to the receipt of a federally aided mortgage, as that term is defined in the act, to erect, own and operate a housing development identified as White Birch Apartments on certain property located at 356 State Street in the City, to serve elderly persons and families of low income and that the sponsor has offered to pay to the City on account of said housing development an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all taxes.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

All terms shall be defined as set forth in the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, being Public Act 346 of 1966, of the State of Michigan, as amended, except as follows:

(A) Authority means the Michigan State Housing Development Authority

 

(B) Act means the State Housing Development Authority Act, being Public Act 346 of 1966, of the State of

Michigan, as amended.

(C) Annual shelter rent means the total collection during an agreed annual period from all occupants of a housing development representing rent or occupancy charges.

(D) Housing development means a development which contains a significant element of housing for persons of low income and such elements of other housing, commercial, recreational, industrial, communal, and educational facilities as the authority determines improve the quality of the development as it relates to housing for persons of low income.

(E) Elderly means a single person who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older or a household in which at least one (1) member is fifty-five (55) years of age or older and all other members are fifty (50) years of age or older.

(F) Mortgage loan means a loan to be made by the authority to the sponsor for the construction and/or permanent financing of the housing development, or a federally aided mortgage as defined in Section 11(c) of the act.

(G) Utilities means gas, water, sanitary sewer services, and/or electrical service which are paid by the housing development.

(H) Sponsor means person(s) or entities which have applied to the authority for a mortgage loan to finance a housing development.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

It is hereby determined that the class of housing developments to which the tax exemption shall apply and for which a service charge shall be paid in lieu of such taxes shall be housing developments for elderly persons and families of low income which are finances or assisted pursuant to the act. It is further determined that White Birch Apartments will be of this class.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

The housing development identified as White Birch Apartments and the property on which it shall be situated shall be exempt from all property taxes from and after the commencement of construction. The City of West Branch, acknowledging that the sponsor and the authority have established the economic feasibility of the housing development in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this article and the qualification of the housing development for exemption from all property taxes and a payment in lieu of taxes as established herein, and in consideration of the sponsor's offer, subject to the receipt of a mortgage loan or an allocation of low income housing tax credits from the authority to construct, own, and operate said housing development, hereby agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public service in lieu of all property taxes. The annual service charge shall be equal to 5% of rent.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

Notwithstanding § 34.05 the service charge to be paid each year in lieu of taxes for any part of the housing development which is tax exempt and which is occupied by other than low income persons or families shall be equal to the full amount of the taxes which would be paid on that portion of the housing development if the housing development were not tax exempt.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15(a)(5) of the act to the contrary, a contract between the City of West Branch and the sponsor to provide tax exemption and accept payments in lieu thereof as previously described is effectuated by the enactment of Ordinance No. 240 subject to the provision of section 34.10, Termination.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

The service charge in lieu of taxes as determined hereunder shall be paid in the same manner as general property taxes are payable to the City of West Branch and subject to the same interest and/or administrative fees for late payment. The taxing authority shall be under no obligation to submit a tax billing or statement to the sponsor. The service charge in lieu of taxes shall be paid in advance, with the estimated payment due and payable by August 31 for the current calendar year. The adjusted final payment shall be paid or the request for refund shall be submitted on or before September 30 of the year following the year upon which the service charge is calculated. The sponsor shall submit with the August 31 payment the calculations used to compute the estimated payment in the format designated by the City Treasurer. The sponsor shall submit with the September 30 payment (request) a statement from an independent auditor verifying that the amounts used to compute the adjusted final payment are correct as reported. All payments and documents shall be received by the office of the City Treasurer on or before the due date.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

This ordinance [Ordinance No. 240] shall remain in effect and shall not terminate until December 31, 2012. This ordinance shall expire by its own terms if construction of the housing development does not commence within one (1) year from the effective date of this ordinance.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, should the sponsor fail to pay the estimated or final adjusted service charge in lieu of taxes granted hereunder on or before August 31 or September 30, respectively, the City Treasurer shall file a certificate of nonpayment of the service charge in lieu of taxes, together with an affidavit of proof of service of the certificate of nonpayment upon the sponsor of the housing development and the authority by certified mail, with the Register of Deeds of Ogemaw County. Following the expiration of sixty (60) days after service upon the sponsor and the authority of a certificate of nonpayment of the service charge in lieu of taxes and the filing of the certificate of nonpayment, if payment has not been made within the intervening sixty (60) days, the service charge in lieu of taxes granted by this ordinance shall automatically be terminated, retroactive to January 1 of that year.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

The various sections and provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section or provision hereof other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(Ord. 240, passed 7-15-96)

CHAPTER 35: THE TRAILS AT WEST BRANCH TAX EXEMPTION

This article shall be known and cited as The Trails at West Branch Apartment Ordinance.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its citizens of low income and to encourage the development for such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, being Public Act 346 of the Public Acts of 1966 as amended, MCLA 125.1401 et seq.; MSA 116.114(l) et seq.

The City is authorized by said act to establish or change the service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any and all classes of housing exempt from taxation under the act at any amount it chooses not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for the act. It is further acknowledged that such housing for persons and families of low income is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, that the encouragement of the same by providing certain real estate tax exemptions therefore is a valid public purpose; further, that the continuance of the provisions of this article for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of taxes during the periods hereinafter contemplated are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of the housing development which is constructed and financed in reliance thereon.

The City acknowledges that The Trails at West Branch Apartments has offered subject to the receipt of a federally aided mortgage, as that term is defined in the act, to erect, own and operate a housing development identified as The Trails at West Branch Apartments on certain property located at the Southern end of South Third Street in the City, to serve elderly persons and families of low income and that the sponsor has offered to pay to the City on account of said housing development an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all taxes.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

All terms shall be defined as set forth in the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, being Public Act 346 of 1966, of the State of Michigan, as amended, except as follows:

(A) Authority means the Michigan State Housing Development Authority

(B) Act means the State Housing Development Authority Act, being Public Act 346 of 1966, of the State of Michigan, as amended.

(C) Annual shelter rent means the total collection during an agreed annual period from all occupants of a housing development representing rent or occupancy charges.

(D) Housing development means a development which contains a significant element of housing for persons of low income and such elements of other housing, commercial, recreational, industrial, communal, and educational facilities as the authority determines improve the quality of the development as it relates to housing for persons of low income.

(E) Elderly means a single person who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older or a household in which at least one (1) member if fifty-five (55) years of age or older and all other members are fifty (50) years of age or older.

(F) Mortgage loan means a loan to be made by the authority to the sponsor for the construction and/or permanent financing of the housing development, or a federally aided mortgage as defined in Section 11 (c) of the act.

(G) Utilities means gas, water, sanitary sewer services, and/or electrical service which are paid by the housing development.

(H) Sponsor means person(s) or entities which have applied to the authority for a mortgage loan to finance a housing development.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

It is hereby determined that the class of housing developments to which the tax exemption shall apply and for which a service charge shall be paid in lieu of such taxes shall be housing developments for elderly persons and families of low income which are financed or assisted pursuant to the act. It is further determined that The Trails at West Branch Apartments will be of this class.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

Sixty (60) units of the housing development identified as The Trails at West Branch Apartments and the property on which it shall be situated shall be exempt from all property taxes from and after the commencement of construction. The City of West Branch, acknowledging that the sponsor and the authority have established the economic feasibility of the housing development in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this article and the qualification of the housing development for exemption from all property taxes and a payment in lieu of taxes as established herein, and in consideration of the sponsor's offer, subject to the receipt of a mortgage loan or an allocation of low income housing tax credits from the authority to construct, own, and operate said housing development, hereby agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public service in lieu of all property taxes. The annual service charge shall be equal to 5% of rent.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99; Am. Ord. 01-02, passed 3-19-01)

Notwithstanding § 35.05 the service charge to be paid each year in lieu of taxes for any part of the housing development which is tax exempt and which is occupied by other than low income persons or families shall be equal to the full amount of the taxes which would be paid on that portion of the housing development if the housing development were not tax exempt.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15(a)(5) of the act to the contrary, a contract between the City of West Branch and the sponsor to provide tax exemption and accept payments in lieu thereof as previously described is effectuated by the enactment of Ordinance No. 257 subject to the provision of section 35.10, Termination.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

The service charge in lieu of taxes as determined hereunder shall be paid in the same manner as general property taxes are payable to the City of West Branch and subject to the same interest and/or administrative fees for late payment. The taxing authority shall be under no obligation to submit a tax billing or statement to the sponsor. The service charge in lieu of taxes shall be paid in advance, with the estimated payment due and payable by August 31 for the current calendar year. The adjusted final payment shall be paid or the request for refund shall be submitted on or before September 30 of the year following the year upon which the service charge is calculated. The sponsor shall submit with the August 31 payment the calculations used to compute the estimated payment in the format designated by the City Treasurer. The sponsor shall submit with the September 30 payment (request) a statement from an independent auditor verifying that the amounts used to compute the adjusted final payment are correct as reported. All payments and documents shall be received by the office of the City Treasurer on or before the due date.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

This ordinance [Ordinance No. 257] shall remain in effect and shall not terminate until December 31, 2015. This ordinance shall expire by its own terms if construction of the housing development does not commence within one (1) year from the effective date of this ordinance.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, should the sponsor fail to pay the estimated or final adjusted service charge in lieu of taxes granted hereunder on or before August 31 or September 30, respectively, the City Treasurer shall file a certificate of nonpayment of the service charge in lieu of taxes, together with an affidavit of proof of service of the certificate of nonpayment upon the sponsor of the housing development and the authority by certified mail, with the Register of Deeds of Ogemaw County. Following the expiration of sixty (60) days after service upon the sponsor and the authority of a certificate of nonpayment of the service charge in lieu of taxes and the filing of the certificate of nonpayment, if payment has not been made within the intervening sixty (60) days, the service charge in lieu of taxes granted by this ordinance shall automatically be terminated, retroactive to January 1 of this year.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

The various sections and provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section or provision hereof other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(Ord. 257, passed 3-1-99)

This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the "City of West Branch Victorian Trail Tax Exemption Ordinance."

(Ord.05-04, passed 9-6-05)

It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its citizens of low income and to encourage the development of such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 (1966 PA 346, as amended, MCL 125.1401, et seq, MSA 116.114(1), et seq).

The City acknowledges that the West Branch Housing Corporation (the "Sponsor") has offered, subject to receipt of a Mortgage Loan from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, to erect, own and operate a housing development identified as Victorian Trail on certain property located just east of South Valley Street and north of the West Branch of the Rifle River in the City to serve elderly persons of low income, and that the Sponsor has offered to pay the City on account of this housing development an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all taxes.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

A. Authority means the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

B. Act means the State Housing Development Authority Act, being Public Act 346 of 1966 of the State of Michigan, as amended.

C. Annual Shelter Rent means the total collections during an agreed annual period from all occupants of a housing development representing rent or occupancy charges, exclusive of charges for gas, electricity, heat, or other utilities furnished to the occupants.

D. Housing Development means a development which contains a significant element of housing for persons of low income and such elements of other housing, commercial, recreational, industrial, communal, and educational facilities as the Authority determines improve the quality of the development as it relates to housing for persons of low income.

E. Elderly means a single person who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older or a household in which at least one (1) member is fifty-five (55) years of age or older and all other members are fifty (50) years of age or older.

F. Mortgage Loan means a loan to be made by the Authority to the Sponsor for the construction and/or permanent financing of the Housing Development.

G. Utilities mean fuel, water, and sanitary sewer service, which are paid by the Housing Development.

Sponsor means person(s) or entities, which have applied, to the Authority for a Mortgage Loan to finance a Housing Development.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

It is determined that the class of Housing Developments to which the tax exemption shall apply and for which a service charge shall be paid in lieu of such taxes shall be Housing Development for elderly persons and families of low income, which are financed or assisted pursuant to the Act. It is further determined that Victorian Trail is of this class.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

The Housing Development identified as Victorian Trail and the property on which it shall be constructed shall be exempt from all property taxes from and after the commencement of construction. The City, acknowledging that the Sponsor and the Authority have established the economic feasibility of the Housing Development in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this Ordinance and the qualification of the Housing Development for exemption from all property taxes and a payment in lieu of taxes as established in this Ordinance, and in consideration of the Sponsor's offer, subject to receipt of a Mortgage Loan from the Authority, to construct, own and operate the Housing Development, agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all property taxes. The annual service charge shall be equal to 0% of the difference between the Annual Shelter Rents actually collected and Utilities.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

§36.06. Limitation on the Payment of Annual Service Charge.

Notwithstanding §36.05, the service charge to be paid each year in lieu of taxes for the part of the Housing Development which is tax exempt and which is occupied by other than low income persons or families shall be equal to the full amount of the taxes which would be paid on that portion of the Housing Development if the Housing Development were not tax exempt.

The term "low income persons or families" as used herein shall be the same meaning as found in Section 15(a)(7) of the Act.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15(a)(5) of the Act to the contrary, a contract between the City and the Sponsor with the Authority as third party beneficiary under the contract, to provide tax exemption and accept payments in lieu of taxes, as previously described, is effectuated by enactment of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

The annual service charge in lieu of taxes as determined under the Ordinance shall be payable in the same manner as general property taxes are payable to the City except that the annual payment shall be paid on or before August 31 of each year.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

§36.09. Duration.

This Ordinance shall remain in effect and shall not terminate so long as the Mortgage Loan remains outstanding and unpaid or the Authority has any interest in the property; provided, that construction of the Housing Development commences within one year from the effective date of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

§36.10. Severability.

The various sections and provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this Ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section or provision of this Ordinance other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

§36.11. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall become effective on September 21, 2005, or as otherwise provided in the Charter. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of such conflict.

(Ord. 05-04, passed 9-6-05)

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the State of Michigan and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its citizens of low income and to encourage the development of such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 (1966 PA 346, as amended, MCL 125.1401, et seq, MSA 116.114(1), et seq).

The City of West Branch (the "City") is authorized by this Act to establish or change the service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any or all classes of housing exempt from taxation under this Act at any amount it chooses, not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for this Act. It is further acknowledged that such housing for persons of low income is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, the encouragement of the same by providing certain real estate tax exemption for such housing is a valid public purpose; further, that the continuance of the provisions of this Ordinance for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of taxes during the period contemplated in this Ordinance are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of housing developments which are constructed and financed in reliance on such tax exemption.

The City acknowledges that the West Branch Housing Corporation (the "Sponsor") has offered, subject to receipt of a Mortgage Loan from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, to erect, own and operate a housing development identified as Maplewood Manor on certain property located just east of south Valley Street and north of the West Branch of the Rifle River in the City to serve elderly persons of low income, and that the Sponsor has offered to pay the City on account of this housing development an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all taxes.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

It is determined that the class of Housing Developments to which the tax exemption shall apply and for which a service charge shall be paid in lieu of such taxes shall be Housing Development for elderly persons and families of low income, which are financed or assisted pursuant to the Act. It is further determined that Maplewood Manor is of this class.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

The Housing Development identified as Maplewood manor and the property on which it is constructed shall be exempt from all property taxes from and after the commencement of rehabilitation construction. The City, acknowledging that the Sponsor and the Authority have established the economic feasibility of the Housing Development in reliance upon the enactment and continuing effect of this Ordinance and the qualification of the Housing Development for exemption from all property taxes and a payment in lieu of taxes as established in this Ordinance, and in consideration of the Sponsor’s offer, subject to receipt of a Mortgage Loan from the Authority, to remodel, own and operate the Housing Development, agrees to accept payment of an annual service charge for public services in lieu of all property taxes. The annual service charge shall be equal to 0% of the difference between the Annual Shelter Rents actually collected and Utilities.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

Notwithstanding §37.05, the service charge to be paid each year in lieu of taxes for the part of the Housing Development which is tax exempt and which is occupied by other than low income persons or families shall be equal to the full amount of the taxes which would be paid on that portion of the Housing Development if the Housing Development were not tax exempt.

The term "low income persons or families" as used herein shall be the same meaning as found in Section 15(a)(7) of the Act.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15 (a)(5) of the Act to the contrary, a contract between the City and the Sponsor with the Authority as third party beneficiary under the contract, to provide tax exemption and accept payments in lieu of taxes, as previously described, is effectuated by enactment of the Ordinance.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

The annual service charge in lieu of taxes as determined under the Ordinance shall be payable in the same manner as general property taxes are payable to the City except that the annual payment shall be paid on or before August 31 of each year.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

This Ordinance shall remain in effect and shall not terminate so long as the Mortgage Loan remains outstanding and unpaid or the Authority has any interest in the property; provided, that construction of the Housing Development commences within one year from the effective date of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

The various sections and provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable, and should any section or provision of this Ordinance be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid the same shall not affect the facility of the Ordinance as a whole or any section or provision of this Ordinance other than the section or provision so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)

This Ordinance shall become effective on October 7, 2008, or as otherwise provided in the Charter. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of such conflict.

(Ord. 08-02, passed 9-22-2008)