CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Paul Opsommer called
the Regular Council Meeting to order at
ROLL CALL:
Council Members Present:
Sue Erickson, Ray Knick, Jim Lancaster, Ken Ross (arrived at
STAFF:
AUDIENCE:
Dick Hall, Dave Hunsaker, and Bob Showers
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion by
ADD:
New Business #6, Cancel
Councilman
Ross arrived at
SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion
by
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
- Digester Update: SCCMUA had a Digester Study done. In addition to replacing the digester, the Study revealed the Solids Storage Capacity is inadequate. The total project cost is four million dollars with the City's share around $539,000. The project is expected to take 40 months to complete. Design work is scheduled to begin in July of 2004 with the issuance of bonds in May of 2005. Presently, the City has $260,000 in a fund at SCCMUA for replacing the digester. The City has several options for financing the additional funds. This will be addressed during the budget process.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.
Police Services Exploratory Committee - Consultant
Recommendation: The purpose statement for the Police
Services Exploratory Committee calls for the Committee to hire a consultant to
assist them with the research and analysis phase of the police services
review. The Committee prepared the
Request for Proposals for Consulting Services which was distributed to four
consulting firms. Proposals were
accepted until
FIRM
COST
Plante Moran
(
Rehmann-Robson
(
PAR Group
(
On
1)
Experience with
completing studies similar to the study that is proposed to be
completed.
2)
Although lower
cost, the Plante Moran proposal was an estimate rather than a lump sum, the
Committee was concerned that the generality of their proposal and the low number
of work hours did not realistically reflect what it would take to complete the
type of study that needs to be completed.
3)
They understand
the complexity associated with completing such a study and have expressed a
commitment to have Department personnel involved in the operational evaluation
portion of the study.
4)
The Committee is also recommending that the
City and Township equally contribute to the cost of the study. The City's portion of the cost of the
study ($12,950) will be charged to Professional Services line item of the Police
Department budget. A budget
adjustment will be necessary in the Police Department's budget when mid-year
budget amendments are handled next month.
A joint contract will be drafted by the City
and Township Attorneys. The next
meeting of the Committee will be at
The Council discussed the importance of
properly developing the questions on the mail survey. While not scientific, the purpose of a
survey is to solicit public opinion.
Some concerns included: designing a survey that is fair and would not
elicit one-sided responses, surveys usually have poor response rates, the use of
the word "survey" and the option for a random telephone
survey.
Motion by Rundborg, seconded by Erickson and carried by unanimous vote of
the Council that
BE
IT RESOLVED to accept the recommendation of the Police Services Exploratory
Committee and hire Rehmann Robson (Jackson, MI) for the purpose of providing
consulting services and assistance to the Police Services Exploratory Committee
in an amount not to exceed $12,950 for the City of DeWitt's portion of the
cost.
2. Renew Annual Cabaret Licenses: The City has received the required fee and completed application from Relli's and Prairie Creek for the renewal of their annual cabaret licenses. According to Chapter 6, Article II, of the City Code, an annual cabaret license is required at any place where entertainment or dancing privileges are afforded patrons at least six times per year. Annual cabaret licenses expire on February 1st of each year.
Motion by
BE IT RESOLVED to approve the request from
Relli's (202 East Main Street) and Prairie Creek Golf Course Inc (800 E Webb)
for renewal of their annual cabaret licenses (expires February 1,
2005).
3. Authorized Check Signers:
With the retirement of Chief McClean, it is necessary to update the
Council approved list of check signers for the City's bank accounts. Based on a desire to maintain internal
control with our finances, the City Treasurer is not listed as a check signer
since she is the individual responsible for drafting checks and reconciling bank
accounts.
Motion by
BE IT RESOLVED to approve
the revised list of authorized check signers for the City of
Mayor
City Administrator
City Clerk Denice Smith
Police Chief Lawrence Jerue.
4 MML - "Enhancing Local Government
Project": At the
The Council briefly discussed the City's
tight budget and the proposed $500 figure.
The Council's current budget contains funds for the maximum number of
meetings per fiscal year. Since the
Council is not expected to meet that many times, there should be sufficient
funds in that line item to cover this cost. However, the expense will be charged to
the Council's Miscellaneous line item.
Mr. Matson provided a prepared Resolution authorizing the $500
contribution.
Motion by
BE
IT RESOLVED to approve the following prepared Resolution which authorizes the
donation of $500 to the
WHEREAS,
the Council of the City of
1. The
2. The project, Enhancing Local Government,
is designed to provide mat4erials and information to assist elected officials of
cities and villages in the governance of local communities.
3. There is a need for elected officials to
have access to educational materials through a variety of media in an
immediately available form.
4. The development of the Enhancing Local
Government project will assist cities and villages in meeting the need for
better-informed elected officials.
5. The development of Enhancing Local
Government project will serve a municipal public purpose by training and
educating municipal officials in the governance of municipal
concerns.
6. Modules 2-5 of the Enhancing Local
Government project are directed to providing training and education for elected
officials, including newly elected officials.
7. The City of
8. The charter and ordinances of the City
permit expenditures for public purposes and there are no charter provisions or
ordinances that would restrict such expenditure to the Enhancing Local
Government project.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of
5. Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions: Mayor Opsommer presented a list of his
recommendations for appointments to various Boards and
Commissions. He provided a
brief background on each person.
The list included the appointment of Jason
Eppler to the DeWitt District Library Board. Dan Matson (City Attorney) cited a state
statute which addresses "incompatible positions". In his opinion, Mr. Eppler (City
Administrator) could serve on the Library Board and it would not constitute a
conflict of interest.
Motion by
BE
IT RESOLVED to confirm the Mayor's appointments to various Boards and
Commissions as follows:
Board of
Review:
Appoint John Insel (term expires
District Library
Board:
Appoint
Appoint Jim Clark (term
to begin
6.
Cancel
BE IT RESOLVED to
cancel the
COUNCIL/STAFF
REPORTS:
Councilman Rundborg asked to be excused from the
Jason Eppler (City Administrator) commented on the
following:
-
Planning
Commission will be reviewing two proposed condo projects (Motz and Rozen) at
their January meeting. At their
February meeting, they will be reviewing the stormwater management plan for the
proposed Wildflower Meadows project (northwest corner of DeWitt and
Herbison).
-
Update on Traffic
Signal (DeWitt and Herbison intersection): While this location is within the City
limits, the road is under the county jurisdiction. The Council discussed the City's share of
the financial obligation for installation and maintenance of the traffic
signal. An agreement between the
City and Clinton County Road Commission would need to be
approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Ross, seconded by
Respectfully submitted,
Denice Smith
Paul Opsommer
City Clerk
Mayor