City Council Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Grandville City Council was called to order by Mayor James Buck on May 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

The City Clerk called the roll. Present were Council Members Robert DeWitt, Ken Gates, Steve Maas, Carole Pettijohn, Stan Ponstein, Joe Sierawski, and Mayor James Buck. Absent: None.

Also attending: Tammy Butler, Assistant Finance Director; Ron Carr, Acting DPW Director; Thomas Guinther, Treasurer/Finance Director; Randy Kraker, City Attorney; Ken Krombeen, City Manager; Mary Meines, City Clerk; Richard Meyers, WWTP Superintendent; Dennis Santo, Deputy Police Chief; and Vern Snyder, Police Chief.

Council Member Pettijohn gave the invocation; and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Council Member Maas, and seconded by Council Member Pettijohn, CARRIED, to approve the May 9, 2005 agenda as presented.

Motion by Council Member Sierawski, and seconded by Council Member DeWitt, CARRIED, to waive the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 25, 2005 and approve as presented.

Motion by Council Member Pettijohn, and seconded by Council Member Maas, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, that Fiscal Year 2004-2005 bills totaling $357,304.54 presented by the City Manager, be allowed, and authorize the Treasurer to pay the same.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The Memorial Day schedule was presented by Bill Schrader from the American Legion Post #179. A flag raising ceremony at Wedgwood Park will take place at 9:00 a.m. with a procession to the cemetery beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding with a memorial ceremony at approximately 9:45 a.m. Tom Hoezen, Department Commander for Michigan, will be the guest speaker.

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Buck opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. to receive public comment on the Fiscal Year 2005/2006 budget. Finance Director/Treasurer Guinther commented on the financial condition of the City of Grandville. The proposed budget was prepared using 8.454 mills and continues the existing level of services. He reviewed the tax rate history, gave millage comparisons with surrounding communities, and the history of General Fund revenues and expenditures. The City has funded the amount of expenditures over revenues by using funds from the savings and in a planned approach. The lack of Revenue Sharing funds has caused the deficit. Grandville’s Revenue Sharing has decreased 17.2% since 1999 and is expected to continue to decrease. The reserve balance at the end of Fiscal Year 2005/2006 is projected to be at 17.3% of expenditures. At that

point in time, City Council will need to set a budget where revenues meet the expenditures. This will have to be done by cutting services or by raising taxes. A wastewater rate study will be done to determine the adequacy of the wastewater funds. Patrice Vrona, Director of the Grandville Library, presented a budget proposal and justification for replacement of the library furnishings. Council Member DeWitt voiced objections to a budget where expenditures are higher than revenues. Staff and City Council must begin focusing on preparing a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007. Mayor Buck closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Reports: EMS/Fire (March), Treasurer’s (April)

2. Minutes: Park & Recreation Board (March 24)

Historical Commission (April 18)

Zoning Board of Appeals (April 20)

Library Board (April 28)

3. Proclamation: Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Person of the Year

4. Proclamation: Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

5. Miscellaneous Purchase Orders and Requests:

a. DPW: Leaf Bags – PABCO Ind. - $5,960.00

b. DPW: Salt Storage Building Fencing

Ace Fencing - $1,867.18

c. Motor Pool: Disposal – 1998 Ford Taurus

Michael Bowman - $1,600.00

Motion by Council Member Maas, and seconded by Council Member Gates, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented in the best interest of the City.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Motion by Council Member Gates, and seconded by Council Member Maas, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, to authorize the purchase of a speed and accident mapping laser from Laser Technology in the amount of $3,904.90 in the best interest of the City. The purchase will be made with donated funds.

Motion by Council Member Gates, and seconded by Council Member Sierawski, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, to authorize the purchase of a McGruff costume from Robotronics in the amount of $1,320.00 in the best interest of the City. The purchase will be made with donated funds.

WWTP Superintendent Meyers requested authorization to purchase a replacement grinding unit “Channel Monster”. Motion by Council Member Sierawski, and seconded by Council Member Pettijohn, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, to authorize the purchase of a “Channel Monster” from JWC Environmental in the amount of $14,500.00 in the best interest of the City.

Chief Snyder reviewed the background of the agreement with Grandville Public Schools related to the Police School Liaison Officer (PSLO). Motion by Council Member Gates, and seconded by Council Member Maas, CARRIED unanimously by roll call vote, to authorize the three-year Police School Liaison Officer Agreement between the City of Grandville and the Grandville Public Schools.

COMMENTS

Comments were made regarding the MML Region III meeting, Grandville Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and the City Barbeque on May 25.

Motion by Council Member Maas, and seconded by Council Member Gates, CARRIED, to adjourn at 8:29 p.m.

Mary L. Meines

Grandville City Clerk

Approved by City Council: May 23, 2005

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