City Council Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Grandville City Council was called to order by Mayor James Buck on November 13, 2006 at 7:01 p.m.

The Acting Clerk called the roll. Present were Council Members Ken Gates, Randal Gelderloos, Steve Maas, Stan Ponstein, Joe Sierawski and Mayor James Buck. Absent: Council Member Carole Pettijohn.

Also attending: Tammy Butler, Assistant Finance Director; Tom Guinther, Treasurer/Finance Director; Randy Kraker, City Attorney; Ken Krombeen, City Manager; Marci Poley, Recording Clerk; Vern Snyder, Police Chief and Todd Wibright, WWTP Director.

Rev. Dan Mouw, South Grandville Chr. Ref. Church, gave the invocation; and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion made by Council Member Maas, supported by Council Member Gates, to approve the November 13, 2006 agenda as presented. The motion was APPROVED.

Motion made by Council Member Sierawski, supported by Council Member Maas, to waive the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 23, 2006 and to approve as presented. The motion was APPROVED.

Motion made by Council Member Gates, supported by Council Member Maas, that Fiscal Year 2006-2007 bills totaling $895,498.06 presented by the City Manager, be allowed and authorize the Treasurer to pay the same. The motion was unanimously APPROVED by roll call vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jim Koetje, 4095 Chicago Drive, came before City Council to comment on the proposed DDA Chicago Drive Streetscape project. Mr. Koetje expressed concerns in regards to on-street parallel parking along Chicago Drive.

Steve Kauffman, 3654 Ivanrest, came before City Council to communicate concern with the hours of vehicle loading and unloading at the Harold Zeigler car dealership.

Finance Director Guinther introduced Jean Young, Karen Courtade, and Kelly Christian from Plante and Moran. A presentation was made on the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Annual Audit and compliments were given to the Treasurer’s Office staff for their work in preparation of the audit. Mrs. Young indicated that the City received a clean opinion which is the highest level of assurance given. Graphs on the General Fund revenues, expenses and the General Fund balance were reviewed.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Krombeen introduced Henry Hofman from Kerkstra Precast, Inc. Mr. Hofman stated his current tax abatement will expire on December 31, 2006. He is requesting to extend the term of his 6 year abatement on personal property to 12 years. The Business Relations Committee recommended that Council approve this request. Motion made by Council Member Gates, supported by Council Member Maas, to approve Resolution No. 2773, approving the extension of Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate No. 97-539 relative to Industrial Development District No. 69 for Kerkstra Precast, Inc. The motion was APPROVED unanimously by roll call vote.

As a result of the November 7, 2006 election, voters directed the Council to adopt an ordinance allowing for the sale on Sunday of beer and wine for consumption on licensed premises in the city. It was suggested that Council adopt this as an emergency ordinance to give it the earliest possible effect. Ordinance would take effect upon publication. Motion made by Council Member Sierawski, supported by Council Member Ponstein to approve Ordinance No. 278, as an emergency ordinance. The motion was unanimously APPROVED by roll call vote.

City Manger Krombeen explained that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission requires any establishment that sells beer and wine on Sunday to obtain a permit. Normally, each permit request would be processed individually. This resolution would give approval in advance of the Sunday sales permit for any existing licensed establishment in the city. Motion made by Council Member Ponstein, supported by Council Member Sierawski to approve Resolution No. 2774, authorizing and consenting to the granting of permits by the LCC for the Sunday sale of beer and wine. The motion was unanimously APPROVED by roll call vote.

Motion by Council Member Maas, supported by Council Member Gates, to approve Resolution No. 2775, adopting MERS Benefit “E” Increase to be effective on adjustment date January 1, 2007. The motion was unanimously APPROVED by roll call vote. The increase will be the Traditional E for all retirees and beneficiaries retired on or before December 31, 2005 under the MERS Defined Benefit Plan.

CONSENT AGENDA

Items presented under the Consent Agenda included:

Reports: Fire/EMS (October), Treasurer’s (October)
Minutes: Historical Commission (October 16)

Library Board (October 26)

Appointment: Kent County Dispatch Authority Board –

Joe Sierawski – Term Expiring 11/07

Set Special City Council Meeting (Monday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m.)
Reschedule Dec. 25 City Council Meeting (Monday, Dec. 18, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m.)
Miscellaneous Purchase Orders and Requests:

a. WWTP: Lift Station Alarms Battery Backup

Alpha-Tran Engineering - $2,500.00

Motion made by Council Member Maas, supported by Council Member Gates, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented in the best interest of the City. The motion was unanimously APPROVED by roll call vote.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Finance Director/Treasurer Guinther stated City staff has explored the possibility of a bond refunding for the existing 1996 Sanitary Sewer System Revenue Bonds. Mr. Guinther indicated significant savings could result if Council moves forward on a refund prior to the end of the year. No action is required at this time. A special Council meeting will be held on Monday November 20, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. to authorize actions related to the refunding.

Motion made by Council Member Maas, supported by Council Member Gelderloos, to excuse the absence of Council Member Pettijohn. The motion was APPROVED.

COMMENTS

Comments were made regarding:

· Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

· Veteran’s Day

· Extreme Wire EDM Press Coverage

· Election results

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Council Member Maas, supported by Council Member Gates, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. The motion was APPROVED.

Marci L. Poley

Recording Clerk

Approved by City Council: November 27, 2006

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