City of Southgate Regular City Council Meeting November 2, 2011 A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Southgate was held in the Municipal Council Chambers, 14400 Dix-Toledo Highway, Southgate, Michigan on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 and was called to order at 8:00 PM by Council President Phillip J. Rauch. This meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call. Present: Absent: Also Present: Jan Ferencz, Patricia Ganzberger, Karen George, Phillip Rauch, Chris Rollet, Dale Zamecki. Carol Batko* (*Excused). Mayor Joseph G. Kuspa, City Administrator Brandon Fournier, City Attorney Ed Zelenak, Assistant Administrator/Finance Director David Angileri, City Engineer John Hennessey, City Clerk Thomas Alexander, Inspections Director Bob Casanova, DPS Director Keith Tackett, Fire Chief Doug Gildner, Parks & Recreation Programs Manager Jodi Truel, City Treasurer Sheryl Denman. Minutes: Mayor Kuspa proclaimed November, 2011, as National Family Caregivers Month in the City of Southgate. Moved by George, supported by Rollet, RESOLVED, that the minutes of the City Council Study Session dated October 5, 2011 be approved as presented. Carried unanimously. Moved by Ganzberger, supported by Ferencz, RESOLVED, that the minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting dated October 19, 2011 be approved as presented. Carried unanimously. Persons in the Audience: 1. Letter from Larry Vroman; re: Outdoor Sale of Christmas Wreaths was read. Request Summary: Boy Scout Troop 1783 is requesting permission to sell Christmas Wreaths at the Southgate Shopping Center to raise money for their annual summer camp and other Troop expenses. Moved by Zamecki, supported by Rollet, WHEREAS, Boy Scout Troop 1783 has obtained permission from the owner of the Southgate Shopping Center (Michael Sisskind & Company) to hold their annual Wreath Sale near CVS, and WHEREAS, proceeds from the sale are utilized to help fund Troop Activities, NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby approves the Sale of Christmas Wreaths at the Southgate Shopping Center on November 25, 26 & 27/December 3 & 4, 2011, as requested Larry Vroman (2985 Bridge St, Trenton, MI 48183) Committee Member for Fordline School Troop 1783. Carried unanimously. Consideration of Bids: 1. Letter from Administrator; re: Extraction Equipment was read. Request Summary: Authorization to Purchase Extraction Equipment (with grant funds) from the sole source provider was requested. Moved by Ganzberger, supported by Zamecki, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the request of the Fire Chief to waive the bid procedure for purchase of Extraction Equipment and hereby authorizes purchase of said equipment from Apollo Fire Equipment (the sole source provider for
adaptable equipment) 12584 Lakeshore Drive, Romeo, MI 48065 in the amount of $16,000.00 as determined to be in the best interest of the City; FURTHER, sufficient funds are available for this purchase from a AAA Grant. Carried unanimously. Officials Reports: Councilman Ferencz reported on the following: 1. Downriver Community Shred Day: November 5 th (10am - 1pm) at 16777 Northline Road (YMCA). Councilman Zamecki: 1. The Last Week for Yard Waste Pick Up begins November 21 st and ends November 26 th. 2. Reminded that its time to Fall Back & Reset the Clocks on November 6 th. 3. Encouraged support of Southgate s Newest Business: Bongo Juice (Southgate Shopping Center). Council President Rauch reported on the following: 1. Southgate Seniors Pancake Breakfast: November 6 th, $4 (9am 1pm, Civic Center). 2. The Southgate Community Players (SCP) will present Annie on November 11/12 & 18/19. a. SCP is hosting a benefit for the Animal Shelter: Sandy (Annie s Dog s) Birthday Party on November 12 & 19. ($5/person). b. For information on SCP Events contact 282.4727 or visit www.scponstage.com Councilman Ganzberger reported on the following: 1. Extended sympathies to the VanSparrentak family. 2. Receipt of calls/suggestions from residents; re: Proper (safe) Leaf Disposal. a. Suggestion: (if possible) Water Bills should indicate that sweeping or throwing of lawn cuttings into any street is prohibited ; also, that a similar notation be placed on Water Bills for the Odd/Even Watering Schedule, when appropriate. Mayor Kuspa agreed. He noted information pertaining to the Watering Schedule has been included on the bills and if possible, information about Leaf Disposal will be displayed as well. He encouraged neighbor to neighbor communication and added there is a Suggestion Box at City Hall for people to submit their suggestions. 3. Encouraged residents to Vote on November 8 th and support the Road Millage Renewal. 4. Noted Councilman Batko and her vast contributions will be greatly missed as she is not seeking re-election. Councilman George: 1. Extended Well Wishes to Kevin Bunch (former Library Staff Member) on his new employment opportunity. 2. The next Library Commission Meeting is November 8 th at 7PM. 3. Encouraged Seniors to visit the Senior Center to learn about activities offered there. 4. Attendance at the SUDD s (Stop Underage Drinking Downriver) Open House. a. Commented on information offered regarding underage drinking and substance abuse. b. To request a SUDD s Representative Speaker, contact the Downriver Guidance Center. Treasurer Denman reported on the following: 1. Believes everyone will be pleased with the plain, easy to read, New Tax Bill Format. 2. Advised that PNC Bank has decided to stop accepting Tax & Water Bill Payments.
3. Explained that Delinquent Real Property Taxes (for land) are handled by the County; however, Delinquent Personal Property Taxes must be collected by the local branch of government. a. She is proud to report that since she took office in 2007, $527,764.56 in delinquent personal property taxes have been collected because of new Treasurer s Office efforts and initiatives. Council President Rauch commented on Treasurer Denman s excellent job performance and office update accomplishments. Mayor Kuspa: 1. Thanked the public school art teachers and art students for creating festive scarecrows that are currently displayed in the lobby of City Hall. 2. New Local Businesses: a) UKAZOO Books (former Borders location on Eureka) New and Used Books. b) Bongo Juice (Southgate Shopping Center, next to Planet Fitness) Healthy Menu. c) Enterprise Rent-A-Car (located in the former Zubor Automotive Service Center). 3. Stressed the importance of participating in the November 8 th General Election. a) Reinforced the City s need for Renewal of the Road Millage (funds), outlined the benefits associated with the Road Millage and expressed hope for continued resident support. 4. On November 4 th, Southgate Anderson Titans v. Wyandotte Roosevelt Bears: a) Mayor Joe Peterson has accepted Mayor Kuspa s challenge: The losing team s Mayor will donate $100 to the winning team s Goodfellow s Program. For more information, feel free to contact the above-mentioned officials or the municipal offices. communications a: 1. Memo from Assistant Administrator/Finance Director; re: FY 2010/2011 Audit was read. Request Summary: Acceptance and Approval of the FY 2010/2011 Audit was requested. Also requested, restatement of the fund balance as outlined. Upon request, Beth Bialey, City Auditor, commented on the Audit Report offered at the Work Study Session explaining that the City managed to work within a balanced budget because of cost cutting and controlling measures implemented to address sharply declining revenues. Unfortunately, property taxes are expected to continue to decrease. a. A $ 550,000 decrease in General Fund revenues is expected. b. The City s personal property taxes (over $800,000) is very much at risk given discussions taking place at the State level. c. A couple hundred thousand dollar decline of State Shared Revenue is expected because of the Governor s EVIP Program. She concluded, the goal is to continue to be proactive by doing the things that are necessary to be able to earn the City s share of the EVIP Funds. Moved by Ferencz, supported by Ganzberger, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendation of the Assistant Administrator/Finance Director and hereby accepts and approves the Audit for FY 2010/2011 as presented; FURTHER, Fund Balance is restated as follows: General Fund Nonspendable Prepaids $174,667 Restricted Unspent Property Tax Sanitation $262,460 Unspent Property Tax P & F Pension $258,135 Low Income Housing $ 9,163
Committed Workers Compensation $163,284 Capital Project Funds County Property Tax Chargeback s $675,000 Computer Software Acquisition $ 29,000 Committed Police Cars $574,000 Property Acquisition $140,000 Fire Rescue $ 37,000 Fire Pumper $350,000 DPS Vehicles $ 18,000 Assigned Workers Compensation $ 12,473 County Property Tax Chargeback s $ 75,000 Severance Reserve $ 50,000 Capital Projects Fund $414,071 Motion carried unanimously. ordinances: 1. Ordinance; re: Alternate BZA Members, 1 st Reading. The first reading of the ordinance to establish alternate BZA Members has been referred for further study. 2. Ordinance; re: Civil Infractions, 1 st Reading. Councilman Rollet offered a first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 300.07 of the Code of the City of Southgate to convert certain offenses from misdemeanors to civil infractions. old business: Councilman George; Road Projects. Inquired about the status of local road projects. Upon request, Engineer Hennessey, explained that all three miles of local road improvements should receive the final wearing course within a couple days. Next, transition for the shoulder area will begin, followed by addressing each driveway transition into the new roadway. He stressed that residents with a complaint should contact the City in a timely manner for appropriate remedy. He is pleased with the outcome (road appearance/stability) of this new method; added that significant cost savings will be realized. Discussion took place regarding weather conditions (wind, rain, and heat) that hindered project progress. claims and accounts: Moved by Ferencz, supported by Ganzberger, RESOLVED, that Claims and Accounts be paid as outlined on Warrant #1196 in the amount of $1,660,250.73. Discussion: 1. Councilman George, for the record, requested an explanation of the DDA Charges on Page 16 related to 3 Dinner Buffet Events held at the Holiday Inn Banquet Center that cost $1,259.00.
The invoice simply listed the buffet expenses so she researched the DDA minutes for more information, but could not find out the purpose for the gathering or who was in attendance. She did recall a similar charge for a Branding Team on the last warrant. Administrator Fournier explained the expenditures were approved through the Community Promotions Budget of the DDA, therefore, it was not brought to the Board in a full meeting setting. It was an Administrative decision through the DDA Coordinator. Essentially, there is a group of community stake holders, primarily business owners within the community, that have convened through a series of meetings to discuss ways to enhance ways to the DDA s brand image, including the Southgate Logo. They are trying to develop it and ultimately develop some marketing efforts to increase the visibility of our Downtown District. Because it is a volunteer organization taking place after normal business hours, the decision was made to provide food and soft drinks so refreshments were available during these two to three hour sessions. Councilman George asked why the meetings were held outside of the DDA District. Administrator Fournier replied it was very important to have the ability to use the buffet, as it provided ease. Further, certain networking capabilities were available in the Banquet Rooms at the Holiday Inn. Councilman George asked if there are any minutes from the sessions. Administrator Fournier replied there are no minutes in the traditional sense. However, when the group has completed their work, a final report will be submitted to the DDA. Councilman George requested that Council receive a copy of said report. 2. Councilman George inquired, on the same warrant under the above mentioned expense, there is an entry for $1,300 for Holiday Ice Sculptures. Administrator Fournier reminded that the 2010 Santa s Express Christmas Train Rides were very successful. In turn, the decision was made to expand by including an ice show for 2011. He is pleased to report that last year, the event received enough donations to be a net zero event. Hopefully, the same result will occur this year. Councilman George understands that the DDA is a excellent promotion tool, but as an Elected Official that approves payment of warrant entries, she simply wants to be informed. Motion carried unanimously. adjournment: Moved by George, supported by Zamecki, RESOLVED, that this Regular Meeting of the Southgate City Council be adjourned at 8:36 P.M. Carried unanimously. Phillip J. Rauch Council President Thomas M. Alexander City Clerk kw 11.22.11