Mayor Walters called the regular meeting of the Tawas City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. in the council chamber at the Tawas City Hall.
Council Members Present: Sandra Brugger, Dave Dickman, Kane Kelly, Dave Schantz, Carl Steinhurst, Duane Walters, and Danna White.
Council Members Absent: None
Others Present: City Manager Mark Moers, City Clerk Michelle Westcott
Mayor Walters offered the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a moment of meditation.
Dickman moved, Kelly seconded, CARRIED, to accept the agenda of the January 18, 2010 regular council meeting as presented. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, Walters, White, Brugger. No - None.
Dickman moved, Brugger seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2010 regular meeting as presented. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, Walters, White, Brugger, Dickman. No - None.
Dickman moved, White seconded, CARRIED, to approve Claim Sheet 011810 as presented. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Schantz, Steinhurst, Walters, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly. No - None.
Brugger moved, Dickman seconded, CARRIED, to approve the Tawas Hardware bill in the amount of $544.82. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz. Abstain - Walters.
City Manager Moers reported the Department of Public Works repaired a 6" water main break at the North Street and 1st Avenue intersection.
City Manager Moers reported that the MEDC has classified Tawas City as a Core Community due to the county seat. The incentives, unique to Core Communities, target critical needs of older communities-new housing development, redevelopment of obsolete facilities and development of contaminated properties. The Core Communities designation provides the community with three economic development tools: Brownfield redevelopment incentives, obsolete property rehabilitation exemption, and neighborhood enterprise zones.
City Manager Moers stated the City received permission from the DEQ/DNR to burn the treated phargmite area. The Fire Department will burn the treated phargmites.
Mayor Walters stated that Holy Family Catholic School would be celebrating National Catholic Schools the week of January 31st. The Mayor will read the proclamation at the luncheon with the children.
Dickman moved, Brugger seconded, CARRIED to adopt the resolution for the fiscal year end 2009-2010 budget amendments as presented (SBM 1180). Roll Call Vote: Yes - Walters, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst. No - None.
City Manager Moers updated the Council on the Tawas Utility Authority Capital Improvement Plan and contract. The total plant equipment improvements are estimated at 1.7 million which could be bonded for 20 years, or prioritize the improvements and pay as we go. The TUA is still negotiating with United Water to possibly include some of the improvements in their contract. The Councils consensus is to pay as we go and accept the Tawas Utility Authority recommendation.
City Manager Moers reported the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved the selection of the second lowest bidder Schaaf & Associates Construction, Inc. in the amount of $143,346.00 allowing the City to award the bid for the Gateway Park Project. Brugger moved, Steinhurst seconded, CARRIED, to award the Gateway Park Renovation bid to Schaaf & Associates Construction, Inc in the amount of $143,346.00. Roll Call Vote: Yes - White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, Walters. No - None.
Councilmember Brugger stated the Gateway Park Renovation project was a long process and is excited to start construction.
Councilmember Kelly stated that the Core Community would benefit the City.
Councilmember Dickman thanked the DPW crew on an excellent job on the water main break.
Councilmember White stated she attended a TUA meeting and gained appreciation for the members on the utility boards.
Councilmember Steinhurst stated the Council board has a nice mix of members.
Mayor Walters stated he is excited about the projects that will be completed this year on US-23, First Street, Gateway Park and Whittemore Street.
The next regular meeting of the Tawas City Council is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tawas City Hall.
Dickman moved, Kelly seconded, CARRIED, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, Walters, White. No - None.
Michelle M. Westcott, City Clerk
