Mayor Pro Tem Schantz 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, and Danna White.

Council Members Absent:      Duane Walters excused

Others Present:                        City Manager Mark Moers, City Clerk Michelle Westcott

Mayor Pro Tem Schantz offered the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a moment of meditation.

Dickman moved, Kelly seconded, CARRIED, to accept the agenda of the March 15, 2010 regular council meeting as presented. Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger.  No - None.

Brugger moved, Dickman seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2010 regular meeting as presented. Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman.  No - None. 

Dickman moved, Steinhurst seconded, CARRIED, to approve Claim Sheet 031510 as presented.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly.  No - None.

Dickman moved, Brugger seconded, CARRIED, to approve the Tawas Hardware bill in the amount of $719.02.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz.  No - None.

City Manager Moers stated the State of Michigan sent the City a grant agreement to participate in the Electronic Poll Book grant project. This program will allow the state to procure laptop computers and accessories for each precinct in the state.  The laptop will replace the paper poll book and the QVF look up list for the precinct with an Electronic Poll Book and lookup.  Brugger moved, Dickman seconded, CARRIED, to approve the grant agreement with the State of Michigan to accept the Qualified Voter File's Electronic Poll Book Laptop & Accessories (SMB 1186).  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst.  No - None.

City Manager Moers introduced Tom Musolf from the Veterans Recognition Committee which updated the Council on the Veterans Recognition Plaza Project. 

Chief Ferguson presented Officer Wier with a commendation of merit for his work and efforts during the investigation of the 119 Mathews Street property drug forfeiture.

Steinhurst moved, Brugger seconded, CARRIED, to appoint Ken Myles as the City Attorney.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, White.  No - None. 

City Manager Moers reported that the DNRE approved to add the boat launch, parking/signage to the Gateway Park Renovation Grant Project due to the bids being lower than the projected cost.  The contractor and engineer of the project are working on an estimated cost of the addition.  The boat launch placed at Gateway Park would help retain grants for dredging of the river in the future.

City Manager Moers reported that the Park Board organized with Huron Pines for the City to sign a Cooperative Weed Management Agreement.  The agreement states that we want to provide protection to our sensitive natural eco-system.  The program would create a cooperative between the municipal and private sector land for the control of invasive plant species at no cost to the City on the Lake Huron Shoreline.   Brugger moved, White seconded, CARRIED, to accept the Northeast Michigan Cooperative Weed Management Plan Agreement with Huron Pines (SBM 1187).  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Dickman, Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger.  No - None.

City Manager Moers reported receiving a quote from Rigg Land Surveying for $4,900.00 and from Wade Trim for $5,400.00 for a topographical survey of Whittemore Street.  The survey will start the process of a design build reconstruction for Whittemore Street.   Dickman moved, Steinhurst seconded, CARRIED, to approve Rigg Land Surveying to provide the City with a topographical map of Whittemore Street for $4,900.00.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Kelly, Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman.  No - None.

Mayor Pro Tem Schantz recommended Farah Eagal to a two year term on the Park and Recreation Board.  White moved, Dickman seconded, CARRIED to approve Mayor Pro Tem Schantz's recommendation of Farah Eagal to the Park and Recreation Board for a two year term.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Schantz, Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly.  No - None.

Councilmember Brugger stated she attended the Heritage Route meeting and they are working on classifying U.S. 23 Highway as a national highway.

Councilmember Kelly stated he is excited for the projects that will start this spring in Tawas City.

Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember's thanked Officer Wier and the Veteran Recognition Plaza Committee for attending the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Tawas City Council is scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tawas City Hall. 

Steinhurst moved, Dickman seconded, CARRIED, to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.  Roll Call Vote:  Yes - Steinhurst, White, Brugger, Dickman, Kelly, Schantz.  No - None.

Michelle M. Westcott, City Clerk