Approval of Agenda

Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Feehan.

The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:

            Ayes:               Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller

            Nays:               None

Public Comments

None

Guest – Chuck Robinson, Veteran’s Memorial Park

He did not attend this meeting.

Consent Agenda

Reports by Council Liaisons

Council Member Scheid had nothing to report.

Council Member Davis had nothing to report.

Council Member Meyers reported that the Rec Board meets July 8.  The Housing Commission met June 20. He didn’t make that meeting, but they are looking at repairs in the basement and street repairs/potholes, and busy with tree trimming cleanup. Good news/bad news on flood insurance. Some units are no longer in the flood plain.  Next meeting is July 18.

Council Member Feehan reported that the Museum is setting up outdoor; looking for one piece swimsuits as part of a display.

Council Member Miller said the bills are paid for the Library. They are looking to put in LED lights. He talked about the Consumers energy payback, and how they will get savings later. In the Greenville News was a notice that all overdue children’s books and fines are forgiven. Library will extend hours. Reporting on the Planning Commission; there was no meeting in June.

Unfinished Business

No unfinished business.

New Business

1. Temporary Street Closure – 321 W. Isabelle Street

Council Member  Scheid moved the passage of the resolution and the motion was supported by Council Member  Feehan.

Public Comments

John LaClear, 415 E. State St., stated that a situation happened a couple of weeks ago and two complaints were presented to two officers and nothing was done until a Council Member was contacted. He doesn’t feel it should happen that way.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Niemela reported on the Housing Commission survey results. They had to go back and look at them. One parcel is by the walkway/trail. What was discovered once completed, it included at least half of North State Street. Not sure why it is that way. It is City owned property. To ensure it doesn’t happen in the future, they need to not include street, and rewriting description. There is already an easement for sewer. They will add another easement to put the road through there. They will include another part of the property. It’s been put on high priority in order to get the description done. Then it will go to Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Woodhaven parcel includes Crystler Court. There is another parcel on Water Street. It presents an opportunity to give extra parking for Water Street Park.  Council Member Scheid asked Sharon Carlson if it will cause trouble for her and she said that she feels they are okay for the moment. She said it has turned into a multi-gauged problem. She appreciated Manager Niemela helping with this.

Manager Niemela said he spoke with Holly Noble regarding the Veteran’s Memorial Park and naming it after her Dad, Dennis Craycraft. He talked about adding a wayfaring sign so it can more easily be found. A third thing was a brass life-sized statue of Denny.  Holly suggested one of him standing in front of the Memorial with a backpack; like he has come back.  There will be a funding issue, and Manager Niemela found a site in California that does those statues. They run approximately $7,500 to $15,000 dollars.  Holly will check with someone else to find out if they can do it and how much. The group will discuss it and get back to the City.  Council Member Feehan suggested that the statue be featured in fatigues and kneeling in front of the memorial.  No one is sure of the timing about naming the park and unveiling a statue. They might start with a plaque first.  The group will get back to Manager Niemela.

Manager Niemela then asked the Council to authorizing his vacation from July 22 to July 25.

Council Member Scheid made a motion to authorize City Manager Niemela’s request for vacation time from July 22, 2019 to July 25, 2019, supported by Council Member Feehan.

The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:

Ayes:   Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Miller, and Feehan.

Nays:   None

Council Comments

Council Member Scheid had none.

Council Member Davis had a question about naming the Memorial Park.  He doesn’t want to diminish what Denny did, but wonders if any other Memorial Parks are named after someone.  He wants to make sure it isn’t offensive to others.  Manager Niemela said that the VFW and American Legion are part of the committee, so he doubts there is a concern.  Council Member Davis also wondered about Shuffleboard signage.

Council Member Meyers suggested to check on the wording “Veteran’s” instead of War Memorial.  Manager Niemela talked about it representing “wars”.  Council Member Meyers told everyone to have a great holiday.

Council Member Feehan talked about a possible camera system at the park to prevent vandalism. Manager Niemela will follow up on that and will put them on the next agenda.

Manager Niemela also talked about the water improvement program, and is hoping to schedule them to come to the next meeting. He has to make sure the person who did the work can come.

Mayor Miller echoed thanks to everyone for coming out, and wishing all a good holiday. He said that he wants to make sure we’re doing the right thing for everyone.  Council Member Scheid says that there is one on the east side of the state with a name on it. Mayor Miller said they will be checking with the family.  He added that they will roll over them attending the next meeting.

Council Member Feehan asked if there is something special planned for Kareen’s retirement.  Council Member Meyers asked if they’ve started looking in order to having someone come before her leaving.  Manager Niemela responded to both questions by stating that it is still early and plans do include having someone on board early. He also stated that it will be hard to train someone in a short time on all the knowledge Kareen has based on her many years of service.

Adjournment

Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Feehan.

Ayes:               Council Members Scheid, Davis, Meyers, Feehan and Miller

            Nays:               None

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.