Members of the Tuscola City Council gathered for a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 8.
The Tuscola City Council meets at 7:30 p.m on the second and fourth Monday of every month. If a city-recognized holiday falls on those days, the meeting is rescheduled for the following Tuesday. The meetings are held at the Tuscola City Hall, 214 N. Main St.
Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Tuscola City Council:
August 8, 2016
Mayor Kleiss Opened the Community Building study session at 6:45 pm on Monday, August 8, 2016. The purpose of the Session Was to discuss rental policies and procedures for the newly renovated building. The Current rates and policies have been in effect since 2008 and are still competitive with Other buildings in the area. Shoemaker suggests considering how we want to market and package the building now that we have a nice building and state of the art equipment. Day mentioned increasing the deposit now that We have new equipment. Administrator Hoel pointed out the Community Building rentals do not generate much money. The fees charged are more for accountability. Council Would like to see extra charges added to the rental use of the AV equipment. If the AV is not included in the rental, it should be locked up. Other items discussed include:
O The new stage, now in sections that have to be bolted together. Council would like to see a similar Configuration to Our previous stage set up permanently. lf renters need more stage pieces added, those can be requested.
o What/Who qualifies for a fee waiver
O HoW to handle ARTCO's requests to use the Community Building. In the past, they have paid a rental fee for the show dates (Weekends) and used the building free of charge during the - Week for practices as long as no One else asked to rent the building during those times. If Someone wanted to rent the building during the week, City staff would contact ARTCO to see if they wanted to vacate the building on that date or pay the fee themselves. ARTCO will no longer be able to set up their own lighting or build sets in the building.
o Whether to keep the building open during the day, when not rented, for walkers. Council felt this Would be a good idea.
o Adjustments to the Current lease to be sure the city is covered in case of major damages.
After more discussion, Council decided the Public Works Committee would meet to research fees and policies and bring their recommendations back to the full Council. Rental rates will not change for the next few months, but will be revisited at a future date.
The regular meeting of the city Council was called to order with Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance. Alderman Maxey was absent. Donovan Chester led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Kleiss thanked everyone for Coming to tonight's meeting in the newly remodeled Community Building.
Public Comment - None
Consent Agenda
Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the Consent agenda:
Minutes of the July 25, 2016 meeting
Payment of bills totaling $154,066.15
Community Building lease with alcohol request from Laura and Nemecio Ortiz for a birthday party on September 2, 2016
Community Building lease with alcohol request from Jim Higgins for a Christmas Party on August 26, 2016
TusCola Library outdoor movie night on Festival Corner August 12, 2016
Henderson moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA* Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt. Hoey moved to approve the consent agenda for August 8, 2016. Day seconded. VOTE YEA' Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
Requested Time on the Agenda
Paul Wisovaty addressed council on behalf of the Polish Legion of American Veterans. The veterans Would like to Solicit funds for the Polish Legion scholarship and other worthwhile activities. The Polish Legion Veterans will be at the Corner of Main and Sale, and possibly the mall exit, on September 17, 2016 from 8:00 am to noon.
Sharon Frame, Director of the ERBA Head Start Program, addressed Council about Head Start's need for a new location. Head Start has leased classrooms and a playground from Forty Martyrs Church for the past 25 years, Frame stated. The church has informed her they will not be renewing their lease with Head Start, effective September 1, 2016. Frame has looked into more than 15 buildings in the area and narrowed those down to two possibilities. One possibility is the Mac Boyd building in downtown Tuscola. In order to use this building, Head Start would need to build a playground on the empty lot next door CD126W. Sale. Since Frame has very little time to find a new location, she asked Council to consider her request and let her know as soon as possible. Council briefly discussed the request and decided they would prefer to keep the empty lot for marketing purposes. Frame stated she understood that decision and thanked the city for everything they have done for TusCola over the years. Shoemaker moved to deny the request from ERBA Head Start to Construct a playground at 126 W. Sale. Hoey seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
Mayor
1. Mayor Kleiss read a letter of resignation from Alderman Mark Maxey, who recently moved out of his ward. In his letter Maxey stated he appreciates the time he spent on Council, the accomplishments made, and the friendships he has made during this time. Slaughter moved to accept the resignation of Alderman Mark Maxey, Ward II, effective August 4, 2016. Cleland seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
2. After reading a note of thanks for the City's contribution to Hospice on behalf of Danny Ragle,
Mayor Kleiss extended Condolences to Joyce and her family on their loss.
City Clerk - No Report
City Treasurer
Treasurer Long reported the TIF delinquencies are Eddie Boutilier, Red Barn Vet Services, and Rache PUCkett.
City Attorney - Absent
City Administrator - Nothing
Contracts and Agreements
1. Mayor Kleiss Opened discussion on a request from Owen Tucker to amend his existing redevelopment agreement and increase Costs eligible for reimbursement by $15,286.14. Administrator Hoel explained more work is needed in the Doris Subdivision in order to direct drainage in the area to the east ditch. Henderson moved to approve the TIF Committee's recommendation to amend Owen Tucker's existing redevelopment agreement and include additional reimbursable expenses of $15,286.14, for retaining wall materials. Hoey seconded. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
2. Shoemaker moved to approve the real estate contract with Gerald and Nancy Reynolds for
118 West North Central, Tuscola. Day seconded. Administrator Hoel pointed out the City will only be responsible for closing costs on the gift of this property. Hoel added he is Working to arrange a closing with the owners of the property at 116 West North Central. The city's intent is to take title on both 116 and 118 West North Central. VOTE YEA* Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
Requests for TF Assistance - Tabled until next meeting.
Other
Alderman Henderson pointed out he has heard numerous comments about the great job the city crews did with the July 13 storm clean up. Mayor Kleiss read a letter of thanks from Thom Short thanking the city crews for picking up the limbs in front of his house after the storm, and for doing it so Cuickly.
Mayor Kleiss added Ms Frame's presentation concerning the ERBA Head Start's need for a new location Was One of the best presentations this Council has seen. It was also one of the best rejections he's been involved with. Kleiss appreciates Frame's kindness in thanking the city for all we do.
The motion to adjourn was made by Henderson and seconded by Slaughter. VOTE YEA" Cleland, Day, Henderson, Hoey, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt.
The Tuscola City Council meets at 7:30 p.m on the second and fourth Monday of every month. If a city-recognized holiday falls on those days, the meeting is rescheduled for the following Tuesday. The meetings are held at the Tuscola City Hall, 214 N. Main.
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