East Central Reporter

City of Tuscola City Council met July 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order with Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter (via dial in), Truitt, Waldrop, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance. Mayor Kleiss led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment - None Consent Agenda Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the consent agenda:

1. The minutes of the July 13, 2020 meeting 

2. Financial report for June 2020 

3. Payment of bills totaling $113,159.10

4. Street closures for Tuscolians for Racial Justice March on August 8, 2020 Hoey moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Waldrop seconded, VOTE YEA *Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop. Truitt moved to approve the consent agenda for July 27, 2020. Shoemaker seconded. Mayor Kleiss pointed out the March for Racial Justice would begin at the park @ 11:00 am on the 8th, travel down Main to Houghton, and end at the Courthouse @ noon after hearing from some speakers. Kleiss suggests a squad car lead the march, VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

Mayor

Mayor Kleiss asked for approval of the annual tourism board. Truitt moved to approve these appointments as submitted for the period of June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021. Morris seconded. VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop. 

City Clerk - No Report 

City Treasurer Treasurer Long reported Eddie Boutilier and Red Barn Veterinary Services are delinquent on their TIF loans. 

City Attorney - Nothing 

City Administrator - Nothing

Other

Treasurer Long discussed the uncollectable accounts write off, explaining this will help clean up our monthly accounting statements. The uncollectable accounts will be kept on record and the city would try to recover the past due amounts in the event the owners of record came in to request city services. Most of the uncollectable amounts are out of town fire calls and mowing charges on abandoned or foreclosed properties, Long added. Day moved to write off the uncollectable accounts receivable since 2001 in the amount of $24,309.37. Rund seconded. VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

Hoey moved council go into executive session to discuss possible land acquisition and pending litigation. The time was 7:38 pm. Day seconded. VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop. The meeting was called back to order at 7:55 pm with Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter (via call-in), Truitt, Waldrop, and Mayor Kleiss present. Mayor Kleiss announced the city has come to terms on a property acquisition from Chief Craig Hastings, discussed during the past two Executive Sessions. Administratori Hoel stated the property is just east of the Community Building and has a small garage on the north end of the lot. The terms include a purchase price of $59,500, with contingencies for sale of structure or salvage. If the structure is sold within five years, Hastings would receive 1/2 of the amount received. If the structure is demoed, Hastings would like to be able to salvage some of the items. Attorney Bequette feels it is best to get this proposed purchase out in the open since it involves the City's Chief of Police. The property is an attractive downtown property the city has been interested in for years, Bequette added. The purchase price is above the appraisal but not beyond the pale expected to be paid by a municipality. Bequette stated acquiring this property at this price, on these terms, is cheaper, quicker, and friendlier than imminent domain. The city will control an attractive property downtown. Any comments should be brought publicly to the next meeting to be heard before the vote is taken. Mayor Kleiss added this property is important to our downtown comprehensive plan. Hoel stated this property is the only parcel in the entire 12 block that the city does not own. Day noted the price is a nice compromise between the original asking price and the appraisal.

Mayor Kleiss read a letter of resignation from Alderwoman Phyllis Truitt. Truitt is resigning her seat because she is moving out of her ward. In the letter, Truitt stated she has enjoyed serving the city; working with and meeting new colleagues who are now her friends; and the city staff. Truitt ended by saying she is proud of the many accomplishments over the years and the progress brought to the town she loves so much. Mayor Kleiss presented Truitt with a plaque : commemorating her 28 years on the council. Kleiss thanked Truitt for her service adding he. appreciates the support she has given him and the city. Hoey moved to approve the resignation of Phyllis Truitt as alderwoman from Ward II, effective July 28, 2020. Slaughter seconded. VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris, Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

The motion to adjourn was made by Truitt and seconded by Day. VOTE YEA* Day, Hoey, Morris Rund, Shoemaker, Slaughter, Truitt, Waldrop.

https://tuscola.org/file/837/minutes-7-27-20.pdf