OCTOBER 26, 2009 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PORT HURON CITY COUNCIL

The Port Huron City Council met for their last scheduled meeting before the election on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. at the Municipal Office Center at 7:00 p.m. Everyone was present and accounted for.

They began with a PRESENTATION from the Port Huron Beautification Commission which talked about the "Tree Celebration Program" certificates that acknowledge the planting of a tree in the city in memory of a loved one or dear friend or to honor or recognize an individual. Mary Jo Edson spoke for the group and started off by introducing the members which include David Bennis, Betty Eastin, Diane Horn, Donna Kelly, Laura Luttrell, Darcy Macke, Alice Mariani, Carolyn McNeill, Evelyn Rogers and Tami Zimmer. Lifetime Members are Deborah Lemke, Wanda Collins, Christine Gaffney, Margaret Ann Gibbs, Mary Goschnick, Kathy Holth, Norman Langolf, Curt Leaby, Howard Sloan, Ann Stine, Jane Sturdevant and Jean Webb.

The group wanted to encourage residents to plant a tree in honor of someone on city property. The trees cost about $150 to $200. A plaque will have the names engraved on it and this plaque will hang in the Municipal Office Center's Lobby. They are also looking for volunteers, but they don't have to join the group if they don't want to.

PRESENTATION #2 was Tony Schifano, Executive Director of Industrial Development, who gave a quarterly report to the Council concerning industrial development and the Innovation Center.

He stated that his goals are to bring new jobs and retain the jobs we already have. He also would like to see new businesses starting. So far the Innovation Center has 2 occupants and a third one is reviewing the lease.

They have started really cranking up the retention efforts in the Industrial Park. He is also organizing marketing activities by contacting multipliers which include commercial bankers and real estate brokers. They will identify who these are and market to them. This is very important.

He said that he plans on targeting industry groups that can take advantage of our location.

Companies can find us through out website and they will also bring different types of industries here, maybe with a convention.

The floor was opened up to questions from the council. Councilmember Doorn said this was encouraging and we need to get economic growth revved up. He noted that there was some confusion about the cities role in the Lake Pilots relocation. He asked if they had participated in that deal. Mr. Schifano replied that they had. They had expressed to him that they felt they would be displaced when Acheson Ventures wanted to use that building they were in. They were losing their lease in early September at the Pine Street address. Along with Mr. Schifano, the city assessor and the Blue Water Concierge, Scott Beedon, made some contacts on behalf of the Lake Pilots. At that time the Pilots were looking to relocate outside the community. Scott Beedon and Bruce Brown worked to get them in the location they will be once it's built.

Councilmember Stevens asked that Mr. Schifano elaborate on the Innovation Center. Mr. Schifano stated that St. Clair County has the third highest patent projects and the City took a look at how to try to pull some of these people in to set up their businesses in the city.

Councilmember Lewandowski asked besides the marketing, what else have they done. Mr. Schifano stated that he was trying to get the numbers. He hasn't been able to accomplish enough business retention which is really important. When they started this, they found one business wanted to expand so how many more needs are out there they can help with.

PUBLIC HEARING #1 was to hear public comment on the application of IAC Port Huron, LLC for the transfer and extension of Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates.

Anthony America spoke and shared he felt everyone should get tax breaks.

Darrin Rushing spoke and stated that it was impossible to compare a company for business tax exemptions and the public tax exempt.

Tony Schifano came up to explain that the Michigan Act gives municipalities the right to give tax breaks to businesses. This helps attract new business here. The specific application before the council was a transfer on equipment from the previous owner.

Councilmember Stevens wanted to know how many employees did this company have?

Mr. Schifano said 111.

The council moved on to the next stage of this process . . . For Council Consideration. Resolution approving the application of IAC Port Huron LLC for the transfer of Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates #2003-215, 2005-068 and 2006-263 and the extension of Certificate #2003-215 for an additional three year period.

Councilmember Byrne stated he does not like specialized tax breaks, however, this is an existing one so he will support it.

The vote was taken and it passed.

PUBLIC HEARING #2 was to hear public comments on the application of SMW Automotive for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate.

Anthony America again stated he was against this and wants the people to get tax breaks.

For Council Consideration - Resolution approving the application of SMW Automotive for an industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for six years on personal property.

Councilmember Byrne state for the record that this company employes 75 people.

PUBLIC HEARING #3 was to hear comments on Code Case #09-003, 613/615/617/619 Glenwood Ave., to ascertain and determine whether it constitutes nuisance as defined by Chapter 10, Section 10-211 and Chapter 34, Section 34-3 of the Code of Ordinances.

A representative from Chase Home Finance stated that he understands the city is looking to demolish the prperty. The bank would like time to allow them to foreclose on it. It might be as short as 30 days or up to 6 months.

Councilmembers wanted to know if this was one building.

Kim Harmer, City Planner, stated it was one building with 4 units. It is existing, non-conforming use. The taxes are paid in full. Because of the condition of the property the city contacted Chase after it was turned over to them. However, the house has no parking for 4 units. They would have to show a plan for parking to keep it multi-unit. Most of the units were vacated in 2007. One unit stayed occupied until 2009. Ms. Harmer brought pictures to show the council the interior of the house. There is improper heating.

The Chase representative admitted to not being inside the home yet. He said the bank would like time to investigate to see if the home could be saved.

Councilmember Byrne suggested 2 weeks to investigate it.

Ms. Harmer said that she could get them access to the home and the pictures they have will be shared.

The attorney attending the meeting stated that legally, if council decides to demolish it now, Chase would have no legal recourse against the city. They would get the property with a demolition bill.

Councilmember Byrne said Port Huron needs to be friendly to businesses. He still would like to see if 2 weeks could be allowed.

Mayor Moeller asked who will end up paying for this if the city orders the demolition?

Ms. Harmer said that Chase would probably end up paying.

Councilmember Byrne asked if the city ordered it tonight, how long would it take to demolish it?

Ms. Harmer said that probably 8 weeks by the time asbestos is tested and bids are taken. Her concern is, if the city delays now, it could go into the 6 months foreclosure time.

Mayor Moeller agreed with Councilmember Stevens earlier sentiment that no one wants to look at this building for another 6 months.

Councilmember Doorn asked if an amended motion could be put on the table to provide sufficient finances to demolish the property not to exceed $10,000.

Councilmember Stevens wanted to know if $10,000 was enough.

Ms. Harmer said that it would not be enough. The house on Lapeer they just did was $18,000.

Councilmember Doorn felt the bottom line was it was important to keep this process moving.

Councilmember Stevens felt that $10,000 would not be enough money. Councilmember Doorn would have to remove the motion.

Councilmember Lewandowski asked that if Chase stopped paying taxes on it, would it go back to the city?

Ms. Harmer said yes, it is the risk we run.

Councilmember Doorn said he was trying to create a motion to get this done. He wanted to amend his original motion to $20,000.

They moved on to Council Consideration: resolution approving the immediate demolition of the property for listed violations.

They voted and it passed.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

A letter was read into the record. It pertained to the person having a physical disability and wants to support the amendment to be adopted for a tax break for the physically disabled.

Scott, who lives in Desmond Village, is tired of the noise pollution. He wants something done about loud stereos and boom boxes.

Ken Harris would like to see Resolution #4 approved. He also spoke for Ed Palmer concerning the cell tower that is being put up at 20th Street and Court Street. There is a six foot plastic ball and Ed feels this was misrepresented to the council. Ken also stated for the record that he saw that six banks have closed over the weekend. He is concerned about how much money does the city have in Citizens First and is it protected.

Todd Courser stated he was running for Jud Gilbert's seat when it is vacated. He wanted the council to know that they are doing a great job moving the city into the 21st century. He sees a lot of people leaving the state. He feels our state has the worst business tax in the nation and would like to do something about it.

Bernard Ellery passed a diagram of his neighborhood out to the council. He stated his neighborhood is plagued with the homeless and drug dealers. He bought his house 5 or 6 years ago and was sold a bill of goods by the Community Foundation and the city. He approached a cop about some drug dealings going on and was told "call the drug task force". He said that's not good enough. He also felt that if the city does not have a vagrancy law, we should have one.

Lonnie Stevens wanted to thank the council for the way they have done business even before she came on council.

A presentation from Mayor Moeller for Tim McCollugh was done considering this was his last night on council for a regular meeting. The Mayor got rather emotional when he started telling about all the great work Tim has done on council. Tim thanked everyone and said that he had the honor of serving with quite a few people during his time on council. He thanked the citizens for their support and he hoped he had served them well.

The Mayor then presented Lonnie Stevens a certificate too. He stated that she came onto council in a unique way but she has worked harder than anyone on council. Lonnie said she will not be going away and will hound everyone about the housing issue.

Mayor Moeller said that since this was the last regular meeting before the election, he wanted to thank the Vets, the Ministerial community and his wife for all their support while he was Mayor.

The Mayor proceeded to read the CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution #1 - Authorizing payments.

Resolution #2 - Appointing Carolyn McNeill as a life member of the Beautification Commission after serving for 10 years.

Resolution #5 - Confirming and declaring single lot assessments in the total amount of $1,000 for the cost of removing noxious weeds or unlawful growths or blighting factors.

The Mayor read the Upcoming Events.

They moved on to the RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution #4 - Approving the partnership with the Blue Water Sportfishing Association and Acheson Ventures to assist them in providing annual water and sewer utilities for the fish cleaning station at Desmond Landing.

Chief Eick said the fishing station is something the city needed for a long time, they just never had the resources to do it. It will be a non-profit and it will be public. The parks department would handle the water and sewer utilities. He feels to build and maintain it, it would cost even more. It's on Desmond Marine property. He felt that putting it on city property would take away from it. The benefits are good. Acheson will be providing water access and parking.

Councilmember Lewandowski has seen fish cleaning stations and was impressed with how nice this was and how it draws a lot of people to see the catch of the day.

Councilmember Doorn wanted to be sure it was totally non-profit.

Chief Eick said it was and he made it clear that for the city to provide the utilities, it has to be open to the public.

Councilmember Doorn asked if Chief Eick felt that public/private partnerships we've already formed have worked out.

Chief Eick said yes.

The council voted on this and it passed.

ORDINANCES

#1 - The first and second reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 44, Taxation, Article II, Uniform City Income Tax Ordinance, Section 44-32, Amended, of the Code of Ordinances for the purpose of providing for additional exemptions.

This was the ordinance amendment that Mayor Moeller had introduced to allow exemptions for those who are blind, deaf, or have any other physical disability.

There was no discussion and it was voted on. It passed with Councilmember Byrne voting no.

The meeting was adjourned.

    Add a Comment