City Council Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Galsterer, Loeffler, Rupprecht, Schmitzer, Schoenow & Zeilinger.

ABSENT: Meyer.

Mayor Rupprecht called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and opened with the pledge of allegiance.

There were no public comments.

The Mayor advised of one additional discussion item concerning the upcoming Walkability Audit would be added to the agenda and advised that the Frankenmuth Home Tour item be delayed until a future meeting. He also reviewed consent agenda items.

Moved by Schoenow, seconded by Galsterer, to approve the agenda as reviewed by the Mayor. Unanimously carried.

Moved by Zeilinger, seconded by Loeffler, to approve minutes from the regular meeting held on July 7, 2010 and the special meeting held on July 22, 2010. Unanimously carried.

EDC Board Vice-chair Jerry Thompson presented the Economic Development Corporation’s 2009-2010 annual report.

Discussed potential economic development prospects being constantly pursued and the board’s quest for job creation.

Moved by Loeffler, seconded by Schoenow, to accept the annual report of the Economic Development Corporation Board and to express the Council’s appreciation for their continuing dedication. Unanimously carried.

Sister City Chairperson Dan Haubenstricker reviewed a report submitted to the Council dated July 29, 2010 concerning a proposed fountain and other potential improvements to be located in the Gunzenhausen Platz located on Mill Street, south of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, 730 S. Main Street, to commemorate the upcoming 50^th Anniversary (2012) and other future anniversaries of the Gunzenhausen-Frankenmuth Sister City relationship. He also showed a three dimensional model of conceptual improvements to the platz.

Discussion took place on the costs, funding, ownership, perpetual care, operations and maintenance, approval process, fundraising, and similarities with the other two fountains in the city.

The Council requested more information on the proposed project and suggested the DDA Board consider funding 50% of the future annual maintenance costs in addition to their offer to pay on-going electricity, water and landscaping costs.

Police Chief Mawer reviewed department activities during the month of June. Treasurer Deterding reviewed the July financial reports, and City Clerk Kerns reviewed the construction code activity for the month of July.

Fire Chief Deterding reviewed information on a new 911 telephone notification system being unveiled to all residents of the county concerning emergencies, weather warnings and other important government notifications. This system will replace the Code Red system currently being funded by the City-Township Commission.

Moved by Galsterer, seconded by Schoenow, to accept the Police, Treasurer’s and Construction Codes monthly reports as submitted. Unanimously carried.

DDA Director Sheila Stamiris confirmed an award notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation for a $200,000 grant to be used on the Cass River Fish Passage Project. She reviewed the grant eligibility requirements, the total cost of the fish passage project being $3.2 million, and the current status of the project.

Discussion took place on the challenge being that matching funds for this grant must be non-federal monies; however, that requirement can be achieved and execution of the document was recommended by staff.

Moved by Loeffler, seconded by Galsterer, to adopt Resolution No. 2010-68 approving a $200,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant agreement for the Cass River Fish Passage Project. Unanimously carried.

Assistant City Manager/Treasurer Deterding reviewed the City’s official website and its features.

Moved by Schoenow, seconded by Loeffler, to adopt Resolution No. 2010-69 approving dates for the 2010 temporary outdoor sales of the Frankenmuth Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. through September 1, 2010. Unanimously carried.

City Manager Graham reviewed a request by Robert Jacobs to annex his property at 12360 E. Tuscola Street into the City limits.

Moved by Loeffler, seconded by Zeilinger, to adopt Resolution No. 2010-70 approving the annexation of property containing 1.91 acres of land in Section 25 of Frankenmuth Township located at 12360 E. Tuscola Street, effective January 1, 2011. Unanimously carried.

Moved by Schoenow, seconded by Galsterer, to adopt Resolution No. 2010-71 approving a street banner on Weiss Street near the entrance to Heritage Park and temporary directional signs for the 2010 Summer Music-Fest to be located on Weiss Street (at Heritage Park & near Bavarian Inn Lodge), Weiss & M-83, and Jefferson & Weiss from August 12-17, 2010 and the 2010 Oktoberfest from September 16-19, 2010; to adopt Resolution No. 2010-72 approving a Main Street over-the-street banner and temporary directional sign permits for the 2010 Country Street Machines Car Show from September 10-12, 2010; and to adopt Resolution No. 2010-73 appointing City Clerk Phillip Kerns as the M.E.R.S. of Michigan officer delegate for 2010-2011. Unanimously carried.

The Mayor advised of four positions that needed to be filled on the Economic Development Corporation Board and that the following five candidates have requested consideration: John Benson, Thomas Meyer, Chris Rittmueller, Jerry Thompson and Terry Weiss.

After a vote was taken by paper ballot, the following motion was offered:

Moved by Galsterer, seconded by Loeffler, to appoint John Benson, Chris Rittmueller, Jerry Thompson and Terry Weiss to the Economic Development Corporation Board, terms expiring August 9, 2013. Unanimously carried.

The Mayor advised that one vacant position needed to be filled on the Parks & Recreation Commission as a result of John Schmidt’s mid term resignation and that the following four candidates have requested consideration: Willie Beck, John Daugharty, Kim Maier and Tom Meyer. In addition, the school board has requested that Dan Wortman be appointed as their representative on the Commission replacing Dan Bade who is now an at-large member.

Moved by Zeilinger, seconded by Schoenow, to appoint Dan Wortman as the Frankenmuth School Board member representative, term expiring December 31, 2012. Unanimously carried.

After a vote was taken by paper ballot, the following motion was offered:

Moved by Zeilinger, seconded by Schmitzer, to appoint Willie Beck as a member at-large to the Parks & Recreation Commission, term expiring December 31, 2011. Unanimously carried.

The Mayor reviewed the status of the walkability audit and a recent meeting with the persons involved in this upcoming activity planned for August 27, 2010.

Discussion took place on expectations and planned activities.

Moved by Galsterer, seconded by Schoenow, to approve payment of the bills for July 2010 in the amount of $1,126,147.36. Unanimously carried.

1. City Manager - Monthly Report.

2. September Preliminary Council Agenda.

Moved by Schoenow, seconded Galsterer, to refer the second of a three year annual water rate increase imposed by the City of Saginaw, effective July 1, 2010, to the Water Board for review and recommendation. Unanimously carried.

Moved by Galsterer, seconded by Loeffler, to reinstate the City of Frankenmuth’s participation in annual Mayor Exchange activities and that lodging fees for all attendees be reimbursed by the City. Carried.

1. Economic Development Corporation Board – July 15, 2010.

2. Parks & Recreation Commission – June 23, 2010.

3. Joint Planning Commissions – June 14, 2010.

4. Sister City Committee – July 13, 2010.

5. Chamber of Commerce Board – June 16, 2010.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:26 P.M.

Phillip W. Kerns

City Clerk

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