Alpena public meetings in 2020

Alpena City Council

The City Council and Charter Township of Alpena are holding a joint meeting to discuss a temporary staffing solution for the township's fire department. The proposal addresses a staffing crisis caused by resignations and retirements.

• Proposed 6-month contract for the City to staff one ALS ambulance crew at the Northside station
• Proposed payment of $125,000 from the Township to the City for services
• Proposed City assumption of full responsibility and authority over emergencies in north Alpena Township

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss several municipal contracts and infrastructure recommendations. The body is also reviewing a budget amendment for COVID-19 related expenses and a lease for the Mich-E-Ke-Wis Warming Shelter.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $1,298,005.48
• Budget amendment request for COVID-19 related expenses in the General Fund
• Farmer’s Market Lease of Mich-E-Ke-Wis Warming Shelter
• Alpena County Ambulance Service Contract
• Water Treatment Plant Filters Valves 5-7 materials bid recommendation

The Alpena City Council approved the purchase of water treatment plant filters 5-7 valves from The Macomb Group for $54,892.47 plus $10,751.52 for manual overrides. The council also approved a 4-year ambulance service contract with Alpena County, a June 2021 art fair at Duck Park, and a police command collective bargaining agreement. Decisions on the Farmer's Market lease and the North Second Avenue/Miller Street intersection project were postponed to January 19, 2021.

• Approved $1,298,005.48 in bills allowed (5-0)
• Appointed Griffin Saddler to Recreation Advisory Board (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment for COVID-19 supply expenses (5-0)
• Postponed Farmer's Market lease decision to Jan 19, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Blue Ribbon Event/Art Fair at Duck Park June 25-27, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved 4-year ambulance service contract with Alpena County (5-0)
• Approved $26,330 purchase of Sewer Ling Rapid Assessment Tool (5-0)
• Approved $54,892.47 water plant valve purchase from The Macomb Group (5-0)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will meet to decide on several infrastructure projects and administrative approvals. The session includes a closed session to discuss pending litigation between the City of Alpena and the Charter Township of Alpena.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $168,719.37
• Proposed audible pedestrian signal at Chisholm Street and Third Avenue
• Water Recycling Plant PVP Pump Contract Modification 2
• Public Works Service Center mechanical maintenance
• Approval of 2021 Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas parades

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss extending the 20-mile radius residency requirement for non-emergency employees and a desktop purchase recommendation. The body is also reviewing several board appointments and a consent agenda of bills.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $425,574.58
• Proposed extension of the 20-mile radius residency requirement for non-emergency employees
• Desktop purchase recommendation from IT Coordinator Stephen Shultz
• Reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals for Elwood Anderson, Dennis Bray, Alan Guest, Cary Keller, and Mike Lamble
• Appointments to the Planning Commission for Claire Kostelic and Christie Werda

Alpena City Council

The City Council will vote on a proposed agreement to merge Alpena Township's fire services into the Alpena Fire Department. Under the plan, the Township would pay the City $300,000 annually to provide administrative, supervisory, and emergency response services.

• Proposed contract for fire services: $300,000 per year
• Hiring of up to three current Township full-time firefighter-EMTs into the City department
• Lease of Township vehicles and buildings to the City for $1 per year
• Establishment of a Fire Task Force including the Township Supervisor, one Trustee, the Mayor, and the City Manager

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss a lease for the Mich-E-Ke-Wis Warming Shelter for the Farmers Market. The body is also scheduled to review a collective bargaining agreement in a closed session.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $376,676.75
• Farmers Market lease of Mich-E-Ke-Wis Warming Shelter
• Appointment of Donald LaBarre to the Harbor Advisory Board
• Appointment of Donald LaBarre to the Historic District Study Committee
• Appointment of Quintin Meek to the Historic District Commission

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss opting out of PA 152 health insurance shared cost options for 2021 and hear a medical marihuana application appeal from DNVK 3 LLC. The body is also considering a budget amendment for public bathroom demolition and a contract modification for concrete pavement restoration.

• Bills for payment in the amount of $584,080.98
• Medical Marihuana Application Appeal for DNVK 3 LLC
• Budget Amendment Request to decrease General Fund Balance for public bathroom demolition
• Opt-out of PA 152 Health Insurance Shared Cost Options for 2021
• Resolution 2020-07 adoption for City’s Comprehensive Plan

The Alpena City Council approved a contract modification for concrete pavement restoration, adopted Resolution 2020-07 for the City's Comprehensive Plan, opted out of PA 152 health insurance cost options for 2021, and denied the medical marihuana application appeal for DNVK3 LLC. All votes were 5-0. The council also approved the consent agenda, including bills and appointments, and held a closed session to discuss pending litigation with Alpena Township.

• Approved consent agenda including $584,080.98 in bills and appointments (5-0)
• Approved contract modification for concrete pavement restoration using $11,250 of surplus (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2020-07 for the City's Comprehensive Plan (5-0)
• Opted out of PA 152 health insurance cost options for 2021 (5-0)
• Denied medical marihuana application appeal for DNVK3 LLC (5-0)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss the costs and voter turnout of the August 4, 2020 election and address Planning Commission term expirations. The body is also considering a grant agreement for a new tabulator and a closed session regarding litigation with the Alpena Prototype Biorefinery.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $108,909.20
• Grant Agreement with the State of Michigan for 50% cost-share of a new tabulator
• Planning Commission term expirations
• Closed session regarding proposed litigation with the Alpena Prototype Biorefinery
• Amendment to September 8, 2020 Council Minutes regarding a DPW contract

Alpena City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting a Brownfield Plan for the redevelopment of 600 Walnut Street. The body will also review bid recommendations for concrete pavement restoration and an appeal for a medical marihuana application.

• Public hearing and proposed Resolution 2020-06 for the 600 Walnut Street Brownfield Plan
• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $435,694.30
• Concrete Pavement Restoration bid recommendation
• Elevator Shaft Waterproofing discussion
• Medical Marihuana Application Appeal for Neighborhood Provision, Currier LLC

Regular Meeting (Adjusted for Labor Day)

The City Council will meet to consider a budget amendment and various appointments. The agenda includes discussions on a Brownfield Plan for 600 Walnut Street and the MDHSS Water Assistance Program.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $431,897.24
• Budget amendment request to decrease General Fund Balance for Capital Building Maintenance by $17,000
• Reappointment of Karen Enterline and Boris Gerber to the Wildlife Sanctuary Board
• Brownfield Plan for 600 Walnut Street
• MDHSS Water Assistance Program discussion

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, including $431,897.24 in bills, a $17,000 budget amendment, and two Wildlife Sanctuary Board reappointments. It postponed a decision on the Brownfield Plan for 600 Walnut Street to September 21, 2020, and entered a data sharing agreement for the state water assistance program. The council also ratified a two-year collective bargaining agreement with Department of Public Works union employees.

• Approved consent agenda: bills of $431,897.24, $17,000 budget amendment, and reappointments to Wildlife Sanctuary Board (5-0)
• Postponed Brownfield Plan for 600 Walnut Street to September 21, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved data sharing agreement for MDHHS Water Assistance program (5-0)
• Ratified two-year collective bargaining agreement with DPW union employees (5-0)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will meet to consider the adoption of the Mich-e-ke-wis Park Plan and infrastructure upgrades for Laforest and Oliver. The body will also review cemetery regulations and a lease termination for performance lockers.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $495,689.96
• Adoption of Mich-e-ke-wis Park Plan
• Infrastructure upgrades for Laforest and Oliver
• Proposed changes to Evergreen Cemetery Regulations
• Budget amendment to carryover IT project funding from FY19-20 to FY20-21

Alpena City Council

The City Council will consider approving over $634,000 in bills and budget amendments for carryover projects. The body will also discuss IT cost-share agreements, water intake inspections, and proposed changes to Evergreen Cemetery regulations.

• Approval of bills in the amount of $634,370.38
• Renewal of auditing services with Straley Lamp Kraenzlein P.C.
• Proposed changes to Evergreen Cemetery regulations
• Contract modification for 2019 Resurfacing Project
• Back-Up and Virtualization Cost-Share Agreements

Alpena City Council

The City Council will meet to review a consent agenda including budget amendments and noise variances. The body will also discuss a Community Impact Grant application and hold a closed session regarding the Alpena Biorefinery.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $892,487.24
• General Fund budget amendment increase of $29,443 for security improvements
• Equipment Fund budget amendment increase of $4,075 for retiree healthcare
• Noise variance for Joel Bauer 4 Judge Committee event on July 17, 2020
• Noise variance for Joe’s Bar on July 18, 2020

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss a medical marihuana facilities application and a contract modification for the 2019 CIP Phase II. The body is also reviewing a planning services contract with NEMCOG and a budget amendment for the Marina Fund.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $317,388.63
• City of Alpena Application for Medical Marihuana Facilities
• NEMCOG Planning Services Contract
• Budget Amendment Request for FY19/20 to decrease transfer from General Fund to Marina Fund
• Contract Modification for 2019 CIP – Phase II

Alpena City Council

The City Council will consider the adoption of the Fiscal Year 20-21 budget and appropriations, as well as the setting of water and sewer rates. The meeting also includes discussions on medical marihuana facility zoning and a contract for the assessor.

• Approval of bills totaling $402,812.04
• Adoption of Fiscal Year 20-21 City Budget and Appropriations Resolution No. 2020-04
• Setting of City Water & Sewer Rates for Fiscal Year 20-21
• Second reading of Ordinance 20-454 and Ordinance 20-455 regarding Medical Marihuana Facilities
• Review of Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Application for Thunder Bay Properties

Special Council Meeting

The Municipal Council is holding a special virtual meeting to discuss the FY21 Preliminary Budget. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of the FY21 Preliminary Budget

The Alpena City Council met via teleconference to discuss changes to the fiscal year 2020-21 preliminary budget. Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director Anna Soik presented updated budget information and recommended changes. The council agreed on the changes, which will be incorporated into the final budget for approval at the June 1, 2020 meeting. No formal vote was taken on the budget itself.

• Reviewed updated FY21 budget information presented by Finance Director Anna Soik
• Agreed on budget changes to be included in the final version
• Scheduled final budget approval for the June 1, 2020 agenda

Alpena City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the city budget. The body is also scheduled to discuss water and sewer rate recommendations and a fireworks contract for July 2020.

• Public hearing on the City Budget
• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $415,450.57
• Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Application for Thunder Bay Properties at 121-123 North Second Avenue
• Discussion of Water and Sewer Rate Recommendation
• Medical Marihuana Facility Application Scoring Rubric

Alpena City Council

The City Council will review a consent agenda including bills totaling $493,719.46 and the reappointment of the City Attorney and Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director. The meeting also includes discussions on lawncare contractors and boat launch permit fees.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $493,719.46
• Reappointment of City Attorney William Pfeifer and Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director Anna Soik
• Mayoral Proclamation for Arbor Day on April 24, 2020
• Discussion of boat launch permit fees
• Discussion of lawncare contractors

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, including $493,719.46 in bills and the reappointment of City Attorney William Pfeifer and Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director Anna Soik to two-year terms. The council also received and filed the Finance Director's quarterly report and the Fire/EMS and Police chief reports, proclaimed April 24 as Arbor Day, and tabled boat launch permit fees to the next meeting. No action was taken on allowing lawncare contractors to operate under the Governor's Executive Order 2020-42. The council adjourned to closed session to discuss water and sewer litigation and a Biorefinery tax issue, then reconvened and adjourned.

• Approved consent agenda including $493,719.46 in bills (unanimous)
• Reappointed City Attorney William Pfeifer and Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director Anna Soik to two-year terms (unanimous)
• Proclaimed April 24, 2020 as Arbor Day
• Received and filed Finance Director's Quarterly Financial Report (unanimous)
• Received and filed Chief of Fire/EMS report (unanimous)
• Received and filed Chief of Police report (unanimous)
• Tabled boat launch permit fees to May 4, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed but took no action on allowing lawncare contractors under Executive Order 2020-42

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2020 Resurfacing Project and a recommendation to award contracts to Everett Goodrich Trucking, Inc. The body is also reviewing bills totaling $221,997.34 and the reappointment of Julie Krajniak to the Retirement Board.

• Proposed resurfacing of Ontario Street ($149,816.75), Lockwood Street ($48,394.00), and Spratt Street ($44,797.75)
• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $221,997.34
• Reappointment of Julie Krajniak to the Retirement Board for a two-year term
• Mayoral Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Alpena City Council approved the consent agenda, including $221,997.34 in bills and a reappointment to the Retirement Board. The council awarded the 2020 Resurfacing Project base bid to Everett Goodrich Trucking, Inc. for three street segments totaling $242,008.50. Mayor Waligora proclaimed April 2020 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

• Approved bills allowed in the amount of $221,997.34 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Julie Krajniak to the Retirement Board for a two-year term expiring April 6, 2022 (unanimous)
• Awarded 2020 Resurfacing Project base bid to Everett Goodrich Trucking, Inc. for Ontario Street ($149,816.75), Spratt Street ($44,797.75), and Lockwood Street ($48,394) (unanimous)
• Proclaimed April 2020 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Alpena City Council

The City Council will consider adding North Industrial Highway to the city street system and extending the Presque Isle Township Fire Agreement. The body will also review a recycling grant application and a change order for the Harbor Drive bathroom demolition.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $92,530.30
• Cost share estimate of $2,417 for Alpena Countywide Electronics Day
• Addition of North Industrial Highway to the City of Alpena Street System
• Presque Isle Township Fire Agreement Extension
• Resolution 2020-03 regarding 2019 Tax Capture for the DDA

The Alpena City Council approved several routine items, including adding North Industrial Highway to the city street system, a change order for the Harbor Drive demolition project, and an extension of the fire agreement with Presque Isle Township. All votes were unanimous. The council also went into closed session to discuss water and sewer litigation.

• Approved bills allowed in the amount of $92,530.30 (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding $851.60 landfill refund to recycling program (unanimous)
• Approved $2,417 cost share for electronics day (unanimous)
• Received and filed Wildlife Sanctuary Board budget request of $32,750 (unanimous)
• Supported $14,520 local match for recycling grant application (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020-01 adding North Industrial Highway to city street system (unanimous)
• Approved $12,423 change order for Harbor Drive demolition (unanimous)
• Extended Presque Isle Township fire agreement until March 30, 2021 (unanimous)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the Thunder Bay Riverfront Improvement Grant and consider Resolution 2020-02. The body will also discuss the selection process for medical marihuana facilities and a utility replacement project.

• Public hearing for Thunder Bay Riverfront Improvement Grant
• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $74,300.99
• Budget request of $5,000 from Thunder Bay Arts Council, Inc. for Bi-Path sculptures
• MDOT Trunkline Utility Replacement Project discussion
• Building Authority appointments for Rachel Smolinski and Anna Soik

The Alpena City Council approved a $38,600 bid from Monchilov Sewer Services for sewer service repairs as part of an MDOT trunkline utility replacement project, and tabled a decision on the selection process for medical marihuana facilities. The council also approved a CDBG grant application for riverfront improvements, a AAA traffic safety grant application, and received a $5,000 budget request from the Thunder Bay Arts Council.

• Approved $38,600 bid to Monchilov Sewer Services for sewer repairs (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on medical marihuana facility selection process (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020-02 authorizing CDBG grant application for riverfront improvements (unanimous)
• Approved AAA Traffic Safety Grant Application (unanimous)
• Received and filed Thunder Bay Arts Council budget request of $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $74,300.99 in bills and Building Authority appointments (unanimous)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will discuss zoning, buffers, and the number of provisioning centers for medical marihuana facilities. The body is also reviewing bills totaling $412,081.34 and will enter a closed session regarding water and sewer litigation.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $412,081.34
• Workshop on medical marihuana facilities zoning and selection
• Closed session to discuss water and sewer litigation
• Donation from Alpena Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for shoreline erosion repair
• Lifesaving commendations for Andy Marceau, Rob Hamilton, and Lincoln Suszek

The Alpena City Council voted unanimously to allow medical marihuana provisioning centers in the I-2, I-1, B-3, B-2, OS-1, and CCD districts. They also approved a 250-foot buffer around certain facilities and parks, with exceptions for Mich-e-ke-wis Park and Starlite Beach, which cannot have adjacent centers. A limit of two provisioning centers was approved by a 3-2 vote. The council also approved the consent agenda, including bills of $412,081.34, and held a closed session on water and sewer litigation.

• Allowed medical marihuana provisioning centers in I-2, I-1, B-3, B-2, OS-1, and CCD districts (unanimous)
• Approved 250-foot buffer around places of worship, daycare, addiction centers, Boys and Girls Club, and parks with play equipment; no centers adjacent to Mich-e-ke-wis Park or Starlite Beach (unanimous)
• Limited provisioning centers to two (3-2: Johnson, Mitchell, Nowak ayes; Hess, Waligora nays)
• Approved consent agenda including bills of $412,081.34 and 2019 Annual Monitoring Reports (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 3, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Held closed session on water and sewer litigation (unanimous)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss zoning buffers and the maximum number of medical marihuana provisioning centers. The body will also consider a resolution regarding a Renaissance Zone for an agricultural processing facility.

• Bills for payment in the amount of $182,888.59
• Discussion on traffic signal at North Second Avenue and Miller Street
• Chlorine Pipe Replacement Project and Granular Activated Carbon Changeout
• Workshop on medical marihuana facility buffers (250' for parks, 500' between centers)
• Possible approval of Resolution 2020-01 regarding a Renaissance Zone for GranBio

Regular Meeting (rescheduled from 01-20)

The City Council will hold a workshop to determine zoning, buffers, and the maximum number of medical marihuana provisioning centers. The body will also consider a resolution regarding a Renaissance Zone for an agricultural processing facility.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $727,968.69
• Appointment of Keith Wallace as Assistant City Attorney
• Second reading of Ordinance 20-453 regarding taxation definitions
• Bids for Water Recycling Plant PVP Pump and Marina Boat Lift repair
• Resolution 2020-01 regarding delinquent taxes and Renaissance Zone criteria

The Alpena Municipal Council approved a 1.9% price increase for the 2020 City Concrete Program renewal, awarded a $16,000 bid to American Widget Company for water tower security alarms, and awarded a $39,300 bid to Meridian Contracting for a water recycling plant pump. The council also approved a $38,404.90 bid to Environmental Excavating for marina boat lift repairs, a $17,850 contract modification to Thunder Bay Electric for a breaker panel, and a $35/month elevator contract amendment with Schindler Elevator. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent agenda including $727,968.69 in bills and appointment of Keith Wallace as Assistant City Attorney (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 20-453 defining 'taxpayer' and 'substantially delinquent' (unanimous)
• Approved City Concrete Program renewal with 1.9% price increase for 2020 (unanimous)
• Awarded $16,000 bid to American Widget Company for water tower security alarms (unanimous)
• Awarded $39,300 bid to Meridian Contracting for Water Recycling Plant PVP Pump Project (unanimous)
• Awarded $17,850 contract modification to Thunder Bay Electric for breaker panel replacement (unanimous)
• Amended Schindler Elevator contract to Option #2 at $35/month with 5-year extension (unanimous)
• Awarded $38,404.90 alternate #1 bid to Environmental Excavating for Marina Boat Lift Repair (unanimous)

Alpena City Council

The City Council will conduct a workshop to discuss buffer zones and zoning for medical marihuana facilities. The body will also consider a lease renewal for Performance Locker and a first reading of an ordinance regarding taxation definitions.

• Bills to be allowed in the amount of $158,342.67
• Lease agreement renewal with Performance Locker for the former Mich-E-Ke-Wis Warming Shelter
• First reading of Ordinance 20-453 regarding Taxation Definitions
• Second reading of Ordinance 19-452 regarding the Retirement System Annual Report
• Closed session regarding the Renaissance Zone for GranBio

The Alpena City Council approved Ordinance 19-452, requiring a yearly report of the retirement system's fiscal condition and an actuarial valuation. The council also approved the consent agenda, the CAFR, committee appointments, and a lease renewal. A first reading of Ordinance 20-453 was heard, and discussion on medical marihuana facility zoning was continued.

• Approved Ordinance 19-452 requiring yearly retirement system fiscal report and actuarial valuation (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $158,342.67 in bills allowed (unanimous)
• Received and filed Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY ended June 30, 2019 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mayor Waligora and Councilmembers to various committees (unanimous)
• Approved Performance Locker Lease Agreement Renewal as amended (unanimous)
• Heard first reading of Ordinance 20-453 amending definitions of 'taxpayer' and 'substantially delinquent'
• Continued discussion on medical marihuana facility buffers and zoning districts