RESOLUTIONS
38. A resolution approving an application for an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate on behalf of Covance Inc. located at 55 East Hamblin Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan in Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District #4, and having an estimated cost of $13,000,000.00 for real property improvements.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
39. A Resolution approving an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate on behalf of Covance Inc. for tangible personal property located at 55 East Hamblin Avenue in Industrial District No. 38, and having an estimated cost of $4,000,000.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Comm. Yankama asked how the school taxes are captured.
Karl Dehn stated the Downtown Development Authority is the mechanism for capturing taxes in the downtown area. The Covance project did receive Brownfield approval, but there was no tax increment plan proposed for it.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
40. A Resolution approving a Brownfield Plan Site No. 9, Lot 35 Project, West Dickman Road.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Comm. Sullivan asked if Mr. Dehn could explain more about the Battle Creek Tax Increment Authority funding. Who is responsible if the money is not paid back?
Karl Dehn stated BCTIFA is the only entity that has a fund balance that is adequate and appropriate for funding infrastructure in the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Brownfield Authority has done a number of projects, but does not have a fund balance. The ability to recapture is stronger in the Brownfield Authority and is the reason why the City will use the Brownfield Authority as the capture entity which will recover the investment faster than through the TIFA. The TIFA will use its fund balance to pay for the improvements and have a loan agreement with the Brownfield Authority who will repay it with interest as the revenues are received from the newly created tax base.
Comm. Yankama was looking forward to new high tech jobs in the community and asked if Battle Creek residents would have an opportunity to be employed.
Karl Dehn anticipated providing assistance to the company with local resources, such as Michigan Works, that would improve the chances for the local workforce.
Comm. Morris appreciated BCU'S efforts and for bringing good jobs to Battle Creek.
David Han, President/CEO of Turtlerock Greentech, stated that this facility will employ 57 direct jobs with additional indirect jobs. The MEDC estimates approximately 150 jobs as a result of the project. TODA is looking to maximize the opportunity by employing local skilled workers. The business will be a very positive contributor to the local economy and local job creation.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
41. A resolution accepting the proposal of best value for EPA Brownfields Grant Management and Brownfield Redevelopment Consulting Services from Soil and Materials Engineers in an estimated amount of $387,000, with unit prices prevailing.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Comm. Sullivan asked if it is possible that the consulting contract might not cost as much as estimated.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated it is possible that the amount of work that is necessary may not amount to $387.000 as estimated in the resolution. If petroleum or hazardous materials exist, the City wants to make sure that all of the necessary environmental assessment and testing work is completed in order for the properties to be redeveloped. The City Manager believed the majority of the grant funds would be used as long as the City has prospects for sites. Furthermore, spending this money will in turn create benefits and jobs in the community far beyond the amount of the EPA grant.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
42. A resolution adopting the Emergency Action Guidelines for the City of Battle Creek for the period January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Comm. Hersha asked if the guidelines represent any change from existing policies.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated most are personnel changes that needed to be updated.
Comm. Sullivan asked if the public will be made aware of the Emergency Action Guidelines.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated the guidelines are more intended for the municipality and how we deal with disaster response.
Vice Mayor Simmons commended Jim Zoss for his extensive disaster outreach and informing the public.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
43. A resolution approving the 2010 operating budget for Binder Park Golf Course in the amount of $1,192,101 and approving annual golf course user fees.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
John Kenefick felt that the City will be paying $1M for a nonessential service and asked the Commission to review the financial history for the golf course through the years.
Comm. Sullivan asked the City Manager to expound on the Binder Park Golf Course budget.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated the resolution approves the golf course budget for 2010 and it does not include any allocations from the City's General Fund, but rather from the revenues it generates itself. He noted that the resolution contains an Income and Expense spreadsheet. Income such as green fees, memberships, golfcart fees,range fees, clubhouse revenue, and programs generates revenue to maintain the golf course's expenses. The City is still working through a deficit reduction plan, which has been approved by the state. This resolution adopts a budget that allows the City to operate the golf course using exclusively the revenues it generates.
VIce Mayor Simmons asked if golf course capital expenditures were made, if they would come from the golf course fund.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated the City's intent for improvements for any fund would be paid through the funds that support the operating budget.
Comm. Yankama congratulated Ron Osborne on his good management and asked if the City is paying back the bonds.
Jim Ritsema stated the City is in the process of restructuring the bonds to allow for little less debt.
Comm. Fulton asked if there are any tax dollars spent on the golf course.
Ken Tsuchiyama responded that everything is paid through the golf course generated revenue.
Votes For = 8
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
Votes Against = 1
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
44. A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year Lease Agreement with Altrusa Day Nursery a subdivision of Altrusa International, Inc. to operate a children's day care at the Valentine Center in Irving Park.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Comm. Sullivan stated there have been problems in the past paying for roof maintenance. She asked if Jeff Hovarter was confident that Altrusa will be able to make payments.
Jeff Hovarter stated the original program was set up with Altrusa being the subcontractor to run a 24-hour day care for Battle Creek Health System and KCC. About three years ago, the hospital and KCC pulled out of the program, and Altrusa asked to contract directly with the City to continue the day care. There are approximately 120 children from low-moderate income families who benefit from the program. All revenue goes into a special revenue fund which assists with repairs to the building. Altrusa has since consolidated the Valentine Center and the Fort Custer Center into one location. The new agreement will help Altrusa work through their financial challenges and continue this valuable program.
Ken Tsuchiyama added since Altrusa closed their Fort Custer facility, they will be better stewards of their budget.
VIce Mayor Simmons wondered if any thought had been given to selling the Valentine Center.
Jeff Hovarter said one of the challenges is that the center is completely surrounded by a city park. It would not be possible to sell, but it does make it unique as it is land locked.
Comm. Sullivan asked what will be paid back in six years.
Jeff Hovarter answered that Altrusa was not able to pay back all of the payments they owed the City in the last year. This agreement requires Altrusa to make their normal payments plus making an additional $355 payment each quarter over the next six years.
Comm. Sullivan asked what happens if they choose not to renew this agreement.
Jeff Hovarter said the remaining balance would be due at the end of the agreement.
Comm. Fulton asked who would be monitoring the agreement.
Jeff Hovarter reported that Ted Dearing would be monitoring it.
Comm. Hersha congratulated Mr. Hovarter for a sustainable solution for affordable child care.
Comm. Morris thanked Mr. Hovarter for thinking outside of the box and for his hard work.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
45. A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement for the establishment of a Local Revenue Sharing Board
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Supported By: Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin Mayor
Elizabeth Fulton City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons Vice Mayor
Lynn Gray City Commissioner
Laurie Sullivan City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Bill Morris City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED |