May 19 , 2005

Chairperson Dick Hembling called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in room 306, City Hall.

Members Present: Fred Nagel, Terry Wagar, Bill Card, Leela Hopper, Jo Ann Gorski, Trude Tewksbury, Kathi Newsham, Richard Hembling and Jim Bedell .

Members Excused: Charlene Adcock, Annette Hill, Sarah Wohlschlag, and Jacquie Martin-Walli.

Others Present:  Fire Marshal Tom Herick and Officer Brad Peter.

Minutes: The minutes of the December 9, 2004 meeting were approved by consent.

Public Comments 

Letter from Dan Hatton.  A letter from Dan Hatton of the Columbus Avenue Citizens District Council was read.  He gave an opinion from the Columbus Avenue Citizens District Council that the white street lights on Columbus Avenue should be the new standard that is used City-wide.  The Midland Salzburg Citizens District Council members disagreed with the sole use of white for new street lights.  Instead they thought that traditional historic colors of dark green or black are more appropriate for future lighting.  Trude Tewksbury moved that the Midland Salzburg Citizens District Council recommends that the City stick to historically correct colors of dark green or black when selecting new street lights and that white should be used in areas were it currently exists.  It was seconded by Kathi Newsham and approved.

Reports of Officers/Subcommittees

Chairman’s Report. Chairman Hembling explained that the Citizens District Council has begun meeting on the third Thursday to provide more time to develop the agenda.  He explained that he and Vice-Chairman Nagel are meeting with Jim Bedell in advance of meetings to develop and agenda and anyone who wishes to have something placed on the agenda should contact Jim Bedell at 894-8179.

Community Policing Report.  Brad Peters explained that two officers will walk the Midland Street beat from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer.  The Council discussed loitering in public parking lots.  Officer Peters explained that the ordinance prohibiting loitering is vague and cannot be enforced.  Jim Bedell will speak with the City Attorney to determine how to best revise the ordinance to address the loitering problem.

Unfinished Business: 

History Minute. Chairman Hembling shared the history of the joining together of West Bay City and Bay City in 1905.  The rivalry between the two sides of the river continued well into the 20^th Century.

Swarts Block.  Jim Bedell gave an update on the property owned by Russ Bates.  Norm Steven’s Builders was making the corrections required to bring the two buildings up to code.  He was fired from the job.  Staff is trying to contact Russ Bates to ensure that he will include work necessary to address code violations and stop further deterioration.

New Business: 

Planning for a strategic visioning session.  Chairman Hembling explained that we are planning a strategic visioning session for the Midland Salzburg area.  From this public workshop, a five year plan will be developed to help guide Citizens District Council decisions.

Nominations for the Paver Award..  Chairman Hembling explained the Paver Award that is offered “to recognize the significant contributions that an individual, organization, or business has accomplished to any or all of the following: 1. Citizens District Council district; 2. The Midland Street Historic District; 3. The City of Bay City.”  It has been several years since the award was last used.  The Council decided to revive the award.  Members are asked to submit nominations.

Attendance/Removal of Members.  The Council decided that when weather improves, it would be best to go door to door in the Salzburg area to invite folks to become members.  Fred Nagel suggested a “meet and greet” be held in the Salzburg area.  Staff will work with the Chairman to send letters to Salzburg businesses.  It was decided that membership and attendance can only grow, if we demonstrate a need for people to attend.

Meetings held in the district.  Chairman Hembling explained that the Midland Street Management Board meets in the district instead of at City Hall.  They have met at McMillan Engineering and at the Big House Sports Bar.  He asked whether the Council would like to move the meetings to a location in the district.  It was the consent of the Council that meetings should continue to be held at City Hall.  An exception could be an annual meeting in June at Vet’s Park.

Quarterly Meeting.  The Council discussed whether to meet quarterly instead of monthly.  It was the consent of the group that the Council should continue to meet monthly, but take off the summer months. 

Other Business Not on the Agenda

Adopt-a-Park Program.  Jim Bedell explained the City’s new Adopt-a-Park program that invites residents, companies, churches, organizations, etc. to help perform maintenance and beautification activities in City parks and property.  It was noted that Bill Card has made improvements to City property next to his business.  This is a good example of how this program will help to beautify the City.

Arlington Hotel.  Fire Marshal, Tom Herrick explained that the Arlington has a new owner and they have worked closely to bring the building up to code.  In addition, the interior has been improved.

Salzburg Billboard.  Jo Ann Gorski asked about the ownership of a small billboard on Salzburg near the railroad tracks that could be used to advertise Salzburg businesses.

Former 7-11.  Fred Nagel asked what business is going in the former 7-11 store.  It will be a BC  Pizza store.  There will also be boat and window repair business located in the building.

Police and Fire Liaison.  Chairman Hembling asked how the police and fire liaisons could provide training to the Citizens District Council members.  Officer Peters explained that he has been certified to train for crime reduction.  This will be a topic for a future meeting.

Newsletter.  Bill Card explained that B.A.L.B.O.A. has a newsletter that provides valuable information to its members.  Chairman Hembling agreed that this would be of value for the Citizens District Council but would require assistance in writing it and doing the mailings from the Citizens District Council members.

Created for Caring.  Fred Nagel asked whether the City will get back CDBG funds invested in the non-profit if it is sold.

River of Time.  Terry Wagar explained the event and some budget shortfalls that he hopes the committee can make up.  It is their goal to keep it a free event.

Adjourn:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Jim Bedell.