Hamtramck Star

Klein asked for a letter of thanks to Michael Dempsey for his service on the Economic Development Corporation. Klein congratulated Allen on his election as chairman of the Arab-American Chamber of Commerce.

Presentations

Tony Minghine and Kelly Stanford of the Michigan Municipal League were there to give a presentation about member services. Stanford distributed printouts of a Powerpoint presentation.

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Stanford said that the MML's mission is to advocate, educate and assist municipalities and officials. It was established in 1889 and has 520 members of 533 communities in Michigan. The MML is headquartered in Ann Arbor, has an office in Lansing, and also has one person who works in the upper peninsula. They advocate for communities by lobbying the State House and Senate. A weekly legislative update is provided to members, as well as fax and e-mail alerts, and they ask members to call their representatives about issues. The Lansing office tracks bills that effect municipalities. They also work on federal issues.

The MML educates through training programs, seminars, and continuing education credits. They also have an elected officials academy through a partnership with the University of Michigan. The MML also offers on-site programs.

Regional meetings are held every spring, and the meeting will be held in Hamtramck in 2010 because Klein is a regional officer. They also offer an annual capital conference at the Lansing office and an annual convention. The Lansing office is located in the former Mutual building and has offices for the use of members. The convention will be held on Mackinac Island this year. The MML also has an inquiry service to answer questions, a magazine that comes out six times per year, and a website. The website includes sample policies and ordinances.

The MML offers human resources consulting, including executive search services, sample job descriptions, compensation studies, and personnel manuals. Their legal department writes much of the sample information and is currently writing an ethics handbook. The legal staff works closely with city attorneys, and members are referred back to their own attorney when legal questions are asked.

Risk management services are offered for liability and property insurance, workers compensation, health and unemployment insurances. The MML also works with 31 affiliate organizations.

Algazali asked if the MML charges fees to members for conferences. Stanford explained that Hamtramck did not have to pay fees when in receivership, but now has to pay $399. The non-member rate is $550. Inquiry services are free to members. Non-members can not use the service. Minghine added that only elected and appointed officials can receive help, and citizens who call are turned away. Areas of the website are also for members only.

Minghine said that the Lansing office was designed for meetings, and member services are there for the city to use. Majewski has worked with the MML and said their services are helpful. Contact with others helps officials understand their job.

Public comment

None.

Klein asked to amend the agenda to consider two tax exemptions and the 2008=2009 budget resolutions. The resolutions were added by unanimous vote.

Public hearings and consent agenda

There were no comments from the public regarding the budget.

The consent agenda passed unanimously.

New business

Budget: The resolution passed unanimously without discussion.

Disclosures: Gordon understood there was confusion about the ordinance. She said there had been an issue with Waste Management being solicited for donations during contract negotiations. The ordinance would protect elected officials who have nothing to hide, and would bring everything out into the open and prevent controversy. Most developers and contractors are honest.

Majewski asked how the ordinance would address donations made to the city by Waste Management. Gordon said that was only an example, and she didn't mean to infer that the donation was made to the Majewski.

Shulgon said property owners would have to disclose their political contributions. Majewski said it only applied to people coming before city commissions for consideration.

Gordon said contractors were not included in the proposed ordinance. Every city in New Jersey has the ordinance, as does Auburn Hills, and Southfield has a policy. This is the direction cities are moving in, and it would protect everyone.

Ahmed said there are many events that operate on donations from local businesses. Gordon said the ordinance would only apply to campaign contributions. Klein said the problem has been non-reporting by campaigns. He has helped several members of Solidarity fill out campaign reports that are registered with the county clerk. There is an exemption for those who spend less than $1000. Judging by the number of signs and advertisements, some spent more then $1000 and chose to check the exemption box. He said he was unhappy that he was being made to jump through another hoop when others will not abide by the rules. Klein wanted to poll the council for those who said they spent more than $1000. Gordon asked how that was relevant because their campaign donations were not in questions. She asked what happens when someone goes before appointed boards because their members don't file reports. The ordinance was about donations to individuals.

Gordon has been on council four months and says that people have asked her what it would cost to get things done. The ordinance would let people know what the rules are. Council would not have anything extra to do. Developers and contractors would have to file a financial disclosure. Stackpoole thought the ordinance didn't cover contractors. Gordon said that was an example, and she would present that ordinance next.

Majewski said she was elected in 2003, and no one has asked her how much something would cost. Majewski said she doesn't know who Gordon is hanging out with, but people who come to her do not expect that government works that way. Campaign finance statements are on file with the county clerk. Majewski said the ordinance as read applied only to elected officials seated on boards, and it would force developers, and businesses, and home owners to jump through hoops. Wives, children, and business partners would have to file disclosures as well. Last, the ordinance would inject politics into decisions.

Algazali said that the intentions were good, but it should be researched more. He motioned to table it. Gordon seconded. Gordon and Algazali were the only ones to vote in favor of tabling it, and the discussion continued.

Stackpoole said she agreed with Majewski, and it's not easy to run and file the reports. The ordinance would not prevent deception or influence peddling, and she didn't understand how it would help. Ahmed said he was embarrassed by Gordon's comments, and the ordinance was pointing fingers at department heads. Shulgon said no one has asked him how much things cost because he would call the FBI. Klein said that no one has asked him that question since 2002, and that the question is only asked of those "whose integrity might be in question".

Algazali said the question was never asked of him, but the protection and accountability of officials was good. Stackpoole said there was no example given as to how the ordinance would be applied. All but Gordon voted against the ordinance and it failed.