1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance to the flag
4. Proclamations/presentations/recognitions
5. Public comments concerning agenda items

SECTION I: PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK, REVISING, AMENDING, RESTATING, CODIFYING AND COMPILING CERTAIN EXISTING GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION DEALING WITH SUBJECTS EMBRACED IN SUCH CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The ordinance adopts the new codified book of ordinances.

SECTION II: UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Ordinances scheduled for second reading and ordinances or resolutions previously postponed.

1. AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK, REVISING, AMENDING, RESTATING, CODIFYING AND COMPILING CERTAIN EXISTING GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION DEALING WITH SUBJECTS EMBRACED IN SUCH CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (See Public Hearings Item #1)

SECTION III: CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

The following items will be adopted on a single motion without discussion unless a councilmember requests separate consideration.

1. City council meeting minutes-
a. Regular Meeting – January 26, 2010

2. Board and Commission minutes-
a. Historical Commission – October 28, 2009

3. Fund warrant list and payroll.

4. Correspondence
a. Letter from Steve Shaya resigning from the Recycling Commission.

5. RESOLUTION APPROVING NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE ZONE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT CERTIFICATES FOR SPECIFIC PROPERTIES IN THE GRAND HAVEN DYAR NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE ZONE. Approval of certificates for rehabilitated properties located at 11791 Dequindre, 11356 Dyar, 11793 Dyar and 11738 Dyar which are a part of the Grand Haven/Dyar R-31 project. Placed on the agenda by City Clerk Norris.

SECTION IV: NEW BUSINESS - Ordinance introductions and resolutions for initial consideration.

1. RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE CONTRACT WITH INDEPENDENT SERVICES GROUP FOR SNOW REMOVAL AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE 2ND LOWEST QUALIFIED BIDDER. Placed on the agenda by City Manager Cooper.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE RECYCLING COMMISSION (2 Vacancies)

2. RESOLUTION APPOINTING HEATHERLEY HOWARD TO THE HAMTRAMCK RECYCLING COMMISSION. This is a council appointment for a term ending 12-1-11. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

3. RESOLUTION APPOINTING GREG MILLER TO THE HAMTRAMCK RECYCLING COMMISSION. This is a council appointment for a term ending 12-1-11. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Stackpoole.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (4 Vacancies)

4. RESOLUTION APPOINTING STEVEN CHERRY AS A REGULAR MEMBER TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Mr. Cherry is currently an alternate member to the board. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

5. RESOLUTION APPOINTING STEVE SHAYA TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

6. RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING ANAM MIAH TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Hassan and Miah.

7. RESOLUTION APPOINTING NASR S. HUSSAIN TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Miah.

8. RESOLUTION APPOINTING MOHAMMED A. RAHAMAN TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Hassan.

9. RESOLUTION APPOINTING ANDY BISCOGLIA AS A REGULAR MEMBER TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Mr. Biscoglia is currently an alternate member to the board. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

10. RESOLUTION APPOINTING BRENT MAXWELL TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Stackpoole.

11. DISCUSSION regarding check #55211 for $13,260.00 to Acts 29 on 1/21/10 with consideration for further investigation. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

SECTION V: OTHER ITEMS

1. City Manager’s Report
2. Non-agenda items and other business
3. Public comments

ADJOURNMENT

NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at (313) 876-7700, 48 hours before the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - Boji Group will be joined on Tuesday, Feb. 2, by officials from the City of Hamtramck, Wayne County and State of Michigan to open its newest building.

Woody Plaza, 12140 Jos. Campau in downtown Hamtramck, will become home to a new district service center for the state Department of Human Services. The site is the former home of the Woody Pontiac automotive dealership, which closed in 2000. The project is leading a resurgence of interest by developers and businesses in the north end of downtown Hamtramck.

What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Woody Plaza
Who: Boji Group President Ron Boji

Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski
State Sen. Martha Scott, D-Highland Park
State Rep. Bert Johnson, D-Detroit
Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano
Michigan Department of Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed

When: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 (ceremony to start at 11:30 a.m.)
Where: Woody Plaza, 12140 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck

Tours of the new building will be held following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Strolling lunch will be served.

About Boji Group

With offices in Lansing and Southfield, Boji Group is a diversified, family-owned and operated company with interests in real estate development and property management, distribution and wholesale services, convenience stores, retail and the hospitality industry.

I commend Mayor Majewski for recognizing and defending Hamtramck as an entertainment destination known far outside it's borders. I also credit Gordon, Ahmed, Miah, Jankowski, and a reluctant Stackpoole for approving the liquor license transfer at Tuesday's city council meeting.

Since the days when Hamtramck Township encompassed much of the Eastside down to Belle Isle, bars and saloons have been part of our identity and culture. Like no other place I know, they operate like historic public houses in the European tradition where ideas, music, art, politics, laughs are shared.

Since I've lived in Hamtramck, local bars have shown amazing generosity and charity, giving back to the community in financial support for citizens in difficult situations. In Hamtramck's growing cultural mosaic, I hope different cultures can see the wisdom of accommodating one-another as we move forward.

hcc_2010_01_27 Part 2 [34 MB]

Alex Masura, Stackpoole and Majewski's intern, was directed by Majewski to organize a "civic engagement initiative" to assess the most pressing issues in the city. The budget shortfalls will effect all, and they are asking the citizens to help. The initiative was kicked off with the "finding opportunities during recessionary times" event, and more events will follow, though they will be for identifying issues, prioritizing, and implementing, not for "griping and blame".

Ahmed asked for a letter of condolences to the Chowdury family on the loss of their father. Gordon asked for a letter of condolences to the Olko family on the loss of their son.

Gordon asked to pull the fund warrant list from the consent agenda.

Allen requested that the MSHDA pilot be considered first because an official was in attendance on his own time. The council voted to move the ordinance to the top of the agenda.

Public comment

Bill Meyer spoke on the $3 trash fee. At the "civic engagement" event, they discussed not taxing people away from the city. The budget can be balanced by getting more money from the people who live here, or by bringing new people and businesses. The people of the city can only be taxed so much before they don't have the money or leave. Three dollars seems like an innocent fee, but could be the beginning of taxing all sorts of things. He encouraged the council to turn down the fee, and instead, balance the budget by decreasing expenses.

Organizational matters

Mayor pro tem: Nominations were placed on the agenda in the order received. Hassan nominated Cathie Gordon. He said that Gordon is well known and got the most votes in an election. She is experienced and doing a good job of looking at bills, ordinances, and appointments. Ahmed, Jankowski, and Stackpoole voted against Gordon's appointment. Gordon abstained. The resolution failed.

Ahmed nominated Stackpoole and said that she is doing the position already. Gordon and Stackpoole abstained. Miah and Hassan voted against. Jankowski and Ahmed voted for. Majewski broke the tie, voting in favor, and Stackpoole was appointed.

Stackpoole left the room. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved by the others.

New business

PILOT: The PILOT ordinance was drafted by Kalogerakos of Allen's office. The state was brought into the R-31 development process last year. Half the units required by the court are built, but there are 104 units to go. The state will provide $6 million to $8 million in funding that they don't have to.

Allen was asked about the 4% PILOT rate. MSHDA asked for 1% and has agreed to pay 4%, which was the last rate approved by the council. There are stringent qualifications for applicants, and these 35 to 38 units would not be possible without the cooperation of the state.

Harlan said that this is not a multi-unit development. This will be 35 single houses. The state and MSHDA were co-captains on Safe Routes to Schools and demolitions, and they have done other things on the weekends to support the city. The project was stuck when MSHDA got involved. A 35-unit project proposed on Dyar near Corinthian Baptist church in 2007 was canceled in underwriting. Rules were changed within MSHDA to keep the project dollars in the city, and Hamtramck is the only city that has been awarded project-based vouchers, which have been in abeyance for 2 years. Project-based vouchers had to be used because the incomes of the plaintiff class are so low.

An RFP was issued, and the two highest respondents were challenged to improve their bids. Oak Hill construction was chosen because they can rehab and build new housing. Funding will be layered, and different sources attach different strings. MSHDA requires a PILOT agreement because the project is tied to rents. These units are rentals for at least 15 years and will not be for sale. Developers do not make the amount of money on MSHDA projects now that they did prior to 2007.

Jankowski asked how much the vouchers are worth. Harlan explained that rent is based on the going rate in the area. The units being built have to be compared to those that exist. An independent contractor is calculating the area median rent now. Developers used to bring their own comparisons, and MSHDA ended up with a lot of assets in foreclosure.

Gordon asked if the units are rent controlled. Harlan explained that the rent can be increased if the market goes up, but that the developer can't charge more than the area median rent. This project is unique in the state. Without the PILOT, the $8 million in housing will not be built in Hamtramck.

Something that came up late in the planning is "visit-ability". MSHDA is required to build a handicap entrance on all new housing. Ramps would cost $15,000. Instead, Wheel chair lifts will be installed on the back sides, adding $350,000 to the project. MSHDA is committed to the project because they know the financial pressure the city is under.

Jankowski asked what the layers of financing are. Harlan said that the financing hasn't been determined, but could come from HOME funds, TARP, 1602, stimulus funds, or others. Neighborhood Stabilization funds may be used for rehabilitation, but not new housing.

Jankowski asked what would happen once the houses are built. Harlan said that MSHDA would manage the houses, and the houses would have mortgages for 30 to 50 years. The developer will eventually get the titles.

Jankowski asked how low the incomes of tenants would be. Harlan said incomes would be 30% of the area median income or less. MSHDA has analyzed the plaintiff class list of 200 to 300 names and is conducting background checks to be sure they qualify. Occupants will be trained on finances as if they are to be home owners, in hopes that they will buy a house in the city. The vouchers will stay with the building if the tenants move out, unlike section 8.

Miah asked if it is fair to existing residents if others pay less to the city. Harlan said the 35 new families would live and shop in the city. MSHDA asked for 1% in court because the project financing is tight, but agreed to 4% to get the project done. The project will have a positive cash flow at 4%.

Some new houses have to be built because some single individuals are on the list. Under MSHDA rules, single persons can't be placed in a 2-bedroom house, and children have to have separate bedrooms based on their sex and age. The families will have to be re-certified every year to stay in the houses. Van Fox will manage the properties, and has a demonstrated ability to turn struggling MSHDA properties around.

Gordon asked what would happen if the list of plaintiffs was exhausted. Harlan explained that it is very unlikely, but they would move on to the county list of 5000 people.

Gordon asked how the city would provide services at $240 per house, or $8400 per year for the whole project. Harlan said he would be a wealthy person if he could solve that problem. MSHDA is the mortgage holder and underwrites the loans, and they want a 4% PILOT.

Allen said the issue is not how to provide services, but how else the city will build 35 units of housing without $6-8 million. The city has to build 106 units. The court has agreed that the payment into the housing development fund next month is the last one. The city will have to build the houses and pay for the services alone if these houses are not built.

Gordon said that the difference between 4% an 10% is $20 per month. Allen reiterated that MSHDA will not underwrite the loans at a higher rate. Cooper also wanted more, but Allen believed that there would be no project if 4% was not approved. Issues of fairness were decided by the court in 1981.

Miah asked if the relationship between MSHDA and the developer is forever. Harlan said that the relationship could always change, and the developer and MSHDA hadn't even signed a development agreement yet. No one else is building new housing in the state because there are too many houses and they can't make money.

Jankowski asked why MSHDA is helping Hamtramck. Harlan said that the governor directed MSHDA to help. Allen added that Granholm was a law clerk for Judge Keith 25 years ago, and Keith talked to the governor personally to advocate for approval.

Jankowski asked if the $3 trash fee later on the agenda would apply to the units. Cooper said it would. Harlan suggested that the units may get their own trash service and not pay the fee. Cooper disagreed because the ordinance requires all residential properties to pay.

Jankowski said the funds aren't finalized, there is no development agreement, and the rents are not set, but they are demanding 4%. Harlan replied that the underwriters calculate that, and no developer will sign a development agreement when environmentals and other assessments are not done.

Gordon asked if the council had to vote on it now. Allen said this was a first reading, and the deadline has already been extended once.

Majewski said that 4% is the product of negotiation, and completing the lawsuit is more important than the PILOT payments. Ahmed agreed that 4% is more than nothing, which is what the city is collecting on those lots now.

Jankowski repeated that everything is fluid and can change from day to day, but council is being approached first and being told that they must approve 4%. They are told that new residents will shop here, but the new residents have extremely low incomes, and Jankowski wants to make sure that the people of this city are safe. The council was not given anything that shows the actual numbers, but is being told that they have to pass the ordinance now. Miah, Hassan, Stackpoole, Ahmed and Majewski voted for it, Jankowski and Gordon voted against it. The first reading of the ordinance passed. A public hearing was set for January 26.

Parking meters: Cooper said the request to waive bidding requirements was made because the city only has parts for one kind of meter and the prices are similar. Council approval is required under the purchasing ordinance for waiving bids. Miah asked if the meters are cheaper now than they were a few years ago. Cooper said he would be happy if they were the same price. All voted in favor.

Gordon asked where the city planned to install 50 meters. Ladd said that there used to be meters on the North end of Joseph Campau, but they had been removed to fill in for missing and vandalized meters in other areas. Gordon said the businesses on the North End complain that those on the South end don't pay, and asked why the city doesn't move the meters from the large city lots to cover all of Joseph Campau. Other cities, like Royal Oak and Birmingham, offer free parking in city lots to encourage people to walk. Hamtramck wants to be a pedestrian friendly city, and the parking problem could be solved if the rates on Joseph Campau were raised to encourage people to park in free city lots. She is tired of business owners parking in front of her house on a residential street because they don't want to pay to park.

Ladd said he would have to look into meters on the South end because the sidewalk is not as wide. Gordon argued that there were meters there before. Ladd replied that the rules had changed, and sidewalk width is the reason that meters are not installed on Conant yet. Installing meters on North Joseph Campau is a simple fix, and is needed because the DHS office is opening.

Ladd would be in favor of free lots if more businesses had parking, but that neighbors and others would park there to get their cars off the road. This happened when the parking pay station was broken. Cooper added that when the parking on Joseph Campau was made free during the holidays, complaints were received that residents and employees of businesses were taking up all the parking spaces, and the free parking was nearly ended. He suggested keeping meters between Polonia and Polish Village to keep residents from crowding out the customers. Gordon pointed out that 70% of the restaurant business is after 6 p.m. when the lot is already free, and free parking is a problem on residential streets every day of the year as things are. She didn't make the motion, but suggested tabling the resolution for input from the DDA.

Gordon asked if they were aware of Ordinance 230. Ladd was not. Gordon read in the ordinance that parking is supposed to be managed by Public Safety, and asked if the police had been asked for input. The ordinance states that parking meters are supposed to be there to promote safety, not generate revenue.

Miah asked how many of the 50 meters being ordered were replacements. Ladd replied that 30 are for "old-new spots", and 20 are replacements. Miah said that DHS serves more than just Hamtramck residents. Ladd added that DHS owns parking lots, and the meters are to manage the overflow.

Ahmed supports using parking meters in front of the DHS to generate revenue and said that he has to have cars towed from the parking lot where his driving school is on Carpenter every day. Gordon said the same happens in city lots now.

Ladd said that Gordon was right about Royal Oak, but that they have an aggressive street parking enforcement program. Cooper added that the parking fines in Royal Oak are much higher. Gordon said the higher fees encourage people to park in free lots and walk. Ladd said they could rethink overall policy, but the current action could be taken without impeding a change.

Hassan asked if the 20 meters being replaced are broken. Ladd replied that 13 were damaged in one night by people trying to get the coins out of them in the Shoppers World parking lot and small lots behind Joseph Campau.

Gordon asked how many meters there are in the city. Ladd said 210 was his best guess. Gordon said the fiscal note claimed that each meter would bring in $100 per month. Ladd said that was based on his hope that the DHS meters will bring in as much revenue as the meters in the center of Joseph Campau. At $50 per month, the meters will pay for themselves in one fiscal cycle.

Gordon found it strange that the city only took in $90,000 last year for parking. Ladd admitted that he heard that number too and found it shocking. Gordon voted against it, but the resolution passed.

Trash fee: Jankowski was not opposed to the fee because the general fund has been subsidizing the special garbage millage. The millage covered the cost of the service at one time. He supported establishment of a separate fund for the millage and fee so that adjustments can be made yearly. He also asked that the administartion look into the cost of extra clean-ups.

Miah wanted Cooper to promise that this would be the only fee increase asked for this year. Cooper would only say that he has no plans for more charges, but if the financial condition of the city changes, they may be looking for new ways to raise revenues.

Majewski agreed with tracking the fee because the city is not allowed to raise fees to shore up the general fund. Cooper agreed that they must justify the expenditure.

Miah said that they have to prioritize. Garbage pick-up is a necessity. Luxuries have to be cut, and if the city manager can't say that he won't be back in 3 months, the line should be drawn now.

Ahmed asked how $3 was calculated. Cooper said that proposals were outlined in a work session. Options included elimination of the millage and adding a fee to cover the entire cost, or keeping the millage and adding a fee to cover the cost.

Stackpoole said it wasn't a good time to raise fees, but the general fund can't subsidize trash and water. The water rates were raised recently, and the council has to choose between a shortfall or everyone paying $3 more and giving up a cup of coffee every month.

Gordon asked Nazarko when the 2.55 mills went into effect. Nazarko said it has been in place since the 60s or 70s, and that the city is allowed to have a millage of up to 3 mills in addition to the 20 mill cap under state law. The millage of 2.558 is a result of reductions under the Headlee amendment. Gordon asked why the amount hasn't changed in 3 years. Nazarko said that was the result of a decline in property values.

Gordon asked what the extra clean-ups are costing. Cooper explained that the millage yields about $600,000 per year, and that the $3 fee includes the cost of "extra clean-ups". Gordon asked if the property owner is billed. Cooper agreed that they put a tax lien on properties, though the city does not collect if the property is tax abandoned, and the city owns and maintains close to 300 city lots. Gordon asked if the city is still short on garbage collections when the money collected for lot clean-ups is added. Nazarko ignored the question and said that city owned properties cost money to maintain. Majewski would not allow Gordon to repeat her question a third time.

Jankowski said the city went to court with a landlord because his water bills weren't paid, and the court ruled that the tenant is responsible if it is in their lease. Allen replied that it wouldn't be the first non-intuitive decision by a court, but if the ordinance says the property owner is responsible, then the landlord is taking a chance that tenant won't pay the bill, as the bill will be added to the taxes if not paid. Jankowski said that it might be a good idea to find out, and thought there should be guidelines on spending the money before the vote.

Miah believes that core services should be first, and asked if the city had done everything to eliminate luxurious spending. Cooper said they cut just about everything they could think of, and he could only make the guarantee Miah wanted from him if revenue sharing was guaranteed. Miah and Gordon voted against it, but the $3 fee passed.

Jankowski had to leave.

Fund warrant: Gordon asked why the city pays $52 per month for a website. Cooper said that the website can't be updated by anyone but the webmaster, and bids for a new website were due on January 22.

Gordon asked about bills for snow removal. Gordon asked how the parking lanes on Joseph Campau, Holbrook and Caniff were salted "in afternoon" as it states on the bills. Ladd said the salting took place at 7 p.m..

Gordon said there were no plowing bills, only salt. On the bid, the most expensive thing in the company's bid was salt. A lot of streets on the list were not plowed at all. She asked how Ladd knows what was done. Ladd said he gets calls if the plowing isn't done. Gordon said that for example, Lumpkin near the bakery was not salted. Ladd said he could deal with a bad salt job. When Mackay was not done after the last event, he called the contractor, and they had missed it.

Gordon said that the bid required a response within 1 hour, and there was no 1 hour response to Mackay. Ladd replied that the company only has one truck, so the one hour response is not for every street. Gordon asked what was stopping the contractor from going home for a nap half way through the job. Cooper said that the second time that happens, they will look for another contractor. Gordon said they've had three problems already. Cooper wrote off the first two mistakes by the contractor as "trial-runs", and said that the contractor has to be given the chance to correct things that are not right.

Gordon checked the streets, and many weren't plowed within 24 hours. Cooper replied that he would look into it, and if the problems continue, they'll look for another contractor. Cooper called the police department after Gordon complained, and they said the conditions weren't that bad.

Hassan agreed with Gordon that Buffalo was not done, Mackay was never salted, and Lumpkin and Gallagher were very bad. He requested that they look for somebody else. Cooper said they could give him the opportunity to work with the contractor, or vote to go to another contractor, but he wanted the city attorney to talk about the ramifications of terminating the contractor first.

Allen said that the council has a right to terminate the contractor if he isn't doing his job. Eye-witness accounts would be relied on, and if the company is not delivering, the contract can be canceled.

Majewski wanted to give the city manager an opportunity to investigate. Gordon made a motion to suspend the rules to pass a resolution in the meantime. If the job is not done, Ladd can pay the next qualified bidder to complete the job with money from the contractor's performance bond. Ladd agreed that performance bonds are for exactly that purpose, though he had to confirm the bid prices with the next contractor. All voted in favor.

Gordon asked to pull the snow plowing bills from the fund warrant list. Stackpoole accepted that amendment. All voted in favor.

City manager report

Cooper said that he met with the unions about plans to address the financial problems. He will probably suggest a work session to talk about final numbers.

A groundbreaking was planned to celebrate the MSHDA and county properties being built for the R-31 at Corinthian Baptist with Keith, Granholm, and Ficano. MSHDA was to pay for the event with refreshments from Wayne County.

The codification is finally complete. The project resulted in the elimination or updating of city codes. The codes will be available online, along with any new ordinances. The next step is to fully review and update the remaining ordinances. The city attorney and department heads are already working on the update. The council will have final approval. Council members can make suggestions.

Gordon joked that she hoped they wait to post the codes until after the website is changed. Cooper said there was a problem with the e-mail and website service provider, and the services were down for more than 24 hours, but adding a link to the current website would be "cheap". Gordon asked if it would be $800 like the cut-and-paste of the mayor's state of the city address. Cooper said that he will be able to post things on the latest website himself, but he doesn't want to delay making it available to the public.

Miah asked if the city is using Facebook and other websites. Cooper said they are not there yet, but he would call Miah when he gets to it.

Public comment

Juanita hoped that Miah's success at the polls would cause more young people to get involved and stay in the city. When the R-31 lawsuit started, she remembers driving to Cincinnati to meet Barnhart.

Juanita lives at the edge of the city, and the only way she can get to her house is to take Alpena. There was no salt on Alpena. The city owns quite a few vacant lots and is not cleaning the snow form the sidewalks. The city has salted in Detroit around the mosque. A dip in Alpena also makes the road bad.

Cooper said he would let Ladd know about Alpena in the morning.

Steve Shaya said that the bars are getting out of hand because outside Shadow bar 2 weeks ago, a man shot two people with an AK-47. There are lines of hundreds of people waiting to get in. There was a big fight at Celina's and someone said they would blow up the place.

Majewski said she didn't know about it. Cooper said it was on the news. An angry patron got a gun out of the car and waited for others to come out. There were no deaths and a few witnesses. The incident is under investigation. The AK-47 was brought into Hamtramck, and there is more than one out there. The Hamtramck police are trained and have their own automatic weapons.

Gordon wouldn't speak for other bar owners, but they don't know what will happen outside. The problems are not limited to bars. There are two businesses on Caniff without liquor licenses, BHA and Composite Lodge. They rent to parties of 200 to 300 people. She doesn't think they can or should serve liquor. Cooper said they would have to sit down with the police chief to see what could be done.

John Justewicz asked if everyone has forgotten that wedding halls don't have liquor licenses. They just can't serve liquor after 1 a.m.. Last week, he took his son to school at 9 a.m., and the streets were ice. Relying on the police to call for salt is funny. He complained to a Lieutenant, and the remark was made that the officers on the road must be getting used to it because they didn't call in. The salt routes were written by someone with no knowledge of the city. Traffic at American Axle is down, but there are semis using the overpass at Dequindere and Poland, which hasn't been maintained by the city in years. He asked Ladd why they would salt the spaces on Joseph Campau when the county threw snow in the spaces, as salt doesn't work on more than 2 inches of snow. Ladd told him in the hall that it was on the bid that way. Streets should be plowed before they are salted, not salted, plowed, and then salted again. He suspects we're being double billed.

Bill Meyer asked what was meant by "$3 per housing unit" in regards to the trash fee.

Cooper claimed that the property will be billed by container.

Meyer said the council is supposed to balance the budget. The people are not responsible to chip in. He asked if their solution was to find more ways for the residents to pay money. The economy and average income are very low. The police have stopped being safety officers and are being used to raise money for the city. It isn't a good image. He asked why there isn't a fee for parking on the street, or other creative ideas. At the very least, the city should cut expenses. The costs are driving people away.

1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance to the flag
4. Proclamations/presentations/recognitions

a. AUDIT PRESENTATION BY ALAN C. YOUNG & ASSOCIATES, PC. Representatives from Alan C. Young & Associates, PC and Plante Moran will be present to explain findings and answer questions regarding the City of Hamtramck, Michigan Financial Report with Supplemental Information for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009.

b. 2010 Metro Times Hamtramck Blowout Music Festival Chris Sexson, Metro Times Publisher

5. Public comments concerning agenda items

SECTION I: PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. AN ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK SARAH GARRETT HOMES TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE. An ordinance to provide for a service charge in lieu of taxes for a proposed multi dwelling rental housing project for persons of low income to be financed or assisted pursuant to the provisions of the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, as amended. The city is permitting the developer to receive low income housing tax credit allocation from MSHDA, and in lieu of taxes the city will accept payment of an annual service charge of four (4.00%) percent of the difference between contract rents actually collected and utilities for federally-aided housing developments.

SECTION II: UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Ordinances scheduled for second reading and ordinances or resolutions previously postponed.

1. AN ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK SARAH GARRETT HOMES TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE. (See Public Hearings Item #1)

SECTION III: CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

The following items will be adopted on a single motion without discussion unless a councilmember requests separate consideration.

1. City council meeting minutes-
a. Regular Meeting – January 12, 2010

2. Board and Commission minutes-
a. Human Relations Commission – October 20, 2009

3. Fund warrant list and payroll.

4. RESOLUTION APPROVING TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF ESCROWED 2009 CLASS C LICENSED BUSINESS, LOCATED AT 18435 PLYMOUTH, DETROIT, MI 48228; WAYNE COUNTY, FROM PIZZA HUT OF AMERICA, INC. TO 10001 JOS CAMPAU, HAMTRAMCK, MI 48212 WAYNE COUNTY. The necessary approvals have been made by the city to request the transfer. Placed on the agenda by City Clerk Norris.

SECTION IV: NEW BUSINESS - Ordinance introductions and resolutions for initial consideration. -

1. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND PLACING ON FILE THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN FINANCIAL REPORT WITH SUPPLIMENTAL INFORMATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2009. The City of Hamtramck, Michigan Financial Report with Supplemental Information for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009 prepared by Alan C. Young & Associates, P.C., certified public accountants will be received and maintained on file in the office of the city clerk for public examination. A copy will be placed in the Hamtramck Public Library for public examination, and copies will be sent to those required by law and agreement. Placed on the agenda by Finance Director Nazarko.

2. AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HAMTRAMCK, REVISING, AMENDING, RESTATING, CODIFYING AND COMPILING CERTAIN EXISTING GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION DEALING WITH SUBJECTS EMBRACED IN SUCH CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The first reading of an ordinance that adopts the new codified book of ordinances. Placed on the agenda by City Manager Cooper.

3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LICENSING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENTS WITH INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE SERVICES, INC. (ISS) FOR INCOME TAX SOFTWARE FOR THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK TAX COLLECTION. Placed on the agenda by Finance Director Nazarko.

4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF SMART BUS CREDITS TO FUND A SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR THE METRO TIMES HAMTRAMCK BLOWOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL. The resolution authorizes the use of MDOT credits up to $6,000 to fund a shuttle bus to be used for the event. Placed on the agenda by City Manager Cooper.

5. RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL YEARS OF SERVICE FOR AN ELIGIBLE CLASS. The resolution grants permission to offer two additional years of service credit towards the retirement of four eligible employees. Placed on the agenda by City Manager Cooper.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE RECYCLING COMMISSION (1 Vacancy)

6. RESOLUTION APPOINTING HEATHERLEY HOWARD TO THE HAMTRAMCK RECYCLING COMMISSION. This is a council appointment for a term ending 12-1-11. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

7. RESOLUTION APPOINTING GREG MILLER TO THE HAMTRAMCK RECYCLING COMMISSION. This is a council appointment for a term ending 12-1-11. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Stackpoole.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (4 Vacancies)

6. RESOLUTION APPOINTING STEVEN CHERRY AS A REGULAR MEMBER TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Mr. Cherry is currently an alternate member to the board. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

7. RESOLUTION APPOINTING STEVE SHAYA TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Gordon.

8. RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING ANAM MIAH TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Hassan and Miah.

9. RESOLUTION APPOINTING NASR S. HUSSAIN TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Miah.

10. RESOLUTION APPOINTING MOHAMMED A. RAHAMAN TO THE HAMTRAMCK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. This is a council appointment for a term ending 1-1-13. Placed on the agenda by Councilmember Hassan.

SECTION V: OTHER ITEMS

1. City Manager’s Report
2. Non-agenda items and other business
3. Public comments

ADJOURNMENT

NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at (313) 876-7700, 48 hours before the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

A special film showing on MONDAY, JANUARY 18th at 6:30pm in Hamtramck

The event is free and co-sponsored by Hamtramck Supporters of Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit. This is part of the WORLDWIDE screening debut of

TO SHOOT AN ELEPHANT www.toshootanelephant.com

Aladdin Sweets and Café, 11941 Conant, Hamtramck, MI 48212
At the corner of Commor Ave, 6 blocks north of Caniff Ave.

FOOD AND DRINKS will be available for purchase
Donations accepted. Proceeds will go to the filmmakers.

(Come early to get a good seat)