The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Blue Star Mothers.

Shelly Page,Vice President of Chapter 195, informed everyone of their efforts, including support of the local and state Veterans' Administration, care packages and fundraisers to support the military personnel and families.

Mayor Walters noted the Blue Star Mothers started in Flint, Michigan, noting members have a son or daughter, or grandchild, serving in the military.    

Comm. Flores commented on her request to review and amend the ordinance.

Jill Steele, City Attorney, noted the amendment to the ordinance was to regulate from a zoning aspect, to reflect State licensing. 

John Kenefick, 234 South Avenue, commented on resolutions 247 - Leila Arboretum, 250 - Transit diesel buses, and 249 - Waterland Properties. 

A Resolution authorizing the sale of vacant, tax-reverted property.

A Resolution setting a Public Hearing for 7:00PM, October 18, 2016, on behalf of Schweitzer Incorporated, on the application for an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act Tax Exemption (OPRA), in Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District No. 14.

Comm. Sherzer asked if the funds were included in the budget.  

Rebecca Fleury, City Manager, noted staff were still working on budgetary items for the downtown, noting the City would be utilizing salary savings from a vacant Parks & Recreation position.

Comm. Helmboldt asked if the costs were separate or the same as funds for Greenscape.

Ms. Fleury stated the contract was similar to the Greenscape contract last year, but the City would only be using Leila Arboretum for the downtown landscaping now.   

Mayor Walters asked if City staff had ever been used for the downtown landscaping, or if it had always been outsourced.  

Ms. Fleury stated the downtown landscaping has been outsourced the last 2 years.

Ted Dearing, Assistant City Manager, noted there were extensive renovations of the Commerce Pointe building to make it functional, noting the developer agreed to absorb all renovation costs, with the provision that all rents would offset the costs.  Mr. Dearing noted the extended lease agreement allows the developer to pass the lease arrangement along to a potential investor in the future.   Mr. Dearing noted there are many similar deals throughout the US.

Attorney Steele noted the rental costs were $1.00 per year, noting the property is subject to tight restrictions per the Federal Government, stating the property is not readily marketed to others as there are restrictions as to the type of tenants and that the building was to be open to the public.   

Comm. Owens inquired as to the responsibility for maintenance and repairs for the building.  

Mr. Dearing noted the developer was responsible for maintenance and repairs, as noted in the contract.

A Resolution authorizing a contract with Gillig, LLC, for two low floor diesel buses in a not-to-exceed amount of $777,168.

Rich Werner, Transit Manager, clarified Transit has two types of service, noting the large buses were not able to convert to propane fuel usage, stating the propane farm at DPW was utilized for the smaller Tele-Transit vehicles that were able to be converted to propane usage. 

Paula Chapman, 16 Greble Street, asked about funding for road repairs and City ordinance.

Bob Deal, owner of Waterland Properties, Commerce Pointe, thanked the Commission for the approval of resolution 249, interpreting this as a vote from the City and the Commission to make the downtown better.

Jeanine Deal, 3508 Capital Avenue SW, commented on the installation of smart water meters in the City. 

Lindsay Wheeler, 218 Leland Drive S., commented on the Pledge of Allegiance and Welcoming Michigan discussion at a prior meeting.

John Kenefick, 234 South Avenue, spoke of past Commission actions and the Constitution.

Comm. Gray expressed appreciation to a Youth Advisory Board member in attendance at the meeting.  Comm. Gray informed everyone that Absentee Ballots were available from the Clerk's office, noting 2,599 were sent out today.  Comm. Gray invited everyone to the Honorary street naming celebration in honor of Velma Laws Clay on October 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm on Hubbard Street, between Manchester and Greenwood.  Comm. Gray also announced a community input workshop regarding Adult Businesses on October 12, 2016 at DPW at 6:00 pm, and an Urban Agriculture workshop on October 18, 2016 at 5:30 pm in Room 302A. 

Ms. Fleury responded to Ms. Chapman's concerns regarding Taft Street, noting this portion is in Emmett Township.

Mr. Werner stated part of Taft Street in Emmett Township is the responsibility of Emmett Township and Calhoun County, noting the Transit Department vacated their route on Taft Street as it is not suitable for buses.  

Regarding Absentee Ballot voting, Comm. Helmboldt confirmed residents could obtain an absentee ballot by calling or visiting the City Clerk's office.

Mayor Walters commended City staff who quickly assisted a local business owner who needed a change of mailing address for his business.   Mayor Walters also gave a Shout Out to Lt. John  Chrenenko and Det. Stephanie Estree for their service.

Comm. Faris reminded everyone the City website contains links to all of the City's ordinances and other information.