The meeting was called to order by Mayor Russell at the above mentioned date and time.

Roll Call of Members Present

Present: Council members Bill Bellows, Gabe Campbell, Norm Carlson Jr., Sherm Chamberlain, Bill Haggard and A.J. Witthoeft.

Absent: None.
DDA members present: Mayor Russell, Hugh Mason, John Kurtz, Mary Feindt, Fred DiMartino, Jeannine Wallace, Dan Barron and John Taylor.

DDA members absent: Jeff Porter.
Staff members present: City Manager Michael Wiesner, City Planner Gerry Harsch and Recreation Director Ike Boss.
General Business

Lake Michigan Beach and Depot Beach Improvements

City Manager Michael Wiesner explained that bids came in higher than expected for the Lake Michigan Beach and Depot Beach Improvements Project. H&D, Inc. was the low bidder at $653.891.34. An analysis of both projects was presented, with recommendations for deletions. Jim Malewitz of Performance Engineers reviewed the proposed major deducts which included one picnic shelter, the basketball court and redesign of an underground storm sewer system at Lake Michigan Beach, steel handrails at Park Avenue, and the volleyball court and landscaping at Depot Beach. More minor deletions were also proposed--jobs that could be done by the City, such as installing a split-rail fence at Park Avenue. It was recommended that the restrooms be re-bid out separately. The revised H&D, Inc. bid total, after deducts, for both projects is $446,160.44.

Mr. Malewitz recommended a 10% contingency for the project. Mr. Wiesner reviewed a summary of revenue versus expenses. He asked the DDA to increase their contribution for the Park Avenue portion of the Lake Michigan Beach Project from $81,273.28 to $95,300.00. Mr. Wiesner recommended revenue be sought from the Recreation Public Improvement Fund, as well as previously mentioned funding sources. Its anticipated a net revenue over expenditures of $14,852.06 or 2.04% is available for contingencies. Revenues from other sources may be considered from the 2002-2003 budget if necessary to complete the project.

The DDA unanimously agreed to increase their funding for the Park Avenue portion of the Lake Michigan Beach Project from $81,273.28 to $95,300.00.

Motion by Councilman Carlson and seconded by Councilman Haggard to award the Lake Michigan Beach and Depot Beach Improvements Project Contract to H&D, Inc. for $446,160.44, with a 2% contingency for the City Manager, contingent on H&D, Inc. adhering to the contract with the proposed deducts and on DNR approval of the contract.

Yeas: Councilmen Bellows, Campbell, Carlson, Chamberlain, Haggard and Witthoeft.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.


Proposed Planning Approach to Downtown Park/Marina Renovations

City Manager Michael Wiesner reviewed a proposed planning approach to the Downtown Park/Marina Renovations. The Project has been divided into Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. Phase I, the Downtown Park Planning Process, would begin with a public input meeting on December 6, 2001. After this meeting, design goals would be prepared and reviewed by DDA and Council. Development design options will be prepared, based on the goal list. Another public input meeting would be held in late June of 2002 to discuss design options. The DDA and Council would then review the design options and public input, and then Council will ultimately select an option. Phase II, the Marina Planning Process, would begin with a public input meeting in late June of 2002, and follow the same process as Phase I. Phase III is the Integration of Park and Marina Plans. A public meeting will again be held, and Council will then select a final integrated plan. It is projected that this final plan might be reached by the end of 2002. There would then be a one-year grant process, and the project would then begin in 2003 or 2004.

Councilman Campbell noted that he had only received negative input toward the marina plans from his constituents. He thought that the expansion plans for the marina should not be included in the planning approach. Mr. Wiesner thought that at least there would have to be work done to the bulkhead. Mr. Malewitz said that if floating docks were put in, they would most likely be bubbled during the winter months.

Council generally approved the proposed planning approach to the Downtown Park/Marina Renovations.
The plan was also supported by the DDA.

Adjournment

Council unanimously adjourned at 6:23 p.m.