Council approves 2023 appointment roster, budget

By Kendra Hennis 
The meeting of the Tuscola City Council was called to order at 7:31 p.m. on Monday, April 25 with all members present. 

The bi-weekly meeting was business as usual for the council. Following approval of the consent agenda, Mayor Dan Kleiss presented his recommendations for annual appointments of Officers and Members of Boards and Commissions to the council for approval. The following officers of the city were appointed for a term of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023: Drew Hoel-City Administrator, Craig Hastings-Police Chief, Mike Salmon-Building/Electric Inspector, Brian Moody-Fire Chief, Dennis Cruzan-City Services Foreman, Andrew Bequette, Beckett Law Office-PC, and Alta Long-Treasurer. The council also approved appointing the following individuals for a term of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 to the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals/Sign Board of Appeals: Steve Hilgendorf, Gerald Reynolds, Terry Poindexter, Brett Adkisson, Randy Hastings, Alan Hettinger, and Brad Bennett. The council then approved appointing the following individuals to the Liquor Board for a term of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023: Mayor Kleiss-Commissioner, Curt McDaniel, and Bob Utterback. The final approval was appointing the following individuals to the Arcola/Tuscola Joint Waterline Board for a term of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023: Drew Hoel, Alan Shoemaker, and Troy Rund. 

The board then discussed a possible ordinance amending section 70.18 of the City of Tuscola Code of Ordinances to Lower the Golf Cart Operator minimum age from 18 to 16. The ordinance was brought to a motion by members Dave Slaughter and Terra Waldrop but did not pass on the floor. 

The council then approved an agreement for architectural services with Utz & Associates for Street Shed Extension, Police Department Remodeling, and South Fire Station Annex. The agreement for the Tuscola Fire Station Addition states that “the following proposal shall cover complete Architectural, Interior, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, (MEP) from Schematic Phase to Project-Close out based on the following scope of work: design and provide construction documents for the proposed addition of two drive-through double apparatus bays or three reverse-in-single apparatus bays, indoor storage for existing fire safety trailer, two accessible restrooms, and multi-use space.” Estimated design for the project will begin in May 2022. Utz’ agreement with the city for the Street Shed Extension states it shall include, “approximately 4,000 square feet pre-engineered wood post frame building addition. Contained within the addition shall also consist of approximately 750 square feet for an indoor shooting range meeting all applicable and current building fees.” The project is hoped to also begin the design phase in May. The Police Department Remodeling agreement with Utz says that the following scope of work shall be included, “design and provide construction documents to renovate existing space into two new private offices, automotive wash bay, existing sewer line relocation, and front facade enhancement.” This project is hoped to begin the design phase in July 2022. 

The council also:
* Approved the minutes of the April 11 meeting.

* Approved the March 2022 Financial Report.

* Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $196,373.83. This includes a $58,814.40 pay request from Municipal Engineering Services for Fire Turnout Gear, a $366,619.82 pay request from B&T Drainage for Joint Water Agency Water Line Project, and a $2,730 pay request from Donohue & Associates for Joint Water Line Engineering.

* Approved the Tuscola Lion’s Club to conduct fundraising on Main and Sale Streets for Candy Days on May 6-7 and 13-14.

* Approved a Pace for Petey 5K Run/Route on September 24, 2022.

* Approved and adopted the FY2023 budget. It was noted that the budget was unchanged since the proposed budget was presented at the last meeting. 

* Approved the FY2023 Employee Wage Roster including the FY2023 Fire Department Roster and Pay Scale and revised Summer Employment. The revised summer hires list includes managers Jason Rennert and Hedi McFarland at $15 an hour; Cashiers Reanna Boyer, Hailey Downs, Kalli Harris, Elizabeth Lee, Schuyler MacFarland, Belle Notaro, Athalia Patterson, Carlina Patterson, Madison Piat, Pearl Taylor, and Harley Woodard at a rate of $12 an hour; New Guards already certified Tristian Gadomski, Mason Holmes, Liam Hetland, Ben Hornaday, Liriel Jones, Allison Kneer, Emily Ray, Brogan Rennert, Blake Taylor, Neil Walker, and Logan Wallace at $12.50; New Guard to hire after certified Keller Beachy, Chris Boyd, Jackson Burlew, Jocelyn Ford, Alyx Gardner, Taylor Gordon, Bryce Graves, David Hornaday, Hannah Hornaday, Bradley Lacine, Zane MacFarland, and Ava Simpson at a rate of $12.50 an hour; and Street & Park Department employees Bruce Nofftz at a rate of $13 an hour and Brynn Tabeling at a rate of $12.75 an hour. 

* Approved Water and Sewer write-offs. It was explained that at the end of each fiscal year, the council is asked to approve a list of write-offs of uncollectible water and sewer accounts. The “youngest” of these accounts was over two years old and the majority were at least six years old. However, this list is maintained and the city will make every effort to collect if any of the individuals apply for service in the future. The total amount of  write-off for this year is $2,432.57.

* Adjourned until the May 9 meeting at 7:30 p.m.