City of Pontiac Committee of the Whole met Sept. 30.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Acting Mayor Alvey called to order the meeting at 6:00 P.M.
The City Clerk was directed to call roll, and the following members of the Council were present: Alvey, Swanson, Eckhoff, Kallas, Causer, Bradshaw, Myers, Gabor and Wille.
Agenda
Revenue Issues - Sales Tax Referendum
Discussed was the possible sales tax referendum, increasing the City’s sales tax by 1%. Groceries, medication sales or titled vehicle sales would not be included in the tax increase. Education is needed to the City residents explaining that the sales tax increase would be used to repair City streets. Area open meetings, door to door, marketing pamphlets were brought up as ways to educate. It was noted that last year, only 29% of the sales tax received to the City was paid by Pontiac residents. The other percentage was paid from outside Pontiac. It was the consensus of the meeting that the City would put on the November referendum the sales tax increase, for vote in March 2020.
Downtown Parking
Discussion on the parking in the Central Business District. Chris Brock presented the block areas of the downtown, showing where the City is not in compliance with state statues. There are 525 parking spaces, and 81 are not in compliant.
joanE Lipinski, Pontiac resident, said she was very concerned of the safety of people who try to cross streets and are restricted in their vision when crossing because of the non-compliant parking spots. She has been in contact with IDOT regarding the non- complaint parking spaces and also noted that the City has two public parking lots to be used if the 81 parking spaces would have to be removed. Ed Lipinski also spoke regarding the new City wide bike paths that have plans to be created soon and that there are only a few bike racks provided in the downtown area.
The City is going to be working on the areas of most importance.
Budget Discussions - FY22-21
Discussed was the presentation by the Parks & Rec Department at the last Council meeting and how to expand programs. Also, the possibility of sponsors for the Summer Concert series, bathrooms in Riverside park and at Vermillion Plaza, a possible skating rink. The Community Development Committee will be for further discussion.
Adjournment
On motion duly made and seconded, the regular meeting of the City Council was adjourned.
https://www.pontiac.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09302019-685
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