MUSKEGON COUNTY

PORT/ RAIL/TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

August 27, 2012

Hall of Justice

Administration Conference Room

990 Terrace Street

Muskegon, MI 49442

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Representatives

/

Present

/

Absent

/

Representatives

/

Present

/

Absent

Marvin Engle, County Commissioner, Chairman / x / Bonnie Hammersely, County Administrator / x
Bob Lukens, Community Development Director, Vice- Chairman / x / Kathy Hoogstra, Probate Court Administrator / x
Ben Cross, County Commissioner / x / Alan Jager, County Commissioner / x
Mark Eisenbarth, Wastewater Director / x / Donna VanderVries, Equalization Director
Mark Fairchild, Register of Deeds / x / Judith Kell, Grant Coordinator/Staff / x
Dave Fisher, Drain Commissioner / x / Daniel VanderKooi / x
Jim Riley, Eye on Muskegon / x / Brent Gillette, West MI United Labor / x
Steve Keglovitz, West MI United Labor / x

MINUTES

I.Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 3:03 pm by Chairman Engle.

II.Approval of Minutesof July 23, 2012

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher and seconded by Mr. Lukens to approve the minutes of July 23, 2012,as submitted. The motion carried.

III.Muskegon Chronicle Article – “Muskegon County to Take Leadership Role Developing Deep-Water Port”

Articles from the Muskegon Chronicle were distributed. Discussion that there is a great deal of interest in the efforts to enhance Port, Rail and Transportation in Muskegon County. Mr. Fisher noted that there is a need to include union representation such as the ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association).

IV.Port Website Update

Mr. Lukens stated that information and related links regarding the Port of Muskegon are ready to be added to the county website. Mr. VanderKooi will check with Equalization regarding development of a map to be included on the county website showing the infrastructure.

V.Draft of the “Michigan Port Authority” Legislation

“Draft 4” of the legislation was distributed. Commissioner Engle noted that the draft is not out of committee yet, and is in the process of change. The creation/designation to be a port authority is evolving.

VI.Letter from the Right Place

Distribution of a letter from The Right Place – Advancing the West Michigan Economyin support of the committee’s efforts to identify options to further the region’s economic growth. Discussion concerning the need to educate the public regarding the county’s role to be one of coordinating with the public, private and governmental sectors as a regional strategy not as an authority.

VII.Next Steps

Minutes of the Ballast Water Update Meeting held in Lansing on August 21, 2012, was distributed. It was noted that the ballast water issues will have to be addressed, and there is a need for regional ballast water restrictions.

Discussionto recommend an Oversight Committee and a Working Committee.

Oversight Committee to meet quarterly and include:

  • Commissioners
  • West Michigan United Labor
  • Melching
  • Sand Products
  • Wind Consortium
  • Verplank
  • Consumers Energy
  • Andre
  • Regional Representatives
  • Municipalities
  • Great Lake Docking
  • Great Lakes Ferry

Working Committee to include:

  • Drain Commissioner
  • Wastewater Director
  • Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
  • Probate Court
  • Grant Coordinator

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher and seconded by Commissioner Cross to join organizational groups when funding is available. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher and seconded by Mr. Eisenbarth that the Oversight Committee be developed under Public Works with the understanding that the committee will not act without the authority of the Board. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Ms. Hoogstra and seconded by Mr. Eisenbarth to work to compile a list of options for members of the Oversight Committee before the next meeting. Motion carried.

Mr. Fisher requested the two invitees introduce themselves. Mr. Keglovitz and Mr. Gillette, both with West Michigan United Labor, stated their interest in opportunities with the port authority development. Mr. Gillette recommended inviting West Michigan United Labor as a member of the Oversight Committee noting that the union represents unaffiliated crafts under one entity. Mr. Gillette also noted the need for responsible contracting.

VIII.Next Meeting Date

To be determined.

IX.Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lynn Esparsa

Administrative Secretary to the County Administrator