Packet - City of Alpena

ALPENA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 2, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
Call to Order.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Approve Minutes –Regular Session of February 16, 2015, and Special Workshop Session of February 16, 2015.
4.
Modifications to the Agenda.
5.
Citizens Appearing Before Council on Agenda and Non-Agenda Items (Citizens Shall be Allowed a Maximum of
Five (5) Minutes Each to Address Their Concerns. This is the Only Time During a Council Meeting that Citizens
are Allowed to Address the Council).
6.
Consent Agenda.
A. Bills to be Allowed, in the Amount of $162,256.29.
B. One City Council Reappointment to the City of Alpena Building Authority for a Three-Year Term Expiring
March 2, 2018 (Bill Pfeifer).
C. One Mayoral Appointment to the Authority for Brownfield Redevelopment for a Three-Year Term Expiring
March 1, 2018 (Jim Klarich).
7.
Presentations.
8.
Announcements.
9.
Mayoral Proclamation.
10.
Report of Officers.
11.
Communications and Petitions.
A. Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE) - Informational Report and Budget Request.
B. Visitor’s and Convention Bureau on Behalf of the Alpena Brand Alliance - Informational Report and Budget
Request.
12.
Unfinished Business.
City Council Agenda
Meeting of March 2, 2015
Page 2
13.
New Business.
14.
Adjourn to Closed Session to Discuss Union Contract Negotiations.
Greg E. Sundin
City Manager
3.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
February 16, 2015
The Municipal Council of the City of Alpena met in regular session in the City Hall
on the above date and was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Mayor.
Present:
Mayor Waligora, Councilmembers Sexton, Nielsen, Nowak, and
Johnson.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular session of February 2, 2015, and special workshop
session of February 5, 2015, were approved as printed.
MODIFICATION TO AGENDA
Moved by Councilman Nowak, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson, to
postpone to a future meeting, Item 7 – Recognition of former Fire Marshal, Dave
Robbins’ retirement from the Alpena Fire Department.
Carried by unanimous vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Councilman Sexton, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson, that the
following Consent Agenda items be approved:
1.
Bills Allowed – in the amount of $326,872.55 be allowed and the Mayor
and City Clerk authorized to sign warrants in payment of same.
2.
One Mayoral appointment to the Downtown Development Authority for a
four-year term expiring March 1, 2019 (Joanna Cooper).
Carried by unanimous vote.
AUSTIN BROTHERS’ BEER COMPANY, LLC
Page 2
Council Proceedings
February 16, 2015
REQUEST FOR NEW MICRO BREWER LICENSE
Moved by Councilman Nowak, seconded by Councilwoman Nielsen, that a
license application from the Austin Brothers’ Beer Company, LLC for a new micro
brewer license to be located at 821 W. Miller Street, Alpena, Michigan be considered for
approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Carried by unanimous vote.
On motion of Councilman Sexton, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson, the
Council adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
MATTHEW J. WALIGORA
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Karen Hebert
City Clerk
3.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
February 16, 2015
The Municipal Council of the City of Alpena met in special session, upon the call
of the Mayor, in the City Hall on the above date and was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by
the Mayor.
Present:
Mayor Waligora, Councilmembers Sexton, Nielsen, Nowak, and
Johnson.
Absent: None.
CITY MANAGER PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PROCESS
The Mayor stated that the City Manager’s contract requires a performance
evaluation. He explained the process used in former city managers’ evaluations and
asked for input on what process council would like to use for the current evaluation.
Councilmember Nielsen felt a more thorough job description would help with the
evaluation of the City Manager.
There was lengthy discussion on the council’s expectations of the position with
leadership and management being high priorities. The council reviewed and revised the
evaluation questions. The evaluation will be performed within the requirements of the
City Manager’s contract which is between March 1st to May 31st.
On motion of Councilman Sexton, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson, the
meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
MATTHEW J. WALIGORA
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Karen Hebert
Page 2
Council Proceedings
January 2, 2001
City Clerk
INVOICE REGISTER FOR CITY OF ALPENA
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 03/03/2015 - 03/03/2015
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
OPEN
VENDOR
INVOICE #
DESCRIPTION
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
ALPENA AREA CHAMBER OF COMM
ALPENA AUTO ELECTRIC
ALPENA DIESEL SERVICE
ALPENA DIESEL SERVICE
ALPENA DIESEL SERVICE
ALPENA GLASS CO INC
ALPENA GLASS CO INC
ALPENA NEWS PUBLISHING CO
ALPENA NEWS PUBLISHING CO
ALPENA PAPER & SUPPLY CO
ALPENA PAPER & SUPPLY CO
ALPENA POWER COMPANY
ALPENA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
AMERICAN UNITED LIFE INSURANCE
AMERIGAS
BC/BS OF MICHIGAN
CHESTER SZYMANSKI
CITY OF ALPENA
CLIFF ANSCHUETZ CHEVROLET
CLIFF ANSCHUETZ CHEVROLET
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DEAN ARBOUR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
DONALD H GILMET
DORNBOS SIGN & SAFETY INC
DOUGLASS SAFETY SYSTEMS LLC
DTE ENERGY
EAGLE SUPPLY CO
EAGLE SUPPLY CO
EAGLE SUPPLY CO
ERIN RIOPELLE
ERIN RIOPELLE
EVERETT GOODRICH TRUCKING & ASPHALT
FIREHOUSE SOFTWARE
FRONTIER
FRONTIER
FRONTIER
FRONTIER
FRONTIER
GEORGIES TOWING & WRECKER SVC
GREENWAY FUELS LLC
HANSEN SALES & SERVICE
HANSEN SALES & SERVICE
ISACKSON & WALLACE PC
JANET ARNOLD
JOEL W JETT
KIESLER'S POLICE SUPPLY INC
KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LARRY SANDERSON
LARRY'S AUTO COLLISION
LEFAVE PHARMACY INC
LSSU COMMUNITY RESEARCH CENTER
MAXINE PIANTKOWSKI
MCDONALD CABINETRY & DECOR
MICHAEL KIELISZEWSKI
MUTUAL OF OMAHA
PEARSON EDUCATION
PROBUILD - ALPENA
SADIE HEATH
SEVAN K INC
9035589214
9035640195
9035686318
9035824784
9925028493
9925061868
9036117187
9036354373
11428
53527
45567
45623
45838
384523
384528
000170 15-16
000562 15-16
459056
459152
03032015
020515
30320 03/15
3037751345
64088 03/15
AP14-8150C
9524-001 0115
CVW209853
CVW209884
16566
CM16525
16585
CM16371
16610
16611
022815
19179
35708
030315
99191
99259
99264
021015
022315
23341
1125539
4-0167 02/15
6-0135 02/15
6-2515 02/15
6-2992 02/15
6-6422 02/15
113646
013115
17792
17874
021215
AP14-2729C
012815
0736853B
021615
10132
245463
021115
021715
021615
AP14-8377C
34033
022815
074L5 03/15
BK 76242154
231002
AP14-8093C
313 01/15
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
VEH MAINT - DPW
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
MONTHLY EXPENSES - DDA
VEH MAINT #47
VEH MAINT #40
VEH MAINT #39
VEH MAINT #39/#40
VEH MAINT #57
BLDG MAINT - FIRE/AMB
SUBSCRIPTION - CITY HALL
SUBSCRIPTION - POLICE
SUPLIES - AMB DISP
SUPPLIES - FIRE/AMB
ELECTRIC
TR ASSIST/SUPP - AMB/AMB DISP
PREMIUM-LIFE 03/15
LP GAS - CEMETERY
PREMIUM-HEALTH 03/15
AMBULANCE REFUND
SEW/WATER - LOCKWOOD ST
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
VEH MAINT - AMB
MILEAGE 02/15
PARKING LOT RESURFACING
SUPPLIES - FIRE
GAS
SUPPLIES - FIRE/AMB
SUPPLIES - PW/PKS
SUPPLIES - FIRE/AMB
PARKING ATTENDANT SVCS - DDA
PARKING ATTENDANT SVCS - DDA
STORES - COLD PATCH
FIREHOUSE SOFTWARE/LICENSE
TELEPHONE - WATER
TELEPHONE - CEMETERY
TELEPHONE - WATER
TELEPHONE - WATER
TELEPHONE - DDA
VEH MAINT - AMB
RECYCLING 01/15
VEH MAINT #39/#40
VEH MAINT - DPW
MAILING FEES - CITY ATTY
AMBULANCE REFUND
TRAVEL ADVANCE - POLICE
AMMUNITION - POLICE
CONSORTIUM FEE - POLICE
TRAVEL EXPENSE - POLICE
SNOW REMOVAL - DDA
VEH MAINT - DPW
SUPPLIES - AMB DISP
HUD INCOME SURVEY
AMBULANCE REFUND
MAINT - CLERK/TREAS
MILEAGE 02/15
PREMIUM-DISABILITY 03/15
MFR TRAINING - AMB
MAINT - PUBLIC WORKS
AMBULANCE REFUND
VEH MAINT - POLICE
Page:
1/2
6.A
AMOUNT
62.69
45.71
40.85
88.81
59.40
21.60
73.79
82.28
654.93
175.00
30.82
59.05
30.00
488.00
23.26
202.80
202.80
294.00
111.70
5,807.24
943.00
945.00
469.58
77,602.42
44.69
35.76
84.17
9.70
226.02
(55.03)
51.12
(250.00)
86.40
170.52
135.70
183.46
494.70
3,686.99
146.85
92.74
74.02
99.84
48.90
1,117.80
1,515.00
134.41
40.36
49.18
111.61
106.80
1,295.00
180.00
34.05
111.21
19.28
668.70
135.00
811.50
2,125.00
204.00
605.00
300.00
30.00
3,666.00
200.79
110.80
80.50
835.48
994.27
4.51
45.34
72.75
INVOICE REGISTER FOR CITY OF ALPENA
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 03/03/2015 - 03/03/2015
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
OPEN
VENDOR
INVOICE #
DESCRIPTION
STAPLES ADVANTAGE
STRALEY LAMP & KRAENZLEIN PC
STRYKER SALES CORP
TED FESTERLING LLC
TELE-RAD INC
TERMINAL SUPPLY CO
THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE
VERIZON WIRELESS
VERIZON WIRELESS
WINN TELECOM
WOLVERINE POWER SYSTEMS
YOUNG GRAHAM ELSENHEIMER &
8033194442
21624
1657237
4601
861951
87981-00
202473 03/15
9740323522
9740396496
3371 02/15
0097982-IN
18257
SUPPLIES - CITY HALL
MONTHLY FEE 01/15
SUPPLIES - AMB
VEH MAINT - DPW
MOBILE RADIO - AMB
VEH MAINT - DPW
PREMIUM-DENTAL 03/15
TELEPHONE
TELEPHONE
TELEPHONE - LONG DISTANCE
SUPPLIES - CITY HALL
WATER RATE NEGOTIATIONS
2/2
AMOUNT
Total:
CHECKS RAN ON 2/19/15 IN ORDER TO AVOID LATE CHARGES
(BREAKDOWN OF INVOICES PAID ATTACHED)
TOTAL FOR 3/2/15 COUNCIL MEETING
Page:
46.13
3,105.00
603.16
71.28
1,391.20
16.68
8,914.71
567.94
917.44
72.22
414.30
7,866.00
133,471.68
28,784.61
-------------162,256.29
INVOICE REGISTER FOR CITY OF ALPENA
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 02/19/2015 - 02/19/2015
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
OPEN
VENDOR
INVOICE #
DESCRIPTION
ALPENA POSTMASTER
ALPENA POWER COMPANY
DTE ENERGY
021815
021915
021915
POSTAGE - ASSESSOR
ELECTRIC
GAS
Page:
1/1
AMOUNT
1,497.03
11,329.01
15,958.57
Total:
28,784.61
6.B.C.
Boards, Commissions, Committees Appointment and Reappointment Requests
March 2, 2015
NAME
REAPPOINT
APPOINT
K:Himes Doc
Bill Pfeifer
Jim Klarich
BOARD
Building Authority
Authority for Brownfield Redevelopment
TERM
3
3
New Ex.
Date
3/1/2018
3/1/2018
APPT AUTH
City Council
Mayor
11.A.
1. MACNE Budget 2015
2. MACNE Discovery Tour Budget
3. MACNE discovery Tour City of Alpena Cover
4. MACNE Discovery Tour Letter of Appeal
5. MACNE Discovery Tour Call to Action
6. MACNE Discovery Tour Promo Images
7. MACNE Arts and Cultural Summit Invitation
8. US 23 Art Trail Roadmaps
(Hard copy, provided by Shawn Sexton)
MACNE BUDGET (2015-16)
INCOME
REVENUE
Corporate, Foundation, Municipal & Private Support
MACNE Partners (50x$100)
Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan
Collaborative Organizations (5@$5,000)
Corporate sponsors (5@$5,000)
In-kind revenue (thus far)
W2W Magazine – 3 months of ads
Ted Fines, Artist - artwork
Truly Yours Signs & Shirts, Oscoda - copy
SAMi – full page ad – two years
MI Art Guide - ad
WCMU - matching
TOTAL REVENUE
EXPENSES
Non-employee administrative costs
Tax preparations, state registration
Operations
Additional project costs
Annual Arts Summit (2015)
Discovery Tour (2015)
TOTAL EXPENSES
CASH
IN-KIND
$5,000
$3,000
$25,000
$25,000
$58,000
TOTALS
$5,000
$3,000
$25,000
$25,000
$3,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$5,000
$3,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$5,000
$11,400
$69,400
$100
$200
$100
$200
$200
$57,500
$11,400
$200
$68,900
$58,000
$11,400
$69,400
MACNE DISCOVERY TOUR PROJECTED BUDGET (2015)
INCOME
CASH
PROJECTED REVENUE
Corporate, Foundation, Municipal & Private Support
MACNE Partners (50x$100)
Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan
Collaborative Organizations (5@$5,000)
Corporate sponsors (5@$5,000)
$5,000
$3,000
$25,000
$25,000
In-Kind revenue (thus far)
W2W Magazine – 3 months of ads
Ted Fines, Artist - artwork
Truly Yours Signs & Shirts, Oscoda - copy
SAMi – full page ad – two years
MI Art Guide - ad
WCMU - matching
TOTAL PROJECTED REVENUE
PROJECTED EXPENSES
Non-employee administrative costs
Advertising/marketing costs
Artwork/copy
Print media (rack cards, postcards, posters)
Print/electronic media (External/Internal)
(e.g., Midwest Living, Trail systems)
W2W Magazine – 3 months of ads
SAMi – full page ad – two years
MI Art Guide - ad
Radio media (External/Internal)
WCMU
TV media
Commercial production
Media Buy
Billboard media
Social Media (MACNE/Partners)
TOTAL PROJECTED EXPENSES
$58,000
IN-KIND
TOTAL
$5,000
$3,000
$25,000
$25,000
$3,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$5,000
$3,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$400
$5,000
$11,400
$69,400
$500
$500
$2,000
$2,000
$6,000
$5,000
$3,000
$1,000
$400
$3,000
$1,000
$400
$9,500
$5,000
$6,000
$5,000
$9,500
$5,000
$2,000
$20,000
$15,000
$2,000
$20,000
$15,000
priceless
$58,000
$11,400
$69,400
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
MACNE Mission Statement:
Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast – ARTown, Michigan is a non-profit corporation dedicated
to encouraging interaction and collaboration among organizations that promote arts, culture,
history and humanities in Northeast Michigan and to increasing public awareness of
opportunities for education and participation in events and activities related to arts and culture.
Dear City Council Members:
Organizational Overview
Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE) - ARTown, Michigan is synonymous as a
regional collaboration for over 100 arts, culture and humanities related organizations, artists and
businesses working together to cross promote the arts and cultural opportunities of the Northeast
Michigan region. MACNE is a 501c6 Michigan non-profit corporation established in 2009 as a
result of local organizations advancing the value of educational enrichment and cross-promotion
of the arts and culture of the region.
ARTown, Michigan fosters the notion of doing together what no one could do alone. MACNE
brings together the volume and variety of organizations along the US 23 corridor from Standish
to Alpena to Mackinaw City and everywhere in between for the purposes of mutual support,
cross-promotion and making more opportunities for the appreciation of the arts, culture and
history of the region.
Arts and Culture as an Economic Driver
Besides encouraging appreciation and participation in arts and culture, MACNE also realizes the
impact of arts and culture as an economic development tool. Arts and culture can drive both
tourism and entrepreneurship as well as serve as an important catalyst for population growth and
the retention of community youth. MACNE is not alone in this thinking as NEMCOG, the
MML, and the State of Michigan have each separately researched the impact of arts and culture
on economic development. As a result, each organization has launched initiatives to educate
organizations and municipalities on the importance of arts and culture as related to economic
development.
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
MACNE and the City of Alpena have been ahead of the curve in understanding this. In fact, in
2010 the City of Alpena was awarded a $20,000 arts and culture grant from MML that was then
entrusted to MACNE to facilitate. The purpose of the grant was to promote arts and culture and
utilize arts and culture as an economic development tool. MACNE’s stewardship of the grant
resulted in Passport to the Arts (third iteration), The US 23 ARTrail Road Map, Alpena Arts and
Culture Scrim Projects, Local Artist Juried Competition, and the development/inclusion of a
MACNE ARTrail pathway on the NEMCOG US 23 Heritage Route website. These efforts were
rewarded with the 2012 MML Community Excellence Award for Region Six. As a result, we
were able to present and promote our community programs to the entire state.
Budget Request
MACNE would like to continue its relationship with the City of Alpena as we continue to
leverage the arts and cultural community of Alpena as an economic driver. In order to promote
this process, funding is needed. As a 501c6, we are dependent on contributions and fundraising
to fund our mission.
Therefore, we are asking municipalities in our service area, including the City of Alpena, to
assist us financially in helping us promote arts and culture and, thusly, promote economic growth
in our region. We are asking the City of Alpena for a 2015 fiscal year contribution of $5,000.
Our budget is relatively simple. Each year, MACNE spends $200-$500 in administrative costs.
Any other monies we bring in are spent on promoting arts in culture in NE MI, predominantly in
the City of Alpena.
Return on Investment
This year, we hope to promote two specific projects. First, MACNE would like to once again
host the Annual Arts and Culture Summit (2nd year). This event is a gathering of the Arts and
Cultural organizations throughout NE MI in an effort to discuss strategies for developing and
promoting the arts in our area. One overriding theme is how to package our region as an arts and
culture tourism destination. With the pending downtown hotel, multiple art studios, brewery,
winery, multiple theatres and fine dining, the City of Alpena has positioned itself as a top tourist
destination for those seeking arts and culture. We seek your assistance in promoting it.
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
The second primary promotional piece for 2015 is the Lake Huron Discovery Tour…Chart your
own course campaign during Columbus Day Weekend, October 9-12, 2015. This weekend long
event is designed to bring thousands of visitors to NE MI with an extensive external marketing
strategy that will highlight all that there is to Discover on US 23 with a theme of “There is more
to see on 23”. The attached documents further elaborate on the program and strategy. In
addition, please check us out at www.us23heritageroute.com to see a small sample of what the
City’s past relationship with MACNE has netted.
Consider that, on average, a daytime visitor to Alpena spends $50. The $5,000 investment by the
City Alpena in MACNE and its most recent collaborative endeavor for the region would be
reached with just 100 visitors as a result of the weekend’s activities. Our goal is for thousands to
participate. Moreover, the larger effects of getting our name out there as a destination for arts
and culture are priceless.
We understand the difficult decisions that Council faces in allocating funds. However, we are
hopeful that good stewards of our community’s monies will realize the important role that arts
and culture has in not just giving an economic boost to Alpena, but in also adding to the image
and identity of our community and region as a whole by leveraging community organizations
like MACNE, as you have in the past, to help elevate all that the community has to offer and to
get the word out that we are indeed on the map as a destination with so much to offer during
Columbus Day Weekend and beyond.
Thank you for your consideration and please contact us if you have any questions or concerns
regarding our request. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tim Kuehnlein, MACNE Board President – Thunder Bay Arts Council Representative
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
Letter of Appeal
Lake Huron Discovery Tour…chart your own course!
Columbus Day Weekend: October 9-12, 2015
Dear City Council Members:
Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE) – ARTown Michigan is pleased to announce the “Lake Huron Discovery
Tour” along the US 23 Heritage Route and adjacent communities for Columbus Day Weekend, October 9-12, 2015.
We need your help garnering the resources for a first-rate marketing strategy to implement the Discovery Tour. As a
collaboration to draw special attention to our region on a holiday weekend linked to exploration, this effort can
promote the region in ways that none of us could do as well on our own.
Locals and visitors alike will be encouraged to chart their own course with a voyage of discovery based on areas of
interest, whether it be hiking, ARTrail gallery tours, bird watching, a color tour, the Wine and Hops Trail, history,
maritime, lighthouses, or some combination of interests represented on the US 23 Heritage Route.
Think about the promotional potential for the region if marketed under a general theme of “Discovery” during a
weekend-long extravaganza of activity in Northeast Michigan. There is great promise with coordination of resources to
get the word out to broader communities of interest within and outside of the state at such a beautiful time of the year.
THERE’S MORE TO SEE ON 23!
Local organizations participating in the US 23 Heritage Route and its various trail systems are organizing and promoting
their own events, those of others, and the weekend as a whole. We are encouraging all event organizers/supporters to
promote the weekend using their individual social media and traditional marketing outlets by referring people to the
www.us23heritageroute.org. This site will feature the full array of regional events planned for the weekend. Patrons are
encouraged then to chart their own course from there.
An initial committee has started building the framework of this collaborative marketing strategy. Our plan is to
engage a second-tier marketing plan to draw even more attention to the region, and this is where we need your help
with resources, financial and otherwise. In the months leading up to Columbus Day Weekend, we will initiate a
targeted statewide and Midwest media blitz (radio, television and print media) using the attached documents. We
need your support to make this vision for the region a reality, showcasing Northeast Michigan as a destination of
choice for families and adventurers.
Now is the time to build upon the momentum you and your respective affiliations have been working so hard to create
throughout Northeast Michigan. With your support, this collaborative effort can become an annual event, benefiting all
of us in our unique and complementary endeavors.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support,
The MACNE Discovery Tour Committee
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
The MACNE Discovery Tour Committee:
Kate Anschuetz - Iosco County Historical Museum, Manager
Denise Cline – North East Michigan Council of Governments/Heritage Route Coordinator
Karen Cracchiolo – Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery (TBACG), Northeast Michigan Artists Guild
(NEMAG), Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE)
Alexa Donakowski - Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Dawn Edwards - Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Ted Fines - Harrisville Arts Council, NEMAG, Sunrise Artists of Michigan (SAMi), Art in
the Loft, Inspiration Alcona
Rachel Goodstein - Kick-Starter Campaign, Rogers City Theatre
Cindy Johnson - Alpena City Council
Mary Ellen Jones - MACNE; US 23 Heritage Route Management Council
Melanie Kirn - Great Lakes Light House Festival
Tim Kuehnlein - Thunder Bay Arts Council, MACNE
Jack Matthias - Thunder Bay Resort
Jeffrey Mindock - Thunder Bay Theatre, Artistic Director
Sharon Ostrander - Truly Yours of Oscoda
Will St. John - Inspiration Alcona, MACNE
Mary Beth Stutzman - Alpena Convention and Visitors Bureau
Barbara Wasserman - SAMi/Tawas
Christine Witulski - Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, MACNE
Katie Wolf - Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, MACNE
Check us out:
Facebook Page:
Twitter and Instagram:
Official Hashtags:
Gmail Account:
Lake Huron Discovery Tour
@lakehurontour
#DiscoveryTour #MoreToSeeOn23 #ChartYourCourse
[email protected]
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
A Call to Action
Lake Huron Discovery Tour…chart your own course!
Columbus Day Weekend: October 9-12, 2015
Dear Partners of the US 23 Heritage Route:
Thank you for making Northeast Michigan increasingly recognized for its rich and diverse attractions that you’ve been
critical in establishing. Now we have a chance to bring even more recognition our way.
Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE) – ARTown Michigan is asking for your help as we organize the “Lake
Huron Discovery Tour” along the US 23 Heritage Route and adjacent communities for Columbus Day Weekend,
October 9-12, 2015.
An initial committee has started building the framework of this collaborative marketing opportunity. Our plan is to
engage a second-tier marketing strategy to draw even more attention to the region. In the months leading up to
Columbus Day Weekend, we will initiate a targeted statewide and Midwest media blitz (radio, television, and print
media) as resources, financial or otherwise, are secured.
To make this weekend a success, though, a marketing blitz is not enough. We need your help in planning special events
and getting the word out in order to make this Discovery Tour a success, doing together what none of us could do as well
on our own. Here are three steps you can take to help:
1. Plan an event for the weekend
Be creative in interpreting the overall “Discovery” theme for your organization. Your event(s) should encourage visitors
to plan a “voyage” based on your group’s areas of interest, whether it be hiking, ARTrail gallery tours, birdwatching, a
color tour, the Wine and Hops Trail, history, maritime, lighthouses, or some combination of interests represented on the
US 23 Heritage Route. Think about the promotional potential for the region and your organization if we all market
“Discovery” during a weekend-long extravaganza of activity in Northeast Michigan. THERE IS MORE TO SEE ON 23!
2. Get on the US 23 Heritage Route Calendar
You are encouraged to direct your events for the weekend, and certainly throughout the year, to the
www.us23heritageroute.org website and the Calendar of Events located there. If your organization is not represented on
the Heritage Route website, or you need help getting your events placed on the calendar, please contact Denise Cline,
GIS Specialist/Community Planner/US 23 Heritage Route Program Coordinator, Northeast Michigan Council of
Governments, at 231-228-2133 for assistance.
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
3. Partner in promoting your events
Help promote your events and those of others, certainly the weekend as a whole, through your website, Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram and other social media and traditional outlets of marketing. Refer people to the
www.us23heritageroute.org site for a full array of what is happening regionally during the weekend. Encourage them
to “chart their own course.” With such organization and marketing we can ramp up the volume regionally, statewide and
beyond, highlighting the opportunity to discover Northeastern Michigan during Columbus Day Weekend!
This collaborative effort could become an annual event, benefiting all of us in our unique and complimentary endeavors.
But we need your help to make it happen by planning worthwhile activities and getting the word out to the broadest
audience possible with the resources you possess. Please stay posted for developments on this project via e-mail
communications like this from MACNE.
Thank you for your interest and continued support,
The MACNE Discovery Tour Committee
Kate Anschuetz - Iosco County Historical Museum, Manager
Denise Cline – North East Michigan Council of Governments/Heritage Route
Coordinator
Karen Cracchiolo – Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery (TBACG), Northeast Michigan
Artists Guild (NEMAG), Michigan Arts and Culture Northeast (MACNE)
Alexa Donakowski - Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Dawn Edwards - Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Ted Fines - Harrisville Arts Council, NEMAG, Sunrise Artists of Michigan (SAMi),
Art in the Loft, Inspiration Alcona
Rachel Goodstein - Kick-Starter Campaign, Rogers City Theatre
Cindy Johnson - Alpena City Council
Mary Ellen Jones - MACNE; US 23 Heritage Route Management Council
Melanie Kirn - Great Lakes Light House Festival
Tim Kuehnlein - Thunder Bay Arts Council, MACNE
Jack Matthias - Thunder Bay Resort
Jeffrey Mindock - Thunder Bay Theatre, Artistic Director
Sharon Ostrander - Truly Yours of Oscoda
Will St. John - Inspiration Alcona, MACNE
Mary Beth Stutzman - Alpena Convention and Visitors Bureau
Barbara Wasserman - SAMi/Tawas
Christine Witulski - Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, MACNE
Katie Wolf - Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, MACNE
Check us out:
Facebook Page:
Twitter and Instagram:
Official Hashtags:
Gmail Account:
Lake Huron Discovery Tour
@lakehurontour
#DiscoveryTour #MoreToSeeOn23 #ChartYourCourse
[email protected]
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
artownmichigan.org
[email protected]
MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE NORTHEAST
• arts • culture • history • humanities •
. . . encouraging interaction and collaboration of organizations
SAVE THE DATE – INVITATION
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Dear Partner in the Promotion of the Arts and Culture of Northeast Michigan,
MACNE is pleased to sponsor the following summit in order to bring the arts and cultural
community of Northeast Michigan together for dialogue and discussion about our mutual
interests in promoting the arts, culture, history and humanities of our respective communities
and the region at large. Perhaps one of the following break-out sessions will appeal to you or
your organization’s interest in one capacity or another.
Please kindly rsvp by responding to this e-mail.
Sunrise Side Arts and Culture Summit
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan - 491 Johnson Street - Alpena
5:30 - 6:30
6:30 - 7:15
Program
Social Hour - Hors d’ourves and drinks
Key Note Speaker, Marketing the Sunrise Side with US 23 Heritage Route
Denise Cline, Northeast Michigan Council of Government GIS
Specialist/Community Planner/US 23 Heritage Route Program
Coordinator
7:30 - 8:15 - Breakout Sessions
o How to Use the Grant Center
 Alpena County Library Development & Community Foundation for
Northeast Michigan representatives
o Marketing 101
 Angela Hayes, MLIVE Media Group Travel/Tourism Account Manager
o Can I help you put your events on the FREE Heritage Route Web Site &
ARTrail?
 Denise Cline, US 23 Heritage Route Program Coordinator
8:30 - 9:00 - Wrap-up
- Annual regional event proposal – US 23 Color Tour - weekend of October
9, 2015 – ARTrail, Wine & Hops Trail, and NatureTrails passport rally
- Drawing for Volunteer City to Host the 2015 Summit (Alpena not eligible)
127 W. Chisholm Avenue – Alpena, Michigan 49707
web: artownmichigan.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
235 W. Chisholm St., Alpena, MI 49707
800.425.7362 | www.alpenacvb.com
11.B.
February 25, 2015
ATTN:
Karen Hebert
City of Alpena
208 N. First Ave.
Alpena, MI 49707
Greetings,
I am writing today on behalf of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Alpena Brand Alliance. As you may
be familiar, in 2011 the CVB and the City of Alpena collaborated to bring Roger Brooks of Destination Development
International to Alpena to assist with the assessment and development of a cohesive brand for the area; thus providing
us with our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes identity.
Since the initial assessment and recommendations we have seen the adoption of this identity in some key areas within
the community. For example, CVB has adjusted our marketing materials to reflect our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
messaging; organizations such as the City of Alpena, Downtown Development Authority, Thunder Bay National Marine
Sanctuary and others have also incorporated the new identity as it fits with their specific missions. It is now time to
enter the next phase and foster wide-spread infusion of the brand across all of Alpena.
To accomplish this next phase of implementing the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes brand throughout the community we
are preparing to launch the Alpena Brand Alliance. This alliance cohesively brings together early-adopter volunteers and
new grass-roots citizen participation combined with existing entities throughout the community to begin creating
elements that will strengthen and enhance the quality of life both within the City and the surrounding region. The
Alliance will be tasked with formulating and carrying out projects that both align with the brand and improve the
infrastructure and/or sense of place within the community. An outline of the major work groups, organized under the
facilitation of the CVB, is attached.
In an effort to allow for effective growth key stakeholders will be asked to invest in the Brand Alliance to allow for the
financial ability of the projects to be implemented. The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce has allocated $5,000 toward
the Brand Alliance activities. The Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has allocated $5,000 toward Brand Alliance
activities. As an original partner in assisting the community with bringing the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes brand to
fruition, we are respectfully requesting the consideration of an investment of $5,000 by the City of Alpena toward the
Brand Alliance for 2015. I’ve included a copy of the proposed budget outline for your review.
Positioned as the hub of the 4-county Northeast Michigan region, the City of Alpena’s economic stability is critical to the
overall health of the region. The City of Alpena plays an important role in demonstrating the opportunity that is available
when this unified identity is shared. The success we’ve been experiencing throughout the community will only multiply
with concerted effort placed on infusing the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes brand on an intensified scale. I look forward to
an opportunity to present our request to the City Council at their regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2015.
Should you require any additional information or clarification on any of these subjects please don’t hesitate to contact
me at 354-4181.
Thank you,
Mary Beth Stutzman
President, Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation whose mission is focused on
creating a community that is a destination of choice for overnight travelers while simultaneously strengthening the
region’s economic base.
Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
Alpena Brand Alliance
Structure Overview & Budget
Objective:
The target focus of the Alpena Brand Alliance Outreach Team is to propagate the Sanctuary of the Great
Lakes lifestyle. The purpose of creating an alliance to support the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes brand is
to perpetuate and strengthen the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes experience throughout the Alpena area.
As a collective community we are tasked with continuing to protect the lifestyle elements that make
Alpena and the surrounding area a premier place to live, visit and do business. The brand alliance is
tasked with continuing to build and strengthen elements that will add to the quality of life, improve a
sense of place, and further strengthen the economic stability of the region.
Primary Goals
1. To make Alpena an outstanding destination for both local residents and visitors.
2. To create small business opportunities and to strengthen existing business.
3. To create lasting opportunities for Alpena’s youth: jobs, business opportunities, and gathering
places.
4. To make Alpena the destination of choice for those looking for healthy activities, serenity,
learning opportunities, visiting Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and to spread these
activities throughout the year. This is NOT about competing with Traverse City and other
popular destinations, but to spread out tourism throughout the year with small numbers who
stay longer and want a place away from the crowds.
Method:
The creation of the Alpena Brand Alliance Outreach Team is a critical step in furthering the grass-roots
reach of the branding initiative. The Alliance is tasked with strengthening the Sanctuary of the Great
Lakes lifestyle within the community. The Alliance is a combination of community-minded organizations
and citizens coming together to bolster the main pillars that support the brand mission. The Alliance is
comprised of project/initiative focused Action Teams facilitated by the Alpena Area Convention &
Visitors Bureau. The Action Team parameters pertain to Culture, Heritage & Arts; Recreation &
Wellbeing, Environmental Stewardship, and Business Opportunity.
The CVB will facilitate regular meetings with the Actions Teams to keep forward momentum at the
forefront. The Action Teams will be tasked with creating new events, projects, initiatives, or methods
that pertain to their Action Team focus and align with the brand. Action teams will have access funding
available to assist with the creation and implementation of these endeavors.
Alpena Brand Alliance Action Teams
Membership:
As much as practicable, the membership of each Action Team should reflect the region’s diverse
population. The membership shall also include one (1) representative from identified related Action
Team authority organizations and a balance of approximately 50% citizen membership; as well as at
least one (1) member of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau who shall serve in an advisory
and facilitator capacity. Membership determination will be a shared responsibility between the
Leadership Council and the entity/organization members of each Action Team. To begin with, members
of the Action Team will each serve a 3-year term. At the end of three years the entire structure will be
re-evaluated by the Leadership Council to determine if it should carry-on as is or if adjustments are
needed. If the structure is still serving its purpose then lots will be drawn by each Action Team member
to determine if they will continue with a 1, 2, or 3-year term to assure opportunity for further
membership from the community (in the event that an organization member has no other alternate
then that member will remain). If, at any time, a member cannot serve due to other obligations the
request can be made for appointment of a new member to fill the vacated spot. The inability to serve
should be communicated in writing to the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau office as far in
advance as possible so additional representation can be selected. A member of the CVB office will serve
as the facilitator/advisor for each Action Team to assure continuity and open communication among
each team.
Responsibilities:
Each Action Team is created as a result of strengthening the main pillars of the Sanctuary of the Great
Lakes brand. Each team is tasked with focusing on creation of new initiatives and projects that are
inclusive with an objective toward easy access/participation. Each team will meet no less than quarterly
but most meeting schedules will be determined by the projects/initiatives selected and corresponding
timelines. Teams will be tasked with presenting proposals for projects/initiatives to the Leadership
Council, with corresponding funding needed, for approval. Carrying out the project/initiative is the
responsibility of the corresponding Action Team. If desired, more citizen or community expert members
may be brought into an Action Team on a project-based need.
Culture, Heritage & Arts Action Team: This team is focused on the creation of immersive education
experiences showcasing local history, arts, and education. Potential projects: historic downtown walking
tour, retreats (theater weekend, culinary retreat, writer’s camp), making historical stories available for
public consumption.
Recreation & Wellbeing Action Team: This team is focused on development and maintenance of
recreation opportunities, infrastructure improvements and cultivation of new immersive experiences
within the outdoors. Potential projects include: Dog park, outdoor silent sport workshops, glamping,
guide resources.
Environmental Stewardship Action Team: This team works toward the protection of surrounding
natural resources & improvement of access to outdoor experiences while respecting natural
environments. Potential initiatives include: trash clean-up program, community-wide recycling, plastic
bag ban, preservation of natural areas, improve access to natural areas, natural area education tours.
Business Opportunity Action Team: This team is tasked with cultivating new business development
opportunities and assisting existing businesses and organizations with infusing the elements of the
brand promise. Potential initiatives include coaching business owners, recruitment of new niche
business, help business owners infuse brand elements into operations, official souvenirs.
Marketing Consultation: While spreading the good word about the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes is
everyone’s responsibility, there may be times when a particular project or initiative from an Action
Team needs more in-depth assistance. Should any project need the outside assistance of marketing
support (i.e., posters, signage creation, advertising, copywriting, etc.) the CVB office will coordinate with
internal staff or local marketing professionals to determine if services can be rendered without cost or if
costs will need to be included in the Action Team project financial request.
Summary
With an organized and unified approach, we are well on our way to strengthening and growing the
Sanctuary of the Great Lakes lifestyle across the greater Alpena area. This is a noble cause with farreaching community-wide benefits. Alpena is the hub of a 4-county region and the stronger Alpena is,
the stronger the outlying communities will be. Many organizations have been working to infuse the
Sanctuary of the Great Lakes brand into their operations and we have seen the benefit this effort
provides. Our next step is to use this momentum to launch the next phase of brand infusion and create
the Alpena we envision is possible.
Budget Outline for 2015
Contributions:
Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce …………………………………………………………………$5,000
Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ……………………………………………………….$5,000
City of Alpena (pending) ……………………………………………………………………………………$5,000
Alpena County (pending) ………………………………………………………………………………….$5,000
Townships of Alpena County (pending) ……………………………………………………………$5,000
Action Team projects …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$25,000
Method:
The Brand Alliance Action Teams will formulate proposals for projects with funding requirements
necessary to complete the projects. The proposals will be reviewed by the Brand Leadership Council
(consisting of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of
Alpena, County of Alpena, City Council, Townships). This review is a simple safety-check to assure that
the project aligns with branding objectives. Projects may be funded in part or in whole depending on the
cost, or a member of the Leadership Council may have knowledge or access of other monies available to
complete the project. Once a project has been given the green light it will be the responsibility of the
corresponding Action Team to see it through to completion. Brand Alliance funds will be held and
accounted for by the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and all financial standings will be
reported to the Leadership Council members on a monthly basis or at any other time as requested.