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Volunteer Election Day/Public Policy Forums

On April 4, 2016, the first of two monthly Lincoln Park City Council meetings was held
in the LP City Hall. The following is a list of titles and names of the individuals who
compromise the council: Mayor Thomas E. Karnes, Council President Thomas Murphy, City
Manager Mathew Coppler, Councilman Mark Kandes, Councilman Elliott Zelenak, Councilman
Mario Disanto, Councilman Larry F. Kelsey, Councilman Christopher Dardzinski, and City Clerk
Donna Breeding. Furthermore, it must be noted that the audience was rather small. Also, all but
one person in attendance belonged to the following two demographics: white age 40 and up.
Moving on to the proceeding of that day, the meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm.
Soon after, everyone was asked to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance. Once the last words
of the pledge were spoken a preacher walked to the podium and said a prayer. After the word
Amen was uttered Breeding began roll call. Then the Mayor quickly chimed in with a
summation of past events. Additionally, he discussed action items.
The entry that seemed to cause the most discussion was item four: Grant
Application/DCC/Target Market Analysis. After the Mayor directed Coppler to give a brief
description of the Market Analysis Coppler stated the following: The cost of the entire project
would be $66,000. Lincoln Park and its five sister cities would have to approve of it before it
goes into effect on. The cities would be responsible for half the cost while the DCC grant would
take care of the other portion. Additionally, Coppler stated that participation in the plan would
allow Lincoln Park to gather valuable demographic information. Data that would better enable
Lincoln Park to decipher how to redevelop the city by learning what people are looking for.
Coppler also stated that it would allow them to weigh their options: commercial vs. residential
component. Murphy, the council President, was not amused. He felt that the study would be

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counterproductive for Lincoln Park, for he stated that it would reveal what they already know:
Lincoln Park is beginning to unravel financially. Also, he felt that if they followed the studys
lead and implemented condos and apartments it would bring a high percentage of low income
individuals to the city. Murphy concluded by stating that they should not be a part of the
lowering the citys standards; instead, they should focus on initiates that would revitalize Lincoln
Park. Disanto agreed with Murphy. He stated that it would be a waste of time to participate in
study if their only gain is demographic information. They already know what to do. They should
focus on selling houses (promoting homeownership). Why? the answer lies on the fact that it
would increase peoples commitment to the city. If one has a stake in a place than he/she is more
willing to participate in the community. He also mentioned other social benefits. For example,
homeownership increases the citys funding for education.
After all the action items they moved on to the city manager report. Coppler briefly
talked about the budget calendar. He stated his intent of schedule a meeting to go through the
budget revenues. Coppler added that he would be able to change some things, but there was not
much leeway. Following Coppler was the Lincoln Park Fire Chief. The Chief gave a report of his
department. His summation of his unit highlighted the departments progress (grants improved
equipment and employee training) and shortcomings (low on staff, complaints, and issues with
new equipment). There after Dardzinski thanked the chief for bringing the fire department to the
21 century. Later on a concerned LP resident was given three minutes to speak. In his discussion
he pointed out how lawsuits on the city affects citizens property taxes. He added that too many
things are done without transparency. Thus, he felt that the city needs to be more accountable and
do a better job of informing its citizens about the judgements in lawsuits. Then, the LP House
Representative, Paul Clemente commended the city for its great work and provided updates on

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Lincoln Parks current conditions. Clemente emphasized that the city is on its way to a renewal.
However, to avoid repeating Flint's issues he stated that the inner ring suburbs should do more to
look into the lead in the water. Once Clemente finished talking every person on the council was
asked if they had a closing statement. Everyone but the Mayor passed on the opportunity. After
the Mayor thanked the audience for actively listening he adjourned the meeting at 9:47.