HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-2007 Annual AnnualCITY OF LIVONIA
ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR
2006-2007
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
JACK ENGEBRETSON
33000 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
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LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 481543097
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December 14, 2007
Honorable Members of the City Council
City of Livonia, M 148154
Dear Council Members:
The Annual Report for fiscal year 2006-2007 reflects activities of the Livonia City
Departments, Commissions and Boards. The following reflects a sampling of the
information contained in various reports and some personal observations.
DPW — Public Service and Engineering Divisions
This department was successfully reorganized during this past year. Among the
numerous projects completed were the esurfacing and reconstruction of Six Mile from
Haggerty to Farmington Road, the completion of the Seven Mile Road widening project,
and the maintenance and expansion of the City's waste/recycling service.
Finance
In 2007, the Finance, Accounting and Information Systems Departments implemented a
conversion to a new financial management system called "Logos.nef' from New World
Systems, Inc. When fully implemented, this new system will provide increased data
management capabilities and online services for residents and employees.
Library Commission
In the Spring of 2007, full hours of service were restored at the Civic Center Library.
Technology-based services have continued to grow in popularity as indicated by a
dramatic increase in internet workstation use. Our oldest branch, Alfred Noble Library
celebrated its 40'L anniversary this year, and improvements such as the installation of a
new water heater and air conditioning unit were also made.
Parks and Recreation
Three major projects were completed this year. They include the Master Park Plan,
which is a general roadmap for programs, parks and facilities that the City should
attempt to develop or enhance in the next few years. The VIP Plan (Vision, Insight and
Planning) involved all full-time staff members meeting to develop a strategic plan for the
overall direction and focus of the Department. The Emergency Action Plan includes a
Training Coordinator who works with the staff in first aid and CPR training, developing
an emergency training handbook, and working with the City's Police and Fire
Departments.
Planning Department and Commission
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department was closely involved in a number of
new developments, as well as several expansion and redevelopment projects, including
those under construction at the Wonderland Village, the redevelopment of the southeast
comer of Eight Mile and Farmington Roads, and the future construction of a new three-
story, 40,000 square foot building that will house a satellite campus for Davenport
University in Vidor Parkway at Seven Mile Road and I-275.
Summary
Overall, the past year was filled with successful outcomes throughout the City in spite of
the confinuabon of the 5 -year financial crisis throughout the State and the Region.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the council members and staff, along with our
fine team of City employees, in all departments and at all levels, for the conbibutons
made in achieving this success. I also want to acknowledge our hundreds of
commissioners, board members and volunteers.
Clearly, it is not business as usual. However, the customers we serve (in both the
residential and business sectors) are, in fad, receiving virtually the same high level of
services they received prior to the financial crisis. This is a great tribute to our enfire
team, all of whom have worked collaboratively to gel the job done throughout this very
large and complex service organization that is called the City of Livonia.
Sincerely,
Jack Engebrelson
MAYOR
CITY OF LI VONIA, MICHIGAN
ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2006-2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Assessing Department...................................................................................1
Review, Board of
2
City Clerk
3
Civil Service Department
8
Trustees, Board of
17
Community Resources Department and Cade
21
Aging Commission
25
Arts Commission
26
Historic Preservation Commission
27
Historical Commission
29
Human Relations Commission
30
Youth Commission
31
District Court
32
Finance Department
37
Information Systems.........................................................
39
Fire Department
42
Housing Commission
52
Inspection Department
55
Building Code Board of Appeals
57
Law Department
58
Library Department & Commission
61
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission
65
Planning Department& Commission
78
Police Department and Emergency Preparedness .........................84
Public Works Department
95
Engineering Division
96
Public Service Division
98
Traffic Commission
112
Treasurer
114
Zoning Board of Appeals
119
The 2007 stale equalized valuation of the city real and personal property was
$6,018,120,650 which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS
PARCELCOUNT
VALUATION
Residential
38,194
3,949,120,760
Commercial
1,394
863,517,990
Industrial
870
627,461,920
Personal
4,627
578,019,980
$ 6,018,120,650
In addition, valuation under the Industrial Facilities Act 198 provided total
valuation of $144,478,640 as follows:
IFF Real 38,033,670
IFF Personal 106,444,970
$144,478,640
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50.00% of true cash value as
mandated by State Law. Annual sales studies are conducted in order to
determine market growth by neighborhood. The results of these studies are
utilized to adjust area values to the required 50% of true cash value.
The appraisal and maintenance of all residential field data is the responsibility of
this department. Records for 51 new homes were created and revisions to
approximately 920 existing property field sheets were made. Commercial and
Industrial new buildings, alterations and additions numbered 188 and were
reviewed for value for the 2007 assessment roll.
The citywide canvass continues this year with the entering of the data gathered
in prior years and the continuation of the field review of property record cards.
This is an ongoing project with the goal of bringing the assessing office in closer
compliance with the requirements of the Stale Tax Commission with regard to
assessing procedures.
Homesteads, Transfers, Rescissions and Uncapping Affidavits are being
interpreted and processed on a daily basis. In 2007 this generated
approximately 3,245 forms.
Lots splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office
reviews petitioners applications and departmental correspondence for
compliance to city ordinances and procedures. If a split is nonconforming,
Council action will be required. Approximately 30 splits and combinations were
completed in 2007. Ofthese, 7 required Council action.
Prior years Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were finalized, 49 full tribunals and 19
small claims forthe years 2000 — 2007.
Over 5,200 personal property statements were processed for the 2007
assessment roll. A continual inspection of properties in the city is being done to
verify the fixed assets in the business as of tax day of each year. The Stale of
Michigan has extended the Personal Property Audit program for 2007. This,
along with audits being done for the City directly, resulted in 152 audits being
scheduled by Tax Management Associates. 110 audits have been completed to
date and have generated additional city tax dollars in the amount of $100,837.
Total tax revenue generated for all taxing entifies was $454,064.
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 11,
2007 in accordance with Section 211.53b of the General Property Tax Law of
Michigan to correct all mutual mistakes of fact and clerical errors.
The Livonia City Council, on January 31, 2007 (CR#26-07), set the place and
dates for the 2007 March Board of Review meetings as scheduled by the
Assessor and notice was given and published in the local newspapers.
The Board of Review meetings convened Tuesday, March 6, 2007 for a five (5)
day session of public hearings, which included an evening session. Members
Conrad Gniewek, Jollietta Coleman and Linda Trewin were in attendance. The
Board heard 322 taxpayer appeals and acted on 188 mail -in petitions.
Determination notices were mailed on April 9, 2007.
The regular session of the 1985 83rd Stale of Michigan Legislature has amended
Section 53b of Public Act 206 to include a July Board of Review meeting to
correct clerical errors and mutual mistakes of fact. This meeting was held on
Tuesday, July 17, 2007.
CITY CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an
odd year election conducted bylhe City of Livonia.
The powers and duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the City Charter and
statutes of the State of Michigan. The Clerk is assisted by an Assistant City
Clerk and a staff of seven who are trained specialists in delivering a variety of
services to the citizens of Livonia and the several departments of the City
administration, i.e.:
(a) 'The Clerk shall
be derk of
the Council and shall attend
all
meetings of the
Council and
keep a permanent record of
its
meetings.."
Special Meetings
1
0
This responsibility involves receiving all correspondence and
communications filed with the Clerk for transmission to the Council;
preparing official agendas for both Council Regular and Study
Meetings; taking and transcribing complex minutes of all Council
proceedings for the official journal as well as for all Public Hearings
conducted by the Council as required by law; notification and
publication of Notices and Public Hearings and Council
proceedings in the official newspaper as designated by the City
Council; preparation and forwarding of true copies of Council
actions to the partes affected; maintaining the official record of all
Ordinances enacted by legislative actions.
CitV Council
2006
2007
Study Meetings
24
24
Regular Meetings
24
24
Special Meetings
1
0
Council Resolutions Recorded
616
583
Ordinances Adopted
52
19
Public Hearings Conducted
36
46
(b) 'The Clerk shall perform such other duties
as are required
of that
office by State or Federal law, the City
Charter, the Council
or
Ordinances of the City."
DEPARTMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS
Required by Stale Statute to record and file a record
of all deaths and births
occurring within the City for subsequent transmittal to
the State and
County
Department of Health and make available for certification copies of such records,
as can be legally released.
VITAL STATISTICS (DECEMBER 2006-2007)
2006 2007
Births Recorded 1422 1460
Deaths Recorded 1492 1560
FEES COLLECTED $141,060.00 $140,000.00
(c) "The City Clerk shall issue and sign all licenses granted and shall
register same.
LICENSING
During the fiscal year this office of the City Clerk accepted and processed, etc.,
under Title 4 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances the following licenses:
TYPE 2006 2007
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers,
etc. 1480 1490
FEES COLLECTED $57,180.00 $58,100.00
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales 2800 3734
FEES COLLECTED $14,000.00 $18,670.00
Pel Licenses 3262 2948
FEES COLLECTED $28,978.00 $22,918.00
Bicyde Licenses 12 11
FEES COLLECTED $36.00 $33.00
(d) "The City Clerk shall receive for fling: zoning petitions, subdivision
plats, security bonds, etc. Comprehensive files covering all phases
of development of new subdivisions from the Public Hearings of
the City Planning Commission in proposed plats, to the filing of all
bonds and payment of financial assurances established in the City
Council's Master Bond Resolutions to the final signatures of the
City Clerk after the final plat approval is given by the Council."
4
2006
2007
Zoning
9
9
Vacafing
4
0
Miscellaneous (Waivers)
28
39
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary)
0
0
Final Plats
0
0
Extensions
3
0
BONDS
Landscaping - Performance Bonds
$50,530.00
$50,530.00
(e) Publication and Legal Notices
The City Clerk is responsible for
the publication
of the City
Council's proceedings in the official newspaper
of the
City and the
insertion of Public Notices required by law of Public
Hearings and
all Ordinances duly adopted.
In addition, Ordinances are printed,
collated and distributed
to all
departments and interested parties.
A complete file
in excess of
2770 separate Ordinances is maintained,
and the Livonia Code of
Ordinances is continually updated, as amended, and
on file in the
City Clerk's office.
(f) Duplicating and Mailing Figures
The City Clerk's office produces copies of the following materials
for meetings of the City Council.
2006•
2007•
Council Regular Agendas
5352
5304
Council Study Agendas
5592
5640
Special Regular Agendas
223
0
Special Regular Minutes
71
0
Council Regular Minutes
1704
1632
Council Study Minutes
528
528
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings 1320
1272
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes
2256
2256
Council Public Hearing Notices
0
0
Public Hearing Minutes
936
1196
'Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution for
each activity; number of pages vanes by event and is not induced
in total. (Agenda totals induce copies for the public.)
MAILING FUNCTION
All City Departments' outgoing mail is handled through mailing
equipment in the City Clerk's office and the required postage in
2007 totaled $108,114.00. All incoming mail is handled daily by the
Clerk's office and is distnbuled to the various departments of the
City.
(g) Election Commission of Livonia (Authority - State Statute)
The City Clerk presides as Chairperson of the three-member
Election Commission consisting of the Clerk, Mayor and City
Attorney, charged with the responsibility of conducting all elections
within the City. The compensation of election personnel shall be
determined in advance by the Election Commission. In any case
where Election procedure is in doubt, the Election Commission
shall prescribe the procedure to be followed.
STATISTICS RELATING TO THIS FUNCTION
2006 2007
Elections Held in City 1 Primary 1 Primary
1 General 1 General
1 School 1 School
2006
2007
New Registrations
5,194
4,377
Total Registered Voters
71,973
72,022
Change of Name
476
512
Change of Address
1,395
1,457
Cancellations
4,794
3,918
Registrations by Mail
539
273
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued
17,138
13,351
AV. Applications Issued
17,138
13,351
Notices of Election Inspectors
889
806
Notice of Cancellation of Registration
—
403
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists
$2,430.16
$2,682.82
(h) Other Duties and Responsibilities of the Clerk
The Clerk shall have power to administer all oaths required by
State Law, the Charter and Ordinances of the City.
The Clerk shall be custodian of the City Seal and shall affix it to all
documents and instruments requiring the Seal, and shall attest the
same.
The Clerk shall be custodian of all papers, documents and records
pertaining to the City of Livonia, the custody of which is not
otherwise provided for by the Charter.
As custodian of records, the office of the City Clerk, in 1985
instituted a program of microfilming the birth and death records of
the City. In 2007 all birth and death records were scanned to
create CD-ROM's.
The Clerk shall give the proper officials of the City ample notices of
expiration or termination of any official bonds, franchises, contracts
or agreements.
The Clerk shall examine and audit all accounts and claims against
the City.
In 2007 the Clerk examined, pre -audited and signed approximately
20,277 vouchers issued by the Department of Finance for
transmittal to the City Treasurer.
The Clerk shall possess and exercise the powers of a Township
Clerk so far as the same are required to be performed within the
City.
The Clerk shall certify by signature all Ordinances and Resolutions
enacted or passed by the City Council.
The Clerk, as custodian of the cemeteries under City jurisdiction, is
in charge of all burial procedures and in 2007 there was no
authorized opening and closing atthe cemeteries.
The Civil Service Commission held twelve (12) regular meefings during fiscal
year 2006-07.
LABOR RELAMONS
During fiscal year 2006-07, the City of Livonia commenced negofiafions with
AFSCME Union Local 192 for renewal of their contract for the period December
1, 2007 to November 30, 2010; and the Livonia Police Officers Associafion
(LPDA) for renewal of their contract for the period December 1, 2006 through
November 30, 2009.
It should be noted that the LPDA resolved the matter regarding a 12 -hour shift for
Police Officers in the Act 312 Arbitration for the previous contract.
AFSCME Union Local 1917 signed a letter to extend their current contract. They
also submitted a letter of intent to commence negofiafions with the City for
renewal of their contract for the period December 1, 2007 to November 30, 2010.
The City and the Livonia Fire Fighters Union (LFFU) have completed Act 312
Arbitrafion proceedings and are awaiting the Arbitrators determination for a
contractfor the period December 1, 2005 to November 30, 2008.
Negotiations have not yet commenced with the Livonia Lieutenants and
Sergeants Association (LLSA) for renewal of their contract for the period
December 1, 2006 through November 30, 2009.
Labor -Management Committee meetings have been scheduled to resolve
employee grievances or concems filed by members of the AFSCME Union Local
192, the Livonia Police Officers Association, the Livonia Police Lieutenants and
Sergeants Association and the Livonia Fire Fighters Union. These Committees
consist of representatives of the Union and the City. In the event the employee
grievance cannot be resolved through committee, the procedure permits appeal
to the Civil Service Commission and, if not resolved, through mediation and/or
formal arbitration.
J 4 *101 k 10 1 =1 q N ATA I ATE0101iv, iv, It114y
The Personnel Review Committee, comprised of the Human Resources Director
and the Director of Finance, met seventeen (17) times during the current fiscal
year and reviewed and made ninety (90) recommendations to the Mayor on all
new hires, replacement personnel and promotions.
Since December 1, 1994, newly hired general employees who subscribed to
hospitalization/medical insurance were required to co -pay a portion of their
premium costs at $30.00 for single coverage, $35.00 for two -person coverage
and $40.00 for family coverage per month. Effective December 1, 2006, all
general employees and District Court TPOAM employees hired on or after
January 19, 2006, who subscribe to hospitalization/medical benefits are required
to co -pay a portion oftheir premium costs atthe above rates per month.
The annual Health and Wellness Fairwas held on three (3) separate afternoons
during February 2007 at various City locations, including the Police Headquarters
Training Room, the Department of Public Works Administrative Conference
Room and the City Hall Fifth Floor Gallery. Employees and retirees, along with
their immediate family members, were encouraged to attend. Representatives of
the City's occupational health services providers were present to answer
questions. In addition, representatives from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
hospitalization/medical insurance plans, sponsored by the City, were present to
permit employees to review and compare plan descriptions and obtain
assistance with health care questions or problems. The meetings were well
attended with more than sixty (60) employees and family members.
Effective April 1, 2006, BC/BS became the City's only hospitalization benefit
provider, offering the BC/BS Blue Preferred Plan (PPO) and Point of Service
plans. The PPO was replaced by the Community Blue 2 (PPO) for LPOA
members effective October 1, 2006; all general employees (excluding District
Court) effective December 1, 2006; and all District Court TPOAM members hired
effective January 19, 2006 or after.
At the end of the fiscal year, the employee and retiree hospitalization/medical
insurance enrollments were as follows:
BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD 40 Employee subscribers
BC/BS Preferred Plan 441 Retiree subscribers
306 Retirees on Medicare
1 COBRA
BC/BS 421 Employee subscribers
Blue Choice Point of Service 109 Retiree subscribers
41 Retirees on Medicare
0 COBRA
BC/BS 103 Employee subscribers
COMMUNITY BLUE 2 0 Retiree subscribers
0 Retirees on Medicare
0 COBRA
A total of brty-nine (49) full-time employees 'opted out" of insurance coverage
during the February 2007 open enrollment period and received $1,000.00 in lieu
of hospitalization/medical coverage.
LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
The City of Livonia currently contracts for group life insurance with the Hartford
Insurance Company at the rate of $.18 per $1,000 per month volume. Accidental
Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance coverage is also provided
by the Hartford Insurance Company at a rale of $.02 per $1,000 volume per
month.
Currently, a total of six hundred fifty-six (656) employees have life insurance
coverage in the aggregate amount of $33,812,750. In addition, Uenty-six (26)
retirees have a $3,000 death benefit coverage totaling $78,000; one hundred
thirty-four (134) retirees have a $3,500 death benefit coverage totaling $469,000
and one hundred thirty-five (135) retirees have a $5,000 death benefit totaling
$675,000 for a total retiree group of two hundred ninety-five (295) having
aggregate life insurance in the amount of $1222,000. During the fiscal year, a
total of $75,224.90 life insurance premium and a total of $8,074.84 AD&D
premium were paid to the Hartford Insurance Company.
WEEKLY DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective December 1, 2006 through November 30, 2009, the disability claims are
administered by the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America for a monthly
charge of $1.00 per eligible employee. This benefit provides $200/wk to disabled
general full-time employees and $100.00 to disabled part-time employees for up
to 45 weeks; $125/wk for disabled Police Dispatcher full-time employees for 45
weeks; and $42/wk for the first 12 weeks and $100Avk for the 40 week balance of
52 weeks for disabled police and fire employees. The total premium paid to
Accident Fund was $7,611.00 forthis fiscal year.
During the Fiscal Year 2006-07, there were a total of twenty-six (26) weekly
disability income claims for employees. A total dollar volume of $14,763.98 was
paid by this self-insured program.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Civil Service Department staff administers the general employee union
tuition reimbursement programs. A total of len (10) members of AFSCME Union
10
Local 192 expended $3,042.35 out of the maximum allocation of $10,000.00
during the fiscal year. Four (4) members of the AFSCME Supervisory and
Technical Chapter of Union Local 1917 expended $1,105.00 out of the maximum
allocation of $3,475.00 during the fiscal year.
OPTICAL PLAN
In January 2007, Detroit Optometric Centers (DOC) was bought out by Luxottica
Retail, which offered Peade Vision and Lens Crafters as the proposed new
opfical providers. Unfortunately, Luxotlica's internal billing structure could not
accommodate the City's requirements and therefore the contract for services was
cancelled. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for opfical services will be initialed in
2008. In the meantime the City offers a opfical benefit program with two
providers: Suburban Eye Care (a private Livonia optometric practice), and retail
provider, Co -0p Optical who has multiple area locations. Employee usage and
costs incurred during the fiscal year at these centers or through the
reimbursement opfion were as follows:
Safety Glasses
14
$ 585.00
Direct Reimbursement
30
2,743.00
Detroit Optometric Center
79
4,441.00
Co -Op Optical
15
1,316.00
Suburban Eye Care
92
7,150.00
Total
230
$16,235.00
All employees have a dental reimbursement or direct payment program to the
Dentist as the expenses are incurred. Billings for services rendered during the
fiscal year must be submitted within 30 days of the November 30r" fiscal year end
for consideration. A summary of the employee reimbursements and hardship
advances during the fiscal year to date are summarized as follows:
Number of Total
Transactions Amount Paid
Reimbursement/Direct Payment 1151 $290,204.64
The dental reimbursement may also induce payment for Dental Insurance
premiums.
ORTHODONTIC SERVICES
Employees are eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services for a lifetime
maximum of $1000 per family limited to the employee, their spouse and
dependents until the end ofthe year they reach age 19.
11
The summary of the orthodontic service claims received this fiscal year is as
follows:
Number of Claims Total Amount Paid
Police/Fire 20 $ 7,519.00
General 09 $ 7268.50
Total 29 $14,787.50
The City of Livonia contracts the self-insured workers disability compensation
program with the third party administrator, The Accident Fund Insurance
Company of America. The contract for these services is effective December 1,
2006 through November 30, 2009. The net total incurred loss on open claims
from December 1, 2006, through November 30, 2007, is $902,490.47, which
includes payment for weekly wage loss indemnity benefits, medical services,
related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other miscellaneous expenses for
approximately one hundred fifteen (115) employee claims. Employees receive
treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses at Providence Corporate Health
Services.
The City of Livonia participates in the Michigan Municipal League Unemployment
Compensation Group Account. The firm of TALX UC Express is the service
agent of this group account. The Civil Service Department responded to
approximately forty-six (46) former employee claims for unemployment benefits
filed with the Michigan Employment Security Administration (MESA). To date, a
total of $93,622.00 benefit charges have been received forthis fiscal year.
CIN PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL CLINICS
Pre-employment, return -to -work and occupational injuryfillness medical
examinations and treatment are provided by the authorized City Physician, Sl.
John Providence Corporate Health Services. Also, St Mary Mercy Hospital has
provided medical services for Police and Fire personnel and emergency services
only for general employees. Our records indicate that sixty-seven (67)
permanent employee preemployment (full -lime and part-time) examinations,
sixty-nine (69) preemployment physicals for temporary employees, one hundred
eight (108) physicals for return to work, eighteen (18) public safety pre-
employment psychological evaluations by Dr. Lyle Danuloff, Ph.D., the Cilys
Consulting Psychologist, were performed. Three (3) MCOLES physicals were
completed for Police Service Aides entrance into the Police Academy or
permanent hire to Police Officer II. Dr. Danuloff has completed eighteen (18)
evaluations for Public Safety positions and three (3) Fitness for Duty Evaluations.
12
In addition, there were medical consultations with regard to employee health and
occupational safety matters as it related to infectious diseases and worker's
compensation daims, including continuation of preemployment auditory, TB and
pulmonary function examinations for fire fighter and police officer new hires in
compliance with MIOSHA requirements. Alcohol and drug testing for employees
assigned to drive specific types of Department of Public Works vehicles are
being coordinated in compliance with federal regulations.
SAFETY
A representative of the Accident Fund Loss Prevention Division, the third party
administrator of the City's self-insured Workers Compensation Program,
conducted four (4) loss prevention facility lours with Civil Service and Public
Works staff during the fiscal year. The facilities reviewed were the Public Service
Garages, DPW Administration office and Vehicle Maintenance Garage Office,
Civil Service Department and Clemons and Botsford Pools.
Employee accident reports were kept by all City Departments and reviewed by
the Accident Review Committee consisting of seven (7) representatives from
Fire, Police, Public Works, Engineering, Parks & Recreation, AFSCME Union
Local 192, and Civil Service. The Accident Review Committee mel four (4) times
during the year and reviewed one hundred sixty-eight (168) accident reports.
Accident statistics are compiled into an annual MIOSHA City-wide report.
One hundred one (101) employees received service recognition awards in FY
2006-07.
13
Service
Awards
Level of Service
Presented
Five Years
26
Ten Years
22
Fifteen Years
9
Twenty Years
24
Twenty -Five Years
10
Thirty Years
9
Thirty-Fve Years
1
Forty Years
0
Forty -Five Years
0
Total 101
13
The Civil Service Department has continued an affirmative recruitment program
through newspaper advertisements in the Observer/Eccentric, the Detroit
News/Detroit Free Press, and notices to various colleges, training schools,
MESA, handicapper rehabilitation services, and minority community based
organizations. The total number of advertisements published during Fiscal Year
2006-07 were: the Detroit News — 14; Livonia Observer — 16; Michigan Municipal
League — 2; several professional association publications, the Internet
recruitment service Monstertrak.com, tie City of Livonia Spring and Fall News,
and Cable Channel 8.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In accordance with the Affirmative Acton policy adopted by the Civil Service
Commission, the Civil Service staff continued its efforts to make examinations
and position descriptions as job-related as possible. Proposed qualifications for
each new examination were reviewed by the respective Department subject
matter experts, staff and the Civil Service Commission in order to establish
prerequisites which were appropriate to the positions being filled. In addition, the
Civil Service staff completed several stale and federal equal employment
opportunity reports, surveys from other communities and prepared a monthly
summary report to the Civil Service Commission concerning the race and gender
characteristics of all applicants for open-mmpelifive examinations, the resulting
eligible lists, and all permanent employee hires and terminations.
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open -competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During
Fiscal Year 2006-07, a total of 14 open -competitive and 32 promotional
examinations were announced. The Civil Service Department received 574
applications for open -competitive examinations and 177 for promotional
examinations during the fiscal year. In addition the Department received 539
applications for temporary employment opportunities in various Parks and
Recreation positions; 145 applications for Seasonal Laborer; 7 applications for
Seasonal Laborer -Engineering; 39 applications for Seasonal Clerk; 121
applications for Student Page; 126 applications for Library Page; 10 applications
for Substitute Librarian; 81 applications for Temporary Clerical; 7 applications for
School Crossing Guard; and 20 applications for Police Reserve Officer.
TRAINING
During FY 2006-07, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee -
training activities. These are summarized as follows:
14
Between December 2006 and November 2007, Civil Service Staff coordinated
multiple educational presentations sponsored by financial representatives from
the Deferred Compensation 457 Plan providers including Nationwide Retirement
Solutions, ICMA Retirement Corporation and Community Choice Credit Union.
Over 139 employees scheduled individual appointments with the Deferred
Compensation 457 Plan on-site representatives.
Great West Retirement Services, Plan Administrator for the 401(a) Defined
Contribution Plan, conducted numerous on-site meetings and training sessions in
2007. Approximately eighty-nine (89) employees attended the sessions in which
enrollment, investment education and training on the new investment product
"Reality Investing" was reviewed. Vanessa Coakley, Regional Director of Great
West, was on site during most of the visits since our Account Representative was
replaced mid -year. Our new Account Representative is Gregory Wood.
It should be noted that the City's contract with Great West was scheduled to end
in September 2007, however, a temporary extension of the current agreement on
a month to month basis has been authorized by City Council until the Request
For Proposal (RFP) process is completed. Additionally, this matter has been
referred to the Finance, Insurance and Budget Committee to allow for
presentations to City Council from the highest rated vendors.
Civil Service staff conducted three training sessions for fire fighters recently
promoted to officer classifications. The subject matter was how to effectively
complete forms required by Civil Service in a multitude of situations, beginning
with an employee's new hire through daily occurrences that normally happen to
all employees. Twenty-four (24) officers attended the training.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A subcommittee comprised of a policeffire union representative, a general
employee union representative, the Youth Assistance Program Supervisor, two
(2) behavioral health service EAP providers and the Human Resources Director
continue to oversee the Emergency Behavioral Health Service Referral Network.
For the FY 2006-07, a total of 11 employees, 6 employee family members and 2
residents received crisis intervention individual counseling sessions at the limit of
5 sessions totaling $400 per individual. In addition, EAP providers have been
called upon to assist Departments with group conflict resolution exercises.
Services totaled approximately $4,240.00.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has mirrored their
behavioral health -counseling program to the City's EAP and uses many of the
same referral network of providers. A total of $1,431.40 in CDBG funds has
been expended during FY 2006-07 provided to 15 low-income residents.
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SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Civil Service staff coordinated one (1) Employee Blood Drive in 2007
and assisted in the coordination of two (2) additional drives at the
Community Recreafion Center. A total of eighty-two (82) pints of blood
were donated by City employees during the drives, conducted in March,
May and in September.
2. The Civil Service staff coordinated the 2007 United Way Campaign in all
City Departments and Divisions. A total of $4,172.00 has been donated
by City employees to this years Drive.
3. The Critical Incident Team comprised of members from Police, Fire, Law,
Public Service, the Mayors Office, the Council Office, the Director of
Emergency Preparedness and Civil Service continued its mission during
the past year. The team continues to evaluate potential violence problems
and recommends assessment or intervention plans. The members of the
CIRT Team have not responded to any possible workplace violence
situations this year.
4. On May 10, 2007, six hundred thirty-seven (637) Compensation
Statements illustrating total compensation, taxable earnings and the City's
cost of various benefits were mailed to all permanent full-time and part-
time employees. Also included in the Statement were the actual value of
paid time off used Iasi year and the sick leave balance as of December
2006.
5. Dr. Kenneth Wolf continues to work with the Police Department on their
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Program and work in DPW investigating
confrontational situations.
6. The Civil Service staff continued the on-site "Flu Shot' program in
cooperation with Providence Hospital Corporate Health Services.
Seventy-Nine (79) employees and immediate family members received
inoculations for a nominal fee at several City worksite locations.
7. The Civil Service Department purchased three (3) additional Lifepak 500
Defibrillators for City Hall. Every floor within City Hall and including the
Annex will have access ability to the equipment.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Following is a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Board of
Trustees of the Livonia Employees Retirement System for the period December
1, 2006 through November 30, 2007:
1. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular Meetings and one
(1) Special Meeting during this period.
b) As of November 30, 2007, the retirement system Defined Benefit
Plan had five hundred thirty-seven (537) retirees or surviving
spouses plus seven (7) Eligible Domestic Relations Orders (EDRO's)
(Divorced Prior to Retirement) and four (4) Alternate Payees
(Divorced after Retirement) for a total of five hundred forty-eight
(548) receiving pension checks. Nineteen (19) City retirees died
during fiscal year 2006-2007. The total pension payroll fiscal year to
dale is $11,487,134 through November 2007.
c) The team of David Sowerby and Kenneth Johnson, Loomis -Sayles
and Company, advises the Board on investments for the Defined
Benefit Plan and uses discretionary power regarding investments
subject to confirmation by the Board. The Board approved
investment transactions by LoomisSayfes and Company at regular
meetings. The Defined Benefit fund had a value of $212,115,166 as
of October 31, 2007
d) In May 2007, the Board reviewed the fifty-third (54th) annual
actuarial valuation as of November 30, 2006, for the Livonia
Employees Retirement System, prepared by the Board's Actuary,
Rodwan Consulting Company. The Ran covered five hundred forly-
two (542) retirees, twenty-nine (29) deferred and two hundred sixty-
two (262) employees for a total of eight hundred thirty-three (833).
The Actuary reported that the accrued actuarial condition of the
Retirement System is "very good".
e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability forlhe Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan is 121.0%.
f) Merrill -Lynch continues to provide quarterly performance evaluation
at the Defined Benefit Plan.
g) The 2006-07 annual soft dollar expense for the Merrill Lynch
Performance Measurement Report was $57,000.
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h) Effective July 5, 2000, the Board entered into a Securities Lending
Agreement with Comerica Bank. Total earnings from the Securities
Lending Agreement with Comerica from December 1, 2006 through
October 31, 2007 were $48,572.91.
i) In June 2001, the Board approved a $5 million investment with
MuniMae Midland LLC, in the Midland Multifamily Equity Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT) offering, In April 2002, the Board approved
an additional $5 million investment for a total of $10 million invested
in the Midland Multifamily Equity REIT. Total interest earnings from
December 1, 2006 through November 30, 2007 were $999,999.99.
j) In March 2002, the Board approved a $5 million investment with
Cohen & Steers Capital Management Inc., in a Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT), separately managed account. The account
market value reported as of October 31, 2006 was $6,328,661. The
account market value reported as of October 31, 2007 was
$6,355,391.
k) The total value of the Defined Benefit Plan assets as of September
30, 2007 was $224,924,480. (Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch
Performance Analysis Report as ofSeptember30, 2007)
I) Approximately one hundred twenty (120) requests for retirement
estimates under the Defined Benefit Plan were processed by the
Civil Service Department Staff.
m) The Board of Trustees continues to distribute monthly pension
checks directly to members of the Defined Benefit Plan with these
checks being processed by the staff of the Civil Service Department
n) Members of the Board attended the Michigan Association of Public
Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Grand
Traverse Resort, Acne, Michigan, from June 2 to June 5, 2007; and
at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan, from
September 15 to September 18, 2007.
o) Robert Biga passed the examination requirements for the MAPERS
Advanced Fiduciary Designation.
2. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular Meetings during this
period.
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b) The Defined Contribution Plan Administrator continues to be Great
West Retirement Services.
It should be noted that the City's contract with Great West was
scheduled to end in September 2007, however, a temporary
extension of the current agreement on a month to month basis has
been authorized by City Council until the Request For Proposal
(RFP) process is completed. Additionally, this matter has been
referred to the Finance, Insurance and Budget Committee to allow
for presentations to City Council from the highest rated vendors.
c) The Defined Contribution Fund had a total account ending balance of
$49,690,312 as of September 30, 2007, for three hundred eighty-six
(386) active participants; fifty-seven (57) participants who terminated
employment and have an ending amount balance; and seven (7)
participants with a zero ending account balance.
d) As of November 30, 2007, a total of eighty (80) employees have
retired under the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VEBA)
a) The Board hell twelve (12) Regular Meetings forthe VEBA Plan.
b) Mr. Sowerby and Mr. Johnson advised the Board on investments for
the VERA. The VEBA had a value of $55,328,541 as of October 31,
2007.
Note: The VERA was established at the recommendation of the
formerActuary to the Board of Trustees, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and
Co., forpurposes ofplacing in a tax free trust hospitalization -medical
insurance benefit funds for members of the DB and the DC Plans, as
well as to permit separate funding for DC Plan member disability
retirements.
c) In May 2007, the Board reviewed the ninth (9"' annual actuarial
valuation as of November 30, 2006, for the VEBA, as prepared by
the Board's new Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The
Actuary reported that the amortization periods adopted by the Board
of Trustees for the funding purposes of this Plan are 30 years for
disability benefits and 50 years for hearth insurance benefits. The 50
year amortization period produces a contribution that is less than the
Annual Required Contribution (ARC), and results in a contribution
deficiency in the Plan's financial report.
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At the meeting of May 9, 2007, the Board approved to change the
amortization period for funding purposes for post-retirement health
insurance benefits from a 50 year schedule to a 40 year schedule.
The 40 year amorfization schedule shall be effective December 1,
2007.
d) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the City of Livonia Retiree Health and Disability Benefits
Plan and Trust (VERA) is 39.0%. The unfunded liability is
$74,594,198.
e) Effective April 1, 2006, BC/BS became the City's only hospitalization
benefit provider, offering the BC/BS Blue Preferred Plan (PPO) and
Point of Service plans. The PPO was replaced by the Community
Blue 2 (PPO) for LPOA members retiring on or after October 1, 2006
and all general employees (exduding District Court employees)
retiring on or after December 1, 2006.
f) Effectve December 6, 2007, all general employees (excluding
District Court employees) are contribufing 2% of pension eligible
wages to the City's Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association
(VEBA) Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan. It does not
include overtime earnings and this contribution is in pre-tax dollars.
g) The Board received $236,913,12 from the Centers of Medicare
Retiree Drug Subsidy Program. This payment represents a return to
the retirement system for prescription drug costs for retirees and
covers the period January 1, 2006 through November 30, 2006. The
funds were electronically deposited into the VEBA account on March
30, 2007. This represents 17.6% of what the Plan paid for gross
retiree over -65 prescription costs.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND CABLE
PUBLICATIONS
• City Newsletter — four (4) issues published and mailed to
approximately 43,000 residences and business
• Brochures, newsletter and flyers were prepared for specific programs
VOLUNTEER & SPECIAL PROJECTS
• Informafion & Complaint Center — 3 volunteers handled 1,760 phone
calls. There were no TTY/TDD calls or formal complaints processed
• City Hall Tours — There were 4 lours conducted with 3 groups for a
total of 81 participants
• Rouge Rescue/River Day — The activities at Rotary Park were
coordinated by Public Service and Community Resource staff and over
41 volunteers (Cub Scout Pack # 1731, Livonia Jaycees and Holmes
Middle School. Together they filled 12 bags of debris; removed 3 trash
bags of buckthorn and honey -suckle, removed 1 Bar -B -O cart,
aluminum siding, metal tubing, plastic baby pool and pails, hot water
tank, bike and car parts. No storm drains were stenciled this year. We
acknowledge and extend a big 'Thank You' to Stan's Markel, Busch's
Market, Koroa's Coney Island Restaurant and Larry's FOodland for
their generous donations of refreshments and snacks.
RESIDENT ASSISTANCE
• Emergency Certificates — assisted 94 families with $2,270.00 in
Farmer Jack Certificates, donated by the Kwanis Early Risers Club
and Private Donations
• Utility Assistance (CDBG and LIEAG) — assisted 48 low-income
households with utility shutoff bills totaling $19,988.09
• Holiday/Referral Assistance — assisted 42 low-income families with
food and gift donations provided by 8local sponsors
• Commodity Food (TEFAP) — distributed 2,299 food bags, with the aid
of 13 volunteers, to 192 low-income households
• Focus HOPE — distributed 1,068 food boxes, with the aid of 13
volunteers, to 89 low-income senior households
CITY COMMISSIONS/CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Clerical, technical and budgetary assistance was provided to the Aging, Arts,
Cable, Historical, Historic Preservation, Human Relations and Youth
Commissions.
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LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT LC
Community Resources has the administrative responsibility of providing
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and disabled residents. Livonia
Community Transit also provides "to work" transportation for people using the
SMART and D -DOT systems by picking them up from hubs located at Millennium
Park and near Botsford Hospital then taking them to predetermined work
locations. Riders are picked up beginning in the morning at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00
a.m. and again in the afternoon at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Municipal contracts
and applicable grants, administered by SMART, are monitored and prepared by
the Community Resources staff. The Livonia Community Transit system has a
fleet of 13 vehicles (small buses and vans). The vehides are driven by 27 part-
time bus drivers with Commercial Drivers Licenses. The Transit office is
supervised by an Assistant Grant Manager and six other part-time employees,
who help coordinate the drivers and their schedules. The system provided over
40,000 rides. These rides totaled over 294,000 miles and over 19,000 service
hours.
CIVIC PARK SENIOR CENTER
Participation in activities during 2007 totaled approximately 121,000 seniors.
18,200 congregate meals were served atthe Center. Activities included: health
screening, educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards and
games, arts and crafts, senior sports, Medicare counseling etc. Volunteers
logged 16,033 hours.
SUPPORT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, AND TRANSPORTATION
Senior Center Staffing Grant, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Grant and
C.D.B.G. funds totaled $150,850. $13,475 in donations was received from
various donors.
Federal and State grants and donations provided:
• 85 hours of Telephone Reassurance to 10 seniors
• 180 hours of Medicare Part D Counseling to 75 seniors
• 500 hours of Information and Referral to 750 seniors
• Home maintenance service to 39 homes
• 18,804 one-way rides through the senior transportation program
• 44,286 meals were delivered by volunteers to home bound seniors
LIVONIA YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
REFERRALSOURCES:
2007 Referrals: 86 New Cases — (41 Male and 45 Female)
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Carry Over Cases from 2006: 86
Total Cases served in 2007: 192
2007 Cases represent the following referral agencies:
Livonia Police Department 37
Third Circuit Court -Juvenile Division 16
Surrounding Police Departments 33
(Westland and Novi)
38 parents completed the Alternative Parenting Stalls group.
Program youth performed 682 hours of Community Work Service.
48 youth completed "Project Impact' (social living skills) group (12 hours
each).
28 males participated in the JAG (Juvenile Awareness Program) at Milan
Federal Prison.
19 males and 14 females attended the Wayne County Jail tour.
623 Youth used the services of the Youth Employment Resource Center
that listed over 1100 job openings —with 387 employers.
Wayne County grants: Child Care Fund $3715.
1/10"' Mill Fund $13939.
CABLE TELEVISION
Produced 200 programs (3,396.5 production hours) for City Channel 8, including
the live coverage of the following City public meetings: City Council Study and
Regular meetings and Planning Commission meetings.
Utilized 183.5 hours of volunteer assistance from certified residents in the
production of City Channel 8 programs.
Logged 162 complaintslnquiries re: rates, reception, programming choices and
the desire of competition for cable television and internet access using cable
modems.
Channel 8 staff maintained radio station WPZY, 1670 AM, providing up to date
information regarding road closures, snow emergencies and other vital
information relating to the public safety and well being within our community.
Began web streaming Channel 8 and produced Council meetings to City's
website for on demand viewing
Began cable casting Channel 8 programming in stereo
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Upgraded cameras and decks to provide digital signal for all Channel 8
programming.
Welcomed AT&T as 2d (in addition to Bright House networks) cable provider to
residents of Livonia.
Honors: Received 2007 Hometown Video Awards for Highland Games video.
HISTORICAL PROPERTIES
Community Resources has administrative responsibility for the Historical and
Historic Preservation Commissions. The reports pertaining to these activities can
be found under the Historical Commission and Historic Preservation
Commission.
In addition, the Community Resources staff at Greenmead:
• Conducted day to day operation of Greenmead
• Maintained Historical Commission records including minutes, volunteer hours,
caretaker reports, contracts, and budgets
• Coordinated weekday lours, Sunday lours, Gift Shop operations, Newburg
School usage, Newburg Church, Alexander Blue House and Meeting House
rentals, also property usage including weddings, meetings, luncheons, and
private parties
• Implemented Historical Commission resolutions
• Assisted with the development, planning and implementation of 20 special
events, fundraisers and community projects sponsored by the Historical
Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Society, Questers, St.
Andrews Society of Detroit, Greater Brighton Collie Club, 17" Mich. Civil War
Re-enactors, A.M.C. Car Club, Mustang Car Show and Garden Club
• Worked with retired carpenter who volunteered to do major maintenance
repairs on Greenhouse.
• Worked with D.P.S. to define and prioritize maintenance work including
replacement of back door at the Alexander Blue House. Installation of air
conditioning at Parsonage.
• Coordinated painting of the Farmhand's House, replacement of porch and
steps at Newburg Church plus adding a ramp to facilitate disabled entry to
building and installation of carpet at Blue House
• Assisted Building Inspection with the coordination of the Career Center
Project at 21d floor of the Blue House, installation of sink, cupboards and 2"d
floor restroom at Blue House.
• Coordinated Greenmead's volunteer program, published issues of the
Volunteer Voice Newsletter and scheduled volunteers for tours and special
events
• Provided work site and supervision for community service probationers and
community service projects
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• Hosted several professional and volunteer gatherings such as a Volunteer
Reception, Friends of Greenmead Luncheon, Historical Society, and Police
Reserves Picnic
• Provided a project site for the Master Gardener Program and support for
volunteer gardeners program
• Provided a site and support for several Eagle Scout Projects
The Commission continues to publish the "Heritage" as part of the City News. It
is distributed to all homes in the City of Livonia. Commission funds are used.
In May the Commission helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer
Fair.
In June the Commission co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic held at
Eddie Edgar Ice Arena. The Commission paid for entertainment and a portion of
the food. The Commission was in charge of bingo and a 50/50 raffle.
In October the Commission provided handouts and worked at Senior Celebration
Day. Commission funds were used.
In November the Commission provided transportation for a holiday event at the
Meadowbrook Theater for the Senior Center volunteers. Commission funds were
used.
At its November 2007 meeting, pursuant to its by-laws, the Commission held its
annual election. The following officers were unanimously elected to one-year
terms commencing December 1, 2007.
Chairperson: Clam Karr
isr Vice Chairperson: Joan O'Brien
2"d Vice Chairperson: Josephine Smith
Treasurer: Joseph Echols
Secretary: Robert Cards
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LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission held its meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each
month in the Mayors Conference Room of Livonia City Hall.
The 2007 officers were: Chairperson: Bob Perish, Vice Chairperson: Dan
Spuding, Secretary: Donna Eno, Treasurer: Virginia Bosak.
During the year, a resignation letter was received from Shere De LaFranier.
Active Commission members include Virginia Bosak, Donna Eno, Mary Fisher,
Conrad Gniewek, Robert Pernsh, Frank Petersmark, Carrie Spurling, Dan
Spuding, Grace Karczewski, and Vivienne Manwaring. This years newest
commissioner appointed was Jason Claypoole. At this time the Commission has
four open positions.
Budgeted Free -Admission Activities:
The Commission appropriated $2,000 to co-sponsor the monthly Noontime
Concerts held at the Civic Center Library.
Music from the Heart was held at Civic Center Park and at the Community
Recreation Center in July and August. Expenses totaled $9,124.
A "Garage Band" music series for teens, also held at Civic Center Park, was
expanded from one concert last year to three this summer.
Commission Sponsored Community Activities:
$500 Grant to VAAL (Visual Arts Association of Livonia), one of Livonia's art
clubs; $500 Grant for the Livonia Art Club and a $500 Grant to Motor City Youth
Theatre. Scholarships were awarded this year totaling $5,550 to students
majoring in an art -related field at a post high school learning institution.
Commission Donations:
Livonia Symphony, $5,000; Greenmead's Garden and Christmas Walks, $100
each.
The Commission held its 10th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in October. The
selected artwork was displayed in the 2nd floor Art Gallery of the Civic Center
Library. 86 entries were chosen for exhibition from the over 270 submissions.
Prize money awarded totaled $2,750. A $200 corporate sponsorship donation
was received from Eastern Michigan University. Expenses totaled $1,800. The
Commission will strive to increase sponsor involvement next year in order to
make this prestigious event even more successful.
Artwork from regional artists was displayed monthly in the Civic Center Gallery
and in the City Hall Atrium. Small craft and art collections were shown in the
Library as well as City Hall display cases throughout the year. In November, Art
Commissioners held an art show in the City Hall Lobby.
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Commission -Sponsored Receptions:
The Fine Arts Exhibit in September; individual artist receptions were held monthly
in the Civic Center Library Gallery.
"Art from the Heart' in 2007 grew to over 145 exhibitors this year, after a major
effort was completed to relocate the event to the grounds around City Hall last
year. It has been well received. Dollars generated from the Festival allow for the
continued art and cultural experiences that the Commission works for each year.
The Commission has created new promotional material and advertising to further
promote the positive events and creative endeavors of Livonia and its residents.
Virginia Bosak attended an "Arts Promotion Workshop" in Kalamazoo this year
on behalf of the Commission.
Virginia Bosak and Grace Karczewski are wonting in cooperation with the Human
Relations Commission to develop a community -wide children's art contest. The
selected artist's artwork will be featured on the cover of the Martin Luther King,
Jr. celebration program in January 2008.
The Livonia Arts Commission's mission statement is: 'To preserve, promote,
sponsor and develop the Arts in Livonia. To continue community access to art
experiences, opportunities and improving community awareness"
HISTORIC DISTRICT RESOURCES:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets the first Wednesday of the
month in the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead, Livonia, Michigan.
The Commission is preparing information to highlight the historic districts in
Livonia on the City Website.
The Historic Preservation Commission sponsored a well -attended meeting in
August on the topic of Historic Plants. About 90 people listened to Scott Kunst of
Ann Arbor give an interesting and informative talk about historic plants through
the 1940's. The Commission plans to continue to hold yearly meetings with
appropriate topics for historic property owners as well as the public.
KATOR— SHAY HOUSE
Exterior changes to the house in 2005 have not been resolved with the HPC.
The changes (paint and front porch railings) were not reviewed by HPC per the
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local ordinance. The owner has been in contact with the Commission to resolve
the issues, and in addition received approval in 2007 to rerooflhe house.
GREENMEAD
HPC recommends that a Master Plan (Cultural Resource Management Plan) be
developed for Greenmead before any future decisions are made.
Newburg Church
Plans to add a handicap entrance and ramp to the church were approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission and installed this year. Additional plans were
approved to renovate and improve the front entrance, making it safer for the
public.
Alexander Blue House
Discussions were held regarding the reroofing of the Alexander Blue House. The
HPC assembled a Blue House reroofing bid package for the City to solicit bids.
The City of Livonia accepted the base bid replacing the older roof at the front of
the house with new wood shingles. (Alternate bids included the complete
reroofing of the entire house with asphalt shingles.) Reroofing is scheduled, but
has not yet started this year.
IRA WILSON HOME
The house was reroofed with inappropriate shingles and without the approval of
HPC. HPC resolved with the Friends of the Barn that the house can remain with
these shingles for 10 years. It must then be shingled appropriately in 2018, in the
interest of not costing the City additional money at this time. HPC reviewed the
Livonia Historic Preservation Ordinance with Stan Anderson, a representative of
the Friends of the Barn. It was emphasized that all Historic structures in the City
need to obtain approval from the HPC prior to any changes in the interest of
preserving the structures and property appropriately.
UNION CHURCH AND CEMETERY— 6 MILE ROAD
The Trinity Theater Group contacted the Historic Preservation Commission for
suggestions to replace or rehabilitate the windows. HPC has met several times
with members of Trinity to review windows and plans. HPC provided information
on vendors of historic window replacement and also the name of a craftsman
who could restore the windows. HPC gave Trinity a number of opfions that could
be acceptable. Trinity will have the final plan reviewed and approved by the
Commission before work begins.
EVERITT HOUSE— 7 MILE ROAD
Mr. Bloom contacted the Commission to submit proposed colors for the Queen
Anne house. The colors were selected by Robert Schweitzer, an expert in
historic colors from Eastern Michigan University. The Commission reviewed and
approved the colors and the house was repainted this fall.
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COMMISSIONERS
The Commission is actively pursuing another commissioner with a preservation
background to fill the vacant commission seat.
OFFICER ELECTION
Election of Officers was held in November, with results as follows:
• Chairperson — Kathleen Johnson Bartshe
• Vice Chairperson — Don Knapp
• Secretary — Ralph Bakewell
• Treasurer — James Kline
Activities/Special Events: Spring and Summer Flea Markets, Highland Games,
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Mustang and AMC Car Shows, Civil War Weekend,
Model "A" Sunday, Collie Club Puppy Match, and
Christmas Candlelight Tour (2 days).
Children's Activities:
Peter Rabbit, and Halloween Walk
Teas:
Presidential, Victorian, Mid -Summers Night,
Hannah's Autumn, and Christmas (2)
Luncheon:
Catherine's Table
Operations:
Committee worked on activities and the development
of a report on the 50 years of projects and activities
undertaken by the Livonia Historical Commission
Maintenance:
Completed greenhouse glass replacement - Robert
Sloan
Eagle Projects:
Many different projects
Christmas Decorations:
Hill House decorated by Alexander Blue, Elmwood &
Sauk Trail Queslers; Exterior decorafions by Ken
Bourgon's Scout Troop; Geer Store decorated by
Sand Hill Questers; other Village buildings being
decorated by the Operations Committee
Volunteers:
Hill House gardens under the direction of Jan
Whitcomb
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Tour Guides:
Tours for school and adult groups; Special events and
Sunday lours June -October and December
Food Booth:
Spring and Summer Flea Markets, Highland Games,
Mustang and AMC Car Shows
Teas:
Three -course teas— Presidential, Victorian, Mid -
Summer's Night, Hannah's Autumn, Christmas — plus
lea and scones at the Highland Games
Rentals:
Church, Meeting House and Alexander Blue House
Donations:
Alpha Delta Kappa, Livonia Community Foundation,
Livonia Historical Society
Gift Shop:
Maureen Casey has purchased the stock for the gift
shop and oversaw its operation.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission (HRC) sponsored the Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. celebration at the Livonia City Hall Auditorium on January 15.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy served as keynote speaker and the event
was very well attended.
The Commission also hosted a meeting with the Michigan Civil Rights
Commission on April 23. Mayor Jack Engebretson welcomed the Commission on
behalf of the City of Livonia. Civil Rights issues concerning Livonia were
discussed allhe meeting.
Mayor Jack Engebretson attended the commission meeting in April, where he
briefed the commission on several topics and stated that the City promotes
diversity.
On May 10, The Human Relations Commission held the thirteenth annual Honor
Roll Awards Ceremony, where it honored Laura Callow for her lifetime record of
dedication to social justice and equality, as well as for more than twenty years of
work with the Commission.
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LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
In 2007, the Livonia Commission on Children and Youth continued the
administration of the scholarship program sponsored by the Livonia Anniversary
Committee. The Commission distributed brochures advertising the scholarships
to the local high schools and libraries. Information about the scholarships was
presented in the Winter News, on City Channel 8, the City's website and also in
the Department of Community Resources. More than twenty applications were
submitted for the five $2,500 awards. Commissioners Jeff Nork, Dan Spurling
and Larry Johnson reviewed and selected the most deserving recipients.
Awards were presented during the Spree Breakfast in June.
Acknowledging that Back to School is a costly time of the year for parents, the
Commission held its school supply program for the second consecutive year.
The Commission distributed 300 backpacks and school supplies purchased with
its funds as well as donations, to families whose names were provided by the
Livonia Goodfellows. Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jeff Nork were pnmanly
responsible for this project and were assisted by other Commissioners and City
staff.
The Arbor Day Project, coordinated with the cooperation of the Livonia Public
Schools and the Clarenceville Public Schools, was repeated again. Seedlings
were packaged and distributed to all fourth grade classes in the two school
systems. Global Releaf and the Youth Commission shared the cost of the trees.
Commissioner Kenneth Balcoff chaired the committee this year.
The Youth Commission again monetarily supported the "All Night Senior
Graduation Parties' at the high schools that requested our help through
donations of $250 to each requesting school.
Honor Certificates were presented to all graduating seniors who had achieved a
3.0 grade point average or higher from all five high schools in Livonia.
Commissioner Dan Spuding spearheaded this project.
A donation was given to support the Livonia Police Explorers as well as the
Livonia Police I.D. program.
Emergency stickers, which are to be placed on the bedroom windows of children,
senior citizens or handicapped individuals, continue to be available at City Hall
and also from the Livonia Fire Department. Information regarding obtaining the
stickers is shown on City Channel 8.
The Commission, in an effort to reach out to the needy youth of Livonia, hosted a
holiday party on two consecutive Saturdays in November for families who
registered with the Goodfellows. While the parents were interviewed by the
Goodfellow representatives, the children were invited to enjoy snacks, crafts,
31
gifts, and to visit and have their photograph taken with Santa at the Senior
Center. While many items were donated, the Commission ensured that every
child left with a gift bag of goodies for themselves and family members.
Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jeff Nork headed this project and were aided
by Commissioners and volunteers from the community.
An informational pamphlet entitled, "Who You Gonna Cal7'is being investigated
by Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jessica Claypoole. The project should yield
a list of helpful phone numbers and website addresses that could be distributed
to troubled teens or made available to concerned parents.
Commission Officers for 2007-2008 will be: Dan Spurling - Chairperson; Jeff
Nork - Vice Chairperson; Jim Keller - Secretary; and Jessica Claypoole -
Treasurer.
W JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED
ANNUAL REPORT: 12101106 —11130107
CRIMINAL
1. Felony (FY) 378
2. Ordinance Misdemeanor (OM) 1191
3. Statute Misdemeanor (SM) 465
TRAFFIC
4. Felony Drank Driving (FD) 33
5. Felony Traffic (FT) 14
Total Felony Traffic 47
(#4+ #5 =)
6. Ordinance Drank Driving (OD) 223
7. Ordinance Civil Infractions (OI) 36935
B. Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanor (OT) 2829
9. Statute Drunk Dnving (SD) 39
Total Drunk Driving 262
(#6 + #9 =)
32
10. Statute Civil Intracfions (SI) 2095
Total Civil Infractions 39030
(#7 +#10 =)
11. Statute Traffic Misdemeanor (ST) 266
Total Traffic Misd. 3095
(#8 +#11 =)
MISCELLANEOUS
12. Criminal/Traffic Juries Selected 7
13. Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 2
NON -TRAFFIC CIVIL INFRACTIONS & PARKING
14.
Ordinance Parking (OK)
1193
15.
Ordinance Non -Traffic (ON)
17
16.
Statute Parking (SK)
1
Total Parking 1194
(#14 +#16 =)
17.
Statute Non-Traffic(SN)6
Total Non -Traffic 23
(#15 +#17 =)
CIVIL DIVISION
18.
General Civil (GC)
2478
19.
General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ)
3
20.
Landlord Tenant (LT)
619
21.
Land Contract Summary Proceedings
(SP) 10
22.
Small Claims (SC)
579
MISCELLANEOUS
23.
Civil Division Juries Selected
6
24.
Marriages
18
25.
Motions
1461
26.
Discovery/Debtor Exams
164
27.
Gamishments
3721
28.
Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction
306
33
Felony
Guilty Plea (reduced charge)
PROBATION
Bench Verdict
1.
Number of Placements on Probation
1765
2.
Pre -Sentence Investigation Reports
1245
3.
Violation of Probation Warrants Issued
1032
4.
Show Cause Summons Issued
2208
5.
Probation Cases Closed
1957
6.
Number of Open Probation Cases
1195
7.
Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu ofjail)
4098
Felony
Guilty Plea (reduced charge)
16
Bench Verdict
0
Bindover to 3'd Circuit Court (after Examination held or waived)
316
Dismissed by Party
2
Dismissed by Court
14
Inactive Status (Warrant)'
172
Local Diversion
0
Case Type Change
0
Total 520
Misdemeanors (Ordinance and Statute)
Jury Verdict
2
Bench Verdict
7
Guilty Plea
1251
Dismissed by Party
275
Dismissed by Court
48
Inactive Status (Warrant)`
535
Local Diversion
20
Case Type Change
1
Total 2139
34
TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT
Felony, Misdemeanor and Civil Infraction
Jury Verdict
Bench Verdict
Guilty Plea/Admission
Bindover to 3'd Circuit Court (after Examination held or waived)
Dismissed by Party
Dismissed by Court
Default Judgments
Inactive Status (Warrant)'
Local Diversion
Case Type Change
Total
1
4200
26596
42
896
3055
9725
995
0
13
'Note: Warrant/Bench Warrant/On Appeal/Pending Forensic Examination
Non -Traffic, Civil Infraction and Parking
45523
Verdict at Heanng
55
AdmissioNWaivers
797
Dismissed by Party
3
Dismissed by Court
43
Default Judgments
354
Case Type Change
0
Total
35
CIVIL DEPARTMENT
Civil, Landlord/Tenant and Small Claims
Jury Verdict
2
Bench Verdict
240
Uncontested/Defaults/Sefllements
1994
Transferred
60
Dismissed by Party
614
Dismissed by Court
813
Inactive Status"
35
Other Disposition
1
Case Type Change
2
Total
35
1252
3761
*kNote: Bankruptcy Stay
Due to City of Livonia General Fund
$3,819,393.69
Escrow Accounts:
Bonds $1,124,854.00
Restitution $ 41.025.73
Work Program $ 138 834.00
Miscellaneous' $ 93 444.48
• includes garnishment payments, escrow rent, refunds,
etc.
Due to State of Michigan
$1,787,179.40
Due to County Library
$ 122 693.65
Other Miscellaneous Payments
$ 48273.88
Court Building Improvement Fund
$ 338.883.50
Drug Court Fund (set-aside effective 10/01/05)
$ 17.745.00
UNAUDITED YEAR'S REVENUE TOTAL
(excluding interest income)
$7.532.327.33
2006-2007 Proiects
1. The W Judicial District Court is pleased to announce that we have been
awarded a grant in the amount of $48,000 from the Michigan Drug Court
Grant Program (MDCGP) administered by the Slate Court Administrative
Office (SCAO). The award is for the grant period October 1, 2007,
through September 30, 2008. The purpose of the grant is to provide
funding assistance to operational drug treatment courts, including the
acquisition of personnel services, contractual services, and supplies. As a
result, the Court hired a new Probation Officer as drug -funded position for
the above period to assist in the increased workload as a result of the
increased duties and responsibilities with running a Drug Court.
2. Our team of professionals attended the DCCMIS (Drug Court Case
Management System) training on November 26, 2007, which set the
guidelines for entering participants into Drug Court, tracking their
progress, and complying with the state mandated reporting requirements.
36
3. The Court continues its use of the Stale of Michigan Collection Module
and over $ 664,107.57 was collected from delinquent offenders.
4. The Court is currently involved with French Associates, Inc / Neumann
Smith and Plante & Moran Cresa, LLC in the inifial planning stage of the
building of the new courthouse.
5. The Court has been preparing to be the 'pilot" user of the Judicial
Warehouse software in which courts can share court case information via
the Internet.
6. The change in administration leadership has been implemented and
running smooth and with all efforts at servicing our community to the
highest standards to continue to be our number one priority.
The Department of Finance consists of Amounting, Management Information
Systems, Water and Sewer Usage Billing, and the Division of Budget and
Purchasing with a total staff of twenty-five people. The Director of Finance
serves as administrative assistant to the Mayor in financial matters and is under
the direct supervision of the Mayor. The function of the Department of Finance
includes:
Supervision over the administration of the financial affairs of the City.
Keeping of accounts and financial records of the City and all departments,
commissions and agencies of the City government.
Maintenance of payroll records for all City employees.
Preparation of checks for all financial obligations of the City.
Billing and collection of over 150,000 water and sewer bills.
Responsibility for all computerized reporting and budget analysis for City
Departments.
Responsibility for evaluating and recommending computer hardware and
software systems City-wide.
Preparation of the annual budget for the Mayor.
37
Taking of bids for all major purchases made by the City
Responding to City Council questions and providing additional reports and
information as requested by Council.
The Finance Director serves on a three-person Personnel Review
Committee, which is responsible for review and evaluation of be hiring,
placement and replacement of all employees for the City.
Performs Treasurer function for the Plymouth Road Development
Authority.
Membership on the Community Development Block Grant Committee.
Responsible for risk management of casualty and liability, worker's
compensation and medical insurance for the City and is the City's
representative to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority
(MMRMA).
Representation at over 50 meetings of the City Council.
Preparation of all debt issued by City.
Responsible for investment of City funds in interest earning accounts in
accordance with Stale law.
Management of City -owned properties leased to third parties
BUDGET -PURCHASING
The Budget -Purchasing office is under the supervision and direction of the
Director of Finance who also acts as Purchasing Agent for the City. The Budget -
Purchasing activity processed a total of 24,117 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 624 supply orders and
printing requests were also filled for City Departments.
ACCOUNTING
The volume of the Accounting Division activity is listed by comparative figures for
the past two years:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30 2006 2007
General Fund and Other Fund
Payables Checks
17,610
20,277
Payroll Checks
27,952
22,478
Journal Entries
15,357
10,613
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables)
7,263
7,312
38
Accounts Receivable Invoices:
False Alarms
1,111
1,036
Rescue Runs
4,289
4,250
Other
2,115
2,100
Water Bills Mailed
154,730
155,326
Water Bills Paid by EFT
12,801
16,656
Temporarily idle funds were invested in Certificates of Deposit and daily savings
deposits, resul5ng in a total interest earned of $1,789,028 or 3.32% of City
General Fund Revenue.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. In 2007, the Finance, Accounting and Information Systems departments
implemented a conversion to a new financial management system called
"Logos.net' from New World Systems, Inc. When fully implemented, this new
system will provide increased data management capabilities and online
services for residents and employees.
2. The Finance Department prepared exhibits and testified in the Livonia
firefighter Act 312 proceeding. These proceedings should allow the City to
obtain a reasonable collective bargaining agreement with this group.
3. The Finance Department continued to work with City Council and the Mayor's
Office to maintain the City's excellent bond ratings, which currently are rated
AA3 at Moody's and AA at Standard and Poor's. Because of these excellent
bond ratings, more people will invest in City of Livonia bonds resulting in more
competitive bidding from brokerage houses. Savings will continue into the
future for the City due to these ratings.
4. The City of Livonia audit was completed and, once again, the City's auditors
found no significant audit adjustments.
5. The Finance Department participated in several cooperative bids with
surrounding communities that resulted in more competitive bids and reduced
costs to the City.
The Information Systems Department is responsible for the computer hardware
and software used by the City. The IS Department assists other City
Departments in evaluating, selecting and implementing computer systems. It
39
also sets the standards for City computer systems. The Information Systems
Director reports directly to the Finance Director. The staff of the Information
Systems Department consists of five (5) employees. The Information Systems
Department has five primary areas of responsibility. These are Computer and
Network Support, Application Software Support, Training and End User Support,
Website and Internet, and Geographic Information Systems.
The IS Department maintains the following hardware:
2004- 2005- 2006-
2005 2006 2007
IBM AS/400 Midrange Computer 1 1 1
Windows 2000/2003 Server 10 17 20
Personal Computers 293 298 309
We replaced two of our file servers this year at Parks and DPW. The old servers
were approximately five years old and had become slow and the cost of
maintenance was dramatically dimbing.
We replaced our wireless bridge between City Hall and DPW. The old wireless
bridge con at a speed of 45 MB, the new one runs at 100 MB.
We also replaced the wireless network within City Hall. The new equipment is
more reliable and more secure.
We continued the project this year to replace our Financial, Payroll and Human
Resource, Utility Billing and all of our Licensing Systems with New Word
Logos.Nel systems. The old Logos/400 systems were written back in the mid
1980's and updated several times. We have completed implementing the
Financial and Payroll systems. We are curen0y working with Human
Resources, Utility Billing and Licensing. These should be completed by March
2008.
We also worked with the Treasurers Department to implement all new tax
software.
We did two upgrades for the Transit System (RouteMatch) and one upgrade for
the DPW CarteGmph Management System.
TRAINING AND END USER SUPPORT
The IS Department provides in-house training for City employees on how to use
computers and software packages. A breakdown on training offered is:
40
2004-
2005-
2006-
2005
2006
2007
Number of Classes Conducted 26
40
6
Number of Employees Trained 59
109
58
Classroom training was greatly reduced this year due to the training room being
used for the New World .Net training. This classroom training was supplemented
with 29 individual training sessions.
1,136 user support issues were recorded and resolved this year.
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(htto:/M .d.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and grow in
usage.
This year we did a major renovation on the Housing and Parks portions of the
website. We also added on -demand video streaming of City Council meetings.
Finally, we moved to a new web system for providing information on Property
Taxes and Assessing data.
2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
Number of Page Views 1,042,874 1,107,921 1,947,426
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees.
2004- 2005- 2006-
2005 2006 2007
Number of E-mail accounts 239 296 268
The Information Systems Department also manages, operates and maintains a
Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage its maps and spatially
referenced data.
2007 saw a number of major changes in the City of Livonia's Geographic
Information System. At the request of DPW, we upgraded our GIS to the Aro
"SDE" (Spatial Data Engine) data structure to better support the CarteGraph
software suite. This entailed acquiring an additional piece of software (AroSDE)
along with SQL Server for the GIS. AroSDE provides a gateway for storing,
managing, and accessing spatial data from a RDBMS, (SQL Server). It is a key
component in managing a shared, multiuser geodatabase in a RDBMS. It
supports features such as versioning which provides a safe environment for
multiple users to editthe same database. Specifically in 2007 we:
41
1. Upgraded our AmView and ArcIMS software to the latest version (9.2,
service pack 2)
2. Completed and tested the design for the ArcSDE database with a vendor -
InfoGeographics.
3. Imported data from existing flat files and 'personal" geodatabases to
populate the SDE database.
4. InfoGeographics conducted a 34iered training course for the City of
Livonia's GIS users covering (1) SDE basics, (2) SDE data editing, and (3)
SDE system Administration.
5. Set up ArcSDE user groups that allow GIS users to view the new
database, while other users have edit and administrative privileges.
6. Operationally we continued to update and maintain our various data layers
and acquired new data (parcel data and ancillary information, NAIP aerial
photography, updated CLEMIS road centerline file, etc.).
7. Updated our various map series to keep them current (144 tax maps, 144
address maps, E -sized street map, etc.)
8. Updated our subdivision layer and added a number of new subdivisions
and condominiums.
9. Established a new procedure for informing citizens of zoning changes.
This procedure now includes informing renters and shop owners in strip
malls as well as citizens in neighboring communities where applicable.
10.Began linking existing ArcIMS (Internet Mapping Service) maps with the
new ArcSDE data structure. This allows for continuous updating of our
on-line maps.
11.Continued support of the Livonia EOC (Emergency Operations Center)
GIS components.
LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2007, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 8,533 incidents,
80% involved emergency medical services, while fire related responses
accounted for 20%. The following statistical breakdowns reflect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year.
Incidents
Emergency Medical 6,852
Fire 259
Fire (other) 1,422
42
Total 8,533
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for
86 of the responses, 629 were false fire alar calls and 292 for downed wire
incidents.
Incidents by day of week
Sunday
1,039
12.1%
Monday
1,279
15%
Tuesday
1,267
14.8%
Wednesday
1,304
15.3%
Thursday
1,223
14.3%
Friday
1,307
15.3%
Saturday
1,114
13%
The busiesttime (hour) ofdayis 11:00 a.m. through 12.00p.m.
Throughout the year, in addition to the related activifies listed below, this Division
is responsible for updafing technical knowledge, maintaining job efficiency and
state certification for the department's Fire Inspectors. This is accomplished by
attending numerous seminars, job related schools and other continuing
education programs. These schools would include but are not limited to
Schoolcraft College, the National Fire Academy, Michigan State Police Arson
School, Michigan Fire Inspectors Conferences, Metro Detroit Fire Inspectors
Society and the various (I.A.A. I.) International Association of Arson Investigators
arson schools and seminars.
Inspections
Although not all encompassing, the following categories reflect the majority of
inspections conducted by the Fire Prevention Division:
Advice
142
Inlenor Alterations
162
Alarm
72
Liquor License
16
Complaint
23
Liquid Propane Gas
5
Chemical Surveys
132
Life Safety Inspections
21
City License
126
New Construction
57
Carnival/Spree
11
Site Plan/Preliminary Plan
58
False Alarms
67
Re -occupancy
42
Fire Lanes
54
Revision
13
First Tenant
46
System Report Deficiency
152
Fireworks
42
Suppression
146
43
Hydrant/Flow 38 Temporary Structure 11
History File 183 Extenor Alterations/Construction 4
City Buildings 14
Total 1639
Plan Reviews
Alarm 77
Construction 227
Hood 8 Duct / Spray Booth 26
Site 58
Fire Suppression 163
Total 551
The above plan review totals reflect the number of projects received / assigned in
the Fre Prevention Office and do not induce the actual number of inspections
made. Multiple site visits are required when inspecting vanous fire alarm,
suppression or structural systems to insure compliance with the adopted codes
and standards installation practices. A conservative estimate of site visits
needed to complete a project would be four inspections. More complex jobs
would require additional inspections, in some instances 10-20 site visits. Plans
review has increased by forty-two percent and inspections are up by ten percent
from last year.
The Fire Marshal and his Inspectors regularly go to the fire stations and review
false alarms with the station Officers. This allows the Fire Prevention Division to
address those occupancies that are having multiple false alarms. Dialogue with
the suppression personnel gives the inspection division a second avenue for
finding and correcting building deficiencies.
The Fire Marshal and the Senior Fire Inspector in the Fire Prevention division
continue to be Certified State of Michigan Fire Inspectors and Certified by the
National Fire Protection Association to the level of Fire Inspector I. In addition to
the above certifications the all three investigators in Fire Prevention have
attended both the National Fire Academy Arson Investigation course and the
Michigan State Police Arson Investigation course.
The Fire Marshal is an inlematonally certified fire investigator (CFI) through the
International Association of Arson Investigators, one of only forty-one in the State
of Michigan. The Fire Marshal also sits on the Board of Directors for the
Midrigan Chapter of the International Association of Fire Investigators.
44
TRAINING DIVISION
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2007 was to continue to assure
compliance for the ongoing education (CEU) requirements for both EMT and
Paramedic within the department. The number of overall CEU's for Paramedics
is higher than that of an EMT and thus requires a more diligent training program
in order to ensure that the department's personnel are always compliant with
licensing requirements. New State of Michigan standards require the obtaining
of both lecture and practical credits, which brought on additional challenges, but
were met without major problems. The training office continues to improve its
record management system related to training activities, which in turn ensures
compliance with OSHA, ISO and nationally accepted standards on training and
documentation. The training division continues to provide training commensurate
with the mission of our department. Although EMS training takes up large
amounts of resources and time, this office still facilitates training in fire
suppression, specialized rescue, hazardous materials, utility emergencies and
risk reduction.
Other ongoing inifiatives undertaken by the training office induce the
adminislrafion and oversight of the department Grants. A previous grant award
will allow the department develop and deploy an electronic Patient Care Record
System (ePCR) reducing redundancy in the current county paper reports,
improving QA/QI processes, increase HIPAA security on PHI and allow the
department to interface electronically with the city's third party EMS billing
company. This new program will also enhance the department's ability to
analytically view EMS trends and usage from a demographic perspective, as well
as provide a tool for syndromic surveillance within the community. The
department, with the approval of the law department, has entered into a contract
with Medtronics Corporation (LifeNet Software). During 2006, initial training took
place and the configuration process has continued throughout 2007.
The training office continues to be forward thinking in regards to capturing
available grant funding and allemative ways to finance departmental capital
needs both in training programs and equipment. Enhancing relationships with
both local businesses and community educational institutions has also been a
priority in hopes that a mutual sharing of resources increases overall operational
effectiveness. Grants through State Farm, MMRMA, and Belfour construction
have allowed the department to move ahead with programs that have left
unfunded do to budgetary constraints over the last three years.
Fire Officer training commensurate with the CBA continues to be a top priority as
it pertains to off-site training and in preparing our Company level officers for each
new position. Our Livonia Fire & Rescue Company Officer Development
program rolled out in October of 2007, which will consist of 8 modules of training
for our Drivers and Engineers, as they look ahead to temporary and permanent
appointment to officers in the department in the future.
45
The RAFT (Regional Alliance for Fire Training) organization has developed a
new Company Officer II course. Several of our members were involved in the
development and leaching of the classes. RAFT continues to offer firefighter
training that many of our members have taken advantage of.
This office continues to look at ways to improve our overall service and maintain
the highest level of pre -hospital care to the citizens of Livonia. The department's
EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program continues to strive to comply with
stringent county and stale requirements regarding QI/QA. The training office
continues to administrate and facilitate the Medical Priority Dispatch system that
is used in dispatching EMS calls city-wide. The system has proven to be
extremely effective in risk reduction for responders, as well as the public, by
assigning a prionty to the medical call. Because of the increasing EMS con call
volume each year, the MPD system allays the prioritizing of all EMS related calls
to ensure that the most life threatening emergencies receive assistance above
those of a lesser degree. The Training Coordinator and Engineer Jon Unruh
continue to provide the needed continued education units (CEU) required for
recertification of dispatchers every two years. This office was also responsible
for tracking and fulfilling the MPD Quality Assurance requirements as outlined in
county Medical Control protocols. Since the MPD program came on line in May
of 2001, the training office meets and discusses QI related issues quarterly, as to
ensure compliance within county and state guidelines.
The "Quick Drill" program has armed our station officers with training information
that can be used easily. The program grew from our first year (2006) of 12 drills
to an additional 20 drills added in 2007.
During the 2007 year, all department members have attained the National
cerUfcalion for Homeland Security NIMS (National Incident Management
System) training in the 100 and 200 courses. Many of our members have taken
300, 400, 700 and 800 courses as well. A goal of 2008 will be to get all members
up to the NIMS 700 level training.
The focus of the training office in 2008 will be to establish updated company level
drills, continue efforts in the monthly "Quick DnII" program, revise and implement
a new Dnver/Operator program, and continue in-house Company Officer training
program. With continued changes in the state's Fire Officer programs, new
records and additional training will be required in order to fulfill the CBA and meet
the new state requirements.
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Senior Fire Equipment Mechanic who are
responsible for specification writing, ordering, care, maintenance and repair of all
46
mechanized and related fire, rescue and paramedic equipment. The division
provides firefighters, Livonia citizens, and visitors of Livonia with safe and reliable
ambulance, rescue and fire fighting vehicles and related equipment.
This year the responsibilities of the Maintenance Division included the following:
Completed 473 work orders/requests
Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars, and all
equipment on each vehicle on a semi-annual and annual basis. Installed
equipment on the technical rescue truck as well as readying the USAR trailer and
low vehicles for road use. Worked on WWC Hazmat trailer as well as the new
Hazmat trucks. Recommissioned the old Water Rescue truck turning it back into
a functioning Ambulance for SWAT Team.
Attended FEMA certification classes.
One blue print trip was made to South Carolina to finalize blue prints for the new
Pumper.
Worked with American LaFrence and Medic Master on warranties of vehides.
Received and awarded bids for repaint of E4. Four inspection trips were made
to check on added repairs and to monitor progress.
In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighter and E.M.T.D.'s on
the operational requirements of vehides. Also aided in training exercises when
necessary.
Responded to major fires to assist the department in set up of equipment, filling
of SCBA bottles, repair and refueling of vehides.
Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and members
of Weslem Wayne Mutual Aid Association.
Provided assistance to the following Project Mangers:
• SCBA Officer -ordering parts, repairing SCBA air packs.
• Hose Officer - specification writing, ordering and mounting of nozzles,
adapters, and hose.
• Building Maintenance Officer- repair of vehide electrical drop lines
• EMT Officer- installation of ALS equipment.
47
Communications Officer — mounting hand held prep radio vehicle chargers
and installation of new radio and complete computer systems for ALS and
relocation of some radios in pumpers, and repair of same.
Apparatus Officer - ordering and mounting of new equipment/hand tools
and mounts.
Public Relations Committee - equipment.
Radio Technician - the installation and removal of communications
systems for vehicles going into and coming out of service along with
instalalions of ALS radio equipment.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items:
Vehicles
1 -1976 Sutphen Aerial Tower, 1250 GPM Pump
1 -1994 Ford F350/Horlon Swat Squad
2 -1988 Pierce Arnow 1250 GPM Pumpers
1 -1988 Pierce Dash Heavy Duty Rescue
1 — 1997 Navistar/Horton Water RescuetTechnical Unit
1 -1994 Smeal/Spartan 1250 GPM Pumper
1 -1995 Ford Horton Fire Investigation Unit
1 -1996 GMC 3/4 -Ton Pick -Up
1 -1997 Chevrolet Lumina
1 -1997 International/Horton Reserve Alpha Unit
1 -1998 Chevrolet Lumina
1 -1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
2 — 2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Units
2 — 2001 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Units
1 — 2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 — 2007 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 — 2001 Ford Crown Vic Sedan
1 — 2002 American LaFrance 2000GPM 75FT. Aerial
3-2003 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumpers
1 -2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 — 2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boal, Motor and Trailer
5 — 2003 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
1 — 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
1 — 2007 Chevrolet 2500 Pick-up
1 — 2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 — 2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B. R.N. E.)
1 — 2006 Spartan Spencer HAZMAT Track
1 — 28R USAR Trailer
1 — 2007 Fire Safety Unit
i
38 —Total Vehides
Eauipment on Vehicles
Thousands of feet of fire hose
Fire hose nozzles
Axes and adapters
Foam equipment, hand and vehicle mounted
Deluge equipment
110 V electrical lighting
Tools (hand and fire fighting)
9 -Auxiliary generators
43 - ISI Viking Air Pack
4— ISI Magnum Air Pack
74 -Air Bottles
89 — ISI Viking Masks
4— Magnum Masks
1- Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 - 6000psi 4 Air Bottle Cascade System
1 — K-950 Saw
2 - K-12 Saw
7 - Chain saws
2 - Amkus Power Tools
2 - TNT Power Tools
7 - Life Jack PPV fans
1 - Hose repair tool and parts
Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
Garage Equipment
1 — Hose test Pump
2 - h -ground garage hoist hydro -testing
1 - Garage tool replacements
1 - Pumper pump test tool as needed to comply with NFPA 1911.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2007 fiscal year was an exciting year for our Public Education division. The
division is tasked with educating our citizens on all fire and life safety topics at
different places and times thalwill have the highest impact.
Each year Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the public
for Fire Safely Education programs. These requests are forwarded to either the
on-cluty Battalion Chief or to the Fire Safely Education Committee, based on the
49
needs of the requesting person or group. If the caller is requesting to visit a fire
station or have a fire apparatus visit them as part of the educational effort, the
on-duty Battalion Chief handles the request. If the group requests an individual
to speak at a prearranged time and location that does not require firefighting
apparatus, the Fire Safety Education Committee is contacted. Currently, most
requests are handled by on-duty crews at the fire stations, while remaining in-
service to respond to emergency calls in our area.
Fire Prevention records indicate that we responded to approximately 200
requests during this fiscal year, reaching thousands of our citizens. These
requests are handled routinely by the Battalion Chiefs office and are conducted
by the on duty crews working out of all five of Livonia's fire stations.
Our firefighters who also do public education have teamed up with Livonia Police
Department to deliver two C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Teams)
classes. We helped with teaching fire safety, fire extinguisher use and the basics
of light rescue, victim removal and first aid. Our C.E.R.T. volunteers have given
back by offering to help us man some of our educational events held throughout
the year.
In June of 2007, we held our annual "School's Out, Safety's In" Open House.
This summer safety event reaches out to our community and invites them into
ourfire station #3 and gives them an opportunity to meet many of our firefighters.
In October of 2007, despite a temperature of 85 Degrees Fahrenheit, Livonia Fire
& Rescue held its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House'. The Open House
has proven to be a highly anticipated event by our community, reaching a crowd
estimated at 2,000. While in attendance, visitors received information on fire and
life safety and are given an opportunity to practice life safety skills. In addition,
the Department showcased our award-winning extncation team, who practiced
their skills on two cars. The scenario was that of taking an injured victim out of a
car that cannot be opened the conventional door method. There was an area
where kids can practice their fire safety behaviors, as well. A new addition to our
Open House for 2005 included a Halloween Safely table. This year, that table
was modified and expanded upon.
Livonia firefighters participated in a September event held at Laurel Park Place
Mall called the "Passport to Safety". This project, spearheaded by Sgt. Teeter of
LPD, was a huge success. Crowds were estimated in the thousands who
attended the event. After being involved in the fourth-year annual event, more
effort is being directed into this area. The large number of children that attend
the indoor event is encouraging. This year, an early interview of the day of the
event was held at Channel 2 television, and we were in front of the camera,
encouraging families to come and visit us.
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Our dedicated efforts to educate our citizens are among the best anywhere. Our
ideas were shared with the fire service community in one article that appeared in
"Fire Engineering" magazine, (January 2007 issue), the nations premiere fire
training magazine. Other ideas were presented to firefighters seen at the
website for Fire Engineering magazine that has weekly featured articles. We had
eight articles appear on the web, showcasing our efforts.
Another mural took its place alongside our existing mural on the wall of fire
station #3. The flaming "doorway' allows open house attendees to stand behind
a wooden cutout of a firefighter in gear, put their head through a hole and look as
if they are in a burning home.
This is the third year we took on the project of creating a Fire Safety insert that
was canted along with the Livonia Observer newspaper. The eight -page insert
was designed for elementary -age students and families, and went out with the
21,000 copies of the Observer on October 7, and they were handed out to our
Open House attendees on October 6.
The newsletter "Couplings" came out for the second year in a row. The
newsletter is an 8 -page newsletter designed for adult fire and life safety. It
appears in electronic format on the city website, and copies went out with the
Observer as well.
Several informational articles were prepared and con in the Livonia Observer
Newspaper, to further reach out to our adult audiences with messages of fire and
life safety. This year, 13 articles appeared in the Observer written by Livonia
Firefighters.
The biggest excitement for this year is that we applied for and received a Federal
(FEMA) Fre Prevention and Safety grant. Our project was to add to our
educational props with a Hazard House and a robotic fire truck. The hazard
house allays us to open up the "house prop" and discuss hazards commonly
found in homes. The robotic fire truck allows us to interact with children by using
prerecorded messages and our own voice to "talk" to children.
We were also able to distribute our fire and life safety messages to the citizens of
Livonia through the use of the following sources:
Livonia Public Schools
City Channel 8
Time Warner Cable
Livonia Observer
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HOUSING COMMISSION
The Livonia Housing Commission submits the following information on its
activities and accomplishments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, Community
Development Block Grant program, McNamara Towers #1 and #2, Section 8
Rent Subsidy program and Brashear Tower.
SILVER VILLAGE -33780 LYNDON
Silver Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists of 64
"Livonia residents" and 40 "parents of Livonia residents."
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Silver Village turnover was 6 units in 2007.
2. All apartment electrical services were updated to 100 amp. New
appliance outlets were installed for all dryer units.
3. All apartments received new refrigerators.
4. All apartments received new digital heating thermostats.
5. Linoleum was installed in the kitchen and foyers throughout the
apartments at Silver Village.
6. Concrete slabs were installed for the newly refinished and painted
picnic tables.
7. All the apartments have been inspected and necessary repairs
were made, in order to insure decent, safe and sanitary housing,
whereby maintaining resident satisfaction.
NEWBURGH VILLAGE -11999 NEWBURGH ROAD
Newburgh Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists
of 58 "Livonia residents" and 20 "parents of Livonia residents"
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Newburgh Village tumoverwas 15 units in 2007.
2. All apartments received new refrigerators.
3. 18 apartments received new dishwashers.
4. All picnic tables and park benches were refinished and painted.
5. All the apartments have been inspected and necessary repairs
were made, in order to insure decent, safe and sanitary housing,
whereby maintaining resident satisfaction.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2006-2007 fiscal year, which began on 8/1/06 and ended 6/30/07, through
the Community Development Block Grant Program. Total CDBG expenditures
for the year were $539,346.78. Below please find the accomplishments
produced by each of these programs.
Activities and Accomplishments
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
Minor Home Repair Program
Emergency Utility Shut -Off Assistance
Senior Van Transportation Program
Transportation Vouchers
Mental Health Counseling Program
First Step (Western Wayne County
Project on Domesfic Assault)
Fair Housing Initiative
Scattered Site Rental Homes (Mngl./Maint.)
Help Source
Total Served:
4 Households Served
4 Households Served
80 Households Served
20 Households Served
347 Persons Served
4 Persons Served
15 Persons Served
195 Persons Served
Not Applicable
15 Households Served
15 Persons Served
699 Households/Persons
McNAMARA TOWERS #1 & #2 -19300 PURLINGBROOK
McNamara Towers Building #1
1. All apartments were inspected and repairs made according to
Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
2. 14 new refrigerators were installed.
McNamara Towers Building #2
1. All apartments were inspected and repairs made according to
Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
2. 14 new refrigerators were installed.
The Public Housing Program purchased a new bus with a wheelchair lift for the
transportation program at McNamara Towers.
The Public Housing Program has been designated as a High Performer by HUD
A new entry awning has been installed over the front entrance of building #1 and
the mansard on building #2 was painted to match the awning.
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The Public Housing program has had 24 vacancies at McNamara Towers and 5
in the Scattered site homes from 1/1/07 to 11/27/07. The waiting list consists of
approximately 70 applicants between the two programs.
SECTION 8 RENT SUBSIDY HOUSING PROGRAM
The Livonia Housing Commission Section 8 Rent Subsidy Program currently
administers a Housing Choice Voucher Program consisting of 849 families.
Fiscal Year 2006 SEMAP, Section 8 Management Assessment scored as a
Standard Performer. An audit was conducted on the Section 8 program and no
findings were found.
The waiting list has 769 applicants.
The current Section 8 Voucher Leasing rale is 98%.
WILLIAM W. BRASHEAR TOWER, 17841 N. LAUREL PARK DRIVE
The wailing list consists of approximately 10 applicants as of November 1, 2007.
William Brashear Towers is currenfly advertising 30-60 day occupancy for one
(1) and two (2) bedroom apartments. 196 units were inspected for health, quality
and safety by the Livonia Housing Commission on October 24, 2007. A HUD
REAC Inspection was also performed on September 26, 2007. Annual
inspections were performed on the generator, fire suppression system, fire alarm
system and the elevators.
Activifres and Accomplishments
1. Replaced refrigerators in 10 units.
2. Replaced ranges in 4 units.
3. Installed new circuit breaker boxes in 17 units.
4. Replaced carpeting in 18 units.
5. Repainted 25 units for new move -ins.
6. Completed drywall and painfing repairs in 11 occupied units.
7. Installed new kitchen sinks in 2 units.
B. Replace bathroom vanities in 10 units.
9. Replaced garbage disposals in 20 units.
10. Replaced vertical blinds in 21 units.
11. Refinished kitchen cabinets in 7 units.
12. Re -glazed bathtubs in 3 units.
13. Completed repairs to exterior building panels from June -September
2007 to correct interior leaks to units and common areas.
14. Replaced 2n° floor unit entry doors.
15. Replaced 1 s floor lobby carpefrng.
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INSPECTION DEPARTMENT is responsible for all construction operations on
private property. Included in its jurisdiction is building inspection, plan review,
sanitation and ordinance enforcement. Areas of involvement induce Zoning
Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals and various civic groups.
Coordination with State government agencies involving building construction is
handled by this department. Plan Review for new buildings, alterations and
additions, pools, demolitions, zoning compliance and signs is an integral part of
the department's function, as well as the issuance of permits, sanitation and
enforcing the City's Code of Ordinances designated as Inspection's
responsibility. Inspections were made and permits issued for the rehabilitation of
homes for the Community Development Block Program. Additionally the
Inspection Department reviews lot splits for the Department of Assessment and
reviews site plans and waiver use petitions for the Planning Department and
provides support to all other departments as needed.
BUILDING INSPECTION issued approximately 7,283 permits in 2006/07 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, inducing new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. 8 permits were issued for new residential
homes and 24 permits were issued for new commercialfindustnal structures. In
other activity, 29 single-family condominium units were constructed or are
currently under construction. No permits for apartment buildings were issued this
year. Mechanical permits (plumbing, electrical, heating and refrigeration)
numbered approximately 4539 for the year. Residential additions/alterations,
garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs, zoning compliance,
commeroialfindustrial additions, demolitions and moving permits comprised the
remainder of permits issued. 55 demolition permits were issued during the year,
12 of which were residential structures. Permits for Christmas tree sales lots,
pennant and banner displays, awnings, underground storage tanks and various
special inspections were issued as required. Certificates of Occupancy are
issued for all new residences, commercial and industrial buildings upon
completion. State building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and sign contractor
licenses are registered in this office. Additionally, official records are kept on
fence contractors, excavators and demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing buildings for compliance with
B.O.C.A. Property Maintenance Code continued through 2007. In connection
with this program, 656 inspections were made, violations issued when necessary
and compliance obtained. This program is designed to maintain health and
safety standards in the city. In addition to the annual inspection program the
Inspection Department now requires that all one, two and multiple family rental
dwelling units be licensed and inspected on an annual basis. This year 1,013
rental units were inspected by the City.
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Additionally, 202 formal complaints were received and responded to throughout
the year as they related to property, zoning and ordinance code violations. There
were approximately 611 rental inspection violations and 574 annual inspection
violations that were issued for various code infractions during 2006/07.
This office also provides the enforcement of special conditions of approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission
and city Council relative to site plans, variances, waiver uses and grants,
The valuation of new building activities for 2006/07 is $83453232. The revenue
collected from all building activities was approximately $2,129,926.
SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT is responsible for compliance
with the City Zoning Ordinance #543 and also the Code of Ordinances #1688 as
it pertains to the majority of all nuisance and noncnminal violations. These
responsibilities include those things that affect the health, safety and welfare of
the residents of the City, such as pollution, hazardous waste, trash and debris,
vacant buildings, weed cutting, basic property maintenance and supervision of
the collection of municipal refuse. The enforcement of special conditions of
approval made by the Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council and the Planning
Commission relative to site plans, variances, and waiver uses are the
responsibility of Ordinance Enforcement.
STATISTICS
2006-07
Total General Inspections Made 23,021
Building Maintenance and Repair
1230
Parking Lot Repairs
113
Trash and Debris
2547
Junk Vehicles
1934
Noxious Weeds'
6266
Noise/Air/Odor
128
Nuisances
2235
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property
628
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Property
2133
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles
946
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles
1158
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy
369
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles
1130
Right of Way encroachments
308
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Posted)
1521
Snow on Sidewalks
234
License Violations
141
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Sanitation activities included 1,432 citizen complaints regarding the collection of
municipal refuse and the delivery of 303 recycling bins.
Enforcement of the Noxious Weed Ordinance included the investigation of
citizen complaints and the abatement of violations through the mowing of weeds
and removal of debris from 1,269 properties by the City Weed Mowing
Contractor.
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Building Code Board of Appeals provides any person the right to appeal a
decision of the code official refusing to grant a modification of the building code
covering the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection,
alteration or repair of a building or structure. An application for appeal shall be
based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted there
under have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully
apply, or an equivalentfonn of construction can be used.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2006-07 is as follows:
Meetings Scheduled
1
Appeals Filed
1
Hearings Held
1
Re -hearings
0
Appeals Granted
1
Appeals Denied
0
Appeals Dropped
0
Appeals Tabled
0
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection
Department.
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW
LITIGATION
There is one (1) case pending in the Circuit Court for the County of Wayne,
where the City of Livonia, and/or City officials, are involved either as plaintiffs or
as defendants. Three (3) other cases were resolved in 2006-07 either pursuant
to a stipulation or by final judgment of the Wayne County Circuit Court. There is
one (1) civil case pending in the 16th District Court. Five (5) civil cases were
resolved in the 16th District Court and two (2) of these cases had money
judgments granted by the Court which remain unpaid. There are no cases
pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals. Two (2) cases were resolved in the
Michigan Court of Appeals. One (1) case is pending in the Michigan Supreme
Court, and one (1) other case was resolved. Four (4) cases are pending in the
United Stales District Court, and one (1) other case was resolved.
One hundred nine (109) cases are pending before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
Fifty-one (51) other cases were disposed of. (NOTE: Settlement agreements
may have been reached in some of the cases reported as pending. It is the
practice of the Law Department to keep a case open unfil the Tax Tribunal has
entered a final order; the Tribunal often takes several weeks to enter final orders
after receipt of the sfipulation of the parties.)
The Law Department has filed claims to preserve and protect the City's interest
in the Bankruptcy Court relafive to two (2) cases.
The foregoing does not include any appeals taken in ordinance violation cases
from the District Court to the Circuit Court, ancVor the Court of Appeals, and/or
the Supreme Court.
DISTRICT COURT
From December 2006 through November 2007, the following number of cases
were disposed of in the Livonia Distnct Court.
Criminal Tmffrc Jury Trials
Ordinance
Misdemeanor 1191 2829 2
Ordinance
Drank Driving 223 1
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There are no cases which were appealed from the 16th District Court which are
pending. Two (2) cases which were appealed from the 16th District Court to a
higher court have been resolved.
OPINIONS
No formal opinions were issued by the Department of Law during 2006-07. Upon
request, the Department issued a substantial number of recommendations in
correspondence to the various City Departments, Boards and Commissions and
the City Council by members of the legal staff upon various subjects and matters.
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS
This office represents the City and its officials from time to time in formal appeals
and grievance proceedings before the Civil Service Commission. We also
appear in matters involving the City before various State agencies, including the
Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan Employment Relations
Commission and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
ARBITRATION
Al present there are no arbitration cases pending in which this office is involved.
One (1) civil rights complaint is pending before the U.S. Department of Justice.
One (1) civil rights/EEOC complaint before the Michigan Civil Rights Commission
was resolved.
ORDINANCES
The following number of ordinances, prepared by the Department of Law, were
submitted to the Oty Council and were adopted by the Council during the year
2006-07:
7 amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map;
6 amendment to the substance of the Zoning Ordinance;
2 vacating ordinances; and
13 amendments to the Livonia Code of Ordinances.
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In addition, three (3) proposed ordinance amendments have been prepared and
submitted to the City Council and the same are now awaiting Council action.
One (1) additional rezoning ordinance amendment was submitted to Council but
was withdrawn bythe petitioner pcorto Council adoption.
Pursuant to a Consent Judgment dated May 18, 2007, the City purchased
property at 15150 Levan in Section 20 for $30,000 from Moghul
Investment, LLC.
The properly at 18301 Farmington Road was split into two parcels.
Pursuant to Council Resolution 324-07, the City sold one parcel to
Terence Shay for $10,000. The remaining parcel is currently pending
sale.
NOTE: Not induced in this report are the numerous transactions involving the
acquisition of easements without monetary consideration.
1. Preparation and drafting of proposed resolutions in connection with City
Council meetings.
2. Providing a representative at meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals,
and, upon request, at meetings of the City Planning Commission, the
Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System and other City
commissions and agencies.
3. Preparation and review of all contracts entered into between the City and
other persons, as well as approving "as to form" all legal documents that
are processed in the City.
4. Approval, typing, and transmission to the District Court warrant requests
(545) as submitted by the Police Division and the Inspection Department;
in addition, 66 warrant requests were reviewed and refused.
5. Provide assistance to other departments in the collection of delinquent
fees, charges and taxes by taking whatever steps may be necessary,
including the institution of litigation.
6. Refer to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority for
disposition all lawsuits and claims of action against the City which would
be covered through the City's agreement with the Authority.
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Provide legal assistance to various City department heads and
supervisors with respect to labor matters, including review of proposed
disciplinary actions.
Citizens' disputes and problems requiring the advice and counsel of this
office are increasing and require more time than ever before.
DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC
Activity and service levels have not only remained high, but program attendance,
circulation, website and computer use have all actually increased, which
continues to defy recent decreases in circulation and other statistics experienced
by the public library community at large. Full hours of service were restored at
Civic Center Branch in Spring 2007. Technology-based services have continued
to grow in popularity, as indicated by the dramatic increase in internet
workstation use. Patrons have also stepped up their use of the many useful links
and other services provided on the Library website. The Livonia Public Library
maintains a large set of professionally selected and organized links to make
using the internet even easier. Patrons can still search the library catalog and
check their record from home, as well as having the ability to renew items online,
with staff assistance by phone, and now via 24-hour toll-free automated phone
renewal service as well. Citizens can still apply for heir library card online, but
can now also update their information online, as well. The 'Wireless" service that
the Library introduced last year continues to be popular, giving library users the
opportunity to make more efficient use of library resources, by being able to
interact directly with their laptops at the same time. Business people, job hunters
and students all benefit from the convenience of the library's computer services,
along with citizens who may not have access to technology at home. The Sam
internet management system continues to provide more efficient sharing of the
Library's public access computers by the many users of the service. This allows
fair and equal use of library computers with minimal staff intervention. Patrons
enjoy the ability to self -serve and staff can devote more time to assisting citizens
with more complicated research questions. The Library is now participating in a
new regional program called MAP (Museum Adventure Pass). This pilot project
makes free passes available to major cultural institutions, by checking them out
at your local library. News of upcoming events, new reference books and
seasonal facts and trivia remain popular with the many recipients of the Library's
e -newsletter. The Library sfill offers quick and efficient automated phone call
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notification that requested books have arrived. The Sandburg Branch has
started to circulate "Play-Aways" containing audiobooks.
Public meeting rooms provided at Civic Center, Noble and Sandburg branches
continue to be in high demand as a venue for performances and a forum for
community events and informational meetings, as well as the many library -
sponsored programs that are offered. Numerous small citizen groups, clubs, and
associations, as well as other City departments look to this significant public
resource as a vital and valuable public service. Civic Center branch is always in
particularly high demand with the public. We had hoped to complete a number of
repairs and upgrades to the auditorium's light and sound systems this year, but
these plans should be completed by the end of the new budget year.
The Library enjoyed positive coverage from multiple media outlets again this
year. Local papers featured articles on the library programs and services,
including pieces on children's programs, teen writing contests and the new MAP
museum pass program. The Livonia Observer once again generously printed the
names of the top -performing Summer Reading participants. City Channel 8
taped some of the Noontime Concerts again this year, broadcasting free musical
entertainment to the community.
The display areas at all three branches were busy again this year with all kinds of
colorful and informative exhibits. The Livonia Arts Commission booked monthly
art exhibits into the Civic Center gallery, while display cases maintained by library
staff at all of the branches showcased items like antique valentines cards,
bookends, depression glass, robots, shoes, teapots, Tigers and Redwings
memorabilia, and antique purses. The library also hosted the long-awaited
"Queen Elizabeth I: Ruler and Legend Exhibit" which was accompanied by a
number of related programs on the history, music and culture ofthe time.
Library programs were very popular with our community again this year, with
impressive attendance at events like the Summer Reading Program, which
keeps up students' reading skills over the summer and encourages children and
teens to enjoy the Library and to embrace reading as a lifelong skill. The Library
offers something for all ages, starling with Mother Goose, Pied Piper, Melody
Lane and other storylime sessions designed to help develop pre -reading skills in
toddlers and young children, continuing through older children with programs like
family movies, wild animals, magic with math, American Gid, Curious George,
Nate the Great, hand shadow plays, and Harry Potter. Teen programs included
practical information like College planning, as well as fun programs like Summer
Art Camp, mummies, crafts, K-9 police dog demos, comic book publishing, scrap
booking, DDR (dance, dance revolution) programs, martial arts, fencing and
poetry writing. The library offers something for the older crowd, too, with
instructional classes on using MS Office and the Internet, book discussion dubs
and informative speakers on astronomy, travel, free music concerts and an
English as a Second Language discussion group. The Library also does obituary
62
searches and proctors exams for institutions like MSU, CMU, WMU, Jackson
Community College, the Gemological Institute, University of Indiana, Iowa Slate,
University of Toledo, Allied Business Schools, Electronic Technicians'
Association, Brigham Young University and Pittsburgh Arts Institute.
The Livonia Public Library has been fortunate in its many partnering relationships
with various organizations. The Library provided entertainment and craft
programs in conjunction with the Citys Tree Lighting Ceremony and in
cooperation with the Livonia Parks and Recreation Department and the Livonia
Rotary Club. We Library also worked with the Livonia Public Schools through the
Peninville Parent -Preschool Jamboree and other programs highlighting the
importance of reading to preschoolers, and by giving library lours and malting
numerous classroom visits. The Library also partnered with the Livonia Public
Schools on a number of other projects, including ELVs (Early Literacy Volunteer
— a volunteer tutoring program), the 'Young Author' program, and the "Author in
Autumn" outreach program, all of which benefit local school children. Once again
the Library received generous cooperation and support from many local
businesses that provided incentives for the Summer Reading Program. The
Library was fortunate in having the Livonia Arts Commission co-sponsor the
popular Noontime Concert Series again this year. The Livonia Observer
cooperated with us again by graciously making room in their pages for the names
of the top readers in our Summer Reading Program. A number of programs
throughout the year were co-sponsored by the Rising Stars Youtheatre and the
Detroit Story League, encouraging performance, creativity and storytelling as an
important part of the educational process. The Library supported City employees
and other City departments by providing meeting room facilities for various
meetings and events. The Library also assisted with collections for the Livonia
Goodfellows and the Gift of Reading program.
FACILITIES
Major improvements this year included a new water heater and a new air
conditioning unit at Noble Branch. Plans for the installation of a banner free
restroom at Noble are well under way. This is necessary for service at Noble as
our oldest branch. The Alfred Noble celebrated its 40r" Anniversary this year.
New T-1 telecommunications lines were installed at Sandburg and Noble, while
Civic Center was upgraded to an enhanced T-1 line, increasing computer speeds
for the public. The addition of some new routers and data circuits also helped
keep the automated system running smoothly. The public access internet
stations were fitted with new flat screen monitors with built-in physical filters.
Patrons love the ability to use their laptops and access the Library's intemet and
other services at the same time. Special color keyboards were connected to
assist young users in the Children's Department. Civic Center Branch also
installed a new flat screen monitor with a colorful scrolling display to publicize the
library's many events and services. Parking lot lighting was repaired at Civic
Center, which has resulted in a significant improvement in safety and service.
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Hours of Library service were maintained at the same slightly reduced level as
the past several years at Noble and Sandburg, despite the loss of additional staff.
Full hours of operation were restored at Civic Center including Sunday and
Thursday morning hours. This was made possible through the restoration of
some positions at Civic Center, allowing us to provide even greater service and
convenience to the community.
We are grateful for the past generosity of the City Clerk's Office in sharing their
delivery van with us so that we can make our daily inter -library deliveries.
Making deliveries with this shared vehide, however, was complicated and
inefficient. We have been able to streamline our deliveries by having a City van
that is dedicated to library deliveries. This has allowed us to greatly improve
service to our citizens.
Library Commissioners Harriet Larsen and Anna Weidner were re -appointed to
serve another term beginning in October. There are a number of new faces at
the Library this year due in part to restored positions, but also due to some
retirements of long term employees. Assistant Branch Librarians Becky Huang
and Carol Harrison refired this year, along with Librarian Dorothy Kennedy,
Library Aide Susan Flalley and Clerk -Typist Delphine Will. We appreciate the
contributions of these staff members and wish them well. We were also fortunate
to welcome a number of fine new employees into our ranks this year. The
majority of staff was restored to Civic Center Branch this year, allowing us to
restore our previous hours of service. Staffing levels will continue at a reduced
level at Noble and Sandburg branches and reduced hours of operation will
remain in effect in those locations into the new budget year. We also mentored 2
college interns, who gained valuable experience, while they helped us serve the
public.
FUNDING
The millage continues to be the major source of revenue for the Library at
approximately 82.5% (82.2% last year). The portion of the Library's budget that
comes from the millage has shifted in recent years due to reductions in the
contributions from the City's general fund and State Funding issues. State Aid to
Libraries was frozen and -year, but all of the funds were eventually released by
the State. The new State budget has seen a slight decrease in State Aid, but not
the 50% that was anticipated at one point. These funds not only impact Livonia
directly, but also indirectly through the TLN library mop that is our service
organization. Unfortunately, this area of funding continues to be under threat of
reduction or elimination at a time when the economy causes citizens to need and
use our services all the more. Unique Management Service continued to
function as our collection agency, recovering funds that allow the Library to
replace lost and stolen items.
64
The Library continues to seek outside funding and support to help supplement
services to the community. The Livonia Arts Commission approved another
generous grant to help underwrite the costs of the Noontime Concert Senes.
The Children's Department received a grant from The Michigan Humanities
Council to cover programs during National Library Week. Local businesses
generously donated incentives to the Library for its Summer Reading Program to
help encourage young readers. The Library extends its heartfelt thanks to the
many citizens who donated money to the Library in honor or in memory of their
loved ones overthe pastyear.
The Friends of the Livonia Public Library awarded two $1500 scholarships to
worthy staff members pursuing their college educations this year. The Fnends
continue to work tirelessly to organize and carry out their Book Sale events and
the Fnends Used Bookstore has proven to be extremely popular. The Library is
especially appreciative of their hard work and generous donations, as we have
moved through a period of continuing economic hard times. We are grateful for
the funds that the Friends donate b us every year, but the labor and revenue
attached to this wonderfully supportive volunteer group cannot be guaranteed or
planned on as part of the regular budget planning process of the Library as a City
Department.
Registered borrowers are slightly down, but all other statistics are up
significantly, indicating that the citizens that need our services the most are using
the Library even more in these economic hard times.
PARKS AND RECREATION
We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs
A strong commitment to Parks and Recreation services is a key component to
the success of our community. We provide facilities, programs, classes and
opportunities where ones leisure time can: become wholesome, where memories
65
Oclober2006
Oclober2007
Library Program Attendance
26,609
29,305
Meeting Room Attendance
46,785
66,388
Registered Borrowers
46,592
44,831 `
Items in the Collection
289,663
312,472
Circulation
720,134
751,641
LibraryWebsite Usage
211,312
246,489
Intemet Workstations
75,071
88,310
Registered borrowers are slightly down, but all other statistics are up
significantly, indicating that the citizens that need our services the most are using
the Library even more in these economic hard times.
PARKS AND RECREATION
We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs
A strong commitment to Parks and Recreation services is a key component to
the success of our community. We provide facilities, programs, classes and
opportunities where ones leisure time can: become wholesome, where memories
65
are created, skills are developed and where the quality of life of our residents,
their families and friends are enhanced.
With the assistance of 13 full time staff and 300 dedicated and enthusiastic part-
time staff, including the Department of Public Services, Building Maintenance,
and Park Maintenance, we served:
? 26,688 individuals who parficipated in registered classes, programs, and
leagues.
? An average of 3,000 individuals visited the LCRC daily.
? 113,499 golfers played at our three courses.
? 7,100 individuals participated in Special Events.
? 11,655 visitors enjoyed the outdoor pools.
? 51,498 attended an organized picnic at a pavilion.
We received $6,021.85 in donations for: improvements to athletic fields, parks,
Wilson Barn and also for programming and special events.
Three major projects were finished. The Master Park Plan, V.I.P. Plan and
Emergency Action Plan. The Master Park Plan is a general roadmap for
programs, parks and facilities that Livonia should attempt to develop or enhance
in the next few years.
The VIP Plan (Vision, Insight and Planning) involved all full time staff in each
service division meeting to develop a strategic plan for the overall direction and
focus of the department. Our Mission Statement was revised to, 'The
Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to enhancing the quality of life
for the residents of Livonia by encouraging participation through innovative
programs, while pledging to be properstewards of yourparks and facilities".
Prior to establishing our goals we identified our Core Values (Service, Diversity,
Integrity, Innovation, Safety, Value, Stewardship, and Teamwork) and Guiding
Principles (Finance, Marketing, Programs 8 Services, Inhastructure and
Development). In order to achieve these goals, Action Steps were set up.
Goal 1: Support Economic Development
Goal 2: Promote Health and Wellness
Goal 3: Resource Preservation
Goal 4: Strengthening Community Image
Goal 5: Safety and Security
Goal 6: Provide Recreation Opportunities
Goal 7: Best "Bang" for the Buck
Goal 8: Facilitate Team Building
Goal 9: Social Awareness
Goal 10: Personal Development
66
As part of our Emergency Action Plan, we have a Training Coordinator who
works with all staff in first aid and CPR training, developing an emergency
training handbook and working with Police and Fire.
The Department works cooperefively with and delivers services to other City
Departments, civic organizafions, community businesses and the Livonia and
Clarenceville Public Schools.
The most important communicafion tool of all is word -0f --mouth by satisfied
customers and parficipants. Through staff training we emphasize the importance
in serving our customers and guests. On a daily basis we continue to improve
our means of communicafion through the City's web site, Community Center
monument marquee, plasma screens, message boards, kiosk, display board,
press releases, td -folds, cable releases, event flyers, guest appearances on
Channel 8 and at civic organization/business meetings. Distribution of comment
cards and evaluations continues to provide important feedback on our
performance.
Our award winning "L' Magazine, which varies in size from 56 to 72 pages, has
been well received and is a great source in distributing information to our
residents informing them of the opporlunifies available to them.
Our Department recognizes the dynamic and unique role we play in fostering a
healthy community and lifestyles of those we serve through one of our six
Service Divisions.
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Community Center
• Gott
• Special Events
• Parks
The Aquatics Division is comprised of two indoor pools at the Community
Recreation Center and three (Botsford, Clements Circle and Shelden) outdoor
pools. We provide safe, educafional, and enjoyable aquatic services to the
cifizens through a wide army of swim lessons, water fitness classes, open swim,
lap swim, diving lessons, pool rentals, synchronized swimming, special events,
and swim teams.
Community Recreation Center
A total of 809 Pass Holders embraced the opportunity to swim at any one of the
three (3) outdoors pools by purchasing a $5.00 pass.
67
Over the last year the classes and programs we offered had over 4,039
participants, not inducing the swim teams. This is virtually the same as last year
when we had 4,038 participants.
We were the host of swim practices for four (4) swim teams, and are considered
the home pool for three (3) of those teams. We are also the home of the Catholic
High School League Swimming and Diving championships for both men and
women. We are also the host of the BC District meet for USA swimming. Other
large meets that we hosted induce the WLAA relay meet, the Country Club
League championships, the Spooky Splash, the Snowball Splash, the Spartan
Invitational. The listed meets had between 300 and 1,200 participants each. In
addition we hosted eight (8) dual meets for Ladywood High School, (3) dual
meets for the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and three (3) dual meets
for Catholic Central High School.
Special events held at our Community Center special events this year included
the 4" Annual Cardboard Boat Races and the inaugural Beal the Winter Blues
Indoor Triathlon which had 61 athletes competing.
The Lap pool was shut down for routine and preventive maintenance in April, and
the Leisure pool was shut down in August.
Outdoor Pools
Botsford Pool was open June 16 through August 25" (it was scheduled to open
June 9 but had difficulties with the circulation pump during startup). Clements
Circle was open June 16" through September 9" and Shelden was open June
23`° through August W. We had 10,386 people enjoy the pools this year (4,082
at Botsford, 4,157 at Clements Circle, and 2,147 at Shelden) including day and
season passes.
This year, each of the three outdoor pools were resurfaced with maroile. In
addition, Botsford Pool received a new circulation pump and Clements Circle
received a new healer shed.
Our swim lesson program had 532 students at the Botsford and Shelden pools.
This was an increase of 51 students over last year. We had 944 season pass
holders. Five (5) different swim teams used our outdoor pods for summer
practice.
This year we held our 4" Annual Super Youth Triathlon, which had 51
participants. We hosted eleven (11) special event theme nights and also held a
Family Fun Night weekly at each pool.
68
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Services provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include league play men'sfladies softball, men's
basketball, youth
basketball, t -ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, ice skating
program, roller skating,
soccer, archery, tennis and bowling.
League Play
We offered over 30 different activities for
team sports, had over 6,400
participants and
played over 2,500 games. We
offered the following team sports
for participants ranging
in age from four years to over 65 years old. We
had over
158,000 *contact hours in our athletic programs.
Programs
Ages # of # of
# of Avg Game
Contact
Teams Games
Players Time
Hours*
Winter
Men's
18 & older 16 112
192 1 hour
3,360
Basketball
UAL
14& 90 450
1,350 1.25 hours
16,875
Basketball
under
Summer
Co-sponsored
16& 121 714
1,815 2.5 hours
71,400
Baseball &
under
Softball
Collegiate
20& 4 66
80 2.5 hours
6,600
Baseball
under
Men's Softball
18 & over 84 588
1,512 1.25 hours
29,400
Men's
18 & over 8 56
144 1.25 hours
2,800
Modified
Women's
18 & over 13 91
234 1.25 hours
4,550
Softball
Co -Ed Softball
18 & over 15 105
270 1.25 hours
5,250
Senior Softball
55 & over 7 70
105 1.25 hours
4,200
T -Ball
5-6yr olds 28 112
504 1.25 hours
5,600
Coach Pilch
7-8yrolds 33 132
594 1.25 hours
6,600
10& 4 16
72 1.25 hours
800
Girl's
under
Slowpilch
13 & 4 16
72 1.25 hours
800
under
*Contact Hours:
1. Baseball and softball equals number of games x 40
(2 teams @ 20/team) x length of game.
2. Basketball equals number of games x 30
(2 teams @ 15fteam) x length of game.
69
3. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at games.
Arohery Ranae
The outdoor Archery Range opened this year on Sunday, April 1. The range has
seven (7) targets at various distances with an additional broad -head range. The
range hosted several instructional workshops throughout the summer as well as
a Shoot to Score Competition. Several area Boy Scout and Gid Smut groups
utilized the range for badge certifications. The range is open April through
October on weekends from 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and
Thursdays in September through October from 4:00 p.m. until dusk.
Approximately 830 people attended the range through general admission and
season passes and the revenue for the range is $2,655.00.
Ice Skating
The City owns two ice arenas, Eddie Edgar (2 sheets) and Devon -Aire (1 sheet).
The Livonia Hockey Association manages both rinks and offers leagues, clinics,
tournaments and open skating.
Our Learn to Skate program provided 896 enrollments. Representing Livonia
were 99 skaters in local and stale competitions. In addition, 43 gids joined one of
three Synchronized Skating Teams. The City hosted its bi-annual skating
competition with over 350 skaters competing. Teams from all around Metro
Detroit competed.
The skating program touched over 800 different youth through the year.
COMMUNITY CENTER DIVISION
The Community Center, in its fourth year of operation, mnfinues to meet its
mission of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships, daily
admissions, dass participation, league play, community group partnerships and
rentals.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 3,000 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed nine (9)
days peryear, over 1 million people come through the door each year.
Total Annual Membership 14,065
Family
9,586
Adult
1,537
Couple
1,220
Senior
707
70
Business/Corporate 381
Youth/Teen 253
Young Adult 308
Matinee 73
Summer membership 1,408
Resident Non -Residents
Total Day Passes 36,722 16,328
Youlh 14,965 7,857
Teens 11,545 4,241
Adults 9,265 3,946
Seniors 947 284
Grand Total of 53,050 day passes
Class activity has also increased, not only an increase in the number of offerings
but also an increase in the number of people participating in each class. Many
classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session. Internet class
registration is 12% of our total, with more people taking advantage of this easy
registration method.
Total Enrollment 21,978
Participants peractfvity
Aerobics 7,746 Personal Training 4,167
Camp Swoosh 702 Special Events 246
Climbing Wall 253 Swim Lessons 3,285
Fitness Center 265 Water Exercise 1,478
Classes/Leagues 3,836
Special projects completed in 2007 were:
1. Computer file server upgrade.
2. 20 new cardio equipment pieces.
3. Wireless inte met was made available, free of charge.
Fitness and Wellness
Programming continues to expand. Members can take advantage of a number of
services which include: climbing wall classes, fitness hub workouts, personal
training, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, group exercise (aerobics),
fitness assessments and health/wellness seminars.
The climbing wall continues to be a popular feature with 13 routes ranging in
degree of difficulty in order to challenge the novice through elite climber. A wide
range ofyouth and adult climbing losses are offered lhroughoutthe weekends.
71
Specialty programming has been added and induces the Rock the Wall Climbing
Socials on every Wednesday and camp climb classes. We have also added a
Boy/Girl Scout Merit Badge program. This program is a 34 hour class with
classroom lectures and climbing wall time.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area. Free equipment orientations are
offered by the personal training staff. The Fit Hub has 80 cardio machines, 17
selectorized weight -training machines, 2 cabled functional trainers, 2 sets of 5lb-
1001b dumbbells and 1 set of 20lb-1101b fixed curl bars. Also available for
member use is an assortment of plate -loaded machines such as a smith
machine, squat rack, leg press, calf raise and chest press benches. Another
feature of the fit hub is the Eneroise Cardio Theater function found on most of our
cardio equipment. The Enercise unit enables the member to lune into a
television program while getting their cardio workout in.
We also offer the Polar BodyAge assessment. The assessment provides an
individual with a baseline measurement of their overall fitness level. The
assessment takes into account a number of health and fitness markers including
your strength, flexibility, percent of body fat, nutrition, cardiovascular fitness and
more to calculate the fitness of your body. For youth, we offer two types of youth
orientations; Teens in Training Part I and Teens in Training Part 11.
Personal Training continues to be utilized on a consistent basis. With 13 certified
personal trainers, members can utilize personal training as an individual, couple
or even in a group setting. Personal trainers help members become successful
with their fitness goals.
Nutritional counseling is an additional service that the LCRC is offering. We
currently have two (2) registered dietitians on staff. Members meet with the
dietitians on an individual basis. We have also incorporated dietary services into
some of our class and seminar offerings as well.
Massage therapy is a growing service that is offered to members as well as non-
members two days per week. We currently have one certified massage therapist
on staff.
With 27 certified aerobics instructors our group exercise classes continue to
expand and grow. The LCRC currently offers 105 classes, seven (7) days a
week. Women on weights, Iifestyle/body makeover, yoga, cycle, step and pilales
are a few of our most popular classes.
Sports and Leisure
We continued to offer a variety of sports leagues and clinics, reflecting the
interests and strengths of the community. We offered a combined total of 384
class offerings in sports and leisure classes, dinics, and leagues.
72
This past year we offered the following leagues in the sprang, summer, and fall
sessions: Boys and girls youth basketball, men's basketball. Youth Soccer
leagues were offered in the fall, winter, and sprang sessions. Year round we also
offered coed volleyball anNor sand volleyball. There were also a number of
youth sports dinics, classes and camps such as: volleyball, roller hockey, soccer,
basketball, P.E. for kids, pre-school sports, tennis, cheer, and skateboarding.
The Recreation Centers Leisure programs include pre-school developmental
classes such as Little Explorers, 2's on the Move, Fun 2B Fit, Intemctive Play
Program, and Music With Joy. We have also enhanced our dance classes by
adding hip hop and tap to the existing ballet, jazz, and ball room classes. Kids
Night Out continues to add fun and excitement every V Friday of the month for
kids ages 512. Not only do we offer 20 different martial arts classes ranging
from Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and Karate, we also added a self defense program
which proved to be a great compliment to the existing classes.
Camp Swoosh provided so much more then just a place for kids to go in the
summer. Each week Camp Swoosh offered kids the opportunity to make friends,
unforgettable memories, build leadership and social skills, use their aeative side
through art and themed projects, stay physically active and involved instead of
sifting at home watching TV all day, and most of all it instills a sense of pride to
be a part of such a special group. This year Camp Swoosh generated over
$50, 000 in revenue which is about 17% higher than the previous year.
Kid Quarters
Our short term care operation continues to serve the needs of our members,
residents, and non residents, allowing parents to stay active and involved while
their children are in a safe and friendly environment while they work out.
Rentals
The opportunity for family, fiends and neighbors to use the center for special
gatherings has been well received. A total of 1,124 events took place this year.
Birthday Parties lead the way with 641 rentals. Over 407 weekend group outings
were held with an average of 10-20 groups per weekend. Many groups and
teams also rent gym time during off-season training. Bar/Bat Mitzvahs continue
to be popular after -hour rentals on weekends. We had 16 this year.
GOLF DIVISION
The City's three (3) Golf Courses:
Idyl Wyk, Fox Creek, and Whispering Willows
had a successful season considering
the unseasonable weather in summer and
fall.
Rounds Played
Whispering Willows
39,296
Idyl Wyld
34,717
Fox Creek
39486
73
Total 113,499
Our Youth, Senior Citizen and Women's 9 and 18 hole Golf Leagues had a great
year, as well as our various clinics and golf outings.
Spring weather caused the golf season to gel off to a very poor start. At the end
of April the courses were already 47% down for the year. Each month the
courses slowly climbed out of the revenue slump; ending with slightly more
revenue by seasons end.
The restaurant at Idyl Wyld golf course was vacant for most of the golf season.
The new owners are now open for business and the management is cooperating
with the golf staff to try and improve the food and beverage package offered to
golfers.
Capital Expenditures included:
Fox Creek: The completion of Phase II and III of the Ash Tree restoration (with
the planting of 133 trees for Phase III). The new outdoor bathroom facility was
completed and opened for use, new asphalt was put in around the maintenance
building and the parking lot was resurfaced.
Idyl Wyld: The bunkers were refurbished with new sand prior to the start of the
season and five culvert bridge crossings were replaced.
Whispering Willows: Two berms were constructed on each side of the driving
range.
The biggest improvement of the year was 11 new forward tees built by T.J.W.,
Inc without spending any Capital Expense funds.
Equipment purchases for 2007 include 4 greens mowers, 1 side -winder and 1
buffalo blower. Customers immediately noticed the difference in cul on the
greens and paid many compliments throughoutthe year.
Looking ahead in 2008 the Golf Division looks forward to improvements to the
building at Idyl Wyld, new office space at Fox Creek and a reconditioned pump
house at Whispering Willows.
SPECIAL EVENT DIVISION
The Department places great emphasis on special events and programs. It is
our intent to play an integral role in developing community involvement by
working with local businesses and civic organizations that provide professional
input, volunteers and/or financial assistance.
74
A sense of family and individual pride and community spirit is developed through
such events as; Daddy/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance,
holiday activifies,
summer playground program, Youth Fitness Meet, Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Cardboard Boat Races, Elk's Soccer Shoot and Hoop Shoot, Winter Fest, Pilch,
Hit & Run, to mention a few.
Over 7,100 individuals have benefited from participating in our
special events,
totaling 76,000 hours in which we had direct contact with them.
5
Event Ages #of Time #of Contact
Co -Sponsored
Days People Hours
By
Programs
Winter/Spring/Fall
Roller &
Inline 5& 24 1 425 10,200
Riverside
Skating up wks
Arena
Youth Bowling 18 & 26 2 520 27,040
Merri-Bowl,
Leagues under wks
Clovedanes,
Wonderland,
Woodland
Summer
Playground
5-12
35
5
164
28,700
Parks &
Program
Recreation
Tennis Lessons
6-10
6
1
45
270
Parks &
Recreation
Intro to Archery
10&
1
4
29
116
Parks&
up
Recreation
Triathlon
6-14
1
3
50
150
Walmart,
Wolverine
Sports, and
Conservation
Club
Mad Science
5-15
4
4.5
25
450
Parks &
Camps
Recreation
Nature Camp
5-8
4
2
18
144
Parks &
Recreation
Special Events
Winter
Santa's Workshop
Gr K-
1
0.5
200
100
Livonia Kiwanis
Calling
2
and Community
Resources
Santa Bowling
3-6
1
1.5
165
247.5
Mem-Bowl
75
Santa Mailbox
7 &
1
0.5
283
141.5
Livonia Kiwanis
under
Essay Contest
5-12
1
1
241
241
Friends of the
Wilson Barn
Tree Lighting
All
1
2
400+
800+
Rotary Club,
Ceremony
Libraries, Civic
Chorus, and
Youth Choir
Lunch with Santa
12 &
1
2
104
208
Jaycees and
under
Kiwanis
Elk's Hoop Shoot
8-13
1
2.5
60
150
Livonia Elks
Contest
Lodge
MRPA Hoop
7-14
1
2
73
146
MRPA
Shoot Contest
Daddy/Daughter
4-16
1
2
171
342
Parks &
Dance
Recreation
Mother/Son
4-9
1
2
54
108
Parks &
Dance
Recreation
Civic Chorus
All
1
1
150
150
Civic Chorus
Concert
Spring
Take Pride in
All
1
3
550
1650
Rotary Club,
Livonia Day
Smuts, and
School Groups
Memorial Day
All
1
4
zoo+
800+
Veteran's
Ceremony
Alliance
Hunter Safety
10&
1
12
136
1632
Parks &
Course
up
Recreation
Easter Egg Hunt
12 &
1
3
300
900
Livonia Rotary
under
and Jaycees
Civic Chorus
18&
2
2
200
800
Livonia Civic
Concert
up
Chorus
Easter Bunny
12 &
1
2
100
200
Jaycees and
Lunch
under
Kiwanis
Pilch, Hol & Run
7-14
1
2.5
18
45
Parks &
Recreation
Summer
Music From the
All
8
1.5
zoo+
2,400+
Arts
Heart
Commission
Relay for Life
All
1
2.5
25
62.5
City
Departments
Youth Fitness
7-14
1
4
125
500
Parks &
Meet
Recreation
76
Shoot to Score
All
1
4
32
128
Parks &
Recreation
Fall
Lunch with
12 &
1
2
86
172
Livonia
Goblins
under
Jaycees &
Kiwanis
Elks Soccer Shoot
13 &
1
3.5
45
157.5
Livonia Elk's
under
Lodge
Haunted Stroll
12 &
1
0.25
1,650
412.5
Friends of the
under
Wilson Barn
Craft Hours
10&
1
4
75
300
Friends of the
under
Wilson Barn
Turkey Trot
All
1
2
200
400
Parks &
Recreation
Punt, Pass & Kick
15 &
1
1.5
11
16.5
Parks &
under
Recreation
PARKS DIVISION
Our parks are a great place for families and groups to gather for picnics, outdoor
activities or just to visit, walk, hike or use various amenities; pavilions, grills, play
structures, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, walking paths,
fitness dusters, in-line courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts or Wilson
Barn. It is impossible to put a total number of individuals visiting our parks, now
that's priceless"
Park Maintenance maintains all parks, handles inspections and works with us in
providing safe, clean and quality parks that our residents have raved about and
come to expect.
Approximately 614 pavilion permits were issued for Rotary, John StymelsId
Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Cirole, Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue
for the pavilion rentals totaled $25,843.00. Five (5) picnic packs were rented.
The parks were also the sites of numerous special events and activities. Cross-
country ski trails were set at Bicentennial Park, Fox Creek, Whispering Willows
and Idyl Wytd Golf Courses and had limited use. The Rotary Club continues to
assist us in park improvements.
Improvements to the parks include a pavilion at Devon Aire Park, replacing the
roofs on four pavilions at Rotary Park and paving of parking lots. The following
parking lots were paved Clements Cirole Park, Shelden Park, Ford Field drive
approach to Press Box, Compton Park, McCann Park, Mies Park, Bien Park, Fox
Creek Golf Course, Bicentennial Park and Rotary Park.
77
Through the assistance of Housing and a Community Block Grant a lit walkway
was installed from Angling overthe bridge to Moelke Park.
PLANNING DEPARTMENTAND COMMISSION
Activities and projects handled by the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year 2007 included the following:
Subdivision Plats Considered
Preliminary Plats 0
Final Plats 0
Extensions 1
Petitions Processed
Rezoning
9
Waiver of Use
47
Site Plans
17
Site Condominiums
1
Sign Permits
8
Greenbelt & Landscape
0
Satellite Dish
0
Meetings Held
Public Hearings (61 items)
Regular Meetings
Study Meetings
Special Regular Meetings
Amendments
Master Plan Amendments
Language Amendments (Ord543)
10
9
19
1
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department was closely involved in a
number of new developments, as well as several expansion and redevelopment
projects, including:
1) Approval of a new Chili's Grill and Bar currently under construction at
Wonderland Village;
2) Approval of Panem Bread and T.G.I. Fridays restaurants on Haggerty
Road just south of Eight Mile Road (currently under construction);
3) Approval of a new Fifth -Third bank at the Fountain Park development
located on the north side of Plymouth Road east of Farmington Road
(under construction);
4) Approval of a new one-story 4,000 square fool office building located on
the west side of Farmington Road between Pickford Avenue and Curtis
Road;
78
5) Approval of a new office complex consisting of three (3) one-story
buildings with a total leasable area of approximately 19,000 square feet
located on the west side of Farmington Road between Lyndon Road and
Five Mile Road;
6) Approval of a drive-thm coffee shop (Slone Mountain Coffee) located on
the south side of Plymouth Road between Harrison Road and Deering
Avenue;
7) Redevelopment of the southeast corner of Eight Mile and Farmington
Roads, including the removal of the corner gas station and the former
Village Green Florid, and the construction of four (4) new commercial
buildings, including a Walgreens Drug Store, Taco Bell Restaurant, multi -
tenant retail building, and a Tim Horton's Restaurant;
8) Construction of a new three-story, 40,000 square fool building that will
contain a satellite campus for Davenport University, located just south of
the Embassy Suites Hotel, on the west side of Victor Parkway between
Seven Mile and Eight Mile Roads;
9) Expansion of the Custom Stone Works facility located on Plymouth Road
between Farmington Road and Mayfield Avenue;
10)Expansion and remodeling of the former Cooker's and O'Charley's
Restaurants into Andiamo of Livonia, located at Seven Mile Crossing;
11)Expansion of Emmanuel Lutheran Church located on the south side of
Seven Mile Road between Gill Avenue and Laurel Road;
12)Approval of L.A. Fitness consisting of a new 45,000 square fool
freestanding private membership health dub located at the former Kmart
site on Plymouth Road between Middlebelt Road and Milburn Avenue;
13)Approval of Genesis Park Site Condominiums (12 units) located on the
south side of Plymouth Road between Newburgh Road and Eckles Road;
14)Approval of a new freestanding Starbuck's coffee shop as part of an outlol
development located on the site of Cambridge West Office at the
southeast corner of Six Mile and Haggerty Roads;
15)Approval of a new Huntington Bank at the site of the former Kmart on the
south side of Plymouth Road between Middlebelt Road and Milburn
Avenue;
16)Approval of a new 4,000 square fool one-story office building on property
located at the southwest comer of Middlebelt Road and Wentworth
Avenue.
17)Approval of a new wireless communication cellular antenna lower located
at Bicentennial Park;
18)Remodeling of the existing Woodland Lanes bowling facility located on the
south side of Plymouth Road between Farmington and Stark Roads;
2007 Land Use Quarter Section Colored Maps
2007 Lot Splits Reports -17
2007-2013 Capital Improvement Plan
79
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions
of the office of Economic Development. The Department provides oversight,
guidance and assistance to the Economic Development Director. The new and
expanded program is to lend assistance to business and industrial firms in the
City by maintaining a list of available properties and buildings, provide guidance
through the permit process and by administering to the Economic Development
Corporation. Special emphasis of the new program is to assist in promoting,
retaining and attracting local industrial, commercial and retail enterprises within
the City thereby strengthening and protecting the local economy and tax base.
Below is a summary oflhe major activities that the City's Economic Development
Office has been involved with over the past year:
• 82 Retention Calls and/or Attraction Prospect Meetings negotiations
etc. Including 29 joint calls with MEDC.
This number does not include phone contact work with businesses.
• City Representative a 19 Networking events: e.g. charity, chamber, &
various social & professional networking events such as GM Auto
Show Luncheon, Regional Chamber After Hours, Stale of Wayne
County Address, Detroit Economic Club luncheons etc.
• Customer Service and/or Conflict Resolution: 39 issues resolved
(E.g. tax, IFEC, utility, city services, Variance, MEDC, EPA issues etc.)
• Tax Incentive Program
A) Created three new Industrial Development Districts by address
B) Researched & created four IDD Oveday Districts by City Section
C) Transferred active IFEC to ALRO Steel from Trio Tool
D) Completed 11 Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates
• Presented a 21 Council Public Hearings and/or Committee/Study
Meetings
• Researched & Drafted 7 Memos and/or Letters for Mayor and/or
Council
• Completed 6 Media Interviews, 1 Public Speaking Engagement,
Dmfted 1 Regional Press Release re: IDD Oveday Districts
Seminars Memberships Committees
• Michigan Econ. Dev. Association (MEDA)
80
• International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• Detroit Metro Airport Master Plan Technical Advisory
Committee (4 meetings)
• CSC Michigan Idea Exchange
• Wayne County Community & E.D. Forum (4 meelings)
• Wayne County Long Range Planning Committee
• Wayne County TURBO Orientation Seminar (2 meelings)
• Wayne County Brownfield Conference
• SEMCOG University'Tools & Resources for E.D"
• 8 Mile Blvd. Board Member
• 8 Mile Blvd. Golf Outing Committee (4 meetings)
• Automation Alley Membership (2 Roundtables)
Misc.
• Participated in 3 Mayor's E.D. Task Force committee meetings.
• Prepared 19 Building Search/Attraction packets, and/or prospect tours.
• Prepared British Broadcasting Co. tour agenda for Mayor
• Conducted 28 Livonia E.D. "partnership/prospecting" individual
meetings4unches with representatives from DTE Energy, AT&T,
MEDC, industrial & commercial brokers, MEDC, Michigan Works,
MEDA colleagues, CSX Rail etc.
2007 New Business & Expansion Investment Highlights lists are "new jobs"
• TRW Automotive, $14.25 million (IFEC), 80 jobs created in 2008
• Linear Mold, $500,000 (IFEC), 6jobs
• Bodycote Thermal Processing, $5.77 million (IFEC), 45 jobs
• Valassis Communications — Six Mile, $2.5 million (IFEC), 25todOjobs
• Valassis —Schoolcraft,$12.5 million (IFEC), 204o-40jobs
• Delta Research, $2.6 million (IFEC), 4jobs
• Delta Gear, $3.31 million (IFEC), 4jobs
• Alro Steel, $1.1 million (IFEC) up to 5jobs by 2009
• Michigan Dairy, $866,000 (IFEC) 4jobs
• Majeske Machine, $634,000 (IFEC), 12 jobs (from Plymouth)
• GEFIT Livemois Engineering, 35 jobs (from Dearborn)
• AM General 200,000 sq. ft. Livonia expansion, 120 jobs
• Sigma Sportswear (117,000 sq. ft.) 20 jobs
• American Blinds, 200 jobs (from Plymouth)
• Encore Tire, 12 jobs(start-up)
• SOS, 20 jobs (from Canton Twp.)
• Michigan Industrial Forklifts (from Detroit)
• Project Control Systems, 40 jobs
• Cintas
M
• Hi -Vol Products, $4.4 million (IFEC), 7 jobs
2007 Known Job losses
• A&P/Farmer Jack— 350 Teamster, 65 Retail Full Time Equivalents
(Company ceased all Michigan operations)
• Bright Horizons — 58 (UAW Childcare Center, closed)
• Cifizens Bank— 5 (Livonia Branch closed)
• Taylor Machine (closed)
• Red Level Networks LLC (moved to Oakland County)
"`Report Includes December 2006 activity
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Planning Department continues to provide oversight and clerical support to
the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA). The full-time Director of the
Plymouth Road Development Authority works with the Planning Director and
department staff in coordinating and administering the various programs as
assigned by the Authority. The Department secretary maintains custody of
records, books, documents and other papers of the Authority. Planning
Department personnel attend all meetings of the Board and keep a record of its
proceedings.
The PRDA is pleased to report the continued progress in the implementation of
the Streetscape Improvement Plan forthe Plymouth Road Corridor.
In the 2007 construction season a new Welcome to the Plymouth Road Corridor
sign was installed at Sesquicentennial Park. The sign is made of cut granite
stone pillars and with a limestone sign face. The design is patterned after the
granite stone signs located in the Civic Center. The sign is illuminated by two
ground mounted flood lamps.
The seasonal banners that are displayed on the street light poles were replaced
with new ones this year. The original designs were retained. The banner
program was also expanded by the addition of Christmas Holiday Banners. The
new banners were on display during the 2007 holiday season.
The Authority retained the services of a traffic and engineering consulting firm to
design plans for mast -a" traffic light poles and traffic lights for the intersections
of Stark Road and Wayne Road. The design work is completed and plans have
been submitted to MDOT for their review and approval before bids are let for this
project in the 2008 construction season.
82
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used atthe various public hearings conducted
by the Planning Commission and City Council. The maps are also made
available to other City departments and groups.
GIS
The Planning Department confinues to work closely with the Information Systems
Department and other City Departments involved in the development and
maintenance oflhe City's desktop Geographic Information System (GIS). The
City's GIS is a powerful collection of computer hardware and software designed
to visualize, explore, query and analyze data geographically. The Planning
Department utilizes the GIS on a daily basis for a variety of planning related
tasks including: mapping, obtaining land use statistics and information,
generefing mailing labels for public notification purposes, and much more. As
part of its responsibility of providing accurate and current land use information,
the Planning Department maintains the following spatial GIS layers and
accompanying attribute information:
Zoning Liquor Licenses Act 198 Industrial Districts
Existing Land Use Wireless Communication Facilities Vicinity Control Areas
Future Land Use Truck Routes Building Footprints
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed forthe purpose oftracking and stoning
information about all ofthe various petitions thatthe Department is responsible
for overseeing. The new database was created with several benefits in mind,
including faster and more efficient delivery of information to residents, other City
Departments and developers, better record keeping, and expandability and
compatibility with other computer software programs including the GIS. The
Planning database was developed using Microsoft Access and includes detailed
information on each petition including the type of project, the review procedure,
the applicant, crifical deadlines (i.e., public notification), past history, zoning, etc.
Select information can be linked directly with the GIS and viewed in a spatial
context. For example, maps can be generated showing the locations of all
properties involved in certain types of land use proposals (i.e., restaurants), over
a given period of time. As of November 2007, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 1,618 pefifions.
83
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Hundreds of hours have been spent supplying other departments with technical
help including:
Community Resources Assessors Office Historical Commission
Engineering/Inspection Legal Department Library Commission
Parks & Rec. Finance Department Historic Preservation
Housing Commission
SITE PLANS
Since the adoption in July of 1972 of the General Site Plan Approval Ordinance,
approximately 1,214 site plans for commercial and office developments have
been processed. Recommendations are made on site development proposals in
order that functional, aesthetically pleasing developments, which are compatible
to surrounding developments, are accomplished. Through landscape treatment
of sites, the Planning Commission and Department maintain strong emphasis on
quality of site developments.
LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Support Services
The Administration section consists ofthe Chief of Police, one Deputy Chief,
three Captains (one Support Services Division, one Uniform Division, one
Investigative Division), one Sergeant, one Police Officer, one Program
Supervisor, one Account Clerk, and one Clerk -Typist. The bureau is responsible
for the efficient day -today operation of the department. Preparing and
maintaining the budget, purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contact
with citizen groups, and investigating citizen complaints are also important
functions.
During fiscal year 2007, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at 128 offsite training courses. Of our officers, 108 attended 40 hours of
in-house training through our Police Officer Refresher Training Program. The
Training Division oversaw the receipt and application of the police officer "302"
funds and the Bulletproof Vest Grant Application. The firearms range provided
training for all officers a minimum of two times a year. Construction was
84
completed on the rifle range and 108 Officers and Supervisors were instructed
and qualified to use and carry a patrol rifle. 15 additional rifles were procured
through the Federal Governments' 1033 program.
During fiscal year 2007, the Training Division oversaw the hiring of 3 Police
Service Aides and 3 Dispatchers. The Training Division also conducted 9
additional interviews for tie Police Service Aide position. The Training Division
coordinated recruiting through military web sites and in person at four Livonia
High Schools.
Communications
Activities include the maintenance of the department's Ericsson radio system
(consisting of over 550 mobiles and prep radios citywide); a dispatch room and
site equipment; and thirty-six "in -car" video systems.
Other activities include the maintenance of our building U.P.S. machine (and its
battery bank) and support of Computer Services in the maintenance and
programming of forty"incar' computer systems.
Computer Services
This unit consists of one Police Officer, one Systems Analyst II, one Computer
Administrator II and one Data Processor. Computer Services is responsible for
maintaining and improving both the Police and Fire Department's I.T.
infrastructure. This induces deploying, servicing and supporting new and
existing hardware and software (including mobile units), as well as providing
statistical information and reporting tools. Computer Services is also a disaster
recovery site and training facility for CLEM IS.
In 2007, Computer Services replaced the network backbone/switch and firewall
and upgraded all servers. This upgrade allows 10x faster speed for users of the
network. The A/C unit in the computer room was replacerllupgraded to alloy for
the addition of a new server that will support the new mobile video units being
installed in the scout cars. Offenderfrak (Jail Management Software) was
upgraded. This allows faster access to prisoner data and shortens prisoner
processing time.
Central Records
Central Records is staffed by one Sergeant, five Clerk Typists and two Clerk Its.
This bureau receives and files all incident reports and arrest documents,
forwarding the proper documentation to State and Federal agencies. In addition,
they fulfill requests for Freedom of Information, Subpoenas, and Discovery
Orders and are responsible for the issuance of pistol purchase permits. Central
85
Records personnel also review and enter reports and traffic citations into the
database.
Property & Licensing
A Sergeant and a Police Officer staff the Property and Licensing Unit. The main
function of the P&L Unit is to receive, document, and store evidential and non -
evidential properly, mming into the possession of the Livonia Police Department,
in a safe and secure environment. Other work activities of the unit include the
control and tracking of impounded vehicles, oversight of vehicle auctions
conducted by lowing agencies, submission of confiscated firearms to the
Michigan Slate Police for destruction, taxi cab licensing, licensing investigations
under Title 5 of The Livonia Code of Ordinances, and holding an annual property
and bicycle auction.
The Investigative Division is comprised of several units including: Detective
Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, Crime Prevention, Special Victims Unit, Court
Services/Liquor Control Enforcement, Internet Crimes Against Children, School
Resource, Crime Analysis and Western Wayne Auto Theft task force. The
Invesfigafive Division Lieutenant is in charge of six Sergeants, nineteen Police
Officers, one Clerk -Typist and a Crime Analyst.
Two Sergeants and seven Police Officers staff the Detective Bureau. Their
responsibilities include the investigation of most of the reported crimes. These
include assaults, robberies, burglaries, larcenies, and frauds. One Sergeant and
one Police Officer make up the Crime Scene Unit. This unit is responsible for
processing crime scenes, including the development, collection and analysis of
evidence. A Sergeant is responsible for Crime Prevention. His duties include
lours of the police facility as well as teaching civic groups and businesses crime
prevention techniques. The Special Victims Unit is comprised of one Sergeant
and two Police Officers. This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual
assault cases. One Police Officer is also responsible for administering polygraph
examinations when necessary. One Sergeant and one Police Officer are
assigned to Court Services/LCC enforcement. They handle the daily court
activity and process all warrants. They also investigate Michigan Liquor Control
Commission license applicants and enforce the MLCC laws. One Police Officer
is assigned to the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children unit.
The ICAC unit investigates individuals who, via the Internet, attempt to lure
minors to commit illicit acts. The officer assigned to the Western Wayne Auto
Theft task force is responsible for investigating auto theft complaints in the city
and also working as a task force member to deter, investigate and prosecute
auto theft cases at a regional level. The School Resource unit is comprised of
six Police Officers who are assigned to the middle and high schools. They
86
provide a liaison between the police and schools and investigate any crimes that
occur at the schools.
The Crime Analyst is responsible for research, compilation, analysis, mapping of
crime trends/patlems and the distribution of such findings throughout the
department. The information assists patrol, investigative and administrefive staff
in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention, intervention, and
suppression of criminal activities within the city.
Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is operated by one Captain, four Lieutenants, nine Sergeants,
sixty-seven Police Officers, five Police Service Aides, ten Dispatchers and one
Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator. The Special Operations Unit consisting of one
Sergeant and five Police Officers is also under the Patrol Bureau. The Patrol
Bureau provides around-the-clock assistance, protection and law enforcement to
the City of Livonia.
Traffic Bureau
The Traffic Bureau is currently staffed with a Sergeant, four Road Officers, one
Desk Officer, and one Motor Carrier Officer. All seven have been trained in
traffic crash investigations — which is the primary focus of this bureau.
Secondary responsibilities include investigations of traffic related crimes and their
prosecution, selective enforcement activities, traffic crash pattern analysis,
engineering enhancements for improved traffic flow and increased safety, breath
lest instrument calibrations, school crossing guards, child safety seal checks,
and planning board and zoning board research.
The Traffic Bureau Sergeant is an ad-hoc member of the Livonia Traffic
Commission and attends all meetings, sits as an executive board member of the
Wayne County Traffic Safety Committee, and assists the Traffic Improvement
Association of Oakland County in engineering projects and training.
As a result of the success of the Strategic Traffic Accident Reduction (STAR)
program in the past few years, traffic safety programs of the bureau were
expanded this year. Using the same approach as STAR did, by employing the
'three E's" of traffic safety (Education, Engineering, and Enforcement), evaluation
of the City's traffic signs and signals was started. Evaluation is based on
compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the
Slate of Michigan in 2005. As of September 2007, 18 of the City's 36 square
miles have been completed. The entire City will be in compliance with State Law
by fall of 2008. Despite the initial negative reaction from some citizens, traffic
87
flan has improved, traffic violations in these areas have decreased, and overall
safety has increased.
Traffic crashes are down another 8 % this year, and have been reduced 34%
overall since the beginning of the STAR program in mid -2003 (from 13 to 8 a
day).
A second expansion program was the start of the Safe Routes 2 School program.
This international progmm encourages students to walk and bike to school for
increased physical activity, enhanced attention span for their studies, and
reduced traffic congestion near and on school property. The Traffic Bureau and
Livonia Public Schools teamed up to begin this initiative at Coolidge and
Rosedale schools. This effort included evaluation of every K4 school zone area
in the City. As a result, numerous enhancements were performed in these areas
which increased pedestrian and vehicular safety in and around the schools.
Community Service Bureau
One Sergeant and one Police Officer staff the Community Service Bureau. The
unit is responsible for the administration of the Police Reserve Program,
consisting of 41 Reserve Officers. This bureau also supervises the Community
Event Volunteers and the Police Explorer Post #213. The Police Explorer Post, in
conjunction with the national Learning for Life Organization, is a community-
based group that gives young adults interested in law enforcement a chance to
experience law enforcement and community service. There are currently 15
active explorers involved who have been engaged in a number of community-
based activities in 2007.
The Community Service Bureau also provides personnel and support for
emergency events including snow alerts, downed power lines, and crowd control.
Members of the bureau have also recently been trained as instructors in the
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept. Along with members
of the Livonia Fire Department, the Community Service Bureau conducted two
CERT training sessions in 2007. There are currently 57 active CERT members.
Uniformed personnel in this bureau worked 7,053 hours at special events
throughout the City of Livonia during 2007, including school functions, Livonia
Spree, and other civic events. The total cost of services for the year is estimated
at $177,526 with factional reimbursements of $87, 011. Discounted and
unsubsidized services amount to $90,515.
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
One Lieutenant, six Sergeants, six Police Officers and one Clerk - Typist staff the
Intelligence Bureau. Their responsibilities are as follows:
88
As the Officer in Charge, the Lieutenant supervises all the members of the
bureau and is responsible for officer training and the efficient administration and
operation of the bureau. Two Sergeants supervise the six Police Officers. These
officers are responsible for investigating all narcotic crimes affecting the City of
Livonia. Officers also track other criminal activity in Livonia and surrounding
communities. Bureau supervisors prioritize information obtained and conduct
follow up investigations that may include surveillance and search warrant
executions. This unit also networks and shares intelligence with other law
enforcement agencies on federal, state, and local levels.
The third Sergeant handles all evidence processing, court work, and forfeiture
actions.
The fourth Sergeant is assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
and works in conjunction with Federal Agents in criminal prosecutions, as well as
Federal Forfeiture of the assets of drug dealers.
The fifth Sergeant is assigned to the United Stales Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Outbound Currency Task Force (ICE-OCTF). The ICE-OCTF is a
multi -agency task force created to ensure compliance with currency reporting
requirements and to disrupt the illegal money-laundering activity of criminal
organizations.
The sixth Sergeant is assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Service Team
(FAST). The FAST unit is responsible for arresting fugitives of the Criminal
Justice System.
The Clerk Typist is responsible for records management and employee time
records.
The City of Livonia has a Police Lieutenant who serves as the City's Director of
Emergency Preparedness. The Director of Emergency Preparedness
coordinates planning, training, equipment, exercise, management and the
administration of Livonia's resources necessary to respond and recover from
major emergencies, including natural disasters and ads of terrorism. The
Director of Emergency Preparedness maintains working relationships with City
personnel, including Police, Fire & Rescue and Public Works as well as with area
hospitals, neighboring communities, Wayne County, the State of Michigan and
Department of Homeland Security.
During Financial year 2007, Emergency Preparedness accomplished the
following:
M
Completed the Hazard Analysis and Pre -Disaster Mitigation Plan. In
addition to this plan identifying potential risks and mitigation strategies for
the City, it also was required as a condition of any future Federal funding.
Trained 60 volunteers for Livonia's Citizens Emergency Response Team
(CERT).
Provided training for the City's Emergency Management personnel in the
National Incident Management System (IS -700) and the National
Response Plan (IS -800).
Updated training forthe City's Damage Assessment personnel.
Completed revision of the City's Emergency Operations Plan.
Obtained homeland security grant funding to procure crisis negotiation
equipment for three regional SWAT teams, including the City of the
Livonia (via the Western Wayne Special Operations Team).
Obtained homeland security grant funding to procure a critical incident
response vehicle for the Western Wayne Special Operations Team (that
includes the City of Livonia). The vehicle is specially equipped to respond
to chemical, biological, radiological or explosive incidents.
Metwith multiple communilygroups regarding disaster readiness.
Facilitated the addition of training new operators for the local amateur
radio group (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency)
Participated with countywide and regional governing boards on homeland
security grant expenditures.
Obtained homeland security grant funding to train key City of Livonia
command personnel in advanced Incident Command System training (IS -
300 & IS400). In addition to this training, assisting the City in responding
to a major incident or emergency, it also was required as a condition of
any future Federal funding.
Facilitated the training of Livonia personnel in "E -team'. E -team is the
State of Michigan's emergency management software system.
Continued taking courses to become a 'Professional Emergency
Manager" through the State of Michigan.
Obtained homeland security grant funding to procure a thermal imaging
device for use by the Police Department.
Implemented and coordinated with all key Livonia Public, Clarenceville,
and St. Michael school personnel on changes and requirements of the law
pertaining to shelter -in-place and school lockdown.
Completed the revision to the Police Department's Mutual Aid Policy and
Procedure.
Conducted training with all Police personnel on the response to potential
bombing and explosive incidents.
Researched and mel with City official on the Public Safety Interoperable
Communications grant.
m
ACTIVITIES
Central Records
Distributed
Est. Fiscal
Amount
Fiscal 2006
Amount
2007
Accident Reports
$13ea
546
$7,098
419
$4,951
Incident Reports $5ea
223
$1,115
230
$1,230
Fingerprints @ $54
330
$17,700
296
$16,038
Fingerprints @$15
715
$10,725
1124
$16,886
Fingerpnnls -N/C
30
48
$0
LCC
25
$26,500
16
$18,875
Gun Registrabons-
N/C
1428
$0
1492
$0
Purchase Permits
$5ea
356
$1,780
514
$2,825
Purchase Per -nits -
N/C
22
58
$0
Record Clearance
$6ea
240
$1,440
210
$1,266
Record Clearance-
N/C
565
883
$0
PV License $20ea
37
$740
72
$1,485
PV License Was
78
$936
56
$690
FOIA/Discovery
972
$10,473
965
$10,876
Tapes (Vi, AT, CD)
123
106
Photographs
65
169
Pages Copied
6800
7207
TOTAL REVENUE
$78,507
$75,122
91
Property & Licensing
ActivitV
2006
2007
Public Vehicle PennitA icatons/Renewals Investgated
105
104
Taxicab Ins ectom
14
14
Business License Applimtions Investgated
71
55
Impounded Vehicles Processed
1380
1345
Property Items Received & Processed
4236
3907
Investigative Division
Activity
FY2006
FY2007
%Chan e
Total Cases Investigated
5887
6189
5.13
Felony Warrants Requested
287
311
8.36
Misdemeanor Warrants Requested
624
834
33.65
Precious Metal Documents
678
1104
62.83
Crime Scenes Processed
78
83
6.41
Vehicles Processed
46
55
19.57
Pieces of Evidence Processed
2610
3062
17.32
Latent Pnnts Identified
150
135
-10.00
Reports by Crime Scene Unit
350
372
6.29
AFIS Cases
373
212
-43.16
Polygraphs Administered
41
60
46.34
Referrals to Youth Assistance
43
42
-2.33
Warmnts Processed
4980
5281
6.04
MLCC Reports
37
35
5.41
MLCC Ins edons On-site & Dem
236
234
-0.85
MLCC Violations Reports
18
20
11.11
MLCC Applicants Investigated
47
50
6.38
92
LIVONIA PR YEAR ENR PART 1 CRIME TOTALS
w/ 2007 partial data
Part I Crimes: Murder, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny,
Motor Vebicle TbeQ and Arsov Data compiled from Michigan Uniform Crime
Ramat
93
Uniform Crime Report Offenses
PARTIOFFEKSES
2007
OFFENSE
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007*
MURDER
7
0
1
3
0
1
RAPE
33
13
23
13
19
21
ROBBERY
61
56
50
62
65
24
ASSAULT
112
116
91
92
83
67
BURGLARY
400
389
325
444
366
376
LARCENY
1938
1846
1700
1574
1639
1571
MOTOR VEH THEFT
228
271
289
283
313
242
ARSON
25
26
19
10
15
19
TOTAL
2804
2717
2498
2481
2500
2321
Datasomce: Michigan Umfomz Came Report
*2007 Date Range: 1/1/07 — 11/24/07
**Preliminary data subject to change
94
Patrol Bureau
Activity
2006 Actual
2007 Pro ected
% Change
Calls for service Police
40,259
35,252
-12.44
Calls for service Fire
8,108
7,847
-3.22
Reports taken
7,067
6,507
-7.92
Adult arrests
4,199
4,558
+7.88
Juvenile arrests
351
393
+10.69
Traffic crashes reported
3,307
2,835
-14.27
Uniform Law Citations issued 34,607
38,959
+11.17
Use of force incidents
23
15
34.78
Vehide pursuits
67
58
-13.43
Intelligence Bureau
Activity
2006
2007
% Change
Assigned Cases
638
628
-1.6
Search Warrants (Raids)
94
80
-14.9
Cocaine Purchases
12
19
+58.3
Marijuana Purchases
40
25
-37.5
Heroin/Other Purchases
3
13
+333.3
Criminal Surveillance
34
37
+8.8
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineering Division, which operate under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities ofthe two Divisions are as follows:
Public Service Division - This Division is responsible for the performance of a
wide vanety of maintenance functions. These functions range from in-house
activities such as building maintenance and vehicle maintenance (except Police
and Fire) to the more visible maintenance of public utilities, park sites and
roadways. There are 130 full-time and 14 part-time positions in the Division.
Engineering Division - The Engineenng Division is under the direction oflhe City
Engineer and is responsible for all construction operations within public rights-of-
way and/or public easements. The department has provided engineering
services as directed by the Mayor, the City Council, and various Boards and
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Commissions, as well as for the general public. During the past fiscal year, the
work was handled by 12 full-time employees. The department consists of three
sections: administrafive, design, and field.
Highlights ofthis years accomplishments include:
Administrative Section
This section is under the direction of the City Engineer and an Assistant City
Engineer. This section prepares reports for the City Council, subdivision bond
establishments and releases, and various other reports; reviews the design of
public improvements in connection with the development of residenfial
subdivisions, commercial and industrial site plans; prepares legal descriptions as
required by other departments; and provides technical assistance and advice to
administrative and legislative groups within the City as well as State and County
governmental units. This section also issues permits for work in the public rights -
of way and/or easements. Attendance at Council, Commission and citzen
meetings is also a function ofthis section.
The Administrafive Section was involved with the following matters during 2007
in addition to attending meetings with Stale and County officials, and
investigating citizen complaints:
• Wayne County Resurfacing and Reconstruction Projects
- Six Mile Road— Haggerty Road to Farmington Road
- Wayne Road—Ann Arbor Trail to Plymouth Road
• Traffic Signal Improvements
• Numerous Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in Conjunction with the
Annual Paving Program
• Water Main Replacement Project
• Numerous Utlity Permits for AT&T/SBC Upgrade
• Newburgh Road — Plymouth Road to Schoolcmft Road (Special Project in
Conjunction with OHM)
• Numerous Parking Lot Paving Projects
• Fox Creek Office Expansion
• Idyl Wyld Golf Course Culvert Replacement
• Numerous Subdivision and Condominium Development Street Light
Installation Projects
Ten site condominium projects, one subdivision, and numerous commercial and
industrial projects were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division.
• Apple Crest Dental (37500 Seven Mile Road)
• Chestnut Hills (Panere Bread and TGIFndays)
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• Churchill Manor Condominiums
• Churchill Place Condominiums
• College Park Condominiums
• Curtis Creek Site Condominiums
• CVS Pharmacy (37340 Five Mile Road
• Eight Mile Place
• Golf Ridge Properties
• Hunters Park Estates Condominiums
• The Learning Experience (37550 Seven Mile Road)
• Livonia Manor Condominiums
• Pastena Villa Condominiums
• Rosati Industrial Park Subdivision
• Sarah Estates Condominiums
• Savile Row Condominiums
• Walgreens (Six Mile Road and Newburgh Road)
• Wonderland Redevelopment
Design Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section, prepares plans,
specifications and bidding documents forthe City's public improvement projects.
It also prepares legal descriptions as needed. In addition, this section provides
utility information to the public, assigns addresses and reviews residential site
plans.
The following projects were designed and/or built in 2007:
• 2007 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program
• 2007 Lane Line Marking Program
• 2007 Parking Lot Paving Project
• 2007 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair— Water Main Breaks
• 2007 Sidewalk Program
• Idyl Wyld Culvert Replacement Project
• Sl. Michael Storm Sewer Project
Field Section
This section is responsible for providing all field inspection and survey services in
connection with contract plans and specifications for projects constructed under
the jurisdiction of the Engineering Division, as well as all subdivision and
commercial developments involving the installation of public improvements.
Numerous public improvement contracts amounfing to approximately
$2,150,409.30 were handled by the division during the past year. Major projects
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which were designed, engineered and inspected by the Engineering Division may
be summarized as follows:
• Balance of the 2006 Catch Basin Repair Program = $157,772.40
• 2007 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $107,555.00
• 2007 Lane Line Marking Program = $75,566.15
• 2007 Parking Lot Paving Project=$1,288,755.75
• 2007 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair— Water Main Breaks = 48,390.00
• 2007 Sidewalk Program = $448,595.00
• Sl. Michael Storm Sewer Project= $23,775.00
In addition to the public improvement contracts, this section was also responsible
for field inspection and survey services for:
• All inspection of the permitted work 07-001 through 07336
• 2008 Sidewalk Program
• 2009 Sidewalk Program
• Lawsuit Investigations
• Drainage Complaints
• Catch Basin Complaints
• Soil Erosion Permits
• Grade Inspections
• Provided administrative services forthe City telecommunications system.
• Prepared annual budget submittal forthe Public Service Division.
• Assisted with Union contract negotiations.
• Worked on adaptation and installation of comprehensive new software
installation for the Department of Public Works operations.
• Conducted employment interviews.
• Administered safety programs within the Department.
• Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
• Administered a West Nile Virus — Mosquito Control public information
program and a larvidding program for City parks, facilities, and over 12,000
storm sewer catch basins.
Sanitation
• Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
• Operated Recyding Center and City Office Paper Recyding Program.
Collected 104.44 tons of recyclable material.
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• Administered Curbside Recycling Program. Collected 7,174.79 tons of
recyclable material.
• Administered Separated Yard Waste Collection Program. Diverted to
compost facility 24,591 yards of yard waste material.
• Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Household Hazard
Waste Day postcard announcement for the various City and County events.
• Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste Drop -Off Day at Ford Field on
May 5, 2007. A total of 1,803 vehides utilized the service of which 1,458
were from Livonia. (Northville/Northville Township conducted a dro"ff event
on September 22, 2007, which was utilized by 590 vehicles from Livonia).
• Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, Stale and
County requirements.
• Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by Stale of Michigan
and Wayne County.
• Continued community solid waste and recycling educational programs
through use of City newsletter.
• Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Bulk Leaf Pick -Up
Program brochure.
Snow and Ice Control
• Maintained roads on primary salt routes in a "wet pavement or better"
condition 2417 throughout the 2006-2007 snow season. Salted primary routes
7 limes in December, 11 times in January, 11 limes in February, and 8 times
in March for a total of 37 limes using 7,980 tons of road salt.
• Plowed primary and secondary routes 3 times.
• Plowed all roads City-wide (370 miles) in A snow cycles, using a combination
of City resources and contracted road graders.
• Provided plowing and ice control services on City parking lots.
• Filled and maintained salt barrels at key locations throughout the City.
• Spot salted water break and house fire locations.
• Proceeded with anti -icing program on select areas of our major roads.
Treated bridge decks, deceleration lanes, road curves and ice -prone
intersections.
Sweeping and Grading
• Graded parks, alleys and gravel roads 3 times and added gravel as needed
between grading cycles.
• Restructured drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage.
• Applied calcium chloride twice City-wide to gravel roads for dust control, and
applied brine solution as needed between applications to control dust.
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• Applied calcium chloride to parks and alleys 2 times.
• Swept City local streets 4 times, major roads 12 times, and industrial roads 12
times.
• Performed street sweeping after SPREE (3 times).
• Swept all paved City streets after Leaf Pickup Program.
Landfill, Transfer Station and Recvdina Center
• Maintained City landfill; composted 47,209 cubic yards of leaves from the
Leaf Pickup Program.
• Processed 12,950 cubic yards of household refuse four 4,535 users of the
Refuse Disposal Transfer Site.
Brush Pickup
• Picked up bulk brush throughout entire City every 10 working days, picking up
9,515 cubic yards of brush with 18,684 stops.
• Removed and disposed of chips resulting from stump grinding at
approximately 20 locations.
• Trained new seasonal laborers in operational and safety requirements of
brush pickup.
Leaf Pickup
• Picked up 44,408 yards of bulk leaves at curbside; provided two (2) or more
pickups for each residence.
Construction. Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
• Repaired, adjusted or rebuilt 120 catch basins, gate wells, and storm and
sanitary manholes.
• Repaired or replaced 11 sanitary and storm sewer lines.
• Replaced 14,823 square feet of concrete road, drive and walk.
• Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems at
80 locations.
• Repaired or replaced 7 concrete curbs.
• Milled or chipped concrete major roads in 8 locations to eliminate pavement
heatpops.
• Completed 45 asphalt repairs or replacements consisting of 797 tons of
asphalt.
• Patched potholes on 370 miles of City -maintained roads, as well as trip point
locations from the Engineering Division and repair sites from the Water and
Sewer Section.
• Repaired potholes reported on the Pothole Hotline within 48 hours.
• Responded to 2350+ homeowner service requests.
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• Picked up and cleaned oil spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on City
streets 18 times.
• Performed 3 road ditch upgrade projects in various locations.
• Installed 4 new, hinged drain grates in Denmar drainage system.
• Repaired washout at Angling Road bridge.
• Mudjacked concrete pavement back to correct grade at 11 sites.
• Changed truck attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, salt spreaders) from
construction season/summer mode to leaf pickup mode to plowing/salfing
configuration.
• Cleaned outfalls and inlets of City storm drains 32 times to prevent flooding
and storm drain backups.
• Performed illicit discharge inspections and water sampling as needed on
storm water outfalls to maintain IDEP compliance.
• Repaired 6 storm outfall sites.
• Cleared brush from 75+ storm outfalls and inlets in floodplain throughout the
City.
• Repaired or replaced 6 guardrails and barricades.
• Cut and cleared brush from City -owned alleyways.
• Placed and removed over a mile of snow fence to prevent excessive drifting
on City roads.
• Repaired lawn or sprinklers resulting from Water Section activities and
snowplow damage at 282 locations.
• Trained employees for Commercial Drivers License lest to allow for upgrading
class or endorsements when needed.
• Conducted snowplow training for guest operators to assist in snow
emergencies.
• Delivered and picked up voting supplies fort elections.
• Assisted the Livonia Goodfellows with their annual holiday food and toy
program.
• Moved election equipment between storage building, City Hall, and new
precinct locations after school closings as requested by the City Clerk.
• Picked up brush, assisted in removing downed trees and other storm damage
from roads.
Sign Maintenance
• Traffic Signs:
Repaired or Removed:
437
Installed or Replaced:
425
• Traffic Posts:
Repaired or Removed:
458
Installed or Replaced:
154
• Street Name Signs:
Repaired or Removed:
228
Installed or Replaced:
160
• Street Name Posts:
Repaired or Removed:
245
Installed or Replaced:
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• Engraved approximately 90 signs for various City
departments.
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• Assisted with the setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and traffic control
devices for SPREE, Arts and Crafts Festival, several Wilson Barn shows,
Livonia Heritage Festival, Highland Games, plus an additional 6 events at
Greenmead, the Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park, and two (2)
events at Bicentennial Park.
• Painted curbing at Recreation Center and Fire Stations and other locations.
• Updated 12 Arbor Day signs City-wide.
• Assisted with the signing, crowd and traffic control devices for the Easter Egg
Hunt, Rotary Barbecue, Police Department and Fire Department open house
events, the Youth Fitness Meet and the Ice Show at Eddie Edgar Rink.
• Assisted with setup for Clarenceville and Franklin parades.
• Handled approximately 181 work orders.
• Cut 65 miscellaneous oil board stencils forvarious City departments.
• Applied and repaired vehide markings on 18 new and 2 current City vehicles,
including new additions to the bus fleet.
• Applied Eyes and Ears decals to new vehicles.
• Striped 28 miscellaneous road locations.
• Posted subdivision entrances for the Leaf Pickup Program.
• Changed safety posters on County roads once and replaced wooden
backings on posts as needed..
• Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
• Made 30 new wood jacks and stenciled and branded 200 cones and 50
plastic barricades.
Animal Control
• Provided animal control services for residents and businesses which included
requests for service as follows: 83 abuse to animal/cruelty complaints, 122
barking dog complaints, 6 bird problems, 16 cat bites, 45 coyote
sightings/complaints, 3 dead crows/robins (West Nile Virus) complaints, 71
dog biles, 101 injured animal reports, 2 kennel complaints, 38 vicious animal
complaints, 84 pick up contained animal requests, 10 sick wildlife reports, 143
stray animal reports, 14 trapped animal complaints, 6 waste (feces)
complaints, 30 wildlife complaints, 3 wildlife biles, 149 dog -at -large
complaints, 20 requests to borrow trap, and 7 miscellaneous complaints
• Continued trapping program and eliminated nuisance coyotes.
• Issued animal ordinance violations as required.
• Floated and lined all City baseball/softball diamonds, soccer and football
fields on a routine schedule.
• Mowed, trimmed, edged, weeded, fertilized, applied herbicides and
fungicides, trimmed trees and routine maintenance to Ford Field, Bicentennial
Diamonds 1-3, Greenmead soccer fields, Civic Center, Sandburg and Noble
102
libraries, Wilson Bam, Greenmead, and other parks and fields.
• Installed banners at the Civic Center and Recreation Center for Music Under
the Stars, SPREE, Arts and Crafts Festival, Christmas, special events and
everyday patriotic banners.
• Rolled and aerifed baseball diamonds and soccer fields.
• Performed safety inspections, repaired or removed damaged playground
parts in all City parks and installed 500 yards of "Softfall" under playground
structures. Also, continued adding woodchips under structures that currently
have none. This is a result of changing regulations from the Playground
Safety Institute.
• Installed a new playground structure at Ben Celini Park and a new swing set
at Clements Circle Park.
• Added sand to beach volleyball courts at Clements Circle, Rotary, Recreation
Center and Stymelski parks. Also, replaced wom and tattered nets.
• Added chain link fence to protect the players benches at Compton, Country
Homes, and Wilson Acres Park baseball diamonds.
• Monitored trashcans on athletic fields that could not be reached by Waste
Management. Also, cleaned dog stations and lrashcans in City parks on
weekends.
• Performed weekend trash duties at all picnic pavilions as a result of rentals
through Parks and Recreation.
• Performed snow removal services for City buildings and right-of-way
sidewalks leading to parks on an as -needed basis. This included shoveling,
plowing and salting sidewalks.
• Performed winter maintenance to equipment, which included miscellaneous
repairs, painting, blade sharpening, preventative maintenance and thorough
cleanings.
• Sprayed 'Roundup' weed killer on right-of-way fences to control growth of
weeds.
• Applied the biological control 'VectoLeY' to control mosquito -breeding
populations in recreational parks. One applicafion was accomplished this
year. Also, helped with the spring application to catch basins in roads.
• Added topsoil and grass seed to goal mouths on all soccer fields.
Greenmead, the Recreation Center, and Clement Circle fields were closed for
a short time for sodding in those areas.
• Added underground drainage to soccer field #2 at Greenmead Park.
• Set out and brought in picnic tables and trash barrels for the picnic season.
• Repaired picnic tables as needed; also, constructed 50 new tables during the
winter.
• Installed two permanent picnic tables at Beverly Park and installed three new
grills at the new picnic pavilion at Devonaire Park.
• Pruned trees and shrubs in parks, City buildings and athletic fields where
needed.
• Planted canna tubers in some flowerbeds this year at Civic Center. Also,
removed some perennial beds to east maintenance activities. The annual
103
display was seve rely impacted by funding this year.
• Assisted with all SPREE -related activities, including setup, takedown and
daily garbage detail. Also repaired damage to diamonds 3-7 as a result of
parked vehicles on the diamonds.
• Completed 85 "Requests for Service" that related to special activities for other
City departments (entailed delivering, setting up, taking down canopies, tents,
picnic tables and garbage cans), delivering and setting up the Showmobile,
delivering TEFAP commodities for Community Resources, Wilson Barn,
Greenmead activities, and other City activities.
• Repaired and maintained irrigation systems at Civic Center, Livonia
Community Recreation Center, Ford Field, Bicentennial Park, and
Greenmead.
• Due to the retirement of a Parks Maintenance Worker III in 2003, the irrigation
systems at Noble Library, Sandburg Library, Wilson Barn, Fire Stations #4
and #5, and the Six Mile Road islands were turned on and operated by
contracted services this year.
• Using contracted services, began replacing the antiquated irrigafion systems
on the Five Mile and Farmington Road boulevard islands. The new system is
automated and will use less water.
• Maintained the Livonia Community Recreation Center inducing soccer field
renovations and landscape work.
• Cleared deadfall trees and branches off Nature Preserve walkways.
• Contracted services removed 100 dead ash trees from 16 parks and one
cemetery this year. City crews removed another 50 last winter.
• Continued testing vacuum breakers as part of Wayne County's DEC
requirements regarding irrigation systems.
• Two employees attended the Playground Safety Institute which recertified
them as playground inspectors.
• Set up and monitored ice on the City's three outdoor ice rinks.
• Removed the split rail fence along Six Mile Road at Rotary Park for safety
and repair reasons.
• The Engineering Department's contractor for joint and crack sealing
performed that task on tennis courts at Compton, Chatham, Castle Gardens,
Blue Grass, and Bicentennial Parks.
• Began replacing Christmas decorations to change some of the lawn
ornaments for the City Hall display.
• Oversaw contracted services for mowing maintenance who maintained 24
undeveloped parks and three City cemeteries.
• Achieved Tree City USA status for the ninth year and received our fourth year
'growth award"
• City Forestry personnel trimmed 60 trees which generated 100 yards of
woodchips.
104
• Continued the young tree training program for newly-planted trees with both
City staff and contracted services. Young tree training helps trees with proper
form and strong structure as they mature and helps reduce the amount of
pruning later in the tree's mature life. Work was done on trees planted in
2003 and 2004.
• Forestry personnel removed 75 small trees and 100 slumps.
• Supervised the removal of 373 trees and 354 slumps by Ashton Tree Service.
A few ash trees were part of the removal list, but almost all of the ash trees in
the rights-of-way are gone.
• Supervised and administered the planting of 950 trees associated with the
2007 planting list. 150 trees were planted from early in June and July while
the rest were done in fall 2007.
• Planted three trees (shingle oak, black gum, and sweet gum) in connection
with the Arbor Day Program. The trees were planted in the Wilson Acres
Park associated with Cleveland Elementary School. Also, 500 seedling
spruce trees were handed out as part of the program to the children at the
school .
• Removed approximately 500 yards of woodchips as part of DPS brush pickup
program.
• Treated 29 wasps nests, mainly in August through September W, with
insecticide to kill the wasps.
• Completed 158 storm-related tree trimmings.
• Received and investigated approximately 1776 requests for service. Of
those, 1600 have been closed as either serviced or answered. 680 of the
requests were for tree trims.
• Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the Section's saws
and trimming equipment.
• Assisted other departments (Water, Engineering, Ordinance, etc.) with
emergency tree removals, site inspections, and tree inspections.
• Performed snow removal operations to City buildings and right-of-way
sidewalks including plowing, shoveling and salting.
• Assisted in the Rouge River cleanup day held at Jaycee Park in association
with Take Pride in Livonia day.
• Supervised one contractor who trimmed approximately 6000 trees in four City
sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society of
Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations.
• Supervised the same contractor doing resident call-out trim requests. Of the
680 tree trim requests through September W, 600 had been completed.
• Completed the removal of the City's majority of 3298 right-of-way ash trees
killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. A few ash trees remain but will be removed
as they die.
• Tracked gypsy Toth populations in Sections 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 22
as part of the gypsy moth egg mass survey; no spraying was needed in 2007,
but the population is beginning to build again.
• Attended the following seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan
105
Nursery and Landscape Association annual meeting; Michigan Turfgrass
Foundation annual meeting; Arborist Society of Michigan annual meeting;
Metro Detroit Landscape Association annual meeling; Society of Municipal
Arborists, various seminars on chainsaw safety, tree climbing, hazard
assessment and aerial rescue training, roping and rigging training, and
equipment repair training.
Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements
• Open, closed, and winterize City out and pool buildings
• Start-up, service and shutdown pump systems as needed
• Maintained City owned outside lighting fixtures at various locations
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as able
• Semi-annually replace all flags, maintain flag poles
• Strip and finish floors in buildings as needed and able
• Spot and clean carpeting in buildings as needed and able
• Clean inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed and
able
• Clean exterior window at City Hall, Library and Community Center
• Relocate and install outlets/power and lighting as requested
• Monitor building automation and climate control systems
• Monitor and expand electronic access and systems
• Answer environmental complaints as able
• Perforin yearly shutdown maintenance and custodial assignments al
Community Center
• Continue to enhance the custodial job assignment checklists and service
delivery program for all buildings
• Test and treated all process water systems
• Assist with all other departmental projects as requested
• Serviced overhead and pedestrian doors as needed
• Replace water heater at Sandburg library
• Install Murphy beds and stoves at fire stations, wire in new extractors
• Replaced infrared heaters at Glendale storage building repair booster pumps
at City Hall
• Install vactor access line in City Hall garage to sump pits
• Install door and heater interlocks on Water Department overhead doors
• Replaced boiler/water heater at LCRC
• Replaced pedestrian doors in Forestry shop and DPS conference room
• Repaired damaged overhang at Eddie Edgar ice rink
• Replaced cooling compressor at Noble library
• Replaced cooling condensers at fire # 5 and 6
106
:ennilz a FemZAkyjmd-aT.rr@F-Ti:1=i . i
• Re -roofed trailers at Glendale storage building
• Restore roof at City Hall parking garage'
Painting
• Painted out buildings at Clement and Botsford pools
• Repainted and finished restrooms and common areas in Water and Sewer
building
Health and Safetv
• Continued with Lock Out/Tag Out program
• Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings
• Maintain Compliance with Wayne County Backflow Certification program as
requested, certified in-house tester
• Maintained compliance with Stale of Michigan Boiler and Elevator inspections
and certifications
• Maintained employee State required licensing, certifications and training
• Exterminated or remove pests in City buildings as needed
• Conducted safety inspections of City facilities with insurance control
specialists as requested
• PM and load -bank tested generators
• Reset all clocks, lighting and equipment for time changes
• Clean debris and growth from building rooftops, sumps and gutters
• Tested and repaired panic buttons in City Hall and DPW administrafive office
• Perforin required CSD -1 lest on all boilers'
• Install defib boxes at City Hall and C.C. Library
• Re -lamp City parking lot lights
• Rewire south C.C. Library parking lot lights
• Repair C.C. Library walkway lights, (replace deteriorated poles')
• Clean ductwork at Fire # 1, 5 and 6
• Obtained quotes for air balance at LCRC
• Installed phase monitors on equipment at LCRC
• Began adding emergency power outlets at LCRC
• Repaired leaking basement walls at Fire#5
• Added City Hall garage doors to generator and card access system
• Install power and control wiring for card access system at Police gun range
• Replaced City Hall sprinkler flow switches and dry system control valve
• Reprogrammed City Hall elevator phone line to Police dispatch desk
• Wire and connect LCRC out lighting to building automation system'
• Maintain and service Newburgh Lift station
• Install handrails on ramp between City Hall and Annex'
107
Greenmead
• Assisted with all events held on grounds (Art in the Park, Highland Games,
Flea Markets, Car Shows, Fall Harvest)
• Install and remove decorations for Holiday and special events
• Move and set-up and install furniture, furnishings and equipment as
requested
• Continue maintenance and custodial services
• Assist with 2n0 floor remodeling project
• Purchase additional materials as needed for Blue house second floor office
renovation
• Replace rear service door on Blue House kitchen
• Install new furnace and A/C in caretakers house
Ems =95 15111170 10 rX.To =Ortvrelrer
• Enlarged building 13 garage door to allow for inside truck parking
• Constructed new boiler endosure at Clement Circle pool
• Install new A/C system for new Police data entry room
• Assist with new A/C for computer room at Police station as requested
• Re -carpet Youth Assistance hall and office areas'
• Work on Capital outlay projects; Fire #5&6 female locker/restrooms and
Noble Library ADA compliant restroom
Special Projects and Interdepartmental Assistance
• Assisted with Rotary Club BB -Q
• Assisted with various City Hall functions as requested
• Provide set up and tear downs for meetings and events as requested
• Maintained facilities leased from the City
• Moved furniture, computers, work stations and materials and equipment as
requested
• Respond to and perform daily maintenance requests on equipment and
facilities as requested
• Assist with Senior Citizen shows and events as requested
• Regularly deaned out grease trap in Senior Center kitchen
• Jetted and maintained basement drains at Fire #1, 5 and 6
• Assist with snow removal and cycles as requested
• TA personnel to leaf pick-up as needed
• Assist with special facility projects at LCRC
• Provide service for golf course buildings as requested
• Repaired items at Fox Creek restaurant as requested
• Administered Honeywell Service contract for Community Center
• Install 2° Wall of Honor at City Hall
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Indicates work to be completed after 11-16-07
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
• Performed inspections on approximately 800 City -owned equipment and
completed just over 3,000 work orders in the CarteGreph system.
• Maintained and provided service for 11 SMART buses for Livonia Community
Transit.
• Wrote specificafions for and ordered new equipment for various departments:
➢ New Ford Escapes for the Inspection department
➢ A van for the Library to transport books
➢ Two (2) cargo vans for the Building Maintenance Section
➢ Two (2) single -axle dump trucks for the Roads Section
➢ One (1) hot patch machine for repairing potholes on City streets
➢ One (1) backhoe for the Water and Sewer Section
➢
Two (2) small dump trucks for the Water and Sewer Section
➢ Two (2) leaf vacuums for the Leaf Pickup Program
➢ Two (2) stake trucks for the construction crews
➢ One (1) stake truck for the Forestry Section
➢ Two (2) pickup trucks for the Roads Section
• Some of the responsibilities of the Equipment Maintenance Section are, but
not limited to, the following:
➢ Maintain all City -owned vehicles and equipment
➢ Maintain City Transit and Senior Center busses
➢ Prepare seasonal equipment prior to the season of use
➢ Organize training for new equipment and technology
➢ Maintain and operate City-wide computerized fueling systems at DPW,
Civic Center, and Golf Courses
➢ Work with Wayne County and LPD during power outages by placing
and maintaining generators at required intersections throughout the
City to insure safe traffic flow and conditions
➢ Oversee two-way radios for all non-uniform radios
➢ Set up and monitor annual safety inspections for all man lift and
equipment hoists at both DPW and the Recreation Center
Assist LPD, LFD and othervarious departments throughoutthe City
with a number offabrications and modifications during the year
➢ Assist LPD in vehicle inspections on cars and trucks involved in fatal
crashes
WATER AND SEWER MAINTENANCE 2007
Water Systems
• Inspected, exercised 41 water gate valves, the condition of the structure and
updated inspection fortes
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• Repaired 40 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with onng
type about 100% in need of repair after exercising gate valve
• Flowed, inspected and maintained 1,585 fire hydrants within the, city 36
sections
• Repaired 180 fire hydrants in the field in these sections above about 11.3%
need repair after exercising fire hydrant and inspection
• Repaired 192 water main breaks or leaks which is up 39.6% from last fiscal
year
• Repaired or replaced 126 water curb stop boxes
• Staked over 4,971 locations for Miss Dig system
• Made 36 service line repairs for various reasons
• Retired 20 water service lines
• Rebuilt 10 fire hydrants in shop.
• Installed 3 new gate valves and 9 new fire hydrants
Meters
• Replaced 26 antiquated large commercial water meter
• Repaired 93 large commercial meters
• Replaced 284 water meters(meter only) for various reasons
• Replaced (updated) 410 residential water meters and outside readers for
various reasons
• Made 30,521 water related service calls
• Completed 3,152 service slips
• Placed 840 note cards placed at residential homes requesting to gain access
to home for internal meter repairs
• Installed 60 (ORD) outside touch read device systems
• Installed 31 (MXU) radio read device systems
• Installed 112 water meters for new accounts
• Established 25 new commercial accounts
• Established 87 new residential accounts
• Established 3 new seasonal irrigation amounts
• Installed and removed 315 seasonal irrigation meters
• Tested 96 commercial meters
Storm Sewers
• Answered 63 storm sewer complaints
• Jetted 44 restricted stone sewer lines generated from homeowner complaints.
• Retrieved and replaced 65 catch basin covers
• Mosquito program we placed 5,150 briquettes into 4,195 dorm sewer catch
basins and 235 inlets.
• Started storm sewer catch basin cleaning, cleaned 819 -storm sewer catch
basins worked 35 days cleaning for SWEPPI program started in section 16.
working in descending order November now in section 13.
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• Mosquito program we placed 5,150 briquettes into 4,195 -storm sewer catch
basins and 235 inlets for city wide West Nile Virus elimination program.
Sanitary Sewers
• Cleaned 232.79 miles in 19 city sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, power flushing, bucketing, chemical and power root cutting
• Cleared 5 main sewer backups
• Investigated 215 sanitary sewer complaints
• Televised 2,400' of sanitary sewer
• Inspected 19 city sections for sanitary lines and structures
Special Projects
• Completed working with Engineering and Wayne county Seven Mile widening
project, also water main 2006 replacement program completed locating and
connecting to lest stations for HDPE water main.
• Worked with cross training the office staff at front desk and cross training the
water and sewerforemen for handling emergency situations.
• Finished updating 36 section water main maps to send master out for
duplicating to engineering.
• Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new tap list and Carte Graph associate work orders to other
sections for request to repair.
• Updated computer programs relating to Sensus water meter reading system
and hardware for Logos.net web based system that is proposed to go live
early Spring 2008.
• Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Livonia Fire Department.
• Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
• Assisted the Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
proposed projects for 2007 and 2008 water main and sanitary sewer
replacement programs.
• Working on updating the water slop box location, seasonal meter stop box
location and contact information in MS Access database.
• Inspected 61 water taps made by water section contractor (51 -new
construction, 3 -irrigation, 14D replace well water, 1 -upgrade existing and 5 -
lead replacement).
• Completed the inspection of 153 O.S.D.S. (septic systems), 6 connected to
sanitary sewer system we now have a total of 147 O.S.D.S. (septic systems).
• Helped with flow tests for water model. SCADA system and flow test with
Livonia Fire Department and water main replacement program that was
proposed to be installed in 2007 now to be done in Spring of 2008.
• Updated the contract and hardware for Profile min gauges and sanitary sewer
monitors and a new three years contract agreement.
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• All section office staff with desktop computers and computer training.
• Worked on inventory pricing database for future software changes to take
place with Carte Graph 7.0 a upgrade.
• Assisted engineering with sidewalk, driveway approaches and major road
replacement projects.
• Worked with various contractors for road, water and sewer main installations
and repairs.
• Rebuilt 16" P.R.V. #12 located on easlside of Newburgh and south of Seven
Mile Road.
• Replaced pilolvalve for 10" P.R.V. #6 al7 mile and E. of Newburgh.
• Checked road structures before road improvements and cleaned catch basins
after completion.
• I.D.E.P. Illicit Discharge Elimination Program inspections of storm sewer
outfall sampling.
• Assisted with water activities for the Livonia spree, Race for the Cure and
other activities.
• Continue the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
compound Badger and Rockwell water meters.
• Continue with the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
piston type Badger and Rockwell water meters.
• Responded to 4 illicit discharge complaints and 2 emergency spill hazards on
major roadways.
• Finished updating 36 section water main maps to send master out for
duplicating to engineering.
• Installed (2) two new sanitary sewer high water monitors at Six Mile and -275
for the Quakertown subdivision, now have a total of (5) five phone dialers for
sanitary sewer flood control all now have the same hardware and software, so
the acknowledgements to respond back to dialers are all same codes.
• Started the EPA mandated water sampling on the second week in November
2007 and bimonthly until August 2008 for the Disinfection By -Products
Program.
The Traffic Commission is responsible for the planning, coordination, and
determination of proposed traffic control devices to improve traffic flow and to
provide maximum safety for all drivers, pedestrians, and property. As provided
by the City Charter, the Commission consists of seven citizens who are
appointed by the Mayor. The Commission meets once a month to discuss and
implement traffic control measures which have been brought to their attention by
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citizens, as well as other City departments. The Commissioners work in
conjunction with the Traffic Bureau of the Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2007
Issues for 2007 related primarily to the updating of traffic control devices along
existing city streets in order to comply with the Michigan Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD).
In coordination with the Livonia Police Traffic Bureau, the commission
researched and adjusted signage at intersections in 16 sections of the city. This
is part of a three-year plan to update each intersection to meet current MMUTCD
standards.
While this process originally caused some friction with residents in certain
sections of the city (most notably near Hoover school) most changes have gone
smoothly. The police department has also reported a drastic reduction in traffic
accidents throughout the city over the course of the year. While that cannot be
credited entirely to the work of the traffic commission, the process of removing
unwarranted or misplaced signs has improved traffic flow and safety around the
City
By direction of the City Council aid the administration, the city has developed a
plan to make residents aware of pending traffic control device changes in their
immediate area. This plan was developed in response to some citizen
complaints about lack of notification when changes were being made to signage
in their neighborhoods. The city council has decided to keep this notification
process in place as the commission studies and recommends changes in the rest
ofthe city, which will be completed by October 2008.
Throughout the year citizen concerns and Police Department will bring issues
from placement of informational signs (Handicapped Child in Area for example),
review of existing signage and requests for placementtremoval of existing signs.
Also construction within the city brought about changes to signals within the city
in coordination with the county. Changes in signals were made in conjunction
with Wayne County on Middlebelt near the new Wonderland Village development
and along West Chicago near Cleveland Elementary school.
We continue to monitor areas, including the Wonderland Village and College
Park areas, as new developments will lead to traffic pattern changes. There was
an issue with Wonderland Village as the Wal-Mart and Target stores both
opened to the public without the proper number to driveways being open to traffic
which caused some congestion on both Plymouth and Middlebelt roads. That
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situation is being rectified and a temporary fix has been in place since the city
was made aware of the issue.
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
The Commission continues to work with TIA to obtain expert opinion and
guidance on traffic concerns in the community. Several individual agenda items
were referred to TIA by the Commission during 2007 and TIA was requested to
provide crash data for specific intersections related to agenda items.
The commission authorized the Traffic Improvement Association to study the
entire stretch of SchoolcmR Road to ensure the signage throughout that stretch
of the city complied with the MMUTCD and is consisted. As a result of that
study, some signage will be changed and the speed limit will be raised slightly —
to 40 m.p.h., which was just under the 85' percentile (approximately 43 m.p.h.).
Furthermore, TIA provided the Commission with traffic count data for all major
streets in Livonia along with a report summarizing crash information for major
City intersections.
CONCLUSION
The Traffic Commission will continue updating each intersection in the city to
ensure they are MMUTCD compliant. The process is expected to be completed
by October 2008.
The commission will also continue to monitor traffic and parking conditions within
the City and will be particularly concerned with monitoring areas of re-
development and construction.
The Commission will also continue to meet with citizens and business owners to
jointly address traffic and parking concerns and to act to alleviate dangerous
conditions. Ongoing monitoring of traffic concerns by this Commission will
ensure that Livonia's streets and highways will continue to be safe and well
maintained.
TREASURER
The Treasurer's Department is responsible for collection, disbursement and
custody of all revenues belonging to and held in trust by the City. All funds
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collected by City agencies are transmitted to the Treasurer, verified and recorded
through cash receipting, deposited and reported daily to the Finance Department.
In addition, the Treasurers Office, on instruction from the Finance Director,
transmits instructions for the daily investment of City funds among City banks to
maximize the interest on its holdings.
U 0LY, II N6tI ZIAIN7
This year the Treasurer's Office implemented new computer software for tax
collections, delinquent personal property taxes, special assessments and
revenue collections.
The Treasurers Office once again sent letters to real and personal property
taxpayers whose taxes for the 2006 tax year had not been paid by February 15,
2007. A total of 4,746 letters were mailed: 3,526 letters to real property owners
and 1,220 letters to personal property taxpayers.
Letters were also mailed to real & personal property taxpayers after the due date
for the summer 2007 tax season. A total of 2,797 letters were mailed to real
property taxpayers and 848 letters were mailed to personal propertylaxpayers.
The Treasurer's Office in 2002 initiated the practice of mailing letters to notify
Livonia property owners that their property was listed in the Wayne County
Treasurer's Office court petition to foreclose on their property for delinquent real
property taxes. In 2006 the City of Livonia Treasurer sent out 33 such notices,
as compared to 45 notices in 2005, 89 notices in 2004 and 113 notices in 2003.
As a result of this effort, the Wayne County Treasurer sold no Livonia parcels at
lax auction in 2007, 2006, 2005 or 2004.
The Treasurer's Office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. proof of Claims for personal property taxes are fled with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2007, 11 businesses with locations in Livonia
filed for bankruptcy protection as compared to 8 businesses in 2006 and 8
businesses in 2005.
The Treasurers Office filed with the Wayne County Register of Deeds 8 personal
property jeopardy tax bills for 2007. In 2006 the Treasurers Office issued 11
personal properly jeopardy tax bills.
Applications for electronic fund debit for lax payments were included in the 2007
summer real tax bills to property owners who are directly responsible for payment
of their taxes. This resulted in a considerable increase in the number of
taxpayers utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of tax bills. During the
summer 2007 tax season 2,317 taxpayers participated in this convenient and no -
cost service as compared to 2,281 during the summer of 2006, 2,223 during the
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summer of 2005, 1,903 during the summer of 2004, 1,819 during the summer of
2003, 1,417 during the summer 2002, and 664 taxpayers during the summer
2001 tax season.
Tax bills can be paid with a credit card through Official Payments Corporation.
There is a convenience fee collected and retained by Official Payments
Corporation for this service. There is no cost to the City of Livonia for this service
to be offered to the residents. During 2007 431 taxpayers utilized this option, as
compared to 399 taxpayers during 2006, 340 taxpayers during 2005 and 216
taxpayers during 2004.
This year the Treasurers Office continued printing the summer and winter tax
bills in-house, which results in a significant printing cost savings of $4,600 per tax
season. Printing the tax bills in-house also allowed for greater control and
efficiency of mailing and distributing the lax bills in a timely fashion.
The Treasurer's Office has strict procedures in place regarding the handling of
City funds. All departments issue numbered receipts and timely deliver collected
funds to the Treasurers Office for processing. Large checks are deposited
immediately to yield a higher rate of interest.
There are 44,278 taxpayers in the City:
2005
2006
2007
Real Property 39,447
39,684
39,863
Personal Property 4,369
4,443
4,337
IFF 78
76
78
43,894
44,203
44,278
Sixty three percent of the residents are responsible for paying their own properly
tax bills. Mortgage companies pay 14,695 (37%) of the real property tax bills.
The tax levy breakdown is as follows (induces Real, Personal, & IFF for 2006
Winter and 2007 Summer):
Real Personal IFF Total
City of Livonia 50,245,579 6,772,090 889,669 57,907,338
Livonia Public Schools
Operating 23,239,762 10,282,230 1,384,291 34,906,283
Debt 10,955,512 1,493,952 205,336 12,654,800
Supplemental Tax 1,535,702 1,535,702
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Wayne County Intermediate
Our personal delinquent property taxes, penalty and
School District
14,804,013
1,966,109
266,430
17,036,552
Clarenceville Public Schools
Tax Year
2003
2004
2005
OpemUng
1,412,544
183,060
29,887,374
1,595,604
Debt
1,103,544
45,764
1,149,308
Supplemental Tax
105,446
1,283,412
%Delinquent 6.02%
105,446
Oakland Intermediate
4.25%
Amount Collected This Year 37,747
107,856
278,668
School District
826,177
34,261
860,438
Slate Education Tax
27,111,553
3,466,258
827,915
31,405,726
Schoolcrefl Comm. Coll.
8,118,356
1,037,949
137,983
9,294,288
Wayne County
37,998,391
4,944,604
510,511
43,453,506
Wayne County Jail
4,074,347
549,146
72,152
4,695,645
Wayne County Parks
1,067,844
143,926
18,918
1,230,688
Huron Clinton MetroAuth.
931,896
125,606
16,503
1,074,005
Special Assessments
2,152,371
2,152,371
Total 185,683,037 31,044,955 4,329,708 221,057,700
The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 88,548
Delinquent Tax Collections
Our personal delinquent property taxes, penalty and
interest collected from 12-1-
06 through 11-30-07 were $928,156. The
collections breakdown is as follows:
Tax Year
Tax Year
Tax Year
Tax Year
2003
2004
2005
2006
Original Amount Levied 28,050,803
29,282,750
29,887,374
30,194,272
(Personal Property)
Original Delinquency 1,689,473
2,163,730
1,403,277
1,283,412
%Delinquent 6.02%
7.39%
4.70%
4.25%
Amount Collected This Year 37,747
107,856
278,668
467,608
Invoices for Council authorized weed cuttings are mailed to taxpayers as well as
any special assessments approved during the year. The Treasurer's Office
records payment on these assessments and any unpaid amounts are added to
the lax bills at yearend. In 2007, the Treasurer's office issued 1,084 invoices for
weed bills, as compared to 631 invoices for 2006, 557 invoices for 2005 and 512
invoices for2004.
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# of Parcels $ Amount # of Parcels $ Amount
Billed on Billed on Billed on Billed on
2005 Taxes 2005 Taxes 2006 Taxes 2006 Taxes
Special Assessment Districts
Sidewalk 46 11,788 37 7,595
Paving 384 99,246 360 91,135
Lighting 13,653 949,983 13,800 919,795
Weeds 150 14,316 192 26,117
Delinquent Water 1269 876879 1245 1,107,732
15,502 1,952,212 15,934 2,152,374
TELLER COLLECTIONS
The Treasurers two tellers processed $264,514,689 in cash, checks, and credit
cards for the following items during the course of conducting City business:
property taxes, water bills, the greens fees for the City's three municipal golf
courses, Livonia Community Recreation Center memberships and fees, park
permits, fees for swimming and skating, amusement park ticket sales,
registration fees for Parks and Recreation league sports, inspection and
engineering permit and bond fees, licenses, the fees for the City's three libraries,
Police Department adjudicated, non-adjudicated drug and D.A.R.E. funds, fees
for City sponsored special events such as the Highland Games and the Arts &
Craft Fair, false alarm charges, accounts receivable items, SMART bus ticket
sales, City garage sale, fees for using the City Dump, Police auction, rent
payments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, and city-owned homes, record
duplication fees, etc. Of the amounts collected, $49,177,164 was for general
deposit items and $215,337,525 was for property taxes. The tellers also receive
walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal year, 10,471 water
payments were processed by the Treasurer's Office. The busiest day was
December 11, 2006 with 234 water bills being processed. The average amount
of water bills processed was 42 per day.
Total Collections
2006 2007
$261,961,027 $264,514,689
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All payroll and payable checks are released through the Treasurers Office on
approval ofthe Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor).
2006 2007
Payroll Checks 27,952 30,869
Vendor Checks — City 14,932 15,279
Vendor Checks - Court 1882 1808
44,766 47,956
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven (7) member Board created by State
statute and Zoning Ordinance No. 543, as amended, City of Livonia. The Board
hears appeals from residenfial and business properly owners when they are
unable to comply with ordinance requirements and are rejected permits by the
Inspection Department. The Board meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
The following is a breakdown of the Appeal Cases prepared and heard by the
Zoning Board of Appeals during the fiscal year December 1, 2006 through
November 30, 2007.
Granted with Tabled or
Granted Denied Modifications' Postponed"* Total
New Cases 50
5
9
19
83
Rehearings 1
0
0
0
1
Actual Cases Heard
84
Prepared and Scheduled" 13
Total Cases Heard and Prepared 97
Includes Cases which were Granted in ParUDenied in Part
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Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(Pettoner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases
were not heard at the first scheduled meetng.
Meeting material was prepared and Board heard case at meeting and
made a decision to table for revised plans, etc. All meeting notices,
agendas, etc. were redone when new meeting date was scheduled.
Number of Regular Meetings: 11
Number of Special Meetings: 22 (l comprehensive meeting updating
ZBA Procedures and Michigan State
Statutes)
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