HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-2011 Annual ReportOFFICE OF THE MAYOR
JACK E. KIRKSEY 4r° 33000 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
MAYOR �� LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48154-3097
(734)486-2201
(J "�
FAX: (734) 421-4870
� 4
iLo�t
January 5, 2012
TO: HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MAYOR JACK E. KIRKSEY
SUBJECT: 2010 -2011 Annual Report
Dear Council Members
The Annual Report outlines the activities of the Livonia City Departments, Commissions
and Boards for the fiscal year 2010-2011. Below is a summary of the more significant
items contained in some of the reports, along with my personal remarks.
Livonia Housing Commission
The City continues to benefit from the success of the Federal Neighborhood
Stabilization Program Grant of $1.45 million, which now has been 100% invested.
Some of these funds were used to purchase vacant, abandoned or foreclosed houses
and to demolish a number of those blighted houses. Before demolition, several of these
vacantlabandoned homes were first utilized by the Livonia Fire Department for training
purposes. Money was also spent renovating other houses for resale. Other houses
were rehabilitated through a partnership with the Livonia Public Schools Building Trades
Program. Funds from those sales of houses or vacant lots are being reinvested to
continue this worthwhile program of returning properties to useful purposes.
Parks & Recreation — LCRC
The Livonia Community Recreation Center has seen membership increase by 9%,
reflecting both the quality of the facility, programs and staff, and the desire of people to
improve fitness and health. Fees from membership increases help offset the loss of
Recreation millage revenue from property value reductions.
Community Resources — Senior Center
The Livonia Senior Center has seen participation in activities during 2011 reach nearly
160,000 seniors, which is an increase of 15 percent over the previous year. Activities
include health screenings, educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards
and other games, arts & crafts, senior sports, Medicare counseling, and special events.
To: Honorable Members of the Council January 5, 2012
Re: 2010-2011 Annual Report Page 2
Livonia Police Department
Livonia's Police, Fire and DPW will soon have a new, interoperable communication
system that will be part of the Michigan Public Safety Communications System. Work
continued in 2011 on the coordination of the 800 MHz public safety spectrum rebanding,
which is 90% complete. The new Motorola radio system infrastructure has been
installed and radio tower work is complete. User equipment has been delivered, training
scheduled and the final changeover is expected eady in 2012 to begin using this state-
of-the-art technology. This communication new system is also a necessary step in
advance of any future consolidation of public safety dispatch services into an authority
proposed to serve Livonia, Canton, Westland and other communities.
Performance Dashboard and Citizens Guide
Led by the Finance Department, Information Systems and the Mayor's Office, the City
produced a Performance Dashboard and Citizens Guide that provide key data in an
easy -to -read format so residents can track the City's progress in meeting service goals
and financial objectives. These new tools are presented on the City Website and in
printed form at the City Clerk's Office. The reports were created in conjunction with the
State Treasury Department as part of Gov. Rick Snyder's new criteria to receive a
portion of Livonia's State Revenue Sharing funds. Livonia has received funding based
on the successful achievement of these State mandates.
Summary
These are still challenging times for municipalities. As a City, Livonia remains strong
because we continue to strive for creative ways to provide quality public services while
living within our means. That Includes persistently reaching for ways to consolidate,
collaborate, and cooperate with other municipalities and organizations to save money
and improve services.
In recent years, City budget revenues have been reduced by the loss of residential and
commercial property values. These budget reductions mean that staff members must
continually seek out opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce spending. At the
same time, City leaders took the initiative in the past year to gain voters' approval to
retain funding to preserve our top priority — Police and Fire services — and to safeguard
services to senior residents and for Greenmead Historical Park, both areas that were
vulnerable to potential cutbacks. This new funding allowed both Police and Fire
Departments to restore valuable positions. However, the millages did not eliminate the
need for most other departments in the City to make cutbacks in staffing and other
areas to achieve the 2011-12 budget.
During this past year, we also settled collective bargaining agreements for Livonias
largest unions (AFSCME Local 192, AFSCME Local 1917 and Livonia Police Officers
Association) which provided beneficial changes for both employees and the City.
Among the new contract provisions that provide significant budget savings for taxpayers
are health care changes that impact present and future costs and the institution of
unpaid furlough days.
To: Honorable Members of the Council January 5, 2012
Re: 2010-2011 Annual Report Page 3
We know that Livonia is not out of the woods yet. However, we have seen signs of
economic recovery around us. For instance, Livonia's jobless rate (November 2011) is
4%, a significant drop from previous months and well below the state and national
averages. Because of state tax policies, though, Cities will take longer to reap the
benefits of any recovery.
In the meantime, we will continue to rely on the leadership of the City Council and
strong support of our employees to ensure that the public safety and other services that
Livonia residents expect continue to be met.
Sincerely,
41E.K <L{���
Jack E. Kirksey
Mayor
Enclosure
cc: Clerk, Council, Finance, Law
e-mailed: Leadership Staff
CITY OF LIVONIA
,Tknk[F7\W 7:SiT:U
FISCAL YEAR
Killol 3iYEl
CITY OF LIVONIA, MICHIGAN
ANNUALREPORT
Fiscal Year 2010-2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
41
HousingCommission. .........................................................................
Page No.
Assessing Department.........................................................................1
52
Boardof Review........................................................................2
55
CityClerk..............................................................................................2
58
Civil Service Department......................................................................7
59
Boardof Trustees....................................................................
15
Community Resources Department and Cable ..................................
18
Aging Commission...................................................................
23
Arts Commission......................................................................
23
Historical Preservation Commission ........................................
25
Historical Commission..............................................................28
Human Relations Commission .................................................
29
Youth Commission...................................................................
30
DistrictCourt .......................................................................................
31
FinanceDepartment... ........................................................................
34
Information Systems................................................................
W
FireDepartment.................................................................................
41
HousingCommission. .........................................................................
49
InspectionDepartment.......................................................................
52
Building Code Board of Appeals ..............................................
55
Departmentof Law.............................................................................
58
Library Department & Commission.....................................................
59
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission .............................
54
Planning Department & Commission ..................................................
75
Police Department and Emergency Preparedness .............................
85
Public Works Department...................................................................
93
Engineering Division................................................................
93
Traffic Commission...........................................................................118
Treasurer..........................................................................................119
Zoning Board of Appeals..................................................................123
The 2011 State Equalized Valuation of the City real and personal property was
$4,096,531,300 which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS
PARCEL COUNT
VALUATION
Residential
38,244
2,573,876,560
Commercial
1,361
809,253,170
Industrial
862
258,647,100
Personal
4,349
454,754,470
$4109615319300
In addition, valuation under the Industrial Facilities Act 198 provided total
valuation of $136,212,850 as follows:
IFT Real
50,979,620
IFT Personal
85.233.230
$136,212,850
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50% 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 15 new homes were created. Revisions to
approximately 694 existing property field sheets were made, which is a 20%
increase over last year. Commercial and Industrial new buildings, alterations and
additions numbered 85 and were reviewed for value for the 2011 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 State Tax Commission with regard to
assessing procedures.
Homesteads, Transfers, Rescissions and Uncapping Affidavits are being
interpreted and processed on a daily basis. In 2011 this generated
approximately 2,917 fors.
Lot splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office
reviews petitioner's applications and departmental correspondence for
compliance to city ordinances and procedures. If a split is non -conforming,
Council action will be required. Approximately 11 splits and combinations were
completed in 2011. Of these, none required Council action.
Prior years Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were finalized, 102 full tribunals and
32 small claims, for the years 2000 —2011.
Over 4,500 personal property statements were processed for the 2011
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 each year.
BOARD OF REVIEW
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 14,
2010 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 26, 2011 (CR#17-11), set the place and
dates for the 2011 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 8, 2011 for a nine (9)
day session of public hearings, which included an evening session. Members
Conrad Gniewek, Joliette Coleman and William Tancill were in attendance. The
Board heard 414 taxpayer appeals and acted on 125 mail -in petitions.
Determination notices were mailed on April 6, 2011.
The regular session of the 1985 83rd State of Michigan Legislature 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, 2011.
CITY CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an
odd year election conducted by the 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 a Deputy Clerk and a
staff of six 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 clerk of the Council and shall attend all
meetings of the Council and keep a permanent record of its
meetings.. P
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 parties affected; maintaining the official record of all
Ordinances enacted by legislative actions.
FUNCTION STATISTICS: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
City Council 2010
2011
Study Meetings 24
25
Regular Meetings 24
24
Special Meetings 3
0
Council Resolutions Recorded 435
403
Ordinances Adopted 14
16
Public Hearings Conducted 18
20
(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 State 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 2010-2011)
2010
2011
Births Recorded 850
875
Deaths Recorded 1500
1515
FEES COLLECTED $115,000
$115,g50
(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 2010 2011
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers,
etc. 1,250 1,200
FEES COLLECTED $53,000 $51,750
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales 1,888 1,861
(amendad2011)
FEES COLLECTED $9,440 $9,345
(amended 2011)
Pet Licenses 3,384 3,120
FEES COLLECTED $27,072 $25,180
Bicycle Licenses 5 20
FEES COLLECTED $15 $60
`Amended to correct an error due to new software in 2010.
(d) "The City Clerk shall receive for filing: 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."
2010 2011
Zoning 2 6
Vacating 0 2
Miscellaneous (Waivers) 19 14
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary) 0 0
Final Plats 0 0
Extensions 0 0
(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.
4
In addition, Ordinances are printed, collated and distributed to all
departments and interested parties. A complete file in excess of
2,859 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.
2010"
2011"
Council Regular Agendas
1,242
1,104
Council Study Agendas
1,512
1,304
Special Regular Agendas
138
NIA
Special Regular Minutes
51
NIA
Council Regular Minutes
408
408
Council Study Minutes
504
480
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings
1,026
912
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes
96
96
Council Public Hearing Notices
918
1,071
Public Hearing Minutes
414
462
'Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution
for
each activity; number of pages varies by event
and is not included
in total. (Agenda totals include 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
2011 totaled $108,114. All incoming mail is handled daily by the
Clerk's office and is distributed 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
2010
2011
Elections Held in City 1 Regular School 1 City Primary
1 State Primary 1 City General
1 State General
2010
2011
New Registrations 5,257
5,925
Total Registered Voters 74,173 74,011
Change of Name 470
422
Change of Address 1,959
2,129
Cancellations 4,576
5,111
Registrations by Mail 414
295
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued 16,254
8,694
AV Applications Issued 16,254
8,694
Notices of Election Inspectors 757
474
Notice of Cancellation of Registration 345
454
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists $1,052.69 $1,303.22
(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 2011 the Clerk examined, pre -audited and signed approximately
15,103 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 2011 there were no
authorized openings and closings at the cemeteries.
REGULAR BUSINESS
The Civil Service Commission held twelve (12) Regular meetings and two (2)
Special meetings during fiscal year 2010-11.
LABOR RELATIONS
During fiscal year 2010-11, the City completed negotiations with AFSCME Union
Local 192 and AFSCME Union Local 1917 for renewal of their contracts for the
period December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2013.
The Livonia Police Officers Association (LPOA) received an award in the Act 312
Arbitration on November 2, 2011 for renewal of their contract for the period
December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2013.
Labor -Management Committee meetings have been held to resolve employee
grievances or concerns 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.
PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Personnel Review Committee comprised of the Human Resources Director,
the Director of Finance, and the Director of Administrative Services met twenty-
one (21) limes during the current fiscal year and reviewed and made ninety-
seven (97) recommendations to the Mayor on all new hires, replacement
personnel and promotions.
Hospitalization -Medical Insurance Plans
All employees who participate in the City's health care plan are required to 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 March 1, 2011, the monthly premiums for Blue Choice PPO health
insurance coverage were greater than the premiums for Blue Cross/Community
Blue 2. According to language in the union contracts, all general employees are
required to pay the portion of the cost of their plan that is higher than the cost of
the Blue Cross/Community Blue PPO Plan. Therefore, effective March 1, 2011,
all AFSCME, District Court and elected, Appointed and unrepresented
employees with Blue Choice hospitalization coverage were required to pay the
difference between the rates on a monthly basis.
The annual Health and We//ness Fair was held on three (3) separate afternoons
during February 2011 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 attended
by forty-seven (47) employees and family members.
Effective April 1, 2006, BOBS became the City's only hospitalization benefit
provider, offering the BC/BS Community Blue (PPO) Plan and Blue Choice
(PPO) Service plans. The BC/BS PPO was replaced by the Community Blue 2
(PPO) for LPOA members effective October 1, 2006; general employees
(excluding District Court) effective December 1, 2006; LFFU employees effective
May 1, 2008; and LLSA and Police Command employees effective June 2009.
At the end of the fiscal year, the employee and retiree hospitalization/medical
insurance enrollments are:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield 15
Employee
subscribers
(BC/BS) Preferred Plan 406
Retiree
subscribers
330
Retirees on Medicare
0
COBRA
Blue Cross/Blue Shield 298
Employee
subscribers
Blue Choice PPO 168
Retiree
subscribers
71
Retirees on Medicare
0
COBRA
Blue Cross/Blue Shield 170
Employee
subscribers
Community Blue 2 63
Retiree
subscribers
16
Retirees on Medicare
1
COBRA
A total of fifty-two (52) full-time employees "opted out" of insurance coverage
during the February 2011 open enrollment period and received $1,000 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
Life and Accident Insurance Company at the rate of $.182 per $1,000 per month
volume. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance
coverage is also provided by Hartford at a rate of $.015 per $1,000 volume per
month.
Currently, a total of five hundred sixty-nine (569) employees have life insurance
coverage in the aggregate amount of $32,864,785.28. In addition, twenty-three
(23) retirees have a $3,000 death benefit coverage totaling $69,000; one
hundred forty-two (142) retirees have a $3,500 death benefit coverage totaling
$497,000 and two hundred (200) retirees have a $5,000 death benefit totaling
$1,000,000 for a total retiree group of three hundred sixty-five (365) having
aggregate life Insurance in the amount of $1,566,000. During the fiscal year, a
total of $76,343 in life insurance and AD&D premium were paid to Hartford Life &
Accident Insurance Company. There were four (4) retiree death claims totaling
$15,500 and one (1) employee death claim totaling $138,600 filed during this
fiscal year.
Weekly Disability Income Plan
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective December 1, 2009 through November 30, 2012, the disability claims are
administered by Citizen's Management, Inc. This benefit provides $250/wk to
disabled general full-time employees and $125/wk to disabled ped -time
employees for up to 45 weeks; $125/wk for disabled Police Dispatcher full-time
employees for 45 weeks; $42/wk for the first 12 weeks and $1001wk for the 40
week balance of 52 weeks for disabled police and fire employees; and $200/wk
for up to 45 weeks for District Court employees. The total premium paid to
Citizen's Management, Inc., was $9,875 for this fiscal year.
During the Fiscal Year 2010-11, there were a total of thirty-one (31) weekly
disability income claims for employees. A total dollar volume of $39,769.55 was
paid by this self-insured program.
Tuition Reimbursement
The Civil Service Department staff administers the general employee union
tuition reimbursement programs. Nine (9) members of AFSCME Union Local
192 expended $1,720 out of the maximum allocation of $10,000 during the fiscal
year. Three (3) members of the AFSCME Supervisory and Technical Chapter of
Union Local 1917 expended $960 out of the maximum allocation of $3,475
during the fiscal year.
Optical Plan
The City offers an optical benefit program with two providers: Co-op Optical and
RxOptical who have multiple area locations. Employee usage and costs incurred
during the fiscal year at these centers or through the reimbursement option were
as follows:
Safety Glasses 18 $11151.00
Direct Reimbursement 27 2,494.00
Co -Op Optical 65 4,880.00
Suburban Eye Care (thru 08/11) 70 6,125.00
RxOptical (started 08/01/11) 23 22_07.00
Total 203 $16,857.00
Dental Program
All but Fire 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 301h fiscal year
end for consideration. A summary of the employee reimbursements and
hardship advances during the fiscal year to date is:
Number of Total Average
Transactions Amount Paid Payment
Reimbursement/Direct Payment 1021 $273,891.26 $268.26
The dental reimbursement may also include payment for Dental Insurance
premiums.
Orthodontic Services
General employees (including District Court employees), LFFU, LLSA and Police
Command are eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services for a lifetime
maximum of $1500 per family limited to the employee, their spouse and
10
dependent children until the end of the year said dependents reach age 19.
LPOA employees are eligible for 50% of the fees for a lifetime maximum of
$1000 per family.
The summary of the orthodontic service claims received this fiscal year is:
Number of Claims Total Amount Paid
Police/Fire 8 $ 6,914.56
General 8 $ 5.652.00
Total 16 $12,566.56
Worker's Compensation Proamm
The City of Livonia contracts the self-insured worker's disability compensation
program with the third party administrator, Citizens Management, Inc. The
contract for these services is effective December 1, 2009 through November 30,
2012. The total paid on all claims for the period December 1, 2010, through
November 30, 2011, for Comp One (previously Accident Fund) is $368,795.25,
and through Citizens Management, Inc. Is $171,849.73. The total paid amount is
$540,644.98. This includes weekly wage loss indemnity benefits, medical
services, related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other miscellaneous
expenses for approximately ninety-nine (99) claims. Employees receive
treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses at Providence Corporate Health
Services and Midwest Health Center.
Unemployment Compensation Program
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 fifty (50) former employee claims for unemployment benefits filed
with the Michigan Employment Security Administration (MESA). Charges for
2011 are $116,306.49. Because of benefit challenges to our account a total of
$8,183.88 has resulted in credits over a twelve month period.
City Physician and Medical Clinics
Pre-employment, return -to -work and occupational injury/illness medical
examinations and treatment are provided by the authorized City Physician, St.
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 eighty-three (83) regular and
temporary employee pre-employment (full-time and part-time) examinations and
one hundred -three (103) physicals for return to work. Dr. Lyle Danuloff, Ph.D.,
the City's Consulting Psychologist, completed fifteen (15) evaluations for Public
Safety new hire positions. In the absence of Dr. Danuloff, Dr. Linda Fosberg,
Ph.D., conducted seven (7) Psychological examinations for Police Service Aide
new hire positions. In addition, Mere were medical consultations with regard to
employee health and occupational safety matters as it related to infectious
diseases and workers compensation claims, including continuation of pre -
11
employment 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. Dr. Danuloff also completed Critical Incident evaluations with the
Police Department during this period.
Safety
A representative of the City of Livonia Parks and Recreation Department
developed and trained the Bloodbourne Pathogens Training Class for Public
Works staff.
Service Recoanition Proaram
One hundred thirty-one (131) employees received service recognition awards in
FY 2010-11.
Service
Awards
Level of Service
Presented
Five Years
19
Ten Years
29
Fifteen Years
24
Twenty Years
22
Twenty -Five Years
34
Thirty Years
2
Thirty -Five Years
1
Forty Years
0
Forty -Five Years
0
Total 131
Applicant Recruitment
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
2010-11 were: the Detroit News — 8; Livonia Observer — 5; several professional
association publications, the Internet recruitment service Falcon Associates
(Government jobs), the City of Livonia Spring and Fall News, and Cable Channel
8.
Equal Employment/Affirmative Action
In accordance with the Affirmative Action policy adopted by the Civil Service
Commission, the Civil Service staff continued its efforts to make examinations
12
and position descriptions as job-related as possible. Proposed qualifications for
each new examination were reviewed by the respective Department 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 surveys from the Conference of Western Wayne and the
Michigan Municipal League, as well as surveys from other communities. The
staff also prepared a monthly summary report to the Civil Service Commission
concerning the race and gender characteristics of all applicants for open -
competitive examinations, the resulting eligible lists, and all regular employee
hires and terminations.
Examination Program
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open -competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During
Fiscal Year 2010-11, a total of 7 open -competitive and 11 promotional
examinations were announced. The Civil Service Department received 484
applications as of November 28, 2011 for open -competitive examinations and 56
for promotional examinations during the fiscal year. In addition the Department
received 460 applications for temporary employment opportunities in various
Parks and Recreation positions; 71 applications for Seasonal Laborer; 0
applications for Seasonal Laborer -Engineering; 26 applications for Seasonal
Clerk; 48 applications for Student Page; 87 applications for Library Page; 9
applications for Substitute Librarian; 33 applications for Temporary Clerical; 22
applications for School Crossing Guard; 31 applications for Police Reserve
Officer; and 0 applications for Police Matron.
Training
During FY 2010-11, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee -
training activities.
Between December 2010 and November 2011, 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.
Fifty (50) employees scheduled individual appointments with the Deferred
Compensation 457 Plan on-site representatives.
Great West Retirement Services is the Plan Administrator for the 401(a) Defined
Contribution Plan. The Account Representative, Greg Wood, conducted
numerous on-site meetings and training sessions in 2011. Approximately eighty-
two (82) employees attended the sessions In which enrollment, Investment
education and training was discussed. Thirteen (13) new enrollment forms were
submitted.
Greg Wood also presented a seminar titled 'Protecting Your Retirement
Savings". Five (5) employees attended.
13
It should be noted that the City's contract with Great West was scheduled to end
in September 2007; however, a month to month extension of the current
agreement has been authorized by City Council until the Request for Proposal
(RFP) process is completed.
Employee Assistance Program
A subcommittee comprised of a police/fire 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 2010-11, a total of 11 employees, 4 employee family members and 1
resident 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 $4,440.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has mirrored their
behavioral health -counseling program to the City's FAP and uses many of the
same referral network of providers. A total of $3,350 in CDBG funds has been
expended during FY 2010-11 provided to 10 low-income residents.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Civil Service staff coordinated three (3) Employee Blood Drives in
2011 and assisted in the coordination of two (2) additional drives at the
Community Recreation Center and one (1) additional drive in the Police
Department. A total of one hundred twelve (112) pints of blood were
donated by City employees during the drives, conducted In January,
March, May, August and September.
2. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) comprised of members from
Police, Fire, Law, Public Service, the Mayor's 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 Team have not responded to any possible workplace
violence situations this year.
3. The Civil Service staff continued the on-site "Flu Shot" program in
cooperation with Providence Hospital Corporate Health Services. Sixty
(60) employees and immediate family members received inoculations for a
nominal fee at several City worksite locations.
4. Credential Check Corporation has been used to conduct ten (10)
background investigations of general employees.
14
5. Civil Service staff conducted a one (1) day seminar titled "Documenting
Discipline" for two (2) classes. There were twenty-five (25) attendees from
the ranks of foreman, supervisor and general employees.
6. Upon retirement, retirees receive a 2 x 3 card from the Retirement Board
acknowledging their dates of employment with the City and thanking them
for their City service.
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, 2010 through November 30, 2011:
1. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular Meetings during this
period.
b) As of November 30, 2011, the retirement system Defined Benefit
Plan had five hundred sixty-one (561) retirees or surviving spouses
plus nine (9) Eligible Domestic Relations Orders (EDRO's) (Divorced
Prior to Retirement) and five (5) Alternate Payees (Divorced after
Retirement) for a total of five hundred seventy-five (575) receiving
pension checks. Twenty-five (25) City retirees died during fiscal year
2010-2011. The total pension payroll fiscal year to dale is
$13,876,628 through November 2011.
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 Loomis -Sayles and Company at regular
meetings. The Defined Benefit fund had a value of $174,886,322 as
of October 31, 2011.
d) In May 2011, the Board reviewed the fifty-eighth (581hI annual
actuarial valuation as of November 30, 2010, for the Livonia
Employees Retirement System, prepared by the Board's Actuary,
Rodwan Consulting Company. The Plan covered five hundred sixty-
two (562) retirees; twenty-two (22) deferred and one hundred ninety-
two (192) employees for a total of seven hundred seventy-six (776).
The Actuary reported that the accrued actuarial condition of the
Retirement System continues to be "very good".
e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan was 104.5%
as of November 30, 2010.
15
f) Merrill -Lynch continues to provide quarterly performance evaluation
of the Defined Benefit Plan.
g) 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.
The Midland Multifamily Equity REIT was renamed SAS Equity REIT
and the management of the REIT was transferred from Midland to
Seminole Mortgage Partners I Limited Partnership owned and
operated by Robert Banks, formerly of Midland Advisers.
Total interest earnings on the SAS REIT from December 1, 2010
through November 30, 2011 were $350,000.
h) The Board has a global real estate 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, 2011 was $4,702,055.
Note: The Board has taken profits of $5 million out of the REIT and
transferred the funds into the Loomis Sayles Large Cap Account for
further investment at the discretion of the Investment Manager. ($3.5
million in February 2005; and $1.5 million in March 2006)
I) Seventy (70) requests for retirement estimates under the Defined
Benefit Plan were processed by the Civil Service Department Staff.
j) 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.
k) Members of the Board and staff continued their education required
as fiduciaries by attending the Michigan Association of Public
Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Grand
Traverse Resort, Acme, Michigan, from May 1 to May 3, 2011; and
at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan, from
September 18 to September 20, 2011.
2. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular Meetings during this
period.
b) The Defined Contribution Plan Administrator continues to be Great
West Retirement Services.
c) The Defined Contribution Fund had a total account ending balance of
$43,871,868 as of September 30, 2011, for three hundred ninety-
three (393) active participants; eighty-six (86) participants who
terminated employment and have an ending account balance; and
five (5) participants with a zero ending account balance.
16
d) As of November 30, 2011, a total of one hundred twenty-three (123)
employees have retired under the Defined Contribution Retirement
Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VERA)
a) The Board held twelve (12) Regular Meetings for the VEBA Plan.
b) Mr. Sowerby and Mr. Johnson advised the Board on investments for
the VEBA. The VEDA had a market value of $61,620,166 as of
October 31, 2011.
Note: The VEBA was established at the recommendation of the
former Actuary to the Board of Trustees, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and
Co., for purposes of placing 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 2011, the Board reviewed the thirteenth 1P annual actuarial
valuation as of November 30, 2010, for the VEBA, as prepared by
the Board's Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The amortization
periods adopted by the Board of Trustees for the funding purposes of
this Plan are 30 years for disability benefits and 40 years for health
insurance benefits. The 40 -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.
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 (VEBA) was 39.4% as of November 30, 2010. The
unfunded liability is $92,862,168.
e) The City's VEBA Plan was amended to require an employee
contribution In the form of a salary reduction to the Plan for post -
employment health care benefits. LPDA, LFFD, LLSA and all
general employees (excluding District Court employees) hired before
the dates listed in Section "P below are contributing 2% of pension
eligible wages to the VEBA Plan. (This does not include overtime
earnings and this contribution is in pre-tax dollars.)
As required by federal law, non-union employees were provided a
non-reversible opportunity to opt -out of the health care previsions of
the VEBA. A total of 16 non -represented employees elected to opt -
out of the VEBA Plan and received a refund of their employee
contributions to the fund. The total combined refund amount was
approximately $50,000 which was deducted from a future employer
contribution to the VEBA Plan.
17
The City saves mon: than $136,000 per year in contributions as a
result of these employees opting out of the VEBA.
General non -represented employees hired after December 1, 2009;
AFSCME Union Local 192 and AFSCME Union Local 1917
employees hired on or after September 8, 2011; and LPOA
employees hired on or after November 2, 2011 must participate in
the City sponsored Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings (RHSP)
Plan. This plan allows the employee to accumulate assets tax-free
to be used for eligible healthcare related expenses upon termination.
The new employees contribute 2% of their wages to the program.
The City contributes $50 per pay period. Upon termination after len
years of service, the accrued sick leave payout is deposited in the
account. With regard to the direct City contributions, the following
vesting schedule applies:
Years of Completed Service Vesting Percentage
0-4 0%
4+ 100%
In the event of the person's death, remaining assets will be
transferred to an account for continuing tax-free use by the surviving
spouse and/or dependents for their own qualifying health expenses.
Any remaining assets after the death of the spouse and dependents
will revert to the Plan. In addition, should the employee terminate
employment, non vested assets will revert to the Plan. As of
November 30, 2011, thirteen (13) employees are enrolled in the Plan.
g) The Board received $306,404.50 from the Centers of Medicare
Retiree Drug Subsidy Program. This payment represents a return to
the VEBA for prescription drug costs for Medicare retirees and
spouses and covers the period January 1, 2008 through November
30, 2009. The funds were electronically deposited into the VEBA
account on March 11, 2011.
h)
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Publications
• City Newsletter— Four (4) issues published and mailed to approximately
43,000 residences and businesses.
Community Gardens
• Cash collected for Garden Plots $5,650
• Plots available for planting 243 and 18 com row plots
10
• Plots purchased 200
• Plots purchased by 100 residents 135 at $25
• Plots purchased by 50 non residents 85 at $35
Brad Bonlfield (Community Gardens Project Manager) hours for 2011: 223 hours
In January of 2011, the gardeners from 2010 were contacted to pay for their plots
if they wished to continue gardening in 2011. Open enrollment became available
to all the last week of March. This year Madonna University received a grant for
a teaching garden. The collaboration was between Madonna University,
Schoolcraft College, the City of Livonia and Livonia Public Schools. The Growing
Green Garden Project provided tours, classes and an opportunity to learn about
healthy eating, sustainable agriculture and the benefits of gardening. Schoolcraft
College of Engineering took on the assignment of proposing better drainage for
the garden. This year the Probation Department had two plots. The produce
was donated to Livonia Senior Housing. The gardens were staked by 18th
District Court Probation Department in May. The Department of Public Works
delivered wood chips and compost. Brad was available three days a week
during the entire time the garden was open in order to assist gardeners with any
issues that might arise. In September, we held the Annual Gardeners' Picnic
which was well attended. On October 8th, we closed the Gardens and once
again the Department of Public Works plowed the gardens under. The District
Court Probation program cleaned up the gardens.
VOLUNTEER & SPECIAL PROJECTS
• Information & Complaint Center— (3) volunteers and staff responded to
City calls as well as Non -City calls. There were no TTY/rDD calls or
formal complaints processed.
Resident Assistance
• Emergency Assistance— Emergency Assistance Program funds assist
low-income households with Larry's Foodland gift cards and gas cards
when the emergency need is proven and funds/cards are available.
• Holiday Assistance — Community Resource Staff referred 5 low-income
households to one local sponsor for holiday food assistance. The
Department also works closely with the Goodfellows organization to
ensure that no child/family is without a Christmas.
• Commodity Food (TEFAP) — Food was distributed to 3,211 low-income
households (4,812 people), with the assistance of 25 volunteers who
worked a total of 1,800 hours.
• In November, we partnered up with the Forgotten Harvest Organization to
provide our low-income residents fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy items.
Through the month of November, 10,151 lbs. of food was distributed.
19
Non -Food Pantry - 422 low-income households were issued referral forms
to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Newburgh Methodist Church for
boxes of assorted personal hygiene and household goodstsupplies.
City Commissions/Cultural Activities
Clerical, technical and budgetary assistance was provided to the Aging, Arts,
Cable, Historical, Historic Preservation, Human Relations and Youth
Commissions.
LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT (LCT)
Community Resources has the administrative responsibility of providing
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and disabled residents. Transportation
by Livonia Community Transit is available seven days a week on a first-come,
first-served basis. Livonia Community Transit also provides "to work' service for
people using the SMART and D -DOT bus systems. This service picks up riders
from hubs located at Millennium Park and near Botsford Hospital and then takes
these riders to pre -determined work locations. 'To Work" riders are picked up In
the morning at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and again for the return trip at 4:00, 5:00
and 6:00 p.m. Municipal Credit contracts and Specialized Services grants,
administered by SMART, are monitored and prepared by the Community
Resources staff. The Livonia Community Transit system has a fleet of 18
vehicles (small buses and vans). The vehicles are driven by 23 part-time bus
drivers all with Commercial Drivers Licenses. The Transit office is supervised by
a Grant Manager and three other part-time employees that help coordinate the
drivers and the route schedules. The system served almost 41,000 riders.
These rides totaled over 237,000 miles and approximately 17,337 service hours.
Revenue from bus fares totaled approximately $75,000.
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM
Civic Park Senior Center
Participation in activities during 2011 totaled approximately 159,500 seniors.
14,100 congregate meals wem served. Activities included: health screenings,
educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards and games, arts &
crafts, senior sports, Medicare counseling, senior picnic, senior resource fair,
craft show, holiday parties, etc. Volunteers logged 17,400 hours.
Support Services, Gifts, Grants, And Transportation
C.D.B.G. and Community Transit funds totaled $60,000. Donations in the amount
of $12,750 were received.
Federal and State grants and donations provided:
• 10,432 one-way rides through the senior transportation program
• 31,300 meals were delivered by volunteers to home -bound seniors
20
FOCUS HOPE
The City of Livonia has the responsibility of administering the Focus Hope food
program to senior residents, 60 years or older who income qualify. In2011,537*
food boxes were distributed to a maximum of 52' low-income senior households
with the assistance of eight (8) volunteers. The distribution is from the Civic Park
Senior Center.
' At the end of 2010, the program was reorganized so that Brashear and
McNamara Towers were made Into separate agencies. In doing this, the
amount of food boxes distributed at the Senior Center decreased.
LIVONIA YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Referral Sources:
2011: Referrals: 35 New Cases — (20 Male and 15 Female)
Carry Over Cases from 2010: 87
Total Cases served in 2011: 122
These numbers are accurate as of November 17, 2011.
2011 Cases represent the fallowing referral agencies:
Livonia Police Department 25
Third Circuit Court -Juvenile Division 2
Surrounding Police Departments 8
(Westland, Novi, Northville)
• 15 parents completed the Alternative Parenting Skills group.
• 107 program youth performed 700 hours of Community Work Service.
• 47 youth completed "Project Impact" (social living skills) group (12 hours
each).
• We have been unable to participate in the JAG (Juvenile Awareness
Program) at Milan Federal Prison due to some nevrfy found Federal
Guidelines. It is our hope to re-establish this component.
• 20 males and 22 females attended the Wayne Co. Jail tour.
• 628 youth used the services of the Youth Employment Resource Center,
which listed 847 job openings. High School Visits included 260 students
(Churchill 80, Franklin 72 and Clarenceville 108).
• Wayne County grants: 11101h Mill Fund $25,000.
LIVONIA CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION
In 2011, Livonia Television (LTV) continued providing viewers on Brighthouse
Networks (channel 8) and AT&T U -Verse (channel 99) with high-quality
programming, promoting Livonia's programs and services. As of November
2011, LTV staff completed 302 projects, producing 139 programs (3,685
21
production hours), including the LIVE coverage of City Council regular and study
meetings, and Planning Commission regular meetings. 260 hours of volunteer
assistance was utilized from December 2010 to November 2011 in the
production of LTV programming.
A number of additional special programs were produced in 2011, adding to the
regular lineup of programming, including some high school girls' championship
softball coverage; the Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert; and the Celebration
of Life for fallen Livonia Police Officer Larry Nehasil. Another notable special
production was coverage of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration done for the
first time at Madonna University. Utilizing a partnership with staff from the
Livonia Community Recreation Center, the LTV "Morning Workout" lineup of
fitness programming was also refreshed, phasing out "Body Moves" and "Tai
Chi" Two new programs, "The Basics, with Zumbal Zumbal" and "Tranquility
Hatha Yoga" have quickly produced a following in viewers, as well as numerous
requests for DVDs.
In 2011, LTV election results marked the first time coverage was streamed LIVE
on the Internet. Using a free service from www. iustin.ty, LTV provided viewers
on the web with results coverage using the City's website. Both Facebook and
Twitter were also used to provide residents with updates during both the Primary
and General Elections.
LTV also switched video hosting providers from Powerstream to Vimeo.com.
Vimeo now hosts the on -demand streaming video that is found on Livonia's
website. This change provided improved video quality and the ability to view LTV
videos on Apple Mac computers as well as [pods, [phones and other smart
phones and mobile devices. The switch also saves approximately $1,600 per
year in hosting charges.
LTV received two honors from the NATOA Programming Competition in 2011.
Ken Green received the third place award for LTV's "Bulletin Board" graphics and
Nathan Rockwell received an Honorable Mention for his Community Recreation
Center promo.
LTV staff members continue to maintain Livonia's radio station WPZY 1670AM,
providing updates on road construction and weather emergencies as well as
alerts to events such as water or electrical service outages. The staff also
continues to produce streaming media content for the City's website and fill
digital photography requests for many City departments.
As of November 2011, LTV staff logged 44 Brighthouse Networks complaints and
4 AT&T complaints. The majority of those complaints involve requests for
competition and lower rates. Many of the complaints came in August as a result
of a widespread Brighthouse outage.
22
Lastly, LTV staffer Ken Green accepted a job offer in North Carolina and left LTV
in October. Replacing him is Alysia Caringi, previously with Public Media
Network in Kalamazoo.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON AGING
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 April, the Commission helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer
Fair.
In June, the Commission co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens' Picnic held at
the Senior Center. The Commission paid for entertainment and a portion of the
food. The Commission was in charge of Bingo and Share the Wealth.
In October, the Commission provided handouts and worked at Senior
Celebration Day. Commission funds for the handouts were used.
At its November, 2011 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, 2011.
Chairperson: Joan O'Brien
1"ViceChairperson: Josephine Smith
2nd Vice Chairperson: Dolores Smith
Treasurer: Florence Yeomans
Secretary: Robert Canis
LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission held its meetings on the 0 Tuesday of each month
in the Mayor's Conference Room at Livonia City Hall.
The 2011 officers were: Chairperson: Donna Eno; Vice Chairperson: Dan
Spurling; Secretary: Virginia Bosak. The Commission voted to eliminate the
office of Treasurer and rely on the financial reports submitted by liaison Chris
Swish.
Active members include Virginia Bosak, Jason Claypoole, Donna Eno, Mary
Fisher -Smith, Grace Karczewski, Seymour Le Vine, George Ontko, Carrie
Spurling, Dan Spurling, and Karen Voran. This year's newest appointed member
was Brian Duggan. There are four open positions.
Budgeted Free -Admission Activities: The Commission appropriated $1,800 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 during July and August. One of the concerts had to be
23
canceled due to the weather. The Garage Bands had two concerts scheduled.
However, both had to be canceled because of weather and lack of interest.
Art from the Heart (AFTH) was held at Ford Field in conjunction with the Spree.
The event drew 18 exhibitors for a total of $4,385 in application fees. The
Commission voted to suspend further AFTH festivals due to little interest from
exhibitors, as well as from the community.
Commission Sponsored Community Activities: $500 grant to Visual Arts
Association of Livonia. Three scholarships were awarded totaling $3,000 to
students planning on an art -related field at a post -high school learning institution.
Commission Donations: Livonia Symphony Orchestra, $4,000; Greenmead's
Garden Walk, $50; Greenmead's Christmas Walk, $50; and $100 for the
Symphony's season program.
The Commission awarded $250 to scholarship winner Heather Huber to help
defray her costume costs for her original work, "Zak, the Musical" to be
performed at Eastern Michigan University in December, 2011.
The commission approved $500 to Vince York toward his Jazz performing
group's program called "Jazzistry' at Livonia's schools.
Eno spoke to the Livonia Rotary Club to solicit sponsors toward the Fine Arts
Exhibition.
The Commission held its 14s' Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in November. The
selected artwork was displayed in the 2n' floor gallery at the Civic Center Library.
One hundred one (101) applicants submitted over 300 entries. The application
fees netted $4,310 in revenue. Sponsors included Jeff Brindley of Foresters and
Joan Gephardt, a Wayne County Commissioner. Evan Mercer, a former
scholarship applicant, was awarded $100 for the musical accompaniment.
Artwork from regional artists and art groups was displayed monthly in the Civic
Center Library Gallery and in the City Hall Atrium. Arts Commissioners' work
was displayed in the Library in August and City employees displayed at City Hall
in June. Livonia Public Schools displayed in the Library in April and Clarenceville
Public Schools displayed in May.
Commission Sponsored Receptions: The Fine Arts Exhibition reception was
held in November in the Civic Center Library Atrium. The scholarship winners'
reception was held at Greenmead on April 20 and Individual artist receptions
were held monthly in the Library Gallery.
Livonia Public Schools asked the Commission to judge its annual PTSA (Parent
Teacher Student Association) Reflections competition once again.
24
Commissioners Dan and Carrie Spurling were voted Livonia's Citizens of the
Year.
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) selected Livonia to host their Inside/Out event.
The Commission selected seven pieces to be installed outside in various
locations around the city.
The commission hosted a bus tour of the locations, with a DIA docent aboard.
The tour ended in a wine tasting reception at Greenmead's Blue House. Seventy-
five people attended and expressed delight in the event.
Eno represented the commission at a "meet the Council candidates" to make
them aware of the art concerns in the city.
The Arts Commission maintains a city website (artsinlivonia.com), a Facebook
site, and a youtube.com/artsinlivonia.com account.
The Arts Commission mission statement is: "To create, promote, develop,
sponsor, sustain, facilitate, and further the Arts within the City of Livonia." The
Arts Commission continues community access to art experiences, opportunities,
and improving community awareness.
� DU7.1 h\,IF9[r7:7G]9:7 �9 �:i7JItPP[Rr]irifi47F'�9PI�.
Historic District Resources:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) continued to meet the first
Wednesday of each month in 2011 at the Blue House at Greenmead, Livonia,
Michigan. The Commission had four official meetings but elected to continue to
meet for planning purposes every month except July and December. A website
is in development to highlight the historic districts in Livonia on the City Website.
Due to the nature of Historic Preservation Commission, official meetings may be
added, with the necessary approvals, to accommodate owners of Historic
Properties requiring approvals.
Greenmead
HPC recommends a Master Plan (Cultural Resource Management Plan) be
developed for Greenmead before any future decisions are made. Various other
projects were discussed and approved as required to update the village, Hill
House and farm buildings.
HPC commissioners volunteered at Greenmead events in an attempt to assist
the Historic Commission due to the financial hardships in Livonia. Some of the
events are: Flea Market in the spring and fall, Highland games, Sunday tours
and the teas throughout the year.
25
Bennett -Lord House Stark Road
The commission approved the roof material for the re -roof of the main part of the
house. Unfortunately, the homeowner failed to get approval until the project was
under way which delayed the project. Also, the homeowner re -roofed a portion
of the house last year and failed to get approval for that as well. As a result, in
this case, the HPC reluctantly approved a shingle for the house and the
homeowner was informed again to include the HPC while the project is in the
planning stages to prevent delays to her future projects.
Newburn Cemetery
The commission completed the survey to document the condition of the
headstones. From the survey, the commission will plan appropriate maintenance
jobs to be completed by volunteers and plan for appropriate repairs. The survey
is being entered into a spreadsheet. In the future, the Commission would like a
new line item to the budget to support the needs of the historic cemeteries in
Livonia. Due to the Livonia budget constraints, the commission has tabled the
discussion for this year.
The commission re -approved the D.A.R. plans to repair the Revolutionary War
veteran David Dean's grave marker and add the missing commendation plaque.
The Commission also approved the plans of another DAR chapter to mark the
grave of Samuel Dunn, another Revolutionary War veteran, at the request of
Samuel Dunn's family.
Plans were approved for the Civil war re -enactors to replace and/or clean the
Civil War veteran's grave markers as needed. There has been considerable
weathering and some destruction to the existing head stones of, not only the Civil
War and Revolutionary veterans, but of most of the older graves as well. The
HPC will be addressing these issues in 2011 by prioritizing based on the survey.
Livonia Central. Clarenceville and 6 Mile Union Church Cemeteries:
The remaining 3 historic cemeteries in the city require much needed
maintenance similar to the Newburg Cemetery. The HPC plans to address these
issues in 2012.
The HPC, assisted by the Historic Commission, Livonia Historic Society and the
Michigan 17th reenacters, held a Cemetery walk at Livonia Central as a fund
raiser for the historic cemeteries. The funds collected of $1400 will be used to
repair some of the headstones. (The fund raiser raised enough funds to restore
approximately 3 headstones.)
Rosedale Gardens National Historic Designation
John Stimic and Tom Wosniak asked for some help to determine the best place
and type of sign to designate the National Historic designation for the Rosedale
Gardens neighborhood. The commission is working with the homeownere'
association to determine the best signage and wording to designate the historical
significance of the neighborhood.
Fri
Commissioners
Commissioner James Kline was reappointed to the commission for 3 more years.
Officer Election
Election of officers held in November, results as follows:
• Chairperson —Kathy Johnson-Bartshe
• Vice Chairperson — Kathie Glynn
• Secretary — Ralph Baker
• Treasurer — Jim Kline
GREENMEAD
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 tours, Sunday tours, Gift Shop operations, Newburg
School usage, Newburg Church, Alexander Blue House and Meeting House
rentals. Property usage includes weddings, meetings, luncheons, and private
parties.
• Implemented Historical Commission resolutions.
• Assisted with the development, planning and implementation of 23 special
events, fundraisers and community projects sponsored by the Historical
Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Society, Questers, St.
Andrew's Society of Detroit, Greenmeadows — Native Lands, 17th Michigan
Civil War Re-enactors, A.M.C. Car Club, Schoolcmft College and Garden
Club.
• Worked with D.P.S. to define and prioritize maintenance work including
preparation at Hill House for architectural work, electrical updates on
buildings and interior painting at the Hinbern Gift shop.
• Coordinated the repair of porches and painting of south fagade at Shaw
House Bungalow, Blue House doors repairs and painting and the repair and
painting of north fagade, roof and cupola repair at North Carriage House.
• Coordinated Greenmead's volunteer program, published issues of the
Volunteer Voice Newsletter, and scheduled volunteers for tours and special
events.
27
• Provided work site and supervision for community service probationers and
community service projects.
• Hosted several professional and volunteer gatherings such as a Volunteer
Reception, Friends of Greenmead Luncheon, Historical Society Picnic,
Meetings and Banquet, Police Reserves Picnic and Zonta Picnic.
• Provided a project site for the Master Gardener Program and support for the
volunteer gardeners program.
• Provided a site for Eagle Scout Projects.
LIVONIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Special events this year have included a Flea Market held in June by the Livonia
Historical Commission and another held in September by the Livonia Historical
Society. St. Andrews Society of Detroit held their annual Highland Games in
August. The American Motors Car Club annual show was held in late August.
We held a Christmas Tea, a Presidential Tea, and a Highland Tea at the
Alexander Blue House. The Victorian Tea was held at the Simmons -Hill House
with the Mid -Summer Nights Tea being held on the back lawn. The Progressive
Tea was held in June in five different village buildings. Catherine's Table
Luncheon was held at the Alexander Blue House. The children's activities were
Peter Rabbit's Adventure held in May and the Halloween Walk held in October.
The IP" Michigan Civil War Group presented three lectures at the Alexander
Blue House in the spring. New activities this year included Happily Ever After
held in May, Highland Tea held in October and the Harvest Dinner held in
November. Commissioners and volunteers assisted the Preservation
Commission with a Cemetery Walk at the Livonia Center Cemetery in October.
The Hill House Gardens were cared for by volunteer gardeners under the
direction of Jan Whitcomb. Two village gardens were also cared for by volunteer
gardeners.
The Operations Committee has met on a regular basis. They did the spring
cleaning and the Christmas decorating of the village buildings except for the
Store which was decorated by the Sand Hill Ouesters.
The front of the Shaw House was painted, the front door sill plate was replaced
and some elements of the front porch were replaced. The rear porch was totally
replaced. This year the north and west sides of the Carriage House were painted
and the two-story area was re -roofed. Additional work was done to the cupola to
keep animals out of the attic space. Three sections of the Victor Road fence
were replaced.
Simmons -Hill House Architectural work was begun in the summer and will be
completed soon. A plan has been drawn up for the storage of the furniture and
Museum artifact storage during the time the house is being worked on.
Basements and second floors of village buildings have been cleaned out.
FU
Unnecessary items in the north and south barns plus north barn shed and the
garage have also been cleaned out.
Kath! Glynn and Sue Daniel have worked on accessioning and cataloging the
artifact collection. There were 16 accessions this year. One of the accessions
received this year came from the Bentley reunion of the 1950 — 1955 classes. A
donation was received from the estate of a long time Clarenceville resident.
Several Eagle Scout projects have been completed in the village.
Donations have been received from the Livonia Historical Society, Friends of
Greenmead, Alpha Delta Kappa, Livonia Garden Club, Bentley 1950-1955
reunion, Zonta, Sarah Ann Cochrane, Daughters of the American Revolution,
Arts and Letters, and Memorial Funds in memory of Mary Lou Andrew and
Ruthellen Crawford have also been received. A tree was planted in memory of
Amy Ryan Chesbro and $873 was donated in her memory. Most of the funds
donated were designated towards the Simmons -Hill House.
LIVONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Livonia Human Relations Commission held its meetings quarterly on the 2"d
Tuesday of the month in the Michigan Room at the Civic Center Library.
The 2011 officers were: Violet (Dee Dee) Dittmar - Chairperson, Latangia
Denison - First Chairperson, and Secretary - Chris Deal
At the beginning of the year, a resignation letter was received from Latangia
Denison and Catherine Starks.
Active Commission members include Harold Klee, Elaine Livingway, James
Roye, and George Saba. At this time there are three open positions.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission presented the 171h Annual Martin
Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on January 17, 2011. The Program was
planned with the combined efforts of the Human Relation Commission and
Madonna University's, Office of Diversity and Multi -cultural Affairs. During Dr.
King's lifetime he challenged us to rise above the cultural, ethnic, social and
religious differences In our country and accept the richness of Global Diversity
that exists everywhere. And so, we held a panel discussion with students from
Ghana, China, Brazil and Latvia to discuss some of their countries civil rights and
culture. Musical selections were provided by the Livonia Public School Churchill
Choralation Singers. It was a program well attended at Kresge Hall, Madonna
University.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission was represented at the Mayor's State
of the City address for 2011.
29
Presently, the commission is planning a program for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2012. We will try to observe M.L.K. Day with a program on diversity with
Madonna University again.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH - 2011
In 2011, the Livonia Commission on Children and Youth continued the
administration of the Livonia Youth/Spree scholarship program sponsored by the
Livonia Anniversary Committee. The Commission distributed brochures
advertising the scholarships to the local high schools and libraries. The
scholarship information was presented in the City Spring Newsletter, on Livonia
Television, in the Livonia Observer, on the City's website and through the
Department of Community Resources. More than thirty five applications were
submitted for the seven (7) $2,000 awards. Commissioners, Dan Spurting, Jeff
Nork, Jessica Claypoole and Jim Keller reviewed and selected the most
deserving recipients. Scholarship awards were presented during the Spree
Pancake Breakfast in June.
The Arbor Day Project in April was coordinated with the cooperation of both the
Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville Public Schools. Tres 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 supplying
more than eighteen hundred trees. Commissioner Ken 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 Spurling spearheaded this project. Acknowledging that back
to school is a costly time of year for parents, the Commission held its annual
school supply program for the fifth consecutive year. The Commission
distributed more than 275 backpacks filled with school supplies to low-income
families whose names were provided by the Livonia Goodfellows. This program
was co-sponsored by the Livonia Police Department and donations were
received from Community Alliance Credit Union, Valassis, St. Priscilla's Parish,
City employees, and Livonia families. The commission also purchased school
supplies with their funds. Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jeff Nork were
primarily responsible for this project and were assisted by other Commissioners,
City staff, Youth Assistance and many other Volunteers.
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 for obtaining these
stickers is shown on Livonia Television.
30
The Youth Commission supported the Livonia Arts Commission's "Music from the
Garage" series with a donation for t -shirts.
The Commission, in an effort to reach out to the low-income youth of Livonia,
hosted a holiday party on two consecutive Saturdays in November for families
who registered with the Livonia Goodfellows. While the Goodfellows'
representatives interviewed the parents, the children were invited to enjoy snacks
and crafts. They were given mittens and scarves and an opportunity to visit and
have their photograph taken with Santa at the Senior Center, Commissioners
Dan Spurting and Jeff Nork headed this project and were aided by
Commissioners and volunteers from the community.
Commission members are: Ken Balcoff, Linda Bishop, Jessica Claypoole, Laura
Duggan, John Grzebik, James Keller, Jeff Nark, and Dan Spurting.
Commission Officers for 2011-2012 will be: Dan Spurling — Chairperson
Jeff Nork - Vice Chairperson
Jim Keller - Secretary
•ww�a k•
16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED
Dec 2010 -Nov 2011
CRIMINAL
1. Felony (FY) 366
2. Ordinance Misdemeanor (OM) 1712
3. Statute Misdemeanor (SM) 179
Total Criminal 2257
TRAFFIC
4. Felony Drunk Driving (FD) 24
5. Felony Traffic (FT) 17
Total Felony Traffic 41
6. Ordinance Drunk Driving (OD) 254
7. Statute Drunk Driving (SD) 7
Total Drunk Driving 261
S. Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanors (OT) 1690
9. Statute Traffic Misdemeanors (ST) 136
Total Traffic Wad. 2026
Bil
10. Statute Civil Infractions (SI) 1594
11. Ordinance Civil Infractions (0I) 28674
Total Civil Infractions 30268
MISCELLANEOUS
12. Criminal/Traffic Juries Selected 2
13. Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 2
Total Miscellaneous 4
NON -TRAFFIC CIVIL INFRACTIONS & PARKING
14. Ordinance Parking (OK) 1020
15. Ordinance Non-Traffic(ON) 9
16. Statute Parking (SK) 2
Total Parking 1031
17. Statute Non -Traffic (SN) 7
Total Non -Traffic 7
CIVIL DIVISION LAWSUITS
18, General Civil (GC) 2205
19. General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ) 3
20. Small Claims (SC) 369
21. Landlord Tenant (LT) 817
22. Land Contract Summary Proceedings (SP) 2
Total Civil Division 3396
MISCELLANEOUS
23.
Civil Division Juries Selected
1
24.
Marriages
40
25.
Motions
1467
26.
Discovery/Debtor Exams
134
27.
Garnishments
6794
28.
Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction
376
Total Miscellaneous 8812
PROBATION
1. Number or Placements on Probation
1564
2. Pre -Sentence Investigation Reports
1185
3. Violation of Probation Warrants Issued
734
4. Show Cause Summons issued
2853
5. Probation Cases Closed
1848
6. Number of Open Probation Cases
16164
7. Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu of jail)
6145
Total Probation 30493
32
COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES
Paid out $76,000.00
Collected back $62,052.00 (returned to the city)
2010-2011 ProjectslUpdates
1. The new Courthouse continues to get great reviews from the public and
the initial internallexternal building problems have been addressed.
2. The ticket counts have started to go up with the reinstitution of the STAR
program by LPD, with Civil Infractions up through the first ten months by
over 13% and Misdemeanor Traffic up by 4%, which in turn will increase
revenues.
3. The Court continues with its Drug/Sobriety Court program and was once
again awarded a Grant which assists in the funding of that operation so
that amount does not have to came out of the regular Court budget.
4. Collection efforts continue with the increased use of partial payments in
conjunction with a financial statement each defendant must complete in
order to get onto the plan.
5. An additional collection effort was instituted by the Court on behalf of the
City to seek reimbursement for defendants who are incarcerated in
Isabella County Jail. This is being done pursuant to the Inmate
Reimbursement Act, MCL 801.311, which allows Municipalities to seek
reimbursement through various collection methods for the days spent in
jail.
6. The Court Work Program has continued to carry out various projects
throughout the city including but not limited to the fallowing:
e. Assistance with maintenance of the Plymouth Road Authority - from
Inkster to Eddes Roads.
1. Edging sidewalks, weeding perennials, picking up litter and
trimming shrubs.
2. Shoveling snow along Middlebelt, Merriman and Farmington
Road intersections.
b. Distribution of the Food Commodities for low-income families.
c. Assistance with SPREE inclusive of set-up, tear -down and cleanup of
the grounds.
d. Greenmead Gardens - setting up, planting of vegetables and clean-
up at the end of the planting season.
e. Wilson Barn cleanup and painting.
f. Maintenance of the parks such as raking leaves, litter pick-up, etc.
g. Various creek, storm and water drainage cleanups.
33
7. Through additional review of witnesses needed for court matters and
determinations that they were not needed, we have cut our costs almost
in half without affecting the overall justice system.
8. The jury selection change that was instituted in the prior year has
continued to save on budgeted jury expenses by over 50%.
9. The Court has recently increased its fine schedules for traffic tickets and
commercial vehicle tickets, while still staying in line with other courts of
similar size. At the same time warrant costs have also increased, again
staying in line with other courts.
10. Agreement was reached with the Union to forgo any wage increases for
2011-2012. Wages for court employees will continue at the 200912010
wage scales with no across the board increase for 2011-2012, and the
only increases being contracted for step increases for a limited number of
employees.
RRRRR RR
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 seventeen 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 140,000 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.
• 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.
34
• The Finance Director serves on a three-person Personnel Review
Committee, which is responsible for review and evaluation of the 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 State 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 8,787 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 224 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
2010
2011
General Fund & Other Fund Payables Checks
15,363
13,656
Payroll Items
33,572
31,776
Journal Entries
6,245
6,700
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables)
7,909
8,265
Accounts Receivable Invoices:
False Alarms
564
753
Rescue Runs
3,888
4,509
Other
2,234
1,594
Water Bills Mailed
152,294
147,500
Water Bills Paid by EFT
19,730
19,958
Temporarily idle General Fund cash was invested in Certificates of Deposit and
daily savings deposits, resulting in a total interest earned of $162,956 or 0.35%
of City General Fund Revenue.
35
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Finance Department played a key role in developing a Dashboard and
Citizen's User Guide that provides key data in an easy -to -read format so
residents can track the City's progress in meeting service and financial
objectives.
2. For the fourth year in a row, property values declined. Early in the year, the
Finance Department determined that a $6,2 million shortfall existed for the
upcoming 2012 budget. In conjunction with the Mayor and City Council, the
need for an increased millage was explained to voters who approved the
request by a 3-1 margin.
3. Solicitation of quotes and sealed bids were moved to an online process using
the MITN (Michigan Inter -Governmental Trade Network) website. This has
resulted in reduced costs to print and distribute documents. In addition, this
has increased competition and reduced costs due to the large number of
vendors using the site.
4. 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 Poors. 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.
S. The City of Livonia audit was completed and, once again, the City's auditors
found no significant audit adjustments.
6. The Finance Department participated in several cooperative bids with
surrounding communities that resulted in more competitive bids and reduced
costs to the City.
RRRRRR
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
also sets the standards for City computer systems. The Information Systems
Director is appointed by the Mayor and 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.
KI
The IS Department maintains the following hardware
FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011
Windows 2003/2008 Servers 22 25 26
Physical Servers 22 20 17
Virtual Servers 0 7 13
Personal Computers 331 335 353
We also support 48 network switches, 2 firewalls and 3 network routers.
We virtualized six mom of our Windows Servers using VMWare. Each of these
servers being virtualized represent savings of approximately $500 per year on
hardware maintenance and $1,000 of power and cooling costs. It also eliminates
most of the cost of purchasing new or replacement servers (approximately
$3,500 to $10,000 each). We are now at 13 virtual servers.
We have begun implementing Windows 7 on our desktop/laptop computers. We
currently have 37 computers running Windows 7. Microsoft has announced that
Windows XP will not be supported after April 2014.
We implemented a new power management system called Verdiem Surveyor in
July 2011. This system allows us to aggressively manage power usage on our
computers in order to save energy costs. The system has already saved the city
over $1,000. Best of all, this new system has allowed us to better manage our
maintenance window for our computers. We are now able to reliably do a weekly
virus scan and windows updates on all of our computers during off hours. This
has reduced our impact on the end users while providing better protection for the
City. The system also includes a web dashboard that allows the public to see
our progress.
We worked with the Housing Department to move their network connectivity from
point to point wireless networks to Bright House Metro-Ethemet fiber
connectivity.
CarteGraph — Department of Public Works Management System
• Installed and implemented a new major version 8.3. This upgrade
required modifying 72 computers and many script files within the system.
New World Logos Systems — Finance, Payroll and Utilities Blllinp
• We did a major upgrade on our Logos.net systems this year. We had to
upgrade 4 servers from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008 64-bit and the
databases from SQL 2005 to SQL 2008. The Logos .net is now running
37
on version 7. At the same time, we now have virtualized 3 of these
servers which allows us more flexibility and better use of resources.
• We converted the Water Bill to SSRS format. This has allowed the
Accounting Department to be able to better control printing of bills and will
allow our users to view the bill on-line.
BS&A Inspection Systems
• Worked with the Inspection Department to implement the new .net version
of the Building Inspection and Field Inspection software systems. These
systems required us to Implement a new "virtual" server with Windows
2008 R2 and SOL 2008 R2 database. We also worked with Inspection on
acquiring and implementing several tablet computers to work with the
Field Inspection Software.
Parks and Recreation
• Worked with Parks and Rec. to implement a -Track Plus. This is a
"Software as a Service" (SaaS) system. This did require us to reconfigure
all of the computers at the Recreation Center and replace the display
monitors. We worked with a -Track Plus to convert the old Safari data to
their new system.
Help Desk System
• The Information Systems Department replaced our long-time help desk
software from Numara Track -It with a free software package called
Spiceworks. The new system still allows us to track work requests, but it
also includes a much better inventory system and monitoring system.
This move saves the city approximately $1,500 per year in support cost.
TRAINING AND END-USER SUPPORT
The IS Department has provided in-house training for City employees on how to
use computers and software packages in the past. Due to staffing level changes
we have been forced to put this effort on hold. We have tried to use a variety of
free on-line resources to provide some of the needed training. We did provide 23
one-on-one training sessions on the DNN Web Content Software and 39 on City
Supported Software.
FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011
Number of Employees Trained 33 4 62
1,581 user support issues were recorded and resolved this year.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(http:/Avww.ci.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and grow in
usage.
W,
We added a feature to our Intranet website called Inside Livonia that uses
SharePoint to allow Finance to track and notify of expiring bids.
We updated the City website (www.cLIivonla.mi.us) with the following items:
• Created a new Interactive Dashboard in order to provide transparency in
government and to comply with new State requirements. This new
dashboard provides a nice overview and allows for easy comparison with
other government units. The dashboard can be accessed from the City
homepage.
• Worked with the Cable Department to add podcasts for public meetings to
our website.
• Modified the website to work with a less expensive video streaming option.
• Worked with our user departments to create a Stay Connected area on
our website that uses different social media tools like Facebook, Twitter,
E-mail, RSS Feeds and Nixie.
• Acquired a new URL to www.LivoniaTV.US that is directed to the Livonia
TV home page. Livonia TV will be using this in their marketing efforts.
• Working with Cable, we were able to live stream election results on the
City website during the evening of the two elections.
• Worked with Zenacomp to implement several system upgrades on the Dot
Net Nuke (DN N) web content tool.
• Implemented a new Pay Now feature on the tax system to allow easier
credit card payments for taxes.
Website statistics include:
FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011
Number of Page Views 5,591,853 9,052,471 18,980,989 20,903,162
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees
FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011
Number of E-mail accounts 281 255 261 256
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Information Systems Department also manages, operates and maintains a
Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage its maps and spatially
referenced data.
2011 GIS Accomplishments:
• Intranet mapping - During the past year we have successfully launched
three new internal web -based mapping services: (1) Livonia Viewer (for
general GIS activities), (2) Planning Viewer, and (3) DPW Viewer. The
39
successful launch of Livonia Viewer has allowed us to "retire" an older
software set that had been used to generate mailing labels. Livonia
Viewer now has these capabilities. The Planning Viewer has been
customized for planning activities and includes layers such as zoning and
current land use. Planning Viewer also has the capability of generating
mailing labels. The DPW viewer provides access to our entire utility
Infrastructure that we are unable to include in our public web site due to
security concerns. All of these internal viewers may be customized by
specifying which data layers are visible in the viewer.
Database Maintenance - We have continued our weekly maintenance
schedule with the GIS during 2011. Our GIS database has been under
SDE configuration control for several years now. Editing of our various
data layers is done by GIS users within the City. The established
procedure calls for all editing to be done to a "personal" version of the GIS
database. These edits are then pushed up to a DRAFT version of the
database where they are inspected and verified. Once the DRAFT
version has been verified edits are then pushed up to the DEFAULT
version of the database for general use. This procedure has worked very
well and ensures that the GIS is continuously updated in a systematic
fashion. Ancillary data frequently used with our GIS are also continuously
updated through our GeoConnector software. GeoConnector extracts
ownership and tax information from the Assessing Department's Equalizer
database and joins it with our parcel layer to provide up-to-date mailing
Information.
New data layers added for 2011 - A number of different data layers have
been added to our GIS system over the past year. As a result of some
work that we did with the Fire Department two new condominium layers
have been added to our system, (1) pCondo_Bldg _Footprint and (2)
pCondo_Private RoadsROW. Other new data sets include
ISE_ MI_roadnetwork (extracted from MI framework transportation
network). This layer includes all roads within SE Michigan, roughly the
100 miles surrounding our City. The police department found a need for
this layer to track criminals beyond City limits. The Planning Department
has put together a new layer showing all petitions associated with any
commercial property and has been incorporated into the GIS (pPetitions).
We've also included a data layer depicting liquor licenses within the City
(pLiquort.icenses). This layer includes the geographic location of all liquor
licenses, type of license, and name of the establishment. Finally, the
Pars _prop_parent_parcel data table has been converted from a shape file
format and brought under SDE configuration control. In early 20111 the
City was also able to get a "final" version of the SEMCOG 2010 aerial
photography mission. This 0" resolution mosaic of aerial photos forms the
backbone of our GIS and is used for a variety of mapping applications.
Em
• Mapping Support— During the past year the GIS has supported mapping
activities for numerous City departments, including the Assessing
department (generated 144 assessing maps plus various other maps), the
Housing Department (numerous maps of City -owned property), Parks and
Recreation, Police, and Fire Department. In addition, we continually
maintain our set of lax maps (144), address maps (144), assessing maps
(144) and various City maps (city street maps, subdivisions, voter
precincts, etc.).
Software maintenance and support— ESRI (our GIS vendor) released a
major upgrade to the GIS software in 2011, version 10. During 2011 we
successfully migrated from version 9.3.1 to version 10 with the ESRI
license server and all AmMap desktop clients. Due to delays in the
upgrade of DPW's Cart6Graph software we have been unable to complete
our ESRI upgrade (SDE). Plans are being made to complete our upgrade
in the December/January time frame. During 2011 we also upgraded our
GeoConnector software from version 2.1 to version 3.0. The
GeoConnector software is used to extract our GIS ancillary data from the
Assessing Department's "Equalizef' database on a daily basis
(homeowner and taxpayer information).
LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2011, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 8,675 incidents,
85% involved emergency medical services, while fire related responses
accounted for 15%. The following statistical breakdowns reflect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year.
INCIDENTS
Emergency Medical 7296
Fire 217
Fire (other) 1162
Total 8675
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for
93 of the responses, 531 were false fire alarm calls and 176 for downed wire
incidents.
FIRE PREVENTION
Throughout the year, in addition to the related activities listed below, this Division
is responsible for updating 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
41
education programs. These schools would Include but are not limited to:
Schoolcmft 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
7
Liquor License
14
Alarm
9
Re -inspect
169
Complaint
14
Life Safety Inspections
10
Chemical Surveys
77
New Construction
9
City License
5
Site Plan/Preliminary Plan
21
Carnival/Spree
15
Re -occupancy
179
False Alarms
25
Revision
5
Interior Alterations
68
System Report Deficiency
128
First Tenant
7
Suppression
41
Fireworks
35
Temporary Structure
4
Hydrant/Flow
12
Exterior Alterations/Construction
6
History File
51
Total
911
Plan Reviews
Alarm
29
Construction
110
Site
25
Fire Suppression
65
Total 229
The above plan review totals reflect the number of projects received / assigned in
the Fire Prevention Office and do not Include the actual number of inspections
made. Multiple site visits are required when inspecting various 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.
The Fire Marshal and Fire 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 muitiple false alarms. Dialogue with
the suppression personnel gives the inspection division a second avenue for
finding and correcting building deficiencies.
42
This division also provides fire investigations for determination of origin and
cause. Whenever a question arises from a fire officer that a fire may not have
started accidentally, we are requested to respond. Also, any large loss or fatal
fires are also examined and documented. The Fire Prevention Office responded
to approximately 45 fires in 2010. Nearly 25% of these fires required extensive
documentation and follow-up varying from simple photography to exhaustive
research and interviews.
MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Fire Equipment Mechanic who are responsible for
specification writing, ordering, care, maintenance and repair of all 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 420 work orders/requests.
Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars, lawn
equipment, USAR trailer, WWC Hazmat trailer as well as Hazmat trucks. All
equipment on each vehicle is inspected on a semi-annual and annual basis.
Annual Pump Tests on all Fire Pumps.
Worked with neighboring cities to come up with universal spec for replacement
Squads in an attempt to keep costs down.
Wrote spec and blueprint for replacement of SQ B.
In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighter and E.M.T.D.'s on
the operational requirements of vehicles. 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 vehicles.
Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and members
of Western 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.
43
Building Maintenance Officer- repair of vehicle electrical and air line drops
EMT Officer- installation of ALS equipment.
Communications Officer — mounting hand held prep radio vehicle chargers and
installation of new radios 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.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items:
Vehicles:
1 —1988 Pierce Dash Heavy Duty Rescue
1 —1995 Ford Horton Fire Investigation Unit
1 —1996 GMC 3/4 -Ton Pick -Up
1 —1997 Navistar/Horton Swat Alpha Unit
1 —2005 InternationalMlarqueWater Rescue/Technical Unit
1 —1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
2-2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Reserve Alpha Units
1 —2001 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 —2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 —2007 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
2 — 2009 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Units
1 —1993 E -One 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —1994 Smeal/Spartan 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —2002 American LaFrance 2000GPM 75FT. SQURT Aerial
1 —2006 American LaFrance 2000GPM 100FT. Mid -Mount Aerial Platform
3 —2003 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumpers
1 —2009 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 —2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boat, Motor and Trailer
1 —2001 Ford Crown Vic Sedan
2 —2003 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
2 — 2004 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
3 —2006 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
1 —2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
1 —2007 Chevrolet 2500 Pick-up
1 — 2009 GMC 2500 Yukon XL
1 —2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 —2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B.R.N.E.)
1 —2006 Spartan Spencer RRTN HAZMAT Truck
1 —2811 USAR Trailer
1 —2007 Fire Safety Unit
_0
Equipment 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
94—Air Bottles
89 —IS[ Viking Masks
Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 — 8000psi 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
Mounting of Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
4 — Walk behind mowers
Lawn blowers, weed whips and edgers
Garage Equipment:
1 — Hose test Pump
2 — In -ground garage hoist hydro -testing
1 — Garage tool replacements
1 — Pumper pump test tool as needed to comply with NFPA 1911.
TRAINING DIVISION
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2011 was to continue to ensure
compliance for the ongoing education (CEU) requirements for both EMTs and
Paramedics 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. State of Michigan standards require the obtaining of both
lecture and practical credits, which brought on additional challenges, but were
met without major problems. Livonia Fire & Rescue is a Continuing Education
program sponsor, which allows us a bit more flexibility in the scheduling and
delivery of classes for EMS education. The training office continues to improve
its record management system related to training activities, which in tum ensures
compliance with OSHA, ISO and nationally accepted standards on training and
45
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 Fre
suppression, specialized rescue, hazardous materials, utility emergencies and
risk reduction.
The training office continues to be forward thinking in regards to capturing
available grant funding and alternative 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 Allstate Insurance have allowed the department to
move ahead with programs that have been left unfunded due to budgetary
constraints over the last three years. The Loyal Order of Moose has continued to
also provide us funding to help develop and distribute our annual Fire Prevention
Week activity books.
Fire Officer training commensurate with the CBA continues to be a high priority
as it pertains to off-site training and in preparing our Company level officers for
each new position.
Our members went through recertification in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life
Support) in March of this year and BLS (Basic Life Support) in January.
The RAFT (Regional Alliance for Fire Training) organization continues to offer
Company Officer I and II courses. Several of our members were involved in the
development and continue to teach 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 departments
EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program continues to strive to comply with
stringent county and state 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 priority to the medical call. Because of the increasing EMS run call
volume each year, the MPD system allows 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 Fire Captain Jon Unmh
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 to
ensure compliance within county and state guidelines.
Fri
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 a new level of 20 drills added in 2007. In 2006, this popular program has seen
an increase to 25 drills. In 2010, we had an addition of 20 Quick Drills added to
the program and another 20 were put out in 2011.
In the spring, we did several training drills in donated structures. We also spent
some time at the Schoolcraft Fire Training Tower training on our SOG on high
rise fire operations.
The focus of the training office in 2012 will be to establish updated company level
drills, continue efforts in the monthly "Quick Drill" program, revise and implement
a new Driver/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.
Several of our members have spent time working on or arranging for work to be
done on our burn chambers. This valuable training tool is in need of some
maintenance work and some of that work (2nd floor exit and larger ventilation
opening) have been finished.
With the addition of Tower 1 to our fleet (2006 American LaFrance Aerial Tower),
we continue with advanced training to keep our members ready to operate this
vehicle when needed. Similarly, boat rescue operations were covered for all
members this summer.
The videoconferencing system is being used for updates to fire station personnel
and issues related to training and administration.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2011 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 that will have the highest impact.
Each year Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the public
for Fire Safety Education programs. These requests are forwarded to either the
on -duty Battalion Chief or to the Fire Safely Education Committee, based on the
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.
47
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 Chief's office and are conducted
by the on -duty crews working out of all five of Livonia's fire stations.
In October of 2011, 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. There was an area where kids can practice their fire
safety behaviors as well.
Livonia firefighters participated in a May event held at the Civic Center Area
called "Passport to Safety". This project was a huge success - crowds were
estimated in the thousands. After being involved in the seven-year annual event,
more effort is being directed into this area. The large number of children that
attend the outdoor event is encouraging.
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 (December 2011 issue), the nation's premier fire
training magazine. Other ideas were presented to firefighters seen at the
website for Fire Engineering magazine, which has weekly featured articles. We
had four articles appear on the web showcasing our efforts.
This is the seventh year we took on the project of creating a Fire Safety insert
that was carried along with the Livonia Observer newspaper. The eight -page
insert was designed for elementary -age students and their families and went out
with the 21,000 copies of the Observer on October 3. They were also handed
out to our Open House attendees on October 15.
The newsletter "Couplings" came out twice this year. We have been involved in
this form of communication/education for five years in a now. The newsletter is
an 8 -page newsletter designed for adult fire and life safety. It appears in
electronic format on the city website.
Weekly informational articles were prepared and ran in the Livonia Observer
Newspaper to further reach out to our adult audiences with messages of fire and
life safety. This year, a weekly safety article appeared in the Observer written by
Livonia Firefighters.
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
Livonia Television
Bdghthouse Cable
Livonia Observer
City of Livonia's website
En
LIVONIA 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, Housing Choice
Voucher Rent Subsidy Program and Brashear Tower.
Silver Village Housino Community
Silver Village experienced a good year with occupancy at 100% at all times. The
waiting list consists of 44 Livonia residents and 18 Relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments:
1. Silver Village had a turnover of 10 apartments in 2011.
2. All 108 apartments were inspected for safety and maintenance purposes.
3. Landscape renovation was completed at entrance to Community Building.
4. A community -wide Garage Sale and a Garden Contest were activity highlights
of 2011.
Newburgh Village Housing Community
Newburgh Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waking list consists
of 54 "Livonia residents" and 39 Relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments:
1. Newburgh Village had a turnover of 17 units in 2011.
2. New outside utility meter lattices were installed throughout the property.
3. All 120 apartments have been inspected for safety and maintenance
purposes.
Community Development
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2010-2011 fiscal year, which began on 7/1/10 and ended 6/30/11. Total
expenditures through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the
year were $505,966. Below please find the accomplishments achieved by the
Block Grant Program.
ACTIVITY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
1
Households served
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan Pragrarn
6
Households Served
Moor Home Repair Pm ram
35
Households Served
Emergency Utility Shut -Off Assistance
6
Households Served
Senior Van Transportation
339
Persona Served
Mental Health Counseling Program
10
Persons Served
First SWp Domestic Violence Assistance
188
Persons Served
ecaaered-Site Rental Homes (Managed & Maintained
15
HousehoNs Served
TOTAL SERVED
600
HouseholdslPersons
49
In addition to the Community Development Block Grant, $16,050 in HOME
Wayne County Consortia Funds was expensed on major housing rehabilitation.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant in the amount of $1,450,000 has
been 100% obligated. As of June 30, 2011, a total of 18 vacant, abandoned and
foreclosed homes have been purchased. Seven of these homes have been
demolished due to blight (an eighth demolition will be reported in the next fiscal
year). Of the vacant lots: two lots were sold to the adjacent income eligible
neighbors, a third lot was made into green park space and is now maintained by
Parks & Recreation, a new home has been constructed on a fourth lot and is
currently for sale. The three remaining lots will be considered for either sale or
new construction. Throughout the year, several of these vacant(abandoned
blighted homes slated to be demolished were first utilized by the Livonia Fire
Department for training purposes. Ten homes have been or are In the process of
being rehabilitated for resale. Eight of these homes have been resold while two
are currently on the market. A final home that was purchased during the 2010-11
fiscal year is about to be put on the market as renovations have been completed
through a partnership with the Livonia Public Schools Building Trades Program.
This is the second NSP home that has been rehabilitated through this
partnership. Program income will be directed to the NSP program for purposes
consistent with the NSP grant agreement.
The Housing Commission's Office of Community Development is administering
the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in the amount of $971,100
for city-wlde use. Technical consultants were hired to assist with implementing
the EECBG Grant. The technical consultant has conducted comprehensive
energy audits on municipal buildings to determine the need for and prioritization
of activities and opportunities to further reduce energy consumption in the City.
The technical consultant will issue RFP's for installation of energy saving
retrofits, report metric results to the Department of Energy and measure the
Progress in achieving the City's energy conservation goals. Contracts were
awarded to replace the heating and cooling system and roof of 10800
Farmington Road, a municipal building. Specifications were created for bidding
on Replacement of Heating Boilers and Exterior Building Sealant and Caulking at
City Hall as well as Lighting Retrofits at various municipal buildings. EECBG
Grant funds will be expended before August 2012.
Housina Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program (Section 8)
The Livonia Housing Commission assists low income families, elderly and
disabled persons with affordable housing rental assistance. Private sector
landlords house eligible households and the Commission provides limited rental
assistance on behalf of the families. Currently 909 Housing Choice Voucher
families are under lease. The waiting list currently has 1,000 applicants and the
waiting list is closed. The administration of the Housing Choice Voucher is
annually evaluated by HUD and as of December 31, 2010 the Housing Choice
Management Assessment evaluation score is 100%
50
McNamara Towers #1 & #2 -19300 Purlinabrook & Scattered Site Homes
1. McNamara Towers #1 & #2 and Scattered Site Homes had a turnover of 34
units from 1/1/11 to 11/30/11.
2. Heating boilers were replaced with new high -efficiency boilers at McNamara
Towers #1 & #2.
3. Domestic water heaters were replaced with new high -efficiency water heaters
at McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
4. Weather stripping was replaced at all apartment windows and building
exterior doors at McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
5. Lighting upgrades in all apartments, hallways, and common areas at
McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
6. Security cameras were replaced in all the hallways and common areas at
McNamara Tower Building #1 & #2.
7. Emergency generators were replaced at McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
8. All apartments and homes have been inspected for safety and maintenance
purposes.
The Public Housing Program was awarded a High Performer designation
according to HUD guidelines.
William W. Brashear Tower -17841 North Laurel Park Drive
The Brashear Tower is 100% occupied and the current waiting list for one
bedroom apartments consists of twenty-one (21) active applicants; the two
bedroom waiting list consists of three (3) active applicants.
All 196 apartments and common areas were inspected for safety and
maintenance purposes by the Livonia Housing Commission. Annual Inspections
performed: Generator, fire suppression equipment (sprinkler systems, chemical
fire extinguishers), fire alarm system, and elevators.
General Improvements and Accomplishments:
• Coordinated with DTE Energy through one of their programs to replace the
incandescent light bulbs in every apartment with low-energy consumption
CFL bulbs at zero resident cost.
• Replaced every T-12 fluorescent light fixture in all hallways, common areas,
and office/maintenance rooms with brighter, more energy efficient T-8
fixtures. Also added motion sensor light switches to a majority of the common
area lighting.
• Replaced all lighted exit signs with more energy efficient LED signage.
• Began weatherization project on apartment windows: Re -insulated perimeter
of window frames, re -trimmed, and sealed gaps on 100+ windows in 42 units
and all common areas. Estimated reduction in drafting is 75%, giving
51
residents better control of apartment temps while lowering energy bills due to
less run time for their heating/cooling fan.
Added motion sensor security cameras at the north and south entrances, as
well as the main activity room.
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 include Zoning
Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Community Development
Block Grant Program (CDBG), Cost Recovery Appeal Hearings, and various civic
groups. In addition, we are involved with Greenmead with regards to construction
projects and/or repairs. 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 CDBG. Additionally, the Inspection Department
reviews lot splits for the Department of Assessment, reviews site plans and
waiver use petitions for the Planning Department, and provides support to all
other departments as needed. Furthermore, we have recently assumed
additional clerical duties in regards to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Although the
Board is under Council jurisdiction, we are tasked with trying to provide most of
the clerical functions in addition to the intake work we were doing. We also work
with the Economic Development Director/Planning Director and others in
promoting existing sites in Livonia.
BUILDING INSPECTION issued approximately 6 093 permits In 2010-11 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, including new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. 2 permits were issued for new residential
homes and 2 permits were issued for new commercial/industrial structures. In
other activity, 12 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 3,699 for the year. Residential additions/alterations,
garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs, zoning compliance,
commercial/industrial additions, and demolitions comprised the remainder of
permits issued. 35 demolition permits were issued during the year, 11 of which
were residential structures. Permits for Christmas tree sales lots, pennant and
banner displays, awnings, and various special inspections were issued as
52
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 retained on fence contractors, excavators and
demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing commercial buildings for compliance
with B.O.C.A. National Property Maintenance Code 1996 continued through
2010-2011. In connection with this program, 840 inspections were made,
violations issued when necessary and compliance obtained. This program Is
designed to maintain health and safety standards in the city. In mid -2011, due to
staff reductions, we ceased inspecting on a biennial basis existing industrial
factory buildings after we were able to complete one cycle. We still inspect said
buildings for zoning compliance and when permits are issued. As personnel
becomes available industrial biennials may be resumed.
In addition to the annual inspection program, the Inspection Department performs
all functions mandated by city ordinance that requires all private (one and two
family) and multiple family rental dwelling units are licensed and inspected on an
annual basis. This year the Department inspected the following rental units:
A. 1,403 units, consisting of one and two family dwellings and group homes.
B. 27 apartments/complexes consisting of 2,145 units. The inspection
covers all dwelling units, common areas and exterior structures and
grounds.
In mid-January 2010 the Department began enforcement of the Vacant and
Abandoned Building Ordinance #2844 (VAABO) that took effect October 29,
2009. The program is designed to provide for maintenance and inspection of
problem properties, residential and non-residential, but pertains to any vacant or
abandoned structures. Moreover, during the enforcement of the program
additional permits and inspections are needed due to the work required.
Following is a breakdown of the activities generated by this program:
Total Permits Total Fees
Registration Fee — Residential 520 $ 18,060
Registration Fee — Non -Residential 27 $ 945
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Residential 4,003 $168,023
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Non -Residential 228 $ 9,454
Inspection Fee — Residential 1,918 $192,650
Inspection Fee — Non -Residential 121 $ 21,700
Permit Fee — Residential/Zoning 1,070 $ 75,292
Permit Fee — Non -Residential 65 $ 9.792
Total 70952 $495,916
53
Additionally, 200 formal complaints were received and responded to throughout
the year as they related to property, zoning and ordinance code violations.
Numerous requests for information from many various sources (Council,
Commissions, Citizens, Contractors, other Departments and Guests) are
routinely handled every day and on an annual basis would exceed 10,000. There
were approximately 538 rental inspection violations, 587 annualibiennial
Inspection violations and 67 VAABO program violations that were issued for
various code infractions during 2010-11. (Violations and/or formal complaints are
legal notices issued as a start of prosecution and are different from the everyday
correction notices that we utilize).
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 Inspection Department also performed reviews of current fee structures. We
also worked with the Planning Department and the Law Department to update
and/or change sections of Zoning Ordinance 543. Moreover we formulated and
updated (working with the Law Department) the Property Maintenance Code to
the 2012 edition. It is currently going before Council for adoption. We are
routinely involved in such endeavors over the course of the year. Furthermore,
we were involved with administering and maintaining contracts for the City Weed
Mowing Program; we raised administration fees this year in an effort to cover our
cost and decrease the number of people who utilize the City as their lawn
service. The administration fees alone this year were $76,199. We also are
upgrading our computer system and engaging in the training involved. The
computer, system upgrades, and training will carryover into the next fiscal year.
The valuation of new building activities for 2010-11 is $81,733,816. The revenue
collected from all building and inspection activities was approximately
$2,381,329.
SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT has responsibility 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 non -criminal
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, including direct
supervision of the city weed contractor; 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 may
also be delegated to Ordinance Enforcement as needed.
0
STATISTICS 2010-11
Total General Inspections Made
16,310
Building Maintenance and Repair
368
Parking Lot Repairs
9
Trash and Debris
1009
Junk Vehicles
770
Noxious Weeds'
2813
Noise/Air/Odor
29
Nuisances
180
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property
225
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Property
1455
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles
357
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles
252
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy
79
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles
160
Right of Way encroachments
170
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Pasted)
88
Snow on Sidewalks
493
License Violations
318
Vehicle Parking Snow Emergency
0
Site Inspections
5022
Zoning Grants
56
Sanitation activities also Included 932 citizen complaints regarding the collection
of municipal refuse and the delivery of 620 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 794 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 equivalent form of construction can be used.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2010-11 is as follows:
55
Meetings Scheduled 3 Appeals Granted/Modified
Appeals Filed 4 Appeals Denied
Hearings Held 4 Appeals Dropped
Re -hearings 0 Appeals Tabled
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection Department.
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
LITIGATION
There are ten (10) cases 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. Eight (8) other cases were resolved in 2010-2011 either pursuant
to a stipulation or by final judgment of the Wayne County Circuit Court. Four (4)
cases are pending in the Ingham County Circuit Court. There are three (3) civil
cases pending in the 16th District Court. Seven (7) civil cases were resolved in
the 16th District Court and one (1) of these cases had a money judgment granted
by the Court which remains unpaid. There is one (1) case pending in the
Michigan Court of Appeals or the Michigan Supreme Court. Five (5) cases are
pending in the United States District Court
Three hundred seventeen (317) cases are pending before the Michigan Tax
Tribunal. One hundred twenty-seven (127) other cases were resolved.
[INCREASE OF 191 (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 until the Tax Tribunal has entered a final order. The
Tribunal often takes several weeks to enter final orders after receipt of the
stipulation of the parties.)
The foregoing does not include any appeals taken in ordinance violation cases
from the District Court to the Circuit Court, and/or the Court of Appeals, and/or
the Supreme Court.
DISTRICT COURT
From December 2010 through November 2011, the following number of cases
were disposed of in the Livonia District Court.
56
Criminal Traffic Jury Trials
Ordinance
Misdemeanor 1712 1890 5
Ordinance
Drunk Driving 254
There is one (1) case which was appealed from the 16th District Court which is
pending in the Wayne County Circuit Court. One (1) case appealed from the
16th District Court to a higher court has been resolved.
OPINIONS
No formal opinions were issued by the Department of Law during 2010-2011.
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
At present there are no arbitration cases pending in which this office is involved.
CIVIL RIGHTSIEEOC COMPLAINTS
Three (3) civil rights complaints are pending before the Michigan Department of
Civil Rights. Three (3) complaints before the EEOC were resolved.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
In 2008, The Law Department filed a Petition for Contested Case with the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality with regard to an NPDES permit
which is currently pending.
ORDINANCES
The following number of ordinances, prepared by the Department of Law, were
submitted to the City Council and were adopted by the Council during the year
2010-2011:
3 amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map;
1 amendment to the substance of the Zoning Ordinance;
57
IS amendments to the Livonia Code of Ordinance.
In addition, one (1) proposed ordinance amendment has been prepared and
submitted to the City Council and is now awaiting Council action.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
The Department of Law assisted with the following property transactions in 2010-
2011:
1. HUD foreclosed oroperty located at 28614 Seven Mile Road
Pursuant to Council Resolution 115-11, HUD foreclosed property acquired
through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Project and located at
28614 Seven Mile Road in Section 12 was sold by the Housing
Commission to Tammy and James Sekutowski for $44,000.
2. City -owned property located at 9071 Deering
Pursuant to Council Resolution 141-11, the City -owned vacant lot located
at 9071 Deering was sold to Grigore and Silvia Turcas by the Housing
Commission for $6,000 in connection with the federal Neighborhood
Stabilization Program.
3. HUD foreclosed property located at 15813 Deerina
Pursuant to Council Resolution 196-10, HUD foreclosed property acquired
through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program and located at
15813 Deering in Section 13 was sold by the Housing Commission to
Brent Elgas for $89,000.
4. Wayne County tax -foreclosed property located at 27612 Pembroke
Pursuant to Council Resolution 246-11, tax foreclosed property located at
27612 Pembroke in Section 1 was purchased from Wayne County for
$8,915.82, using CDBG funds. The Housing Commission is planning on
demolishing this home and selling the vacant lot to the adjoining property
owner.
NOTE: Not included in this report are the numerous transactions involving the
acquisition of easements without monetary consideration.
OTHER BASIC FUNCTIONS
1. Preparation and drafting of proposed resolutions in connection with City
Council meetings.
58
2. Providing a representative at meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals,
the Board of Ethics and, upon request, at meetings of the City Planning
Commission, the Civil Service 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" legal and other
documents that are processed in the City. In 2010-2011, 276 [INCREASE
OF 21] documents were reviewed by staff attorneys.
4. Review, typing, and transmission to the District Court warrant requests
1139 [INCREASE OF 16] as submitted by the Police Division and the
Inspection Department.
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.
7. Provide legal assistance to various City department heads and
supervisors with respect to labor matters, including review of proposed
disciplinary actions.
8. 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
Ten public access computers were added to the Library this year, courtesy of a
Federal Stimulus Grant. This will greatly enhance our ability to meet the ever
growing public need for technology. The Library also took the plunge into
downloadable media by Joining with over 30 other area libraries to provide
citizens with the Overdrive Download Destination service. This technology
allows patrons to borrow e -books, audio books and music for use on their home
computer or electronic mobile device. Library users have embraced this new
service, as they continue to do with all things digital as reflected in our website
and internet statistics. Overall circulation of books and other traditional materials
decreased in 2011 compared to last year, but reduced hours of service at Noble
and Sandburg and less money for new materials makes this inevitable. Fewer
copies of Bestsellers to satisfy our wailing lists and reduced funds to spend on
59
general collection development means fewer new items circulating on a daily
basis. All departments maintained a wide variety of programs and services this
year despite staff and funding constraints.
Civic Center Adult Services:
The Adult Department hosted a new series of business/investment programs
including topics like job search strategies, small business services, credit scores,
investment and reinvestment in today's market and financial blunders and fixes.
Other popular programming continued this year with ongoing series like: Film
Movement, Classic Movies, Noontime Concerts, History Lives at the Library and
Book Club and the Adult Summer Reading Program. Special programs included:
Summer in the Sun Movie Series, Legal Lessons for Life, Astronomy 101,
Facebook for Beginners, International Observe the Moon Night, Transit to Venus,
Craft Swap and Spooky Legends and Lore. The Library also resumed MS Word,
Excel and Powerpoint classes in 2011. Our Exam proctoring service for distance
learning remains very busy. Online chat reference and the "wireless" service at
the Library continue to be popular with entrepreneurs, job hunters and students.
The Livonia Obituary Project was completed (containing indexing for over 26,000
names), as was the Livonia Observer microfilming project. This will further assist
the many genealogists that come to the Library to do research. The public
internet area was also rearranged this year. Teen programs were many and
varied in 2011 including: Teen Advisory Committee meetings, Gingerbread
Contest, Date Nite Movie Series, Teen Game Nite, Creative Writing Workshop,
Poetry Slam, Drawing Contest, Ghost Hunters, Egyptian Mummies, Magic
Workshop, Norse Mythology and the Godzllla Movie Marathon to mention a few.
Civic Center Children's Services:
Outreach services to schools and daycare centers remained a priority as staff
made school visits. A sampling of our programs included the Percy
Jackson/Heroes of Olympus program which connected the popular children's
book series to the battles and monsters of classical mythology. Our October
edition of the Readers Theater program involved readers in grades 4 through 6
bringing a creepy story to life on stage. Some of the "unchosen" prom dresses
were upcycled at our "Calling all Wizards & Superheroes — Make A Cape"
program to help outfit budding young magicians and crime fighters. Partnerships
with City departments and other organizations also supplemented Library
offerings with programs like ELVs (Early Literacy Volunteers) reading tutorials,
and the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Civic Center Circulation:
The fee for non-resident cards was raised to $100 in 2011 to equitably cover the
costs of serving individuals who might otherwise lose library access due to the
closure of their own local library. Most area communities participate with Livonia
in resource sharing agreements through the Library Network Co-op and many
Michigan libraries share resources via the MELCAT system. The non -Resident
card would cover citizens of those few communities that do not have a library or
that chose to not share their resources. The reduction in hours at Noble and
Sandburg for the second year in a row resulted in Civic Center circulating 68% of
all items in the Livonia Public Library System. The Library has completed its
second full year of participation in the MELCAT (Michigan Electronic Library)
service, which allows patrons to directly search and request items from libraries
throughout Michigan. This resource -sharing program, along with our direct
borrowing agreements through our regional cooperative TLN (The Library
Network) has helped us continue to provide a high level of service despite a
greatly reduced budget. This has also resulted in greatly increased employee
activity to process these loaned materials with a significantly reduced staff.
Noble Branch:
The Book Discussion group continues to be a favorite with Noble patrons.
Wednesday Movie Mania (you've read the book, now see the moviep has a
strong following as well. The Adult Summer Reading Program at Noble
continues to be a hit with patrons that have a true love of reading. Teen program
highlights included the "Muggle Quiditch" contest, Japan -A -Rama Day and
cooking demonstrations. Children's Storytime attendance increased 33% over
last year, and community outreach was done through participation in the
Brightside Dental Community Fair, the St. Michael's Mainstreet Community Fair
and Kindergarten storytime visits. The Children's shelving area was re -organized
and re -labeled in 2011.
Sandburg Branch:
Sandburg hosted a Kitchen Assistant Food Skills workshop for cooking
enthusiasts and a Canoeing Michigan & Wisconsin Rivers program for those
interested in the great outdoors. The Pot Psychic program entertained a large
crowd in April and author Invin Cohen discussed the numerous books he has
written on the Detroit Tigers. The Formal Dress Exchange continues to be
appreciated by local high school students who are feeling the effects of the bad
economy. The Babysitting program is a perennial favorite for teens looking to
provide quality childcare services, while the pottery and book discussion
programs enhance their leisure time. The Drop-in Playdate program has
become increasingly popular along with our traditional Storytime sessions.
At all locations onsite public internet stations and electronic card catalogs
continue to serve citizens who may not have access to technology at home,
especially during these difficult financial times. The SAM system continues to
provide more efficient sharing of the Library's public access computers by
allowing fair and equal use of library computers with minimal staff intervention.
The Livonia Arts Commission's work with the Detroit Institute of Arts "Inside Out"
program provided art reproductions for temporary outdoor display throughout the
City and two of our Library branches were fortunate to have been selected to
participate In the exhibition. The Library is going into its 5th year of participation
in the MAP (Museum Adventure Pass) program, which offers free passes to a
variety of area cultural Institutions by checking them out at your local library. The
61
"Park & Read" program went into a 3rd year in cooperation with Michigan's State
Park system, which offers free passes to various recreational facilities. The
Library's E -newsletter still remains popular and can also be viewed on the
Library's website, along with an interactive schedule of upcoming events.
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, dubs, 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. Display areas at all locations remained
popular and the Art Gallery at Civic Center Branch hosted a number of beautiful
shows arranged by the Livonia Arts Commission.
FACILITIES
The sidewalk on the east side of Civic Center Branch was replaced in 2011. The
federal stimulus grant to fund 10 new public access computers that was awarded
at the end of last year was brought to completion in 2011. There were also a
number of technology updates that were part of the Library's management goals
for 2011, which were also completed this year. Bandwidth was doubled for
public internet access at Civic Center Branch. Telecommunications circuits to
support public internet access at Noble and Sandburg were upgraded. Public
computers were upgraded to a new version of SAM time management software,
Windows 7 and MS Office 2010. The self -check station was installed at Civic
Center and has become quite popular with Library patrons. Audio capability was
provided to Noble and Sandburg via repurposed equipment from Civic Center,
where upgraded equipment was installed.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
The Library Commissioners achieved their goal of recognizing the special efforts
of the Library Staff in maintaining the high quality of programs and services in
times of budget and resource constraints via formal resolutions and the
presentation of certificates of appreciation. Library Commissioner Patsy Girnys
resigned from the Commission this year bringing the Commission down to its
new complement of 5 through attrition. Diane Policelli, Donna Anagnostou, and
Elizabeth Newton were all re -appointed to serve another tern beginning in
October.
Assistant Branch Librarian Dolores Hayden —Automation & Circulation retired
from the Library in 2011. Duties were reassigned by delegating the Circulation
duties to an existing Librarian II and promoting a Librarian I to Librarian It to take
over the Automation side of the duties. A Librarian I was recalled from lay-off to
help cover some of the previous duties of the Librarian It's. This resulted in a
costs savings, as well as a more logical division of labor. A total of 14 positions
(or 12.5 FTE) have been lost since 2008.
62
FUNDING
Millage funds have decreased in the last four years along with significant
decreases in revenue from the City's General Fund, State Aid to Libraries and
Penal fines. In 2011 total revenue was $3,970,039 (down from $4,202,787 in
2010 — a drop of an additional 5%). State Aid to Libraries was distributed this
year, but was reduced from $39,665 to $37,974 (down from $88,304 in 2004)
and Penal fines finally went up slightly ($110,183) after falling steadily 3 years in
a raw. Regular penal fine revenue in 2010 ($85,227) had dropped to almost half
of what it was in 2004 ($155,500). Millage funds in 2010 were $3,950,341
compared to $3,580,048 in 2011 (an additional drop of 9.4%). There has been a
total loss of revenue of 20% - 23% since 2008, depending on whether or not
reserve funds from donations and the Library's unexpended fund balance are
included. State Aid reductions not only impact Livonia directly, but also indirectly
through the TUN library co-op that is our service organization. Services from this
source may either cost more or be eliminated. Unfortunately, funding from all of
these sources 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.
The Federal Stimulus Grant awarded at the end of last year was carried out in
2011, resulting in an additional 10 public access computers for citizen use. The
Library also sought additional outside funding and support to help supplement
other services to the community this year. The large colorful "Visions of the
Universe" exhibit and several exciting astronomy programs for both adults and
children were the result of a grant co-sponsored by the ALA, the Space
Telescope Science Institute, the Smithsonian, and NASA. The Livonia Arts
Commission approved another generous grant to help underwrite the costs of the
Noontime Concert Series. 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 over the past year. The
Friends of the Uvonla Public Library awarded one $1000 scholarship to a worthy
staff member pursuing her college education this year. The Friends continue to
work tirelessly to organize and carry out their Book Sale events and the Friends
Used Bookstore is more popular than ever. The Library is especially appreciative
of the Friends' hard work and generous donations during these difficult economic
times.
STATISTICAL REVIEW
October 2010
October 2011
Library Program Attendance
30,715
20,836
Meeting Room Attendance
62,319
64,047
Registered Borrowers
46,721
47,262
Items in the Collection
292,265
321,604
Circulation
868,101
771,880
63
Library Website Usage 291,727 312,457
Internet Workstations 63,355 63,418
PARKS AND RECREATION
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 one's leisure time can: become wholesome; where
memories are created; skills are developed; and where the quality of life of our
residents, their families and friends are enhanced.
With the assistance of 12 full-time staff, 300+ dedicated and enthusiastic part-
time staff, the Department of Public Services, Building Maintenance, and Park
Maintenance, in 2011 we recorded:
• An average of 2,800 individuals visited the LCRC daily.
• 103,439 rounds of golf were played at our three courses.
• 7,900 participants in Special Events.
• 12,584 visits to the outdoor pools.
• 26,670 who attended an organized picnic at a pavilion.
• 6,045 athletic participants played over 3,800 games.
We received $8,488 as well as in-kind donations from 16
businesses/organizations for parks, programming and special events.
Parks and Recreation works cooperatively with and delivers services to other
City Departments, civic organizations, community businesses and the Livonia
and Clarenceville Public Schools. As part of this cooperation, we have partnered
with three (3) civic organizations to manage athletic facilities (Rotary and Jaycee
Parks and Greenmead and Wilson Barn soccer fields) and with one community
business (DMC, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation Institute of
Michigan).
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
• Golf
• Special Events
• Parks
64
AQUATIC DIVISION
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, educational, and enjoyable aquatic services to the
citizens through a wide array of swim lessons, water fitness classes, open swim,
lap swim, diving lessons, pool rentals, synchronized swimming, special events,
and swim teams.
Community Recreation Center
Over the last year the classes and programs we offered had over 5,758
participants, not including the swim teams. This is an increase from last year
when we had 4,236 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 include Tri County Swim League championships and
the Snowball Splash. The listed meets had between 300 and 1,200 participants
each. In addition, we hosted five (5) dual meets for Ladywood High School,
three (3) dual meets for the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and one (1)
dual meet for Catholic Central High School. We also were the host site for the
North Zone Region A Synchronized Swimming Championships.
Special events held at our Community Center this year included the 8" Annual
Cardboard Boat Races and the eAnnual Arctic Chill Indoor Triathlon.
The Lap pool was shut down for routine and preventive maintenance in April and
the Leisure pool was shut down in August. During the August Shutdown time, the
Leisure pool received a variable frequency drive motor that will save about
$8,000.00 in energy this year, in addition, all the lights in the pool were changed.
Outdoor Pools
A total of 2,758 Community Center Pass Holders embraced the opportunity to
swim at any one of the three (3) outdoors pools by purchasing a $10.00 pass.
12,584 daily pass visits were recorded at the pools this year (4,601 at Botsford,
5,636 at Clements Circle, and 2,347 at Shelden). This was a decrease from last
year's total of 20,293, This decrease was likely due to the three-week shorter
swim season at Botsford and the one-week shorter season at Clement Circle.
This year there were no significant capital improvements at the outdoor pools.
Our swim lesson program had 522 students at the Botsford and Shelden pools.
Four (4) different swim teams used our outdoor pools for summer practice.
65
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Division provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include league play men's/women's softball, men's
basketball, youth basketball, t -ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, soccer,
archery and tennis.
League Play
We offered over 31 different activities for team sports, had over 6,045
participants and played over 3,800 games. We offered the following team sports
for participants ranging in age from four years to over 65 years old. We had over
162,439• contact hours in our athletic programs.
Programs
Ages
# of
# of
# of
Avg Game
Contact
Teams
Games
Players
Time
Hours"
Winter
Men's
18 & older
22
154
264
1 hour
3,696
Basketball
UAL
18 & under
85
892
1,030
1.25 hours
26,760
Basketball
Sorinc/
Summer
Men's
18 & under
4
24
48
1 hour
576
Basketball
Co-sponsored
18 & under
123
1,476
1,473
2 hours
70,848
Baseball&
Softball
Collegiate
22 & under
8
140
168
2.5 hours
14,700
Baseball
Men's Softball
18 & over
50
329
900
1.25 hours
14,805
Men's Modified
18 & over
6
45
108
1.25 hours
2,025
Women's
18 & over
13
91
252
1.25 hours
4,095
Softball
Co -Ed Softball
18 & over
16
112
288
1.25 hours
5,040
Senior Softball
55 & over
8
104
137
1.25 hours
2,340
T -Ball
5-6 yr olds
22
88
358
1.25 hours
3,520
Coach Pitch
7-8 yr olds
30
120
446
1.25 hours
4,800
Girl's Slowpitch
10 & under
6
24
83
1.25 hours
960
Men's Softball 18 & over 22 154 396 1.25 hours 6,930
Men's 18 & over 8 56 96 1 hour 1,344
f
"Contact Hours:
1. Baseball equals number of games x 42
(2 teams @ 21/team) x length of game
2. Softball equals number of games x 36
(2 teams @ 18fteam) x length of game
3. Basketball equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
4. Youth Programs equals number of games x 32
(2 teams @ 16f eam) x length of game
5. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at games
Archery Range
The outdoor Archery Range opened this year on Saturday, April 2. The range
has seven (7) targets at various distances with an additional broad -head range.
Several area Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups utilized the range for badge
certifications. The range is open Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from April
through October and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from May through
October. It is open on Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 p.m. until dusk from
September through October. Over 860 people attended the range through
general admission and season passes and the revenue for the range is $2,820.
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 had over 650 enrollments. In addition, 36 girls
joined one of three Synchronized Skating Teams. Over 50 girls compete in
regional competition. The City hosted its bi-annual skating competition with over
200 skaters competing.
COMMUNITY CENTER DIVISION
The Community Center, in its ninth year of operation, continues to meet its
mission of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships, daily
admissions, class participation, league play, community group partnerships and
rentals.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 2,800 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed nine (9)
days per year, almost 1 million people come through the door each year.
Membership has increased by 9.0% reflecting the desire of people getting in
shape and looking for a great place to have fun. The overall selection of
programs and facilities at the Community Center continues to out perform any
facility in the region.
67
The Community Centers electronic fund payment plan for membership fees has
been a success. Over 3,400 members are utilizing this convenient payment
method.
Total Annual Membership 14,710
Summer membership 1,312
Total Day Passes 44,593
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session. The
aerobics program has over 100 offerings per week. Swim lessons have
continued to be a hallmark of our programs with over 500 youth honing their skills
each session.
Total Enrollment 22,878
Aerobics 9,964 Classes/Leagues 3,172
Athletics 42 Personal Training 1,900
Camps 381
Camp Swoosh 707 Special Events 1,156
Climbing Wall 185 Swim Lessons 3,655
Fitness Center 278 Water Exercise 1,438
Special projects completed in 2011 were:
1. Installed energy-saving frequency drive.
2. 5 new cardio equipment pieces.
3. Refinished water slide.
Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and Wellness programming continues to offer variety. Members can take
advantage of a number of services including: fitness hub workouts, fitness
assessments, climbing wall classes, personal training, private pilates personal
training, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, group exercise (aerobics) and
Livonia's 100 Days to Health wellness program.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area of the LCRC. Equipment
orientations are offered free of charge by the personal training staff. We also
offer Polar Body Age assessments. The Body Age 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
strength, flexibility, percent 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. The fitness
hub has 86 cardio machines, 17 selectorized weight -training machines, 2 cabled
functional trainers, 2 sets of 51b -1001b dumbbells and 1 set of 20lb-1101b fixed
curl bars. Cardio equipment is also available on the bridge leading to the track
and in one of the track corners. Also available is an assortment of plate -loaded
20
machines such as a smith machine, squat rack, leg press, call raise and chest
press benches. Another feature is the Enercise Cardio Theater function found on
most of our cardio equipment. The Enercise unit enables the member to tune
into a T.V. program while getting their cardio workout in.
With a staff of 13 climbing wall attendants/instructors and a climbing wall
coordinator, the climbing wall continues to be a unique feature of the recreation
center. The wall has 13 routes ranging in degree of difficulty in order to
challenge the novice through elite climber. The wall remains open for use seven
days a week. We offer a range of youth and adult climbing classes throughout
the weekends. Some of the specialty programs that we offer at the climbing wall
are the rock wall climbing social every Friday night and a Boy/Girt Scout Merit
Badge program. The Boy/Girl Scout Merit Badge program is a 3-4 hour class with
classroom lectures and climbing wall time.
With a staff of 12 certified personal trainers, personal training continues to be
utilized on a consistent basis. Members can utilize personal training as an
individual, a couple or in a group setting. Members meet with a personal trainer,
with frequency dependent on the individual goal. Personal trainers help
members became successful with their fitness goals.
Nutritional counseling is an additional service that the LCRC is offering. We
currently have 1 registered dietitian and 1 nutrition coach on staff. Members
meet with the dietitian on an individual basis. This service is by appointment only.
Members also meet with a nutrition coach through the Lifestyle classes. We have
incorporated dietary services into some of our class and seminar offerings.
Massage therapy is a service that is offered to members as well as non-
members. We currently have 1 certified massage therapist on staff. This service
Is by appointment only. Massage therapy is currently being offered on
Wednesdays.
Group exercise (land aerobics) continues to be a popular offering. We currently
offer 103 classes, seven days a week. We offer 48 classes in the evenings and
55 classes in the mornings. The majority of our group exercise classes are 50
minute class lengths. We now offer 30 minute classes as well. Zumba, Women
on Weights, Lifestyle Makeover, yoga, cycle, step, kickboxing and pilates are a
few of our most popular classes. We have 31 certified aerobics instructors on
staff.
Livonia's 100 Days to Health has become a successful community -wide initiative
to build partnerships with area businesses and increase community involvement
with the use of programming through the Livonia Community Recreation Center.
The goal of the program is to provide participants with simple, factual and
educational information on nutrition, exercise, health and wellness for the entire
family. The program runs from January to April. The 2011 event attracted 500
participants. The 100 Day Weight Loss Fitness Challenge had 141 participants,
CX]
losing a combined 595 pounds. Corporate partners included the DMC, St. Mary
Mercy Hospital, Dick's Sporting Goods, Time too Savor, Running Fit, Health
Quest Back & Neck, Arden Courts and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Grocery stores
that also participated were Kroger, Busch's, Joe's Produce and Trader Joe's.
Participants involved in the 100 Days have access to exemise classes, nutrition
seminars, wellness seminars, grocery store tours, rock climbing and free
workouts and swimming on Fridays here at the LCRC during the length of the
program.
Sports and Leisure
In 2011, we continued to offer a variety of leisure classes to our citizens, covering
all ages and all interests. We strive to offer quality programs at affordable prices
for all our customers. Between the two winter sessions, one spring session, one
summer session and two fall sessions, we offered close to 300 classes/clinics
and multiple day camp experiences for youth.
Leisure classes include pre-school developmental classes such as Pre-school
playgroup, 2's on the Move, Fun 2B Fit, LOCOI-Motion and Imagination Station.
We also offer dance classes for adults and youth including ballet and ball room.
Kids Night Out continues to add fun and excitement every 3rtl Friday of the month
for kids ages 5-12. We offer 20 different martial arts classes ranging from Tae
Kwon Do to Kung Fu to Karate. We also offer enrichment classes for youth in
the form of art and music programs.
Indoor and outdoor sport programs include baseball, volleyball, basketball,
football, soccer, and tennis. They are run in a variety of formats including seven
(7) week Gass sessions, 2-3 day clinics, week-long camps and instructional
leagues.
Camp Swoosh continues to provide 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
creative side through art and themed projects, stay physically active and involved
instead of sitting 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. Over the course of summer 2011,
Camp Swoosh staff mentored a total of 93 different children ages 6-11, while
averaging 35 total campers per week.
Kid Quarters
Our short-term child 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, friendly, and fun environment while
they work out. There were a total of 5,956 visits to Kid Quarters which generated
just over $22,200 and averaged 577 visits per month.
70
Rentals
The opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to use the center for special
gatherings is a great way for people to take advantage of the Community Center
services. The following events took place In 2011:
Birthday Parties
468
School Groups
17
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
10
Scout Groups
16
Party/gathering
36
Team Party
7
Meetings
9
Church groups
9
Showers
37
Company Outings
4
Total
613
There were 675 hours of gym rental as well as 725 hours used by Livonia Junior
Athletic League as part of our sponsorship. Many teams rent gym time during
off-season training to keep athletes in shape. After -hour outings are an
opportunity to have a more private event.
GOLF DIVISION
The 2011 season has been a humbling year for those in the golf industry.
Industry reports for Michigan and most of the Midwest are all blaming Mother
Nature and not the economy or lack of golfers. At the end of October there were
roughly 15% fewer available tee -times to sell based on rain and other weather-
related issues, which would mean golf courses could expect to be roughly 15%
lower in revenue. While the City of Livonia Golf division has had lower revenue in
2011 (through the month of October), the decrease has only been 6%. Thus,
based on weather, it appears the Golf Division overcame most of the potential
15%loss, through better utilization of available tee -times.
Hard to look at real numbers and come up with a "what it answer, but Mother
Nature truly impacts the golf industry this much. The months of April, May and
September were the worst recorded months in the past 11 seasons for their
respective month and July/October were the second worst on record. This is also
where Mother Nature hit us the hardest during 2011.
Rounds Played
Whispering Willows
36,001
Idyl Wyld
29,338
Fox Creek
3800
Total
103,439
Whispering Willows: New forward tees were built on holes #4 and #6. A new
walking bridge was installed at hole 16 in order to help drainage in the
neighboring subdivision.
Fox Creek: The course was is in excellent condition with the greens running fast.
Courses that once were considered in a higher class from a price perspective or
71
due to course conditions are now being compared to Fox Creek. After such a wet
spring, replacing and adding new drainage was the goal for 2011. Over 350
yards of new drainage was installed during 2011 and roughly the same amount
of existing drainage was cleaned out and repaired. New tees on holes #10 and
#11 were built and put into use.
Idyl Wvld: The forward tee on #5 was more than doubled in size. Asphalt was
replaced in the south parking lot and the water line to the club house was
replaced and the size of the line increased.
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.
A sense of family and individual pride and community spirit is developed through
such events as: DaddylDaughter dance, Mother/Son dance, holiday activities,
summer playground program, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cardboard Boat Races,
Elk's Soccer Shoot and Hoop Shoot, Indoor and Youth Triathlon, and Outdoor
Family Fun Night, to mention a few.
Over 7,900 Individuals have benefited from participating in our special events
totaling 59,000 hours in which we had direct contact with them.
[Page intentionally left blank— See data on next page]
72
Event
Ages
9 of
Time
9 of
Contact
Co-Sponsored
Days
People
Hours
By
Kids Night Out
5-12
12
4
40
1920
Year Round
Winter
Santa's Workshop
Gr K-
1
0.5
51
27
Livonia Kiwanis
Calling
2
Santa Mailbox
7 &
1
0.5
156
78
Livonia Kiwanis
under
Essay Contest
5-12
1
1
126
126
Friends of the
Barn
Tree Lighting
All
1
3
600+
1800+
Rotary Club,
Ceremony
Libraries, Civic
Chorus
Lunch with Santa
12 &
1
2
100
200
Kiwanis
under
Elk's Hoop Shoot
8-13
1
2.5
20
50
Livonia Elks
Contest
Lodge
Daddy Daughter
4-16
1
2
178
356
Livonia Elks
Dance
Lodge
Civic Chorus
All
1
1
150
150
Civic Chorus
Indoor Triathlon
18+
1
2
48
96
Cardboard Boat
All
1
4
82
328
Races
New Years Eve
All
1
3
352
1056
Party
Sorin
Take Pride in
All
1
3
293
879
Rotary Club,
Livonia Day
Scouts, and
School Groups
Passport to Safety
14 &
1
5
1000+
5000
Various
under
Sponsors
Memorial Day
All
1
4
200+
800+
Veteran's
Ceremony
Alliance
Hunter Safety
10&
1
12
47
564
DNR
Course
up
Civic Chorus
18 &
2
2
200
800
Livonia Civic
Concert
up
Chorus
Easter Bunny
12 &
1
2
100
200
Kiwanis
Lunch
under
Egg Hunt
12 &
1
3
1300
3900
Rotary
Under
Pitch, Hit & Run
7-14
1
2.5
106
265
LJAUcorporate
sponsors
73
Event
Ages # of Time # of
Days People
Contact
Hours
Co-Sponsored
By
Summer
Music From the
All 8 1.5 200+
2400+
Arts
Heart
Commission
Playground
Program
5-12 35 4 239
33460
Nature Camp
5-8 5 2 9
90
Rock/Roll Camp
9-18 5 2 5
50
Kids Triathlon
6-14 1 3 47
141
Wolverine
Sports and
Conservation
Club
Filmmaking Camp
12-18 5 2 4
40
Mad Science
3-12 5 3 42
630
Camps
WWCTR Picnic
All 1 2.5 100
250
WWCTR
Extravaganza
Fall
Lunch with
12 & 1 2 100
200
Kiwanis
Goblins
under
Elks Soccer Shoot
13 & 1 3.5 25
88
Livonia Elk's
under
Lodge
Haunted Stroll
12 & 1 1 1500
1500
Friends of the
under
Barn
Craft Afternoon
10 & 1 2 37
74
Friends of the
under
Barn
Turkey Trot
All 1 3 398
1194
Goodfellows,
Various
Corporate
Sponsors
Hunter Safety
10& 1 12 50
600
DNR
Course
Up
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 clusters, 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 pricelessll
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.
74
Approximately 347 pavilion permits were issued with approximately 26,670
attendees for Rotary, Jahn Stymelski, Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Circle,
Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue for the pavilion rentals totaled $26,740.
The parks were also the sites of numerous special events and activities.
Improvements to the parks included remodeling the bathrooms at Rotary Park
with funds donated by the Rotary Club, replacing the backstops at numerous
parks with funds from a Wayne County grant, an artificial turf soccer field at
Jaycee Park paid for by Livonia Wolves and Hawks, our lessee at Jaycee Park,
and the repaving of the street and parking areas in the back of Bicentennial Park.
Marketina
The Marketing Department strives to promote the assets of the department and
how they influence the lives of those we serve, as well as, develop and cultivate
partnerships, collaborations and volunteerism. As a department we are devoted
to offering quality programs and facilities while providing the highest standards of
customer service passible.
The L Magazine continues to be our primary source of advertisement to our
users. The L Is distributed to Livonia's 39,000 plus households and the Livonia
Recreation Center's non-resident members. The L Magazine is also available on
our website. Other avenues to promote and advertise are through Facebook,
two TV commercials, email blasts, news releases, website, flyers, posters,
mailings, Livonia Television cable releases, testimonials, co-sponsors and
partnerships, a new resident welcome letter and family pass to the LCRC, word
of mouth, and 2 open houses per year that brought in a combined 3,000 guests
and 97 Annual Membership Packages.
Activities and projects handled by the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year 2011 included the following:
Subdivision Plats Considered Meetinas Held
Preliminary Plats
0
Public Hearings (40 items)
12
Final Plats
0
Regular Meetings (4 items)
3
Study Meetings (44 items)
15
Special Regular Meetings (1 items)
1
Petitions Processed
Amendments
Rezoning
7
Master Plan Amendments
0
Waiver of Use
13
Language Amendments (Ord 543)
2
Site Plans
12
Vacating
2
75
Site Condominiums 0
Sign Permits 1
Greenbelt & Landscape 0
Satellite Dish 0
Lot Splits 10
Extensions 0
2011 NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
Throughout the past year, the Department was closely involved in the planning of
several new developments, as well as several expansion and redevelopment
projects, including:
1) The rezoning of vacant City -owned property located south of and
adjacent to the existing Newburgh Village senior citizen housing
community from RUF (Rural Urban Farm) to R-9 (Housing for the
Elderly). The rezoning is the first step in the process of developing
the land into a Phase 2 component of the Newburgh Road Village
development;
2) The rezoning of two developed parcels located on the east side of
Haggerty Road between Seven and Eight Mile Roads from R -E
(Research -Engineering) to C-2 (General Business). The subject
property is the site of the Haggerty Tech Center, which is presently
comprised of three (3) one-story "0exstyle" buildings and associated
off-street parking facilities. The C-2 zoning is in anticipation of
redeveloping the site for service commercial, retail, and/or
entertainment purposes;
3) Approval to operate a full service restaurant (Blue Plate Diner) within
the Loveland Plaza commercial center. Loveland Plaza is located on
the north side of Seven Mile Road between Merriman Road and
Farmington Road;
4) Approval to construct an outdoor dining patio area and increase the
seating capacity of the existing full service restaurant, Luigfs Pizza &
Subs, located on the north side of Plymouth Road between Merriman
Road and Hubbard Avenue;
5) Approval for the outdoor storage and display of vehicles and
motorcycles at the Dick Scoff Classic Motorcycles dealership, located
on the north side of Plymouth Road between Levan Road and
Newburgh Road;
0) Approval to operate a used vehicle business at the existing Midas
shop located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Seven
Mile Road and Bretton Avenue;
7) Approval to operate a limited service restaurant, Biggby Coffee,
within the Millennium Plaza shopping center, which is located on the
76
south side of Seven Mile Road between Farmington Road and Irving
Boulevard;
8) Approval to operate a basketball training facility (Get Skillz
Basketball) on property located on the east side of Wayne Road
between Industrial Road and Schoolcraft Road;
g) Approval to utilize an SDM liquor license (sale of packaged beer and
wine) and an SDD liquor license (sale of packaged spirits over 21%
alcohol) in connection with a party store (James Party Store) located
on the south side of Seven Mile Road between Inkster Road and
Harrison Avenue;
10) Approval for an outdoor dining patio (seasonal seating) in connection
with a full service restaurant (Time Out Bar and Grill) located on the
north side of Plymouth Road between Levan Road and Newburgh
Road;
11) Vacating public road right-of-way, more specifically, portions of
Library Drive located adjacent to the main Library on the grounds of
the Civic Center Campus located between Five Mile Road and Civic
Center Drive;
12) Vacating part of an existing drain easement on property located at
the Livonia Marketplace at the northwest comer of Seven Mile Road
and Middlebelt Road;
13) Approval for an outdoor dining patio (seasonal seating) at the
existing full service restaurant (G. Subu's Leather Bottle) located on
the east side of Farmington Road between Eight Mile Road and
Norfolk Road;
14) Approval to renovate the exterior of the bank (Comerica Bank)
located on the southwest comer of Five Mile Road and Merriman
Road;
15) Approval of elevation plans for Buildable Area "A" within the Livonia
Marketplace shopping center, located on the north side of Seven Mile
Road between Middlebelt Road and Purlingbrook Avenue;
16) Approval to remodel the exterior of an existing vacant restaurant
(formerly Lone Star Steakhouse) located on the west side of Victor
Parkway between Seven Mile Road and Pembroke Avenue. The
restaurant is to re -open under the name "New Big Daddy's";
17) Approval to renovate the exterior of the commercial building (formerly
Shooters Service) located on the south side of Six Mile Road
between Middlebelt Road and Oporto Street;
18) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant
(McDonald's) located on the west side of Farmington Road between
Seven Mile Road and Eight Mile Road;
77
19) Approval to construct an addition to the commercial shopping center
(KSI Plaza) located on the north side of Plymouth Road between
Stark Road and Belden Court;
20) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing commercial building
located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Bretton Road
and Eight Mile Road and transform the building into a medical clinic
called 'Premier Medical Center;
21) Approval to construct an office building on a portion of the property
located on the west side of Victor Parkway between Seven Mile
Road and Pembroke Avenue;
22) Approval to construct additions and remodel the exterior of the
existing elderly housing (Manoogian Manor) located on the west side
of Middlebelt Road between Five Mlle Road and Puritan Avenue;
23) Approval to drill an oil and gas exploration well on the Schoolcraft
College campus located on the east side of Haggerty Road between
Six Mile Road and Seven Mile Road;
24) Approval to demolish an existing building and construct a new
medical office building on the east side of Levan Road between
Lyndon Avenue and Five Mile Road;
2011 Lot Splits Reports —16
2011 Language Amendments — 2
2011 Vacating Reports — 2
Fully Digitized In-house Petition Books
1953-1964
1965 thru 1976
1977 thru 1999
2000 thru Present
City-wide overall map
Update Future Land Use Map
Prepared Zoning Ordinance Amendments
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions
of the Economic Development Office. The focus of the Economic Development
Office is to lend assistance to commercial and industrial businesses, maintain a
list of available properties and buildings, expedite and provide guidance through
the permitting process, and administer the various economic development
incentive programs, such as tax exempt bond financing through the Economic
Development Corporation, management of Livonia's Brownfield Redevelopment
Authority, and oversight of the tax abatement programs (i.e., P.A. 19B, P.A. 328
0
and Wayne County TURBO). Spacial emphasis of the 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.
The City of Livonia's seasonally unadjusted jobless rate for the month of
September 2011 was 5.0 percent, down from 5.6 percent one (1) year ago.
Nationally, the average is 9.0 percent, and the State of Michigan and Wayne
County are 9.2 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively.
In 2011, the Livonia Economic Development Office provided assistance to a
number of businesses, Including the processing ten (10) tax incentive
applications. The following summarizes several of the major projects and
activities that the Livonia Planning and Economic Development office has been
involved with over the past year.
4M INDUSTRIES
4M Industries maintains 2 Livonia facilities – the Company's main plant, which is
located at 35300 Glendale and totals around 40,000 sq. ft., and a 19,000 s% ft,
building located at 33855 Capitol. 4M is a family-owned business that has been
in operation since 1988. The Company moved into the building on Glendale in
2003 and has been there since. At that time, the Company consisted of
approximately 30 employees. Today, 4M employs roughly 85 people. 4M
manufactures high-quality precision machined components primarily for the
aerospace, medical, defense and automotive industries. Over the next two (2)
years, the Company expects to Invest $1.78M in new machinery and equipment,
including the addition of several machine centers, lathes, a compressor, a
mill/turning center, barfeeders and a waterjet cutting machine. A majority of the
investment, approximately $1.1 M, will be invested at the Glendale plant. The
balance, around $670,000, will be made at the new building on Capitol. 4M
expects that up to 20 new jobs will be created within 2 -years upon completion of
the Investment. In September, the City Council granted 4M a tax abatement for
the maximum length allowed under the statute -12 years.
APPLIED PROCESS
Applied Process is located on the southeast corner of Newburgh and Amrhein
Roads. The Company specializes in high-performance metal heat treatment, and
has been a technology leader in the heat treating industry since 1978. Applied
Process uses austempering technologies in a wide variety of applications,
including ductile iron and steel. Its serves primarily industrial customers including
agriculture, construction, heavy vehicle, light vehicle, railroad, turf care, mining,
and many others.
Applied Process has been a Livonia -based company for over 25 years. Over the
years, the City has supported Applied Process by granting tax abatements, and
thus allowing the Company to expand from its original 34,000 sq. ft. facility Into
what Is now a total of over 50,000 sq. fl. In 2003, an IFEC was approved on an
79
investment totaling $2.45M for new machinery and equipment, and in 2004, the
Company expanded its operations by leasing a building on the abutting property
to the south at 12202 Newburgh Road. This building is used for warehousing and
houses Company's corporate offices, including its sales, finance, marketing,
research and development, and human resource operations.
In November 2011, the City granted a third tax abatement to the Company, this
time for a total planned investment of approximately $1.82M. A majority of the
Investment will be for new machinery and equipment related to the Company's
manufacturing operations. To help keep pace with demand, Applied Process
refurbished two (2) furnaces from a closed plant in Kentucky and installed the
equipment in its Livonia plant. The new investment will result in at least twenty
(20) new jobs,
ALPHA USA
In 2011, ALPHA sought and obtained an exemption of personal property taxes,
permissible under P.A. 328 of 1998, for an investment in new machinery and
equipment and other personal property having a total projected cost over the life
of the exemption of approximately $21M.
ALPHA is a family-owned company, founded in the mid -1950's, and has been a
Livonia -based business for over 40 years. The Company makes its home at the
corner of Farmington Road and Glendale Avenue in a facility with over 80,000
sq. ft. of floor area. ALPHA is a full engineering and product development -based
manufacturer that supplies engineered metal washers and fastener assemblies
to the auto and defense industries, as well as products for the medical,
transportation, agriculture, aerospace, and alternative energy industries. The
Company currently employs over 125 people.
In order to keep pace with projected demand for its products and improve its
engineering and production operations, ALPHA has plans to invest in new state-
of-the-art technology and equipment. Immediately, the Company is looking to
purchase over $300,000 in new M&E. Next year, ALPHA plans spend an
additional $320,000 on M&E, Including a new machining center, sorting
equipment (manufactured in Livonia), and QC equipment. As business continues
to grow, the Company hopes to invest in additional capital that could total almost
$1.4M.
ALPHA's petition marked the 5s' request for an exemption of personal property
taxes under PA 328. The 1'r and most significant in tens of duration,
investment and job creation, was with A123. The next 3—Wahler Automotive,
EMS and HELM—had similar projected investments totaling –700-800K, and all
were approved for 7 year exemptions.
19
EMS
EMS is based out of Cleveland, OH, and last year, acquired Sky -Tek (formerly
Hy -Form Industries), which operated a production facility at 35588 Veronica. It is
within this approximate 18,000 sq. ft. facility where EMS now manufactures sheet
metal parts and provides engineering and design support for the production of
prototype pads for the auto industry.
To maintain and upgrade its production operations as well as its engineering and
automotive design applications, the Company needed to replace some of its
older equipment, including the acquisition of a new 2011 Mitsubishi Laser Cutting
Machine to replace a much older (1994) and nonfunctioning laser cutter. The
cost of the new machine is $695,000. In addition, EMS is moving certain
equipment from its Ohio plant to Livonia.
In June, EMS obtained Council approval for an abatement of personal property
taxes on the new machinery and equipment. The duration of the exemption is for
a period of seven (7) years.
HI -VOL
HFVoI has been a Livonia -based company since 1951, and maintains two (2)
Livonia facilities: Plant No. 1, which totals 60,000 sq. ft., is the Company's
manufacturing facility located at 12955 Inkster Road, and Plant No. 2, totaling
about 20,000 sq. ft., is used primarily for warehousing and inspection and is
located at 36975 Schoolcraft Road.
Hi -Vol Products is owned by TriMas Corporation, which trades as TRS on the
NASDAQ. Hi -Vol is a world-class manufacturer of specialized cold -formed and
precision machined parts for multiple applications and industries, including
aerospace, appliance, automotive, and agricultural. The Company's fastest
growth is currently in the automotive sector, where it serves many Tier 1 and Tier
2 suppliers. HI -Vol produces a wide range of precision machined parts, including
tube fittings, fuel system components, spacers and sleeves, female nuts, wheel
locks, and aerospace collars.
Hi -Vol Products, operating previously under the names of MascoTech Forming
Technologies and Lake Erie Products, has petitioned the City Council in the past
for tax abatements. The most recent was in 2007 when the Council approved a
12 -year IFEC on a capital investment of approximately $41AM for new machinery
and equipment.
In 2011, HI -Val successfully petitioned the City for a PA 198 tax abatement on a
total investment of over $11 M, all of which will include the purchase of new
equipment to go into Plant 1 over the next 2 years. The overall investment will
create 12 new jobs in addition to helping to retain 58 existing jobs.
m
LINEAR MOLD
Earlier this year, Linear Mold asked the City for assistance In making a
substantial investment in new equipment to go in the Company's main production
facility located on Stark Road between Schoolcraft Road and the CSX Railroad.
In addition to their Stark Road building, Linear Mold also maintains a
manufacturing facility at 34435 Glendale.
Linear mold is a manufacturer of plastic injection molds, foam tooling and
prototype pads for a wide variety of industrial applications. Linear mold employs
the latest technologies and management strategies to remain at the forefront of
their industry. This includes layer -build technology using advanced direct metal
laser sintering machines, stereo lithography, and composite and hybrid tooling,
just to name a few.
Over the next two (2) years, the Company plans to spend approximately $2.7M
on at least nine (9) pieces of equipment, including: two (2) sintering machines
that would be added to the company's additive manufacturing equipment and
four (4) CNC machining centers. The Company's latest investment is expected to
create and retain an estimated 25 jobs.
LEAPERS
In 2011, Leapers petitioned the City Council for a second tax abatement. The
Company's first abatement was issued in May 2010 for an investment of
approximately $2.35M for new machinery and equipment. Leapers, Inc., and its
affiliate—UTG Pro—are Livonia -based companies that design, build, warehouse,
and distribute a wide variety of sporting goods. Leapers now has three (3)
Livonia facilities, including two (2) on Capitol Street and the one (1) on Plymouth
Road.
Leapers recently acquired the building at 32500 Capitol, adjacent to its main
facility located at 32700 Capitol. The new building will be used primarily for
production and manufacturing. Shortly after purchasing the building, the
Company invested significantly towards renovating the structure for this purpose,
including changes to the shop Floor, a new roof, and electrical upgrades.
Investment in the new facility will include at least seven (7) pieces of equipment,
Including a milling machine, a lathe and three (3) CNC's. Leapers has over 50
employees, up from 45 at the time of the 1'r IFEC application. With the additional
investment, Leapers will retain at least 20 jobs and expects to add up to 6 new
jobs in the next year.
HELM
Established in 1943, Helm is a specialty fulfillment provider, which focuses on
branded merchandising, publications management and fulfillment distribution.
Some of Helm's more recognizable clients include Carharrt, Ford Motor
Company, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Napa Auto Parts, Honda, and FTD.
T
Over the past couple of years, the Livonia Economic Development Office has
been assisting Helm in their relocation efforts. This past fall, the Company
obtained an exemption of personal property taxes under P.A. 328. Helm is now in
the process of moving Its corporate offices and a large part of its warehouse and
distribution operation from Highland Park to the City of Livonia. Helm has leased
a building at 38150 Plymouth Road, which was previously occupied by
McKesson as a medical supply and pharmaceutical warehouse and distribution
center. The building is on the north side of Plymouth Road between Newburgh
Road and Eckles Road, and totals roughly 143,000 sq. ft.
The building on Plymouth is well-suited to HELM's logistical operations. It
contains a large open warehouse that will enable the Company to create high -
bay storage and racking systems. It also has ample shipping and receiving
docks, as well as general office space.
QUALITY METALCRAFT
Quality Metalcraft has been a Livonla-based company for over 40 years, and
serves primarily as an automotive prototype supplier. More recently, the
company has evolved and diversified its operations to include specialized
production and assembly, as well as utilize its design expertise on other industrial
and commercial applications, such as architectural metal installations, defense
contract work, and alternative energy. In addition, Quality Metalcraft recently
moved its Aerofficient project Into the old Sigma building on Farmington Road.
Aerofficient is a patent -holder of advanced aerodynamic fairings that increase the
operating efficiency of tractors pulling trailers by 11-12% when moving a highway
speeds and even greater efficiency when traveling in winds greater than 3 MPH.
These high-tech aerodynamic devices improve operating efficiencies of
commercial tractor -trailer systems, significantly reduced fuel consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions, and also improving highway safety by reducing the
vortex created at the rear of the trailer.
In 2009, QMC obtained Council approval for a 12 -year IFT on an investment in
new personal property totaling approximately $2.5M. The investment at that time
was for robotic assembly and weld equipment used in the production of sub-
assemblies and metal stampings.
In 2011, OMC was issued second IFT on an investment of approximately $1.13M.
The tax abatement will help with the acquisition of two (2) new milling machines
that are needed to replace alder, outdated equipment. The machines are utilized
as part of the die construction process for automotive metal stampings.
Both machines are high speed, high -precision, heavy duty CNC's. One is a 3 -
axis machine valued at approximately $540,000, while the other is a 5 -axis
"Diamond" model valued at over $1.3M. A company with offices in Livonia,
Parpas America Corporation, will supply, install and service QMC with the new
machines.
83
QMC's planned investment will result in 2 new jobs at the facility and the
retention of 10 existing jobs.
Misc. Retention and Attraction Projects: The Livonia Economic Development
Office meets with existing and prospective businesses on an on-going basis to
learn more about their operations, address any concerns they may have, provide
information on local incentive programs, and direct them to the proper State,
County and/or City agencies or departments for additional assistance. Below are
just a few of the companies that the Economic Development Office has been in
contact with over the past year:
•
Ague Growers
• Just Baked
• KTX America Inc
• nanoMAG
• SAIC
• Trinity Health
• Infineon
• American Dryer
• Valassis
• Menards
• Global Industries
• Ashley Caoitallfechnicolor
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used at the 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 continues to work closely with the Information Systems
Department and other City Departments involved in the development and
maintenance of the 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,
generating 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
Existing Land Use Cell Towers
Future Land Use Truck Routes
Building Footprints Act 198 Industrial Districts
Control Zones
Im
PLANNING DATABASE
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed for the purpose of tracking and storing
information about all of the various petitions that the 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, critical deadlines (Le., 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 2011, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 2,460 petitions.
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Hundreds of hours have been spent supplying other departments with technical
help including:
Community Resources
Assessor's Office
Historical Commission
Engineering/Inspection
Legal Department
Library Commission
Parks & Rec.
Finance Department
Historic Preservation
Housing Commission
Police Department
Mayor's Office
LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Support Services is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the
Department. Important functions include: preparing and maintaining the budget,
purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contacts with citizens groups, as
well as providing reports to the Mayor's Office, City Council, and various City
Commissions.
Traf ininu
During fiscal year 2011, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at off-site, in-service training courses and administered the State training
resources, along with various grants. The Training Division also ensured that all
of our officers completed the MCOLES Firearms Proficiency Standards, to
include our Reserve Officers. In addition, Training was responsible for
researching, developing and implementing six in-house training sessions on
topics which are considered to be high risk/low frequency occurrences. Some of
M
these topics included: Use of Force (subject control), Mobile Spike Strip Training,
"Cop Shock" and Low Light Engagements. Additionally, five mandatory training
sessions were held, which covered: Legal Update, Standard Field Sobriety
Testing, CPR & First Aid, CLEARS Reporting System, and Intermediate
Weapons Training (laser, Batons & Personal Chemical Agents). Finally,
Training also coordinated with the Civil Service Department to hire twelve new
Police Service Aides. One Police Service Aide attended the Western Wayne
Regional Police Academy and was promoted to the rank of Police Officer, along
with two other Police Service Aides.
Communications
Activities included the maintenance of the Department's Ericsson radio system
(consisting of over 600 mobile and portable subscribers citywide). The system
also includes a base site and the Dispatch Center equipment. The Dispatch
Center equipment includes the computer aided dispatch terminals, 9-1-1 premise
equipment, early warning sirens, cable override capabilities, Law Enforcement
Information Network teletype equipment, etc. Communications is also
responsible for the building's Uninterruptible Power Supply system and its battery
bank, as well as the proper testing and operation of our emergency generator.
Communications also assists the Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator with
installation, removal, and repair of radio equipment in all city vehicles and works
with Computer Services regarding the installation and maintenance of mobile
laptop computers in emergency vehicles.
In 2011, the coordination of the 800 MHz public safety spectrum re -banding has
continued and, by year's end, will be about 90% complete. The new Motorola
radio system infrastructure has been installed and the radio tower work is
complete. All of the user equipment has been delivered and final change over to
this system is expected in early 2012. Training has been scheduled on various
aspects of the system, which will include all city radio equipment, Police, Fire,
and DPW. We will be a part of the Michigan Public Safety Communication
System, which increases our interoperability and provides the users with state of
the art equipment and technology.
Comouter Services
Computer Services is responsible: for research and development, maintenance,
implementation, training, support, and purchasing for the Police and Fire
Departments' 300+ computer devices, software, and specialty equipment. This
includes: desktops, mobile scout car computers, printers, servers, fingerprint
identification equipment, video and audio devices, surveillance equipment,
wireless and Bluetooth devices. Computer Services also supports multiple
networks including all fire stations, the CLEMIS consortium, the Emergency
Operations satellite communications, and mobile scout car wireless
communications. In all, over 3500 projects, support calls, and requests have
been completed for 2011.
[•&
In 2011, Computer Services was assigned the duties of the 911 Public Safety
Answering Point (PSAP) Director. As a result, documentation of 911 call
information is now being electronically captured. Currently, research for a new
911 system is in progress.
A new Field Based Police Reporting system (CLEARS) was Implemented,
allowing for more efficient report writing. An upgraded Computer Training Lab
was implemented, at no cost to the city. New software was deployed for access
to the State of Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).
Additional activities included assisting with the new Police, Fire and DPW radio
system implementation. Current projects in progress include: Upgrading the
Time Records Management System, development of a new LPD badge logo, and
updating the mobile scout car computers.
Central Records
One Sergeant, four Clerk -Typists, one part-time Clerk -Typist, and one Clerk II
staff the Central Records Bureau. This bureau receives, reviews and files all
arrest & history information and verifies/updates information on incident reports,
as required by the Stale of Michigan.
In addition, they fulfill Freedom of Information requests, subpoenas and
discovery orders, electronically fingerprint citizens for record checks, and are
responsible for the issuance of pistol purchase permits. Central Records
personnel also enter paper traffic citation information into a new electronic
citation system and update Criminal Records information.
Property and Licensing
A Sergeant and a Police Officer staff the Property and Licensing Unit. The main
function of the Property and Licensing Unit is to receive, document, and store
evidential and non -evidential property coming 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 and abandoned vehicles,
oversight of vehicle auctions conducted by towing agencies, categorizing and
submitting confiscated firearms to the Michigan State Police for destruction,
licensing taxi cab operators and other licensing investigations authorized under
Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, and holding an annual property and
bicycle auction.
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
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 (ICAC),
School Resource, Crime Analysis, and the Western Wayne Auto Theft Task
Force. The Investigative Division Lieutenant is in charge of five Sergeants, 14
Police Officers, one Clerk Typist and one Crime Analyst.
99
The Detective Bureau Is staffed with one Sergeant and six Police Officers. 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, which includes the collection and analysis of
evidence. A Sergeant is assigned to Crime Prevention, whose duties include
tours of the Police Department, as well as teaching civic groups and businesses
crime prevention techniques.
The Special Victims Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and one Police Officer.
This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases; the Sergeant
is also our Polygraph Examiner. One Sergeant and one Police Officer are
assigned to Court Services/Liquor Control Enforcement, who 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 (ICAC) Unit. The ICAC Unit investigates individuals who
attempt to lure minors for illicit acts, via the Internet. One Police Officer is
assigned to the Western Wayne Auto Theft Task Force and is responsible for
investigating auto theft complaints in the city. This officer also works as a Task
Force member to deter, investigate, and prosecute auto theft cases at a regional
level. The School Resource Unit is comprised of three Police Officers who are
assigned to the middle and high schools. They serve as a liaison between the
police and schools and investigate any crimes which occur at the schools.
The Clerk -Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily logs,
employee time records, Sex Offender Registry, canceling warrant recalls, and
handling writs. The Crime Analyst is responsible for research, compilation,
analysis, mapping of crime trends/pattems, and the distribution of such findings
throughout the department. The information assists patrol, Investigative, and
administrative 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 comprised of one Captain, four Lieutenants, nine
Sergeants, 54 Police Officers, six Police Service Aides, eight Dispatchers, and
one Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator. The Special Operations Unit (SOU) is
also part of the Patrol Bureau but was disbanded in 2010. This unit will be
brought back in 2012 and will consist of one Sergeant and five Police Officers,
which includes a K-9 Officer. The Patrol Bureau provides around-the-clock
assistance, protection, and law enforcement to the City of Livonia.
Traffic Bureau
All Traffic Bureau personnel have been trained In traffic crash Investigation,
which is the primary focus of this bureau. Several officers within this bureau are
also reconstructionists. This bureau investigates all serious injury and fatal
crashes and includes the Motorcycle Unit and a Motor Carrier (commercial
vehicle) Enforcement Officer. 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 test instrument calibrations, school crossing guards,
planning board and zoning board research and recommendations. The Traffic
Bureau Sergeant is an ad-hoc member of the Livonia Traffic Commission and
attends all meetings.
Additional responsibilities include Injury and property damage crash
investigations, hit and run crash investigations, reckless driving complaints,
fleeing B eluding investigations, reviewing all crash (UD -10) reports, tracking and
reviewing all drunk driving arrests and related vehicle forfeitures, the S.T.A.R.
program, and the Safe Communities grant (Click It or Ticket and Over the Limit,
Under Arrest).
Community Service Bureau
The Community Service Bureau is staffed by one Police Officer. The unit is
responsible for the administration of the Police Reserve Program, consisting of
45 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 20
Explorers actively involved, who have been engaged in a number of community-
based activities In 2011.
The Community Service Bureau also provides personnel and support for
emergency events, including: snow alerts, down power lines, and crowd control.
Uniformed personnel in this bureau worked 9,079 hours at special events
throughout the City of Livonia during 2011, including school functions, Livonia
Spree, and other civic events. The total cost of services for the year is estimated
at $181,000 with fractional reimbursement at $81,000. Discounted and
unsubsidized services amount to $100,000.
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
One Lieutenant, five Sergeants, seven Police Officers, and one Clerk Typist staff
the Intelligence Bureau. Their responsibilities are as follows:
As the Officer -In -Charge, the Lieutenant supervises all members of the bureau
and is responsible for the management and administration of the unit. The
Lieutenant reports directly to the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police.
Two Sergeants directly supervise six Police Officers on two teams. These teams
are responsible for all narcotics enforcement and criminal surveillance affecting
the City of Livonia.
A third Sergeant handles all narcotics evidence for the Department and narcotics
case preparation, to include court presentation and civil forfeiture actions.
A fourth Sergeant is assigned to a federal Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) Task Force. This Sergeant works directly with local and federal officers
developing and prosecuting cases on large-scale drug traffickers in the Detroit
Metropolitan area.
A fifth Sergeant is assigned to a United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension
Team. This unit is responsible for the arrest of felony fugitives who have Fled
prosecution in local, state and federal criminal cases.
One Police Officer is assigned to a DEA Tactical Diversion Unit Task Force,
specifically targeting illicit prescription medications being trafficked in the Detroit
Metropolitan area.
The Clerk -Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily supplies,
records management, and employee time records.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The City of Livonia is recognized as an independent Emergency Management
Program by the State of Michigan under Public Act 390. The purpose of
Livonia's Emergency Management Program is to allow the City to prevent,
prepare, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies, natural disasters
and acts of terrorism. Primary responsibilities of the Emergency Management
Program include: planning, training, equipment, exercise, and the management
and administration of Livonia personnel and resources charged with responding
to major Incidents.
The City's Director of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for the overall
organization and management of Livonia's Emergency Management Program. A
Police Lieutenant is appointed as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and
works closely with other local, county, regional, slate, private and volunteer
partners involved in emergency management and homeland security.
During 2011, significant emergency preparedness activities included: procuring
and managing a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to fund a regional dispatch
consolidation study; procuring and managing a Public Safety Interoperable
Communication (PSIC) grant to purchase interoperable communications
equipment; procuring and managing Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants
to purchase interoperable communications equipment, expand the interoperable
communications system Infrastructure and obtain equipment for the Western
Wayne County Mobile Field Force law enforcement specialty team; and
procuring and managing an Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant
Program (IECGP) allocation to purchase interoperable communications
equipment.
Additional activities include: conducting training and exercising of City emergency
response personnel, in accordance with the National Incident Management
System (NIMS); representing the City with multiple local, county, regional and
state homeland security and emergency management organizations;
coordinating with the Clarenceville School District on the Community Orientated
Policing (COPS) Secure Our School grant project; participating in emergency
planning and exercise with public and private partners in the community,
including: Schoolcraft College, St. Mary's Mercy Hospital, the Civil Air Patrol,
and the Livonia Amateur Radio Club; continuing oversight of the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT), including obtaining equipment under the
Citizen Corps Council grant.
ACTIVITIES
CENTRALRECORDS
Activity
2010
Amount
I Est.
2011
Amount
Accident Reports
537
$8,029
12
585
$7,794
Incident Reports
304
$1,622
+44,36%
239
$1,18
Fingerprints
208
$10195
3,874
138
$6,797
Fingerprints
632
$9,480
523
$7,845
Fingerprints - NIC
45
10
LCC
25
$25,125
16
$18600
Purchase Permits
869
$4350
950
$4,750
Purchase Permits- NIC
1,192
228
Record Clearance
276
$1,896
255
$1,530
Record Clearance - NIC
154
22
Public Vehicle License
17
$340
21
$420
Public Vehicle License
61
$740
63
$756
FOIA I Di vary
834
$13,398
950
$13,355
Miscellaneous (Jail Phone,
tc.
Vehicle Forfeiture, at..,
85
$16,613
120
$27,000
Warrant Processing Fee
588
$8,210
500
$5,000
TOTAL REVENUE
$97,998
Est. $96,033
PROPERTY AND LICENSING
Activity
2010
2011
%Change
Public Vehicle Permit Applications/Renewals
82
106
+29.26%
Taxi Cab Inspections
12
4
-66.66%
Business License Applications
142
205
+44,36%
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed
1,501
1,363
-9.19%
Property Items Received/Processed
3,874
4,345
+18.26%
FSI
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
Activity
2010
20"
%Chan e
Total
Cases Investigated
4,991
5,089
1.96%
Felony
Warrant Requests
383
333
-13.06%
Activity
2010
2011
%Change
Misdemeanor Warrant Requests
903
948
+4,98%
Precious Metal Documents
3,892
12,814
+229.24%
Crime Scenes Processed
54
66
+22.22%
Vehicles Processed
51
49
-3.92%
Pieces of Evidence Processed
1,564
1,379
-11.26%
Latent Prints Identified
215
256
+19.07%
Reports by Crime Scene Unit
9271
1,037
+11,87°k
AFIS Cases
704
841
+19.46%
Polygraphs Administered
65
52
-20.00%
Referrals to Youth Assistance
37
32
-13.51%
MLCC Reports
53
23
-56,60%
MLCC Inspections one site & deco
210
131
-37.62%
MLCC Violation Reports
18
9
-50.00%
MLCC Applicants Investigated
72
63
-12.50%
PATROL BUREAU
Activity
2010 Actual
2011 Projected
%Change
Calls for Service — Police
39,503
32,550
-17.60%
Calls for Service — Fire
8,148
8,478
4.10%
Reports Taken
8,050
7,300
-9.31%
Adult Arrests
4,642
4,600
-0.90%
Juvenile Arrests
217
170
-21.70%
Traffic Crashes Reported
2,977
2,952
-0.64%
Uniform Law Citations
30,511
33,283
9.10%
Use of Force Incidents
74
70
-5.41%
Vehicle Pursuits
38
30
-21.10%
TRAFFIC BUREAU
Traffic Bureau Statistics
2010
'2011
2011
Projected
% Change
Drunk Driving Prosecutions
303
232
278
-8%
Other traffic Prosecutions
25
24
28
12%
OWI Vehicle Forfeitures
32
36
43
34%
Traffic Crash Data
Property Damage
2,313
1,967
2,361
2%
Injury
654
495
591
-9%
Fatal
10
6
7
-30%
Total
1 2,9771
2,4681
2,952 1
-0.8%
*2011 —Jan. 1 thm Oct. 31
92
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
AcIlivity
2010
2011
%Change
Assigned Cases
7441
730
-1 %
Search Warrants
1 411
49
*19 %
Forfeiture Actions1
571
49
-14%
#RiRY##
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineering Division, which operates under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities of the two Divisions are as follows:
Public Service Division — This Division is responsible for the performance of a
wide variety 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.
Engineering Division — The Engineering Division is under the direction of the
City Engineer and the Assistant City Engineer and is responsible for all
construction operations within public rights-of-way and/or public easements. The
division has provided engineering services as directed by the Mayor, the City
Council, other City departments and various Boards and Commissions, as well
as for the general public. During the past fiscal year, the work was handled by
10 full time employees. The department consists of three (3) sections:
Administrative, Design and Field.
Highlights of the 2011 years accomplishments include:
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Administrative Section
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 residential
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. The Administrative Section is also responsible for the
issuance of permits for work in the public rights-of-way and/or easements, along
with fielding residential complaints on drainage, sidewalk and mad issues.
Attendance at Council, Commission and citizen meetings is also a function of this
section.
93
The Administrative Section was involved with the following matters during 2011
in addition to attending meetings with State and County officials, and
investigating citizen complaints:
• Asset Management Report for MDOT to obtain ACT 51 Funds.
• Bicentennial Park North Parking Lot Paving Project.
• Blue House Drainage Improvement.
• Civic Center Campus Sidewalk Improvements at the Library, the Senior
Center and at City Hall.
• Civic Center Drive/Library Drive Reconfiguration Easements.
• Civic Center Campus Lights Upgrade to LED.
• Coventry Gardens Subdivision Sanitary Sewer System Project.
• Eight Mile Pressure Enhancement Water Main Project.
• Farmington Road at the Six Mile and Seven Mile Intersections Traffic
Signal Modernization Projects.
• Five Mile Road Lights from Farmington to Hubbard - LED Retrofit.
• Adoption of Flood Plain Management Regulations of National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Haggerty at Six Mile Traffic Signal Modernization Project and Countdown
Pedestrian Signals at West Chicago at Merriman and at Middlebelt.
• 1-96 Reconstruction (US -24 to Newburgh).
• Idyl Wy1d/One Under East Parking Lot Paving and Drainage
Improvements.
• Idyl Wyld Streambank Stabilization Project.
• Merriman Road at Five Mile and Six Mile Traffic Signal and Pedestrian
Improvements and Right Turn Lane Additions at all quadrants.
• Middlebelt Road at Five Mile, Six Mile and Seven Mile Traffic Signal and
Pedestrian Improvements.
• Newburgh Road from Five Mile Road to Six Mile Road and from Six Mile
Road to Laurel Park Drive North Rehabilitation and Resurfacing.
• Perkos Alley and Inkster Road Sanitary Sewer Repairs.
• Plymouth Road Irrigation Project and SAD.
• Plymouth Road Resurfacing (Market to Farmington Road), including traffic
signals at Stark Road, Wayne Road and Levan Road.
• Reynolds Ravine Streambank Stabilization Project and SAD.
• Rosati Drive Street Lighting, using LED lights.
• Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Televising Program (Contract 11-L).
• Schoolcraft Road Paving Project from 1-96 Bridge to Scone Ct.
• 2012 SRF, S2 Grant and Sanitary Sewer Master Plan.
94
• Wayne County Short Term Corrective Action Plan (Livonia Sanitary
Manholes).
• Whispering Willows Golf Course Regional Detention Basin Project.
• Numerous Pavement Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in
conjunction with the Annual Paving Program.
• Numerous Utility Permits for AT&T/SBC Upgrade.
• Completed several Subdivision and Condominium Development Street
Light Installation Projects.
• Inspected and Evaluated 373 miles of roadway using the Paser Rating
System. Updated City website with regard to the Citywide Pavement
Management Program.
• Assisted in the Establishment of the New Water and Sewer Rates.
• Annual Pennits for Utility Companies performing work in the right-of-way.
Seven site condominium projects, one subdivision, and numerous commercial
and industrial projects were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division.
• Allied Commerce Center Building No.6 Addition.
• American Specialty Oil (34115 Industrial Road).
• Angela Hospice Addition (14100 Newburgh Road).
• Bank of America (29430 Seven Mile Road).
• BASF Building Modernization and Parking Lot Revisions (13000 Levan).
• BP Gas Station Renovations (Five Mile and Levan).
• Churchill Manor Condominiums.
• Consumers Energy (Plymouth Road and Newburgh Road).
• Country Fresh Dairy Parking Lot Renovations (31720 Merriman).
• Covington Center, LLC Parking Lot Expansion (38401 Amrhein Road).
• Curtis Creek Site Condominiums.
• Delta Research (36251 Schoolcraft).
• DWSD Schoolcmft Road 48" Water Main (Middlebelt Road to Inkster
Road).
• Golf Ridge Site Condominiums.
• Grasso Development (13345 Merriman).
• Hunters Park Estates Site Condominiums.
Idyl Wyldl Bell Creek Stream Bank Erosion Prevention Project.
• 1-96 Reconstruction Soil Borings.
• Intertek Site Improvements (35550 Industrial).
• Jackson Center— Storm Sewer Repair (32025 Lyndon Ave.).
• Joann Fabrics ( Livonia Marketplace).
95
• Kohl Department Store (29578 Seven Mile Road).
• Livonia Dermatology.
• Livonia Marketplace (Livonia Mall Redevelopment).
• Livonia Outpatient Surgery Center (33400 Six Mile Road).
• Livonia Public Schools (Rosedale, Webster, Holmes and Kennedy).
• Lube Cube Oil Change (28085 Plymouth Road).
• Madonna University Site Improvements.
• Madonna University Soccer Field.
• Marycrest Heights Phase 1 (15475 Middlebelt).
• Marywood Nursing Center Expansion.
• McLaren Performance Addition (32233 W. Eight Road).
• McLaren Performance Technologies, Inc. (Drainage Improvement Plan).
• Michigan Dairy Drive Relocation Project (29601 Industrial Road).
• Montessod Center of Our Lady- New School (14200 Newburgh).
• Parkview Baptist Church Addition (9355 Stark Road).
• Police Gun Range (New Bullet Collection Syslem/Berms).
• Powerscourt Office (17199 N. Laurel Court Drive).
• Rosati Industrial Park Subdivision.
• St. Mary Hospital Expansion.
• Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Televising Program.
• Sumac Pointe Comfort Station (37707 Edward Hines Drive).
• Sarah Estates Condominiums.
• Savile Row Condominiums.
• Schoolcraft College Driving Pad (32000 Glendale).
• Schoolcraft College Fire Training Complex (32303 Glendale).
• Stonehouse Ave. Parcels Sanitary Sewer Extension (93449356 Stonehouse Ave.).
• UPS Parking Lot Renovations (29855 Schoolcraft).
• Verizon Wireless Building (15125 Farmington Road).
• Whispering Willows Regional Detention Basin Project.
• Wonderland Redevelopment.
• 37000 and 37100 Plymouth Road Water Main Project.
• 37100 Plymouth Road Parking Lot Expansion.
Desion Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section, prepares plans,
specifications and bidding documents for the City's public improvement projects.
It also prepares legal descriptions, as needed. In addition, this section provides
UL
utility information to the public, assigns addresses and reviews residential site
plans.
The following major projects were designed and/or built in 2011:
• 2011 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program.
• 2011 Lane Line Marking Program.
• 2011 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair—Water Main Breaks.
• 2011 Sidewalk Program.
• Police and Fire Station Campus Improvements.
• Bicentennial North Park Lot Paving.
• Perkos' Alley and Inkster Road Sanitary Sewer Repair Project.
• Idyl Wyld/One Under East Parking Lot Paving.
• Roseland Ave. and Mayfield Ave. Water Main Improvements.
• Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Televising Program (Contract 11-L).
• Coventry Gardens Subdivision Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation
Project.
• Civic Center Campus Lights Upgrade to LED (EECBG Advanced Lighting
Technology Demonstration Grant).
• Five Mile Road Lights from Farmington to Hubbard - LED Retrofit.
Field Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section and the Design
Section, prepares, administrates and provides 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.
Inspection and surveying services were provided for projects valued at
approximately $2,907,316.78 were handled by the division during the past year.
These are summarized as follows:
• 2011 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $94,750.
• 2011 Lane Line Marking Program = $90,221.
• 2011 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair — Water Main Breaks = $48,788.
• 2011 Sidewalk Program = $629,692.03
• Coventry Gardens Sanitary Sewer System Project = $587,881.45
• Bicentennial North Parking Lot Paving = $304,468.70
• Blue House Drainage Improvement Project = $42,507.60
• Idyl Wyld/One Under East Parking Lot Paving = $159,322.50
• Police and Fire Station Campus Improvements = $473,625.50
97
• Perkos' Alley and Inkster Road Sanitary Sewer Repairs= $46,060.
• Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Televising Program = $430,000.
In addition to the public improvement contracts, this section was also responsible
for the field inspection and survey services of:
• All inspection of work under permits numbers 11-001 through 11-325.
• 2012 Sidewalk Program.
• 2013 Sidewalk Program.
• Lawsuit Investigations.
• Drainage Complaints.
• Catch Basin Complaints.
• Soil Erosion Permits.
• Grade Inspections.
• Inspections of Storm Water Structures.
• Landfill permit renewal and application.
• Ditching and Ditch Cleanouts as Requested by the Department of Public
Works.
• Commercial Site Sedimentation Basin Inspections, including the related
letters and follow up of the clean outs.
• Residential Plot Plan Review and Grade Certificates.
Administrative Section
• Provided administrative services for the City telecommunications system.
• Prepared annual budget submittal for Public Service Division.
• Conducted employment interviews.
• Administered safety programs within the Department.
• Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
• Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
• Administered Recycling Center, City Office Paper Recycling Program,
Curbside Recycling Program and Separated Yard Waste Collection
Program.
• Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste Drop -Off Day at Ford Field on
April 30, 2011 and publicized the Wayne County events and the Northville
events which were held throughout 2011.
• Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, State and
County requirements.
OF
• Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by State 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.
• Conducted a paper shredding, electronic waste and tire recycling event for
Livonia residents at the DPW yard on October 15, 2011.
ROAD MAINTENANCE SECTION
Snow and Ice Control
• Maintained roads on primary salt routes 2417 throughout the 2010-11
snow season. Salted primary routes 14 times in December, 19 times In
January, 12 times in February and once in March, for a total of 46 times.
Placed 2,400 tons of road salt. Reduced salt routes, prewetting salt with
brine and lighter application rates have minimized salt usage in the past
year.
• Plowed all Livonia -maintained roads citywide (370 miles) 2 times during
declared snow emergencies and twice more in non -emergency citywide
plowings, using a combination of City resources and contracted road
graders.
• Provided plowing and ice control services at municipal buildings, parks
and in City -owned public parking lots.
• Filled and maintained citizen—access salt barrels at specific locations
throughout the city.
• Spot salted water break, problem area and house fire locations.
• Continued anti -icing program on select areas of our major roads. Treated
bridge decks, deceleration lanes, road curves and ice -prone intersections
when weather conditions warranted.
Sweenina and Gradina
• Graded all parks, alleys and gravel roads 3 times using in-house
equipment and personnel, did additional spot grading and added gravel as
needed. The condition of the gravel roads and the use of our articulating
under blade truck saved the expense of hiring a contract grader to
reshape the roads this year.
• Reworked drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage. Re -dug 600+ feet of ditch
and replaced roadway cross tubes.
• Applied brine solution to gravel roads 3 times to solidify the gravel and
minimize dust. We have continued using the less expensive natural
chloride brine for all 3 applications with positive results.
• Swept City local streets 2 times, major roads 2 times, and industrial roads
2 times.
M,
• Swept City parking lots once.
• Swept all paved residential City streets one additional time after the leaf
pickup program.
Landfill. Transfer Station and Recycling Center
• Maintained licensed City landfill, including clay closure cap, underground
leachate pumping system, the "active face" dumping area, all exposed
slopes, access roads, drainage pipes and ditches in compliance with Stale
of Michigan and Wayne County regulations and inspections.
• Replaced the storm water control pump in the licensed area of the
Glendale landfill.
• Repaired the leachate pump in Glendale landfill.
• Disassembled and cleaned the contact water pump in the sanitary landfill
3 times as a preventative maintenance measure.
• Accepted bids to extend a canopy over the salt stockpile to prevent water
damage to the material.
• Saved 51,470 cubic yards of landfill space by composting leaves collected
from last year's Leaf Pickup Program. This year's program is in progress.
• Maintained the berm and contact water conveyance system along the
limits of the Glendale licensed landfill area in order to contain and dispose
of leachate.
• Maintained the cardboard, paper, glass, oil, battery and antifreeze
recycling facility per County and State regulations.
• Continued to upgrade recycling site signage and bins to streamline
resident drop-off of materials.
• Maintained the citizen solid waste drop-off / transfer area to County and
State specs.
• Pumped approximately 4,000,000 gallons of leachate contact water from
the landfill to be processed at the Detroit sewage treatment plant.
• Monitored the contractor bulk brush and woodchip disposal operation in
conjunction with the transfer site operation.
Brush Pickup
• Conducted a spring cleanup brush sweep of all streets In the city.
• Responded to brush requests citywide, and began by -call brush service.
There were 3,584 requests for brush pickup this year, with 9,025+ stops.
• Removed large quantities of storm generated brush and downed trees.
• Removed logs from large tree removals and disposed of chips resulting
from stump grinding.
• Adjusted brush routes to allow reassignment of a driver to another crew.
100
Leaf Pickup
• Picked up 51,470 cubic yards of bulk leaves at curbside; provided two or
more pickups for each residence last season. Program for this season is
in progress.
• Provided street sweeping to clean paved streets and clear storm drain
grates after final leaf pickup.
Construction. Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
• Responded to 5,999 service requests from residents and other City
sections and departments.
• Repaired or adjusted 51 manholes, stone drains, catch basins and water
gatewells.
• Repaired or replaced 7 sanitary and storm sewer lines.
• Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems
in 4 sections.
• Completed 33 asphalt repairs or replacements.
• Performed confined space entrance entry training for new crewmembem.
• Trained replacement heavy equipment operators on street sweepers,
backhoes, the wheeled excavator, etc.
• Patched potholes on 370 miles of City -maintained roads, as well as
vertical separation locations from the Engineering Division, parking lot
repairs and sites excavated by the Water and Sewer section.
• Repaired potholes reported on the Pothole Hotline within 2 business days
of the report.
• Assembled and oversaw a scattered location contract to address high
priority structure and pavement repairs citywide.
• Assisted with sanitary sewer pumping, clearing storm drains, digging relief
swales, repairing voids and site investigations during the extraordinarily
heavy rains of May.
• Used heavy equipment to clear storm -washed trees and logs from primary
drains.
• Weed killed approximately 24 curb miles of 1-96 service drive this season
to remove scrub brush and weeds.
• Maintained access roads to major drains to minimize flood control
response time and maintain access for regular maintenance activities.
• Picked up and cleaned all spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on
City streets 6 times.
• Assisted Livonia Fire Dept. with trench rescue training activities.
• Worked with Schoolcraft College and their inspectors during the
conclusion of building the fire and police training facilities in the Glendale
storage yard.
101
• Closed roads, rerouted traffic as needed due to downed power lines,
traffic accidents, water main breaks and storm damage.
• Concrete pumped 5 locations to avoid replacing undamaged slabs of
pavement.
• Developed a field test, then trained employees for upcoming EO III list.
• Trained 6 employees for their CDL road tests. They are now available to
drive for snowstorms, leaf pickup, watermain breaks and daily operations.
• Mud jacked concrete pavement back to correct grade at 3 sites.
• Changed truck and tractor attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, salt
spreaders) from construction season/summer mode to leaf pickup mode,
then to winter plowing/salting configuration.
• Cleaned outfalls and inlets of major City storm drains 13 times to prevent
flooding and storm drain backups.
• Performed Illicit discharge inspections and water sampling on storm water
outfalls to maintain IDEP compliance. Placed temporary and permanent
signs for courthouse and library traffic in the Civic Center campus.
• Added a dMding wall, altered the floor drainage system to allow the
Glendale transfer building to be used to store salt and provide an area for
future salt brine making, as well as delivering them to snow removal
vehicles.
• Reassigned foremen and crew responsibilities after a Roads foreman
retired and the position was not filled.
• Redistributed personnel and equipment to foremen, based on new duties
and responsibilities.
• Repaired or replaced 3 accident -damaged guardrails.
• Cut and cleared brush from city -owned alleyways.
• Placed and removed over a mile of snow fence to prevent excessive
drifting and minimize the cost of snow removal on City roads.
• Made lawn and/or sprinkler repairs resulting from Water Dept. and Roads
maintenance activities and occasional snow plow damage at 350
locations.
• Assisted the Livonia Goodfellows with their annual holiday food and toy
program.
• Repaired or replaced 31 mailboxes after they were damaged or removed
during various maintenance operations.
• Patched vertical separations and holes in concrete slabs at City Hall to
coincide with repairs being made to building.
• Worked with the Forestry section picking up logs and stump chips at 40+
locations.
• Programmed and delivered lighted message board for other City
departments when requested.
102
• Traffic and Street Name Signs: Replaced or Removed: 2,225
• Traffic Posts: Replaced or Removed: 556
• Engraved 65 signs for various City departments.
• Installed new electronic speed limit sign on Levan Rd. for LPD.
• Assisted with the setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and traffic
control devices as needed for SPREE, Household Hazardous Waste Day,
Passport to Safety, Fire Dept. Open House, Rotary Easter Egg Hunt,
Rouge Rescue, Music From the Heart, several Wilson Barn shows,
Livonia Heritage Festival, the flea market, the cancer walk, the Highland
Games plus an additional 5 events at Greenmead, as well as the
Memorial Day Ceremony and the Christmas tree lighting event.
• Brought traffic control signs throughout the city into compliance with new
retro reflectivity standards.
• Placed temporary and permanent signs for courthouse and library traffic in
the Civic Center campus.
• Began upgrading all street name signs to conform to new retro reflectivity
standard. A recent addendum to this law now allows us to upgrade the
remainder of these signs when they become due for replacement through
normal wear and tear.
• Continued to update the Signview module in our Cartegraph system.
Added road sign information and updated data to reflect ongoing changes
made again this year from Traffic Control Orders to remove stop signs,
change speed limits, etc., as well as sign upgrades.
• Restriped approximately 10 new and repaired vehicles with reflectorized
striping material to identify them as City vehicles and increase their
visibility.
• Handled 190 service requests for making or replacing signs.
• Posted and removed notification signs at subdivision entrances for the
Leaf Pickup Program.
• Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
• Maintained and provided all barricades for citizen block parties.
• Did emergency road closures and created detours for Livonia P.D. and
Water Dept.
ANIMAL CONTROL SECTION
The City's Animal Control section provides public services for Livonia residents,
businesses, and law enforcement agencies. Responsibilities and duties include:
103
• Maintain community standards for Livonia by monitoring animal treatment
and wellbeing throughout the community by reducing animal related
nuisances, concems and dangers.
• Maintain public safety as it relates to animal issues.
• Provide timely response and assistance to request from residents,
businesses, and law enforcement as needed.
• Provide 24/7 response to LPD request for Animal Control related
emergencies.
• Maintain awareness of changes in state laws related to animals and
enforce current standards. Consult with legal department as needed.
• Monitor and address quality of animal conditions in Livonia pet stores and
kennels.
• Educate and advise the public on animal related issues including: animal
welfare and handling and neighborhood pet and wildlife nuisances.
• Build community through education, assistance and prevention.
• Participate in regional Animal Control Community to share best practices
and assistance when possible.
Performed the following services for the community in Livonia in 2011:
• Systematically patrolled all city neighborhood streets, with focus on known
problem areas.
• Patrolled all city parks to prevent or address patron complaints of dogs off
leash. Continued increased patrol of Rotary Park to keep the reduced
numbers of dogs routinely off leash.
• Patrolled schools and playgrounds.
• Coordinated with Ordinance Enforcement on animal -related ordinance
issues.
• Responded to 750 requests for service. The breakdown of theses request
is: 450 dog, 200 cat, and 100 wild life complaints.
• Issued approximately 45 animal ordinance violations most of which were
vicious animal violations.
• Deemed approximately 15 dogs as potentially vicious animals per the new
ordinance in 2010.
• Finalized and implemented a new in-home quarantine procedure with
increased compliance.
• Continued reduced number of routine specimens for rabies testing to save
cost to the city.
• Continued cost-saving measures, including staggered shifts to reduce
overtime.
• Received two new ACO trucks.
104
• Completed Professional Development classes in dog fighting and cruelty
investigation, emergency preparedness, and tactical defense training.
FORESTRYSECTION
• Achieved Tree City USA status for the thirteenth year and received our
eighth year "growth award".
• 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. Young tree training
also helps reduce the amount of pruning later in the trees mature life.
Work was done on trees planted in 2004 - 2009.
• Forestry personnel removed 200 small trees and stumps.
• Supervised the removal of 340 trees and stumps by one contractor,
Greener Still, Inc. A few ash trees were part of the removal list but almost
all of the ash trees we had in the Right -of -Ways are gone.
• Supervised and administrated the planting of 890 trees associated with
the 2011 -planting program. Also supervised the warranty replacement of
25 trees from the 2010 program.
• Planted two trees in connection with the Arbor Day Program. The two
trees were Japanese tree lilacs. The trees were planted in the Ann Arbor
Trail right-of-way associated with Rosedale Elementary. Also, 350
seedling Spruce trees were handed out as part of the program to the
children at the school.
• Treated approximately 20 wasp nest, mainly in August and September
with insecticide to kill the wasps.
• Completed 130 storm related tree trimmings.
• Received and investigated 1,500 requests for service through Oct. 271h,
2010. Of those, 1,300 have been closed as either serviced or answered.
900 of the requests were for tree trims.
• Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the Sections
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. Service included plowing, shoveling and salting.
• Assisted in the Rouge River cleanup day. This year's event was held at
The Foch / Goff nature preserve. Native plantings, stream bank
stabilization, trash removal, and invasive species removal were the focus.
25 volunteers helped in this cause.
• Supervised one contractor who trimmed approximately 5,200 trees in four
City sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society
of Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations.
105
• Supervised the same contractor doing resident call -out trim requests. Of
the 900 tree trim requests through Oct. 27, 2011, 710 had been trimmed.
• Tracked gypsy moth 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 2011. Populations seemed to decrease in 2011, as compared to our
high in 2008.
• Attended these seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan Nursery
and Landscape Association annual meeting, Michigan Turrgrass
Foundation annual Meeting, Arborist Society of Michigan annual meeting,
Metro Detroit Landscape Association annual meeting, Society of Municipal
Arborists, various seminars on chain saw safety, tree climbing, hazard
assessment and aerial rescue training, roping and rigging training, and
equipment repair training.
• Responded to 160 tree -planting requests.
• Issued thirty-five planting / removal permits.
• Floated and lined all City baseball and softball diamonds and painted
soccer field lines on a regular schedule.
• Performed all landscape maintenance activities on a regular schedule to
all City Parks and buildings. Applied fertilizers and pesticides to all City
buildings, Mile road boulevard islands under our care, and prime athletic
fields on an as -needed basis.
• Aerified prime ball fields and soccer fields to reduce compaction issues.
• Performed safety inspections, repaired or removed damaged playground
parts in all City parks, and installed 400 yards of "Softfall" under
playground structures.
• Oversaw three contractors doing work for Parks Maintenance. One
mowed twenty-seven parks and three cemeteries, covering 150 acres.
Most of these parks were non -recreational open space. The second
contractor maintained irrigation systems, and applied fertilizers and
pesticides at Wilson Barn, Fire Stations 4 — 6, Sandburg and Noble
libraries, and the Six Mile boulevard islands. The third contractor removed
85 trees from parks, nature preserves, and performed a few special
removal projects.
• Replaced two ball diamond backstops at Bicentennial Park with City
crews.
• Oversaw a contractor who replaced 17 ball diamond backstops at seven
parks using funds from a Wayne County recreation grant.
• Monitored trashcans on athletic fields that Waste Management couldn't
get to. Also cleaned dog stations and Imshcans in City parks on
weekends.
106
• Continued a cost savings measure instituted in 2009 and weekend trash
detail was not done saving over 250 hours of overtime expense.
• 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 saiting sidewalks, as well as plowing numerous
City -owned parking lots.
• Continued maintaining the new 16s District Courthouse landscape. Met
with the Landscape installer twice about dead plant material that needed
to be replaced.
• Renovated the meditation beds at the north side of City Hall by removing
all plant material and sodding 90% of the area to reduce maintenance.
• Work with contractors to complete the meditation beds in 2012.
• Renovated the south Civic Center Library wall planting. Perennials were
removed and shrubs were added to ease maintenance.
• Added sand to all sand volleyball courts in the parks.
• Employees attended safety -training seminars for chain saw operation and
aerial lift usage.
• Applied the Biological control VeetoLex to control mosquito -breeding
populations in recreational Parks. Two applications were accomplished
this year.
• Set out and brought in the picnic tables and trash barrels for the picnic
season. Repaired tables as needed and ordered new trash cans to
replace old cans beyond a useful life.
• Pruned trees and shrubs in Parks, City buildings and Athletic Fields where
needed.
• Assisted with Spree related activities including set-up, takedown, and
trash clean-up. Also repaired damage to diamonds 3 through 7 as a result
of parked vehicles on the diamonds.
• Completed 130 °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, LCRC, Ford
Field, Bicentennial Park, and Greenmead.
• Maintained the fountain at City Hall. Our staff painted the fountain this
spring to freshen the blue paint.
• Maintained the LCRC, including soccer field renovations and landscape
work. Removed the dying, overgrown shrubs on the west side of the
building (along the splash pad) and replaced them with more grass.
• Cleared deadfall trees and branches off of Nature Preserve walkways.
1141
• Continued testing vacuum breakers as part of Wayne County's DEO
requirements regarding irrigation systems.
• Four employees attended the playground safety institute, which re-
certified them as playground inspectors.
• Set up and monitored the ice on the City's three outdoor ice rinks.
• Plowed the Community Garden two times.
• Worked with three Eagle Scouts on their project. Each candidate picked a
City cemetery for their project.
• Coordinated the maintenance of the PRDA with the 16th District Court
work program. Coordinated maintenance of the irrigation system with a
contractor.
• Coordinated the annual port -a -john ordering and unit placement with a
contractor.
• Verified all billing from assorted contractors and inputted the Information
into CarteGraph.
• Worked with the Mayor's office in dealing with unhappy residents and
trying to satisfactorily end their issues.
• Oversaw the outsourcing of maintenance at Greenmead Soccer Field to a
civic group. Answered questions about Jaycee Park soccer fields and
Rotary Park ball diamonds as they came up.
• Removed the landscape at the front of LPD to clean it up and make it look
better.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SECTION
Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements
• Completed 1611 work orders through November 18, 2011.
• Opened, closed, and winterized City -owned pool buildings and pumps.
• Start-up, service and shut -down Landfill, Leachate, lift stations and other
pump systems as needed.
• Maintained and relamped City -owned outside lighting fixtures at various
locations and buildings
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and appliances.
• Semi-annually replace all flags, unless otherwise requested; maintain flag
poles.
• Strip and finish floors in buildings as requested.
• Spot and clean carpeting in buildings as requested.
• Clean inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed.
• Clean exterior windows at City Hall, Library and Community Center.
• Monitor building automation and climate control systems.
108
• Monitor, upgraded and expanded electronic access and systems.
• Answer environmental complaints.
• Perform yearly shut -down maintenance and custodial assignments at
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.
Roof Replacement. Maintenance and Repair
• Repaired roof at City Hall.
• Repaired roof at LPD.
• Repaired roof at Civic Center Library.
• Repaired roof at Water and Sewer.
• Repaired roof at Livonia Aid Building.
• Repaired roof at Sign Maintenance.
• Repaired roof at Noble Library.
• Repaired roof at Eddie Edgar ice arena.
• Repaired roof at Devonaire ice arena.
• Repaired roof at Fox Creek clubhouse.
• Repaired roof at McCann Court house.
Painting
• Repainted restrooms in Senior Center.
• Repainted floor in City Hall basement pump room.
Health. Safety and Energy Conservation
• Replaced boiler in old Court house with redundant HW system.
• Replaced water heater at Civic Center Maintenance building.
• Addressed water back up in buildings as needed.
• Began upgrading automated access system at Civic Center campus.
• Remediated old court house basement after ejector pump failures.
• Replaced ejector pumps in old court house.
• Serviced and replaced Landfill and Leachate pumps and controllers.
• Maintained street lighting for PRDA.
• Replaced sump pump at LPD.
• Repaired City Hall sumps pumps.
• Replaced water heater in City Hall Annex.
• Maintained and tested sprinkler backflow devices for PROA.
• Completed wiring of critical systems to generator at McCann Court house.
• Installed old City Hall generator in DPW Administration building.
• Installed old DPW Administration building generator in Water & Sewer
building.
• Replaced generator for Fleet Maintenance building.
• Replaced City hall boiler with redundant system; replaced penthouse for
same.
• Recaulked exterior envelope of City Hall.
• Resealed window glass and frames at City Hall.
• Worked on lighting upgrade grant project for Civic Center campus.
• Continued with Lock Out / Tag Out program.
• Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings.
• Maintained compliance with State of Michigan Boiler and Elevator
inspections, testing and certifications.
• Maintained employee State required licensing, certifications and training.
• Arranged for annual Bloodborne pathogen training for staff.
• Exterminated or remove pests in City buildings as needed.
• 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 panic buttons in DPW administrative office.
• Perform required CSD -1 test and monthly inspections on all boilers.
• Tested all elevator phones.
• Cleaned and maintained sump discharge lines at various buildings.
• Cleaned and PM'd City lift stations.
• Replaced all CO and smoke detectors in buildings as needed.
• Continued testing all seasonal and fire protection backflow devices; set up
database to track same.
• Maintained lighting on Newburgh bridge underpass.
• Test EM lighting in City buildings.
• Continue installing photo eyes and timers on outside timed lighting.
• Installed inline fuses for Civic Center campus parking and road lights.
Greenmead
• Assisted with all events held on grounds (Highland Games, Flea Markets,
Car Shows, Fall Harvest, Holiday Walks).
• Install and remove decorations for Holiday and special events.
110
• Move and set-up and install furniture, furnishings and equipment as
requested.
• Continue maintenance, set-up and custodial service.
• Assisted with construction and maintenance projects as requested.
• Replaced entrance door on School house.
• Repainted restrooms in School house.
• Repainted interior of Quaker Meeting house.
• Repainted Hill house gazebo, front porch and back door.
Renovation and New Construction
• Remodeled interior of Rotary Park comfort station, fixtures, electrical,
painting and finish hardware.
• Leveled, patched and finished Floor in LPD radio room.
• Replaced ceiling tiles in Noble Library basement.
• Replaced ceiling tiles in Civic Center Library gift shop.
• Replaced City Hall elevator penthouse A/C unit.
• Installed cooling unit in City Hall auditorium Cable room.
• Reconditioned City Hall IT computer room suppression system.
• Recarpeted City Hall elevators.
Special Projects and Interdepartmental Assistance
• Replaced rooftop HVAC units at Senior Center.
• Take energy auditors and insurance appraisers through various buildings.
• Run water service line for Idyl Wyld pro shop.
• Reinforced LFD overhead bay door columns at #1.
• Replaced gutters on LPD carport.
• Assisted with set up of Housing Dept. new HVAC equipment.
• Repaired electrical damage done by paving contractors at LPD/LFD
paving projects.
• Installed kitchen exhaust and duct systems at Fire Stations 1, 5 and 6.
• Repaired and put into service landfill methane igniters.
• Obtained multiple year services of electrical contractor.
• Began wiring of brine production facility at Glendale.
• Replaced countertops in City Hall Annex restrooms.
• 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.
111
• 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 cleaned out grease trap in Senior Center and Blue house
kitchens.
• Jetted and maintained basement drains at Fire Stations 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 and repairs at LCRC, pools and parks.
• Provide service for golf course buildings as requested.
• Administered HVAC Service contract for Community Center.
• Administered Honeywell Flex Service contract for traditional buildings.
• Continued ordering, stacking and distributing safety supplies as needed.
• Continued annual custodial and safety supply procurement.
• Assist Housing Department with new offices.
• Assisted with annual ice show as requested.
• Assisted Library with installation of new computer stations.
• Replaced counter tops in LPD prisoner and visitor rooms.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SECTION
Responsibilities of the Equipment Maintenance Section include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Maintain existing fleet of all City -owned vehicles and equipment, other
than Police and Fire.
• Prep and maintain all seasonal equipment and vehicles, including
mowers, leaf and snow removal equipment.
• Write specifications, order, and put Into service new equipment as
required for various departments.
• Maintain City Senior Center Busses.
• Maintain and operate City-wide computerized fueling systems at DPW,
LPD, Civic Center, and Golf Courses.
• Place generators during power outages at required intersections in
coordination with Wayne County and LPD.
• Set up and monitor annual safety inspections for the man lift, bucket trucks
and equipment hoists at both DPW and the Recreation Center.
112
Highlights of 2011:
Purchased and put into service the following new equipment in 2011:
• Two (2) Trailer mounted leaf vacuums
• One (1) 13" Bandit chipper
• One (1) Building generator for Fleet Maintenance
• One (1) E450 Transit van
• Two (2) Ranger trucks with Animal transport boxes
Have ordered but not yet received:
• Two (2) Van/busses for the Transit department.
• Working with Roush Industries to convert some of our fleet, busses,
pickup trucks and possible mowers over to cost-saving, clean -burning
propane fuel.
• Auctioned off our oldest pool vehicles.
• Extended our agreement which transferred 17 Transit busses and repairs
to LPS to save overtime costs.
• Attended series of seminars for snow and ice control which focused on
safety and reducing costs using current best practices and equipment.
• Built a snow plow for a parks tractor to be used on sidewalks without
tearing up the grassy areas on the edges.
• Assisted LPD and other various departments throughout the city with a
number of fabrication and modification projects during the year.
• Completed over 2000 equipment repair work orders as recorded in the
Cartegraph system.
• Performed preventative maintenance work (full vehicle inspection with
repairs as needed of oil change, air filters, coolants, tires) on
approximately 3040 vehicles each month along with unscheduled work.
• In the absence of a radio technician we have been removing and installing
the city radios in our vehicles as well as making minor repairs.
• Continuing to work with the Police department for all non-uniform radio
needs prior to the system switch over. (Inventory, assessing needs by
section, charger, batteries and so on.)
Water Distribution System
Inspected and exercised 818 water gate valves and the condition of the
structure, and updated inspection forms; finished the program in end of
May.
113
• Repaired 39 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with o -ring
type; about 4.8% in need of repair after exercising gate valves.
• Low Flow tested, inspected and maintained 842 fire hydrants and
exercised the auxiliary valve. Started program in June within the city (36
sections).
• Repaired 112 fire hydrants in the field in these sections above. About
13.3% need repair after exercising fire hydrant and inspection.
• Repaired 158 water main breaks or leaks, which is up 4 from last year.
• Repaired or replaced 208 water curb stop boxes, up 9 from last year.
• Located and marked over 5,278 locations for Miss Dig system for water
and sewer utilities, up 916 from last year.
• Made 15 service line repairs for various reasons.
• Disconnected and retired 9 water service lines.
• Rebuilt 5 fire hydrants in shop.
• Installed 1 new water gate valve and 9 new fire hydrants.
• Replaced 3 antiquated lead (Pb) with copper water service lines, down 2
from last year.
• Assisted Redford Township in the repair of water main breaks during
summer heat.
Water Meter System
• Replaced 13 antiquated large commercial water meters.
• Repaired 27 large commercial meters.
• Replaced 767 water meters (meter only) for various reasons.
• Replaced (updated) 428 residential water meters and outside readers for
various reasons.
• Made 4,835 water -related service request, up 9% from last year.
• Completed 3,568 service slips, up 319 from last year.
• Placed 811 note cards at residential homes requesting to gain access to
home for internal meter repairs.
• Installed 46 (ORD) outside touch read device systems.
• Installed 72 (MXU) radio read device systems.
• Established 14 new commercial accounts.
• Established 21 new residential accounts.
• Established 1 new seasonal irrigation account.
• Installed and removed 236 seasonal irrigation meters.
• Tested 5 commercial meters.
• Tested 100 residential water meters for the City of Inkster.
114
Storm Sewer System
• Responded to 498 storm sewer and perimeter drainage complaints, up
212 from last year due to higher than normal rainfall this year.
• Jetted 246 restricted stone sewer lines generated from homeowner
complaints, up 60 from last year due to higher than normal rainfall this
year.
• Retrieved and replaced 62 catch basin covers, down 14 from last year.
• Started storm sewer catch basin cleaning; cleaned 799 storm sewer catch
basins; worked 26 days cleaning for Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Initiative (S.W.P.P.I) program; started in April; ended at beginning of
December.
Sanitary Sewer System
• Cleaned 258.38 miles in 19 city sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, powerflushing, bucketing, and chemical and power root cutting.
• Cleared 9 sanitary sewer main backups Public Act 222 of 2001 claims.
• Investigated 1,248 sanitary sewer complaints.
• Televised over 29 miles of sanitary sewer.
• Inspected 21 city sections for sanitary lines and structures.
• Completed approximately 8,000' of sanitary sewer Cast In Place (C.I.P.)
sewer lining for root control at various locations.
Special Protects
• Administered cross training with the office staff at front desk due to staff
shortages and cross training the water and sewer foremen for handling
emergency situations to improve response time. In addition, the operation
and maintenance field staff are participating in this job enrichment.
• Worked with CIS Department to setup local server for storage of sewer
main line video inspections on the NAS.
• Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new tap list and Carte Graph 8.0 associated work orders to
other sections for request to repair restorations.
• Updated computer programs relating to Arc Map, Sensus water meter
reading system software and hardware for Logos.net web -based system
that is operational for future enhancements.
• Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Livonia Fire Department.
• Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
• Assisted Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
completed projects for 2011. Planned 2012 water main and sanitary
sewer replacement programs.
115
• Eliminated 396 homeowner self -read cards and scheduling water meter
appointments to eliminate remaining homeowner reads and streamlining
the water meter reading, thus lowering water -billing complaints.
• Continue working on updating the water stop box location, seasonal meter
stop box location, and contact information in MS Access database.
• Administered and inspected 21 water taps made by water section
contractor (16 -new construction).
• Administered and the field inspection of 144 O.S.D.S. (on site septic
systems) city wide. This is in conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water
annual report for the MDEQ formally known as the MDNRE.
• Completed flow tests for water model, S.C.A.D.A. system and Flow test
with Livonia Fire Department and water main replacement program that
was installed in 2011 and proposed for 2012 water master plan program.
• Assisted with leachate system for the landfill to be processed at the Detroit
sewage treatment plant.
• Worked on inventory updating pricing database for future software
changes to take place with Carte Graph 8.0 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.
• Wireless Radio Water Meter Reading Pilot Program for two different
vendor's systems operational for water meter reading remotely and
currently monitoring till February 2012.
• Checked road structures before road improvements; inspected and
cleaned catch basins after completion.
• Completed the West Nile Program - started on 7-22, finished on 8-9-2011;
used 48.2 boxes (220 briquettes per box, 10,600 total briquettes used)
and 45 cans of Fluorescent storm green paint city wide.
• Continued with the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.)
inspections of stone sewer outfall sampling and GIS mapping program.
This is in conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water annual report for the
M.D.E.Q.
• 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, Hershey FM, and Rockwell water meters.
• Continue with the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
piston type Badger and Rockwell water meters.
• Responded to 2 illicit discharge complaints and 1 emergency spill hazard
on public right-of-way.
116
• Finished updating 36 section water main maps to send master out for
duplicating to engineering, for changes and as built.
• Prepare for the US EPA mandated water -sampling report for the
Disinfection By -Products (D.B.P.) Program for 2012
• Received approval from the M.D.E.Q. 2012 mandated Lead and Copper
water sampling program this year, next monitoring period June 1, 2014 to
September 30, 2014.
• Received approval for the M.D.E.Q. 2010 mandated Sanitary Sewer
Operation and Maintenance Program this year, next report due period
January 15, 2012.
In addition to the operation and maintenance of the public water distribution and
sewer collection systems, these sections are also responsible for fielding
complaints, field inspection and investigation services of:
• Assisting Engineering, Building Inspection, and Water Billing.
• 2011 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair—Water Main Breaks.
• 2011 City Wide Sidewalk Program.
• DWSD SchoolcraR Road 48" Water Main (Middlebelt Road to Inkster
Road).
• Coventry Gardens Subdivision Sanitary Sewer System Project.
• Eight Mile Pressure Enhancement Water Main Project.
• Farmington Road at the Six Mile and Seven Mile Intersections Traffic
Signal.
• Blue House Drainage Improvement.
• Coventry Gardens Sanitary Sewer System Project and C.I.P. (Cast In
Place) pipe lining.
• Behind Perkos Shoes in Alley and Inkster Road Sanitary Sewer Repair
Project.
• Idyl Wyld/One Under East Parking Lot Paving and Drainage
Improvements.
• Lawsuit and Claims Investigations.
• Idyl Wyld/One Under East Parking Lot Paving and Drainage
Improvements.
• Merriman Road at Five Mile and Six Mile Traffic Signal and Pedestrian
Improvements and Right Tum Lane Additions at all quadrants.
• Storm Drainage and Catch Basin Complaints.
• Soil Erosion and Grade Complaints.
• Roseland Ave. and Mayfield Ave. Water Main Improvements
• Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Televising Program (Contract 11-L)
117
• 2012 and 2013 Sidewalk Program
• Miscellaneous Programs as needed
FFFFFFF
LIVONIA TRAFFIC COMMISSION
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 that are brought to their attention by
citizens as well as other City departments. The Commissioners work in
conjunction with the Traffic Bureau of the Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2011
Compared to previous years, the Traffic Commission did not face very many
significant issues in 2011. In general, the commission focused on responding to
constituent concerns and requests this year.
One of the areas the Commission spent considerable time reviewing and
discussing was the removal of the traffic signal at Newburgh and Myrna. The
Commission spent time reviewing this area, reviewing previous traffic studies,
responding to constituent questions and discussing with the City Engineer.
The Commission, along with the Livonia Police Traffic Bureau, also continues to
respond to any citizen inquiries, comments or questions coming into their
respective offices.
Throughout the year concerned citizens and the Police Department bring issues
such as placement of informational signs (Handicapped Child in Area and Speed
Limit notifications for example), review of existing signage, and requests for
placement/removal of existing signs to the attention of the Commission.
CONCLUSION
We believe the recent work done by the Commission in conjunction with the
Livonia Police Traffic Bureau has been beneficial to the city and its residents.
The Traffic Commission will continue to monitor the changes it has made over
the past several years and adjust, if needed, accordingly.
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.
118
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
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 Treasurer's 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.
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 and large cash
transactions are deposited immediately to yield a higher rate of interest.
ADMINISTRATION
Due to the economy, lower property values, decreased slate revenue sharing,
and the increase in the amount of abandoned homes and vacated businesses,
City Council voted to initiate an administration fee for collecting taxes, assessing
properties, representing the City Tax Tribunal hearings and all the background
work involved. Therefore, the recent fiscal year that included 2010 winter taxes
and 2011 summer taxes had a 0.5% administration fee added to the base tax
amount to alleviate part of the budget crisis. This generated over $1.5 million to
the City's general budget fund.
Beginning with the 2009 tax season, the Treasurer's Department changed the
process for printing and mailing tax bills. These changes allow for better control
of information printed on the front side of the tax bill which enabled the
department to print additional information right on the bill rather than include an
additional insert with the tax bill. The department used a local printing/mailing
company with capabilities to reduce the mailing costs considerably and increase
the efficiency of mailing. By utilizing the tax bill printing aspect of the BS&A Tax
Software, we are able to print receipts on regular copy paper, print copies of prior
year tax bills deleting the need for printing office copies of bills, and print
information on the tax bill pertinent to the individual taxpayer. By using the same
procedure in 2010-2011 we continue to save over $0,000 for the fiscal year.
119
The Treasurer's Office sent letters to real and personal property taxpayers whose
taxes for the 2010 tax year had not been paid by February 15, 2011 as has been
our past practice. A total of 3,763 letters were mailed to real and personal
property taxpayers.
2,829 letters were also mailed to real & personal property taxpayers after the due
date for the summer 2011 season.
In 2002, the Treasurers Office 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 2011 the City of Livonia Treasurer sent out 12 such notices,
as compared to 30 in 2010, 28 in 2009, 97 notices in 2008, and 54 notices in
2007. As a result of this effort, the Wayne County Treasurer sold only 1 Livonia
commercial parcel at tax auction in 2011, 4 real properties in 2010, and none In
2009, 2008, or 2007.
The Treasurer's Office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. Proof of Claims for personal property taxes are filed with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2011, 3 businesses with locations in Livonia filed
for bankruptcy protection as compared to 9 businesses in 2010, 15 businesses in
2009, 6 businesses in 2008, and 11 businesses in 2007.
The Treasurers Office filed 11 personal property jeopardy tax bills with the
Wayne County Register of Deeds for 2011. In 2010, we issued 9 personal
property jeopardy tax bills, 16 jeopardy tax bills in 2009, 52 jeopardy tax bills in
2008, and 8 jeopardy tax bills in 2007.
Applications for electronic fund debit for tax payments are available on line, on
the City's Website and also by request. Again, we have seen a slight decrease
in the number of taxpayers utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of tax
bills. During the summer 2011 season 2,171 taxpayers participated in this
convenient and no-cost service as compared to 2,211 during the summer of
2010, 2,292 during the summer of 2009, 2,360 during the summer of 2008, 2,317
during the summer of 2007, with approximately the same number of taxpayers in
the same winter tax season.
This year, beginning with the 2011 summer tax season, we instituted creditidebit
card transactions at the counter for tax payments only. Chase Bank retains the
fees which are currently 2.5% for credit transactions, and a flat $3.95 fee for debit
card transactions; there is no transaction fee charged to the City. We have
printed the information on the back of the tax bills referring residents to either call
our office or check the city's website for detailed information for payment options.
For the summer 2011 season, only 8 taxpayers used this option, 7 with credit
transactions and only 1 with a debit card.
120
Tax bills can still be paid with a credit card through Official Payments Corporation
by phone and on line; this information is detailed on the City's website. There is
a convenience fee of 3% 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 2011, 438 taxpayers utilized this option, as
compared to 423 taxpayers in 2010, 394 taxpayers in 2009, 452 taxpayers in
2008, and 431 taxpayers in 2007.
TAX COLLECTIONS
There are 45,315 taxpayers in the City, the breakdown is as follows:
2008 2009 2010 2011
Real Property 39,791 39,719 39,722 39,691
Personal Property 4,979 5,453 5,782 6,197
IFT 72 66 83 102
TOTALS 443842 45,238 45,587 45,980
Sixty six percent of residents are responsible for paying their own property tax
bills. Mortgage companies pay 34% of the real property tax bills.
The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 91,892.
The tax levy breakdown is as follows (includes Real, Personal, & IFT for 2010
Winter and 2011 Summer):
121
REAL
PERSONAL
IFT
TOTAL
City of Livonia
44,289,822
5,772,837
720,681
50,783,340
Livonia Public Schools
Operating
21,053,279
2,002,413
265,046
23,320,738
Debt
9,461,226
1,251,108
157,453
10,869,787
Supplemental Tax
625,990
115,276
12,395
753,661
Wayne County
Intermediate
School District
11,818,863
1,514,666
187,910
13,521,439
Clarenceville Schools
Operating
1,157,303
109,622
2,457
1,269,382
Debt
834,787
54,106
6,349
895,242
Supplemental Tax
0
0
0
0
Oakland Intermediate
School District
624,952
40,505
4,753
670,210
State Education Tax
21,579,982
1,498,844
92,435
23,171,261
Schoolcrafl Comm.
College
6,462,949
809,333
99,989
7,372,271
Wayne County
24,150,649
3,043,903
376,711
27,571,263
Wayne County Jail
3,632,772
473,509
58,985
4,165,266
Wayne County Parks
952,096
124,102
15,489
1,091,687
Huron Clinton Metro
Auth
830,881
108,305
13,523
952,709
121
Zoo Authority 387,093 50,463 6,301 443,857
Administration Fee 762,961 86,051 10,254 859,266
Special Assessments 2,913,637 0 0 2,913,637
TOTAL 151,539,242 17,055,043 2,030,731 1709625,016
The past few years the State of Michigan has begun fervently auditing tax returns
for homestead exemptions claimed in error. Once the Assessor's office makes
the changes to the tax roll, the Treasurer's office staff has to adjust the tax
liability and issue revised tax bills. Since 2009, the Treasurers Department has
seen a major Increase in the number of homestead exemptions removed and
thus increased the amount of revised tax bills mailed to city residents.
Delinquent Tax Collections
Our personal delinquent property taxes, penalty and interest collected from
Dec.1, 2010 through 11-30-11 were $1,122,794 compared to last fiscal year
collections of $734,985. The collections breakdown is as follows:
Personal Property
Tax Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
At of Parcels 521 534 624 860 829
Amount due as of 12M 111 510,408 622,946 450,891 520,245 2,673,436
Amount collected FY 10.11 70,929 81,702 167,975 218,164 573,925
OTHER COLLECTIONS
Invoices for Council authorized weed cuttings are mailed to taxpayers as well as
any special assessments approved during the year. Invoices for weed cutting are
billed monthly since the 6% interest rate was Instituted during FY09-10. The
Treasurers Office records payment on these assessments and any unpaid
amounts are added to tax bills at year-end. In 2011, the Treasurer's office issued
718 invoices for weed bills, as compared to 891 for 2010, 1,142 for 2009, 1,195
for 2008, 1,084 for 2007, 631 for 2006.
Special
# of Parcels
$ Amount
# of Parcels
$ Amount
Assessment
Billed on
Billed on
Billed on
Billed on
Districts
2010 Tax
2010 Tax
2011 Tax
2011 Tax
Sidewalk
136
39,940
159
50,175
Paving
252
52,917
244
47,767
Lighting
13,957
1,261,790
14,040
1,231,973
Weeds
270
34,177
255
64,029
PRDA Img.
0
0
265
129,724
Diet Water
2,082
1,558,789
2,219
1,810,440
TOTALS
16,697
$2,947,613
17,182
$3,334,108
122
TELLER COLLECTIONS
The Treasurer's two tellers processed $387,933,409 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, McNamara Towers and city -
owned homes, record duplication fees, etc. Of the amounts collected,
$74,759,913 was for the general deposit Nems and $316,749,143, was for
property taxes.
The tellers also receive walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal
year, 10,886 water payments were processed by the Treasurer's Office an
increase of 214 over last fiscal year. The busiest day as September 9, 2011 with
284 water bills being processed. The average amount of water bills processed
was 45 per day.
The tellers currently are assisting the water department with their mail -in
payments due to technical difficulties with the Comerica Bank lock box program.
This began September 28 and 1,963 payments have been processed, averaging
75 mail -in water bills daily.
Due to the changes in receipting water bill payments over the last year, the total
dollars collected were processed along with the Water Department's deposhs.
DISBURSEMENTS
All payroll and payable checks are released through the Treasurer's Office on
approval of the Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor).
2008 2009 2010 2011
Payroll Checks 35,007 35,727 24,798 32,797
Vendor Checks -City & Court 17,288 16,098 15,265 13,607
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven (7) member Board created by State
statute and City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance No. 543, as amended. The Board
hears appeals from residential and business property owners when they are
123
unable to comply with ordinance requirements and are rejected permits by the
Inspection Department. The Board meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 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, 2010 through
November 30, 2011.
Granted with Tabled or
Granted Denied Modifications* Postponed"" Total
New Cases 41 2 3 14 60
Rehearings 1 0 0 1 2
Actual Cases Heard 62
Prepared and Scheduled" 1
No Further Action""* 0
Total Cases Heard and Prepared 63
* Includes Cases which were Granted in Part/Denied in Part
Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(Petitioner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases
were not heard at the first scheduled meeting.
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.
Case was heard, but Board took no further action
Number of Regular Meetings: 8
Number of Special Meetings: 11
124