HomeMy WebLinkAboutSYNOPSIS - 2009-01-14
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 14, 2009
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Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: James McCann, Joe
Laura, Brian Meakin, Thomas Robinson, Don Knapp, and Terry Godfroid-
Marecki. Absent: Laura Toy.
#01-09 Resolution by Meakin and Knapp, approving the minutes of the
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1,623Regular Meeting of the Council held December 17, 2008, as submitted.
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A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution:
AYES: McCann, Meakin, Knapp, and Godfroid-Marecki.
NAYS: Laura and Robinson.
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Godfroid-Marecki wished her son, Andrei, a Belated Happy 16 Birthday on
January 10, 2009.
Mayor Jack Kirksey stated that copies of the Annual Report are available to the
public and will be on the website. He thanked citizens for cooperating with the
snow emergency crews in moving their cars, and also DPW and the private
contractors for clearing the snow in twenty three (23) hours. The Community
Recreation Center is available as a temporary shelter for residents whose
furnace breaks down.
The Mayor announced that Jeff Bryant, Economic Development Director, will be
leaving on Friday, January 16, 2009, to work for the Wayne County Economic
Development staff. He also announced the appointment of Don Knapp as City
Attorney, effective February 2, 2009, replacing Sean Kavanagh who did a fine job
the last thirteen (13) years. This part time position serves the City well.
Vice President Godfroid-Marecki congratulated Don Knapp and stated he will
make a great City Attorney. They will miss him on Council.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, announced that the PTSA Council will hold a
Health and Safety Fair for parents at Holmes Middle School on Newburgh Road
on January 21, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He stated that the Livonia
School Board website offers podcasts (or audios only) of their meetings.
Dianne Marietti, 15044 Fairway, requested Council to speak into the microphone
so they can be heard.
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
Council Vice President Godfroid-Marecki announced that a Public Hearing for
the following item will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Auditorium of the Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, MI:
PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT STREET LIGHTING PROJECT:
for approval of the Assessment Roll for Churchill Manor Site
Condominiums, located west of Newburgh Road, between Ann Arbor
Trail and Joy Road, in the S.E. 1/4 of Section 31. (CR 484-08)
The following items were received and filed:
A communication from the Office of the Mayor, dated December 30, 2008,
forwarding the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 reflecting activities of
the Livonia City Departments, Commissions and Boards.
Communication from the Office of the City Clerk, dated December 12, 2008,
regarding forwarding a communication from the Associate Superintendent,
Administrative & Financial Services, Wayne County Regional Educational
Service Agency (RESA), requesting the City to continue to collect 100% of their
intermediate school property taxes in our summer tax collection.
A communication from the Public Service Division, dated January 7, 2009,
regarding clarification that their request for the Municipal Park Mowing Program
is for a period of two (2) years.
A communication from the Public Works Department, received January 13, 2009,
regarding members’ names on the Citizens Advisory Committee on Roads and
the estimated cost of reconstructing Lyndon Avenue from Fairway to Levan
Road.
A communication from the Parks & Recreation Department, dated May 6, 2008,
regarding the administrative response to CR 93-08 in connection with the issue
of pool utilization and options.
A communication from the Parks & Recreation Department, dated November 24,
2008, regarding an update on the status of the Community Recreation Center.
A communication from the Community Resources Department, dated December
9, 2008, regarding an update on the Livonia Community Transit Program. (CR
917-98)
A communication from the Engineering Division, dated January 13, 2009,
regarding an update on DTE Energy funds available for the LED street lighting
project for Kenwood Meadows Subdivision and Kenwood Meadows Subdivision
#2 and transmitting revised assessment roll. (CR 618-07 and CR 101-08)
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
An email communication from Patrick Hogan, dated December 5, 2008,
regarding Burton Hollow – Storm Water Management. (CR 44-99 and CR 96-08)
A communication from Roger Cote, received December 4, 2008, opposing the
rezoning in Petition 2008-09-01-07 for property located at 19036 Filmore Avenue,
on the east side of Filmore Avenue between Seven Mile Road and Clarita
Avenue, in the N.E. 1/4 of Section 9.
A communication from the Housing Commission, dated January 8, 2009,
regarding the number of homes acquired by the City that were razed and the lots
sold.
An email communication from the Economic Development Director, dated
December 16, 2008, regarding active Roush IFECs and expiration dates.
A communication from the Economic Development Director, dated January 8,
2009, regarding South/Win additions in Fiscal 2008.
At the direction of the Chair, Item #10, regarding the request for referral to the
Public Safety, Education and Recreation Committee, as well as the
Administration, of the utilization by the City of Recreation Millage Funds, was
removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Regular portion of the
Agenda.
The following resolutions were offered by Meakin and Laura:
#02-09 Approving the request, submitted by Rich Skaggs, President,
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Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., for issuance of a permit for Wade Shows to
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conduct carnival amusement rides at Ford Field and Veterans’ Park, between
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June 23 and June 28, 2009, as part of this year’s SPREE-59; FURTHER,
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authorizing the Anniversary Committee to conduct a fireworks display at
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Veterans’ Park on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at approximately 10:15 p.m., which
will be controlled by American Fireworks, Inc.; FURTHER, authorizing the Livonia
Anniversary Committee, Inc. to use and/or lease the facilities at Ford Field, Eddie
Edgar Arena and Veterans’ Park during the period of the SPREE-59 celebration
in accordance with the fees/waivers grid for events co-sponsored by the City of
Livonia; FURTHER, waiving all above fees prescribed by Ordinance or Law as
well as a waiver of all vendors’ license fees for community organizations and/or
groups authorized to participate in SPREE-59 by the Anniversary Committee.
#03-09 Approving the request submitted by Rich Skaggs, President,
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Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., to close Stark Road from the Family Y
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(14255 Stark Road) to Lyndon and Lyndon from Farmington Road to Stark Road
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to through traffic from 8:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 through 12:00 noon on
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Monday, June 29, 2009; FURTHER, approving the request that the City seek
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permission from the Wayne County Road Commission to allow the closure of
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
Farmington Road between the I-96 overpass and Five Mile Road from 8:30 p.m.
through 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2009 in connection with the SPREE-59
fireworks display.
#04-09 Approving the request submitted by Rich Skaggs, President,
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Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., to display banners advertising SPREE-59
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on Farmington Road and Five Mile Road and display 4’ x 8’ signs at City Hall and
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Ford Field from May 25, 2009 through June 28, 2009, at no additional cost to
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SPREE; FURTHER, permitting the Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc. to
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acknowledge supporters with banners and signage not to exceed 3’ x 5’ in size
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on Ford Field and the ball diamonds only from June 23, 2009 to June 28, 2009.
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#05-09 Approving the request from Nicholas Party Store, Inc. to transfer
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stock in a 2008 SDD and SDM licensed corporation, located at 13820 Merriman,
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through transfer of 300 shares from existing stockholder, Ahlam Shango, to new
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stockholder, Hisham A. Shango; FURTHER, forwarding a certified copy of the
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resolution to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
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#06-09 Approving the Premium Only Plan with Essex Benefits Group
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allowing City employees to contribute for medical benefits in pre-tax earnings on
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a voluntary basis beginning January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009 and
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renewed thereafter annually from April 1 through March 31.
#07-09 Approving the two-year extension of the Weed Cutting Contract 99-
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A, from May 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, with Michigan Grounds
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Management, 14931 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154, under the same rates,
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terms and conditions as the 1999 contract; FURTHER, authorizing an advance in
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the contract amount from budgeted funds for making payments to the contractor
as work is completed, with the provision that the account be reimbursed as bills
for weed cutting are collected; FURTHER, authorizing the Director of Inspection
to approve minor adjustments in the work as necessary. (CR 173-99)
#08-09 Accepting the lowest bid received meeting all specifications of
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Great Lakes Landscaping, 26212 Ryan Road, Warren, MI 48091, to complete all
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work required with regard to the City’s 2009-2010 Municipal Mowing Program
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involving approximately 136 acres of parks and cemetery property at an
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estimated cost of $50,894.34 per year for a total estimated cost of $101,788.68
from budgeted funds; FURTHER, accepting the second lowest bid of Cal Fleming
Landscaping & Tree Service, Inc., 29725 Groesbeck Highway, Roseville, MI
48066, as an alternate, if required, at an estimated cost of $56,938.00 per year
for a total estimated cost of $113,876.00 from budgeted funds; FURTHER,
authorizing the Director of Public Works to approve minor adjustments in the
work, as necessary.
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#09-09 Approving the 2009 Road Repair Program reviewed by the Citizens
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Advisory Committee on Roads for the seventh year of the ten-year paving
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
millage approved by Livonia residents for pavement repairs on the entire road
system.
#10-09 Authorizing payment to the City of Farmington Hills, 31555 Eleven
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Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, as fiduciary of the Assistance to Fire
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Fighters Grant (AFG) awarded regionally through FEMA, for the Fire
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Department’s shared match in the amount of $29,006.78 from budgeted funds for
Video Conferencing equipment at each Livonia fire station.
A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolutions:
AYES: McCann, Laura, Meakin, Robinson, Knapp, and Godfroid-
Marecki.
NAYS: None.
A resolution was proposed by Laura and Robinson in connection with a request
for referral to the Public Safety, Education and Recreation Committee, as well as
the Administration, for the utilization by the City of recreation millage funds, which
failed due to the lack of affirmative votes required.
#11-09 Resolution by Robinson and Laura, unanimously adopted,
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determining to take no further action on the subject of the progress of signage for
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Nature Preserves. (CR 988-97, Ref. CR 888-97)
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#12-09 Resolution by Robinson and Meakin, unanimously adopted,
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referring to the Administration for their report and recommendation regarding
possible partnering between Madonna University’s new Media Center and City
Channel 8, including possible student internships with cost savings and
efficiencies for the City. (CR 771-01)
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#13-09 Resolution by Robinson and McCann, unanimously adopted,
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determining to take no further action on the subject of a review of the Whitman
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Park Lease. (CR 351-03, Ref. Petition 2003-02-01-09 – Roskelly/Rosedale)
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#14-09 Resolution by Laura and McCann, unanimously adopted,
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determining to take no further action regarding the study of a Needs Assessment
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and Service Plan for Transportation Services. (CR 365-02)
#15-09 Resolution by Laura and McCann, unanimously adopted,
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determining to install street lighting consisting of seven (7) 100 watt high
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pressure sodium lights on fourteen (14) foot high colonial post top poles in
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connection with the Special Assessment District No. 423 Roll for Kenwood
Meadows Subdivision and Kenwood Meadows Subdivision #2, located on the
south side of Five Mile Road between Cavell Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, in
the N.E. 1/4 of Section 24; FURTHER, authorizing a sum not to exceed
$9,208.00 expended from the cash payments posted by or collected from the
developer of the Kenwood Meadows Subdivision and Kenwood Meadows
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
Subdivision #2 to defray the Detroit Edison contribution-in-aid costs connected
with this street lighting installation project. (CR 101-08)
Knapp left the podium at 8:58 p.m. to avoid the appearance of a conflict of
interest regarding the next item.
A resolution was proposed by Laura and Robinson, in connection with eliminating
the part-time City Attorney position and remove funding, which failed due to the
lack of affirmative votes required. (CR 506-08)
Knapp returned to the podium at 9:17 p.m.
Meakin gave FIRST READING to the following Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 9 OF THE ZONING MAP
OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA AND AMENDING ARTICLE III OF
ORDINANCE NO. 543, AS AMENDED, KNOWN AND CITED AS
“THE CITY OF LIVONIA ZONING ORDINANCE” BY ADDING
SECTION 3. ________ THERETO. (Petition 2008-09-01-07)
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#16-09 Resolution by Laura and Robinson, unanimously adopted,
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determining to take no further action regarding a request for dividing property at
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18901 Laurel into three (3) parcels, since the Petitioner has indicated a desire to
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withdraw his request.
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#17-09 Resolution by Knapp and Meakin, authorizing the Housing
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Commission to submit a Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) 2009 grant
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application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in
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the amount of $1,450,000.00 providing physical improvements and/or demolition
of recently-acquired Federal Housing Administration properties.
A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution:
AYES: McCann, Meakin, Knapp, and Godfroid-Marecki.
NAYS: Laura and Robinson.
#18-09 Resolution by Meakin and Knapp, unanimously adopted, approving
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the Application for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate from Roush
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Industries, Inc. covering new industrial facilities on property located at 12245
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Levan Road within the City of Livonia Industrial Development Overlay District No.
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112 for twelve (12) years.
#19-09 Resolution by McCann and Knapp, unanimously adopted,
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approving the Application for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate from
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Econ
South/Win, Ltd. covering a new facility for the manufacturing of windshield
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washer fluid, automotive coolant, automotive and marine washing solvents, and
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
other related products on property located at 11800 Sears Drive within the City of
Livonia Industrial Development Overlay District No. 108 for eight (8) years.
Knapp left the podium at 9:28 p.m. to avoid the appearance of a conflict of
interest regarding the next item.
#20-09 Resolution by Laura and McCann, determining to take no further
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action regarding the subject of the appointing authority for the position of City
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Attorney and reporting/accountability responsibilities.
A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution:
AYES: McCann, Laura, Meakin, Robinson, and Godfroid-Marecki.
NAYS: None.
Knapp returned to the podium at 9:29 p.m.
#21-09 Resolution by Meakin and McCann, directing that a closed
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Committee of the Whole meeting be held to discuss pending litigation and
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attorney/client privileged communications with respect to Tabita Braxton v City of
Livonia.
A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution:
AYES: McCann, Laura, Meakin, Robinson, Knapp, and Godfroid-
Marecki.
NAYS: None.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
Laura stated he is in favor of dialogue as questions and the flow of information
results in a better run city. Calling the question keeps information from flowing.
Council members commended Vice President Godfroid-Marecki on conducting a
very good meeting, and they all congratulated Don Knapp on his appointment to
City Attorney.
#22-09 Resolution by Robinson and Laura, unanimously adopted, referring
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to the Committee of the Whole for its report and recommendation on the
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possibility of conducting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Plymouth Road.
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#23-09 Resolution by Robinson and Laura, unanimously adopted, referring
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to the Law Department for its report and recommendation on the question of the
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time period in which Council has to appoint an individual to fill such vacancy and
how a decision is made on the appointment in the event Council cannot agree on
the appointment.
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SYNOPSIS OF THE MINUTES OF THE 1,624 REGULAR MEETING
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LIVONIA CITY COUNCIL – January 14, 2009
Mayor Jack Kirksey stated that the meetings are open, the Council abides by
Robert’s Rules of Order and the ordinances that supersede Robert’s Rules of
Order. Each Council member is given ample opportunity to speak on an issue.
He congratulated Council on all the time they give the City.
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By McCann and Knapp, unanimously adopted, adjourning this 1,624 Regular
Meeting of the Council of the City of Livonia at 9:50 p.m. on January 14, 2009.
LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK
*The foregoing is a summary of the Council’s proceedings in synopsis form as authorized by CR 1158-68. The full text of
the official minutes of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and is available to the public upon request.