HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2015-10-19 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD OCTOBER 19, 2015
Meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by President Brosnan. Present: Susan
Nash, Brandon Kritzman, John Pastor, Brian Meakin, Laura Toy, Lynda Scheel, and
Maureen Miller Brosnan. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark
Taormina, Director of Planning & Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney;
Judy Priebe, Director of Legislative Affairs; Susan Hoff, City Clerk; and Mayor Jack
Ki rksey.
Mayor Kirksey recognized the Arts Commission has 90 painting on display on the 2nd
Floor of the Civic Center Library. He acknowledged the artists fine work.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. REQUEST TO CHANGE TITLE OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF CITY
LIBRARIAN TO LIBRARY DIRECTOR: Civil Service Department, re: to be
consistent with other area libraries.
Toni LaPorte, City Librarian, presented the request to Council. This is a change
to the title of City Librarian to Library Director and request to change the local
ordinances to reflect the title change. This is in keeping consistent with other
community libraries in the immediate area. She noted that Denise Maier, Human
Resources Director, was unable to attend tonight's meeting.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REQUEST TO APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WAYNE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA- Department of
Parks & Recreation, re: utilizing grant funds not to exceed $13,000.00, to be
used for improvements to the Clement Circle Pool — Phase One.
Ted Davis, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to
Council. The Department of Parks and Recreation respectfully requests Council
approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Wayne County for a
grant up to $13,000 to be used for improvements to the Clement Circle Pool.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
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Toy asked that a thank you be sent to Wayne County Commissioner Webb for
her assistance with the use of grant funds for this project.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) REPLACEMENT
VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service
Division, re: two (2) 2016 Ford Transit 350 cargo vans for the Water
Maintenance Section from budgeted funds.
Tom Wilson, Supervisor, Water and Sewer Section, Public Services, presented
the request to Council. The 2014-2015 approved capital outlay budget includes
the purchase of two (2) Ford Transit 350 cargo vans for the Water Maintenance
Section of the Department of Public Works. Arrangements were made to
incorporate the new vehicle purchase through the State bid process (Contract
No. 07181300009. The State bid this year was awarded to Signature Ford. The
Cargo Vans will be outfitted by Cannon Truck Equipment through State of
Michigan MI-Deal bid process (Contract No. 07182200263). A copy of the
recommendation from the Assistant Fleet Manager as well as the backup
documentation has been provided for Council review. These vehicles will be
outfitted with a workbench, onboard air compressor as well as shelving and
drawer storage to carry needed repair parts. The vans will not increase their fleet,
they are replacement vehicles. The replaced vehicles will be disposed of thru the
auction process (MITN or commercial auction).
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council authorize the
purchase from Signature Ford for two (2) Ford Transit 350 Cargo Vans totaling
$65,696.00. It is also the recommendation of the Public Service Division that
Council authorize the outfitting of the cargo vans by Cannon Truck Equipment in
the amount of $32,538.00. The funds were already approved in the capital outlay
budget for the Water and Sewer Account.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE FOUR (4) REPLACEMENT
VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service
Division, re: Four (4) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab 44 pick-up trucks with plow,
safety lighting, spray bed liners, under hood air compressor and bi-fuel for Roads
and Park Maintenance Sections from budgeted funds.
Tom Wilson, Supervisor, Water and Sewer Section, Public Services, presented
the request to Council. The 2014-2015 approved capital outlay budget includes
the purchase of four (4) pick-up trucks for the Roads and Park Maintenance
Sections of the Department of Public Works. Arrangements were made to
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incorporate the new vehicle purchases through the State bid process (Contract
No. 07181300009). The State bid this year was awarded to Signature Ford. The
trucks will be equipped with plows, municipal strobe lighting safety packages,
spray in bed liners and one VMAC under hood air compressor. The outfitting will
be supplied by Cannon Truck Equipment through State of Michigan MI-Deal bid
process (Contract No. 07182200263). These trucks will also be equipped to run
on both propane and unleaded gasoline. The conversions will be completed by
ICOM North America which is a company they have used for prior conversions
with very good results and the only known source for this type of Bi-Fuel system.
A copy of the recommendation from the Fleet Manager as well as the backup
documentation has been provided to Council for its review. The trucks will not
increase their fleet, they are replacement vehicles. The replaced vehicles will be
disposed of thru the auction process (MITN or commercial auction).
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council authorize the
purchase from Signature Ford for four (4) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab, 44 Pick-
up Trucks totaling $111,018.00. It is also recommended that Council authorize
the outfitting of the pick-up trucks by Cannon Truck Equipment in the amount of
$60,926.00. Additionally, it is recommended that Council authorize the Bi-Fuel
conversion of the pick-up trucks by ICOM North America, LLC, in the amount of
$25,120.00. The funds were approved in the Capital Projects Fund (401)
Account.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) REPLACEMENT
VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service
Division, re: Two (2) 2015 Freightliner Utilimaster water service trucks for the
Water Maintenance Section from budgeted funds.
Tom Wilson, Supervisor, Water and Sewer Section, Public Services, presented
the request to Council. The 2014-2015 approved capital outlay budget includes
the purchase of two (2) water service trucks for the Water Maintenance Section
of the Department of Public Works. Arrangements were made to incorporate the
new vehicle purchase through the State bid process (Contract No. 07182200263.
The State bid this year was awarded to Cannon Equipment. A copy of the
recommendation from the Assistant Fleet Manager as well as the backup
documentation has been provided to Council for its review. These vehicles will be
outfitted with an onboard air compressor as well as an interior work station with
shelving and drawer storage to carry needed repair parts. These trucks are
frontline vehicles that are used to repair water main, hydrants and gate valves on
a 24 hour basis as needed. The trucks will not increase their fleet, they are
replacement vehicles. The replaced vehicles will be disposed of thru the auction
process (MITN or commercial auction).
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It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council authorize the
purchase from Cannon Equipment for a grand total of $303,650.00. Funds have
already been approved in the capital outlay budget for the Water Maintenance
Section.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) REPLACEMENT
VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service
Division, re: Two (2) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab 44 pick-up trucks with plow,
safety lighting, spray bed liners, under hood air compressor and bi-fuel for the
Water Maintenance Section from budgeted funds.
Tom Wilson, Supervisor, Water and Sewer Section, Public Services, presented
the request to Council. The 2014-2015 approved capital outlay budget includes
the purchase of two (2) pick-up trucks for the Water Maintenance Section of the
Department of Public Works. Arrangements were made to incorporate the new
vehicle purchase through the State bid process (Contract No. 07181300009).
The State bid this year was awarded to Signature Ford. The trucks will be
equipped with plows, municipal strobe lighting safety packages, spray in bed
liners and VMAC under hood air compressors. The outfitting will be supplied by
Cannon Truck Equipment through State of Michigan MI-Deal bid process
(Contract No. 07182200263). These trucks will also be equipped to run on both
propane and unleaded gasoline. The conversions will be completed by ICOM
North America which is a company we have used for prior conversions with very
good results and the only known source for this type of 8i-Fuel system. A copy of
the recommendation from the Fleet Manager as well as the backup
documentation has been provided to Council for its review. The trucks will not
increase their fleet, they are replacement vehicles. The replaced vehicles will be
disposed of thru the auction process (MITN or commercial auction).
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council authorize the
following purchase from Signature Ford, 1960 E. Main Street, Owosso, Michigan
48867, for two (2) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab, 44 Pick-up Trucks totaling
$55,348.00. It is also recommended that Council authorize the outfitting of the
pick-up trucks by Cannon Truck Equipment in the amount of $40,380.00.
Additionally, it is recommended the Bi-Fuel conversion of the pick-up trucks by
ICOM North America, LLC 54790 Grand River Ave. New Hudson, Michigan
48165 in the amount of $12,560.00. The funds were already approved in the
capital outlay budget for the Water and Sewer Account.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST TO APPROVE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IMPROVEMENT
BONDS: Engineering Division, re: to assure the installation of public
improvements at Cade Meadows Site Condominiums, located at 36905 Ann
Arbor Trail, in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 32. (CR 166-06)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, provided the request to Council. Council Resolution
No. 166-06, dated April 12, 2006 approved the preliminary Master Deed, Bylaws
and Site Plan for the above referenced condominium. Upon review of the plans
for the subject development the Engineering Division has determined that the
following bonds should be established pursuant to Section 18.66 of Ordinance
No. 543. The bonds in question are required at this time to assure the installation
of public improvements.
General Improvement Bond $131,034.75
($13,103.00 minimum cash)
Sidewalk Bond $17,282.00
($3,500.00 minimum cash)
Grading & Soil Erosion Control Bond $1,800.00
(all cash)
Entrance Markers/Landscaping $3,500.00
(all cash)
Monuments and Markers Bond $700.00
(all cash)
An estimate of the cost of the public improvements for the purpose of
establishing the improvement bond requirement, along with the required cash
payments, has been provided to Council for its review, in accordance with
Section 18.66 of Ordinance No. 543. In accordance with Section 16.24.310
(modification of requirements of the Livonia Code of Ordinances), it will be noted
that a cash payment is being recommended herein representing a contribution in
aid for possible future street lighting within the subject development. The
contribution amount has been based on the number of future street lights (as
determined by this office) and cost factors as estimated by the Detroit Edison
Company in accordance with a ruling of the Michigan Public Service Commission
in December 1990. Jo facilitate the maintenance of their records, the
Engineering Division will require that "as built" plans of all public improvements
installed in connection with the development be submitted to this office on Mylar
reproducible material. Further, appropriate utility easements and deeds will be
required for future maintenance by the City.
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Vice President Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Kritzman stepped down from the podium at 8:19 p.m. to avoid any perceived conflict of
interest.
8. REQUEST TO DESIGNATE CONSULTANT THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION
BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCESS, TO PROVIDE DESIGN AND SURVEY
SERVICES: Engineering Division, re: for the Newburgh Road Reconstruction
Project, from 450' south of the CSX Railroad Bridge to 300' north of the CSX
Railroad Bridge, in an amount not to exceed $21,850.00 from budgeted funds.
(CR #367-13)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, provided the request to Council. In 2016, Newburgh
Road from 450' south of the CSX Railroad Bridge to 300' north of the CSX
Railroad Bridge will be reconstructed as part of the Annual Road Program.
Pursuant to Council Resolution No. 367-13, adopted November 6, 2013, the City
Council approved Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc. (SDA) as one of the
Qualification Based-Selection (QBS) firms to perform all professional engineering
services on various federal, state and locally funded projects for through fiscal
year 2016. Under this procedure, we are recommending that SDA provide design
services for the above mentioned project.
SDA has previously provided design services for traffic signal upgrades at
various intersections following the MDOT LAP Procedure, road repair program,
and most recently the newly constructed Levan Road from Schoolcraft Road to
300' north of Five Mile Road.
SDA is familiar with the City of Livonia requirements and has the ability to
coordinate with the utility companies to complete the project in a timely fashion
for construction in 2016.
In order to proceed with this project, we recommend that the Council take the
following actions:
• Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an amendment to the
Engineering contract with Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc. (SDA), 905
South Boulevard East, Rochester Hills, MI 48307-5358, as the designated
consultant to provide design services for the Newburgh Road
Reconstruction Project from 400' south of the CSX Railroad Bridge to 300'
north of the CSX railroad Bridge. The amount of the design services not-
to-exceed $21,850.00.
• Authorize an appropriation and expenditure not to exceed $21,850.00.
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• Authorize the City Engineering to make minor adjustment to the work, as
needed.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
9. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE:
Engineering Division, re: for design and construction engineering services for the
Eight Mile Road Water Main Extension, which was constructed as part of DWRF
Project No. 7355-01. (CR 111-11)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, provided the request to Council. Pursuant to Council
Resolution No. 111-11, adopted April 20, 2011, the City Council authorized
Hubbell, Roth and Clark, Inc. (HRC) to provide the design and construction
engineering services for the Eight Mile Road Water Main Extension which was
constructed as part of DWRF Project No. 7355-01.
HRC provided Construction Engineering (CE) services during the Schoolcraft
College Emergency 12-Inch Water Main Repair as the same contractor that
performed the emergency repair was installing the 8-inch water main along Eight
Mile Road. This work was completed under this resolution in order to take
advantage of the funding available to HRC. We have received invoices from HRC
for the period from February thru September 2015, but we were unable to
provide payment due to fact that we are over the authorized amount. Thus, we
need to provide payment to HRC in order to close out the project for the portion
they were responsible for along Eight Mile Road and submit final reimbursement
to the State of Michigan. Any work related to the DWRF 7355-01 will be
reimbursable.
In order to close out these projects, the Engineering Division respectfully
requests the City Council do the following:
• Approve an additional appropriation and expenditure in the amount of
$6,500.00 from the Water and Sewer Construction in Progress Account.
• Authorize a payment not-to-exceed $6,500.00 to Hubbell, Roth and Clark,
Inc., 555 Hulet Drive, P.O. Box 824, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303-
0824.
• Authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work, as
required.
Vice President Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
Kritzman returned to the podium at 8:23 p.m.
10. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE:
Engineering Division, re: for the 2015 Asphalt Road Program (Contract 15-A) for
unforeseen work on Richland to provide additional asphalt quantities to the
existing road grade due to the flatness that improved the crown of the road for
proper positive drainage. (CR 108-15)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, provided the request to Council. Pursuant to Council
Resolution No. 108-15, adopted April 20, 2015, the City Council awarded the
construction contract for the 2015 Asphalt Paving Company to the Nagle Paving
Company. Richland (800 feet east of Stark to Farmington) had encountered
unforeseen work to provide additional asphalt quantities to the existing road
grade due to flatness that improved the crown of the road for proper positive
drainage. This is the reason associated with the request of additional
appropriation and expenditure in the amount of$52,500.00.
In order to close out this project, the Engineering Division respectfully requests
the City Council do the following:
• Approve an additional appropriation and expenditure in the amount of
$52,500.00 to be disbursed in the following amounts and accounts:
$35,000.00 (Reconstruction Account)
$15,000.00 (Rehabilitation Account)
$2,500.00 (Maintenance Account)
This will bring the authorized total for the 2015 Asphalt Road Program,
Contract 15-A from $1,373,431.35 to $1,425,931.15.
• Authorize a payment not-to-exceed $52,500 to Nagle Paving Company,
36780 Amrhein, Livonia, Michigan 48150.
• Authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work, as
required.
Nash offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. REQUEST TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION 201-15: Engineering Division,
re: to retire Special Assessment District #230 and assign Special Assessment
District #429 for administrative purposes, in connection with Sherwood Forest
Estates Subdivision LED Street Light Conversion Project.
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Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, provided the request to Council. Pursuant to Council
Resolution No. 201-15, adopted July 8, 2015, the City Council approved the
Sherwood Forest Estates Subdivision LED Street Light Conversion Project under
the original SAD #230, For administrative purposes, to more clearly delineate the
new equipment and the updated energy charges included in this project, they
respectfully request that SAD #230 be retired and the new number, SAD #429 be
assigned,
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission: re: Petition 2015-07-02-13,
submitted by Panamera Motors requesting waiver use approval to operate a
used auto dealership with outdoor display of vehicles, located on the south side
of Plymouth Road between Wayne Road and Yale Avenue (35085 Plymouth
Road), in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 33. (This petition was denied by the City
Planning Commission at their Regular Meeting of September 1, 2015, and comes
to the City Council per the petitioner's request for an appeal.) Per Council
Resolution 310-15, additional site plan information has been received for review
and approval.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. He said additional site plan information has been received
following the Public Hearing on the appeal of this item that Council did pull this
off for further study. The new information does include a new site plan which
includes landscaping that is dated October 17, 2015. The new plans contain
more detail regarding parking, site lighting and landscaping, including the species
of plantings. There will be new light poles and lights. There will be new windows
and new doors on the building. Also, new aluminum awnings over the windows
and doors. There is a slightly different paint scheme proposed as indicated on
the new drawings. Taormina noted that the petitioner was present to address
Council this evening.
Mike Hamoudi, Panamera Motors, 42191 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, indicated
that after taking the comments from the Council Public Hearing into consideration
and bringing some items up to code, he went back to his architect and had new
plans drawn up with some modifications. He described the upgrades he will be
making to the property. There will be new windows and new doors on the
building. Also, new aluminum awnings over the windows and doors which will
help shield customers from the elements of bad weather. The parking lot will be
redone including the dumpster enclosure. Also, there will be new landscaping
including new trees and flowers. He said the property has been vacant for a while
and this will be a nice improvement to the property and the area. He thanked
Council for its consideration on this matter.
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Kritzman asked what type of awnings would be installed. Hamoudi responded by
indicating they would be aluminum metal.
Pastor asked through the Chair to Taormina what type of lighting would be
installed whether it would be LED lights; he also commented on the number of
light poles on the plan were a bit excessive and may pose a concern for adjacent
property owners. Taormina said Hamoudi has indicated they would be LED
lights, he added that they are lower than many other parking lot light poles within
the area and said he recommends the number of light poles be reduced. Pastor
asked that they comply with the codes and ordinances with regard to parking lot
lighting. He would like to see a photometric drawing of the lighting reflecting LED
lighting and a reduced number of light poles. He requested that be stipulated in
the resolution as a requirement.
Vice President Meakin thanked Hamoudi for his investment in this property and
the City. He requested that the issues of concern be addressed and the
resolution reflect the requested amendments. He said that would ensure that
everyone would be on the same page and have the same expectations,
especially when looking at the finished product.
Toy asked Hamoudi where they vehicles would be displayed on the property.
Hamoudi said the customer parking would be in the front of the building and the
display vehicles would be across from the customer vehicles. Toy also thanked
Hamoudi for improving the vacant property and his investment in the property
and the City.
Nash indicated that she too was concerned about the parking lot lighting. She
said it may be disturbing to the residential neighbors to the rear of the property.
Hamoudi said that is why they went with the lowest height light poles for parking
lot lighting, he also indicated they will be on a timer and scheduled to shut off
around 10 p.m. and motion sensor lighting after that for security purposes. He
said his intention is for the lights to be the least amount disruptive to the
neighbors as possible.
Kritzman said the lighting is of concern to him as well and he would like to see a
photometric drawing. He suggested to Hamoudi that his contractor may be able
to direct him on how to obtain the photometric drawing at little or no cost.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
13. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-02-14
submitted by Joseph Philips Architect, L.L.C., on behalf of Merri-Bowl Lanes,
requesting waiver use approval to expand the existing food service operation and
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Class C liquor license of the bowling alley to include an outdoor dining patio,
located on the north side of Five Mile Road between Henry Ruff Road and
Merriman Road (30950 Five Mile Road) in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 14.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This is a request by Merri-Bowl Lanes to expand the facility's
food service and Class C Liquor operation by adding an outdoor patio. As you
know, Merri-Bowl Lanes is located on the north side of Five Mile Road between
Henry Ruff Road and Merriman Road. There is an existing 35,880 square foot
bowling alley on the site. It contains 40 lanes, and the building itself is setback
about 300 feet from Five Mile Road. The proposed patio is located in front of the
building in an area that is just east of the main entrance to the building. The patio
is about 1,540 square feet in area measuring 55 feet by 28.5 feet. It's been
designed with tables and chairs to accommodate approximately 36 patrons.
Encroaching into the parking lot to build the patio will necessitate refiguring some
of the parking. For a bowling alley with this many lanes, the Zoning Ordinance
requires 280 parking spaces. The site previously contained roughly 243 spaces.
The reconfigured parking lot reduces the total number to 230, but the loss wasn't
strictly due to the proposed patio; it was a decision made between the owner of
this facility and the city to provide additional 10 foot wide spaces. All of the
striping before was at 9 feet. When we discussed this with the petitioner, we
thought that the 10 foot spaces made better sense since this is an underutilized
parking lot to begin with. It does increase the deficiency slightly, and as a result,
they will have to get approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals, but everyone is
confident that there is still more than adequate parking to serve the expanded
facility with the outdoor seating. The patio itself would be enclosed with a
powder-coated aluminum fence that would be supported by 42 inch high stone
clad masonry piers with limestone caps. The plans also include some
improvements to the exterior fascia and new signage. Taormina said the
Planning Commission is recommending approval.
Toy asked Taormina where on the exterior of the building the proposed outdoor
patio area would be located. He said it would be to the right of the entrance when
facing the building, that is the side where the bar and restaurant are located
inside the building. It would be an extension of that area, there would be an
access door leading to the patio area. Toy asked how far from the edge of the
building is the proposed patio area. Taormina said about 20 feet from the edge of
the building. She said may comment further on this later after she hears from the
petitioner on what the intent is for the use of this proposed patio area. Her
concern is for the neighboring residents whose back yards are along that side of
the property.
Kritzman said he too is concerned about the neighboring residents whose back
yards are along that side of the property. He said there are approximately 4 or 5
houses that would back up to that area. Kritzman asked what the hours of
operation would be for the patio area.
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Rich Glomb, one of the proprietors of Merri-Bowl Lanes, replied by first clarifying
that the proposed patio is 40 feet from the fence in the back yard of the nearest
adjacent residential neighbors. Kritzman asked Glomb to shed some light on the
fence. Glomb said it is an older wood on wood fence, after speaking with some of
the neighbors he sought out estimates on a new vinyl fence. He said he has a
follow-up meeting tomorrow and hopes to be signing a contract to replace 800
feet of fencing with new vinyl fencing. Seventeen and half months ago he and his
partner purchased Merri-Bowl Lanes from Community Bowling Centers and
Roger Robinson. Glomb has been in the bowling industry 36 years. The vision he
has is to create a very family friendly oriented business here in Livonia. They
plan to expand the restaurant and dining portion of the business and have a full
catering menu. Pastor asked Glomb about the hours of operation. Glomb said
the hours of operation do change depending on the time of the year. In the
summertime, they typically open up a little bit later than 9:00 a.m. and they close
a little bit earlier. Last year it was 2:00 a.m. This year they're open currently to
midnight. They do have a business that is growing on Saturday night and they
may be considering only on Saturday night to be open until 1:00 a.m., but they
have reduced their hours. They're cognizant of the fact that they have neighbors
next door to them and they're very concerned that they don't want to have any
kind of a negative impact on them. Hours of operation for the outdoor patio, they
are anticipating that on Friday and Saturday night it would be until 11:00 p.m. He
said during the week it would depend on the business and said if he were
allowed to serve until 11:00 p.m. he would like to be able to do that. He said he
doesn't want to go into the late night hours. It's just a fun atmosphere where it's
low key.
Toy asked Glomb if he had approached any of the neighbors regarding his
proposal. Glomb said actually they approached him and thanked him for the
improvements he has already made to the property. Toy asked if he has
specifically talked to them about this proposal. He said yes and indicated the only
complaint he had received was regarding the dilapidated fence which he is taking
care of. Toy asked whether there would be bands or music in the patio area.
Glomb replied if they had any music it would be light background music, like jazz
or oldies music from the '50's and '60's. He said they don't want it to be an
attraction, just maybe for ambiance. Toy asked how many seats would be
outside. Glomb replied 36 seats, 9 tables with 4 seats each.
Nash thanked Glomb for giving the building some much need improvements. She
asked about the parking lot. Glomb said they just completely redid the parking lot
and are in the process of retrofitting the lighting with LED lights. Nash thanked
him again for his investment in the property and the community.
Vice President Meakin thanked Glomb for his investment in the property and the
City. He said the City needs places for entertainment that are family friendly like
Merri Bowl.
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Kritzman asked Glomb if the existing stone would match the new stone around
the entry and patio area. Glomb said the existing layered sandstone is in vogue
right now. They stone used in the new areas will match pretty closely to the
existing layered sandstone. Kritzman said great and thanked him.
Vice President Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
14. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-08-13
submitted by Michigan Fuel Properties, L.L.C., in connection with a proposal to
remodel the exterior of the existing commercial center (Mid-8 Plaza), located on
the south side of Eight Mile Road between Brentwood Avenue and Middlebelt
Road (29107-29131 Eight Mile Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 1.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This is a proposal that would upgrade and update the Mid-8
shopping plaza which is located on Eight Mile Road just east of Middlebelt Road.
This plaza contains about 22,400 square feet of gross leasable area. Its anchor
tenant currently is Dollar General, which leases about 11,000 square feet on the
west end of the plaza. Other tenants include a barber shop, K&S Bowling &
Trophy Sales, a dry cleaning establishment and another hair business. The
zoning of the property is C-2, General Business. The existing center is dated. It
contains peaked features along the front of the building facing Eight Mile along
the facade. Those would be replaced with rectangular shaped tower elements
that are lighter beige in color. They would be topped with a cornice treatment.
This part of the building is all E.I.F.S. The design includes aesthetic grooves that
would be etched into the E.I.F.S. The cornice treatment runs not only along the
top of the rectangular features but also on the lower part. That feature was added
to the design following comments at the study meeting. The columns that support
the upper part of the facade would be clad using brick. The same brick would be
used beneath the storefront windows, and that's a complete change over what
exists today, which I think is a combination of some type of vinyl siding or metal
siding on the face of the store front. In addition, the petitioner is proposing to
update the landscaping, as well as repair the parking lot and restripe it. Taormina
displayed some before and after renderings, to give Council an idea that it
matches up where the peak features are with the proposed rectangular features.
Taormina said the Planning Commission is recommending approval with
stipulations.
Nasser Choucair, N.C. Designers & Contracting, 3241 S. Telegraph, Dearborn,
MI 48124. Nasser said his client purchased the property. Their intent is to update
the property and give it a facelift; this would be done in a two phase renovation.
The property owner simply wants to enhance the property so it would be more
appealing to the area. They hope this will attract more tenants into the strip mall.
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The building is about 30 percent vacant. They have good tenants now. This is
going to look very nice after they're done with it. Hopefully, after the renovations
it will be 100 percent occupied.
Toy asked Choucair if the owner has any prospective tenants in mind and if he
can share that information with Council. He said the owner does have some
prospective tenants in the works but he is not at liberty to comment on that.
President Brosnan asked Choucair approximately what the cost of this
renovation will be. He replied between $300,000.00 and $500,000.00, including
the parking lot and the roof.
President Brosnan said this strip center has waited a very long time for this
upgrade. She said it hopes to know who the future tenant is; it helps Council
when determining what an appropriate investment in the property would be. She
said while Choucair may not be able to disclose who the future tenant will be,
perhaps the petitioner would be willing to share that information with the Council.
Choucair added that it will be a restaurant at the far end of the strip center.
President Brosnan said what happens when the property goes so long without
revamping, is by the time they get around to updating the strip center Council is
expecting great things.
Vice President Meakin echoed President Brosnan's comments. He said the
proposed design is kind of old looking. He added that the design just doesn't
have them wowed, it could use a little more creativity and excitement to the
design. Meakin said while he appreciates Choucair being here tonight, he would
like to request that the petitioner be present at the Regular Meeting to address
any concerns of the Council.
Toy said she agreed with her colleagues and said the design looks like its lacking
and she would like to see something more exciting. She suggested maybe some
nice awnings, an attractive color scheme. She said it will attract more desirable
tenants that would be willing to pay a little bit more if the building is more
attractive. She said they would prefer to have the parties that are making the
decisions present to answer any questions the Council may have. Choucair said
this project is a remodel not a rebuild. He said there several issues they had to
work with when figuring up the remodel. There were layers on top of layers of old
building materials and some of the columns were fake. So they had some
obstacles to overcome. He said the colors in person are much more attractive in
person than the drawings. He said when all the work is completed the shopping
center will look very nice and he said it is a considerable amount of money for the
property owner to be investing in the property.
Kritzman said he recalled Choucair when he came before the Council previously
on another project. He said this design looks similar to other designs in the past.
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He said they are looking for something new and a little more exciting. He said it
would most definitely be an improvement to the shopping center that is need of
an update. He said the proposed materials aren't high quality like a plan they
looked at earlier this evening. He said while they are not trying to hold them to
that high quality standard, he said there is a huge disparity between that project
and this one. He said they are both old shopping centers that both have old
building materials and obstacles to overcome in the design and they are both
remodel projects, not rebuild projects; yet this proposal is lacking in design with
the proposed materials involved. He said it needs more creativity and maybe
some better quality materials. He suggested Choucair take the comments here
this evening back to owner and have a conversation with him about it.
Choucair noted that there is some brick on the bottom of the facade, he noted
that he had a sample of that with him. He said if Council wants them to use
something other than dryvit on the upper portion of the facade he would be
happy to have a conversation with the owner in regard to that suggestion.
President Brosnan said she hoped he would have a conversation with the owner
concerning all the concerns raised her tonight. She recapped those for him
noting them as:
• Need a wider variety of materials.
• Better use of higher end materials.
• Different design other than older style design.
Toy offered the resolution referring this matter to the Committee of the Whole for
the Regular Agenda.
Pastor said he was going to offer resolutions for both the Committee of the
Whole and Approving for the Regular Agenda.
Kritzman said he too was willing to offer the Approving and Committee of the
Whole resolutions and is glad those are already out there. He said he would be
more than happy to look at any new proposed plans or answer any questions the
petitioner and his representative may have regarding the areas of concern he
mentioned earlier.
President Brosnan noted that Mr. Taormina in Planning is an excellent resource
available to the petitioner and Mr. Choucair and suggested they begin with him.
DIRECTION: 1) COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REGULAR
2) APPROVING
15. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-08-14
submitted by Longe+Enright Architecture, in connection with a proposal to
demolish an existing hotel and restaurant and construct a new six-story hotel
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(Holiday Inn), located on the west side of Laurel Park Drive between Six Mile
Road and University Drive (17123 Laurel Park Drive) in the Southeast 1/4 of
Section 7.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This proposal seeks to demolish the existing Holiday Inn hotel
and restaurant on Six Mile Road just east of 1-275 and construct a new six-story,
full service Holiday Inn including an accessory restaurant and banquet facilities.
The zoning of the property is C-4 II, which stands for high rise commercial
allowing for up to eight stories. The size of the property is 10.28 acres
approximately. Looking to the north of the property is a high rise office district
containing four-story office buildings. Across Laurel Park Drive is the Laurel Park
Place mall zoned C-2, General Business. There is a bank building immediately to
the south and southeast of this property, and then immediately to the west is the
1-275/96 expressway. The existing three-story hotel was originally constructed
as a Holidome back in 1979 and 1980. Then about 10 years ago, the flag was
changed to a Radisson which lasted only a few years. Following another change
of ownership, the hotel converted back to a Holiday Inn. Today the hotel is out of
date with the brand's current standards, and it is the owner's intention to replace
it with the latest prototype of a full service Holiday Inn. The new hotel would be
built in the northwest quarter of the property in such a way that would allow for
the existing hotel to remain open during construction. Parking ultimately would be
provided on the east and south sides of the new hotel once the old hotel is razed.
The smaller footprint of the hotel will allow for the future commercial development
in the southeast corner of the property. The future building area is roughly two
acres in size and would be developed for either one or two full service
restaurants depending on parking availability. The outline of the existing hotel
building has been overlaid on the proposed site plan to illustrate that the
placement of the new building has been positioned such that the construction
could be undertaken while maintaining the existing hotel, which would then be
demolished upon completion of the new hotel. Looking at the new hotel, it would
contain a total of 141 guest rooms and that compares to the current hotel which
has over 200 guest rooms. The main entrance and hotel lobby are near the
southwest corner of the building where the plan shows a Porte cochere and a
covered valet. On the east end of the building is the banquet facility which would
measure roughly 10,000 square feet in area. This area includes a main banquet
hall, which is roughly 5,300 square feet; two salons, each about 850 square feet;
as well as a pre-function hall and two meeting rooms. The hotel fully complies
with the C-4 district yard and setback requirements. In terms of parking, it does
comply with the ordinance; in fact, there would be a slight surplus as part of the
initial phase of construction for the hotel. There is a service area that is located
on the north side of the hotel. This includes two side-by-side trash enclosures, as
well as a designated loading zone. Site access would be provided from the two
driveways currently located off of Laurel Park Drive. There would be a slight shift
and they would be widen slightly to accommodate the new development, but
essentially they are located in the same approximate locations as the existing
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driveways. This provides for a nice access fully around the new hotel building
and the parking available on either side of that driveway. The southerly portion of
the ring road would provide access to the future commercial development in the
southeast corner of the property. All of the development's storm water runoff
would be detained underground so it's not something that you will notice as part
of this plan. It would have to comply with all of the City's and Wayne County's
requirements in terms of storm water detention, and all that would be done
structurally beneath the parking lot and landscaped areas of the site. A fully
detailed landscape plan has been submitted with the application. It shows
landscaping around the perimeter of the site, as well as within the parking lot
aisles and along the foundation of the building. Overall it represents about 41
percent of the total site area. There is a note on the plan that all sod and lawn
areas would be irrigated. In addition, the petitioner submitted a photometric
detail. All the exterior light poles would be limited to a height of 20 feet. We have
a series of renderings that were provided with the application showing the
exterior of the building. This building is not entirely six stories throughout. It has
portions of the building, including the banquet center, that are single story in
height, but the building materials by and large for all of the structure are masonry.
These would be various sized units. There would be 12 inch brick or masonry
units, 8 inch as well as 4 inch brick, either "rocked" or sandblasted. A photograph
depicting the features that are identical to what would be provided for this Livonia
Holiday Inn, including the covered valet service, the masonry used for the
columns, and all the accent materials which are a combination of stone,
aluminum was provided for Council review. The height of the building, from
finished grade to the highest point of the parapet, is roughly 76 feet. In terms of
signage, this hotel will be allowed one wall sign not to exceed 125 square feet
based on the length of the building, as well as a ground sign at six feet in height
and 30 square feet in area. The plan does show additional signage that would
require approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Taormina said the Planning
Commission is recommending approval with conditions.
Christopher Enright, Longe+Enright Architecture, 124 Peabody Street,
Birmingham, Michigan 48009. He said he was present this evening to represent
Longe+Enright Architects. They've been working with Mark and his staff for the
last six to seven months on this project. The site has changed from what they
had originally intended for a variety of reasons. First they had looked at doing a
variety of buildings and outlots on Six Mile Road, which they still intend on doing,
in the future In order to get this process rolling and getting it approved at the
Planning Commission level, they went ahead and did just what we considered to
be a buy rights plan, which shows the adequate amount of parking, landscaping,
etc., for the entire parcel. They intend to build that plan that's shown there, but in
the meantime, in the future when it's completed or near completion, they'll be
marketing those parcels. They've been looking at other hotels, restaurants,
things of that nature, but it is the owner's intention to have those parcels
developed in the very near future. Everyone is obviously very familiar with the
existing building. As Mark indicated, it's tired and worn and it's past its service.
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The Holiday Inn is excited to see that building gone. They want to move as
quickly as they can to facilitate that. In doing this project, Enright said he was
very surprised at how many people actually did attend Tremors nightclub at that
particular location, including himself. He thought it was just him, but it was very
popular at one time. So it will be a memory. The new building that they're
proposing is nearly the same as the one depicted in the photograph that was
provided to Council and is in fact in Romulus. It was a building that was built a
couple years ago. It is just north of Metro Airport. This building will be very, very
similar to that building. All of the exterior materials will be, in essence, replicated.
The materials that are shown in the document indicate various sizes of brick, as
they did in the original construction documents for that building; however, that is
actually cast stone, which is essentially a simulated limestone. It's very popular in
high end developments. The column in the Porte cochere that the base level has
that rusticated rock face finish to give it some detail and some depth at the base.
All the materials above that will be a variety of brick shown in the middle portion
that extended above the Porte cochere and every other element at the base, all
the bands, all those colors, those are all the limestone-like materials in a
sandblasted or smooth type finish. So every material that's at the first level or at
the pedestrian level is that very high quality product. There is very limited E.I.F.S.
Even the cornice pieces are actually cast concrete - that's the glass reinforced
concrete that they've indicated on the plans. There are just some very minor
detail cornices at the very top portion of the building that are E.I.F.S., but nearly
100 percent of this building is masonry except for the glass. They are downsizing
the banquet facility by approximately 50 percent or more. Their decision to not
build the other two buildings or develop the other two sites right now will also
help them in studying through the cycles of the building and the adequacy of the
parking that is there, and it will give a good foothold in indicating when they do go
in to look for some sort of a parking agreement, whether next door or a variance
or something to that affect, how the site actually functions when it's been fully
completed. The banquet facility will share the kitchen space, which is to the left
on the plan, with a restaurant. It's an independent restaurant owned by Holiday
Inn. They are talking about a restaurant called Johnnie's Italian Steakhouse.
They wanted something higher end in that location because as they sell the
banquet facility for weddings, they wanted to have a better association with a
better level of restaurant rather than a sports bar type operation. That's their goal
at this point, is to have something somewhat more higher end than that particular
element, as nice as the restaurant is and as good as the restaurant functions,
they just wanted a slightly different market. So they are very excited to move
forward and they're looking to do so hopefully this year still in some fashion.
Pastor asked if they have any idea what they might have move into the outparcel
lots in the future. Enright said not at this time.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
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Toy commented on how nice and clean the hotel at the Romulus location is. She
noted that she had an opportunity to check it out when she was involved with a
Human Trafficking Awareness Outreach Project.
Vice President Meakin asked if they explored the option of having some
entrances to the property from Six Mile Road. Enright said they did but MDOT
was not receptive to that idea. Vice President Meakin asked if they conducted
any traffic studies. Enright said not at this point since they are reducing their
rooms but he anticipates the will have them when they come back in the future
for the outparcel lots. Vice President Meakin said he appreciates the owner's
intent to have a higher end restaurant at this location
Nash said she appreciates their investment in the property and the community.
Kritzman said he appreciated the quality of the design and materials used in this
project and said they should be commended.
President asked their projected timeline. Enright said as soon as possible. She
also commended them on a great project.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
X1. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE PURCHASES FROM SOLE SUPPLIER FOR TWO-
THOUSAND (2,000) WATER METER END POINTS, ONE (1) FLEXNET BASE
STATION, AND THE LOGIC ANNUAL HOSTING FEE: Department of Public
Works, re: from Etna Supply Co., the sole source provider of Sensus Meters in
Michigan, to allow the City to receive all the water meter reads remotely, from
budgeted funds.
Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. He
thanked the Council for allowing them to bring this item before the Council this
evening. He said the Public Service Division has been working the last couple of
years towards a goal of reading meters in a more efficient and timely manner.
The department has been installing new meters and end points (radio frequency
reading devices). Historically the department has been reading all meters with
handheld units by its employees. The process is very labor intensive and
requires dealing with weather and expensive aging handheld equipment that
often is down being serviced. The fixed meter reading network (Flexnet) that has
been installed will allow the city to receive all the meter reads remotely. The
Public Service Division has been using Sensus Meters and parts for over 15
years and has been very pleased with the products and service received. Etna
Supply Co. is the sole supplier of Sensus Meters in Michigan. The city is
currently under contract with Etna Supply Co. and has worked with them to
receive special pricing on a lump sum purchase of end points. Etna has agreed
to reduce the cost $5.00 per unit for the reading devices on a purchase quantity
of 2000 units for a savings of $10,000.00. This purchase will allow the
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department to have the devices available for the change out process that would
have been purchased anyway in the upcoming months. The Flexnet reading
system requires base stations to receive the transmitted reads remotely. One
base station has already been installed and second base station is required to be
able to pick up all the reads citywide. The second base station is required as
installation of more end points continues. This will also provide redundancy in the
system allowing for more reliable quicker meter reading. The Flexnet system
uses a software program called Logic to process the data received from the base
stations and deliver it to the billing system. Logic is a web based program that's
installed and been working since early summer with no problems. All the data
received is on a hosted site by Sensus that is backed up in two different parts of
the country. There is an annual hosting fee associated with the software that
costs $14,496.00. It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that
Council authorize purchases from Etna Supply Co., 529 32nd Street SE, Grand
Rapids, MI 49548 for two thousand (2000) water meter end points in the amount
of $250,000.00, one (1) Flexnet Base Station costing $75,000.00 and the Logic
Annual Hosting Fee in the amount of $14,496.00 for a total of $339,496.00.
Funding to come from the Unexpended Fund Balance of the Water and Sewer
Fund.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
President Brosnan asked Rohraff how far in the process they are at this point; he
said they began earlier this year and have installed about 1,000 of them. She
asked if they would be coming back before Council in increments of 1,000 or
2,000. He said they would like to come with a mass of approximately 15,000 at a
time in the future to really get this project rolling and help cut the loss of water.
President Brosnan said she has been excited about this project since she first
heard it and looks forward to seeing those future requests for larger volumes of
meters at a time to get this project moving forward.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Brosnan adjourned the
Study Session at 9:42 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015.
DATED: November 2, 2015 SUSAN A. HOFF
CITY CLERK