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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2015-05-18 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MAY 18, 2015 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Brosnan. Present: John Pastor, Laura Toy, Lynda Scheel, Susan Nash, Brandon Kritzman, and Maureen Miller Brosnan. Absent: Brian Meakin. Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Susan Hoff, City Clerk; and Mayor Jack Kirksey. Mayor Kirksey announced Colonel Robyn Slade, who has strong local ties, will be making the long trip from the United Kingdom to Livonia, specifically to speak at the City's Memorial Day Ceremony. A graduate of Franklin High School, Colonel Slade was also a student of Kirksey's when he served as principal at Grant Elementary School. Kritzman wished his wife Rebecca a Happy Anniversary, they will celebrate 15 years of marriage this Wednesday. Nash congratulated her son, Logan, and the rest of the students at St. Michael's who will graduate in couple of weeks. Toy announced the passing of Gary Whitener, Bentley High School Graduate. Mr. Whitener managed golf course operations for the City of Livonia for 32 years. He retired from those duties in 2000. She extended her deepest sympathy to the Whitener family and asked everyone to please keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Toy extended her deepest sympathy to former Michigan Senator, Gilda Jacobs, whose daughter, Rachel, was killed in the Amtrak train crash in Pennsylvania last week. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. NEW BUSINESS: 1. BLOCK PARTY: Michael Kinney, re: to be held on Saturday, July 4, 2015, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Howell Street between Richfield and Blue Skies, with a rain date of July 5, 2015. Michael Kinney, 37629 Howell, presented the request to Council. He wanted to extend his congratulations to his son who just graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Science. He also congratulated his other children graduating from Kindergarten and Ninth Grade. He was ready to answer any questions Council may have. 2 Nash offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2 BLOCK PARTY: Ron Bozzi, re: to be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Curtis Street, from Lathers west to the nature trail, no rain date scheduled. Ron Bozzi, 18173 Lathers, presented the request to Council. This is their sixth annual block party. He was ready to answer any questions Council may have. Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE CITY'S NOISE ORDINANCE: Anthony Rich and Nicole Ortiz-Rich, re: in order to hold a 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration with a three piece band at their home located at 35912 Joy Road., on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Nicolle Ortiz-Rich, 35912 Joy Road, presented the request to Council. She said this is the first party they are hosting in their home and they are very excited. There will be a band playing music. Kritzman offered the approving resolution extending the time until 8:30 p.m. for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING — TO 8:30 PM CONSENT 4. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE CITY'S NOISE ORDINANCE: Sayre Adams, re: in order to hold a graduation party with music at her home located at 15709 Gary Lane, on Friday, June 26, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Todd Zilincik, 15701 Riverside, neighbor of the Adams' presented the request to Council on their behalf. He said the Adams' apologized for not being able to attend the meeting tonight and said they appreciate Council's consideration of their request. Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 5. REQUEST TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC SAFETY, EDUCATION AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING: Steven Johnson, re: for the purpose of discussing modification of Ordinance 8.32.070.20, to prohibit any and all 3 model aircraft with any type of motor or engine from flying on any public properties. Steven Johnson, 18240 Sunset, expressed his concerns with regard to public safety relating to the flying of model aircraft with any type of motor or engine on any public property. He is requesting that Council schedule a meeting in an appropriate committee to discuss modification of Ordinance 8.32.070.20, to prohibit any and all model aircraft with any type of motor or engine from flying on any public property. He was ready to answer any questions Council may have. Kritzman offered the resolution referring the matter to the Legislative Affairs Committee for its Report and Recommendation for the Consent Agenda. Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, said he was recently out at that location and observed some men flying some very large kites. At the same time there were some young girls flying smaller kites. He said the men were flying their kites very close to the young girl's kites. He said when the men were done they were packing up their kites, there was one that was almost the size of a car. Martin said if they were required to carry insurance on the model planes he believes you wouldn't see anyone flying the planes over there, instead they would be going to an area that was designated for that type of activity. Perhaps a club on private land in a more rural area. Kathy Gifford, 17587 Hillcrest, expressed her concerns about the model aircrafts being flown in the field behind her home. She talked about a drone that flew past her home and a message she received telling her to check out a video on www.youtube.com and so she did and it was a video of her home taken by the drone. She said she found the noise disturbing and felt that the drone taking video images was an invasion of her privacy. She also noted that her home is at the far end of the field where this takes place and said the people that live right near the main activity there must be really annoyed with the noise. She said this does take away from their quality of living and said if they were to sell their home this would be a deterrent for any potential buyers. President Brosnan requested a Report and Recommendation from the Administration, relative to other complaints or issues they have on the matter prior to the next meeting. DIRECTION: 1) REFER TO LEGISLATIVE CONSENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FOR IT'S REPORT & RECOMMENDATION 2) REQUEST TO ADMINISTRATION FOR A REPORT & RECOMMENDATION 4 6. PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PRDA) ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2014: Michael T. Slater, Treasurer, as submitted pursuant to Public Act 197 of 1975. Michael Slater, Director of Finance and Treasurer for the PRDA, presented the report to Council. At the direction of the Chair the report will be received and filed on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: RECEIVE & FILE CONSENT 7. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF LIVONIA TO EXECUTE A WAYNE COUNTY PERMIT: Department of Management Information Systems, re. for the use of Wayne County rights of way on Five Mile and Farmington Roads in connection with the City Fiber Network Expansion project. Dan Putman, Director of Management Information Systems, presented the request to Council. In addition to accessing AT&T utility poles, the project to extend City Hall's fiber optic cable connections to the Livonia Community Recreation Center and Department of Public Works Headquarters needs to traverse small stretches of Five Mile and Farmington Road Wayne County rights- of-way. In order to obtain a permit to use these rights-of-way, the City will need to provide a Council resolution accepting jurisdiction, maintenance responsibility, and liability for the cable in the County rights-of-way, and agreeing to remove and/or relocate the cable at no cost to the County as needed to accommodate future Wayne County projects. Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for supplying the Road Maintenance Section with Bituminous Materials for the period May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016. Paul St. Henry, Superintendent, Department of Public Services, presented the request to Council. The Public Service Division has taken bids for bituminous materials. Specifications were prepared by the Division, and Bid invitations were placed on the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN). Three (3) bids were received and opened in the presence of the Bid Committee. In accordance with the instructions for bidding hot bituminous materials, the low bid for each type of bituminous material has been determined by adding the City cost of pickup to the unit price bid. This cost was added to the unit price as bid, based upon the distance from the bidder's plant to Farmington Road and 1-96. It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that the following low bids, for 5 both hot and cold bituminous material, which meet specifications, be accepted to supply the Public Service Division (Road Maintenance Section) with the bituminous materials specified at the unit prices bid for the period May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016- 1 Nagle Paving, 39525 13 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377 M.D.O.T. 13A HMA $ 53.50 per ton M.D.O.T. 36A HMA $ 59 .00 per ton M.D.O.T. 1500 T 20 AAA $ 53.50 per ton 2. Amax Materials, 830 Kirts Blvd., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084 Cold Patch 192 Delivered $ 97.50 per ton Cold Patch QPRIUPM Delivered $110.00 per ton It is further recommended that in the event the lowest bidder is unable to furnish the material, the following second low bids, which also meet specifications, be accepted as alternates to supply the Public Service Division (Road Maintenance Section) with the bituminous materials specified at the unit prices bid for the period May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016- 1. 016:1. Amax Materials, 830 Kirts Blvd., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084 M.D.O.T. 13A HMA $ 51.00 per ton M.D.O.T. 36A HMA $ 57.00 per ton M.D.O.T. 1500 T 20 AAA $ 49.00 per ton 2. Cadillac Asphalt LLC, 51777 W. Twelve Mile Rd., Wixom, MI 48393 Cold Patch Material — Pave 192 Delivered $110.00 per ton Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT Kritzman stepped down from the podium at 8:36 p.m. to avoid any perceived conflict of interest on the following items. 9. REQUEST TO AMEND THE CONTRACT WITH HUBBEL, ROTH & CLARK, INC. FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE RE-ROOF OF THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY: Engineering Division, re: same. (CR 367-13) Paul St. Henry, Superintendent, Department of Public Services, presented the request to Council. The City Council approved Qualification Based Selection 6 (QBS) firms pursuant to Council Resolution No. 367-13, adopted November 6, 2013 to perform all professional engineering services on various federal, state and locally funded projects through fiscal year 2016. Under this procedure, the Public Works Department solicited quotes from three of the approved professional engineering firms designated in that resolution. Those firms were; Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.; OHM Advisors; and Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc. After assessing the three proposals for the design and construction administration, as well as estimated on-site inspection, the Public Works Department is recommending that Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC), the low bidding firm, act as our consultant for the Re-Roof of the Civic Center Library. Nash offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 10. REQUEST TO DESIGNATE CONSULTANT, THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION- BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCESS, TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES; AND TO EXECUTE A THIRD PARTY AGREEMENT WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT): Engineering Division, re: for the Levan Road Reconstruction Project, Schoolcraft to Five Mile Road. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. Pursuant to Council Resolution No. 367-13, adopted November 6, 2013, the City of Livonia 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 through fiscal year 2016. Under this procedure we are recommending that SDA be authorized to enter into a third party agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the Construction Engineering (CE) Services for the Levan Road Reconstruction Project, Schoolcraft Road to Five Mile Road. The Engineering Division has reviewed the agreement and is recommending the acceptance of same. The City is eligible for reimbursement of 81.85% of the Construction Engineering Cost (CE). Please note that the Construction Engineering amount is $183,258.48. The portion of Levan Road from Schoolcraft Road to Five Mile Road will include concrete pavement repair, hot mix asphalt paving, sidewalk ramp, sign, and pavement marking work; and all together with necessary related work. In order to proceed with this project, we are further recommending that the Council take the following actions: • Authorize an expenditure of $183,258.48 for Construction Engineering to Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc., 905 South Boulevard East, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 from funds budgeted for this project. 7 • Authorize an expenditure of $7,500.00 to Northwest Consultants, Inc., 44978 Ford Road, Suite A, Canton, MI 48187 for mitigation services should they be needed. • Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the third party agreement with MDOT for and on behalf of the City of Livonia for the Levan Road Reconstruction Project, Schoolcraft Road to Five Mile Road. Nash offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR Kritzman returned to the podium at 8:49 p.m. 11. REQUEST TO EXTEND CONTRACT 14-D UNIT PRICES FOR CONTRACT 15-D 2015 JOINT AND CRACK SEALING PROGRAM: Engineering Division, re. same. (CR 283-14) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. The Engineering Division has finalized the locations for the 2015 Joint and Crack Sealing Program. In order to control costs and to continue to offer our residents quality workmanship, the Engineering Division approached our contractor from the 2014 Joint and Crack Sealing Program, Michigan Joint Sealing, Inc. for consideration to extend the Contract 14-D unit prices as our contractor for Contract 15-D. They are willing to honor their unit prices from the 2014 Joint and Crack Sealing Program (Contract 14-D). Please note that they are a local contractor that has completed repairs for the City of Livonia in the past, including 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014. They are recommending extending the Contract 14-D unit prices for Contract 15-D to Michigan Joint Sealing, Inc. with a budget of $105,000.00 for the completion of the 2015 Joint and Crack Sealing Program, Contract 15-D. Work is anticipated to begin in early July and be completed on or before October 31, 2015. In order to proceed with this project, they recommend that the Council take the following actions: • Extend Contract 14-D unit prices for Contract 15-D, 2015 Joint and Crack Sealing Program in the amount of $105,000.00 to Michigan Joint Sealing, Inc., 28830 West Eight Mile Road, Suite 103, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. The award should be on the basis of the bid unit prices from 2014, Contract 14-D, said amount to be adjusted based upon the quantities of work actually completed. • Authorize an expenditure from budgeted funds of$105,000.00. • Authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work, as required. 8 Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 12. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-03-08-04 submitted by Livonia Lodge, Inc. in connection with a proposal to construct a four-story hotel (Holiday Inn Express & Suites) located on the southwest corner of Schoolcraft and Inkster Roads (24703 and 27451 Schoolcraft Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 25. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. This petition involves the redevelopment of land located at the southwest corner of Schoolcraft and Inkster Roads. This site is currently in the process of being rezoned from OS, Office Services, and M-1, Light Manufacturing, to the C-4, High Rise Commercial, zoning classification. The land area involved in this request involves two parcels. The smaller of the two is situated at the corner of Schoolcraft and Inkster and measures approximately 103 feet by 177 feet for a total area of 0.42 acre. Abutting this site to the west is the larger parcel, zoned M-1, which is about 331 feet by 215 feet and has a land area of 1.71 acres. Altogether, these properties comprise about 434 feet of frontage along Schoolcraft, 207 feet along Inkster Road, and has a total land area 2.13 acres. Currently, the site contains a one-story 22,800 square foot building that was originally built as a grocery store, but it's most recent use was for industrial purposes and a photo processing center. Access to the site is available via three driveways, two of which are located on Schoolcraft Road, which is the road to the north, and then one off of Inkster, the road to the east. Surrounding the property to the west and to the south are a variety of industrial buildings under the M-1 and M-2 zoning classification. To the east across Inkster Road is Redford Township and then lying directly to the north on the opposite side of Schoolcraft Road is the 1-96 Expressway. The proposed site plan shows a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites that would be constructed near the middle of the site with parking situated on all four sides of the building. This would be a four-story hotel containing a total of 93 guest rooms. The gross floor area of all four stories equals roughly 48,500 square feet. The footprint dimensions are about 65 feet on its short end by 215 feet lengthwise or in an east to west direction. The main entrance would be on the north side of the building, facing Schoolcraft. In terms of the building setbacks for a four-story building, the Zoning Ordinance requires at least 43 feet. In this particular case, the hotel would be 85 feet from the right-of-way of Schoolcraft Road and 89 feet from the right-of-way of Inkster Road. In terms of the required rear and side yards, that dimension is 45 feet. In the case of the proposed hotel, they are showing 125 feet from the west property line and 56 feet from the south property line. Thus, the hotel is in full compliance with all of the City's yard requirements. Looking at the parking requirements, the ordinance specifies that there should be at least one space per guest room plus one space for each 9 employee. In this case, there are 93 guest rooms plus roughly four employees on average at any given time. So a total of 97 parking spaces is required. The most recent plan shows 101 parking spaces. So it does comply with the ordinance. In terms of site access, as I indicated, there is access provided off of both Schoolcraft and Inkster. The Inkster Road driveway would remain unchanged; however, they would relocate the two driveways along Schoolcraft Road, and those will be moved closer to the center of the property on either side of the proposed entrance to the hotel. This plan also reflects the fact that a revised landscape plan has been submitted. They have provided much greater detail relative to landscaping, including the quantity and sizes of the proposed plant materials. They are showing significant landscaping along the Schoolcraft frontage, as well as on the remainder of the perimeter of the site on the south and east sides, also within the parking lot islands and along the foundation of the building. It constitutes roughly 25 percent of the total site, which is considerably more than what exists today, and complies with the city's minimum 15 percent landscaping requirement. He noted that the 25 percent does include the area of the detention basin. On the far left hand side of the plan, the grayed-in area is the site's stormwater management pond. That would be constructed in the rectangular area along the side of the property in order to accommodate the stormwater detention, which is requirement by both the city and the county. Moving on to the building elevations. This is a rendered site plan showing what the building would look like. Originally, they were proposing a building that would be predominately dryvit or E.I.F.S. on all four stories. It was indicated at the study meeting that they would change the plan to include a stone material on the first 10 feet of the lower level of the building. This rendering reflects that change. The same stone material would be used to frame the building's main entrance. It's in the form of columns that extend all the way up to roofline of the building. Also, stone is shown on the columns that support a Porte-cochere, or canopy overhang, that projects from the front of the building out for a distance of roughly 25 feet. The brown and tan on the upper three floors, including the other reddish color on the far west end of the building, would all be E.I.F.S. material or dryvit and would be used in the construction of the exterior on those portions of the building. Overall, the building has a height of 45'-4". Lighting details have been provided showing that it will be at a maximum height of 20 feet. In terms of signage, they are allowed two signs, one facing Schoolcraft at 200 square feet and one facing Inkster at 100 square feet. They will also be allowed a single monument sign, 30 square feet in area, 6 feet in height and a minimum setback of 10 feet from the right-of-way. Any additional signage would require approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Bill Jarratt, Jarratt Architecture, 108 N. Lafayette Street, South Lyon, Michigan 48178. He said he is honored to be doing this project and is very excited about it. He said he envisions it as the gateway to Livonia coming from the east on I-96. 10 Robert Nofar, Livonia Lodge, Inc., 50558 Drakes Bay Drive, Novi, Michigan 48374. He is the property owner. He said they have brought some samples of the materials that will be used to construct the hotel. Pastor expressed some concerns with the landscaping plan. Kritzman expressed his concerns with the landscaping plan. He also commented on some of the plan features that did appeal to him. Specifically, the landscaping buffer between the street and parking lot. Also, the welcome to Livonia feature on the plan. Kritzman asked Jarratt if they had anything in mind yet. Jarratt said they are thinking some type of signage with some landscaping and perhaps some stonework incorporated in the plan. Kritzman said he likes that they are taking this property that was vacant and turning it into a new vibrant business in the city and it is right on the city limits border so it makes sense to incorporate a welcome to the city feature. This important feature requires their utmost scrutiny of the site plan. Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. Scheel asked through the Chair to Taormina when Council might see the plan for the Welcome to Livonia sign for the site. Taormina said they would only be permitted one monument sign and the Planning Commission was fine without having them come back. He said if Council want to have a say in the design of the sign then this would be the time to require that or make it a stipulation of the site plan approval that the Welcome to Livonia feature sign must be approved by Council. He noted that the Planning Commission approval was for conforming signage only. Kritzman said he is in favor of Council approval as a requirement of the Welcome to Livonia feature sign. Kritzman said however Taormina or Knapp determine what is the best way to handle that process. Knapp responded by concurring with Taormina's earlier remark on Council may opt to approve the site plan and stipulate that the Welcome to Livonia feature sign would require Council approval. Pastor said it was his understanding that as long as they conform they didn't have to come back before Council or Council could give Taormina the authority to approve it instead of having them come back. However, if they over signage then they would go back before Planning, Council and then to the ZBA. Taormina said he would be willing to work with the Law Department to draft a condition that would require review of the signage by the Planning Commission 11 and City Council to the extent that it does not comply with the City Ordinance. This would include the Welcome to Livonia feature Jarratt said they are willing to work with the City and have them review the plan. He said as long as both parties are reasonable with the design. He said they want it to look nice so that it makes the hotel look nice. President Brosnan asked if there were any conference rooms or meeting rooms at the hotel. Nofar responded stating there are 3 different areas that can accommodate larger groups, such as a sports team. She asked what other amenities the hotel would offer. He replied there will be an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. He said the common areas will be open and spacious. Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, said he is in favor of the project. He noted his disappointment when a denying resolution was made on the rezoning of this property at an earlier meeting. He also commented on how feels that sometimes the City is a little harsh with its requirements on businesses that wish to invest in the City. He reiterated his support of this project. Kritzman said that they hold high standards here in Livonia and it is in the best interest of the property owners to help retain the value of their property and hopefully increase its value. He said this project already has an approving resolution being offered with some minor modifications and will more than likely be approved. He wishes the business much success here in Livonia. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 13. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-03-08-05 submitted by GAV & Associates, Inc. in connection with a proposal to remodel the exterior of the commercial shopping center (Mid 7 Plaza) located on the south side of Seven Mile Road between Middlebelt Road and Melvin Avenue (29475-29493 Seven Mile Road and 19043-19045 Middlebelt Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 11. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. This petition involves remodeling the exterior of an existing commercial shopping center, the Mid 7 Plaza, located at the southwest corner of Seven Mile and Middlebelt Roads. Most of the storefronts face east towards Middlebelt Road. The building is about 56,000 square feet in total size. Currently, the primary tenants within the building include Pets Supplies Plus, located at the north end of the building nearest to Seven Mile road. There is also a Planet Fitness and a Family Dollar, as well as a new and used book store. The project would completely upgrade the shopping center's storefront elevations. The most significant change is adding a series of dimensional parapet walls along the upper part of the facade, both along the east side of the building facing Middlebelt Road and along the north side of the building facing Seven Mile Road. 12 The new vertical wall elements will contain variations in the height as well as the width. They will project above the existing roof line and also incorporate offsets to give some relief to the building. The design also includes a decorative cornice along the top of the building. This represents a substantial change and improvement over what currently exists, which is a yellow siding, very flat style roof with round plastic cladded columns and vinyl siding along the face of the storefronts where there is no glazing. This is a substantial improvement and upgrade. The architect on this project was involved in two very significant projects recently and really speaks to the quality of work that they do. One is the Masri office building located at Five Mile and Levan and the other was a very successful redevelopment project which was the Old Classic Interiors building, which is now a professional medical office building. The same architect is working on this project. A lot of care has gone into the design. He is going to placing face brick along the store fronts. All the columns would be clad in masonry including some stone at the base of those buildings. The Planning Commission is recommending approval. Ghassan Abdelnour, GAV & Associates, Inc., 24001 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 180, Farmington, Michigan 48336. I'm the architect for the project representing the owner. He said they worked a lot with the Planning Department. The owner just bought it approximately five months ago, not a long time ago. Since he got it, he decided that it needs a lot of work. The existing building looks very old. This shopping center is very wide but it needs a lot of height because it's very low. It will look like a new building when it is done. It's a great corner and they thought that it makes a huge difference for the Seven Mile and Middlebelt area that is growing. There's a lot of new stuff going on in the area. Kritzman said he appreciates the detail they have put in the project. He said he would like to see perhaps some other color at the entrances that pops a little more. Overall, it is very nice. Toy said she appreciates the owner's investment in the property. She said the renovation is much needed and the proposed plan is very appealing. She asked if they intend to do any parking lot improvements. She noted that the parking lot is in need of some renovation as well. Abdelnour said he believes that is being handled by the civil engineer on the project who is working on the new lighting for the site as well. Taormina pointed out that one of the conditions of the Planning Commission approval is parking lot improvements. Toy thanked Taormina for that information. Nash complimented Abdelnour on the project and said the proposed plan is very nice looking. Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 13 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. President Brosnan congratulated her son, Rory, who is graduating from high school. She wished him luck with his future plans. As there were no further questions or comments, President Brosnan adjourned the Study Session at 9:31 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015. DATED: May 28, 2015 SUSAN A. HOFF CITY CLERK