HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2014-01-06 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD JANUARY 6, 2014
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Brosnan. Present: Brian
Meakin, Laura Toy, Lynda Scheel, Susan Nash, Brandon Kritzman, John Pastor, and
Maureen Miller Brosnan. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark
Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney;
Terry Marecki, City Clerk and Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor.
President Brosnan announced there is an X-Item that will be discussed following
tonight's Agenda.
Mayor Kirksey announced that the trash pick-up program is one day delayed due to the
snow storm. He said the Livonia Community Transit will have a reduced schedule. City
bus service will only operate for dialysis patients and work program on Tuesday,
January 7, 2014 and Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Also, he announced the final 1-96
Reconstruction Meeting hosted by M.D.O.T. will be held Thursday, January 9, 2014
from 5 — 7 p.m. at Thurston High School in Redford Township; the public is invited to
attend. He noted that the date to begin the project has been moved from January 2014
to approximately March 23rd or 24th, 2014.
Mayor Kirksey commended the efforts of the different department heads to work
together during the recent snow event and asked for a round of applause for Police
Chief Curtis Caid, Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works and Brian Wilson,
Superintendent, Public Service, Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, and Dan Putman,
Director of Information Systems.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. REQUEST TO APPROVE PAYMENT FOR ANNUAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT
FEES WITH ROUTEMATCH SOFTWARE: Department of Community
Resources, re: for the FY 2014 from budgeted funds.
Felicia Cross, Program Supervisor, said they are seeking Council approval to pay
the RouteMatch annual technical support fees for FY2014 in the amount of
$157252.00.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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2. AWARD OF BID: Livonia Fire & Rescue, re: for the purchase of one (1)
replacement Type 1 Medium-Duty Ambulance from budgeted funds.
Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead presented the request to Council. They are
requesting that Council accept the bid from Halt Fire, Inc., 50169 W. Pontiac Trail
Unit 5, Wixom, MI 48393 for the purchase of one (1) replacement Type 1
Medium-Duty ambulance for $225,502. The Medium-Duty Ambulance bid by Halt
Fire Inc. is built by PL Custom Emergency Vehicles and was the most
competitive bid that contained the lowest number of exceptions. The cooperative
ambulance bid was in conjunction with City of Dearborn Heights. The
departments developed a Type 1 Medium-Duty Ambulance bid specification, with
bid proposals posted and requested on the MITN website, with four (4) proposals
submitted at time of closing. After reviewing the submitted proposals the
departments recognized the following four (4) vendor proposals: Halt Fire, Inc.,
Wixom, MI - $225,502 (1 Exception) RSVP, Inc., Toledo, OH - $226,820.40 (12
Exceptions) Mercy Sales Inc., Saginaw, MI - $223,000 (22 Exceptions) Kodiak
Emergency Vehicles, Lansing, MI - $210,754 (14 Exceptions) This new
ambulance will replace Squad-3 (2006 Medic Master with 116,000 miles) which
in turn will replace one of the department's Reserve Squads (2006 Medic Master
with 129,000 miles). It is recommended that the current Reserve Squad-1 then
be removed from service and disposed of by placing vehicle up for auction.
Nash offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, commended everyone working on snow
removal in the City. He gave a summary of how they are handling snow removal during
this recent snow emergency event.
3. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Public Service Division, re: for the 2014 Tree and
Stump Removal Program from funds budgeted for this purpose.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, said the Public Service Division has
taken bids for the removal of approximately 605 trees and stumps from City
streets and rights-of-way. This ongoing program has been part of the City's
continual endeavor to keep our street right-of-way trees healthy as well as the
rights-of-way aesthetically pleasing. Specifications were prepared and an
advertisement for bids was placed in the November 27, 2013 edition of the
Livonia Observer. Bid invitations were placed on the Michigan Inter-
governmental Trade Network (MITN). The following five (5) bids were received
and opened in the presence of the Bid Committee:
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Company Total Amount Bid
Greener Still, Inc. $238,610.00
Alpine Tree Service $248,330.00
Boon Development LLC $270,855.00
(dba Sod Solutions)
Ashton Tree Service, Inc. $294,379.00
Asplundh Tree Expert Co $224,439.00
The low bidder, Asplundh Tree Expert Co., did not attend a mandatory pre-bid
meeting and thus is disqualified from consideration. The second low bid, Greener
Still, Inc., a Livonia company, was awarded the 2013 removal contract and was
able to satisfactorily complete that program. The Public Service Division
recommends that Council award a contract in the amount of $238,610.00 to the
low qualified bidder, Greener Still, Inc., 19119 Schoolcraft, Detroit, MI 48223, for
completing all work required in connection with the City's 2014 Tree and Stump
Removal Program; accept the unit price bid of the next bidder, Alpine Tree
Service, 313 Pickeral Lake Rd., Newaygo, MI 49337, in the event the low
qualified bidder is unable to complete the work required in connection with the
City's 2014 Tree and Stump Removal Program; authorize an expenditure of
$238,610.00 from funds already budgeted in the Refuse - Contractual Service
Forestry Account; and authorize the Director of Public Works to approve minor
changes in the work as it becomes necessary.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO APPROVE AN ANIMAL SHELTERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LIVONIA AND THE MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY AND WAIVE
THE CITY'S FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS: Public Service Division, re: for the
period December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014, with boarding fees charged at a
monthly rate of$3,250.00 per month.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent, Public Service, said the Michigan Humane Society
(MHS) has provided the animal sheltering service for the City's Animal Control
Program since August 1984. Previously City Council approved a two-year
agreement with MHS (CR #05-12) which is expiring. The main highlight of the
current contract is that it included a flat rate monthly fee of $3,250.00 versus the
previous system of total number of boarding days that animals were boarded
each month times a $24.00 per day boarding rate. The flat rate fee resulted in a
cost savings to the City of approximately 6% in return for the City's assistance in
promoting MHS's Healthy Pet Community Program. This program promotes
spay/neuter programs, reuniting lost pets with their families, adoption promotion,
pet care, etc. MHS has agreed to extend all terms and conditions of the current
agreement for one year for the period December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014.
The Public Service Division recommends that Council approve the Animal
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Sheltering Agreement between the City of Livonia and The Michigan Humane
Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025, to
provide a service facility for the humane sheltering of animals for the period
December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014; waive the formal bidding process in
accordance with Section 3.04.140.0.2 of the Livonia; Code of Ordinances, as
amended, since no apparent advantage to the City would result from competitive
bidding in this specialized type of service.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. REQUEST TO APPROVE PURCHASE: Public Service Division, re: of two (2)
Toro Zero Turn Mowers (ZTR) — 5000, model #74933, propane — powered
mowers with Kawasaki FX 801V-852 cc engines, and 60" Turbo Force mowing
decks utilizing the State of Michigan bid process.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, said the 2013- 2014 Approved Capital
Outlay Budget includes the purchase of two (2) propane-powered 60" deck
mowers. Arrangements were made to incorporate the purchase through the State
bid process for mowers (Contract Agreement No. 07180200329), an extended
purchasing program made available to local governments through the State of
Michigan. The State bid this year was awarded to Commercial Lawnmower, a
Livonia - based dealer. The department wishes to purchase two (2) Toro Zero
Turn Mowers (ZTR)- 5000, model #74933, propane - powered mowers with
Kawasaki FX 801V- 852 cc engines, and 60" Turbo Force mowing decks at
$10,719.36 each for a total price of $21,438.69. This purchase will replace two
(2) comparable units (Toro ZTR Z-500 models) that will be auctioned on the
Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) along with other equipment
later this fiscal year. The new units will replace two (2) units that have been taken
out of service (one purchased in 2005; the other purchased in 2006). Both
mowers are gas-powered, and require repairs costing more than their current
value. The department is making a concerted effort to change over its' fleet of
ZTR mowers from gas power to propane power. Currently, there is a substantial
cost savings in operating propane-powered mowers. The department operates
nine (9) other propane- powered mowers. There are several other gas-powered
mowers that are similar in type. Both types of mowers are assigned to staff that
assist in the daily maintenance of approximately 400 acres of City property
(buildings, parks, athletic fields, boulevard islands, open areas, etc) that are not
part of the Contractual Assistance Mowing Contract used by the department. The
Public Service Division recommends that Council authorize the purchase of two
(2) Toro Zero Turn Mowers (ZTR) - 5000, Model #74933, propane - powered
mowers with Kawasaki FX 801V- 852 cc engines, and 60" Turbo Force mowing
decks from Commercial Lawnmower, 32098 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150 for
a total price of $21,438.69; waive the formal bidding process in accordance with
the provisions set forth in Section 3.04.140.D.4 of the Livonia Code of
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Ordinances, as amended, inasmuch as the same is based upon the low State of
Michigan price; and no advantage to the City would result from competitive
bidding.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST TO APPROVE A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING GROUP AND TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO
THE CITY OF NORTHVILLE FOR LIVONIA RESIDENTS' USE OF THE
NORTHVILLE/NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP DROP-OFF EVENT: Public Service
Division, re: the Household Hazardous Waste Day Agreement to share events
with Northville/Northville Township scheduled in Livonia for Saturday, April 26,
2014 at Ford Field from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and in Northville/Northville
Township in the fall of 2014 (date to be determined, as well as for 2015 and
2016).
Brian Wilson, Superintendent, Public Service, said the Department solicited
proposals for the Livonia Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day event held
in the spring at Ford Field and the "Livonia at Northville" event held in the fall at
the Northville DPW Yard. Proposals were received from two firms including
Environmental Recycling Group (ERG) and EQ, Industrial Services Inc.
ERG, which is based in Livonia on Merriman Road, has conducted these events
for the last three years. They have been highly efficient, been responsive to all of
our needs, have been innovative in their traffic flow designs and are well staffed
at events. All of which has resulted in quick service for our residents and problem
free events. ERG has also been a great resource assisting residents with
hazardous waste problems in periods where drop-off events are not being held
and they have assisted the Department with immediate hazardous waste
disposal assistance at no charge. ERG has also conducted the Wayne County
household hazardous waste drop-off events, which many of our residents utilize.
In discussions with Wayne County Department of Environment they also indicate
superior performance by ERG.
EQ, which is based in Ypsilanti, previously conducted events for the City for a
number of years. They performed adequately in the most recent years that they
conducted the events having addressed problems with inadequate staffing &
supervision which had caused major traffic problems and a long wait for service
with events in earlier years.
A review of the proposals revealed that EQ had put in a stipulation that their
pricing was based on a thousand vehicle minimum per event. ERG had no
stipulation regarding minimum vehicles. While the Livonia event always has gone
well over a thousand vehicles the Northville event has been under a thousand
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vehicles two of the last three years. After a discussion with EQ they dropped the
minimum vehicle requirement. EQ also added in their proposal a $1.00 per
vehicle price break for every vehicle over twenty-one hundred.
The proposals were as follows:
Company 2014 2015 2016 Total
EQ Industrial $26.50/$55,650 $26.90/$56,490 $27.30/$57,330 $169,470
Services
Environmental $27.25/$57,225 $27.75/$58,275 $28.25/$59,325 $174,825
Recycling
Group
With the 1% credit to ERG as a City-based firm the difference between these
proposals over the three year contract is 2.1 %.
Applying the above 2014 pricing to the actual vehicles experienced at the 2013
events, the cost would have been as follows:
Livonia Event Northville Event
Company (1.790 Vehicles) (868 Vehicles) Total
EQ Industrial $47,435.00 $23,002.00 $70,437.00
Services
Environmental $48,777.50 $23,653.00 $72,430.50
Recycling Group
With the 1% credit to ERG as a City-based firm the difference in the proposals
using the 2013 actual vehicle experience is$ 1,269.19 or 1.8%.
For 2014 the Department is proposing to conduct Livonia's Household
Hazardous Waste Day event at Ford Field on Saturday, April 251 h from 8:00am
to 2:OOpm. As has been done for many years now, Northville/Northville Twp.
residents will again be able to utilize the Livonia event and Livonia residents will'
be able to utilize the Northville event in September.
Based upon the negligible price difference between the proposals and the
excellent performance the last three years from ERG it is the recommendation of
the Public Service Division that Council award a contract to Environmental
Recycling Group, 13040 Merriman Road, Suite 200, Livonia, Michigan 48150-
1816, to provide services for the 2014 through 2016 Household Hazardous
Waste Drop-off events; authorize payment to the City of Northville, 215 West
Main Street, Northville, Michigan 48167-1540 for Livonia resident's use of the
Northville/Northville Township event for the 2014 through 2016 Northville
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off events.
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No additional appropriation is required since funds are available in the 2013-14
approved budget for the Municipal Refuse Fund for this purpose. Funding for
these events is derived from the dedicated recycling millage with no general fund
expense resulting from these special drop-off events.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. VACATING PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-03-02
submitted by Maria and Neil Martinuzzi, to determine whether or not to vacate a
portion of unimproved Curtis Road right-of-way adjacent to Lot 38 in the Green
Brier Estates Subdivision, located on the east side of Fairfield Avenue between
Six Mile Road and Curtis Road (18150 Fairfield Avenue) in the Southeast 1/4 of
Section 10.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. He said this is a request to vacate a portion of Curtis Road
right-of-way which is currently unimproved. This parcel borders Lot 38 within the
Green Brier Estates Subdivision. The property is located at the northeast corner
of the subdivision where Fairfield Avenue and Curtis Road connect. As originally
platted, the unimproved portion of Curtis continues east along the north side of
Lot 38. Rotary Park borders the right-of-way to the north and to the west of the
petitioner's property, which is identified as 18150 Fairfield Avenue. There is an
existing house on Lot 38 that is located on or very near the north property line
adjacent to the unimproved portion of Curtis Road. The side yard setback within
an RUF zoning district is required to be 25 feet. The house is located within the
setback and contains probably what is a zero setback from the north property
line. So any additions to the house would require a variance from the Zoning
Board of Appeals. Lot 38 measures about 104 feet in width by 257.00 feet, for a
total lot area of 26,737 square feet or 0.61 acre. It is a conforming RUF property
where each lot is required to be at least half an acre. The right-of-way of Curtis
Road adjacent to the property is 43.00 feet in width. If the vacating petition is
approved, it is possible for the full width of the right-of-way abutting Lot 38 to be
titled to the owners of Lot 38 and would in all likelihood negate the need for any
variances for minor additions proposed to the residential structure. Combining
the vacated street with the Petitioner's property would enlarge the property to a
total of about 37,920 square feet or 0.87 acres. Curtis Road right-of-way adjacent
to Lot 38 does contain a 4.5 foot diameter storm sewer that runs close to the
center of the right-of-way. The City Engineering Division is requesting the
dedication of a full width easement.
Neil Martinuzzi, 15167 MacArthur, Redford Township, was present to answer any
questions from Council.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. VACATING PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-10-03-03
submitted by Schoolcraft College, to determine whether or not to vacate the
existing water main easement located on the south side of Seven Mile Road
between Haggerty Road and the 1-275/96 Expressway (38701, 38703 and 38705
Seven Mile Road and 18900 Haggerty Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 7.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. He said this is more or less a housekeeping item. It is a
request by Schoolcraft College to vacate an existing water main easement that
crosses a substantial portion of the campus and some of the office zoned
properties to the north that make up part of the Seven Mile Crossing office
complex. The easement is 20 feet in width and it does not contain any public
utilities. Those are in a different location. A proper easement will be recorded
over the actual structures as they are constructed on the property or as they exist
following any approval here this evening and through the City Council to vacate
this easement.
Scheel offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
X1. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LIVONIA CODE OF ORDINANCES AS
AMENDED: Department of Law, re: to Section 020, 060 and 090 of Title 10,
Chapter 63 (Snow Alert) to assist with the enforcement of the Snow Alert
Ordinance and ensure greater compliance so that the Department of Public
Works can efficiently and effectively plow city streets after a significant snow
storm.
Don Knapp, City Attorney, presented the request to Council. This is a request to
amend the Snow Alert Ordinance to assist with the enforcement of the
Ordinance. Specifically to clearly identify the authority of the Inspection
Department to write tickets for illegally parked vehicles during a Snow Alert and
also to set the fine at $100 which may be reduced to $50 if paid within 2 business
days. The should help to ensure greater compliance so that the Department of
Public Works can efficiently and effectively plow city streets after a significant
snow storm.
Toy asked Knapp what the fine is currently. Knapp replied $50 and it may be
reduced to $25 if paid within 48 hours. It can be as much as $100 currently,
however, the court has consistently set the fine at $50.
Kritzman expressed concern about raising the fine; he said especially when the
Ordinance states vehicles must be removed from the streets within six (6) hours
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of a declared Snow Emergency. His argument was if the Snow Emergency was
declared at Midnight, vehicles should be removed from the street no later than
6:00 a.m., Kritzman said most people would even know about because they
would most likely have been asleep and not be aware of the Snow Emergency.
He thinks there is room to improve this, either by extending the allotted time to
remove the vehicles from the streets or perhaps by method of notification to the
public of a Snow Emergency.
Scheel said she has signed up for the e-mail alerts and said that when a storm is
developing e-mail alerts are sent out and inform the public and instruct them to
stay tuned for further information.
Nash said she feels that six (6) hours may not be ample enough time for some
people and thinks that there needs to be some exceptions or more time allotted.
Meakin said the City isn't amending this Ordinance to write more tickets, it's more
a matter of common sense. If a snow storm is approaching people need to move
their vehicles off the streets so that the snowplow trucks can get through to plow
the streets.
Mayor Kirksey said it is just a matter of common sense, as Meakin previously
indicated. The reason for the amendment is merely to clarify the authority of the
Inspection Department and set the fine at $100 with the ability to reduce it to $50
if paid within two (2) business days. This effort is to help deter residents from
parking on the street during a Snow Emergency.
Police Chief Curtis Caid said residents can sign up for the alerts. He said they
are also updating their Emergency Management Radio; it should be up and
running by this coming Friday. He said it will broadcast community alerts, such as
snow alerts, on an updated, repetitive, continual basis — much like weather band
broadcasts. He said it will also be posted on the Police Department's Facebook
page. President Brosnan said she believed it is also posted on the City's
Facebook page and Channel 8.
Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, inquired how the tickets would be issued
whether they would be left on the vehicle on hand delivered. President Brosnan
asked Chief Caid what the procedure was for issuing the tickets. Chief Caid
replied the ticket is placed in a waterproof sealed bag and placed under the
windshield wiper on the vehicle. Martin so it is possible that someone might not
see the ticket. He expressed his disapproval of other city employees taking on
the duties of a police officer. He expressed his concerns with the six (6) hour
order for removing vehicles from the streets. He also inquired about towing of
vehicles that are ticketed and still fail to be removed. President Brosnan deferred
that question to Chief Caid for an answer. Chief Caid said he is not aware of any
vehicle being towed during a Snow Emergency Event. He said, however, the
Ordinance does allow them to tow vehicles. He said in the event that was to
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happen the vehicle would be towed by Livonia Towing. President Brosnan asked
how the vehicle owner would be notified. Chief Caid said the vehicle is logged
into their computer system and a letter is sent to the registered owner; most likely
what would happen is the vehicle owner would call the Police Department and
ask what happened to their vehicle or report it missing. The officer would check
the computer for the vehicle information and they would inform the vehicle owner
that it was towed by Livonia Towing and they would contact them to recover the
vehicle. Martin said he is not in favor of the Inspection employees writing tickets
and feels six (6) hours is not enough time, especially if five and one half hours
have already passed when the resident is first notified; that may present a
problem for the resident.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
Kritzman said as people may recall, an ADHOC Commission was started through the
Mayor's Office, the Greenleaf Commission on Sustainability. One of the things they are
looking into is recognition for the good work that is done here at the City of Livonia to try
and meet those sustainability goals. Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments
(SEMCOG) has a recognition program that they are looking to participate in and one of
the kick-off steps of that program is for the City Council to adopt a resolution.
Kritzman offered the approving resolution to participate in the Southeastern Michigan
Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Sustainability Recognition Program for the
Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Mayor Kirksey announced that the Community Recreation Center is an emergency
warming center for residents in need. If a resident is in need, they just need to call
ahead during regular business hours and notify personnel that they are in need and will
be coming in.
Toy invited the public this Saturday, January 11, 2014 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the
House of Help Community Center, 23700 Clarita, Detroit, MI 48219, they will be
addressing the topic of Human Trafficking and wrapping soaps for the local hotels to
distribute during the Detroit Auto Show. Human trafficking tends to take place during
large events. Toy also mentioned that recently, Theresa Flores, Author, Slave across
the Street, spoke at the City on Human Trafficking. Toy announced the State of the
State will be held on January 16, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., she invited interested parties to the
watch party held in the State Senator Judy Emmon's office in Lansing where she works.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
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Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, expressed his disappointment of the Council Meeting
scheduling and suggested that if they continue the two meetings in one night for 2014
that they consider starting the voting meeting at 8:30 p.m.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Brosnan adjourned the
Study Session at 9:24 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014.
DATED: January 10, 2014 TERRY A. MARECKI
CITY CLERK