HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2012-05-30 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MAY 30, 2012
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: John Pastor, Thomas
Robinson, Maureen Miller Brosnan, Brandon Kritzman, James McCann, Joe Laura, and
Laura Toy. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark
Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Cathryn White, Chief
Assistant City Attorney; Terry Marecki, City Clerk; and Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor.
Kritzman announced he and his wife celebrated their 12th Wedding Anniversary on May
207 2012 and that they are expecting their 5th child.
McCann congratulated Kritzman and his wife on 12 very productive years.
Brosnan congratulated Tim McGillivray on becoming the new director of Wayne County
Emergency Management.
Brosnan wished her daughter, Eleanor Grace, a Happy 10th Birthday.
President Toy announced there is new data on Item #2. She also noted that Item #14 is
being moved to the front of tonight's Agenda.
Mayor Kirksey announced the Memorial Day Celebration was last Saturday, May 26,
2012. Chief Petty Officer Fredrick Foster gave an outstanding speech at the event. The
rain did put a damper on the ceremony and once lightning showed up they moved the
event indoors at City Hall. Mayor Kirksey also commented on the Franklin High School's
Band's performance; noting what an outstanding job they did. He also mentioned that
he received correspondence from Amanda Halbert informing us that the Livonia Relay
for Life has raised over $125,000.00 for the American Cancer Society. The Larry
Nehasil Committee meets tomorrow to discuss the progress of the Larry Nehasil Park.
Last, he mentioned that on last Sunday somebody played some amplified patriotic
music throughout the neighborhood; he said he would like to know the source of the
music, to solve that quiz between he and his wife.
President Toy announced the Livonia Amateur Radio Club will team up with the Ford
Amateur Radio League to conduct a league sponsored field day at 2:00 p.m. on
Saturday, June 23, 2012 until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The event will be
held behind Fire Station #6 which is on the north side of Plymouth Road just west of
Newburgh Road. Members of both clubs will set up temporary operating stations and
make contact with other ham radio operators throughout the United States.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
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John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, gave an update on upcoming events in the Livonia Public
Schools; including the All Night Senior Parties happening at the High Schools. He
thanked everyone involved in making these events successful.
NEW BUSINESS
14. TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ETHICS: Department of Law,
re: submitted pursuant to Section 2.200.070(D)(10) of the Livonia Code of
Ordinances, as amended.
Mayor Kirksey said Dick McDowell has been the Chairperson for the Board of
Ethics for the past 10 years. He said over the past 10 years they have met any
challenges that have been presented to them.
Pastor offered the resolution to receive and file the report for the Consent
Agenda.
Brosnan noted back in March 2009 a member of Council had requested a report
and recommendation from the Law Department with regard to who is subject to
the annual disclosure requirements. She said they never did get a report but
clearly, that is all delineated in our Ethics Ordinance, Section 2.200.060; she
offered the resolution of no further action for the Consent Agenda.
McCann did mention that City Attorney Knapp did follow up in response to C.R.
#83-09 in the form of an e-mail to the Council which referenced Section
2.200.060 and did indeed answer the question of who is subject to the annual
disclosure requirements.
DIRECTION: 1) RECEIVE & FILE CONSENT
2) NO FURTHER ACTION —
CR # 83-09
1. BLOCK PARTY: Patricia Holcomb, re: to be held on Wednesday, July 4, 20127
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Cavell, between Grantland and Capitol, with no
rain date scheduled.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REQUEST TO WAIVE SECTIONS 8.32.070 AND 12.20.080 OF THE LIVONIA
CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED: Jessica Schulte, Event Production
Manager, Event 360, Inc., Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, re: to allow the
playing of music and announcements via speakers, as well as the erection and
use of tents on public land (Greenmead), during their Breast Cancer 3-Day
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Event/Walk which will take place in Livonia from August 17 through August 19,
2012.
Pastor said Jessica Schulte was unable to make it tonight and asked that Council
proceed with the request. He said this is a very worthwhile event and has no
problem supporting this request
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Allie T. Mallad, MG-Livonia LLC d/b/a Massage Green, in
accordance with Chapter 49 of Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as
amended, for property located at 29466 W. Seven Mile Road.
Nadia Niemer was present on behalf of Allie Mallad, she explained the request to
Council and was ready to answer any questions from the Council.
Brosnan asked Niemer why they chose Livonia. She said her CEO doesn't live
far from here and she has worked in Livonia in the past. She said Livonia is a
busy, clean and safe city.
Brosnan asked through the Chair to the Director of Planning, Mark Taormina, if
this is a permitted use and he said he would have to verify that. He noted that
Massage Establishments sometimes require waiver use approval in certain
zoning districts and said he would have to research it and get back to Council.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
President Toy asked Niemer what types of massage would be offered. Niemer
noted the different types; Deep Tissue, Swedish, Cranial Sacral, Reiki, Prenatal,
Reflexology, Sports and Hot Stone Massage.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk,
re: submitted by Stefana Rat in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia
Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Nadia Niemer was present on behalf of Stefana Rat who was in California on
business; she explained the request to Council and was ready to answer any
questions from the Council.
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Taormina said he recalled that this location is in the Livonia Marketplace and that
a Massage Establishment is a permitted use per the agreement when the
development was planned.
Brosnan said all of the paperwork is in order and be happy to offer the
approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
She said all of the previous requests on tonight's Agenda at this location can be
moved on the Consent Agenda in light of the information provided by Taormina
providing there are no objections from any of the other Council members.
President Toy noted there were no objections and stated this Item and the
previous related Items will be placed on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Marie Gibson in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the
Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Marie Gibson, 15716 Indiana, Detroit, was present and was ready to answer any
questions from the Council.
Brosnan said all of the paperwork is in order and be happy to offer the
approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Rhonda Hall in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the
Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Rhonda Hall, 31046 Wheaton, Apt. 216, New Hudson, was present to answer
any questions from Council.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Tracy Makela in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the
Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Tracy Makela, 28734 Burning Tree, Romulus, was present to answer any
questions from Council.
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McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Ashley Stephens in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the
Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Ashley Stephens, 5013 Hubbard, Wayne, was present to answer any questions
from Council.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. REQUEST FROM THE MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION TO
INVESTIGATE THE REQUEST FROM ANDIAMO OF LIVONIA, LLC TO
TRANSFER INTEREST IN 2010 CLASS C LICENSED BUSINESS WITH
DANCE-ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT AND OUTDOOR SERVICE (1 AREA) BY
ADDING GIROLAMO VITALE (11%), GAETANO VITALE (11%), DAN LINNEN
(9%), JOE SERVENTI (13%), JOHN VICARI (10%), AND MICHAEL NOWINSKI
(9%), THROUGH TRANSFER OF 63% INTEREST FROM EXISTING MEMBER,
JOSEPH P. VICARI; AND REQUEST TO ADD SPACE: Division of Police, re. for
the business located at 38703 Seven Mile, Livonia, MI 48152.
Dan Linnen, one of the partners of Andiamo of Livonia, LLC, 38703 Seven Mile,
was present to answer any questions from the Council.
Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 165-12: Parks
and Recreation Commission, re: policy to allow ability to suspend or cancel
membership.
Lyle Trudell, Interim Superintendent, Parks and Recreation, said sometime a few
weeks ago at a Council meeting a member came before Council with a concern
about cancelling their EFT membership at the Community Recreation Center. At
that point, Council requested that the Administration report back to Council with a
response. The matter was put on the next Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda. Prior to the Commission Meeting they invited the complainant to attend.
Trudell noted that the complainant did not attend the meeting. Through the
investigation, the Commission determined that the Department acted
appropriately and no changes needed to be made in the current policies and
procedures.
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Laura offered the resolution to receive and file the report for the Consent
Agenda.
Brosnan said she saw some validity in the member's concern. She said given the
tough economic times, was there anything the City could do to suspend a
membership so that they didn't lose members? Brosnan said she thinks they
need to challenge themselves a little more to meet the needs of the members.
Trudell said under the current conditions and based on the respondents situation,
that is the respect in which the Commission ruled; that they acted appropriately.
He said their currently policy does allow for a suspension, or rather a refund, of a
membership based on certain circumstances. They don't advertise that because
people would tend to game the system. Basically what they would do is come in
and get the annual rate, and only join for 2 or 3 months. If a person were to ask
for an appeal, they appeal to the facility manager or the superintendent, and/or
the Commission. In which case, the Commission would review the situation and if
it were a financial or medical hardship, it would be reviewed and taken into
consideration and a refund could be granted.
Brosnan said that information is helpful and it would have been nice if it were in
the report. Trudell said he thought that it was in the report. Brosnan said she
didn't see that in there.
McCann said correspondence dated May 15, 2012 from Mr. Trudell to the
Council does indeed reference the refund procedure that Mr. Trudell just
described. He said he feels this does answer the question asked of Council and
feels it does fairly treat its members.
Robinson said that he agreed with Councilmember Brosnan. He said he was the
motion maker of the resolution requesting the report from the Administration. He
said that the member should have never been referred to as a complainant;
these are customers, taxpayers, and residents. He said in his opinion that
creates a culture of anti-service. The second item he would like to address is how
can they help and what can they do? These are difficult times, and he hears this
issue frequently. How are memberships doing? If they are going up he said then
he would be more inclined to accept the answer given. If things are fine and
members are happy then fine. But if that is not the case and memberships are
going down, people are asking Council for help. He said they are a customer
service based business and he feels they are awfully quick to say "we've done
everything right." If they lose sight of the fact we don't service them and provide
ways to help our customers and residents enjoy their experience, someone else
will, some other fitness organization. So how can the City help? How can we do
something different here? How can we adjust our policies to help?
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Trudell asked Robinson if the question presented in that statement, "How can the
Council help the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Parks
and Recreation define a policy that would be more user friendly" or was it
regarding Trudell's use of the terminology, specifically, referring to the individual
as a complainant as opposed to using the individual's name which he prefers not
to do. Trudell said to Robinson, "now, if you're saying, How could the Council
assist in suggestions" Trudell said he supposes written suggestions would be
best. Robinson said that was not what he was saying. Robinson asked, "How can
we, as a City, help the customers at the Recreation Center avoid this kind of
problem?" Trudell responded by saying that faith has to be in the Administration.
He said without faith in the Administration, they won't be able to accept decisions
that the Administration makes tending toward micro managing the Administration
is never a good situation. Trudell said to Robinson, that if Council is saying to him
tonight that their current policies and procedures are wrong, he is willing to
accept any suggestions that Council may have. He stated he believes the Parks
and Recreation Commission work well. In response to Robinson's inquiry about
what is the membership doing? It is growing. At the last leadership meeting, the
membership was up by 300 members from last year. Last year's numbers were
up considerably over the prior year. They are currently working with staff
continuously on membership retention, which means they have to make sure that
they have customer service that is second to none. He said this does not mean
that they have to agree with every customer. He said when you are dealing with
14,300 members; there are going to be a few members that are less than
desirable. He said not to infer that this individual is or isn't. He said they have had
to suspend some memberships because of behavior.
Robinson said with regard to the reference of micro managing, he said that
residents have come to Council for help and said they would like to suspend their
membership. Many of them have different reasons but they all have good
reasons. He said they consistently hear that times are tough. They wish to
temporarily suspend their memberships, they don't want to quit, but times are
tough right now and if they could suspend it, they really want to restart it at a later
point. Robinson said that seems, to him, like a reasonable thing to do for their
residents and to retain customers. The question was simply, how can they do
that? Trudell said they can suspend a membership, after their first year.
Robinson said but that wasn't the situation here. Trudell said that is correct.
Robinson said so then we can't help this person. Trudell said based on that
individuals reasoning, they cannot help that person. Robinson said the individual
cited personal reasons or financial difficulties, how much more information do
they need to know? Trudell said that the individual did not mention financial
difficulties; he had cited that he was going to be taking an extended vacation for
2-4 months. Robinson said he'll stop at this point but he thinks they missed it on
this one and his observations are they need to do a better job understanding that
they are a customer service oriented business.
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McCann asked, "Madame Chair, how did they miss it if the individual is taking a
2-3 month vacation"? He said the individual signed a contract, with written
guidelines, and he doesn't see how anyone can say they did anything wrong." He
said Robinson keeps saying "these people" but McCann said to his recollection it
was one individual that came before the Council. He said they weren't going to
talk about the specifics tonight but now they are talking about a 2-3 month
vacation. McCann said whenever he signs a contract and is going to go away for
a period of time; he doesn't expect that he is entitled to change the contract.
McCann said that is no way to run the City. Robinson said that is not a proper
representation of what was shared with him by this individual. McCann said he
thinks if the Council is going to try this one on television, then perhaps Robinson
should look at the file first.
Kritzman reminded everyone that Mr. Trudell and his department were not under
attack here. He reminded everyone that this all came about from one individual
approaching Council for help with regard to his request to suspend his
membership at the Recreation Center. He said most people don't even know
there is an EFT option, a seasonal option, a business option; many people do
know there is a non-resident option because many people want to be part of this
and become members. He said he thinks there is some validity to trying to
reevaluate the situation and figure if there is additional flexibility that can be
worked into the system, with perhaps some time limits. He said he doesn't think
the conversation here tonight should be about one particular individual. He said
as far as this individual is concerned, he signed a contract. Kritzman said he is
sorry the individual is upset about it but he lost out; Kritzman said he hopes that
person enjoys his extended vacation. The more important topic here is that they
have a great place here in our community that we want to make accessible to as
many people as possible. Kritzman said when they talk about missing the mark
here, he said he'll agree with Robinson to an extent in that they need to look at
what the potential options are; in his mind, it has nothing to do with this particular
individual and tonight's topic should not be about that, it should be about what
they can do moving forward. He gave an example of seniors who own
condominiums in Florida and spend several months in Florida. They may want to
join but may wish to suspend their membership when they are living in Florida for
the winter months. Perhaps the issue is education; maybe more effort should be
spent educating the public with the different options that are available.
Laura said if any of the Councilmembers wished to put this subject in Committee
for further discussion that he did not object. He said Councilmembers also have
the option to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings. He said
there is a Commission that is set up that rules the Parks and Recreation
Department to a large extent, Mr. Trudell, the Superintendent, has a lot of input
to the Commission.
President Toy made a point of reiterating the remedy of going before the Parks
and Recreation Commission with their concerns. Trudell said that is one point he
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would like to comment on. He said he fully understands Council's desire to help
residents with their concerns about the operation of the City. He said he is certain
that Council is aware of city government and the chain of command. He said
anyone with concerns relating to the Recreation Center could easily bring it to the
attention of the Facility Manager, the Superintendent, or the Parks and
Recreation Commission. Those individuals could work the chain of command
and 99 times out of 100 it will be resolved before it ever gets to Council.
Mayor Kirksey said the City is very proud of the Recreation Center and they have
excellent customer relations. He wanted to comment on some of the statements
made by Robinson, particularly that customer relationships could be better. The
Mayor said while they encourage residents to come forward with any concerns or
complaints; the dialogue this evening is of a derogatory nature and is
unwarranted. Mr. Trudell has confirmed they have been gaining memberships
over the past two years. Mayor Kirksey said there is no need to try and fix
something that isn't broken, just because a person brought a complaint before
the Council and then didn't show before the Commission meeting. This is
something that the Commission investigated. There is a difference between the
first year and subsequent years. Many organizations have a joining fee, if
removing the joining fee they restrict the first year, he believes the matter has
been dealt with satisfactorily. The Community Recreation Center has a great
reputation. People stop him all the time and tell him how wonderful the
Community Recreation Center is and how much it means to their families. The
fact that a single individual, went to a single Council member, and when it was
investigated it did not have an economic base to it, there was not a substantial
complaint to begin with that could have been taken elsewhere; it becomes very
discouraging and it does fall in a category of a great desire, to micromanage. You
really can't do that without getting in the way of blurring of the lines between
Administration and the Legislative Body. He said they stand ready to open the
door to take suggestions. He said let us not diminish one of the greatest assets
of this community and the fine people who work there.
Robinson followed up by commenting that he didn't agree with the entire lecture
the Mayor made; he agreed that the Community Recreation Center is indeed a
jewel of the community. He said what they were talking about tonight was simply
customer service; he said it is not micromanagement when a resident explains
they went to the Administration and did not receive the support they had hoped
for. Given some of the comments made here this evening, he said if he were that
individual he probably wouldn't come back either after being labeled a
complainant. He said he personally has enjoyed the Recreation Center on
several occasions and hopes they maintain the level of service that it deserves.
DIRECTION: RECEIVE & FILE CONSENT
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11. AWARD OF BID: Water and Sewer Board, re: to D'Angelo Brothers, Inc. to
perform water main taps and service connections at various locations throughout
the city for a period of three (3) years, with a two (2) year renewal at the City's
discretion.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. The
Public Service Division has taken bids water service connections. Specifications
were prepared by the Division, and an advertisement for bids was placed in the
March 25, 2012 edition of the Livonia Observer. Bid invitations were placed on
the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN). Two companies
submitted Proposals which were opened at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24,
2012. It is anticipated that the annual cost would be approximately $250,000.00.
The low bidder, D'Angelo Brothers, Inc., has performed water service
connections for the City since 1995, and they find them capable of continuing the
work under a new contract. They are recommending that Council accept the low
overall bid of D'Angelo Brothers, Inc., 25543 Ranchwood, Farmington Hills,
Michigan 48335, at the unit prices bid for the period of three years from the date
of approval of the contract, with a two year renew at the City's discretion.
Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. AWARD OF BIDS: Public Service Division, re: to supply the Building
Maintenance Section with custodial supplies for the period July 1, 2012 through
November 30, 2012.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, said they went out for bid and received
10 bids on 107 items. It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that
Council accept the bids of the four (4) low bidders meeting specifications from
APAC Paper, 4000 Enterprise Dr., Allen Park, MI 48101; Hercules & Hercules,
19055 W. Davison, Detroit MI 48223; Empire Equipment & Supply, 18639 Omira,
Detroit. MI 48203; and Sun Valley Foods Co., 14401 Dexter Ave., Detroit, MI
48238, to supply the Public Service Division (Building Maintenance Section) with
custodial supplies specified at the unit prices bid for the period July 1, 2012
through November 30, 2012. Prior to the end of 2012 the Division will rebid these
items on an annual basis on 90% of all of all the products. They will use the
remaining, MITN established, low bids that meet specifications on the other 10%
of the products, ordering those materials from three (3) of the other companies.
Robinson offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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13. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2012-04-02-08
submitted by Panos II Foods, Inc. to utilize a Class C liquor license (sale of beer,
wine and spirits for consumption on the premises) in connection with an existing
full service restaurant (Red Olive) within the Fountain Park Plaza retail center,
located on the north side of Plymouth Road between Farmington Road and
Mayfield Avenue (33326 Plymouth Road) in the Southwest '/4 of Section 27.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, said this is a
request to utilize a Class C liquor license in connection with an existing full
service restaurant. The location is on the north side of Plymouth Road just east
of Farmington Road. This is located in the Fountain Park Plaza. The Planning
Commission is recommending approval with certain restrictions, including
prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 10:00 p.m., also restricting the waiver use to
this petitioner only and if it is to be extended to a new user that could only be
done by approval from the City Council. This request would require the Council's
waiving the 1,000 foot separation requirement. There are two existing Class C
licensed businesses within 1,000 feet of the Red Olive Restaurant. Those include
Las Palapas, and Slinger's Bar and Grill.
Enrico Soave, 37771 Seven Mile Road, Suite, C, Livonia, was present on behalf
of the petitioner. He said Red Olive Restaurant, in an effort to increase its
evening business, desires to offer alcoholic beverages to its customers with their
meals. He said they are requesting Council approval as conditioned by the
Planning Commission.
Vice-President Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
15. REQUEST TO APPROVE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LIVONIA AND THE CITY OF WESTLAND- Department of Law,
re: to provide reserve officers for assistance with traffic control at the City of
Westland's Fourth of July Festival, the City of Livonia will receive $12.00/hour
and Westland will assume any liabilities associated with the reserves' service.
Cathryn White, Chief Assistant City Attorney, said the City of Westland has
requested that Livonia provide reserve officers to assist in traffic control at that
City's Fourth of July Festival. The reserve officers will be entirely at Westland's
disposal, and under the control of Westland's police chief during the festival, and
Westland will assume any liabilities associated with the reserves' service there.
In addition, the City of Livonia will receive $12.00 per hour. The City of Westland
has reviewed same and finds it acceptable. It is respectfully requested that City
Council approve the proposed agreement.
McCann expressed his concern that $12.00 per hour would not be enough to
cover the cost of providing these officers. He said he is looking at this more as a
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policy going forward with any other community. He said it is pretty common
knowledge that if anyone gets injured and a Livonia Reserve Police Officer is
involved, Livonia will most likely be sued as well as Westland. McCann asked if
they have checked with the Michigan Municipal League with regard to our
general coverage, how this would be applied between the two municipalities.
White said they tried to incorporate in the language of the agreement strong
language that Westland would assume those liabilities. They have not had further
discussions with the Michigan Municipal League about it but she thinks that
because of the strong language in the agreement they are trying to anticipate
those kinds of events and make sure that we aren't increasing our liability. She
said with regard to the monetary amount, she said it is her understanding that the
Reserve Police Officers are paid $10.00 per hour; some extra has been added to
cover any overhead. McCann asked about workers compensation, should any of
the Livonia Officers get hurt, he asked if they were going to assume that liability
as well. White indicated yes they were. McCann asked White, if this was a one-
time incident; she replied yes.
Vice-President Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Brosnan said she has concerns about this from a policy perspective because this
is the first time we are doing this. She said mutual aid is fantastic, but that is in
situations where there is hazard, there is an extreme situation, this is a Fourth-of-
July festival. She said she doesn't understand why they would not competitively
bid this out or look at putting a competitive price in place. She said she can't
imagine that $12.00 per hour is a reasonable amount. She said she would have
expected that they would have charged more for this service. White said she
understands Brosnan's concerns. She said part of this particular request is an
effort to be a good neighbor with Westland and knowing that the time frame is so
short. This is for their Fourth of July Activities and going out for bids would be a
process that would make it so their request could not be honored this year, she
said they are trying to accommodate them and be a good neighbor. Brosnan said
it is imperative that we all understand that this is a one-time deal. Beyond this
request, other communities that ask, we need to get our arms around a more
reasonable rate to be charging for the services that Livonia has to offer. She said
the City has an incredible Reserve Force, a very well trained group of men and
women, she said she has a hard time imagining that the City has the capacity to
lend them out for these types of events without bringing more money back to the
community as a result of their work.
Vice-President Pastor said the way he is looking at is because of the City's
agreement with neighboring communities for mutual aid; should the need arise
for Livonia Police or Fire to respond they would be there anyway, without any
compensation. He said he doesn't have a problem with this request He said if
we did go through a bidding process and bid too high and they did contract the
City Reserve Officers, because of the mutual aid agreement, they are still going
to be there should the need arise.
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Robinson said this is just one subject but the larger subject of intergovernmental
agreements for services and other types of intergovernmental relationships has
recently been put into the Committee of the Whole. He said if any of the Council
members have any questions about the overall approach to these types of
agreements he or she can just ask the Council President to bring that item out
and dig into it a little bit.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
16. REAPPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW HENZI TO THE ZONING BOARD OF
APPEALS: Joe Laura, Councilmember, re: for a three-year term, which will
expire on July 12, 2015.
Laura said that since he has been on Council, his recommendations for
appointment to the Zoning Board have been very, very good. Matt Henzi is one
of those. He has been on the Zoning Board for a number of years, and has been
the Chair for the last several years. Laura said Mr. Henzi is here tonight and
asked Council to give him an opportunity to address Council.
Matthew Henzi, 14314 Barbara, said he would like to publicly thank
Councilmember Laura for the appointment. He said he has been on the Zoning
Board now for nine (9) years and is honored to serve the community.
Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Toy adjourned the Study
Session at 9:31 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
DATED: June 5, 2012 TERRY A. MARECKI
CITY CLERK