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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2009-03-02 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MARCH 2, 2009 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Tom Robinson, Terry Godfroid-Marecki, James McCann, Joe Laura, Brian Meakin, and Laura Toy. Absent: None. Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Dan Putman, Director of Information Systems; Jim Zoumbaris, City Engineer (Operations); Kevin Roney, Assistant City Engineer; Mark Taormina, City Planner; and Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk. Council President Toy reminded everyone that eleven (11) candidates will be interviewed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Friday, March 6, 2009, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council chambers regarding the Council vacancy. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Mae Yeomans, 33744 Lyndon, along with two (2) other residents of Silver Village, clarified that resident Josie Smith is the President of the Silver Village Club, not Silver Village. They have no problem with the next rent increase, but they thought because the mortgage was paid off, they would get a reprieve this year. Silver Village maintenance personnel do an excellent job, as well as the Housing Commission. They have had a rent increase effective in June of each year. At the time Ms. Yeomans moved in, she signed a lease for $420.00 a month plus a $420.00 security deposit and a $125.00 non-refundable restoration deposit. She was surprised when she read in the Observer on March 1, 2009 that the current rate is $355.00 for a single bedroom and $390.00 for a two-bedroom apartment. She feels the figures are wrong. They also oppose the ambulance rate increase. All insurances do not cover everything. A friend was charged over$400.00 after she was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Joe Laura stated that at the last Regular Meeting, the resolutions failed for the rent increases in Newburgh Village and Silver Village and also the ambulance rate increases. Steven Jeffrey, 29723 Mason Street, Livonia, MI, stated he is a member of the LaRouche Political Action Committee. He spoke in support of the Homeowners and Bank Protection Act. He asked that Council take action now. Pascal Chevrier, 25513 Five Mile Road, Redford, MI, stated he is also a member of the LaRouche Political Action Committee. He re-emphasized the Homeowners and Bank Protection Act and also supported the policies. The bailouts will not help. Nancy Klein, 33373 Myrna Court, President of Woodcreek Farms Subdivision, stated that last year in July at the Council meeting, she brought up some issues regarding the fireworks and the SPREE. 2 There are a tremendous amount of people who come to these activities, and the subdivisions along Farmington and Five Mile feel the brunt. They cannot handle the parking situation, especially when some of the City parking lots are closed off. The last couple of years, they have had vandalism to their lighted halogen sign which cost $350.00, and they have had some decorative signs removed which cost $150.00 each. She feels that because the SPREE is a money maker, someone should be paying for the vandalism because they have membership dues of $35.00 for maintenance which does not cover the extra vandalism. Last year, her neighbor lady was burglarized during the SPREE. Another neighbor lady had an issue with someone who would not leave her front porch because he was drinking. They should not be subjected to this anymore. The SPREE should be more family oriented. She would like City Council to address problems in the neighborhood during the annual SPREE and put up barricades, especially the evening of the fireworks, like they do in Kimberly Oaks and some of the other subdivisions. They have a Neighborhood Watch, and they do not attend the fireworks because they sit on their porches to watch their property during the SPREE. Joe Laura asked if the Mayor could get with the Chief of Police and give an informal response. There may be some preventative measures they can take. NEW BUSINESS: 1. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Jennifer Kuszynski in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Jennifer Kuszynski, 18775 Blue Skies, was present and stated that the Council has all the information including where she will be working. McCann stated that all the paperwork appears to be in order, she has completed her 600 hour curriculum in the field of massage therapy, and the certificate has been supplied to Council. McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. REAPPOINTMENT OF JACOB GHANNAM TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS: Office of the Mayor, re: for a three-year term, which shall expire on March 1, 2012. Mayor Jack Kirksey stated that when the Board of Ethics was formed some years ago, members appointed at that time are still the existing members. There has not been a change to a single person, and it has functioned very well as it was intended. Both of the nominees are outstanding members. The Mayor is invited to attend their meetings. All the members' terms are staggered, so you don't see all six (6) at the same time because of the different expiration dates. 3 McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDREY GREENLEAF TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS: Office of the Mayor, re: for a three-year term which shall expire on March 1, 2012. Godfroid-Marecki stated that everyone appreciates Audrey Greenleaf's service to the Board of Ethics. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REQUEST TO EXTEND LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT CONTRACT WITH JAMES H. KAROUB ASSOCIATES: Department of Finance, re: for the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009, at the annual fee of $18,000.00 from budgeted funds. Joe Garcia, Karoub Associates, stated that their firm has had the honor and privilege of providing service to the City for over thirty (30) years. They are grateful to Council and the Mayor for giving them consideration for the extension of another year. The fee was reduced six (6) years ago after the racetrack left, and it was in accord with the level of service that was being provided to the City, and they agreed with that. They had occasion to work with Council and the Mayor over the last year on economic development issues, job retention issues, and job creation issues. There is a lot of budget cutting going on in Lansing. This does not include revenue sharing. They were pleased to see there was no recommendation for a reduction in revenue sharing. Part of the government's recommendation is changes to liquor license operations including extended hours of operation. They will continue to inform the administration on the progress of negotiations on those issues. They congratulate the Mayor for the grant that has been awarded to the City for redevelopment of the mall, and they welcome back former Councilman Knapp. Joining Mr. Garcia is former State Representative Kim Rhead, one of the partners at Karoub. Mayor Jack Kirksey said that challenges last year and this year that are before the City give great justification to have a firm that can consistently represent the City on matters of vital importance. The personnel of the City cannot be in Lansing on a full-time basis, so someone is needed there that can not only put out flyers but can anticipate problems before they become problems, and talk with people when they are in committee, and there is still some ability to have impact on the legislation. The City has a firm that not only does an outstanding job, but when there are surveys of firms who are considered to be at the top of that profession in Lansing, the Karoub firm always comes out right at the top of the list. 4 What they are charging is just a small amount of what is normally billed for these kinds of services. Last year, there were a number of situations that came up. There is an insurance company in Livonia that hires almost 500 people. Some of the legislation was pending, and it was very important that they have a voice in the direction that was taken, and the Karoub firm was working on that almost on a daily basis. They have done an outstanding job, and the Mayor is supporting the firm. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT SERVER FOR NEW WORLD SYSTEMS UTILIZING THE STATE OF MICHIGAN CONTRACT: Department of Information Systems, re: to purchase new database server and software from budgeted funds. Dan Putman, Director of Information Systems, stated they are presenting a proposal to purchase a new server. This is to enhance some of the City's capabilities on the new financial system that the City has had for approximately 2-1/2 years. First of all, usage of the system has gotten to be much larger than was ever forecasted. They have been very successful in using the system. Because of that, they are also seeing some performance issues at times. The other thing is that New World is getting ready to come out with their e-Suite, which is really a self-service type of software. IS needs to be able to expand the size of the database server. They are proposing to purchase the new server software for $17,879.02 through Dell. This will allow them to get the advanced features. This server will replace the other server. The financial systems are currently consolidated across DPW, Housing, City Hall, Police and Fire. This system is used across the board. Dog licenses are done through the property tax system side of the software, and it is a different company. There is currently the ability for people to pay their property taxes on line through the tax system, but not the dog licensing. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 6. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for readymix concrete for the Road Maintenance Section for the period April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009. Jim Zoumbaris, City Engineer (Operations), stated that the Department of Public Works put out five (5) requests for bids for readymix concrete. Two (2) were received—National Ready-Mix and Superior Materials. They are recommending National Ready-Mix as the low bidder at $39,550.00. 5 If National is not able to supply the concrete, they are asking that Superior be the second bidder so they can have concrete from two (2) sources. This is based on the amount of work that road work people can do, and this is an estimate of the cost. If the City does not use the concrete or they are doing something else, the money is not spent. The crews that work on the roads often are doing asphalt work instead of concrete, but in some cases, the different programs through Engineering and through the consultants do a lot of the concrete work for the City. This is mainly for items that a contract can't pick up or emergencies where work has to be done for the City's divisions. There is a measurable difference in price between the two (2) bidders. The second bidder made an error, but DPW corrected it. Superior has been the City's contractor on and off for almost ten (10) years. In this case, there were only two (2) bidders, but they did send the RFQ's to the previous bidders. Robinson offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda and the second bidder if needed for backup. DIRECTION: APPROVING - CONSENT WITH 2ND BIDDER IF NEEDED 7. REQUEST TO ADOPT UPDATED PERFORMANCE RESOLUTION: Public Service Division, re: as requested by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as verification that a governmental body will fulfill permit requirements for work performed on State highways. Jim Zoumbaris, City Engineer (Operations), stated this is an annual permit from MDOT. It has changed in the past few years. They are now requesting a resolution with named persons who can sign the permit, and it usually is the City Engineer or someone from the Public Service Division, and in this case, himself or Todd Zilincik. They are asking approval of the resolution. This is for any water and sewer work that the City does on State highways, any spill work that the City has to become involved with, or any type of emergency work. Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. REQUEST TO ADVISE THE WAYNE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES (PERMIT SECTION) THAT THE CITY HAS APPROVED THE STORM SEWER PLANS AND WILL ACCEPT JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE STORM SEWER WITHIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF MIDDLEBELT ROAD, SOUTH OF SIX MILE ROAD, AND REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE A WAYNE COUNTY PERMIT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY: Engineering Division, re: for the development of Tim Horton's/Bank at 16815 Middlebelt Road, located in the N.E. '/4 of Section 14, with Ajamco, Inc., to reimburse the City for any such maintenance that may become necessary. 6 Kevin Roney, Assistant City Engineer, stated that the County requires the storm water agreements. If the proprietor fails to maintain his storm water system, the City can do the work and charge them. Meakin stated that this is a standard procedure that is done numerous times throughout the year. Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 9. REQUEST FOR COUNCIL TO SET A DATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING A RESOLUTION PLACING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS UPON REFERENCED PROPERTIES WHOSE OWNERS HAVE NOT PAID CHARGES CONNECTED WITH THE 2008 SIDEWALK PROGRAM, CONTRACT OBG, SINGLE LOT ASSESSMENTS: Engineering Division, re: same. (CR 182-08) Kevin Roney, Assistant City Engineer, stated that this is to close out last year's sidewalk work regarding the homeowners. They have a list of 601 locations. The homeowners will be billed. The City pays the contractor based on a square footage basis. Any tree root problems will be paid for by the City. This is a request for the Council to hold a special hearing to adopt a resolution to place the assessments on the property roll for anyone that does not pay by the hearing date. March 26, 2009, the Treasurer's Office will begin sending statements to the 601 homeowners. Special assessments will be placed at the meeting of June 10, 2009. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT Mayor Jack Kirksey announced the appointment of Kevin Maillard who will be the new Director of Public Works effective today, March 2, 2009. He replaces Pat Hogan who has retired. Kevin has been a Livonia resident for twenty five (25) years. He brings more than thirty (30) years of experience in the field of public works in both public and private employment. Most recently, he was the Roads Group Manager at the Livonia based OHM and has had experience on numerous construction and rehabilitation projects. Before that, he served for twenty seven (27) years with the Wayne County Department of Public Services holding the positions of Testing Engineer, Permit Engineer, and Director of Engineering/County Highway Engineer. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University, and he holds a Professional Engineering registration with the State of Michigan. Kevin wants to give his services to Livonia. He is quite excited about coming to the City of Livonia. He has always been a public engineer by trade. He started with Wayne County in 1979, worked twenty seven (27) years, and retired from there. 7 He has had good jobs with Wayne County. He made it all the way to County Highway Engineer and Director of Engineering. He will have the same number of people on his staff in the new position. He is very involved in LJL and has been a director and a commissioner of basketball. Meakin welcomed Kevin and has worked with him in the past. Kevin was influential in getting the City some Federal funding on some roads. 10. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2009-01-08-02 submitted by Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc., in connection with a proposal to construct additions to Marywood Nursing Center on property located on the south side of Five Mile Road, between Levan Road and Newburgh Road (36975 Five Mile Road), in the Northwest '/4 of Section 20. Mark Taormina, City Planner, stated that this is property located on the south side of Five Mile west of Levan and is zoned (OS) Office Services. It is the site of Marywood Nursing Center which is in a complex of buildings located just west of St. Mary Mercy Hospital and east of the softball and baseball diamonds which are east of Ladywood High School. The petitioner is proposing an expansion of the facility with three (3) additions including construction of a new physical therapy center on the west side of the building, a small chapel and administrative offices on the northeast corner of the building, and a smaller extension of the staff housekeeping wing which would be in the southeast corner of the building. Altogether the three (3) additions total about 18,600 square feet that would bring the entire facility to about 79,000 square feet. This represents about a 34% increase in the overall core area of the facility. In addition, they would reconfigure a significant portion of the interior space. They would convert a number of the semi-private rooms to private rooms. There will be reduction in the total number of beds from 117 to 103. Parking is adequate on the site. They are required to have 125 parking spaces, and altogether they would provide 155 parking spaces. They will be undertaking a number of site improvements including reconfiguring the parking, as well as a new parking lot which would be on the west side of the building adjacent to the physical therapy addition. They are also looking at modifying the existing parking lot on the east side of the facility. The most significant change in terms of the circulation of parking pattern is the addition of a loop driveway along the southwest portion. Currently, the circulation of the drive on the east side of the building does not connect with the drive on the west side. They will make a connection and form a continuous loop all the way around the complex, as that will be a major benefit for public safety purposes. They are also proposing significant additional landscaping in the areas around the site. The architecture will compliment the design and match many of the features that are on the existing building. There are a number of elevations as well as a quick fly-over view. Kevin Roney stated that the issue would be whether the drain is a County drain on the complex, and if it is relinquished to Livonia or not. 8 If it hasn't been relinquished to Livonia, then they will have to answer to Wayne County because they will be out-letting to that drain. Roney will check tomorrow and let Council know before Council votes on it. Jim Pappas, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc. Architects, 19330 Bainbridge, Livonia, MI, was present and thanked Mr. Taormina for the careful explanation of the building. He showed a nice fly-by of the exterior of the building. They would expand the administration wing and modify the parking to provide better access around the entire perimeter of the building. There will be a walk around the site and benches in the courtyards. Currently the drives do not connect. He had a colored site plan for viewing. In eliminating some of the Home for the Aged beds, those rooms will be converted into skilled nursing and reduce the number of semi-privates and allow for more private rooms in the entire community. Not all the patients are admitted directly from hospitals. Often it is for short-term therapy from a surgery or for recovery. Other long-term residents don't always come from a hospital situation. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 11. REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN EXTENSION: Planning Commission, re. Petition 2008-01-08-01 submitted by Marycrest Manor, which previously received approval by the City Council on March 12, 2008 per CR 98-08, requesting a one- year extension of plans in connection with an expansion of elderly housing facility that would include the construction of a new three-story independent living complex and a new one-story assisted living facility located on the west side of Middlebelt Road, between Five Mile Road and Wentworth Avenue (15475 and 15495 Middlebelt Road), in the Southeast '/4 of Section 14. Mark Taormina, City Planner, stated that the petitioner worked diligently on securing their financing and going through and entitling this property for the improvement and expansion that Planning looked at very carefully just over a year ago. Jim Butler, President and Administrator of Marycrest Manor, 47729 W. Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI, stated that the reason for the extension is all about financing. Financing has been a challenge for quite some time including the past year. It appears that they can get beyond the challenges now. McCann understands the need for additional time, and wished the petitioner the best of luck. Meakin asked if one year will be enough, and petitioner said yes at this point in time. They are in the process of their application that will be guaranteed by HUD, and they believe that a year will be more than enough. He thanked Council and Livonia who are in support of their project. 9 It is much appreciated by Marycrest Manor, its families, and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph who is their sponsor. McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the Study Session at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009. DATED: March 9, 2009 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK