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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2009-07-13 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD JULY 13, 2009 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Tom Robinson, James McCann, Terry Godfroid-Marecki, Joe Laura, Brian Meakin, and Laura Toy. Absent: John Pastor. Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Mark Taormina, City Planner; and Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: George Boller, 36270 Hammer Lane, stated that a week ago last evening a number of vehicles on his street were broken into. This is a concern for the safety and property for the City. A number of reports were filed with the Police Department. He wanted the Council to be aware of the situation and to assure the residents that thorough investigation and apprehension of the perpetrators will take place and will result in prosecution. He said that this deserves prosecution to the full extent of the law. People need to be aware that cars need to be locked and alarms set. He also thanked Council for raising the speed limit on certain main roads in the City, and for removing stop signs at a number of intersections. He appreciates these improvements that have been made. He also mentioned that there is a serious need for more stop signs in the City which need to be placed along sidewalks where the sidewalk crosses the street. There are too many bikers and joggers with headphones on paying no attention to the traffic. This is not right. There are stop signs for pedestrians in Northville, and many are needed in Livonia. Kathy Schutt, 8220 Henry Ruff, Westland, MI, stated that her son, Tyler, who goes to Emerson Middle School, hung himself on March 8, 2009, but she cut him down and saved his life. He now has a noxious brain injury. She would like to know what the City of Livonia is doing to educate parents on teen depression awareness and know what the 5 signs are. She also wanted to know what the City is doing to educate parents about post concussion syndrome. She stated that there is a website called www.thehiddenepidemic.com. Her son had a concussion, and if she would have been aware, and if someone would have told her, she would have been able to get help sooner than she did. She also asked what the City is doing to educate parents about the morning glory seeds — the new "high". A kid just died from Michigan State because he didn't soak the seeds in water to remove the pesticides. Her son was just given these seeds from a depression clinic he was going to. She knew nothing about morning glory seeds, but had to find out the hard way. She said she spoke with Officer Owen Keaton, the police officer for the schools, to let him know about this, and he stated that the Police Department was fully aware of the wild ginseng, and there was nothing they could do about it. She thought the officer should have given notice to the school, but he did nothing about it. Ms. Schutt read a letter from one of the kids at the school regarding her son. 2 McCann stated that there is an educational program that both district judges have been working with regarding drugs, depression and other items facing teens. They have been doing fundraising, lectures, etc. to get information out to the schools. He stated Mayor Kirksey was very involved, and at one time was the head of the Probation Department in the City of Livonia. There was a tremendous D.A.R.E. program that is no longer in operation because of cuts. He stated they do take the concerns very seriously. Vice President Godfroid-Marecki spoke about the Save Our Youth Task Force (www.saveouryouthtaskforce.com) that was formed about three years ago. The leader of the group's son committed suicide and so she formed this group. This group is very active with helping parents with warning signs, and giving them this type of information. They actually do a run to raise money for their group. She asked Ms. Schutt to give her a call and she would get her name and phone number for her. President Toy said that the Save Our Youth Task Force meet at St. Mary's Hospital. She also mentioned that Hegira Programs, Inc. (www.hegira.net) is another group that gets involved with the youth that have crisis situations at the school. Raymond Revour, 8385 Hilcrest, has been supporting Ms. Schutt. He is on active duty with the military. He spoke about the Military Suicide Prevention Program, and he stated that each year the military has over 500 suicide related deaths, within the Army alone. His concern is that the City of Livonia is not being as pro-active as they should be regarding the suicide attempts, not just in the schools, but in the City itself, as far as the general population. He said that with the falling economy and such, there will be more and more people feeling depressed and not able to provide for their family. He would like to see Council being more pro-active in the future, and looking into preventing things like this from happening. Mayor Jack Kirksey commented on Mr. Boller, and how he is absolutely correct about the problems with automobiles. He said that the pattern is that the thieves actually go through the neighborhoods during the day, survey where they are going to go and they get GPS coordinates, and even though it's not done by sophisticated organized crime, it's a little more than a car driving through the neighborhood at night and randomly looking to see if a vehicle is a candidate for theft. We are in a situation that is epidemic. Our police tell us the thieves pass by many vehicles that are locked, but keep trying doors until they open, and then take things of value from those vehicles. The citizens can do a great deal to support the police and courts. He spoke about how next year Quicken Loans will be taking the remaining jobs, that are currently part of the City's economic base, and move them into Detroit. When this was originally announced by Quicken Loans it was going to be close to 4,000 jobs. It will actually be less than 2,000. At one time, it was touted to be a great economic kind of job creation, that occurred by the state, when in fact they were just taking our jobs and moving them to another venue under the guides of economic development. We have asked the State, but have not been honored with any kind of reply, if they would reimburse us with State money when those jobs leave, so that the City could use the funds to replace the jobs that were orchestrated to leave the City by the State. The 3 State used tax dollars that came from the City of Livonia to take their economic base to another venue. The City does not think that is characteristic of good government. There should be some kind of consideration to take and replace a significant part of the City's economic job base. The City has also been working with a problem of great magnitude on Plymouth Road. The closing of the Powertrain Plant mid 2010, the closing of the Chrysler dealership, which has occurred, and the Buick and the Chevrolet Dealerships that are scheduled to close next year. Back in 1998 the PRDA (The Plymouth Road Development Authority) borrowed $8,000,000.00, based on anticipated taxes over the years, so that the great projects that they sponsored could begin and revitalize the corridor. In 2011 the second largest tax payer, General Motors, will not have any presence in Livonia at all in. Livonia is the eighth largest City in the State and the second largest City in Wayne County. This is a very sad situation before us. General Motors will be leaving behind, at Echols and Plymouth Road, about a $1,000,000.00 remediation to make that site available for sale and use. We don't know what kind of problems will be left with the Powertrain if it cannot be revitalized into a new use. The Mayor is confident that by working together the City will be able to solve all these challenges. The City is attracting and working with businesses, that would sustain future growth and development, to replace those that we are losing. These are trying times, but Livonia has things to offer that no other City has, in terms of location and the business friendly way that the Councilmembers and others attract and support new businesses. The City has become part of their successes and challenges. This is not a time to give up. It's a very challenging time. Senator Levan spoke with the Mayor extensively, to partner with the City of Livonia and find solutions. The Mayor will be talking to Senator Stabenow on Wednesday of this week, and he has talked to Mr. Montgomery and others on the task force. The City is trying to move forward, and trying to stay on top. He wanted to update and thank the Council, and everyone else who has worked with the City, to do what they can to take care of this problem. McCann asked if the Mayor could keep the Council informed on the break-ins that are happening in the City. Mayor Kirksey said that he would be very happy to keep Council informed of the situation. NEW BUSINESS: 1. BLOCK PARTY: Denise Justice, re: to be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Washington, between Hubbard and Indiana, with a rain date requested of Saturday, August 22, 2009. Petitioner was not present. Robinson offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 4 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. BLOCK PARTY: Dawn Nowicki, re: to be held Saturday, August 29, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Orangelawn, between Denne and Sunset, with no rain date requested. Dan Nowicki, 30905 Orangelawn, was present to request permission to have a block party. This is their tenth or eleventh block party. McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. BLOCK PARTY: Andy Magar, re: to be held Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunset, between Bobrich and Jeanine, with a rain date requested of Sunday, September 13, 2009. Petitioner was not present. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Mariah A. Colella in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Mariah Colella, 6620 Academy, Brighton, MI 48116, was present to request a Massage Therapist Permit. She does not have her National Certification, which is required to work in the City of Livonia. She stated in January, the State passed a law on massage therapy, and since the State has their law, she is grandfathered in, and does not need the National Certification. She stated that her current job in Brighton stated that she didn't have to re-license in Brighton because the State is taking over. She also said she called other cities and they are all doing the same thing. She explained all about the National Certification and how it is just a test. She spoke about how she came to all the City Council meetings back in 2004- 2005, and how she helped make the Ordinance in Livonia and what the requirements should be. She said she has worked in Livonia for 10 years, and came in as an apprentice. As an apprentice she had to work with someone that had their National Certification. She is now leaving and going to a new place of employment where she would be the main therapist. She wants to work in Livonia, but she will not be able to work in the new job with only an Apprentice License. The National Certification test takes about 3-4 months, and would cost $300.00. McCann stated that this was a unique experience. He stated that the petitioner did receive her certification many years ago; she has worked in the City for over 5 ten years, and has worked as an apprentice for almost a year. He directed his questions to Don Knapp, City Attorney. He asked if Council could approve a license without a National Certification. Don Knapp, City Attorney, answered that the Law Department would recommend that Council approve the Massage Therapy Permit, with a condition that she becomes Nationally Certified within 90 days. McCann also asked what happens when the State Laws are certified and would the City's law be amended to comply with it. Don Knapp stated that Cathy White, Law Department, has been in touch with the Department of Community Health. She has been informed that the State has no ability to begin the process of licensing until next year. They have no issues with cities, like Livonia, continuing with their licensing regulation until they have a system in place to do it. Once the State begins the process of regulating this and issuing licenses the City will have no ability to regulate Massage Therapy. It will be preempted. McCann gave the petitioner 6 months to get her National Certification. Godfroid-Marecki requested the petitioner have her National Certification in 90 days. She wants to think about this for a week. McCann offered an approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. Godfroid-Marecki offered an approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: (1)APPROVING REGULAR (OF NATIONAL CERTIFICATION WITHIN 6 MONTHS) (2)APPROVING (OF NATIONAL CERTIFICATION WITHIN 90 DAYS) 5. REQUEST TO WAIVE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT: Patty Schaldenbrand re- in front of a newly-constructed home located at 11810 Alois Street. Patty Schaldenbrand, 11810 Alois Street, was present to request a sidewalk waiver. She stated that no one else in her neighborhood has a sidewalk. She brought in pictures. Laura asked the City Engineer for his recommendation. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated that he had the opportunity to go out to this location and take a look. He said there are about 20 homes on a no outlet street, and that a pine tree would have to be cut down in order to facilitate a sidewalk. Due to the characteristics of the neighborhood, he is in concurrence to waive the sidewalk for this location. 6 Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. TAX RATE FOR THE CLARENCEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR 2009: Office of the City Clerk, re: as forwarded by the Assistant Superintendent for Business/Support Services. Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk, stated that this is a typical tax collection the City receives every year at this time. She would like to Receive and File this item. Godfroid-Marecki offered the resolution to receive and file this item on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT 7. TAX RATE FOR LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR: Office of the City Clerk, re: as approved by the Board of Education on June 29, 2009. Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk, stated that this is a typical tax collection the City receives every year at this time. She would like to Receive and File this item. Godfroid-Marecki offered the resolution to receive and file this item on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: RECEIVE AND FILE CONSENT 8. REQUEST TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS TO THE 2009 CONTRACTS WITH HAYBALL TRANSPORT, INC. AND ORCHARD, HILTZ & MCCLIMENT, INC.: Engineering Division, re: reconstruction of Victor Parkway from Seven Mile Road north to Pembroke Avenue and the reconstruction of Hees Avenue from Nevada Avenue east to Nebraska Avenue. (CR 147-09, CR 506-07) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated that there two segments of roadway. The first section, Victor Parkway, was delayed from 2008 due to the construction of Davenport College. The portion from Pembrooke to 7 Mile is pretty beat up. It has been taken off this year, because they thought there was a piece of development that would concur, but that is currently on hold. In effort to save money, patch work was done from Pembrooke north to 8 Mile. A portion of a pine tree was also moved to help with the delay. This was delayed as an effort to save money. The City originally budgeted $2.2 million dollars for the road project for 2009. The bids came in at $1.7 million. The City does have some capital left to do the road, but hey need to do it either this year or next year. They have good 7 unit prices, and they would like to move forward, take advantage of those prices, and do it this year. He doesn't think the portion near the boulevard and 7 Mile will last. This also gave the City the opportunity to get a permit in Wayne County to work in the right-of-way. The second portion was an oversight due to administration changes, on Hees Street, from Nebraska to Nevada. It's about an 800 foot segment, where there is an existing asphalt overlay on the north portion of the street holding it together. This was looked at by the previous DPW Director, but unfortunately was not able to get on the 2008 program as the new DPW Director came in. The City has tried to work the residents to come up with solutions to facilitate this concrete repair. He is looking for two change orders to facilitate this request which involve the Change Order for OHM for construction engineering. These are change orders based on the administrations request to the roads program. They came in under budget for the amount of repairs that they thought would be done this year for the asphalt program. The City is trying to utilize the existing budgets and funds to do this program. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, wanted to address the resident's and Council's concern regarding the Save Our Youth Task Force. Diane Montez is in charge. They are running a program that they had in June, it was a panel discussion that the Livonia Police were involved with, on channel 12. He serves on the PTSA Council, and Judy does a lot of work with the program's health and safety. This is another source of information. In January they did a program and a seminar where you could get information. Also, Laura Cox and Joan Gephardt could aide in what is available in the County. Meakin announced that the Save Our Youth Group has a website: www.saveouryouthtaskforce.com. Their phone numbers is 734-293-4243. McCann would like to make a referral to the Parks and Recreation Committee to look at the possibility of some type of recreation trail/bike path between the Livonia Recreation Center and Rotary Park - at 6 Mile and Hubbard. There may be funds available, to do some sort of recreation trail so that people wouldn't have to ride their bikes, walk, or run on Hubbard Road. The idea with a recreation trail, as appose to a sidewalk, is that you don't have to take out trees, it doesn't have to be straight, and it is something that can work with the neighbors and save the existing trees, which is somewhat a concern. It would also reduce the cost. As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the Study Session at 8:49 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009. 8 DATED: July 20, 2009 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK