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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2009-10-26 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD OCTOBER 26, 2009 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: James McCann, Terry Godfroid-Marecki, John Pastor, Joe Laura, Brian Meakin, Tom Robinson, and Laura Toy. Absent: None. Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark Taormina, City Planner; Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk and Linda Grimsby, City Clerk. President Toy announced a Public Hearing to be held in the Auditorium of Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, MI for the following items: Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. To consider the approval of an amendment to the Project Plan and the issuance of Bonds proposed by the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Livonia for the Madonna University Project, on property located at 36600 Schoolcraft Road and 14221 Levan Road, pursuant to the requirements of Sections 10 and 17 of Act 338, Public Acts of Michigan of 1974, as amended. Council President Toy presented a proclamation from the Mayor regarding the $12 million loss of funding to Livonia's two school districts, as well as other funding being reduced. Residents were asked to contact Lansing regarding this issue. Mayor Kirksey said that the gain that is made in any effort of this type is for a broad based participation by the Livonia community. Both of the City's school districts have been severely impacted after the school year has begun. Contracts with teachers and other providers to the districts have been signed and they are obligated to work under those conditions. They can not continue the school year and provide quality education with this combined hit. It is just impossible. He thinks the impact will come if people will just take a moment and communicate their concerns to Lansing. These personal contacts, emails, phone calls, and letters do make a difference. There have been a number of people already involved in doing this. Council President Toy said the school cuts were made once when they proposed the budget and put it on the Governors desk. The Livonia Public Schools have what's called 20J funds. As the process moved forward with the Governor reducing the 20J's and doing the Line-Item Veto out of that budget, it created almost $10 million less for Livonia Public Schools. She and Pastor, who served as legislatures, were always able to secure those 20J Funds and they were 2 always sacred. They were sacred this time with our Legislature, but unfortunately the Governor chose to cut them. The City needs all the residents to really support their schools and let the Governor's office know. Godfroid-Marecki said she feels it's important for the public to know that when she talked to Dr. Liepa, Superintendent of Livonia Public Schools, the end of September 2009 they were well equipped to handle the $3 million cut they knew they would receive. They have been planning throughout the years for these cuts, but to be hit with $7 million more in a week and a half when it's almost November — just blows your mind. She feels for them. She thinks this is very disturbing that the state could do this. President Toy said there may be more to come because she feels the Governor didn't sign the budget that includes the City's revenue sharing quite yet. This may be another blow. When budgets are in place in public entities, such as the schools and the City, it's hard to turn back the clock and re-coop those dollars. Meakin appreciates symbolic words to drive actions and make changes. He will be happy to support this and hopefully it will make a difference. Pastor announced his fall charitable gathering, which is being Friday, October 30, 2009, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus. They are looking for slightly used coats, hats and gloves and canned food. The canned food will be donated to Gleaners Food Bank. The coats, hats and gloves will be distributed to the Livonia families first. This is his 4t" year, but the first year with Livonia Jaycees. He thanked Looney Bakery for donating the doughnuts and the Jaycees for donating the cider. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. NEW BUSINESS: 1. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Diane E. Finch in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Diane Finch, 373 Edison, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197 was present to request a Massage Apprentice Permit to work at V Salon. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3 2. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Denise King, Executive Director, Community Opportunity Center, re: as required by the State of Michigan to obtain a Charitable Gaming License to hold a Texas Hold-em Tournament at Kickers set for April 26, 2010 through April 29, 2010 to raise funds for operating expenses at the Livonia Opportunity House. Denise King, Executive Director, Community Opportunity Center, stated they are a private, non-profit organization, and they support nearly 100 people with developmental disabilities in Wayne County - Livonia, Plymouth, Redford, Garden City and Westland - predominately in Livonia. The Livonia Opportunity House, for which they are looking for the license — is a home where they need to raise additional funds. She was before Council 6-8 months ago and has already been involved in three (3) other Texas Hold'em events. There is another event coming up and they are required to get another license. This is not something they wish to do, but at this point in time they need to seek additional funds because their funds are running dry. Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REAPPOINTMENT OF LARRY HENNEY AS A DEMOCRATIC MEMBER OF THE LIVONIA BOARD OF CANVASSERS: Office of the City Clerk, re: for a four year term to expire on December 31, 2013. Linda Grimsby, City Clerk, was present to request the reappointment of Larry Henney as the Democratic Member to the Board of Canvassers. Mr. Henney was unable to attend tonight. Godfroid-Marecki said that Larry Henney is one of her favorite Democrats. She offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REAPPOINTMENT OF DONALD W. KOLHOFF AS A REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF THE LIVONIA BOARD OF CANVASSERS: Office of the City Clerk, re: for a four year term to expire on December 31, 2013. Donald Kolhoff wanted to thank Council for the great opportunity. He said he considers it a great honor to serve the City of Livonia. Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4 5. REAPPOINTMENT OF R. LEE MORROW TO THE LIVONIA PLANNING COMMISSION: Office of the Mayor, re: for a two year term to expire on June 9, 2011. McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. He said that he has had the opportunity to work with Mr. Morrow in the past on the Planning Commission and on the Spree Board. He does a lot of fine things for the community. He said it's an honor and if he had anything to say about it he would give him a four year term, but he's not the Mayor. Mayor Jack Kirksey said that he would like to echo what Councilman McCann has indicated. This is a reappointment and we all recognize the great service that Lee has provided to the community in this leadership position. That body is very important to the City and especially very important to Council because they do the proprietary work for items that come their way. He wanted to personally offer his congratulations to Lee and encourage his reappointment. Lee Morrow, 37776 North Laurel Park, wanted to thank the Mayor for his reappointment and is looking forward to support from Council. Like Don, he really enjoys working within the community and working with Livonia people. It is an application he really enjoys. He would be glad to answer any questions. President Toy thanked Mr. Morrow for his many years of service. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM FRIED TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, re: for a one year term to expire on November 24, 2010. McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. He said he has had the opportunity to work with Mr. Fried on the Spree Board, on the Hearts of Livonia and on numerous organizations. He doesn't think there is any aspect of the community that Mr. Fried hasn't had his hand in when it comes to charities and good organizations in Livonia. He is always one of the people who does a lot of the work in those committees. It's an honor to recommend his appointment. Mayor Jack Kirksey said that he wants to note that this is a very special evening because Bill was actually on time. He says that with great friendship. Those who know Bill, because he is such a busy guy, know that he honors us by letting us all be seated before he enters a meeting. With Council's permission he would like to comment about the three (3) appointments that are to follow. He said he has a new knee and the 5 warranty is only good for twenty years. This will save him from approaching the microphone each instance. He said that Bill does a fine job on the Brownfield. He is also on other Committees. He has given back so much to this community. All three (3) individuals are doing an outstanding job. This is a group that allows the City to have better control as to what we do with the Brownfield within the City. They have met on a number of occasions, especially on Marketplace, and expediting the time lines that they were under. He knows Council has yet to bring up a couple of these officially, but he wanted to comment about these appointments at this time. President Toy thanked Mr. Fried for all his hard work. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 7. REAPPOINTMENT OF KENNETH M. HARB TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, re: for a one year term to expire on November 24, 2010. Mayor Jack Kirksey said that Ken Harb is here this evening. He is also a member of this newly constituted group. Robinson offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda for Mr. Harb. He wanted to make a note to the other individuals on the Agenda. He said they are all very familiar names and have contributed greatly to the community over the years. He wanted to thank them and said they are part of what makes Livonia a great community. Godfroid-Marecki wanted to thank everyone present tonight that is working on the Brownfield Authority. She said that it was quite a learning curve when this started - a quick learning curve. They have really helped Council out over the last couple of years on the Marketplace. She really appreciates it. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. REAPPOINTMENT OF ENRICO SOAVE TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, re: for a one year term to expire on November 24, 2010. Mayor Jack Kirksey said that Enrico is not here this evening, but he will be coming up before Council as well. Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. 6 Council President Toy said that Mr. Soave is a very bright young man, and is an attorney and she feels he is a great addition on the board. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT NEW BUSINESS 9. PROPOSED 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: City Council President Laura M. Toy, re: in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, 1976 P.A. 267, as amended. Council President Toy said this where they have to give notice of Council Meetings, both study and regulars. This Council works very hard. Before tonight's meeting, they had two (2) Public Hearing Meetings, besides all the Committee Meetings that Council has as well. She opens this for direction. Godfroid-Marecki 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 8:27 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2009. DATED: November 2, 2009 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK