HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2008-05-07 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MAY 7, 2008
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Joe Laura, Brian Meakin,
Tom Robinson, Don Knapp, Terry Godfroid-Marecki, James McCann, and Laura Toy.
Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Sean Kavanagh,
City Attorney; Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection; Paul Wood, Sergeant of the Police
Department; Benjamin McDermott, Captain of the Police Department, Joe Steele,
Chairman of the Traffic Commission; Robert Biga, Human Resources Director; Michael
Slater, Director of Finance; Jim Zoumbaris, City Engineer (Operations); Kevin Roney,
City Engineer (Utilities & Engineering); Mark Taormina, City Planner; and Maureen
Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk.
Godfroid-Marecki introduced Don Carconi, Union Steward of the Livonia Branch of the
National Association of Letter Carriers, who announced their 16th Annual Door-to-Door
Food Drive on May 10, 2008. Last year they collected over 20,000 lbs. of food at the
post office on Merriman and Plymouth Road. Nationally, the NALC collected 7,500,000
lbs. of food. Residents can leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by their
mailbox. The food that is collected along with the Wayne County and Royal Oak District
post offices will be delivered to the Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit. Godfroid-Marecki
read the proclamation.
Council President Toy announced that Jessica Nelson, who is the daughter of Senator
Michelle McManus, our Majority Assistant Leader in Lansing, is a student at Ferris State
studying Political Science and was in the audience.
Godfroid-Marecki wished James McCann a Happy Birthday on Friday, May 9, 2008.
McCann wished a Happy Mother's Day to his mom, wife and all other mothers.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. BLOCK PARTY: Christine Weisenberger, re: to be held Saturday, July 12,
2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Susanna, between Ross and Donald, with
no rain date requested.
Nichole Bush, 14641 Susanna, was present to request a neighborhood block
party with food and child games.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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2. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Laurie Davis,
Assistant Secretary, re: to advertise a Rummage Sale at Emmanuel Lutheran
Church scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, July 17-19, 2008, from 9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Barbara Finkenbine, 30850 Puritan, Livonia, MI, was present to request the
placement of signs for their church youth group rummage sale. The signs would
be the standard size they have used for the last ten (10) years.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Father George
Shalhoub, The Basilica of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, re: to advertise
their Middle Eastern Cultural and Family Festival scheduled for Thursday through
Sunday, July 24-27, 2008.
Father George Shalhoub, Haitham Fakhouri, and another associate were present
to request two (2) signs to be placed on their property. They would like to drop
one of the petitions for the sign that would cross Merriman Road. The sign they
are proposing would be a 4 x 6 foot sign that would be placed on the church
property from the time of the approval until the end of the Festival. They had this
Festival two years prior. They were weak in removing the signs, but stated they
will remove the sign within two (2) days of the ending of the Festival. They will
display the type of signs in accordance with what the Council recommends. The
reason they want the 4 x 6 foot sign is to draw more people that travel on
Merriman Road. He stated that the proceeds will go towards the Mariam Center
that they plan to build. If Council would recommend a 4 x 4 sign, they can
arrange that. They also need a variance for the noise ordinance. The hours they
are suggesting are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th, Friday,
July 25th, Saturday, July 26th, and Sunday, July 27, 2008. They will have food,
rides by Wade Shows, and a different band every day from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00
p.m. They will have the event policed by the Wayne County Sheriff Department
who will donate their time as they have for the past two (2) years. Meakin
requested a drawing on the setup of the property. The petitioner stated they will
also be submitting a drawing to the Police Department for their approval.
Kavanagh stated that in the past, there have been rare instances where a 4 x 6
foot sign was allowed, except for Greenmead and other City sponsored events.
Normally, it's the traditional lawn signs that are allowed. They will also need to
get a waiver on the noise ordinance. They need to submit an additional letter
before the next voting meeting.
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Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, stated that they support the request for the
one (1) 4 x 6 foot sign or two (2) 4 x 4 foot signs because they would be on
church property and not spread throughout the City. As far as the noise
ordinance, they do not see a problem on this large piece of property which would
be properly policed and would be ending at 10:00 p.m. every night.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda for a 4 x 4 foot
sign on their property and for a waiver on the noise ordinance from 10:00 a.m. to
10:00 p.m. each day of the festival.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda for either one
(1) 4 x 6 foot sign or two (2) 4 x 4 signs. He stated that in the past, he thought
they gave permission for larger signs at a church on Middlebelt south of Six Mile
for festivals where the signs are located on their own property.
DIRECTION: (1) APPROVING W. (1) 4' X 4' SIGN REGULAR
ON THEIR PROPERTY & WAIVER
OF NOISE ORDINANCE
(2) APPROVING W. (1) 4' X 6' SIGN
OR TWO (2) 4' X 4' SIGNS
4. APPEAL OF PUBLIC VEHICLE LICENSE DENIED BY THE DIVISION OF
POLICE: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Harry Raymond Wesolowski,
in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 3.090, of the Livonia Code of Ordinance,
as amended.
Harry Wesolowski, 18696 Brady, Redford, MI 48240, stated that on Tuesday,
4/8/08, he attended a training meeting at ABC Cab Company and was hired on
the spot. They wanted him to begin work on Wednesday, 4/9/08. He had
already filled out the public vehicle application, had it notarized and stamped. At
approximately 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, he had an appointment with Sgt. Wood at
the Police Department to approve his application and acquire a P.V. license. On
Monday night, 4/7/08, he got drunk and stayed with a friend. The next morning,
after the training course at ABC Cab, he went to Sgt. Wood, and he denied the
license because he had beer on his breath from the night before. He seldom
drinks at all anymore and doesn't do any drugs. He has a perfect driving record.
He is requesting reconsideration so he can acquire his P.V. license and begin
employment with ABC Cab.
Sgt. Paul Wood stated that he is in charge of the Property and Licensing Bureau
for the Livonia Police Department, and he interviewed Harry on 4/8. While he
was interviewing, he detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, and Harry
stated that he had a six-pack of beer the night before. Sgt. Wood questioned his
previous employment as a cab driver for Catch-a-Cab in Livonia. He worked
there from August of 2006 to 2007 and quit because of various reasons, and one
was that the owner accused him of drinking on the job. Sgt. Wood contacted
owner, Val Girard, and she confirmed Harry's previous employment and stated
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she would not take him back. After the interview was over and the applicant left,
Sgt. Wood called ABC Cab Company, but they did not give him any information
on the applicant. He felt that Mr. Wesolowski incriminated himself by his own
admission and felt that ABC Cab Company must have smelled alcohol on his
breath on the morning of 4/8/08 too. Sgt. Wood stated that all his superiors
affirmed his decision not to grant the permit because of the potential impact on
the public's welfare and safety.
McCann offered the denying resolution of the appeal on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: DENYING THE APPEAL CONSENT
5. REQUEST FROM THE MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION TO
INVESTIGATE THE REQUEST FROM RHG FISH MARKET, INC. (A FLORIDA
CORPORATION) REQUESTING TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF 2007
CLASS C LICENSED BUSINESS WITH OFFICIAL PERMIT (FOOD) AND
OUTDOOR SERVICE (1 AREA), FROM CAMERON MITCHELL
RESTAURANTS, LLC (AN OHIO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY): Division of
Police, re: for the business located at 17600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152.
Patrick Howe, Attorney with Carlin, Edwards, Brown & Howe, 2855 Coolidge
Highway, Troy, MI 48084, stated that he was appearing on behalf of RHG Fish
Market. This is a request for transfer of a liquor license from Cameron Mitchell's
to a Ruth's Chris subsidiary, RHG Fish Market. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which
operates 120 steak houses across the U.S., acquired the Cameron Mitchell Fish
Markets along with the Cameron Mitchell steakhouses. There are 19 restaurants
total. Four (4) are in Michigan—Livonia, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, and
Lansing. The operations of the restaurants are not changing. Ruth's Chris is a
very successful, reputable operator, and they are just assuming the operations
and acquiring all the assets of Cameron Mitchell. He did a check and this
Mitchell's has not had any liquor violations.
Godfroid-Marecki said everything looked in order and offered the approving
resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. AWARD OF BID: Division of Police, re: to purchase Tape Backup Solution
hardware for the computer network utilized by the Police and Fire Departments
from budgeted funds.
Captain Benjamin McDermott, Police Department, stated he is on the Supports
Services Committee, and the Public Safety Backup Solution has reached end-of-
life status with HP, so they no longer will provide service for it. They have
already experienced a number of recent failures in the hardware and software.
The new Tape Backup Solution would provide the Fire and Police Departments
with a number of improvements that includes liability, serviceability, and
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manageability. Much larger backups would be possible which is important with a
lot more historical documents coming on line, so digital media is becoming more
and more a part of everyday work and includes archiving digital photos. He was
assured by the IT Department that this request was researched and would be the
best solution. This will be a 30-year solution for secure state-of-the-art storage of
evidence, and HP will service the Tape Backup Solution. The cost of the project
is $22,012.00 which is a one-time cost obtained from the government pricing bid.
In the past, computers have been purchased through the Regional Media Center
Association of Michigan (REMC) government pricing. REMC requirements
conform to the purchasing compliance with the rules and regulations of the State
Board of Education. He did not explore any lease options, but will get the
information by the May 14th meeting.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH OAKLAND COUNTY
(CLEMIS) FOR LIVE SCAN MAINTENANCE: Division of Police, re: for
submission and exchange of fingerprint information from funds budgeted for this
purpose.
Captain Benjamin McDermott, Police Department, stated that this is also a
budgeted item and a cost savings of approximately $2,200 per year. They
recently received a new Live Scan machine that was given to the City through a
grant that CLEMIS (Courts & Law Enforcement Management Information
System) received and saved between $30,000 and $35,000. This request is to
enter into a maintenance agreement and is an extension of the maintenance
agreement on the old machine.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST TO RENEW AGREEMENT WITH THE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION (TIA) FOR THE YEAR 2008: Office of the Mayor, re: to provide
traffic consulting, management and planning assistance and to help improve
traffic safety in Livonia.
Joe Steele, Chairman of the Traffic Commission, 9605 Loveland, stated that they
are requesting renewal of the City's agreement with the Traffic Improvement
Association with renewal dues amounting to $31,500 for 2008 which is an
increase of $100 from 2007. TIA provides counsel to the Traffic Commission as
they improve safety in the City.
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Bob DeCorte, Traffic Engineer for the TIA, 21601 Mayfield, Farmington Hills, MI,
stated that usually contact with the Sergeant is every two or three weeks
depending on the project, but when they worked on Schoolcraft Road, contact
was on a weekly basis. Now they are reviewing traffic control by sections, and
contact is every few weeks. Over 52 weeks, it's probably 20 — 25 times. Some
involve reports, and they work with the Engineering Department, Planning
Department, and the Plymouth Road Corridor group as well.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. AWARD OF BID: Department of Community Resources, re: to purchase a new
Avid Computer-Based Editor from budgeted funds.
Evelyn Goudreau, Administrative Assistant for the Cable Division of the
Community Resources Department, stated that she is requesting authorization to
purchase a new Avid Computer-Based Editor for the Cable workroom on the fifth
floor of City Hall. The fifth floor is equipped with two (2) Avids. One of the Avids
was replaced in 2005 at a cost of over $37,000.00. The current system that was
purchased in 2001, which they are replacing, is now obsolete. The new Avid
system will be compatible with the additional equipment purchased. This
purchase is part of a five-year plan to switch to all digital equipment. They are
requesting authorization to purchase the Avid from low bidder Midwest Media
Group at a cost of $27,022, which includes $2,500.00 trade-in allowance for the
2001 model. Technology is much more advanced than the 2005 model. Funds
would be from the Cable 2007-2008 budget.
Keith Larson, Director of Operations at Midwest Media Group, was present to
answer any questions.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. CITY OF LIVONIA AFSCME UNION LOCAL 1917 CONTRACT AGREEMENT
FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2010:
Civil Service Department, re: recommending approval of same.
Mayor Jack Kirksey stated he was present with Human Resources Director, Bob
Biga, to respond to any questions or detailed information on the proposed
settlement. This closely mirrors the settlement of AFSCME 192.
Bob Biga stated there are some provisions that are unique to the supervisors
dealing with compensatory time, but other than that, it parallels the 192
Bargaining Unit Agreement.
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Laura offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. AWARD OF BID: Department of Public Works, re: to purchase one (1) Case
580SM (Series 2) loader backhoe from budgeted funds.
Jim Zoumbaris, City Engineer (Operations), stated this backhoe is used for water
and road maintenance programs. They gave out three (3) bids, and they had
four (4) people bid on it. The two (2) lowest bidders did not meet the
specifications for the backhoe; therefore, they are recommending Southeastern
Equipment Co. as this Case backhoe has the requirements for weight and power
to do the work the City requires. Most of the work is breaking out concrete,
removing asphalt, and picking up structures to be replaced or set. The dipstick
(or lower end of the backhoe) has to have the power to pick these up or it
endangers the people who operate the backhoe. The difference between the
first and second lowest bidder was only about $3,000.00, and only $100
difference between the second and third bidder.
Robinson offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda for the
recommended bidder for$48,100.00.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Knapp left the podium at 8:55 p.m. to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest
regarding the next item.
12. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2008-02-02-08
submitted by Potbelly Sandwich Works requesting approval for outdoor seating
for an existing full service restaurant located on the south side of Plymouth Road,
between Middlebelt Road and Henry Ruff Road (29579 Plymouth Road), in the
Northeast '/4 of Section 35.
Mark Taormina, City Planner, stated that Potbelly Sandwich Works occupies a
2,400 square foot "end cap" unit at the easterly end of Retail Building "J" that is
directly in front of the Wal-Mart on Plymouth Road. It was originally approved for
a total of 58 interior seats. They would now like to occupy portions of the
sidewalk in front on the east side of the unit for outdoor seating. Sidewalks are
fifteen (15) feet on the north side and twelve (12) feet on the east side. They
propose eight (8) tables in an enclosed area with a total of 24 seats added to the
outside. This would total 82 seats. The area would be enclosed with a
decorative metal fencing consistent with the fencing used by the PRDA. There is
adequate room outside of the outdoor seating for pedestrians to safely access
the area outside of the parking lot.
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Petitioner Mike Farley, Potbelly Sandwich Works, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza,
Chicago, IL, stated that they are not planning any outdoor entertainment or
music. Laura stated that the petitioner does not have to come back for the
regular meeting as he lives in Chicago. Petitioner will get a letter after May 14tH
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
Knapp returned to the podium at 9:02 p.m.
13. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2008-02-02-09
submitted by Nicholas and Masoud Shango requesting approval to operate a
limited service restaurant with drive-up window facilities (Dunkin' Donuts) on
property located on the south side of Schoolcraft Road between Merriman Road
and Middlebelt Road (31281 Schoolcraft Road), in the Northwest '/4 of Section
26.
Mark Taormina, City Planner, stated this is the site of Nicholas Plaza which
consists of two (2) adjacent parcels at the southeast corner of Schoolcraft and
Merriman Roads. The parcel is approximately .68 acres, has 94 feet of frontage
on Merriman Road and an east/west dimension of 305 feet. The east 103 feet is
zoned OS, and the west 202 feet is zoned C-3. There is currently a 5,600 square
foot commercial building with three (3) tenants including Nicolas Liquor Store,
Royal Coney Island, and a vacant unit formerly occupied by Wireless Giant. The
second parcel is immediately east of and adjacent to the corner parcel. The site
is .27 acres with 130 feet of frontage on Schoolcraft and a depth of 93 feet. It is
zoned OS (Office Services) and contains a 1,894 square foot building that was
formerly occupied by a State Farm Insurance office. There is a pending rezoning
petition (Petition 2007-03-01-02) that would rezone the property from OS to C-2.
Other surrounding properties both to the south and east are zoned M-1 (Light
Industrial). The petitioner is also requesting the redevelopment of the easterly
portion of the site with a new limited service restaurant that would contain a
drive-up window. They would have coordinated parking circulation between the
two (2) properties. Most of the improvements would be made to the easterly end
of the site. The westerly building requires 52 parking spaces, and the easterly
building requires an additional 8 spaces for a total of 60 spaces. The overall site
plan only provides for a total of 46 spaces, so there would be a deficiency of 14
parking spaces which would require approval by the ZBA. The drive-up window
would be located on the east side of the building. The traffic lane serving the
drive-up window would circle the west and south sides and extend along the east
side. The turning radii would provide fifteen (15) feet to accommodate the drive-
up window. The plan does not provide the required bypass lane at the rear of the
building. Waiving this requirement would need a separate resolution. There is
sufficient room to meet the ordinance for the stacking of vehicles behind. The
enclosed refuse containers will serve both buildings on the southeast corner of
the westerly parcel. The light pole detail on the plans show that all the fixtures
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would be shielded and be a maximum of twenty (20) feet in height. The
landscaping shown on the plans between the two (2) properties is deficient and
only constitutes approximately 7.2% of the overall site area where ordinance
requires a minimum of 15%. Some of the existing landscape areas would have
to be eliminated in order to have additional parking and the drive-up window lane.
Currently, the areas to the north side of the building are landscaped. Prior
tenant, State Farm Insurance, required less parking than the proposed
restaurant. The plans show proposed modifications to the appearance of the
exterior of the easterly building to be consistent with the existing building. A
canopy would be added to the upper portions of the building. The lower portions
that are currently brick would be painted to match the existing building.
According to the Zoning Ordinance, a one-wall sign on the north (front) of the
building measuring 67 square feet would be allowed as well as a proposed
modification to the ground sign which would be a slightly larger monument sign at
the corner of Merriman and Schoolcraft. Now there would be a total of four (4)
more tenants occupying both the buildings. The allowed sign cannot exceed 40
square feet.
At the time of the rezoning, there was a conceptual plan submitted that showed
an additional drive approach to Schoolcraft. The current site plan shows a single
drive approach off Merriman Road and two (2) drive approaches off Schoolcraft
Road. The only modification is a slight widening of the easterly drive. The
original plan showed there was a second exit proposed directly north of the drive-
through lane. It was a concern for vehicles trying to make a right turn and enter
onto the ramp to 1-96. The other concern was that vehicles would cross
Schoolcraft to go in the opposite direction to get on the crossover to westbound
Schoolcraft. One of the conditions is that there would be a "right turn only" sign.
Parking is currently on the north side and the center of the property. Larger
vehicles would choose to use this area to make it easier to maneuver in and out
of the site. It needs more landscaping, but it does add 4 or 5 parking spaces that
are already deficient in spaces. They would be allowed to stay open 24 hours as
it stands right now unless Council decides to put restrictions on the hours of
operation. Meakin was concerned about the hours and safety issues.
Petitioner Masoud Shango, 5550 Hampshire Drive, West Bloomfield, MI 48322,
stated they bought the property six or seven years ago. He stated that if it was
up to him, he would reconstruct the building and push it back, but they decided to
keep the structure and strip the exterior. The structure of the building is block,
and he didn't feel they could take it out, so they will paint it and add a new
canopy which will match Nicholas Plaza. The proposed parcel is approximately
1,800 square feet. He stated that they are assuming 78% of the business would
be drive-through, so he feels parking will not be a problem. Dunkin' Donuts'
business would be from around 5:00 a.m. to about 9:00 a.m. The other
businesses are open at other times. He stated that he expanded an existing
driveway west about 8 feet more to accommodate incoming traffic.
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McCann stated that he didn't feel they had quite enough space for a drive-
through lane which the ordinance requires. There could be a problem for
emergency vehicles. Also the landscaping is depleted, and there have been
complaints from the neighbor about the properties not being kept up. McCann
also has concerns about traffic cutting across Schoolcraft. He feels they have
too much property on this parcel.
Knapp was concerned with the traffic coming in from Merriman and crossing in
front of Nicholas Plaza where the party store is and over to Dunkin' Donuts and
back to Merriman. The main concern would be an adequate aisle width
especially with larger vehicles coming in and out. He feels the traffic flow needs
more study and also the landscaping deficiency.
Meakin has concerns about the parking, the inadequate 7% landscaping, and
also numerous concerns about the placement of the driveway, the on-ramp and
the ramp going across to the westbound traffic.
The neighboring businesses complained about the lack of parking and their
concerns about traffic.
McCann offered the denying resolution on the Regular Agenda.
Knapp offered the resolution on the Regular Agenda referring to the Committee
of the Whole for their report and recommendation.
Laura offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: (1) DENYING REGULAR
(2) REFER TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
(3) APPROVING
14. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2008-02-02-10
submitted by Civil Design Services requesting approval to construct and operate
a full service restaurant with drive-up window facilities (Tim Horton's) located on
the west side of Middlebelt Road between Munger Avenue and Six Mile Road
(16815 Middlebelt Road) in the Northeast '/4 of Section 14.
Mark Taormina, City Planner, stated this was the southerly part of the former
Moy's Chinese Restaurant and Japanese Steakhouse on the west side of
Middlebelt approximately 460 feet south of Six Mile Road. The proposed Tim
Norton's site would consist of Lot 38, the southerly 35 feet of Lot 37 and zoned
entirely C-2 (General Business). There is a pending rezoning petition that
involves the parking district on the northerly part of the former Moy's site. The
Tim Horton's site is .80 acres and has 165 feet of frontage on Middlebelt Road
with a depth of 257 feet. To the north is the Teacher's Store as well as Paul's
Coney & Grill. To the west is Bethel Baptist Temple which is zoned RUF as well
as Grace Christian Fellowship Church which is also zoned RUF. To the south
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are two (2) adjoining parcels containing office buildings. This request is to
construct a new Tim Horton's restaurant measuring 1,860 square feet including a
drive-up window. It would have 30 interior seats. Total required parking is 20
spaces. The site plan provides for 24 spaces, so there is a surplus of 4. The
drive-up window would be located on the south side with a bypass lane provided
and is completely separate from the parking area. Patrons would enter off
Middlebelt Road and could choose to encircle around the site or enter the
parking area for interior seating. There would be a dumpster enclosure on the
north side of the building that would be screened and match the brick exterior of
the building. Steel gates would be provided. All the light fixtures would be
maintained at the ordinance limit of 20 feet. There was a stormwater
management plan provided showing an underground system constructed for this
site and the site to the north. There would be a single driveway but would also
rely on the cross connection access to the northerly site and a second driveway
approach. Landscaping consists of 23.6% of the site. Majority of the plantings
would be around the perimeter of the site. They are proposing a six-foot high
masonry screen wall along the west side of the property where it abuts the
church. Face brick will be used on the exterior on all four (4) sides of the
building. They originally submitted signage for three (3) wall signs and one (1)
monument sign. They will now construct conforming signage for one (1) sign
measuring no more than 35 square feet on the east (front) of the elevation, and
one (1) 28.89 square foot monument sign which is slightly less than the 30
square foot conforming signage. All in all, the site plan is conforming.
Mark Kellenberger, 565 E. Grand River Avenue, Suite 101, Brighton, MI 48116,
said he is an employee of Tim Horton's and stated they revised their building.
The drive-through lane will be widened.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda for the drive-thru
lane at 11 feet.
DIRECTION: (1) APPROVING CONSENT
(2) APPROVING — DRIVE-THRU
LANE AT 11 FEET
15. REQUEST TO RESCIND COUNCIL RESOLUTION 523-07 AND REQUEST
FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE (1) RAPID DEPLOYMENT
VEHICLE: Department of Law, re: to obtain an upgraded vehicle at a lower
price.
Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney, stated that the Police Department asked the
Council to approve the purchase of the rapid deployment vehicle last fall and was
approved under CR 523-07. A purchase order was issued, but it was never
started because The Armored Group stated they were the sole supplier of this
vehicle, but they were not.
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They are requesting that the original resolution be rescinded and are asking
approval to purchase the vehicle from Supreme Specialty Vehicles for a total not
to exceed $67,536.00.
Knapp stated he thought we were getting a better deal with Supreme, and does
not feel we should do business with The Armored Group because of their
misrepresentations in the past. They did not follow through on the contract.
Captain McDermott, Police Department, stated that Supreme is ready to
proceed. It will take some time to obtain the specific chassis so they can begin
work. Delivery is expected in about two months after they start the work.
Obtaining the chassis could take six to eight weeks. This would be in this year's
budget from the State forfeiture funds.
Knapp offered to rescind the previous resolution and offered the approving
resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: (1) RESCINDING CONSENT
(2) APPROVING
X1. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LIVONIA CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS
AMENDED: Department of Law, re: to Sections 050 and 100 of Title 3, Chapter
12 (Senior Citizens Housing Tax Exemption) to more clearly provide for
refinancings of MSHDA-financed and/or federally-aided housing developments
and to ensure that they would remain eligible to provide Payments in Lieu of
Taxes (PILOT).
Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney, stated that they were notified by the company
that owns Brashear Tower that they want to refinance some mortgage that they
have had for quite some time. It is low income housing that used to be strictly for
seniors, and the amendments that they are asking Council to approve would
allow them to continue to qualify for the low income housing tax credits, etc.
which also allows municipalities such as Livonia to receive Payments In Lieu Of
Taxes (PILOT) for a reduced tax rate. This is Michigan State Housing
Development Authority financing. Law would like to amend the ordinance to
allow for the refinancing that would include rehabilitation of the facility. Kavanagh
asked for a first and second reading of the ordinance.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda for a
first and second reading of the ordinance.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
X2. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE: Office of the City
Clerk, re: submitted by Kimberly Stolar in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the
Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
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Kimberly Stolar, 15798 Blue Skies Drive, Livonia, MI, stated she is currently a
resident of Livonia for the past 5-1/2 years. She found a space on Newburgh
south of Six Mile at the Johnstown Office Building which is by her house and
where she would like to practice.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
McCann reminded everyone of the annual letter carrier food drive on Saturday, May 10,
2008.
Knapp and Robinson wished their mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the
Study Session at 9:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
DATED: May 13, 2008 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK