HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-2016 Annual ReportDENNIS K. WFUGHT
MAYOR
OFFICE M!" THE MAYOR
January 5, 2.517
FROM: MAYOR DENNIS K. WRIGHT
SUBJECT: 2015-16 Annual Report
Dear Council Members:
33000 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48154-3097
(734) 466-2201
mayor@dAIVOIlia X(IL LIS
Each year, as required by the Livonia City Charter, the Office of the Mayor compiles an
annual report to the Council on the activities of the City during the prior fiscal year. The
attached annual report summarizes the activities, challenges and accomplishments of
Livonia's Departments, Boards and Commissions during the 2015-16 fiscal year. Below
is a summary of some of the highlights of the report, followed by a few personal
thoughts:
Ins )ection
The valuation of new building activities in the City of Livonia jumped upward in 2015-16
with total value of more than $181 million, That's a 50% increase over the previous
year's valuation, a demonstration of the economic vitality of the City during the most
recent fiscal year.
Treasurer
Another sign of the economic vitality was seen in the Treasurer's Office. Proof of Claims
for personal property taxes are filed with the courts by the, City Treasurer in bankruptcy
cases. In 2016, two business locations in Livonia filed for bankruptcy protection,
continuing a decline from three in 2015, six in 2014, five in 2013, and 17 in 2012.
To: Honorable Members of the Council January 5, 2017
Re: Annual Report Letter, 2015-2016 Page 2
Police
For 2016, the Livonia Police Department recorded reductions in all areas of traffic crash
reports — property damage, injury, drunk driving, operating while under the influence,
and fatal accidents. At the same time, there was an 8% increase in calls for service from
the Patrol Bureau. In 2016, the Text to 9-1-1 function was activated. Meanwhile, the
department recorded more than 47,000 voice 9-1-1 calls, which works out to be one call
every 11 minutes of every day.
Fire
The Livonia Fire Department saw an increase in Emergency Medical runs (3 percent)
and Fire Runs (11 percent).
Information Systems
Online map services were updated and made compatible with mobile devices (smart
phones and tablets). A new Leaf Pickup Map application was initiated to inform
residents during the leaf pickup program, allowing the DPW to mark quarter section
segments as pending or completed based on pickup cycle 1 or 2. Similarly, a new Snow
Emergency App will allow DPW to mark quarter sections as incomplete/no parking or
completed/parking restrictions lifted.
Traffic Commission
Numerous road construction projects and one very large freeway project (1-275) created
complications for drivers across the City through much of 2016. All were completed
safely and, with the help of the Police and Engineering Departments, accommodations
were made in conjunction with Wayne County to retime and engineer traffic signals to
improve the situation.
Livonia Cable Television Commission
Livonia Television experienced its first truly viral video achievement this past year, with
the wildly popular video promoting the Livonia Public Library Summer Reading Program
using Parkour/F'reerunning athletes. The video received tens of thousands of social
media views from around the world, a mention and clip shown on CBS's Late Late
Show with James Carden, and several national awards in government programming
competition.
Summary
Livonia has had an exceptional year and is poised for continued success. We continue
to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. We have the second lowest
tax rate among cities in Wayne County. We also have an exceptionally strong base of
industrial, retail and office businesses, with some of the lowest vacancy rates in the last
15 years. The recent announcement that Amazon is constructing a 1 million -square -foot
To: Honorable Members of the Council
Re: Annual Report Letter, 2015-2016
January 5, 2017
Page 3
customer fulfillment center and employing more than 1,000 people on the site of the
former GM Delco Chasis Plant is just one example of our economic vitality based on
central location, low taxes and business -friendly attitude.
Overall, Livonia remains a financially strong and efficiently operated community. I
believe that is largely due to the department heads and staff who work every day to
serve our residents in the most economical and effective way possible. Ensuring that
focus on customer service is something that begins with all our elected officials and I
appreciate the cooperation of the City Council in making this past year so successful.
Sincerely,
Dennis K. Wright
MAYOR
Enclosure
M Clerk, Council, Finance, Law
emailed: Leadership Staff
CITY OF LIVONIA
ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR
2015-2016
CITY OF LIVONIA, MICHIGAN
ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2015-2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Assessing Department.........................................................................
1
Review, Board of.......................................................................
2
CityClerk..............................................................................................
3
Civil Service Department......................................................................
8
Trustees, Board of...................................................................
15
Community Resources Department and Cable ..................................
19
Arts Commission......................................................................
23
Youth Commission...................................................................
24
Historic Preservation Commission ...........................................
26
Historical Commission..............................................................28
Aging Commission...................................................................31
Human Relations Commission .................................................
32
DistrictCourt.......................................................................................
33
Finance Department...........................................................................38
Information Systems.......................................................40
FireDepartment..................................................................................
45
Housing Commission..........................................................................
52
Inspection Department.......................................................................
56
Zoning Board of Appeals.........................................................
60
Building Code Board of Appeals ..............................................
61
LawDepartment.................................................................................
61
Library Department & Commission.....................................................
69
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission .............................
73
Planning Department & Commission ..................................................
84
Police Department and Emergency Preparedness .........................
93
Public Works Department.................................................................
102
Engineering Division..............................................................
103
Public Service Division............................................................107
Traffic Commission...........................................................................
127
Treasurer..........................................................................................
129
ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
The 2016 State Equalized Valuation of the City Real and Personal Property was
4,483,373,880, which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS
PARCEL COUNT
VALUATION
Residential
37,690
3,175,250,440
Commercial
1,709
762,948,320
Industrial
402
223,272,150
Personal
4,337
321,902,970
4,483,373,880
In addition, valuation under the Special Acts provided total valuation of
$74,129,050, as follows:
IFT Real 22,292,340
Turbo/Brownfield/CFT 13,810,240
IFT Personal 38,026,470
74,129,050
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50% of true cash value as
mandated by State Law. Annual sales studies are conducted in order to determine
market growth by neighborhood. The results of these studies are utilized to adjust
area values to the required 50% of True Cash Value.
The appraisal and maintenance of all residential field data is the responsibility of
this department. Records for 52 new homes were created. Revisions to
approximately 945 existing property record cards were made. Commercial and
Industrial new buildings, alterations and additions numbered 175 and were
reviewed for value for the 2016 assessment roll.
We continued our residential canvass this spring, starting in April. We canvassed
approximately 10,300 homes in the middle and north tier of the City. We are in the
process of entering the data collected from each property. This project will
continue for the next 2 years in order to complete the entire City. This completed
project will bring the Assessing Department in compliance with the State Tax
Commission guidelines.
For 2016 there were 2,484 transfer affidavits processed by the department.
Homesteads, rescissions, conditional rescissions and denial forms totaling 3,317
were entered. These forms are processed on a daily basis. The Veterans
Exemption qualifies persons who are totally disabled for a full property tax
exemption each year. The current exemption total is 112.
1
Lots splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office reviews
petitioner's applications and departmental correspondence for compliance with city
ordinances and procedures. If a split is non -conforming, Council action is required.
Approximately 18 splits and combinations were completed in 2016. Of these, one
required Council action.
Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were reviewed and finalized. A total of 52 appeals
were completed. Of this number, there were 35 full tribunal appeals. There were
17 small claim appeals, 13 were residential and 4 commercial properties.
Approximately 4,400 personal property statements were processed for the 2016
assessment roll.
A small business taxpayer exemption, which went into effect in 2014, exempts
businesses with an assessed value under 40,000 if an affidavit was filed with our
department. An estimated 1,816 Form 5076 Affidavits were processed and
accepted.
As part of this new Act, an exemption for Eligible Manufacturing Equipment began
its 10 -year "phase out" in 2016 with the State calculating an Essential Service
Assessment. For 2016, we had 169 Industrial businesses that filed and qualified
with the State's requirements and monies will be distributed to the local
communities for lost revenue in February 2017.
BOARD OF REVIEW
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 8,
2015, in accordance with Section 211.53b of the General Property Tax Law of
Michigan, to correct all mutual mistakes of fact and clerical errors.
The Livonia City Council, on January 5, 2016 (CR#35-16), set the place and dates
for the 2016 March Board of Review meetings as scheduled by the Assessor and
notice was given and published in the local newspapers.
The Board of Review meetings convened Tuesday, March 8, 2016, for an eight-
day session of public hearings, which included one evening session. Members
William Tancill, Andrew Lendrum and Vahan Nazarian were in attendance. The
Board heard 105 taxpayer appeals and acted on 176 mail -in petitions.
Determination notices were mailed on April 4, 2016.
State law requires a July Board of Review meeting to correct clerical errors and
mutual mistakes of fact. This meeting was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
2
CITY CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an odd -
year election conducted by the City of Livonia.
The powers and duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the City Charter and
statutes of the State of Michigan. The Clerk is assisted by a Deputy Clerk and a
staff of six who are trained specialists in delivering a variety of services to the
citizens of Livonia and the several departments of the City administration, i.e.:
(a) "The Clerk shall be clerk of the Council and shall attend all meetings
of the Council and keep a permanent record of its meetings ..."
This responsibility involves receiving all correspondence and
communications filed with the Clerk for transmission to the Council.,
preparing official agendas for both Council Regular and Study
Meetings; taking and transcribing complex minutes of all Council
proceedings for the official journal as well as for all Public Hearings
conducted by the Council as required by law; notification and
publication of Notices and Public Hearings and Council proceedings
in the official newspaper as designated by the City Council;
preparation and forwarding of true copies of Council actions to the
parties affected; maintaining the official record of all Ordinances
enacted by legislative actions.
FUNCTION STATISTICS: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
City Council
2015
2016
Study Meetings
24
24
Regular Meetings
24
24
Special Meetings
1
0
Council Resolutions Recorded
375
451
Ordinances Adopted
16
25
Public Hearings Conducted
24
22
(b) "The Clerk shall perform such other duties as are required of that
office by State or Federal law, the City Charter, the Council or
Ordinances of the City."
DEPARTMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS
Required by State Statute to record and file a record of all deaths and births
occurring within the City for subsequent transmittal to the State and County
Department of Health and make available for certification copies of such records,
as can be legally released.
3
VITAL STATISTICS (DECEMBER 2015-2016)
2015
2016
Births Recorded 841
947
Deaths Recorded 1,594
1,604
FEES COLLECTED $132,360.00 $140,832.00
(c) "The City Clerk shall issue and sign all licenses granted and shall
register same.
LICENSING
During the fiscal year this office of the City Clerk accepted and processed, etc.,
under Title 4 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, the following licenses:
TYPE 2015 2016
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers, etc. 316 436
FEES COLLECTED $22,379.50 $37,518.50
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales 1,583 1,443
FEES COLLECTED $10,030.00 $9,855.00
Pet Licenses (1 -Year) 3,439 1,971
Pet Licenses (3 -Year) 152 277
FEES COLLECTED $39,349.50 $25,238.50
Bicycle Licenses 15 17
FEES COLLECTED $45.00 $51.00
(d) "The City Clerk shall receive for filing: zoning petitions,
subdivision plats, security bonds, etc. Comprehensive files
covering all phases of development of new subdivisions: from
the Public Hearings of the City Planning Commission in
proposed plats, to the filing of all bonds and payment of
financial assurances established in the City Council's Master
Bond Resolutions, to the final signatures of the City Clerk after
the final plat approval is given by the Council."
12
NUMBER AND TYPE OF PETITIONS FILED
(e) Publication and Legal Notices
The City Clerk is responsible for the publication of the City Council's
proceedings in the official newspaper of the City and the insertion of
Public Notices required by law of Public Hearings and all Ordinances
duly adopted.
In addition, Ordinances are printed, collated and distributed to all
departments and interested parties. A complete file in excess of
2,991 separate Ordinances is maintained, and the Livonia Code of
Ordinances is continually updated, as amended, and on file in the
City Clerk's office.
(f) Duplicating and Mailing Figures
The City Clerk's office produces copies of the following materials for
2015
2016
Zoning
9
8
Vacating
1
1
Miscellaneous (Waivers)
21
23
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary)
0
0
Final Plats
0
0
Extensions
0
0
(e) Publication and Legal Notices
The City Clerk is responsible for the publication of the City Council's
proceedings in the official newspaper of the City and the insertion of
Public Notices required by law of Public Hearings and all Ordinances
duly adopted.
In addition, Ordinances are printed, collated and distributed to all
departments and interested parties. A complete file in excess of
2,991 separate Ordinances is maintained, and the Livonia Code of
Ordinances is continually updated, as amended, and on file in the
City Clerk's office.
(f) Duplicating and Mailing Figures
The City Clerk's office produces copies of the following materials for
meetings of the City Council.
2015
2016
Council Regular Agendas
1,800
1,716
Council Study Agendas
2,040
2,016
Special Regular Agendas
45
0
Special Regular Minutes
17
0
Council Regular Minutes
408
144
Council Study Minutes
480
192
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings
700
0
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes
96
96
Council Public Hearing Notices
1,122
484
Public Hearing Minutes
484
484
*Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution for
each activity; number of pages varies by event and is not included in
total.
5
MAILING FUNCTION
All City Departments' outgoing mail is handled through mailing
equipment in the City Clerk's office and the required postage in 2016
totaled $90,095.00. All incoming mail is handled daily by the Clerk's
office and is distributed to the various departments of the City.
(g) Election Commission of Livonia (Authority - State Statute)
The City Clerk presides as Chairperson of the three-member Election
Commission consisting of the Clerk, Mayor and City Attorney,
charged with the responsibility of conducting all elections within the
City. The compensation of election personnel shall be determined in
advance by the Election Commission. In any case where Election
procedure is in doubt, the Election Commission shall prescribe the
procedure to be followed.
STATISTICS RELATING TO THIS FUNCTION
2015 2016
Elections Held in City 1 State Special 1 Pres. Primary
1 City Primary 1 School Special
1 City General 1 State Primary
1 State General
2015 2016
New Registrations
4,209
6,899
Total Registered Voters
74,323
76,722
Change of Name
508
734
Change of Address
152
848
Cancellations
3,495
4,746
Registrations by Mail
404
797
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued
16,844
29,709
AV Applications Issued
16,844
29,709
Notices of Election Inspectors
603
795
Notice of Cancellation of Registration
290
467
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists
$522.86*
0.00*
* Beginning July 1, 2015, new FOIA laws restrict what can be charged for voter or any
information.
0
(h) Other Duties and Responsibilities of the Clerk
The Clerk shall have power to administer all oaths required by State
Law, the Charter and Ordinances of the City.
The Clerk shall be custodian of the City Seal and shall affix it to all
documents and instruments requiring the Seal, and shall attest the
same.
The Clerk shall be custodian of all papers, documents and records
pertaining to the City of Livonia, the custody of which is not otherwise
provided for by the Charter.
As custodian of records, in 2015 the Clerk purchased document
storage software. Currently all Birth records, Death records, Council
Regular Minutes, Public Hearing Minutes and Election Commission
Minutes have been scanned and are searchable by text. Other
various board and commission minutes have been partially scanned
and saved.
In 2015 the Clerkjoined the Michigan Centralized Death Registration
System and the Michigan Centralized Birth Registration System and
can now receive filings of death records electronically and issue
State Certified Birth Certificates to the public.
The Clerk's office has offered notary services to the public since
2011. In 2016, 65 documents were witnessed and notarized by the
department, with fees of $645.00 collected.
The Clerk shall give the proper officials of the City ample notices of
expiration or termination of any official bonds, franchises, contracts
or agreements.
The Clerk shall examine and audit all accounts and claims against
the City.
In 2016, the Clerk examined, pre -audited and signed approximately
15,271 vouchers issued by the Department of Finance for transmittal
to the City Treasurer.
The Clerk shall possess and exercise the powers of a Township
Clerk so far as the same are required to be performed within the City.
The Clerk shall certify by signature all Ordinances and Resolutions
enacted or passed by the City Council.
7
The Clerk, as custodian of the cemeteries under City jurisdiction, is
in charge of all burial procedures and in 2016 there were no
authorized opening and closings at the cemeteries and no placement
of a veteran headstone.
CIVIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
REGULAR BUSINESS
The Civil Service Commission held twelve Regular meetings and two Special
meetings during fiscal year 2015-16.
LABOR RELATIONS
The City and Livonia Fire Fighters Union, Local 1164, successfully negotiated and
implemented a three-year contract. In addition, the City, the Livonia Police Officers
Association, and Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, began
talks pursuant to an agreed upon wage reopener, and contract negotiations began
and are continuing with AFSCME Council 25, Local 192. No agreement had been
reached as of November 30, 2016.
Several Labor -Management Committee meetings have been held to resolve
employee and/or union grievances or concerns filed by the AFSCME Local 192,
the Livonia Police Officers Association, the Livonia Police Lieutenants and
Sergeants Association, and the Livonia Fire Fighters Union. These committees
consist of representatives of the Union and the City. In the event a grievance
cannot be resolved at the committee level, the grievance procedure permits appeal
to the Civil Service Commission and, if not resolved, through mediation and/or
formal arbitration.
PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Personnel Review Committee, comprised of the Human Resources Director,
the Director of Finance, and the Director of Administrative Services, met 20 times
during the year and reviewed and made 75 recommendations to the Mayor
pertaining to all new hires, replacement personnel, and promotions.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS
Hospitalization -Medical Insurance Plans
Effective March 1, 2016, the City's cap for annual contributions to active employee
0
health insurance consistent with Public Act 152 was:
• Single coverage - $5,992.30
• Two -person coverage - $12,531.75
• Family - $16,342.66
Effective March 1, 2016, the monthly premium share amounts for employees were:
General non -court employees
Community Blue 3
Blue Choice
LFFU employees
Community Blue 3
Blue Choice
LLSA & Police Command
Community Blue 3
Blue Choice
LPOA employees
Community Blue 3
Blue Choice
Single Two Person / Famil
$ 35.00
$ 59.00
$ 35.00
$221.00
Single
Two Person / Family
$ 35.00
$ 52.00
$ 35.00
$221.00
Single Two Person / Famil
$ 35.00
$ 50.00
$ 35.00
$220.00
Single
Two Person / Family
$ 35.00
$ 49.00
$ 35.00
$220.00
The annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair was held on four separate
afternoons during January 2016 at various City locations including; Police
Headquarters Training Room, Department of Public Works Administrative
Conference Room, City Hall Fifth -Floor Gallery and 16th District Court. Employees
and retirees, along with their immediate family members, were encouraged to
attend. Representatives from Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
hospitalization/medical insurance plans, sponsored by the City, were present to
permit employees to review and compare plan provisions and obtain assistance
with health care questions or issues.
As of October 31, 2016 (the last available report from Blue Cross Blue Shield), the
employee and retiree hospitalization/medical insurance enrollments are-
(BC/BS) Traditional Plan
6
Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
135
Retirees on Medicare
2
Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
(BC/BS) Preferred Plan
16
Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
139
Retirees on Medicare
26
Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
0
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
187
Insurance
Employee subscribers
Blue Choice PPO
84
Employees
Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
$33,565,808.26
100
17
Retirees on Medicare
Retirees @ $3,500
31
$ 465,500.00
Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
255
$ 1,275,000.00
Medicare Coverage
Community Blue 2
28
Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
27
Retirees on Medicare
7
Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
Community Blue 3
286
Employee subscribers
28
Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
6
Retirees on Medicare
6
Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
A total of 68 full-time employees "opted out" of insurance coverage during the
2016 open enrollment period and received $1,000 in lieu of
hospitalization/medical coverage.
Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan
The City of Livonia currently contracts for group life insurance with Reliance
Standard Life Insurance Company, at the rate of 0.182 cents per $1,000 per month
volume. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance
coverage is also provided by Reliance at a rate of 0.015 cents per $1,000 volume
per month.
Current Insurance Volumes:
During the fiscal year, a total of $82,637.79 in life insurance and AD&D premiums
were paid to Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company. There were 15 retiree
death claims totaling $61,500. There was one employee death claim totaling
$99,552.
Weekly Disability Income Plan
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective December 1, 2016, through November 30, 2018, the disability claims are
administered by York Risk Services, formerly Citizen's Management, Inc. (CMI).
This benefit provides $250/week to disabled general full-time employees and
10
Insurance
Number
Amount
Employees
584
$33,565,808.26
Retirees @ $3,000
17
$ 51,000.00
Retirees @ $3,500
133
$ 465,500.00
Retirees @ $5,000
255
$ 1,275,000.00
During the fiscal year, a total of $82,637.79 in life insurance and AD&D premiums
were paid to Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company. There were 15 retiree
death claims totaling $61,500. There was one employee death claim totaling
$99,552.
Weekly Disability Income Plan
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective December 1, 2016, through November 30, 2018, the disability claims are
administered by York Risk Services, formerly Citizen's Management, Inc. (CMI).
This benefit provides $250/week to disabled general full-time employees and
10
$125/week to disabled part-time employees for up to 45 weeks; $125/week for
disabled Police Dispatcher full-time employees for 45 weeks; $42/week for the first
12 weeks and $100/week for the 40 -week balance of 52 weeks for disabled police
and fire employees; and $200/week for up to 45 weeks for District Court
employees. The total premium paid to York Risk Services to administer the
disability program was $10,125.
There were a total of 13 weekly disability income claims paid to employees during
the year. A total benefit of $25,885.83 was paid by this self-insured program.
Tuition Reimbursement
The Civil Service Department staff administers the AFSCME Union Local 192
(General Employees) and the AFSCME Union Local 1917 (Supervisory and
Technical Chapter) tuition reimbursement programs. Eleven members of Local
192 expended $4,299.71 of the maximum allocation of $15,000 during the fiscal
year in 37 separate reimbursements. Two members of the AFSCME Union Local
1917 expended $480 of the maximum allocation of $3,475 during the fiscal year in
ten separate reimbursements.
Optical Program
The City offers an optical benefit program with two providers: Co -Op Optical and
RxOptical, who have multiple area locations, as well as a direct employee
reimbursement option. Employee usage and costs incurred during the fiscal year
at these centers or through the direct employee reimbursement option were:
Safety Glasses
Direct Employee
Co -Op Optical
RxOptical
Dental Program
7
$ 336.50
Reimbursement 75
12,317.18
25
1,796.00
119
10,968.00
Total 225
$25,417.68
All employee groups have a dental reimbursement program which includes an
option for the employee to elect a direct payment to the dentist. The City provides
an annual benefit of $800 per employee. Billing for services rendered must be
submitted within 30 days of the November 30th fiscal year end for consideration.
A summary of the employee reimbursements and hardship advances during the
fiscal year to date is:
Number of Total Average
Transactions Amount Paid Payment
Reim bursement/Direct Payment 749 $234,433.34 $312.99
11
Dental reimbursement may also include payment for Dental Insurance premiums.
LFFU members participate in a dental insurance program. The program is
administered by the Union.
Orthodontic Services
General employees, Court employees, LFFU, LLSA and Police Command are
eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services fora lifetime maximum of $1500
per family. Coverage is limited to the employee, spouse, and dependent children
until the end of the year the dependent reaches age 19. LPOA employees are
eligible for 50% of the fees for a lifetime maximum of $1000 per family.
A summary of the orthodontic service claims received during the fiscal year is:
Number of Claims Total Amount Paid
Police/Fire 5 $ 4,322.75
General 8 $ 6,628.25
Total 13 $10,951.00
Worker's Compensation Program
At the meeting of November 14, 2016, City Council (Resolution # 433-16)
approved the City's self-insurance program for Workers' Compensation, for the
contract period December 1, 2016 through November 30, 2017, with York Risk
Services, formerly Citizens Management, Inc. (CMI), for claims administration
services for a total estimated premium cost of $42,000 in year one, and $43,260
in year two.
Further, City Council authorized a contract for the period of December 1, 2016,
through November 30, 2018, with Midwest Employers Casualty Company to
provide the City with excess insurance coverage when losses from any one claim
reaches $750,000, for a total estimated premium cost of $128,189, subject to
conditions.
The total paid on all claims through York Risk Services from December 1, 2015
through November 30, 2016, is $191,396.01. There were 83 new claims submitted
during this period.
The total paid on all claims through CompOne Administrators, Inc. from December
1, 2015 through November 30, 2016, is $154,740.56. These payments are for
claims that started prior to December 1, 2009.
The total paid on all claims includes weekly wage loss indemnity benefits, medical
services, related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other related professional
expenses. Employees receive treatment for work-related injuries or illness at
Providence Occupational Health Partners.
12
Unemployment Compensation Program
The City of Livonia participates in the self-insured Michigan Municipal League
Unemployment Compensation Group Account. The firm of Equifax is the service
agent for the group account. The Civil Service Department responded to
approximately 15 claims for unemployment benefits filed with the Michigan
Employment Security Administration (MESA). Approximate charges for 2016 are
$19,701.63.
City Physician and Medical Clinics
Pre-employment, return -to -work, and occupational injury/illness medical
examinations and treatment are provided by the authorized City Physician, St.
John Providence Corporate Health Services. Also, St. Mary Mercy Hospital has
provided medical services for Police and Fire personnel and emergency services
only for general employees.
Ninety-nine regular and temporary employee pre-employment (full-time and part-
time) examinations and 81 physical examinations for return to work were
conducted. Ten psychological evaluations were completed for new Public Safety
employees by the City's Consulting Psychologists, Dr. Lyle Danuloff, Ph.D. and
Psybus, PC. In addition, there were medical consultations with regard to employee
health and occupational safety matters and worker's compensation claims. These
included continuation of pre-employment auditory, TB and pulmonary function
examinations for firefighter and police officer new hires, in compliance with
MIOSHA requirements. Alcohol and drug testing for employees assigned to drive
specific types of Department of Public Works vehicles are coordinated in
compliance with federal regulations.
SAFETY
A representative from Providence Hospital conducted Bloodborne Pathogens
Training for the Department of Public Works staff. Building Maintenance
employees attended one of the three training sessions.
SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Ninety-seven employees received service recognition awards in fiscal year 2015-
16 -
Level of Service Service Awards Presented
Five Years 15
Ten Years 14
Fifteen Years 22
Twenty Years 17
Twenty -Five Years 16
13
Thirty Years
11
Thirty -Five Years
2
Forty Years
0
Forty -Five Years
0
Total
97
APPLICANT RECRUITMENT
The Civil Service Department has continued an affirmative recruitment program
through newspaper advertisements in the Observer/Eccentric, Detroit
News/Detroit Free Press, and notices to various colleges, training schools, MESA,
handicapper rehabilitation services, and minority community-based organizations.
The total number of advertisements published during fiscal year 2015-16 were:
Detroit News — 10 and Livonia Observer — 10, as well as several professional
association publications, the City of Livonia Spring and Fall News, and Cable
Channel 8.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In accordance with the Affirmative Action policy adopted by the Civil Service
Commission, Civil Service staff continued its efforts to monitor and revise position
descriptions that are job-related. Proposed qualifications for each new open -
competitive examination were reviewed by the respective department staff and the
Civil Service Commission in order to establish pre -requisites that are appropriate
to the positions being filled. Staff also provided a monthly summary report to the
Civil Service Commission concerning EEO characteristics of all applicants for
open -competitive examinations, the resulting eligible lists, and all regular
employee hires and terminations.
EXAMINATION PROGRAM
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open -competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During fiscal
year 2015-16, a total of 28 open -competitive and 24 promotional examinations
were announced and administered. As of November 4, 2016, the Civil Service
Department received 801 applications for open -competitive examinations and 72
applications for promotional examinations during the fiscal year. In addition, the
department processed 337 applications for temporary employment opportunities
in various Parks and Recreation positions; 76 applications for Seasonal Laborer;
17 applications for Seasonal Clerk; 81 applications for Student Page; 114
applications for Library Page; 20 applications for Substitute Librarian; eight
applications for Temporary Clerical; 16 applications for School Crossing Guard;
and 53 applications for Police Reserve Officer.
14
TRAINING
During the 2015-16, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee
training activities and meeting opportunities.
During first part of the year, the department coordinated one-on-one meetings with
Nationwide (for the 457(b) plan) and with Empower Retirement (for the 401(a)
plan). In addition, the City went through a comprehensive process to transition
from three 457(b) plan providers, ICMA-RC, Mass Mutual, and Nationwide, to one
457(b) plan provider, Empower Retirement (formerly Great West Retirement).
Between May and December 2016, Empower Retirement hosted several
informational transition meetings, as well as one-on-one meetings for employees
and retirees.
Empower Retirement is now the sole vendor for the both the 401(a) Defined
Contribution Plan as well as the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
During 2015-2016, three employees received crisis intervention and individual
counseling sessions. Each employee is provided up to five sessions, for a total of
$400 per individual. In addition, EAP providers have been called upon to assist
departments with group conflict resolution meetings, with services totaling $1,040.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has mirrored their
behavioral health -counseling program to the City's EAP and uses many of the
same referral network of providers. A total of $1,570 in CDBG funds has been
expended during 2015-16. In addition, counseling services were provided for five
low-income residents who received a total of 20 visits.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Following is a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Board of
Trustees of the Livonia Employees Retirement System for the period December 1,
2015, through November 30, 2016-
i M Q 4 91,1114 ej :14,1114 a k 9 a wil Z I
016:
iMQ49l,l4el-14,14ak9»_1Z1
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
b) As of November 30, 2016, the Defined Benefit Plan had 551 retirees
or surviving spouses plus 16 Alternate Payees under Eligible
Domestic Relations Orders (EDROs) for a total of 567 receiving
15
pension checks. Twenty-five City retirees/surviving spouses died
during fiscal year 2015-2016. The total pension payroll fiscal year to
date is $16,490,689 through November 2016.
c) David Sowerby of Loomis -Sayles and Company advises the Board on
investments for the Defined Benefit Plan and uses discretionary power
regarding investments subject to confirmation by the Board. The
Board approved investment transactions by Loomis -Sayles and
Company at regular meetings. The Defined Benefit portion of the fund
managed by Loomis Sayles had a market value of $210,853,181 as
of October 31, 2016.
d) In March 2016, the Board reviewed the 63rd annual actuarial valuation
as of November 30, 2015, for the Livonia Employees Retirement
System, prepared by the Board's Actuary, Rodwan Consulting
Company. The Plan covered 562 retirees; 19 deferred and 116
employees for a total of 697. The Actuary reported that the accrued
actuarial condition of the Retirement System is "good." Continuation
of this condition is dependent upon future investment experience and
receipt of required contributions.
e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan was 102%.
f) John Krakowiak, Sr. Consultant of NEPC, LLC, provided the
consulting and performance evaluation services to the Board from
December 2015 through March 2016. Mr. Krakowiak left NEPC, LLC
and Mr. Gary Wyniemko, Sr., Consultant of NEPC, LLC provided
these services for the remainder of the fiscal year through November
30, 2015.
g) The Board has a $10,000,000 investment in a Real Estate Investment
Trust (REIT) managed by Seminole Asset Strategies (SAS).
Staff and board members attend SAS investment update meetings
quarterly.
Total interest earnings on the SAS REIT from December 1, 2015,
through October 31, 2016, were $500,000.
h) The Board has a global real estate investment with Cohen & Steers
Capital Management Inc., in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT),
separately managed account. The account market value reported as
of October 31, 2016, was $7,622,342.
16
i) The total defined benefit fund value was $210,853,181 as of October
31, 2016.
j) Sixteen (16) requests for retirement estimates under the Defined
Benefit Plan were processed by the Civil Service Department Staff.
k) Members of the Board and staff continued their education required as
fiduciaries by attending the Michigan Association of Public Employees
Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Soaring Eagle Resort,
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, from May 21 to May 24, 2016; and at the
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan from September 18 to
September 20, 2016.
2. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
b) The Defined Contribution Plan Administrator continues to be Empower
Retirement Services, formerly known as Great West Retirement
Services.
c) The Defined Contribution Fund had a total account ending balance of
$58,325,928 as of December 8, 2016, 522 active participants and of
the active employees, 67 have a zero ending account balance; 138
participants who terminated employment and of those terminated
employees, 16 have a zero ending account balance.
d) As of November 30, 2016, a total of 173 employees have retired under
the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VEBA)
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
b) Mr. Sowerby advised the Board on investments for the VEBA. The
VEBA had a market value of $94,626,380 as of October 31, 2016.
Note: The VEBA was established at the recommendation of the former
Actuary to the Board of Trustees, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and Co., for
purposes of placing in a tax free trust, monies to pay for post -
employment hospitalization -medical insurance benefits for members
of the DB and the DC Plans, as well as to provide separate funding for
DC Plan member disability retirement benefits.
c) In March 2016, the Board reviewed the 18th annual actuarial valuation
as of November 30, 2015, for the VEBA, as prepared by the Board's
17
Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The amortization periods
adopted by the Board of Trustees for the funding purposes of this Plan
are 30 years for disability benefits and 40 years for health insurance
benefits. The 40 -year amortization period produces a contribution that
is less than the Annual Required Contribution (ARC) and results in a
contribution deficiency in the Plan's financial report.
d) The fund had actuarial computed assets of $91,645,995 and the
funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued liability
for the City of Livonia Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan and
Trust (VEBA) was 56.3% as of November 30, 2015. The unfunded
liability is $71,134,387.
e) Effective December 1, 2006, through negotiations with City employee
groups, the City's VEBA Plan was amended to require an employee
contribution in the form of a salary reduction to the Plan for post -
employment health care benefits. LPOA, LFFU, LLSA and all general
employees (including District Court employees) hired before the dates
listed in Section 'T' below are contributing 2% of pension eligible
wages to the VEBA Plan. (This does not include overtime earnings
and this contribution is in un -taxed dollars.)
As required by federal law, non-union employees were provided a
non-reversible opportunity to opt -out of the health care provisions of
the VEBA. A total of 16 non -represented employees elected to opt -
out of the VEBA Plan.
The City saves more than $136,000 per year in contributions as a
result of these employees opting out of the VEBA.
f) General, unrepresented employees hired after December 1, 2009;
AFSCME Union Local 192 and AFSCME Union Local 1917
employees hired on or after September 8, 2011; uniformed police
employees and police dispatchers hired on or after November 2, 20117
and LFFU members and District Court employees hired after
December 1, 2012, must participate in the City sponsored
Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings (RHSP) Plan instead of the
VEBA. This plan allows the employee to accumulate assets tax-free
to be used for eligible healthcare related expenses upon termination.
The new employees contribute 2% of their pension wages to the
program. Employee contributions are vested immediately. The City
contributes $60 per pay period. Upon termination after 10 years of
service, the accrued sick leave payout is deposited in the account for
In
all non -Fire employees. With regard to the direct City contributions,
the following vesting schedule applies:
Years of Completed Service Vesting Percentage
0-4 0%
4+ 100%
In the event of the retiree's death, remaining assets will be
transferred to an account for continuing tax-free use by the surviving
spouse and/or dependents for their own qualifying health expenses.
Any remaining assets after the death of the spouse and dependents
will revert to the Plan. In addition, should the employee terminate
employment before four (4) years of service, non -vested assets will
revert to the Plan.
g) The City's post -65 prescription drug processor continued to be Precise
Care Rx. The City converted the over -65 retiree drug program to a
Part D program. This eliminated the requirement to obtain an Actuarial
valuation that stated our prescription program was Part D compliant,
saving this plan $5,000 per year. This also permitted the City to get
immediate savings from Social Security Retiree Drug subsidy program
and low-income programs.
h) The City's prescription drug processor continues to be AMWINS Rx
for all pre -65 retirees, spouses, and dependents.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
RESIDENT ASSISTANCE
• Emergency Help — Emergency Service Program funds assists low-income
households with food gift cards when the emergency is proven and
funds/cards are available. We are also an active member with the Livonia
Cares organization.
• Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP):
o Wayne County food was distributed monthly for a total of 3,513
distributions for 4,921 residents. This amount of food equates to at
least $65,580 at no cost to the City.
o Seventeen volunteers worked more than 1,020 hours.
o The District Court Work Program also provided an average of 15
probationers a month providing 1,080 work program hours. They
helped to unload the delivery trucks, sorted the food items, assisted
our residents one-on-one with picking up their food, and helped load
the items into the residents' cars.
19
o We also partnered with the Forgotten Harvest Food Rescue
organization, which provided our low-income residents with fresh
fruits, vegetables, dairy, bakery and meat items. At least 95,167
pounds of food was distributed to our residents.
• Non -Food Pantry Referrals — More than 910 referral forms were issued to
TEFAP-qualified residents for boxes of assorted personal hygiene and
household goods/supplies supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and
Newburgh Methodist Church.
• Holiday Assistance — Over 189 TEFAP-qualified households were referred
to local sponsors for holiday food assistance. The Community Resources
Department also works closely with the Goodfellows organization to ensure
that no child/family is without a Christmas.
Publications
City Newsletter — Three (3) issues were published and mailed to approximately
43,000 residences and businesses. Dearborn Lithograph in Livonia will continue
to publish for the next two years.
Community Gardens
• Cash collected for Garden Plots $4,940
• Plots available for planting 243 and 18 corn row plots
• Plots purchased 173
• Plots purchased by residents 110 at $25
• Plot purchased end of season 1 at $20
In January of 2016, the gardeners from 2015 were contacted to pay for their plots
if they wished to continue gardening in 2016. Open enrollment became available
to everyone the first week of April. The gardens were staked by the 16th District
Court Probation Department in May. The Department of Public Works delivered
wood chips and compost. DPW plowed the garden in the spring and fall. This was
a dry summer so wet gardens were not a problem. The gardens supervisor,
Richard, was available three days a week during the time the gardens were open
in order to assist gardeners with any issues that might arise. Wheelbarrows and
hoses were purchased this year to replace worn out items. In September, we held
the Annual Gardeners' Picnic, which was well attended. On October 8th, we closed
the Gardens. The District Court probationers cleaned up the area.
LIVONIA YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2016 Referrals: 23 New Cases — (12 Male and 11 Female)
Carry Over Cases from 2015: 35
Total Cases served in 2016: 58
These numbers are accurate as of November 30, 2016.
2016 Cases represent the following referral agencies:
• Livonia Police Department — 15
20
• Surrounding Police Departments (Westland, Novi) — 8
Youth Assistance also recorded:
• Eight parents completed 128 hours of instruction with our Alternative
Parenting Skills group.
• Youth Assistance clients filled 65 community work service slots, completing
400 hours of work service.
• 27 youth received instruction in "Project Impact" (social living skills) group
equaling 324 hours of instruction.
• 19 youth attended the County Jail tour.
• 10 drug tests were administered
• 28 youth used the walk-in services of the Youth Employment Resource
Center. The site was hit 13,827 times and viewed 122,264 pages. High
School visits were made at Churchill, Franklin, Stevenson and
Clarenceville.
• Wayne County grants from 1/10th Mill Fund — $19,000.
LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT (LCT)
Community Resources has the administrative responsibility of providing
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and disabled residents through Livonia
Community Transit. Transportation is available, with a reservation, seven days a
week on a first-come, first -serve basis. Livonia Community Transit also provides
"To Work" service for people coming to Livonia using the SMART (Suburban
Mobility Authority for Regional Transit) and D -DOT (Detroit Department of
Transportation) bus systems. This service picks up riders from hubs located at
Millennium Park and near Botsford Hospital and then takes these riders to pre-
determined drop-off locations. "To Work" riders are picked up in the morning at
6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and again in the afternoon for the return trip at 4:00, 5:00
and 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Credit and Specialized Service contracts, as well as the Federal 5310
"Call for Projects" and Specialized Services Grants, are administered by SMART
and prepared by the Community Resources staff.
The Livonia Community Transit system has a fleet of 17 vehicles, a combination
of small buses and vans. The vehicles are driven by 25 part-time bus drivers all
with Commercial Drivers Licenses. The Transit office is supervised by a Grant
Manager and four (4) other part-time employees who help coordinate the drivers
and the route schedules. The system provided approximately 55,300 rides. These
rides totaled over 266,700 miles and approximately 21,700 service hours.
Revenue from bus fares totaled approximately $65,000.
21
Livonia Transit provides door-to-door transportation for the students of Services to
Enhance Potential (STEP) and the Personal Enrichment Program (PEP); both
programs are for disabled adults and operate on a daily basis.
Livonia Community Transit also provides service to assist qualifying veterans get
to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Livonia Transit will pick-up qualifying veterans at
their home and take them to Meijer in Westland where they will be able to board a
shuttle. The VA shuttle departs Westland three times a day Monday through
Friday at 9:05 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. The cost is $2 each way.
Livonia Transit continues to use RouteMatch state-of-the-art technology and
professional services to better serve the Livonia Transit passengers and
streamline customer service.
LIVONIA CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION
In 2016, Livonia Television (LTV) provided viewers on Charter (formerly
Brighthouse Networks - Channel 8/8.1), AT&T U -verse (Channel 99) and WOW
(Channel 10) with high-quality programming, promoting the City's events,
programs, services and quality of life. LTV staff consistently utilized cable
television as a delivery format, as well as the internet for LIVE and on -demand
streaming videos on the City's website, and regular updates to social media outlets
such as Facebook and Twitter.
As mentioned above, WOW became a service provider in Livonia during late
2015/early 2016. They chose to duplicate the Franchise Fee and PEG rates used
by Brighthouse (now Charter). In 2016, Charter provided the City with a franchise
agreement as well, when they purchased the Brighthouse Networks operation.
They, too, have continued to provide the City with the same Franchise Fee and
PEG payments as Brighthouse did. With Phase One (south of 1-96) of their
buildout completed, representatives from WOW report that their buildout into the
Livonia community north of 1-96 (Phase Two) is approximately one-third complete
as of December 2016, with a projected completion date near the end of 2017.
Several upgrades were completed at LTV in 2016. The playback server was
upgraded, followed by a complete overhaul of the control room in the City Hall
auditorium later in the year. All equipment there now is HD and will be ready to
provide our residents with much higher quality video when we become a HD
channel with our service providers. Communication is ongoing between the City
and WOW and Charter in regard to that issue. Both companies are open to the
upgrade concept. As of late November 2016, Charter has said HD will be a likely
upgrade to happen after their systems become fully digital, sometime in 2017.
WOW is also looking into the process of upgrading LTV to HD, researching
equipment needs and bandwidth requirements.
22
LTV experienced its first truly "viral" video achievement this year with the wildly
popular Livonia Public Library Summer Reading Promo, featuring the
Parkour/Freerunning athletes. The video received tens of thousands of views from
around the world, as well as a mention on late-night network television. LTV staff
also took several honors in national competitions in 2016, in the NATOA
Government Programming Competition and in the ACM Hometown Media
Competition/Philo Competition. On a special note, LTV received "Best in Show"
at the Philo's for the second year in a row.
As of November 2016, LTV staff logged a total of nine complaints regarding
Brighthouse Networks, thirty-three with WOW and two regarding AT&T. The WOW
concerns expressed by residents were based on the buildout, not service.
LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission held its meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month
in the Mayor's Conference Room at Livonia City Hall.
The 2016 officers were:
• Brian Duggan, Chairperson
• Dan Spurling, Vice Chairperson
• Carrie Spurling, Secretary
The Commission eliminated the office of Treasurer and relies on the financial
reports submitted by City liaison Chris Swish. Active members include: Virginia
Bosak, Donna Eno, Grace Karczewski, Robert Khzouz, Kira Leeper, Helen Moore,
Jerry Valentine, Pam Valentine and Karen Voran. Helen Moore joined the
Commission in March. Kira Leeper resigned in August.
Budgeted Free -Admission Activities:
• The Commission appropriated $1,800 to co-sponsor the monthly Noontime
Concerts held at the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library.
• The Livonia Symphony Orchestra started off the Music from the Heart
concert series on June 16th performing at the Jack Kirksey Recreation
Center. We continued the series with nine other performances on the
campus of City Hall starting on July 7th and ending on September 1St. The
following businesses donated refreshments to our visitors during the
concerts: Buffalo Wild Wings, Community Choice Credit Union, and Jimmy
John's.
Commission Sponsored Community Activities:
• $500 grant to Visual Arts Association of Livonia.
• Two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students, Shannon Burke and
Mathias Reed, who are planning on an art -related field of study at a post -
23
high school learning institution. The scholarships were awarded at the
beginning of a City Council meeting.
Commission Donations:
• Livonia Symphony Orchestra: $2,000
• Greenmead's Garden Walk: $50
• Greenmead's Christmas Walk: $50
The Commission held its 19th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in October. The juror, Lin
Baum, selected the artwork that was displayed in the Fine Arts Gallery at the
Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library. Eighty (80) applicants submitted
over 223 entries. The application fees netted $3,620 in revenue.
Artwork from regional artists and art groups including the Livonia Public Schools
and Clarenceville Public Schools were displayed monthly in the Robert and Janet
Bennett Civic Center Library Gallery and in the City Hall Atrium.
Commission Fundraiser: The commission hosted a "Taste of the Arts" at Burton
Manor. Twelve local restaurants donated food along with a live band and a cash
bar. The cost of Taste Fest was $2,070 and the revenue brought in was $4,453.
Commission Sponsored Receptions: The Fine Arts Exhibition reception was held
in October in the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library Atrium. Individual
artist receptions were held monthly in the Library Gallery.
Livonia Public Schools asked the Commission to judge its annual PTSA (Parent
Teacher Student Association) Reflections competition once again.
The Arts Commission maintains a city website, a Facebook site, and a
youtube.com/artsinlivonia.com account.
The Arts Commission mission statement is: "To create, promote, develop, sponsor,
sustain, facilitate, and further the Arts within the City of Livonia." The Arts
Commission continues to boost community access to art experiences,
opportunities, and improving community awareness.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
In 2016, the Livonia Commission on Children and Youth continued the
administration of the Livonia Youth/Spree Scholarship Program sponsored by the
Livonia Anniversary Committee. The Commission distributed brochures
advertising the scholarships to the local high schools and libraries. The
scholarship information was presented in the City Winter -Spring Newsletter, on
Livonia Television, in the Livonia Observer, on the City's website and through the
Department of Community Resources. This year we only received seventeen
applications. We awarded three $2000 scholarships. Commissioners Dan
Spurling, Jeff Nork, Jessica Claypoole, and Jim Keller reviewed and selected the
24
most deserving recipients. Scholarship awards were presented during the Livonia
Spree Pancake breakfast in June.
The 2016 Arbor Day Project in April was coordinated with the cooperation of both
the Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville Public Schools. Arborvitae Tree
seedlings were packaged and distributed to all fourth grade classes in the two
school systems. Global ReLeaf and the Youth Commission shared the cost of
supplying more than eighteen hundred trees. Commissioner Ken Balcoff chaired
the committee this year.
The Youth Commission continues to monetarily support the "Senior All Night
Parties" or a Senior Breakfast for the 2016 graduates. The Livonia High Schools,
Clarenceville High School and Ladywood High School requested a $300 donation
towards their parties, which were held on school grounds.
In 2016, Honor Certificates were presented to all graduating seniors who had
achieved a 3.0 grade point average or higher from Clarenceville, Ladywood,
Churchill, Franklin and Stevenson High Schools. Commissioner Dan Spurling and
John Grzebik spearheaded this project.
Acknowledging that back to school is a costly time of year for low-income parents,
the Livonia Youth Commission held its annual school supply program for the sixth
consecutive year. The Commission distributed more than 189 backpacks filled with
school supplies to low-income families whose names were provided by the Livonia
Goodfellows. Both monetary and supply donations were received from the Livonia
Anniversary Committee, Livonia Kids and Families, PEP Center, Walgreens, Sri
Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Community Alliance Credit Union, Kohl's Care Program,
City employees' jeans days, and several Livonia families. The commission also
purchased school supplies with their funds. Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jeff
Nork were primarily responsible for this project and were assisted by other
Commissioners, Chris Swish of Community Resources, City staff, Kohl's
employees, Livonia Police Service Aides, and many other volunteers.
Emergency stickers, which are to be placed on the bedroom windows of children,
senior citizens or handicapped individuals, continue to be available at City Hall as
well as from the Livonia Fire Department. Information for obtaining these stickers
is shown on Livonia Television.
The Youth Commission, in an effort to reach out to the low-income youth of Livonia,
hosted a holiday party on two consecutive Saturdays the 12th and 19st of
November for families who registered with the Livonia Goodfellows. While
Goodfellows representatives interviewed the parents, the children were invited to
enjoy snacks and crafts. They were given mittens/gloves, scarves and hats. The
children were also given an opportunity to have their faces painted and to visit and
have their photograph taken with Santa at the Senior Center. Commissioners Dan
Spurling and Jeff Nork headed this project and were aided by Commissioners,
25
Livonia Police Reserves, Valentino's Pizzeria, Jimmy John's, Community
Resources, Holmes Middle School students, Youth Assistance Program, the
Spurling family and numerous volunteers from the community.
This nine -member commission meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of the month
at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of Livonia City Hall. Commission members are: Ken
Balcoff, Jessica Claypoole, Laura Duggan, George Gostias, John Grzebik, Nadia
Ideh, James Keller, Jeff Nork, and Dan Spurling.
Commission Officers for 2015-2016:
• Dan Spurling, Chairperson
• Jeff Nork, Vice Chairperson
• James Keller, Secretary
LIVONIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Historic District Resources:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) continued to meet the first
Wednesday of the month at Greenmead's Alexander Blue House in Livonia,
Michigan during 2015/2016. The Commission had five official meetings but
elected to continue to meet for planning purposes every month except July. Due
to the nature of Historic Preservation Commission, official meetings may be added
with the necessary approvals to accommodate owners of Historic Properties
requiring approvals.
This year many requests for headstone information, historic house information and
local family information were fielded by the Commissioners.
Greenmead
HPC input recommendations, comments and support to the relocation of the
Nankin Mills (Perrinville) school house to Greenmead.
Various other projects at Greenmead were discussed and approved as required to
update the village, Simmons/Hill House and farm buildings.
HPC Commissioners continue to volunteer at Greenmead events in an attempt to
assist the Historical Commission. Some of the events are: Flea Market in the
spring and fall, Highland Games, Sunday tours, general office work and the Teas
throughout the year.
Historic Cemeteries: Newburg, Livonia Center (Union Society), Briggs
(Union Society), Clarenceville
Historic Preservation, along with Historical Commission, Michigan 17th Re -
enactors and Livonia Historical Society planned and held a cemetery walk at
Livonia Newburg Cemetery with profits of $995 for cemetery repairs. About 90
people attended the walk. Over 20 volunteers and re -enactors donated their time.
Proceeds from the cemetery walk went towards the up -righting and repairing of
26
stones at Livonia's historic cemeteries, with $2,000 of the HPC budget allocated
to headstone repair. David Carter's company, Carter's Cemetery Preservation,
was used to make all repairs. In addition, $1,600 of the Cemetery Maintenance
line item was allocated to repair headstones.
All the historic cemeteries in the City require much additional maintenance. There
continues to be considerable maintenance required on the stones due to lawn
cutting practices, age, weather and vandalism. The grass cutters are using large
machines that cause damage to the headstones, including some recently
repaired. The HPC plans to address these issues as funds are raised.
In the future, the Commission would like the budget to support the needs of the
historic cemeteries in Livonia including grass cutting and maintenance. Due to
Livonia budget constraints, the commission has tabled the discussion for another
year.
Asa B. Smith, Seven Mile Road
The Commission worked with the owners to approve plans, materials and color
choices to this historic home last year. The owner completed the siding and
painting this year. This process has been ongoing for over two years.
Stark Road House
This home was purchased by new owners. The Commission helped the
homeowners with paint samples appropriate for the age and style of the home.
The Commission added an extra meeting to work with the new owners approving
appropriate paint colors and new gutters and downspouts. The owners completed
the work this past fall.
Kator / Shay House
This home is for sale. It was brought to the attention of the Commission that this
house has potential structural and exterior envelope issues. The Commission has
not made any progress pursuing the issues of this property with the owners.
Commissioners
This year HPC lost long-time historic Preservationist Sue Daniel. She has retired
and moved to Fox Run in Novi. She continues to be active at Greenmead. We
thank her for her insight and wish her a long retirement. The Commission
welcomes two new commissioners, Katherine Rippe and Danielle Lewon. All the
new and present commissioners are active in the commission and meetings.
Officer Election
Election of officers was held at the November voting meeting with results as
follows:
• Kathleen Johnson-Bartshe, Chairperson
• Kathleen Glynn, Vice Chairperson
27
• Danielle Lewon, Secretary
• Jim Klein, Treasurer
Certified Local Government
The commission continues to inquire about becoming a Certified Local
Government. HPC would be eligible to apply for matching funds for additional
headstone repair.
Historic Property Resurvey
The commission continues to discuss where to start and what to survey in Livonia.
We are working with the State to determine parameters. A laptop computer has
been appropriated for this purpose.
LIVONIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The year 2015/2016 has brought several changes to the Livonia Historical
Commission. New officers began their terms with the following members elected
to office:
• Barbara Mansfield, Chairman
• Nancy Frye, Vice Chairman
• Mary Cambridge, Treasurer
We were sad to see the passing of long time Commissioner Ken Bourgon in
February 2016 after serving since 1972.
Stephanie Miner was appointed by Mayor Dennis Wright to the commission, filling
Ken's term, and was also selected as Secretary. Two additional commissioners,
Patricia Trojan and Michael Marihugh, were appointed by Mayor Wright to fill the
terms of Linda Trewin and Sue Daniel.
Special recognition of Sue Daniel's outstanding service and dedication to
Greenmead will be at a future date with the naming of the SUE DANIEL
RESEARCH CENTER located in lower level of the Nankin Mills (Perrinville)
School.
Activities/Events
During the 2015/2016 year, the following special events were accomplished from
Decemberthrough Novemberwith the events taking place in the Village, Newburg
Cemetery, The Alexander Blue House, The Simmons/Hill House, The Meeting
House and other buildings:
• Volunteer Recognition Program
• The Livonia Christmas Walk in December— Friends of Greenmead
• General meetings of the Livonia Historical Society— January, March,
May Banquet, August Picnic, September and November
W
• The Christmas Tea in December, Queens Tea in February, Highland
Tea in November
• Happily Ever After in April
• Previously Enjoyed Jewelry Sale in April
• Victorian Dinner in May
• Livonia Garden Club Plant Sharing in May
• Volunteer Orientation in May
• Flea Markets in June and September
• The Livonia Garden Walk in June — Friends of Greenmead
• The Motor City Irish Fest in June ... a NEW event for the City of
Livonia
• One Day Trunk Sale in July
• The St. Andrew's Society Highland Games in August
• The AMC Car Show in August
• The Livonia Cemetery Walk at the Newburg Cemetery in September
• The Civil War: Guns and Gowns — A Living History Event - 17th
Michigan
• Celebration of 175 years for the Simmons/Hill House in October
• Halloween event for children in October
• Eagle Scout Program in Recognition of Ken Bourgon at the Flag
Pole, featuring pavers and benches completed in Memory and
Appreciation
• Treasures from Grandma's Attic in November
The Village has been open for tours on weekdays for special groups and for the
public on Sundays June through early October and the first two Sundays in
December.
Many of the events were accomplished with volunteer members of the Friends of
Greenmead, Questors, Livonia Historical Society, Livonia Preservation
Commission, the Michigan 17th Civil War Members, Greenmead Gardeners,
Livonia Garden Club, and the tremendous Greenmead volunteers.
29
Artifacts:
Accessioning and cataloging the artifact collection is an on-going process
conducted by Kathy Glynn and Sue Daniel.
Gardens:
The Simmons/Hill House Gardens and Village Gardens were cared for by
volunteer gardeners under the direction of Jan Whitcomb.
The Greenhouse near the Simmons/Hill House has been a joint project with the
Friends of Greenmead and the Livonia Community Foundation for restoration.
This project is on-going through 2017.
Community Use of Greenmead:
During the 2015/2016 year there have been several events held by community
members and friends for special occasions.
Our Newburg Church continues to be a very popular venue for weddings with
several also renting the Alexander Blue House to host receptions and the Meeting
House for the Rehearsal Night Dinner.
The Alexander Blue House has been utilized by several groups from the Livonia
community for business meetings, seminars, staff training, baby showers, bridal
showers, anniversary and birthday celebrations, graduation celebrations,
memorial recognition programs, meetings of the Preservation Commission,
Historical Commission, Historical Society and many more. Corporate rentals of
the Simmons/Hill House Museum have begun. The feedback has been excellent
and we look forward to doing more in the future.
Maintenance
Throughout 2015/2016 mechanical and labor work has been accomplished at
Greenmead. The assistance of many City departments has proven valuable and
is appreciated.
Outside contractors have also assisted with painting of building exteriors and
interiors. New flooring has been completed in the Meeting House. Updated
plumbing in the Alexander Blue House and the Meeting House was completed.
The fence along Eight Mile Road has been restored after receiving many
donations, including the Livonia Foundation Grant.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 was a Historic day for Livonia. The Nankin Mills
(Perrinville) Schoolhouse was moved to Greenmead.
Annual Report submitted by —
Barbara Mansfield, Chairman
Livonia Historical Commission
30
Members of the Livonia Historical Commission:
Deanna Brown
Mary Cambridge
Nancy Frye
Barbara Mansfield
Michael Marihugh
Stephanie Miner
Gary Pritchard
Sandy Pritchard
Patricia Trojan
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission continues to publish the "Heritage" as part of the City News. It is
distributed to all homes in the City of Livonia. Commission funds are used.
In April, the Commission helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer
Fair.
In June, the Commission co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic held at
the Senior Center. The Commission paid for the Box Lunches. The Commission
was in charge of assistance with BINGO and Share the Wealth drawing.
In October, the Commission provided handouts and worked at Senior Celebration
Day. The Commission also provided funds to purchase supplies, centerpieces and
pies for the Thanksgiving and Holidays/Christmas Parties
At its November 2016 meeting, pursuant to its by-laws, the Commission held its
annual election. The following officers were elected to one-year terms, by a vote
of 5 yes (2 absent) 0 no votes commencing December 1, 2016.
• Josephine Smith, Chairperson
• Dolores Smith, Vice Chairperson
• Florence Yeomans, Treasurer
• Marcia Heads, Secretary
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM
Civic Park Senior Center
Participation in activities during 2016 totaled approximately 236,818 seniors. About
12,600 congregate meals were served (including Special Lunches). Activities
included: health screening, educational classes, support groups, fitness classes,
cards and games, art & crafts, senior sports, Computer Lab, Medicare counseling,
senior picnic, senior resource fair, craft show, holiday parties, Detroit Symphony
Orchestra trips, Farmer's Market trips, etc. Volunteers logged 8,000 hours. Focus:
HOPE program included 432 participants.
SUPPORT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, AND TRANSPORTATION
C.D.B.G. and Community Transit funds totaled $48,000 Donations in the amount
of $22,500 were received.
31
Federal and State grants and donations provided:
• 12,175 one-way rides through the senior transportation program
• 27,350 meals were delivered by volunteers to home bound senior
LIVONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Livonia Human Relations Commission held its meetings on the 2nd Thursday
of the month in February, May, August, and September. The meetings in October
and November were adjourned one week because of conflicts. The meetings are
held in the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library meeting rooms.
The 2016 officers were:
Elaine Livingway, Chairperson
Sandy Teeter, First Chairperson
Julie Kain, Secretary.
Other Commissioners were Dillon Breen, Harold Klee, and James Roye, and two
new Commissioners, Caroline Grech and Kevin Aoun. There is one vacancy on
the Commission.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission continued its partnership with Madonna
University in helping present the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in
January.
In September, the Commission re -vamped its brochure. Commission members
showcased the Human Relations Commission, including its new brochures, at the
Livonia Chamber of Commerce event "Connecting Culture to Business".
The Human Relations Commission was also represented by Commissioners at an
event at Madonna University in September regarding the bigoted murders in the
Sikh community in Wisconsin.
The Commission approved the purchase of books discussing diversity to be made
available to the public at the Robert and Janet Bennett Livonia Civic Center Library.
The Commission also approved the purchase of books discussing diversity to be
distributed by the Livonia Goodfellows in their holiday packages to the low income
families in Livonia.
The Commission agreed to sponsor an essay contest in the Livonia Public Schools
to commemorate black history month in February 2017, with monetary prizes to be
given to the winners at a reception also sponsored by the Commission. The
Commission also approved the display of the winning essays at either City Hall or
the Library.
The Commission has been working on an event for 2017 regarding the 50th
anniversary of the Detroit Riots. Ideas include sponsoring a bus trip for Livonia
32
residents to the Detroit Historical Museum to visit a special exhibit dedicated to the
riots.
Guest Speakers at the Human Relation Commission meeting during 2016 included
Keith Bo, Sr. Fire Inspector, who discussed the City's Knox Box program; Dan
West, President of Livonia Chamber of Commerce, who discussed ways the
Human Relation Commission and Chamber could interact; Steve Slayton, from
S.T.E.P. (Services To Enhance Potential), who spoke about the need to find
businesses who are willing to use people with disabilities as interns to possible
employees; and Mayor Dennis Wright also attended the Commission's May
meeting.
161h JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED (Dec 2015 — Nov 2016)
CRIMIN01
1. Felony
2. Ordinance Misdemeanor
3. Statute Misdemeanor
TRAFFIC
4. Felony Drunk Driving
5. Felony Traffic
6. Ordinance Drunk Driving
7. Statute Drunk Driving
8. Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanors
9. Statute Traffic Misdemeanors
10. Statute Civil Infractions
11. Ordinance Civil Infractions
358
2,712
96
Total Criminal 3,166
25
10
Total Felony Traffic
288
9
Total Drunk Driving
2,063
272
Total Traffic Misd.
2,239
25,303
Total Civil Infractions
33
35
297
2,335
27,542
MISCELLANEOUS
12. Criminal/Traffic Juries Selected 13
13. Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 0
Total Miscellaneous
NON -TRAFFIC CIVIL INFRACTIONS & PARKING
14. Ordinance Parking 816
15. Ordinance Non -Traffic 14
16. Statute Parking 5
Total Parking
17. Statute Non -Traffic 6
Total Non -Traffic
CIVIL DIVISION LAWSUITS
18.
General Civil
1,470
19.
General Civil Miscellaneous
4
20.
Small Claims
301
21.
Landlord Tenant
407
22.
Land Contract Summary Proceedings
15
22a.
Foreclosure
38
Total Civil Division
MISCELLANEOUS
23. Civil Division Juries Selected 2
24. Marriages 29
25. Motions 1,022
26. Discovery/Debtor Exams 91
27. Garnishments 4,663
28. Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction 183
Total Miscellaneous
PROBATION
1. Number or Placements on Probation
1,176
2. Pre -Sentence Investigation Reports
1,133
3. Violation of Probation Warrants Issued
1,121
4. Show Cause Summons Issued
2,596
5. Probation Cases Closed
2,107
6. Number of Open Probation Cases
1,495
7. Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu of jail)
6,707
34
13
835
6
2,235
5,990
COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES
Paid out $70,095.03 The court has collected 80%
Collected back $56,376.82 of the CA fees paid.
2012-2013 Projects/Updates
1. The 16th District Court continues to operate in a highly efficient manner with
98% clearance rates on all misdemeanors and civil infractions, with the
statewide court average being 97%. The court's clearance rate for all
general civil cases is at 100%, with the statewide court average being 99%.
In regards to felonies, the 16th District Court has an 89% clearance rate, as
compared to the statewide average of 76%. This analysis was conducted
by the State Court Administrative Office and published on June 1, 2016.
These rates show that we are effectively meeting or exceeding most of the
Supreme Court's case processing guidelines.
2. In November of 2014, the 16th District Court launched new collections efforts
by initiating State Income Tax Garnishments. Since the inception of the
project, the court successfully garnished and collected $330,781 in 2014
and $435,209 in 2015 for a total of $765,990. On November 1, 2016, we
were able to issue garnishments on 5,963 cases and have collected
$33,415 in the first month of the intercept.
3. The 16th District Court continues to seek reimbursement for inmate housing
per the Inmate Reimbursement Act 88 of 2006, whereby the municipality
can seek reimbursement from any person who is, or was, a convicted
inmate and served jail, to pay for the expenses incurred by the municipality
in relation to the incarceration of that person. Uncollected accounts are
forwarded to the law department for civil action for monetary judgment, if
deemed necessary.
4. The court has also been successful at collecting 80.4% of the court
appointed fees that are provided to the defendants that seek out for a court
appointed attorney.
5. Since 2006, the 16th District Court has developed specialty courts for both
Drug and Sobriety participants. The primary goal is to monitor and
rehabilitate high-risk offenders with substance abuse problems while
reducing crime and the cost of incarceration. Our court focused on targeting
substance abuse and addiction through intervention, treatment, and
offender accountability. Under strict supervision, eligible participants are
placed on intensive supervision for up to 24 months and ordered to comply
with their court-ordered requirements including substance abuse
counseling and testing, as well as life skill development. This program has
been funded by the State Court Administrative Office as this court has been
a recipient of the Michigan Drug Court Grant Program (MDCGP), which
helps fund the operational needs of the program. We have also
collaborated with other specialty courts such as Mental Health and Veterans
Court for placement of eligible participants into their programs from our
35
jurisdiction as well as accepting eligible participants in our program. We are
pleased to announce that, per SCAO, our recidivism rate for 2015 was 0%
within two years of participant's graduation from our program, with the
statewide average being 3.99% for any new conviction and 2.7% for any
new alcohol and drug convictions.
6. The 16th District Court Work Program has continued to carry out various
projects throughout the city. There were 6,707 days of work program service
completed this year which amounts to 53,656 community service hours
supervised by the probation departments. This program has saved the
taxpayers over $248,159 in jail housing costs, since most of the participants
in the program are serving these days in lieu of jail. Some of the projects
done on an ongoing basis provide much-needed assistance in an
environment of shrinking public resources and include the following:
a. Plymouth Road Authority — Maintenance along Plymouth Road
from Inkster to Eckles Roads inclusive of edging sidewalks, seasonal
maintenance, such as weeding perennial beds, trimming shrubs,
snow removal, sweeping brick pavers and trash removal.
b. Annual Livonia Spree — Set-up, tear down and cleanup of the
grounds before and after completion of the event.
c. Food Commodities Distribution (TEFAP) program — Unloading
food commodities for low-income families.
d. Community Greenmead Garden Program — Preparation, planting
and harvesting of produce, which is then donated to feed those in
need. Final cleanup at the end of the harvest season.
e. Wilson Barn — Grounds maintenance of the barn; assistance with
the Annual Pumpkin Fest; and cleanup of other regular events.
f. City Parks — Maintenance of all city parks such as raking leaves,
litter pickup, and painting benches.
g. Friends of the Library — Loading and unloading of books for the
regular Book Sales.
h. Livonia Housing Commission — Assistance with removal of
abandoned belongings at city -owned family properties.
i. Youth Commission — Assistance with moving inventory out of
storage for annual events, such as Backpack programs.
j. Churches — Assistance with seasonal grounds cleanup of
numerous churches.
k. Flower Basket Beautification Project — the court installed flower
baskets on lamp brackets along 160 light posts along Five Mile Road
and Farmington Road. The work program maintained and watered
the beautiful baskets. This project received positive feedback from
many Livonia residents.
36
I. Christmas Decorations Project — the work program placed holiday
decorations along Five Mile Road and Farmington Road.
7. In a continued effort to provide access to our services, the court continues
to offer night reporting for probationers Monday through Thursday, using
our Volunteer Probation Officers staff of 39 members. This cost-effective
program has been in existence since 1967 and continues to play an integral
part in the operations of the probation department and the court, as we
oversee 1,495 open cases this year.
8. In November of 2014, the 16th District Court began conducting substance
abuse and assessment services at the probation department. The
implementation of the NEEDS assessment is a tool that is being used to
match drug treatment services with the probationer's needs. The
defendants are initially assessed on multiple problem areas (alcohol use,
drug use, medical, psychological, family/social, legal, employment, etc.) so
that the courts can refer them for the proper level of care with significantly
improved client outcomes in meeting their sober lifestyle. The other
advantages are speedier sentencing and placement in proper level of care.
The cost for the assessments is also collected at the court and forwarded
to our funding unit. This year, the court submitted $16,745 to the funding
unit as a result of conducting the assessments in house.
9. The court has also worked in improving efficiency and implementing new
technological advancements. This year, the court began utilizing an
electronic check writing/reconciliation/restitution application that allows for
electronic check printing; calculating fines and costs and monitoring
escheated checks; and enhanced check securities. The mail tracking and
reconciliation application is another new feature to the court's operation,
which allows the court to seamlessly log every item of mail that is received
on a daily basis; receipt any cash, checks and credit card payments
received by mail; and assist with reconciliation of all mail log entries.
10. The court also launched a new application on April 1, 2016, which has
proven to be very useful for the public. Court Innovations is a new program
that allows for Online Traffic Case Review and allows citizens who receive
citations to dispute and resolve them online and receive amended charges
that may carry less penalties. Certain criteria must be met in order to qualify
for this program, which also allows the magistrate to resolve citations online.
Since launching this new application, 1,150 citations have been resolved
online and accepted. The goal of this feature is to allow access to the courts
online while at the same time making sure that people get a fair opportunity
to have their concerns addressed.
37
11. Perhaps our most significant accomplishment over the years has been our
unwavering commitment to the efficient use of public resources. Over the
past year, the Judges and the staff of the 16th District Court have focused
on maintaining a high standard of public service by increasing productivity
through internal operational and procedural improvements. The staff at the
16th District Court has been active in cross training within the departments,
allowing for flexibility in allocating personnel wherever needed due to
unfilled positions, vacations, sick leave and other circumstances. Our
annual public satisfaction surveys that are analyzed by SCAO indicated that
89% of our users agreed that they were treated with courtesy and respect
by the court staff and 78% of court users agreed that the judge/magistrate
treated everyone with courtesy and respect. The survey had 172
respondents. The court continues to seek ways to uphold the highest
standards of public service and to increase the public's understanding of
the administration of justice. As a result, we have trained volunteer greeters
who are available daily to greet and direct the public during the morning
docket and answer their questions and concerns.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Finance consists of Accounting, Management Information
Systems, Water and Sewer Usage Billing, and the Division of Budget and
Purchasing with a total staff of 22 people. The Director of Finance serves as
administrative assistant to the Mayor in financial matters and is under the direct
supervision of the Mayor. The function of the Department of Finance includes:
• Supervision over the administration of the financial affairs of the City.
• Keeping of accounts and financial records of the City and all departments,
commissions and agencies of the City government.
• Maintenance of payroll records for all City employees.
• Preparation of checks for all financial obligations of the City.
• Billing and collection of over 160,000 water and sewer bills.
• Responsibility for all computerized reporting and budget analysis for City
Departments.
• Responsibility for evaluating and recommending computer hardware and
software systems City-wide.
• Preparation of the annual budget for the Mayor.
• Taking of bids for all major purchases made by the City.
M
• Responding to City Council questions and providing additional reports and
information as requested by Council.
• The Finance Director serves on a three-person Personnel Review
Committee, which is responsible for review and evaluation of the hiring,
placement and replacement of all employees for the City.
• Performs Treasurer function for the Plymouth Road Development Authority.
• Membership on the Community Development Block Grant Committee.
• Responsible for risk management of casualty and liability, worker's
compensation and medical insurance for the City and is the City's
representative to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority
(M M RMA).
• Representation at over 50 meetings of the City Council.
• Preparation of all debt issued by City.
• Responsible for investment of City funds in interest earning accounts in
accordance with State law.
• Management of City -owned properties leased to third parties.
BUDGET -PURCHASING
The Budget -Purchasing office is under the supervision and direction of the Director
of Finance who also acts as Purchasing Agent for the City. The Budget -
Purchasing activity processed a total of 11,709 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 357 supply orders and printing
requests were also filled for City Departments.
ACCOUNTING
The volume of the Accounting Division activity is listed by comparative figures for
the past two years:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30
2015
2016
General Fund & Other Fund Payables Checks
14,050
15,282
Payroll Items
30,675
30,682
Journal Entries
6,950
7,600
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables)
7,134
8,415
Accounts Receivable Invoices
False Alarms 837 814
Rescue Runs 4,747 6,468
Other 1,286 1,205
Water Bills Mailed 162,436 163,743
Water Bills Paid by EFT 18,271 18,387
39
Temporarily idle General Fund cash was invested in Certificates of Deposit and
daily savings deposits, resulting in a total interest earned of $110,358 or 0.0021 %
of City General Fund Revenue.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Finance Department played a key role in meeting the state requirements
under the City, Village and Township Revenue Sharing (CVTRS) program,
enabling the City to qualify for $880,000 in revenue sharing funds.
2. The Finance Department continued to work with City Council and the Mayor's
Office to maintain the City's excellent bond ratings, which currently are rated
AA3 at Moody's and AA at Standard and Poor's. Because of these excellent
bond ratings, more people will invest in City of Livonia bonds, resulting in more
competitive bidding from brokerage houses. Savings will continue into the
future for the City due to these ratings.
3. In 2016, the City refunded the District Court MBA bond issue ata lower interest
rate. The result will be debt service savings of $1,050,000 over the remaining
life of the bonds.
4. The Finance Department led a special committee that resulted in the
consolidation of all of the City's 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan and 457
Deferred Compensation Plan assets with Empower Retirement as the sole plan
provider. As a result, plan participants will realize approximately $500,000 in
reduced fees and improved investment results.
5. The Finance Director participated in The Municipal Street Lighting Coalition
along with several area communities to successfully challenge the proposed
DTE streetlighting rate increases with the Michigan Public Service Commission
(MPSC). As a result, the streetlighting rates ultimately approved by the MPSC
were significantly less than DTE's original proposal.
6. The City of Livonia audit was completed and, once again, the City's auditors
found no significant audit adjustments.
7. The Finance Department participated in several cooperative bids with
surrounding communities that resulted in more competitive bids and reduced
costs to the City.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
The Information Systems Department is responsible for the computer hardware
and software used by the City. The IS Department assists other City Departments
in evaluating, selecting and implementing computer systems. It also sets the
standards for City computer systems. The Information Systems Director is
M
appointed by the Mayor and reports directly to the Finance Director. The staff of
the Information Systems Department consists of five (5) employees. The staff is
made up by the Director, one System Analyst II, two Computer Administrator II,
and one part-time Computer Administrator I. The Information Systems Department
has four primary areas of responsibility. These are Computer and Network
Support, Application Software Support and End User Support, Website and
Internet and Geographic Information Systems.
COMPUTER AND NETWORK SUPPORT
The IS Department maintains the following hardware:
W&IIZC!W&IIZNMW&IIZU.
Windows 2003/2008/2012 Servers
27
28
25
Physical Servers
9
13
13
Virtual Servers
18
22
17
Personal Computers
326
340
340
Tablets & Smartphones
24
24
62
We also support 47 network switches (32 logical switches), 6 firewalls and 3
network routers.
We completed installing Fiber from City Hall to Nehasil Park, LCRC and DPW. We
are now able to connect those facilities back to City Hall on a 20 GB connection.
This increase in capacity has significantly increased our Wi-Fi capabilities for the
public to use at the LCRC. Most days of the week, we have over 300 patrons at
the LCRC using our public Wi-Fi.
We increased our Internet capacity this year. We previously had a 40 MB fiber
connection with Bright House Networks. This year, we have been able to increase
that to a 100 MB fiber connection with Bright House and we added an additional
100 MB fiber connection with WOW. By adding the second carrier, we improved
our capacity and improved our ability to continue operations in case of a failure.
We installed two additional firewalls this year at golf courses for their irrigation
system automation management.
We implemented a new surveillance camera system across the City campus this
year with approximately 50 cameras. We also ported 50 cameras at the LCRC to
this new system. Key staff have been trained on how to access the cameras for
live viewing or to review recorded images. All of these cameras are available to
the Police Department at any time.
We upgraded 99% of the City -owned computers to Windows 10 to take advantage
of the limited Microsoft free upgrade offer.
41
The IS Department provided support on work order requests:
FYI 2014 FYI 2015 FYI 2016
Opened 1,876 1,899 1,570
Closed 1,889 1,902 1,571
APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUPPORT
We implemented the LaserFiche Document Management Web Portal. This
provides access to the public to many city documents, such as minutes of the City
Council back to 1950. In our public portal, we have 12,406 documents available.
We continued using the GovDelivery communication system this year. This is a
hosted solution that allows us to quickly send electronic communications (text
messages and e-mail) to people who subscribe. We currently have 24,065
subscribers and 75,056 total subscriptions. We have delivered 1,073,589 bulletins
this year.
We worked with Civil Service to implement the NeoGov Online Application System.
This system has reduced the amount of time it takes to hire new employees and
made the process a web -based solution versus our paper-based solution. As part
of it, we acquired and installed 2 additional Chrome boxes in the Civil Service
Department for the public to use to apply if they do not have a computer.
We worked with the following groups on electronic packets and iPads: Civil Service
Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the trustees for
Livonia Employees Retirement System. Each of these groups received training
and now use SharePoint team sites to access their electronic packets.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(http-//www.ci.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and grow in usage.
We updated the City website (www.ci.livonia.mi.us) with the following items:
This year we did a major revision of our website design. The new design is
easier to navigate and is now a "responsive design." This means that it
reformats itself to better fit and function on mobile and tablet devices. With
the new navigation model, people are able to better navigate the site and
more quickly find their information.
• At the conclusion of the website redesign efforts, we brought a trainer in to
provide two days of training classes on successfully working with DNN and
the new design.
W
Other web activities:
• We implemented Office 365 for government in the Microsoft Cloud. This
moved our e-mail off -premise, provides OneDrive, Skype for Business and
updated Microsoft Office.
• We migrated our Intranet SharePoint site, InsideLivonia, to the Microsoft
cloud. This eliminated one server and the maintenance, updates of the
database. It also made the information available outside of the city network
while keeping it secured.
• Our City Facebook page grew from 2,735 likes to 4,511 likes. Our City
Twitter account has 1.7 thousand followers.
• We developed a new self -guided tour application for smart phones at
Greenmead Historic Park. This app uses geo-locating to identify the
different buildings at Greenmead, provides a picture of the building, a text
description and history and an audio playback ability. It was accomplished
using a product called Oncell. We have heard very positive feedback on
this solution and plan to expand it next year.
Website statistics include:
Number of Page Views
Computer vs Mobile
website
Desktop Computer Access
Mobile Access
Smartphone Access
Tablet Access
FY 2014 FY 2015
FY 2016
2,304,238 2,527,699
2,136,751
Usage of FY 2014
FY 2015
FYI 2016
54.99%
53.53%
48.50%
45.01%
46.47%
51.50%
34.90%
36.79%
43.25%
10.11%
9.68%
8.25%
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees.
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
Number of E-mail accounts 240 261 295
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Information Systems Department also manages, operates and maintains a
Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage its maps, apps and spatially
referenced data.
43
2016 GIS Accomplishments:
Online Map Services — We updated all online maps with the new 2015 imagery
from SEMCOG. We implemented the Local Government Information Model (LGIM)
this year and rebuilt all our online maps based on LGIM requirements. We have
updated the maps and apps for Park Finder, General City Map, Transit System
Pickup Locations, Trash Pickup Day, Zoning Map and Voter Polling Place Map. All
of these maps are compatible with mobile devices (smartphone and tablets). We
also created the Leaf Pickup 2016 Map application to inform and help the residents
during the leaf pickup program. The map allowed DPW to mark quarter section
segments as not completed, pending cycle 1, completed cycle 1, pending cycle 2
and completed cycle 2. The previous map was viewed 2,869 times during the leaf
pickup season 2015. For the winter season, a new app is ready for use by our
residents and DPW. The Snow Emergency App will allow DPW to mark quarter
section segments as Not Completed/No Parking in Roadway or
Completed/Parking Restrictions Lifted. Also, we have created a completely new
app for internal use, Public Notification, which is a configuration of ArcGIS and a
JavaScript application that allows our employees to identify a collection of
properties and create mailing labels, or a structured text file, of owners and
occupants. Public Notification Viewer is utilized for nearly all of our mailing label
activities in both the Inspection Department and Planning.
Database Maintenance - We have continued our weekly maintenance schedule
with the GIS during 2016. Our GIS database is under SDE configuration
control. Editing of our various data layers is done by GIS users within the City. The
established procedure calls for all editing to be done to a "personal" version of the
GIS database. These edits are then pushed up to a DRAFT version of the
database where they are inspected and verified. Once the DRAFT version has
been verified, edits are then pushed up to the DEFAULT version of the database
for general use. This procedure has worked very well and ensures that the GIS is
continuously updated in a systematic fashion.
Mapping Support - During 2016, the GIS has continued to support mapping
activities for numerous City departments, including the Assessing department
(generated 144 tax assessing maps plus various other maps); measured the parcel
"frontage" for all commercial parcels in the City; generated numerous maps for the
Housing Department depicting City -owned homes, along with Silver Village, Mac
Towers, and Newburgh Village; Parks and Recreation; Police; and a new map for
Fire Department. In addition, we continually maintain our set of quarter section tax
maps (144), address maps (144), zoning maps (144), land use maps (144) and
various City maps (city street maps, subdivisions, voter precincts, etc.).
User Support — In the spring of 2016 we upgraded our GIS system to the most
recent version - ArcGIS 10.4 (Basic, Standard and Advance) licenses.
In the summer of 2016 all our GIS users has been upgraded to ArcGIS 10.4.1
(Basic, Standard and Advanced) licenses. Also ArcGIS Server, Enterprise License
Manager and Enterprise Geodatabase have been upgraded to 10.4.1 version. In
the same period, DPW implemented their new asset management solution,
Cityworks. Cityworks provides comprehensive public asset and work management
solutions for infrastructure as well as land-based, location -focused activities.
Cityworks and Esri ArcGIS combine to make the perfect platform for designing and
creating GIS -centric public asset management solutions.
This fall, we have started a GIS User Group for the City of Livonia. The GO Livonia
(GIS Online Livonia) purpose is to share, highlight and support GIS initiatives with
all City departments and also provide assistance in building applications of
geospatial technology.
LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2016, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 10,062 incidents,
with 86% involving emergency medical services and fire -related responses
accounting for 14%. The following statistical breakdowns reflect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year (11/1/15-11/1/16).
Incidents
Emergency Medical 8,681
Fire 298
Fire (other) 1,083
Total 10,062
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for 87
of the responses; 496 were false fire alarm calls and 199 were downed -wire
incidents.
In comparison to last year, Emergency Medical runs are up 3% and Fire Runs are
up 11 %, while Fire (other) was same. Overall runs are up 3%.
FIRE PREVENTION
Throughout the year, in addition to the related activities listed below, this Division
is responsible for updating technical knowledge, maintaining electronic and paper
records, and maintaining job efficiency and state certification for the department's
Fire Inspectors. This is accomplished by attending numerous seminars, job-
related schools and other continuing education programs. These schools would
include, but are not limited to, Schoolcraft College, the National Fire Academy,
Michigan State Police Arson School, Michigan Fire Inspectors Conferences, Metro
45
Detroit Fire Inspectors Society and the various International Association of Arson
Investigators (I.A.A.I.) schools and seminars.
Inspections
Although not all-encompassing, the following categories reflect the majority of
inspections conducted by the Fire Prevention Division:
Advice
131
History File
49
Alarm
58
Life Safety
24
Carnival/Spree
6
Liquor License
9
City License
47
Re -Inspections
603
Complaints
52
(Alarms-46,Cnst-414,Other-54,
Suppression -89)
Construction
603
Re -Occupancy
18
False Alarms
42
Site Plan/Preliminary Plan
37
Fire Inspection
18
System Report Deficiency
146
Fireworks
4
Temporary Structures
6
Total
1,853
Plan Reviews
Alarm
46
Site Plan
37
Construction
603
Fire Suppression
89
Total 775
The above plan review totals reflect the number of projects received/assigned in
the Fire Prevention Office and do not include the actual number of inspections
made. Multiple site visits are required when inspecting various fire alarm,
suppression or structural systems to ensure compliance with the adopted codes
and standards installation practices. A conservative estimate would be that four
site visits are needed to complete an inspection project. More complex jobs would
require additional inspections, in some instances 10-20 site visits. Several large
projects were completed or are near completion at this time.
Completed projects include: Consumers Energy, McLaren Performance, Bill
Brown Ford, Embassy Suites, Michigan Bariatric, Menards, Key Plastics, Laurel
Park renovation and Schoolcraft College Soccer Dome Facility.
In Progress projects include: Masco Headquarters, Consumers Energy Office,
Ford Transmission, Renovation of the GM Engine Facility, Livonia Storage, Ashley
Capitol projects, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Zeal C.U.,
Roush, Autumnwood, EQS Logistics and many others.
The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspectors regularly go to the fire stations and review
false alarms with the station officers. This allows the Fire Prevention Division to
address those occupancies that are having multiple false alarms. Dialogue with
the suppression personnel gives the inspection division a second avenue for
finding and correcting building deficiencies.
This division also provides fire investigations for determination of origin and cause.
Whenever a question arises from a fire officer that a fire may not have started
accidentally, we are requested to respond. Also, any large loss or fatal fires are
also examined and documented. The Fire Prevention Office responded to
approximately 14 fires in 2015. Nearly 30 percent of these fires required extensive
documentation and follow-up varying from simple photography to exhaustive
research and interviews.
MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Fire Equipment Mechanic who are responsible for
writing specifications and ordering, care, maintenance and repair of all mechanized
and related fire, rescue and paramedic equipment. The division provides
firefighters, Livonia citizens and visitors to Livonia with safe and reliable
ambulance, rescue and firefighting vehicles and related equipment.
This year the responsibilities of the Maintenance Division included the following:
• Completed 556 work order requests.
• Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars, lawn
equipment, USAR trailer, WWC Hazmat trailer, Hazmat trucks, as well as
all equipment on each vehicle on a semi-annual and annual basis.
• Annual Pump Tests on all Fire Pumps.
• Continue to work with neighboring cities to come up with universal spec for
replacement Squads, in an attempt to keep costs down.
• Received new Squad 4 from Halt fire, mounted equipment and prepared to
be placed into service.
• Finalized spec with changes for two replacement pumpers for 2016 budget;
Engine 1 and Engine 4.
• In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighters and Driver
Operators/Engineers on the operational requirements and maintenance of
vehicles, as well as assisting in training exercises when necessary.
• Responded to major fires to assist the department in set-up of equipment,
filling of SCBA bottles, repair and refueling of vehicles.
• Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and
members of Western Wayne Mutual Aid Association.
47
• Provided assistance to the following Project Managers:
• SCBA Officer— ordering parts, repairing SCBA air packs, as well as
placing new air packs in service and removing obsolete air packs out
of service.
• Hose Officer — specification writing, ordering and mounting of
nozzles, adapters and hose.
• Building Maintenance Officer— repair of vehicle electrical and air line
drops.
• Received one new pumper, Engine 3, mounted loose equipment,
radios, headsets and new Knox boxes and prepared for service.
• EMT Officer — installation of ALS equipment.
• Communications Officer — mounting hand-held prep radio vehicle
chargers and installation of new radio and complete computer
systems forALS and relocation of some radios in pumpers and repair
of same.
• Apparatus Officer— ordering and mounting of new equipment, hand
tools and mounts. Install new Knox boxes in all equipment to aid with
key accountability
• Public Relations Committee — equipment.
• Work with Project Manager and Building Maintenance for addition of
apparatus work area for Station 6. Looking at prints for new building
and equipment. Additional work in moving emergency generator and
storage building and equipment to allow for building expansion.
• New Employee hired from outside the city for the Fire Apparatus
Mechanic position. Train mechanic as to how the city works and what
his job entails. Inspect his work and make sure he is working up to
the city's expectations.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items-
Vehicles-
1
tems:
Vehicles:1 — 2016GMC Crew Cab Pickup
1 — 2012 Pierce Arrow XT Heavy Rescue
1 — 2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Fire Investigation Unit
1 — 1996 GMC 3/4 -Ton Pick -Up
1 — 2006 Freightliner M-2 Swat Alpha Unit
1 — 2005 International/MarqueWater Rescue/Technical Unit
1 — 2009 Ford Explorer
1 — 2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Reserve Alpha Units
1 — 2008 Ford Taurus
1 — 2012 Freightliner/ AEV Alpha Unit
1 — 2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
2 — 2009 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Units
1 — 2011 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Unit
1 — 2014 Freightliner PL Customs
2 — 2014 Pierce Arrow XT PUC 1500GPM pumpers
1 — 2002 American LaFrance 2000GPM 75FT. SQURT Aerial
1 — 2006 American LaFrance 2000GPM 100FT. Mid -Mount Aerial Platform
3 — 2003 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 — 2009 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 — 2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 — 2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boat, Motor and Trailer
1 — 2011 Chevy Tahoe
1 — 2005 Chevy Impalas
1 — 2008 Chevy Impala
1 — 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
1 — 2007 Chevrolet 2500 Pick-up
1 — 2009 GMC 2500 Yukon XL
1 — 2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 — 2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B.R.N.E.)
1 — 2006 Spartan Spencer RRTN HAZMAT Truck
1 — 28ft USAR Trailer
1 — 2007 Fire Safety Unit
Equipment on Vehicles:
Thousands of feet of fire hose
Fire hose nozzles
Axes and adapters
Foam equipment, hand and vehicle mounted
Deluge equipment
110 V electrical lighting
Tools (hand and firefighting)
9 — Auxiliary generators
48 — ISI Viking Air Pack
250— Air Bottles
94 — ISI Viking Masks
Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 — 6000psi 4 Air Bottle Cascade System
1 — K-950 Saw
2 — K-12 Saw
7 — Chain saws
2 — Amkus Power Tools
2 — TNT Power Tools
7 — Life Jack PPV fans
Mounting of Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
4 — Walk behind mowers
Lawn blowers, weed whips, edgers
2 — Self-propelled snow blower
Garage Equipment:
2 — Hose test Pump
2 — In -ground garage hoist hydro -testing
1 — Garage tool replacements
1 — Pumper pump test tool as needed to comply with NFPA 1911.
TRAINING DIVISION
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2016 was to continue to assure
compliance for the ongoing education (CEU) requirements for both EMT and
Paramedics within the department. The number of overall CEU's for Paramedics
is higher than that of an EMT and thus requires a more diligent training program in
order to ensure that the department's personnel are always compliant with
licensing requirements. State of Michigan standards require the obtaining of both
lecture and practical credits. Livonia Fire & Rescue is a Continuing Education
Program Sponsor, which allows us more flexibility in the scheduling and delivery
of classes for EMS education. This year we successfully renewed our Program
Sponsorship allowing us to continue to provide in-house courses for the next three
years. The training office continues to improve its record management system
related to training activities, which in turn ensures compliance with OSHA, ISO,
and nationally accepted standards on training and documentation. The training
division continues to provide training commensurate with the mission of our
department. Although EMS training takes up large amounts of resources and time,
this office still facilitates training in fire suppression, specialized rescue, hazardous
materials, utility emergencies and risk reduction.
Fire Officer training commensurate with the collective bargaining agreement with
the Livonia Firefighter's Union continues to be a high priority and is currently up to
date. In addition, the Department has finished training the remainder of Fire
Suppression Personnel in "Blue Card Incident Command". This training tool will
enhance the knowledge base as well as improve the practical application ability of
the Department's Fire Officers as well as future Officers. It places the Livonia Fire
Department at the forefront of trained Departments. In addition, all Fire Officers
have been trained to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 300/400
level bringing the department well ahead of schedule in incident command training
per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which establishes national
professional qualifications for fire departments. Yet another group of upcoming
Officers are getting set to begin additional NIMS training this winter to further
strengthen the Incident Command Structure within the Department.
The safety of our Firefighters remains the paramount focus of training activities
and, as such, the Department has certified all of its members in the Fire Ground
Survival Program endorsed by the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters).
Continued from the previous year, more Fire Ground Survival tactics were trained
on to increase individual competencies. Significant training evolutions in Firefighter
"Mayday" events were accomplished this fall.
50
This office continues to look at ways to improve our overall service and maintain
the highest level of pre -hospital care to the citizens of Livonia. The Department's
EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program continues to strive to comply with stringent
county and state requirements regarding QI/QA. The training office continues to
administrate and facilitate the Medical Priority Dispatch (MDP) system that is used
in dispatching EMS calls city-wide. The system has proven to be extremely
effective in risk reduction for responders, as well as the public, by assigning a
priority to the medical call. Because of the increasing EMS run call volume each
year, the MPD system allows the prioritizing of all EMS -related calls to ensure that
the most life threatening emergencies receive assistance above those of a lesser
degree. This office was also responsible for tracking and fulfilling the MPD Quality
Assurance requirements as outlined in county Medical Control protocols. Since
the MPD program came on line in May 2001, the training office meets and
discusses QI related issues quarterly, as to ensure compliance within county and
state guidelines.
We provide EMS training to Schoolcraft College EMT students, who participate in
ride-alongs with our paramedics. This program is currently in its sixth year.
We continue to have residents from St. Mary Mercy hospital ride along with our
crews as part of their medical educational requirements. Many of the residents
have also put on EMS Continuing Education classes for our members.
In the spring, we spent significant time training on vehicle extrication techniques.
With ever-changing automotive technologies and large volumes of vehicle traffic
the city, it is imperative to be proficient with these skills. In addition to the
implementation of a new Heavy Rescue extrication vehicle, we dedicated six
weeks of hands-on practical training to improving our extrication skills.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2016 fiscal year was an exciting year for our Public Education division. The
division is tasked with educating our citizens on all fire and life safety topics at
different places and times that will have the highest impact.
Each year, Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the public
for Fire Safety Education programs. These requests are forwarded to either the
on -duty Battalion Chief or to the Fire Safety Education Committee, based on the
needs of the requesting person or group. If the caller is requesting to visit a fire
station or have a fire apparatus visit them as part of the educational effort, the on -
duty Battalion Chief handles the request. If the group requests an individual to
speak at a pre -arranged time and location that does not require firefighting
apparatus, the Fire Safety Education Committee is contacted. Currently, most
requests are handled by on -duty crews at the fire stations, while remaining in-
service to respond to emergency calls in our area.
51
This year marked the Departments' 75th Anniversary! To celebrate this event, the
Department hosted a community picnic at Rotary Park. After several weather
complications, the event proved to be a tremendously positive event. Many
families were able to interact with firefighters and fire equipment, while enjoying
various games, activities, and prizes.
In October 2016, Livonia Fire & Rescue held its annual "Fire Prevention Week
Open House." The Open House has proven to be a highly anticipated event by
our community reaching a crowd estimated at 2,000. While in attendance, visitors
receive information on fire and life safety and are given an opportunity to practice
life safety skills. There was an area where kids can practice their fire safety
behaviors as well.
Livonia firefighters participated in a May event held at the Civic Center Area called
"Passport to Safety." This project was a huge success — crowds were estimated
in the thousands. After being involved in the nine-year annual event, more effort
is being directed into this area. The large number of children that attend the
outdoor event is encouraging.
We were also able to distribute our fire and life safety messages to the citizens of
Livonia through:
• Livonia Public Schools
• Livonia Television
• Livonia Observer
• City of Livonia website
LIVONIA HOUSING COMMISSION
The Livonia Housing Commission submits the following information on its activities
and accomplishments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, Community
Development Block Grant Program, McNamara Towers and Housing Choice
Voucher Rent Subsidy Program.
Silver Village — 33780 Lyndon
Silver Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists of 110
Livonia residents and 10 relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments:
1. Silver Village had a turnover of 10 units in 2016.
2. All apartments were inspected for safety and maintenance purposes.
3. A housing bus was purchased in partnership with Newburgh Village.
52
4. All parking lots were restriped and renumbered.
5. Cement repairs/replacement were completed under the City sidewalk program.
6. The bathroom remodel project was initiated.
7. Five (5) residents received new carpeting and new vertical blinds.
8. Residents were instructed on the use of the Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) by the Livonia Fire Department.
9. Residents continued to regularly recycle bottles and cans, newspapers and
junk mail. Weekly collections of papers are taken to local schools for
recycling. Returns of bottles support resident activities. Sustainable coffee
cups and paper products have been purchased for use at Silver Village
functions. Further efforts will be taken to reduce and recycle on the Silver
Village campus.
10. Residents collected nonperishable personal items. The items were donated
and distributed to participants in the City Commodity Food Program.
11.An administrative change took place in May. The full-time position of Silver
Village housing manager changed to a job -sharing position. Cindy LaFond
and Kathleen Sweder share the position, each working three days per week.
Newburgh Village Housing Community — 11999 Newburgh Road
Newburgh Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists
of 71 Livonia residents and 56 relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments:
1. Newburgh Village had a turnover of 14 units in 2016.
2. The asphalt throughout the parking lots and Capitol Ct. North and South was
replaced.
3. Sidewalk repair and replacement took place through the City sidewalk
maintenance program.
4. A new housing transportation bus was purchased together with Silver Village.
5. All 120 apartments have been inspected for safety and maintenance purposes.
Community Development Division
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2015-2016 program year, which began on 7/1/15 and ended 6/30/16. Total
expenditures through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
for the year were $736,005. The table provides a summary of households/persons
served by the Block Grant Program:
53
Activity
Accomplishments
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
3 Households Served
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
2 Households Served
Minor Home Repair Program
7 Households Served
Scattered -Site Rental Homes (Managed &
Maintained)
16 Households Served
Emergency Utility Shut -Off Assistance
19 Households Served
Senior Van Transportation (9,439 one-way rides
were provided for seniors)
1,197 Persons Served
Mental Health Counseling Program (20 sessions
were provided)
5 Persons Served
First Step
140 Persons Served
Public Facilities Improvements to McNamara
Towers
132 Persons Served
TOTAL SERVED
1,521 Households/Persons
During the 2015-2016 program year the City of Livonia Housing Commission's
priority goals were: to provide rehabilitation assistance to income -eligible
homeowners; to preserve and improve the existing housing stock; to reduce the
cost burden experienced by renter households by providing affordable rental
opportunities in safe and sanitary housing; to focus on supportive service
programming for low- and moderate -income households; and to affirmatively
further fair housing objectives.
Expenditure Highlights:
• $187,161 expensed for rehabilitation assistance to income -eligible
homeowners. This included expenses connected with the major,
emergency and minor home repair programs and their administration.
• $85,829 expensed from CDBG funds and rental income for the
management and maintenance of 16 scattered site City -owned properties
rented to low- and moderate -income families.
• $87,070 expensed for Public Services, which includes Senior Van
Transportation, Mental Health Counseling, Emergency Utility Assistance
and First Step (domestic violence prevention).
• $189,392 expensed for Public Facilities Improvements to McNamara
Towers senior housing to include new roofing, carpet, ranges, awning,
blinds, air conditioning condensers, picnic tables with concrete pads,
concrete repairs and elevator repairs.
• $110,127 expensed for Acquisition, Rehabilitation or Demolition of five tax -
reverted properties. Through our partnership with the Livonia Public
Schools Building Trades Program and under the supervision of our Rehab
Specialist and the LPS program instructor, rehabilitation to one of these
homes was conducted. The students learned basic skills of the construction
trades through hands-on participation with projects such as roofing, siding,
54
and the installation of drywall, hardwood flooring, ceramic tiles, interior
doors, moldings and painting. The Livonia Housing Commission is proud to
provide field experience projects that place the students in real-world
construction settings, providing them the opportunity to see the realities of
day-to-day life in the building trades.
• $76,425 expensed for Planning and Administration of Community
Development programs.
• $6,000 was also expensed by the Livonia Housing Commission for fair
housing counseling, complaint reception, and investigation and resolution
services to citizens or potential citizens of Livonia provided by Fair Housing
of Metropolitan Detroit (FHMD). FHMD also provided training and resource
development during the program year.
McNamara Towers #1 & #2 -19300 Purlingbrook & Scattered Site Homes
Activities and Accomplishments:
1. McNamara Towers #1 & #2 & Scattered Site Homes had a turnover of 25 units
from 12/01/15 to 11/30/16.
2. Installed new electric ranges in all 136 apartments.
3. Installed new carpet in 20 occupied McNamara Tower units.
4. Installed new window treatments in McNamara Towers #1 community room
and front lobby.
5. Installed new air conditioning in McNamara Towers #1 community room.
6. Installed new canvas awning at front entrance of McNamara Towers #1.
7. Seven (7) new picnic tables were purchased, built, and placed at the outside
shelters, pet runs, and grilling areas of McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
8. All public housing apartments at the McNamara Towers and scattered site
single family homes were inspected to conform to HUD physical condition
standards.
9. The Housing Commission was designated as a high performer for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2015. The annual independent audit of Housing
Commission financial activities and compliance with HUD regulations resulted
in no findings.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rent Subsidy Program
The Livonia Housing Commission administers a HVC Rent Subsidy Program
consisting of 909 low income family/elderly and disabled clients.
1. The fiscal year2015 HUD Management Assessment scored the Commission
as a High Performer. An independent audit was conducted on the Voucher
program and no findings were identified.
2. The Livonia Housing Commission is planning on opening the waiting list in
55
2017. The Administrative Plan stipulates that the Housing Commission will
conduct a lottery to randomly select approximately 2,000 applications.
3. In October 2016 all landlords were invited to attend one of three 90 -minute
training classes. Topics that were discussed were Housing Quality
Standards, the Housing Commission relationship with the HCV program
landlords, how rent is calculated for the tenant, fraud issues and lease
provisions. The City of Livonia Department of Community Resources' Chris
Nielsen videotaped the class so that it is available to individuals who were
unable to attend or new landlords.
The Housing Commission expended all HUD allocated funds for housing
assistance payments totaling $5.5 million dollars.
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT is responsible for all construction operations on
private property. Included in its jurisdiction are building inspection, plan review,
sanitation and ordinance enforcement. Areas of involvement include Zoning Board
of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Community Development Block
Grant Program (CDBG), Cost Recovery Appeal Hearings, and various civic
groups. In addition, we are involved with Greenmead with regards to construction
projects and/or repairs. Coordination with State government agencies involving
building construction is handled by this department. Moreover, in certain
instances, we interact with other municipalities, serving as a Hearing Officer or
sitting on employee interview panels. We have also provided limited fill-in services
for Plymouth Township and City of Plymouth.
Plan Review for new buildings, alterations and additions, pools, demolitions,
zoning compliance and signs is an integral part of the department's function, as
well as the issuance of permits, sanitation and enforcing the City's Code of
Ordinances designated as Inspection's responsibility. Inspections were made and
permits issued for the rehabilitation of homes for the CDBG. Additionally, the
Inspection Department reviews lot splits for the Department of Assessment and
reviews site plans and waiver use petitions for the Planning Department and
provides support to all other departments as needed. Furthermore, we provided
clerical services and administrative support in regards to the Zoning Board of
Appeals. Although the Board is under Council jurisdiction, we are tasked with the
clerical functions and subsequent administrative support in addition to the intake
work we are doing. We also work with the Economic Development
Director/Planning Director and others in promoting existing sites in Livonia.
BUILDING INSPECTION issued approximately 3,265 permits in 2015-16 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, including new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. In addition, 23 permits were issued for new
56
single-family residential homes and 15 single-family condominium units were
constructed or are currently under construction. In other activity, 11 permits were
issued for new commercial/industrial buildings including two hotels. No permits for
apartment buildings were issued this year. Mechanical permits (plumbing,
electrical, heating and refrigeration) numbered approximately 4,017 for the year.
Residential additions/alterations, garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs,
zoning compliance, and commercial/industrial additions comprised the remainder
of permits issued. Twenty-eight demolition permits were issued during the year,
eight of which were for residential structures. Permits for Christmas tree sales lots,
pennant and banner displays, awnings, and various special inspections were
issued as required. Certificates of Occupancy are issued for all new residences
and commercial and industrial buildings upon completion. Zoning compliance
permits are issued for subsequent re -occupancy of non-residential properties and
occupancy certificates are issued for all residential properties involved in the
vacant and/or abandoned building program after completion of all requirements.
State building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and sign contractor licenses are
registered in this office. Additionally, official records are retained on fence
contractors, excavators and demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing commercial buildings for compliance
with the Livonia Property Maintenance Code (based upon the International
Property Maintenance Code 2012) continued through 2015-2016. In connection
with this program, four inspections were made, violations issued when necessary
and compliance obtained. Due to staff availability, this program was very limited
this year. This program is designed to maintain health and safety standards in the
city. In mid -2011, due to staff reductions, we ceased inspecting existing industrial
factory buildings on a biennial basis after we were able to complete one cycle. We
still inspect said buildings for zoning compliance and when permits are issued. If
personnel become available, industrial biennials may be resumed. Additionally,
the number of annual inspections completed was impacted due to staffing issues
and other priorities.
In addition to the annual inspection program, the Inspection Department performs
all functions mandated by city ordinance that requires all private (one- and two-
family) and multiple -family rental dwelling units to be licensed and inspected on an
annual basis. This year the Department inspected the following rental units:
A. 1,762 units consisting of one- and two-family dwellings and group homes.
B. 27 apartments/complexes, consisting of 2,145 units. The inspection covers
all dwelling units, common areas and exterior structures and grounds.
In mid-January 2010, the Department began enforcement of the Vacant and/or
Abandoned Building Ordinance #2844 (VAABO) that took effect October 29, 2009,
and was instituted in January 2010. The program is designed to provide for
57
maintenance and inspection of problem properties, residential and non-residential,
but pertains to any vacant and/or abandoned structures. Moreover, during the
enforcement of the program, additional permits and inspections may be needed
based on the work required. Following is a breakdown of the activities generated
by this program:
Total Permits Total Fees
Registration Fee — Residential
93
$ 3,327
Registration Fee — Non -Residential
15
$ 539
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Residential
2,823
$109,083
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Non -Residential
618
$ 37,140
Inspection Fee — Residential
459
$ 46,245
Inspection Fee — Non -Residential
45
$ 8,400
Permit Fee — Residential/Zoning
253
$ 23,531
Permit Fee — Non -Residential
39
$ 6,202
Total
4,345
$234,467
Additionally, 225 formal complaints were received and handled throughout the year
as they related to property, zoning and ordinance code violations. Numerous
requests for information from many various sources (Council, Commissions,
citizens, contractors, other municipalities, other departments and guests) are
routinely handled every day and on an annual basis would exceed 30,000
individual communications. There were approximately 1,059 rental inspection
violations, one annual/biennial inspection violation and 28 VAABO program
violations that were issued for various code infractions during 2015-16. (Violations
and/or formal complaints are legal notices issued as a start of prosecution and are
different from the everyday correction notices that we utilize; correction notices
issued are numerous and would exceed 20,000.)
This office also provides the enforcement of special conditions of approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission
and City Council relative to site plans, variances, waiver uses and grants.
The Inspection Department continually reviews our current fee structures. We also
worked with the Planning Department and the Law Department to update and/or
change sections of Zoning Ordinance #543. We are routinely involved in such
endeavors over the course of the year. Furthermore, we were involved with
administering and maintaining contracts for the City Weed Mowing Program. We
set up specifications for a weed program, met with contractors, sought bids, and
prepared a new weed contract and contractor through the Administration and
Council. The contract extends, at our option, through December 2017. We
previously raised weed/grass administration fees in an effort to cover our cost and
decrease the number of people who utilize the City as their lawn service. The
weed/grass administration fees alone this year were $34,781.10. We also are
continuing to upgrade our computer system and hardware and engaging in the
training involved. The computer system upgrades and training will carry over into
the next fiscal year.
W
The valuation of new building activities for 2015-16 is $181,659,976. The revenue
collected from all building and inspection activities was approximately $2,980,403.
SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT has responsibility for
compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance #543 and also the Code of Ordinances
#1688 as it pertains to the majority of all nuisance and non -criminal violations.
These responsibilities include those things that affect the health, safety, welfare,
and quality of life of the residents, business owners and their employees and
guests (visitors) of the City, such as pollution, hazardous waste, trash and debris,
vacant buildings, weed cutting, (which includes direct supervision of the city weed
contractor), basic property maintenance, and supervision of the collection of
municipal refuse. The enforcement of special conditions of approval made by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council and the Planning Commission relative to
site plans, variances, and waiver uses may also be delegated to Ordinance
Enforcement as needed.
STATISTICS
Total General Inspections Made 18,424
Building Maintenance and Repair
507
Parking Lot Repairs
48
Animals/Rats
414
Trash and Debris
1,382
Junk Vehicles
579
Noxious Weeds*
2,232
Noise/Air/Odor
64
Nuisances
333
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property
462
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Property
2,481
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles
401
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles
235
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy
106
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles
148
Right of Way encroachments
171
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Posted)
80
Snow on Sidewalks
41
License Violations
252
Vehicle Parking Snow Emergency
111
Site Inspections
3,355
Zoning Grants
61
Sanitation activities also included 1,976 citizen complaints regarding the collection
of municipal refuse and the delivery of 2,321 recycling bins.
59
*Enforcement of the Noxious Weed Ordinance included the investigation of citizen
complaints and the abatement of violations through the mowing of weeds and
removal of debris from 540 properties and 81 tree removals by the City Weed
Mowing Contractor.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven -member Board created by State statute
and City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance No. 543, as amended. The Board hears
appeals from residential and business property owners when they are unable to
comply with ordinance requirements and are rejected permits by the Inspection
Department. The Board meets on selected Tuesday evenings.
The Inspection Department is tasked with all clerical and administrative
responsibility for the Zoning Board of Appeals. This includes the supervision of
the outside contractor hired to record and provide the meeting records.
The following is a breakdown of the Appeal Cases prepared and heard by the
Zoning Board of Appeals during the fiscal year December 1, 2015, through
November 30, 2016.
* Includes Cases which were Granted in Part/Denied in Part
** Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(petitioner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases were
not heard at the first scheduled meeting.
*** Meeting material was prepared and Board heard case at meeting and made
a decision to table for revised plans, etc. All meeting notices, agendas, etc.,
were redone when new meeting date was scheduled.
**** Case was heard, but Board took no further action.
Number of Regular Meetings: 12
Number of Special Meetings: 11
.c
Granted with
Tabled or
Granted Denied
Modifications*
Postponed***
Total
New Cases 62 5
5
23
95
Re -hearings 0 0
0
0
0
Actual Cases Heard
95
Prepared and Scheduled**
7
No Further Action****
0
Total Cases Heard and Prepared
95
* Includes Cases which were Granted in Part/Denied in Part
** Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(petitioner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases were
not heard at the first scheduled meeting.
*** Meeting material was prepared and Board heard case at meeting and made
a decision to table for revised plans, etc. All meeting notices, agendas, etc.,
were redone when new meeting date was scheduled.
**** Case was heard, but Board took no further action.
Number of Regular Meetings: 12
Number of Special Meetings: 11
.c
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA) provides any person the right to
appeal a decision of the code official refusing to grant a modification of the building
code covering the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection,
alteration or repair of a building or structure or, in certain instances, to appeal other
administrative actions such as a bond forfeiture. An application for appeal shall be
based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted
thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not
fully apply, or an equivalent form of construction can be used. In the case of a
bond forfeiture, the appeal must show the action of the Building Official was
arbitrary and capricious. In addition, the BCBA may be utilized to provide guidance
to the Building Official or affirm an issue not covered by the Building code.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2015-16 is as follows:
Meetings Scheduled 3 Appeals Granted/Modified 1
Appeals Filed 3 Appeals Denied 0
Hearings Held 2 Appeals Dropped 0
Re -hearings 0 Appeals Tabled 1
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection Department.
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
The following information will provide a brief analysis of some of the information
contained therein as compared to fiscal years 2014-2015 and 2013-2014. In short,
the Report reveals that the Law Department has maintained a heavy workload.
The following table and narrative illustrate this point:
61
2013-
2014
2014-
2015
2015-
2016
1 ncrease/Decrease
2014-2015 to 2015-2016
Cases pending in
9
11
8
-3
Wayne County
Circuit Court
Wayne County Circuit
13
13
15
+2
Court cases resolved.
61
Cases pending in
1
1
1
0
Ingham County
Circuit Court
Cases resolved in
0
0
1
+1
Ingham County
Circuit Court
Civil cases pending in
1
3
3
0
16th District Court
Civil cases resolved
10
9
13
+4
in 16th District Court
Civil cases resolved
0
4
5
+1
in 16th District Court
with judgement
monies still owing
Criminal appeals
1
0
0
0
pending from the 16th
District Court
Criminal appeals
2
3
1
-2
resolved from the
16th District Court
Cases pending in
5
4
4
0
Michigan Court of
Appeals
Cases resolved in
2
2
9
+7
the Michigan Court of
Appeals
Cases pending in
0
1
4
+3
Michigan Supreme
Court
Cases resolved in
0
0
3
+3
the Michigan
Supreme Court
Cases pending in the
0
0
0
0
U.S. Court of
Appeals 6th Circuit
Case resolved in the
0
0
1
+1
U.S. Court of
Appeals 6th Circuit
Cases pending in
6
6
5
-1
U.S. District Court
Cases resolved in
2
3
3
0
U.S. District Court
Title VI Cases
0
0
0
0
pending
Title VI Cases
0
0
1
+1
resolved
W,
EEOC Civil Rights
1
0
2
+2
cases pending
EEOC Civil Rights
1
1
1
0
cases resolved
Cases pending in
67
49
37
-12
Michigan Tax
Tribunal
Michigan Tax
83
54
21
-23
Tribunal cases
resolved.
Amendments to the
4
9
13
+4
Zoning Map
Amendments to the
9
5
5
0
Zoning Ordinance
Amendments to the
15
13
14
+1
Code of Ordinances
Real estate
1
1
3
+2
transaction
Preparation and
448
466
505
+39
review of contracts
between the City and
others, including
approving as to form
other legal
documents.
Review and
36
138
231
+93
fulfillment of
Freedom of
Information Act
requests
Review and respond
9
7
7
0
to Freedom of
Information Act
appeals on behalf of
the Mayor
Assist walk-in
12
29
52
+23
residents with
complaints regarding
legal City matters.
Review, typing, and
1,574
1,600
1,297
-303
remitting District
Court warrant
requests
Drunk driving
316
297
332
+35
Traffic
2,520
3,100
2,335
-765
misdemeanors
63
Non -Traffic
misdemeanors
2,677
2,776
3,074
+298
Jury Trials
27
28
18
-10
In 2009, the Law Department began to handle sidewalk litigation in-house rather
than refer those cases to firms such as Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho, PLC
for an estimated savings of approximately $30,000 per year in attorney fees. Since
that time the Law Department has undertaken virtually all of the civil litigation filed
against the City. As a result, the attorney fees saved each year are now much
more substantial.
Please note, this report is not intended to provide an update regarding all of the
pending and resolved litigation against the City, but rather, the cases referenced
herein are intended to provide you with examples of the nature, complexity and
extent of the work handled by this department over the past year, as well as some
information about the status of the referenced matters.
Nolan, Holloway, & Perttunen v. City of Livonia
The litigation filed by retired Sgt. Shelley Holloway, retired Sgt. Gregory Pertunnen,
and former police officer John Nolan, which were filed on June 20, 2014, resolved
very favorably this year. As you may recall, Ms. Holloway alleged that she was the
victim of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination, while Mr. Perttunen
claimed that he was disciplined as part of an effort by the Police Administration to
justify its treatment of Shelley Holloway. Mr. Nolan, whose case was bifurcated
from the case brought by Ms. Holloway and Mr. Perttunen, alleged that he was
constructively discharged as a result of his whistleblowing efforts relative to the
police retention program. Because the City paid for Mr. Nolan's Master of
Business Administration (MBA), in that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
between the City and the Livonia Police Officers Association provided that unless
one who has had his or her Master's degree paid for by the City remains employed
for five years after the degree is earned, the employee must reimburse the City for
the tuition and fees paid by the City. In that the City paid $28,393 for Mr. Nolan's
MBA and because Mr. Nolan resigned two years after he received the MBA, the
Law Department filed a counterclaim against John Nolan to recover the $28,393.
On March 28, 2016, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge John Murphy dismissed
Mr. Perttunen's causes of action against the City.' While Judge Murphy also
dismissed Ms. Holloway's sexual harassment cause of action, he denied the City's
Motion for Summary Disposition relative to her claim that she was treated
differently than similarly situated males. As a result, the City Council authorized
settlement of the remainder of her lawsuit in the amount of $35,673, which is a
nominal amount considering that (1) there are costs associated with proceeding to
trial, (2) police administration would be forced to participate in the trial rather than
focus on their other responsibilities, and (3) there is always a risk that a jury could
Mr. Pertunnen appealed Judge Murphy's decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals. To date,
oral argument has not been set in this case.
E
award a higher amount as well as attorney fees and costs, even though the facts
would not seem to justify it.
On September 22, 2016, Judge Murphy granted the City's Motion for Summary
Disposition and dismissed John Nolan's causes of action against the City. He also
granted the City's Motion for Summary Disposition with respect to the City's breach
of contract counterclaim against Mr. Nolan and ordered Mr. Nolan to pay the City
$28,392.2 The check for the full amount of those damages was received on
November 2, 2016.
City of Livonia v. Discount Pool & Spas, Inc.
In 2016, the City also resolved the lawsuit filed by the City against Discount Pool
& Spas, Inc., as a result of the damage that the City sustained to the Clements
Circle Pool. The settlement also included resolution of the complaint filed by
Home -Owners Insurance Company against the City and Discount Pool in which
Home -Owners sought a ruling from the Wayne County Circuit Court that the
insurance policy issued by Home -Owners to Discount Pool did not cover the
damage caused to the Clements Circle Pool. As you may recall, in order to resolve
this case, the City Council approved payment by Home -Owners of a total of
$83,000 to the City with a further agreement that Discount Pool would renovate
the pool houses at Clements Circle Pool and Botsford Pool at a cost of $117,775
per pool house which reflects Discount Pool's costs to perform the work without
any profit.
Rak v. City of Livonia
In February of 2016, Krista Rak filed a lawsuit against the City in which she alleged
(1) abuse of process, (2) civil conspiracy, and (3) false imprisonment as a result of
her arrest and vehicle forfeiture, which occurred as part of a search warrant
executed at the home of a friend at which she was resident. The Law Department
filed a motion for summary disposition to dismiss the case outright in that not only
had the City not done anything wrong with the arrest and forfeiture of the Plaintiff's
vehicle, her attorney had not alleged facts which satisfied all of the elements of
each of the three causes of action. The Court agreed, granted the motion, and
entered an order dismissing all of Ms. Rak's claims against the City. Thereafter,
the Law Department filed a motion asking the Court to award the City costs and
attorney fees for having to defend a frivolous suit. While that type of motion is
rarely granted, because Ms. Rak's lawyer presumably now acknowledges that the
case that he filed lacked merit and the risk he now faces, in that he paid City $2,000
in sanctions on December 5, 2016.
2 The City filed a counterclaim against Mr. Nolan for breach of contract to force him to repay
$28,392.78 in tuition and fees paid to Mr. Nolan as he pursued his Master of Business
Administration degree from Madonna University. The collective bargaining agreement between
the LPOA and the City provides if an officer leaves the City within five years that the advanced
degree was received, the officer is responsible to repay the City.
65
Quiet Title Actions
Toward the end of 2015, the Law Department became aware of claims of interest
in real property purchased by the City through the Wayne County Treasurer tax
foreclosure process. The claims of interest were made by land speculators who
are strangers to title with no legal interest in any of the subject parcels. The first
of these cases, which was filed by 9071 Louise Street, LLC in September of 2015,
was dismissed upon stipulation of the parties on March 16, 2016, after it was
agreed that the City would forego seeking sanctions against the Plaintiff and his
attorney in exchange for a dismissal with prejudice and without costs to any party.
The Law Department also favorably resolved a lawsuit involving 18071 Floral,
which was purchased by the City from the Wayne County Treasurer through the
tax foreclosure process. After the City purchased 18071 Floral and 15505
Auburndale ("Properties") through the tax foreclosure process, Matthew Peterson
claimed that he and his wife, purchased the Properties from Tangible Acquisitions,
LLC ("Tangible"). As evidence, Mr. Peterson produced unrecorded quitclaim
deeds for the Properties from Tangible. However, a title search relative to the
Properties revealed that Tangible never had any interest in either parcel. Mr.
Peterson offered to purchase each of the Properties for the amount of back taxes
that the City paid to purchase them through the foreclosure process. It was very
apparent that Tangible and Mr. Peterson were working together to create a cloud
on title in an effort to purchase the Properties from the City for a fraction of their
market value. If the Properties had been part of a Sheriff's sale, Mr. Peterson
would have had to bid against other interested parties to purchase the Properties.
The Properties likely would have sold for an amount that far exceeded the amount
of the past due taxes. The City obtained clear title to 18071 Floral on September
19, 2016. It is expected that the City's Motion for Summary Disposition to quiet
title in 15505 Auburndale, which was filed on October 25, 2016, will be heard on
January 12, 2017.
International Outdoor, Inc. v. City of Livonia
International Outdoor, Inc., sued the City of Livonia after the City and its Zoning
Board of Appeals denied International Outdoor's request for a permit to erect a
672 -square -foot billboard 80 feet in the air along the 1-96 expressway. This
lawsuit, which was filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court on July 14, 2014,
alleged that the City had violated both statutory and judge-made zoning rules
against excluding a land use from the City's territory, given that the City has no
billboards and has long banned them.
The City countered that the billboard ban is a reasonable regulation which has
been in effect since the 1950s, with the result that Livonia has been billboard -free
for nearly 30 years without any ill effects. Part of the reason may be that there are
more than 50 billboards within roughly two miles of Livonia's city limits, so any
conceivable "need" for billboards has already been met. The Circuit Court
accepted this explanation, and dismissed the case on December 10, 2014.
International Outdoor filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals.
The Court of Appeals heard arguments on April 7, 2016, and issued its opinion
upholding the Circuit Court's dismissal on June 14, 2016. International Outdoor
then filed an application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court and
that request is still pending.
Prosecutorial Duties
Like last year, the Law Department's law enforcement role continues to be a
significant focus of our time and efforts. For the year 2015-2016, the Law
Department reviewed 1,297 warrant requests, which is a reduction of 18.94% from
1,574 from the year 2014-2015. The reduction is largely because of a change in
policy. In 2016, Livonia Police Department ("LPD") and Law Department agreed
that the LPD would issue citations for "routine" retail fraud and possession of
narcotics case rather than have the Law Department make the decision regarding
whether or not to charge in those cases. The LPD reports that it issued 292 retail
fraud citations as well as 67 citations involving marijuana possession. While
complaints and warrants were not reviewed by the Law Department in those 359
cases, the Law Department was required to resolve them in 16th District Court at
a pretrial conference or trial.
There were 18 jury trials in 16th District Court in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, which
is a reduction of 10 fewer jury trials over the previous year. While it is difficult to
know all of the reasons for this reduction, we believe that thorough police work at
arrest and investigative stages, the exercise of sound discretion in review of
complaints and warrants, tough negotiations at pretrial conferences, and waivers
by defendants of their right to a jury trial are some of the key factors. There were
also a substantial number of non -jury trials; however, we do not maintain records
of the number of non jury trials. All of these cases are prosecuted in 16th District
Court by attorneys in the Law Department.
Additionally, traffic misdemeanors, which often involve a person charged with
driving on a suspended license, decreased from 3,100 to 2,335 (24.68%) this year.
However, non -traffic misdemeanors, such as possession of marijuana, possession
of narcotic paraphernalia, disturbing the peace, domestic assault and battery, etc.,
rose from 2,776 to 3,074, which is an increase of 10.73%. Moreover, there were
35 more drunk driving cases charged this year, which is an increase of 11.78%.
Additionally, the Law Department has attempted to find ways to increase revenue
to the General Fund. As a part of that effort, in 2010, the Law Department and the
Livonia Police Department ("LPD") Traffic Bureau are now handling vehicle
forfeitures in cases in which an individual is charged with Operating While
Intoxicated 2nd or subsequent offenses. In such cases, the defendant's vehicle is
subject to forfeiture and he or she must pay $900 to recover his or her vehicle. Of
the $900 collected, $250 is intended to cover attorney fees, $450 is for police
services, and the remaining $250 is sent to the Crime Victims' Rights fund.
67
Michigan Tax Tribunal Petitions
While petitions before the Michigan Tax Tribunal ("MTT") continue to decline, the
Law Department remains actively involved in settlement discussions of MTT
cases. Currently, there are 37 pending appeals before the MTT that are being
handled by the Law Department. In the past year, the Law Department resolved
21 MTT cases.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
The Law Department's attention to Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") requests,
as well as FOIA appeals to the Mayor, increased 67.39% during the 2015-2016
fiscal year. FOIA requests increased from 138 in 2014-2015 to 238 in 2014-2015
presumably because of recent changes in the law which make it much cheaper to
obtain information from government.
Legislative Advocacy
While it is not reflected in the table above, it should be noted that the Law
Department has also been involved in legislative advocacy. In addition to our
longstanding involvement with the League affiliated right-of-way themed PROTEC,
we hold memberships in MML's Economic Development and Land Use Committee
and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys' Legislative Committee
(which Livonia co-chairs). Late last year, at the request of the previous
Administration, State Representative Laura Cox introduced House Bill 5113 to
extend the statute of limitations on unpaid water bills from three years to five years.
The Livonia Water and Sewer Board wanted to be able enter into longer installment
payment plans with indigent residents who, because of unfortunate circumstances,
are struggling to pay past due water and sewer charges. Because the Municipal
Water Liens Act (Public Act 178 of 1939) provides that municipal water and sewer
liens are not enforceable after three years, the Board would not enter into a
payment plan that is more than three years. On May 4, 2016, and September 6,
2016, the Law Department appeared before the House Local Government
Committee and the Senate Committee on Local Government, respectively, to
encourage passage. As of this date, only a vote by the Michigan Senate is needed
before it can proceed to the Governor's desk. The Law Department is hopeful that
the legislation will be enacted before the end of 2016.
Conclusion
The Law Department, like other departments, continues to have a substantial
workload.
LIBRARY COMMISSION
DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC
Proving that Livonia residents embrace technology, statistics for downloadable
media via the Overdrive Download Destination service continues to climb. When it
was first instituted, we checked out 2,400 e -books and audio books. During this
year, our fifth, we have circulated over 58,000. Statistics relating to the use of
technology and virtually all other services continue to rise. We added two new
online databases; Universal Class, a continuing education resource covering such
topics as party planning, yoga, dog training and business management; and
Atomic Training, a comprehensive online database of how-to training videos,
covering popular software programs and mobile device training. AWE Learning
Stations were added at Noble and Sandburg branches based on their popularity
at Civic Center. These are great learning tools for the very young. They include
educational games on a touchscreen-based computerwith a colorful keyboard and
child -sized mouse and headphones.
Our e—Newsletter subscriptions added 87 new subscribers this year. Facebook
had 466 new likes, our Twitter feed added 178 new followers, and our YouTube
views had 12,786 new views this year. The popularity of our world-famous
Summer Reading Program video explains why our website usage went up over
115,000. That video alone accounted for 34,894 views and 937 shares; from as
far away as South Korea, Australia, Rome and London's Oxford University, and
was even featured on The Late Late Show with James Corden. The overall
circulation of books and other traditional materials decreased slightly in 2016
compared to last year, but much of that may be due in part to the reduced hours
of service at the Noble and Sandburg branches.
Civic Center Adult Services:
A variety of new programs were offered to the public this year from topics covering
getting your book published, depression screening, hoarding and cluttering
disorder, and concussions in athletics to the History of Better Made Potato Chips.
Ongoing series that continued this past year included Film Movement, Classic
Movies, Genealogy Saturday, Noontime Concerts, History Lives at the Library,
Civic Center Book Club and the Adult Summer Reading Program. Our new series,
Science Spectacles, has also been well received by our residents. The new craft
programs we are offering are always well attended and One -on -One Computer
Training and E -reader Training are also very popular classes.
Civic Center Children and Teen Services:
The Children's Department hosted a variety of fun programs for children up to age
12, including story times, holiday crafts, a Money Smart Week Bunny Money
program, Summer Reading, Star Wars and Celebration of Fairies, just to name a
few. Parents were able to attend a Preschool Open House and a series of
Parenting Workshops, which helped attendees understand developmental stages
and resolve common conflicts.
Boy Scouts were instrumental in two projects this year. With the help of a local
Boy Scout troop, the library became a Monarch Butterfly Waystation by creating a
habitat for monarch caterpillars. Secondly, an Eagle Scout candidate completed
his project by creating a series of learning and development toys for the children's
department at each branch.
Once again, we received recognition with two public relations awards from the
American Library Association. One for our Book Faces Promotion and also for our
Summer Reading Promotional video. This video also won a Philo Award: Best of
Show (the overall most amazing media of the year), all of this was possible thanks
to the work of Livonia Television.
The Teen Department has been busy with innovative programming including
Coffee & Coloring, babysitting classes, Summer Reading Program, movie
showing, college financial aid and SAT Prep, Camp Half Blood and dart tag. In
addition, the Harry Potter Club completed its fourth year and even took its
Quidditch team on the road to the Hartland Cromaine Library, where the first
annual Michigan Muggle Quidditch Cup was held.
Teen volunteers were trained and accomplished a variety of tasks including
cleaning shelves, delivery bins and Quidditch equipment, and helping with the
children's programming preparation.
Civic Center Automation and Circulation:
Our online computer catalog switched to eResource Central and discontinued
buying MARC records for each Overdrive library. This allows patrons to download
items directly from our catalog. Because of this, 13,500 item records were
removed from each library. This year, we withdrew from the Government
Documents Repository program in order to be CIPA compliant and worked on
aggressively weeding the reference and business collections. All of these factors
accounted for the large drop in the number of items in the collection.
We updated the look of our library card this year and actually gave it the "retro"
look of a traditional "date due" card.
Circulation of eBooks was up over 30%, while circulation of all items was only down
3%.
We started using LibCal in March as our online calendar. This is a much more
flexible calendar that allows patrons to sign up for programs that require
registration and be emailed a reminder to attend in the days prior to the event. We
are also able to reserve the quiet study room for one-on-one computer training and
exam proctoring with this site. Best of all, it is free for libraries to use.
70
The Internet Bandwidth was increased at all three libraries to improve our
network's performance.
Noble Branch:
The monthly Adult Book Discussion rotated between the branches this year, and
a Movie Club was also started. Children's Storytime programs were highly
successful and a local kindergarten came in weekly for stories and fun. New
juvenile computer stations and playthings for the children's area were purchased
and have been a big hit.
Three Bibliographic Instruction courses were given to almost 94 eighth graders,
and another positive Teen Summer Reading program was enjoyed with programs
such as National Teen Lock—In Day, Zap Zone Party and the Father's Day
Pinewood Derby. Other successful teen programs were Pokemon Club, Dart Tag
and the Mario Kart video game tournament.
Sandburg Branch:
Along with the Adult Monthly Book Discussion, we hosted local sports historian Bill
Dow who discussed his book Paper Lion. We also held two adult exercise classes
with the assistance of the Livonia Recreation Center, and a card -making workshop
that was well attended. The Children's Summer Reading Program was another
success, with some of the children's programs attracting an excess of 100 children.
In particular, Smash Crash Boom! and the annual watermelon drop were, as
always, highly successful. A cirque -styled performance entitled Third Space
Movement was performed for a large crowd and the teen Doctor Who Appreciation
Society is going strong. The Formal Dress Exchange program continues to be a
popular program as well.
FACILITIES
The installation of security cameras in the parking lot at Civic Center Branch has
been completed. Public meeting rooms provided at Civic Center, Noble and
Sandburg branches continue to be in high demand as venues for performances
and forums for community events and informational meetings, as well as the many
library -sponsored programs that are offered. Numerous small citizen groups,
clubs, and associations, as well as other City departments, look to this significant
public resource as a vital and valuable public service. Civic Center branch is
always in particularly high demand with the public. Display areas at all locations
remained popular and the Art Gallery at Civic Center branch hosted a number of
beautiful shows arranged by the Livonia Arts Commission.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
A Library Aide with a Master's Degree in Library Science became a full-time
librarian when a resignation occurred. We are looking to fill a part-time librarian
position that recently opened with another resignation.
71
Library Commissioner Christine McQuiston was re -appointed to serve another
term and Elizabeth Newton has retired from the Commission because of health
concerns. We appreciate all that she has done for the library in her more than 17
years of service on the Commission, her many years with the Friends of the Livonia
Public Library, and her volunteer work at the Vest Pocket Library.
FUNDING
State Aid to libraries was increased again this year, although Penal Fines
decreased.
Exam Proctoring continues at a brisk pace; we have collected over $2,350 so far.
Unique Management Service continued to function as our collection agency,
recovering funds that allow the Library to replace lost and stolen items.
The Livonia Arts Commission approved another generous grant to help underwrite
the costs of the Noontime Concert Series. Local businesses generously donated
incentives to the library for its Summer Reading Program to help encourage young
readers. The Library extends its heartfelt thanks to the many citizens who donated
money to the Library in honor or in memory of their loved ones over the past year.
The Friends of the Livonia Public Library awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a
worthy staff member pursuing her college education this year. The Friends
continue to work tirelessly to organize and carry out their Book Sale events and
the Friends Used Bookstore is more popular than ever. We are very grateful for all
their financial help.
STATISTICAL REVIEW
Library Program Attendance
Meeting Room Attendance
Registered Borrowers
Items in the Collection
Circulation
Library Website Usage
Internet Workstations
Wi-Fi Usage
OverDrive eBook Circulation
October 2015 October 2016
23,285
21,699
69,206
71,145
45,915
43,683
338,182
267,823
588,815
572,206
515,532
630,543
70,489
38,497
47,316
55,540
41,015
58,883
72
PARKS AND RECREATION
Come out and Play.►
An integral part of Livonia's quality of life is our solid commitment to Parks and
Recreation services. We provide facilities, programs, classes and opportunities
for leisure time as ways to develop healthy habits, improve fitness, develop skills
and create memories.
With the assistance of 11 full-time staff and more than 300 dedicated and
enthusiastic part-time staff, and the support of the Department of Public Services
Building Maintenance and Park Maintenance, in 2016 we recorded:
• A daily average of 2,800 individual visits to the LCRC
• 107,735 rounds of golf played at our three courses
• 9,921 participants in Special Events
• 15,459 visits to the outdoor pools
• 27,041 people attending organized picnics at a park pavilion
• 5,500 athletic participants playing over 3,100 games
We received $2,400, as well as in-kind donations from businesses/organizations
for parks, programming and special events.
Parks and Recreation works cooperatively with and delivers services to other City
Departments, civic organizations, community businesses and the Livonia and
Clarenceville Public Schools. As part of this cooperation we have partnered with
three civic organizations to manage athletic facilities (Rotary and Jaycee Parks
and soccer fields at Greenmead and Wilson Barn) and with one community
business, Mercy Elite — St. Mary Mercy of Livonia.
Our Department recognizes the dynamic and unique role we play in fostering a
healthy community and lifestyles of those we serve through one of oursix divisions:
■ Aquatics
■ Athletics
■ Community Center
■ Golf
■ Special Events
■ Parks
AQUATICS DIVISION
The Aquatics Division is comprised of two indoor pools, spa and Splash Pad at the
Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center and three (Botsford, Clements Circle and
Shelden) outdoor facilities. We provide safe, educational and enjoyable aquatic
services to the community through a wide array of swim lessons, water fitness
73
classes, open swim, lap swim, diving lessons, pool rentals, synchronized
swimming, special events and swim teams.
Kirksey Recreation Center Pools
Over the last year, the classes and programs we offered had over 3,716
participants, not including the swim teams.
We were the host of swim practices for four (4) swim teams, and are considered
the home pool for three (3) of those teams. We are also the home of the Catholic
High School League Swimming and Diving championships for both men and
women. Other large meets that we hosted include the Snowball Splash and the
Polar Plunge United States Swimming meets. The listed meets had between 300
and 1,200 participants each. In addition, we hosted three (3) dual meets for
Ladywood High School and two (2) dual meets for Catholic Central High School.
Among the special events at Community Center pools this year were the 13th
Annual Cardboard Boat Races and the 10th Annual Arctic Chill Indoor Triathlon,
Dive -In Movie Nights and a Spooky Swim with pumpkins in the pool!
Outdoor Pools
15,459 daily pass visits were recorded at the pools this year (5,518 at Botsford and
5,030 at Shelden and 4,911 at Clement Circle). This was an increase from last
year's total of 9,153. This year, Clement Circle Splash Park reopened on August
13! The new splash park offers two family -friendly pools with slide, climbing walls
and interactive water spray features. Botsford did have an increase of 1,272
swimmers and Shelden had an increase of 123 over last year. There were 1,099
season passes issued this year, and due to Clement Circle having a partial season,
we permitted residents who lived near that pool (Section 36) to receive a season
pass at no charge. We extended the Clements Circle Splash Park season to
September 18.
Our swim lesson program recorded 199 students at the Shelden pool. We
canceled swim lessons at Botsford pool completely in order to accommodate the
rentals that previously used the 50 -meter pool at Clement Circle. Three (3) different
swim teams used our outdoor pools for summer practice.
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Division provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include league play men's/women's softball, men's
basketball, youth basketball, t -ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, soccer, archery
and tennis.
League Play
We had more than 5,500 participants and played over 3,100 games. We offered
the following team sports for participants ranging in age from four years to over 65
years old. We had over 129,000* contact hours in our athletic programs.
74
Programs
Ages # of Teams # of
# of
Average
Contact
Games
Players
Game Time
Hours*
Winter
Men's
Men's
18 & older 23 163
276
1 hour
3,912
Basketball
Basketball
UAL
18 & under 85 892
1,030
1.25 hours
26,760
Basketball
917
1,453
2 hours
44,016
Spring/
Summer
Men's
18 & under
16
118
192
1 hour
2,832
Basketball
Co-sponsored
18 & under
128
917
1,453
2 hours
44,016
Baseball &
Softball
Collegiate
22 & under
7
126
147
2.5 hours
13,230
Baseball
Men's
18 & over
42
288
756
1.25 hours
12,960
Softball
Men's
18 & over
5
30
90
1.25 hours
1,350
Modified
Women's
18 & over
8
52
144
1.25 hours
2,340
Softball
Co -Ed
18 & over
16
112
288
1.25 hours
5,040
Softball
T -Ball
5-6 yr. olds
14
56
196
1.25 hours
1,960
Coach Pitch
7-8 yr. olds
20
80
280
1.25 hours
2,800
Fall
Men's/Coed
18 & over
26
209
468
1.25 hours
9,405
Softball
Men's
18 & over
16
118
192
1 hour
2,832
Basketball
*Contact Hours:
1. Baseball equals number of games x 42
(2 teams @ 21/team) x length of game
2. Softball equals number of games x 36
(2 teams @ 18/team) x length of game
3. Basketball equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
75
4. Youth Programs equals number of games x 32
(2 teams @ 16/team) x length of game
5. Co-sponsored equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
6. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at games
Archery Range
The outdoor Archery Range opened this year on April 2. The range has seven (7)
targets at various distances and a broad -head range. Several area Boy Scout and
Girl Scout groups used the range for badge certifications. The range is open
Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. from April through October; Sunday, 11 a.m. until 3
p.m. from May through October; and on Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. until dusk
from September through October. Over 600 people used the range through daily
admission ($952) and season passes ($1,005). Range revenue was $1,957.
Ice Skating
The City owns two ice arenas, Eddie Edgar (2 sheets) and Devon -Aire (1 sheet).
The Livonia Civic Arena manages both rinks and offers leagues, clinics,
tournaments ice skating lessons and open skating.
COMMUNITY CENTER DIVISION
The Community Center, in its 14th year of operation, continues to meet its mission
of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships and daily
admissions for fitness, athletics, class participation, league play, community group
partnerships and rentals.
The Center was renamed the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center in July.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 2,800 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed seven (7)
days per year, almost 1 million people come through the door each year.
We believe steady membership numbers reflect the desire of people getting in
shape and looking for a great place to have fun. The variety of programs and
facilities at the Community Center continue to outperform those at any facility in
the region. Families continue to be our largest group of members.
The skate park continues to be a free park for skateboarders and bikers.
Total Annual Membership 13,600
Summer membership 741
Total Day Passes 35,467
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session. Swim
lessons have continued to be a hallmark of our programs, with over 450 youth
76
honing their skills each session. Drop-in water exercise and group fitness classes
continue to meet the needs of people with a varied schedule.
Total Enrollment 21,718
Aerobics 6,652 Classes/Leagues
2,525
Athletics 25 Personal Training
3,118
Camps 512 Special Events
2,275
Camp Swoosh 843 Swim Lessons
2,381
Climbing Wall 810 Water Exercise
1,335
Fitness Center 669
Special projects completed in 2016 were -
ere:1.
1 .Over 700 hours gym time to Livonia Junior Athletic League
2. Purchased 22 new cardio equipment pieces
3. Installed new free weights flooring
4. Upgraded security camera data recorder
5. Installed fiber optic connection to City Hall
6. Major air duct cleaning
Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and Wellness programming continues to offer great variety. Members can
take advantage of a number of services: fitness hub workouts,
fitness
assessments, climbing wall classes, personal training, group personal
training,
nutritional counseling, massage therapy, group exercise (aerobics) and Livonia's
100 Days to Health wellness program.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area. Equipment orientations are
offered free of charge by the personal training staff. We also offer Polar Body Age
assessments. The Body Age assessment provides an individual with a baseline
measurement of their overall fitness level. The assessment takes into account a
number of health and fitness markers including strength, flexibility, percent body
fat, nutrition and cardiovascular fitness to calculate the fitness of your body. For
youth, we offer two types of orientations: Teens in Training Part I and Teens in
Training Part II. The fitness hub has 97 cardio machines, 17 selectorized weight -
training machines, 3 cabled functional trainers, 2 sets of 5 lbs. to 100 lbs.
dumbbells and 1 set of 20 lbs. to 110 lbs. fixed curl bars. Cardio equipment is also
available on the bridge leading to the track, upstairs hallway and in one of the track
corners. Also available is an assortment of plate -loaded machines such as a smith
machine, squat rack, leg press, calf raise and chest press benches. Another
feature is the Cardio Theater function found on most of our cardio equipment. This
unit enables the member to tune into a television program while getting their cardio
workout in.
With a staff of 8 attendants/instructors and a coordinator, the climbing wall
continues to be a unique feature of the recreation center. The wall has 13 routes,
ranging in degree of difficulty in order to challenge the novice through elite climber.
77
The wall remains open for use seven days a week. We offer a range of youth and
adult climbing classes throughout the weekends. A specialty activity at the climbing
wall is the rock wall climbing social every Friday night. Through the climbing social,
the center provides the belayer for a fee.
With a staff of 12 certified personal trainers, personal training continues to be
utilized on a consistent basis. Members can utilize personal training as an
individual, a couple or in a group setting. Members meet with a personal trainer,
with frequency dependent on the individual goal. Personal trainers help members
become successful with their fitness goals.
Nutritional counseling is an additional service that we are offering, with a registered
dietitian on staff. Members meet with the registered dietitian on an individual basis.
This service is by appointment only. Members also have an opportunity to meet
with our registered dietitian through some of the nutrition seminars/workshops that
are offered periodically.
Massage therapy is a service offered to members and non-members. We currently
have one certified massage therapist on staff. This service is by appointment only.
Massage therapy is currently offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Group exercise classes (land aerobics) continue to be a popular offering. We
currently offer 87 classes, seven days a week. We offer 37 classes in the evenings
and 50 classes in the mornings. The majority of our group exercise classes are 50
minutes in length. We also offer 30 -minute classes as well. Zumba, women on
weights, boot camp, yoga, cycle, Fit after Fifty, TRX, challenge fitness and pilates
are a few of our most popular classes. We have a total of 36 certified group
exercise instructors on staff.
Livonia's 100 Days to Health has become a successful, community -wide initiative
to build partnerships with area businesses and increase community involvement
through programming. The goal of the program is to provide participants with
simple, factual and educational information on nutrition, exercise, health and
wellness for the entire family. Participants involved in the 100 Days have access
to exercise classes, nutrition seminars, wellness seminars, grocery store tours,
rock climbing and free workouts and swimming on Fridays at the Kirksey
Recreation Center. The program runs from January to April. The 2016 event
attracted 597 participants. The 100 -Day Weight Loss Fitness Challenge had 154
participants, losing a combined 504 pounds. The winner for the Weight Loss
Challenge lost a total of 20 pounds. Corporate sponsors included the DMC, Dick's
Sporting Goods, Time Too Savor, Running Fit, HealthQuest, National Heritage
Academies and Jimmy John's.
Sports and Leisure
In 2016, we continued to offer a variety of leisure classes, covering all ages and
all interests. We strive to offer quality programs at affordable prices for all our
KU
customers. Between the two winter sessions, one spring session, one summer
session and two fall sessions, we offered close to over 290 (up from 230 in 2015)
classes/clinics and multiple day camp experiences for youth.
Leisure classes include pre-school developmental classes such as 2's on the
Move, Fun 2B Fit, and LOCO! -Motion. We also expanded on our offerings for
dance classes and camps for youth! Kids Night Out continues to offer fun and
excitement every third Friday of the month for kids ages 5-12. More than 20
different martial arts classes from Tae Kwon Do to Kung Fu and Karate are
available. We also offer enrichment art and music classes for youth. This year,
we continued to hold monthly Pewabic ceramic workshops for both youth and
adults, as well as adding floral arrangement classes.
Indoor and outdoor sport programs include baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer,
and tennis. They are run in a variety of formats including seven (7) week class
sessions, 2-3 day clinics, week-long camps and instructional leagues. We
expanded in our volleyball and tennis offerings also.
Camp Swoosh continues to provide so much more than just a place for kids to go
in the summer. Each week, Camp Swoosh offered kids the opportunity to make
friends, build leadership and social skills, use their creative side through art and
themed projects, stay physically active and involved, and instill a sense of pride to
be a part of such a special group. Over the course of summer 2016, Camp Swoosh
staff mentored a total of 80 (more return campers per week vs. previous years)
children ages 6-11, while averaging 37.8 total campers per week. In addition, we
had an average of 15.6/19.3 children utilize our a.m. and p.m. extender care,
respectively.
Two Open House events in 2016 brought in a combined total of 677 non-member
guests and helped sell 35 membership packages for a total of 83 new members.
This is an 11.39% conversion rate of walk in guests to members.
Kid Quarters
Our short-term child care operation continues to serve the needs of our members,
residents and non-residents, allowing parents to stay active and work out while
their children are in a safe, friendly and fun environment. There were a total of
4,812 visits to Kid Quarters, which generated just over $16,000 and averaged 401
visits per month.
Rentals
The opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to use the center for special
gatherings is a great way for people to take advantage of the Community Center
services. The following events took place in 2016-
79
After Hour Rentals
5
Scout Groups 5
Parties/Gatherings
551
Team Parties 6
Meetings
13
Church Groups 3
Showers
34
Summer Camps 5
School Groups
12
Total 634 — This is a decrease of 1 event from 2015.
There were 650 hours of gym rental as well as 725 hours used by Livonia Junior
Athletic League as part of the City sponsorship. Many teams rent gym time during
off-season training to keep athletes in shape. After -hour outings are an opportunity
to have a more private event.
GOLF DIVISION
2016 was a very successful season for the Golf Division as a whole, finishing up
over both 2015 and the five-year average in revenue.
Rounds Played
Whispering Willows 36,802
Idyl Wyld 29,988
Fox Creek 40,945
Total 107,735
Whispering Willows: Whispering Willows finished the season a hair behind 2015,
but was still up above the five-year average.
The course had a lot going on throughout the season. The drainage project that
was completed last winter/spring really improved the playability of holes #2 & #10
after rains. A new irrigation computer was installed in the spring in conjunction
with the new irrigation pump that was added in 2015; this allows the superintendent
to more precisely monitor and control the water used on the course. Bunkers on
hole #9 and hole #18 were reshaped and repaired. A number of much needed
repairs were also made to the cart path around the course. Equipment wise, a
new greens mower and a greens roller were added to the maintenance fleet.
Fox Creek: 2016 looks to be the best season on record for Fox Creek since at
least 2002!!! The course will finish up approximately 4% over a very successful
2015 and over 6% compared to the five-year average. Great weather, great
course conditions, and great customer service can all be credited for the fantastic
season.
Repairs were also made to the cart paths around Fox Creek. A new irrigation
computer and a new rough mower were also purchased for the maintenance
department.
Idyl Wvld: Idyl Wyld also finished the season slightly behind 2015, but still beat
the five-year average. The course was actually up in "every -day golfers" compared
M
to 2015, but fell a little short in the outing and league categories. Cart path repairs
were also completed on the course. A new tractor and a chipper were the only
main purchases for the season.
SPECIAL EVENT DIVISION
The Department places great emphasis on special events and programs that bring
together families and friends and shape memories. It is our intent to play an
integral role in developing community involvement by working with local
businesses and civic organizations that provide professional input, volunteers
and/or financial assistance.
A sense of family and individual pride and community spirit is developed through
such events as the Daddy/Daughter dance, holiday lunches, Memorial Day
Ceremony, summer playground program, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cardboard
Boat Races, Elk's Hoop Shoot, Indoor and Youth Triathlon, and the Family New
Year's Eve Party. New to 2016 we added Parks, Performances and Play!, a youth
summer concert series, and Harvest Hike & Hunt at Rotary Park.
For our playground program, we have continued with our successful blend of a
park -based program and local field trips. We were able to offer this community-
based program to over 300 children in the summer of 2016. This summer program
is designed to serve the opposite needs of those parents who use the all -day Camp
Swoosh program. The Playground Program is a four-hour drop off program that
gives children the opportunity to socialize with their peers and connect with positive
adult mentors in a safe, creative and activity -based environment.
Over 9,921 individuals have benefited from participating in our special events,
totaling 61,296 hours of direct contact.
Event
Ages
# of
Days
Time
# of
People
Contact
Hours
Co -Sponsored
By
Kids Night Out
5-12
12
4
31.33
1504
Winter
Santa's Workshop
Gr K-3
2
3
110
75
Livonia Kiwanis
Calling
Santa Mailbox
7 &
1
0.5
100
50
Livonia Kiwanis
under
Essay Contest
5-12
1
1
63
63
Friends of the
Barn
Tree Lighting
All
1
3
1,000+
3,000+
Rotary Club,
Ceremony
Libraries, Civic
Chorus
Lunch with Santa
12 &
1
2
150
300
under
m
Event
Elk's Hoop Shoot
Contest/Pancake
Daddy Daughter
Dance
Civic Chorus
Indoor Triathlon
Cardboard Boat
Races
New Year's Eve
Party
Spring
Take Pride in
Livonia Day
Ages
# of
Time
# of
Contact
Co -Sponsored
under
Days
800+
People
Hours
By
8-13
1
2.5
125
312.5
Livonia
800
Livonia Civic
Hunter Safety
10&
1
Elks/LJAL
4-16
1
2
225
450
Livonia Elks
Dive in Movie 1
ALL
1
4
41
Lodge
All
1
1
150
150
Civic Chorus
18+
1
2
56
112
Wolverine S&C
All
1
4
93
372
Wolverine S&C
All
1
3
355
1,065
Wolverine S&C
All 1 3 146
Passport to Safety
14 &
1
5
1000+
Various
under
Sponsors
800+
Veteran's
Memorial Day
All
1
4
200+
Ceremony
144
800
Livonia Civic
Hunter Safety
10&
1
12
35
Course
up
LJAL/Wolverine
S&C
Dive in Movie 1
ALL
1
4
41
Dive in Movie 2
ALL
1
4
36
Civic Chorus
18 & up
2
2
200
Concert
Easter Bunny
12 &
1
2
100
Lunch
under
Egg Hunt
12 &
1
3
2,000
Under
Pitch, Hit & Run
7-14
1
3
182
W,
438 Rotary Club,
Scouts, and
School Groups
5,000
Various
Sponsors
800+
Veteran's
Alliance
420
DNR
164
144
800
Livonia Civic
Chorus
200
Optimist club
6,000
Rotary
546
LJAL/Wolverine
S&C
Event
Summer
Music From the
Heart
Playground
Program
Nature Camp
Kids Triathlon
Ages # of Time # of Contact Co -Sponsored
Days People Hours By
All 8 1.5 200+ 2,400+ Arts
Commission
5-12 35 4 359 50,260
5-8
5
2 0
6-14
1
3 0
Mad Science
3-12
Camps
34
Volleyball Camp
11-13
Ballet Camp
3-5
Park it movie
All
night
Parks
8 &
Performances and
Under
Play
Multiple
Fall
Harvest Hike &
Hunt
Haunted Stroll
Turkey Trot
5 4
0
5 2
34
5 2
18
2 6
500
3 6
400
12& 1 2 50
under
12 & 6 32 1729
under
All 1 3 533
0
0
Wolverine
Sports and
Conservation
Club
0
340
180
4,000
Multiple
Sponsors
1,200
Livonia Arts
Commission
Friends of the
Barn
1,599 Goodfellows,
And Corporate
Sponsors
Spooky Swim All 1 3 52 156
Punt Pass and Kick 5-14 1 1 76 76 NFL
PARKS DIVISION
Our parks are a great place for families and groups to gather for picnics, outdoor
activities orjust to visit, walk or hike. We have many amenities, including pavilions,
grills, play structures, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, walking
paths, fitness clusters, in-line courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts or Wilson
Barn. It is impossible to estimate the number of individuals visiting our parks.
Park Maintenance staff keeps up all parks, handles inspections and works with us
in providing safe, clean and quality parks that our residents have come to expect.
W
Approximately 392 pavilion permits were issued with an estimated 27,041
attendees for Rotary, John Stymelski, Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Circle,
Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue for the pavilion rentals totaled $28,743.
The parks also hosted numerous special events and activities.
MARKETING
The Marketing Department strives to promote the assets of the department and
influence the lives of those we serve, as well as, develop and cultivate
partnerships, collaborations and volunteerism. As a department, we are devoted
to offering quality programs and facilities, while providing the highest standards of
customer service possible.
The L Magazine continues to be our primary source of communicating with our
patrons. The L is distributed three times a year to the 39,000 plus households in
Livonia, as well as, to non-resident members. The L Magazine is also available
on ourwebsite. In addition, programs are promoted through the website, Chamber
Business Member e -blasts and the Chamber Directory, the City Newsletter,
Facebook, promotional videos, member giveaway promotions, visiting local
businesses, email blasts, news releases, program and event flyers, and Livonia
TV.
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Activities and projects handled by the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year 2016 included the following:
SUBDIVISION PLATS CONSIDERED MEETINGS HELD
Preliminary Plats 0 Public Hearings (36 items) 15
Final Plats 0 Regular Meetings (28 items) 13
Study Meetings (68 items) 17
Special Regular Meetings (1 item) 1
PETITIONS PROCESSED
Rezoning
6
Waiver of Use
19
Site Plans
13
Cluster Condominiums
1
Sign Permits
5
Greenbelt & Landscape
0
AMENDMENTS
Master Plan Amendments 0
Language Amendments (Ord. 543) 2
Vacating 1
Satellite Dish
0
Lot Splits
20
Extensions
1
Plan Revisions
1
2016 NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department was involved in processing
approximately 66 petitions involving a variety of projects and activities. Below is a
summary of the more noteworthy projects, some of which have a final outcome
that is still pending:
1) Approval to develop a Planned Residential Development (Washington
Park) under the Single -Family Clustering option on properties at 9449,
9447, 9445, 9443, 9441 and 9439 Hix Road (former Washington
Elementary School site), located on the southwest corner of Hix and
Ann Arbor Roads. Construction has commenced on this development;
2) Approval to construct an addition to an existing mausoleum at the Mt.
Hope Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 17800 Middlebelt Road, located
on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Six Mile Road and
Pickford Avenue;
3) Approval to renovate an existing office building (former AAA offices)
into Zeal Credit Union's corporate headquarters and a branch credit
union at 17250 Newburgh Road, located on the east side of Newburgh
Road between Six Mile Road and Bennett Avenue;
4) Approval to redevelop the former Cloverlanes Bowling Alley property,
including demolition of the old bowling alley building, construction of a
two (2) story indoor, climate -controlled self -storage facility, and
development of an outdoor storage yard for recreational vehicles, at
28900 Schoolcraft Road, located on the north side of Schoolcraft Road
between Inkster and Middlebelt Roads;
5) Approval to utilize a Micro Brewer license and a Small Distiller license
in connection with a full service restaurant (Supernatural Spirits &
Brewery) at 36685 Plymouth Road, located on the south side of
Plymouth Road between Levan and Newburgh Roads;
6) Expansion of the MN Express truck terminal at 13586 Merriman Road,
located on the east side of Merriman Road between the CSX Railroad
right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
7) Approval to operate a limited service restaurant with drive -up window
facilities (Tim Hortons) within the gas station at 37921 Ann Arbor Trail,
located on the southeast corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Ann Arbor
Road;
8) Approval to redevelop the former Farmer Jack grocery store at 29659
Seven Mile Road, including demolishing the existing building and
parking areas, construct a new 37,000 -square -foot fitness center (LA
Fitness) and a 8,060 -square -foot freestanding multi -tenant retail
W
building, and obtain preliminary approval for a future commercial
building, located on the south side of Seven Mile Road between
Middlebelt Road and Melvin Avenue;
9) Approval to construct and operate a credit union with drive-thru
facilities (Zeal Credit Union) at 15950 Middlebelt Road, located on the
east side of Middlebelt Road between Five Mile Road and Sunnydale
Avenue;
10) Approval to construct a warehouse addition to the rear of the building,
expand the loading dock area and modify the entrance of the Costco
store at 20000 Haggerty Road, located on the east side of Haggerty
Road between Seven Mile and Eight Mile Roads;
11) Approval to demolish the existing gas station and construct a new
fueling facility at 31338 Five Mile Road, located on the northeast
corner of Five Mile Road and Merriman Road;
12) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing Burger King restaurant
at 34835 Plymouth Road, located on the south side of Plymouth Road
between Stark and Wayne Roads;
13) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing Burger King restaurant
at 28203 Plymouth Road, located on the south side of Plymouth Road
between Inkster Road and Harrison Road;
14) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial shopping center
(Maiorana Plaza) at 33000-33152 Seven Mile Road, located on the
north side of Seven Mile Road between Merriman and Farmington
Roads;
15) Approval to construct an addition to the maintenance garage of Livonia
Fire Station #6 at 37876 Plymouth Road, located on the north side of
Plymouth Road between Newburgh Road and Chase Boulevard;
16) Approval to renovate the existing Mobil gas station, including
demolition of the existing building and construction of a new gas
station, at 33430 Schoolcraft Road, located on the northwest corner of
Schoolcraft and Farmington Roads;
17) Approval to renovate the existing BP gas station at 17151 Middlebelt
Road, located on the northwest corner of Middlebelt and Six Mile
Roads;
18) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial strip center at
36184, 36200 & 36232 Five Mile Road, located on the north side of
Five Mile Road between Golfview Drive and Levan Road;
19) Approval to remodel the exterior of one of the units at the Brickshire
Square Retail Plaza (29102 Five Mile Road), located on the north side
of Five Mile Road between Harrison Avenue and Middlebelt Road;
20) Approval to develop a senior apartment complex (Aletha Apartments)
on properties at 14851 and 14931 Farmington Road, located on the
west side of Farmington Road between Lyndon and Five Mile Roads;
2016 STUDIES, SURVEYS AND REPORTS PREPARED
2016 Lot Splits Reports — 20
2016 Language Amendments — 2
2016 Vacating Reports — 1
2016 Disposal of City -Owned Property Reports — 4
Fully Digitized In-house Petition Books
• 1953 thru 1964
• 1965 thru 1976
• 1977 thru 1999
• 2000 thru Present
• City-wide overall map
Update Future Land Use Map
Prepared Zoning Ordinance Amendments
LIVONIA BIKE -WALK
Bike/Walk Livonia is a plan intended to create a roadmap for the continued
provision and enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the City
of Livonia. The planning process commenced in April 2015, and culminated in the
development of the Bike -Walk Livonia Plan six (6) months later. The project team
consisted of a Steering Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals that
included community biking enthusiasts and members of various city departments,
including Planning & Economic Development, Engineering, Police, Parks &
Recreation, and Public Works. The Steering Committee worked directly with the
project consultants, McKenna Associates and Toole Design Group.
Integral to development of the plan were several meetings, a bike tour and a public
engagement process that involved an open house and an online forum called
Mindmixer. Through this process, several key themes emerged resulting in a
number of short and long-term recommendations on how to expand and improve
the City's pedestrian and bicycle network. Examples include recommended routes
for creating a city-wide bicycle network, as well as preferred bikeway treatments,
such as signed routes, marked shared lanes, and dedicated bike lanes. The plan
has been completed and the full document is available on the City of Livonia
website. Bike/Walk Livonia received the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP)
2016 Planning Excellence Award or Transportation Planning. The City is currently
embarking on the design of its first project that came out of the recommendations
from the Livonia Bike -Walk Plan. It involves the addition of a bike lane on Hubbard
Road south of Six Mile Road. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in
the summer of 2017.
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Planning and Economic Development Department continues to provide
support to the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA). This past year, DTE
M
acquired from the PRDA the street lighting system along Plymouth Road. The
terms of the agreement included converting approximately 470 street lights to LED
fixtures, installing 11 new controllers, providing an inventory of five spare street
poles and three spare clam shells, and painting all light posts. After completion of
the acquisition and conversion by DTE and for an annual fee paid to DTE by the
City, the company will assume responsibility for all future maintenance of the street
lights, including outage repairs, pole painting, and underground staking services.
The PRDA will continue to be responsible for pole replacement.
Following the ownership transfer, DTE was in the process of painting the light poles
when it was discovered that many the poles were so deteriorated that they had to
be removed immediately for safety purposes. The problem revealed itself as the
bases were being removed during the priming process. The bad poles were
removed and scrapped at a local recycling center. The recently converted LED
teardrop luminaires/light fixtures that were removed are being stored at the DPW
yard for future use. DTE is now working with the City Administration and PRDA
Board on the schedule, cost and design of the replacement poles.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions of
the Economic Development Office, whose primary missions are to lend assistance
to commercial and industrial businesses by administering a variety of economic
incentive programs that help attract new businesses into the community, as well
as, provide assistance to existing businesses to help them thrive and grow.
Integrating economic development with the activities of the Planning Department
provides a high level of governmental efficiency that helps reduce costs and
expedites the local review and approval process. It enables concurrent review of
projects with both planning and economic considerations. Often, the ability to
provide timely decisions is critical to the success of a project.
Multiple development projects took place throughout the year including office,
retail, industrial, hospitality and residential. Such investments include the Masco
Corporations World Headquarters Office, located at 17450 College Pkwy; this
newly constructed office will include a 91,212 -square -foot building on the property
of Schoolcraft College and house approximately 250 employees. In addition, the
Schoolcraft College and Universal Properties and Management, Inc., collaborated
on efforts to build an indoor multi -sport dome on campus. The new $6 million dollar
world-class facility will be approximately 75 feet high and will be the new home of
the Michigan Wolves -Hawks Soccer Club. The site will also include an outdoor
turf soccer field and a newly developed ring road to connect Schoolcraft's Seven
Mile entrance to the campus near the Jeffress Center.
Significant developments and re -developments continue to shape the 1-96 corridor.
From the Holiday Inn Express at 27403 & 27457 Schoolcraft Road and the
Hampton Inn at 28101 Schoolcraft Road to the newly constructed Livonia Safety
Mini -Storage being developed on the site of the old Cloverlanes Bowling Alley.
Another significant re -development project is the new Livonia Distribution Center
located at 12200 Middlebelt Road. This $12 million plus investment includes a
complete renovation to the old GM Powertrain facility. The scope of the work will
include roof replacement, additional dock doors, upgrade of the lighting, structural
and paving repairs, and a new ESFR fire suppression system for most of the
building. Major tenants in the renovated facility will include Kuka Robotics and
Hollingsworth.
Business growth continued to be a trend in 2016 in the Livonia Chamber. There
were approximately 35 business grand openings and/or ribbon cutting events
throughout the year including O'Malley's Bar and Grill, Bill & Rod's Appliance,
Radiant Floral, Fireside Church, Embassy Suites and the Deshler Group, just to
name a few.
The City of Livonia's unemployment rate as of August 2016 was 3.3%, which is up
from 3.0% one year ago and down from 3.5% two years ago. The National average
is 5.5 percent, the State of Michigan is 4.9% and Wayne County is 7.3%
respectively.
Livonia's industrial market continues on a trend of positive net absorption and
leasing activity. The City has over 30 million square feet of classified industrial
space. The industrial space occupancy rate averaged 94.11 % in 2016. According
to CoStar Group, a commercial real estate tracking and information service, there
were about 87 industrial lease and/or sales transactions over the past 12 months.
The largest single sales transaction involved the sale of 13211 Merriman Road on
May 25, 2016, for $6 million, or $38.60 per square foot. The seller was Exhibit
Works Inc. and the new owner is Alta Equipment Company. In addition, the largest
lease transaction that took place in the industrial sector involved Ford Motor
Company. Ford signed a long-term lease to occupy 754,744 SF in the Livonia
Corporate Center located at 28301 Schoolcraft Road. Ford will be occupying
space the former Technicolor once occupied.
Looking at other sectors of Livonia's economy, retail occupancy continues to climb
upwards to 92.4% compared to 91.5% in 2015. Occupancy in the office market
has remained relatively stable over the past year as well at 88%, which is slightly
up from last year at 86.3%
In 2016, the Economic Development Office provided assistance to many
businesses. Listed below are a few of the companies and a project summary:
LIVONIA DISTRIBUTION CENTER (Ashley Capital):
Ashley Capital acquired Livonia Distribution Center (LDC), a 1,000,000 -square -
foot former General Motors Transmission Plant, in late 2015. The building sat
empty since GM vacated in 2010 and the property suffered significant neglect.
Upon acquisition, Ashley immediately began a renovation program to address the
deferred maintenance. The scope of the work includes: roof replacement,
additional dock doors, an upgrade of the lighting to T5 florescent, structural and
paving repairs, and a new ESFR fire suppression system for most of the building.
The overall investment is in the upwards of $12 million dollars. The facility will
function as a multi -tenant warehouse distribution center. The Economic
Development Office contacted Ashley Capital providing information on the Lean
and Green Michigan, PACE financing program. The PACE program can provide
long-term, 100% financing for energy retrofits on commercial properties.
MASCO CORPORATION:
Masco is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded
home improvement and building products. Masco is investing over $22 million to
move their World Headquarters operations to the campus of Schoolcraft College.
This will bring approximately 250 employees to the 90,000 -square -foot facility in
early 2017. Masco was awarded a 12 -year tax abatement.
SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE:
Adjacent to the new MASCO World Headquarters is a new 75 -foot -high indoor
multi -sport dome and outdoor turf practice field. The new world-class facility,
scheduled to open in late 2016, will cost about $6 million and will be completely
funded by private investments. The Michigan Wolves -Hawks Soccer Club signed
a 25 -year agreement to use the facility. The facility will also be used by other sports
teams and organizations for both practice and competition. The College is currently
negotiating naming rights for the dome.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY:
Ford Motor Company announced a $1.4 billion investment in the Livonia
Transmission Plant, located at 36200 Plymouth Road. The plant will begin
production of a new 10 -speed transmission for the new F-150 Raptor and other
certain F-150 models. With the investment the company is expected to create or
retain 500 jobs. The Livonia facility, which opened in 1952, currently makes 4R
and 6R transmissions and service components and currently employs more than
1,500 people.
MISCELLANEOUS RETENTION AND ATTRACTION PROJECTS:
The Livonia Economic Development Office developed a Business Visitation
Program in the spring of 2016 to meet regularly with existing and prospective
businesses to learn more about their operations, address concerns and issues
they have, assist with site selection and planning, provide information on local
incentive programs, and direct them to the proper agencies or departments for
additional assistance. In 2016, the department visited over 125 businesses in
our first year of the program. In addition, the Economic Development
Department assisted in coordinating two successful Mayor Roundtable
discussions, for a combined attendance of 30 business men and women from
various sectors of the community. Business owners from all sectors of the
community were invited to focus on Livonia's business climate.
.c
Below are some of the companies and organizations the Economic Development
Office worked with over the past year:
• Nucon
• Hercules Drawn Steel
• Key Plastics
• Delta Gear
• A123 Systems
• Ashley Capital
• Linear AMS
• Quality Metal Craft
• Schoolcraft College
• KTX America
• QCI
MARKETING & PROMOTION
In an effort to promote Livonia as the
Economic Development Department
promotional strategies, such as:
• ActuaPlast
• USecology
• TEI
• IPS Assembly
• Tower International
• KCS Prototype & Design
• Awrey's Bakery
• EDP Company and SensComp, Inc.
• Deshler Group
• RNDC
ideal place to live, work and play, the
initiated a number of marketing and
1) Established an Economic Development webpage and promotional literature.
2) Established a City of Livonia Marketing Team involving approximately 20
members from various departments.
3) In partnership with CGI Communications, the Department is establishing a
series of topical videos to showcase Livonia. Topics include: Welcome;
Education; Business & Economic Development; Arts, Culture & Community;
Health & Wellness; Vibrant Neighborhoods & Real -Estate; and Community
Organizations.
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used at the various public hearings conducted by
the Planning Commission and City Council. The maps are also made available to
other City departments and groups.
COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN
With help from the City Council's Economic Development, Community Outreach
and Strategic Planning Committee, the Planning Department is drafting a Request
for Proposals (RFP) for the preparation of a Comprehensive Master Plan. In early
2017, the City will be seeking sealed proposals for Professional Services to assist
in the preparation of a Comprehensive Master Plan. This highly anticipated long-
range planning project is the next step in the visioning process begun with Livonia
Tomorrow. The scope of services will likely include a community analysis,
technical assistance, and recommendations involving a wide variety of community
planning related issues. Typical activities will include attendance at City Council
and Planning Commission meetings, an analysis of data related to land use trends
91
and needs of the community, defining community goals and objectives, and
development of comprehensive plan document. It is hoped that the consulting
team will be selected no later than the Spring 2017 and the plan completed by the
end of the year or early 2018.
GIS
The Planning Department continues to work closely with the Information Systems
Department and other City Departments involved in the development and
maintenance of the City's desktop Geographic Information System (GIS). The
City's GIS is a powerful collection of computer hardware and software designed to
visualize, explore, query and analyze data geographically. The Planning
Department utilizes the GIS on a daily basis for a variety of planning related tasks
including: mapping, obtaining land use statistics and information, generating
mailing labels for public notification purposes, and much more. As part of its
responsibility for providing accurate and current land use information, the Planning
Department maintains the following spatial GIS layers and accompanying attribute
information:
Zoning
Liquor Licenses
Existing Land Use
Cell Towers
Future Land Use
Truck Routes
Building Footprints
Act 198 Industrial Districts
Control Zones
PLANNING DATABASE
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed for the purpose of tracking and storing
information about all of the various petitions for which the Department is
responsible. The new database was created with several benefits in mind,
including faster and more efficient delivery of information to residents, other City
Departments and developers, better record keeping, and expandability and
compatibility with other computer software programs including the GIS. The
Planning database was developed using Microsoft Access and includes detailed
information on each petition including the type of project, the review procedure, the
applicant, critical deadlines (i.e., public notification), past history, zoning, etc.
Select information can be linked directly with the GIS and viewed in a spatial
context. For example, maps can be generated showing the locations of all
properties involved in certain types of land use proposals (i.e., restaurants), over
a given period of time. As of December 2015, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 3,221 petitions.
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Each year, hundreds of hours are spent assisting other City departments.
W,
LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
The Livonia Police Department is the eighth largest police department in the State
of Michigan. The Police Administration consists of the Chief of Police, one Deputy
Chief of Police, and three Captains who are Division Commanders. Two civilians
provide administrative support, including payroll and benefit administration,
employee records, and financial tracking.
In 2016, the police department added 24 members to its staff; however, the police
department also experienced 17 separations of service. We are committed to
maintaining adequate staffing levels without sacrificing the high standard of
qualifications of candidates. As of December 1, 2016, the Police Department
remains 10 police officers short of our goal.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
The Support Services Division is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation
of the Department. Important functions include preparing and maintaining the
budget, purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contacts with citizens
groups, as well as providing reports to the Mayor's Office, City Council, City Clerk,
and various City Commissions.
Training
During fiscal year 2016, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at more than 150 off-site, in-service training courses and administered the
State training resources, as well as the Federal Bullet Proof Vest Grant. The
Training Division also ensured that all officers completed the MCOLES Firearms
Proficiency Standards, including our Reserve Officers, and conducted nearly 25
firearms training sessions throughout the year. All of the Dispatchers attended the
required number of courses to comply with State Law and the reporting of the 9-1-
1 funds was conducted in accordance with the grant.
Our annual Police Officer Refresher Training (PORTS) covered: Subject Control;
Emergency Vehicle Operations/P.I.T.; Reality -Based Scenarios Utilizing Force -on -
Force Simulators; and Active Shooter/Rapid Deployment Tactics. This training
was in addition to mandatory training sessions which covered: Intermediate
Weapons Recertification; Crowd Control Tactics; Security Assessment Protocols;
Vehicle Operation Policy Review; Radio Protocol Review; Improvised Explosive
Devices; Breecher Tool Functions; LEIN Recertification; and Gas Mask Fitting.
The Training Division coordinated with the Civil Service Department on hiring 16
new Police Service Aides and five Police Officers. Eight Police Service Aides were
promoted to the rank of Police Officer during this period.
The Training Division coordinated the attendance of two command officers to the
Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, which carries
prestigious accreditations.
93
Communications — Dispatcher Responsibilities
The Dispatch Center equipment includes the computer-aided dispatch terminals,
9-1-1 premise equipment, early warning sirens, cable override capabilities, Law
Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) teletype equipment, etc. In 2016, the
Text to 9-1-1 function of the Next Generation 9-1-1 was activated. This function
enables residents to text to 9-1-1, as well as provide detailed call data reports.
For fiscal year 2016, there were 47,415 voice 9-1-1 calls. There are currently 12
dispatchers assigned.
Communications is also responsible for the building's Uninterruptible Power
Supply system and its battery bank, as well as the proper testing and operation of
our emergency generator.
Computer Services
Computer Services is responsible for research and development, maintenance,
implementation, training, support, and purchasing for the Police and Fire
Departments' 300 -plus computer devices, software and specialty equipment. This
includes: desktops, mobile scout car computers, printers, servers, fingerprint
identification equipment, video and audio devices, surveillance equipment, as well
as wireless and Bluetooth devices. Computer Services also supports multiple
networks including all fire stations, the CLEMIS consortium, and mobile scout car
wireless communications. Additionally, Computer Services is responsible for the
9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Director's duties. In all, over 3,600
projects, support calls, and service requests have been completed for 2016.
In 2016, the bureau deployed Text to 9-1-1 throughout the city and enhanced the
redundancy of the 9-1-1 lines coming into the Dispatch Center. A new e-mail
provider was implemented, as well as equipment that enables faster software
deployment throughout the entire Police and Fire network. New, faster modems
for scout cars are being deployed, as well as printers. LPD's jail management
system is being upgraded and expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2017.
Central Records
Central Records is staffed with six full-time civilians. This bureau reviews and files
all arrest and history information and verifies/updates information on incident
reports, as required by the State of Michigan. In addition, they fulfill Freedom of
Information requests, subpoenas and discovery orders, electronically fingerprint
citizens for record checks, and are responsible for the issuance of pistol purchase
permits. Central Records personnel also update Criminal Records information as
necessary.
Property and Licensing
The Property and Licensing Unit is staffed by one Police Officer and a full-time
civilian. The main function of the Property and Licensing Unit is to receive,
document and store evidential and non -evidential property coming into the
possession of the Livonia Police Department. Other work activities include the
control and tracking of impounded and abandoned vehicles; oversight of vehicle
auctions conducted by towing agencies; categorizing and submitting confiscated
firearms and other miscellaneous weapons to the Michigan State Police for
destruction; and licensing taxi cab operators and other licensing investigations
authorized under Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances.
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
The Investigative Division is comprised of several units including the Detective
Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, Crime Prevention, Special Victims Unit, Court
Services/Liquor Control Enforcement, Internet Crimes Against Children, School
Resource, and Crime Analysis. The Investigative Division Lieutenant is in charge
of six Sergeants, 13 Police Officers, one Clerk Typist and three civilian analysts.
Detective Bureau
The Detective Bureau is currently staffed with two Sergeants, five Police Officers
and one civilian analyst. Their responsibilities include the investigation of most of
the reported crimes. These include assaults, robberies, burglaries, larcenies and
frauds.
Detroit Commercial Auto Theft (DCAT) Unit
One Police Officer is assigned to the Detroit Commercial Auto theft (DCAT) Unit,
which investigates individuals, as well as organized groups, involved in auto theft,
carjackings, and larceny from autos in the metropolitan Detroit area, including
Livonia.
Crime Scene Unit
One Sergeant, one Police Officer, and one civilian analyst make up the Crime
Scene Unit. This unit is responsible for processing crime scenes, which includes
the collection and analysis of evidence. Workload for the Crime Scene Unit
increased by approximately 9% in 2016.
Crime Prevention
A Police Sergeant is assigned to Crime Prevention. His duties include: supervision
of the School Resource Officers and interaction with the Livonia Public Schools
Administration; conducting tours of the police station, as well as teaching crime
prevention techniques to civic groups and businesses. In coordination with the
Chief of Police, the Crime Prevention Officer conducted 95 community service
events including Detroit Police Department's Field Day; F.B.I. Community
Outreach; ALPACT; Run to Save Our Youth; Passport to Safety; Citizens Police
Academy; and public appearances at neighborhood block parties. The Crime
Prevention Officer also helps increase community outreach efforts via social
media. The Crime Prevention Officer is responsible for research, compilation,
analysis, mapping of crime trends/patterns and the distribution of such findings
throughout the department. The information assists patrol, investigative and
administrative staff in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention,
intervention, and suppression of criminal activities within the city.
95
Special Victims Unit/Polygraph
The Special Victims Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and two Police Officers.
This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The Sergeant
is also our Polygraph Examiner.
Court Services/Liquor Control Enforcement
One Police Officer and one civilian analyst, under the supervision of a Detective
Bureau Sergeant, are assigned to Court Services/LCC enforcement. They handle
the daily court activity and process all warrants. They also investigate Michigan
Liquor Control Commission license applicants and enforce the MLCC laws.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)
One Police Sergeant is assigned to the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes
Against Children (ICAC) Unit. The ICAC Unit investigates individuals who, via the
Internet, attempt to lure minors for illicit acts. This Sergeant also conducts
investigations with the F.B.I. Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation
Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service.
School Resource Unit
The School Resource Unit is comprised of three Police Officers who are assigned
to the middle and high schools. They provide a liaison between the police and
schools and investigate any crimes that occur at the schools.
The Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily logs, employee
time records, Sex Offender Registry, canceling warrant recalls, and handling writs
issued by various courts.
UNIFORM DIVISION
Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is comprised of one Captain, four Lieutenants, 12 Sergeants,
65 Police Officers, 7 Police Service Aides, 12 Dispatchers, and one Vehicle
Maintenance Coordinator. The Patrol Bureau provides around-the-clock
assistance, protection, and law enforcement to the City of Livonia.
Traffic Bureau
The Traffic Bureau consists of one Sergeant, three road officers, one Motor Carrier
(commercial vehicle) Enforcement officer, and one desk officer. All Traffic Bureau
personnel have been trained in basic traffic crash investigation, which is the
primary focus of this bureau. Two officers in this bureau are also trained in
accident reconstruction. This bureau investigates all fatal and serious injury
crashes, which are surveyed and photographed with an extensive technical follow-
up investigation. Secondary responsibilities include: investigation and
prosecution of traffic -related crimes; civil forfeiture of vehicles for drunk and
drugged driving; selective traffic enforcement activities; traffic crash pattern
analysis; engineering enhancement recommendations for improved traffic flow and
increased safety; breath test instrument calibrations; hiring and supervision of
school crossing guards; training and monitoring of all speed enforcement
equipment; and Planning Board/Zoning Board research and recommendations.
The Traffic Bureau Sergeant is an ad-hoc member of the Livonia Traffic
Commission and attends all meetings.
Additional Traffic Bureau responsibilities include: completion of numerous injury
and property damage crash investigations; hit and run crash investigations;
reckless driving complaints; fleeing and eluding investigations; reviewing all crash
reports; and tracking and reviewing all drunk driving arrests and related vehicle
forfeitures. The Strategic Traffic Accident Reduction (S.T.A.R.) program and the
Safe Communities grant program (Click -It or Ticket and Over the Limit, Under
Arrest) are both managed by the Traffic Bureau.
Community Service Bureau
The Community Service Bureau is managed by one Police Officer who reports to
the Patrol Operations Lieutenant. This officer also serves on the Board of the
Livonia Anniversary Committee and is responsible for planning and implementing
all public safety aspects of the annual Spree Festival. The Community Service
Bureau is responsible for the administration of the Police Reserve Program, which
currently consists of 38 Reserve Officers. Reserve Officers provide police
presence at special community events, such as the Livonia Spree, school
functions, and miscellaneous civic events. Reserve Officers also respond to snow
emergencies, downed power lines, and situations where crowd control is required.
In addition, Reserve Officers function as support personnel at the 16th District
Court, and serve as vehicle maintenance officers for the Livonia Police
Department. During 2016, uniformed personnel in this bureau worked 10,273
hours. The total cost of services for the year is estimated at $179,324, with
fractional reimbursement, which is determined by City Council Resolution at
$75,847, and discounted unsubsidized services in the amount of $103,477.
This Bureau also oversees the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The Livonia CERT unit consists of 53 members who are trained in disaster
response skills, such as medical operations, light search and rescue, and fire
safety. In 2016, CERT members worked 19 activations throughout Southeastern
Michigan.
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
The Intelligence Bureau is staffed by one Lieutenant, five Sergeants, eight Police
Officers and one Clerk Typist. Their responsibilities are as follows:
• As the Officer -In -Charge, the Lieutenant supervises all members of the
bureau and is responsible for the management and administration of the
bureau. The Lieutenant reports directly to the Chief of Police.
• Two Sergeants directly supervise a crew of six Police Officers who are
responsible for all narcotics enforcement and criminal surveillance affecting
the City of Livonia.
97
• One Sergeant handles all of the narcotics evidence for the department and
narcotics case preparation, to include court presentation and civil forfeiture
actions.
Western Wayne Narcotics
One Sergeant, along with one Police Officer, is assigned to the Michigan State
Police — Western Wayne Narcotics unit. This unit consists of our two officers and
seven other officers from the Michigan State Police, Plymouth Township, Canton
Township, Northville Township, Detroit, and the federal Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives Bureau (ATF). This unit is responsible for developing and
prosecuting narcotics cases in the Western Wayne County communities.
Combined Hotel Interdiction Enforcement Team (CHIEF)
One Sergeant is assigned to the Combined Hotel Interdiction Enforcement
(C.H.I.E.F.) Task Force. This unit consists of our Sergeant, along with officers
from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), United States Border Patrol, Department of Homeland
Security, Michigan State Police, Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Dearborn,
Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Woodhaven and the Wayne County Airport Authority
Police Department. This unit is responsible for disrupting illegal drug trafficking in
the Detroit Metropolitan area by detecting and targeting violators and trafficking
organizations that are primarily utilizing hotels to facilitate drug trafficking.
Fugitive Apprehension Team
One Police Officer is assigned to a United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension
Team. This unit is responsible for the arrest of felony fugitives who have fled
prosecution in local, state and federal criminal cases.
The Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily supplies,
records management and employee time records.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The City of Livonia is recognized as an independent Emergency Management
Program by the State of Michigan under Public Act 390. The purpose of Livonia's
Emergency Management Program is to allow the City to prevent, prepare, mitigate,
respond to and recover from emergencies, natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
Primary responsibilities include planning, training, equipment, exercise and the
management and administration of Livonia personnel and resources charged with
responding to major incidents. Along with these primary responsibilities, Livonia's
Emergency Management Program focuses on being an emergency preparedness
resource for the citizens and business community.
The City's Director of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for the overall
organization and management of Livonia's Emergency Management Program.
The Director of Emergency Preparedness is an appointed position and works
closely with local, county, regional, state, federal, private and volunteer partners
involved in emergency management and homeland security.
During 2016, significant emergency preparedness activities included procuring
and managing Justice Assistance Grants (JAGs), which provide equipment to
enhance the City's emergency response capabilities. Livonia's Emergency
Management Department applied for, and was authorized to submit, a grant for
Federal Hazardous Mitigation funding for four additional Emergency Warning
sirens, based upon the 2014 flooding that resulted in a Presidential Disaster
Declaration for Southeast Michigan. In the fall of 2016, the Emergency
Preparedness Department was informed that the grant was approved by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purchase and installation
of these additional emergency warning sirens will significantly enhance Livonia's
ability to warn the public of a pending emergency.
The department was responsible for procuring and managing Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) grants that provide for the training and purchase of equipment that
increase the interoperability of the City, as well as the Western Wayne County
Mobile Field Force and Western Wayne County Special Weapons and Tactics
(SWAT) law enforcement specialty teams. Additional funding was obtained to
purchase tactical surveillance equipment, upgraded helmets, and other equipment
for the Western Wayne Special Operations Team. Further funding was obtained
through UASI grants that will provide new equipment for the Western Wayne
County Mobile Field Force Unit that will allow them to better handle potential civil
unrest situations. Funding was also secured that allowed for the upgrading of the
emergency warning siren, which is owned by Schoolcraft College but is controlled
as part of the Livonia siren system.
Additional activities include participating in a full-scale FERMI II nuclear power
plant exercise, which included two counties and multiple private and public
agencies; conducting training for City emergency response personnel, as well as
general employees, as required by the Department of Homeland Security, in
accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the
National Response Framework (NRF); representing the City with multiple local,
county, regional and state homeland security and emergency management
organizations, as well as sitting on several state and regional boards for first
responders; Emergency Alert Policy development for the State and non-profit grant
administration; providing mass notification abilities for Livonia Public Schools,
Clarenceville Public Schools, and parochial schools, as well as conducting
communications drills. The Emergency Management Department facilitated the
development of a mutual aid agreement with the George H. Custer United States
Army Reserve Center, which will provide for mutual cooperation and assistance
during incidents that may involve violent and/or hostile persons.
Livonia's Emergency Management Program is an all -hazard based program that
partners with the community, both public and private. This partnership with the
citizens and businesses of Livonia was accomplished through outreach campaigns
and through conducting emergency planning presentations/exercises with public
and private partners including Madonna University, St. Mary Mercy Hospital,
McClaren Performance, the Civil Air Patrol, Livonia Rotary Clubs and the Livonia
Amateur Radio Club. The Emergency Preparedness Department hosted several
training courses with St. Mary Mercy Hospital and Madonna University, to provide
training seminars to public and private partners on active shooting incidents and
Disaster Response for Public Services.
Additional community-based activities included partnering with the National
Weather Service to bring "Skywarn" training to the citizens of Livonia; providing
assistance to Livonia's long-term care (LTC) facilities with the state mandates and
fire drill requirements; hosting the Livonia Amateur Radio Club's (LARC) annual
"QSO" communications drill; upgrading of the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) for better functionality and ease of use for personnel that may fill a position
during its activation; partnering with the Department of Homeland Security in the
"See Something, Say Something" campaign to provide Public Service
Announcements to the public.
The Emergency Management program continues to maintain oversight of the
citizen based Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Livonia
CERT continues to be a model program, with members volunteering in both
Livonia and regional activities/emergencies. This year, the Livonia CERT assisted
on a regional basis, taking part in the Canton Cup, Canton Liberty Fest, Dearborn
Memorial Day Parade, Lincoln Park Parade, and the Melvindale Summer Fest, just
to name a few. Livonia events consisted of the Livonia Spree, Highland Games,
Passport to Safety, Livonia Fire Department's 75th Anniversary, as well as their
annual Open House. So far, Livonia CERT is well over 3,000 volunteer hours
between call -outs, local events and training.
ACTIVITIES CENTRAL RECORDS
Activity
2015
Amount
Est. 2016
Amount
Accident Reports
830
$11,259
914
$12,544
Incident Reports
350
$1,750
272
$1,320
Fingerprints — City
648
$9,720
713
$10,680
Fingerprints — State
291
$12,362
312
$13,962
Fingerprints — N/C
52
312
LCC
17
$15,000
10
$12,050
Purchase Permits
414
$2,070
477
$2,385
Purchase Permits — N/C
3,212
3,845
Record Clearance/Checks
177
$1,062
154
$924
Record Clearance/Checks - N/C
1,601
1,328
Public Vehicle License — New
1
$20
0
0
Public Vehicle License — Renew
7
$84
2
$32
100
FOIA / Discovery
964
$13,716
1100
$7,957
Miscellaneous (Jail Phone,
Vehicle Forfeiture, etc.)
131
$38,087
128
$31,836
Warrant Processing Fee
618
$6,180
475
$4,750
TOTAL REVENUE
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed
$111,310
1,650
$98,440
PROPERTY & LICENSING
Activity
2015
Est.
2016
% Change
Public Vehicle Permit
Applications/Renewals
2
2
0%
Taxi Cab Inspections
3
3
0%
Business License Applications
201
204
+1.5%
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed
1,760
1,650
-6%
Property Items Received/Processed
3,885
4,489
+15%
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
Activity
2015
Est. 2016
% Change
Total Cases Investigated
4,927
4,952
+.5%
Felony Warrant Requests
334
341
+2%
Misdemeanor Warrants Requested
1,308
1,365
+4%
Crime Scenes Processed
71
82
+15%
Vehicles Processed
51
58
+13%
Pieces of Evidence Processed
1,794
1,917
+7%
Latent Prints Identified
206
195
-5%
Reports by Crime Scene Unit
198
236
+19%
AFIS Cases
864
993
+14%
Polygraphs Administered
16
7
-56%
Referrals to Youth Assistance
25
23
-8%
MLCC Reports
15
19
+26%
MLCC Inspections (on site & decoy)
44
70
+59%
MLCC Violation Reports
7
10
+42%
MLCC Applications Investigated
43
40
-7%
PATROL BUREAU
Activity
2015
Est. 2016
% Change
Calls for Service — Police
30,232
32,753
+8%
Calls for Service — Fire
9,862
9,989
+1%
Reports Taken
8,182
7,789
-4%
Adult Arrests
6,109
6,360
+4%
Juvenile Arrests
123
120
-2%
Use of Force Incidents
45
46
+2%
Vehicle Pursuits
13
35
+169%
101
TRAFFIC BUREAU
Activity
2015
Est. 2016
% Change
Drunk Driving Prosecutions
307
298
-3%
OWI Vehicle Forfeitures
45
37
-18%
Traffic Crash Data
199
191
-4%
Property Damage
2,828
2,724
-4%
Injury
744
705
-5%
Fatal
4
3
-25%
Traffic Crash Totals
3,576
3,432
-4%
Uniform Law Violations
34,174
30,044
-12%
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
(Livonia Team)
Activity
2015
Est. 2016
% Change
Assigned Cases
1,188
1,325
+12%
Search Warrants
70
86
+23%
Forfeiture Actions
199
191
-4%
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineering Division, which operates under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities of the two Divisions are as follows:
Public Service Division — This Division is responsible for the performance of a wide
variety of maintenance functions. These functions range from in-house activities
such as building maintenance and vehicle maintenance (except Police and Fire),
to the more visible maintenance of public utilities, park sites and roadways.
Engineering Division — The Engineering Division is under the direction of the City
Engineer and the Assistant City Engineer and is responsible for all construction
operations within public rights-of-way and/or public easements. The division has
provided engineering services as directed by the Mayor, the City Council, other
City departments and various Boards and Commissions, as well as for the general
public. During the past fiscal year, the work was handled by 10 full-time
employees. The department consists of three (3) sections: Administrative,
Design, and Field.
Highlights of the 2016 year's accomplishments include:
102
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Administrative Section
This section prepares reports for the City Council, subdivision bond establishments
and releases, and various other reports; reviews the design of public
improvements in connection with the development of residential subdivisions,
commercial and industrial site plans; prepares legal descriptions as required by
other departments; and provides technical assistance and advice to administrative
and legislative groups within the City as well as State and County governmental
units. The Administrative Section is also responsible for the issuance of permits
for work in the public rights-of-way and/or easements; along with fielding
residential complaints on drainage, sidewalk and road issues; also assisting with
PRDA matters; the coordination with DTE on over 5,000 street lights (including
LED retrofits); and City Hall Campus Improvements. Attendance at Council,
various Commissions and citizen meetings for infrastructure improvements is also
a function of this section.
The Administrative Section was involved with the following matters during 2016, in
addition to attending meetings with State and County officials and investigating
citizen complaints:
• Arbor Trail Estates Site Condominium Street Lighting SAD
• Bike/Walk Improvements on Hubbard (Buchanan Elementary to Rotary Park)
• City Hall Sidewalk Improvements
• Clements Circle Pool Rehabilitation Project
• Coventry Gardens Water Main Project (Final Restoration)
• Dedication of Sanitary, Storm and Water Main Easements
• DTE Streetlight Outage Reporting
• DWRF Project 7356-01 Phase II
• Sections 34 and 36 Water Main Improvements
• Emergency Asphalt Repairs to SB Levan Road (North of Plymouth) and SB
Newburgh Road (North of Plymouth)
• Newburgh Road at the CSX Bridge Concrete Reconstruction Project
• PASER Ratings on 370 Miles of Local Roads
• Perrinville School Relocation Project
• PRDA Streetlights (DTE Acquisition of 457 Streetlights)
• Richfield Park Estates Site Condominium Streetlight SAD
• SAW Grant Project #1441-01
• SESC Permits and Inspections
• 10 Residential
• 31 Commercial
• Vacation of Sanitary and Storm Easements
103
• Washington Park Site Condominium Streetlighting SAD
• Numerous Pavement Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in
conjunction with the Annual Paving Program
• Numerous Metro Act Permits for Various Telecommunication Upgrades and
Installations
• Numerous Utility Permits for Consumers Energy Projects under Annual
Permit
• Closed out several MDOT and Wayne County Projects
• Updated the City website in regard to the Citywide Pavement Management
Program with the renewal millage for the 2016/2017 Road Programs
• Annual Permits for Utility Companies performing work in the right-of-way and
upgrades before paving contracts
Five site condominium projects and numerous commercial and industrial projects
were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division:
• Adams Court Site Condominium (S.W. '/4 of Section 30)
• Allied Commerce Center Site Improvements, Phase 1 (31800 Enterprise
Drive)
• Allied Commerce Center Site Improvements, Phase 11 (31800 Enterprise
Drive)
• Amrhein Road and Grantland Ave. Monitoring Wells/Soil Gas Probes
• Arbor Trail Estates Condominium (SE'/4 of Section 32)
• ATEQ Corporation Building (35980 Industrial Road)
• Autumnwood of Livonia Addition (14900 Middlebelt Road)
• Cade Meadows Site Condominiums (SW'/4 of Section 32)
• Consumers Energy Livonia Service Center (11801 Farmington Road)
• Country Fresh Water Main Connection (31770 Enterprise Drive)
• DPW Master Plan and Water and Sewer Building Project
• Dunkin Donuts (34899 Plymouth Road)
• Ford Livonia (36200 Plymouth Road)
• Ford Livonia ATDL (35500 Plymouth Road)
• Goodyear (12661 Middlebelt Road)
• Hampton Inn — Livonia (28151 Schoolcraft Road)
• Holiday Inn Express (27451 Schoolcraft Road)
• Holiday Inn — Livonia (17123 N. Laurel Park Drive)
• Home Acres Building Addition & Renovations (35766 Industrial Road)
• Livonia Corporate Center 1& 2 (28101 & 28201 Schoolcraft Road)
• Livonia Distribution Center (12200 Middlebelt Road)
104
• Livonia Fire Station No. 6 (Garage Addition) (37876 Plymouth Road)
• Livonia Franklin High School Addition (31000 Joy Road)
• Livonia Manor 2 Site Condominiums (SE'/4 of Section 3)
• Livonia Storage Units (28153 Eight Mile Road)
• Marycrest Heights Senior Village — Phase II (15475 Middlebelt Road)
• Masco World Headquarters (17450 College Parkway)
• McLaren Performance Tech., Inc. (32233 Eight Mile Road)
• Medora Building Company (13245 Newburgh Road)
• Menards (12701 Middlebelt Road) — Detention Pond and Removal of
Stockpile
• Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union (20595 Farmington Road)
• MN Express — Medora Building Company (13520 Merriman Road)
• Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens Mausoleum (17480 Middlebelt Road)
• Multi -tenant Retail Building (17108 Farmington Road)
• NYX Inc. Building Expansion Project (38900 Plymouth Road)
• Panda Express (13701 Middlebelt Road)
• Popeye's Livonia (13050 Middlebelt Road)
• Quality Metal Craft — Building Addition (12001 Farmington Road)
• Retail Development — Menards Outlot Parcel A (12691 Middle Belt Road)
• Richfield Park Estates Site Condominiums (SE '/4 of Section 31)
• RTI Laboratories — Proposed Building Addition (33080 Industrial Road)
• St. Mary Mercy Hospital — Proposed Parking Lot Imp. (36475 Five Mile Road)
• St. Mary Mercy Hospital — NE Parking Lot (36475 Five Mile Road)
• St. Mary Mercy Hospital — NW Parking Lot (36475 Five Mile Road)
• St. Mary Mercy Hospital — West Road Construction (36475 Five Mile Road)
• Sarah Estates Lane Extension (34618, 34619 and 34622 Sarah Beth Lane)
• Schoolcraft College — Ring Road Extension, Parking Lot Improvements and
Traffic Signal Improvements (18600 Haggerty Road)
• Sheldon Park Village Development (33111 Plymouth Road)
• Sonic America's Drive -In (29622 Seven Mile Road)
• Speedway — Two Proposed Monitoring Wells (37416 Seven Mile Road)
• Stevenson High School Renovations & Addition (33500 Six Mile Road)
• Taylor Boulevard Extension, Phase 2 (Section 24)
• Tim Horton (37755 Five Mile Road)
• Trinity Health Victor Parkway — Proposed Pedestrian and Sidewalk
Improvements
• United Landscape Inc. (12240 Merriman Road)
105
• Washington Park Site Condominium (S.W. '/4 of Section 31)
• William Finishing (13170 Merriman Road)
• Zeal Credit Union (17250 Newburgh Road)
Design Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section, prepares plans,
specifications and bidding documents for the City's public improvement projects.
It also prepares legal descriptions as needed. In addition, this section provides
utility information to the public, assigns addresses and reviews residential site
plans.
The following major projects were designed and/or built in 2016:
• 2016 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program
• 2016 Lane Line Marking Program
• 2016 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair — Water Main Breaks
• 2016 Selective Slab Replacement Program
• 2016 Sidewalk Program
Field Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section and the Design
Section, prepares, administrates and provides all field inspection and survey
services in connection with contract plans and specifications for projects
constructed under the jurisdiction of the Engineering Division, as well as all
subdivision and commercial developments involving the installation of public
improvements.
Inspection and surveying services provided for projects valued at approximately
$1,008,966 were handled by the division during the past year. These are
summarized as follows:
• 2016 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $125,000
• 2016 Lane Line Marking Program = $95,000
• 2016 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair — Water Main Breaks = $145,618
• 2016 Selective Slab Replacement Program = $94,768
• 2016 Sidewalk Program = $548,579
In addition to the public improvement contracts, this section was also responsible
for the field inspection and survey services of:
• All inspection of work under permits numbers 16-001 through 16-400
• Lawsuit Investigations
• Drainage Complaints
106
• Catch Basin Complaints
• Soil Erosion Permits
• Grade Inspections
• Landfill permit renewal and application
• Ditching and Ditch Cleanouts as Requested by the Department of Public
Works
• Commercial Site Sedimentation Basin Inspections, including the related
letters and follow up of the clean outs
• Residential Plot Plan Review and Grade Certificates
• Installation of Public Utilities
• Inspection of various paving projects
PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Administrative Section
• Provided administrative services for the City telecommunications system.
• Prepared annual budget submittal for Public Service Division.
• Conducted employment interviews.
• Administered safety programs within the Department.
• Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
• Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
• Administered Recycling Center, City Office Paper Recycling Program,
Curbside Recycling Program and Separated Yard Waste Collection
Program.
• Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste Drop -Off Day
at Ford Field on April 30, 2016, and publicized the Wayne County events
and the Northville event which were held throughout 2016.
• Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, State and
County requirements.
• Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by State of
Michigan and Wayne County.
• Continued community solid waste and recycling educational programs
through use of City newsletter.
• Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Bulk Leaf Pick -Up
Program brochure.
• Conducted a secure document shredding waste event for Livonia residents
at the Livonia DPW yard on May 7, 2016.
• Assisted the Water & Sewer Board in their monthly meetings. For the year
October 2015 -October 2016, the W&S Board has received 250 requests for
assistance, and granted 129 penalty -free extensions. Of the extensions
expiring between October 2015 and October 2016 (129), 67% successfully
107
paid off the balance of their water accounts during their extension term, 17%
requested more time, and 16% failed to pay off their account.
ROAD MAINTENANCE SECTION
Snow and Ice Control
• Maintained roads on primary salt routes 24/7 throughout the 2015-2016 snow
season. We used approximately 1,500 tons of salt.
• Continued purchasing road salt at the multi -agency consortium pricing of
$57.07 per ton. This is considerably less than private contractors were
paying.
• Performed one citywide major snow event (cycles) last season using DPW
forces and contractors. Plowed 370 miles of road each time, and kept 69
miles of primary, industrial and collector roads salted.
• Spread slag on gravel roads and parking lots when icy and needed for
traction.
• Installed snow fence at the most drift -prone locations to prevent roadway
drifting, reducing salt use and plowing call -ins.
• Provided plowing and ice control services, in conjunction with the Parks
section, at municipal buildings, parks and in City -owned public parking lots.
• Filled and maintained citizen—access salt barrels at specific locations
throughout the city.
• Spot salted water break, problem areas and house fire locations, as well as
specific locations requested by LPD.
• Received a dump truck with live bottom that is brine equipped and has a
computer controlled salt applicator. This offers a significant boost to the
reliability of the snow removal fleet, as well as reducing even further the
amount of salt that needs to be applied for a given snow and ice situation.
• Made approximately 24,000 gallons of salt brine. Brine is primarily used to
pre -wet road salt so it sticks to the roadway better and activates faster, giving
better performance at lower salt application rates.
Sweeping, Drainage and Grading
• Graded all parks, alleys and gravel roads three times using in-house
equipment and personnel; did additional spot grading and added gravel as
needed. Did not need to hire a contracted road grader to reshape the roads
this year.
• Reworked drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage. Re -dug 400+ feet of ditch and
replaced four roadway cross tubes where needed.
• Applied brine solution to gravel roads citywide and spot treated as needed to
solidify the gravel and minimize dust.
• Swept residential roads four times. Industrial and major roads were done
three times.
W
• Swept City parking lots once and as needed.
• Cleaned the inlet grates on the major storm drains throughout the city this
year to prevent flooding and erosion damage to the surrounding area.
• Repaired eroded banks, removed overgrown vegetation from the major
drains, maintained and cut back access roads and trails.
• Performed inspections for illicit discharges; collected and lab -tested water
samples where needed on 134 storm water outfalls citywide to keep us in
compliance with state storm water regulations.
Landfill, Transfer Station and Recycling Center
• Maintained licensed City landfill, including clay closure cap, underground
leachate pumping system, the "active face" dumping area, all exposed
slopes, access roads, drainage pipes and ditches in compliance with State of
Michigan and Wayne County regulations and inspections.
• Sprayed saplings and phragmites (perennial grasses).
• Composted 57,500 cubic yards of leaves collected from last year's Leaf
Pickup Program. This year's program was in progress during the compilation
of this report.
• Maintained the berm and contact water conveyance system along the limits
of the Glendale licensed landfill area in order to contain and dispose of
leachate.
• Regraded and re -ditched approximately 200 feet at the City landfill to
maintain the separation of storm water and leachate.
• Maintained the cardboard, paper, glass, oil, battery and antifreeze recycling
facility per County and State regulations, as well as loading yard waste for
composting off site.
• Maintained the citizen solid waste drop-off/transfer area to County and State
specs.
• Pumped approximately 2.6 million gallons of leachate contact water from the
landfill to be processed at the Detroit sewage treatment plant.
• Monitored the contractor bulk brush and woodchip disposal operation in
conjunction with the transfer site operation.
Brush Pickup
• Conducted a spring cleanup brush sweep of all streets in the city.
• Began by -call brush service for the season; responded to requests citywide.
There were 3,000 requests for brush pickup this year, with 10,000 -plus stops.
• Removed logs from large tree removals and storm cleanups; disposed of
chips resulting from stump grinding using various Roads section heavy
equipment and dump trucks.
• Assisted Forestry with down limbs.
109
Leaf Pickup
• Deployed approximately 36 regular and seasonal DPW employees from the
Roads, Signs, Parks, Building Maintenance, Forestry, Equipment
Maintenance, Water and Sewer sections for a period of six weeks to provide
residents with two scheduled leaf pickups. We collected 57,500 cubic yards
of bulk leaves last season; this year's program is in progress.
• Provided street sweeping to clean paved streets and clear storm drain grates
after the final leaf pickup was completed.
• Steam cleaned 36 leaf pickup vehicles, removed and stored truck tailgates,
boxes.
Construction, Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
• Responded to 6,700 service requests from residents.
• Participated in the weekly after hour on-call program. This program provides
24/7 on-call coverage for all DPW activities and areas of responsibility.
• Repaired or adjusted 48 manholes, storm drains, catch basins and water gate
wells.
• Provided and delivered storm and sanitary manhole frames and covers, water
gate castings, etc., to contactors doing road replacements in Livonia. These
are installed by the contractor while the pavement is out in order to repair or
upgrade castings on underground structures that are normally the City's
maintenance responsibility.
• Repaired or replaced six sanitary and storm sewer lines.
• Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems at
10 locations.
• Completed asphalt repairs or replacements to utility cuts, water main repair
sites and cracked pavement at 60 locations.
• Ground and chemically treated rust and then repainted dump beds on three
dump trucks to extend their useful life.
• Patched potholes on 370 miles of City -maintained roads, parking lots and
some sites excavated by the Water and Sewer section. Repaired potholes
reported on the Pothole Hotline within two business days of the report.
• Ramped vertical separations on sidewalks as reported to us by Law,
Engineering, Forestry and field staff to maintain safe walkways until the slabs
are replaced.
• Assembled a scattered location contract to address high priority structure and
pavement repairs citywide. Provided major road construction zone signing
and barricading when needed.
• Used heavy equipment to clear storm -washed trees and logs from primary
drains.
• Maintained access ways to major drains to minimize flood control response
time and maintain access for regular maintenance activities.
110
• Picked up and cleaned oil spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on City
streets.
• Closed roads, rerouted traffic as needed due to downed power lines, traffic
accidents, water main breaks, fallen trees and storm damage.
• Provided truck training for seven current and new employees so they could
get commercial driver's licenses and be available for snow removal and storm
damage cleanup in dump trucks.
• Changed truck and tractor attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, tailgates,
leaf claws, salt spreaders) from construction season/summer mode to leaf
pickup mode, then to winter plowing/salting configuration.
• Cleaned debris from outfalls and inlets of major City storm drains to prevent
flooding and storm drain backups.
• Repaired or replaced four damaged guardrails.
• Cut and cleared brush from city -owned alleyways.
• Made lawn and/or sprinkler repairs resulting from Water Department and
Roads Maintenance activities and occasional snow plow damage at 400 -plus
locations.
• Repaired or replaced mailboxes after they were damaged or removed during
various maintenance and snow removal operations.
• Worked with the Forestry section picking up logs and stump chips at over 30
locations.
SIGN MAINTENANCE SECTION
• Traffic and Street Name Signs: Replaced or Removed: 300 -plus
• Traffic Posts: Replaced or Removed: 150 -plus
• Engraved 45 signs for various City departments.
• Created outdoor and indoor signage for golf courses, volleyball courts,
baseball diamonds, soccer fields, parking lots, City roads, entranceways and
buildings.
• Assisted with the delivery, setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and
traffic control devices as needed for SPREE, Household Hazardous Waste
Day, Passport to Safety, the Save Our Youth run, the electronic waste and
tire disposal event, Fire Dept. Open House, Easter Egg Hunt, Rouge Rescue,
Music From the Heart, several Wilson Barn shows, the flea market, the
cancer walk, the Highland Games and additional events at Greenmead, as
well as the Memorial Day Ceremony and the Christmas tree lighting event.
• Maintained traffic control signs (stop, yield, one way, etc.) throughout the city
in compliance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
standards.
• Continued upgrading street name signs to conform to new retroreflectivity
standard.
111
• Maintained the Signview module in our Cartegraph system. Added road sign
information and updated data to reflect ongoing changes made again this
year from Traffic Control Orders to remove stop signs, change speed limits,
etc., as well as sign upgrades.
• Applied or removed reflective striping, vehicle numbers and City seals to new,
repaired or scheduled -for -auction vehicles.
• Applied Eyes and Ears stickers to all City marked vehicles.
• Handled 150 service requests for making or replacing signs.
• Created 26 new style "Welcome to Livonia" signs.
• Installed posts in various parks to prevent blow -over or intentional tipping of
porta johns.
• Provided signs and materials for the advance notification signs at subdivision
entrances for the Leaf Pickup Program.
• Investigated and acted on most non -leaf pickup service requests sent to
Roads and Signs sections during the leaf pickup program, including debris in
road, damaged guardrail, pothole, equipment damaged mailbox, barricading
and flooded road service requests.
• Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
• Repainted school crosswalks as requested by LPD.
• Restriped numerous City parking lots.
• Maintained and provided barricades for Council -approved citizen block
parties.
• Completed emergency road closures and created detours for Livonia P.D.,
Water Department and contractors working for Engineering.
• Removed graffiti from walls or pavement.
ANIMAL CONTROL SECTION
The City's Animal Control section provides public services for Livonia residents,
businesses and law enforcement agencies. Responsibilities and duties include:
• Maintain community standards for Livonia by monitoring animal treatment
and wellbeing throughout the community and by reducing animal related
nuisances, concerns and dangers.
• Maintain public safety as it relates to animal issues.
• Provide timely response and assistance to requests from residents,
businesses, and law enforcement as needed.
• Provide 24/7 response to LPD requests for Animal Control related
emergencies.
• Maintain awareness of changes in state laws related to animals and enforce
current standards. Consult with legal department as needed.
112
• Monitor and address quality of animal conditions in Livonia pet store, and
kennels.
• Educate and advise the public on animal related issues including animal
welfare and handling and neighborhood pet and wildlife nuisances.
• Handle animal bites and enforce rabies quarantines as it pertains to state law.
• Provide yearly inspections and monitoring of residences that are found to
have vicious or potentially vicious animals as dictated in Livonia ordinances.
• Participate in regional Animal Control Community to share best practices and
assistance when possible.
Performed the following services for the community in Livonia in 2016:
• Patrolled all city neighborhoods, with focus on known problem areas.
• Patrolled all city parks to prevent or address patron complaints of dogs off
leash. Continued increased patrols of Rotary Park to reduce the numbers of
dogs routinely off leash. All signs in the parks were updated with the current
park ordinance.
• Patrolled schools and playgrounds.
• Coordinated with Ordinance Enforcement on animal related ordinance
issues.
• Responded to 721 requests for service. The breakdown of these requests is:
1. 370 dog (67 bites)
2. 124 cat (four bites)
3. 151 wild life complaints (two bites)
4. Six kennel inspections
5. Eight pet store inspections
6. 18 neglect complaints
7. 23 vicious dog inspections
8. 14 coyote complaints
9. Seven routine rabies testing. Specimens were tested only where
there was exposure to humans or pets.
10. Approximately 80 citations issued
• Completed multiple Professional Development classes from organizations
including National Animal Cruelty Investigation School, Michigan Association
of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) and Michigan Partnership for Animal
Welfare (MPAW). The Humane Society of the United States MCOLES
registered course, Animal Cruelty & Fighting Investigations, FEMA
Emergency Management training, and ASPCA Field investigation (FIR)
training.
• Provided educational lessons on animal safety to Livonia Little Tots Daycare
and Preschool children.
113
• Handled three large scale hoarding cases where approximately 92 animals
were removed from Livonia residences.
• Provided training and ride -a -longs for new animal control officers in City of
Dearborn, City of Roseville, Oakland County and Redford Township.
• Instituted a Community Cat program to reduce euthanasia numbers and
maintain a feral cat population in Livonia. All cats released were spayed/
neutered and vaccinated.
FORESTRY SECTION
• Achieved Tree City USA status for the 19th year and received our 14th year
"growth award."
• Continued the young tree -training program for newly planted trees with both
City staff and contracted services. Young tree training helps trees with
proper form and strong structure as they mature. Young tree training also
helps reduce the amount of pruning later in the tree's mature life. Work was
done on trees planted in 2007-2014.
• Forestry personnel removed 25 small trees and stumps.
• Supervised the removal of 510 trees and stumps by two contractors, Dan's
Tree, LLC, and Sod Solutions.
• Approximately 60 mature trees were removed on streets associated with
the concrete road replacement program and water main replacement
projects.
• Supervised the planting of 632 trees associated with the 2016 planting
program. Also supervised the warranty replacement of 78 trees from the
2015 program.
• Planted three trees in connection with the Arbor Day Program. One red
chockcherry and two serviceberries were planted on the school's property.
Also, 400 seedling Douglas fir trees were handed out to the children at the
school.
• Treated approximately 50 wasps' nests with insecticide to kill the wasps,
mainly in August and September.
• Completed over 400 storm/emergency-related tree requests. Emergency
calls increased due to an unusually large number of seed pods produced
on honeylocust trees causing limbs to break.
• Received and investigated 1,400 requests for service. 950 of the requests
were for tree trims.
• Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the section's
saws and trimming equipment.
• Assisted other departments (Water, Engineering, Ordinance, etc.) with
emergency tree removals, site inspections, and tree inspections.
• Performed snow removal operations to City buildings and right-of-way
sidewalks. Service included plowing, shoveling and salting.
• Coordinated the City's annual Rouge Rescue Day. This years' event was
held at Moelke Park. Native plantings, stream bank stabilization, trash
114
removal, and invasive species removal were the focus. Fifty volunteers
helped in this cause.
• Supervised one contractor who trimmed approximately 5,000 trees in seven
City sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society of
Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations. Those standards call for
elevations of 16' — 18' over the street and 8' — 10' over the sidewalk.
• Supervised the same contractor doing resident call -out trim requests;
completed 950 tree trims.
• Tracked gypsy moth populations in Section 22 as part of the gypsy moth
egg mass survey. No spraying was needed in 2016; however, five spruce
trees that were defoliated from gypsy moths were removed.
• Attended these seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan Nursery and
Landscape Association annual meeting; Michigan Green Industry annual
meeting; Arborist Society of Michigan annual meeting; Metro Detroit
Landscape Association annual meeting; Society of Municipal Arborists;
various seminars on chain saw safety; pruning, insect and disease
identification, tree climbing, hazard assessment and aerial rescue training;
roping and rigging training and equipment repair training.
• Responded to 150 tree -planting requests.
• Issued 40 planting/removal permits.
• Continuously updated the TreeKeeper tree inventory program to accurately
reflect our right-of-way tree inventory.
• Supervised four (4) contractors in the section. The contractors are the
removal contractor, trim contractor, planting contractor, and park tree
removal contractor.
• Gather inspection reports, and prepare the 2017 tree removal list. There
are 235 trees to be removed and the program will be bid out on November
22, 2016.
• Build the 2017 tree planting contract. There are 603 addresses on the
planting list. The program will replace trees that were removed in 2016.
Included is the 2016 removal program and the 2016 road construction
program. The goal of this program is to replace trees removed in earlier
removal programs and to continue to diversify our urban forest. This
program will be put to bid on November 22, 2016.
PARK MAINTENANCE SECTION
Athletic Field and Park Maintenance Section
• Floated and lined all City baseball and softball diamonds and painted soccer
field lines on a regular schedule.
• Performed all landscape maintenance activities on a regular schedule to all
City Parks and buildings. Applied fertilizers and pesticides to all City
buildings, Mile road boulevard islands under our care, and prime athletic
fields on an as -needed basis.
• Aerified prime ball fields and soccer fields to reduce compaction issues.
• Performed safety inspections, repaired or, yards of "Softfall" under
playground structures.
115
• Oversaw four contractors doing work for Parks Maintenance. One mowed
27 parks and three cemeteries covering 150 acres. Most of these parks
were non -recreational open space. The second contractor maintained
irrigation systems and applied fertilizers and pesticides at Wilson Barn, Fire
Stations 4 — 6, Sandburg and Noble libraries, and the Six Mile boulevard
islands. The third contractor performed maintenance, and repairs on the
Plymouth Road irrigation system. Lastly, a tree removal contractor removed
80 trees in several City parks.
• Monitored trashcans on athletic fields that Rizzo Environmental couldn't get
to.
• Continued a cost savings measure instituted in 2009; weekend trash detail
was not done saving over 250 hours of overtime expense.
• Performed snow removal services for City buildings and Right -of -Way
sidewalks leading to Parks on an as -needed basis. This included shoveling,
plowing, and salting sidewalks, as well as plowing numerous City -owned
parking lots.
• Continued renovation of planting beds at the Senior Center, Robert and
Janet Bennett Civic Center Library, Chamber of Commerce, and Veterans
Memorial Park. New material replaced old, overgrown material to ease
maintenance requirements. The process began in 2012.
• Added sand to all sand volleyball courts in the parks.
• Employees attended safety -training seminars for chain saw operations,
athletic field maintenance, and playground safety.
• Set out and brought in the picnic tables and trash barrels for the picnic
season. Repaired tables as needed and ordered new trash cans to replace
old cans beyond a useful life.
• Pruned trees and shrubs in Parks, City buildings and Athletic Fields where
needed.
• Assisted with Spree related activities including set-up, takedown, and trash
clean-up. Also repaired damage to diamonds 3 — 7 as a result of parked
vehicles on the diamonds.
• Installed two new sand volleyball courts at Clements Circle Park as part of
a Housing Department grant. Worked on the play structure and picnic
pavilion at Compton Park that was installed with the same grant.
• Completed 145 "Requests for Service" that related to special activities for
other City Departments (entailed delivering, setting up, taking down
canopies, tents, picnic tables and garbage cans), delivering and setting up
the Showmobile, delivering TEFAP commodities for Community Resources,
Wilson Barn, Greenmead activities, and other City activities.
• Repaired and maintained irrigation systems at Civic Center, Jack E. Kirksey
Recreation Center, Ford Field, Bicentennial Park, and Greenmead.
• Maintained the fountain at City Hall.
• Maintained the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center, including soccer field
renovations and landscape work.
116
• Cleared deadfall trees and branches off of Nature Preserve walkways.
Major work was accomplished on the nature trails at Bicentennial Park.
• Continued testing vacuum breakers as part of Wayne County's DEQ
requirements regarding irrigation systems.
• Maintained ice on the three outdoor ice rinks through the winter of 2016.
The winter made for excellent ice conditions.
• Contracted services plowed the Community Garden twice. We also
installed drainage and built a bioswale at the southeast corner of the garden
using contracted services. This was done after the gardens closed in
October.
• Worked with one Eagle Scout on his project. He worked at Newburgh
Cemetery.
• Coordinated the maintenance of the PRDA with the 16th District Court work
program. Coordinated maintenance of the irrigation system with a
contractor.
• Coordinated the annual port -a -john ordering and unit placement with a
contractor.
• Verified all billing from assorted contractors and inputted the information
into CarteGarph/Cityworks.
• Worked with the Mayor's office in dealing with unhappy residents and trying
to satisfactorily resolve their issues.
• Wrote specifications for new equipment that was bid on MITN. Gathered
information on surplus equipment auctioned on MITN.
• Ordered the annual sidewalk ice melt shipment, fertilizers, garbage bags,
dog station waste bags, and chemicals used in the section.
• Removed tree forts / hideouts in parks as we became aware of them.
• Inspected graffiti issues and asked the 16th District Court for help in dealing
with the issues.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SECTION
Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements
• Completed work orders as received and able to
• Opened, closed, and winterized City outside pool buildings and pumps.
• Start-up, service and shut -down Landfill, Leachate, lift stations, brine and
other pump systems as needed.
• Maintained and re-lamped City owned outside lighting fixtures at various
locations and buildings; Ice Rinks, Restaurants, Golf Courses, etc. Provide
maintenance and repair services as requested.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and appliances.
• Semi-annually replace all flags, unless otherwise requested; maintain flag
poles.
• Strip and finish floors in buildings as requested.
• Spot and clean carpeting in buildings as requested.
117
• Clean inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed.
• Clean exterior windows at City Hall, Libraries, Court and Community Center.
• Monitor building automation and climate control systems.
• Monitor and maintain electronic and mechanical access systems.
• Answer environmental complaints.
• Perform yearly shut -down services in addition to daily maintenance and
custodial assignments at Community Center.
• Continue to adjust the custodial job assignments, checklists and service
delivery program based on current resources for all buildings.
• Tested and treated all process water systems.
• Assist with all other departmental projects as requested.
• Serviced overhead and pedestrian doors as needed. Replaced rear
pedestrian door at Noble Library.
• Replaced overhead garage doors at City Hall and Fleet Maintenance.
Roof Replacement, Maintenance and Repair
• Replaced section of roof at Eddie Edgar.
• Replaced roof for Bennett Library.
• Began process for LPD roof replacement.
• Reroofed Glendale salt dome building; replaced electrical and rebuilt
entrance.
Painting
• Repainted new Treasurer's office.
• Repainted new City Clerk's office
• Repainted water -damaged ceiling area on 5t" floor of City Hall.
• Repainted exterior of Fleet Maintenance building.
• Repainted and rewired City Hall pump room.
Health, Safety and Energy Conservation
• Addressed water back up in buildings as needed.
• Maintained street lighting inventory for PRDA. Lighting maintenance turned
over to DTE.
• Inspected and cleaned commercial hood and duct systems in Fire stations
and Alexander Blue House at Greenmead.
• Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings.
• Maintained compliance with State of Michigan Boiler and Elevator
inspections, testing and certifications.
• Maintained employee State -required licensing, certifications and training.
• Arranged for annual Blood borne pathogen training for staff.
118
• Exterminated or removed pests and rodents as needed.
• Performed preventative maintenance and load -bank tested generators.
• Reset all clocks, lighting, equipment and automation systems for time
changes.
• Cleaned debris and growth from building rooftops, sumps and gutters.
• Performed monthly inspections on all boilers.
• Cleaned and maintained sump discharge lines at various buildings. Replaced
sump pumps in Annex cellar, City Hall fountain pump room, LPD
• Cleaned and performed preventative maintenance on City lift stations.
• Tested seasonal and fire protection backflow devices; maintained database
to track same.
• Maintained lighting and pumps for Newburgh bridge underpass.
• Tested EM lighting in City buildings.
• Performed CSD -1 testing on all boilers.
• Completed Fleet Maintenance building lighting upgrade to LEDs.
• Continued replacement of burnt out bulbs and inoperable fixtures with LEDs.
Convert other areas as requested.
• Installed combination gas heat and electric cooling packaged RTU for Senior
Center card room. Decommissioned boiler and removed existing split system
servicing same.
• Decommissioned boiler in Livonia Aid building.
• Replaced conventional water heater in Greenmead Hill house with tankless
demand water heater.
• Replaced cooling tower and steel support for Bennett Library.
• Installed new LED exterior security lighting at Glendale dump site.
• Assist utility providers in checking and servicing building gas, electrical,
phone and cable systems.
Greenmead
• Assisted with most events held on grounds (Highland Games, Flea Markets,
Car Shows, Fall Harvest, and Holiday Walks).
• Install and remove decorations for Holiday and special events.
• Move, set-up and install furniture, furnishings and equipment as requested
and able.
• Continued maintenance, set-up and custodial service as able.
• Assisted with construction and maintenance projects as able.
• Replaced sump pumps in DUR.
• Installed commercial water closets in Blue house restrooms
• Installed ADA -compliant water closet in Meetinghouse.
119
Renovation and New Construction
• Oversee and track day-to-day activities of City Contractors.
• Assisted with LPD lobby and other remodeling projects.
• Constructed Channel 8 Supervisor office and storage area on 5t" floor of City
Hall.
• Installed hot -box for Glendale brine production operation.
• Assisted with proposed LFD Station # 6 addition.
Special Projects and Interdepartmental Assistance
• Assisted with various City Hall functions as requested.
• Provide set up and tear downs for meetings and events as requested.
• Maintained facilities leased from the City as per agreements. Evaluated Fox
Creek restaurant for installation of additional kitchen cooling unit.
• Handle citizen complaints as received.
• Moved furniture, computers, work stations and materials and equipment as
requested.
• Assembled, hung, switched, took apart, repaired and disposed of items in
buildings as asked.
• Responded to and performed daily maintenance requests on equipment and
physical facilities as requested.
• Assisted with Senior Citizen shows and events as requested.
• Cleaned out grease trap in Senior Center and Blue house kitchens.
• Jetted and maintained inside basement drains at Fire Stations and other
buildings as needed.
• Assist with snow removal and cycles as requested.
• Temporarily assigned personnel to leaf pick-up as needed.
• Assist with special facility projects and repairs at LCRC, pools and parks.
• Administered service contracts for skilled trades' contractors.
• Seasonally started, shut down and performed preventative maintenance on
City HVAC equipment.
• Continued ordering, stocking and distributing PPE supplies as needed.
• Continued custodial and safety supply procurement and distribution.
• Assist Community Resources with Commodity Food Program.
• Assist Parks with maintaining City Hall fountain and sprinkler system.
• Support employee and departmental activities or concerns as requested.
• Worked on Clement Circle and Botsford pool house renovations as
requested.
• Assisted Senior Center and Libraries with RFQ for carpeting replacement.
120
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SECTION
Responsibilities of the Equipment Maintenance Section include, but are not limited
to, the following:
• Maintained existing fleet of all City -owned vehicles and equipment, other than
Police and Fire, which is approximately 700 pieces.
• Prepared and maintained all seasonal equipment and vehicles, including
mowers, leaf and snow removal equipment.
• Wrote specifications, ordered, and put into service new equipment as
required for all departments as requested.
• Disposed of unreliable older vehicles and equipment while maintaining fleet
size.
• Maintained City Senior Center Buses.
• Maintained and operated City-wide computerized fueling systems at DPW,
LPD, Civic Center and Golf Courses.
• Placee generators during power outages at required intersections in
coordination with Wayne County and LPD.
• Set up and monitored annual safety inspections for the man lift, bucket trucks
and equipment hoists at both DPW and the Recreation Center.
• Assist3e with the radio system for all non-uniform employees. Working with
the Emergency Preparedness Officer to address radio needs such as
Inventory, chargers, batteries and so on.
Highlights of 2016:
Completed specifications on:
• Two single axle dump trucks for snow removal.
• Two tandem axle dump trucks to be used by the Water department.
• Pickup trucks with upfitting as needed for various departments.
• Ford F-550 Swap loader to be shared by Water and Roads department.
• Assisted with completing the specifications for Water department service
trucks.
• Reviewed specifications for Inspection department Escapes.
• Reviewed specifications for Transit department busses.
Purchased and put into service the following new equipment in 2016.
• Two single axle dump truck for Roads department.
• Nine pickup trucks for use in different sections within the DPW.
• Passenger bus for the Housing department.
• Two leaf vacuums.
• Two brush chippers.
121
• Several mowers and gators for Parks department.
• One tractor for Parks department.
• Two vans for the Water department meter repair section.
• Two arrow boards.
• Two Transit 350 HD Vans to be used by the Transit department.
• Escape for the Inspection department.
We have two new equipment mechanic trainees again this year and the first two
have advanced to full Mechanic far ahead of schedule. This is a great program!
We have replaced all our overhead doors, which are better insulted and more
secure.
We have awarded a bid to upgrade the in -ground equipment hoist to make it safer.
Our propane site has been up running for three years. All new equipment is looked
at for possible propane fueling. We are refueling our buses, pickup trucks and
mowing equipment regularly.
Fabricated two leaf boxes for our new dump trucks.
Reassigned some equipment to better serve the department needs and save on
purchasing additional equipment that can be shared.
Auctioned off some of our oldest pool vehicles and some out -of -service equipment.
In addition, the staff has been:
• Continuing our agreement with Livonia Public Schools, which services our
Transit buses, and makes repairs to them as needed, to save costs.
• We rotate our technicians to attend seminars and fleet motor pool association
meetings. This gives them the opportunity to learn firsthand about snow & ice
control and reducing cost using current best practices and equipment.
• We continually meet with vendors and other communities to learn about new
equipment and the current technology being used in equipment. One
example is the Swap loader truck that can be shared across many sections
all year long.
• Assisted LPD and other various departments throughout the city with a
number of fabrication and modification projects during the year.
• We generated over 1,800 equipment repair work orders as recorded in the
Cityworks system.
122
Performed preventative maintenance work (full vehicle inspection with repairs as
needed of oil change, air filters, coolants, tires) on approximately 20-30 vehicles
each month along with all the unscheduled work.
WATER AND SEWER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Sanitary Sewer System
• Cleaned 148.80 miles in 14 city sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, power flushing, bucketing, and chemical and power root cutting.
• Cleared four sanitary sewer main backups Public Act 222 of 2001 claims.
• Investigated 82 sanitary sewer complaints.
• Televised over four miles of sanitary sewer.
• Inspected 20 city sections for sanitary lines and structures.
• Assisted with sanitary sewer lining projects for Cast In Place (CIP) city wide.
• Assisted with sanitary sewer structure rehabilitation program.
• Located 13 manholes for the SAW grant.
• Cleaned and inspected 1,284 monthly trouble spots.
Storm Sewer System
• Responded to 89 storm sewer and perimeter drainage complaints.
• Jetted 26 restricted storm sewer lines generated from homeowner
complaints.
• Retrieved and replaced seven catch basin covers.
• Started storm sewer catch basin cleaning, cleaned 658 storm sewer catch
basins.
• Cleaned all fire station storm drains.
Water Distribution System
• Inspected, exercised 730 water gate valves.
• Repaired 44 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with O-ring
type.
• Low flow tested, inspected and maintained 292 fire hydrants and exercised
the auxiliary valve.
• Repaired 27 fire hydrants in the field. Painted 877 fire hydrants.
• Repaired 164 water main breaks or leaks.
• Repaired or replaced 145 water curb stop boxes.
• Located and marked over 11,928 locations for Miss Dig system for water and
sewer utilities.
• Located 420 water and sewer services for the DWRF Project 7355-01 Phase
I .
• Made 17 service line repairs for various reasons.
• Disconnected and retired 10 water service lines.
123
• Rebuilt six fire hydrants in shop.
• Installed two new water gate valves and one new fire hydrants.
Water Meter System
• Replaced 18 antiquated large commercial water meters.
• Repaired 17 large commercial meters.
• Replaced 8450 water meters (meter only) for various reasons.
• Replaced (updated) 266 residential water meters and outside readers for
various reasons.
• Made 5,258 water -related service requests.
• Completed 4,572 service slips.
• Placed 350 note cards at residential homes requesting to gain access to
home for internal meter repairs.
• Installed 136 (ORD) outside touch read device systems.
• Installed 701 (MXU) radio read device systems, up 24 from last year.
• Installed 2,078 (M-2) Flex Net two-way radio read device systems.
• Established 22 new commercial accounts.
• Established 29 new residential accounts, down five from last year.
• Installed and removed 254 seasonal irrigation water meters.
Special Projects
• Replaced the water main under Five Mile at Merriman Roads.
• Assisted and supplied new style sanitary, storm, and water casting for the
various contractor and consultants for the road repair program.
• Assisted with completing the DWRF Project 7355-01 Phase land 2
• Coventry Gardens Water Main Project (Section 16)
• Section 36 water main replacement.
• Section 34 water main replacement.
• Currently working on DWRF Project 7356-01 Phase II for 2016. Installing
water main.
• Administered cross training with the office staff at front desk due to staff
shortages and cross training the water and sewer foremen for handling
emergency situations to improve response time. In addition, the operation
and maintenance field staff are participating in job enrichment again this year.
• Worked with IS Department to setup 2016 printers and scanners for staff.
• Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new tap list and City Works associate work orders to other sections
for request to repair restorations.
• Assisted with the following programs:
124
• Manhole Rehabilitation Program
• Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Program
• Updated computer programs relating to GIS Arc Map, Water and Sewer,
Sensus water meter reading system software and hardware for Logos.net
web -based system, making them operational for future enhancements.
• Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Livonia Fire Department.
• Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
• Assisted the Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
completed projects for 2016 and planned 2017 water main and sanitarysewer
replacement programs.
• Eliminated 112 homeowner self -read cards and scheduling water meter
appointments to eliminate remaining homeowners' reads and streamlining
the water meter reading, thus lowering water -billing complaints.
• Continue working on updating the water stop box location, seasonal meter
stop box location, and contact information in GIS.
• Administered and inspected 72 water taps made by water section.
• More flow tests for water model, S.C.A.D.A. system and flow test with Livonia
Fire Department.
• Worked on inventory updating pricing database for future software changes
to take place with City Works.
• Assisted Engineering with sidewalk, driveway approaches and major road
replacement projects.
• Worked with various contractors for road, water and sewer main installations
and repairs.
• Installed second meter reading tower at McNamara senior towers.
• Checked road structures before road improvements, inspected and cleaned
catch basins after completion throughout the city.
• Assisted with water activities for the Livonia Spree, Race for the Cure and
other activities.
• Continued the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
compound Badger, Hershey FM, and Rockwell water meters, prepping for
wireless meter reading system.
• Continued updating the 36 sections of water main location maps for
duplicating to Engineering Department, for changes and as built.
• Continuing with the new U.S. EPA -mandated water -sampling report for the
Disinfection By -Products (D.B.P.) Program for 2016, mandatory water
sampling for Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Program as required
by EPA and MDEQ on a quarterly schedule, completed.
125
• Received approval for the MDEQ 2015 -mandated Sanitary Sewer Operation
and Maintenance Program this year; the 2015 report is due before January
15, 2016.
• Performed Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements for MDEQ and Wayne
County Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.) on city buildings and
golf courses.
• Delivered letters for non-compliance testing and inspections of backflow and
cross connection program for HydroCorp; also, meetings as needed to
coordinate containment versus isolation for protection.
• As needed, assisted with the I-275 Reconstruction (Five Mile to Eight Mile)
Coordination with MDOT and Tobbe Excavating, Inc.
• Five Mile Plan development for water main replacement.
• Wireless water meter reading system installed May 2014; since then, installed
800 Flex Net -M2 endpoints (radio readers) at existing commercial quarterly
accounts.
• Conducted Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule -3 (U.C.M.R.-3)
quarterly sampling December 2015 mandated by the EPA that requires any
water system serving over 10,000 persons to monitor for 21 different
chemicals.
• Lab results finalized by GLWA for September 2015 mandated water sampling
for Stage Two Disinfect By Products Rule city wide, sent follow-up results
letters via U.S. Mail results to all who participated in the process.
• Conducted plan reviews for underground utilities related to new construction
projects.
In addition to the operation and maintenance of the public water distribution and
sewer collection systems, these sections are also responsible for fielding
complaints, field inspections, and investigation services of:
• Assisting Animal Control, Building Maintenance, Building Inspection,
Engineering, Roads, and Water Billing Departments.
• 2016 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair—Water Main Breaks.
• 2016 City Wide Sidewalk Program.
• Continue investigations and documentation regarding claims as needed for
MMRMA and the water and sewer board for the hardship cases.
• Lawsuit and Claims Investigations.
• Storm Drainage and Catch Basin Complaints.
• Soil Erosion and Grade Complaints.
• Miscellaneous Programs as needed.
126
LIVONIA TRAFFIC COMMISSION
The Traffic Commission is responsible for the planning, coordination, and
determination of proposed traffic control devices to improve traffic flow and to
provide maximum safety for all drivers, pedestrians and property.
As provided by the City Charter, the Commission consists of seven citizens who
are appointed by the Mayor. The Commission meets once a month to discuss and
implement traffic control measures that are brought to its attention by citizens as
well as by other City departments. The Commissioners work in conjunction with
the Traffic Bureau of the Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2016
Again this year, the Traffic Commission faced many concerns and issues from
residents and neighborhood groups. In general, the commission focused on timely
responses to these concerns and requests.
In total, the Commission approved approximately 20 Traffic Control Orders
in 2016.
Commissioner Tom Ambers resigned early in the year and Commissioner Kevin
Priddy accepted an opening with the Planning Commission; Debra Murphy and
Rebekah Farabaugh were appointed to fill the vacancies. They both contribute to
the mission of the commission and we look forward to developing their skills going
forward.
The biggest focus of the commission this year was on advisory signs, such as "No
Parking" and Speed Limit signs. The Commission placed several Speed Limit
signs at subdivision entry points off the major mile roads in the city and Handicap
Informational signs. Several studies were conducted by the Police Department for
proper speed limit signs. Some of these locations included:
• Orangelawn Street Speed & Sign study, section 33
• "No Parking" signs on Ellen Street at Schoolcraft, section 21
• Speed and "Yield" signs on Levan Street, section 17
The Commission also approved several "No Outlet" signs at appropriate locations
making sure motorists are aware that those particular streets do not go through
and easing concerns of the residents seeing cars frequently turning around in their
d riveways.
The Commission worked very closely with the Franklin High School neighborhood
groups for signs in strategic locations throughout their neighborhood, section 35.
Well over 30 families attended many traffic meetings expressing concerns with
student parking throughout the neighborhood. Working with many of these
127
residents to determine location and hours of no parking, several new signs were
installed on Grandon and Sunset streets. Additionally, no parking signs are
consistent around all three high schools. As a result of this action, the number of
violations issued have been significantly reduced and residents have no concerns.
We continue to address parking and safety issues in Old Rosedale Gardens,
section 34. Working with the association president and a local business owner, we
were able to resolve a parking issue that could have caused a safety problem.
The Commission, along with the Livonia Police Traffic Bureau, continues to
respond to all citizen inquiries, comments or questions coming into their respective
offices.
Throughout the year, numerous telephone calls, e-mails and other forms of
communication are received by city officials. These communications from
residents include concerns and recommendations such as deer crossing sign
requests, traffic light bulbs requiring replacement, and speeding in the area. This
involvement from the community is very helpful to correct and protect the safety of
the community. This year, a portable speed sign device was purchased by the
Police Department and has provided very useful data.
CONCLUSION
The work done by the Commission, in conjunction with the Livonia Police Traffic
Bureau, continues to benefit the city and its residents. The Traffic Commission will
continue to monitor the changes it has made over the past several years and adjust
accordingly as needed.
The Commission will also continue to monitor traffic and parking conditions within
the City and will be particularly concerned with monitoring areas of re -development
and construction, helping ensure that Livonia's streets and highways will continue
to be safe and well maintained.
The continued support from both the Engineering Department and Traffic Bureau
aided significantly to the success of the Traffic Commission in meeting the needs
of citizens throughout the city.
The biggest area of challenge during 2016 was managing the on-going traffic flows
and road closures throughout the city. Throughout the year numerous construction
projects were completed safely; the Police and Engineering Departments, working
with Wayne County Traffic Bureau, retimed and engineered several traffic devices
including signals throughout Livonia for better traffic flow. Our thanks for all their
efforts and their communications with the Traffic Commission. The closure of 1-275
contributed to significant traffic congestion to most of the major north -south
roadways such as Newburgh, Levan, Farmington and Merriman Roads. This
created a demand on all local resources from the police and engineering
department; they all worked well together and we thank them.
128
We believe the Police and Engineering Departments should continue to evaluate
new traffic technology as it becomes available and determine if it can benefit or
improve traffic studies and lead to safety improvements. The Traffic Commission
will continue to review and evaluate all traffic control devices throughout the city.
TREASURER
The Treasurer's Department is responsible for collection, disbursement and
custody of all revenues belonging to and held in trust by the City. All funds
collected by City agencies are transmitted to the Treasurer, then verified, recorded,
deposited and reported daily to the Finance Department. In addition, the
Treasurer's Office, on instruction from the Finance Director, transmits instructions
for the daily investment of City funds among City banks to maximize the interest
on its holdings.
The Treasurer's Office has strict procedures in place regarding the handling of City
funds. All departments issue numbered receipts and deliver collected funds to the
Treasurer's Office for daily processing.
ADMINISTRATION
The Treasurer's Department continues to utilize the BS&A Tax Software for
printing our tax bills allowing better control of individualized information. This
allows the department to print additional information right on the bill rather than
include an additional insert with the tax bill. The department used a local
printing/mailing company with capabilities to reduce the mailing costs and increase
the efficiency of mailing. By using the same procedure in 2016, we continue to
save over $2,000 for the fiscal year in printing and paper expense. The tax
software also allows us to print a postal bar code to reduce the amount of first class
postage charged for mailing by $.07 per piece, resulting in a postage savings of
over $5,600 per year.
The Treasurer's Office sent letters to real and personal property taxpayers whose
taxes for the 2015 tax year had not been paid by February 16, 2016, as has been
our past practice. A total of 4,843 reminder letters were mailed.
Letters were also mailed to 2,112 real & personal property taxpayers who had not
paid their taxes by the due date for the summer 2016 season.
The Treasurer's Office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. Proof of Claims for personal property taxes are filed with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2016, two businesses with locations in Livonia
filed for bankruptcy protection as compared to three in 2015, six in 2014, five in
2013, 17 in 2012, and three businesses in 2011.
129
Applications to pay property taxes electronically are available on the City's website
and by request. Again, we have seen a slight decrease in the number of taxpayers
utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of tax bills. During the summer 2016
season, 1,818 taxpayers participated in this convenient and no -cost service as
compared to 1,853 during the summer of 2015, 1,939 during the summer of 2014,
2,017 during the summer of 2013, and 2,082 during the summer of 2012. The
winter tax bill EFT payments are similar in count per tax year.
We continue to offer credit/debit card transactions at the counter for tax payments
only. Chase Bank retains the fees, which are currently 2.5% for credit transactions,
and a flat $3.95 fee for debit card transactions; there is no transaction fee charged
by the City. Payment options are printed on the back of the tax bills and on the
City's website.
Tax bills can still be paid by phone or online with a credit card through ACI
Worldwide/Official Payments Corporation. This information is detailed on the City's
website and is on the back of the tax bill. There is a convenience fee of
approximately 3% collected and retained by ACI Worldwide/Official Payments
Corporation for this service.
TAX COLLECTIONS
There are approximately 44,100 taxable parcels in the City, less than previous
years due to the new personal property tax abatements initiated by Governor
Snyder. The breakdown follows:
Fifty-three percent of residents are responsible for paying their own property tax
bills. Mortgage companies pay 47% of the real property tax bills.
The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 84,328.
The tax levy breakdown for Ad Valorem and Special Act parcels is as follows, and
is accurate for Winter 2015 as of March 1, 2016, and accurate for Summer 2016
as of November 30, 2016:
REAL PERSONAL TOTAL
City of Livonia 48,337,469 6,333,173 54,670,642
Livonia Public Schools
Operating 17,993,971 2,088,141 20,082,112
130
2013
2014
2015
2016
Real Property
39,710
39,742
39,730
39,763
Personal
4,937
5,537
4,271
4,270
Property
IFT
151
152
133
120
TOTALS
44,798
45,431
44,134
44,153
Fifty-three percent of residents are responsible for paying their own property tax
bills. Mortgage companies pay 47% of the real property tax bills.
The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 84,328.
The tax levy breakdown for Ad Valorem and Special Act parcels is as follows, and
is accurate for Winter 2015 as of March 1, 2016, and accurate for Summer 2016
as of November 30, 2016:
REAL PERSONAL TOTAL
City of Livonia 48,337,469 6,333,173 54,670,642
Livonia Public Schools
Operating 17,993,971 2,088,141 20,082,112
130
Debt
15,222,657
1,769,839
16,992,496
Sinking Fund
3,731,134
433,337
4,164,471
RESA Spec Ed
11,332,098
1,116,872
12,448,970
RESA Operating
324,530
31,990
356,520
RESA Gen Ed
0
134
134
Clarenceville Schools
Operating
1,188,812
88,812
1,277,624
Debt
0
0
0
Sinking Fund
767,013
51,429
818,442
OISD Spec Ed
535,416
35,900
571,316
OISD Operating
33,818
2,134
35,952
State Education Tax
21,233,736
1,466,317
22,700,053
Schoolcraft College
6,321,346
613,422
6,934,768
Wayne County
23,400,741
2,387,413
25,788,154
Wayne County Jail
3,253,320
426,249
3,679,569
Wayne County Parks
852,633
111,716
964,349
HCMA
744,079
97,500
841,579
Zoo Authority
346,644
45,432
392,076
Art Institute
693,369
90,870
784,239
PRDA
474,608
207,051
681,659
Special Assessments
3,081,496
0
3,081,496
TOTAL
159,868,890
17,397,731
177,266,621
DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTIONS
City Treasurer Lynda Scheel and her staff collect delinquent personal property
taxes by making regular visits to the businesses, follow-up phone calls and written
communication.
The personal property collections breakdown is as follows:
Tax Year Prior 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Years
# of 414 446 451 429 417
Parcels
$ Due on
11/30/16 479,892 589,833 610,265 539,594 483,027
Collected 34,540
FY 15-16 14,959 22,237 40,417 80,973 279,244
131
OTHER COLLECTIONS
The Treasurer's Office is responsible for invoicing properties that are in violation
of the Noxious Weed Ordinance and for any special assessments authorized by
Council during the year. The Treasurer's Office also processes the payments for
these special assessments. In 2016, the Treasurer's office issued 393 weed
invoices as compared to 535 for 2015, 734 for 2014, 868 for 2013, 821 for 2012,
and 718 for 2011.
Special Assessment breakdown as follows:
Special
# of Parcels
$ Amount
# of Parcels
$ Amount
Assessment
Billed on
Billed on
Billed on
Billed on
Districts
2015 Tax
2015 Tax
2016 Tax
2016 Tax
Sidewalk
134
49,281
85
35,320
Paving
19
11,438
18
10,180
Lighting
14,051
1,185,276
14,055
1,242,895
Weeds
159
52,475
134
36,634
Blight
14
7,301
10
2,954
PRDA Irrigation
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Drains (new)
n/a
n/a
2,591
33,432
Sanitary Sewer
n/a
n/a
3
40,924
Stream Bank
Stabilization
6
10,189
6
9,996
Delinauent Water
1.732
1.763.590
1.664
1.661.506
TOTALS 16,115 $3,079,550 18,566 $3,073,841
TELLER COLLECTIONS
The Treasurer's three tellers processed $224,555,187 in cash, checks, and credit
cards for the following items during the course of conducting City business:
property taxes; water bills; the greens fees for the City's three municipal golf
courses; Livonia Community Recreation Center memberships and fees; park
permits; fees for swimming and skating; amusement park ticket sales; registration
fees for Parks and Recreation league sports; inspection and engineering permit
and bond fees; licenses; the fees for the City's three libraries; Police Department
adjudicated, non -adjudicated drug funds; fees for City sponsored special events
such as the Highland Games and the Arts & Craft fair; false alarm charges;
accounts receivable items. SMART bus ticket sales City garage sale fees for
using the City Dump; Police auction; re
Village, MacNamara Towers and city -o
Of the amounts collected, $46,608
$177,946,251 was for property taxes.
f f
nt payments for Silver Village, Newburgh
wned homes; record duplication fees, etc.
936 was for general deposit items and
The tellers also receive walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal
year, 11,724 water customers were assisted at the Treasurer's Office counter, a
132
small increase over last fiscal year. The busiest day was September 9, 2016, with
289 water bills being processed. The average number of water bills processed was
48 per day.
Due to the changes in processing water bill payments over the last year, the total
dollars collected were handled along with the Water Department's deposits.
DISBURSEMENTS
All payable checks are released through the Treasurer's Office on approval of the
Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor). Payroll is a direct deposit.
The number of checks processed is as follows:
2013
Vendor Checks (City & Court) 14,648
133
2014 2015 2016
14,444 13,849 14,774