HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTUDY - 2017-12-04
CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD DECEMBER 4, 2017
Meeting was called to order at 8:43 p.m. by President McIntyre. Present: Cathy
White, Scott Bahr, Brian Meakin, Brandon Kritzman, Maureen Miller Brosnan, Jim Jolly,
and Kathleen McIntyre. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Don Knapp, City Attorney; Susan M.
Nash, City Clerk; Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development;
David Lear, Assistant City Engineer; Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works; Mike Kelly,
Deputy Fire Chief; Steve Banko, Ordinance Enforcement Supervisor; and Dennis
Wright, Mayor.
President McIntyre announced there is new data on Item #1.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None
1. DETERMINATION OF THE LOCAL OFFICERS COMPENSATION
COMMISSION: Office of the City Clerk, re: the salaries of elected officials for the
calendar years 2018 and 2019, in accordance with Section 2.48.030 of Chapter
2.48 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Susan Nash, City Clerk, presented the request to Council. The Local Officers
Compensation Commission met on November 8, 2017, and adopted resolutions
with respect to the salaries of elected officials.
Meakin offered the approving resolution rejecting the recommended increase for
Council Members for the Regular Agenda.
Bahr said he concurs with Councilmember Meakin. He said the Mayor, Clerk and
Treasurer positions are full-time positions. He said he does not think it is
appropriate to increase compensation of the City Council at this time.
Brosnan asked if this must be approved in whole or if parts of it can be approved.
Don Knapp, City Attorney, said he believes that the ordinance allows for parts of
it to be rejected.
Brosnan said she appreciates the time and effort of the Commission that went
into this recommendation. She said she also concurs that it isn’t a need to
increase compensation of the City Council at this time.
President McIntyre passed the gavel to Vice-President Kritzman at 8:50 p.m. to
speak on this item.
2
President McIntyre stated that she attended the meeting and noted that she
made the same argument that the salaries for the other elected officials be
competitive in order to attract the best candidates and said she made the same
argument that nobody looks at the salaries of the City Council in determining
whether or not they are going to seek office. She said she did not see the need
for an increase for City Council and just wanted to make that known.
Brosnan offered the denying resolution for the salary increases for the
recommended salary increases for Council President and the other Council
Members for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: 1) DENYING RECOMMENDED REGULAR
SALARY INCREASES FOR
CITY COUNCIL (ALL MEMBERS)
2) RECEIVE & FILE – NEW DATA
Vice-President Kritzman relinquished the gavel at 8:53 p.m. to President
McIntyre.
2. REQUEST TO EXTEND WEED CUTTING CONTRACT: Inspection Department,
re: with Maverick Property Maintenance for the 2018 through 2020 seasons at
the unit prices from the 2015-2017 Weed Cutting Contract. (CR 364-14).
Jerome Hanna, Director of Inspection, presented the request to Council. He said
the Weed Cutting Contract expires the end of this month. He said they just
finished up the weed cutting for the season. He noted that was the end of a 3-
year contract with Maverick Property Maintenance. He said included in the
packet for Council review is a copy of a letter from Maverick Property
Maintenance stating they wish to extend the contract for another 3 years at the
same price. There is a clause in the contract that allows for an extension up to 3
years. They are recommending that Council approve a 3-year extension with the
same terms and conditions of the current contract.
Meakin asked Hanna if he was confident that Maverick Property Maintenance
could do the job for the next 3 years. Hanna replied absolutely. Meakin noted that
this was their first contract with the City. Hanna said they have 3 years under
their belt now and they are doing a great job. He said the first year with a new
contract is always difficult but they worked well with staff and resolved any issues
of concern.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Vice-President said he knows that this covers the vacant and abandoned
properties and city-owned properties. He inquired if it covered the random 6 lots
on the side of the rode. Hanna replied yes it does. Vice-President Kritzman said
3
he would like to know the exact location of those 6 lots and explore the possibility
of landscaping those properties with something a little more permanent with low
or no maintenance that is more attractive and in the end the City might realize
more savings.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE EMERGENCY REPAIR MAINTENANCE: Livonia
Fire & Rescue, re: for replacement diesel engine for a 2012 AEV Freightliner
medium-duty ambulance.
Mike Kelly, Deputy Fire Chief, presented the request to Council. This is to inform
Council that the department had a significant emergency repair to Squad 5 when
it was determined that the unit suffered a blown engine and was in need of a total
engine replacement due to the significant amount of damage the diesel engine
suffered. Upon further investigation and in conjunction with the local dealer
Cummins Bridgeway, LLC in Wixom, Michigan it was determined the engine
suffered major damage due to the large air intake hose becoming dislodged from
the turbo allowing the introduction of dirt into the turbo and ultimately into the
motor itself, damaging piston rings and cylinder walls. Unfortunately, the issue
that caused the failure is not covered under the manufacturer's warranty. The
new replacement engine comes with a 5 year, 250,000-mile warranty. They
respectfully request that City Council approve payment to Bridgewater Cummins,
LLC, 4494 Solutions Drive, Chicago, IL 60677, in the amount of $24,776.15 for
the installation of the needed replacement diesel engine.
Vice-President Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent
Agenda.
Deputy Fire Chief Kelly, at the request of Vice-President Kritzman, gave a brief
update on the addition to the Fire Station 1.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO APPROVE FIVE YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH
LIQUIFORCE SERVICES, INC. AND WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING
PROCESS: Public Service Division, re: for the Sanitary Sewer System
Maintenance Services Contract in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00
annually for the period from February 27, 2018 through February 26, 2023, from
budgeted funds. (CR 96-13)
Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. Over
the last five years the Department of Public Service has been working with
LiquiForce Services Inc. performing preventative maintenance along with
emergency repairs of the sanitary sewer system. They have used a variety of
different methods including but not limited to open cutting, spot lining and full-
4
length relining for pipe repairs. The aging infrastructure has become and will
continue to be a major focus of this department. They have found one of the
quickest and least intrusive means of repair is with pipe relining. The timeliness
and cleanliness of these repairs, lack of restoration needed, and the
preservation/extension of the pipes useful life has made this the repair of choice.
The relining of these pipes not only restores the pipes structural integrity but also
reduces the amount of maintenance needed on the pipe moving forward. The
department has had discussions with the contractor and the they are willing to
extend the contract for a five (5) year period, holding current pricing with no
increases for the duration of the extension. The Department of Public Service
feels moving forward with this extension would not only save the city money but
would also allow the workflow continuity to stay in place. The 2011 rain event
lawsuit settlement work is almost complete and extending this contract would
assure that all the work performed in the settlement would be completed in a
timely fashion by the same qualified contractor. A change in contractors would
extend the time needed to complete the settlement work, pushing the work into
2018. The department has been very pleased with the professionalism and the
work performed by Liqui-Force during the current contract. The funding for this
contract is budgeted within the water and sewer fund and will continue the
process of sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements for the City of Livonia. The
Department of Public Service is requesting a not to exceed amount of
$350,000.00 per year to make the necessary repairs and infrastructure system
improvements. It is the recommendation of the Department of Public Works that
City Council authorize the waiving of the competitive bidding process and award
the five (5) year contract extension for the period from February 27, 2018 through
February 26, 2023 to Liqui-Force Services, Inc., 28529 Goddard Road, Suite
106, Romulus, Ml 48174, and approve an expenditure in an amount not to
exceed $350,000.00 annually from budgeted funds, for completion of all work
required in connection with the maintenance and repairs of the sanitary sewer
system.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Vice-President Kritzman stepped down from the podium at 9:02 p.m. to avoid any
perceived conflict of interest on the following item.
5. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Public Service Division, re: to provide Professional
Engineering Services in connection with the Water Reliability Study, General
Plan Update, and an Asset Management Plan Approval as required by the
MDEQ, from budgeted funds.
Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works, introduced Jacob Rushlow, the new
Superintendent of Public Services. He noted that he is a professional engineer
with over 15 years of experience. He previously worked with one of the City’s
5
engineering consultants and has worked on many of the City’s projects. He is
very familiar with the City’s utilities. He said Jacob will be presenting this item.
Jacob Rushlow, Superintendent, Public Services, addressed Council and
presented the request. Pursuant to the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act (Act
399), the City of Livonia is required by the MDEQ to prepare and submit a Water
Reliability Study, General Plan Update and an Asset Management Plan (AMP).
Specific tasks associated with the preparation of these plans include a water
system inventory, condition assessment, criticality evaluation, water modeling &
system optimization, capital and operational improvement plan, development of
revenue structure, and final report for submittal to the MDEQ. In addition, the
preparation of a Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) project plan is included
to assist with funding for the implementation of identified capital projects. The
Water Reliability Study focuses on planning items including population and water
demands for three separate planning periods (existing, 5-year, 20-year)
calculated for the average day, max day, and peak hour demand scenarios. Fire
protection needs are also included in this study based on City zoning. The
General Plan update includes the hydraulic analysis (water model) that considers
pressure contours for various demand scenarios, service boundaries, and
various water system components (pipes, valves, hydrants, etc.) by size,
material, and age. Development of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that
identifies necessary system improvements for the 5-year and 20-year planning
periods is also required with the General Plan update. The water system Asset
Management Plan considers costs of operating the system and identifies future
capital expenses to develop a planning tool that will aid the City in addressing
high priority asset needs that are critical to the performance of its water supply
system. The City has been historically successful with participation in the DWRF
low interest loan program available through the MDEQ and previously received
two loans totaling $12.8 million with principal forgiveness of $1.8 million that was
leveraged for the replacement of almost 12 miles of water main. To ensure the
City is again positioned well to take full advantage of available funds and
principal forgiveness, a DWRF project plan is included for preparation and
submittal to the MDEQ. The department is recommending having OHM Advisors
(OHM) provide professional engineering services needed to prepare and submit
the Water Reliability Study, General Plan Update and an Asset Management
Plan (AMP). OHM prepared the City’s previous water master plan, CIP, and
DWRF project plan. OHM was integral to the City’s success in receiving the
DWRF program funding desired to implement the water system projects
identified in the CIP and they performed many of the design and construction
engineering services needed to complete those projects. OHM also maintains the
City’s water model and frequently performs hydraulic analyses to assist the City
with efficient operation of the City’s water supply system, including the recent
ISO Public Protection Classification survey, which resulted in a positive reduction
to the City’s classification. In order to proceed with this project and fulfill our
requirements to the MDEQ in compliance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water
Act, they recommend City Council award a contract in an amount not-to-exceed
6
$157,000.00 to OHM Advisors, located at 34000 Plymouth Road, Livonia,
Michigan 48150, for Professional Engineering Services to be provided with
respect to this project and authorize an additional appropriation and expenditure
from the unexpended fund balance of the Water & Sewer fund.
Meakin welcomed Jacob Rushlow to the City and wished him well.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
Brosnan asked Rushlow what the state requirement is for a timeline for the plan.
He said the Asset Management Plan is a new requirement for 2018 and noted
that there is a timeframe for the Reliability Plan but said he didn’t recall off the top
of his head he said it isn’t an annual thing it is usually a 3 year or 5-year
timeframe an update is required. Brosnan asked if it is the update to the plan that
we are seeking services for or is it the Asset Management Plan. Rushlow replied
it is a combination of those main three things. The Water Reliability Study, the
General Plan Update and the Asset Management Plan. He said the fourth thing
they rolled in was the DWRF Project. Brosnan asked how much grant funding is
available and are we getting in at the front end of that curve during the request
period, how does that all shake out. Rushlow said he had heard that the DEQ is
working to make the DWRP Project submittal plan process more of a frequent
st
occurrence, right now it is a one time a year and you have to submit it by July 1
to be eligible. They are hearing that they are thinking of making quarterly
submittal deadlines. He said they expect to have those three main things done by
August and hope to submit January 1, 2019, and hope it will be quarterly
deadlines at that time. Brosnan asked if he had any idea how much grant funding
ww would be requesting. Rushlow said a lot of it depends on that process and
the Capital Improvement Plan. Brosnan said in terms of what residents see,
when we talk about Water Reliability, to the average resident, what they think
about is that brochure that comes to them in the mail every year that has the
Mayor’s picture on it and it describes how safe our drinking water is. Does any of
the data that we collect through this Water Reliability provide any more
information for our residents. She noted that people are more concerned today
than they were four or five years ago. Rushlow said the focus on this study is
more the supply of water, the demands for flow and how much water is needed
and then also how much pressure is needed. He said the quality of water is
controlled by Great Lakes Water Authority. Brosnan noted there are pressure
issues in the area of the City where she resides which is one of the older
neighborhoods. She asked if the study will identify these areas where the low-
pressure issues exist and that then allows us to put together the plan to address
those low-pressure areas and that is the funding we are seeking through DWRF.
Rushlow replied yes. Brosnan said she had one final question. She said the last
time we did an Asset Management Plan we went about putting in a method for
funding and improvements so that we would be able to keep our roads at good,
better, and best levels. She asked if that is what we can expect for the
infrastructure of our water system. Rushlow replied yes and added that making
7
sure that future funds are available for maintaining the infrastructure is an
important part of the Asset Management Plan. Don Rohraff, Director of Public
Works, added that the last Capital Improvement Plan was completed in 2009.
White asked when we got the DWRF low interest loans through the MDEQ
totaling $12.8 million with principal forgiveness of $1.8 million She asked how
that is determined. Rushlow said in the past it was a straight percentage based
on the approved project amount.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
Vice-President Kritzman returned to the podium at 9:16 p.m.
6. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONS TO THE LOCAL STREET SYSTEM FOR ACT 51
COMPUTATIONS: Engineering Division, re: for streets or portions thereof newly
opened during 2017.
Dave Lear, Assistant City Engineer, presented the request to Council. In
accordance with the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT} procedure
for adding streets to the City's local street system, the Department of Public
Works has requested that the Law Department prepare a resolution with regard
to streets (or portion of streets) newly opened during 2017.
White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND
EXPENDITURE: Engineering Division, re: for the 2016-2017 Sidewalk and
Pavement Replacement Program – Water Main Breaks contract for an additional
$80,937.55. (Contract 16-F). (CR 204-16)
David Lear, Assistant City Engineer, presented the request to Council. This
project is basically a two-year contract with D'Angelo Brothers, Inc. for the 2016-
2017 Sidewalk and Pavement Replacement Program- Water Main Breaks. The It
went over the requested amount a bit, largely due to the removal and
replacement of asphalt pavement quantities. There were some emergency
repairs and a large repair on Ellen Drive resulting from a sanitary sewer repair.
Lastly, a few water main breaks which resulted from the water distribution
network adjustments from PRV valve maintenance and increased flow for the
new Amazon development. In order to complete this project, they respectfully
request that the City Council increase the final contract amount to $372,175.05,
approve an expenditure from funds already budgeted in the not-to-exceed
amount of $80,937.55, and authorize a final payment to D'Angelo Brothers, Inc.
in the amount of $80,937.55.
8
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2017-09-02-12
submitted by Tiseo Architects, Inc. to develop and operate an outdoor storage
yard for recreational equipment, located on the east side of Merriman Road
between Plymouth Road and the CSX Railroad right-of-way (12350 Merriman
Road), in the Southwest ¼ of Section 26.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. He indicated, the next item on tonight’s agenda is a
companion Petition 2017-09-02-13 by the same applicant involving a request for
waiver use approval to develop and operate an outdoor storage yard for special
trade contractors located on the same property. He said he would like to address
both with his presentation. This is a request to develop and operate an outdoor
storage yard for recreational equipment. The site is located on the east side of
Merriman, just south of the CSX railroad right-of-way. The property is about 5.4
acres in area. It is 195 feet in width. It is a fairly deep property; approximately
1,207 feet altogether. The zoning is M-1, Light Manufacturing. All of the
surrounding properties are zoned either M-1 or M-2. There aerial photograph he
displayed showed the current condition of the property. There is a building
located on the westerly portion of the site adjacent to Merriman Road but the
entire back part of the property is currently undeveloped and consists primarily of
grass and other natural vegetation. The petitioner would like to utilize that portion
of the property for outdoor storage. There’s two components to this, the first is
the item that deal with the open storage of recreational equipment, including
campers and RV’s, and the second item, in addition to the recreational
equipment, the plan also shows the open storage of lumber materials and other
commercial vehicles and equipment such as dump trucks, trailers and water
tanks, containers, as well as excess dealership inventory. Each of these require
a separate waiver use approval. So the westerly portion of that undeveloped area
would be used for the storage of recreational equipment. The petitioner has
identified the area as the westerly 300 feet of that undeveloped portion of the
property. About twice as much area would be devoted to the special trade
contractor storage. Both areas would be completely fenced. The Planning
Commission spent quite a bit of time viewing this petition because initially the two
uses were intermixed and they wanted those separated which the petitioner has
done and he has also separated the access points and in each of these how
security would work via controlled gating systems, separated aisle ways,
completely fenced and also lighted. All those details are provided on the site
plan. A number of conditions were attached to the approval. He noted that the
petitioner would like to address a couple of changes to those conditions that have
been discussed. He said they have no particular concerns with those suggested
changes. One item of note, however, is that this would require a special
resolution from Council in order to waive the paving requirement. In this case he
9
is seeking to maintain the area in a gravel surface as opposed to a paved
surface. This is something that has been allowed at similar types of operations.
Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
Ben Tiseo, Tiseo Architects, 19815 Farmington, said he appreciates the input
from the Planning Commission and said he believes they have a better plan now
than what they started with. He said he also appreciates all of the work the Mr.
Taormina and his office have put into this as well. He said there are several
things that they did want to address in both of the resolutions. He said one of the
issues, as mentioned, was the gravel surface vs. a paved surface. Another
request is to allow some containers in the recreational equipment area. President
McIntyre said that can be addressed during the next item. Mr. Tiseo said another
item that came up was access for emergency personnel. He said there would be
separate code for police and fire emergency personnel. He said there would also
be closed circuit TV monitoring of the property and the gates. The leases will
contain language that allows the landlord the authority to inspect storage units to
ensure there is not illegal storage or activity being done, including any flammable
or explosive materials.
President McIntyre asked which condition needed to be amended to include the
storage of recreational equipment to be stored in a container. She asked if it was
condition #5. Tiseo replied yes but deferred the question to Mr. Taormina for his
response. Taormina said we can clarify it in the language.
Brosnan asked Tiseo what is driving the need for all the storage space. Tiseo
replied he read an article recently about an increase in the need for storage. He
said he’s not sure if the babyboomers are living in condos now and need storage
to store their equipment. He said possibly due to the downsizing of homes. He
also noted that there a limits to the size of a garage in Livonia.
Vice-President Kritzman touched on that subject, he said he too read an article
and said it is partly due to babyboomers having more toys and needing a space
to store them.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING – MODIFY CONDITION REGULAR
#5 TO ALLOW RECREATION
EQUIPMENT IN TRAILERS
2) APPROVING – NEED SEPARATE
RESOLUTION TO ALLOW GRAVEL SURFACE
9. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2017-09-02-13
submitted by Tiseo Architects, Inc. to develop and operate an outdoor storage
yard for special trade contractors, located on the east side of Merriman Road
between Plymouth Road and the CSX Railroad right-of-way (12350 Merriman
Road), in the Southwest ¼ of Section 26.
10
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council during his presentation for Item 8. He noted that the language
of Condition 8 should be modified to allow storage of recreational equipment but
not materials and allow for storage for 12 consecutive months.
Ben Tiseo, Tiseo Architects, 19817 Farmington, addressed Council with requests
regarding the conditions. He said one of the things they were asking was to allow
the storage of construction and landscape equipment but no materials. President
McIntyre noted that was condition #3. Mr. Tiseo said the other item is condition
#9, they discussed about having storage for 6 months. He asked that be
increased to 12 months.
Meakin said he had no problems with those conditions.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING - MODIFY CONDITION #3 REGULAR
TO ALLOW STORAGE FOR 12 MONTHS
& CONDITION #8 TO ALLOW STORAGE
OF CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPE
EQUIPMENT (EXCLUDING MATERIALS)
10. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2017-10-02-14,
submitted by HH & Sons, L.L.C., requesting to use the building at 27565 Grand
River Avenue for office space, storage and e-commerce in association with the
business operations of a pawn shop (Great Lakes Pawn located at 27675 Grand
River), located on the south side of Grand River Avenue between Inkster and
Eight Mile Roads (27565 Grand River Avenue), in the Northeast ¼ of Section 1.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development presented the
request to Council. This waiver use petition involves the use of an existing
commercial building for office space, storage and e-commerce sales related to
the business operations of a nearby pawn shop, Great Lakes Pawn, which is
owned and operated by the same individual. The property is at the southeast
corner of Grand River Avenue and Antago. The petitioner’s related business,
Great Lakes Pawn, is located two buildings west of the subject property on the
same side of the street. Great Lakes Pawn originally opened as Motor City Pawn
Brokers in 2011 before pawn shops were considered a waiver use. Great Lakes
Pawn currently operates as a lawful non-conforming use. He is proposing to
expand his business operations to this additional building for office space and the
storage of personal property and equipment used in relationship to the business
operations of Great Lakes Pawn and would have a separate building where the
office and e-commerce business would be conducted. The Planning
Commission, in looking at this very carefully, outlined a number of conditions that
would restrict the use only to those e-commerce operations and not allow any
11
retail business where the public would be invited. No outside storage of any kind,
no signage of any kind that would extend the advertising for his pawn shop
business would be allowed. It would be used strictly for storage and office use
only. Also, in discussing this with the police, they had no problems with the
operators of Motor City Pawn Brokers.
Brosnan asked through the Chair to Mr. Taormina if has been determined that
there is going to be a need for a super majority due to the petitioner being 400
feet away from the subject property. Taormina said he asked the Law
Department and was told there was no need to waive that requirement because
this is essentially an extension of his current business, at least that is how it is
being viewed and there is no need to waive that separation requirement.
Michael Marougy, 27565 Grand River Avenue, addressed Council. He said he
wanted to let Council know that they are not using this as a public facility.
Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
Meakin asked the petitioner if he was aware of all the conditions set forth by the
Planning Commission. Marougy replied yes.
Vice-President Kritzman asked through the Chair to Mr. Taormina and/or the
petitioner, if there are any planned improvements to the property. Mr. Marougy
responded stating that there are not any planned improvements at this time other
than some minor interior renovations such as painting. He said the exterior of the
building is in good shape and he noted that there was some old signage from the
previous business that will be removed. Vice-President Kritzman recalled it was a
tuxedo shop previously. Taormina confirmed that was correct. He also confirmed
the building was in very good shape. Vice-President Kritzman recognized that
there is a storefront area at that location and didn’t recall hearing any of the
conditions address that storefront area. Taormina said the conditions do not. He
deferred that question to the petitioner to respond to what they intend to use that
area for. The petitioner replied that they intended to use that for their shipping
office space. Vice-President Kritzman said his concern is that he does not want
to see that store front area loaded up with stuff. He said he would like to add a
condition to the approving resolution prohibiting the display of merchandise. The
petitioner said they did not have a problem with that.
DIRECTION: APPROVING - ADDING CONDITION REGULAR
PROHIBITING DISPLAY OF
MERCHANDISE IN FRONT WINDOW
12
11. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2017-10-08-11,
submitted by Lendlease, in connection with a proposal to modify the exterior
appearance of the existing KFC restaurant, located on the north side of Plymouth
Road between Camden Avenue and Middlebelt Road (29060 Plymouth Road), in
the Southwest ¼ of Section 25.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development presented the
request to Council. This petition is a request to modify the exterior elevation
plans of a previously approved restaurant. This location is the KFC that is on the
north side Plymouth Road between Middlebelt and Inkster Roads. Waiver use
approval for the development of the site and construction of the restaurant was
granted in 2006. The restaurant building is about 3,000 square feet in size. It has
60 interior customer seats and is equipped with a drive-thru window facility. The
2016 approval was conditioned on adhering to the exterior elevation plans that
were presented as part of the site plan and waiver use petition. The lower part of
the building contains a natural color brown brick as well as red and white ceramic
tiles. The upper parts are predominantly E.I.F.S. or dryvit, and they are painted
neutral beige, brown and cream colors. The scope of the work includes both
interior renovations and exterior renovations. The interior renovations to the
dining room would not increase the seating, so this evening we’re only looking at
changes to the exterior. For the exterior, the plans show new light fixtures,
awnings, signage and paint finishes. There would be no structural modifications
to the building. The brick, wainscot and the ceramic tile would be painted a black
color. It’s identified as Black Horizon on the plans. The other parts of the
building’s façade, which is mainly E.I.F.S., would be painted a combination of
white, described as Wedding Veil, and dark red, or Exotic Red. Red prefinished
metal louvered awnings would replace the existing awnings above the windows,
and the red and white striped pyramidal cap that appears on the top of the main
tower feature would be eliminated. Right above the Colonel’s portrait the cap will
be removed. You can see the darker color along the base of the building
replacing the brown brick and the red tile, the new louvered awnings and then the
front of the building would be painted white. In terms of signage, this restaurant is
allowed one wall sign with a maximum area of 38 square feet. Currently, there is
only one sign on the building and that’s on the south elevation facing Plymouth
Road. Again, it’s in the form of the Colonel’s portrait. The proposed changes as
part of this re-image campaign does include multiple signs along the front and
side elevations which Staff believes are excessive and will require Zoning Board
of Appeals approval as part of the amended site plan.
Christine Val, Lumley’s, the Construction Manager for KFC, out of Chicago,
addressed Chicago. She said they have been working with the Planning
Department on this rebranding project of this KFC restaurant.
Derrick Haselhuhn, 22114 Telegraph, Southfield, was present representing the
franchisee, he said they are working on remodeling the local KFC restaurants
with a new brand look.
13
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Meakin said he recalled the logo was previously the Colonel then it switched to
KFC now it’s back to the Colonel. He asked if this is like a 5-year rotation for the
change. Haselhuhn said typically it is a 10-year schedule for remodels of
restaurants.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
Councilmember Bahr thanked Councilmember Brosnan for her service on the City
Council and has enjoyed working with her on City Council.
As there were no further questions or comments, President McIntyre adjourned the
Study Session at 9:49 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2017.
DATED: December 14, 2017 SUSAN M. NASH
CITY CLERK