Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-2019 REV 5-29-19 CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MAY 20, 2019 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Laura Toy. Present: Cathy White, Kathleen McIntyre, Jim Jolly, Scott Bahr, and Laura Toy. Absent: Brian Meakin, Brandon Kritzman. Elected and appointed officials present: Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Paul Bernier, City Attorney; Susan M. Nash, City Clerk; Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources; Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service; and Dave Varga, Director of Administrative Services. Councilmember Cathy White led the meeting in the Pledge. President Toy sent good wishes to Mayor Wright. She then announced there is New Data on Item 4. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. BLOCK PARTY: Tracy Nolte, re: to be held Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Marie Court, between Knolson and Minton, with a rain date of Saturday, August 17, 2019. Vice President Jolly stated that this is an annual event, that the paperwork appears to be in order, and he then offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. BLOCK PARTY: Rebecca Drzewicki, re: to be held Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Parklane Street between Margareta and Clarita, with a rain date of Saturday, October 5, 2019. Rebecca Drzewicki, 18615 Parklane, presented this request to Council. She stated this is their third annual block party for their street. They have great participation every single year which takes place the last weekend in June for National Good Neighbor Day because they have the best neighbors ever. It’s a fun time to get friendly and this year they’re hoping to make it a little bit bigger and have a bouncy house and some other kid-friendly activities. 2 Councilmember McIntyre offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. She stated it’s always nice to see Livonians who are organizing block parties and getting neighbors together and congratulated her on her work and initiative on putting this together. Vice President Jolly stated that earlier President Toy had mentioned she attended the Baldrick’s Event, and the star and the promoter of that event is Mr. Drzewicki, who present as well at the meeting and he congratulated him on behalf of the Council and the City and thanked him for his efforts. He went on to state that he makes it a point to travel two blocks to harass this particular block party every year. Mr. Drzewicki thanked Jolly for his attendance at their block parties each year and thanked President Toy for joining them at the event and shaving his co-organizer’s head. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REQUEST TO WAIVE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT: Larry Perri, for the single- family home to be constructed at 10166 Laurel. Larry Perri, 39019 Stacey Drive, Livonia, presented this request to Council. He stated he is asking for the waiver because nobody has a sidewalk in the entire area and it would look odd to have one brand new house with a sidewalk. Councilmember Bahr stated he looked this over and there is not another sidewalk anywhere in the vicinity and he then offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REQUEST TO WAIVE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT: Frank Mancina, Mancina Construction, LLC, for the single-family home to be constructed at 29106 Broadmoor. Frank Mancina, 14700 Gary Lane, presented this request to Council. He stated he is asking for the same type of waiver as the prior request and that there are no sidewalks at all on the entire street of Broadmoor. Councilmember Bahr stated this is the same situation as the prior one, there are no sidewalks on the street and he then offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3 5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH ROUTEMATCH SOFTWARE, THE SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER: Department of Community Resources, re: for software and technical support with Livonia Community Transit Program for the period December, 2018 through November, 2023, from budgeted funds. Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources, presented this request to Council. She stated she is asking approval for the five-year contract with Routematch, they are a sole source and all of their software, routing software, the tablets on the bus, everything runs through them. The first year is a little less because they prepaid for some equipment, computers, tablets, the license for the operators. Councilmember McIntyre offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. She then thanked Director McCann and Felicia Cross for providing a driver and bus for transportation for twenty-two senior citizens who enjoyed the LCC Concert. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE (1) TRAILER MOUNTED ASPHALT HOTBOX THROUGH THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE: Public Service Division, re: for use by the Roads Department, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented this request to Council. He stated they are looking to purchase a trailer mounted asphalt hotbox. This unit will replace one that was purchased in 2007 that’s in poor condition. The metal was rotting causing holes and repairs are exceeding the present value. The unit is used to keep asphalt patch material hot and more malleable, especially during the winter. The materials used to patch potholes, water main breaks in roads and sidewalk vertical separations. The new unit comes with a battery charger, diesel powered heater, tool rack, solvent tanks and a safety directional board. It’s being purchased through the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance and it’s being purchase from Alta Equipment in the amount of $26,688.20. Councilmember White offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda, stating that anything that helps fill potholes is a good thing. Councilmember Bahr reminded the residents that the potholes they deal with on Seven Mile and Merriman and the like are not the City’s, those are the County’s responsibility. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4 7. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE (1) 2019 FORD F-550 TO BE UPFITTED INTO A SIGN MAINTENANCE VEHICLE THROUGH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF VEHICLE PROCUREMENT AND MACOMB COUNTY CONTRACT 21-18: Public Service Division, re: to replace vehicle used by Sign Maintenance, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented this request to Council. He stated this truck will be assigned to the Sign Maintenance Department. It’s being purchased through the State Bid Process with Signature Ford out of Owosso, the servicing dealer. The upfitting will be done by Versa-Lift Midwest out of Shelby Township using the MI-DEAL contract. Outfitting will include an elevated platform, a jackhammer, storage containers, sign puller, liftgate, and flatbed for movement of signs, cones, barricades, etc. This truck will replace the current frontline unit which will be auctioned off. The truck that is moving frontline to secondary is a 2006 era, and the old truck is late ‘90s. The cost for the vehicle is $46,551.00; the upfitting is $41,869.00, for a total cost of $88,420.00. Vice President Jolly offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. This is an important piece of equipment and he trusts the DPW does appropriate and necessary work with it. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE THREE (3) 2019 FORD F- 250s AND ONE (1) 2019 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS THROUGH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF VEHICLE PROCUREMENT AND THE MACOMB COUNTY CO-OP AWARD AGEEMENT: Public Service Division, re: to replace vehicles used by various departments within the Department of Public Services, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented this request to Council. He stated the four trucks were approved in the 2019/20 Capital Budget. The trucks are being purchase through Signature Ford out of Owosso on State contract pricing. The upfitting will also be done by Versa-Lift Midwest out of Shelby Township for the three F-250s. That will include running boards, tool kits, plows, light packages and a combination of an air compressor or a lift gate. These trucks will be assigned to Parks, Roads and Water Section. The upfitting for the F-150 will be done by Truck and Trailer Specialties, that will include a plow, tool kit, light and heavy duty running board. The truck will be used to run parts, pick up items and carry material for equipment maintenance. It will also be used for snow removal in the winter. The four trucks circa 2004, 2005, are being disposed of through the auction process. Their repairs are exceeding their current value. The total purchase price for the four pick-up trucks is $115,943.00; total upfitting for the four trucks is $73,197.00. The grand total for everything is $189,140,00.00. Councilmember McIntyre offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 5 All of the paperwork is in order, we’re using, as always, the appropriate procurement standards and processes. And also again, I think I mentioned this before having had an opportunity to go over to the Fleet Center and knowing Mr. Garrison and knowing what an outstanding job he does at maintaining our fleet, caring for our fleet, getting the maximum use out of every vehicle we get and the care that he takes with every vehicle, I’m very comfortable and of course it’s budgeted funds. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Engineering Division, re: for the Whispering Willows Golf Course Parking Lot Improvements – Contract 19-M, from budgeted funds. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented this request to Council. He stated as you’re aware, Whispering Willows is in need of some parking lot repairs. Originally when the clubhouse was reconstructed, the drop off area and the portion surrounding the new building was completed about ten years ago. However, the existing parking lot was band-aided it together with some joint sealing. We’re looking to pulverize the parking lot, add additional new asphalt pavement. The parking lot was designed by the Engineering Division, put on MITN for four weeks th and the bids were opened on May 7. There were six bidders ranging from $187,356.00 all the way up to $215,142.50. They had some good bidders and some close prices, and we’re looking to award that bid to Nagle Paving in the amount of $177,856.00. In addition we want to award $10,000.00 to OHM Advisors to help us in the testing of the asphalt and obviously the density tests when we build that parking lot back so we can do it to our specifications. The parking lot is looking to be constructed in the month of October and completed by early November in the off-peak season. Vice President Jolly stated it’s always good to have the ability to invest in our capital here in the City, even when it is for the golf course which some of us don’t get there. If Mr. Meakin was here, I would give him a hard time but some of like to visit these places more than other people do. He then offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 10. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2019-03-02-03 submitted by Players Golf & Event Center South to utilize a Class C liquor license in connection with the operation of an indoor golf and Millionaire Party (Charity gaming) facility on property located on the south side of Plymouth Road (36115 Plymouth Road) in the Northeast ¼ of Section 32. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented this request to Council. He stated this is a request for a Class C Liquor License, it would be in connection with the new indoor recreational use and entertainment 6 venue, that would be at the LA Plaza, which is on the south side of Plymouth Road, just east of Levan. Some of you are familiar with the operation. A similar business we opened on Eight Mile at Filmar Plaza called Players Golf & Event Center. This would Players Golf & Event Center South. And it’s very similar in nature, the primary use would be golf simulation, bays where there also be a small banquet area. The owner would host Millionaire Parties, similar to what they do at the Eight Mile location. These are sanctioned and licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The Class C Liquor License does have a couple of stipulations. One, is that they cannot be located within 1,000 feet of any other similar licensed operation. There are two Class C Licensed businesses within 1,000 feet. The first would be Kicker’s All American Grill and while that license is currently in escrow, there are plans to reactivate that license. The other is Time Out Bar & Grill, which is on the other side of Plymouth Road, about 370 feet from the location. So what the ordinance says is that if the proposed use is not used primarily as a dining facility, then the approval would have to be granted by City Council by separate resolution in which two/thirds of the Council members concur. So in order to allow this waiver use to occur at this location, you will have to waive that separation requirement by a two/thirds majority vote. There will be no exterior modifications to the building. This is right in the corner unit. Parking at the plaza is more than adequate to accommodate the proposed use and the Planning Commission is recommended approval of the waiver. President Toy called the Petitioners to the podium. Mark and Lori Skrelja, 36115 Plymouth Road, came to the podium. They stated this is exactly the same as their location on Eight Mile. They are doing some different stuff out of the Eight Mile location for the off season, off season would be the summertime. We’ve been kind of lucky and had a pretty bad April and May so far so it’s helped us out a little bit. We were prepared for the slowing down of the summer but we had a great winter and fall and really happy so we decided to venture in and open up another business. President Toy asked if they run it through the Canter Real Estate Income & Opportunity Fund and Mark Skrelja replied that’s the landlord of the property. President Toy inquired how the parking lot is around there, is it paved and is there enough room for all those cars. She stated she gets her nails done right next door there. Mark Skrelja said they’re actually two doors down from the Nail Salon. There’s a vacant spot and then they’re right where the old bike shop used to be. The parking lot is sufficient, I haven’t driven the whole parking lot and see what kind of condition it is but it’s pretty big and there’s employee parking in the back of the building. Vice President Jolly said they’re always hopeful that people are going to find a niche that works for them in a business that is successful and clearly, the first 7 location is a success. He then asked Mark Skrelja if they’re confident that they’re not creating a competitor for yourself by yourself? Mark Skrelja responded that there was such high demand for the two simulators that are at Eight Mile and there was such a high demand they actually had to turn people away. He stated the reason he wanted to stay in Livonia is because on their website when you can go in to book a time, if Eight Mile is full, we can offer another location in close proximity that offers two more simulators. Everybody asks that question about competing against yourself but we’re going to do different things at the Plymouth location as far as we host the charitable fundraisers Wednesday through Saturday on Eight Mile. At the other location it’s going to be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, so that they flip flop it. Vice President Jolly stated he doesn’t think there have been any problems with the other location at all and he offered an approving resolution for the Regular Agenda as well as the resolution that is required as well for the Regular. Councilmember McIntyre asked what time the Million Party starts and Mark Skrelja replied they start at 11:00 and then they go, depending on what charity comes I, they go from 11:00 to 6:00 and then there’s a downtime. It’s all monitored by the State; the State makes them do this. So they stop for an hour and then another charity comes in. They’ve done a lot. They’ve done the Livonia Firefighters, have done a couple Livonia Stevenson out of the Eight Mile location. It’s actually been a pretty stress free type environment. Everybody associates it with it kind of being a different but it’s been really good. Councilmember McIntyre then stated that she knows this is under State jurisdiction and not city, and asked if the events have to end at midnight and Mark Skrelja replied no, they can go until 2:00 in the morning, depending on the license that the charity gets, they can run all the way to 2:00 a.m. It gives the charity a little bit more opportunity to have a good fundraiser. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 11. GREENBELT PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2019-04-GB-01 submitted by Plymouth Woods Apartments, LLC to substitute a greenbelt for protective wall as outlined in Section 18.45 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Livonia, as amended, for property located on the south side of Plymouth Road (38001 Plymouth Road) in the Southwest ¼ of Section 30. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented this request to Council. He stated that Plymouth Woods is an apartment complex that was located on the south side of Newburgh and Eckles and the complex was approved and developed in the late 1980’s. There are single-family residential properties on three sides of the development, including a parcel that is located where the center of the development’s frontage on Plymouth Road. It’s a single 8 house and the situation has existed since the project was developed. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a number of variances over the years to waive the masonry wall around the three sides of the property that the apartment complex is located and the Petitioner at this point is now seeking a permanent solution by requesting the greenbelt in lieu of the required wall, thereby avoiding the need to go back to the Zoning Board of Appeals on a regular basis. There are no objections from the homeowner. The greenbelt standards are more than adequate in this case. The separation between the apartment buildings and the house, there’s adequate distance as well as berming and landscaping. The Planning Commission approved the greenbelt with a number of stipulations including that if the effectiveness of the greenbelt is ever substantiated or substandard, if something causes it to be diminished that the Petitioner would either have to erect a wall or make the landscaping corrections. But as of today all of the trees that surround the property are mature. They include a number of evergreen trees, junipers, Austrian pines, as well as other deciduous trees. President Toy called the Petitioner to the podium. Renee Sturgill, representing Plymouth Woods Apartments, came to the podium. President Toy asked if she had worked there a long time and she replied twenty- three years. Councilmember Bahr asked through the Chair to Mark, part of the reason that we haven’t made this permanent before, just have the accountability and then coming back to check on the condition of that or has it simply been something we just never were able to make it permanent. Taormina replied that it’s something that they’ve never chosen to do. The language was added the ordinance in the early 2000’s at a time when I think they had just obtained either their approval from that resident who lives in that house or a variance or both so that carried for a number of years. I think they’ve done that a couple of times. There’s really not been an issue that we’re aware of and why they haven’t done this sooner, I don’t know. Bahr said he knows there have been some issues with other greenbelts in the City that haven’t been well maintained, but he also knows there’s some renewed efforts to follow up on these kind of things to make sure when we put those types of conditions or resolutions that they’re held to that. And I think if we’re going to do a renewed effort in that front, we need to trust our process that will hold people to that. He said in this case, looking at the map, if I were that homeowner I would want a greenbelt instead of a wall. This isn’t a situation where you have a row of houses separated from a commercial district. This is literally a house surrounded by something different and if I were that homeowner I would think that it makes a lot sense to have a greenbelt surrounding me versus three walls on three sides of my property. He then offered an approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 9 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION None. As there were no further questions or comments President Toy adjourned the Study Session at 8:35 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2019. th For the 1,874 Regular Meeting of June 3, 2019 DATED: May 29, 2019 SUSAN M. NASH, CITY CLERK In accordance with Title II of the American with Disabilities Act as it pertains to access to Public Meetings, the City Clerk’s Office of the City of Livonia, upon adequate notice, will make reasonable accommodations for persons with special needs. Please call (734) 466-2236 or email clerk@ci.livonia.mi.us if you need assistance. Council agendas are available on the City’s website – www.ci.livonia.mi.us - under Government, City Council, Agendas.