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HomeMy WebLinkAboutS022824 MinutesCITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Council President Brandon McCullough. Present: Laura Toy, Jim Jolly, Vice President Martha Ptashnik, Rob Donovic, Carrie Budzinski, Scott Morgan, and President Brandon McCullough. Absent: None. Elected and appointed officials present: Lori Miller, City Clerk; Eric Goldstein, Assistant City Attorney; and Mark Taormina, Planning and Economic Development Director. Councilmember Toy led the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. There was no audience communication at the beginning of the meeting. NEW BUSINESS WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2024-01-02-01 submitted by Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple, requesting waiver use approval to construct an 18,478 square foot religious temple and gazebo on the property at 28875 W. Seven Mile Road, located on the southeast corner of Seven Mile Road and Maplewood Street in the Northwest ¼ of Section 12. Mark Taormina, Planning and Economic Development Director, presented the request to Council. Prasad Beesabathuni and the architect from GAV Architects were present to answer questions. Councilmember Jolly asked how big the congregation is. Mr. Beesabathuni said there are 650 members, but they typically only have around 500 people that regularly attendevery Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Councilmember Jolly said this place of worship is beautiful and it adds a different element to Livonia. He appreciates the investment and wishes them the best. He also thanked them for choosing Livonia. Councilmember Donovic echoed Councilmember Jolly’s comments. He also asked Mr. Taormina about the dumpster enclosure. The Architect said the dumpster enclosure will match the exterior of the building. Councilmember Donovic asked if the parkingarea being reduced to approximately 50 spaces would cause a problem. He also asked about green space between the new building and the existing homes. Mr. Beesabathuni indicated that there should be plenty of parking. They will be providing an above ground detention area, and they own the 2 adjacent homes. They will be adding extra landscaping on both sides and in front of the building. Councilmember Donovic asked about the height of the dome and asked if it could be lowered. The Architect said it is 30 feet high and will be placed on top of the building. They would like to keep it that height. Councilmember Morgan asked for the distance between the building and the property to the south, even though they own it. He asked if there is sufficient room for emergency vehicles to pass through. Mr. Taormina said it is approximately 50 to 60 feet. He indicated there is 100% circulation around the building. Councilmember Toy asked if they wouldhave celebrations at certain times of the year that would add more trafficor more activity at the center. Mr. Beesabathuni said their main service days are Thursday, but they do have five major events that are spread out throughout the year. They do get a bit more crowded on those days and probably have about 1000 peoplethat would still be spread out over a 12-hour period. Councilmember Toy asked how they handle the traffic and if they would rely on the Livonia Police Department. She asked if they are currently located on the same property and if they operate a school. She also asked if they are open seven days a week. Mr. Beesabathuni indicated their volunteers manage the traffic during the 5 major events. They don’t have a school but do have Sunday classes that are open to anyone in Livonia. They are open seven days a week and have a full staff.The normal hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. all days except Thursdays. Councilmember Toy asked about outside activities and if they rent space for events. She also asked if they provide food to the public. Mr.Beesabathuni said they have a major festival in July that is outside and the public is welcome to attend. They do not have any rental facilities currently but plan to in the new building. They do offer free food to everyone on Thursdays. Councilmember Toy asked if they have people attend from different communities. Mr.Beesabathuni said they have a temple in Rochester and Columbus. A lot of people do come from other states that are associated with the temple. Councilmember Toy asked if they have contacted any neighbors with their plan to build the new temple. Mr.Beesabathuni said they have and they also have distributed gifts to the neighbors on holidays since 2008. Councilmember Donovic asked Mr. Taormina what will happen to the space where the original building was once it has been demolished. He also asked how we can enforce the two- year plan to demolish the building and ensure that they fulfill their obligation. Mark said it is yet to be determined as to what will be done with the area where the existing building is,butit may become green space. The most effect means of enforcement is the Bond that needs to be posted for new construction. It will also be handled by the Inspection Department as to when they get the certificate of occupancy. The Architect asked if they could be given three years for demolition of the old building. They are financiallyable to build the first floor now and will finish the basement down the road. They will continue to have classes in the old building until the new basement is completed. Councilmember Donovic asked when the clock starts for the two years. Mr. Taormina said it starts with the issuance of the temporary certificate of Occupancy and the Planning Department suggested two years. Councilmember Budzinski asked if trees will be removed for the water basin. Mr.Beesabathuni indicated they will be keeping the trees in the back and putting the water basin around the trees. Councilmember Morgan clarified withMr. Taorminathat the two-year clock starts when they get their Certificate of Occupancy. This could effectively be 3 years since it could take a year or more to get the occupancy certificate. Councilmember Jolly offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2024-01-02-02 submitted by Tiseo Architects, on behalf of United Lawnscape, requesting waiver use approval to operate a Special Trade Contractors Yard that includes the outdoor storage of landscaping equipment and materials at 12933 Farmington Road in the Northeast ¼ of Section 28. Mark Taormina, Planning and Economic Development Director, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Jolly offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND APPROVE RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER: Division of Police, re: for a three-year agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., from budgeted funds. Captain Eric Marcotte, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Morgan offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) LEICA GS18T GNSS SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE THROUGH THE MiDEAL, STATE OF MICHIGAN CONTRACT BID PRICING: Division of Police, re: to replace current equipment that is out of warranty and at end of life, from budgeted funds. Captain Eric Marcotte, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Jolly clarified that it is not surveillance related butrather isused to help create the scene of an accident. Councilmember Jolly offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND APPROVE RENEWAL OF A SOLE SOURCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT: Division of Police, re: for a term of two years with Brett M. Naumcheff, of the Michigan Police Legal Advisor Group, from budgeted funds. Deputy Chief McDermott, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Jolly asked how many departments around Livonia are using this. Deputy Chief McDermott said there are many departments using the services including Lansing Police Department. Councilmember Jolly offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO EXTEND CONTRACT WITH ALLIE BROTHERS, INC: Division of Police, re: for a period of two years with a four percent increase, in order to supply Police Department uniforms, from budgeted funds. Deputy Chief McDermott, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Donovic commented that Allie Brothers have been a sole source provider for a long time and have done a good job for many years. He commented that we are probably getting a better price by not going out to bid. Councilmember Toy agreed. Councilmember Donovic offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO WAIVE THE SEALED BID PROCESS AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF NINE (9) MARKED AND UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES USING STATE OF MICHIGAN MIDEAL COOPERATIVE BID PRICING: Division of Police, re: from budgeted funds. Captain Eric Marcotte, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Morgan offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO APPROVE BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2023: Department of Finance, re: same. Connie Kumpula, Chief Accountant, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Toy offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE: Department of Parks and Recreation, re: for the emergency repair of multiple breaks in the water line feeding to the Clements Circle pool and bathhouse, from budgeted funds. Ted Davis, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Donovic offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO APPROVE CONTRACT EXTENSION: Department of Public Works, Forestry Division, re: in order to complete the remaining inventory for the City-owned tree audit and update the inventory database, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Ptashnik offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE THE SEALED BID PROCESS AND PURCHASE TWO (2) TRAILER MOUNTED LEAF VACUUMS THROUGH THE MI DEAL STATE BID PROCESS: Public Works Division, re: to replace two current units, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Ptashnik offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT REQUEST TO APPROVE ALLIANCE OF ROUGE COMMUNITIES (ARC) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR 2024: Public Works Division, re: in the amount of $37,235.00, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. Councilmember Morgan offered an approving motion for the Consent agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVINGCONSENT There was no audience communication at the end of the meeting. For the Regular Meeting of March 11, 2024. LORI L. MILLER, CITY CLERK