HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2015-11-04 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Meeting was called to order at 8:01 p.m. by President Brosnan. Present: John
Pastor, Brian Meakin, Laura Toy, Lynda Scheel, Susan Nash, Brandon Kritzman, and
Maureen Miller Brosnan. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark
Taormina, Director of Planning & Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney;
Judy Priebe, Director of Legislative Affairs; Susan Hoff, City Clerk; and Mayor Jack
Ki rksey.
Toy announced there will be a Champion for Hope and Action event held at Burton
Manor on November 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to support awareness on Human Trafficking
and the opening of a new home, Clair's House, a 27 bed home for human trafficked
women age 18 and up and their children, one of the first in the nation..
President Brosnan announced there will be a public information meeting held on
November 10, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Davenport University regarding the
upcoming 1-275 Road Construction Project.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
Suzanne Yarborough, 33428 Richland Street, spoke against Smart Water Meters.
Mary Joseph, 15761 Foch, spoke against Smart Water Meters.
John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, Livonia PTSA Council informed the public of their website
and noted that it has lots of good information on there. He thanked the City Clerk's
Office for help with the voter drive and congratulated the winners of the recent election.
Christopher Martin, 11347 Hubbard, expressed his support for Freedom of Speech.
Ron Yarborough, 33428 Richland Street, expressed his concerns about the safety of
the Smart Water Meters and the number of transmittals, specifically the health problems
related to them. He inquired whether or not Livonia was a member of ICLEI.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. REAPPOINTMENT OF KEN HARB TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term,
which will expire on November 24, 2018.
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Mayor Kirksey presented the request to Council. He said he was pleased to
recommend Ken Harb, 16788 Westbrook, Livonia, MI 48154, for reappointment,
as a member of the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a term of
three years which will expire on November 24, 2018.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM FRIED TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term,
which will expire on November 24, 2018.
Mayor Kirksey presented the request to Council. He said he was pleased to
recommend William Fried, 16009 Riverside, Livonia, MI 48154, for appointment,
as a member of the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a term of
three years which will expire on November 24, 2018.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE: Public
Service Division, re: for unforeseen issues that arose in the 2015 Street Tree
Planting Program in the amount of$9,500.00. (CR 12-15)
Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented the request to Council.
Pursuant to Council Resolution #12-15, adopted on January 12, 2015, the
Council approved funding for the Right - of - Way Street Tree Planting for the
2015 RO.W. Street Tree Planting Program. The program was awarded to Greg
Davis Landscape Services, Inc., 471 Renaud, Grosse Pointe, MI., 48236 for the
amount of $115,092.00. In 2015, the City planted approximately 760 trees. On
average this year, a tree costs approximately $170.00 to plant Several
unforeseen issues arose after the Council awarded the project First, several
species of trees such as Paperbark maple, Horsechestnut, Korean stewartia,
Japanese Zelkova, Fringetree, and Dawnredwood were not commercially
available in large enough quantities to satisfy needed numbers in the contract.
This issue resulted in using trees that were bid, but at higher costs than the
originally listed trees. Of these listed trees, they had to substitute 103 trees at
approximately $20 - 30 dollars higher than original species. Next, they had
fourteen (14) trees that were planted at addresses where residents requested
they be removed (because the tree was unwanted). The cost to remove a
planted tree is $150.00. Lastly, they planted an additional 28 trees that were not
in the original planting list. This was to satisfy resident requests for tree plantings
this year, rather than wait for a subsequent year.
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Based on the above unforeseen issues in the planting program, they request that
the City Council approve the additional funding in the amount of$9,500.00.
SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS
1. $2,600.00 - 103 trees at approximately $25 1 tree above original bid
amount.
2. $2,100.00- 14 trees moved, at resident requests, at $150.00 per move.
3. $4,800.00 - Extra 28 trees planted, at an average cost of approximately
$170.00 each, to satisfy resident planting requests.
In order to complete this contract, they recommend that the Council take the
following actions:
1. Authorize an additional appropriation and expenditure in the amount of
$9,500.00 from the unexpended fund balance of the Road, Sidewalk and
Tree Fund (204)
2. Authorize an additional expenditure in the amount of $9,500.00 to Greg
Davis Landscape Services, Inc., 471 Renaud, Grosse Pointe, MI., 48236.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
4. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE: Public
Service Division, re: for unforeseen issues in the Library Cooling Tower Project
in the amount of$25,500.00. (CR 196-15)
Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented the request to Council.
Pursuant to Council Resolution #196-15, adopted on July 8, 2015, the Council
approved funding for the replacement of the Civic Center Library Cooling Tower.
The program was awarded to Temperature Services, Inc., 37679 Schoolcraft,
Livonia, MI. 48150, for the amount of $77,700.00. An unforeseen issue arose
after City Council awarded this contract. On September 2, 2015, a pre-bid
meeting, and walk through, was held regarding the replacement of the Civic
Center Library roof. At that time, it was found that the existing steel structure
supporting the old cooling tower was inadequate, and would need replacement.
Furthermore, the old support structure sits too low. When the roof on the library is
replaced, the new roof material will be higher, and will be in conflict with the
existing cooling tower structure. Based on the above unforeseen issues in the
Library Cooling Tower project, they request that the City Council approve the
additional funding in the amount of$25,500.00.
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SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS
1. $16,000.00 - Galvanized support steel; Temporary roof patching;
miscellaneous repairs; Removal of existing structural steel.
2. $5,500.00- Crane, and Operator Allowance to lift material to roof.
3. $47000.00 - Contingency funds; Bonds, insurance and permit fees;
Contractor OH&P.
In order to complete this contract, they recommend that the Council take the
following actions:
1. Authorize an additional appropriation and expenditure in the amount of
$25,500.00 from the unexpended fund balance of the Capital Projects
Fund (401)-
2. Authorize an additional expenditure in the amount of$25,500.00 to
Temperature Services, Inc., 37679 Schoolcraft, Livonia, MI. 48150.
Toy offered three resolutions; Approving, Denying, and Request for Additional
Information for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING REGULAR
2) DENYING
3) REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
5. REQUEST TO ACCEPT PROPOSALS FOR CONTRACTED SNOW REMOVAL
SERVICE FOR MAJOR STORMS: Public Service Division, re: to assist in
plowing City streets for the 2015-2016 season.
Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented the request to Council.
For over thirty years, the Public Service Division has relied on contracted
assistance to provide a high level of snow removal service for City streets
following major storms in excess of four inches. During these storms, the
contractor(s) provide approximately 35% of the total effort in cleaning all City
streets. The Public Service Division has taken quotes for equipment and
operators to assist in plowing city streets. The City's main priority is for six to
eight graders, and operators to plow streets along with City forces. If graders are
not available, tandem dump trucks and 4-wheel pickups will be considered.
Proposals were received from only two (2) companies. The Department has
solicited proposals from contractors for decades for snow plowing assistance.
Without this assistance, the Department would not be able to plow the 370 miles
of City streets in a timely basis following heavy snow storms. While many snow
contractors exist to do driveways and parking lots, they require road grader
equipment to move large quantities of snow quickly. The challenge each year is
to have the few contractors in the area who are willing to provide this service
remain interested in doing so. They always need to cajole them into returning the
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pricing proposals and commit to providing this service for our public. The reasons
for reluctance on the part of contractors include:
• Availability of equipment operators and unemployment compensation
issues.
• Wear and tear on their equipment.
• Insurance issues and potential liability for problems, such as damage to
parked vehicles.
• Uncertainty of significant revenue, such as the winter of 2011-12 where no
storms occurred requiring city-wide plowing.
With this service need, the sealed bid process doesn't present a competitive
pricing advantage, because the contractors are not competing against each other
to obtain this work. Sealed bids will not change the outcome of what they will
ultimately pay. The greatest challenge is to have enough companies available
and willing to do this service. Having multiple contractors authorized to provide
this service allows the Department to:
• Have backup in the event that a contractor might not be available to
respond or the magnitude of the storm is such that much greater
equipment is required.
• Determine the type and size of equipment based on the road conditions
and weather factors.
• Utilize a contractor as a primary provider based on the years of
experience their equipment operators may have servicing Livonia
neighborhoods. Beyond the hourly rate for a piece of equipment, the DPW
factors into the overall cost the number of hours it historically takes each
service provider to clear a neighborhood. A contractor whose operators
are familiar with our service needs takes less time to service their
assigned areas.
The Department of Public Works regularly goes through the sealed bid process
where a potential competitive advantage exists for a multitude of projects,
services, equipment and supplies. This includes projects such as the sidewalk
replacement program and the lane line marking program; services such as
municipal park mowing, household hazardous waste day, street sweeping, tree
planting, tree & stump removals, elevator maintenance; equipment needs such
as mowers, trucks, tractors, backhoes, boilers and supplies such as aggregates
& bituminous materials, custodial supplies, fuel, etc.
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council proceed as
follows-
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1. Authorize the use of Fiore Enterprises, LLC, 3411 West Fort Street,
Detroit, MI 48216, proposal dated September 14, 2015.
2. Authorize the use of Stante Excavating, 46912 Liberty Drive, Wixom, MI
48393, proposal dated October 23, 2015.
3. Waive the formal bidding process in accordance with Section 3.04.140.0.4
of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended, since no advantage to
the City would result from competitive bidding.
No additional appropriation is required since sufficient funds are available in the
Road Maintenance Contractual Services Account, budgeted for this purpose.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST TO APPROVE OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WAYNE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA- Engineering
Division, re: for the resurfacing of Inkster Road from Plymouth Road (Old M-14)
to Schoolcraft Road.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. The Engineering
Division is in receipt of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) dated October 13,
2015 between Wayne County and the City of Livonia for the resurfacing of
Inkster Road from Plymouth Road (Old M-14) to Schoolcraft Road. The total cost
for this project is estimated at $1,423,010. The proposed City participation is
estimated at 25% of the Local Share (after Federal Aid) in the amount of
$56,147.
This project involves the hot mix asphalt resurfacing work along Inkster Road
from Plymouth Road (Old M-14) to Schoolcraft Road; including cold milling,
pavement rehabilitation, concrete curb repair, drainage structure adjustment,
ADA sidewalk ramps, signs and pavement markings; and all together with
necessary related work. The County will be responsible both the preliminary
engineering and the construction engineering. Construction is anticipated to be
completed by mid-November.
The proposed agreement has been reviewed by the Engineering Division and
has been reviewed as to form by the Department of Law. Based on the above
information, they respectfully recommend that the City Council proceed as
fol lows:
• Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute this agreement for and
on behalf of the City of Livonia.
• Authorize an expenditure of $56,147.00 from funds budgeted for 2015 in
Major Street Fund - City Participation in MDOT and County Projects
Account.
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• Authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work, as
required.
Please note that Wayne County has also requested a deposit check in the
amount of$28,074.00 as a Working Capital Advance.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-SN-
05 submitted by YM Associates, requesting approval for a ground sign for the
commercial building located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Clarita
Avenue and Seven Mile Road (19046-19048 Middlebelt Road) in the Northwest
1/4 of Section 12.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This petition is seeking approval to install a new ground sign
on property located on the east side of Middlebelt Road, between Clarita Avenue
and Seven Mile Road. The subject property is zoned C-2, General Business, and
contains a 2,000 square foot commercial building that is divided into two tenant
units. Currently, this property does not have a ground sign. Each building or
business center consisting of three or fewer separate businesses is permitted
one freestanding sign not to exceed 30 square feet in sign area, 6 feet in height,
and must have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any public road right-of-way.
The proposed ground sign measures 7 feet by 4 feet for a total area of 28 square
feet, is 6 feet in height and would have a setback of 11 feet from Middlebelt
Road. The sign is shown in the southwest corner of the site occupying one of the
site's offstreet parking spaces. Parking for general retail uses is based on a ratio
of one parking space for each 150 square feet of useable floor area. Accordingly,
this two-tenant retail building is required to have a total of 11 parking spaces. The
submitted plan indicates that parking is shared with the neighboring property to
the north, which is 19050 Middlebelt Road. The retail building to the north is
1,800 square feet in area and requires 10 parking spaces. Together, both
buildings require a total of 21 parking spaces. The submitted site plan shows a
combined total of 15 parking spaces available to both sites. Therefore, the
elimination of any parking space would require that a variance be granted from
the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission is recommending
approval with conditions. He said the petitioner is present to answer any
questions Council may have.
Jatinder Matharu, YM Associates, 44668 Danbury, Canton, Michigan 48188. He
said he didn't have anything to add. He said his tenant has been asking him to
install the sign because the building is hidden and customers cannot see it. So
his tenant has been asking him to install a ground sign there.
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Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Pastor stepped down from the podium at 8:55 p.m. to avoid any perceived conflict of
interest on the following item.
8. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-02-17
submitted by Brodersen Management, on behalf of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen,
Inc., requesting waiver use approval to construct and operate a freestanding full
service restaurant with drive-up window facilities, located on the east side of
Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road
(13050 Middlebelt Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 25.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This is a request to construct and operate a freestanding full
service restaurant with drive-up window facilities at 13050 Middlebelt Road. The
subject out lot, along with the Meijer store, is part of the Millennium Park retail
complex, which is comprised of a Home Depot and Costco, as well as several
other shops and restaurants. The other two adjacent out lots on the site of the
Meijer store are occupied by a Culver's restaurant and an Outback Steakhouse.
The subject property is zoned C-2, General Business, and is approximately 1.60
acres in total area. The proposed Popeyes restaurant would be classified as a
full service restaurant because it would have sixty interior seats. The plans do not
indicate any type of outdoor patio seating. The site plan shows the Popeyes
restaurant would be a one-story building containing a gross floor area of 3,196
square feet. The restaurant would be positioned towards the middle of the
property with a majority of its parking located on the west side of the building.
The drive-up window service is planned along the east side of the building. Drive-
up establishments are also required to provide a by-pass lane or other suitable
means of access to a public street for vehicles that do not use the drive-up
window. The plans do not show any by-pass lane and therefore the proposed
drive-thru for Popeyes would not comply with this requirement. The subject out
lot has no direct access to Middlebelt Road. Access to the proposed restaurant
would be from two new drive approaches: one from the north off the existing
main driveway that extends from Middlebelt Road into the Millennium Park
development and the other from the adjacent Meijer parking lot to the south.
Required parking for restaurants with drive-thru facilities is based on the overall
number of customer seats and the number of employees. In addition, restaurants
with drive-thru windows are required to have two additional parking spaces
beyond the drive-up window for use of drive-up window patrons. Popeyes would
require a total of 44 parking spaces. The submitted plans show a total of 56
potential parking spaces, 42 of which would be built and 14 that would be
landbanked. Establishments are permitted to landbank up to 25 percent of the
total number of required parking spaces. The landscape plan submitted in
connection with this item provides for landscaping around the perimeter of the
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site as well as within the parking lot islands and along the foundation of the
building. The main building materials would be cultured stone and E.I.F.S.
Standing seam awnings would be installed over the windows and doors. To give
the exterior of the restaurant a Louisiana look, a fake balcony with metal railings
would be installed on the restaurant's upper east elevation and shutters would
cover some windows. Goose neck light fixtures would be positioned along the
roofline of the building. The plans show a dumpster enclosure location at the
southeast corner of the proposed site. A note on the plans indicate that the
parking lot lighting would have a maximum height of twenty feet. The proposed
wall signage as shown on the building elevation plans would not be in
conformance with the sign regulations. By Zoning Ordinance standards, the
proposed restaurant would be allowed one wall sign not to exceed 60 square feet
in area. This site would also be allowed one ground sign not to exceed 30 square
feet in area or exceed 6 feet in height, 10 feet in length, and have a minimum
setback of 10 feet from any right-of-way line. Any signage over what is permitted
by the ordinance would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Planning Commission is recommending approval with conditions.
Jeremy Wilmot, 409 Church Court, Barlett, Illinois. He said he was there
representing John Brodersen and DXU Architectural Solutions out of Chicago.
He said they have changed quite a bit of the exterior material to the cultured
stone, he noted which he had a sample with him. It is just over 50 percent of the
building, and the rest would be dryvit, which I also have a sample of that too.
Toy offered the approving and denying resolutions for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING REGULAR
2) DENYING
Pastor returned to the podium at 9:14 p.m.
9. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-02-19
submitted by Motor City Peaks, L.L.C., on behalf of Twin Peaks Restaurant,
requesting waiver use approval to expand the food service and Class C liquor
operations by constructing an outdoor dining patio and remodel the exterior of
the restaurant, located on the east side of Haggerty Road between the Seven
Mile and Eight Mile Roads (20120 Haggerty Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of
Section 8.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This is a request to construct an outdoor dining patio and
remodel the exterior of an existing restaurant located on the east side of
Haggerty Road just south of Eight Mile Road. This property is approximately 1.8
acres in area. The area is zoned C-2, General Business. This is an existing TGI
Friday's restaurant. The proposed changes are part of a transfer of ownership
and a conversion of the restaurant to a Twin Peaks. TGI Fridays received waiver
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use approval from the City back in February, 2007. The existing restaurant
building is roughly 7,096 square feet in size and has a seating capacity of 281.
That is entirely interior seating; currently there is no outdoor seating. TGI Fridays
and the adjoining restaurant to the north, Panera Bread, operate under a shared
parking arrangement. Together, there are a total of approximately 268 parking
spaces available for both sites. Twin Peaks proposes to add an outdoor dining
patio. This patio would be located along the west side of the restaurant facing
Haggerty in an area that presently contains a sidewalk and some landscaping. In
addition to displacing some existing landscaping and a portion of the walkway,
the patio would also result in the Joss of six existing parking spaces including five
barrier free spaces. The area that they are considering this evening, in terms of
the most significant alterations to the site and the building, include the
construction of the patio area that is identified on the plan as the double hatched
area on the left side of the building. The patio is about 1,630 square feet in area.
Its dimensions are roughly 53 feet by 25 feet. It does include an outdoor fire pit. It
would be surrounded by 42" high railing. There are tables and chairs with the
capacity to accommodate roughly 98 patrons on the patio. There would be a
standing seam metal canopy supported by wood posts that would provide the
outdoor patio area with overhead screening. Access would be provided by
means of three garage-style doors that would be incorporated into the existing
restaurant along the west wall, as well as an existing man door. The plans
provide for new landscaped area that would be created along the outer edge of
the patio, as well as outside of the fencing. Only partial new sidewalk would be
provided. There would not be a walkway provided around the patio to the front
entrance. This is something that the Planning Commission may wish to address
this evening. Twin Peaks would have 234 interior seats. This is a reduction of 47
seats from what currently exists within the interior of the TGI Friday's restaurant.
So when they look at the overall parking, the interior seats, the number of
outdoor seats, as well as the number of employees, a total of 180 parking spaces
are required for this restaurant. They add that to the requirement for Panera,
which is 77 spaces, and combined, the total required parking is 257 spaces. As
previously mentioned, Twin Peaks and Panera share parking. Removing the six
spaces for the patio would leave a total of 262 spaces for both sites, but that still
results in a surplus of 5 parking spaces. So the parking is adequate to serve both
of the restaurant uses. Looking at the exterior changes to the building, the
rendering provides the best understanding of the changes. It involves completely
remodeling the restaurant to reflect the Twin Peaks brand identity. The new
building materials consist of a combination of E.I.F.S., hardy plank siding, dry
stack cultured stone and a standing seam metal roof. That is the same roof that
will be over the patio area. The accent treatments are substantially wood. The
tower feature will be over the main entrance that consists of heavy timber or
Douglas Fir trusses that are mounted together using black steel gussets. The
awnings would be provided over the windows matching the standing seam that
would be used for the canopy. There will be gooseneck lighting and Pergola
above the fire pit. The fire pit would have a wall surrounding it. In terms of
signage, this site is allowed one wall sign not to exceed 122 square feet based
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on the frontage of the building along Haggerty Road. However, TGI Fridays was
granted a variance for two wall signs, totaling 156 square feet. The elevation plan
provides for two similar size wall signs, one on the south side and the other on
the west elevation facing Haggerty. Each sign measures about 75 square feet for
a total of 150 square feet, which is slightly under the existing sign area and
should be within the original variance limitations. You will recall from previous
plans that were submitted at the study meeting that they showed a third wall sign
on top of the patio canopy that read "eat drink scenic views." However, that sign
has been eliminated completely from this plan. They have not provided an
alternate location for that wording, whether it was going to be downsized or just
eliminated altogether. Maybe the petitioner can add more on that when he
provides his presentation. In addition to the latest set of plans, it does show
additional landscaping as requested around the patio in the form of 10 Spartan
Juniper trees which should do a more effective job of buffering the patio area
from Haggerty Road. Those shrubs are reflected in this rendering, but they are
also shown on the revised submitted landscape plan. The Planning Commission
is recommending approval with conditions. The petitioner and the architect for
this project are here this evening to answer any questions Council may have.
Jeff Brands, Creekwood Architecture, 504 Marquette Street, Durand, Michigan,
the architect for the project was present.
Victor Ansara, Motor City Peaks, L.L.C., 23925 Industrial Drive, Farmington Hills,
MI 48335. He said he is one of the owners of the restaurant. He said it is a sports
restaurant and bar so there will be a lot of TVs in the interior. To give you a little
bit more information about the concept, they have a patented beer system that
serves beer out of the tap at 29 degrees. They're really the only ones that have
that. They do have one location open in the area already. It is located in Madison
Heights on Fourteen Mile and I-75; that was a ground-up building. Most of the
Twin Peaks around the country, and there's about 70 of them around the country
based out of Texas, but most of the Twin Peaks around the country are
conversions similar to this. There's actually been a couple Friday's buildings that
have been converted to Twin Peaks in other locations - not by them but by other
franchisees or by the company. They're hoping for, and a lot of this has to do
with Mr. Brand here and getting the plans completed, but they're in the process
of going through the approvals that they need to go through with certainly the
Planning Commission, the Council, liquor license, and so on and so forth. All of
those are underway. They hope the plans will be completed which can be
submitted to the Building Department for permitting and so forth. They would like
to begin construction in December, weather permitting.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
President Brosnan offered the resolution to receive and file the email
correspondence from Joel Turbiak for the Regular Agenda.
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DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING REGULAR
2) RECEIVE & FILE — EMAIL
FROM JOEL TURBIAK
10. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-09-08-15
submitted by Charter Real Estate, on behalf of Livonia Storage Units, in
connection with a proposal to develop a self-storage facility, located on the south
side of Eight Mile Road between Grand River Avenue and Angling Road (28153
Eight Mile Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. The subject site is in the process of being rezoned from C-2,
General Business, to ML, Manufacturing Limited. The First Reading on the
rezoning was given at the September 21, 2015, Regular Meeting of the Livonia
City Council. The Second Reading and Roll Call, the final steps in the rezoning
process, are on-hold pending a review of the site plan. The following review is
based on an ML zoning district. The subject site measures 3.37 acres in size. It
constitutes the southwesterly part of the property that was once Weirton Plaza
shopping center, which for years was anchored by a Farmer Jack grocery store.
The east half of the former shopping center is now occupied by Grand River
Academy, a public charter school. The proposed facility would contain multiple
rows of buildings separated by drive aisles that would provide vehicular access to
the individual storage units. A larger one-story building is planned for the east
side of the property for the purpose of providing interior climate-controlled
storage space. Customer access to the site would be controlled via a gated
entrance located on the north side of the property. The drive aisle leading to the
storage facility's entrance is shared with other users of the property, including
Grand River Charter Academy, and connects with Angling Road to the west.
Where the facility borders Angling, the building shown closest to the road would
contain only single-loaded units. The street-facing facades of this "L" shaped
building (the west and north elevations) would be finished in a style with
materials that would mimic the front of a commercial building. The landscape
plan submitted in connection with this item provides for landscaping around the
perimeter of the site and also shows the entire area between the storage units
and Angling Road landscaped. In terms of architecture, the main exterior building
materials are split-face concrete masonry blocks and horizontal ribbed metal
siding. The plans do not indicate a dumpster enclosure. It is unclear how refuse
would be handled. The site's storm water would be handled underground, and
along the south property line where the site abuts residential, there is an existing
masonry wall. The Planning Commission is recommending approval with
conditions. The Petitioner and his attorney were present to answer any questions
Council may have.
James McCann, 32475 Five Mile, Attorney for the Petitioner, said they have
made some changes to plan since they went before the Planning Commission.
They have addressed the concerns that were raised and they are willing to
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continue to work with the City. Some samples of the materials were passed
around the Council. Color samples were also shown, as well as revised
drawings. They also reduced the building from a two-story to a one-story
building.
William Davis, Charter Real Estate, 417 N. Maple, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103.
He said his company, Charter Development, is the petitioner for the site plan that
is before Council tonight. They are proposing to use a new concrete brick
material. He said they have provided some pictures for Council review.
Kritzman said concrete brick is a good choice of material. He appreciates their
willingness to cooperate and address the concerns.
Pastor said just have new elevation plans and landscaping plans to Council
addressing the areas of concern prior to the next meeting.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
President Brosnan said she would like it to be incorporated into the resolution the
recommendations Mr. Taormina mentioned about no outside storage and that the
facility is only used for storage with the exception of the business office in the
front of the building.
President Brosnan also noted that it has been reported that storage facilities
were being used for illegal purposes, such as meth labs in Warren for example.
President Brosnan requested from the Administration a report and
recommendation from the Law Department and Police Department concerning
the ordinance that pertains to Storage Units and what the City is doing to prevent
illegal activity at Storage Units in Livonia.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING —WITH CONCRETE REGULAR
BRICK
2) REQUEST FOR A REPORT &
RECOMMENDATION ON PREVENTION
OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IN STORAGE UNITS
11. REQUEST TO ACCEPT QUOTATION FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION
INSURANCE: Department of Finance, re: with Citizens Management, Inc. to
provide claims administration services and with Midwest Employers Casualty
Company to provide excess insurance coverage when losses from any one claim
reaches $750,000, for the period of December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016.
Mike Slater, Director of Finance, presented the request to Council. The City's
contract for administration of workers' compensation claims and for excess
insurance coverage will expire on November 30, 2015. Quotes were solicited for
14
these services for the period of December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016.
Results of the quotations have been provided to Council (Exhibit 1) for its review.
They recommend that City Council authorize the execution of a contract with
Citizens Management, Inc. (CMI), 645 West Grand River, Howell, MI 48843 to
provide the City claims administration services for a total estimated premium of
$44,743. The estimated premium is based on the quoted cost of $ 0.1075 per
$100 payroll for claims administration. They also recommend that City Council
authorize the execution of a contract with Midwest Employers Casualty
Company, 14755 North Outer Forty Drive, Suite 300, Chesterfield, MO 63017, to
provide excess insurance coverage when losses from any one claim reaches
$750,000, for a total estimated premium of $119,550. The estimated premium is
based on the quoted cost of$ 0.2873 per $100 payroll for excess insurance
coverage. The new rates reflect a 2% decrease over the current rate. Exhibit 2
which shows the history of the City's workers' compensation costs has been
provided for Councils review. The Midwest premium is $957 more than the
Safety National quote. The recommendation to select Midwest is based on the
administrative burden to change carriers, the sophistication of Midwest's risk
control services and the fact that the City had a previous legal dispute with Safety
National when they fought against paying a covered claim. The very small cost
savings offered by Safety National is outweighed by the benefits of continuing
with Midwest. He said he would be happy to answer any questions from Council.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. PROPOSED 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: City Council
President Maureen Miller Brosnan, re: in accordance with the provisions of the
Open Meetings Act, 1976 P.A. 267, as amended.
President Brosnan presented the proposed 2016 City Council Meeting.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Brosnan adjourned the
Study Session at 10:05 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
DATED: November 13, 2015 SUSAN A. HOFF
CITY CLERK