HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2014-04-21 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD APRIL 21, 2014
Meeting was called to order at 8:21 p.m. by President Brosnan. Present: Lynda
Scheel, Susan Nash, Brandon Kritzman, John Pastor, Brian Meakin, Laura Toy, and
Maureen Miller Brosnan. Absent: None.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark
Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney;
Terry Marecki, City Clerk; and Mayor Jack E. Kirksey.
Toy recognized Andrew Richner, University of Michigan Board of Regents Trustee,
present in the audience this evening.
Kritzman announced the Greenleaf Commission on Sustainability will be added to the
City's website tomorrow which happens to be Earth Day.
Toy announced the passing of former Council President Fernon Feenstra, she said his
Funeral is tomorrow, services are being arranged by R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home.
She said he will be dearly missed.
President Brosnan announced there was new data on Items #11 and #13.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, expressed his concerns regarding the legal
proceedings related to the fence around his property at 12275 Inkster. He noted that he
would like to resolve this matter but is experiencing difficulties.
NEW BUSINESS
1. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE CITY'S NOISE ORDINANCE: Barbara Vicars, re: in
order to hold a graduation party with a band at her home located at 16335
Westbrook Street, on Saturday, June 21, 2014, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with a
rain date of Saturday, June 28, 2014.
Barbara Vicars, 16335 Westbrook, presented her request to Council and was
ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Meakin asked the petitioner if she was aware that 11:00 p.m. was the cut off
time. She said that would be fine.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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2. REQUEST TO WAIVE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT: Enrico E. Soave, Kucyk
Soave & Fernandes, PLLC, re: for the single family home located at 19060
Mayfield.
Enrico Soave, 37771 Seven Mile Road, presented the request to Council. He
was ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. APPOINTMENT OF JEREMY CURTIS TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which
will expire on May 16, 2018.
Mayor Kirksey said he was pleased to recommend Jeremy Curtis to the
Plymouth Road Development Authority for a three year term which will expire on
May 16, 2018.
Jeremy Curtis, 17875 Woodside, said with his Engineering background he feels
this is a good place for him to get his feet wet and serve the community.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PRDA) ANNUAL REPORT
FOR 2013: Michael T. Slater, Treasurer, as submitted pursuant to Public Act
197 of 1975.
Mike Slater, Director of Finance, presented the 2013 Annual Report for the
PRDA for the information of the City Council. They respectfully request that City
Council receive and file this report.
At the direction of the Chair, this item was received and filed for the Consent
Agenda.
DIRECTION: RECEIVE & FILE CONSENT
5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE FIVE (5) 2014 FORD
ESCAPE SUV'S UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN PRICING: Inspection
Department, re: to replace five (5) 2008 Ford Escapes which will be submitted
for trade-in with a value of$33,500.00, from budgeted funds.
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Alex Bishop, Director of Inspection, presented the request to Council. They are
seeking Council approval to purchase five (5) 2014 Ford Escape SUV's utilizing
the State of Michigan bid pricing. These vehicles will replace five (5) 2008 Ford
Escape SUV's which will be submitted for trade-in, valued at $33,500.00. The
remaining $82, 445.00 is available from funds in the Capital Projects Fund for the
Inspection Department. Therefore, in summation, they respectfully ask that
Council authorize this vehicle purchase as noted and to authorize any minor
adjustment in the contract amount as may be needed at time of final delivery,
and to authorize the transfer of the trade in vehicles to Gorno Ford. Mr. Bishop
was ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST TO APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (PHASE
2) BETWEEN WAYNE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA- Department of
Parks & Recreation, re: utilizing grant funds of $13,109.00 towards the
installation of a heavy duty vinyl liner for Clement Circle Pool. (CR 279-13 & CR
76-14)
Lyle Trudell, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to
Council. The Department of Parks and Recreation respectfully requests Council
approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement-Phase 2 with Wayne
County for a grant of $13,109.00 to be used toward the installation of a heavy
duty vinyl liner for Clement Circle Pool. The amount of the Wayne County Parks
Millage-funded will be reimbursed to the City after City funds are expended.
Phase 1 money which was approved by Council last year (CR279-13) for
$33,000.00 will be used for the purchase of the liner for Clements Circle Pool.
The total cost of the Clements Circle pool liner project will be $87,207.00. These
funds have been budgeted for 2014 and are available. Further, they ask Council
to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute this contract, which has been
approved by City Attorney Don Knapp, on behalf of the City of Livonia.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Diane Webb, Wayne County Commissioner, said she was happy to see some of
the Wayne County Parks Millage funds coming back into the community. She
said she and Trudell met with residents in the area to find out what they would
like to see done with those funds and it was conveyed by the residents that the
Clements Circle Pool needed a new pool liner. She said she was glad she could
help to allocate those funds to assist in that project.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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7. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (PHASE 2) BETWEEN THE COUNTY
OF WAYNE AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO LARRY NEHASIL PARK: Department of Parks &
Recreation, re: to increase the practical use and handicapped accessibility of the
park. (CR 165-13, CR 293-13 & CR 298-13)
Lyle Trudell, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to
Council. The Department of Parks and Recreation respectfully requests Council
approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement — Phase 2 with Wayne
County to accept a grant funding for improvements to Larry Nehasil Park. Larry
Nehasil Park will be enhanced to create a fitting atmosphere to honor the park's
namesake, Livonia Police Officer, Larry Nehasil, and to honor four fellow Livonia
Public Safety officers; all who lost their lives in the line of duty. The changes will
increase the practical use and handicapped accessibility of the park. The plan is
being supported by a committee of community volunteers and his family
members. In addition to the Wayne County grant, funds for this project are being
collected from generous contributors through this committee's efforts. The
amount of the Wayne County Parks Millage-funded grant is $140,000.00, which
will be reimbursed to the City after City funds are expended. Contributions
collected for the park's redevelopment will provide up-front funding, with any
balance required being advanced from the Community Recreation Fund. Funds
spent from either of those accounts will be reimbursed in the amount of
$1407000.00. A summary of the current financial status for Nehasil Park has
been provided to Council. Additionally, they ask Council to authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute this contract, which has been approved by City
Attorney Don Knapp, on behalf of the City of Livonia. Trudell said he publicly
wished to thank Wayne County Commissioner Laura Cox for her efforts in
allocating the Wayne County Parks Millage-funded grant of $140,000.00 for this
project. He said Commissioner Cox was unable to attend this evening.
Vice-President Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2014-2015 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ANNUAL PLAN AND BUDGET;
AND REQUEST TO APPROVE HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACTS BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LIVONIA AND MR. JOHN V. FARRAR, ED.D. LPC; HEGIRA
PROGRAMS INC.; ST. JOHN HEALTH SYSTEM/EASTWOOD CLINICS; FAIR
HOUSING CENTER OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT; FIRST STEP; AND
WAYNE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY: Livonia Housing
Commission, re: in connection with the operation of a domestic violence victim
assistance program; for the purpose of providing fair housing; and for the mental
health counseling program provided for through the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) programs for the 2014-2015 program year. (CR 47-14)
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Jim Inglis, Executive Director, Housing, said at the Council's regular meeting of
February 19, 2014 the Council authorized tentative approval for a proposed
CDBG program and budget for fiscal year 2014-15. The CDBG allocation of
$328,256.00 plus un-programmed funds of $50,000.00 is designated in the final
Action Plan. The Housing Commission-Community Development Office has held
two public hearings and provided a thirty-day public comment period. The
Housing Commission did not receive any written public comments. It is
respectfully requested that City Council approve the attached 2014-2015 CDBG
program and Annual Action Plan by adopting a resolution. It is also requested
that the Council authorize the Director of Housing, Mayor and the City Clerk to
execute the contract documents on behalf of the City of Livonia with sub-
recipients First Step, Fair Housing Center, Wayne Metropolitan Community
Action Agency and approved mental health counseling providers, as listed in the
Action Plan.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. REQUEST TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF APPARATUS
HEADSETS/INTERCOM SYSTEMS: Livonia Fire & Rescue, re: for the
protection of personnel during emergency responses in regards to their hearing
and also to facilitate communication between all occupants, other units and
dispatch, from budgeted funds.
Jon Unruh, Captain, Livonia Fire & Rescue, presented the request to Council.
The department has completed an exhaustive study as it relates to compliance
with MIOSHA Part 380, Occupational Noise Exposure, OSHA !91 0.95 and NFPA
1500, Section 7.16. It has been determined that significant changes in
engineering controls and the creation of a hearing conservation program within
Livonia Fire & Rescue is necessary to ensure not only compliance with the above
standards, but improve safety for all personnel involved in work activities in high
noise hazard areas. One crucial area where personnel are exposed in excess of
90dB, far above the "Action Level" denoted by the safety standards of 82dB, is
during emergency or "lights and siren" responses. The department has
researched solutions for protection of personnel during emergency responses
and has determined that the integration of Headsets/Intercom Systems into each
of our response apparatus provides the best solution in protecting employees.
This not only serves as hearing protection, but at the same times provides easy
communication between all occupants, as well as radio traffic interface between
other units and dispatch. It is respectfully requested that the City Council accept
the quote from COMSOURCE Inc., MiDEAL- State of Michigan Contract #071
82200101, for $35,482.50, at 2130 Austin Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, for
the purchase of integrated SETCOMM Headsets/Intercom Systems for all
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department apparatus. Funds have been budgeted and are available for this
purpose in the designated Capital Outlay Minor Account.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. REQUEST TO APPROVE THE EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF
STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (SFPC): Livonia Fire
& Rescue, re: to replace custom gear that was contaminated in the January 15,
2014 commercial structure fire at 13040 Merriman Road using the previously
approved City contract with an approved bidder from budgeted funds. (CR 167-
13)
Jon Unruh, Captain, Livonia Fire & Rescue, presented the request to Council. On
January 15, 2014, as you are aware, the department responded to a commercial
structure fire at ERG Environmental Services at 13040 Merriman. During the
course of firefighting operations many of our personnel became contaminated
with hazardous waste and materials that was carried in the water runoff during
the suppression effort. In total, 16 sets of Structural Firefighting Protective
Clothing ensembles (or known as "Bunker Gear), consisting of both a coat and
pant, were contaminated and no longer serviceable. Each set of"Bunker Gear" is
custom made for each employee for optimal protection and performance. Due to
the severity of losing so many sets of gear to contamination the department had
to place an emergency order for new custom gear. The city's contract pricing with
Douglass Safety Systems LLC, approved previously by council and good through
June 2014, is $1,986.61 per set, for a total of $31,785.76. Douglass Safety
Systems has completed the production and delivery of all 16 sets of custom
bunker gear. It is recommended that City Council approve payment in the
amount of $31,785.76 to Douglass Safety Systems LLC, 2655 N. M-30, Suite #6,
Sanford, MI 48657. Funds are available for this purpose in the department's
Uniform/PPE account. They have been reimbursed for the lost gear as a result of
the incident by the insurance carrier for ERG Environmental Services.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. REQUEST TO APPROVE AN EXPENDITURE ON BEHALF OF THE WESTERN
WAYNE COUNTY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM AND URBAN
SEARCH & RESCUE (USAR) TEAM TO PURCHASE RESPONSE
EQUIPMENT: Livonia Fire & Rescue, re: to be utilized for special operations
incidents involving building collapse and hazardous materials releases, including
WMD's, with the City of Livonia serving as the fiduciary for the equipment
purchases for the two teams, the costs to be covered entirely by a Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) Urban Area Strategic Initiative (UASI) grant.
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Jon Unruh, Captain, Livonia Fire & Rescue, presented the request to Council.
The department would like to request approval to expend $137,796.00, on behalf
of the Western Wayne County Hazardous Materials Response Team and Urban
Search & Rescue (USAR) Team, to purchase response equipment utilized for
special operations incidents involving building collapse and hazardous materials
releases, including weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This equipment has
been approved by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Urban Area
Strategic Initiative (UASI) grant program. This grant program is a reimbursement
type program to the City of Livonia, who would serve as the fiduciary for the
equipment purchases for these teams.
Meakin asked Unruh if the City received reimbursement from any of the other
communities. Captain Unruh said no, reimbursement comes from Wayne County
Homeland Security.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. VACATING PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2014-02-03-01
submitted by Clarenceville School District, to determine whether or not to vacate
a portion of the existing Beatrice Avenue right-of-way located approximately 250
feet south of Norfolk Avenue, adjacent to property owned by Clarenceville
Schools including Lots 16 and 17 in the Elmwood Farms Subdivision (20221 and
20210 Beatrice Avenue) located in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 2.
Pamela Swirt, Superintendent, Clarenceville School District, presented the
request to Council and was ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Taormina said he is not aware of any issues with the request and the Planning
Commission is recommending approval.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
13. SITE PLAN PETITION; AND AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL REZONING
AGREEMENT/STATEMENT OF VOLUNTARY CONDITIONS DATED APRIL 21,
2010 FROM McLAREN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES IN REGARDS TO
PETITION 2009-11-01-02: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2014-03-08-03
submitted by McLaren Performance Tech nologies/Linamar, in connection with a
proposal to construct a three-story office-research and manufacturing facility and
erect a parking structure on properties located on the south side of Eight Mile
Road between Merriman Road and Hubbard Road (32233 and 32367 Eight Mile
Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 3.
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Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This is a request by McLaren Performance Technologies and
Linamar. The property is located on the south side of Eight Mile Road between
Parker Avenue and Hubbard Road. The overall site consists of five contiguous
parcels. The main property is identified as 32233 Eight Mile; that's the largest of
all the parcels. The site also contains three separate buildings. Building #1, which
is 32233 Eight Mile, is located near the middle of property. That is the site of the
largest of all three buildings and that's about 38,000 square feet. Building #2,
which is 32205 Eight Mile, is located near the northeast corner of the site near
Eight Mile and Parker. That building measures roughly 20,000 square feet in
size. Building #3, which is 32367 Eight Mile, is at the northwest corner near Eight
Mile and Hubbard and that building totals roughly 16,346 square feet. It is
Building #3, sometimes referred to as the Cushman Building that would be
demolished in order to facilitate the expansion of Building #1. The overall building
area of the combined existing three buildings is roughly 74,740 square feet.
When completed, the total gross floor area of all the buildings would increase,
and this includes all levels, to about 132,000 square feet. That is a net increase
of roughly 58,000 square feet or roughly 78 percent. Building #3 would be
demolished. The addition would encompass not only the area presently occupied
by Building #3, but also the parking that exists there. The addition would connect
to Building #1. This would be a three-story addition to the facility. The first level
floor plan shows that roughly one-fourth of the floor space would be devoted to
office located near the front of the addition, and the remaining three-quarters
would be devoted to manufacturing. Under the M-L district regulations, there is
no limitation on the number of stories; however, buildings cannot exceed an
overall height of thirty-five feet (35). The front half of the proposed addition will
be that portion of the building containing three (3) floors and will have a
maximum height—as measured from the finished grade to the top edge of the
parapet wall—of fifty-one feet (51'). As such, a variance from the Zoning Board of
Appeals will be required. The setback along the west side of the property is
proposed to be 26.96 feet where a minimum of 30 feet setback is required. A
variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be required to maintain the
deficient setback. In terms of parking, what is required is equal to one space for
every one employee. Currently, Building #1 is estimated to have 70 employees
and Building #2 has 30 employees for a total of 100. It is forecasted that the
expansion will bring 100 additional employees to the site for a total of 200. To
accommodate the increase, a new parking deck would be built behind Building
#1 in the area presently zoned P, Parking. The deck shows one ground level and
two upper levels and would have a total capacity of 152 spaces. The parking
deck is located wholly within that Parking district. By adding 152 spaces to 78
existing and proposed off-street surface spaces that would be located in the front
of and between Buildings #1 and #3, it would provide a total of total 230 spaces,
sufficient to accommodate the increase in employees and visitors. In terms of
landscaping, the rear part of property that is zoned R-3 will remain as open
space and is currently used for storm water detention. The Planning Commission
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requested a revised landscape plan from the landscape plan that was approved
in 2010. The petitioner has provided an updated landscape plan. The Planning
Commission also had some concerns with the lighting on the parking structure
and the visibility from the glass walkway between the parking structure and the
adjacent building to the neighboring residential homes. Taormina displayed some
conceptual elevation plans for the Council. He said the General Manager, Scott
Maxwell, and the architect, Mike Gilles, were present to give some further
description to the changes made to the plans
Scott Maxwell, General Manager, McLaren Engines, 32233 W. Eight Mile Road,
Livonia, said as Council may know, they have been in that building since 1969
and this is the biggest addition they have done to the facility. They have been
before the Planning Commission and they have met with the neighbors.
Mike Gilles, Tacoma Engineers, 176 Speedvale Avenue W., Guelph, Ontario,
Canada, architect for the project. Gilles said they have addressed the concerns
of the Planning Commission.
Meakin asked Gilles to describe the types of trees that will be utilized in the
landscape plan. Gilles said they would use coniferous and deciduous trees and
some hedges.
Scheel asked the petitioner if they planned on keeping the detention pond that is
currently on the property. Maxwell replied yes. Scheel asked if they planned on
keeping the fencing as well and if it marked the property lines. Gilles said the
fence represents the property line. Maxwell said there is fencing all around the
property in various ways. Part of it is brick with gating for access, there are wood
and chain link fences in various parts and as far he knew it is fenced all the way
around in some form. Scheel asked the petitioner about the berms if they would
stay and whether or not they would be taller and they went around all three (3)
sides. Maxwell said there some areas of existing vegetation that would be
staying and serve that same purpose. They will be using new plantings to fill in
the gaps.
Toy asked the petitioner if the hours of operation will remain the same as they
are now. Maxwell said yes, the current offices are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
the manufacturing currently is done on the 1St shift, daytime and the only thing
that runs all day and all night is the testing and build facilities. They use 2
electrodynamometers; there isn't any outside stacks or noise generated from
them. Toy asked Maxwell if the people working in the testing and build facilities
would be parking in the parking structure. Maxwell replied no and said they
usually park near the building they work in and would most likely continue to do
so. Toy asked the petitioner if they would be hiring 100 new employees at this
location. Maxwell said there are approximately 100 employees at their Southfield
and will have room for approximately 75 more employees. He said they will hire
for skilled positions such as machine technicians and machine operators. Toy
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asked if they had any projections or growth plan for the company for like a 10
year projection. Toy asked if they had any plans for buying any additional
property. Maxwell replied yes, he said they have purchased a residential lot
adjacent to the property. Toy noted that back in 2010 there was a valid protest to
the petition submitted back in 2010 for development of the property. She pointed
out that a promise was made by McLaren representatives that no future
expansion would be done to the property. Toy said she can appreciate that their
company is growing and their need for additional space. She asked the petitioner
why someone would have made that promise. Maxwell said they tried to make
things work with having the engineers in a separate location but after much
thought, it just makes more sense to have them in one location. Toy thanked the
petitioner and said while she can appreciate their business expansion; she
cannot forget the promise that was made and the valid protest the residents had
back in 2010. Maxwell said there is a lot history on the property. Toy said yes
there is and she will try to keep an open mind when casting her vote on this item.
President Brosnan said she wanted to alert the Clerk that there will be several
items to receive and file at the Regular Meeting regarding this item — including a
landscape plan received on April 17, 2014, renderings and a revised site plan; a
letters from Derrick MacLean, 20404 Hubbard, received on April 21, 2014; an e-
mail from Mr. & Mrs. Austin, 20306 Hubbard, received on April 6, 2014; several
petitions, received on April 17, 2014; a letter from Scott Maxwell, McLaren
Performance Technologies received on April 18, 2014 outlining some of the
conditions of rezoning; a petition signed by 61 residents received on April 21,
2014; a letter from the Law Department received on April 21, 2014 describing
what does and what does not constitute a valid protest; and an e-mail from
Michael Horton, 20414 Hubbard, received on April 21, 2014.
Don Knapp, City Attorney, explained that a valid protest would be for a proposed
rezoning. What is before Council is a conditional rezoning; the property was
rezoned back in 2010. They are proposing to use the rezoned area for parking
and it has a conditional P Zoning. If Council wanted to authorize the petition a
super majority vote is not required.
Several neighbors, including Mike Horton, 20414 Hubbard; Steve Hatchigian
20420 Parker; Ralph Martin, 20366 Hubbard; Nabil Nouman, 20341 Parker;
Michelle Brewer, 20455 Hubbard; Craig Rickle 20325 Parker; Rob Austin, 20306
Hubbard; and Derrick MacLean, 20404 Hubbard; all expressed their concerns
and opposition to the proposed plan.
Kritzman asked Mr. Gilles, architect for the project, to elaborate on the materials
being used for the building, specifically what material is being used where it is
indicated as white panel. Gilles said it is a composite material that is painted
white metal with an insulated core and painted white metal on the inside as well.
It is being used for its energy efficient properties. Kritzman asked Gilles what
type of material would be used on the parking structure. Gilles said it is a
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galvanized steel structure and is based upon a European design, it has
reinforced concrete floor, the floor panels are only 4 or 5 inches thick that sit on
the steel frames. All the steel is galvanized so it's a gray color. Along the outside
there is a guard rail which is like 2 large pipes, there are posts around the
perimeter every nine (9) feet. In between the posts and up to the top railing is a
screening mesh. The screening mesh is similar to a welded wire fence. So it's 2
inches wide and 8 inches in height. Generally the spacing is designed so it's not
a climbing type of fence. It also provides a screening and visual barrier for the
structure and the cars inside. At certain locations of the perimeter of the parking
structure they are proposing a metal louver system. Those metal louvers are
approximately 8 inches deep and they project with 8 inches off the building and
they are at a 45 degree slope which stops light from going through. It's an open
air parking structure which is a requirement of the code. They have placed them
at locations where car headlights and traffic would be most prevalent. Kritzman
said there were a couple of things noted that they would like to see addressed.
He said one being the green screening of the parking deck. He said it is not
illustrated very well in the drawings provided. Kritzman said that is something he
feels needs to be detailed and laid out for everyone. Kritzman said he doesn't
feel this has been illustrated in these renderings and feels that Gilles is doing
himself and the department a disservice. He would like to see more detailed
information on the plans relating to the materials to be used. Kritzman said he
would like to see more landscaping on the plan and again, more details as to the
type to be used and suggested using some species that aren't deciduous so that
come winter the neighbors aren't staring at their 3-story building.
Scheel said she agreed with a lot of things that Kritzman was saying. Scheel
asked what plan called for as far as order of construction, what would be done
first. Gilles said it would be done simultaneously. Scheel asked if it were at all
feasible to install any of the landscaping to help shield the view of construction
from the neighbors if they would be open to that. Gilles replied typically
landscaping is the last thing completed on a project such as this one. Scheel said
she understands that but was talking about specifically behind the retention pond
area and along the berms. Gilles said if it were feasible and at all possible they
would be open to that.
Pastor said he thinks there are still a lot of areas of concern that need to be
worked out and thinks it should be discussed further.
Pastor offered 3 separate resolutions, the approving, the denying and a referring
to the Committee of the Whole for the Regular Agenda.
President Brosnan asked Taormina if the property to the south is zoned
residential. Taormina said yes that is correct.
President Brosnan said to Mr. Maxwell there have been 3 opportunities now for
him to hear what the residents' concerns were and had an opportunity to make
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some adjustments to the plan. She asked Maxwell what he thought were some
major accomplishments they have made throughout the course of the 3 meetings
with residents to secure their support.
Maxwell replied communicating their intentions to the residents. He said one
thing that is clear is that the residents object to having a garage there no matter
what it looks like. He said really that's where the point of contention is. He said
assuming the garage is there, how it looks is of concern to the residents. He said
they will take another look at the plan and try to improve the looks of it and make
it look less industrial. He said they will do whatever than can on that aspect of the
project. He said they can look at adding some greenery to conceal the look of it if
that is what is preferred.
Toy said ivy does die in the winter and would not conceal the structure year
round.
Nash asked if there was a possibility to come down in height of the structure. She
said she understands there is a detention pond involved but wondered if the
height could be lessened. Maxwell said there is a drain the involved and that
would require tearing up and redoing the retention pond. Nash asked if that was
a possibility if they could look into that. Maxwell said it is a possibility, it would
incur some additional costs to tearing up the retention pond and redoing and said
at the end of it all the question to be asked is if it is really worth it for 2 or 3 feet
less in height. Gilles said an open air parking structure was the best solution to
meet the needs of the company. He said once you go below grade the costs are
considerably higher. He said possibly reducing the height by 4 or 5 feet is
feasible and they can look at that.
Toy asked Maxwell, if they have considered rather than going to the expense of
this project if they have considered another location for their company within the
City. She said there are several vacant industrial sites in the City. She wondered
if they had discussed that option with Mr. Taormina or anyone else in the City.
She asked him if they had an opportunity to visit any other possible site. Mr.
Maxwell said honestly they did not and said the whole point of this project was to
have their entire operation in one location. He said that was the reason for this
project, to have all their employees in one building. Toy said fair enough.
Pastor said previously there was some mention of them moving their entire
operation to Canada. He said they decided to stay here in Livonia, Michigan. In
doing so they will receive some take breaks to help with cost savings of the
project. Mr. Maxwell said McLaren has roots here in Livonia and at this location
and given that history they chose to stay here in Livonia, if they moved to another
location, the history ends.
President Brosnan said there are some things to consider over the next two
weeks. She thanked everyone for their input on this item.
13
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING REGULAR
2) DENYING
3) REFER TO COMMITTEE
OF THE WHOLE
4) RECEIVE & FILE — SEVERAL ITEMS
14. REQUEST TO APPROVE A NEW LEASE INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS FOR
EQUIPMENT ON THE LIVONIA POLICE COMMUNICATIONS TOWER:
Department of Law, re: with 123.Net, Inc., of Southfield, Michigan to occupy a
portion of the Livonia Police Communications Tower, to include the installation of
two additional antennas and to place them higher than the 200' maximum height
permitted with the current lease, for which the City will receive $500.00 per
month plus communications/internet service to the City's gun range and various
fire stations at no charge for a period of five (5) years, which will automatically
renew for five (5) additional five (5) year Term(s) with a 15% increase every five
years. (CR 84-06)
Don Knapp, City Attorney, presented the request to Council. He said President
Brosnan described the request thoroughly. He said as Council may know, by
adoption of the referenced resolution, Council approved a lease allowing
Fibertower (the "former Lessee") to occupy a portion of the Livonia Police
Communications Tower. The former Lessee has since gone out of business, and
123.Net, Inc., of Southfield, Michigan (the "new Lessee") took over the business.
The new Lessee has lately proposed certain modifications to the configuration of
its equipment on the tower. These would not have been permitted under the
existing lease, because the new Lessee is planning to install two additional
antennas, and to place them higher than the 200' maximum height permitted
under the existing lease. Accordingly, a new proposed Lease has been provided
to Council for its review and possible adoption. In addition to allowing the
modifications, the new lease provides for the City to receive rent of $500.00 per
month, which is $200.00 more than the monthly rent under the current Lease,
and this amount will increase by 15% every five years. In addition, 123.Net will
provide valuable communications/internet service to the City's gun range and
various fire stations at no charge. The lease pegs the value of these services at
$1,800.00 per month, though the savings to the City may well be more than that.
In the event service is lost for more than a day, upon timely notice, 123.Net will
be responsible to pay the City $65.00 for each day service is interrupted.
Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
President Brosnan asked Knapp about the insurance required by the service
provider that would cover any damages should the antenna fall. Knapp said they
are required to carry $1,000,000.00 for bodily injury and $2,000,000.00 for
property damage. President Brosnan asked Knapp if there were any other City
buildings where the City is paying for service. Knapp said he couldn't answer that
at this point; he said they went in to this trying to negotiate not only an increased
14
rate but maybe an exchange to try and make it look more attractive. They looked
at some additional areas where they wanted that and that came out of their
inquiries to Finance Department and Information Systems Department. President
Brosnan said it is a great idea and asked Knapp if he could provide a list of any
other City buildings and sites where the City is currently paying for internet
service and to check into possibly adding those locations, if not all of them —
some of them, to the agreement; or perhaps in a future agreement with this
provider or a future provider.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
Steve Hatchigian 20420 Parker, asked President Brosnan, how they should direct their
questions or suggestions to Council with regard to Agenda Item #13. President Brosnan
encouraged him to call or e-mail the Councilmembers with his questions or suggestions.
She noted that contact different Councilmembers may provide different feedback to him.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Brosnan adjourned the
Study Session at 10:24 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014.
DATED: May 6, 2014 TERRY A. MARECKI
CITY CLERK