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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2013-10-21 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD OCTOBER 21, 2013 Meeting was called to order at 8:37 p.m. Present: Maureen Miller Brosnan, Brandon Kritzman, James McCann, Thomas Robinson, and John Pastor. Absent. Joe Laura, and Laura Toy. 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 Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor. Brosnan made an announcement on behalf of Senator Glenn Anderson. In honor of Veterans Day, at AMC 20 Theatre in Livonia local military veterans may request up to two tickets to see Argo at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2013. An RSVP is required, RSVP via mail to Sen. Glenn S. Anderson, Attn: Scott, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909, phone at 866-262-7306, or email at SenatorAnderson(a)-senate.michigan.gov . Vice-President Pastor announced there was new data on Items #13 and #15; also, at the petitioner's request Item #13 was being removed from the Agenda. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, expressed his view that everyone who speaks at a Council Meeting should be required to give their full name and home address. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Makiea Robinson in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Makiea Robinson, 29130 Dardanella, was present to answer any questions from Council. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. REAPPOINTMENT OF JIM CAMBRIDGE TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which will expire on November 24, 2016. Mayor Jack Kirksey said he was pleased to nominate Jim Cambridge for reappointment to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The Mayor said Mr. Cambridge is a very prestigious attorney and active community member. 2 McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REAPPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL PAUL CONDON TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which will expire on November 24, 2016. Mayor Jack Kirksey said he was pleased to nominate Michael Paul Condon for reappointment to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The Mayor said that Mr. Condon has served for seven (7) years on the Parks Commission and is an active member of the community. Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. AWARD OF BID: Livonia Fire & Rescue, re: for the purchase of two (2) replacement Class A Fire Engine Pumpers from budgeted funds. Shadd Whitehead, Fire Chief, presented the request to Council. They respectfully requested that City Council accept the bid from Halt Fire for the purchase of two (2) replacement Class A Fire Engine Pumpers for $954,658. Halt Fire, Inc., 50168 W. Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393 (Arrow XT PUC Pumpers built by Pierce Manufacturing), it was the lowest bid that met or exceeded the bid specifications. These new fire engines will replace frontline Engine 1 (1994 SMEAL) and frontline Engine 5, which in turn will replace the department's reserve Engine (1992 Emergency One). It is recommended that the 1994 SMEAL and the 1992 Emergency One then be removed from service and disposed of by placing vehicles up for auction. McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 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 2013-2014 season. Brian Wilson, Superintendent, Public Services, presented the request to Council. 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 3 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 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 the City 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. The Public Service Division recommends that Council proceed as follows: 1. Authorize the use of Fiore Enterprises, LLC, 3411 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48216, bid proposal dated October 1, 2013, 4 2. Authorize the use of Stante Excavating, 46912 Liberty Drive, Wixom, MI 48393, bid proposal dated October 4, 2013, 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. Wilson was ready to answer any questions Council may have. McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Public Service Division, re: in connection with the GPS field data collection and updating of the GIS system from budgeted funds. Donald Rohraff, Superintendent, Public Services, presented the request to Council. The Department of Public Service over the last couple of years has been looking into updating the departments GIS system. The update would involve obtaining the locations of all storm structures, which are currently very inaccurate, improving the accuracy of the city's sanitary and water structure locations to a sub foot accuracy level. The update would allow multiple departments including Engineering, Fire and DPW users to gain the confidence of knowing that the information is accurately measured and recorded accordingly. The department went out for Request for Proposals broken down in a two part proposal consisting of 1) The field collection (GPS) of all storm, sanitary and water structures, and 2) the integration of the data collected to our existing GIS system. Specifications were prepared by the Division, and an advertisement for bids was placed in the August 22, 2013 edition of the Livonia Observer. Bid invitations were placed on the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN). Five contractors produced. The proposals were rated by three independent evaluators, each rating all the proposals to come up with their recommendation. The department is a big supporter of the QBS process, utilizing it whenever possible. In this case however, upon looking at the scope of work, it was decided that this was a very specialized type of work in that the data collection and GIS integration, along with the normal engineering evaluation, doesn't apply to this particular project. Responses per RFP were rated in five categories accordingly: Understanding 15% Prior Experience 20% Staff Organization/Availability 15% Qualifications 20% Cost 30% 5 The average ratings and cost are listed below: Rating Cost Ritter GIS 4.62 $94,899.98 Tucker, Young, Jackson, Tull, Inc. 4.08 $145,438.80 Giffels Webster 3.43 $275,055.00 Trine Environmental, Inc. 3.41 $73,813.00 Accurate Surveying and Mapping did not meet Specifications The lowest proposal was from Trine Environmental, Inc. with a total cost of $73,813.00. The company specializes in environmental services and is proposing sub-contracting both parts of the RFP, resulting with the lowest average rating from the evaluators. Ritter GIS is the second lowest with a total cost of $94,899.98. Ritter GIS had the highest combined rating. Ritter GIS only performs GIS/GPS services and has done numerous jobs for surrounding communities with very good results. The department is recommending Ritter GIS to perform the GPS field data collection and GIS update services. The funding for this contract is budgeted within the water and sewer fund and will continue the process of water and sewer infrastructure improvements for the City of Livonia The Department of Public Works recommends that Council proceed as follows- 1. ollows:1. Award a contract to Ritter GIS, 42209 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, MI 48170, and approve an amount not to exceed $94,899.98, for the completion of all work required in connection with the GPS field data collection and updating of the GIS system. There are budgeted funds in the Construct in Progress- GIS Update account for the contract. 2. Authorize the Director of Public Works to approve any minor changes in the work as it becomes necessary. Robinson offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan asked Rohraff what kind of data was being collected. Rohraff replied stating the main focus is location and identification of the City's sanitary and water and stormwater structure locations to a sub foot accuracy level. Brosnan asked Rohraff if it would include fire hydrants and manhole covers. He said yes it would, as well as gate valves, catch basins and anything else in a right-of-way. It will all be GPS located, identified and put into the City's GIS system. Brosnan asked if this includes the maintenance of the data and any updates moving forward after everything has been located, identified and entered into the GIS system. Rohraff responded by stating the City has a GIS Administrator who will handle the updating. Any rehab work or new construction information will be handed over to the GIS Administrator for updating. 6 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 7. VACATING REQUEST: Engineering Division, re: forwarding a request from John E. Wright, Executive Director of Facilities Management, Schoolcraft College for the existing water main easement located at Schoolcraft College — Partial North Ring Road and East Student Parking, 18600 Haggerty Road. (Petition 2013-10-03-03) (CR 871-76) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, said it is a bit of a housekeeping matter. He said a representative from Schoolcraft College was here this evening to address Council regarding this matter. John Wright, Executive Director of Facilities Management, Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty, said this request is to vacate the existing water main easement approved in Council Resolution No. 871-76. This vacation is part of the Partial North Ring Road and East Student Parking Project. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT Kritzman stepped down from the podium at 9:07 p.m. to avoid any perceived conflict of interest on the following item. 8. REQUEST TO EXTEND THE QUALIFICATION-BASED SELECTION (QBS) CONTRACTS WITH ORCHARD, HILTZ & McCLIMENT, INC. (OHM), HUBBELL, ROTH AND CLARK, INC. (HRC), SPALDING DeDECKER ASSOCIATES, INC. (SDA) AND ANDERSON, ECKSTEIN & WESTRICK, INC. (AEW) FOR THREE YEARS: Engineering Division, re: to perform all Professional Engineering Services on various Federal, State and Locally funded roads, bridges, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, traffic signal modernization and pedestrian signal upgrades and other related projects from December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2016. (CR 260-10) Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 9. REQUEST TO DESIGNATE CONSULTANT, THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION- BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCESS, TO PROVIDE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES: Engineering Division, re. for the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) Project No. 7355-01, in an amount not to exceed $464,000.00. 7 Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. The City of Livonia prepared and submitted a Drinking Water Project Plan in May, 2011, requesting $26M in funding with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) - Revolving Loan Section's Fiscal Year 2012 or 2013 Project Priority List (PPL). The PPL determines which projects are eligible for funding through the DWRF Low Interest Program. Although not qualifying for the Fiscal Year 2012 or 2013 PPL, the City's project to improve the Drinking Water system did qualify for the Fiscal Year 2014 PPL making it eligible for funding through the DWRF Low Interest Program. The FY 2014 projects are expected to be packaged and bid together under one contract and are listed below: Proiect Title Est. Construction Cost Project 1 Eight Mile Transmission $500,000 Project 2 Coventry Gardens Water Main $2,500,000 Project SA Section 36 (Karen/Haller) $350,000 $3,350,000 The Engineering Division in an effort to take advantage of the favorable DWRF Low Interest Loan Program requested a proposal from OHM Advisors (OHM) for this project under the City's Qualification Based Selection (QBS) process. Upon review, they are recommending that OHM be awarded the professional engineering services contract in an amount not-to-exceed $464,000 based on their cost proposal for DWRF Project No. 7355-01, dated October 11, 2013. As part of this cost proposal, OHM will provide professional services to administer the DWRF Project #7355-01 along with design, permits, easements, construction engineering, administration and other related tasks associated with meeting the obligations set forth by the MDEQ. Construction is anticipated to begin in May, 2014 and be completed in October, 2014. This opportunity will allow the City of Livonia to make improvements to our aging infrastructure in an effort to extend the serviceability of our public water mains, reducing costly future emergency repairs while also maintaining and improving the high quality drinking water system that our residents depend on. The MDEQ and the City of Livonia have agreed to a 3rd Quarter Financing in Fiscal Year 2014 with an anticipated loan closing on June 25, 2014. The Engineering Division will need to work with City Council in meeting the specific deadlines that include publication for the bond sale and award of contract by mid April 2014. They will be able to request in July 2014 the reimbursement costs related to design and construction taken from the proceeds pertaining to the 2014 State Revolving Fund Revenue Bonds. In order to proceed with this project, they respectfully recommend that the City Council take the following actions: 8 • Award OHM Advisors (OHM), 34000 Plymouth Road, Livonia, Michigan 48150, the designation of consultant to provide design and construction engineering services for the FY 2014 DWRF Project Number 7355-01. The fee for this project shall not exceed $464,000. • Authorize an appropriation and expenditure not-to-exceed $464,000 from the Unexpended Fund Balance of the Water and Sewer Fund with reimbursement to the Water and Sewer Fund from the proceeds of the 2014 DWRF loan proceeds. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR Kritzman returned to the podium at 9:13 p.m. 10. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-08-02-21 submitted by Architectural Concepts to construct and operate a second-hand store and resale shop (Goodwill) within an outlot on the site of the Menards Home Improvement Store located on the west side of Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road (12701 Middlebelt Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 26. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. He said Goodwill is proposing to construct a new retail store on one of the outparcels that was created in front of the recently developed Menards store, located on the west side of Middlebelt Road just north of the CSX railroad. The parcel is about 2.41 acres in size. It is zoned C-2, General Business. The building that Goodwill proposes to construct is about 18,466 square feet. It's a single story structure. Donated clothing and other items would be accepted through an exterior drive-up donation drop-off area located on the north side of the building. They are showing 89 parking spaces on the site plan so they are in full compliance. In terms of landscaping, they are required to provide a minimum of 15 percent of the site landscaped. Their proposed plan illustrates the amount of greenspace that would be created on the site and that constitutes 17 percent of the site. So again they are in compliance with that requirement. They have incorporated the changes requested by Planning along the frontage, adding some of the hardscape improvements, the low walls and urns that were part of the previous site plan on the site to the north. The petitioner has modified the landscape plan and is showing those details as part of the current plan. Access would be provided from an extension of a driveway. It would be extended to provide access not only to the Goodwill store but to the one or two other outlots that could be developed immediately to the north. The drive extends north and goes directly to Industrial Road, which then provides access to Middlebelt Road via a signalized intersection. Secondarily, there is access provided to Middlebelt Road on what is typically referred to as the east 9 driveway. In terms of the building itself, it is a single story, flat-roofed commercial building. Its predominant exterior materials include face brick along with E.I.F.S. It has a canopy over the front entrance facing Middlebelt, which extends about 15 feet out over the sidewalk. There are masonry support columns for the canopy. The drive-up donation drop-off area is on the north side and it is wide enough to accommodate two vehicles. All loading and unloading of trucks can also occur at the rear of the building. Taormina said the Planning Commission is recommending approval. Taormina was ready to answer any questions from Council. Mr. Ken Watkins, Architectural Concepts, 6650 Crossing Drive SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, said Mr. Taormina gave an excellent overview of the project. Watkins said they have worked with the Planning Commission and staff to address any concerns. He was ready to answer any questions from Council. Kritzman asked Taormina if the color palette of the plantings will be similar to other approved landscape plans in the immediate area. Taormina said he believes they do and said he could verify that. Kritzman asked Watkins if he had a sample of the concrete brick material that will be used. Watkins said he did not have a sample with him but said the pictures provided to Council are of their new store in Commerce Township and said that it would be identical to that one. Kritzman expressed some concern with the location of the dumpster enclosure. Watkins said they are willing to work with the Planning Department staff if necessary, he said they would also provide additional landscape screening if necessary. Kritzman asked Watkins what type of material would be used for the dumpster enclosure. Watkins replied indicating that it would be constructed of the same concrete brick material as the building and would match the building. McCann expressed concerns about donations being piled up outside on days that the store is closed. He thought perhaps some additional landscaping to screen that area might be helpful. Brosnan asked if the concern noted by staff regarding the stormwater detention basin for the site had been addressed and whether or not the proposed plan is sufficient. Taormina said that is still under review by the Engineering Division. He said some adjustments to the plan may be required. Taormina said the land area dedicated to it is adequate. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, said they just want the petitioner to be on alert that they will be required to address any issues that may arise. McCann offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 10 11. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-02-22 submitted by Bill Brown Ford to operate an automobile and truck fleet repair facility located on the south side of Capitol Avenue between Hubbard Avenue and Farmington Road (32333 Capitol Avenue) in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 27. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. This involves a petition to operate an automobile and truck fleet repair facility located at the southwest corner of Capitol and Hubbard Roads, north of Plymouth Road. It is within the City's industrial corridor. The property in question is zoned M-1, Light Manufacturing, as well as all of the surrounding properties. The parcel altogether is 4.92 acres in area. The proposed use would occupy a portion of an existing 54,800 square foot multi-tenant industrial building. Bill Brown proposes to occupy the south half of this building within a space that is roughly 28,000 square feet in size. This building is contiguous to property owned by Bill Brown Ford along Hubbard Avenue, which is used for employee parking and vehicle inventory storage. Quality Fleet provides light maintenance and repair services for medium and large commercial vehicles. The facility would not be open to the public. The use would employ 10 technicians as well as 2 office employees. They are not proposing to fence or enclose any part of the lot. The part of the lot where fleet vehicles would be parked outside would be along the west side of the building. There is circulation fully around the building for trucks and automobiles. Fencing off any portion of the site would restrict the flow of traffic in and around the site. Bill Brown is going to be seeking a waiver of that requirement, which would ultimately require City Council's approval. The site is required to provide a total parking requirement of 40 spaces. The amount of parking available on the site altogether is over 200 parking spaces, so they don't foresee any parking problems or anticipate any issues in that respect with the proposed use of the property. John Houle, Customer Relations Manager for Bill Brown Ford, 32222 Plymouth, was present to answer any questions from Council. McCann offered the approving resolutions for the waiver use and to waive the fence requirement around the storage area for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING —WAIVER USE CONSENT 2) APPROVING —WAIVE FENCE REQUIREMENT FOR STORAGE AREA 12. SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-SN- 03 submitted by SignGraphix, Inc. requesting approval of a replacement ground sign with variable electronic message board for Ladywood High School located on the east side of Newburgh Road between Schoolcraft Road and Five Mile Road (14680 Newburgh Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 20. 11 Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. Taormina said this request is for a replacement ground sign with variable electronic message board for Ladywood High School. He displayed a photograph of the sign that exists at Ladywood High School. This is on the east side of Newburgh just south of Five Mile Road. This sign was approved in 1978. The sign measures about 10 feet in height and 64 square feet in area. When the Zoning Board of Appeals approved this sign, they imposed a condition that the sign be extinguished no later than 11:00 p.m. Taormina said he interprets that to mean that any illumination of the sign would have to be shut off at that hour of the evening. What Ladywood wants to do now is upgrade the sign. The sign would remain within the two brick piers that exist today. The sign overall is 64 square feet in total sign area. Instead of having the manual, changeable sign board on the lower part of the sign, what Ladywood would like to do is install a variable electronic message board that measures about 19 square feet. He said when looking at the sign, it's the lowest portion of the sign that would be the electronic message board that they propose. The sign is the same height, same total area. It occupies a little bit larger mass. It's a little bulkier in that respect, but technically is the same area. It's in the same location, again, between the same two brick piers. On September 10, 2013, Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the ground sign and they referred it back to the Planning Commission and City Council for its review since this does qualify as a waiver use and an expansion of a waiver use is deemed by the Zoning Board of Appeals. William Lutz, SignGraphix, Inc., 39255 Country Club Drive, Suite B-35, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 was present. He said Ladywood has updated their logo, websites, and curricula over the years. This is a new look and it completes what they're doing in other areas of the school. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 13. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-08-07 submitted by St. Jude Nursing Center, Inc. in connection with a proposal to construct an addition to the existing convalescent home located on the north side of Ann Arbor Trail between Joy Road and Stark Road (34350 Ann Arbor Trail) in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 33. At the direction of the Chair, this Item was removed from the Agenda. 14. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-08-08 submitted by DeMattia Associates, Inc. in connection with a proposal to remodel the exterior of the commercial center (Philmar Plaza) located on the south side of Eight Mile Road between Farmington Road and Gill Road (33467 and 33501 Eight Mile Road) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4. 12 Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. Taormina said this is a petition that would provide a facelift and upgrade to two commercial buildings that are located along the south side of Eight Mile just west of Farmington Road. The zoning of the properties is C-2, General Business. Both of the buildings that make up what is referred to as Philmar Plaza are multi-tenant/multi-building commercial developments. It consists of two buildings located on two adjoining parcels that share parking, access and are under common ownership. Building 1 is about 19,500 square feet; it can be divided into roughly 11 tenant spaces. It is the easterly building that faces north towards Eight Mile with the majority of the parking located between the building and Eight Mile. Building #2 runs north and south. The storefronts face east. The building is about 7,000 square feet and is divided into five tenant spaces. The majority of the parking is provided along the south and to the east in front of the storefronts. Building 1 has a plain, gray E.I.F.S. facade. Building 2 has a somewhat different appearance. It has a mansard roof extending across the brick facade. Each of the buildings would continue to have a distinctive look but would share some commonality relatively to the color scheme and some of the design elements. The upgrade will include a series of parapet walls that would be added along the top half of both structures. The vertical wall sections would project above the rooflines and also wrap around the buildings for a short distance similar to what currently exists. The parapets would vary in height and width and in the some case step out from the buildings. They would be constructed primarily of an E.I.F.S. material and would be capped with a decorative cornice. New cladding would be placed on the columns. Awnings would be installed along the front of the buildings. Building 1 has the mansard roof. It will have a distinctive look but also some commonality with Building 2 in respect to some of the elements. The addition of the awnings may be a different color but some the beiges that would be used, the cornice treatments and those types of things tie the two buildings together. It certainly gives them a fresh and new appearance. Timothy Zawodny, DeMattia Associates, Inc., 46321 Five Mile Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 was present. He is the project architect for the petitioner and was present to answer any questions from Council. Brosnan said she would like to see the landscaping for the sites updated as well. Zawodny said it's a matter of monies available and priorities of what they would like to do with the property. He said the first priority being the building improvements, second priority being the parking lot resurfacing, and third priority being the landscaping improvements. Brosnan said she completely understands and appreciates the investment the petitioner is making in the property. She said this would be the time and said she would be willing to work with the petitioner and perhaps incorporate the landscaping improvements into a later phase. However, she did say she would like to see a plan of what they propose down the line before voting on the request. Zawodny said that is exactly what they had 13 discussed with the Planning Department staff, was phasing the landscaping improvements in the future and would be willing to make that part of the stipulations of approval. Kritzman said the plan shows two existing dumpster locations; the enclosure for Building #2 has a brick enclosure, the dumpster area for Building #1 is not enclosed. Kritzman asked Zawodny if they had considered enclosing the dumpster area for Building #1. Zawodny said it is his understanding that it was enclosed originally but the vehicles that service those dumpsters continually destroyed and damaged the enclosure and it was mutually agreed upon to leave to get rid of the enclosure. Kritzman said he would guess that mutual agreement must have been an informal agreement. Kritzman asked Zawodny where they stand as far as parking count goes. Zawodny replied stating the existing parking count for both parcels total 226 spaces; 110 spaces for Building #1 and 116 spaces for Building #2. The Ordinance requires 196 spaces total. Kritzman said so there is some extra space to consider a new placement for a dumpster enclosure and gave a suggestion to Zawodny. Kritzman asked if the material on Building # 1 was split-face concrete block. He replied yes. Kritzman said he is trying to avoid approving any site plans with the split concrete block and asked for him to consider using something else such as brick or stone or maybe even look at using a burnished block. Kritzman said he would like them to address those three concerns prior to the voting meeting; those being, enclosing the dumpster area for Building #1, a landscape plan and an alternate material in lieu of split-face concrete block. Kritzman offered the approving resolution with amendments to conditions for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING - AMENDING REGULAR CONDITIONS TO RELOCATE DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE FOR BLDG. #1, LANDSCAPE PLAN, & NO SPLIT-FACE CONCRETE BLOCK SUBSTITUTE WITH BRICK OR STONE 15. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2013-09-08-09 submitted by N.C. Designers & Contracting, Inc. in connection with a proposal to remodel the exterior of the gas station (Shell) located on the northwest corner of Plymouth Road and Levan Road (36420 Plymouth Road) in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 29. Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the request to Council. This is a request to remodel the exterior of a commercial property. It's the Shell gas station located at the northwest corner of Plymouth and Levan Roads. The building currently has a peaked roof with some vertical 14 siding and a combination of brick and block. Taormina displayed drawings illustrating what the building looks like today, and drawings what the building would look like after the facade renovation. This remodel would occur to the portion of the building facing south on Plymouth Road. It would be a complete upgrade to the appearance of the gas station. New parapet walls would be added along the top half of the structure that would project above the existing peaked roof and would conceal it on three sides; those three sides being the south facing Plymouth Road, the east facing Levan and the west side of the building as well. Low parapet walls would be added to the north elevation which is the rear of the building, which would leave that side of the building exposed. The primary reason for that is how the roof runs and the need for drainage. The petitioner will do something alternatively to help conceal some of the rooftop mechanical equipment and make it look more in keeping with the improvements to the other sides. The E.I.F.S. goes on top. The awnings are a part of the improvements. There is new parapet, which has a different color. The bottom half of the building would be wrapped in cultured stone up to the base of the window sills. The petitioner, has responded to our request to increase the amount of masonry on the building and he has done that. Decorative light fixtures would be added to the building. In terms of the rear of the building, a picture showing a similar type of property where painting was done to help match the colors of what was being done on the front of the building was displayed for Council. Taormina said the PRDA did support the proposal and asked that the Planning Commission and Inspection Department take a closer look at the site for certain improvements relative to landscaping, upgrades to the striping on the parking lot, and cleaning up some of the area along the rear of the building. Most of that has been addressed. However, one thing that did get a lot of attention from the Planning Commission was the rear of the building that is partially visible from Levan Road. The petitioner is offering to put a screen there to block the view of mechanical equipment, he is reluctant to carry the facade all the way around the rear of the building due to issues with drainage and snow loads. The Planning Commission suggested the petitioner use a metal or rigid vinyl material that would match the color of the building. Nasser Choucair, N.C. Designers & Contracting, Inc., 5685 Rouge Circle, Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127. He said they are upgrading the exterior on approximately 17 gas stations with the same look. He said they have completed 8 already in nearby communities if Council would like to take a look at them. He said there are some in Ann Arbor, Utica, Farmington Hills, and Warren. He was ready to answer any questions from Council. Brosnan said this is another project she is excited about and appreciates the investment in the property here in Livonia. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 15 Kritzman said he had some concern with the visibility of the mechanical equipment from Levan Road and also with the rear of the building. McCann asked this item be placed on the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. As there were no further questions or comments, Vice-President Pastor adjourned the Study Session at 10:05 p.m. on Monday, October 21 2013. DATED: October 25, 2013 TERRY A. MARECKI CITY CLERK