HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2012-03-26 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MARCH 26, 2012
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Maureen Miller Brosnan,
Brandon Kritzman, James McCann, Joe Laura, John Pastor, Tom Robinson and Laura
Toy. 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 Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor.
Joan Gebhardt, Wayne County Commissioner, said she was here tonight in support of
Agenda Items #7 and #8, she said it is great use of the Wayne County Parks Millage,
she thanked Lyle Trudell, Interim Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, for all of his
hard work on these items. She hosted the Wayne County Commission Ethics
Committee Public Hearing last Thursday in the Auditorium; she thanked the City for the
use of the facilities.
Brosnan announced there is going to be a Community Resource Fair on Thursday,
March 29, 2012 from 6:30 — 8:00 p.m., at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 14175
Farmington Road, Livonia. The public is invited to attend; there is going to be a group of
agencies available to help people with economic or physical needs.
Laura offered the resolution referring the subject matter of communication at Council
Meetings to the Committee of the Whole for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: REFER TO COMMITTEE CONSENT
OF THE WHOLE
President Toy said she has heard that coyotes have been seen within the City limits
recently. She said she felt compelled to warn residents to be mindful when letting their
pets outside; it is recommended to make some noise (within reasonable levels) to deter
the coyotes from coming around your pet.
President Toy announced two (2) Public Hearings to be held in the Auditorium of
Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, MI, for the following items:
Monday, April 16, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Scott Sakuta, Delta Gear, Inc., is requesting approval for the transfer of a
previously approved Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate 2005-
199 from 33067 Industrial Road to 36251 Schoolcraft Road. (Industrial
Development Overlay District#110)
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Monday, April 16, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Scott Sakuta, Delta Gear, Inc., is requesting approval for the transfer of a
previously approved Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate 2007-
091 from 33067 Industrial Road to 36251 Schoolcraft Road. (Industrial
Development Overlay District#110)
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, announced the Youth Making a Difference Celebration,
April 7, 2012 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Franklin High School. He also announced the
School Board is hosting community forums on the potential bond on the following dates:
Evening Meetings (6:30 — 8:00 p.m.): Tuesday, March 27 Franklin High School,
Thursday, March 29 Kennedy Elementary, and April 3 Holmes Middle School. Daytime
Meeting (3:30 — 5:00 p.m.). Monday, April 16 Stevenson High School with Shuttle
Service for senior citizens from the Livonia City Senior Center provided at 3:00 p.m. and
Student Meeting: (7:00 — 8:00 p.m.) Tuesday, April 17 Churchill High School.
Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster, expressed his views on expanding the Ethics Board
to seven (7) members.
NEW BUSINESS
1. BLOCK PARTY: Kathleen A. Fitzgerald, re: to be held on May 28, 2012, from
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Cranston, between Elmira and Orangelawn, with no
rain date requested.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE CITY'S NOISE ORDINANCE AND TO ERECT
SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Fred E. Sackllah, Festival Chair
Person, The Basilica of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, re: in connection
with their Fourth Annual Sahara Fest to be held from Thursday, May 31, 2012
through Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Bryant Park, 18000 Merriman Road, to support
the construction of the Mariam Outreach Center and bring the Detroit
Metropolitan and Middle Eastern communities together.
Fred Sackllah, Festival Chairperson, said there are a couple changes to their
request, first is the name change from Sahara Fest to Fun Fest. They feel this is
more inviting to everyone in the community. He said they have gone to the Italian
American Club, the Knights of Columbus, and some of the booster clubs at
Churchill. He said they're incorporating these groups into the festival because
ultimately, the proceeds of the festival will go toward the construction of a
community center that they can all be a part of.
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Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk,
re: submitted by Sharon Bass in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia
Code of Ordinances, as amended.
Sharon Bass was present to answer any questions from Council.
McCann said Ms. Bass has received her national certification and all the
paperwork appears to be in order.
McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 263-10: Keith Lutz, APi
Plan Design Build, re: in connection with Petition 2010-04-02-09 and to be in
compliance with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission rules with respect to
separation requirements between SDD-licensed establishments an addition to
the shopping center (CR 362-11) moved the storefront of J&M Beverages
approximately 40 feet to the west changing the address on property located on
the north side of Plymouth Road between Stark Road and Belden Court (34746
Plymouth Road), in the Southwest '/4 of Section 28.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, said this is a
request to amend the Council Resolution that provided for the approval of an
SDD license. Marshall Isso, owner of J & M Beverages was present to answer
any questions from Council.
McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. REAPPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH MCCUE TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, re: for a four-year term,
which shall expire on May 16, 2016.
Mayor Kirksey said he highly recommends the reappointment of Elizabeth
McCue. He said she is here with him tonight to answer any questions from
Council.
Ms. McCue thanked Council for their time this evening and said she has enjoyed
working with the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA). She said these
past couple of years has been challenging but she looks forward to still working
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with the PRDA and doing whatever they can. She said they have put so much
effort into it already; to not make it work would be a tragedy.
Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Robinson thanked McCue for her work with the PRDA and asked her to take the
idea of some sort of Plymouth Road Art Project, to help increase the foot traffic,
back to the PRDA. He is interested in hearing how open the businesses are to
providing some sort of space out front to display some items.
Robinson offered the resolution referring the subject matter of a Plymouth Road
Art Project to the Economic Development, Community Outreach and Strategic
Planning Committee for its report and recommendation.
Joan Gebhardt, Wayne County Commissioner, mentioned that the Plymouth
Road Reconstruction Project will begin this summer and said the businesses on
Plymouth Road west of Farmington could use all the help they can get during
that project and hopes that the PRDA is looking into helping them out.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING CONSENT
2) REFER TO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY
OUTREACH AND STRATEGIC
COMMITTEE
6. REQUEST TO ADOPT RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
AS ARBOR DAY IN THE CITY OF LIVONIA- Bill Craig, Tree City Committee
Chairman and Paul St. Henry, Superintendent of Public Service — Operations, re.
to be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. at Kennedy Elementary.
Brosnan this is such a worthwhile event and she encouraged the public to attend.
President Toy said she will do her best to bring some Catalpa seedlings back
from the Capitol in Lansing to be planted here in Livonia.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST TO APPROVE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CHARTER COUNTY OF WAYNE AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA-
Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for replacement backstops at Wilson
Acres, Mies and Country Homes Parks and picnic pavilions at Kleinert and
Country Homes Parks utilizing grant funds not to exceed $76,000.00.
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Lyle Trudell, Interim Superintendent, thanked Commissioner Gebhardt for her
support. He said these grant funds have been very important in keeping the
parks up to date here in the City. He said they are seeking Council approval to
move forward with this project.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Brosnan thanked Commissioner Gebhardt for her support and hard work
allocating those grant funds for Livonia.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST TO EXTEND CONTRACT AND APPROVE ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATION: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: with American Fence
& Supply for the removal and replacement of up to three (3) additional backstops
at Wilson Acres, Mies and Country Homes Parks from budgeted funds to be
reimbursed through the Wayne County Grant. (CR 191-11)
Lyle Trudell, Interim Superintendent, said they already have a contract with
American Fence & Supply who replaced 18 backstops last year. They have
provided a letter stating that they would honor their 2011 prices. He said this
would help them get this work completed in a timely fashion.
Brosnan commended Trudell and Commissioner Gebhardt for all their hard work
on obtaining grant funds and working so diligently to put those funds to good use
promptly so that the community may enjoy the updated parks this season.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. REQUEST TO APPROVE ALLIANCE OF ROUGE COMMUNITIES (ARC)
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR 2012: Public Service Division, re: in the amount
of$29,013.00 from funds budgeted for this purpose.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. He
said this is their annual assessment and it is the same as it was in 2011. They
respectfully request Council approval for this item.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: to purchase two (2) Rhino TX
1500 tow-behind batwing wide-area mowers for maintaining larger areas of city
property that is not mowed by the mowing service from budgeted funds.
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Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, said the Public Service Division
prepared specifications and placed an advertisement for bids in the February 12,
2012 edition of the Livonia Observer. The Finance Director's office posted the bid
documents on the Michigan Inter-Governmental Trade Network (MITN) website.
Ten bidders responded to the bid request. These units will be replacing two
current Woods Model 9180 mower decks, #287 purchased in 1998 and #266
purchased in 1999. The two units that will be replaced will be placed on the MITN
surplus auction website to dispose of them. They are used city-wide for the
mowing of larger areas of city property that is not mowed by the mowing service
that provides contractual assistance to the Park Maintenance section of the
Division. They are recommending that Council authorize the purchase of two (2)
Rhino TX 1500 mowers from Heights Machinery, 8434 M-72 E., Williamsburg, MI
49690, the low bidder meeting specifications, for a total price of $23,988.00 from
budgeted funds.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Robinson asked Maillard if the DPW inspects the work that is done and if it is
held to a certain level of standard. Maillard responded stating Doug Moore does
an excellent job making sure that the work is done according to specifications
that were outlined in the bid and to his satisfaction. Robinson added that he
would like to see that defined level of standard that the City expects documented
for everyone to see. Maillard said they will look into that matter.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for aggregates (road gravel, slag
and stone) for the City's 2012 calendar year requirements from budgeted funds.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, stated they went out for bids for
aggregates. There were eleven (11) bids received. The low bidder on a number
of aggregates, Bedrock Express, supplied a source for materials that was only
prequalified for 2NS aggregate. Numerous inquiries were made with this
company regarding the source for the other materials they were the low bidder
for, however, they were nonresponsive and therefore they were not considered
by the Division for award. They are asking approval for three (3) bidders for
different aggregates, which meet specifications, and also are asking approval for
the second low bidders in case there is some issue of supply or demand.
Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Engineering Division, re: for the 2012 Asphalt
Pavement Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program - Contract 12-A.
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Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated that as part of the 2012 Asphalt Pavement
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program, they held a mandatory pre-bid
meeting on March 8, 2012 and received bids on March 13, 2012 in which five (5)
bids were received. Based on what was provided, their consultant, Orchard, Hiltz
& McCliment, Inc., (OHM), took the information and tabulated the bids, made the
final corrections, and they are recommending Nagle Paving Company be
awarded the contract in the amount of $1,573,385.33 from budgeted funds. In
addition, authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work
as required. Zilincik said representatives from Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc.
were present to answer any questions.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
13. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Engineering Division, re: for the 2012 Concrete Road
Repair Program — Contract 12-C.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated that as part of the 2012 Concrete Road
Repair Program, they held a mandatory pre-bid meeting on March 8, 2012 and
received bids on March 13, 2012 in which seven (7) bids were received. Based
on what was provided, their consultant, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick (AEW),
took the information and tabulated the bids, and they are recommending Tiseo
Brothers be awarded the contract in the amount of $1,501,614.70. The 2012
Concrete Road Program will require supplemental funding in the amount of
$250,000 from the portion of the unused funds taken out of Engineering
Consultant fees, along with $100,000 from contractual services; based on the
savings realized from not using contractors for plowing snow during the 2011-
2012 winter season. The revised 2012 concrete road program budget will be
$1,501,614.70. In addition, authorize the City Engineer to approve minor
adjustments in the work as required. They are requesting Council authorize the
transfer of unused budgeted funds for contractual services in an amount of
$100,000.00. to the account for reconstruction of City Local Roads.
McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
14. REQUEST TO EXTEND CONTRACT WITH R.S. CONTRACTING INC.:
Engineering Division, re: for the 2012 Lane Line Marking Program at the unit
prices from the 2011 Lane Line Marking contract. — Contract 12-H (CR 109-11)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated the Engineering Division has received a letter
dated March 6, 2012 from Jim Valente of R.S. Contracting Inc. and he indicated
their willingness to extend the contract for lane line marking for an additional year
with no increase in the contract prices. This office is familiar with R.S.
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Contracting Inc. as they have been the successful low bidder for the 1997
through 2011 Lane Line Marking contracts. They have found them to provide
superior service and to be extremely responsive in performing the required work
as well as being willing to work with the City when any changes have arisen.
They are recommending that the City Council approve a one-year extension with
R.S. Contracting Inc., 9276 Marine City Hwy., Casco, Michigan 48064, for the
2012 Lane Line Marking Program at the unit prices from the 2011 Lane Line
Marking Contract (11-H). Waive the formal bidding process under Section
2.04.140.D.4 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended, since no
advantage to the City would result from competitive bidding. Award a contract in
the amount of $95,000.00 to R.S. Contracting Inc., 9276 Marine City Hwy.,
Caseo Twp., MI 48064. The award should be based on the unit bid prices, said
amount to be adjusted based upon the quantities of work actually completed.
Authorize an expenditure in the amount of $95,000.00 for the 2012 Lane Line
Marking Program from budgeted funds.
Pastor offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
15. REQUEST TO APPROVE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT) AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA
FOR THE MILLING AND RESURFACING WORK ON PORTIONS OF
EASTBOUND HIGHWAY M-102 (8 MILE ROAD) FROM HIGHWAY M-5
(GRAND RIVER AVENUE) TO INKSTER ROAD: Engineering Division, re: with
the City of Livonia participation estimated to be $11,800, or 2% of the total
project cost.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, said the Engineering Division is in receipt of an
agreement between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of
Livonia for the milling and resurfacing work on portions of eastbound Highway M-
1 02 (8 Mile Road) from Highway M-5 (Grand River Avenue) to the east City
limits (Inkster Road) including ramp and crossover work and sidewalk ramp
upgrades; together with necessary related work. The total project cost is
estimated at $519,150.00 with the City of Livonia participation estimated at
$11,800.00. This places the breakdown of costs at 82% Federal, 16% MOOT
and 2% for the City of Livonia. 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, it is recommended that the Mayor and the
City Clerk be authorized to execute this agreement for and on behalf of the City
of Livonia. Funding for this project is budgeted in the Major Street Fund-City
Participation in County and MDOT Projects account.
Pastor asked Zilincik if they were going to mill the bad areas and cap over the
road. Zilincik said that was correct.
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Laura asked Zilincik where to funding come from for this type of project. Zilincik
responded stating that Act 51 funds are budgeted for projects such as this in the
Major Street Fund — City Participation in County and MDOT Projects account.
Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
16. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2012-02-02-03
submitted by Wade Shows, Inc. requesting approval to conduct a carnival in the
parking lots of Sears, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Livonia, consisting of
amusement rides, games and food concessions from Wednesday, May 30, 2012
through Sunday, June 3, 2012, inclusive, on property located at the northwest
corner of Seven Mile Road and Middlebelt Road (29500 Seven Mile Road) in the
Southeast '/4 of Section 2.
Joanna Hardesty, Wade Shows, Inc. presented her request to Council. She said
representatives from Sears and the Rotary Club were also present in the
audience with her tonight to answer any questions from Council.
Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Robinson asked through the Chair to the representative from Sears if they
maintained the parking lot lighting. He noted when he drove by there the other
evening after business hours the parking lot was completely dark. He said he felt
that from a public safety perspective that was not desirable and it raised an
alarm.
Jennifer Meister, 16702 Savoie, was present on behalf of Sears, she responded
by confirming Sears does maintain the parking lot lighting near the intersection
and indicated she would look into the matter.
Pastor did point out to Ms. Hardesty that it is indeed the same days as the St.
Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church Fourth Annual Fun Fest.
President Toy wished them much success with their event.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
17. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LIVONIA CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS
AMENDED: Department of Law, re: to Chapter 12 (General Penalty) of Title 1,
Section 010 and Chapter 03 (General Provisions) of Title 10 Sections 030 and
050 to authorize the City of Livonia Law Department to seek higher penalties
against drunk drivers with blood alcohol content ("BAC") of .17 or greater and to
clarify any future amendments to the Michigan Vehicle Code that are made by
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the Michigan Legislature will be automatically incorporated into the Livonia Code
of Ordinances.
Cathryn White, Chief Assistant City Attorney, said on February 15, 2012,
Governor Snyder enacted legislation which permits municipalities, such as the
City of Livonia, to enforce the statute which is commonly referred to as the
"Super Drunk" law. This request is to amend the Code of Ordinances to
authorize the City of Livonia Law Department to seek higher penalties against
drunk drivers with blood alcohol content ("BAC") of .17 or greater and to clarify
any future amendments to the Michigan Vehicle Code that are made by the
Michigan Legislature be automatically incorporated into the Livonia Code of
Ordinances.
Brosnan said she has an issue with authorizing automatic incorporation of future
amendments to the Code of Ordinances. She said she thinks there is a great
benefit bringing those changes to the community and often times the best way to
do that is to bring them first to the Council. She said she hasn't heard a
compelling reason to justify this automatic incorporation. Brosnan asked White if
there was some compelling reason she might be missing. White responded by
stating their intent was to ensure that they were in step with the State Law as far
as any changes go to avoid any gaps in time between changes at the State level
and changes at the City level.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution only for the amendment to Chapter 12
(General Penalty) of Title 1, Section 010 for the Regular Agenda.
McCann offered the approving resolution as submitted for the Regular Agenda.
Robinson asked through the Chair to the Law Department, what the practical
application difference would be if they were to proactively adopt the automatic
incorporation of amendment(s) to the State Law. She said the local ordinance
would prevail until they incorporated the amendment(s). She said however, that
is not the case in all State law changes. Robinson asked White how frequently
they receive changes from the state. White replied that it varies depending on
how active they are in the criminal law arena of the State Legislature. Robinson
stated that he too has an issue with authorizing automatic incorporation of future
amendments to the Code of Ordinances.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING —AS SUBMITTED REGULAR
2) APPROVING —AMENDMENTS TO
10.03.050 AND 1.12.010A BUT
ELIMINATE AMENDMENT TO
10.03.030
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18. REQUEST TO APPROVE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT AND BALLOT
LANGUAGE FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA ROADS
MILLAGE: Department of Law, re: to continue the roads millage that was first
placed before the voters on August 6, 2002 to levy and collect an additional tax
not exceeding 0.89 of 1 mill annually for ten years commencing December 1,
2002 for another ten (10) year period, and to place this matter before the voters
on the same date as the State Primary Election to be held on August 7, 2012.
Mayor Kirksey said the City's roads millage expires at the end of this year. He
said per his request the Law Department drafted a proposed Charter Amendment
for Council's review and consideration which would continue the roads millage
(0.89 of 1 mill) for another ten(10) year period. Provided that Council does concur
with the continuation of the roads millage, it is recommended that this matter be
placed before the voters on the same date as the State Primary Election to be
held on August 7, 2012. The amendment to Chapter VIII, Section 1 of the Livonia
City Charter mirrors the language of the amendment that was previously
approved by the voters in 2002. Mayor Kirksey said he Law Department has also
drafted a proposed ballot question and request approval to leave the amount
raised blank at the present time. The amount anticipated to be raised is currently
$3,683,000 when first levied in 2012; however, that number may change after the
assessment data is finalized in May. Therefore, they would like authority to insert
the most accurate figure in May before they send the ballot language to Wayne
County. The Michigan Attorney General's office has reviewed the proposed
resolution and ballot language for form, content, and length on an informal basis
and found nothing objectionable. However, the amendment and language will not
receive formal approval unless and until the City Council has given its approval.
Mayor Kirksey gave a Power Point presentation outlining the need for the
Renewal of the Roads Millage.
Brosnan expressed some concerns about whether there would be less money
available for City streets due to some planned major road reconstruction projects.
The Mayor responding stating as far as the major road reconstructions projects
were concerned, the City is required to pay a contribution not the entire project.
He then referred the question to the City Engineer.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, addressed Brosnan's concerns and said these
major road reconstruction projects are funded by Act 51 funds, Safety
Improvement Project funds, Water and Sewer funds, and Roads Millage funds;
as was similar projects in the past.
Brosnan asked how the City can be assured that Act 51 funds, funds from
Wayne County or the federal government will be available as our match for the
planned major road reconstruction projects. Mayor Kirksey said anytime they
have to encumber any of those funds for any of those purposes it is at the
minimal amount that they have to put in. He said there would not be any
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significant change in the way the Road Millage funds are spent. He then referred
the question to the Director of Public Works.
Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, also responded stating that the 3.6
million dollars of Roads Millage money was utilized on local roads. He said the
intent is to use the Roads Millage funds towards the local roads program. He
then referred the question to the Finance Director.
Michael Slater, Director of Finance, said in the past for all the money for the
major roads it has all been Act 51 money. The entire amount of Millage funds has
been used for the local roads program; additionally, some Act 51 funds have
been used for the local roads program. He said the intent for the future is to use
the exact same practice that the match for major county and state roads would
come from Act 51 funds. He said they don't have a price tag yet on the 1-96
reconstruction project, so it is impossible to answer whether or not any Roads
Millage funds would be used for that project.
Mayor Kirksey added that sometimes these projects are not optional and the City
is governed by higher authorities that dictate what the City's share of something
would be. He said Kevin Maillard and Todd Zilincik have both been very
proactive, well in advance, before these projects happen in the City to make it as
fair as possible. He said in all honesty, they do not control the whole picture as
much as they would like to.
Brosnan said she appreciates the responses. She wants to be sure the public
know that there are and will be situations they do not control, especially with
Wayne County, the State of Michigan and the federal government experiencing
financial hardships.
Mayor Kirksey added that if the City does not have a renewal of the Roads
Millage the projection of the roads returning back to a much poorer condition will
be realized all that much sooner.
McCann said whenever funding has come from the State of Michigan or federal
government the City is never assured of what it will get from them. He added that
the Road Millage has given the City some great opportunities and freed up some
Act 51 funds and given the City additional funding through the federal
government programs. He noted that those projects do come before Council for
approval and they are not automatic. He said this has been a great millage for
the community.
McCann offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
President Toy commended the Department Heads for all their hard work making
the Road Millage as successful as it has been. She said she is proud the work
Council has done too make sure the contractors are reputable and using quality
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materials to try to get the work to last as long as possible. This has helped
stretch all those funds and make the Roads Millage successful.
Robinson said he feels the taxpayers should be given access to all available
information relating to the Road Millage including PACER ratings and maps prior
to asking them to vote for a Renewal Road Millage. He also inquired as to what
the goals are and exactly how much is needed to get to the goal; more
specifically, how can they be sure that $48,000,000.00 is enough for next 10
year.
Mayor Kirksey replied stating there are a lot of variables that are out of their
control. If something happens that affects the Road Millage plans, then the
Department Heads, with their expertise, will bring their best recommendation
forward.
Robinson said he appreciates the timeline factor but he feels that it is important
to get all the facts to the taxpayers before they vote on a Renewal Road Millage.
Robinson offered the resolution referring the subject of reviewing the previous
10-year Road Millage and PASER ratings to the Infrastructure and Community
Transit Committee for its reports and recommendation.
Zilincik noted that information is available on the City website under DPW
Engineering, Street Repairs. He also noted that an Asset Management Report of
the Roads was given to Council at their request in September 2010.
Robinson asked how that information would be distributed and made available to
voters.
Mayor Kirksey said it is available on the City website at the present time.
Zilincik said that was correct with the exception of the Asset Management
Report.
Mayor Kirksey said if there is interest they could make that available on the
website as well.
Kritzman commended the Department of Public Works and Engineering Division
for all of the hard work. He said the information on the website is easily
accessible and very easy to interpret. He feels that the citizens would be very
well served if they spent a few minutes on the website looking at the maps
Brosnan said Livonia was one of the first cities in Michigan to do an Asset
Management Review of its streets and to treat its streets and roads as assets.
She said she is confident that assuming the Roads Millage is renewed; the City
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will effectively manage the Renewal Road Millage funds to the degree that is
required to maintain the City's road in a good standard.
McCann said they have looked at from an asset management point and looked at
as what is the number the City actually needs. He said there is a real good
reason they are calling a renewal. The City is not looking to increase taxes; this
will not be a tax increase to anybody. It is a renewal of an existing millage that
has worked well for the community and helps maintain property values. He said
he believes it is better to ask for a renewal and do the best possible job the City
can with the funds available.
Dennis Behrendsen, 20012 Wayne, expressed his support of the Renewal of the
Road Millage
Robinson reiterated that he feels it is important to study the whole picture and
figure out how much is needed to achieve the goals of the City of the next 10
years. He does not want to have to go back to the voters and ask for an increase
because of a shortfall due to a lack of assessment and planning.
President Toy said she believes it is a very worthwhile renewal and said the work
done through the funds generated from the Roads Millage have made notable
changes in the roads in the City.
DIRECTION: 1) APPROVING REGULAR
2) REFER SUBJECT OF REVIEW OF
PREVIOUS 10-YEAR ROAD MILLAGE
TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND
COMMUNITY TRANSIT COMMITTEE
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President Toy adjourned the Study
Session at 10:20 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012.
DATED: April 2, 2012 TERRY A. MARECKI
CITY CLERK