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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2011-10-10 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD OCTOBER 10, 2011 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Joe Laura, Laura Toy, Maureen Miller Brosnan, Conrad Schwartz, Brian Meakin, and James McCann. Absent. John Pastor. Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Jack E. Kirksey, Mayor; Jack Engebretson, former Mayor; and Joe Taylor, former Council Member. President McCann recognized Boy Scout Troop 782 from Holy Trinity Church; they were present in the audience this evening to observe the meeting. Steve Stratton, Troop Master, Boy Scout Troop 782, said some of the scouts (James Bentley, Eric Sulyay, Kyle Reppenhagen, and Brendan Vandekieft) are here tonight to observe the meeting as part of their communications badge. President McCann announced there is new data on Item #13. Toy wished everyone a Happy Columbus Day; she said she is proud to be an Italian American. Vice-President Laura wished Council Member Conrad Schwartz a Happy Birthday. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Basilia Curton in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Basilia Curton was present to answer any questions from Council. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan noted that the applicant would be working at the LaVida Massage Establishment on Five Mile Road in Livonia. She wanted to clarify for the audience that when applicants apply for a Massage Apprentice Permit or Massage Therapist Permit that they most likely will be working in an existing massage establishment. 2 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Yueh-Chien Chen in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Yueh-Chien Chen was present with Rick Wong, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, who will translate for her. President McCann asked her if she understood English, she replied a little. Brosnan asked if Chen would be working at the Wu Xing Massage establishment in Laurel Park Mall. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE APPRENTICE PERMIT: Office of the City Clerk, re: submitted by Xiao Hong Xu in accordance with Chapter 5.49 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended. Xiao Hong Xu was present with Rick Wong, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, who will translate for her. Toy asked Wong how many people he employs in a week. Wong replied about 10-11 full-time and part-time. He said they are hoping to have about 16 employees. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REAPPOINTMENT OF LYNDA SCHEEL TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which shall expire on November 24, 2014. Mayor Kirksey recognized the excellent service that Lynda Scheel has provided to the community. He proudly recommended her reappointment to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Lynda Scheel said she has learned a lot serving on the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and appreciates the opportunity to continue to serve. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3 5. REAPPOINTMENT OF JOE TAYLOR TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which shall expire on November 24, 2014. Mayor Kirksey recognized the excellent service that Joe Taylor has provided to the community. Mayor Kirksey is proud to recommend his reappointment to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Joe Taylor said he appreciates the reappointment and is happy to serve Livonia. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. REAPPOINTMENT OF JACK ENGEBRETSON TO THE LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a three year term, which shall expire on November 24, 2014. Mayor Kirksey recognized Jack Engebretson's leadership skills as a former head of the City Council and former Mayor of Livonia. Mayor Kirksey is proud to recommend his reappointment to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Jack Engebretson thanked Mayor Kirksey for the reappointment and the opportunity to stay involved with the community in a meaningful role. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan commended the Mayor on the assembly of these members on the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Their experience and knowledge are a valuable asset to this authority; especially the dual roles Lynda Scheel and Joe Taylor have also serving on the Planning Commission. This helps the City to have a strong Economic Development team. She thanked them all for their time and hard work. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 7. REQUEST TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO LIVONIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BYLAWS: Jack Engebretson, Chairperson, re: as adopted at their meeting held on September 12, 2011. Jack Engebretson, Chairperson, said two changes were made. The purpose for the changes was to permit some flexibility in making sure the Brownfield Development Authority with the staff can carry out its duties in a timely fashion. Additionally, there was some concern about placing term limits on people in the 4 various roles that they served; that was proposed to be eliminated. What they have done in lieu of term limits is establish a committee in place to accept official nominations annually, so they will have an opportunity to make changes as time passes by. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE VEHICLE UTILIZING THE STATE OF MICHIGAN CONTRACT PRICING: Department of Community Resources, re: one (1) 2012 Ford Shuttle Van for Community Transit use from budgeted funds. Felicia Cross, Program Supervisor, Community Resources, presented the request to Council. She stated this is to replace a 2005 vehicle that has been very well utilized. She added that the funds for this purchase budgeted in the 2011 budget in the Capital Outlay account. Toy asked Cross if this vehicle was large enough. Cross replied yes. Toy asked how many vehicles they have. Cross replied this would be the 18th vehicle. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan asked Cross to confirm that the vehicle was being retrofitted to run on propane. Cross replied that was correct. Brosnan asked if it was a more energy efficient vehicle. Cross replied yes it is. Brosnan said that is a key factor. President McCann added that Roush Enterprises here in Livonia is doing the retrofitting. He said they are going to start doing this all over the place. The City is working in cooperation with Roush to have two of the first vehicles done here in Livonia and operating in Livonia by a Livonia business. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 9. REQUEST TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE DESIGNATION OF STREET ADMINISTRATOR: Public Service Division, re: to appoint Todd J. Zilincik, P.E., City Engineer, as the City's Street Administrator, as required by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Kevin Maillard, Director of Public Works, stated this is a housekeeping issue. The past administrator was Pat Hogan. The State of Michigan requires under Act 51, by a City Council Resolution number, to designate a single administrator. They are recommending Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, be designated as Street Administrator. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 5 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 10. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Public Service Division, re: for the construction of the awning and end walls for the City's salt storage facility at the transfer station. Don Rohraff, Superintendent, Public Service, presented the request to Council. He said this is for the construction of the awning and end walls for the City's salt storage facility at the transfer station. It is to protect the salt from the winter elements. He said this project altogether saved the City approximately $70,000.00 versus building a new salt storage dome. Schwartz offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 11. REQUEST TO APPROVE 2012 ROAD REPAIR PROGRAM: Engineering Division, re: as reviewed by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Roads for the tenth year of the ten-year paving millage approved by Livonia residents. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, said before the Council is the recommendation by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Roads. They are moving forward to complete 42 segments in the City of Livonia which will encompass a budget of $2,725,000.00 which is a reduction from $3,000,000.00 from 2011. Included in this road repair program are Plymouth Road between Farmington Road and Market Street. The next big one will be Newburgh Road from Five Mile Road to Laurel Park Drive. Another big one will be Haggerty Road between Six Mile and Seven Mile Roads. The last big one will be Merriman Road at Five Mile and Six Mile Roads. Meakin asked Zilincik if he had a figure for what percentage of roads has been worked on since the millage started. He replied approximately 370 miles; he believes it is about 30%. Meakin said the road repairs are definitely noticeable and he appreciates all the hard work involved in the program. He also noted he is looking forward to next year's improvements. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan mentioned that next year is the last year for this millage. She said as satisfied as they are with progress, if the City is not capable of moving forward with money that cultivates that fund after next year, she said people will very quickly see our roads debilitate. She said she hopes in the future that fund will be infused once again. Schwartz asked Zilincik if any plans were made during the road repair program planning process on Newburgh north of Six Mile at Vargo and Bennett to allow 6 access to those streets without having to go all the way up to Seven Mile Road. Zilincik said they had a lengthy discussion at a meeting this summer with the residents. An indirect left turn will be constructed to alleviate that problem. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 12. REQUEST TO EXTEND AND AMEND CONTRACTS WITH ORCHARD, HILTZ AND MCCLIMENT, INC. AND ANDERSON, ECKSTEIN AND WESTRICK, INC. FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE 2012 ASPHALT AND CONCRETE PAVING PROGRAMS, RESPECTIVELY: Engineering Division, re: same. (CR 260-10 and CR 379-10) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, said next year is the last year for the road millage. They respectfully recommended that the Council authorize an extension of the contracts with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) and Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. (AEW) for the 2012 Asphalt and Concrete Paving Programs. This will include an amendment to the Engineering contract with OHM in the amount of $255,809.00 ($82,965.00 for Design Engineering and $172,844.00 for Construction Engineering for the Asphalt Program); authorize an amendment to the Engineering contract with AEW in the amount of$275,412.00 ($89,323.00 for Design Services and $186,089.00) for Construction Engineering Services for the Concrete Program. Zilincik stated there are representatives from both OHM and AEW here tonight to answer any questions Council may have. Vice-President Laura offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Vice-President Laura asked Zilincik for a summation of the Road Repair Program outlining where they are now and where they thought they would be now when the millage was originally implemented. Meakin said to Zilincik the colored map that was contained in the information packet Council received depicts the proposed roads to be worked on during the 2012 Asphalt and Concrete Paving Program and also illustrates roads that have already been improved. Meakin noted it was a very nice map and suggested it be promoted more to the residents. Zilincik responded stating it is posted in the Engineering Division and copies are available. They are in the process of having it put on the City's website. Toy suggested the map also be put in the City's newsletter. Vice-President Laura said those were all great suggestions. He agrees that the information should be promoted to the residents. He asked people to imagine if the City didn't have the millage what the roads in Livonia might be like today. He said it takes a lot of great work and great management to accomplish this kind of progress. 7 Mayor Kirksey said he appreciated all the kind comments from the Council members with regard to the Road Repair Program. He said they will follow the advice given this evening and try to have the data in place so people really appreciate the fine job that has been done. He added that due to the falling property values when they use the tax multiplier, they will not be able to reach that $6,000,000.00 again like the last millage did. However, it is still a very important millage to pass and they will attempt to share all the information they can well in advance with the public so they are fully informed of the need for this millage. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 13. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2011-08-02-11 submitted by N.H. Enterprises, Inc., requesting approval to utilize an SDD Liquor License (sale of packaged spirits over 21% alcohol) in connection with a party store (Garden Party Store) on property located on the southwest corner of Grand River Avenue and Inkster Road (27405 Grand River Avenue) in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1. John Carlin, 2855 Coolidge Highway, #203, Troy, said this request is for approval of an SDD Liquor License in connection with Garden Party Store which has been in business for over 9 years and has an impeccable record. Carlin indicated the Planning Commission approved the request and they are acquiring the license from another location within the City and relocating it to this location. He said they are here tonight seeking approval from Council. President McCann indicated there was new data on this item to be received and filed; two letters of opposition. One letter is dated September 21, 2011, from Jennifer Bouchard, 27427 Long, and the other letter dated September 21, 2011, is from Gina Posler, 27431 Long, they both oppose the request. President McCann asked Carlin if he was aware of the objections from these residents. Carlin replied no and indicated most of the other residents within close proximity were not in opposition. Meakin asked Carlin to have the owner put together a plan of action of how they are going to deal with some of the concerns of the residents, for example, litter going onto neighboring properties, maintenance in the parking lot and controlling what goes on in the parking lot. Carlin said sure, he added that he was not aware of any issues or areas of concern. He noted when he visited the property it was clean and well maintained. Belal Hourany, 612 Norborne, Dearborn Heights, said he has been there at the store since 1999 and said they keep the property free and clear from litter. He said he has the support of the surrounding neighbors. He submitted those letters of support to the Planning Commission with his application. Mr. Carlin added that he has an excellent record with the MLCC. Carlin stated the Petitioner, Mr. 8 Hourany and his father have run the business since 1999. His father is ill and Mr. Hourany is taking care of matters. Toy asked the petitioner who owned the property prior to him and his father. Hourany responded by indicating it is was and is still owned by Rose Fidel, he said is the original owner since the building was constructed. Toy asked the petitioner again whether there were any issues with litter on the property. He replied there is no litter on the property. He also noted that he has never received any tickets or violations for expired food Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda. President McCann asked Taormina if he had any letters from the neighbors in support of the request. Taormina stated he didn't have any letters in his file. President McCann asked Mr. Carlin to provide Council with copies of those letters prior to the next meeting. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 14. VACATING PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2011-08-03-02 submitted by Lormax Stern Development Company, pursuant to Section 12.08 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended, to determine whether or not to vacate part of an existing drain easement on property located at the Livonia Marketplace at the northwest corner of Seven Mile Road and Middlebelt Road in the Southeast '/4 of Section 2. (CR 289-11) Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, said this is just a housekeeping matter. It is the vacation of the storm drain easement at Livonia Marketplace. Toy offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. President McCann thanked Carl Zarbo, Director of Operations for Lormax Stern Development Company for coming tonight as the Petitioner for this item. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Carl Zarbo, Director of Operations for Lormax Stern Development Company, thanked and congratulated the Brownfield Authority for all their hard work on the Livonia Marketplace Project. Toy wished Councilmember Conrad Schwartz a Happy Birthday. 9 As there were no further questions or comments, President McCann adjourned the Study Session at 8:58 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2011. DATED: October 17, 2011 TERRY A. MARECKI CITY CLERK