HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2008-09-29 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 29, 2008
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Terry Godfroid-Marecki,
James McCann, Joe Laura, Brian Meakin, Don Knapp, and Laura Toy. Absent: Tom
Robinson.
Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Sean Kavanagh,
City Attorney; Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation; Michael Slater,
Director of Finance; Kevin Roney, City Engineer (Utilities & Engineering); Mark
Taormina, City Planner; and Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City Clerk.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
State Representative John Pastor was present to remind the audience of the 14th
Annual Senior Celebration on October 10, 2008 at Laurel Manor starting at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets are $5.00 and are being sold at the Senior Center. They will have the same
band as last year.
Council President Toy announced two (2) Public Hearings to be held on Monday,
October 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic
Center Drive, Livonia, MI for the following items:
Lee Cherney, Senior Vice President, Kin Properties, Inc., requesting to
establish an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District for the property
located at 36667 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150, to assist in
marketing the property to industrial prospects.
Petition 2008-08-01-05 submitted by St. Mary Mercy Hospital
requesting to rezone property to the south of and directly adjacent to the
hospital site, located on the west side of Levan Road between Five Mile
Road and Schoolcraft Road (36475 Five Mile Road) in the Northwest '/4 of
Section 20, from RUF to PO-1 (Rural Urban Farm — '/2 Acre Lots to High
Rise Professional Office — 6 Stories).
NEW BUSINESS:
1. BLOCK PARTY: Glenn Davis, re: to be held Saturday, October 11, 2008, from
3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Ladywood Street, from the intersection of Ladywood
and Stonehouse Circle to 4 houses north of that intersection, with a rain date
requested of Sunday, October 12, 2008.
The petitioner was not present, and McCann stated that the documents appear to
be in order.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. BLOCK PARTY: Virginia Bosak, re: to be held Sunday, October 19, 2008, from
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Myrna, from the end of Myrna east to Newburgh Road,
with no rain date requested.
Virginia Bosak, 37590 Myrna, was present representing the block party
committee. They are holding their first block party on October 19, 2008.
McCann stated that the documents are in order, and he thanked Ms. Bosak, who
is the Chair of the Arts Commission, for their event in the Library three (3) weeks
ago which was very successful.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Sheri
Clements, MOPS Representative, re: to advertise a "Mom to Mom Sale"
sponsored by the Mothers of Preschoolers of Bell Creek Community Church to
be held at Franklin High School on Saturday, October 25, 2008.
The petitioner was not present.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Evelina M.
Bryant, Northwest Detroit Coin Club, re: to advertise their Fall Coin Show
scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2008, at the Livonia Senior Center.
Evelina Bryant, 19720 Sunset, representing the Northwest Detroit Coin Club,
stated they will be holding their semi-annual Fall Show at the Livonia Senior
Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. They would
like to place two (2) signs in the same spots they have done for the last few
years—Shadyside, on the north side of Five Mile, and Farmington Road across
from the Civic Center/Courthouse area. Attendees can bring their own coins,
and some of the dealers will buy and sell jewelry. You can also buy gold and
silver bullion, and there are ancient, foreign and token coins.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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5. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Marjorie S.
Lynch, Coordinator, Special Events & Fundraising, Schoolcraft College
Foundation, re: to advertise their annual Fall Craft Show scheduled for Saturday
and Sunday, November 8 and November 9, 2008, to raise funds for student
scholarships.
Marjorie Lynch, Coordinator of Special Events & Fundraising at Schoolcraft
College, 18600 Haggerty Road, was present to request placing signs at the
referenced locations for their Fall Craft Show scheduled for Saturday, November
8th and Sunday, November 9th in the Physical Education Building. There will be
in excess of 150 arts and craft booths as well as commercial vendors.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: David Bibik, President,
Clarenceville Athletic Booster Club, re: as required by the State of Michigan to
obtain a Charitable Gaming License to allow them to conduct a weekly raffle from
their calendar raffle tickets to raise funds for the Athletic Programs.
David Bibik, 27715 Clarita Street, current President of the Clarenceville Athletic
Booster Club, was present to request the non-profit designation to get a Gaming
License for a calendar fundraiser which will have pictures of the teams and
coaches. The calendar has a lotto ticket attached to it, and there will be a weekly
drawing for token $25.00 amounts. There is also a monthly drawing for a larger
amount and one later in the year for a much larger prize yet. Their club has been
in existence since 1964, and they try to fill the gaps of the budget that there are
not enough funds for. Therefore, they need a Local Governing Body Resolution
for the gaming license. The paperwork has been sent to the State of Michigan.
They are in the beginning stages of becoming a recognized 501(c)3 status with
the IRS, and the bylaws were amended on the advice from their attorney. They
hope to get the designation by the end of the school year.
Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Christopher Sytek, GreyHeart
Representative, GreyHeart, Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan, re. as
required by the State of Michigan to allow them to obtain a Charitable Gaming
License to hold a Texas Hold `Em tournament tentatively set for October 28,
2008 through October 31, 2008 to raise funds for their organization.
Linda Fry, 15920 Brentwood, representing Christopher Sytek, was present to
request non-profit designation. They are a non-profit organization and have a
501(c)3 status.
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They would like to hold a Texas Hold `Em tournament over a four (4) day period
up in Fort Gratiot, MI. Their organization covers a large area, but their main
address is in Livonia. The GreyHeart Organization rescues greyhounds. Most of
the dogs come from Wisconsin or Florida. The people in the organization have
different tasks. They can be in charge of transportation, fosters, returns, or other
tasks. The organization obtains the animals from the different greyhound racing
establishments after they race for five (5) years, and depending on what kennel
owns the dog, the owner decides what he wants to do after the dog is done
racing. GreyHeart tries to rescue the greyhounds from the track. They will not
adopt a dog out to anyone that has children under five (5) years old. You can
learn about the greyhounds by going through their website which is
www.greyheart.org. There are some books that are required to read before you
are even considered to foster a dog. The dogs are retired, and therefore like to
sleep a lot of hours. There are several dogs that are pending adoption.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Barney Knorp, Fundraising
Committee Representative, Livonia Storm Girls Fastpitch Softball Organization,
re: as required by the State of Michigan to obtain a Charitable Gaming License
to allow them to hold a Texas Hold 'Em tournament scheduled for November 7,
2008 to raise funds for equipment, uniforms and other items for their
organization.
Barney Knorp, 19274 Norwich, stated he is a member of a fundraising committee
to support the girls' fastpitch softball. They are requesting a resolution to hold a
Texas Hold `Em tournament scheduled for November 7, 2008 at the One Under
Restaurant in Livonia.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. REQUEST TO OBTAIN AN EASEMENT IN MADONNA PARK, A NATURE
PRESERVE: Lori Doughty, Director External Affairs, AT&T, re. to install a new
cabinet to provide AT&T U-verse video service, high speed internet and other
Internet Protocol-enabled services to the residents near the park.
Lori Doughty, Director of External Affairs at AT&T, 444 Michigan Avenue, Detroit,
MI, was present along with Steve Allshouse, AT&T Engineer responsible for
Livonia. Their letter explains thoroughly what they are requesting. They were
present to answer any questions. The reason they are asking for an increase in
the easement in this area is so they do not disrupt the residents' yards, if
possible. They submitted photos.
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They would be replacing the box that is in the park with a slightly larger box and
then adding another video box for the U-verse service.
Sean Kavanagh stated that the easement that is there now is not for this
purpose. You cannot go underground or overhead with any new utilities unless
they have been grandfathered in. They have to look to see if the easement
language is expansive enough to allow this. If it is not, then the nature preserve
ordinance would need to be amended to exclude that portion of the nature
preserve from that park. He recommended that this item go to the Parks &
Recreation Commission and the Planning Department.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the resolution referring to the Administration on the
Regular Agenda.
McCann offered the denying resolution on the Regular Agenda.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: (1) REFER TO THE ADMINISTRATION REGULAR
(2) DENYING
(3) APPROVING
10. REQUEST FOR THE CITY TO CO-SPONSOR THE 31ST ANNUAL 2009 BEN
CELANI GOLF DAY BENEFIT TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009
AND REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE USE OF WHISPERING WILLOWS AND FOX
CREEK GOLF COURSES FOR THE OUTING: Tom Celani, President, Hearts of
Livonia, a non-profit charity, re: same.
Bill Fried, 16509 Riverside, was present to request an approving resolution for
the 31St annual golf outing next August. They are reserving the date and keeping
their options open.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. NOTIFICATION TO INCLUDE WAYNE COUNTY ZOOLOGICAL AUTHORITY
MILLAGE RATE IN 2008 WINTER TAX LEVY: Office of the City Clerk, re: as
forwarded by the Director of Assessment and Equalization, Wayne County
Department of Management and Budget.
Knapp offered the resolution to receive and file this item on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: RECEIVE & FILE CONSENT
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12. APPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH H. McCUE TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, re: for a four-year term,
which will expire on May 16, 2012.
Mayor Jack Kirksey was present to offer the Council the nomination of Elizabeth
McCue to the Plymouth Road Development Authority. This is one of Livonia's
most active groups of individuals. They have an ongoing goal in what they do
that can be measured visibly by their accomplishments. It is a working group,
and those who can be appointed are limited to the fact that they must be in that
geographic area of the PRDA. Elizabeth lives in the PRDA area and will also
work at the new Huntington Bank when it opens shortly in the Wonderland
shopping area. The Mayor recommends her for the appointment.
Elizabeth McCue stated that she is honored that the Mayor recommended her to
this appointment. She has lived in Livonia for the last ten (10) years. The grand
opening of the Huntington Bank at 30207 Plymouth Road in the Wonderland
Development is November 1St from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Laura offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
13. REQUEST TO EXTEND AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE PULSAR
BRIQUETTES FROM SOLE SUPPLIER: Department of Parks and Recreation,
re: for the period through November 30, 2009, from B & B Pools and Spas in
bulk quantity. (CR 414-07)
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, was present to
request approval of the purchase of pulsar briquettes from B & B Pools located in
Livonia. They are the sole source for this specific brand of briquettes in the State
of Michigan and northern Ohio. Mr. Babcock, B & B Pools, indicated in his letter
of September 4, 2008 that he will honor last year's price of $92.50 per bucket
provided we buy in bulk at an estimated cost of $27,750.00, which is
approximately 300 buckets. Because Parks & Recreation is buying bulk, and if
they cannot secure accommodations for storage, they are requesting that they
use their current practice of buying monthly. It would be $105 per bucket to
purchase monthly. The price would increase to $31,500.00. At this time, they do
not have confirmation that they have actual storage. They have issues on
whether they can store the buckets in a cold area or if they have to be heated
throughout the winter. They also need approval from the Fire Department, as
they would have chlorine stored in a large amount. They are asking not to
exceed $31,500.00, and the price per bucket would be $105.00.
McCann requested that Parks & Recreation let Council know what the stumbling
block is next week regarding if they need heated or cold storage, or if it is going
to cost an extra $4,000.00 or $5,000.00.
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McCann offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING - REGULAR
NOT TO EXCEED $105.00 PER BUCKET
14. AWARD OF BID: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for design, proofs,
editing, printing and sorting of "L" Magazine for the period of April 2009 to March
2011.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated they are asking
Council to award the bid for "L" Magazine to I D Enterprises located in Livonia.
The reason for not going for the low bidder, which was Markers Group, is based
on the stipulation they added to their bid document that prices would be held firm
with the exception of paper due to the volatility of paper prices which would
reserve them the right to adjust the prices with 30 days written notice, and they
would submit their increased paper invoice. That is why they went with the
second lowest bidder, I D Enterprises. They have worked with I D Enterprises for
the last four (4) years and have been very satisfied. "L" Magazine is mailed out
four (4) times a year to approximately 39,000 residents, and it includes all the
activities offered by Parks & Recreation. The total cost of printing the magazine
annually is about $59,000.00. Approximately six (6) years ago, there was some
discussion regarding bidding out the City newsletter along with "L" Magazine. It
would be an extensive job, and they are not sure the printer could get both items
out in the time range they would like.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
15. AWARD OF BID: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for the final phase of
planting of trees at Fox Creek Golf Course —Area "D" & "E".
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated that they have
developed a five-phase tree planting project that will replace approximately 600
ash trees that have died at Fox Creek. They had sealed bids opened on
September 9, 2008, and after reviewing the four (4) bids they received, they are
recommending that Council award the bid to Plymouth Nursery and Garden
Center located in Plymouth, MI for $35,182.00. Funds are available from the Fox
Creek Golf Course Capital Improvement Account.
Golf Pro Tom Welch was present to answer questions. He stated that this is the
final phase of the tree project for the golf course and will take in Sections "D" and
"E. These sections are towards the north end of the golf course and would
involve 9, 12, and 16 going towards the cemetery. When they are done with this
project, it will release some more funds for a few other projects on the golf
course. From now on, tree planting will be done on a much smaller scale.
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Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
16. AWARD OF BID: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for Architectural
Services and funding for a new Club House at Whispering Willows Golf Course.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated they are
seeking Council approval to move forward in hiring an architect to develop plans
for a new clubhouse at Whispering Willows Golf Course. Parks & Recreation's
goal to build a new clubhouse is based on the fact that the 30-year old facility
does not meet AVA standards, is not energy efficient, needs a new heating and
air conditioning rooftop unit, new windows, and current ventilation and duct work
does not meet code. Over the past four (4) months, a committee has met to
discuss the scope of the project and the plan of action. They met with Mayor
Kirksey and Finance Director, Mike Slater, to discuss their thoughts on financing
and design. With their approval, bid specifications for an architect were
established and sent out. The Parks & Recreation Commission has also
endorsed the project. After carefully evaluating the seven (7) bids received, it is
their recommendation that second lowest bidder Nudell-Evangelista Architects,
located in Farmington Hills, be awarded the bid for an amount not to exceed
$55,000.00 from funds budgeted in the Golf Course Capital Projects Fund. After
reviewing the proposal presented by New Perspectives, the low bidder, it is the
Committee's recommendation that they not be chosen, as they do not meet the
specifications required with regard to having related experience in clubhouse
design as well as having limited construction experience. Working with an
architect will provide Parks & Recreation with a better idea as to the cost of a
project of this nature. Terms and conditions of financing will be finalized at a
later date. Based on preliminary figures, it is estimated that this project would
cost approximately $1.5 million dollars. It is suggested that funding come from
the Community Recreation Unexpended Balance Fund 208 under the following
terms: Fund 208 would contribute $250,000.00, the Golf Course Division would
then pay Fund 208 annually on the balance of $1,250,000.00 over twenty five
(25) years, and the estimated annual payment would be $75,000.00. Increasing
concession rent, green fees and the cost per round that is dedicated to the 409
Fund will also help generate additional revenue. Tom Welch and Mike Slater
were present to answer questions regarding this project. Tom Welch stated that
Whispering Willows clubhouse will not be as large as Fox Creek. They just want
a little nicer facility than they have there now. The current clubhouse was built in
1968 for $25,000.00. When he spoke to the Mayor, he felt the clubhouse might
have served its purpose. They originally started by trying to figure out how they
could improve the building, modernize the bathrooms, and better serve the
public. The building would not be much larger than it is right now. Both courses
have about the same number of people using the facilities.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
17. REQUEST TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND
EXPENDITURE: Engineering Division, re: the 2007 Park Paving Project for
Mies Park and Bien Park (formerly Tiffany Park) Contract 07-M. (CR 368-07)
Kevin Roney, City Engineer (Utilities & Engineering), stated that this request is to
address the final cost for last year's parking lot program. There were five (5) lots
in the original contract for $624,637.25. Two (2) lots out of the five (5) presented
unanticipated problems, and the final project cost came in at 3-1/2% over, or
$21,939.00 over. Because that exceeds $16,000.00, Engineering is requesting
approval of a change order in the amount of $21,939.00 to the contract with
Nagle Paving Company with funds coming from the Community Recreation
account listing.
Brenda Rich, 39346 Donald, stated that she lives near Tiffany Park (now Bien
Park), and she thanked them for putting the parking lots in. It has been a
pleasure going to soccer games and other activities.
Laura offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Knapp left the auditorium at 9:00 p.m. in order to avoid a perceived conflict of
interest on the next item.
18. REQUEST TO ADVISE THE WAYNE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SERVICES (PERMIT SECTION) THAT THE CITY HAS APPROVED THE
STORM SEWER PLANS AND WILL ACCEPT JURISDICTION AND
MAINTENANCE OF THE STORM SEWER WITHIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED
ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PLYMOUTH AND MIDDLEBELT ROADS,
AND REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE A
WAYNE COUNTY PERMIT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY: Engineering Division,
re: the development of Village Shops of Wonderland in the NE '/4 of Section 35,
with Middlebelt Plymouth Ventures, L.L.C. to reimburse the City for any such
maintenance that may become necessary.
Kevin Roney, City Engineer (Utilities & Engineering), stated this is part of the
administrative close-out on the Village Shops of Wonderland. The County
requires the City of Livonia to be responsible for the maintenance of storm water
systems. There is a maintenance agreement from the owner of the property
requiring them to reimburse the City for any maintenance as necessary, and if
the owner doesn't, the City does the maintenance and charges for the cost. This
is a request to authorize the Mayor to execute the maintenance agreement on
behalf of the City. McCann stated that this has to be done to protect the
community.
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Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
Knapp returned to the auditorium at 9:02 p.m.
19. REQUEST TO ADVISE THE WAYNE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SERVICES (PERMIT SECTION) THAT THE CITY HAS APPROVED THE
STORM SEWER PLANS AND WILL ACCEPT JURISDICTION AND
MAINTENANCE OF THE STORM SEWER WITHIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED
ON THE NORTH SIDE OF PLYMOUTH ROAD, EAST OF MIDDLEBELT AND
REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE A WAYNE
COUNTY PERMIT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY: Engineering Division, re: the
development of property (KFC Take Home of Livonia) located at 29060 Plymouth
Road in the SW '/4 of Section 25, with 29060 Plymouth Road L.L.C. to reimburse
the City for any such maintenance that may become necessary.
Kevin Roney, City Engineer (Utilities & Engineering), stated they are asking
Council to authorize the Mayor to execute the storm sewer maintenance
agreement.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
20. REQUEST TO APPROVE LANDSCAPE PLAN: Planning Commission, re. in
connection with Site Plan Petition 2007-08-08-14 submitted by Rocky Zebari, on
behalf of Livonia Plaza, to renovate the exterior of the commercial building
located on the east side of Middlebelt Road, between St. Martin Avenue and
Bretton Road (19618 Middlebelt Road), in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 1, which
previously received City Council approval on October 10, 2007, pursuant to
Council Resolution 500-07.
As the petitioner was not present, the item was moved to the next Study Meeting
of October 13, 2008.
X1. REQUEST TO PLACE SIGNS AT REFERENCED LOCATIONS: Elizabeth
Hering, Director of Bands and Orchestra, Churchill High School, re: to advertise
their Rummage Sale to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Churchill High
School.
Brenda Rich, 39346 Donald, was present representing Churchill's Music
Department. They are having their fifth Annual Rummage Sale to support music
at Churchill. They would like to place signs in different areas of Livonia. She
also stated that donations can be dropped off at the school.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
Dennis Rahaley, 17215 Ellen Drive, was concerned about the new courthouse location.
The south side of the library would make better sense for the location. He stated that
the better solution would be to build a new Senior Center on the east or south side of
the library and enlarge or build a new courthouse where the current Senior Center is
located. This would be safer for the residents and for everyone coming to the library. It
would keep the courthouse closer to the Police Department. He stated that the senior's
bus was stolen one time near the courthouse. With the new location of the courthouse,
the lawyers and defendants would be using their cell phones in the library lobby and the
wireless internet in the library.
As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the
Study Session at 9:07 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008.
DATED: October 7, 2008 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK