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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2008-12-08 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD DECEMBER 8, 2008 Meeting was called to order at 8:11 p.m. Present: Don Knapp, Terry Godfroid- Marecki, James McCann, Joe Laura, Brian Meakin, Tom Robinson, and Laura Toy. Absent: None. Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney; Barbara Scherr, Assistant City Attorney; James Inglis, Housing Director; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Mark Taormina, City Planner; and Maureen Cosgrove Assistant City Clerk. Mayor Jack Kirksey mentioned a successful Christmas Walk on Saturday with proceeds going to the preservation of Greenmead, the Annual Goodfellows Newspaper Sale, and contributions by the volunteers. The City employees also contributed $600.00. The Mayor commended Sean Kavanagh for his past services with the Goodfellows. He also mentioned the Pearl Harbor commemoration at the American Legion Hall on Newburgh Road this past weekend. Vice President Godfroid-Marecki wished Meakin a Happy Birthday on December 11, 2008. She also notified Council of plans to offer a motion to discharge from the Committee of the Whole further consideration of CR 432-08 with respect to the interior and exterior renovation of a City-owned building located at 10800 Farmington Road which is to be used for the Housing Commission administrative offices. They also intend to offer a motion to consider a request of the Director of the Housing Commission to accept the bid and award a contract to Qualify Construction, Inc. for the proposed renovations. Laura commended the DPW on fixing water mains in the very frigid weather for long periods of time. McCann wished his wife, Linda, a Happy Birthday on December 9, 2008. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Paul Condon, Parks & Recreation Commission and member of the Livonia Civic Chorus, 31115 Hillbrook, introduced Darryl Newman to speak on their concert at Clarenceville High School on December 21, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Darryl Newman, 9807 Melrose, thanked Parks & Recreation Department for their ongoing support for more than forty (40) years. Tickets for the Livonia Civic Chorus concert on December 21St are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for seniors and children. They can be purchased at the door, or details can be obtained through the livoniacivicchorus.org website. The Handbell Choir from Ward Presbyterian Church will entertain as well. 2 NEW BUSINESS: 1. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Sharon Dolmetsch, Raffle Chairperson, Michigan Wolves - Hawks Youth Soccer Club, re: as required by the State of Michigan to obtain a Charitable Gaming License to allow them to sell raffle tickets with the drawing to be held in April, 2009 to raise funds for their club. Sharon Dolmetsch was present to request recognition of the Michigan Wolves - Hawks Youth Soccer Club as a non-profit organization in accordance with the State of Michigan Charitable Gaming Division so they can hold a raffle to support the club as a fundraiser. Knapp stated that the information provided clearly indicates they are a non-profit organization. Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. REQUEST TO APPROVE ACQUISITION OF FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION-HUD FORECLOSED PROPERTIES: Livonia Housing Commission, re: to acquire three (3) houses in the City of Livonia for $1, plus applicable closing costs, through the Community Block Grant Program. James Inglis, Housing Director, stated that he has three (3) properties before Council for acquisition through the Federal Housing Administration. These properties were foreclosed on by the Federal Housing Administration. They have been on their list for a period of six (6) months and have been discounted multiple times. There have been no takers for these properties. These properties have currently been evaluated by Housing, and are available for $1.00 each, plus applicable closing costs, utilizing Community Block Grant funding. Housing would also be using the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund dollars to either demolish the properties and/or make property improvements for future use. One property has lead paint, and the City is responsible for it. Federal dollars are available for all remediation. When the Housing Commission buys these homes for $1.00, it takes the control away from HUD and then the city that buys them has control. The objective is to put these houses back on the market in the near future. One of these properties has been evaluated, and the property is in very poor condition, so they plan on razing it. If the private market didn't take it, the Federal Government didn't want it, and the City didn't buy it, the home would just sit there and rot. They will be making evaluations on the other two (2) as to modifications and then either do the rehabilitation for resale or demolish. These homes will go into the scattered-site home category. Two (2) of the properties are on the north end of Livonia, and the other home is on the far south end. There are no requirements of FHA once the homes are bought for $1.00 except that a city cannot make money off the program. 3 When there is a public purpose like this, it would not be for profit. Government agencies do not acquire these homes for the benefit of profit. It is done for the public purpose of stabilizing a neighborhood and helping families. Through this housing crises, the City is not out to buy every single property. The intent is to take the ones that people are not purchasing, and taking the sub-standard structures and provide stabilization to the neighborhoods. These homes will come before Council for decisions, so the Council will have oversight on this matter. Mr. Inglis feels that they would not be applying for grant funds if it wasn't in the best interests of a neighborhood and making sure that these properties are secure. He would not bring these properties to the Council if he felt the private market would take care of itself. The intent is to take these properties that have no purpose or no private market interest, and do the right thing in the neighborhoods. Mr. Inglis stated that no homes have been sold, but if they sell, it would come before Council. There are approximately 36,000 homes in Livonia that are owner-occupied. If these three (3) HUD homes are approved for purchase, there will be twenty one (21) homes. 1968 was the first involvement with federal government with McNamara Towers. The first home was acquired in 1978 from the Federal Government. Times require a different strategy, and a few years from now, Housing may not want to buy these homes. Now is a time to be proactive on a limited basis. He stated that nineteen (19) homes since 1976 is not an aggressive program for that time period, and they are scattered throughout the City. Robinson stated that by approving these homes, the City is essentially increasing our low-income Section 8 housing. There have been sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) homes in the stock for a number of years, and now Housing wants to add three (3) more. He feels this will determine what Livonia will look like on the other side of this economic storm. Robinson stated that Mr. Inglis does an excellent job, and he understands what Mr. Inglis' intentions are and the many benefits the Housing Commission provides to a number of people in the community. He acknowledges and recognizes the positive affect on the community. Robinson does have a difference of opinion of how to get through this foreclosure crisis. He does not feel that federal programs are what will make Livonia great in the future. In looking at other communities, he does not see where federal programs such as HUD, Section 8, or neighborhood stabilization programs have raised the standard of living in that community. He does not believe that is the direction Livonia wants to head or the option that the City should pursue during these very difficult times. Council President Toy stated that vacant houses are dangerous houses, and when you look around the state, there are many problems where there is a vacant house. She feels that Mr. Inglis' point is well taken. Dianne Marietti, 15044 Fairway, asked the status of the nineteen (19) homes. Mr. Inglis stated that the three (3) homes that the Council approved last month are currently vacant and monitored by Housing, as the closings have not been done yet. The other ones are occupied and rented. 4 The City Council establishes rent for these properties, and the renter pays all utilities. The addresses for these three (3) homes that are up for purchase are 9994 E. Clements Circle, 29115 W. Chicago, and 19965 Inkster Road. Knapp offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR 3. REQUEST FROM THE MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE REQUEST FROM ARBOR DRUGS, INC., TO TRANSFER LOCATION OF A 2008 SDM LICENSE FROM 36630 FIVE MILE ROAD, LIVONIA, MI 48154, WAYNE COUNTY; AND REQUEST FOR A DRIVE-UP WINDOW (STEP I): Division of Police, re: for the business located at 37340 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Dave Nyquist, 7506 Capri Drive, Canton, MI, representing CVS, stated that the first request is for transfer of the license for the CVS store that was at Five Mile Road and Levan and now is relocated to Five Mile and Newburgh. He believes this issue was presented a few times to Council and has been approved for the SDM license. The second request is for a drive-up window. There are signs on the inside of the pharmacy and on the exterior of the building that indicate there are no alcoholic sales permitted through the drive-through window. Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney, stated it is not a state law, and there are still three (3) or four (4) drive-through party stores on Telegraph from Taylor to Pontiac. In Livonia, this has never been allowed. Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Regular Agenda with no alcohol sales at the drive-through window. DIRECTION: APPROVING - REGULAR WITH NO ALCHOHOL SALES AT DRIVE-THRU WINDOW 4. REQUEST FROM THE MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE REQUEST FROM WOODWARD DETROIT CVS, L.L.C., TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF A 2008 SDM LICENSED BUSINESS FROM ARBOR DRUGS, INC. (STEP II): Division of Police, re: for the business located at 37340 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Dave Nyquist, 7506 Capri Drive, Canton, MI, representing CVS, stated that this is an internal change within the company. CVS Pharmacy has various amounts of L.L.C.'s that are currently holding their SDM and SDD licenses. At this point, the company has decided to bring these all under one (1) umbrella—Woodward Detroit CVS, L.L.C. There will be no changes made to any business practices, training methodologies, or employees in the stores. This is purely an internal change and is a housekeeping change. 5 Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 5. NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ETHICS AND REQUEST TO AMEND SECTION 070(C)(5) OF TITLE 2, CHAPTER 200, OF THE LIVONIA CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED: Department of Law, re: to provide for annual meetings of the Board, as opposed to semi-annual basis, with additional meetings to be scheduled as business may require. Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney, stated that Barbara Scherr, Assistant City Attorney, attends the Board of Ethics meetings on a regular basis, so this item was deferred to her. Barbara Scherr stated that at the November 19th meeting, the Chairperson asked that the Commission consider whether or not they needed to continue to have semi-annual meetings since there has been a lack of business that comes before the Board of Ethics. There was quite a bit of consideration given to the topic. Mayor Kirksey was in attendance, and he was asked his opinion. He felt the ordinance should be amended to require annual meetings, but to permit special meetings to be added as necessary. This would cut down on unnecessary meetings. By reading the report, there is not very much business that has been going on in the last couple of years; therefore, it might be wise to cut down on the required meetings. The purpose of the one (1) annual meeting would be to receive and review the annual disclosure reports that members of Council and certain Boards and Commissions are required to file by April 15th every year. They would like to continue to meet in May to review the disclosure forms. This is the main requirement at this time. As issues arise, special meetings can be convened. Meakin offered the approving resolution for First Reading on the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING - REGULAR FIRST READING 6. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LIVONIA CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED: Department of Law, re: to Section 090(B)(7) of Title 10, Chapter 9, to allow road closures to be directed by the Administration for commercial filming purposes. (CR 499-08) Sean Kavanagh, City Attorney, stated that Livonia is now Hollywood East, and to help the California film makers shoot their movies, sometimes they need to close down the streets and re-route the traffic. Right now it is very difficult to do that because the Council has the authority to close streets. 6 To expedite the permission process, they are proposing an ordinance amendment which would allow the Chief of Police to do that on a temporary basis to allow for a street closure by the request of the Mayor or his/her designee to allow the filming of movies, TV shows, commercials, and related activities. No other changes would be made to Section 10.09.090(B)(7). Godfroid-Marecki stated they talked about this subject in the Economic Development Committee about six (6) weeks ago. She thanked Dave Varga who came to the meeting to update this exciting opportunity for Livonia which should be taken advantage of. She appreciates all the work, and this will also make money for the City of Livonia and the companies in Livonia. Dave Varga has been spearheading different film companies coming to Livonia, and because of his efforts, Livonia is one of the leading cities of the State taking advantage of the opportunity to bring in the entertainment industry. Dave Varga stated that right now, there is a film in town called "Intent". There is some filming at Greenmead and a few houses that they are working in. They are also shooting at a party store off Joy Road. They have been around for about a month, and they will be through around the middle of December. The film company is also planning on some donations back to the community when they are near the end of their run. The film will be in theaters in April. Livonia hopes to bring more film companies into town. The Livonia website regarding the film industry is filmlivonia.org. They are filling up Livonia's hotels. Approximately 3,800 room nights were filled earlier this year, and we are well over that now with this new film that is in town. They are also using Livonia's restaurants and other service industries like carpenters, plumbers, etc. Basically, the people they are hiring are local people, and a lot of them are from Livonia. Joan Gebhardt, 35248 Leon, asked if there is a limit on the amount of time that the road can be closed, and if it is a major thoroughfare, how will citizens be notified of this closure. Sean Kavanagh stated that there is no limit. It just says temporary road closure. This is just a reasonable measure that the Police Chief would be able to regulate, and Sean believes there is no notice provision in the City or County ordinance about particular road closures. There are county roads that are closed during parades. At Clarenceville, they have a request by the Police Chief from the County to have the City Council approve a closure. This would be temporary closures, and nothing that could last weeks and weeks on end. Ms. Gebhardt had a suggestion that if a major thoroughfare is going to be closed any longer than half a day, the City could notify the public through the website or Channel 8. Dave Varga stated that whenever there is a film in town, part of the procedure would be if they are shooting a film at a house in a neighborhood, this would inconvenience some people, so they ask the film makers to notify people within a 500 foot radius of any road closure, with a copy of the notification to the City. 7 Godfroid-Marecki stated that they filmed "Intent" in her neighborhood, and the residents were notified. Meakin recognized Joan Gebhardt as the Wayne County Commissioner Elect who will begin office in January. She is also a Schoolcraft College Trustee. Robinson offered the approving resolution for First Reading on the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING - REGULAR FIRST READING AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Bill Lloyd was present and stated that he has been a Livonia native for 75 years. He stated that the building on Farmington Road was used five (5) times after it was changed since it was a firehouse, and now the Council is talking about a sixth use for the building. It has all been unpopular. It is not popular now. He would like to have Council take a look at the courthouse because it would be more centrally located and would take a lot less refurbishing. It would kill two (2) birds with one (1) stone. As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the Study Session at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2008. DATED: December 11, 2008 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK