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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 1997-09-18 MINUTES OF THE 60th REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 60th Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:05 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 1997 in the 4th Floor Conference Room of City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Jack E. Kirksey Mr. Mike Polsinelli Mr. Stan Anderson Mr. Scott Grace Mr. Dennis Kujawa Mrs. Toni Mette Mr. Lowell Peterson Mr. Marvin Walkon Mr. Adelard Raby Mr. Jerry Wordhouse Members Absent: Mr. Donald Gelinas (excused) Mr. Bill Pike Others Present: Mrs. Doris Urbanski, Secretary Mr. John Nagy, Director Mr. Doug Johnson, architect Ms. Susan Lang, Fisher Creations 1. Roll was called. 2. Adoption of September 4, 1997 Minutes: On a motion by Jerry Wordhouse, seconded by Stan Anderson and unanimously approved, it was #97-49 RESOLVED that, the minutes of the 55th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on September 4, 1997 are approved as amended to add Resolution#97-46 whereby the PRDA agrees to pay for the installation of a public sidewalk at the Bill Brown Used Car lot in consideration for Bill Brown to pay for landscaping in the right-of-way and between the parking lot and sidewalk. Mr. Polsinelli, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. 3. Mr. Doug Johnson, architect for the remodeling of Zerbo's Health Food Store, presented an idea to the Board for the approximately 8 acres of vacant buildings and land next to Zerbo's. His idea was to incorporate the area into a type of medical village, possibly affiliated with a hospital, which could also rent suites to schools like karate, dance studios, golf clinics, etc. Mr. Peterson asked if there had been any interest shown in this property and if Livonia presently has any facilities like this. Mr. Nagy responded that no interest has been shown and the gas station site is not currently offered for sale. Similar facilities in Livonia are the Horizon Health center and the American Rehabilitation Network. Also Mayor Kirksey announced rezoning negotiations are in progress with Lifetime Fitness for a facility on Victor Parkway. Stan Anderson next introduced Susan Lang, Fisher Communication Services. At the Board's request, new logos were designed and submitted for consideration and presented at a meeting between the Public Relations Committee and Fisher Communication at a meeting prior to this Board meeting. A new logo design was chosen by the Board. On a motion by Marvin Walkon, supported by Jerry Wordhouse and unanimously approved, it was #97-50 RESOLVED that, the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby approve and accept the graphic logo for a PRDA newsletter as specified in the Contracting Agreement between the Plymouth Road Development Authority and Fisher Creative Services. Ms. Lang estimated the newsletter would be 4 pages, 11"x17"folded in half and using 2 or 3 colors. She suggested the first issue cover the ground breaking ceremony and show drawings of the proposal. Also perhaps articles to support businesses on Plymouth Road and perhaps some old time pictures of Plymouth Road giving a nostalgic flavor to some articles could be incorporated. Stan Anderson will ask Mike McGee to write an article explaining how the renovation of Plymouth Road will be financed. 4. Comments from Chairman: Mr. Polsinelli read the letter and resolution sent to Lewis George informing him that the Plymouth Road Development Authority declares to take no further action with regard to the George Burns Theatre. It was Mr. Polsinelli's recommendation to disband the George Burns Theatre Committee. 5. Reports from Committees: Vacant Buildings Committee: Board members commented on the poor condition of the Wonderland Lanes bowling alley, the Wendy's Restaurant and the City park between Merriman and Farmington Road. Mr. Nagy will have the Inspection Department check on these properties. Also Stan Anderson reported that the closed Lasky Furniture building is being occupied by a western apparel retail store. The Inspection Department will also check on the status of their occupancy permit. Scott Grace commented that it shouldn't be Mr. Raby's job to patrol Plymouth Avenue, and a better solution might be to (100 have Board members report to him any areas that might need attention. -2- Construction Committee: John Nagy reported on the progress of easement attainment. We now have 3 of the 5 needed: Mama Mia's, the tire store on Haller and a meeting is scheduled with the Royal Coach Inn. Contracts were signed, insurance obtained and MDOT approval given. The Law and Engineering Departments have reviewed the contracts. Jerry Wordhouse suggested that Beckett&Raeder should have someone from their company in attendance at our Board meetings to give progress reports. John Nagy will request by letter that the Board would like to receive written progress reports. Mr. Nagy reported on the offer made to Bill Brown Ford regarding the PRDA paying for the installation of a sidewalk in front of their used car lot in exchange for Bill Brown paying for landscaping of their public right-of-way and the area between the sidewalk and parking lot. Mr. Brown declined the offer. On a motion by Jerry Wordhouse, seconded by Lowell Peterson and unanimously approved, it was #97-51 RESOLVED that, the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby rescind Resolution#97-46. Mr. Polsinelli, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. Cre Discussion followed regarding cost estimates to buy easements. Mr. Nagy reported that on the basis of an appraisal from the Volkswagen dealer of$1.90 per sq. ft., the 90' frontage of Haller and Plymouth would cost $4600 to buy that ROW. On a motion by Butch Raby and seconded by Stan Anderson, it was RESOLVED that, the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby authorize the appraisal of right-of-way easements on Plymouth Road. The motion failed. On a motion by Jerry Wordhouse, duly seconded and unanimously approved, it was #97-52 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby table the motion to have Plymouth Road right-of-way easements appraised until an analysis can first be made to determine potential costs before we obligate the Board by setting a precedent by accepting this first offer. Mr. Polsinelli, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. L -3- Groundbreaking Ceremony Committee: John Nagy confirmed that the ceremony Ce will take place on September 30th at 5:30 p.m. west of the Mama Mia's Restaurant with an informal reception following in the parking lot of the restaurant. A 20'x30' tent has been secured, Mama Mia's will furnish finger food, and a photographer has been hired. Invitations have been sent out to businesses between Inkster and Middlebelt, City Department Heads and the various Board members. Also notified were the Detroit News, Free Press and Channel 8. It was the consensus of the Board that all the businesses on Plymouth Road from Inkster to Eckles should be notified of the groundbreaking. The question was asked if there is a plan to handle vehicles. Board members should park in the lot behind Mette's Printery. Chairman Polsinelli discussed the Agenda for the ceremony, and a proclamation honoring Mike McGee for his contributions to the Plymouth Road project was submitted to the members for approval. On a motion by Stan Anderson, seconded by Jerry Wordhouse and unanimously approved, it was #97-53 RESOLVED that, The Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby proclaim its gratitude and respect for the dedication, leadership and knowledge Michael P. McGee has brought to the objectives of the Plymouth Road Development Authority and the Livonia community. Mike McGee will be the MC. Mayor Kirksey will introduce Mike McGee and present a framed resolution adopted and signed by the Plymouth Road Development Authority members proclaiming their appreciation for his contributions. Mr. McGee will then speak on the Plymouth Road project, introduce Board members, architects and contractors. 6. Polling of Board Members: Scott Grace commented on the September 18 Observer article and photos regarding the announced beginning construction of the Plymouth Road Streetscape. The photo of the Plymouth and Inkster intersection shows a number of signs and Mayor Kirksey reported that these will be replaced will a masonry sign in the future. Mayor Kirksey also announced that he has been working with Senator Geake to get a new 4"resurface of Plymouth Road at the state's expense. Dennis Kujawa inquired about the Plymouth Road display boards that were to be displayed at his bank and Mike Polsinelli said they are presently stored at Wonderland Mall and he would see that they are sent to him. Jerry Wordhouse suggested that the Authority should have someone in charge of the administrative end of this project to keep track of the progress with Beckett and Raeder. Chairman Polsinelli said we would start towards the end of the year or next year by inviting perhaps the Chamber of Commerce or DDA people from other cities to come -4- to Board or Committee meetings to get some background on similar projects. Marvin Walkon volunteered to chair such a committee. Stan Anderson requested 2 sets of the Plymouth Road designs to display at the Wilson Barn for the upcoming pumpkin festival. Chairman Polsinelli closed the meeting by expressing his excitement of the project and commending the wonderful job done by all the members and Mike McGee. 7. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 60th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on September 18, 1997 was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on October 2, 1997 in the 4th Floor Conference Room of City Hall. Doris Urbanski, Secretary Liv L -5-