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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2001-03-15 MINUTES OF THE 123RD REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 123rd Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:09 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2001 in the 4th Floor Conference Room at City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Jack E. Kirksey Mr. Duane Wolfgang,Vice Chairman Mr. Stan Anderson Mr. Scott Grace Mr. Lowell Peterson Mr. Adelard Raby Mr. Michael Polsinelli Members Absent: Mr. Jerry Wordhouse, Chairman(Excused) Mr. Rod Crider(Excused) Mr. Dennis Kujawa(Excused) Ms. Toni Mette(Excused) Mr. Marvin Walkon(Excused) Mr. Bill Pike(Excused) Others Present : Mr. John Nagy, P.R.D.A. Director Mr. Dan Putman,Information Systems Manager Mr.Paul Gagle,First Federal of Michigan Dr. Robert Auth,Rosedale Gardens Civic Association Mrs. JoAnn Marshall,BRI Mr. Scott Reinholt,BRI Mr.Ralph Williams,Livonia Citizen Mr. Larry O'Connor,Livonia Observer Ms. Susan Annibal, Secretary 1. Roll was called. 2. Adoption of the February 15, 2001 Minutes: On a motion duly made, seconded unanimously adopted, it was #2001-07 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 122nd Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on February 15,2001 are approved. Mr. Wolfgang,Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. Mayor Kirksey announced the sudden passing of Robert McCann on March 15t at St. Mary Hospital. A former Councilman from 1968 to 1987, McCann became Mayor Pro Tern when Ed McNamara left mayoral duties to become the newly elected as Wayne County Executive. Services for Mr. McCann will kilsbe held on Monday, March 19, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 32000 Five / Mile Road in Livonia with visitation on March 17 and 18 from 1:00 — 8:00 p.m. Mayor Kirksey and Mr.McCann enjoyed a close friendship that spanned many years. 2 klese 3. Comments from Chairman: Vice Chairman, Duane Wolfgang, is chairing this meeting in the absence of Jerry Wordhouse. 4. Budget Report — Mike Slater: This item was removed from the Agenda at Mr. Slater's request. 5. V R Metro Malls: Mr. Polsinelli stated that at the last meeting the Board had reviewed a report of the goal to develop a web site for P.R.D.A. He introduce Mr. Ron Howard, Director of Sales/Marketing for VR Metro Malls of Westland. Mr. Howard was accompanied by Randy Johnston, Director of Operations, and Gerry Vendittelli of Visual Impressions. Mr. Howard offered an descriptive overview of the benefit of developing a custom-designed web page for the P.R.D.A. and introduced examples of a successful program for nearby Plymouth and Westland and the many advantages exposure on the internet can offer. A simple form would be available for the Director or whomever would be inputting the page data for the site and specifics for the program. A new event calendar is available. P.R.D.A.'s newsletter could be an informative asset for the program and included. Phase one would be the program design which would be set up page by page and could incorporate our letterhead in the design of the web page. Phase two would involve promotions on the internet. Media could be involved in a very cost effective way. Mr. Howard said the company works closely with P.R.D.A. public relations and marketing to glean the highest level of success, customized to our needs and goals, as well as P.R.D.A. staff on some other things. They have worked with municipalities such as Westland and Plymouth, as mentioned, resulting in successful exposure for their cities, services and other important bits of information offered on their web pages. A new web page could be up and running in about six months. It would be advantageous to the business community, offering exposure to new and established businesses. Entertainment links would be provided, as well. Four companies had been contacted regarding a City web page, and all came back with approximate quotes within $3,000 to $4,000 to create all the things necessary for the internet and using the best links. The initial cost is fairly inexpensive, with maintenance and updating properties. Discussion followed on the many and diverse aspects of web page technology and myriad options, as well as the excellent success being enjoyed by other municipality users nearby. Dan Putnam, Information Systems Manager, filled in the blanks regarding technical aspects of the proposed program, citing profuse web pages currently on the net. The City's web page is receiving 15,000 visitors currently, having only been up and running since November. The cost of program design and set-up is approximately $2,400 to $2,600 and placed on the internet. Various hypothetical comparisons between the Livonia and the cities of Westland and Plymouth were made as the discussion continued. With regard to competitors in business, a statement was made that in five years, the yellow pages will conceptually be on the internet. The Mayor referred to the four companies interested in providing the service, asking that an RFP be sent out to them so that we can talk about who we want to bring in and who VR Metro Mall would want to talk to. The Web Site Committee will focus on three areas: 1) how much it will cost to develop the site; 2) how much it will cost to host it; and 3) how much it will cost to maintain it. These RFP's will go out before the next meeting of the Board. 6. Beckett & Raeder — Construction Progress Report: JoAnn Marshall reported that in addition to the items mentioned in BRI's update to the Board, ornamental fencing is installed at Farmington. Regarding the bus project, we received information from MDOT, and now we will have to answer their concerns. That package will be out of our office in the next two weeks. We will have to wait for the four shelters. Although we gave them the information they requested, among MDOT's concerns were the breakaway fittings proposed by the manufacturer. Scott Reinholt informed the Board that we have received this back also. Our proposal was denied in November, but we've just received their response. They want to see more items in the drawings. An earlier request for added information was returned to them in July. Hopefully,they'll get something back to us right away. Scott Reinholt reminded the Board that Phase V will be involved with the ISTEA process. 3 JoAnn Marshall provided a tally sheet of Grounds Maintenance bids received, with alternates. The purpose for the alternate bid for snow removal was to test the market to see the cost involved if P.R.D.A. wanted snow removal. The basic bid includes the bus plazas and intersection plazas located at Farmington and Middlebelt. Alt. II includes the snow removal. The basic bid includes snow removal only for the bus plazas and intersection plazas. Mr. Polsinelli cautioned that we not set a precedent. It was suggested that the matter be referred to the Construction Committee to schedule interviews to talk to some of these bidders. On a motion by Mr. Polsinelli, seconded by Mayor Kirksey and unanimously approved, it was #2001-08 RESOLVED,that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby refer the issue of the Grounds Maintenance Contract bid to the Construction Committee for the scheduling of interviews with prospective Contract recipients. Mr. Wolfgang, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution is adopted. On a motion by Mr. Polsinelli, seconded by Mayor Kirksey and unanimously approved, it was #2001-09 RESOLVED,that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby authorize the Construction Committee, after interviewing bidders 41111be for the Grounds Maintenance Contract,to make the decision on the award of bid and bring its decision back to the P.R.D.A. Board for ratification at the next regular meeting.. Mr. Wolfgang, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution is adopted. 7. Reports from Committees: Public Relations—Mr.Anderson: The new newsletter will be going out in late April. Vacant Buildings—Mr. Grace: Nothing to report. Construction Committee—Mr. Nagy: We did have a meeting where we evaluated the request of Metro Power regarding the obstacles they are running into with their direct bore, and we expect to resolve that issue with them. Inspection — Mr. Raby: I made my semi-annual drive down Plymouth Road, and I'm very impressed with the stop signs and master arms at Harrison and Deering, the same look will occur at Middlebelt and Farmington Road. I certainly like the brickpavers on the plazas. Mr. Anderson suggested that it might be a good idea to take a 15 minute walk down the Corridor, weather permitting. He then reported noticing five (5) streets lights out between Merriman and Middlebelt, which seemed to him to be an excessive amount for a distance of one mile. Mr. Nagy 44111mge responded that BRI had been asked to do a study, who, in turn, will ask Holophane to review the matter because we are experiencing an excessive amount of burned out bulbs. We hope to have a report back next meeting. 4 441W Development Assistance — Mr. Grace : Joe Leone is looking for assistance with the partial demolition of their site. We did recommend as a committee that the Board approve a $40,000 reimbursement for demolition costs and $10,000 for any hazardous material removal. This would be reimbursed upon completion of demolition and being provided with paid receipts. Demo must include all signage and must be completed within six months of this Board's decision. On a motion by Mr. Raby, seconded by Mr. Polsinelli, and unanimously approved, it was #2001-10 RESOLVED that,the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby approve a request from Joe Leone of Leone Foods for demolition reimbursement costs of $40,000 for demolition of existing building(s) and all signage and $10,000 for the removal of hazardous materials on the property located at 30660 Plymouth Road, site of the former Salem Lumber Company. This approval is subject to providing paid receipts for such costs, and the work is to be completed within six months from the date of this notice. Mr. Wolfgang pointed out that reimbursement of hazardous material expense is not to exceed $10,000. In some cases, we can go up to $15,000, but the total reimbursement per request is a total of $50,000,therefore, it would be$40,000 and$10,000 in this particular case. Mr. Wolfgang, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution is adopted. Mr. Grace presented the second item that Development Assistance reviewed and that was the Phoenix Land Development Corp. request by Steve Schafer regarding the former George Burns Theater. A proposal in the same basic form will eventually come out of our committee. We will need some time frame considerations in the proposal. John Nagy will call Mr. Schafer. We are basically looking at the same proposal in the long run,which is standard up and down the Corridor. Mr. Schafer had asked about relief for other pieces and whether they could all come in for something. It is the thought of the Committee that it is dealing strictly with the old buildings for demolition where new building construction would not necessarily be appropriate for a grant or loan from us. The loans are granted for existing buildings for repair or fix-up, grading, or a parking lot with a lot of pot holes and other needs to be repaired. The loan is granted for the renovation of the site. 8. Director's Report — John Nagy: The Bill Brown Ford facility is making an alteration to the former Terrace Theater. They are proposing to create a second floor in the building. They want a second level and propose to use it for their body repair and paint shop by using ramps and landing areas to bring vehicles up to that area for work, with a new overhead door to the area. The sign will come down and will be replaced by a monument sign according to City ordinance (with letters on the building, too). Also, the Kickers Restaurant back porch area will now be enclosed. They will utilize matching brick on the lower level and matching dryvit/EFIS. They will move the dance floor there. Before we meet again the Mayor will present his State of the City address. P.R.D.A. will have a table for 10 guests. We will be happy to acquire any additional tickets necessary for the event,which is to be held March 28th at 11:30 a.m. at Laurel Manor. 9. Polling of Board Members: (\re Mr. Polsinelli: Passed. Mr. Raby Passed 5 441ile Mr.Anderson: Passed. Paul Gagle was introduced from First Federal of Michigan, who mentioned that the bank really needs their parking spaces. After meeting with P.R.D.A., First Federal, Mr. Nagy and BRI have come to an amicable decision for the signage at their Plymouth corner at Merriman. We are now moving ahead with this improvement and retaining our parking spaces. Mr. Nagy commented that the First Federal corner will be comparable to what we will have on the other three corners. Mayor Kirksey: First, my grandson will be at the Churchill High School speaking on violence at 7:00 p.m. this evening. Secondly, about two weeks ago Mike Slater and I went to New York to speak with a bonding agency, and we were successful in improving our bond rating. That will save us somewhere from $600,000 to $1,000,000. We are very pleased to report that. The bonds we had are worth about$33,000,000 with 5.1% interest. Mr. Grace: Thanks to First Federal for resolving the problem with that corner. I noticed that driving down here at Plymouth Road not quite to Farmington (Woodring) that in front of the George Burns sign there is a big hole about 6 inches deep by 1 or 2 feet deep. It's a mess. I couldn't remember where the repaving job stopped or know if this was a bad repair job or if the work stopped further east.. Mr. Anderson addressed a similar issue regarding a patch of pavement in front of Firestone. They took the paving up and threw some patching in there. We should be able to do a better job of smoothing that out for a new road. I'd like to suggest that we initiate an awards program for businesses that have done a good job. We were going to do something in the newsletter, but I don't think we are far enough along to do it in this next issue. So,you won't be getting it this time. 10. Audience Communication: There was none. Mr. Wolfgang asked a question regarding generating income from the web site. Would we be able to do that as a non-profit organization? Mr. Polsinelli responded that it would be offset costs. 11. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted,the 123rd Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on March 15, 2001 was adjourned at p.m. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on April 19, 2001 in the 4th Floor Conference Room at City Hall . a---76-(-141/ Susan Annibal, Secretary L