HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2001-05-17 MINUTES OF THE 125tH REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH
ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
The 125th Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of
Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:10 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2001 in the 4th Floor Conference
Room at City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Jack E. Kirksey
Mr. Jerry Wordhouse, Chairman*
Mr. Duane Wolfgang,Vice Chairman
Mr. Stan Anderson
Mr. Scott Grace
Mr. Dennis Kujawa
Ms. Toni Mette
Mr. Lowell Peterson
Mr. Bill Pike
Mr. Marvin Walkon
Members Absent: Mr. Rod Crider(Excused)
Mr. Mike Polsinelli(Excused)
Mr. Butch Raby(Excused)
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Others Present: Mr. John Nagy,P.R.D.A. Director
r Mr. Mike Slater, Finance Director
Mr. Dan Putnam,
Mr. Scott Reinholt,BRI
Dr. Robert Auth, Rosedale Gardens Civic Association
Mr. Ralph Williams,Livonia Citizen
Ms. Susan Annibal, Secretary
1. Roll was called.
2. Adoption of the April 19, 2001 Minutes: Mr. Kujawa corrected the minutes to reflect that he
had not abstained on the vote for Resolution#2001-12. Minutes are corrected..
On a motion duly made, seconded unanimously adopted, it was
#2001-14 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 124th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road
Development Authority on April 19, 2001 are approved, as corrected.
Mr. Wolfgang,Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution is adopted.
On behalf of the Plymouth Road Development Authority Board member Stan Anderson
presented John Murphy of Commercial Lawnmower with a demolition grant in the amount of$8,450.
Accolades were forthcoming for the great renovation of the former House of Maple building and their
thie site redevelopment. Congratulations to John Murphy and Commercial Lawnmower for a job well done.
3. Comments from Chairman: None.
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4. Budget Report—Mike Slater: Copies of financial statements of the P.R.D.A.'s Special
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Revenue Fund for the months of March, 2001 and April, 2001 were distributed to Board
members for their perusal. Total liabilities and Fund balance for the month ending March
31, 2001 is $3,587,671, with disbursements totaling $25,980.73. Total liabilities and
Fund balance for the month ending April 30, 2001 is $2,927,643.66, with disbursements
totaling $671,331.65, the largest being principle and interest on our debt, payable semi-
annually (roughly being $580,000 for the year). With regard to Detroit Edison billing a
question was raised as to whether the billing was estimated or read, since one past bill
went up and one went down in substantial amounts. The answer is that these meters are
read and not estimated. Meters at Plymouth and Middlebelt were serviced off a main
meter, but it still individually metered. There is a meter at each of the controllers there.
The traffic light electrical energy is not being paid for by us. Metropolitan Power will
install the signals on the mast arms. After meeting with the Construction Sub-Committee
on April 25th, Mr. Slater prepared the document summaries of information. He'd had
concerns about what commitments had been made and whether we had funds to cover
them. At the beginning of our fiscal year $2.6 million was expected in revenues.
$4,669,638 for expenses was budgeted or committed to, leaving $602,000 in
uncommitted funds. McMullen & Associates, Inc. went out of business, and hadn't
totally finished their contract at that time. The money owed to them was held, and other
project money was spent to pay it off. Their money is basically part of the $692,000 as
Co shown in the report and should be going back into the fund. A remaining concern that
Mr. Slater had was one of the 1998 Revenue Funds showed an ISTEA grant that was
approved for Phase I, and he has been advised it was put off until Phase V.. If that is the
case, we've got problems. Without that money, we don't have the money to do Phase 5,
which means we're pretty much tapped out. The Board will have a report and
recommendation from Mr. Nagy on what or what not to do with Phase V and will have an
answer on the ISTEA Grant by then. Phase V is the area behind the sidewalk between
Middlebelt and Farmington, including the Merriman plaza, with $2.5 million being
projected for Phase V. There is a lot going on there for Phase IV now, and, from a
construction standpoint, we will go on from there.
5. Beckett & Raeder— Construction Progress Report: Scott Reinholt stated one delay has
occurred. The brick manufacturer providing the brick for the walls is behind schedule.
Either they have gone on strike or are just behind. It could be as late as the middle of
June before they can ship our brick. Basile will continue with smaller work and
landscaping, as well. We can't finish all the landscaping, though, at this time. They will
come back and do the brickpavers. The light poles are here. Our brick supplier just can't
come up with supply to meet the demand. Maintenance is on board keeping up with
mowing and irrigation. Business owners are being told not to maintain their own. If
people mow their own property, if it has just been done,the maintenance contractor won't
be doing it.
L, Mr. Grace commented on a sign at Farmington Road, "The Next Two Miles Sponsored by the
Elks Club." He thought that the people who sponsor an area also maintain it.
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(re Mr. Pike responded that the requirement is to sign up with the State of Michigan for road
sponsorship. The program is essentially a litter clean-up campaign twice a year. If there is a no
program for an excess of one year, that contract with the State is null and void. Mr. Reinhold
believes they do it about twice a year, which is the requirement. Mr. Anderson reported that one
day while walking on Plymouth Road while the contractor was cutting. The contract provides
that they are to pick up paper before cutting. He noticed the contractor didn't pick up all the
debris. He stopped and did it. The contractor should certainly be reminded that this is the way
the contract reads.
*Mr. Wordhouse arrived at 3:30 p.m.
6. Reports from Committees:
Public Relations — Mr. Anderson: Mr. Wordhouse commended Mr. Anderson for the
outstanding job he'd done on the newest P.R.D.A. Newsletter, deeming it the best we'd seen so
far. In response, Mr. Anderson pointed out that Mette's Printery had gone to 4-color print on the
photographs for this issue. Susan Lang of Fisher's Creative Services always does a nice job on
layout. Mr. Anderson has visited each of the business places that were featured on the inside
pages and stopped in to give Newsletters to each of them, who in turn were appreciative. Ms.
Mette didn't know whether she had received a mailed copy, although she places copies on each
of her employee's desks after the run. Comments were exchanged regarding including a
calendar of events for the Corridor in the Newsletter.
Vacant Buildings—Mr. Grace: Nothing to report.
Construction Committee—Mr. Pike The Sub-Committee had met this week and talked about
the work underway at present. At the June meeting,they will have a more comprehensive report.
Scott Reinhold reported that Ben Baker, the person currently stepping in for JoAnn Marshall,
was on site on this day, although there may be a couple of people taking over her duties.
Discussion followed on future phases of the construction work to be done involving the brick
walls and ornamental fencing moving westward, which will be determined through a shopping
list and breakdown of each item on that list. It could wind up that there would be less of the
walls and fences moving west, as there is a lot more green space and we probably don't need as
many walls and fences as has occurred between Inkster and Middlebelt. Another impact is
budget concerns for the major cross roads, i.e., Stark Road, Wayne Road, Levan Road,
Newburgh Road. WorldCom is about 65% done and have a lot of cleaning up to do. They
made a mess of Merriman. The scene looked bad for a few weeks, but they have gone back now
and are sodding the disturbed areas.
Inspection—Mr. Raby: In Mr. Raby's absence, Mr. Wordhouse expressed concern about some
of the trees where some of the damaged banners are located. Scott Reinhold said a letter had
been received from Irish, and we're still looking at some of the trees. He will try to get a
response on that. Mr. Grace read in the Livonia Observer that Mr. Woodcox and inspectors will
be inspecting signage on the weekends. He commended the City for doing that, asking that it be
noted for the record, adding that he hoped the inspectors would take a look at the Terrace Theater
sign. Other comments were made regarding the Bill Brown facility there and the blocking of
driveways. At New Car Alternatives people were blocking the ingress and egress. It was hoped
that they would take a look at that, also.
Development Assistance — Mr. Grace: We have one item, a request from Bill Brown at the
Terrace Theater for reimbursement costs for the removal of hazardous waste material. They
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, have submitted the receipt for $37,100. However, our Committee has a $15,000 limit for the
removal of hazardous waste material. We agreed that this was a valid reimbursement. Also,
there is a demolition reimbursement request for the sign, for which we will reimburse 50%of the
cost, which sign is to be removed by July 30,2001. Mr. Peterson asked that a resolution be
amended to incorporate language that 50% of incurred expense up to $5,000 for the removal of
the sign. A few sites the Board is targeting for action include Salem Lumber, George Burns and
Terrace Theaters. We had sent a letter last year to Salem Lumber stating that we'd pay 50% to
remove that sign! Mr. Wolfgang commented that he'd rather see the $15,000 be directed to
small local businesses rather than (a large corporate name). Mr. Grace agreed it was a good
point considering the reimbursements we have done in the past. The Board has set the cap at
$40,000 for demolition. It was a grant for the small businesses.
On a motion by Mr. Grace, seconded by Mr. Peterson and unanimously approved, it was
#2001-15 RESOLVED,that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby
approve and authorize a grant to be paid to Bill Brown Ford in the maximum
amount of$15,000.00 for hazardous waste removal; $5,000.00 for the removal
of the Terrace Theater sign,which removal is to be completed by July 30,2001
on their property located at 30400 Plymouth Road.
Mr. Wordhouse, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution is adopted.
Web Site Committee—Mr. Nagy: We did have a meeting this week and did interview all firms
ciesubmitting proposals. In Mike Polsinelli's absence, Dan Putman gave an overview of criteria
used in reaching a decision and making a recommendation to the Board. There were five
companies which expressed interest. 1) Amazing Web Sites gave an outline of what the web
page would look like. Among submitters, two differing approaches were used: 1) Static Page
listing the names on the page and looking up and down the page; or 2) Data-based List in which
case we would type in products consumers could select. It would be more money that way, but
does give the functionality we sought. A hand-out on the web page final comparison for web
page RFP final was distributed wherein the five companies were shown with their individual
proposals. The Committee selected Stopka & Associates as their recommended choice, a
Livonia-based business and a company found to be very, very professional in talking to us and
went a little bit beyond what was required. They also gave a conceptual example about what the
site would look like. They work very closely with their computers. Mr. Putman went over each
of the bids and monetary differences and services. For those business owners who had no web
site, an opportunity would be given to link up to the Authority's web page. Discounts will be
given to those businesses on Plymouth Road. Cost would be determined by the sophistication of
the page. We could have on the web site a link adding your business to the web site. Mr. Pike
pointed out that this is in our budget for this year, once we just choose to go forward with it and
make room for $4,375. Mr. Peterson commented that the Committee had done a good job.
Mr. Putman said there would be three (3) email addresses, one for the Authority itself and one
for the director; there was no idea for the third one now. We didn't want to set up a web page if
we don't think it's going to be accepted by anybody. We will have a link to the City, which gets
many, many hits from our visitors, and they will be our web page addresses to cross reference to
the City's page. Mr. Anderson believes that we can make this a part of our Newsletter. The
LP' business data base has the ability to be maintained by authorized people with the P.R.D.A. as
submitted for one year.
On a motion by Mr. Pike, seconded by Mr. Grace and unanimously approved, it was
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#2001-16 RESOLVED, that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby accept the
Web Page Sub-Committee's report and recommendation and approves of the
expenditure of$4,375.00 for development of a web site for the P.R.D.A. and approve the
recommendation of the Web Page Sub-Committee to award a contract to Stopka &
Association of Livonia,MI.
7. Director's Report — John Nagy — New information was offered on the Board's
upcoming bus tour, scheduled for the meeting June 21st. We'll have a courtesy van
meeting us here at 3:00 p.m. We could have a brief meeting and adjourn and then depart.
Hopefully, Butch Raby would be present, so he can make an report.
8. Polling of Board Members
Mr. Wolfgang: Passed.
Mr. Pike: Passed.
Mr. Walkon: The purpose of the Development Assistance is to go to the aid of people who
needed the money. Some of these are becoming big companies that find out that we offer
assistance. I think highly of Ashley Capital, but I am not sure that Ashley Capital would have
done anything differently if they hadn't gotten the assistance from our group. I think we should
explore more about who we give the money to in the future. Discussion followed, with a
suggestion was to have Mr. Nagy look at the small companies and make personal contact with
41. them regarding the availability of our loans and grants. It may be a good idea to talk to the Law
Department. It was mentioned that a real problem is that we have to be able to pass a test of
discrimination. Jeff Bryant joined in introducing state and county programs dealing with
"Trigger Qualifiers" such as so many employees, so many minorities, so much capital
investment, etc. By the same token, every time we enact a demolition resolution, we are
remarrying the company to Plymouth Road. Other demolition program comments from around
the table included ideas such as: if you're under a set gross sales limit, you qualify. The larger
companies will still do the same thing whether we help them or not. One alternative, the other
side of the coin would be to get out of the business entirely. The P.R.D.A. still wants to help the
small guy. As far as Ford Motor, no one knows if setting limits would change their plans or not.
The loan program was initiated to help the small business person. The grant is more to
encourage beautification. It could be beneficial for the community to get together and maybe
contact the City's legal department and see if we can resolve this in a simple way. If setting
some of these limits would resolve this, then perhaps that's what we should do. We'll look for
that next time.
Mayor Kirksey: Passed.
Mr. Grace: I want to mention the inspections. When I drive the street, even in areas that have
been completed, you will see places along the curb that are chipped up. Should we have some
kind of potential to repair with an ongoing maintenance program or cement work all along the
road? It's a widespread problem. We might want to look at repairing the curb on a regular basis.
MDOT's contract is with the County of Wayne. We could maybe find out what their schedule is
(and increase it).
Mr. Peterson: Eternal Tatoo is setting there, and we've got this 15% deal with landscaping and
shrubbery. Do they have any at all? Although Mr.Nagy didn't know,he said the matter will be
looked into and will advise the Board at the next meeting.
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Mr.Kujawa: Passed.
Mr. Anderson: What is the Construction Committee's position on the question of driveway
openings? When semi's or smaller trucks are coming in and out and going over the curb, is there
a standard driveway width opening? I would like us in the future to consider sacrificing a little
bit of grass space for more driveway and repairs for areas where damage has already occurred.
Mr.Nagy stated that our current maintenance contractor is to do those repairs.
Ms. Mette: I think the walls are looking great, and the pavers! I am sure you heard about the
brick shortage.
Jeff Bryant indicated that since he hadn't attended for several meetings that a brief summary of
the Livonia Economic Development Office efforts regarding Plymouth Road would probably be
timely. He stressed that he and John Nagy talk weekly, and that confidentiality issues are the
main reason that Mr. Bryant does not report to the Board on a more frequent basis. He stated the
P.R.D.A. Board is very effective and should be proud of its continuing accomplishments. He
added that some of his Plymouth Road efforts he could now comment on included positioning
Roush Industries for right of first review at 28400 Plymouth; State and City project management
for the A& P cold storage attraction efforts at 28400 Plymouth, as well as assisting A&P and
Ashley Capital efforts to capture Brownfield Redevelopment Single Business Tax Credits for
both of those projects. He has spent two full days conducting a SMART bus ridership survey for
a P.R.D.A. Committee, and has worked unsuccessfully to attract several restaurants to Plymouth
Road. Mr. Bryant cited Trader Joe's, a South Pasadena-based gourmet and health food grocer as
(IV an example that it is very difficult to influence retail and commercial projects to locations not
included in their business plans. At one time he had brought A&W Root Beer to the table for
discussions regarding opening an innovative full service restaurant at the Quality Inn, and he has
strived to interest several industrial prospects in the Leone's property. He invited the Board to
utilize his office through Mr. Nagy for any attraction targets, and stressed that although he is not
at all meetings, his office constantly keeps the P.R.D.A. goals and objectives as a top priority.
Mr. Wordhouse: I was at a meeting last week with a group in Canton that I participate in, and
its pretty much the movers and shakers in Canton. We spent about 15 to 20 minutes in the
discussion before they found out about my involvement with P.R.D.A. One of the women had
come down Plymouth Road. The discussion was about how excited they were and how they
loved the street changes they saw. "Wow,what a change!" Those are the things that we may not
hear, but we certainly see it. We don't hear the feedback of people going down the street. They
focused on the two major intersections and were impressed with the finials and the structure and
thought it raised the whole level of the community.
9. Audience Communication: None.
10. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted,the 125th Regular
Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on May 17, 2001 was adjourned at
4:40 p.m.
The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on June 21, 2001.
After a short meeting in the 4th Floor Conference Room at City Hall, the Board will embark on a bus
tour of the Plymouth Road Corridor.
Susan Annibal, Secretary