HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2004-07-15 MINUTES OF THE 159th REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH
ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
The 159th Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of
Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:05 p.m., Thursday, July 15, 2004 in the 4th
floor conference room of City Hall.
Members Present: Jack Engebretson, Mayor
Scott Grace, Chairman
Toni Mette
Stan Anderson
Lowell Peterson
Wes Graff
Dennis Kujawa
Members Absent: John Walsh,Vice Chairman
Marvin Walkon
Jerry Wordhouse
Others Present: John J.Nagy, PRDA Director
Michael Slater, Finance Director
(re Mark Taormina, Planning Director
Jeff Bryant, Economic Development Director
Greg Meyer, Consumers Energy
Dale Seltzer, Architect for Larry's Kitchen
Larry Shkreli, Larry's Kitchen
Frank Fisher, Fisher Creative Services
Susan Lang, Fisher Creative Services
Tracy Lark, Fisher Creative Services (Public Relations)
Ralph Williams, Citizen
Debbie Walter, Secretary
1. Roll was called. A quorum was present.
2. Adoption of the 158th Regular Meeting Minutes.
On a motion made by Graff, supported by Mette, and unanimously adopted, it was
#2004-24 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 158th Regular Meeting, held on
June 17, 2004, by the Plymouth Road Development Authority are
hereby approved.
Mr. Grace, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
C0-1 adopted.
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3. Comments from the Chairman: Mr. Grace, Chairman, acknowledged receipt of
two pieces of correspondence. One letter is from the Inspection Department, dated
June 22, 2004, regarding the status of inspection issues for several businesses on
Plymouth Road. The second is a memo from John Nagy to the Inspection
Department, dated June 23, 2004, regarding signage issues at Dunkin' Donuts
located at 27609 Plymouth Road.
4. Finance Report: Mike Slater, Finance Director, stated that the financial report is
not available at this time due to Kathy Burger's unexpected medical leave. The
report should be available for next month. Due to Tax Tribunal issues with Ford
Motor Company and Wonderland Mall, Mr. Slater suggested that new construction
projects should be held up until next year. There will be revenue available to cover
contractual obligations and maintenance costs for irrigation, annual flowers, grass
cutting and lighting. We may have to write a check for $250,000.00 to Ford Motor
for over payment. It appears that the development of the new buildings scheduled
for this year on Plymouth Road is unlikely to happen. Scott Grace asked to be
advised of the results of the meeting next week between Schostak and Livonia.
5. Presentation on Larry's Kitchen Renovations: Dale Seltzer, architect for Larry's
Kitchen, gave a presentation on proposed renovations for the restaurant location at
27545 Plymouth Road, which will give the building a more modern appearance.
The seating will not be increased so the present parking arrangement is sufficient.
The dumpster will be upgraded with a new screening fence.
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On a motion by Anderson, supported by Mette and unanimously adopted, it was
#2004-25 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does
hereby support the proposed exterior renovations for Larry's Kitchen
restaurant located at 27545 Plymouth Road (Petition 2004-06-08-13),
Mr. Grace, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
6. Plymouth Road Tech Center/A&P Traffic Signal Invoice: Jeff Bryant,
Economic Development Director, explained the history for the Plymouth Road Tech
Center and A&P Traffic Signal Invoice in the amount of$280,000 and presented a
summary sheet of what has transpired. Back in 1999, A&P/Farmer Jack wanted
Grantland Avenue to be designated as a truck route but accepted a compromise of
the installation of a traffic signal to help truck traffic flow. Originally, the cost was
to be split between the PRDA, Ashley Capital and the City of Livonia. However,
due to changes in the City's budget since 1999, Mr. Bryant proposed that the PRDA
pay the City's portion, in addition to the PRDA portion, which would be a total
amount of $120,000, with Ashley Capital paying the balance of $160,000. Mr.
Bryant fielded Board questions about the timing, location and necessity of the
signal. He agreed to make a personal call with Mayor Engebretson to the
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A&P/Farmer Jack facility and report back to the PRDA with more details at the
August meeting.
7. Fisher Creative Services Presentation of Proposed Promotional Programs:
Tracy Lark, Head of Public Relations, Frank Fisher and Susan Lang presented ideas
for publicity and promotions for businesses on Plymouth Road. Suggestions
included an antiques road show, road rally, restaurant hopping, Livonia Idol, old-
fashioned Christmas, spring festival, spring fix-up and gardening seminars. The
Public Relations Committee will meet to review the possibilities.
8. Beckett & Raeder. Due to a scheduling conflict, the Beckett & Raeder
representative was not present. They did provide a construction summary of last
season's projects, which include the cap on the masonry wall and installing a street
sign and pole. Phase 6 is underway with sidewalk replacement from Farmington to
Inkster completed. Next will be the plaza wall at the Farmington and Plymouth
intersection. Brick pavers are missing at Middlebelt and Plymouth and Middlebelt
and Farmington. Between Arcola and Inkster, there is a 12 foot section where the
cap hasn't been finished because there were 4 or 5 pieces that weren't cut properly.
We have photographs of the vandalism at the end of the walkway in the plaza area.
Our maintenance contractor has been authorized to repair the damages.
9. Committee Reports:
Construction Committee: Toni Mette stated that the secondary driveway at
Firestone was replaced with asphalt and is sinking down a little. Ms. Mette inquired
if this is a permanent or temporary driveway, and if proper footings were put in.
Several brick pavers are missing at the Middlebelt walkway. Wonderland Bowl left
construction work not done. The grass area is torn up and needs to be replaced.
Guilio's is open and they have done a good job inside and outside. Scott Grace
states that he is surprised at the asphalt sidewalk at Guilio's. Mr. Nagy stated that
the old asphalt remains in the off street parking area and the plan reflected new
driveway and existing sidewalk. The restaurant is totally different inside with the
same amount of seats and more lighting.
Public Relations: Wes Graff left early due to a Chamber function. Stan Anderson
reported that a revised concept for the PRDA website is being discussed. Providing
updates on a continuing basis and a direct link between the Chamber and PRDA
websites are being explored.
Development Assistance: It was suggested that PRDA not offer redevelopment
assistance to businesses along Plymouth Road at this time, but a plan should be
considered for future projects. At the August meeting, the Board will find out from
Mr. Slater if funds are available.
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Banner Committee: John Nagy has authorized the contract for new banners. They
have been manufactured and delivered, and they are working on getting the new
bracket arms in place. The new banners should begin to unfold next week.
10. Directors Report: John Nagy reported that Taco Bell, north of Plymouth near the
Seven Eleven store, is going to completely demolish the restaurant and rebuild it.
They have agreed to pick up the cost of brick piers and wrought iron fences. The
building footprint is larger but contains the same number of seats. The plan doesn't
call for another co-located restaurant brand but is set up for the possibility for one in
the future.
11. Polling of Members: Lowell Peterson would like to send thank you notes to the
business along Plymouth Road that have completed improvement work that was
requested by the PRDA.
Mark Taormina: Bill Knapps on Plymouth has been converted to the Learning
Tree Day Care Center. They have moved in and are operational. They plan to
expand the building by putting an addition on the front of the building. The
elevation plan fits nicely with what they have done already with the gabled roof,
shutters, and asphalt shingles. The plan will double the size of the facility and meet
setback requirements. The playground will be completely redone. There is a dead-
end situation at the northeast corner of the property. Planning would like secondary
access to Woodring, or Learning Tree may choose to eliminate parking spaces.
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Scott Grace: There isn't a quorum present but PRDA will send a letter to the
Learning Tree Day Care Center without a formal resolution to let them the PRDA is
enthusiastic about the plans.
Jeff Bryant: A deal to sell the former Leone property to a new user expired and the
property remains on the market.
12. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the
159th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on July
15, 2004, was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on
Thursday, August 19, 2004.
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Debbie Walter, Secretary
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