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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2010-11-18 MINUTES OF THE 222nd REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 222nd Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan, was called to order at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 18, 2010, in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall. Members Present: Wayne Glass, Chairman Jack Kirksey, Mayor Betsy McCue Scott Grace John Hiltz Toni Mette Greg Meyer Lowell Peterson Absent: Jeff Staebler Dan West Others Present: John J. Nagy, Executive Director Dave Varga, Director of Administrative Services Mark Taormina, Economic Development & Planning Director Michael Slater, Finance Director (spe Steve Levesque, Commercial Mowing Services Colleen Siembor, Cardwell Florist Robert Auth, Resident Christopher Martin, Resident Margie Watson, Secretary 1. Roll was called. A quorum was present. 2. Adoption of the 221st Regular Meeting Minutes. On a motion made by Mette, seconded by Peterson, and unanimously adopted, it was #2010-23 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 221st Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on October 21, 2010, are hereby approved. Mr. Glass, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. C November 18, 2010 2 3. Old Business. Mr. Glass asked that the rearranged agenda be to permit discussion of the 9 9 Old Business while the Mayor was available. (a) Meetings with corridor businesses. Informational meetings were held with Plymouth Road business owners to discuss corridor maintenance; one on Wednesday, October 27 and one on Thursday, October 28. Thirty business owners attended the meetings. Mr. Glass compiled a summary of the comments and suggestions of businesses in attendance and provided a diagram of the taxable value of property beginning with the 1994 Base Year. The Mayor advised that there could be some positive news on what was anticipated to be a very significant loss of tax revenue from the corridor. It is expected that Ford Motor Company will reach a settlement providing some transitional monies. This will reduce the loss anticipated for the PRDA but not enough to get above the 1994 Base Year Tax Value threshold. Three resources were cited to assist in the maintenance of the corridor: continued PRDA efforts, City involvement, and the use of volunteers, such as current business owners on Plymouth Road and probationers from the 16th District Court. A citizen volunteer would also be necessary to coordinate the various maintenance activities. The possibility of using Master Gardeners to adopt sections of the corridors was also suggested. The issue of how to finance the use and maintenance of the irrigation system installed by the PRDA along 12 miles of roadway was also discussed. The cost of maintenance for the irrigation and the use of water for a year is approximately $75,000. Three possible resources were discussed. The first would be to assess a fee from the business owners, through, perhaps, a business association model. The second possibility would be to increase property taxes by 2 mils, although this seems unlikely to happen during the 2011 election campaign year, and is also a less desirable approach as the increased taxes would affect all properties within the district, although only those along the roadway would benefit. The third would be to create a Special Assessment District for property owners abutting Plymouth Road. Mr. Taormina, Mr. Slater and Chief Assistant City Attorney Cathryn White met to discuss this possibility. Mr. Taormina explained the basic steps in establishing a Special Assessment District and discussion ensued on who should initiate the petition and other considerations, including a precise definition of what expenses would be included. Subsequent discussions will be necessary to resolve the issues and methodology for this approach. (b) Mr. Glass sent a letter, dated October 22, 2010 to Commercial Mowing Services on behalf of the Board, thanking the company for its excellent services to the PRDA. November 18, 2010 3 Cry (c) Mr. Glass will send an email reminder to members asking for a response to the Holiday Dinner and retirement celebration for John Nagy. (d) The PRDA meeting schedule for 2011 will be discussed at next month's meeting. 4. New Business. Mr. Glass asked about the Nominating Committee. The Committee will present a slate of candidates for 2011 at the next meeting. 5. Financial Reports. The Financial Statements of the Authority's Special Revenue Fund for the months ending August 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, were presented by Michael Slater, Finance Director. The September Balance Sheet reflects total assets in the amount of $4,811,036.93, total liabilities in the amount of $2,878,509.00 and a total fund balance of $1,032,527.93. Mr. Slater reiterated that the fund balance would be first allocated to service the PRDA debt and other obligations of the PRDA, such as electricity and emergency maintenance. On a motion made by Hiltz, seconded by McCue, and unanimously adopted, it was #2010-24 RESOLVED, that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby accept and approve the Financial Statements of the Authority's Special Revenue Fund for the months ending August 31, 2010, and September 30, 2010. Mr. Glass, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. 6. Construction Committee: Greg Meyer advised that the street light poles are being repainted and will be completed by the end of November. Mr. Nagy stated that the installation of the three replacement electrical control boxes will also be completed by the end of November. 7. Director's Report: (a) Mr. Nagy advised that the sign for the Brake Shop on the northeast corner of Merriman and Plymouth has been repaired and replaced. (b) As Mr. Nagy is retiring from the Board, he acknowledged the dedication and longevity of the Board Members. He said that he takes great pride in what has been accomplished to date, and that he had hoped to stay until the corridor was completed. However, he has great confidence that because of the Board's dedication, the improvements that have been achieved will continue to be well maintained and one day will achieve the �r final results. November 18, 2010 4 8. Audience Communication. ts„ (a) Christopher Martin asked for an explanation of the Ford Motor Company Y tax appeal. Mr. Slater explained that one of the major tax entities was successful in altering the depreciation tables used by the Tax Commission, which will result in decreased revenues to the City. Mr. Martin suggested that the services of Margot McCormack, a Master Gardener who addressed the Board earlier this year regarding proper plant care, be considered. He inquired about the meeting schedule for next year, and Mr. Glass advised that monthly meetings are anticipated. Mr. Martin stated that the use of the 16th District Court probationers is a good idea. He inquired about vacant properties on Plymouth Road and Mr. Taormina replied that it is about 15 percent vacant. Mr. Martin also complimented Mr. Nagy on his service and dedication to the Board over the years. (b) Colleen Siembor, Cardwell Florist, said she has worked for the florist for 33 years. She thanked the Board for their contributions and asked to be kept informed as changes occur, and that she would be willing to help out. 9. Polling of Members. Betsy McCue offered that many citizens in the City are interested in gardening and suggested contacting Tom Wozniak of the Rosedale Gardens Home Association to see if they want to adopt sections of Plymouth Road for maintenance purposes. Toni Mette said that John Nagy has been a huge part of the success of the PRDA's efforts, that he has vast knowledge of the City, incredible vision and loyalty. She thanked him for his efforts over the years. John Hiltz expressed interest in defining what a Special Assessment would include and said a meeting with the Mayor would be needed. He told John Nagy that he has done a wonderful job for the corridor. On a personal level, it has been a tremendous experience working with him. Greg Meyer said that John Nagy has played a great leadership role for the City with outstanding results. Lowell Peterson also expressed his appreciation of Mr. Nagy's efforts and leadership over the years. Scott Grace similarly expressed his appreciation for Mr. Nagy's years of service to the PRDA, and his regret that the PRDA was losing such a wonderful director. Wayne Glass also thanked Mr. Nagy for his service, stating that he will be missed. Mr. Glass advised that the Mayor's State of the City address will take place on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Burton Manor. November 18, 2010 5 tor Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 222nd Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on November 18, 2010, was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010. Margie Watson, Secretary