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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTUDY - 2016-03-21 CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MARCH 21, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Vice-President Kritzman. Present: Maureen Miller Brosnan, Jim Jolly, Cathy White, Scott Bahr, Brian Meakin and Brandon Kritzman. Absent: Kathleen McIntyre. Elected and appointed officials present: Adriane Spencer, Deputy City Clerk; Mark Taormina, Director of Economic Development and Planning; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Dennis Wright, Mayor; Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources; Shadd Whitehead, Fire Chief; Michael Kelley, Fire Captain; Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster Road, spoke about the retiring of Lee Morrow from the Planning Commission, his integrity and character, and offered his best wishes. NEW BUSINESS: 1. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY: Leo Soave, Crosswinds Court Sub, Inc., re: for the property located at 9400 Stonehouse Avenue (Parcel #124-99-003-000) in order to develop this property. Meakin offered the resolution referring the matter to the Parks and Recreation Commission for its report and recommendation for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan offered the resolution referring the matter to the Administration, in addition to Parks and Recreation Commission, for its report and recommendation for the Consent Agenda DIRECTION: REFER TO THE PARKS AND CONSENT RECREATION COMMISSION AND THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THEIR REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION 2. REAPPOINTMENT OF JAMES R. MCCANN TO THE LIVONIA BOARD OF ETHICS: Office of the Mayor, for a three-year term, which will expire on March 1, 2019. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Judge McCann was out of town and could not be in attendance. Meakin said, through the Chair, that Judge McCann has served the community for over 50 years. 2 Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REAPPOINTMENT OF RICHARD W. MCDOWELL TO THE LIVONIA BOARD OF ETHICS: Office of the Mayor, for a three-year term, which will expire on March 1, 2019. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Richard McDowell has been on the Board of Ethics since 1988. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REAPPOINTMENT OF OMAR FARIS TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a four-year term, which will expire on May 16, 2020. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Omar Faris has been on the Plymouth Road Development Authority since 2012 and is asking for his reappointment. Omar Faris addressed Council and said he is looking forward to the continued progression on Plymouth Road. Vice-President Kritzman confirmed with Faris that the recorded address for his company, Custom Stone Works, is 32910 Plymouth Rd. and thanked him for his time. Jolly offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 5. REAPPOINTMENT OF RUTH ANN BROWN TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a four-year term, which will expire on May 16, 2020. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Ruth Ann Brown has been on the Plymouth Road Development Authority since 2012 and is asking for her reappointment. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 3 DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. REAPPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH MCCUE TO THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Office of the Mayor, for a four-year term, which will expire on May 16, 2020. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Elizabeth McCue has been on the Plymouth Road Development Authority since 2008. Elizabeth McCue said that she is honored and is looking forward to see the continued movement in the right direction on Plymouth Road. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 7. APPOINTMENT OF ELIZABETH MCCUE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Office of the Mayor, to fill the unexpired term of Kathleen McIntyre, which will expire on June 9, 2018. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Elizabeth McCue is dedicated individual that would like to see Livonia continue to move forward and is happy to have her become a part of that. Elizabeth McCue thanked the Mayor for his appointment and said that she understands what an important role the Planning Commission holds in the City and is honored to be a nominated. She concurred with previous statements in regards to Morrow and his dedication to the City. Meakin commented through the chair, on previous roles that Betsy McCue held in the City and concurred that she will be a great addition to the Planning Commission. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Bahr, through the Chair, asked Mayor Wright if that fulfills all open seats on the Planning Commission. Mayor Wright responded that there is one more seat pending an appointment. Brosnan commented, through the Chair, that she is pleased with the Mayor’s selection of Betsy McCue. She believes that our commissions represent a wide range of talents and because McCue brings representation from the south side of Livonia, that she will be a valuable asset to the Commission and appreciates the consideration that Mayor Wright took in his appointment. She also said she is pleased with the number of women that serve on the commission. Mayor Wright said that he did take that into consideration when looking at his appointments. 4 Christopher Martin, 12275 Inkster Road, said that he used to attend the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PDRA) meetings and when Betsy McCue served, as well as on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and that the Planning Commission is the next appropriate step for her. He also stated that Mayor Wright should consider Steve King for the final open seat on the Planning Commission. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. REAPPOINTMENT OF MAUREEN SIMARI TO THE LOCAL OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION: Office of the Mayor, for a seven-year term, which will expire on April 2, 2023. Mayor Wright presented the request to Council. He stated that Maureen Simari has served on the Commission since 2001. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan also commented on the seven re-appointments brought before Council for consideration. She noted that they are seven individuals that have remained committed to serving the community, regardless of the who was holding the Office of the Mayor or sitting on Council. She stated that the Commissions operate without compensation and the appointees are dedicated volunteers who wish to represent the community. She thanked the Mayor for his re-appointments so as to keep good people on the City Commissions. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 9. REQUEST TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A NEW MOBILITY VEHICLE 1 (MV- 1) BY AM GENERAL: Department of Community Resources, re: to be used for transportation to and from doctor, physical therapy and medical related appointments. Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources, presented the request to Council. She is asking Council to accept the donation of the van from S.C.A.N, Senior Citizen Achievement Needs, for a small handicapped accessible van, that will be used Monday through Friday for transportation to and from Doctor appointments. There is no charge for the program as it is run through the CDBG program. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan asked Linda McCann if the van provides any increased availability in the ride service. McCann responded that it should, as there is currently one (1) vehicle being used, and this donation would add a second van. 5 Brosnan stated that it was brought to Council’s attention about two years ago that more people were in need of rides than the City was able to provide and asked McCann if that has been the continued focus. McCann responded that it has been the focus and is why S.C.A.N. was good enough to donate the vehicle to the City to add that second vehicle. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 10. REQUEST TO APPROVE PURCHASE FROM SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER: Department of Community Resources, re: of three (3) bi-fuel conversion kits to retro fit 2016 Ford E-450 cutaway buses, from budgeted funds. Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources, presented the request to Council. She said that they have been slowly converting their buses to bi-fuel because it is cleaner for the environment, and they can choose which fuel to use based on current costs. She stated it is a budgeted item and would like approval to move forward. Meakin said that converting to Bi-fuel is heading the right direction and offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Brosnan said, through the Chair, that she believed they have moved with great purpose towards converting the fleet to bi-fuel. McCann clarified that by slowly, she meant they were converting on a replacement basis. Brosnan stated that she would like to see the conversion continue further, as much as the budget can a lot for. She said that there are cost savings, and environmental savings as well, and understands that if they could speed up the conversion process they would, and thanked McCann for the work they are doing with that. Brosnan asked McCann if there is any way to mark the vehicles and bi-fuel on the sides. McCann responded that she does not believed there is, but she can look into it. Brosnan indicated that it would be a benefit to the community to understand the City is placing value on protecting the environment. McCann responded that she will look into it. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 11. REQUEST TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF STAR TRAC FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS: Department of Parks and Recreation, re: from Core Health and Fitness, the sole authorized commercial products dealer for the State of Michigan, from budgeted funds. Michelle Koppin, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to Council. They are requesting to be approved to purchase the Star Trac equipment for the amount of $41,397.03. Core Health and Fitness is the sole provider for this equipment. According to servicing vendors, they have double the use during the 6 warranty period than other agencies, and recommended that it is time to replace the equipment. Brosnan asked Koppin if in terms of the higher pace usage, she understood there to be a replacement program that was in place, where assets were identified and there was a timeline for replacement of all the equipment at the Rec Center, and if this was part of that program or have they had to deviate from that plan because of the usage. Koppin responded that it is keeping within that plan and as part of that they are anticipating changing 1/3 of their equipment in a three-year time period. The newest lot of equipment being replaced was purchased in 2007. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Bahr asked what then happens to the old equipment being replaced. Koppin responded that the equipment will be identified and auctioned on MITN (Michigan Inter-Governmental Trade Network) to allow the public a chance to bid on it. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 12. REQUEST TO APPROVE PUCHASE OF OCTANE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS: Department of Parks and Recreation, re: from All Pro Exercise, the sole authorized commercial products dealer for the State of Michigan, from budgeted funds. Michelle Koppin, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to Council. She said that they have proposed five (5) machines that are Octane, which are specialized elliptical machines. They are part of the 1/3 replacement plan and the total amount is $21,275. Brosnan asked if the equipment was not going out for bid because they are being offered through the State of Michigan competitive bidding process. Koppin responded that they are not part of the State of Michigan bidding program, because they are only offered through a sole source that is authorized to sell the equipment in the State of Michigan. She stated that in past, when putting specialized equipment out for bid, they only received one bid for consideration. Brosnan asked why this equipment was considered specialized. Koppin responded that while all the equipment is commercial grade and geared for high use, the mechanics and features of the Octane machines make them specialized. Brosnan asked if there is any way to purchase through any sort of bid consortium since there must be other rec. centers that need the same type of equipment. Koppin responded that they did research with other agencies in Michigan and found that the price they were offered was the same, therefore there was no advantage to go that way. 7 Brosnan stated that the benefit of consortium is it has driven the price down due to economy of scale, and recommended in the future that research is done to see if anything is bid on a consortium basis that could help get a more competitive price. Koppin stated that they will explore those options in the future. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 13. REQUEST TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF PRECOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS: Department of Parks and Recreation, re: from Direct Fitness Solution, the sole authorized commercial products dealer for the State of Michigan, from budgeted funds. Michelle Koppin, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to Council. She stated that before Council was four (4) elliptical and three (3) recumbent bikes, as well as freight and installation, for a total cost $28, 990, which would complete the 1/3 equipment replacement plan. Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 14. AWARD OF BID: Livonia Fire and Rescue, re: for architectural and engineering services for proposed redesign and addition to the Apparatus Maintenance Garage, from budgeted funds. Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead presented the request to Council. He stated the Captain Mike Kelley was also present with him to answer any questions for Council. The first item is regarding the Apparatus Garage at Station Six (6), where vehicle maintenance is performed. The garage, in its current state, no longer suits their needs. It has been part of their six (6) year plan for redesign, and this year funds have been appropriated in the budget for the addition to the Apparatus Maintenance Garage. The request for proposals were placed on MITN website and five bids were received. He is requesting that Partners in Architecture, Mount Clemens, MI be awarded the bid for $26, 800.00, as they had the most comprehensive package and was the lowest all-inclusive bidder to include all architectural and design services, as well as project management. Brosnan commented on the wide array of bids received and the qualifications of the selected firm. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. 8 Bahr asked Chief Whitehead if it is typical, or alarming that the Partners in Architecture bid was significantly lower than all other bids. Chief Whitehead responded that he does not find it alarming, as they have worked with them before, they are well qualified, and there was a mandatory site visit prior to the request for proposals. He does not have any reservations about awarding the bid. Bahr thanked Chief Whitehead and was glad to hear that they had previous experience with them and have confidence in their work. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 15. AWARD OF BID: Livonia Fire and Rescue, re: for repair and restoration of Fire Station #4 Apparatus Bay Terrazzo Floor, from budgeted funds. Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead, along with Captain Mike Kelley, presented the request to Council. This will complete a two-year project of terrazzo floor repair and restoration for the Department. The terrazzo floors at Station #4 are original to the station, constructed in the 1960’s, and have not had any restoration or repair work done. He said that the Station #4 floors are the most expensive because of the scope of work needed. He stated that because of the specialized terrazzo floors, there were only 2 bids received. He is recommending that the bid be awarded to Tercon Systems – Howell, MI for $41,275.00, as they were the only bidder to meet all specifications and requirements, and they have done previous work with them with excellent service. Meakin stated he was going to ask why it was necessary to use terrazzo floors, but Chief Whitehead had answered his question when he spoke to the durability of the floor and that the current floor lasted 50 years without repair or replacement. He asked if it is expected that the new floor will last a similar amount of time. Captain Kelley addressed Council and stated that this is a rehabilitation and restoration of the current floor due to settling and hollowing. He anticipates getting another 50 years or use from the floor without further restoration. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 16. AWARD OF BID: Livonia Fire and Rescue, re: for the purchase of up to fifty (50) replacement sets of turn-out gear (Structural Firefighting Protective Clothing), at a cost of $1,835.00 each for 2016 and $1,905.00 each for 2017, from budgeted funds. Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead presented the request to Council. The final request is for the traditional bunker-gear that firefighters wear and goes out to bid every two (2) years. Along with staying up to date with technology, the gear has a 9 replacement timeline due to usage and is custom made to fit each individual. They went out for bid on 50 sets over a two-year period, which covers their normal annual usage. He is requesting SAMM Fire Equipment – Waterford, MI be awarded the bid for meeting all specifications, and being the low overall bidder. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Meakin stated that he knows of some Detroit firefighters that have had the same gear their entire career and asked what is done with the old gear. Chief Whitehead responded that the longevity of the gear is approximately six years on average before it is placed in a reserve status. Each firefighter has two sets of gear in the case of damage or repair needed to the primary set. Outside of that cycle, the gear is outside of NFPA requirements of ten years, and can no longer be used to fight fires. So it is then donated Community Colleges, fire training programs and other various rehabilitation programs. Meakin said that he is glad that they maintain NFPA requirements but reiterated that he knows that Detroit doesn’t always meet those standards. Bahr asked what the technological advances of the turn-out gear are. Chief Whitehead responded that most of the technological upgrades have come from the military. The challenges are keeping the heat out, but allowing the gear to breath, and maintaining that balance. The fabrics that the gear is made out of today has been tested for TPP (Thermal-Protective Performance), and allows o firefighters to survive flash-over conditions, 1900F, for up to 17 seconds without nd a 2 degree burn, which helps our firefighters fight the fires of today. Brosnan recalled that she had previously been given the opportunity to be part of a training exercise wearing older and heavier gear, that allowed Council to appreciate the need for lighter and more up to date gear, quickly gaining their support. She also suggested that there are several new Council members that may benefit from the same opportunity. Chief Whitehead responded that he would look into putting such an opportunity together for educational purposes of Council. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 17. REQUEST TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SOLE SUPPLIER, EJ USA, INC. f/k/a EAST JORDAN IRON WORKS, FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR: Water and Sewer Board, re: for the purchase of stormwater, water main and sanitary manhole-related items in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00 annually. Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, presented the request to Council. He stated that at their meeting on March 7, 2016, the Water and Sewer 10 Board concurred with the recommendation to authorize purchases from EJ USA Inc., without competitive bid process, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00 annually, for items with unit-prices being the same as other municipalities. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Meakin asked about the amount of manhole covers being used annually. Wilson responded that there is a regular replacement program in place for normal usage. He also stated that while theft isn’t as prevalent as in other communities, there is still some in the City. White asked if purchasing under a 2-year contract would offer any savings. Wilson responded that because the vendor is a sole supplier within the State, there is a lack of competitive environment and therefore no advantage to going out for contract. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 18. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for supplying the Road Maintenance Section with hot and cold Bituminous Materials for the period May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017, from budgeted funds. Brian Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, presented the request to Council. They solicited bids for bituminous materials utilizing the Michigan Inter- Governmental Trade Network (MITN) and is asking Council to accept the low bids from Nagle Paving, Ajax Material and Cadillac Asphalt. Jolly offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 19. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Engineering Division, re: for the 2016 Concrete Road Repair Program – Contract 16-C. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. He informed Council that due to significantly higher concrete prices, it was extremely challenging to determine what work will be requested for the 2016 contract year and adjustments to the original scope of work had to be made to accommodate the increased materials cost and stay within budget. He is asking for approval to supplement funds by transferring $118,000.00 from the Newburgh Road, CSX Railroad Reconstruction Project for a total available amount of $2,968,800.00, and award the contract to Hard Rock Concrete, Inc., Westland MI, for this 11 amount. He also stated that there will be significant challenges in 2017 to identify what the scope of work will be, so that there is more of a focus on maintenance vs. reconstruction. He apologized to the residents for the roads that had to be postponed in this year’s program. Bahr thanked Zilincik for his detailed explanation and diligence. He asked Zilincik to clarify the portion of the bid that details inspector days. Zilincik responded that the inspector days is based on the length of the contract and the contractor is held to the number of days they chose to bid on, with overages being deducted to their contract price. Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Meakin asked Scott Lockwood, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. (AEW), if he is comfortable with the proposed 90 inspector days from Hardrock Concrete. Scott Lockwood replied that he is comfortable because those days are there to protect their firm, and the City in the event that the contractor takes longer than anticipated. In the case of this contract, they are charged $750.00 per day for every day over the agreed upon inspector days. Brosnan requested, through the Chair, that the matter of the Concrete Road Repair Program be referred to the Infrastructure and Community Transit Committee, to discuss the future of the program considering the rising costs of materials. Zilincik responded that once the pacer ratings are completed the results will be presented to Council with an anticipated list for 2017. In addition, he hopes to present some alternatives to consider to ensure the continued maintenance of the City streets. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 20. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Engineering Division, re: for the 2016 Sidewalk Replacement Program – Contract 16-G. Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. He said that inspections were completed in the fall and 647 locations were identified. Of the four bids received, the low bidder was Rotundo Construction Corporation, Livonia MI, with a bid amount of $561,079.50 with 40 inspector days, for a total project cost not to exceed $617,187.45, which includes an 10% administration fee. He is asking that Council award the contract to Rotundo Construction in the amount of $548,579.50, and authorize payment to Precision Concrete in an amount not to exceed $12,500.00 for areas where grinding will be required due to uplifting caused by tree roots. His final request is to approve a budget adjustment of $320,000.00 to increase the transfer from the Local Road Fund to the Road, 12 Sidewalk and Tree Fund with an increase of $100,000 to the Sidewalk Expense Account. • Jolly offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 21. AWARD OF CONTRACT; AND REQUEST TO DESIGNATE CONSULTANT THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCESS, TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES: Engineering Division, re: to Hard Rock Concrete, honoring 2016 Concrete Road Repair Program, (Contract 16-C) in an amount not-to-exceed $385,000.00 and execute a change in the construction engineering contract with Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $46,200.00 for proposed additional work for the Newburgh Road Reconstruction Project (from 450’ South of the CSX Railroad Bridge to 300’ North), from budgeted funds. (CR 345-15 and CR 367-13) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. He said that Spalding DeDecker Associates (SDA) did the design and traffic control plan and was then handed off to Hard Rock Concrete. He also contacted Scott Lockwood, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc.(AEW), to assist in the construction engineering contract, based on the QBS process for additional work in the amount of $46,200.00. He is also asking to approve Hard Rock Concrete, being the low-bidder, for replacing the 9-inch concrete and aggregate base, and in order to save the taxpayers money, to complete the additional work while AEW is in the area to do the inspection, also taking into consideration the timing of the I- 275 Rehabilitation Project. Scott Lockwood, AEW, addressed Council and said that if the project went out to bid it would cause a significant increase in unit-price for the 9-inch concrete and other items, as well as the design for construction engineering, instead of wrapping it in with the 2016 Program. Bronsan commented that she appreciated Scott Lockwood’s time in explaining the savings in the QBS process and inter-connecting the projects. Lockwood explained that the City of Livonia, and Zilincik, has had excellent execution of the QBS process since it began. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 22. REQUEST TO APPROVE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IMPROVEMENT BONDS: Engineering Division, re: to assure the installation of public improvements at Arbor Trail Estates Site Condominiums, located at 35652, 13 35700, 35800 and 35850 Ann Arbor Trail, in the Southeast ¼ of Section 32. (CR 260-15) Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. Council Resolution No. 260-15, approved the preliminary Master Deed, Bylaws and Site Plan for the Arbor Tail Estates Condominium. He is asking to establish public improvement bonds along with cash payments, according to ordinance. Brosnan asked Zilincik to confirm that the bonds are essentially the City’s guarantee that the improvements are going to made to code and in a timely fashion, and if the developer is unable to meet standards set, the City keeps the bond money, otherwise it is returned to the developer. Zilincik responded that should all improvements be completed and approved by the City, they can release the bonds back to the developer in stages or once Water, Sewer and Roads has been completed. The bonds do offer protection for project completion for the City. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 23. VACATING PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2015-12-03-02 submitted by Schoolcraft College, to determine whether or not to vacate the existing sanitary sewer, storm water and water main easements located on the southeast corner of Seven Mile and Haggerty Roads (39201 Seven Mile Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 7. (CR 41-16) Mark Toarmina, Director of Economic Development and Planning, presented the request to Council. He stated that under the code of Ordinances, the Planning Commission is required to hold a public hearing for any request to vacate a public utility easement, as is requested by Schoolcraft College. He is asking that Council approve the petition, as there is no longer a purpose of those utilities to remain under public domain and will come under ownership and maintenance obligations of Schoolcraft College. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. John Wright, Executive Director of Facilities Management, Schoolcraft College, addressed Council and said that the request stems from the acquisition of the Jeffress Center and the need to make the Southeast entrance to the building more accessible to the College and meet ADA regulations. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 14 24. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-01-02-01 submitted by Kucyk, Soave & Fernandes, P.L.L.C, to develop a Planned Residential Development (Washington Park) under the Single Family Clustering option on properties, located on the southwest corner of Hix and Ann Arbor Roads (9449, 9447, 9445, 9443, 9441 and 9439 Hix Road – former Washington Elementary School), in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 31. Mark Toarmina, Director of Economic Development and Planning, presented the request to Council. He reminded Council gave first-reading to the re-zoning of this property in October. He informed them that Washington Park is a proposed detached cluster condominium subdivision, on the site of the former Washington Elementary School. They are proposing a Single Family Clustering pursuant to Sections 20.01 and 20.02A of the City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance, which is a development alternative that provides flexibility in design standards to encourage more efficient use of land, but does not change the overall density allowed. He stated that under conventional subdivision design standards the property would allow for up to 50 homes, and this development proposes 45 homes to include an open space park, that will meet the special requirements of a Single Family Clustering, with access from Hix Road only, with two new streets as part of the development. He also noted that the drainage districts are split in two which will necessitate the construction of two storm-water detention basins to meet engineering specifications, and made reference to the significant landscaping plan that has been approved by the Planning Commission, as well as the green space. He is asking that Council approves the special waiver use approval as recommended by the Planning Commission with conditions. Brosnan asked Taormina if the reason it is a Waiver Petition is due to being a cluster development. Taormina responded that is correct. Enrico Soave, Kucyk, Soave & Fernandes, P.L.L.C., 37771 Seven Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, addressed Council, representing the petitioner, took the opportunity to thank Mark Taormina, his staff and the department heads in this project. He stated that the Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan He said the only question remaining was in regards to the park, and if it would remain a private park, maintained by the Condominium Association, or become a public park, which was offered to Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that Parks and Recreation accepted the dedication of the park subject to the two conditions of a new play structure and a fencing requirement. They had no objection to the requests. Bronsan asked Soave who will maintain the partial sidewalk that runs behind lots 42-45. Soave responded that the partial sidewalk will be maintained by the condominium association. Bronsan commended Soave on the proposal and connecting an established neighborhood with new development by parks and pathways. 15 Meakin asked Soave if the units will include a first floor master bedroom, recalling speaking to residents in that area and that being on their wishlist. Soave responded that there are a variety plans for buyers to choose and first-floor master bedroom plans account for approximately 35% of their sales. Meakin asked if they have started marketing yet. Soave replied that it was too early to begin the marketing phase until all site plans and purchase agreements were complete. Meakin asked when they are scheduled to close on the property. Soave responded that closing was conditioned on Council approval. Meakin asked what the timeline from closing to the start of construction might be. Soave responded that closing should happen soon and he hopes to have home constructed in the fall. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Bahr commented that when it came before Planning Commission last year, the key concern was having open or park space. He asked if the sidewalk that connects from Knolson Avenue connects to the existing sidewalk on Ann Arbor Road. He also asked why there doesn’t seem to be trees lining the street in the landscaping plan. Soave replied that it is somewhat due to the clustering nature of the development, but also due to the right-of-way not being wide enough to support healthy tree growth for a large tree. Toarmina added that there will be a requirement for one tree per lot on the right- of-way. Kim Belhorn, 9339 Patton Street, Livonia, spoke in favor of the development and asked what kind of play structures were intended for the park, should it become a public park, and what the timing of the development of the park will be. Soave responded that it will be a cooperation with Parks and Recreation Department to determine what the play structure will be for the Park. He added that the park will not be completed until the end of construction. Belhorn asked him to clarify if the park will be completed after the homes are sold or after construction is complete. Vice-President Kritzman responded that he believes Soave was referring to the completion of the construction phase for the park completion, as it would be unsafe to have a park near a construction site. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. 16 Meakin announced the Grant Ceremony of the Livonia Community Foundation on April 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Robert and Janet Bennett Library. Brosnan wished everyone a Happy Easter and commended Vice-President Kritzman on a job well-done of running the meeting. She also commented that the evening’s meeting was very satisfying in regards to the discussion held and items considered in the advancement of Livonia. As there were no further questions or comments, Vice-President Kritzman adjourned the Study Session at 9:45 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2016. DATED: March 30, 2016 SUSAN M. NASH CITY CLERK