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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTUDY - 2016-04-04 CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD APRIL 4, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President McIntyre. Present: Jim Jolly, Cathy White, Scott Bahr, Brian Meakin, Brandon Kritzman, Maureen Miller Brosnan and Kathleen McIntyre. Absent: None. Elected and appointed officials present: Susan Nash, City Clerk; Mark Taormina, Director of Economic Development and Planning; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service. Meakin announced that the Livonia Community Foundation will hold its annual Grant Ceremony on April 6, 2016, in the Civic Auditorium at the Robert and Janet Bennett Library. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:None NEW BUSINESS: 1. BLOCK PARTY: Kathleen A. Fitzgerald, re: to be held on Monday, May 30, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Cranston Avenue between Elmira and Orangelawn Avenues, with no rain date. Brosnan, stated that she was informed by Kathleen Fitzgerald that she was not able to attend tonight’s meeting, but this has become an annual event, coming before Council for the last 15 years. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 2. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE CITY’S NOISE ORDINANCE: Douglas Bates, re: to allow a wedding with a DJ at his home located at 18156 Deering, on Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Douglas Bates, 18156 Deering, presented the request to Council. He and his fiancée would like to be married at their residence, which he described as their dream home. They have been granted permission to allow parking in the Michigan State Police parking lot adjacent to their property. He has spoken to his neighbors and most of them will be attending the ceremony. The celebration will start at 6:00 p.m. and end at 12:00 a.m. 2 Meakin offered his best wishes and said he was happy that their dream home was found here in Livonia. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Jolly echoed the sentiments from Meakin. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 3. REQUEST TO APPROVE ALLIANCE OF ROUGE COMMUNITIES (ARC) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR 2016: Public Service Division, re: in the amount of $28,502.00 from funds budgeted for this purpose. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service, presented the request to Council. He is asking for approval to pay the assessment of $28,502.00 to the Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC). Livonia has been part of ARC since its inception in 2004. Participation in ARC provides preparation and guidance in the required MS4 Storm water permit. He stated that it is also provides collaboration and cooperation between other Rouge River communities. White asked Moore how the amount of $28,502.00 compared to last year’s cost. Moore responded that be believes it is less, based on population and other factors. He said he would the records to confirm that. Kritzman stated that it is helpful if the departments presenting annual re- occurring costs have the information available for Council with previous year’s charges so that they may compare and make an informed decision. Meakin asked Moore if Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works, is the representative for the City on ARC. Moore responded that he is the primary representative and Rohraff is an alternate. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. President McIntyre reminded Moore to provide the data on 2015 assessment cost. Brosnan said that it is alarming to see dues for that amount of money, to any organization, and felt Moore did well in explaining why that money is well spent in this area. She recalled when the request was first brought to Council, the Department gave a presentation explaining that to be part of a watershed wide- group, it requires a regional watershed plan. Participation in ARC provides the necessary resources to meet the demands and requirements from the State of Michigan. Without this participation, the City would have to devote significant 3 staff hours to meeting those demands, and the other advantages provided by ARC would be lost. Brosnan conveyed that every time this bill comes due, she looks at it as money well spent. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 4. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) 15” DRUM STYLE CHIPPERS UTILIZING THE NATIONAL JOINT POWERS ALLIANCE (NJPA) PRICING: Public Service Division, re: from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service presented the request to Council. They sent out six region wide brush chipper requests. Three companies responded and provided demo products to their crew. He is asking for authorization to purchase two (2) 2016 model drum-style chippers from Mobark, Inc., being the lowest bidder and having favorable results. Brosnan stated that this request comes in a timely manner after receiving notification of brush and branch chipper service resuming. She asked Moore if this equipment will be available in time to service residents for this year’s chipper season. Moore responded that they should have this equipment by mid-May. Brosnan asked if they are replacing equipment still in service. Moore responded that there are 2 units being replaced that will be going to surplus auction. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) REPLACEMENT VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service Division, re: for two (2) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab, 4x4 Pick-up Trucks, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service presented the request to Council. He is requesting authorization to purchase two (2) trucks, to be used for service in the Water & Sewer Maintenance, and will be equipped with plows, safety lighting, spray in bed liners, cab protectors, back-up alarms and air compressors, using State of Michigan contract pricing and Signature Ford being the servicing dealer. They are replacing two (2) trucks, in poor condition, purchased in 2004. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. Meakin asked for confirmation of when the vehicles that are being replaced were purchased. Moore responded that the Fleet manager will investigate vehicles 4 purchased from 2000-2004 to determine which vehicles are most in need of replacement. Meakin said that he was glad that the vehicles are giving us ten or more years of service and were worth the money spent. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE SEVEN (7) REPLACEMENT VEHICLES UTILIZING STATE OF MICHIGAN BID PROCESS: Public Service Division, re: for six (6) 2016 Ford F250 Super Cab and one (1) 2016 Ford F250 Crew Cab, 4x4 Pick-up Trucks, from budgeted funds. Doug Moore, Superintendent of Public Service presented the request to Council. He stated the vehicles will be used for the Building Maintenance, Engineering, Fleet Maintenance, Roads and Park Maintenance sections of Public Works. They will be equipped with plows, safety lighting, spray in bed liners, and some with lift gates, and air compressors. Five of the trucks will be equipped with gas propane switch off to run on both propane and unleaded gasoline. Kritzman asked Moore why only five of the seven trucks will have the Bi-fuel system. Moore thinks it has to do with the manufacturing of the body style and compatibility with that system, as well as timing of the order placed. Kritzman followed up saying they have been putting the Bi-fuel conversion in as many vehicles as they can, and appreciated Moore’s explanation. White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 7. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-02-02-02 submitted by Wade Shows, Inc. to conduct a carnival in the parking lot of Sears, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Livonia, consisting of amusement rides, games and food concessions from May 20, 2016 through May 30, 2016, inclusive, on property located on the northwest corner of Seven Mile Road and Middlebelt Road (29500 Seven Mile Road) in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 2. Mark Taormina, Director of Economic Development and Planning presented the request to Council. He stated this is a recurring request by the Rotary Club of Livonia to hold a fundraising carnival in the parking lot of Sears. The City granted waiver use approval to allow a carnival at this same location last year. The duration of this year's carnival will be 11 days from May 20, 2016 through May 30, 2016. The dates of operation correspond with the Friday before the weekend of Memorial Day and would extend through the Memorial Day weekend. The proposed hours of operation are from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and then 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. On Tuesday, 5 June 1, the carnival would be closed and removed from the site. The layout of the carnival is identical to last year's. The area utilized for the carnival is roughly 660 feet by 320 feet, and it is located in the southeast corner of the parking lot of Sears. After several years of the equipment and RV storage being located at the rear of the property, about two years ago that moved to the front of the lot to remove any disturbances to the condominium complex that is located on the north side of St. Martins. This year's event is the same. Joanna Hardesty, Wade Shows, Inc., P.O. Box 51730, Livonia, Ml 48151 was th present to answer any questions. This is the 5 annual fundraising carnival at the Sears location and everything is the same as the last couple years. Kritzman said that he was glad Taormina mentioned the location of the storage area as it was the first thing he looked at when reviewing this request, and is happy they were able to move the area. He noted that it has eliminated the typical complaints previously received from neighbors. Meakin asked Joanna Hardesty if this was a different week than last year’s dates. Hardesty responded that it was later than last year, because they typically fluctuate between the week before and week after Memorial Day. Meakin asked Hardesty to address any security concerns and measures being taken. Hardesty responded that, as in previous years, they will contract with Livonia Police Department for security, increasing the hours they are present for this year’s carnival. Meakin asked if they also use private security. Hardesty replied that they do use off-duty Detroit Police Officers as well. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 8. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-02-02-03 submitted by Midwest Memorial Group, to construct an addition to an existing mausoleum at the Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens Cemetery located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Six Mile Road and Pickford Avenue (17800 Middlebelt Road), in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 12. Mark Taormina, Director of Economic Development and Planning presented the information to Council. This item comes before Council with an approving recommendation by the Planning Commission. This is a waiver use request to construct an addition to an existing mausoleum located at the Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens Cemetery which is located on the east side of Middlebelt between Six Mile and Pickford Avenue. Even though the cemetery currently has a mausoleum, constructing additional crypts is considered an expansion of the use and can only be approved through waiver use approval. It consists of an existing building and crypts located on the southerly portion of the cemetery about 430 6 feet east of Middlebelt Road. The existing structure is roughly 1,785 square feet in size. The building consists of a central chapel that is flanked symmetrically on both sides with the crypts. The addition to this structure will measure roughly 2,170 square feet, so it will essentially double the size of the mausoleum. It will be built at the rear or south side of the existing building. It will have a very similar layout to the existing mausoleum. It will have a central meditation area and then projections on both the east and west sides to accommodate the additional crypts. The enlarged mausoleum altogether will be about 4,000 square feet in size. The look and the building materials of the proposed addition will match the existing structure. It will be constructed primarily out of masonry. It will have a stucco finish on the back and the fronts of the burial crypts will have the same polished granite panels as the existing building. The roofline of the addition will match the existing. Steve Garske, 570 Georgian Terrace, Saginaw MI was present, on behalf of Midwest Memorial Group and Mt Hope Memorial Gardens Cemetery, to answer any questions. The addition will not be seen from Middlebelt Road, and will double the size of their chapel to accommodate larger funerals and add more crypts. Brosnan asked, through the Chair, to Mr. Taormina if there is a limit to the development allowed in cemeteries. Taormina replied that there are not any ground cover limitations that he is aware of, but can confirm that prior to the voting meeting. Brosnan commented that there seems to be a change in the industry where more funerals are conducted in one place, and that would initiate the need for cemeteries to have more space to accommodate. Garske replied that there is more of a demand for above ground interments, and the original chapel was not built to accommodate the growing number of large family funerals being held. Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 9. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-02-08-01 submitted by Costco Wholesale Corporation, in connection with a proposal to construct a warehouse addition to the rear of the building, expand the loading dock area and modify the entrance of the Costco store located on the east side of Haggerty Road between Seven Mile and Eight Mile Roads (20000 Haggerty Road), in the Northwest ¼ of Section 6. Mark Taormina, Director of Economic Development and Planning presented the information to Council. This is a request to expand the existing Costco warehouse located on the east side of Haggerty Road midway between Seven 7 and Eight Mile Roads. The Costco that currently sits on this property is about 131,629 square feet. Upon completion of this expansion project, the floor area would increase to about a total of 157,250 square feet, an increase of over 25,000 square feet. The majority of the added space would be at the rear of the building. The addition would extend the warehouse approximately 50 feet in an easterly direction towards the 1-275 expressway. This addition measures roughly 22,456 square feet. The footprint of the addition extends the full length of the building, which is over 460 feet. The area behind the warehouse is currently used for service functions as well as parking. The warehouse expansion will require moving the curb further to the east in order to maintain access and to replace some of the lost parking. The service functions, which include a compressor and electrical equipment that are currently at the back of the warehouse, will be relocated inside the building. The exterior building materials and the colors on the addition will match the existing building. It basically includes taupe-colored masonry block and some horizontal ribbed metal panels that would all be accented with a red horizontal band. The architect is present and he will be able to describe these changes in greater detail. The next addition is to the loading dock area, which is at the south end of the building. This addition is much smaller. It's about 3,164 square feet. It will move the truck wells slightly to the west. Again, the architectural appearance would match that of the existing building by using the same materials and colors. The most visible aspect to this project would occur at the front of the warehouse. It involves changes to the front entrance which is at the northwest corner of the building. The remodeling would provide a larger overhang where the vestibule is currently located and that will provide cover for customers entering the store and for cart storage. The changes also include some minor alterations to the Tire Center which is located on north side of the building. The building materials include vertical and horizontal ribbed metal panels along the fascia elements. There are some columns that will be wrapped with a similar type of ribbed metal but those are a different color, and then some steel trellis designs with the painted masonry. The addition to the front of the store will project outward from the building. That is going to cause some of the parking closest to the building to be reconfigured. The plan shows the curb being moved further to the east in the area where it can be moved without creating any substantial topographic changes and replacing that area with about 28 new parking spaces. That would recoup some of the lost parking spaces. It cannot be extended further to the south without really impacting the grades. There is also a slight offset in the property line. That presents some complications, but this is an area of the site where the grade really rises steeply. Already there is going to be a 10-foot wall provided along the back of the store in that area. Where it flattens out, they can add the additional parking. When looking at the overall parking impact, Costco is part of a planned commercial development that is known as Chestnut Hills. That includes the adjacent Target store, as well as two restaurants, Twin Peaks and Panera Bread, as well as the Horizon Health Medical Center. According to project data that was provided with the application, Costco is allocated currently about 739 parking spaces. Upon completion of the project, the plan shows that there would be 696 spaces, which 8 results in a net decrease of 43 spaces. Per Ordinance, Costco would need to have 786 parking spaces based on a ratio of one space for every 160 square feet of useable floor area. When they looked at the overall development, what is required is about 2,038 spaces for the five main uses that make up Chestnut Hills. There are about 1 ,867 spaces currently, resulting in a deficiency of 171. The Zoning Board of Appeals previously granted a variance allowing for a shortfall of 160 spaces. When they looked at the addition to this building and the loss of the additional parking, it is going to increase the deficiency to about 214 spaces, and that is going to require this item to go back before the Zoning Board of Appeals for approval. The request comes to Council with recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission. Brosnan, through the Chair, requested Taormina to clarify the parking deficiency information, in regards to the variance previously granted for 160 spaces and the current deficiency of 171 spaces. Taormina responded that he believes the differential of 11 spaces may be a result of development on the site since 1993. He explained how required parking spaces are calculated based on floor area of the building, so the increase in deficiency to 214 total parking spaces, is a result of expanding the floor area of the current building. Brosnan acknowledged that it is essentially 54 deficient spaces above the current variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Ted Johnson, T J Design Strategies, Ltd., 2311 W. 22nd, Suite 208, Oak Brook, Illinois 6052, on behalf of Costco was present and informed Council when the petition first went before the Planning Commission, they did a parking inventory study over different days. The study showed that there were a significant number of spaces not utilized. They also did comparison studies with other Costco stores of similar size or larger and compared door counts, assuming one person per car, determining the 696 spaces available, shown in the plan, is sufficient during peak hours and they will present this data to the Zoning Board of Appeals for approval of a parking variance. He explained that several of the older Costco’s are being renovated and expanded to provide better shopping experience for customers. They have found that expansion does not increase traffic, it does however increase sales due to more merchandise availability. They are also implementing some of the architectural elements from newer buildings into this building. Meakin offered his thanks for the investment in Livonia with this proposal. He expressed concern over the estimation of parking spaces needed, but said that if they are comfortable with their findings, then he is as well. Meakin then asked Taormina if the Fire Department has reviewed the plan to ensure sufficient space available in back to accommodate parking and emergency vehicles. Taormina responded that to his knowledge, there was nothing of concern in their report, which was included in Council’s information packet. 9 Brosnan echoed Meakin’s excitement about the renovations and investment in Livonia, and agreed that it will not draw more traffic to the store, but also expressed concern over the loss of the parking spots. She then inquired of Taormina about the inclusion of Panera Bread and Twin Peaks restaurant in the analysis of the parking for the planned commercial development. Due to their proximity to the rest of the development, she does not view those parcels as viable parking options for Costco. She wondered if those were taken out of the analysis, if that would cause more of a hardship. Taormina responded that her concerns are valid. The parking in this development is evenly distributed between the various uses. They did determine that the net reduction affecting Costco parking area only is 43 spaces, which is not significant, when considering most of those spaces are in the back and rarely utilized. Johnson further explained that when they completed the utilization study, they included all parcels in the development, not just Costco. He also clarified that during peak shopping seasons, employees are expected to park in the back. Brosnan asked if they are at maximum use of space of the property. Johnson replied that he believes they are, and Taormina confirmed that they are at boundary limits in terms of adding practical parking space. Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda. DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT 10. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSE TO THE IMPACT OF HB 5232 ON CITY OF LIVONIA ORDINANCES: Department of Law, re: historical districts as well as the makeup and conduct of business of the Livonia Historical Commission. Don Knapp, City Attorney, presented the information to Council. He pointed out that there are not currently any historic districts in the City, so no existing neighborhoods would be impacted. However, if we did have them, and the legislation was enacted, there would be changes that would have to be made to Ordinance. Significantly changing the membership of the Livonia Historical Commission, due to membership requirements of the bill, the procedure for designating historical districts, eliminating historical districts, and standards of compliance for changes to structures within a historical district. In order to establish a historic district the following would be required: obtain preliminary approval of the proposed historic district from property owners; appoint a historic district study committee, who are assigned specific tasks; hold a public hearing within 60 days of the preliminary report; receive a final report with recommendations from the committee within one year of the public hearing; then at its discretion, introduce and pass or reject an ordinance to establish a historic district, which would become operative only if a majority of electors in the local unit also approves the establishment of a historic district. He informed Council 10 that there has not been movement on this legislation and has remained in committee, not yet moving to the House floor. Bahr asked Knapp in regards to the historic designation automatically expiring after 10 years under HB 5232, if under current law it would continue in perpetuity unless action is taken. Knapp responded yes. Brosnan reiterated thanks to the Law Department for this report as there has been previous discussion regarding establishment of future historic districts within Livonia. She also stated that the importance that this legislation could play in Livonia’s future and that the Michigan Historic Preservation Network opposes this legislation. She asked Knapp if the City has taken a position on this bill. Knapp informed her that the Administration has not taken a formal position, to his knowledge. Brosnan expressed her opinion that this could be detrimental in the future, as one benefit of establishing historic district is the increase in property values and the inability to do so without the confines of the proposed bill would not be beneficial to the City. Brosnan, in addition to the receive and file of this report, offered the approving resolution opposing HB 5232. Meakin stated he is not ready to take a position on this yet, and offered the approving resolution to refer this to the Legislative Affairs Committee for the Regular Agenda. DIRECTION: 1) RECEIVE AND FILE REGULAR 2) REQUEST ADMINISTRATION TO WRITE A LETTER OPPOSING HB5232. 3) REFER TO THE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None. As there were no further questions or comments, President McIntyre adjourned the Study Session at 8:52 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016. DATED: April 8, 2016 SUSAN M. NASH CITY CLERK