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.
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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