HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTUDY - 2016-07-25
CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD JULY 25, 2016
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President McIntyre. Present: Brian
Meakin, Brandon Kritzman. Maureen Miller Brosnan, Jim Jolly, Cathy White, and
Kathleen McIntyre. Absent: Scott Bahr.
Elected and appointed officials present: Mark Taormina, Director of Economic
Development and Planning; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Don Knapp, City Attorney;
Mayor Dennis Wright; Police Captain Ron Taig; Don Rohraff, Director of Public Works;
Judy Priebe, Director of Legislative Affairs; Linda McCann, Director of Community
Resources; and Susan Nash, City Clerk.
President McIntyre announced there is new data on Item #11.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. BLOCK PARTY: Allen Kannapell, re: to be held on Sunday, September 11,
2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Clarita Street between Mayfield and
Loveland, with a rain date of Sunday, September 18, 2016
Allen Kannapell presented his request to Council. This is their first block party
request and they are hoping for a successful event to bring the neighbors
together.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. BLOCK PARTY: Stephanie Myers, re: to be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016,
from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Orangelawn St. between Bassett St. to Pere St.,
with a rain date of Sunday, August 28, 2016.
Stephanie Myers, presented her request to Council. She said there are a few
changes to her initial request. The hours have been changed from 2:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. and the area to be blocked off is on Orangelawn between Adams to
Bassett St. She said last year was their first one held in many years. It was very
successful and there was interest in having another this year.
White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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3. REQUEST TO WAIVE THE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT: Angelo Mauti, re: for
the newly constructed home at 14994 Bainbridge Avenue.
The petitioner was not present.
Brosnan suggested moving the item by requesting a report and recommendation
from the Engineering Division.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, noted that was previously provided to Council.
Brosnan said considering the information Zilincik has provided it would be best to
move the item to the next Study Meeting.
At the direction of the Chair, this item was moved to the next Study Meeting.
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR SENIOR ALLIANCE 2017-2019 MULTI-YEAR
PLAN (MYP) FOR AGING SERVICES: Nicole Jeffrey, Program Specialist, The
Senior Alliance (TSA), re: at the request of the Michigan Office of Services to the
Aging.
Nicole Jeffrey, 8452 Orhan, Canton, presented her request to Council. It’s a 3-
year plan for services for the aging. It has been approved by the State of
Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging. She said she’d be happy to
provide details and answer any questions.
Brosnan asked Jeffrey what the top 3 services are that Livonia’s elderly use.
Jeffrey replied the Medicare/Medicaid assistance program, transportation, and
the Meals on Wheels program.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. APPOINTMENT OF KEVIN PRIDDY TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Office
of the Mayor, re: for a three (3) year term, which will expire on June 9, 2019.
Mayor Dennis Wright said he would like to appoint Kevin Priddy to the Planning
Commission. He noted that Kevin is a lifelong resident of Livonia and he served
on the Traffic Commission for over 13 years.
Kevin Priddy said he appreciates the opportunity to serve on the Planning
Commission. He said he enjoyed the 13 years he served on the Traffic
Commission and said he looks at this opportunity as way for him to continue to
serve the community.
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Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. PROPOSED LOT SPLIT: Department of Assessment, re: requested by
Benjamin Couch for Tax Item Nos. 46-045-03-0139-000 and 46-045-03-0141-
000 located west of Inkster and South of Seven Mile Road at 18264 Lathers St.
(Petition 2016-06-LS-16)
John Couch, 18264 Lathers, addressed Council. He was present with his son.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. the Planning Department has reviewed the above-referenced
lot split and combination request submitted by Benjamin Couch for compliance
with the City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance #543, as amended. The subject
properties are located on the east side of Lathers Avenue between Curtis
Avenue and Seven Mile Road in the Northeast ¼ of Section 12. The zoning is R-
U-F, Rural Urban Farm, which requires a minimum lot size of one-half acre
(21,780 square feet) and an average lot width to be at least ¼ of the average lot
depth, provided that a lot shall not be required to have a width greater than 100
feet. Parent parcel 18264 Lathers Avenue (Tax #045-03-0139-000) measures 80
feet in frontage along Lathers Avenue by a depth of 136 feet for a total lot area of
10,880 square feet or 0.25 acre. There is an existing house located on this
parcel. Parent parcel 18316 Lathers Avenue (Tax #045-03-0141-000) measures
40 feet in frontage along Lathers Avenue by a depth of 136 feet for a total lot
area of 5,440 square feet or 0.12 acre. This site is vacant. As proposed, the
northern 17 feet of 18264 Lathers Avenue would be split off and combined with
18316 Lathers Avenue. Parcel "A" (18316 Lathers Ave. + 17 feet) would measure
57 feet in frontage along Lathers Avenue by a depth of 136 feet for a total lot
area of 7,752 square feet or 0.18 acre and Parcel "8" (18264 Lathers Ave. minus
17 feet) would measure 63 feet in frontage along Lathers Avenue by a depth of
136 feet for a total lot area of 8,568 square feet or 0.20 acre. Because the
proposed parcels do not conform to R-U-F standards due to deficient lot area,
approval by a two-thirds majority of the Livonia City Council is required. The
Planning Department has no objections to the proposed lot split and combination,
subject to the review and approval by the City Council.
White noted that correspondence from the Inspection Department references an
existing driveway on Parcel A that would encroach on Parcel B. They
recommended that if an approving resolution were offered that driveway be
moved so as to not encroach on the adjoin property. White asked Taormina
whether or not the petitioner had discussed this recommendation and whether or
not they had any issues complying with that request. Taormina said he was not
aware of any and added that the driveway is concrete and they would have to
demolish the existing driveway. He said there is plenty of land area to move the
driveway.
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President McIntyre asked the petitioner if he had a problem with that stipulation.
He replied no and added that they expected that stipulation.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution with the restriction that the driveway be
removed so as not to encroach on adjacent parcel for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING STIPULATING CONSENT
THAT EXISTING DRIVEWAY
REMOVED SO AS NOT TO
ENCROACH ON ADJACENT LOT
7. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
SMART AND THE CITY OF LIVONIA: Department of Community Resources, re:
for the Municipal Credit Contract for the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017,
with all credits to be used for the Livonia Community Transit Program.
Linda McCann, Director of Community Resources, presented the request to
Council. Copy of the Municipal Credit ($95,342) contract for FY 2017 has been
provided to Council for its approval. They are requesting that these Municipal
Credits be used for the Livonia Community Transit Program. This is the same
contract amount as FY 2016. They respectfully requested that Council authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the proposed FY 2017 contract.
Meakin said Council had requested that the Regional Transportation Authority
(RTA) make a presentation to Council. He asked McCann if she had heard
anything about that. McCann replied no she had not. Meakin asked McCann if
she could look into the matter and said with the upcoming millage on the
November ballot the Council would like to have as much information as possible
and be able to ask any questions they may have to the representative for the
RTA. He said it would be nice to get the information out to the voters before the
election.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for completing all of the work
associated with the safety upgrade/repair of three (3) vehicle hoists in the DPW
Equipment Maintenance Garage, from budgeted funds.
Donald Rohraff, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. The
Public Service Division has taken bids for the safety upgrade/repair of three (3)
vehicle hoists in the DPW Equipment Maintenance Garage. Specifications were
prepared by the Division. Advertisements for bids were placed in the June 5,
2016 edition of the Livonia Observer, and on the Michigan Intergovernmental
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Trade Network (MITN) website. A mandatory pre-bid meeting to discuss the
project was held. Two companies submitted proposals, which were opened in the
presence of the bid committee at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The low
bid for the hoist repair project was received from Equipment Distributors, Inc.,
51927 Filomena Drive, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315. It is the
recommendation of the Public Service Division that the Council award a contract
of the amount not to exceed $41,266.81 to the low bidder, Equipment
Distributors, Inc., 51927 Filomena Drive, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315, from
budgeted funds.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Kritzman asked Rohraff what the cost of a new vehicle hoist is compared to the
repair. Rohraff said that would depend on the hoist, they have different types. He
said roughly $50,000 to $100,000. Kritzman said so this is an investment in
maintaining current equipment and keeping it in working order. Rohraff said this
was correct.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. AWARD OF BIDS: Public Service Division, re: for custodial supplies for the
Building Maintenance Division for a two-year period, commencing August 1,
2016 through July 31, 2018, with an option for a third year.
Donald Rohraff, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. The
Public Service Division has taken bids for custodial supplies utilizing the
Michigan Inter-Governmental Trade Network (MITN) in accordance with the
requirements of the Finance Ordinance, and the 2016-2018 approved budget for
the Building Maintenance Section. Specifications were prepared by the Division,
and an advertisement for bids was placed in the March 20, 2016 edition of the
Livonia Observer. Bid invitations were placed on the Michigan Inter-
Governmental Trade Network (MITN). The following Ten (10) bids were received
and opened in the presence of the Bid Committee at 2:00 p.m. on March 29,
2016.
Three suppliers are the low bidders on approximately 66% of all of the eighty-two
(82) products. They will use the remaining, MITN established, low bids that meet
specifications on the other 34% of the products, ordering those materials from
the companies that supplied the low bid on those particular products. The
contract bid prices will apply for two (2) years, with an option for a third year.
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that the following low
bids, which meet specifications, be accepted to supply the Public Service
Division (Building Maintenance Section) with custodial supplies specified at the
unit prices bid for the period August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2018
1. Empire Equipment & Supply, 18639 Omira, Detroit, Ml 48203
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2. Allied-Eagle Supply Co., 1801 Howard Street, Detroit, MI 48216
3. APAC Paper, 4000 Enterprise Dr., Box 640, Allen Park, Ml48101
Rohraff was ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Brosnan offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2002-02-02-04
submitted by Chinese Gospel Church, requesting to modify Council Resolution
No. 224-02 in connection with a previously approved waiver use adopted on April
24, 2002, in order to allow the temporary use of a mobile/modular classroom and
worship area in connection with the existing church located on the south side of
Five Mile Road between Farmington Road and Yale Avenue (35301 Five Mile
Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. He said this goes back to a Council Resolution approved
back on April 24, 2002. He noted that one of the stipulations of the resolution
were that the temporary mobile classroom be removed prior to the issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy. The Petitioner is requesting to place the mobile
classroom back on the property to expand their services. They went before the
Planning Commission a couple of weeks ago and have addressed some of the
concerns raised by the Planning Commission. They are recommending approval.
Kritzman pointed out that background information from the Planning Commission
doesn’t include any updated information from their recent meeting. He said
without being able to review any of the new information, he would not be ready to
vote on the matter until he has an opportunity to review the information.
Brosnan said rather than hold the petitioner due to a glitch on the City’s part she
suggested to allow Taormina to walk Council through the stipulations and place it
on the Regular Agenda with an approving and denying resolution. In the
meantime, that will give Council an opportunity to review the new information and
get up to speed before the voting meeting.
Taormina presented the recommendations of the Planning Commission as
approved in their resolution.
Brosnan offered both the approving resolution and the denying resolution for the
Regular Agenda.
Richard Goerz, 9128 Stonehouse, stated that he is the English Pastor at the
Chinese Gospel Church. He said the church has approximately 200 to 250
members and their services are in Mandarin. He said a decision was made by
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the church elders to begin holding some services in English. He said they want to
hold the English service at the same time as the Mandarin so that families can
utilize the Sunday School and Infant programs. He said there are future plans for
an addition to the building for the English service. He said in the meantime they
need a temporary mobile classroom for the location where they will hold their
English service temporarily.
Meakin said his concern is that they have a plan for a permanent location for
their English service. He asked Goerz if he had done a cost analysis to see if the
temporary location is feasible. Goerz replied no. He said their concern was to
provide a location as soon as possible for their church members. Meakin said the
Planning Commission recommendation was for approval a one-year period.
Meakin asked Goerz if that was enough time. Goerz replied two-year would be
better. Meakin asked if two years would be enough time. Goerz said three would
be ideal but whatever Council decides they will do their best to get the permanent
location completed. He also said they will make sure the site is kept up.
Brosnan asked Goerz to describe the temporary structure. Goerz said it is a
modular structure with two 12’ x 20’ section that will make it a 24’ x 40’ structure.
Goerz said he did provide some photos. Brosnan said they will study them before
the next meeting.
Brosnan said her other concern was who would be responsible for make certain
that the temporary structure is safe and to code. Taormina said that would be the
Inspection Department. Brosnan asked Goerz how many people would the
structure hold. Goerz said he would guess about 50. Brosnan said if they would
be asked to approve a capacity for occupants, she said they would need to know
what the capacity of the structure is prior to the voting meeting. Goerz said he
would research that prior to the voting meeting.
Kritzman said the occupancy would be dictated by the building code and it would
be based on the square footage of the space. He said there are formulas that are
listed in the building code that determine the number of occupants in a space. He
said the proposed site plans raises some concerns but overall it looks good. He
said he would like to see it completed. He said he is working on some buildings
in Madison Heights that are labeled temporary structure and have been there for
20 years. He said so can appreciate that the Planning Commission has set a
one-year time limit on their recommendation. He suggested they thinking about
constructing an accessory building where they can perhaps utilize it as a
temporary location for the English service and when the permanent location is
completed then they can use the accessory structure for the storage of
maintenance equipment like tools, and lawnmowers and snow blowers. He said it
common for churches to have an accessory building.
President McIntyre asked Goerz about the current condition of the parking lot.
She recalls it is in need of repair and doesn’t believe it has been resurfaced
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recently. Goerz said it was not resurfaced recently. She said she believes that is
some of the concerns the neighbors have expressed in a letter. Specifically
storing equipment outside and upkeep of the property. McIntyre wants Goerz to
address the concerns of the neighbors.
DIRECTION: APPROVING REGULAR
11. WAIVER PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-05-02-10
submitted by MN Express – MAC Yard, L.L.C., to expand the operation of a truck
terminal located on the east side of Merriman Road between the CSX Railroad
right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road (13586 Merriman Road) in the Northwest 1/4
of Section 26.
Mark Taormina, Director of Planning and Economic Development, presented the
request to Council. This request is to improve the property at 13586 Merriman
Road for the expansion of a truck terminal and trucking operation. The subject
property is zoned M-1 (Light Manufacturing), totals 2.68 acres in area, and is
“landlocked,” meaning it has no direct street frontage. The site is currently
undeveloped, and is contiguous to and owned in common with three (3) other
parcels located to the east, all of which contain buildings owned by McKesson, a
provider of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. The purchaser of the property,
MN Express, owns abutting property to the south of the subject property (13520
Merriman Road). In 2012, MN Express, received waiver use approval to utilize
their current site as a trucking terminal and to relocate and expand the property’s
pre-existing RV storage yard. Previous to MN Express, the former owner of the
property, Robert Okerstrom, obtained waiver use approval in 2001 to utilize a
portion of the site for RV storage. MN Express obtained approval to relocate the
RV operation to the rear of the property and to utilize the westerly two-thirds (⅔)
of the property in connection with a truck terminal. The approved plans involved
demolishing three (3) structures located near the front portion of the property and
constructing a new 9,000 square foot truck maintenance building. Beginning at a
point approximately 675 feet east of Merriman Road and extending for a distance
of 630 feet from the proposed building, the site would be used for the parking of
trucks and semi-trailers in connection with the Petitioner’s trucking business. Part
of the proposal included shifting the existing RV storage yard to the east in order
to accommodate the truck terminal operation. In order to relocate the RV storage
yard, the existing trees and undergrowth that covered the rear of the site was
completely cleared. A note on the plan approved in 2012 indicated that the total
storage capacity of the yard would be 192 vehicles. The parking layout of the
storage yard showed parking along both the north and south property lines and a
row of spaces running down the middle between the two. The new proposed
outdoor truck terminal yard would be an expansion of the existing yard. The new
yard would be surfaced primarily with gravel, similar to what portions of the
existing truck terminal and RV storage yard presently contain and what was
approved in 2012. The site plan indicates that a new fence enclosure would be
installed along the boundaries of the proposed storage yard. According to the
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petitioner, this new fence would be a six foot (6’) high cyclone fence, similar to
the fencing that currently surrounds the existing storage yard. The two lots would
have an opening between the new lots south property line and the existing north
property line. There also is a requirement that adequate lighting facilities be
provided and arranged so as to reflect light toward the storage area. The plan
indicates that new light poles would be erected along the new yards north
property line. These lights along with the existing light poles of the existing
southern lot should provide adequate illumination. The plan indicate that the new
light standards would be twenty-five feet (25’) in height. The plans indicate storm
water runoff for this project would be handled by a detention pond located in the
east end of the property. The petitioner will need to provide drainage and storm
water treatment details to the Engineering Department prior to obtaining permits
for the proposed redevelopment. Taormina said one of the stipulation from the
Planning Commission approving recommendation is that a Landscape Plan be
submitted. He did note that new data that was received today did provide
drainage and storm water treatment and some landscaping. He was ready to
answer any questions Council may have.
President McIntyre said they would receive and file the new data.
Meakin asked Taormina if with the expansion of the terminal does that still qualify
for Light Industrial. Taormina replied yes. Meakin said the Fire Department
recommends a Knox Box be required at the gate. He asked Taormina if the
petitioner was aware of that requirement. Taormina said those conditions were all
read out at the Planning Commission meeting. He said he’s not sure of their
knowledge of what’s required but there has been no objection to that. Taormina
said stipulation number 3 limits the number of trucks on the site to 77 trucks.
Taormina said if Council hasn’t had an opportunity to visit the site he said it
would be worthwhile for to visit the site. Meakin said it was recommended by the
Inspection Department that a hard surface be required. He said it is not a
requirement that it be bituminous or concrete, it could in fact be gravel or some
other type of aggregate material. Taormina said that it would be subject to the
requirements of the Engineering Division. Meakin asked if the Petitioner was
present.
John Romano, D & G Building Company, 30735 Cypress, Romulus, addressed
the Council. Meakin asked Romano about the stipulations previously noted.
Romano said they already have a Knox Box and that the plans indicate gravel for
the surface material.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
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AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President McIntyre adjourned the
Study Session at 8:57 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016.
DATED: August 5, 2016 SUSAN M. NASH
CITY CLERK