HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTUDY - 2016-11-14
CITY OF LIVONIA – CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 14, 2016
Meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by President McIntyre. Present: Jim
Jolly, Cathy White, Scott Bahr, Brian Meakin, Brandon Kritzman, and Kathleen
McIntyre. Absent: Maureen Miller Brosnan.
Elected and appointed officials present: Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Scott Miller,
City Planner IV; Don Knapp, City Attorney; Ted Davis, Superintendent, Parks &
Recreation; Judy Priebe, Director of Legislative Affairs; Ron Taig, Police Captain;
Dennis Wright, Mayor; and Susan Nash, City Clerk.
President McIntyre announced there is new data on Items #8 and #11.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. REQUEST FOR DESIGNATION AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: Daniel
S. MacIver, Clarenceville Education Foundation, re: as required by the State of
Michigan to obtain a Charitable Gaming License to allow fundraisers in the
future.
Cindy Finamin, Clarenceville Schoolboard Trustee, addressed the Council and
was ready to answer any questions Council may have.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Finamin noted that they were working a tight timeline for submitting the
paperwork for their Charitable Gaming License and hoped to get the approval
paperwork in time to submit with the paperwork to the State of Michigan. Meakin
said a non-veto letter from the Mayor’s Office will be requested on her behalf to
assist her in speeding up the process to get the necessary paperwork.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REQUEST TO ESTABLISH LOCATION FOR A DOG PARK: Department of
Parks and Recreation, re: with a joint effort with Tail Waggers at Bicentennial
Park, specifically soccer fields 9 & 10 along Seven Mile Road.
Ted Davis, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation, presented the request to
Council. The Parks and Recreation Commission respectfully requests your
concurrence with the proposed location of a Dog Park at Bicentennial Park,
specifically soccer fields 9 & 10 along Seven Mile Road, as approved by the
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Parks and Recreation Commission at their regular meeting on November 2,
2016. This would be a joint effort with Tail Waggers 1990, a non-profit, Livonia-
based organization that has operated an animal wellness clinic in Livonia for the
past 27 years. As recreation professionals, we must continue to evaluate our
offerings to the community. There are nearly 39,000 households in Livonia.
Based on the American Veterinary Medical Association statistics that show
36.5% of households own dogs and that each household has an average of 1.6
dogs, we estimate that Livonia has over 22,000 dogs. We feel these numbers
justify the need for a dog park in the community. We will negotiate a lease
agreement for the property, allowing Tail Waggers 1990 to operate the facility
with oversight from Parks and Recreation. Tail Waggers will charge a yearly fee
for use of the Dog Park to offset operating expenses, currently set at
$30/year/dog. Use will be limited to Livonia residents who meet our restrictions.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is also requesting that rules and user
fees be set by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Tail Waggers' expertise in
animal care and behavior make them invaluable partners in this endeavor and
allow us to provide a new amenity to the citizens of Livonia at no additional
maintenance costs to the City. Soccer groups who previously used fields 9 & 10
would be moved to the field immediately east of the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation
Center, other fields in the northern section of Bicentennial Park or Bien Park.
This will allow Parks and Recreation to continue to offer comparable fields to
current Livonia based organizations. The total estimated cost of the project is
estimated to be between $125,000 and $175,000. The District Court has offered
to contribute $50,000 from their Voluntary Work Program funds. The remainder
of the project cost will be paid from 2017 budgeted funds in account no. 101-709-
987-000 If this location is approved by council, our next step would be to
complete bid documents for the park and begin negotiations for a lease
agreement with Tail Waggers for the operation. They anticipate a June, 2017
completion for this project. An aerial view of the proposed design, dog park rules,
and registration checklist has been provided for Council’s review.
Meakin asked Davis how the intend to control noise and address complaints
regarding offensive odors. Davis said the noise level should really be no different
than if a sports game were taking place. He said the parks are for the residents,
including residents who are pet owners. He said as far as odors, it is a police
yourself park. He realizes there will always be people who don’t follow the rules
and that will be dealt with accordingly.
Meakin asked about the cost. Davis said they are looking at $30 per dog owner.
He said it is comparable to neighboring dog parks. Meakin asked Davis how
many people are they projecting will use the park at any given time. Davis said
based on what he has seen, if 10 people were there using it that would be a lot.
Davis added that there is definitely a need for a dog park. He said this will
provide a safe, controlled, environment for dogs and residents.
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Bahr expressed concern regarding the dog owners who currently use the park
and allow their dogs to run off the leash. He said if they are used to this practice,
what is to ensure that they won’t continue this practice after a dog park area is
designated. Will enforcement be stricter and how exactly will that issue be
enforced. Davis said he has plans to meet with the enforcement officers and
discuss enforcement.
Bahr expressed his concerns with this site being used for this purpose.
A few members of the community spoke in opposition of this site being used for
this purpose.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Regular Agenda.
Bahr offered the denying resolution for the Regular Agenda.
Vice-President Kritzman noted some concerns with the site and also
acknowledged the need for a dog park in the City. He said he is undecided on
the matter.
Jolly asked Davis about Tailwaggers and why it would be a good idea to have a
third party involved with a City Dog Park. Davis said he would let Laura Zain,
explain what exactly Tailwaggers is and said the reason for having a third party
involved is because the City staff lacks expertise in running a dog park. He said
Tailwaggers brings that expertise to the table. They are a Livonia based
organization.
Laura Zain, Founder and Owner of Tailwaggers, addressed Council. She gave a
brief summary of the organization and all the services they provide. She said
they welcome the opportunity to be part of the proposed dog park.
Meakin said there are too many unanswered questions.
Meakin withdrew his approving resolution and offered the resolution referring the
matter to the Public Safety, Education, and Recreation Committee for its report
and recommendation.
DIRECTION: 1) DENYING REGULAR
2) REFER TO PUBLIC SAFETY,
EDUCATION, & RECREATION
COMMITTEE FOR ITS REPORT
AND RECOMMENDATION
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3. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE MARKED POLICE
VEHICLE UTILIZING THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND COUNTIES OF
OAKLAND AND MACOMB CONSORTIUM BID PRICING: Division of Police, re:
to replace a vehicle damaged beyond repair in August 2016.
Captain Ron Taig, Livonia Police Department, presented the request to Council.
The Livonia Division of Police is requesting authorization to purchase one (1)
marked patrol vehicle which would be utilized by the Uniform Division. This
vehicle would be a replacement for a vehicle that was damaged beyond repair in
August 2016. Our insurance carrier has reimbursed us $22,000.00 for the
vehicle. They propose to purchase one (1) Ford Police Interceptor vehicle in the
amount of $27,087.00, utilizing the insurance reimbursement. Funds are
available.
Vice-President Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent
Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO ACCEPT PROPOSALS FOR CONTRACTED SNOW REMOVAL
SERVICE FOR MAJOR STORMS: Public Service Division, re: to assist in
plowing City streets for the 2016-2017 season.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent, Public Services, presented the request to Council.
For over thirty years, the Public Service Division has relied on contracted
assistance to provide a high level of snow removal service for City streets
following major storms in excess of four inches. During these storms, the
contractor(s) provides approximately 35% of the total effort in cleaning all City
streets.
The Public Service Division has taken quotes for equipment and operators to
assist in plowing City streets. The City's main priority is for six to eight graders
and operators to plow streets along with City forces. If graders are not available,
tandem dump trucks and 4-wheel pickups will be considered. Proposals were
received from only two (2) companies.
The Department has solicited proposals from contractors for decades for snow
plowing assistance. Without this assistance, the Department would not be able to
plow the 370 miles of City streets in a timely basis following heavy snow storms.
While many snow contractors exist to do driveways and parking lots, we require
road grader equipment to move large quantities of snow quickly. The challenge
each year is to have the few contractors in the area who are willing to provide
this service remain interested in doing so. They always need to cajole them into
returning the pricing proposals and commit to providing this service for our public.
The reasons for reluctance on the part of contractors include:
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Availability of equipment operators and unemployment compensation
issues.
Wear and tear on their equipment.
Insurance issues and potential liability for problems, such as damage to
parked vehicles.
Uncertainty of significant revenue, such as the winter of 2011-12 where no
storms occurred requiring city-wide plowing.
With this service need, the sealed bid process doesn't present a competitive
pricing advantage, because the contractors are not competing against each other
to obtain this work. Sealed bids will not change the outcome of what we will
ultimately pay. The greatest challenge is to have enough companies available
and willing to do this service.
Having multiple contractors authorized to provide this service allows the
Department to:
Have backup in the event a contractor might not be available to respond
or the magnitude of the storm is such that much greater equipment is
required.
Determine the type and size of equipment based on the road conditions
and weather factors.
Utilize a contractor as a primary provider based on the years of
experience their equipment operators may have servicing Livonia
neighborhoods. Beyond the hourly rate for a piece of equipment, the DPW
factors into the overall cost the number of hours it historically takes each
service provider to clear a neighborhood. A contractor whose operators
are familiar with our service needs takes less time to service their
assigned areas.
The Department of Public Works regularly goes through the sealed bid process
where a potential competitive advantage exists for a multitude of projects,
services, equipment and supplies. This includes projects such as the sidewalk
replacement program and the lane line marking program; services such as
municipal park mowing, household hazardous waste day, street sweeping, tree
planting, tree & stump removals, elevator maintenance; equipment needs such
as mowers, trucks, tractors, backhoes, boilers and supplies such as aggregates
& bituminous materials, custodial supplies, fuel, etc.
It is the recommendation of the Public Service Division that Council proceed as
follows:
1. Authorize the use of Fiore Enterprises, LLC, 3411 West Fort Street,
Detroit, Ml 48216, bid proposal dated October 14, 2016.
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2. Authorize the use of Stante Excavating, 46912 Liberty Drive, Wixom, Ml
48393, bid proposal dated October 19, 2016.
3. Waive the formal bidding process in accordance with Section
3.04.140.D.4. of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, as amended, since no
advantage to the City would result from competitive bidding.
White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. REQUEST TO APPROVE THE MASTER PLAN AND THE
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING: Public Service Division, re: located at 13335 Farmington Road.
Donald Rohraff, Director of Public Works, presented the request to Council. At
the 1,8121h Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Livonia held on
Wednesday, November 2, 2016, the Council considered and concurred with the
Committee of the Whale's recommendation to purchase of real property located
at 13335 Farmington for purposes of facilitating the redesign of the Department
of Public Works campus as requested by the Director of Public Works in his letter
dated October 5, 2016.
The Council had previously approved the use of Sidock Associates to determine
the needs of the DPW and draft a Master Plan.
The original plan was to develop the DPW Master Plan and build a new Water &
Sewer building. In the process of developing the Master Plan, the building at
13335 Farmington Road became vacant. The property was evaluated for
potential use in lieu of new construction and was found to be more than adequate
for our needs. With Council's approval, the City of Livonia made a bid on the
property, which was accepted by the owner. The Master Plan and new DPW
building was bid out as a package, which included the Master Plan as well as the
new building design and construction services.
The Master Plan has been completed by Sidock and submitted to Council with
the intention of proceeding with the remaining portions of the RFP (design and
construction).
It is the recommendation of the Department that Council proceed as follows:
Approve the remaining work developed by Sidock Architects and allow
them to continue the development of the design and construction of the
new DPW building in an amount not to exceed $245,200.
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Approve an additional appropriation and expenditure of $245,200 from the
unexpended fund balance of the Water and Sewer Fund (592), to be
reimbursed from the proceeds of the Water and Sewer Board Issuance to
be issued in 2017.
Authorize the Director Public Works to approve minor adjustments in the
work as needed.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Vice-President Kritzman commended Mr. Rohraff on all the work on this item.
Jolly asked Rohraff what the timeline was for completion. Rohraff said the hope
to have it completed by Spring 2018.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST TO DESIGNATE CONSULTANT THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION-
BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCESS TO PROVIDE DESIGN ENGINEERING
SERVICES: Engineering Division, re: to provide design services for the
Hubbard Road Bike Lanes Project from Buchanan Elementary to Six Mile Road,
from budgeted funds. (CR 367-13)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. The City Council
approved Qualification Based Selection (QBS) firms pursuant to Council
Resolution No. 367-13, adopted November 6, 2013 to perform all professional
engineering services on various federal, state and locally funded projects through
fiscal year 2016. Under this procedure, we are recommending that Spalding
DeDecker Associates (SDA) serve as our design engineering consultant for the
Hubbard Road Bike Lanes Project from Buchanan Elementary to Six Mile Road.
Letter dated October 24, 2016 from SDA for design engineering proposal (copy
provided to Council). Due to the 1-275 Reconstruction Project that lasted almost
the entire construction season, the City had decided to hold off on any
improvements that involved pavement markings for shared lane markings.
Instead, we decided to review closely the segment on Hubbard (Lyndon Street to
Rotary Park) which was identified as the number one location identified for
connectivity to improve. Thus, we are looking to begin the review to identify the
segment from Rotary Park south to the entrance to Buchanan Elementary School
and widen the existing shoulder to a five-foot width on both sides. The goal would
to continue south until Five Mile Road in the future to connect to the Jack Kirksey
Recreation Center.
We are requesting topographical and geotechnical services from SDA. SDA has
included McKenna Associates as their subcontractor to assist on the project to
provide conceptual design and cross-sections to work with City staff at this time.
The total cost of the design portion of this project is $20,694.00.
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In order to proceed with these projects, it is respectfully recommended that the
Council take the following actions:
Authorize an expenditure in the amount of $20,694.00 from budgeted
funds for Non-Motorized Paths in the Construction Services - Lane Line
Marking Account Number 202-463-818-118.
Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an amendment to the
Engineering contract with Spalding DeDecker Associates, 905 South
Boulevard East, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307, in the amount of $20,694.00
for the Hubbard Road Bike Lanes Project.
Authorize the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work, as
required.
Cheryl Gregory, Spaulding DeDecker, was present. She expressed their
enthusiasm to be part of this project.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST APPROVAL TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE DETROIT EDISON
COMPANY (DTE) TO RETROFIT 1,329 MERCURY VAPOR STREET LIGHTS
TO LED ON MAJOR ROADS: Engineering Division, re: for a total cost of
$577,134.00 with the City’s contribution to be $396,171.48, after a EO rebate of
$109,786.52, from budgeted funds
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. The City of
Livonia has recently been awarded a grant from the Detroit Edison Company
(DTE) to retrofit the remaining 1,329 Mercury Vapor Streetlights to LED along our
major roads. The total cost for this project is $577,134.00. The cost breakdown is
as follows:
Detroit Edison Company Contribution $71,176.00
EO Rebate $109,786.52
City of Livonia Contribution $396,171.48
Total Conversion Costs $577,134.00
The City is required to pay an up-front total of $505,958.00 which includes the
City of Livonia contribution of $396,171.48 as well as the Energy Optimization
(EO) Rebate portion of the project costs. The EO Rebate of $109,786.52 will be
reimbursed to the City once the work has been completed.
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The estimated energy cost savings for the conversion of the 1,329 lights is
$281,768.21 per year, with a payback of 1.41 years. The LED lights that will be
installed, Autobahn Series ATB2 from American Electric Lighting are the same
type that were placed along Farmington Road from Six Mile Road and Eight Mile
Road this year.
In 2015, DTE proposed changes to the street lighting rates in their rate case
submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) which would have
significantly reduced the savings. The rate change was challenged by the
Municipal Street Lighting Coalition.
A settlement has been reached whereby the savings differential of LED street
lighting will be maintained. This is a victory for municipal communities.
In order to take advantage of this grant and the potential energy savings of this
project, we respectfully recommend that the Council:
Authorize an expenditure of $505,958.00 from fiscal year 2017 budgeted
funds in account no. 202-450-756-000 (Major Roads - Street Lighting).
Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the agreement with the
Detroit Edison Company (DTE).
Authorize a Contribution-In-Aid Construction payment of $505,958.00 to
the Detroit Edison Company, Community Lighting Group, 8001 Haggerty
Road, Belleville, Ml 48111 to be included with the agreement.
Authorize the City Engineer to approve any minor changes as needed.
Zilincik said Debra Cain with DTE is present to answer any questions Council
may have.
Debra Cain, DTE, addressed Council and described the project and was ready to
answer any questions Council may have.
Vice-President Kritzman offered the approving resolution for the Consent
Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE
FROM LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: Engineering Division, re: withheld from Rohl
Networks for failing to meet their contractual obligation for the water main
improvements which are part of the DWRF Project No. 7356-01, Phase II. (CR
127-15)
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, presented the request to Council. Pursuant to
Council Resolution No. 127-15, adopted May 6, 2015, the City Council awarded
the contract for the DWRF Project No. 7356-01 to Rohl Networks for water main
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replacements over a 2-year period. Rohl Networks has failed to meet their
contractual obligations in some instances to complete street segments within
contractually set dates. The City has, so far, withheld liquidated damages in the
amount of $87,000, through October 15, 2016.
Due to lack of progress for several weeks, the City directed D'Angelo Brothers to
provide 30 water service leads on N. Clements Circle, West of Harrison prior to
Labor Day Weekend in order to ensure the safety of our residents. The City has
set contract unit prices from the Emergency Contract with D'Angelo Brothers per
Council Resolution Number 233-12. In addition, two (2) streets on Elmira and
Cleveland were left for several weeks with no restoration taking progress. Thus,
we contracted D'Angelo Brothers to provide restoration in mid-October. They
worked for 8 days at the rate based on emergency contract unit prices per CR
233-12 for a total cost of $24,260.
Finally, there were streets in Old Rosedale Gardens that required final
restoration. The City directed Teddy's Lawn & Landscape to perform this work as
seasonal limitations were at the point that would have prohibited turf
establishment from occurring if actions were not taken promptly. This was the
same landscape contractor Rohl Networks was utilizing to provide turf
establishment in Old Rosedale Gardens after the failed attempt by their
subcontractor whom performed the work themselves with little success.
They would like to recommend that these contractors be paid from the liquidated
damages withheld from Rohl Networks and that Council take the following
actions:
Authorize an expenditure in the amount of $24,260 to D'Angelo Brothers,
P.O. Box 531330, Livonia, Michigan 48153 from Liquidated Damages
withheld from Rohl Networks contract associated with non-performance of
restoration on Elmira and Cleveland Streets from Water and Sewer
account 592-000-659-000.
Increase the contract amount per CR #223-12 from $250,000 to $285,265
for D'Angelo Brothers, P.O. Box 531330, Livonia, Michigan 48153,
providing funds in the amount of $35,265 from liquidated damages, Water
and Sewer Account, to reimburse the construction in progress account for
work invoiced on LIV-92116, dated September 21, 2016, associated with
30 water taps on N. Clements Circle, west of Harrison.
Authorize an expenditure in an amount not-to-exceed $25,000 to D'Angelo
Brothers, P.O. Box 531330, Livonia, Michigan 48153 from the Liquidated
Damages Account, of the Water and Sewer Fund (592) to be held in
reserve for any additional emergency work required to ensure the safety
and welfare of residents impacted by the Water Main Replacement Project
due to nonperformance by Rohl Networks. Invoices are to be paid from
Liquidated Damages as deemed necessary by the DPW Director or City
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Engineer and based on emergency contract unit prices by D'Angelo
Brothers.
Authorize an expenditure in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000 to Teddy's
Lawn & Landscape, 12725 Levan Road, Livonia, Michigan 48150 from the
Liquidated Damaged Account, of the Water and Sewer Fund (592) for
restoration work performed on the west side of Ingram, Cranston,
Hubbard, West Chicago, and portions of Loveland and Shadyside,
including any sprinkler repairs.
Authorize the City Engineer to approve any minor changes as needed.
Bahr asked Zilincik about the figures. Zilincik gave details on the figures.
Meakin commended Zilincik on all his hard work.
Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-10-SN-
05 submitted by Graph-X Lettering, Inc., requesting approval for a wall sign at
DFCU Financial located on the southeast corner of Seven Mile and Newburgh
Roads (37373 Seven Mile Road) in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 8.
Scott Miller, City Planner IV, presented the request to Council. This is request for
a wall sign at the DFCU Financial building which is located at the southeast
corner of Newburgh and Seven Mile Roads. The site is zoned OS, Office
Services. Signage in this district is regulated under Section 18.50 of the Zoning
Ordinance. Office developments that consists of a single tenant occupying a
single building are permitted one identification wall sign either in the form of a
wall sign or a ground sign but not both. The wall or ground sign cannot exceed
16 square feet. In 1994, the Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed this site at a time
when the property was only allowed one sign at 10 square feet. The Zoning
Board of Appeals granted permission for two monument signs, each 12 square
feet, one located in the front yard along Seven Mile Road and then a second sign
located in the side yard adjacent to Newburgh Road. In addition, the site was
allowed a 5 square foot ground sign next to the facility’s rear entrance. So right
now, this site contains two identification signs – one along Newburgh, one along
Seven Mile Road and then one smaller directional sign, which is closer to the
building. Because this site is in one of the city’s designated Control Zones, it
does require Planning Commission and City Council approval. The proposed
new wall sign would be located on the west elevation of the building which faces
Newburgh Road, and it would measure 40 square feet. The rendering shows
what the proposed wall sign would look like. The graphics on the sign would say
“DFCU Livonia.” In exchange for this new sign, the existing ground sign, which is
next to the credit union, the smaller sign, would be removed. If approved, DFCU
would have a total of three identification signs that would be visible to passerby
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traffic – this sign, again located on the west elevation of the building and then the
two existing monument signs. Because of the amount of signage, this would
require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. In our staff report, we
provided some comparison information relative to office versus commercial, as
well as what is located on one of the neighboring properties. It is interesting to
note that this signage is still well below what would be allowed in a commercial
district and is still below even that which exists for the Lake Michigan Credit
Union that is located almost directly across the street. Lake Michigan Credit
Union currently has two wall signs and a ground sign. Both the wall signs are 18
square feet while the ground sign is 24 square feet.
Mark Winnik, DFCU Financial, 400 Town Center, Dearborn, Ml 48126, addressed
Council. He was ready to answer any questions from Council.
Bahr asked Winnik why the need the signage. He said they have been in business
there for quite some time. Winnik said they are looking to draw some more
recognition to the branch.
Meakin offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
Vice-President Kritzman wished Winnik well with the proposed sign.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. SITE PLAN PETITION: Planning Commission, re: Petition 2016-08-08-09
submitted by N.C. Designers & Contracting, on behalf of Michigan Fuels, in
connection with a proposal to renovate the existing Mobile gas station, including
demolition of the existing building and construction of a new gas station located
on the northwest corner of Schoolcraft and Farmington Roads (33430
Schoolcraft Road) in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 21.
Scott Miller, City Planner IV, presented the request to Council. This is an existing
gas station located on the northwest corner of Schoolcraft and Farmington
Roads. The property is rectangular in shape. It’s about 207 feet in length along
Schoolcraft Road by roughly 100 feet on Farmington Road. The zoning of the
property is C-2, General Business. Located immediately to the north of the
subject property is the Looney Baker. Further to the north as well as to the west
is an office/industrial complex known as MetroPlex Office Park which is zoned
RE, Research Engineering. There are additional commercial properties both to
the east across Farmington Road and to the south across Schoolcraft Road and
the I-96 Expressway. The existing gas station building is only about 400 square
feet in size. It is located near the middle of the site approximately 60 feet from
Schoolcraft Road and 100 feet from Farmington Road. The existing gas pumps
and the overhead canopy extend along Schoolcraft frontage directly in front of
this building. One of the access points to the site is off Farmington Road and two
are off Schoolcraft Road. The underground storage tanks are located in the
northeast corner of the property. There is also a utility area in the northwest
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corner of the property that includes a small storage shed as well as the existing
trash enclosures. The proposed plan would involve removing the existing gas
station building and constructing a new convenience store along with
reconfiguring the other site elements, including the parking, lighting, etc. The new
convenience store would be about 3,080 square feet in size. This is a building
that is substantially larger than the current 400 square feet building. The building
would be located along the property’s rear or north lot line, approximately 63 feet
from Farmington Road and 75 feet from Schoolcraft. The ordinance requires a
minimum setback of 60 feet from any road right-of-way, so the building as shown
on the site plan is compliant with the setback requirements. It also contains a
zero setback on the north side of the property, which is allowed between
adjacent commercial districts subject to compliance with certain construction
standards and fire codes for such buildings. The new building would contain a
retail area, a cashier counter, offices as well as a restroom. The floor plan
illustrates the arrangement of the various rooms within the building. The majority
of the space within the building would be dedicated to the display area as part of
the convenience store operations. The rendering shows that the building would
be constructed mainly out of brick. The southeast corner of the building would be
finished in what was originally identified as a hardy plank material, which is a
composite material common in today’s construction. We’ll hear from the architect
this evening because it may have involved a change to a different sort of
material. The overall building height would be 14 feet at the low point and 20 feet
in height at the highest point, which is in compliance with the ordinance.
Buildings within this district are permitted to go up to a height of 35 feet. There
would be some reconfiguration of the gasoline pumps. the landscape plan shows
the location of the pumps. The revised plan shows 10 pump islands with the
capacity to service up to 20 vehicles at one time. The canopy itself measures
about 25 feet by 143 in length. Really there is no change to the canopy. All the
work is going to involve the building and other site elements. The actual canopy
will remain. Where the building was previously located two additional pumps will
be installed. The overall height of the canopy is limited to 18 feet. The canopy is
also required to be no less than 10 feet from any property line. In this case, the
canopy far exceeds that requirement. In terms of parking, the ordinance requires
commercial buildings to have parking at a ratio of one space for every 150
square feet of useable floor area. This station would require 16 spaces and the
site plan shows 11 spaces, some of which are 9 feet in width. At the study
session, they had asked the petitioner to show those spaces compliant with the
10-foot width requirement. There are no changes proposed to the site driveways.
The area of landscaping constitutes about 20 percent of the total site which does
exceed our requirement of 15 percent. They don’t have any details on signage at
this time, but the site would be allowed one ground sign, 40 square feet in area,
12 in height, as well as 100 square feet of total wall signage that could be placed
either on the building or the canopy structure.
14
Nassar Choucair, NC Designers and Contracting, 3241 S. Telegraph, Dearborn,
Michigan 48124 addressed Council. He was ready to answer any questions
Council may have.
Vice-President Kritzman asked some questions regarding the details of the plan.
Choucair gave an explanation of the proposed plan.
Bahr offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. PROPOSED 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: City Council
President Kathleen E. McIntyre, re: in accordance with the provisions of the
Open Meetings Act, 1976 P.A. 267, as amended.
Kathleen McIntyre, City Council President, presented the proposed 2017 City
Council Meeting Schedule to Council.
White offered the approving resolution for the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
As there were no further questions or comments, President McIntyre adjourned the
Study Session at 9:42 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016.
DATED: November 30, 2016 SUSAN M. NASH
CITY CLERK