City Council Minutes

Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30 p.m. in the Northville City Hall Council Chambers, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.

Present: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart

Absent: None

Also Present: Assistant City Manager Nicolette Bateson, DPW Director James Gallogly, Parks and Recreation Director Traci Sincock, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, Oakland County Commissioner Hugh Crawford, Reporter Lon Huhman, and seven citizens.

Oakland County Commissioner Hugh Crawford introduced himself to the Council and citizens and offered his assistance with any matters that might concern Northville.

Mary Ellen Patterson Hollis, 114 Walnut, expressed her ongoing concern with the amount of tree trunks and logs in the river behind the Phoenix development. She also asked the status of the Rotary Well. Director Gallogly offered his reassurance that the river will be cleared when the project is finished. He also stated the well is to be tested two more times before it will be cleared for public consumption.

Dan Shutt, 241 Wing Street, expressed his concern over the request for an extension of a FOIA request regarding the post office negotiations. He was assured that all requests are answered according to the legal requirements.

Jim Robbins, 244 S. Wing Street, questioned the amount of potential tax revenue that would be lost if the post office expanded. The Mayor responded that it would depend on the structure that would be constructed in its place.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the agenda and consent agenda as presented. Consent agenda as follows:

- City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of March 19, 2001

- Approve Bills List: Checks #20258 - #20769

- Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Board of Zoning Appeals: 12/6/01

Historic District Commission: 2/21/01

Planning Commission: 2/20/01, 3/6/01

Senior Advisory Council: 11/16/00, 1/11/01

- Receive Departmental Reports:

Fire Department: 2/01

Police Department: 10/00, 11/00, 12/00

Youth Assistance: 2/01

- Veterinary Appointment / Impounded Animal Fees

- Non-Motorized Intergovernmental Path System

- Proposed Sidewalk Requirement for Building Permit

- Amendment to Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) /

Recreation Bond Program Project Agreement Amendment

- Request to Solicit / Northville Lions Club

- Local Approval Resolution / New Small Winemaker License /

Divine Wine / 154 Mary Alexander

In June 1998, R&D Enterprises requested site plan approval for improvements to the Water Wheel Centre parking lot. Because of the multiple issues involved, the Planning Commission encouraged approval as a planned unit development (PUD). In April 2000, the City Council concurred with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the preliminary PUD plan for Water Wheel Centre. In January 2001, the Planning Commission recommended final approval. Under the City’s PUD ordinance, following a public hearing, final approval of the PUD plan and agreement rests with the City Council.

The Planning Commission identified several conditions that should be met prior to final approval of the PUD. They are:

- Redesign of the parking area on the north side of the building near the pit.

- Review of the final PUD agreement by the City Attorney.

- Acquisition of an access easement from Griswold Street across Water Wheel property to the bridge.

- The incorporation of a joint use agreement into the PUD agreement for shared parking for the parking lot on the east side of Griswold and the parking lot on the west side of Griswold.

Additionally, staff has modified the language in the agreement with respect to the streetscape improvements on the property.

Council comments: Questions were raised regarding the shared parking agreement, the easement, and parking spaces.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the final PUD Plan and PUD Agreement for Water Wheel Centre subject to the conditions identified by the Planning Commission and substitute language for Section 3(e) of the PUD Agreement drafted by City Staff. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to introduce for first reading an ordinance amendment to the City’s Zoning Map reflecting the PUD designation for 235 East Main Street (Water Wheel Centre) with second reading and possible adoption at the next regular meeting of the City Council. Motion approved unanimously.

A. Proposed Lot Coverage Zoning Amendment

The Planning Commission and City Council are in concurrence that certain aspects of the City zoning and development standards need to be revised. Recently, the Planning Commission has discussed restricting "over building" in the R-1B zoning district by reducing the lot coverage from 35% to 30%. The standard would be revised in Section 15.01 (Schedule of Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, a footnote has been added to Section 15.02 (#19) to state that lots that are considered as non-conforming because of insufficient lot area or lot width will be allowed maximum lot area coverage of 35%.

Council comments: Discussion centered on the justification and purposes of having non-conforming lots retain the 35% coverage regulation. It was argued that further non-conformance on a non-conforming lot should be avoided and thus all lots should have lot coverage of 30%. It was pointed out that the 35% coverage for non-conforming lots was established to allow for a more uniform look of the sizes of homes in the area. Additional discussion took place regarding the issue of lot width in ascertaining non-conformance. It was argued that a narrow lot could be a deep lot and a 35% coverage might allow a larger structure that what is desired.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Swigart to concur with the recommendation of the Northville Planning Commission and introduce for first reading the amendment to Section 15.01 (Schedule of Regulations) changing the maximum allowable lot coverage in the R-1B Zoning District from 35% to 30%; and also adopt a footnote to Section 15.02 (#19) which would state that lots which are considered as non-conforming because of insufficient lot area will be allowed a maximum lot area coverage of 35%. Second reading and possible adoption to take place at the next City Council meeting. Yes: Johnson, Hartshorne, Mittman, Swigart. No: Ayers. Motion carried.

The proposed budget document, in accordance with the City Charter, is presented to the City Council at the first meeting in April. The budget has been balanced with a decrease in total millage by 0.0696 mill from last year. That total millage rate reflects a decrease in the General Fund millage by 0.18 mill and an increase for the first year of the Public Safety Bond debt levy at 0.17 mill. A list of items that were eliminated to balance the budget is also presented for City Council review and discussion.

Council comment: A request was made for information on the racetrack revenue for the past three years and the disbursements that were made from this revenue.

No action was taken on this item.

The First Presbyterian Church is proposing to expand the existing church complex on the south side near Cady Street. As part of the expansion project, a property exchange would be required between the City and the church. The church would receive 2,342 sq. ft. of property currently owned by the City on the south side of the church. The City would receive 4,644 sq. ft. (two parcels) along the west side of the church property. The church needs the subject City property for its expansion, and the City needs the church property to secure proper right-of-way for access between Main Street and Cady Street.

The Planning Commission determined the church would need to purchase 17 parking credits for the expansion to comply with the City’s ordinance. The value of the parking credits would be $54,000. The value of the property to be received by the City was determined to be $66,781. It has been concluded that the church would not be required to purchase additional parking credits.

The value of the property exchange to the City is that the right-of-way would be secured along Hutton Street to connect Main Street and Cady Street. With the acquisition of the property and subsequent dedication of the property as public right-of-way, The City is in a position to control and redefine traffic flows in this portion of the central business district. Pending the results of a traffic study, City staff is proposing improvements to the road extension that would include two-way traffic flow on Hutton Street between Main Street and Cady Street and improved signalization at the Hutton and Main Street intersection. As part of the improvement and parking enhancements, an agreement has been reached with Mr. Jim Long to allow for improved parking (5 spaces) and streetscape improvements on Long-owned property along the west side of the proposed Hutton Street extension south of Mary Alexander Court. The improvements would be at City expense and would be removed upon advance notice by Mr. Long should he proceed to develop the property.

Council comments: Concern was expressed over the loss of parking spaces and the loss of parking credit revenue. It was pointed out that the revenue that would be generated from the parking credits would have to be spent in purchasing the right-of-way. It was also stated that centralized parking is preferred over individualized site parking. A major benefit seen in the land swap is the ability to create two-way traffic on Hutton Street. Discussion took place over the possibility of Mary Alexander Court being made into a two-way street.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Ayers to accept the property transfer agreement approving the property exchange between the City and the First Presbyterian Church, use of Long property for parking and streetscape purposes, and, pending the results of the traffic study, the proposed Hutton Street improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

On March 22, 2001, the Hillside Subcommittee, comprising of Nickie Bateson, Marv Gans, and Traci Sincock, met with the City/Township Hillside Committee to present a status report of their work on the project since early January 2001. The subcommittee assignments included the completion of negotiations with Fanning/Howey Associates for architectural services, the investigation of project scope changes as proposed at the Hillside Committee Meeting of January 3, 2001, and the evaluation of construction management of the project.

At the conclusion of the March 22^nd status report, the Hillside Committee:

- Accepted the Fanning/Howey Associates fee proposal for design services of 8.5% of the construction contract.

- Accepted the Etkin/Skanska USA proposal for construction management services in the amount of 3.75% of construction costs.

- Authorized the City Manager and Township Manager to execute any documents related to the Hillside renovation project.

- Authorized the subcommittee to complete contract negotiations with Etkin/Skanska USA, review bid recommendations from the architect and construction manager, continue coordination of the project with Northville Public Schools, and present a final report including the project budget.

- Authorized the Northville Parks and Recreation Director to supervise the Hillside renovation project through to completion.

Council comments: It was pointed out that arrangements for a long-term lease (approximately 25 years) for the use of Hillside School has to be completed between the City, Township, and School Board prior to any further action regarding the renovation. It is anticipated the lease will be completed shortly.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Mittman to authorize the City Manager, in conjunction with the Northville Township Manager, to execute any documents related to the Hillside renovation project, including legal documents, change orders, and other documents as necessary. Motion carried unanimously.

Coordination and supervision of the three contractors approved for the Ford Field Renovation project will require the services of a construction manager. David Hamilton of the George W. Auch Company has recommended Mr. Charles Van Deusen. Mr. Van Deusen is a local resident, has extensive experience in the construction industry, thoroughly understands the components of the Ford Field renovation project and the project budget, and the importance of the project to the Northville community. He has indicated that he would accept the project for $18,000 (an estimated 3.5% of construction costs), a reduced rate from his usual 5% charge. The City Charter allows for the City Council to award contracts for professional services without a sealed bid process.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to approve a contract with Charles Van Deusen of Northville, Michigan to provide construction management services for the Ford Field renovation project for $18,000 or approximately 3.5% of the construction contract. The City Manager is authorized to sign the contract with Mr. Van Deusen on behalf of the City of Northville. Motion carried unanimously.

In 1996, an inspection of the Northville Community Center roof indicated that all seven of the roof surfaces needed replacement. As funds were available during the past five years, six of the seven roof surfaces have been replaced. The last remaining roof scheduled for replacement is the gymnasium roof. This repair has been postponed pending possible renovation to the Community Center. At this time, it appears the renovations will be delayed indefinitely. The leaks are causing damage to the stage floor and staff has received direction from the City and Township administration to proceed with solicitation of roof replacement bids. Nine bids were received with the qualified low bidder being Fisher Roofing of Dearborn with a price of $66,720.

The gym roof replacement was not budgeted in FY2001. However, if all other FY01 capital improvements and purchases for the Community Center are delayed, $46,590 is available from the Community Center budget. Additionally, a minimum of $21,000 program revenue over expenses for FY01 is projected, allowing the Parks and Recreation Department to fund the roof replacement project entirely from their budget allocation.

Council comments: The Community Center building is important to the community. In addition to the recreational uses, the building provides events that draw people into the City which, in turn, affects the businesses and restaurants in the downtown area.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to award the Community Center gym roof replacement contract to Fisher Roofing of Dearborn Heights in the amount of $66,720. Motion carried unanimously.

Ayers: Will be out of town on April 16^th. Have noticed more than the normal amount of large trucks on Center Street. Requested Police Department to check into the truck traffic.

Johnson: Will also be out of town on the 16^th.

Mittman: There is a strong possibility of a delay in returning from Europe that day.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to reschedule the regular meeting of April 16, 2001 to April 23, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.

Mittman: Is it appropriate to adjust the traffic light on Main and Griswold due to the bridge closure on Griswold? Also gave a review of the meeting held on the proposed Coordinating Planning Act.

Discussion followed regarding the ramifications of the Planning Act. The involvement of the City Manager and City staff was urged in the implementation of the Planning Act in order to insure the interests of the City.

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting adjourned 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Deputy City Clerk