City Council Minutes

Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. in the Northville City Hall Council Chambers, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.

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

Absent: None.

A. Citizen Comments None.

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

City Council Minutes: None.

Approve Bills List: None.

Receive Board and Commission Minutes: None.

Receive Departmental Reports: None.

Arbor Day Proclamation //Tree City USA Recertification

2001 "Welcome to Northville" Signs

Request to Solicit / Clean Water Action

At its regular meeting on April 2, 2001 City Council considered an amendment of the Zoning Map to allow for a PUD designation for the property located at 235 East Main Street. Following deliberations, City Council approved the final PUD Plan and Agreement with conditions and introduced for first reading an ordinance amendment to the City’s Zoning Map allowing a PUD at Water Wheel Center. The City’s Planning Consultant has advised that the PUD designation should be CBD/PUD (Central Business District/Planned Unit Development) as opposed to PR-1/PUD (Performance Related Industrial District/Planned Unit Development), as the focus of reuse at the complex is commercial versus industrial and the PUD designation should reflect this change. The ordinance amendment has been revised to reflect this change.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Ayers to waive second reading and adopt an ordinance amendment to the City’s Zoning Map changing the zoning at 235 East Main Street from PR-1 to CBD/PUD, effective within ten days upon publication. Motion carried unanimously.

At its regular meeting on April 2, 2001 City Council considered an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the percentage of lot coverage in the R-1B Zoning District. Following deliberations, City Council introduced for first reading a revised ordinance amendment modifying Section 15.01/Schedule of Regulations to reduce lot coverage from 35% to 30% and an addition of a footnote in Section 15.02 to address non-conforming lots.

Council Comments / Discussion: An objection to allowing a non-conforming house on a non-conforming lot as well as the reduction of coverage on a non-conforming lot was reiterated.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Mittman to waive second reading and adopt 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%. In addition, Section 15.02 is modified to add footnote #19, which allows lots that are considered as non-conforming because of insufficient lot area to be allowed maximum lot area coverage of 35%. Yes: Johnson, Hartshorne, Mittman, Swigart. No: Ayers. Motion carried.

On April 5, 2001 the City of Northville received bids for commercial solid waste collection in the downtown area. This project involves the daily collection of trash and recyclable cardboard from five locations in the downtown area.

Additional

Waste Management $ 62,848.80* $ 32,845.44 $ 95.694.24*

Republic Waste Services 140,364.00 75.096.00 215.460.00

Onyx Waste Management 173,462.88* 86,731.44* 260,194.32*

Great Lakes Waste Services 170,592.00 93,024.00 263,616.00

Painter and Ruthenberg 173,766.00 94,560.00 268,326.00

(*Error found in bid / correct number shown)

The lowest bid, as submitted by Waste Management, was based on a one-day per week collection schedule and was rejected. The second lowest bidder, Republic Waste, is recommended. The contract would begin on July 2, 2001 and run for four years, at which time the Council may consider the two-year extension as provided in the contract. As sufficient funding for this activity is included in the proposed FY 2002 budget, approval of this contract would not result in a rate increase for FY 2002.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to award the Commercial Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Program contract, in the amount of $140,364.00, to Republic Waste Services. Further, the City Manager is authorized to sign the contract on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.

Approximately four years ago, the City acquired the house and property located at 315 Griswold. The property is contiguous to and in character with Mill Race Historical Village. The Historical Society has developed a plan to convert the property into a historical museum. In order to formalize the relationship, an amendment to the agreement to include the property description of 315 Griswold should be added to the agreement.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion focused on the Historical Society’s past reluctance to allow general use of Mill Race Village for Mill Pond access and the fact that grant opportunities require access to the Pond. Council directed City Staff to draft general language expressing the City’s intention to use Mill Race Village for Mill Pond access as well as language to additionally insure the City for special events held at Mill Race Village. It was noted the City might revisit this subject at a later date to negotiate a specific Mill Pond access point.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Ayers to adopt the revised Agreement Between the City of Northville and the Northville Historic Society for Operation of Mill Race Village, subject to the addition of language addressing future access to the Mill Pond and a modification of the insurance requirements for special events. Motion carried unanimously.

Elections: A slight decrease in the budget is due to the fact that only one election is scheduled during the fiscal year. $1,000 is proposed in Capital Outlay to purchase a new printer pertaining to the Election Management System (EMS) and Automatic Election Return Operation software (AERO).

City Clerk: A slight increase in the budget due to negotiated wage and salary increases. No Capital Outlay is requested.

Building and Grounds: The proposed expenditures for general operation and maintenance have increased over last year primarily due to the anticipated rate increase in natural gas and the increase in equipment use for cemetery maintenance.

Council Comments: Discussion focused on the reduction of funds for the tree replacement program, questions regarding tree removal permits, and the status of Rural Hill Drive. Staff continues to work with Wayne County to address the proposed large acceleration and deceleration lanes approaching the cemetery. Therefore, an agreement has not a yet been presented to Northville Labs for their consideration. Although it is not likely the cemetery entrance will be completed by Memorial Day, Council expressed their desire to see this project completed this year.

Department of Public Works: The proposed expenditures for operation and maintenance remains consistent with the previous year.

Council Comments: Discussion focused on proposed utility rate increases and the flat-rate imposed for street light use.

Planning, Zoning and Inspection Services: The proposed budget provides for improved services and department efficiencies. It is anticipated an independent contractor will perform the inspections pertaining to the proposed Rental Registration and Inspection Program. The cost and administration of this program would be shared with the Fire Department. Proposed ICC Codes will simplify the process for enacting an ordinance to address this program.

Council Comments: Discussion focused on need for a Rental Inspection Program in the City and the fact that the program will assist in providing a safer environment and assure that the proposed rental property meets building, safety, and health codes. A further comment stated concern whether this program could be considered an invasion of privacy for rental property owners. Council requested a report on rental property code violations and a program update for FY 2002-03 budget discussions.

Shared Services: There is a decrease in this budget due to the revised shared services formula.

Contributions to Other Funds: Current year activity consists of operating transfers to the Major Street Fund, Local Street Fund, transfer to the Public Improvement Fund for municipal building renovation and fire station addition payments, payment for the acquisition of 315 Griswold, and an operating transfer to the Fire Equipment and Replacement Fund to add to the reserve for future equipment replacement. Future contributions to the Major and Local Street Funds are expected to increase mainly due to expenditures increasing at a higher rate than anticipated Act 51 revenues.

Debt Services: This activity represents payment of principal and interest related to bonds issued in 1990 for street improvements, the 2000 Public Safety bonds and the Parks and Recreation installment purchase for equipment.

Insurance, Central Supplies, and Unallocated Reserve: This activity provides for a 10% insurance premium increase per the City’s agreement with MMRMA. Central Supplies reflects a significant increase over previous years due to a proposed purchase of a new municipal building copy machine. Unallocated Reserve contains a new line item "Contingency – Accrued Liability", to address retirement cash payouts.

Arts Commission Fund: Commissioner Naigus outlined the Northville Arts Commission 2001-2002 plan, which includes additional funds for retaining Clock Concert bands, discussion regarding the holiday ornament sales, lack of attendance at the Winter Concert Series, and a proposed increase in the Art Market Fee to help offset rising costs. Further comments focused on an update of the Sculpture Program and a request for Council to consider funding a part-time clerical position to assist the Arts Commission.

Council Comments: Council suggested the Commission use the "Welcome to Northville" signs to promote the Winter Concert Series and other Commission activities.

Street, Drainage and Sidewalk Improvement Fund: This activity executes capital projects as outlined in the City’s 20 Year Street Improvement Plan. Final payment of the State Infrastructure Bank loan utilized for the Center Street project is scheduled for FY 2002. Improvements for FY 2002 include East Cady, Randolph, Taft, Hines Drive, Eight Mile Road landscaping (pending grant funds), Hutton, Larry, Morgan Circle, Mill Pond Court, Coldspring, Caldwell, Bloomcrest, Shannon Court and Coachford Court.

Council Comments: Comments included a suggestion to upgrade the Rogers/Main Street traffic light to a light more suitable to the area, a request for a sidewalk improvement plan "chart" similar to the street improvement plan, and the importance of maintaining the City’s infrastructure. A further comment focused on the need for sidewalks in the Potomac / Rogers Street area to improve safety and provide walking access to the downtown.

Major Streets Fund: Expenditures for routine operation and maintenance activities in this fund are expected to be consistent with previous years. The DPW plans to use grant money to undertake a comprehensive street name sign replacement program throughout the City.

Council Comments: Questions centered on an update of the Eight Mile Road landscaping. If the City does not receive the grant for the Eight Mile sidewalk improvement, Staff will come back to the City Council and the School District for further direction.

Local Streets Fund: Expenditures for routine operation and maintenance activities are expected to remain consistent with previous years. DPW plans to replace all street name signs in the City with the exception of those recently replace in the Northville Estates, Abbey Knoll and Pheasant Hills subdivisions.

Parking Fund: This activity is used to receive special assessment revenue and pay for lease payments of land used by the City as public parking lots and to earmark funds for future parking expansion projects.

Beautification Commission: The City Hall landscaping and entrance sign into the City at Center Street and Eight Mile Road are projects initiated during FY 2000 and will extend into FY 2002. These projects were funded from the accumulation of fund balance from previous years.

Council Comments: Council requested the Beautification Commission develop a proposal to address the landscaping at the Eight Mile Road / Novi Street entrance. Further discussion focused on the new "Welcome to Northville" signage.

Budget Stabilization Fund: Due to the City’s plan to continue to build the General Fund fund balance, no appropriation to the Budget Stabilization Fund is recommended for FY 2002.

Downtown Development Authority: Capital Improvement projects for FY 2002 focus on physical and infrastructure improvements and upgrades, landscaping, and parking maintenance and expansion. Operating transfers are allocated for Cady Street Improvements, the Hutton Street Extension, and assistance to the Ford Field renovation project.

Council Comments: Discussion focused on the traffic flow on Hutton and Mary Alexander, the Public Restroom Program that will be presented to the City Council this spring, and the status of the modular news racks in the downtown area.

Downtown Development Authority Debt Service Fund: Expenditures in this activity are principally debt retirement, with debt service requirements for FY 2002 at $387,251. This fund continues until the debt is retired.

Public Improvement Fund: As the City’s policy is to not budget for the receipt of racetrack breakage revenue, no revenue is budgeted or projected for future years.

Members of the Friends of the Mill Pond addressed the Council, requesting the City consider setting aside funds from racetrack breakage to assist with funding the Mill Pond dredging project as any grants received may require matching funds. Further discussion focused on availability of viable grants and consideration of a Special Assessment District, special millage or bond for 2002, and related City costs.

Discussion focused on the Council’s participation in the Fourth of July Parade celebration.

B. Staff Communications

Word: Stated the Ford Field renovation project groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. He distributed Council packets and related information pertaining to the Special Meeting schedule for April 25, 2001, and reminded Council of the Downtown Development Authority Special Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2001 to discuss the status of the Post Office expansion project.

By consensus of the City Council, the time of the Special Meeting schedule for Wednesday, April 25, 2001 was changed to 7:00 p.m. to accommodate the remainder of the budget discussion activities.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Massa

City Clerk