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.

Randy Dickinson, 204 Randolph John Kaloustian, 830 W. Main St.

Leon Bonner, 547 Fairbrook Greg Swanson, 542 Carpenter

Ron Bodnar, 342 E. Main St. Gary Paver, 505 Griswold

Each addressed the City Council regarding funding included in the FY 2002 budget for the proposed Rental Inspection Program. Key points included:

Concern with the costs involved to bring rental units up to current code.

An inspection program should encompass all homes within the City and not focus only on rental properties.

A Rental Inspection Program and ordinance would be redundant as state law already governs landlords and rental property, and safety issues are already addressed through many existing City ordinances.

Concern that tenants will use the new program to threaten landlords or as another avenue to avoid paying rent.

A suggestion to schedule several public hearings, formation of a citizen’s committee, and a further request to include landlords and tenants in the procedure process. Use of an existing rental property as a "test site" for the proposed program was offered as well.

Council Comments / Discussion: City Council stated that the concept of funding such a program is justified, as the program cannot be initiated unless funds have been appropriated. Additional comments included:

The City has received tenant complaints regarding rental buildings that are not up to code, possibly making the buildings unsafe to live in. Many rental property owners do not live in the rental property and may not always be concerned with life and safety issues.

Funding for this program was previously included in the FY 2000-01 budget, but was not used as the program was not initiated during the fiscal year.

The process for implementing a rental inspection program will include a number of public hearings, public notices, and possible study sessions. Landlord and tenant involvement will be encouraged.

A further comment stated that the landlords/rental property owners were invited to attend the public hearing in order to voice their concerns regarding the proposed inspection program. It was stated that the budget hearing is when policy is set and that this could be their only opportunity to address the Council before the program is implemented. It was argued that the budget adoption public hearing was not a suitable time to discuss the proposed Rental Inspection Program as the appropriate administration was not present, and a proposal had not been yet been drafted or presented to the City Council for consideration.

City Council referred the proposed Rental Inspection Program back to the administration to address landlord and tenant concerns, and a further suggestion to schedule a possible study session that would include landlords, tenants, and appropriate members of the City administration.

Consent Agenda item 4M / Proposed Amendments to the 2000-01 Budget through March 31, 2001 and Related Quarterly Reports was added to the Main Agenda as New Business 9E.

Consent Agenda item 4H / Wayne County Tree Planting Program was added to the Main Agenda as New Business 9F.

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

City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of May 7, 2001

Approve Bills List: Checks #21414 - #21652

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Arts Commission: 4/7/01

Beautification Commission: 4/10/01

Board of Zoning Appeals: 3/7/01, 4/4/01

Historic District Commission: 3/21/01

Housing Commission: 4/11/01

Parks and Recreation: 4/11/01

Planning Commission: 3/20/01

Youth Assistance: 4/10/01

Receive Departmental Reports:

Fire Department: 3/01, 4/01

Parks and Recreation: 4/01

Youth Assistance: 4/01

Beautification: Reappointment of Charlotte Lenk, Rosemary Tague, Yvonne DeMattos

Request to Solicit / International Order of Alhambra

Request to Solicit / The Fund for Public Interest Research

Street Closure / Linden Street / July 4, 2001

Bank Depository Resolutions #01-011, #01-012, #01-013

Participation in Strategic Plan Land and Facilities Evaluation

Bid Award / Fire Department Step Van

On April 2, 2001 the proposed fiscal year 2001-02 budget was presented and subsequently reviewed in detail at three additional City Council Meetings. Based upon that review, the following millage rates are proposed:

- 13.30 mills / Operating Millage Rate

- 0.64 mill / Debt Service Millage Rate for the Street Reconstruction Program

- 1.8431 mills / Street, Drainage, and Sidewalk Improvement Millage

- 0.17 mill / Public Safety Debt

The total 2001 City millage for operating, debt, and improvements is proposed to be 15.9531 mills.

Gary Paver, 505 Griswold, questioned whether sufficient funding was budgeted to allow for legal fees related to the proposed Rental Inspection Program.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Rental Inspection Program. Although funding for this program was included in the previous budget, a proposal was not developed. Past precedent indicates that the City Council works well with the community and welcomes citizen input. If a proposal is developed and presented to the Council, the community will be notified and involvement will be encouraged. The City Council has made a commitment to review the Rental Inspection Program issue; however, it was determined that the discussion should be held when landlords, tenants, and appropriate administration could be present.

Another comment stated reluctance to approve a budget that provided funding for a Rental Inspection Program, did not utilize DDA monies to fund the Hutton and Cady Street improvements, and continued to charge $1 to senior citizens to play cards at the Senior Center.

It was explained that the proposed budget provides for a level of service consistent with previous years, with an overall decrease in the mills levied, which indicates the City’s continuing effort to provide superior service at a lower millage rate.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Ayers to adopt the 2001-02 Budget Resolution #01-014 as presented. Yes: Johnson, Ayers, Mittman, Swigart. No: Hartshorne. Motion carried.

The City received a request from MCI Metro Access Transmission Services, LLC (MCI Metro) to obtain access to and ongoing use of the public rights-of-way to install a telecommunications system in the City of Northville using existing Ameritech conduit. The City Attorney has reviewed the permit and finds the application to be in conformance with the City’s Telecommunication Ordinance. A permit resolution has been prepared for City Council consideration.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion focused on the amount of digging expected along Center Street, and the quality of any necessary road restoration. The three planned digs include one at Eight Mile/Center Street and two at the Ameritech Building on Center Street. MCI Metro representatives assured the City Council that all road and rights-of-way disturbances would be restored to a condition as good as, or better than, the current road condition.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to adopt Resolution #01-015 approving a permit application for MCI Metro Access Transmission Services, LLC to install a telecommunications system in the City of Northville, as proposed, in accordance with the City of Northville Telecommunications Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously.

The City obtained its Certificate of Coverage in June 1999 and has been meeting with community representatives within the Middle One Rouge Subwatershed. In order to comply with the certificate requirements, each community must develop and enact illicit discharge elimination and public education programs. The communities have also been active in the required development of the Middle One Rouge River Subwatershed Management Plan, which sets forth goals to address water quality and quantity issues in the Middle One Subwatershed.

Currently, each community is developing their own Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (SWPPI), which outlines the actions the community will undertake in order to achieve the goals set forth in the Middle One Subwatershed Management Plan. The SWPPI will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in May 2001 for review and comments. The City’s consultant offered a brief presentation outlining the Rouge River history, river challenges, subwatershed goals, and the Middle One Rouge Subwatershed action plan.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion focused on the current and future water quality within the Rouge River and the need to monitor water quality to make certain the management plan is effective. Concern was expressed relative to the amount of silt that flows down through the river during development projects as a result of ineffective silt fences. A question was asked regarding the necessity of buffer strips along the Mill Pond as it relates to the Ford Field renovation project.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to adopt Resolution #01-016 giving support of the efforts to restore and improve the water quality of the Rouge River and specific support to the Middle One Subwatershed Management Plan developed by the Middle One communities. Motion carried unanimously.

In October 2000, the Wayne County Commission adopted a new Storm Water Management Ordinance. This ordinance was required under new state and federal stormwater regulations and provides the legal authority for Wayne County to require storm water management standards in development and redevelopment projects. The voluntary stormwater permit with the MDEQ currently covers the City of Northville. However, by March 2003, all Wayne County communities will be required to manage stormwater for development and re-development projects. The two options in which the City can perform this requirement are:

Develop a City-managed program similar to Wayne County, with City oversight and control.

Adopt the Wayne County program and delegate review, approval, and maintenance responsibility to Wayne County.

Staff has analyzed the two options and recommends adopting the Wayne County Storm Water Management Ordinance as a City ordinance. This option allows the City to delegate the responsibility of plan review, permits, and long-term maintenance commitments to Wayne County, saving the City the cost of stormwater management activities. The ordinance would encompass the entire City, thus developers would only have to work with one set of regulations.

Council Comments / Discussion: It was noted this was a proactive approach to bring the entire City under one set of governing rules and procedures. Council requested the City Attorney review and modify the Wayne County ordinance as necessary in order to make it more specific to the City of Northville.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Mittman to introduce for first reading the Storm Water Management Ordinance with modifications as requested. Second reading and possible adoption are scheduled for June 4, 2001, with an effective date within ten days, upon publication (June 14, 2001). Motion carried unanimously.

In 1999, the Wayne County Commission adopted an On-Site Sewage Disposal System Evaluation and Maintenance Ordinance. Failing septic systems have been found to be a major cause of pollution to surface waters and are classified as illicit connections by the State of Michigan. The City must address illicit connection in order to stay in conformance with the Michigan General Storm Water Permit certificate of coverage. Northville has been proactive in addressing this requirement by offering free septic system inspections to residents, as well as eliminating interest charges placed on sewer assessments if residents agree to connect to the sanitary sewer and abandon their private septic systems.

To continue with this progressive effort, adoption of the Wayne County ordinance as a City ordinance would require the entire City to follow the Wayne County requirement of having homeowners with private septic systems obtain a professional inspection at the time the property is sold.

Council Comments / Discussion: Council requested clarification of the septic system inspection and evaluation process. Further discussion focused on the sanitary sewer connection requirements. Council requested the City Attorney review and modify the Wayne County ordinance as necessary in order to make it more specific to the City of Northville.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to introduce for first reading the On-Site Sewage Disposal System Evaluation and Maintenance Ordinance with modifications as requested. Second reading and possible adoption are scheduled for June 4, 2001, with an effective date within ten days, upon publication (June 14, 2001). Motion carried unanimously.

Since 1979, the Parks and Recreation Department has leased the Community Center building located at 303 W. Main Street for community recreation activities. The current lease agreement expires in the year 2004. An extensive evaluation by the Recreation Commission determined the Community Center building, with proposed improvements, is still a valuable asset to the Northville community. The Recreation Commission is requesting a lease extension of twenty-five years on the Community Center, effective when the current lease expires on July 9, 2004.

Council Comments / Discussion: Brief discussion followed relative to the section of the agreement pertaining to sublets, with concern that the City would be solely responsible for the building should the Township decide to pursue an independent recreation program. It was explained that under the Shared Services Agreement, the Community Center lease is considered an asset, which ties the City and Township together.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to concur with the Northville Township Board of Trustees and approve a lease agreement with the Board of Education for use of the Northville Community Center for years 2004-2019, with one ten-year extension provision. Further, the City Manager is authorized to sign the document on behalf of the City of Northville. Motion carried unanimously.

The Water and Sewer Fund financial analysis has been completed as part of the FY 2002 budget process. Based upon that review, the following rate structure is proposed, with an effective date of July 1, 2001.

*(One unit = 1,000 gallons)

Among the key factors considered when evaluating the proposed rate increase, the following were noted:

Improvement of the financial condition of this fund, primarily from debt retirement, has allowed the 2000 and 2001 rate increases from the City’s two system suppliers to be absorbed.

The Department of Public Works continues to closely monitor water loss, with the loss ratio remaining at less than 12% for the past 30 months.

The dual meter program allows a second meter for outdoor water that does not add to the flow of the sewer system. The established rate policy discounts the City’s sewer rate to the level that covers the City’s cost to Wayne County. As a result of the decreased sewer debt, the relative portion of Wayne County sewer charges has increased, resulting in the proposed 5% rate adjustment for the dual meter sewer rate.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to schedule a public hearing on Monday, June 4, 2001 providing for the following rates with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2001:

- Water: $3.82/unit

- Sewer: $3.50/unit

- Sewer (dual meter): $1.34/unit

- Service Charge: $4.92/monthly

An electronic communications policy has been prepared regarding the use of electronic communication tools by City staff. The policy has been reviewed by Plante & Moran, Gracon, MMRMA, the City’s internal Risk Manager, the City Attorney, the City Labor Attorney, and the City bargaining units.

Council Comments / Discussion: Questions focused on use of the word "hotmail", and the manner in which the policy will be presented to the employees. It was suggested that the policy wording in the section "Prohibited Uses", as it pertains to hotmail, be revised to read "The use of external e-mail accounts (i.e. hotmail)". It was further explained that employees will receive a packet of information, including a copy of the Electronic Communications Policy, as well as Internet and e-mail instruction.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Mittman to adopt the Electronic Communications Policy as modified. Motion carried unanimously.

Funding for in-car video systems for police patrol vehicles was included in the FY 2001 budget. In addition the Police Department received a grant for additional funding from MMRMA. Bids were received on April 12, 2001 as follows:

After evaluating the proposed systems and subsequent reference checks, the evaluating officers recommend the Prosecutor system proposed by Cruisers. The cost of this system would be $20,850, with the City’s share at $10,425. This would require a budget amendment, with funds available in the police budget. The bid price includes unit installation as well. However, if installation were performed by another facility, an appropriate deduction would be made from the payment to the vendor.

Council Comments / Discussion: Questions were asked regarding how often the video cameras would be used. It was explained that the video cameras would record anytime the patrol vehicle is in use. The microphone recorder will be used at the point of citizen contact. It was noted that a policy statement would be implemented.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Ayers to accept the bid from Cruisers of Brighton, Michigan for the purchase of five (5) Prosecutor in-car video systems, in the amount not to exceed $20,850. Further, the administration is authorized to reduce the amount accordingly if installation is provided by another facility. Motion carried unanimously.

The budget report reflects proposed amendments based upon financial data through March 31, 2001. The quarterly investment report and the quarterly water loss reports were also presented. Due to higher than anticipated revenues from building permits, there was an operating transfer of $121,000 to the special projects reserve. Projects included were as follows:

- Police Department Carport: $20,000

- Police Department Speed Trailer: $14,000

- Police Department Impound Yard: $12,000 (cost share with Parks and Recreation)

- Mill Pond Restoration Reserve: $25,000

State shared revenue estimates for fiscal years 2001 and 2002 have decreased, with a word of caution that

actual payments will differ from the estimates if the economy experiences a further slowdown.

Council Comments / Discussion: It was suggested that the Police Chief further investigate pending legislation that would allow traffic violations to be issued via use of the speed trailer camera without the need for direct officer contact. This legislation could modify the type of speed trailer purchased.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to adopt Resolution #01-017 approving the proposed amendments to the 2000-01 City of Northville Budget. Further, City Council accepts the investment report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Wayne County is offering a new program whereby the County Forestry Division will plant new trees in public rights-of-way that are under Wayne County jurisdiction. The County will provide the service if the local government agrees to the long-term maintenance of the new trees. If the City shares in the cost of tree replacement, the County will move that area’s tree planting up on their priority list. The offer does not affect the County’s obligation to maintain existing trees, nor does it increase the City’s liability should the new trees be hit or otherwise be involved in future accidents.

Council Comments / Discussion: A question was asked on the type of trees to be planted. It was explained that the County has given no indication of the type of trees planned for our community.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Mittman to adopt Resolution #01-018 supporting the Wayne County New Tree Planting Program. Further, staff is directed to coordinate this partnering effort with the Wayne County Forestry Division. Motion carried unanimously.

Mittman commented on the traffic regulations on eastbound Randolph at West and High Streets. Right turns at these intersections are prohibited during certain times of the day, seven days per week. It was noted that removing the restriction would shift more traffic on the surrounding streets. It was suggested that staff review the regulations and consider either lowering the restriction to Monday through Friday, or removing the "no right turn" restriction for a temporary period, subject to further review.

B. Staff Communications None.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Massa

City Clerk