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, and Thomas Swigart.

Absent: Jerome Mittman (excused).

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:

Regular Meeting of October 1, 2001

Approve Bills List: Checks #23588 - #23766 and Checks #23767 - #23789

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Beautification Commission: 8/14/01

Board of Zoning Appeals: 8/1/01, 9/5/01

Historic District Commission: 7/25/01, 8/15/01

Housing Commission: 9/12/01

Parks and Recreation: 9/19/01

Planning Commission: 8/7/01

Youth Assistance: 9/11/01

Receive Departmental Reports:

Fire Department: 8/01

Parks and Recreation: 9/01

Youth Assistance: 9/01

Taxi Fare Meter Rates / ABC Cab, Inc.

Proposed Amendments to the 2001-02 Budget through September 30, 2001 and Investment Report

Motion carried unanimously.

The Pheasant Hills Homeowners Association (PHHA) requested that the City consider a special assessment process for a street lighting improvement project in their subdivision, at an estimated cost of $90,000. Pending City Attorney review, it appears the City could participate in a special assessment process for this project. Staff made the following recommendations:

Any preliminary City Council approval is contingent on City Attorney review.

Advance project funding could come from the General Fund accumulated fund balance, eliminating the need for debt issuance and bond issue costs.

Repayment period of 10 years rather than 15 years as requested by PHHA, primarily because the City would be funding the project rather than issuing debt.

Direct staff to proceed with the special assessment and contractor selection and negotiation processes.

Interest rate of 6% is based upon: 1) bond counsel recommendation of 6% - 7%; 2) existing unpaid specials assessments bear interest rates ranging from 5.6% - 6.9%; and 3) the average net yield earned on the City’s invested funds in 2001 was 6.037%.

First installment would be due with the July 2002 tax billing

William Lokey, President of the Pheasant Hills Homeowners Association, was present to answer questions.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion ensued relative to the special assessment process, use of City cash flow to fund a special assessment, gas street light maintenance, and safety concerns. It was noted that Consumers Energy believes that an escape of gas in an open area outside would be no more dangerous than live and exposed wires.

The possibility of PHHA securing a bank loan to fund this project was explored. PHHA is currently doing $175,000 in improvements to their front entrance and bridge, which are projects that were partially funded through a bank loan. It is unlikely they could secure an additional loan at this time.

City Council expressed support of the special assessment process for this project provided that a favorable majority of Pheasant Hills Subdivision residents (approximately 60%-65%) support this process as well. City Council asked PHHA President William Lokey to canvass the neighborhood and report the results to the City Council.

The FY 2002 budget contains funds for the purchase of a new street sweeper, which would replace the

14-year old sweeper currently used by the Department of Public Works. Following review of the different types of sweepers (mechanical/broom or air/vacuum), Staff recommended the mechanical sweeper for this community. The Athey Mobil Sweeper and the Elgin Broom Bear, both sold by Jack Doheny Supplies, Inc., were tested by the Department of Public Works. While each had advantages and disadvantages, the DPW believes the Athey Mobil Sweeper is superior to the Elgin Broom Bear. It was noted that the Athey Mobil Sweeper is no longer being manufactured, raising a concern for future parts supply. However, Jack Doheny Supplies, Inc., is offering a guaranteed buyback price, at three and five years, to address this concern.

The quoted price of $155,010 is available to the City as an add-on to Wayne County’s December 4, 2000 bid purchase. Minus the trade allowance of $7,500 for the City’s 1987 Athey Mobil Sweeper, the total cost to the City is $147,510, which is within the budgeted amount of $150,000.

Council Comments / Discussion: There were questions relative to the specifications of each model and a suggestion to keep the current sweeper as a light duty/back-up unit.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the purchase of a 2001 Athey Mobil Sweeper in the amount of $147,510 (cost minus trade) from Jack Doheny Supplies, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.

Ayers expressed concern and requested clarification relative to the new 35^th District Court judgeship process.

Swigart noted that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop is scheduled for Monday, October 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at Northville High School. He encouraged everyone to attend.

Hartshorne, as Council Liaison to the Housing Commission, suggested that the next City Council meeting be held at Allen Terrace.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Swigart to hold the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Terrace, 401 High Street, Northville, Michigan. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Staff Communications None.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to recess the regular meeting to hold an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to approve the Settlement Agreement between Lawrence W. and Joan R. Sheehan, James R. Long and 180 E. Main L.L.C., and the City of Northville and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Massa

City Clerk