City Council Minutes

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

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

Absent: Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, DPW Director James Gallogly, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, Reporter Heather Conner, Pheasant Hills President Bill Lokey, Robert W. Baird & Company representative Warren Creamer, and eight citizens.

Citizen Comments: Mel Anderson, 588 Carpenter, spoke of his disapproval of the new downtown parking management plan, which has a negative impact on employees and customers. Discussion of the parking management plan was placed on the agenda.

Tim Borthwick, 241 South Wing, questioned as to what are the City’s plans for the abandoned home of 226 South Wing Street. He was told that a decision to either renovate or demolish the home would be made in the next 30 days. Mr. Borthwick also spoke of his concern of pending bills in the State Legislature regarding the expansion of gaming at racetracks. He was told of Council’s concerns regarding this issue and of the recent resolution that was sent to the legislators expressing these concerns.

An additional item was placed under New Business, 9F: Downtown Parking Program. Item 9B: Proposed City of Northville Directional Sign was removed. A minor correction was made in the minutes of the October 7, 2002 City Council meeting.

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

Approve City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of October 7, 2002

Regular Meeting of October 21, 2002

Regular Meeting of October 28, 2002

Approve Bills List: Checks #29094 to #29280 and #29281 to #29472

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Board of Zoning Appeals: 2/6/02, 6/5/02, 9/4/02

Historic District: 8/21/02

Parks and Recreation: 9/12/02

Planning Commission: 8/20/02

Youth Assistance: 9/10/02

Receive Departmental Reports:

Parks and Recreation: 9/02

Youth Assistance: 9/02

Board and Commission Appointments: None

Call for Public Hearing / FY 2003 Oakland County CDBG Funds

Request for Bleachers / Holiday Lighted Parade / November 22, 2002

Request for Closure of Bandshell Area / Candlelight Shopping / December 13, 2002

Request for Closure of Streets / Holiday Lighted Parade / November 22, 2002

Request for Closure of Bandshell Area / Christmas Walk / November 24, 2002

The City had received a request from the Pheasant Hills Homeowners Association to designate their subdivision as a "gas light district" and to place five signs noting such designation at the entrances to their subdivision. In researching the subject, City Staff found little information on the establishment of gas light districts. However, it was pointed out that Pheasant Hills is requesting this designation to highlight the new gas streetlights that have been installed and would welcome the same designation to other neighborhoods having gas streetlights.

The placement of the five entrance signs would be in the public right-of-way and would be identical in size to those in the Historic District and on posts that would match the color and style of posts used for the subdivision’s street name signs. There is no cost to the City for complying with this request as the homeowners’ association will cover the cost of the design, construction, and placement of the requested signs.

Council Comments / Discussion: An opinion was stated regarding the inappropriateness of the designation given the subdivision is comprised of modern and not historical homes. Additionally, it was held that this designation would promote the separation of neighborhoods within the City. Other comments stated an approval of the proposal and pointed out that the Pheasant Hills Homeowners Association is not asking for the exclusive right to use the gas light district designation.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the designation of Pheasant Hills subdivision as a "Gas Light District" and approve the placement of five signs within the public right-of-way near the entrances to the subdivision. Yes: Hartshorne, Johnson, Swigart. No: Mittman. Motion carried.

The City had received a request to place temporary signs within street right-of-way at nine locations within the City of Northville for the purpose of soliciting public support of a Scouting food pick up program on Saturday, November 9, 2002. The signs would be approximately 4’x2’ and would go up Thursday evening (November 7^th) and be removed Saturday afternoon (November 9^th). The signs are to be placed at:

- Eight Mile and Whitegate (entrance to Abbey Knoll)

- Eight Mile and Coldspring (entrance to Pheasant Hills)

- Eight Mile and N. Lexington Blvd. (south entrance to Lexington Condominiums)

- Eight Mile and S. Lexington Blvd. (entrance to Lexington Commons)

- Taft Road and N. Lexington Blvd. (east entrance to Lexington Condominiums)

- W. Main and Clement

- Clement and Fonner

- Fairbrook and First

Council Comments / Discussion: Comments included an objection to the number of signs and a suggestion to make use of the City of Northville entrance signs for the event. Further comments were offered regarding the efforts of the Scouts for this worthwhile annual event and the cooperation exhibited regarding the prompt removal of the signs.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Swigart to approve the door-to-door food drive proposed by Cub Scout Pack 721, along with the placement of informational signs at the locations requested on City right-of-way during the period of November 7 through November 9, 2002. Yes: Hartshorne, Johnson, Swigart. No: Mittman. Motion carried.

Comerica Securities had represented the City of Northville since 1998 and prior to 1993. In June 2002, the City was informed that Comerica Securities would no longer provide municipal financial advisor services. As a result, City staff has researched other firms and recommend that Robert W. Baird & Company, with representative Warren Creamer, be appointed as municipal financial advisor. This recommendation is based on a reputation for a high level of service, a demonstrated understanding of the outside factors affecting the City, a history of experience in Michigan municipal finance debt issues, and a competitive fee.

Council Comments / Discussion: Questions were asked regarding the ability of Baird & Company to submit a bid for bonds while seeking other bond purchasers, and the proposed fee structure. It was suggested that the professional services agreement specifically list Warren Creamer as the Robert W. Baird & Company representative that will service the City.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to appoint Robert W. Baird & Company with Warren Creamer as representative and further direct City staff to execute the professional services agreement. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Proposed City of Northville Directional Sign (removed from the agenda)

In an effort to properly repair emergency cuts in road pavement, the City annually bids out a "Permanent Utility Cut Repair Program" whereby an asphalt contractor is retained to remove the cold patch material and properly place hot asphalt material. For 2002, there are currently 21 locations through the City that require pavement replacement. On October 24, 2002, the City accepted bids for this project. Bids were received from:

Cadillac Asphalt Company $80,100

Bush Brothers Asphalt Company $42,580

This project was budgeted for $20,000 and, as the lowest bid exceeds this amount, a budget amendment will be required to cover the entire contract amount at the lowest bid.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Hartshorne to award a contract for permanent utility cut repairs in the amount of $24,950 to S & J Asphalt Paving Company and, further, to permit the Public Works Director to make a budget adjustment within the water and sewer fund to cover the entire contract amount. Motion carried unanimously.

The FY03 Public Improvement Fund proposed the installation of additional insulation in the attic of City Hall. On October 15, 2002, the City received and accepted only one bid even though bids were solicited from eleven local companies. Architect David Mielock prepared the specifications and bid documents. The sole bid of $10,058 from Whitson Insulation Company was reviewed and is considered a good bid from a quality company that has been in business since 1961.

The City Hall Attic Insulation project has been provided in the Public Improvement Fund in the amount of $10,000 and, as the bid exceeds this amount, a budget amendment will be required to cover the entire contract amount.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to award a contract for installing additional insulation in the City Hall attic to Whitson Insulation Company of Troy in the amount of $10,058 and, further, to approve a budget amendment to cover the entire contract amount. Motion carried unanimously.

In June 1999, the Environmental Infrastructure Fund (EIF) for Oakland County was established to assist the County’s cities, townships, and villages in paying for pollution abatement relating to water and sewer. Based on a combination of population and taxable value, Northville’s share of the fund totals $77,990.65. In 1999, the City requested the first year’s allotment of $15,598.13 and it was used to cover cost incurred in bringing Northville in compliance with the City’s "Certificate of Coverage" under the State of Michigan’s general storm water permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

To remain in compliance with the City’s "certificate of coverage," the City has retained the services of Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment Inc. (OHM) to plan and design required education and illicit discharge elimination programs, including steps to reduce the number of septic systems in our community. It is proposed that the remaining $62,392.52 from the EIF be used to reimburse the City in these storm water related environmental expenses. A resolution and verification of eligible expenses are required to be submitted to obtain the funds.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Mittman to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to request approval and reimbursement of eligible environmental remediation or improvement project expenses up to $62,392.52 under Oakland County’s Environmental Infrastructure Fund Program. Motion carried unanimously.

Mel Anderson, owner of the Northville Clock Shop located on Dunlap Street, complained of the lack of sufficient parking spaces for downtown employees, and the selective and unequal enforcement of the parking management plan. He listed specific areas in the downtown that have no parking restrictions and could be used as orange dot spaces.

Council Response: The City is attempting to manage the existing parking spaces to accommodate potential customers. Time is needed for employees to adapt to the new plan before any significant changes be warranted. It was suggested the City Manager meet with the Downtown Parking Committee to review the placement of the orange dots in the parking lots to see if any specific business is being penalized. It was further suggested that a report from the Parking Committee be presented in the first quarter of next year on the implementation of the parking management program.

Swigart stated that Plante & Moran reviewed the Parks and Recreation audit and alerted Council that additional contribution on the part of the City may be necessary to help fund the activities and facilities expansion of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Mittman complimented the placement of the sidewalks on Potomac; requested the Police Department look into the possibility of eliminating the left turn unto Main Street from southbound Center Street traffic; alerted Council that he may be late for the November 18^th Council meeting.

All were reminded to vote in Tuesday’s election.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Deputy City Clerk