City Council Minutes

Mayor Christopher 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: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, DPW Director James Gallogly, Police Chief James Petres, Housing Director Joanne Inglis, Housing Commissioners Sue Hooper and Charles Jerzycke, NCBA President Lindsey Casterline-Dogonski and Andy Genitti, and seven citizens.

A. Citizen Comments – None

It was requested that Consent Agenda Item 4H, be moved to the agenda. Proposed 4^th Annual "Heart ‘N’ Sole" 5K Race was placed as New Business Item 9B.

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

Approve City Council Minutes:

Study Session of March 3, 2003

Regular Meeting of March 3, 2003

Approve Bills List:

Checks #31035 to #31124

Checks #31125 to #31209

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Board of Zoning Appeals: 1/8/03

Downtown Development Authority: 1/14/03

Housing Commission: 2/12/03

Parks and Recreation: 2/12/03

Planning Commission: 2/18/03

Receive Departmental Reports:

Parks and Recreation: 2/03

Board and Commission Appointments:

Senior Citizens Advisory Council: Bruce Turnbull (reappointment)

2003-2004 Project Priorities (revised)

Proposed Arthritis Walk / May 10, 2003

Proposed Memorial Day Parade / May 26, 2003

Request to Solicit / Northville Lions Club / April – May 2003

Mr. Robin Cursi, Marketing Manager of DaimlerChrysler, in cooperation with Ralph Haney of the United Street Machine Association (USMA), has requested permission to hold a Classic Car Show in the City on Saturday, May 10, 2003. It is proposed that the event be held from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. with the expectation of hosting approximately 200 classic vehicles. The event would be open to anyone who owns a classic vehicle of any make and most entrants will be awarded a trophy and/or dash plaques.

Staff recommends the use of Parking Lot #4, located behind the MainCentre and MGM buildings. DaimlerChrysler has agreed to pay for all necessary expenses related to the event including significant advance advertising, porta-johns, and cleanup. USMA donates 100% of its proceeds to American Veterans and children’s organizations. Proceeds are expected to come from the sale of USMA tee shirts and club membership dues. There will be no fee for contestants or spectators.

Council Comments: Questions were asked and clarification was given regarding the fact that the classic cars will not cruise the streets of Northville. The cars will drive to the lot and will stay parked for the duration of the event. Additional questions were asked regarding approval of banners and signs, possible conflict with the Arthritis Walk being held on the same day, and possible conflict with parking by postal employees and patrons.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to approve the use of Parking Lot #4 for a DaimlerChrysler/

USMA Classic Car Show on May 10, 2003 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or as determined by the City Manager, with request for approval of banner and signs to be dealt with at a later date. Motion carried unanimously.

The City has received a request from the Northville Central Business Association (NCBA) to hold the annual sidewalk sale on Friday, August 1^st and Saturday, August 2, 2003. Friday will involve only local merchants displaying merchandise in front of their businesses. No streets will be closed. However, on Saturday, it is requested that permission be given to close Main Street between Wing and Hutton, and Center Street between Dunlap and Cady. In addition to the local merchants, outside vendors will be set up on the streets.

Additionally, Mr. Andy Genitti is requesting permission to set up a stage in the intersection of Main and Center to accommodate live music that would be played between 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Genitti is also requesting permission to conduct outdoor service of food and beverages, including alcohol, in an enclosed area on the south side of Main Street, east of Center.

Council comments: It was suggested that the street parking spaces not be used for merchandise on Friday. Questions were asked regarding the size of the enclosed area to be used for entertainment and restaurant fare, what type of barrier would be erected, and times of serving alcohol. It was made clear that a certificate of insurance was required from both the NCBA and Genitti’s for this event.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Mittman to approve the requests from the NCBA and Mr. Genitti to hold the annual sidewalk sale and related events on Friday, August 1^st and Saturday, August 2, 2003, authorize the closing of streets and parking areas as may be needed, and authorize the outdoor service of food and alcoholic beverages as outlined in the request. Further, the NCBA and Genitti’s are to provide Certificates of Insurance, naming the City of Northville as an additional insured, with minimum coverage of $1M, prior to the event. Motion carried unanimously.

On February 12, 2003, the Maybury barn at Maybury State Park burned to the ground with total loss of animal life. At its regular meeting on March 3, 2003, the Northville City Council directed its staff to prepare a resolution supporting restoration of the barn and animal life in the Park.

Council Comments: Two typographical errors were pointed out. It was suggested that the word "unanimously" be inserted in the resolution.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Mittman to adopt the resolution supporting restoration of the Maybury Park barn and restocking the barn with appropriate farm animals to a "like situation" prior to the February 12^th fire. Motion carried unanimously.

The Northville Housing Commission pays service fees to the City in lieu of property taxes for City services. In order to certify this practice, the Michigan Department of Treasury requires that this practice be specified through a City ordinance. City staff has drafted an ordinance and the City Attorney has reviewed it and finds it acceptable.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to introduce for first reading the proposed ordinance regarding Allen Terrace Service Fees, with second reading and possible adoption scheduled for April 7, 2003. Motion carried unanimously.

At its regular meeting on March 3, 2003, the Northville City Council introduced for first reading an amendment to Chapter 94 Vehicles for Hire, Article III Horse-Drawn Carriages, in the Northville Code of Ordinances. The provision discussed at that meeting regarding the doubling of penalties was removed from the proposed amendment. A revised draft is submitted for second reading.

Council Comments: A discussion ensued regarding missing language regarding the handling of animal solid waste matter. It was pointed out that the language submitted for consideration is only those paragraphs that had either insertions or deletions. The entire article was not submitted. There is existing language in the article dealing with animal solid waste matter.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to waive second reading and adopt the proposed amendments to Chapter 94, Article III Horse-Drawn Carriages, which amendments will become effective within 10 days, upon publication. Motion carried unanimously.

The Northville Board of Zoning Appeals has made a request to modify the wording or definition of "non-conforming structures" in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. From time to time, owners of non-conforming houses or businesses wish to modify the structure they own. In the past, the City Attorney has opined that modifications, which do not increase the specific non-conformity, may be permitted without review by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Over the years, the Board of Zoning Appeals has challenged the thinking of the City Attorney on this matter and, as such, is seeking an amendment to Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Council Comments: Discussion ensued regarding the concerns of the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals regarding the many non-conforming structures that are being renovated into "big foot" structures. Discussion took place over the various changes that could take place in a non-conforming structure and the ramifications of a Board of Zoning Appeals review or non-review regarding the changes that have nothing to do with the original non-conforming issue. It was concurred that the City Manager be authorized to work with the various boards and the City Attorney on resolving the issue and have the resolution brought before the City Council for final decision.

On February 18, 2002, the Northville City Council approved proposals from M. C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group for architectural services and from J. S. Vig Construction Company for construction management services. City staff has confirmed the positive references for both firms. The firms have provided standard contracts for consideration by City Council. The contract for architectural services is for the fixed fee amount of $49,970. The contract for construction management services is for the guaranteed maximum price of $182,470. The City Attorney has reviewed the agreements and finds them acceptable for signing.

Council Comments: Joanne Inglis introduced Mr. Don Smalligan of the M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group, and Ms. Valerie Vig of J. S. Vig Construction Company, who will be project manager for the Allen Terrace renovations.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to approve the contract for architectural services with M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group in the amount of $49,970 and for construction management services with J. S. Vig Construction Company in the amount of $182,470, and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreements on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.

The Northville High School Rotary Interact Club is requesting permission to conduct a 5K run in the City on Saturday, May 31, 2003 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Due to the limited number of participants, street closings are not needed and the runners will be instructed to use sidewalks where available. The Police Department will assist the runners with crossing major streets, and volunteers will assist runners at minor street crossings.

Council Comments: Concern was expressed over the assumption that the runners will stop at crossing corners. It was pointed out that a competitive runner might not necessarily stop at the corner for safety reasons. Further discussion revealed this annual race is more of a "fun" run versus a true competitive race.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to approve the request of the Northville High School Rotary Interact Club to hold the 4^th Annual "Heart ‘N’ Sole" Fun Run on Saturday, May 31, 2003, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., authorize the placement of temporary direction signs on City property, and direct the Club to pay direct additional expenses incurred by the City and provide a certificate of insurance naming the City of Northville as an additional insured, with $1M minimum coverage. Motion carried unanimously.

Swigart: Reminded Council of the Historic District Training Session that will take place on Saturday, March 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served.

Ayers: Reminded Council that the City Manager’s Performance Evaluation forms are due March 21^st.

Hartshorne: Commented that the "speed bump" on Randolph is reducing in size.

B. Staff – None

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

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Deputy City Clerk