City Council Minutes

Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Northville City Hall, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.

Present: Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart.

Absent: Mayor Christopher Johnson (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, DPW Director James Gallogly, Accounting Supervisor Sandi Wiktorowski, Fire Chief James Allen, Parks and Recreation Director Traci Sincock, and DDA Director Lori Ward.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Mittman to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Downtown Development Authority – Questions were posed regarding the implementation of the parking management plan, expansion of the band shell area, an additional public restroom in the downtown area, and newspaper racks. It was noted that no major capital improvements were planned for the upcoming year because of a major contribution to the parking expansion project.

Downtown Development Authority Debt Service Fund – The final payment of the 1994 general obligation parking deck bonds is due October 2008. After this debt is cleared, the DDA will no longer be able to collect the tax due to the schools, which will result in a 46% decrease in revenues for the DDA.

Refuse and Recycling Fund – It is proposed that a 15% rate adjustment be approved if the commercial trash problem of dumping outside the dumpster is not resolved. Questions were raised regarding the residential service, partnering with Novi in gathering hazardous waste material, maintenance of the water tower, and the purpose behind accumulating a fund balance in this account. Suggestions were made regarding informing residents of the particulars of trash pickup and recycling.

Water and Sewer Fund – It is proposed that effective July 1, 2003, the water rate is to remain the same at $4.19/unit, the sewer rate is increased by 3.4% to $3.91/unit, the dual water meter / sewer rate is increased by 6.2% to $1.55/unit, and the service charge is increased by 4.1% to $5.12/unit. Questions were raised regarding the dual water meter system, the City’s water loss, the debt retirement schedule, videotaping of the sewer system and subsequent finds, drainspouts, septic systems, and the water leak detection system.

Equipment Fund – Two vehicles are proposed to be purchased for the FY03-04 year: a 37,000 GVW snowplow and a ½ ton pickup truck with snow plow.

Questions were asked regarding the State Shared Revenue projections.

All were reminded that the public hearing that will address the millage rate will be held Monday, May 19, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council: Ayers: The Youth Assistance Reception, which was held Tuesday, April 29^th, was well attended.

Staff: None

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

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Deputy City Clerk