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 Pro Tem Carolann Ayers, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart

Absent: None

A. Citizen Comments

Frank Bauss, 23445 Beck Road, Novi, voiced concern with alleged blight at the property located at 543 Dubuar and the inconsistent enforcement relative to the placement of sidewalk in the community.

Jim Bress, 388 N. Rogers Street, expressed concern with the inconsistent enforcement relative to the placement of sidewalk in the community, noting that the Sidewalk Policy resolution adopted at the April 2, 2001 City Council meeting states that the placement of sidewalks are required in order to obtain a building permit and does not differentiate between new construction and remodeling/renovation.

The City Manager was directed to review the concerns of Mr. Bauss and Mr. Bress and report back to the City Council.

"Policy for Recognition of Donations" was added to the agenda as New Business 9C.

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

Approve City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of December 1, 2003 as amended

Approve Bills List:

Checks #35178 to #35232

#35233 to #35370

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Board of Zoning Appeals: 11/5/03

Historic District Commission: 10/15/03

Planning Commission: 10/7/03, 11/18/03

Receive Departmental Reports: None

Youth Assistance / Michele Fecht reappointed to a two-year term expiring 12/31/05

Disposal of Used Equipment / Computers, Printer

With the anticipated 2004 completion of the Senior Community Center renovation project, the senior adult program and staff will relocate to the new facility. The Northville Arts Commission is interested in using the Scout Building for cultural arts programming and activities. The Arts Commission envisions the building being known as the "Northville Art House," and its mission would be to enhance the community by providing culture and arts in a central and appropriate location. The facility would be owned by the City of Northville and operated by Northville Parks and Recreation, a shared-service of Northville Township and the City of Northville.

Arts Commissioner Kathleen Tabaczynski presented the Arts Commissions’s comprehensive business plan that outlined an executive summary, the business concept, marketing strategy, financial plan, and management of the business. Preliminary survey results, 2004-2005 projected budget, current and proposed job description for an Arts Programming Supervisor, and letters of support were offered. The Northville Arts Commission also recognized that there are other proposals for this building and proposed five criteria for evaluation, which included: Financial Viability, Benefit to Northville Businesses, Inclusiveness of the Community, Appropriateness of the Building, and Management Credibility and Experience.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion ensued pertaining to the Arts Commission proposed use of the Scout Building. Questions and comments included:

• A suggestion encouraging the Arts Commission and the Youth Advisory Council (teens) to communicate and explore the possibility of sharing the building. It was responded that the Northville Arts Commission’s attempts to meet with the Youth Advisory Council have been unsuccessful. The Arts Commission would like to meet with the teens to learn their wants and needs as there is a feeling that the Arts Commission’s proposed programming could address some of the needs of area teens.
• A comment noted that some of the proposed Arts Commission programs are currently offered by Schoolcraft College in their continuing education programs, questioning whether there was a community need to duplicate these programs.
• A comment that two valid projects qualify for use, and while the Arts Commission proposed plan is comprehensive, there was concern that there is an area of need not being addressed by the community. A separate comment favored offering the building to the teens, with the feeling that if the Teen Center is successful, they will quickly outgrow the building, opening its use to the Arts Commission.
• Comments noting that the building is not a "useful" building for public use, not ADA compliant, and could be considered an interim building, not a building for long-term use.
• A comment suggested consideration to rent the building for commercial use as a possible revenue source. A further comment stated a preference to see the building remain for public use.
• Brief discussion on the uncertainty of a post office expansion at that site, with the understanding that use of the Scout Building might be temporary.
• With the expansion and relocation of Northville Township Hall and the lack of City-owned buildings available for use, a comment suggested that interested groups consider exploring the availability of Township buildings as well.
• Questions on Arts Commission’s current use of space at Hillside, proposed Art House building attendant hours, and volunteer schedules.
• A suggestion that the Arts Commission consider exploring a partnership with Mill Race Village for Arts Commission programming.
• The need to establish certain criteria to evaluate Scout Building use proposals, with a suggestion that Parks and Recreation Commission review the proposals.

A citizen comment stated that the Northville Art House would be a great opportunity to foster an arts program in the Northville Community and questioned the reason for the absence of a teen facility at the Recreation Center at Hillside or in the high school.

Ken Naigus, Arts Commission Chairperson, noted that the Arts Commission had not had the opportunity to review the Youth Advisory Council’s proposal for using the Scout Building. It was responded that the teen plan addressed a need for an unstructured, safe environment to "hang out," as well as an environment for tutoring and help with homework. It was noted that the concept plan and documentation presented during the Youth Advisory Council’s presentation to the City Council were available for review in the City Clerk’s office. It was noted that the presentation did not include costs or programming and the Youth Advisory Council was asked to develop a business plan to present to City Council.

The City Council commended the Arts Commission on creating and presenting an insightful and comprehensive business plan.

Traditionally, the City Council has met in late January or early February to determine goals, objectives and priorities in preparation for the next fiscal year budget.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to change the time of the February 2, 2004 regular City Council meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing and determining FY 2005 goals, objectives, and priorities. Motion carried unanimously.

It was acknowledged and publicly reiterated that the City Manager position is unique when establishing overall compensation for this position. Additionally, City Council takes into account both local and nationwide compensation practices for city managers when establishing compensation.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to establish the City Manager’s compensation package as follows:

Yearly salary of $97,240 retroactive to 7/1/03.

Purchase of one year generic service credit under MERS.

At the December 1, 2003, it was noted that the Northville Senior Advisory Council would begin a fundraising campaign to offer different ways that local residents could contribute to the new senior center which would assist in funding items such as artwork and landscaping not included in the funds designated to the renovation project. Donor contributions of $100 would be recognized with engraved brick pavers, and donations over $250 would be acknowledged with plaque designation levels. As donor recognition is becoming increasingly popular, one Councilmember questioned whether this practice was expanding to the point where a donation recognition policy/guideline should be considered. It was further noted that many people donate their time, which is not formally recognized.

Council Comments/Discussion: Discussion ensued, with comments noting:

- Donor recognition has proven to be a successful fundraising avenue to encourage donations.

- The difficulty trying to recognize everyone that donates.

- Plaques and brick pavers also provide a historical record and perspective.

- Concern in applying a formal policy to buildings that are not city-owned or located in the City.

Swigart had questions pertaining to the November 18, 2003 Planning Commission meeting relative to the proposed special use permit submitted by Our Lady of Victory Church-School, the perception that procedures and criteria used to establish the public hearing date were not followed, a suggestion that the Planning Consultant or City Attorney provide a report on the appropriateness of the documents submitted to the Planning Commission, and discussion during the Planning Commission meeting regarding a possible conflict of interest for members of the Planning Commission.

Planning Commissioner Nancy Chiri commented on the conflict of interest discussion held at the November 18^th meeting.

Brief discussion ensued relative to the City’s "Standards of Conduct and Ethics" policy, the fact that at the November 18^th meeting, the Planning Consultant indicated that correct procedure was followed, and the appropriateness of the City Council discussing or reviewing the decisions of the Planning Commission. A final comment stated that it was premature for the City Council to take any formal action with regard to instructing the Planning Commission regarding any potential outcome of their deliberations.

Swigart also commented on Community Park Phase I approval, requested an updated summary report on the progress of the Rural Hill Cemetery expansion project, and raised questions relative to the pending "Racino" legislation as it pertained to local government approval.

Mittman commented on the Christmas Tree recycling program and the importance making residents aware of this program, the success of the recent Jingle Bell 5K Walk and Run and appreciation to the Police, DPW, and Northville Downs for their support during this event; and questioned the removal of several trees at Hillside.

B. Staff Communications

Word reminded the City Council to "keep on walking". He also acknowledged that Traci Sincock, Parks and Recreation Director, had received an award from the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Massa
City Clerk