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 None

The Mayor presented Certificates of Recognition to Howard F. King, Dawn J. Mocabee, and Thomas F. Campbell. During the early hours of November 12, 2003, their actions saved the life of a man attempting suicide at the CSX overpass.

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

Approve City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of January 5, 2004

Approve Bills List: Checks #35646 to #35839, and #35840 to #35953

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Historic District: 11/19/03

Housing Commission: 12/10/03

Parks and Recreation: 12/10/03

Planning Commission: 12/2/03

Senior Advisory Council: 10/16/03

Receive Departmental Reports:

Fire Department: 10/03

Parks and Recreation: 12/03

Arts Commission: Mary Lou Greene / Appointed to fill vacancy - term expiring on 6/30/04

Board of Review: Karen Woodruff / Reappointed to a three-year term expiring on 1/1/07

Parks and Recreation: Teresa Folino / Reappointed to a three year term expiring on 1/1/07

School Tax Collection Fee

Proposed Amendments to the 2003-04 Budget through December 31, 2003 and Investment Report

On November 3, 2003, the City Council adopted an emergency ordinance establishing temporary moratorium on the siting of a heliport and prohibiting the non-emergency use of helicopters in residential districts in the City. The moratorium ordinance is in effect for ninety days and expires on February 2, 2004. The City Attorney, Planning Consultant, and City staff have determined that the City’s Zoning Ordinance could be amended to incorporate regulation of emergency and non-emergency landing and take-off by a helicopter. In order to allow sufficient time for ordinance introduction and readings, extension of the moratorium ordinance, by sixty days, should be considered. On January 5, 2004, the proposed ordinance to extend heliport moratorium was introduced for first reading.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to waive second reading and adopt an ordinance amendment extending Ordinance No. 11-3-03, Emergency Ordinance Establishing Temporary Moratorium on the Siting of a Heliport and Prohibiting the Non-emergency Use of Helicopters in First, Second, Third and Fourth Residential Districts of the City of Northville, for a period of sixty days or until April 1, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.

On February 4, 2002, City Council approved an ordinance amending the City of Northville Zoning Ordinance, providing for Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning for the proposed Cambridge Place mixed-use development. In addition, a PUD agreement between Cambridge Development and the City of Northville was approved. Section 20.10 (2) of the Zoning Ordinance requires that construction be commenced within one year following final PUD approval. An extension for a specified period may be granted upon good cause shown if such request is made prior to the expiration of the initial period. On January 21, 2003, at the request of Cambridge Development, City Council approved a one-year extension to the final PUD agreement and approved site plan.

Cambridge Development has formally requested an additional one-year extension to the final PUD approval and approved site plan. Cambridge Development has indicated a desire to pre-sell 50% of the residential units prior to beginning construction. However, the economic slowdown over the past few years has affected sales of high-end residential units. Cambridge Development plans to continue with the project, are optimistic that the project will proceed, and have asked for more time to market and sell the residential units before closing on the property and beginning construction.

Council Comments / Discussion: Brief discussion ensued pertaining to marketing and the economy. Cambridge Development noted that marketing, along with a strong economy, is vital to the project’s success. It was commented that, while this extension request is warranted, further convincing may be necessary if another extension is requested. City Council also requested that Cambridge Development provide a six-month project status update. A question was raised pertaining to the language in Section 20.10 (2) of the Zoning Ordinance and the City Council’s authority to grant an extension. It was responded that City Council approved the final PUD and site plan; as such, the City Council has the discretion to approve and grant extensions.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to approve Cambridge Developments request for an additional one-year extension to the final PUD approval and approved site plan originally granted to Cambridge Place on February 4, 2002. Yes: Ayers, Mittman, Swigart, Johnson. No: Hartshorne. Motion carried.

The Mayor recognized members of Boy Scout Troop 755, who were at the meeting and are working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

During the FY2004 budget hearing process, City staff was directed to review the possibility of entering into a joint dispatch operation with Northville Township. City staff has held several meetings with Northville Township officials and the Township has offered a proposal to provide dispatch and lock up services for $95,000 per year. Staff prepared a preliminary study regarding a consolidated dispatch operation for City Council review. The study provided background and analysis on a consolidated dispatch operation, lock-up service, operational considerations that might impact service to the citizens, records, capital equipment expenses, and budget impact.

Council Comments / Discussion: Lengthy discussion ensued on the importance of having two dispatchers as opposed to using police officers for dispatching services, eliminating duplication of services provided by both the City and Township, other successful City/Township shared services, the proposed alternatives to provide various levels of service and the need to find the most efficient operation to continue to provide quality service to the community, the cost to replace and upgrade equipment, and the 800 MHz radio system. A final comment noted the City’s excellent reputation for providing exemplary service to its citizens.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to set a public hearing for Monday, February 2, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. to receive public input on the proposed consolidated emergency dispatch operation. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to reschedule the February 2, 2004 Goals and Objectives meeting to Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

In 2003, City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Department to determine if operational costs for Community Park could be recouped by the park users and user groups. The City and Township Finance Directors reviewed the Parks and Recreation budget and found that a large portion of the budget deficit is a result of the increasing costs of baseball and soccer operations. Meetings with the baseball/softball and soccer organizations relative to these costs are forthcoming and the Township is considering postponing further construction at Community Park until the funding issues and revenue sources have been resolved. The City and Township Finance Directors continue to explore various funding options and it is hoped that a financial package will be put together prior to construction of the additions to Community Park.

Additional discussion centered on the excellent programs provided by the baseball/softball and soccer organizations, the community’s generous support and contributions to these programs, and the on-going need to maintain an appropriate balance relative to program support. City Council commended the Township’s continued efforts to acquire property in the community for park land through their dedicated park millage. However, it was noted that the Township’s operational millage and the City’s ability to generate revenue does not keep up with the new park acquisitions, especially when the parks are put into active recreational situations. A final comment noted that the City, Township, and the baseball/softball and soccer organizations continue to work together to find a solution to the revenue challenges.

Swigart commented on the two proposed plans for use of the Senior/Scout Building and raised questions relative to proposal evaluation process and timeframe for making a decision on the building’s use. Comments from City Council noted that the Teen Group would be presenting their business plan in February. Further, as the building would not be vacant until May or June, there was a reluctance to set a firm deadline, preferring instead to see both business plans before making a decision on the best use of the building. Swigart also noted that the Northville Historical Society is celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year.

Mittman noted that the Planning Commission will reconvene the Our Lady of Victory Church-School special use permit public hearing on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Middle School. The public hearing on the proposed heliport zoning ordinance text amendments is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. He also commented on the Senior Center renovation "beam signing" and the launching of the Senior Center Donation Program. Mittman also expressed appreciation of the Senior Center donations from Bob Russell ($20,000) and the Northville Township Board of Trustees ($250).

Hartshorne commented on the February 3, 2004 Planning Commission public hearing and questioned the possibility of installing an additional speaker to accommodate those meetings that have an overflow of people in the City Hall lobby.

Johnson noted at their last meeting, the DDA discussed the comments received during the December 8, 2003 public meeting on downtown parking expansion. It was noted that the DDA Parking Committee will review the budget and the various parking expansion options and it is likely that another public meeting will be held to further discuss viable parking expansion options.

B. Staff Communications None

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to recess the regular meeting in order to hold an Executive Session to review the status of pending litigation. Motion carried unanimously.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Massa, City Clerk