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

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

Consent agenda as follows:

Approve City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of July 6, 2004

Approve Bills List: Checks #38417 to #38513, and #38514 to #38658

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Historic District Commission: 5/19/04, 4/21/04

Housing Commission: 6/9/04

Parks and Recreation: 5/12/04

Planning Commission: 6/15/04

Youth Assistance: 6/8/04

Receive Departmental Reports:

Fire Department: 5/04, 6/04

Parks and Recreation: 5/04, 6/04

Youth Assistance: 6/04

Request to Canvass / Clean Water Action

Request to Close Street / Novi Street / September 12, 2004

Proclamation / July 25, 2004 as Natalie Lomske Day in Northville

During this past spring, the City received several letters from William Krueger, 939 Coldspring, expressing concern with vegetation. These property owners often forget that this landscaping grows over the sidewalk, obstructing full public use of the sidewalk. When this happens, the City informs residents of the problem and requests that the issue be addressed through trimming. The City has this authority per Section 90-87 (Right-of-way; obstructing view; owner’s duty) of the Code of Ordinances. On July 9, 2004, Mr. Krueger sent further correspondence, requesting this matter be placed on the City Council agenda for further review.

It was explained that earlier this spring, the City’s Code Enforcement Officer addressed Mr. Krueger’s concerns with several of the property owners and, while corrective action was taken by some, the improvements were not done to the full extent of the ordinance requirement. The City received further correspondence from Mr. Krueger and on June 23, 2004 the Director of Public Works wrote to each property owner identified by Mr. Krueger, stating they had two weeks to address the issue. The Code Enforcement Officer re-inspected this segment of sidewalk and those found to be in violation of the ordinance were tagged and given until July 23, 2004 to take corrective action. After this date, the Code Enforcement Officer will re-inspect the area and a contractor will be retained to undertake any necessary trimming. If a contractor is retained, the City will be expending unbudgeted funds; however, this expenditure could be invoiced to the property owners.

Council Comments / Discussion: Discussion ensued pertaining to the billing procedures used when the City contracts weed and grass trimming of vacant lots, other areas of the City with vegetation encroachment problems, and the importance of keeping the sidewalk free of obstructions in a walking community. It was cautioned that City correspondence sent to property owners should not be worded in a manner that would set neighbor against neighbor. The importance of educating the property owners in keeping sidewalks free from obstructions and vegetation growth was stressed, with a suggestion that this topic be included in the next issue of "Words from Works." City Council consensus found the action proposed by Staff to be appropriate and requested that the Director of Public Works report back to City Council on this matter.

At the July 6, 2004 City Council meeting, City Council approved a contractual relationship with the Gibbs Planning Group to update a previous 1997 study and to provide a public participation process and marketing component to the updated study. Implicit in the decision to approve the study was the use of the Downtown Planning Committee to serve as a "Steering Committee" for the planning effort.

Current members of the Downtown Planning Committee include DDA members Lynda Heaton and Greg Presley, and Planning Commissioners Jim Allen and Mark Russell. In addition to the current members, Tom Gudritz (Historic District Commission), Joan Wadsworth and Ken Roth (Northville Public Schools), and Martha Nield and Dick Allen (Northville Township) have agreed to serve on this Committee.

Council Comments/Discussion: It was stated that this Committee will assist in determining the vision of the City and it was requested that the City Council receive more detail pertaining to the methods to be

used to give the Steering Committee its direction, and for the City Council to receive feedback. It was noted that the DDA Director, City Manager, and Assistant City Manager/Finance Director will provide administrative support and it was suggested that Chamber of Commerce President Jody Humphries be considered for an appointment to the Steering Committee.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to confirm the appointment of Lynda Heaton, Greg Presley, Jim Allen, Marc Russell, Tom Gudritz, Joan Wadsworth, Ken Roth, Martha Nield, Dick Allen, and Jody Humphries to serve as the Steering Committee for the Gibbs Planning Group downtown planning endeavor. Motion carried unanimously.

On July 13, 2004, the City received one bid for the purchase of a new four-wheel drive loader/backhoe. The loader/backhoe is used by the Department of Public Works for loading trucks, snow removal, watermain breaks, cemetery operations, and excavations. Wolverine Tractor and Equipment Company submitted a bid in the amount of $74,890. The loader/backhoe bid includes a hydraulic system, compactor, and snow pusher attachment. $70,000 was included in the FY2005 budget for the purchase of this equipment. The bid received is $4,890 over the budgeted amount, requiring a budget amendment.

Steve Heidt was introduced as the new Assistant Director of Public Works.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to approve the purchase of a new four-wheel drive loader/backhoe with specified attachments in the amount of $74,890 from Wolverine Tractor and Equipment Company of Southfield, Michigan and approve a budget amendment transferring $4,890 from the equipment fund reserve to the equipment fund capital outlay account. Motion carried unanimously.

In accordance with the City Charter, a member of City Council is needed to serve as an Election Commissioner for the August 3, 2004 Primary Election.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Swigart to appoint Councilmember Mittman to serve on the Election Commission for the August 3, 2004 Primary Election. Motion carried unanimously.

Swigart commented on the Cambridge Place Planned Unit Development, requesting that Cambridge Development provide a six month update on the status of this project. It was noted that Mark Guidobono of Cambridge Development is scheduled to be at the August 2, 2004 City Council meeting.

Mittman commented on the July 16^th Conference of Western Wayne meeting, which focused on Michigan’s broken financial model and the need for this to be recognized as a State issue as opposed to a County issue. Discussion ensued relative to Proposal A and the Headlee limitations. It was also noted that the Planning Commission will review the revised site plan submitted by Our Lady of Victory Church/School at its July 20, 2004 meeting. A final comment noted that vacancies exist on various boards and commissions. Interested persons were encouraged to submit an application to the City Clerk.

B. Staff Communications

Word reminded City Council of the Special City Council meeting being held on July 26, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northville Senior Community Center, to discuss the proposed consolidated dispatch operation and lock up services agreements.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Massa
City Clerk