City Council Minutes
City of Northville
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
August 30, 2004
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. in the Northville City Hall Council Chambers, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Carolann Ayers, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne and Thomas Swigart
Absent: Councilmember Jerome Mittman (excused)
Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DPW Director James Gallogly, City Clerk Dianne Massa, City Attorney James Kohl, MMRMA Attorney Jeffrey Clark, and three citizens
PRESENTATIONS:
A. Citizen Comments
Craig Roney, 456 Orchard, commented on the August 10 and August 24 Planning Commission Executive Sessions. He raised questions pertaining to the parties involved in the discussions, the extent of City Council’s knowledge of the content of the meetings, and whether those meetings prompted the need for tonight’s special City Council meeting. Mr. Roney had further comments relative to the public site plan review process, negotiations and possible agreements between the attorneys representing the City and Our Lady of Victory, and a request that City Council present any conditions or agreements pertaining to the final site plan approval to the public before granting approval. A final comment questioned whether City Council approval of an agreement would be done in an open meeting.
It was responded that City Council did not have knowledge of the Planning Commission Executive Session meeting discussions and that the purpose of tonight’s meeting was to discuss the "Our Lady of Victory vs. City of Northville et al" pending litigation. It was noted that while pending litigation and negotiations are not open to public review, any decision to resolve litigation would be done in open session.
Michael McClish, 647 Thayer, voiced concern with the August 29th issue of the OLV "Victorian", which printed statements made by Father Kerner relative to negotiations between the City and Our Lady of Victory to reach final site plan approval. Mr. McClish was concerned with the statements, voicing that negotiation of the Zoning Ordinances was inappropriate for the community and he questioned City Council’s authority to grant site plan approval.
It was responded that City Council has the authority to review and/or resolve pending litigation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA / CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion Ayers, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the agenda and consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A. Discussion of Pending Litigation Regarding Our Lady of Victory vs. City of Northville et al
Meeting recessed at 7:08 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 9:06 p.m.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Adjournment: 9:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Massa
City Clerk
