City Council Minutes

Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Northville City Hall Council Chambers, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.

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

Absent: None

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, DPW Director James Gallogly, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, Fire Chief James Allen, Parks and Recreation Director Traci Sincock, Assistant Finance Director Sandi Wiktorowski, Northville Youth Assistance Interim Director Sue Campbell, Housing Director Joanne Inglis, Housing Commission Members Sue Cooper and Bob Buckhave, Senior Adult Services Coordinator Sue Koivula, Beautification Commission Chair Linda Lestock, and one citizen.

A. Citizen Comments None

Mayor Christopher Johnson expressed his and the City Council’s sympathy to Tom Swigart on the recent loss of his wife, Sonia. Johnson stated Sonia will be missed by the Northville community and will be remembered for her many contributions to the quality of life in Northville.

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

Beautification Commission (pages 250 of the Budget Manual) The revenues and expenditures are expected to be consistent with the 2004-05 fiscal year, with no special projects planned for the proposed fiscal year. Council Discussion: When questioned regarding the wages and fringe benefits levied against this budget, it was stated that this amount reflects the help that the DPW extends to the Beautification Commission. Council complimented the Beautification Commission on the work performed in enhancing the downtown. Commission Chair Lestock stated more volunteers were needed and a recruitment campaign has been initiated.

Northville Youth Assistance (Appendix D-2) The Youth Assistance Program is funded through a shared service agreement with Northville Township, and as such, the budget is approved through December 31, 2005. The contribution from the City is anticipated to be at the same level as the current budget year. Funding for any special projects is covered by a special Township millage which is not part of the shared service agreement.

Housing Commission (page 538) The rental rate for Allen Terrace residents, which includes heat, electricity, and water, remains below market rents for this area. Approximately 25% of the residents receive rent assistance. Council Discussion: A brief discussion took place regarding recent water damage caused by a broken fire sprinkler. Budget questions revolved around projected expenditures for utilities, and the proposed rent increase. Discussion ensued over the nature of the Social Security increase and its relationship to the proposed rental hike. It was questioned as to whether the increase in Medicare was figured into the stated Social Security increase. The answer was unknown at the time. It was stated that the Allen Terrace Trust Fund monies are now available to residents with an annual income of $16,000 or less.

Motion Hartshorne to increase the rent from $572 to $582 for a one-bedroom apartment and from $965 to $980 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Hartshorne to increase the rent of a one-bedroom apartment from $572 to $584 and a 2-bedroom apartment from $965 to $985 to reflect a 2.1% increase. Voice vote: Yes: Hartshorne, Johnson, Mittman, Swigart. No: Ayers. Motion carried.

Arts Commission (page 255) Fund balance will be reallocated to specific programs that are not self-funding, primarily for new ventures in the Art House. The major goals of the Arts Commission are to generate new revenues for the Art House through programming and donations and to continue the traditions of the existing programs. Council Discussion: Questions dealt with the number of clock concerts, and the proposed sculpture/fountain in the Hutton/Main park.

Community Development Block Grant Program (Appendix A-6) Projects planned for FY 2006 include providing senior center staffing, senior transportation, and Allen Terrace improvements.

Street, Drainage & Sidewalk Improvement Fund (page 201) Funding from the dedicated millage approved by the voters in 1997 is collected in this account. The funds are then transferred to Major and Local Street Funds for capital improvements as needed. The FY 2006 budget includes one project in the Local Street Fund as well as joint/crack sealing, and sidewalk repair and replacement. Council Discussion: Questions were asked regarding a possible Federal grant to fund the reconstruction of Taft Road, and the placement of sidewalks on Grace Street.

Major Streets Fund (page 202) and Local Streets Fund (page 203) Expenditures for routine operation and maintenance activities are expected to be consistent with previous years. Capital improvements include a complete reconstruction of Grace Street from Baseline Road to Rayson Street with new curb, gutter and sidewalk placement and repairs. It is noted that FY 2006 is the first year this fund is debt free due to the final payment of the 1990 Michigan Transportation Fund Bonds in FY 2005. Council Discussion: Questions were asked regarding the crack sealing program, Act 51 funds for local street improvements, specifics of bridge repair and maintenance, and insurance.

Parking Fund (page 230) The activity in this fund is consistent with previous years. One of the privately owned parcels of land that the City leaves for public parking is currently being developed by the property owner; therefore, the expenditures in this fund will decrease. Council Discussion: Questions were asked regarding the review of the parking credit fee structure, and the relocation of Edward’s Catering from its location on Dunlap.

Budget Stabilization Fund (page 257) Due to the City’s plan to continue to build the General Fund’s fund balance, no appropriation to this fund is recommended for FY 2006. Council Discussion: The discussion centered on the legal restrictions on disbursing funds placed in a budget stabilization fund.

Parks and Recreation Commission (page 260) A key goal for FY 2006 is to continue the development of partnerships and collaborative efforts in order to increase recreation opportunities and assist with the financial impact of delivering quality services. Several significant factors for FY 2006 include the addition of a full time park maintenance position, full reimbursement by Northville Soccer Association and Northville Baseball/Softball Association for services, operating the Art House (Scout Building) at 100% cost recovery, and the inclusion of a 3% annual contribution increase from the City and Township. Also, as recommended by the Shared Services Committee in 2004, Northville Township will contribute additional revenue for the operation of the Community Park expansion through the operating millage expiration in 2006.

Council Discussion: Questions and discussion centered on the City and the Community Dog Park, the addition of a line item for compensated absences, the charge to senior adults for card playing, the raising of rates for renting facilities, and the continuing growth of recreational facilities in Northville Township. Praise was extended to Parks and Recreation Director Sincock for successfully working with multiple governmental and organizational entities.

Parks and Recreation Capital Outlay Fund (page 261) A transfer of $133,508 is to be made from the Parks and Recreation operating fund to the capital improvement project and property development fund. This amount covers, among other items, equipment purchases, fund balance reserve for soccer field rehabilitation, debt service of equipment purchase financing, and debt service to Northville Township for the 1993 Community Park bonds.

Senior Adult Services Fund (page 265) With the loss of $19,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Funds, service reductions will take place in the Telephone Reassurance calling program, and the transportation programs will be modified. Additionally, registration and transportation user fees will increase. Council Discussion: Questions were asked regarding the Telephone Reassurance program and the transportation options.

Senior Adult Services Capital Outlay Fund (page 266) This newly recreated fund is used to record the revenue for and expenditures of capital improvement projects for the Senior Adult Services Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. Council Discussion: Acknowledgement was given to the contributions made by the Leo and June Mainville Fund.

General Obligation Debt Retirement Fund (page 539) Debt service requirements for FY 2006 are $100,835, which is a scheduled payment toward the voter-approved issuance of $1,375,000 of General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series 2002 to fund Allen Terrace improvements.

Public Improvement Fund (page 401) Originally created to receive state shared revenue under the Cities With Racetracks program, this fund is also used to record various capital improvement projects, property acquisitions, and related rental revenue and expenditures. Grant activity is also recorded in this fund. Council Discussion: Questions and discussion centered on the appropriate amount to be allotted for contingency and grant match. Also, it was requested that cemetery road improvements be listed in the annual request for disbursement of racetrack breakage revenue.

Ayers stated she would be unable to attend the next budget session, scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2005. As such, she commented at this time on the need to upgrade or improve the condition of both City-owned parking structures.

B. Staff Communications None

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

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Deputy City Clerk