City Council Minutes

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City of Northville
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 7, 2005

ROLL CALL:

Present: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart

Absent: Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, DPW Director James Gallogly, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, Police Chief James Petres, Director of Parks and Recreation Traci Sincock, Housing Director Joanne Inglis, DDA Director Lori Ward, Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions, Reporters from the Northville Record and Northville Journal, and 17 citizens.

PRESENTATIONS:

A. Citizen Comments None

B. Resolution of Appreciation / Bruce Turnbull

Mayor Johnson presented Bruce Turnbull a plaque of appreciation on the event of his retiring from the Senior Citizen Advisory Council after more than 20 years of service.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA / CONSENT AGENDA:

Consent Agenda Item 4I, Northville Rotary Club Goodfellows Newspaper Drive, was moved to New Business 9E.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to approve the agenda and consent agenda as amended.

Consent agenda as follows:

Approve City Council Minutes:

Regular Meeting of October 17, 2005

Approve Bills List: Checks #46152 to #46286, #46287 to #46389, and #46390 to #46471

Receive Board and Commission Minutes:

Arts Commission: 8/10/05

Downtown Development Authority: 9/20/05

Youth Assistance: 9/13/05

Receive Departmental Reports:

Youth Assistance: 10/05

Board and Commission Appointments: None

Shared Services Bylaws Modifications

Proposed Public Art Placement Committee

Request for Public Hearing / FY06 Oakland County CDBG Funds

Special Request / Holiday Parade Seating

Proposed Amendments to the 2005-06 Budget through September 30, 2005 and Investment Report

Motion carried unanimously.

PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATIONS:

A. 2005 Holiday Parade and Christmas Walk / November 18, 19, 20, 2005

The City has received a request from the Northville Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Lighted Holiday Parade on November 18, 2005 and the Holiday Christmas Walk on November 19 and 20, 2005. The request entails the closure of several downtown streets and the gazebo area on Friday, November 18th from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. Additionally, it was requested that the drive adjacent to the gazebo be closed to traffic from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 19th until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 20th. The Chamber will provide a certificate of insurance to the City for $1M general liability listing both events and naming the City of Northville as additionally insured.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to approve the request to hold the 2005 Lighted Holiday Parade on Friday, November 18th from 6:30 p.m., and hold the 2005 Holiday Christmas Walk on Saturday, November 19th, and Sunday, November 20th from noon to 5:00 p.m., and further approve the closure of the gazebo drive from 9 a.m. Saturday, November 19th to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 20th, contingent on the City Clerk received the required insurance no later than Monday, November 14, 2005. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES:

A. Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments / 1st Reading

Over the past several months, the Northville Planning Commission has reviewed selected zoning ordinance provisions regarding special use permit and site plan review process. The City’s Planning Consultant has assisted in the process and has assembled a draft ordinance to amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance. On August 2, 2005, a Planning Commission public hearing was held on the proposed amendments and no public comments were received. Key modifications to the zoning ordinance as it relates to the site plan approval process include:

• Average front setback calculations (Section 2, Section 15.02.16)
• Parking stall design standards (Section 2, add Section 17.04n)
• Lighting standards (Section 2, Section 18.05)
• Landscape irrigation (Section 2, add Section 18.10.2.i)
• HVAC requirements (Section 2, Section 18.11.11)
• Site plan standards (Section 2, Section 19.01)
• Traffic impact study (Section 2, add Section 19.05j)
• Lighting (Section 2, Section 19.05e)
• Dumpsters (Section 2, Section 19.05i,4)
• Deceleration lanes (Section 2, Section 19.05.c.6)
• Compliance with City Tree Preservation Ordinance (Section 2, Section 19.05.i.7)

Council Comments and Discussion: It was questioned if the traffic impact study requirements were definitive enough and enforceable as stated. It was reiterated that the Planning Commission was comfortable with the wording as stated.

Michael McClish, 647 Thayer Boulevard, spoke at length on the changes needed in the section of the Zoning Ordinance dealing with special use. He urged Council to direct the Planning Commission to address Article 16 of the Zoning Ordinance. City Manager Word stated the amendments presently being addressed were contained in the first part of a two-part proposal as approved in early 2005 by the City Council. The Planning Commission will be reviewing Article 16 in the near future.

Craig Roney, 456 Orchard Drive, offered alternative wording for Article 16, Special Uses, of the Zoning Ordinance. He stated his belief that a site plan must be considered as part of a special land use deliberation.

John Colizzi, 841 W. Main, spoke of the need to clarify the parking requirements of a building that has a space that could be used for a large gathering.

Further Council Comments: It was noted the Planning Commission is expected to complete the review of Article 16 by early spring. A discussion ensued on the unsightly view of the existing downtown dumpsters and possible enclosure as a solution. It was stated that the ordinance requiring the correct disposal of material will be vigorously enforced.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Swigart to introduce for first reading an ordinance to amend the Northville Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of modifying the average front setback calculations, standards for parking stall design, lighting, landscape irrigation, HVAC requirements, site plan, traffic, and other regulations of the Zoning Ordinance, with second reading and possible adoption scheduled for November 21, 2005. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Proposed Contract Award / Directory Signs / Graphic Visions

In 2003, the DDA retained Graphic Visions to develop a comprehensive wayfinding and signage program for downtown Northville. Graphic Visions worked with a subcommittee of the DDA to develop a program that was easy to understand and harmonious with the historic character of the community. The DDA deferred action on the implementation of the signage program while undergoing a subsequent planning effort of the downtown. However, upon encouragement of the City Council to proceed with identified viable projects, the DDA voted to proceed with the construction of two directory style signs in the downtown. The sign is 60" X 48" and the center panel will include a full color 32" x 40" map of the downtown businesses. The frame is black, with burgundy/red and gold accents. Two locations of the signs are the bandshell, and North Center Street near Dunlap. The cost of the two directory signs is $6200.

Council Comments and Discussion: An objection was raised in the timing of the purchase and installation of the signs. It was pointed out that the downtown strategic plan was presently being developed and signs might be addressed in the plan. DDA Director Ward answered that while the developed directional and parking signs might become irrelevant in light of recommendations of the strategic plan, the directory kiosks would be still be appropriate. Discussion ensued on the merit of directory kiosks, specific aids to be placed on the map, durability of the maps, and frequency of updating the maps.

Motion Mittman, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the contract for Graphic Visions to fabricate and install two directory signs for downtown Northville to be located at the bandshell and along North Center Street for a total cost of $6200. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Proposed Public Improvement Fund Designations

Racetrack breakage funds (in excess of the cost of police and fire department service provided at the racetrack) are recorded in the Public Improvement Fund. Typically, the discussion about designation of the breakage funds occurs after the fiscal year-end in which they are received. Based upon funds received through June 30, 2005, the City City has $271,612 remaining for designation. It is requested that City Council consider the following projects:

Council Comments and Discussion: Discussion centered on possible modification to the proposed curb cut, the specific areas to be earmarked for the sidewalk expansion program, the level of priority in replacing the City Hall exterior signage, and the future projects not financially possible in this fiscal year.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to approve the designation of the FY 2005 breakage funds as follows:

Motion carried unanimously.

C. Proposed Additional Strategic Planning Workshop

At the October 27, 2005 meeting of the Downtown Steering Committee (DSC), it became the consensus that an additional workshop be conducted. Such a public meeting would be held near the end of the strategic planning process and would be used to convey the conceptual downtown plan. The additional workshop would extend the completion of the strategic plan to March 2006. A proposal was received from Beckett & Raeder for the additional workshop at a cost of $2,400. However, subsequent to the October 27th DSC meeting, further comments from the Committee warranted a reexamination of the format and/or need for a second workshop.

Council Comments and Discussion: Discussion ensued on the possible need, purpose, and timing of an additional workshop, as well as the requirements of the existing contract with Beckett & Raeder. It was determined that the question of an additional workshop would be deferred pending further action by the Downtown Steering Committee.

D. Proposed Membership / Alliance of Rouge Communities

Stormwater quality issues have been addressed under Wayne County’s intitiative using an area wide watershed approach through the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project. The project along with its federal funding is phasing out. In 2003, Northville joined 38 other communities and three counties, under the name of Assembly of Rouge Communities, which seeks legislation to allow storm water issues to be addressed based on watershed areas and not just jurisdictional limits.

In 2005, the "Watershed Alliance Law" was approved by the state legislature. To take advantage of the new watershed alliance law, the Assembly of Rouge Communities must become a legal "alliance" with adopted bylaws officially approved by its members. The new "Alliance of Rouge Communities" will remain voluntary and will be funded by its members who are represented and pay dues based on a community’s population and area. Northville’s approximate annual cost is expected to be approximately $2,000 and may change as Rouge grant funds are depleted. However, each year Northville will have the option of opting out of the Alliance if the cost becomes too high.

Motion Swigart, seconded by Hartshorne to approve a resolution supporting the City of Northville’s membership and approve the bylaws of the Alliance of Rouge Communities, and further appoint City Manager Gary Word and Public Works Director James Gallogly as member and alternate to represent the City on this Alliance. Motion carried unanimously.

E. Northville Rotary Club / Goodfellows Newspaper Drive

Every year in December, the Northville Rotary Club holds a Goodfellows Newspaper Drive in the streets of Northville for the purpose of raising funds for Northville Civic Concern. Northville Rotary is requesting permission to hold this year’s event on Saturday, December 10, 2005. It is also requested that volunteers be posted in the following streets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Council Comments and Discussion: Objection was raised on posting volunteers at the Eight Mile Road intersections due to increased safety concerns. It was pointed out that the volunteers posted at these intersections have traditionally been Fire Department personnel.

Motion Swigart to approve the request made by Northville Rotary to hold its annual Goodfellows Newspaper Drive in the streets of Northville on Saturday, December 10, 2005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Motion died from lack of support.

Motion Hartshorne, seconded by Swigart to approve the request made by Northville Rotary to hold its annual Goodfellows Newspaper Drive in the streets of Northville as requested, except at the Eight Mile Road intersections, on Saturday, December 10, 2005 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS:

A. Mayor and Council Communications

Swigart stated the last meeting of the 35th District Court Board revealed that revenue is down and costs are up, which led to discussions by the Board regarding possible financial assistance from the communities.

Mittman stated, as liaison to the Senior Community Center, he would like to mention the Senior Thanksgiving luncheon to be held on November 16 at noon. He also stated that there exists a mechanism for contributing donations to the Senior Community Center. Mittman noted that this was his last scheduled Council meeting and recognized his wife, Terri, for her support.

B. Staff Communications

City Manager Gary Word read a statement announcing his intention to leave the City of Northville as City Manager effective January 6, 2006. He expressed mixed emotions in leaving for the position of Village Manager for the Village of Islamorado, Florida, and stated the City is "served by a great Mayor, exceptional City Council, and a staff that is second to none."

Mayor Johnson had words of praise and good wishes for Word.

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

Adjournment: 9:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Deputy City Clerk