CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

November 12, 2007

 

Mayor Doyle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Doyle led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

PRESENT:            Mayor Doyle

Council Members:  Kivell, Kopkowski, Maida, Morelli, Rodman and Wedell

Newly Elected Council Member Selden

City Manager Cook

Attorney Lee

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke

Department Heads: Collins, Renwick and Martin

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

Councilman Wedell stated that on the last page of the minutes in the first paragraph, his statement should reflect “near exact number” rather than “exact”.

 

CM 11-1-07- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 22, 2007

 

     Motion by Rodman, supported by Morelli

 

     To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 22, 2007 as corrected

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS: 

 

Council Member Maida questioned the payment for traffic crash report and asked if she would be able to get a copy of that report.  Chief Collins stated that this is not a statistical report but rather blank forms. 

 

Council Member Maida questioned the payment to the Michigan Water Service.  Chief Collins stated that this is actually for water softener salt for the police building.

 

Council Member Kopkowski questioned the payment to Allied Waste for plant screening removal.  Superintendent Martin stated that this is dumpster removal at the treatment plant once per week.

 

Councilman Kivell asked if the water bill payment for City Hall was just our share or the entire building.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that this would be just the City’s share.

 

Councilman Kivell questioned the payment to Oakland County Treasurer for previous year adjustments.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that they are conducted throughout the year some are from the Tax Tribunal where we have to make those adjustments.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he recently noticed that Swan’s Uniforms was closed in Howell and asked if they simply moved.  Superintendent Martin stated that they have moved, but are still in Howell.

 

Councilman Kivell questioned what we are advertising in the Oakland City Magazine.  City Manager Cook stated that this would be for an advertisement placed by the DDA to advertise for the City and our downtown.

 

CM 11-2-07- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS

 

    Motion by Kivell, supported by Maida

 

     To approve the monthly bills as presented

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we have received the certified Canvass of Votes conducted by the Oakland County Board of Canvassers.  She read the Statement of Votes into the record (see attached Statement as part of these minutes).  She stated that John Michael Doyle, Jr. having received a sufficient number of votes is elected Mayor.  That Erin A. Kopkowski having received a sufficient number of votes is elected Council Member – Four Year Term. That Charles R. Selden having received a sufficient number of votes is elected Council Member – Four Year Term. That Ron Morelli having received a sufficient number of votes is elected Council Member – Four Year Term.

 

CM 11-3-07 – CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Maida

 

     To accept the Certification of the November 6, 2007 Election as conducted by the Oakland County

     Board of Canvassers

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

SWEARING IN OF NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke administered the Oath of Office to Mayor John Doyle, Jr. 

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke administered the Oath of Office to Council Members Kopkowski, Selden and Morelli.

 

Councilman William Rodman thanked the City Council for the opportunity to sit on Council for the last two months.  It has been an honor and hopes that he served the City well.  He would like to thank the City Management group for the fine work they have been doing for years.  He further stated that he would like to congratulate the individuals who were elected.  The City has fine elected representatives.  No matter who is elected, when someone runs for office, their heart is in it and the public will get fine representation.

 

Councilman Rodman stepped down and newly elected Councilman Dick Selden assumed his seat.

 

Councilman Selden stated that he would like to thank all of the electors of the City and stated that he will do a good job.  He further stated that in recognition of Veteran’s Day, we should all take a moment to remember the veterans.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

City Manager Cook stated that he would like to remove Old Business #5 from the agenda.  He stated that it will be brought back at a future meeting.

 

CM 11-4-07 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli

 

      To approve the agenda as amended

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS: None

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.       Appointments

a.       Council Mayor Pro-tem

 

Mayor Doyle stated that according to the City Charter, the meeting following the election we need to choose the Mayor Pro-tem.  We could do nothing and Councilman Kivell will remain Mayor Pro-tem or we can take action and appoint a new Pro-tem.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he believes that inaction would make the longest serving member of Council the Mayor Pro-tem.  He further stated that he would announce an interest in remaining Mayor Pro-tem.  He regularly demonstrates an understanding of the issues we face and the historic context these issues have had on former decisions and the likely impact on our future.  He also has the most experience as a Councilman and Mayor Pro-tem.

 

CM 11-5-07 – ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO-TEM

 

     Motion by Selden, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To elect Councilman Glenn Kivell as Mayor Pro-tem

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that we just went through this not too long ago and although he has not acted in that capacity yet, she would like to see Councilman Kivell remain Mayor Pro-tem.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

2.       Holiday Spectacular Parade – Street Closures

 

Chief Collins stated that we have a modified request for the Holiday Spectacular Parade.  We have worked things out so that we can handle the necessary road closures.  It should be a good event and he is requesting approval of the necessary road closures.

 

CM 11-6-07 – APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURE – 2007 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR PARADE

 

     Motion by Maida, supported by Wedell

 

Resolved That Julie Zemke, City Clerk/Treasurer is hereby authorized make application to the Road Commission for Oakland County on behalf of the City of South Lyon in the County of Oakland, Michigan for the necessary permits to conduct the 2007 Holiday Spectacular Parade on December 1, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the related road closures:

 

·         Whipple Street between Warren and Pontiac Trail

·         Pontiac Trail between Whipple and Dorothy Street

·         Dorothy Street between Pontiac Trail and the South Lyon Historic Village

 

and that the City of South Lyon in the County of Oakland, Michigan will faithfully fulfill all permit requirements, and shall save harmless, indemnify, defend and represent the Board against any and all claims for bodily injury or property damage, or any other claim arising out of or related to operations authorized by such permits as issued.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

3.       Contract Agreement – City of South Lyon & Haven

 

City Manager Cook stated that we have had a contract with Haven for the past several years.  We provide and appropriation of $2,000 which is what they are asking for again this year.  They are providing a service to our residents and we do have verification of that.  Chief Collins stated that he does not have hard numbers as to how many people they have provided service to, but they have provided service to our residents in the past.

 

Council Member Maida asked if Council could receive the information on the number individuals using the service.  City Manager Cook stated that given the type of service they provide, we simply receive a map with dots that represent approximate area.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that this is a service where people in dire need are receiving assistance.  Historically, we have supported this and they have not increased their request throughout the years.

 

CM 11-7-07 – APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH HAVEN

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Kopkowski

 

      To approve the contract between the City of South Lyon and Haven in the amount of $2,000

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

4.      Request to use McHattie Park to Sell Christmas Trees

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we have a request by the Kiwanis to use the Historic Village grounds for their annual Christmas Tree sales from November 17th through December 31st.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that it is a great thing to see.  You know the holidays are in bloom when this goes up. Council Member Maida stated that it adds a touch to the Historic Village

 

Councilman Selden stated that usually they have the area cleaned up before Christmas.

 

CM 11-8-07 – APPROVAL TO USE MCHATTIE PARK

 

      Motion by Kivell, supported by Selden

 

      To approve the request by the Kiwanis to use McHattie Park for Christmas Tree sales from November

     17th through December 31st 2007

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

NEW BUSINESS:  None

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

 

Councilman Selden stated that he would like to thank the electors who came out to vote despite the weather.  He stated that he would like to compliment Julie Zemke for doing a fine job on the election.

 

Councilman Selden stated that with regards to the People’s Express, if an individual wants to make a complaint, they do not know who to talk to, consequently, they call Connie at the Senior Center.  City Manager Cook stated that people can call him and he will deal with the Management.  Councilman Selden described a situation where an individual had a number of scheduled appointments. The day before they called her and indicated that they could not take her.  Fortunately, the Catholic Church was able to arrange transportation.  He stated that some of these appointments and tests are not easily scheduled.  City Manager Cook stated that they require 30 hour notice for transportation and they do not allow for anything prior to 3 days advance because they have no way to guarantee that.  City Manager Cook stated that we do not receive very many complaints.  If they are calling the Senior Center, they need to advise the individuals to contact his office.  Council Member Maida stated that she has also recently discussed this issue with the City Manager and the concerns.

 

Councilman Selden suggested that Council put more information out to the public so that people are informed about what is going on.  An example is the purchase of the property in front of McHattie Park.  He stated that the property had a taxable value of $199,000 and we paid over $400,000.  He stated that he is sure that there was a good reason for doing what was done, but the public has a right to know.  The second issue is that the City Manager’s salary has not been published in the paper for over 3 years.  People have asked him what that salary is, and he has no idea. 

 

City Manager Cook stated that in the past, the press requested salary information for all of the administration as well as school administration, etc., but they have not done that for a few years. Councilman Kivell stated that this information is also in our minutes; it is not hidden knowledge.  Anyone can go to our website and look it up.  Attorney Lee stated that it is also available to anyone who asks.

 

Mayor Doyle stated in regards to the property purchase, everything that goes on in Executive Session stays within the scope of the Executive Session.  Everything else is open knowledge.

 

Council Member Maida questioned the Table of Contents that was included in the Council packet.  City Manager Cook stated that this is simply to show Council the types of projects that could be done with CDBG monies.  He further stated that we use to have to publish the Public Hearing Notice in a more detailed way, and this was again for information as to how we could spend those funds.

 

Council Member Maida requested that we add the review of the speed limit to the next agenda.  In her campaigning, she had several people comment on that speed limit and would like to revisit that issue.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she would to thank the community for their support as well as all of the individuals who ran for election.

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked the status of marking the DPW Superintendent’s car as well as the Building Inspector’s car.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we are in the process of getting this done. 

 

Councilman Kivell asked if any of the patrol cars have received the video units yet.  Chief Collins stated that they are due to be shipped November 26th.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he is hoping that we can work with the Road Commission on the stop light at the High School parking lot.  At the end of the school day, it does not seem to sync very well with the general flow of Pontiac Trail traffic.  Typically, you can make it through the light at Eleven Mile only to be stopped for the few cars that are coming out of the parking lot.  He stated that he feels that Pontiac Trail should have priority as a main artery through town.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he would like to announce that we are officially the owners of the former Nettle’s property.  He would like to see the For Sale sign removed.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he would like to see all city resources available used to force maintenance standards compliance at the Bodnar property at Pontiac Trail and McHattie.  He stated that this has gone on way to long with no effort being made.  It is difficult to expect the community to pay for streetscape improvements only to end up having this awful looking facility at the edge of the Central Business District.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he has seen that the State has re-instituted the prison work program albeit at double the cost.  It still is an attractive thing for our community and he is hoping that we get first in line to make sure that when it does come on line that we are to be the first one to get it.  City Manager Cook stated that even though they doubled the rate for prisoners, they have no supervision yet.  He stated that he has already been in contact with them.  Councilman Kivell stated that there were two phases of the contract with 8 hour days and 10 hour days.  Given that White Lake is so much further away and given the drive time, it would seem that we would get more service out of a 10 hour day once they are here.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he would like to extend his appreciation for all of the soldiers, sailors,  airmen, guardsmen and marines who protect our nation and the way of life we enjoy.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he would like to thank Bill Rodman for helping City Council and the community.

 

Councilman Wedell congratulated all of the people who ran for office.  He stated that he knows what a commitment that is and congratulations to those who prevailed.  He further extended a Happy Veteran’s Day to all Veterans.

 

Councilman Morelli extended thanks to everyone who voted for him.  He further thanked all of the people who worked at the polls.  They work a very long day and do a great job.

 

Councilman Morelli asked if anyone has contacted the church regarding the sidewalk that was discussed at the last meeting.  City Manager Cook stated that he has not, but will follow up.

 

Mayor Doyle thanked everyone who came out to vote last Tuesday.  He stated that the weather was cold and awful.  He stated that the people who work the polls start at 6:15 a.m. and work a long day.  He further stated that Julie Zemke and Lisa Lynch did a great job.

 

Mayor Doyle discussed the Board openings.  He stated that we have two vacancies on Housing, two on Board of Review, and we will have one on Parks and Recreation.  He stated anyone wishing to serve on these he would like to hear from them.  It was further stated that there is also a vacancy on DDA, which is a City Manager appointment.

 

CM 11-9-07 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Morelli

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

_

___________________________                              _______________________________

John Doyle, Jr.                                                            Julie C. Zemke

Mayor                                                                          City Clerk/Treasurer