CITY OF
SOUTH LYON
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
November 26, 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, Selden and Wedell
City Manager Cook
Attorney Lee
City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department Heads: Martin &
Renwick
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CM 11-1-06- APPROVAL OF
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2007
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Kopkowski
To approve the
minutes of regular meeting of November 12, 2007 as written
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Doyle stated that he
would like to add Old Business #6 for an Appointment.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he would like to add discussion of the Tower Truck repairs.
The item was added as New Business #5.
CM 11-2-06 – APPROVAL OF
AGENDA
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Morelli
To approve
the agenda as amended
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY
BILLS:
None
CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS:
Oakland County Commissioner
Jeff Potter of 1099 Stable Lane stated that he would like to congratulate the
new and returning Council Members.
He discussed the trend in property values and how it will relate to flat and
declining revenues throughout the county.
He discussed the Community Cooperation Initiative Revolving Fund.
He further discussed the State budget and what he feels is a complete and
utter lack of discipline and strategic thinking on the part of the State with a
combination of tax increases and service cuts.
He encouraged everyone to contact their State Legislators.
He stated that there is a proposal for a class of new State Police by
taxing $1.35 per month on every cell phone or land line to go to the State
Police Budget that has nothing to do with communication, possibly the 9-1-1
system. At the same time they are
proposing 200 State Police jobs when those 200 policemen would be patrolling
townships that levy their own police tax.
Finally, he stated that he wishes all a joyous holiday season.
He would like to thank everyone for their well wishes over the last
couple months as he struggled with health issues.
His treatments are completed and he is starting to feel better.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.
Public Hearing- Community Development Block Grant/Project Selection- est.
allocation $29,349
Mayor Doyle opened the
public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
Mayor Doyle asked if there
is any public comment on the projects to be considered for the Community
Development Block Grant. Hearing
none, Mayor Doyle closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m.
Mayor Doyle stated that
enclosed in the packet is a memo detailing the application and proposed project.
We have an allocation of $29,349.
In the past we have selected a number of different projects, most
recently sidewalks.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he feels that the proposed upgrade to the alley between Whipple and Lake
Street is a very good idea. Council
Member Maida concurred and stated that it is very rough there and this is
probably long overdue. Councilman Wedell also concurred that this is a good
project.
Councilman Selden asked how
old the alley is. City Manager Cook
stated that it has not been overlayed in 12-15 years.
Councilman Selden asked if it is up to City specifications.
City Manager Cook stated that this is an old alleyway and has been there
for 60-80 years.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she has looked at the alley.
She stated that the estimate for the work is high and she does not
believe that we need to do all of that work, maybe a 1 ½ inch cap would solve
the problem. We would be more in
the price range of what the grant is rather than putting more money into it.
She stated that it is a good project and needs to be done, but she feels
that we are over doing something that does not get a lot of traffic.
She stated that she would like to see if we can do it for less money.
City Manager Cook stated
that we can check with the engineers, but they are not going to want to do it if
we are going to end up draining onto other properties.
We want to make sure it is engineered properly so that we do not
negatively impact the area. He
stated that he does not know what the base is. It may not be as expensive.
We need to select the project tonight.
The application is due the first of December.
We can change the project at a later date if Council chooses to do so.
We have estimated the amount, and we can see if there is any way to
reduce it. We are not bound by the
estimate or the cost for the job, but we do need to select the project.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she is not saying that this is not a good project, but she would be
just as happy with sidewalks. She
stated that she likes the project, she just does not like the method in which it
is being presented.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he thinks that this is just the right project.
This is something that is ours and we should set an example for the rest
of the community to strive for. It
gets enough use and we need to make sure it is going to last.
It is on the list of construction projects that we are going to end up
talking about later on, and to have $29,000+ in grant funds toward a $57,000
project, is the right way to go as well as making sure that it will last.
CM 11-3-07 – COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – PROJECT SELECTION
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Selden
To select the
upgrade of the alleyway between Whipple Street and Lake street as the 2008
Community
Development Block Grant project
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2.
Discussion of 9 Mile Road Speed Limit
Council Member Maida stated
that she had a lot of discussion with people as she was campaigning regarding
the speed limit on 9 Mile, which is now 35 mph.
At one time it was 25 and Council did vote to raise that.
She stated that she would like to revisit the issue.
She stated that she hoped that there would be some participation from
some of the parents this evening.
However, she does have some petitions with a lot of signatures of parents, but
nobody was able to attend tonight to represent that.
She stated that the speed limit on 10 Mile is 25 and in this case we have
two schools.
Council Member Kopkowski
asked if would be appropriate to have it 35 miles per hour after you pass the
schools. Council Member Maida
stated that it would be a compromise.
Council Member Kopkowski stated that she voted “No” to raise the speed
limit to 35. She stated that there
was a gentleman that came before Council complaining that it was difficult for
his kids to cross to go to the school.
We did a gap study and it showed that there was no gap, yet we decided to
raise the speed limit. She would be
more than happy to see it go down to 25 in front of the schools.
Council Member Maida stated
that the speed limit is 35 yet you can see trucks going 40-45 miles per hour as
parents are trying to pull out of the school.
We have a lot heavier traffic there now that 9 Mile is paved between
Dixboro and Rushton.
Chief Collins stated that
Council brought the issue forward in July of 2006.
We then arranged for the speed study with the Traffic Improvement
Association, and we changed the speed limit just prior to school starting.
The gap study was not done until after school started, therefore it was
done subsequent to raising the speed limit.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he is glad it is 35 mph and feels it is functioning exactly the way it
should. You are circumventing
traffic from the downtown area that does not need to go through downtown.
These are middle school kids, not elementary school.
An example was used regarding the speed limit being 25 on 10 Mile, but 10
Mile is lined with houses on both sides of the streets.
Council Member Maida stated that she does not understand that argument
because you have two schools filled with kids
Discussion was held on the
number of kids that walk to school.
Councilman Kivell stated that he would venture a guess that most of these kids
are bussed to school. Chief Collins
stated that when he and the City Manager went out to do an observation, there
were between 6 and 12 kids that crossed the street as walkers.
Council Member Kopkowski stated that in the afternoon there are a lot of
kids walking and crossing the street to get to subway, etc.
Councilman Selden stated
that he would be in favor of a 25 mile per hour zone from Pontiac Trail past the
schools and then opening it up to 35.
He stated that he would hate to see a child hit.
Councilman Wedell stated
that he does not have opportunity to observe the area during school times.
However, what he is hearing tonight is that the concern is about the
children crossing. We did put up a
crossing signal for their benefit.
What he did hear is that parents are having difficulty pulling out of the
school, which is a different issue.
Further, he stated that he has heard that trucks are speeding through the area,
which is a law enforcement issue, and we can deal with that.
He stated that he has not heard a good reason to make a change.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he is at the schools quite often as a substitute bus driver.
He stated that he can guarantee that people are not going 15 miles per
hour let alone 40 miles per hour.
It is very congested. It is
difficult to cross the street because busses are trying to get out and parents
who have picked up their kids are trying to get out.
It is chaos. There may be a
difference after school hours or for extracurricular activities, but he cannot
say. When school goes in and school
lets out, there is not a speed limit issue.
Mayor Doyle asked Chief
Collins his recommendation. Chief
Collins stated that his number one recommendation would be to stagger the start
and dismissal times of the two schools.
The school district caused a traffic problem by changing an elementary
school to a middle school and then having the hours the same causing twice the
number of parents and busses in the same time frame.
As to speed, Councilman Morelli is correct that it is very difficult to
even achieve 25 miles per hour during school start and dismissal times.
Finally, he stated that if there were an elementary school there, he
would not have supported changing the speed limit from 25 to 35, but based upon
the 85% speed study, and the fact that there are two middle schools and not an
elementary, he believes that 35 is correct.
Mayor Doyle stated that the
only thing that he heard when it was changed was that people were pleased.
Between the fact that these are middle school children and the fact that
we installed the crossing, he does not believe we need to change anything.
Discussion was held on the
timing of the gap study. Chief
Collins stated that he believes that the gap study came before the caution
signals were installed. And, the
signal was a result of the gap study that showed that there were not sufficient
gaps to leisurely walk across the street.
And, that is a timing issue used when they say there is or is not
sufficient gap, they are basing that on a formula of how long it takes a person
to walk at a given speed across a certain number of feet of roadway.
Councilman Wedell requested
that Council Member Maida expand on the petitions, etc.
Council Member Maida stated that there were concerned parents who went
out and got signatures. She stated
that she does have some petitions, but not all of them.
The question was asked how many signatures.
Council Member Maida stated that she would guess close to 50.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he would venture a guess that the rest of the community is enjoying the
fact that they can get east and west more easily as a result of the right speed
on this road.
CM 11-4-07 – SPEED LIMIT
CHANGE ON 9 MILE ROAD
Motion by Maida,
supported by Kopkowski
That the speed
limit on 9 Mile between Dixboro and Pontiac Trail be lowered from 35 miles per
hour to
25 miles per
hour
ROLL CALL VOTE:
MOTION FAILED –
Kivell –No
Kopkowski – Yes
Selden – Yes
Doyle – No
Wedell – No
Maida – Yes
Morelli – No
3.
Roof
Replacement- Witch’s Hat- Bid proposals
Superintendent Renwick
stated that we are at the point where we need to replace the roof on the Witch’s
Hat. However, he is disappointed on
the number of bids we received, and there is a significant spread between the
low and the high bid. Unless,
anyone feels strongly, he would like to see all of the bids rejected and re-bid
in the spring with the hope that we can get better participation and pricing.
He stated that it is a difficult roof, and he has a certain way he would
like it done. We can write the bid
tighter to ensure we get exactly what needs to be done.
Councilman Kivell stated
that we need the whole roof ice and water shield.
Superintendent Renwick stated that we do have one that would do that, but
he is also the high bidder. Council
Member Kopkowski stated that the high bidder also would use a lift versus the
jacks. If the jacks are not used
properly, that roof will have little holes in it and this is not the roof you
want holes.
Councilman Kivell asked if
we know who did the roof the last time.
Superintendent Renwick stated that we do not have that information.
Councilman Kivell stated that it had been done right in order for it to
last this long.
Mayor Doyle asked if the
roof will be okay until spring.
Superintendent Renwick stated that it will last.
Council Member Maida stated
that Weathercraft did write out everything they were going to do, and the others
did not. She stated that if we can
wait until spring, we can use this to go forward.
Councilman Selden asked if
any of the other bidders other than the high bidder discussed flashing.
Superintendent Renwick stated that the one company was going to replace
all of the flashing, the others did not specify that.
CM 11-5-07 – REJECT ALL
BIDS – WITCH’S HAT ROOF
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Kivell
To reject all
bids for the roof replacement on the Witch’s Hat to be re-bid in the spring
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4.
Purchase of Street Sweeper- Authorization to proceed with Repurchase Agreement
City Manager Cook stated
that we have two quotes for street sweepers.
One is a used sweeper, the other a current year model.
The one we have is not worth repairing.
We have an interest rate quoted at 3.7%, which is outstanding.
We are asking Council to approve the purchase so that we can proceed with
the drafting of a re-purchase agreement, which will be brought back for Council
approval.
Council Member Maida
questioned the fact that this is not within this year’s budget.
City Manager Cook stated that what we are proposing is to finance it.
We cannot wait until next year.
Council Member Maida stated that being that we will not need it as we
will be instead snow plowing, what advantage is it to do this now.
City Manager Cook stated that we would not get the equipment until after
the first of the year, and we will have the vehicle in place for spring.
Superintendent Renwick stated that the dealer is holding these for us to
make a decision. They are on the
market and if we wait until spring, they will be gone.
City Manager Cook stated
that there is no way to know when these things are going to fail, and it is not
worth putting in the additional cost.
This is a 10 year old sweeper.
We are proposing an equal payment over the next four years and we will
adjust that in the Equipment Fund.
We are purchasing dump trucks just like this.
Councilman Kivell stated that we also have to remember that we are
spending over $5,000 per month to rent one of these.
Councilman Selden asked the
typical life expectancy of these sweepers.
Superintendent Renwick stated that the normal life cycle is 8-10 years,
and ours is 10 years old.
Councilman Selden asked what caused the need for all of these repairs.
Superintendent Renwick stated that this is all normal wear and tear.
This machine is similar to a big sand blaster, and the equipment is going
to give out. Councilman Kivell
stated that the containment tank is eroded and you start getting into some very
large expenses.
Councilman Selden asked if
we have a documented preventative maintenance program based on the
manufacturer’s recommendation.
Superintendent Renwick stated that it does go in for regular maintenance.
Discussion was held on the
difference between the two machines.
Superintendent Renwick stated that he is recommending the Schwarze A
7000.
Discussion was held on the
interest rate. City Manager Cook
stated that the funding will be when we get the repurchase agreement in place.
The interest rate was quoted last week so there may be some
fluctuation, but he does not
expect a great deal of movement. We
will bring back the agreement which will include the debt schedule some time
after the first of the year.
CM 11-6-07 –
AUTHORIZIATION TO PROCEED WITH REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
Authorize the City Manager
to proceed with the repurchase agreement for the purchase of the
Schwarze A 7000
street sweeper
Councilman Selden asked what
the interest rate is for the money we have in the bank.
City Manager Cook stated that it would be approximately 4%
Council Member Kopkowski
asked if we bought the one we have now when it was new.
Superintendent Renwick stated that it was new.
Council Member Kopkowski questioned if these really do only last 10 years
and further asked if it is maintained and sprayed off every time it is used,
etc. Superintendent Renwick stated
that we do maintain the equipment.
Councilman Kivell stated that his brother in-law owns a number of these, and
that is exactly the time line that they last.
Further discussion was held on the life-span of equipment and the rising
cost of the equipment.
Discussion was held on the
Equipment Fund. City Manager Cook
stated that we do have the money to pay the annual debt over the next four
years. We have the two dump trucks
as well that are under the same type of purchase program, and we have done the
same with our fire trucks as well.
This will be coming out of our Capital Improvement Fund.
Councilman Morelli stated
that the miles and hours are listed for the Elgin and asked if we have the same
information for the Schwarze.
Superintendent Renwick stated that we do not have the number of miles, but it
has been demonstrated around the State so most of it is drive time, rather than
use time.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5.
Proposed Amendments to Ordinances- First Readings
a.
Sign
Ordinance- Chapter 70 Section 70-2 Definitions
Attorney Lee stated that all
of these are based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
The first item is changing the definition of window sign.
Councilman Morelli stated
that when the Planning Commission reviewed the sign ordinance, one thing that
was overlooked was the distance behind the window that a sign can be placed and
still be considered in the window.
Our current ordinance says 12 inches, but most municipalities use 3-4 feet.
We have business owners that will cover the allowable space, but then 12
inches from the windows, put up more signs and those are not considered window
signs. Four feet makes a lot of
sense and can clear up a lot of window space.
What is happening is that businesses will put up displays or coolers a
foot away from the window and hang signs on them.
Councilman Wedell asked if
after the second reading, will this take affect for all signs in the City or is
there a grandfather clause.
Attorney Lee stated that an existing sign prior to the adoption would be
grandfathered in until removed or modified.
Once it is moved or modified, it will lose its grandfather status.
Further discussion was held on each sign grandfathered separately.
Councilman Selden asked if
this is going to be enforced. He
stated that we already have a sign ordinance that is not enforced.
He stated that if we are going to pass an ordinance, we need to enforce
it.
CM 11-7-07 – FIRST
READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 70 – SIGN ORDINANCE– SECTION 70-2
Motion by
Selden, supported by Maida
That this be the
first reading of an amendment to the Sign Ordinance, Chapter 70, Section 70-2
(see attached
amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b.
Chapter 102- Section 102-293 and Section 102-323 Veterinary Clinics
Attorney Lee stated that we
are not changing the language at all but simply moving that section from one
part of the ordinance to another.
You are repealing 102-293 (4) in its entirety and re-adopting it as Section
102-323, moving it from the B-1 to B-3.
CM 11-8-07 – FIRST
READING – REPEALING SECTION 102-293 (4) AND ADDING 102-323 (12)
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Morelli
That this be the
first reading of an amendment to Chapter 102 repealing Section 102-293 (4) and
adding 102-323
(12) (see attached amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
c.
Chapter 86- Subdivision Article III- Section 86-62 Streets
Attorney Lee stated that
what the Planning Commission is trying to accomplish is to ensure that if a
condominium project comes into the City where they do not wish to dedicate the
streets to the City, they would be compelled to install sidewalks on at least
one side of the street. This
language would ensure there would be equal treatment whether you do a plat or
project with dedicated streets or a project with private streets.
Council Member Maida
questioned whether this is for new construction and asked if all others would be
grandfathered. Attorney Lee stated
that this would be moving forward.
Councilman Selden stated
that this does not address Colonial Acres, which is a corporation, not
condominium. Attorney Lee stated
that it would not matter because the site plan was already approved even for the
pieces that have not been developed.
He further stated that co-op housing is developed under a whole different
set of federal regulations.
Councilman Selden questioned whether if we included co-op in this portion of the
ordinance, would Colonial Acres be forced to put in sidewalks in the undeveloped
portion. Attorney Lee stated that
they would not if they are under the Federal Housing Act.
When the Federal government acts in those areas, they pre-empt us from
having any control over those items.
Furthermore, there is already an approved site plan.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he thinks that the intent was not just condominium subdivisions, but also
developments using cluster options, site condominium developments and whatever
was built with either public or private streets.
Attorney Lee stated that if someone were to come in with something other
than a subdivision, they would have to come with a site plan which the Planning
Commission would have discretion because it would come in with a special use
permit. When you have a special use
permit, we have wide latitude to make any number of requirements to make the
project fit within the City’s needs and philosophical direction.
Therefore, it would not be necessary to identify all possible building
developments. Discussion was held on challenging parcels to develop and
developers doing the minimal in order to accomplish their desired densities,
etc.
Councilman Kivell asked why
they would not want to impose a sidewalk on both sides of the street as opposed
to just one. Councilman Morelli
stated that he believes they felt that getting a sidewalk at least on one side
is helpful. If we imposed sidewalks
on both sides, in some instances, with all of the setbacks, etc. some of these
parcels would not be buildable. It
is a compromise.
CM 11-9-07 – FIRST
READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 86– SECTION 62 (N)
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Morelli
That this be the
first reading of an amendment to the Chapter 86, Section 62 (N)
(see attached
amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6.
Appointment – Mayor Doyle
Mayor Doyle stated that we
have vacancies on both the Board of Review and the Housing Commission. There are
two vacancies currently on the Board of Review and we have a meeting on December
11th which requires two members for a quorum.
He stated that he has been searching for both of these boards which are
more difficult to fill. He did find
an individual, Paul Roe who has expressed an interest to serve.
He has been in his current house for 8-9 years with his wife and family.
He is a realtor by profession
Council Member Maida stated
that she does not feel that this individual is a good choice for this position.
Councilman Morelli asked why.
Council Member Maida stated that something happened in town at a business
where he did not pay for the services that were rendered, and she does not feel
that this shows good character.
Councilman Morelli asked if she feels that he is qualified to do this job.
Council Member Maida stated that she does not have good feelings about
this person, she does not trust him and she does not feel that he is a good
person for the job. Mayor Doyle
stated that Mr. Roe is not here to address any of these comments.
He further stated that he is aware of the issue that Council Member Maida
brought up and he does know that he does have a dispute with a business owner in
town and they are working through those issues.
As far as his character, he has known Mr. Roe for years and his character
is impeccable. If he had any
concerns he would not bring his name forward.
Discussion was held on Mr.
Roe’s background in real estate being an asset to the Board.
Mayor Doyle stated that Paul has a sympathetic ear.
This is not a fun position, and he has been on the other side of the
table.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she does not know this individual, and he is not here to address any
concern. However, being a small
business owner, she does feel that we should give him the benefit of the doubt.
There are two sides to every story.
If he does not do a good job, he can be removed.
CM 11-10-07 – APPOINTMENT
TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW
Motion by Doyle,
supported by Kivell
To appoint Paul
Roe of 1023 Equestrian to the Board of Review
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 OPPOSED)
Discussion was held on the
vacancies on the Board of Review and the Housing Commission as well as what each
board does. Mayor Doyle stated that
anyone interested in serving on these two boards as well as any of the others,
they may go to the website and fill out an application or applications are
available at City Hall.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.
Proposed Road Construction projects- FY 08-09- Est. cost $758,640- Approve
Design costs- $89,500
City Manager Cook stated
that a couple of meetings ago, he submitted to Council a list of roads that he
thought we could proceed with. We
received estimates and we are asking Council to approve the design costs so that
we can have them available for summer construction.
We are completed with our road projects for this year.
It will take time to do the engineering so we would like to get moving on
this so that the topo and survey work can be done.
Mayor Doyle reviewed the list of roads.
City Manager Cook stated
that in regards to Reynold Sweet, we are talking about the first 200 +/- feet
off Pontiac Trail and also Ten Mile where there is ripple effect.
There will be some major work required.
We did have some bad soil issues when the road was built.
Council Member Maida
questioned the alley from Whipple to Ten Mile.
City Manager Cook stated that this will be removed because we dealt with
that with the CDBG. It is not
included in the $89,500.
The question was asked if
the whole Eagle Heights Street needs to be done.
It was stated that it is not that old.
City Manager Cook stated that this is a problematic area.
The entire development was done on a clay base and the joints are falling
apart. There is no other way to
repair it. It is difficult to deal
with concrete streets. Councilman
Kivell stated that it is difficult to imagine going through the additional
expense to put in concrete streets and not do the proper preparation to have a
long-lasting street.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that although the Eagle Height Street has bad areas, we have not even
attempted to patch it yet.
She does not think that road is in that bad of shape.
She stated that in regards to Wellington, she does believe that work
needs to be done, we need to explore some other options of going about this to
bring the cost down. She further
stated that she does not think that Liberty Street is that bad and Abel Street
was the worst of all and definitely needs to be done.
She stated that on Scott Street only the curb is bad and questioned why
we have to do the whole road.
City Manager Cook stated
that Scott Street has not been done in many years.
He stated that milling it and doing it right is part of what we have been
doing as we go through various areas.
We cannot do every street at one time.
Council Member Kopkowski asked if Council is to select from these
suggestions. City Manager Cook
stated that if there are other suggestions, Council should bring them forward.
Council Member Kopkowski stated that in regards to Reynold Sweet, yes
there is some rippling, but the seam is not cracking and it has not failed yet.
City Manager Cook stated that we are not hoping that it fails.
We want to get it before it does and we want to make it a smooth surface.
Council Member Kopkowski questioned what the design fees are for when you
are talking about only 150 feet of road.
City Manager Cook stated that there is a lot of work that they will have
to do.
Council Member Kopkowski
questioned whether we are doing all of these next year.
City Manager Cook stated that these are all being planned for next fiscal
year. Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she does not think they all need to be done.
Mayor Doyle stated you cannot go through and second guess all of these
unless you are an engineer. We have
consultants. Council Member
Kopkowski stated that she is curious whether the City Manager has discussed with
Jesse VanDeCreek why the design engineering is so high.
City Manager Cook stated
that if we go out and mill the streets and try to overlay them, it would be much
less expensive, but the engineers will have no part of it.
Whatever mistakes we make, whatever drainage problems we cause or any
impact private property owners, we would be liable for because we did not use
the engineering services to prevent that.
If we want to try and do this without engineering, we can go through and
try and mill all of this and hope that it comes through.
The engineers have come out and looked at these streets and have based
their estimates on what they visualized.
It is only an estimate at this point.
Mayor Doyle stated that we
always have had a process in place to address our local streets.
Nobody else is going to do them for us.
He stated that he feels that we are stepping over dollars to pick up
nickels. If we start going through
and doing things half way instead of the right way, it would be ridiculous.
We have an engineering firm for a reason.
They are not going through and throwing things in there unless we really
need them. City Manager Cook stated
that this is no different than what we did this year.
Councilman Kivell stated
that when we receive these proposals, he would like to see some bullet points of
what engineering we would be doing different than what we would be doing had we
had simply done mill and cap to see if the extra money ultimately made any
difference or we just did it as a protection.
City Manager Cook stated that he could have HRC provide that information.
Councilman Kivell stated
that we have a list of the streets that need the most attention.
He asked if these streets are at the top of this list.
Superintendent Renwick stated that they are for the most part.
However, Abel Street was not at the top of the list, but it probably
should be.
Discussion was held on
timing. City Manager Cook stated
that we need to proceed with the engineering so that we can get our bid out
early to get the best price.
Discussion was held on the streetscape project.
City Manager Cook stated that we have made it through the Road
Commission, but we have not received our authorization to bid.
CM 11-11-07 – APPROVAL OF
DESIGN ENGINEERING FOR THE 2008 STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Morelli
To approve the
design engineering for the 2008 Street Improvement Projects in the amount of
$89,500
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 OPPOSED)
2.
Request to purchase military service through Michigan Municipal Employee
Retirement System- John Haas
Mr. John Haas, Water
Department Employee, thanked Council for reviewing his request.
He stated that when he originally made his request, he was under the
impression that he could only request two years be added onto his MERS
retirement. Since that time, he was
informed by MERS that he could request up to five years.
The City, in the past, gave the maximum to two previous employees.
Therefore, he would like to request his maximum of five years.
He stated that MERS allows an employee to buy government service of any
kind up to the maximum or request that the employer purchase it.
If he purchases it, it has to be paid by the day he retires.
If the City pays for it, it can be over a 25 year period.
The City purchased two years for both Don Fletcher and Chief Smith.
He stated that he served in the military for six years.
Attorney Lee explained that
the theory is that people who have given of their lives to work in the military
for less than 20 years and did not get any military pension, in recognition of
the fact that people interrupted their working lives to serve their country,
they made it available that you can buy that time as though you had worked those
years.