CITY OF
SOUTH LYON
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
JANUARY 28, 2008
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
Attorney Lee
City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department Heads: Collins,
Martin & Renwick
ABSENT:
City Manager Cook
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Chief Collins stated that it should be noted that he was not in attendance at
the January 14th meeting.
CM 1-1-08- APPROVAL OF
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2008
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Kopkowski
To approve the
minutes of regular meeting of January 14, 2008 as amended
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Doyle questioned
whether Old Business #2 should be deleted from the agenda.
It is his understanding that Bella Luna has caught up on their taxes.
The consensus of Council was to leave it on the agenda for discussion.
Councilman Wedell stated
that he would like to add a discussion under Old Business #1 b) for discussion
on the City Manager hiring process.
CM 1-2-08 – APPROVAL OF
AGENDA
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Morelli
To approve
the agenda as amended
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY
BILLS:
None
CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS:
Pamela Hanson of 12685 W.
Highland Road in Hartland stated that she is a pastor of a Lutheran Church in
Brighton. She stated that they are
starting a new a campus in the South Lyon area and want to reach people who do
not have a church background. They
are still looking for a location and have been making contacts with community
leaders to find out what is going on in the community, what people need and what
they can help with.
Mr. Scott Brown of 504 W.
Liberty stated that he has some issues as a local business owner and would like
to discuss those. Since he was here
the last time, we have had three more businesses in town that have gone under.
It is a bad business climate right now, but would ask Council to take a
position on local businesses and encourage the city people to do business with
local business owners. If we work
together we can come up with a plan to keep businesses going.
Council Member Kopkowski
asked what business Mr. Brown owns.
Mr. Brown indicated that he is a contractor.
Council Member Kopkowski asked if he has gone to any of the DDA meetings.
It was stated that they are the first Thursday of every other month with
the next meeting the first Thursday in March.
Mr. Brown stated that he is looking for Council’s thoughts on ways to
bring their abilities to support these local businesses and salvage the
situation. Councilman Selden stated
that there is not a single person sitting here that does not want to see
businesses succeed. He further
discussed the economy throughout the State.
Mayor Doyle stated that it is tough for everyone including small
businesses.
Discussion was held on using
local business when the City can but having the responsibility to get the most
value for the tax dollars.
Discussion was held on the bidding process and qualifiers that have to be met.
Mr. Brown stated that the
reason he was here the last time was because there had been a job that he bid
and he was not awarded. That job is
still not complete. Chief Collins
explained that Mr. Brown had bid on a painting job for the Police Department and
his bid was over $2,000 which would require us to go before Council before
expending the funds. He did receive
another bid that did come in significantly lower than Mr. Brown’s and under
$2,000. This was a maintenance item
that would not require Council approval.
The gentleman who bid under $2,000 was very busy and could not get the
work done before the weather got bad and indicated that he would do the job in
the spring. However, there was a
garage door with significant rust, and in order for that not to be further
damaged, he came out and sanded that door and applied a primer coat to protect
it through the winter. In the
spring he will come back out and do the work.
Mr. Brown stated that a lot
of the business owners are concerned and they want to make sure that there is a
plan to help encourage local residents to do business locally as well as the
City consider using local businesses first.
Discussion was held on that being a regular consideration when making
decisions.
Mr. Roger Colissimo of 216
Oakbrooke stated that in reference to furthering discussion for the businesses,
he believes that the City Council needs to stand up and take a leadership role
to promote a stimulus to drive our residents to shop here.
There has to be a collaborative effort made.
A lot of individual business owners have tried to do different
initiatives with some success, but in the past couple of months we have seen
five businesses shut their doors, which stifles the drive and energy.
He would like to be part of those discussions with the City and offer any
of his services to get Council behind something large that will benefit the
greatness of the community. We do
not have a drive or an on-going plan to support the businesses.
We are not expecting the City to tell them how to operate their business,
but rather to support the operation of the business.
He discussed what other communities do to drive residents downtown.
Discussion was held on what
the City is doing including the DDA, events that take place in town and the
individual support that Council Members give to local business.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.
Goals & Objectives- City Manager
Mayor Doyle stated that
there was extensive discussion at the last meeting.
He reviewed the points which are to develop a redevelopment plan for
downtown, enforcement plan to address blight, watch for additional grants that
may become available, good financial planning, investigate cable options and
improvements, overall preparing for the future and have good financial planning
in place, and coordination with the special events throughout the City.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he broke these items down further based on the discussion.
He read through those bullet points as follows:
Economics
1.
Develop a plan to coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce Coordinating Council
and whatever other useful resources necessary to identify businesses that will
enhance the customer draw and shopping experience of the Central Business
District.
2.
Develop a plan to identify commercial and retail needs throughout the city.
3.
Research and recruit businesses meeting the criterion of the above plans.
4.
Develop a redevelopment plan for underutilized areas of the city.
Councilman Kivell stated
that the only thing that he did not do was to try to assign a metric because he
wanted to see that done as a body.
Commissions support
1.
Provide assistance and support to Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation
Commission, Beautification Commission and Historic Commission.
2.
Develop working budgets
3.
Coordinate efforts to implement plans
Councilman Kivell stated that unfortunately some of the bodies complain that
they do not know what their financial status is during the course of the year so
it is difficult to try to get enthusiastic about any given project because they
do not know if the funding is available to address their desires.
The one body that stands out more than the others is Parks and
Recreation.
Ordinance enforcement
1.
Develop an enforcement plan policy relating to Residential, Commercial and
Industrial areas
a.
Blight prevention in all zoning areas
b.
Prevention of neighborhood affronts by loaning institutions on homes in
foreclosure.
Councilman Kivell stated that the Planning Commission is addressing some of
these issues.
Financial
1.
Continued strong financial planning
a.
Establish common sense budget
b.
Creatively pursue grant money
Councilman Kivell stated that we have had a terrific history of being successful
in getting grants with our current city manager.
Events
support
1.
Coordinate with outside organizations to
provide City support to Events calendar.
Councilman Kivell stated that he is not sure that we want to be the one to
package the event, but we certainly want to be as supportive as we can.
Research new video components to improve broadcast quality
Councilman Wedell stated
that he does not want to diminish the importance of this exercise, however we
embarked on this as a result of the last evaluation of the current manager.
We now know that we are going to have a new manager by the time we do the
next evaluation. It seems that with
a new manager there are a whole new set of priorities such as getting to know
the community, understanding and developing a financial package for Council
consideration, etc. none of which are being addressed with our goals because
they were a given with the current manager.
He would like to suggest taking the work compiled and leave it on the
desk of the new manager so that they know that these are the things that Council
feels are important. Through the
interview process, there may be a new set of initial goals that are much more
basic to taking over the reins of the City.
This would be a good head start for the new manager and it would behoove
that person to attend to some of these issues as well as some larger issues.
Councilman Selden stated
that he would agree with Councilman Wedell and would suggest that we table this
and choose a new manager first.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he feels that this is something that needs to be addressed by anyone
sitting in the seat. If Council is
considering hiring somebody that we assume by discussion and interview that they
have the skills to accomplish the job, these are going to be the things that he
will do in addition to what his regular operation role will be.
Discussion was held on a new
person becoming familiar with the City.
It was stated that this person is still going to need to know what the
expectations are while they are learning.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she feels we need to be in agreement as a Council so that we can
choose the person that replaces the manager.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he agrees with Councilman Kivell that it is something that a City Manager,
no matter who it is, will be expected to accomplish.
Anyone they interview will be able to know how to accomplish them.
However, no matter how experienced the person is, there is going to be a
learning curve.
Mayor Doyle stated that what
has been done is a great start.
However, in his experience with goal setting, it was not done in a vacuum, but
rather between the supervisor and the direct report with some give and take and
a review of things that may or may not be obtainable.
Further, he stated that he feels all of these things are important and
would like to see all of these addressed as far as goals.
He is not concerned about the items, but rather the measurement.
He would like to see this tabled and work through the process of hiring a
City Manager then work with that individual as a team to develop goals.
Councilman Morelli stated that in his experience you first have to start
out with an outline similar to what we have here then sit down with the
individual and it is a give and take.
Discussion was held on
waiting to see the expertise of the individuals who will be considered for the
city manager position.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he feels that we need to have something set that may be modified or
adjusted once the new city manager is in place rather than wait and act on it
later. He would like to see this
brought back at the next meeting until they can come to a consensus.
CM 1-3-08 – TABLE CITY
MANAGER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Motion by
Selden, supported by Kivell
To table
discussion of the City Manager’s Goals and Objectives until the next meeting
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b)
City Manager Hiring Process
Mayor Doyle stated that
Council had discussed whether or not they wanted to conduct the hiring of the
City Manager themselves or do they want to hire a third party to collect
resumes, conduct background checks, etc. and bring applicants to Council.
For a number of reasons, the majority of Council felt that for the first
cut, they would like an outside firm to handle it.
In the packet was an overview of the typical executive search process
through MML.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he has reviewed the information and feels that it is exactly what we need
and would support doing this.
Discussion was held on the
fee schedule and the breakdown.
Councilman Selden stated
that he is not comfortable with this at all.
He stated we have all hired people and should be able to handle it
in-house. Furthermore, the comment
made in the paper looks like a decision had already been made.
Discussion was held on
discounting based on things already done by us such as placing the ads.
It was stated that ads have been placed with ICMA and MML.
Councilman Wedell asked if
this is an appropriate thing to do through the MML without looking at other
companies. Attorney Lee stated that
this is so specialized that putting this out to headhunters who do not have
experience in this area is unrealistic.
Councilman Wedell asked if we have time to have a representative come to
our next meeting to explain the scope of services and at that time make a motion
to enter into a contract. Attorney
Lee stated that there is no specific time limitation to hire a City Manager.
Discussion was held on the need to have some questions answered.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he feels that we could move forward in announcing what traits Council is
looking for in a City Manager to them as the vendor.
Attorney Lee stated that we have already done that when the ad was
developed. Further discussion was
held on defining traits. Attorney
Lee stated that we have defined within the ad the kind of capability we need to
see in a City Manager such as the City having its own water and sewer, fire
department, etc. so he does not know whether there is any tweaking of that
description that can or should be done.
Discussion was held on
whether to proceed with authorization of the contract now or wait until after
further discussion with MML. The consensus of Council was to direct the City
Manager to contact MML and invite them to send a representative to discuss their
services further at our next meeting.
CM 1-4-08 – INVITE MML
REPRESENTATIVE TO DISCUSS THE SCOPE OF SERVICES
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Selden
To invite a
representative from MML to discuss the scope of their services for hiring the
City Manager
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2.
Liquor License- Bella Luna- Authorization to retrieve License
Mayor Doyle stated that it
has been communicated to him that the taxes have been paid up.
He questioned whether we can do anything at this time.
Attorney Lee stated that we cannot do anything relative to the Bistro.
The issue of Bella Luna is still up in the air.
The question is having received the license but never using it, can we
ask the LCC to abate that license and put it back in the City’s hands.
He cannot find any similar cases where the LCC has done it nor can he
find one where they were asked to do it and did not.
He does think that it would be worthwhile to ask the LCC to revoke that
license inasmuch as it has not been used.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she was very disappointed that it was taken off the agenda the last
meeting because the owner sat here and indicated that he was going to be opening
the doors. The doors never got
opened and if it had been left on the agenda and authorization given to retrieve
the license, we would be two weeks closer to having an answer from the LCC.
This is a huge thing for the City to have that liquor license.
It has been abused on his part and we need to investigate it now so that
two weeks from now when he has not opened we are now that much further behind.
If for some reason he opens, serves his food and we have to stop, if the
doors shut again we can immediately start again.
Council Members Maida and Selden agreed.
Councilman Morelli asked
what happens if they are only opened on weekends because to him that is not
really open. Attorney Lee stated
that there is no track record as far as court records or published LCC decisions
that he can find on that issue. The
basis that we would go in with is that we had some pre-conditions upon which
this license was issued. Given the
City’s goals in reviving downtown, we have lost any opportunity to attract any
new servicer into the City who would want a liquor license.
He is going to present it to the LCC that this was an approval predicated
upon certain things some of which they have done many of which they have not.
Councilman Wedell stated
that it was the summer before last that the gentleman stood before Council and
indicated that he did not need that much time and he would be open by October.
Several months after that when the doors were ready to open the liquor
license was not approved by the LCC until a number of months after that.
Councilman Kivell stated
that he does not blame them for the delays in opening, but they had not even
applied for the license until they opened the door.
Councilman Wedell stated that he even heard that they blamed City Council
for not having their liquor license.
CM 1-5-08 – DIRECT THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO PROCEED WITH RETRIEVING LIQUOR LICENSE
Motion by
Selden, supported by Maida
To direct the
City Attorney to take the necessary action to attempt to retrieve the liquor
license issued
for the Bella
Luna Restaurant
Councilman Kivell asked if
in the event we have to stop the process, can it be reinitiated as soon as the
circumstances change. Attorney Lee
stated that they could stop the process at any time if Council wished to
withdraw and Council would direct him to do that.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councilman Wedell stated
that we now have had two recent incidences involving liquor licenses the first
being a request by someone who was in arrears to the City for his water bill,
the second one we had the gentleman from Bella Luna on a Monday speak to what
his plans were and the following Thursday we read in the paper that the County
Treasurer put lien notices on his buildings.
Looking through the LCC regulations, he noticed that licenses are issued
from May 1st through April 30 and are renewed each year by
application. He asked if we have
the opportunity to object to a renewal for good cause.
Attorney Lee stated that the City has the recommendation power, not the
actual power to grant or revoke licenses.
He has noticed over the last 4-5 years that the LCC has been more
sensitive with City and Township objections when made.
Recently, a bar in Birmingham had a single violation for serving liquor
after 2 a.m. When the City of
Birmingham issued a resolution to ask the Liquor Control Commission to revoke
the license, the LCC came out very strongly and told the owners that if they did
not act quickly and get approval of the City, they were going to grant the
City’s request. For that reason, he
feels that we have a better chance than what we used to have.
Councilman Wedell asked if
Council has any interest in establishing a policy where at the last meeting in
March of each year, we would review all establishments holding liquor licenses
for number of violations, nuisance complaints, whether the taxes are up to date,
number of DUIs occurring from that facility, etc.
And, as a follow-up question, how much of an imposition on the City’s
resources would that be.
Chief Collins stated that
some of the things we could provide without much trouble.
Sometimes, drunk drivers might not always tell the truth so we might not
know from which establishment they may be coming or they may be at one
establishment and moved to another.
They could provide any of the police department data, calls for service, liquor
violations, etc.
Councilman Wedell stated
that he has no desire to make life more difficult on community businesses.
However, it has been his experience that police departments generally
know where they have a nuisance.
Attorney Lee stated that his office also has files on cases where there are
incidents or violations.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she does not have a problem in looking at these once a year.
A liquor license is a responsibility of people that have them.
However, she feels that we need to be very careful about what we announce
about those businesses. For
example, it is not necessarily that business’ fault that a less than desirable
person came into their establishment.
Discussion was held on investigations that currently take place for
selling to minors, etc.
Councilman Wedell stated
that we are already close to the end of the term and suggested that we take a
look at this again for next year. By then we will have a new city manager and we
will have time to establish guidelines, etc.
Attorney Lee stated that he would suggest that the time frame be moved up
because the LCC would require more than a month for the process.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.
Purchase of Fire Truck- Repurchase Agreement
Mayor Doyle stated that we
have a request for a repurchase agreement for the purchase of a new fire truck.
Fire Chief Kaska presented drawings of the truck.
Mayor Doyle stated that this is a budgeted item.
The rate was negotiated down from 3.9% to 3.59%.
Chief Kaska stated that this
would be a truck to replace our 1979 Pearce that is getting old and according to
NFPA we would have to mark it as a back-up, second or third run vehicle.
What they would like to do is to keep the Pearce until the new one comes
in and request a new ISO rating.
The last ISO rating we had, the ladder truck did not have a pump on it and we
had the two other pumpers. This
would give us three pumpers and a tower with a pump.
Since that time as well, there have been a lot of water mains replaced
with 8 inch mains. At our last
rating we went to 5. This is a KME
truck, we already own two KMEs both being demos and both being outstanding
apparatus. Maintenance records have
been outstanding and reliability has been great.
Mayor Doyle asked if we will
need to make any modifications to the garage for this truck.
Chief Kaska stated that we would not require any.
This should fit in a 10 foot door and we have one left, if not, our 1996
truck will fit in a 10-foot door.
Councilman Morelli asked if
they will want to keep the old truck after the ISO rating.
Chief Kaska stated that we had KME give us a proposal to buy it, but we
could strip the truck and keep the equipment which is worth more than what they
would give us. At that time we
could sell. A department in the
Upper Peninsula would be able to use it for example.
The engine and frame may be worth more to a contractor.
Councilman Kivell asked if
it would be helpful to keep it as back-up.
Chief Kaska stated that if we could keep it, if one of the trucks is out
for maintenance, it would not hurt.
It would still be certified every year.
Councilman Kivell asked if all of the pumps on the KMEs are typical of
each other. Chief Kaska stated that
they are all identical, which is very helpful.
Council Member Maida asked
for an explanation of the ISO.
Chief Kaska stated that it is the national insurance rating.
They rate the fire departments and the lower your number, the better the
residents get their fire insurance rate.
It depends on the area, population, hydrants, etc.
Discussion was held on this
being a demo. Chief Kaska stated
that when we originally looked at this truck, the truck was in the system.
During the forest fires in LA, they lost a lot of equipment and they put
in a large order so they put the demo on hold and started constructing the
equipment for that order.
Councilman Selden stated
that he wants residents to know that this purchase will save them in the long
run on the insurance rates.
Councilman Selden further questioned whether there is additional equipment that
will be needed for this truck.
Chief Kaska stated that if we keep the older truck we will need some appliances
and extra hoses. In the past, we
would strip the older truck for the newer truck.
Councilman Selden questioned
whether the interest rate is reflective of the recent cuts in rates by the
Federal government. Chief Kaska
stated that the City Manager did negotiate that interest rate.
Further discussion was held
on this truck being labeled as a demo.
Chief Kaska stated that once they put it in the system it is marked as a
demo because nobody owns it. We are
going to buy it at demo price, but it is brand new.
Council Member Kopkowski
asked if our platform truck is back and how it is working.
Chief Kaska stated that we got it back last Tuesday and it is working
outstanding.
CM 1-6-08 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Motion by
Morelli, supported by Wedell
WHEREAS, an Installment
Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) among the City of South Lyon, County of
Oakland, State of Michigan (the “City”), KME Fire Apparatus (the “Vendor”), and
SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp. (the “Bank”), for the purchase of KME
Predator X-MFD Engine Demo TM7001 as set forth therein (the “Equipment”), has
been prepared, pursuant to MCLA 123.721 as amended; and
WHEREAS, the total purchase
price of the Equipment from the Vendor is $460,770.00; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the
Agreement, the amount of $460,770.00 (the “Purchase Price”) in principal
installments at an interest rate equal to _3.59% per annum, all as
specified on Exhibit B to the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement is to
be assigned by the Vendor to the Bank; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to
approve the Agreement ad authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the
Agreement and other related documentation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED THAT:
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2.
Audit service- Plate & Moran
Mayor Doyle stated that this
is our annual agreement with Plante & Moran. It is different than last year.
We will not have a Federal Compliance Audit, which is typically done when
we receive federal grant funds.
This will cover the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.
Council Member Maida
questioned the fees associated with the new auditing standards.
Councilman Wedell stated that this indicates that the new standards would
be implemented for audits with fiscal years ending December 31, 2007 and that
any additional costs would be provided prior to them beginning the 2008 audit.
Further discussion was held on additional costs from time to time.
CM 1-7-08 – APPROVAL OF
LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT – PLANTE & MORAN
Motion by
Wedell, supported by Morelli
To approve the
letter of engagement with Plante & Moran for auditing services for the 2007-08
fiscal
year
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments
a.
Chapter 102- Section 102-131 Material Board
Pam Weipert, Planning
Commission Chair stated that the Planning Commission has been reviewing several
ordinances. This change will
require the developer to present a material board at every Planning Commission
meeting, which would be a pallet of materials that they plan on using on the
building so they can get an idea of the colors and textures that are going to be
used on the exterior of the building. The
developers have cooperated with their request for material boards, but this is
formalizing that.
Pam Weipert stated that
there are two changes being proposed to the sign ordinance.
The first deals with the calculation used to compute the size of signs.
There have been some confusion in the past as to where the front facade
starts and ends. Furthermore,
downtown we have buildings where there are retail establishments on both floors.
If both floors are being used for commercial use, they want to allow for
more signage versus those buildings where the upper floors are used for
residential.
Chairperson Weipert stated
that the third amendment is also to the sign ordinance and deals with
illumination. They are trying to
prohibit excessive or poorly shielded illumination of signs and eliminate light
pollution and trespass. What they
would like is that internal sign illumination to be a steady light, not flashing
or moving. Also, if you are
illuminating signage externally that those also be steady.
They have also included that no sign lighting to be hazardous to traffic,
which broadens it.
Councilman Kivell stated
that the language for hazardous signs is very subjective.
He asked if that is a defendable position without some type of metric.
Attorney Lee stated that it is until we have a situation.
As he interprets that is lighting which might shine in your car that
would prohibit you from seeing another car or sign, etc.
We would have to prove what the hazard was.
CM 1-8-08 – FIRST READING
– AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 102 - SECTION 102-131
Motion by
Kivell, supported by Morelli
That this be the
first reading of an amendment to Chapter 102 Section 102-131 – Material Board
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b.
Chapter 70- Sections 70-2 and section 70-4
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she disagrees with the front façade calculation.
She believes that the whole building needs to be taken into
consideration. The front façade is
just that; the upper story and the lower story and it all needs to be taken into
consideration. She does not believe
looking at it this way is appropriate.
Chairperson Weipert stated
that if there is commercial on both stories, the total signage area would be
bigger than if it were commercial only on one floor.
Councilman Kivell stated that there could be two signs for two separate
entities, one for the top and one for the bottom.
CM 1-9-08 – FIRST READING
– AMENDMNT TO CHAPTER 70 – SECTION 70-2
Motion by
Selden, supported by Morelli
That this be the
first reading of an amendment to Chapter 70 Section 70-2
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 opposed)
Councilman Morelli stated
that when he read this amendment, he got the impression that the signs that
would fall under this would be both the “race track” blinking signs as well as
the signs like Big Boy has with scrolling text.
He stated that he can understand that we do not want to have a strobe
light shining in people’s eyes, but does not see the hazard in looking to see a
dinner special. Chairperson Weipert
stated that this would only be for the ones that are moving.
They would be able to use it as a sign with a fixed message.
Further discussion was held on the message type signs at Big Boy and
McDonalds. Discussion was held on
these existing signs being grandfathered.
Discussion was held on the
scrolling signs becoming more popular.
Chairperson Weipert stated that the idea was that the message had to
remain for a certain period of time rather than scrolling because it does take
the driver’s eyes off the road and unless you are sitting in front of it, it is
a hazard.
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she understands that the Planning Commission is updating a lot of
ordinances and although she thinks it is good, she does worry that there are
things in the City now that we do not like and we are using them as an example
to change the ordinance rather than looking at the broad picture.
She is worried that these are being specifically directed to certain
businesses. Chairperson Weipert
stated that she does not think that is the case.
The last time the sign ordinance was updated was over 10 years ago.
They did make some changes and they thought things would happen because
of the changes and they did not or it was not interpreted the way they thought.
They are trying to make it stronger so that it will act in the way they
want. They do have one other change
that will be coming before Council shortly.
She further discussed other changes that will be coming forward.
She stated that they have been lucky that the developers have done what
the Commission wanted, but they would not necessarily have to because it is not
in the ordinance.
Discussion was held on how
this would affect existing businesses.
Councilman Kivell stated that he can understand not having scrolling
text, flashing text, chase lights, etc., but this does not preclude having
changeable text, it simply has to be solid.
Councilman Morelli discussed existing signage in the City.
He stated that he sees more of the changing signs coming in and this is
the only part of this change that he does not agree with.
He does not see it being a problem.
Mr. Roger Colissimo of 216
Oakbrooke stated that if he had the funds he would be making a request to put in
a sign like McDonald’s has done. It
is an up and coming technology. He
stated that in the City of Wixom, their Library and City hall have installed
these which promote what is happening in the City.
There is a delayed time and there are no flashing lights.
The sign he has is very difficult to change especially during bad
weather. Even driving down the
expressway, there are digital boards with a message that stays for two minutes
and changes. It is becoming a
greater technology and businesses are going to want to take advantage of that.
He does have a scrolling sign in his window so that people in the parking
lot can see what they do.
Mr. Gary Butler of 879 West
Hills Drive stated that the technology that is being talked about is fairly
common and evolving. He stated that
there should be data somewhere indicating what level of hazard it is.
He discussed illumination measured in foot candles and distance.
He stated that he is sure that there are a lot of business owners who
would like to have input into some of this discussion and he would like to see
some facts on it. He discussed the
businesses within the Brookdale shopping center having difficulty in getting
location recognition and signage.
He stated that there are new businesses coming into town and signage is a big
issue with them.
Discussion was held on
existing business owners feeling as though signage is the reason their business
is suffering versus current economic times.
Councilman Morelli stated
that he would like to see this ordinance go back to the Planning Commission for
some revision. As much as we do not
want to see a “Compuware” type sign here in town, he certainly does not have a
problem with the sign like at McDonalds.
Chairperson Weipert stated that this amendment does not prohibit these
types of signs just how often it changes.
Discussion was held on
signage in Wixom. It was stated
that the sign at Wixom City Hall is tastefully done, however right down the road
there is a car wash with a digital sign which includes fireworks, and changes
from one set of text to another.
Councilman Kivell stated that his concern is not necessarily the hazard issue as
much as the aesthetics. Possibly
the text can be developed in such a way restricting what manner the text is
exposed or how quickly it scrolls.
CM 1-10-08 – AMENDMENT TO
CHAPTER 70-SECTION 70-4
Motion by
Morelli, supported by Kopkowski
To send the
amendment to Chapter 70 Section 70-4 back to the Planning Commission for further
Review
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Kopkowski
stated that in the memo from Kristen Cunningham, she references bi-monthly
blight reports. She asked if
Council could receive copies of these reports.
Mayor Doyle stated that this is a newer activity given the fact that
inspections are down.
Council Member Kopkowski asked what is happening with Bugsy’s Restaurant. Mayor Doyle stated that the action taken by Council was upheld by the Liquor Control Commission. Attorney Lee stated that they are still working under an operating agreement. The license has not moved from the original grantee. He can have an operating agreement that lasts no longer than two years and the LCC would not allow them to renew that agreement with the people that