CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

FEBRUARY 25, 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

            City Manager Cook

            Attorney Lee

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke

Department Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:   

 

CM 2-1-08- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Wedell

                       

     To approve the minutes of regular meeting of February 11, 2008 as written

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked if we are adding to the Executive Session based on the email they received.  City Manager Cook stated that it is all part of the same issue.  Attorney Lee stated that it is a personnel matter so all we need is the consent of the personnel.

 

Council Member Maida stated that there was information provided regarding People’s Express and asked when Council would be taking action.  City Manager Cook stated that the contract is not up until June 30.  This is just for information.

 

Councilman Selden stated that he would like to move Council Comments prior to the Executive Session.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we have a vacancy on the Board of Review and Councilman Morelli has a recommendation to fill that position.

 

CM 2-2-08 – AMENDMENT TO THE AGENDA

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Wedell

 

     To add the Appointment to the Board of Review as New Business #2

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 2-3-08 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Wedell, supported by Kivell

 

      To approve the agenda as amended

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS:  None

 

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS: None

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.      Resource Recovery & Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County

a.      Solid Waste/Yard Waste/Recycling Collection and Disposal Agreement

b.      Material Recovery Facility Services Agreement

 

City Manager Cook stated that we have two agreements one being the Services agreement the other solid waste and recycling agreement that would not take effect until July 1, 2008.

 

Mr. Mike Csapo, Director of RRRASOC stated that RRRASOC is the municipal solid waste authority of which South Lyon is a charter member.  He discussed the process they went through to come up with the contracts.  Their charge is to help their cities put together cost-effective and environmentally responsible solid waste services for their residents.  South Lyon is a charter member and owner of part of the recovery facility in Southfield.  They solicited proposals for services from the hauling community and for services to operate the facility.    The result is two contracts one a contract between the City of South Lyon and Duncan Disposal.  The other contract is an agreement between the City of South Lyon and the Authority to receive those materials that are collected and processed in Southfield and in return share revenues from the sale of those materials.  The price for solid waste is the lowest bid submitted from five firms.  It decreases the overall costs, improves service standards and contractor accountability.  It is a five-year contract with a three-year renewal and positions the City for future improvements and technology changes.  The MRF Service Agreement eliminates an existing MRF service fee payment to the current vendor.  It provides for revenue sharing payments to the City, and adds new materials to the curbside recycling program.  It is a 15 year agreement and also positions MRF to meet future needs of the City and overall marketplace.  Under the current contract the rate would be approximately $131 per household per year.  With the new contract, it becomes $126.84 or overall 3% reduction.  The MRF Service fee is eliminated which is approximately $16,000 per year.  We will have new revenue sharing of $5,700-$24,000 per year from the sale of material that is collected.  He further stated that there is new material added to the curbside program.  He discussed those new items as well as the reduced preparation requirements such as removing caps, etc.  He stated that Duncan Disposal is well-known in the community and he could not recommend them any higher.  It is a benefit that they were also the lowest bidder.  The company that will be running the facility currently run the City of Ann Arbor’s facility, one in Saginaw and are well-known and do an outstanding job.  He stated that he is recommending Council approve the contract with Duncan Disposal and the MRF Services Agreement.  He discussed the other communities’ approvals of the MRF agreement.

 

Council Member Maida asked how the residents will be notified of the new materials being accepted.  Mr. Csapo stated that they will be doing a broad outreach including newsletters, press releases, etc., and he will be doing some public speaking through the Chamber of Commerce, etc.  He stated that they are proud of the fact that services will be improved while realizing cost savings.

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked how many other firms bid for the solid waste and recycling.  Mr. Csapo stated that there were five.  City Manager Cook stated that it will be like having a spring clean-up with every pick-up because residents will be able to put virtually anything out.

 

Councilman Wedell asked how many communities are a part of RRRASOC.  Mr. Csapo stated that there are actually eight, but Lyon Township is not active at this time.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he is very glad to see Duncan Disposal back.  We get to have a neighbor handling our services.  Councilman Kivell stated that the contract makes mention that the bins for recycling will be provided by the City.  Mr. Csapo stated that what this means is that the bins would be arranged for by the City, the approved bins. 

 

Councilman Selden asked who a resident calls when they need a bin or have a complaint.  Mr. Csapo stated that they could either call the City or the contractor.  Mr. Duncan stated that all of the residents should have a city-provided container currently, but the City will be provided a number for replacement.  However, residents are welcome to call his office as well.

 

Councilman Selden asked Mr. Duncan if his drivers would have the same route each week or would it change.  Mr. Duncan stated that they do try to adhere to the same routes each week.  They may not be the same as they are now, but once they begin they will maintain those routes.

 

Councilman Morelli asked who owns the bins.  Mr. Csapo stated that the City does.  As we are adding additional recyclables we are hoping that we will need larger bins.  If we do that we can explore how they would be paid for.  Typically, it is the City’s expense, but in some instances it is the contractor or possibly shared.  When we collect a lot more material, then we would also have more revenue available.

 

CM 2-4-08–APPROVAL- SOLID WASTE, YARD WASTE & RECYCLING COLLECTION AGREEMENT

 

     Motion by Selden, supported by Maida

 

     To approve the Agreement for Solid Waste, Yard Waste and Recycling collection and disposal with

     Duncan Disposal Systems, Inc.

 

VOTE:                                                                   MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 2-5-08 – APPROVAL OF MRF SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Selden

 

     To approve the MRF Services Agreement with the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of

     Southwest Oakland County

 

VOTE:                                                                   MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

2.      Discussion on Shared Fire Services with Lyon Township

 

Mayor Doyle stated that he has had a number of conversations with Lyon Township Supervisor Lannie Young regarding some of his requests dealing with shared services.  He is here tonight to talk to the entire City Council about those requests.

 

Mr. Young stated that he would like to thank Council for the opportunity to enter into dialogue on behalf of the Township.  He discussed the three previous joint meetings held between the City and the Township.  He stated that after all three meetings the Township and the City’s relationship was enhanced, but other than that they did not come up with any unified direction to move forward.  He stated that the nature of his letter to the Mayor and Council was at the behest of his board to ask how serious are we about moving forward with some type of collaborative effort.  He stated that at the last joint meeting, Commissioner Potter was there and discussed Capital and Collaborative Initiative Revolving Fund which is something Oakland County has offered to communities.  He presented sample feasibility studies done by Plante & Moran.  He stated that these studies are very thorough and complete.  He discussed the types of studies that they do. He stated that they have a Fire Chief who is retiring after 25-30 years and they have been receiving resumes to fill that position.  The Township Board wanted to ask the City one more time if there is any interest in continuing dialogue.   He stated that he has talked with the Fire Chief from Brighton and they discussed all of the aspects of establishing a Fire Authority.  Brighton, Brighton Township and Genoa Township have a collaborative agreement and Fire Authority.    He further discussed other communities with similar agreements.  He stated that we are not pioneers, but rather there have been other communities that have gone before us with these endeavors and studies.  He stated that as Board and Council Members we need to ask ourselves if we feel confident and educated enough about the financial outlook and functional structure of our community to say we are fine operating the way we are with shrinking budgets or do we want to do more exploration.  If there are monies available through the County to do a feasibility study and enter into some joint measures to lower cost and improve services, it should survey that.  He stated that the City is 90-95% residentially built-out with little non-residential land, and his question is without growth what is going to off-set the increased costs in 2-5 years.  The Township is faced with the same financial situation, but Lyon Township’s potential growth is much greater than that of the City as they are only 15% built-out in industrial and 25% built-out in the residential with a lot of potential as the economy starts turning around.  There is always a question as to what each community has to bring to the table with a collaborative agreement, and a feasibility would bring that to the surface and let the numbers give us something to go on.  He stated that he views the City and the Township as one community, many people do, and he feels that through a partnership both City and Township residents would benefit.  The question he would like to see answered tonight is should we continue discussion and take the next step.  If the answer from Council is “No” then the Township should not burden the boards any more regarding this initiative.   If, however the answer is “Yes” than we need to take advantage of the County program and fill out the application.  We need to show commitment by resolution by each municipality, and if the study shows that this would be a win-win situation with possibilities for both communities then we are willing to put forth the effort and stand against the politics and move forward to improve services and reduce our costs.

 

Councilman Selden stated that for any agreement to be successful, both sides need to win, and he does not see anything that the City will win.  Mr. Young stated that his opinion is that the win is the Lyon Township potential for increased tax base and that tax base would be infused through cooperative programs into both communities.  The reason why the Fire Department is one of the first things communities look at is because it is one of the largest expenses in a community’s budget.  Discussion was held on agreements between other communities.  Councilman Selden discussed the concentrated residential in the City, the difference in required equipment between the communities, etc.  He further stated that we already have a mutual aid agreement.  Mr. Young stated that mutual aid is a step toward collaboration and it works, but it can be improved on.  Further discussion was held on mutual aid.  Councilman Selden stated that he cannot see how the City would gain.  Mr. Young stated that if the study shows that, then it would be foolish to enter into an agreement.  It has to be a win-win situation for both.

 

Councilman Morelli stated that he would agree that we are one community.  Most people do not like change and our Fire Department does not want to see this go forward.  If this is a step in bringing our communities together, then he would be for the study.  He asked if the study would be strictly Fire Department or would it look at long-term including other aspects.  Oakland County Commissioner Jeff Potter stated that the program is an offer of opportunity for the communities to work together.  He stated that people hold dear emergency services and firefighters are from our own community and have a concern for their community.  The program will pay for studies for viability through a neutral party, any type of shared service.  The first stage is to determine if there is any potential benefit and willingness to consider a change.  This particular type of agreement would not be entered into hastily.  He further stated that tomorrow night at Springfield Township, Plante & Moran is going to deliver their public report on the shared services prospects with five communities.  He further discussed the communities involved.  He discussed a phased study where for a nominal amount of money, parties from each side could come together and determine what the reality of some of these programs are and whether there is a potential for organizing one of these studies.  The last thing he would want to see is the County spending $50-70,000 for a study and nothing come of it.  Finally, he stated that he cannot see these agreements entered without support of the firefighters they represent. 

 

Councilman Kivell asked if Plante & Moran determines what area of shared services are examined.  Commissioner Potter stated that the communities determine what areas they are interested in examining.  The application defines the scope.  Councilman Kivell stated that the fire departments may not be the most fruitful venture to enter into.  That is the point of this discussion, but would ask if it is the one that would have the most positive result as a co-venture.

 

The question was asked if there is a time frame involved with moving forward with Lyon Township hiring a new Fire Chief.  Mr. Young stated that they are going to move forward with the Fire Chief.  He stated that at this point we need to get some direction and understand where the advantages and disadvantages are before taking the next step.  Most of the studies done have been about Fire.  Commissioner Potter stated that it should be noted that the recommendations of these studies have not all been implemented.  If you decide not to move forward, it would be better to know earlier on rather than incur a bill that does not produce the desired result.

 

Attorney Lee stated that in 1984 he drafted the agreement between Holly Township, Rose Township and the Village of Holly for a Fire Authority.  Approximately 10 years later, the Village of Holly pulled out due to the fact the Village of Holly was built-out while the townships were growing.  They objected to the increasing cost.  He asked Commissioner Potter if he could receive a copy of the study being presented in Springfield.

 

Council Member Morelli stated that if this is the first step to a larger thing, he is in favor of doing a study and seeing where we could benefit.  However, if there is no desire to go farther than fire, his opinion is different.  The mutual aid is already happening and each community is benefiting from that.  If we are only talking about fire and never anything else, he cannot see the dollar benefit to our City.  They may be there, but he does not know where they are.  Mr. Young stated that from the Township’s perspective, it is not only fire and they would be open to any joint collaborative effort that would improve services and save money.  Councilman Kivell stated that he feels that we are likely to be more fruitful in a lot of other areas outside of the fire department.  He further stated that at the last joint meeting, Mr. Young indicated that he did not see how there was benefit going into this joint venture.  There is no sense in shared services unless there is mutual benefit, and he feels that we would end up being a donor community.  Re-development is going to produce new tax revenues.  To incur the cost of additional capital expenses for the township is not a benefit to us.  Mr. Young stated that at the time, he did not believe that we had the expertise to determine any benefit.  There is a forum now that could enlighten us.  Further discussion was held on similar joint ventures.

 

Attorney Lee stated that there is a proposed study being released and other similar documents are available.  We could look at these models to see if there is potential savings that we have not considered or we have missed.  We then could make a determination whether or not to go forward.  Further discussion was held on the need to determine positive outcome before proceeding.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she is interested in aspects of the study.  She would like to go through and review some of the documents, but would like to see it done with our Fire Department and have discussion between Council and the Firefighters.

 

Council Member Maida stated that we do need to get some additional information and opinions before spending the money.  She is anxious to do so because she is hoping it will work, but we do not know that for sure.

 

Councilman Wedell stated that if there are any Firefighters interested in attending the meeting in Springfield, he would be very interested in hearing their comments.  He further stated that he has read a number of studies that tout the benefit of shared services, but he does not see the benefit of this particular shared service.  He would be interested in a broader view.  Finally, he stated that the City Manager is our Chief Administrative Officer, and we are in the process of bringing a new person in.  He would like that person to be an integral part of this process. 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that he cannot see the benefit.  With these types of agreements we need an improved the level of service and if possible decrease the amount we are spending.  More importantly, the departments structurally are very far apart.  That does not mean there are other things, but just not the fire department.  If there is something else that we can do collectively as we have done in the past that could be successful, he is all for it.  He does not see how we could maintain the level of service given the difference in the size of the communities.  Furthermore, we are done with large capital purchase for the next 12-15 years.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he would like to see us reinstitute the joint discussions.  He stated that could prove to be benefit both communities.  He does not want to see us forget about this, but does feel that there are other things that seem more natural for joint venture.

 

Discussion was held on needing further information before asking for any assistance with joint services.

 

 

 

3.      MML Search – City Manager- Schedule Interview Date- 4/19/08

 

City Manager Cook stated that based on the letter from Bill Richards, he is proposing Saturday, April 19th to conduct the City Manager position interviews.  This will provide the necessary time so that we do not eliminate someone who could not meet the time schedule.

 

Discussion was held on the time frame for the interview.  It was stated that it would be dependent on the number of people that we would be interviewing, but it will, most likely be all day.

 

Council concurred on the date.

 

4.      Resolution- Waiving minor penalties for Winter Tax Collection

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that given the remainder of the County operating millage was shifted from winter to summer, we are left with a much smaller winter tax bill.  Like any other tax season, we are receiving tax payments which do not include penalty.  Some of which are very small.  The law says that we have to collect that penalty, but it does seem ridiculous to spend $ .41 in postage to collect a $.17 penalty not to mention personnel time to do so.  She stated that she is asking that Council adopt this resolution that would waive penalty in those instances up to $5 for winter tax bills only.  It makes sense to not waste our resources.

 

Councilman Kivell asked if the penalty could be deferred to their summer taxes.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we could not.  It would have to be turned over to the County for collection for the current year.

 

CM 2-6-08 -RESOLUTION WAIVING PROPERTY TAX PENALTIES OF LESS THAN FIVE (5$) DOLLARS

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Selden

 

     WHEREAS,  Property tax penalties  are assessed by the City Treasurer for late payment of AD VALORM taxes due February 15 of each year, but paid prior to March 1st of each year, the date Oakland County take responsibility for the assessment of penalties and collection of said taxes, and

     WHEREAS, some of the penalties are so small that the cost of collection exceeds the amount of the penalty given the cost of postage, handling and accounting, and the interest of efficient government outweighs the benefit of collecting amounts less than five ($5) Dollars,

     Now Therefore, the City Council of the City of South Lyon directs the City Treasurer to Waive payment of any penalty due by reason of late payment of an AD VALORM  winter tax bill the total of which amounts to Five ($5) Dollars or less.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.      Resolution- Establishing Policies and Guidelines for granting exemptions from payment of property taxes

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that according to the law, Council has to adopt poverty exemption guidelines which cannot be lower than federal poverty guidelines.  Our current resolution is lower.  She stated that she is suggesting that we adopt the federal guidelines by reference so that we do not have to continue to do this as the federal guidelines change from year to year.  The second part of the resolution is that our current resolution sets the asset level between $16,000-$20,000 depending on the household size.  She is asking that it be raised to $50,000 regardless of the size of the household to reflect the current economy.

 

The question was asked how many people this would affect.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that she believes that would impact quite a few people as $20,000 is quite low.  This gives us more room without going to extreme and allowing too many people to qualify.

 

The question was asked how $50,000 was determined.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we did check with surrounding communities and the numbers ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 in Birmingham which she believes is going to extreme.  This is a comfortable number and we can come back and adjust that at a later date.  It does raise it from what we had been following.

 

CM 2-7-08 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR GRANTING EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Maida

 

WHEREAS, Public Act 390 of 1994 requires the governing body of each city to determine and make available to the public the policies and guidelines to be followed by the local assessing unit in processing and granting exemptions on account of poverty in the collection of ad valorem property taxes; and

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Council to adopt guidelines in compliance with said act;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON RESOLVES:

The following guidelines shall be followed by the Board of Review in the exercise of its discretion in determining who is eligible and whether an exemption from taxation in whole or in part shall be granted under the General Property Tax Act, PA 206 (1893), as amended:

1.      All applicants must obtain an application for exemption from the City Assessor’s office.  Handicapped or infirm applicants may call the Assessor’s office to make necessary arrangements for assistance

2.      Applicants will not be eligible for consideration for an exemption if they do not meet the income and asset tests as established in their guidelines.

3.      All applicants must be an owner of and occupy as a homestead the property for which the exemption is being requested.  All applicants may be asked to verify ownership of the property and provide personal identification upon request by the Board of Review.

4.      All applicants are required to complete each section of the form attached to this resolution which is hereby adopted by the City Council and return said application to the City Assessor’s office of the City of South Lyon, subject to alternate procedures which may be allowed pursuant to the City’s obligation in the application of the American Disabilities Act.

5.      All applications must be notarized before being considered.

6.      All applicants must submit a copy of the prior year’s

(a)   Federal income tax return – 1040 or 1040A;

(b)   Senior Citizen Homestead Property Tax Form MI-1040CR (if applicable);

(c)   General Homestead Property Claim Form MI-1040CR

Note:  All requested forms must be submitted.  The Board of Review will not consider any application that is presented which is incomplete or unaccompanied by the appropriate tax forms.

7.      All applications shall be filed with the City Assessor’s office after January 1 of each year, but before the day prior to the last day upon which the Board of Review is scheduled to meet.

8.      Applicants need not appear before the Board of Review; however, the Board of Review reserves the right to request further information or clarification of any item presented on the application form or any tax for submitted.  Applicants may be asked to make a physical appearance to respond to questions at the Board of Review’s discretion.

9.      The City of South Lyon does hereby adopt and incorporate by reference into this Resolution the Federal Poverty Income Standards as defined and determined annually by the United States Office of Management and Budget.  If either, or both, the applicant and the applicant’s spouse is 65 years of age or more as of January 1st  the effective household size will increase by 1 person.

10.  In order to be eligible for an exemption, a claimant must be below the Federal Poverty Income Standards and may own up to $50,000 in real and personal property. 

11.  Utilizing these guidelines, the Board of Review shall grant full, partial, or no exemption based upon the income ranges and asset levels set forth above.  The Board of Review shall follow the policy and guidelines in granting or denying an exemption unless the Board of Review determines there are substantial and compelling reasons why there should be a deviation from the policy and guidelines and these reasons must be communicated in writing to the claimant. 

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLU

 

 

2.       Appointment – Board of Review

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we currently have two members on the Board of Review.  Councilman Morelli has made recommendation to appoint Sandra Subotich.

 

Sandra Subotich of 1329 Coach House stated that she is currently owner and operator of Marketpro Appraisal, LLC.  She is a state licensed appraiser and can value any residential property in the State of Michigan.  She stated that she has her Master’s Degree in Finance and her background is accounting.

 

Councilman Kivell asked Ms. Subotich if she has any concern about commercial property.  Ms. Subotich stated that she currently does value commercial property up to $250,000 and she is apprenticing to become a General which would entail all commercial.

 

Discussion was held on the dates of the Board of Review.  It was stated that if we wait until the next meeting to appoint Ms. Subotich, she would not be able to participate the first day that the Board meets.  City Manager Cook stated that if we have one absence, we cannot conduct the Board of Review.

 

Ms. Subotich asked if she would be incurring any liability in this position given what is happening in the market.  Attorney Lee stated that she would not.  Any decision made would be done individually.  Only a Board collectively could be guilty of anything and they would have immunity because anything the Board of Review may do is appealable to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.  The worst thing that could happen is that the Board is overruled by the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

 

Further discussion was held on Ms. Subotich’s appraisal license.

 

CM 2-8-08 – APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW

 

     Motion by Doyle, supported by Morelli

 

     To appoint Sandra Subotich of 1329 Coach House Lane to the Board of Review

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Discussion was held on what the Board of Review does and how homeowners can appeal their assessments.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that the newspaper will be running an article next week with additional information.  Furthermore, information will be available on the City’s website and at City Hall.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked if there is a reason the City Manager position was not listed on the City’s website.  Mayor Doyle stated that Council did not give direction to do so.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that there was a recent fire in the trailer park and there was a hydrant problem.  She asked who maintains the hydrants.  Superintendent Renwick stated that those within that development are owned by that development.  He has met with them and they will be repairing the issue.  Council Member Kopkowski asked if there is a fine for not maintaining the hydrant.  Superintendent Renwick stated that he is not aware of any fine, but they are taking steps to get things in working order.  Superintendent Martin stated that every one of ours is checked every fall.  We have 565+/- hydrants.

 

Councilman Selden stated that a recent article that he read indicated that the People’s Express was seeking a grant to purchase two vans, one with a lift.  He asked if we could approach them about purchasing the one we have sitting at the water plant.  City Manager Cook stated that we would have to put it up for public bid.

 

Councilman Selden stated that he recently had occasion to use the Advanced Medical Care, and they did a very good job.

 

Council Member Maida stated that the Relay for Life Kick-off is Wednesday, February 27th at the First United Methodist Church.  Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.

 

Council Member Maida stated that she recently had a resident inquire as to why there are no bios on the City website for Council Members.  Discussion was held on getting any information to City Hall if they wish it to be included.

 

Councilman Morelli stated that he recently received information from MML regarding legislation that HUD is trying to get approved that would prohibit any municipality to inspect rental houses because they intend to do so every five years.  The information urges people to talk to their Senators and encourage them not to pass it.

 

Council Member Selden stated that the Taste & Business Expo is scheduled for March 9th at the South Lyon High School.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that he recently spoke with Maryanne Mihalic of Active Faith.  She indicates that donations are greatly appreciated and needed this time of year.  They take donations Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. including canned goods, etc.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

1.        Negotiations for contract extending City Manager Services

 

CM 2-9-08 – ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

     Motion by Selden, supported by Morelli

 

     To enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract for City Manager Services

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Council adjourned the regular meeting for the purpose of entering into Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.

 

CM 2-10-08 – RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING

 

     Motion by Selden, supported by Morelli

 

     To reconvene the regular meeting

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Council reconvened the regular meeting at 10:16 p.m.

 

CM 2-11-08 – RESOLUTION TO HIRE INTERIM CITY MANAGER

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli

 

WHEREAS, City Manager Rod Cook has retired effective March 11, 2008, and

WHEREAS,  The City Council is desirous of maintaining and fostering a trouble free transition during the period of search, review, interviewing and appointment of a new City Manager, and

WHEREAS,  Rod Cook has indicated a willingness to provide services as City Manager during this transition period and City Council desires to hire him as Interim Manager (hereafter referred to as “ IM”) until the appointment of his replacement under certain terms and conditions,

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council offers employment as Interim City Manager to Rod Cook under the following terms and conditions.

 

 

1.      Rod Cook is hereby appointed Interim City Manager to serve at the pleasure of Council or the appointment of his successor which ever occurs first at the current salary and benefits previously set for the position of City Manager by Council.

2.       Any vacation or sick days used by the IM shall not be compensated and a pro rata deduction (Yearly salary divided by 260) made for each  vacation or sick day used during his tenure. This deduction, shall not, however, be applied to the IM’s car allowance or pension contribution.

3.      The IM shall  be free to determine what periods of vacation are taken, and the length thereof.

4.      The IM shall provide orientation background and familiarization sessions to the person selected  as

        his replacement as directed by Council.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:                                                                 Kivell – Yea

                                                                                      Kopkowski – Yea

                                                                                      Selden – Nay

                                                                                      Doyle – Yea

                                                                                      Wedell – Yea

                                                                                      Maida – Nay

                                                                                      Morelli - Yea

MOTION CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

 

CM 2-12-08 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Selden, supported by Morelli

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m.

 

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

_______________________________                                  ________________________________

John Doyle, Jr.                                                                        Julie C. Zemke

Mayor                                                                                      City Clerk/Treasurer