CITY OF SOUTH LYON
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 12, 2004
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: Crawford, Dryer, Schwarck, and Wallace
City Manager Cook
Attorney Parvin Lee
City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
CM
1-1-04- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 8, 2003
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford
To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 2003 as
written
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF MONTHLY BILLS:
Discussion
was held on various bills.
CM
1-2-04- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS
Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck
To approve the monthly bills as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
Motion by Crawford, supported by Dryer
To approve the agenda as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITIZENS
SUGGESTIONS:
Mr.
Martin Gaut of 459 W. Liberty stated that he recently purchased his home which
also has a rental unit. His minimum
water bill is $65, and would like to know why the minimum is so much.
Superintendent Martin stated that he would be happy to look at his
account and call him with the information.
Mr.
Gaut stated that he has also noticed that many of the streets around City Hall
have been paved recently and curb and gutter added, yet his street has not
gotten any recognition. Councilman
Wallace stated that we have been doing a section at a time. He stated that we will be completing Washington, McHattie
Streets as well as Second street this next year.
Mayor Doyle stated that we try and address them as they are in need of
repair. City Manager Cook stated
that this portion is in very good condition.
He does not see any improvements to this segment until 2005 or 2006.
Mr.
Gaut further asked what is considered the street.
City Manager Cook stated that the street is considered the paved portion.
It was stated that there is no parking on any City street from 2 a.m. to
6 a.m. November through March.
Mr.
Gaut asked when could he expect to see sidewalk along Hagadorn.
Mayor Doyle stated that we will be starting to install sidewalk along
Hagadorn north of Lake Street. However,
there are no plans at this time for south of Lake.
Representative
Craig DeRoche stated that he would like to give a brief report on what has been
happening through his first year on the job.
He stated that he has been working with Representative Chris Ward to try
to address the automatic renewal of trash contracts by some municipalities.
He stated that he has been working to try to get more liquor licenses
available to the City of South Lyon. He
stated that coming from the City of Novi, he understands the need to have these
available to draw business into your community.
He stated that another issue they have been working on is the Providence
Park medical facility and trying to make it a full-fledge hospital.
The proposal is for 200 beds, which would be shifted from their other
facility in Southfield.
Representative
DeRoche stated that he has signed on along with Nancy Casis, Lyon Township, Novi
and South lyon to try and get a plan in place for the future of Ten Mile Road.
City Manager Cook discussed Ten Mile and its eligibility for federal aid
funds. City Manager Cook stated that the earliest we could get this
project would be 2012. Representative
De Roche stated that the sooner we get this project named, the sooner we can
deal with developers, etc.
Councilman
Wallace stated that it was somewhat disconcerting to read the comments in the
South Lyon Herald last week from Lyon Township Board members regarding
encircling the City and butchering their Master Plan in order to ward off any
annexation attempts by the City. He
stated that they want to do peaceful things with us, yet are making these type
of remarks.
Mayor
Doyle stated that he was at the Township prior to tonight’s meeting, and it is
incredible to see the amount of development going on in that community.
They do seem to have this notion about annexation, however we are not
actively pursuing any annexation and have been very forthright with them.
The fact is that developers seek annexation for our utilities. He stated that he has encouraged them not to violate their
Master Plan. All we can do is go
through and do the right thing and keep trying to work together.
Councilman
Wallace stated that he would like to discuss our engineers, Hubbell, Roth &
Clark. He stated that we are
looking at some up coming projects, and he is not happy with this firm given
their under estimate of the Sewer Treatment Facility project, the cemetery
chapel project where they came back with a very high cost estimate when we were
looking for a basic building. He
further stated that the downtown renewal has been a disaster and feels that we
should shop around and look at other firms.
They just do not seem to follow our guidelines.
City
Manager Cook stated that the problems that we had downtown was not the fault of
the engineers, but rather weather, etc. They
did indeed blow the bid on the Sewer Treatment Plant, but he does not have any
major problems with HRC.
Councilman
Dryer stated that he would like to comment on the light at Pontiac Trail and
Nine Mile. It does seem to have
improved. Chief Collins stated that
he and the City Manager did discuss the issue with the Road Commission, and they
were very responsive. Councilman
Schwarck asked if there is now back ups on Pontiac Trail.
Chief Collins stated that there does seem to be a little more delay going
south on Pontiac Trail. Discussion was held on the timing changing only during the
times when school starts and ends. City
Manager Cook stated that the Road Commission is planning on putting the left
turn light in as soon as Detroit Edison makes some repairs.
It was originally scheduled for spring, but they still hope to get it in
by the end of the month.
Discussion
was held on the sewer problems on McHattie by Brown’s Rootbeer.
The question was asked if this appears to be a County problem, and is Mr.
Brown going to be reimbursed for any of the money he put out attempting to fix
the problem. Superintendent Renwick
stated that it does appear to be a problem created by the County.
They will be coming in to do the engineering.
At this point he cannot say if Mr. Brown would receive any reimbursement.
OLD
BUSINESS:
Request for Liquor License –
Fortuna Inn
Mayor
Doyle stated that in October, there was a request for a liquor license to be
issued to Fortuna Inn. The
background check has been completed. Chief
Collins stated that there was no major problems, only one incident dealing with
the sale of alcohol to a minor at their Brighton restaurant.
Councilman Wallace stated that this was only one incident in 12 years of
doing business.
City
Manager Cook stated that Council needs to review the request based on the
City’s policy. He stated that we
have two remaining licenses, and as you will recall, we do have a request from
the Bistro for the other remaining license.
Mayor
Doyle stated that in October he was not in favor, specifically based on Section
1.1 of the Statement of Policy, which indicates that a liquor license shall
foster economic growth of the City at large.
Section 1.2 indicates that it is the responsibility of the City Council
to evaluate each application on an individual basis and determine that the
license is in the best interest of the City.
Although this business has been in the City since 1982 and has
flourished, it does not meet the policy. They
are an existing business and the addition of a liquor license will not foster
economic growth. He stated that the
Bistro has made application for the other remaining license, and Mr. Waldenmayer
has indicated that they will be creating 20-30 new jobs.
Fortuna Inn is a very good business with very good people, but the
issuance of the liquor license will not mean the business will succeed, or fail
if not approved.
Councilman
Wallace stated that he can see how this business could grow as a result of the
license. They could expand next
door and provide additional jobs. He
stated that we have no liquor licenses on that side of town, and who is to say
that other businesses would not sprout as a result of this.
He stated that this business was denied the license in 1982 and he felt
that it was discrimination at that time, and feels that it is time that they get
their due.
Councilman
Crawford stated that they have an excellent restaurant, and feels they will be
able to grow if given the liquor license.
Councilman
Dryer stated that this is an excellent restaurant with great food and great
service, and feels that they would be very responsible if granted the license.
However, he does agree with Mayor Doyle that it does not meet the policy.
He does not see the economic benefit to the City.
If we had a lot of licenses available, it would be different, but we have
to be responsible with the limited number that we have.
Councilman
Schwarck stated that he feels that the south end of town needs a liquor license,
and feels that it could draw business to some of the empty storefronts.
Although it may not meet the policy, he does feel that it should be
approved.
CM
1-4-04 – APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE
Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawford
That the request from CHAN HSING-SETO YEE for a new Class C license to be
located at 22281 Pontiac
Trail, South Lyon, Oakland County be considered for approval “above all
others”. It is the consensus of
this
legislative body that the application be recommended for issuance
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (3 YEA, 2 NAY)
Tri-Party Program – Design
Engineering - $16,400
City
Manager Cook stated that at the December meeting, he had suggested using the
$41,662 for Pontiac Trail, Liberty to Elm Place. However, the estimated cost is $174,000+.
After further review, he looked at some other options.
We could put the funds toward the Griswold Road project, which is an
existing project, or we could defer the funds until next year.
He stated that the DDA project disrupted traffic for some time, and it
might be in our best interest to give the traffic situation a break and defer
this project until 2005.
Councilman
Dryer asked if these funds could be used to improve Dixboro Road.
City Manager Cook stated that there is no project for Dixboro Road at
this time and $41,000 is not going to accomplish much.
Further
discussion was held on deferring the funds to give the traffic situation
downtown a break.
CM
1-5-04 – 2004 TRI-PARTY FUNDS
Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck
To escrow the 2004 Tri-Party funds to the next year
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Wells Street Parking Lot
addition – Design Engineering - $30,400
Councilman
Wallace stated that when Council authorized the purchase of the two houses, it
was indicated that Providence would also acquire two houses and participate in
the construction. City Manager Cook
stated they have indicated that they do not have the funds available at this
time. We thought that we
could achieve some economic benefit by working with Providence, but that does
not seem to be the case now. They
could build additional parking in the future. He stated that we can get 50
additional parking spaces as proposed. We
are proposing the design engineering at this time, we do not necessarily have to
move forward with construction.
Discussion
was held on the cost to purchase the two lots.
City Manager Cook stated that we purchased both homes for $353,000.
Discussion was held on the cost estimate for construction at $402,000.
Discussion
was held on the need for parking downtown.
Mayor Doyle stated that the lot is often full, however there is
additional parking if you know where to look. Discussion was held on the expansion of business downtown
including the Theatre and the Bistro, which will create additional demand for
parking. City Manager Cook stated
that we also have a pharmacy downtown, who has indicated that they will need to
relocate if parking becomes a problem. Mayor
Doyle stated that the City of Northville is having to issue bonds for the
construction of parking given the lack of space available.
Discussion
was held on doing the design engineering now and waiting on the construction.
Councilman Dryer asked if we would have to do additional engineering in
the future if we wait on construction. City
Manager Cook stated that once the design engineering is done, it is done, the
only difference would be the cost estimate due to inflation, etc.
Discussion
was held on the two existing homes. Councilman
Dryer asked if the homes could be used for Fire Department training when it is
time for demolition. City Manager
Cook stated that is not an option given the proximity to business and other
homes.
Discussion
was held on possibly moving one of the homes to the historical park.
Discussion was held on the condition of the homes.
CM
1-6-04 – APPROVAL OF DESIGN ENGINEERING
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford
To approve the expenditure of $30,400 for design engineering for the
Wells Street Parking Lot Addition
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councilman
Wallace stated that he would also like other leasing options explored for
parking in the downtown.
Appointments – Mayor Doyle
and City Manager
Mayor
Doyle stated that currently we have two vacancies that need to be filled; one on
Planning Commission and one on Parks and Recreation.
He stated that we have a number of terms expiring in March and will be
talking with those individuals. He
stated that he would encourage anyone who has a desire to serve on any board or
commission to visit the City’s website and fill out an application.
Mayor
Doyle stated that he has received an application from Mr. Scott Lanam for the
Planning Commission. Mr. Lanam
stated that he has experience in the construction field as a project manager and
previously worked with the US Air Force. He
stated that he would like to use his experience and take part in the growth of
the City.
Mayor
Doyle stated that he has spoken with Chairman Morelli and would like to appoint
Scott Lanem to fill the vacancy with a term expiring March 2006.
CM
1-7-04 – APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Motion by Doyle, supported by Schwarck
To appoint Mr. Scott Lanam of 176 Eagle Crest Drive to a term on the
Planning Commission expiring March
2006
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 opposed)
Mayor
Doyle stated that we need to fill the vacancy on the Parks and Recreation
Commission left by Mike Wilson. Mike
did a wonderful job on the commission, and his wife Erica also played an active
role. He stated that he has spoken
with Erica Wilson who has agreed to fill the vacancy left by her husband.
CM
1-8-04 – APPOINTMENT TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Motion by Doyle, supported by Dryer
To appoint Erica Wilson of 952 S. Parkwood to the Parks and Recreation
Commission to a term expiring
March 2006
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5.
Annual Community Appreciation Awards Banquet – Baker’s of Milford –
February 18th
Mayor
Doyle and Councilman Schwarck indicated that they would be attending the
function.
NEW
BUSINESS:
1.
Proposal for a new Police Station – Needs Analysis - HRC
City
Manager Cook stated that we are in the process of reviewing the needs of our
Police Department. We have a
proposal from HRC, which would look at two sites; old City Hall and the parking
lot on Whipple Street. He stated
that he would recommend proceeding with the HRC proposal for this needs
analysis.
Councilman
Wallace stated that he would like to get a vote of the people or at the very
least a survey to determine if the residents agree with a new police facility.
Chief
Collins stated that they are currently operating out of two buildings.
At the time the current Police Department was built, it was
state-of-the-art, however it could not be anticipated at the time how much the
City was going to grow so rapidly. He stated that the building is not adequate for the number of
officers, and working out of two buildings does create inefficiencies.
The
question was asked if operating cost would go down if these inefficiencies are
eliminated. Chief Collins stated
that we would be eliminating utility costs for two buildings, etc., however the
real benefit is improved service to the community.
Councilman
Wallace stated that it seems as if we need to be looking at an additional fire
department on the other side of the railroad tracks. Most of our seniors are on the other side of the tracks, and
if a train were to block the tracks, there would be no way to get to them.
Councilman Dryer stated that in talking with the Firemen, there does not
seem to be such a need for this. Traffic
is a much bigger problem, however it should be something talked about in greater
detail some time in the future. City
Manager Cook stated that we have talked about this a number of times over the
years. There is no property
available on the other side of the tracks. Discussion was held on the
possibility of a combined police/fire department on the north side of the tracks
or a police substation. Chief
Collins stated that it would be taking a step backwards as we are trying to
consolidate the Police Department.
Further
discussion was held on the department being split into two buildings requiring
two clerks, etc.
Discussion
was held on the availability of officers throughout the City as well as
firefighters and first responders who live on the other side of the tracks.
Chief Collins stated that he also has an automatic defribrilator in his
car and has responded to both police and medical calls from his home.
Discussion
was held on proceeding with the needs analysis and looking at the two available
sites. The question was asked if
other sites could be considered in the future.
City Manager Cook stated that other sites could be reviewed at additional
costs.
CM
1-9-04 – APPROVAL OF NEEDS ANALYSIS – POLICE STATION
Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck
To approve the proposal from HRC for a needs analysis for a new Police
Station at a cost of $14,400
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CM
1-10-04 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawford
To adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully
Submitted,
_______________________________
________________________________
John Doyle, Jr., Mayor
Julie C. Zemke, City Clerk/Treasurer