CITY OF SOUTH LYON
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 13, 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 Lee
City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department Heads: Martin & Renwick
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
CM
9-1-04- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 23, 2004
Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck
To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 23, 2004 as
written
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF MONTHLY BILLS:
CM
9-2-04- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS
Motion by Crawford, supported by Dryer
To approve the monthly bills as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
CM
9-3-04 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace
To approve the agenda as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITIZEN’S
SUGGESTIONS
Mr.
Ed Brown of 399 S. Lafayette stated that he would like to bring to Council’s
attention a storm sewer problem. At 7:00 a.m. on August 28th, the VFW
hall flooded with 2 inches of water, and his business had water at the door.
There was not much rain that day. He
stated that he put up with the sanitary sewer problem for years and it took
eight months for them to fix it. If
he gets flooded he is going to call the Health Department to shut him down and
let the Judge decide what is next. He
stated that the City put a sanitary sewer line down the middle of the storm
sewer, which has caused the problem.
Mayor
Doyle stated that it is being looked at right now and the County has been
contacted. Superintendent Renwick
stated that he has been in contact with Oakland County and he will follow up
with them again tomorrow.
Mr.
Brown stated that the City was the one that put the sanitary sewer line in
therefore it is City problem, not a County problem.
When you put an 8 inch sanitary through the middle of a 24 inch storm
sewer, you will have a problem.
Discussion
was held on the amount of rain that specific day. Mr. Brown stated that the VFW flooded that day, which has not
happened in over two years, and we have had a lot heavier rains within those two
years.
Councilman
Wallace asked if the Yerkes Drain is plugged.
Superintendent Renwick stated that the drain is clear through the park,
however where the pipe enters the drain, it is only six inches above the level
of the drain. Councilman Wallace
stated that it cuts down on drainage ability.
Mayor Doyle stated that we will continue to work on this and asked that
Council be kept informed as to the status.
Jeff
Potter of 1099 Stable Lane and County Commissioner of District 8 stated that the
Board of Commissioner’s newsletter has been published and will be mailed
shortly. In the last fiscal year,
the Board cut it’s budget 7% to accommodate changing circumstances and to
maintain a reserve going ahead. The
proposal for this year, which is yet to be approved may see a 1% increase in
outlays. We are dealing with the fiscal crisis that everyone has been dealing
with. Many people have read
articles in the newspaper about the State’s proposal to replace revenue
sharing with an extra County tax payment. This
would draw 1/3 of your property tax revenues ahead this year 1/3 ahead the
following and 1/3 the year after. This
would plug a hole in the State budget rather than making a needed structural
changes in the State’s attitude in spending and the services they provide.
It is very complicated, but in affect taxpayers are going to pay four
years of County taxes in three years. The
County has nothing to do with this. It
is an amount collected and fiscally brought forward.
The Board of Commissioners has opposed the two bills proceeding through
the Senate and House. Proponents of
the bill are going to tell you that it is not really a increase because it is
only going to pull forward taxes that you would pay anyway.
Some of the questions left is what happens if you sell your house during
that time. Are they going to refund
that back to you at the time of closing? Secondly,
our analysts have told us that we are going to lose $200 billion, that a hole is
going to be created in the County budget. And, when it is all done, the current
Governor and Legislature will not be in session.
Municipalities and Counties are dependent on State Shared Revenues, and
we have a short-term problem right now. They
are saying that the alternative is to lose your Revenue Sharing.
Oakland County has done a better job anticipating some of these issues
and are well positioned. Some of
the other Counties are in a “cash crunch”.
The Board of Commissioners, speaking for themselves, are opposed to the
proposal, and feel that moving ahead 8-10 years from now, our share of the
restored revenue which is supposed to come when the economy recovers, is not
guaranteed. We do not know what
will happen down the road, and there are other Counties that are going to be
able to collect the revenue earlier. He
does know that Senator Casis is opposed to this, and he has not had an
opportunity to speak with Representative DeRoche about the issue.
City
Manager Cook stated that there was some confusion and there are a couple
different interpretations. What he
has been told is that it is simply a shift in taxes. We have gone through shift in taxes before.
The School taxes were shifted to 100% in the summer. We are being told
there is no tax increase, and that if this does not move forward, there is a
17-30% chance of reduction in State Revenue Sharing.
His understanding is that Representative DeRoche does not support this.
Councilman
Wallace stated that he did hear on the radio today that there will be a 16%
increase in taxes. City Manager
Cook stated that there is a lot of confusion and it is slowly materializing.
It has not made it out of the House a this point.
OLD
BUSINESS:
Proposed
Amendment to the Budget – FY 2004-2005
City
Manager Cook stated that as part of the amendment, he has also provided an
amendment for the 2003 Wastewater Treatment Plant Bonds payments.
The amendment deals with various projects and activities that did not get
completed prior to the end of last fiscal year.
CM
9-4-04 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace
To approve the budget amendments for FY 2004-2005 as presented (see
attached amendments as part of
these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Wells
Street Parking Lot – Proposed Design/Cost
City
Manager Cook stated that the DDA Board has reviewed the proposal and have
unanimously supported that scope of activities. Given the location adjacent to residential area, some things
have been added that were not in the original estimate. We are trying to make this tie into the surrounding area as
much as possible. We would be
looking at a January bid letting and spring construction, if approved.
Councilman
Wallace asked the cost of the two properties.
City Manager Cook stated that the two properties were purchased for
$343,000. Councilman Wallace stated
with these proposed costs, we are looking at spending $837,000 for 42 parking
spaces. He is opposed to this
parking lot and feels that it is not needed as there are parking spaces
available downtown constantly. There
are other needs in this community where these funds could be used. He stated that when we originally started this process,
Providence was going to participate. City
Manager Cook stated that they were not able to acquire the second house and are
not interested in participation.
Councilman
Crawford agreed with Councilman Wallace. He
stated that this is an extravagant expense and does not see the need.
Mayor
Doyle stated that we are not only looking at what are needs are today, but also
10-20 years from now.
City
Manager Cook stated that this is just an estimate. We do not really know how the bids will come in.
He stated that Council did appropriate the funds for the design
engineering. He feels we should
move forward with the bid letting. We can always reject the bids at that time.
Mayor
Doyle stated that we are not “strapped” for cash, and this will cost more
money in the future.
Councilman
Wallace stated that the Veteran’s parking lot is not being used, and the lot
next to the Grilled Tomato was torn up during the downtown construction and has
not yet been fixed. We are not
taking care of or utilizing what we currently have.
Mr.
Don Waldenmayer of 127 E. Lake stated that the lots are full at different times.
When the Karate Studio has class, or when the Theatre is playing, the
parking is full, so it is spuratic. However,
as the community grows, this will become more of an issue.
Mayor
Doyle stated that we are looking at making an investment in our downtown.
Councilman Wallace stated that we have invested in downtown, and we are
now looking at weeds growing through the bricks and the bricks in the roads
causing bumps, etc.
Councilman
Schwarck stated that it is a lot of money per parking space.
City
Manager Cook stated that we are showing you the project layout, design and
estimate as recommended by the DDA. He
stated that we are not asking Council to take any action on this tonight.
Councilman
Schwarck asked if there is pedestrian egress to the west.
Discussion was held on the alley. City
Manager Cook stated that access would be to Wells street and the pedestrian
courtyard next to the Nail Cottage on Ten Mile.
Councilman
Schwarck asked if there was any thought given to moving one of these houses to
the historical park. He stated that
the Historical Society has been looking for a house to be moved.
He stated that he would rather spend $17,500 to move it than tear it
down. City Manager Cook stated that
we can look at the issue.
Councilman
Dryer stated that whenever he has tried to park in the existing lot, the spaces
seem narrow etc. It does appear
that this problem would be corrected, however he is not sure that the
convenience is worth the kind of money we are talking about.
He asked if there are any grant funds, etc. available that we could apply
for to help offset our cost. City
Manager stated that there is nothing available at this time.
Discussion
was held on letting this out for bids. City
Manager Cook stated that there is nothing that says that you have to approve the
bid. Council has already committed
the funds for the design, which are not going to be recouped at this point.
Mayor Doyle stated that we owe it to the business community to see how
the bids come in. The consensus of
Council was to proceed with the bid letting in early January.
Roof
Repairs
Ambulance
Quarters - $17,892
Original
DPW Garage - $3,990
Superintendent
Renwick stated that the ambulance quarters have some leaking problems as well as
the original garage at the DPW site. He
stated that we have temporarily patched both locations, and are now looking at a
complete repair.
Councilman
Wallace asked why the ambulance quarters was not done at the time of the
firehall expansion. City Manager
Cook stated that the repairs were not needed at that time.
Discussion
was held on the insulation falling down in the DPW garage.
Superintendent Renwick stated that this is a result of the leaking and
will also be corrected with the proposed repairs.
Discussion
was held on the cost savings if both jobs are ordered together.
City Manager Cook asked if we could have separate motions for both.
CM
9-5-04 – APPROVAL OF QUOTE FOR ROOF REPAIRS – AMBULANCE
Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck
To approve the quote from Weathercraft Contracting, LLC for removing and
replacing the Ambulance roof in
the amount of $17,982
Discussion
was has held on the quote amount not including the discount.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 OPPOSED)
CM
9-6-04 – APPROVAL OF QUOTE FOR ROOF REPAIRS – DPW GARAGE
Motion by Dryer, supported by Crawford
To approve the quote from Weathercraft Contracting, LLC for the roof
repairs on the DPW garage as
specified in their letter dated September 3,
2004
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Donation
– Jewell and Ray Rose - $25 – Acceptance of gift
City
Manager Cook stated that the Rose family is donating their deposit that was
given for their use of McHattie park. This
is something that they do every year.
CM
9-7-04 –ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT – JEWELL & RAY ROSE
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace
To accept the gift of $25 from Jewell & Ray Rose
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MSA
Nutrition – Mercy Services - $5,000
Mayor
Doyle stated that this is an annual contract for the Meals on Wheels program.
City Manager Cook stated that this is a renewal, and the amount they are
requesting remains $5,000.
The
question was asked how many meals this provides. City Manager Cook stated that typically they deliver 30-40
meals per delivery, however it varies. Sometimes
it is 1 or 2 meals per address for husband and wife and sometimes it is more
than one meal per day.
The
question was asked who monitors the deliveries. City Manager Cook stated that they provide a quarterly report
of the names and address who receive their services. He stated that we simply pay a lump sum.
And, the amount has remained at $5,000 for the past ten years.
They provide meals to our residents 365 days per year.
CM
9-8-04 – APPROVAL OF CONTRACT – MSA NUTRITION - $5,000
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford
To approve the contract with MSA Nutrition Program, Mercy Services in the
amount of $5,000 for the Meals
on Wheels program
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW
BUSINESS:
1.
Building/Zoning Fee Schedule – proposed increases
Building
Inspector Joe Veltri stated that the proposed increases will bring us in line
with the other communities in our area. We
are currently way behind what other communities charge, as our fees have not
changed since 1993. With the proposed changes, this will also shift us to all of
the State permit forms.
The
question was asked when the increase would take place. Inspector Veltri stated
that it would start tomorrow for any new permits not already issued.
Councilman
Wallace questioned the increase in the Zoning Board of Appeals fee.
Mayor Doyle stated that this was being discussed when he sat on the ZBA.
The $100 does not even cover the publication cost, recording secretary,
mailings, plus any staff time spent. Inspector
Veltri stated that we are not looking to make a profit, but simply cover our
costs. Further discussion was held on the fee for ZBA.
CM
9-9-04 – APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN BUILDING/ZONING FEES
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford
To approve the changes to the Building and Zoning fee schedule as
presented to take effect 9-14-04 (see
attached fee schedule as part of these
minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Oakland
County American Dream Down Payment Initiative ADDI
First
time homebuyer - $10,000 loan interest free
City
Manager Cook stated that Oakland County has a new program through their
Community Development and Home Improvement Division. They are offering first time homebuyers and anyone who has
not owned a home in the past three years who qualify under HUD, an interest free
$10,000 loan to be used for closing costs.
This is being administered on a first come-first served basis.
Anyone interested should call the Oakland County Community and Home
Improvement Division.
Discussion
was held on the pay-back requirements. It
was stated that it just has to be paid back when the home is sold.
Discussion
was held on the requirements and maximum household income.
Mayor
Doyle stated that he wanted to remind everyone that Pumpkinfest is coming up on
October 2 & 3. There will be a
lot of fun activities for families.
CM
9-10-04 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck
To adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully
Submitted,
_______________________________
________________________________
John Doyle, Jr., Mayor
Julie C. Zemke, City Clerk/Treasurer