CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

 

Mayor Doyle called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.

Mayor Doyle along with two local cub scouts 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:

 

Councilman Wallace stated that on page 3 of the minutes, he had indicated that one of the other needs in this community was a community center.  He stated that he would like that added.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that on page 4 of the minutes, the motion approving the quote for roof repairs for the ambulance, there were actually two opposed.  Also, on page 5 he would like it reflected that he requested reports on the number of meals delivered by the Meals on Wheels program.

 

CM 9-1-04- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 13, 2004

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawfird

 

     To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 13, 2004 as amended

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he would like to add an item to a future agenda, that being consideration of sign ordinance changes.  City Manager Cook stated that he could simply add that to the next agenda.  The consensus of Council was to add the item to the next agenda.

 

CM 9-2-04 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck

 

         To approve the agenda as presented

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CITIZEN’S SUGGESTIONS

 

Mr. Bill Rodman of 1176 Chestnut and Mr. Dick Selden of 62401-1 Raleigh Ct were present representing the Pumpkinfest Committee.  Mr. Rodman stated that he would like to request that Council waive enforcement of the sign ordinance for the Pumpkinfest activities.  It was stated that the item would have to be placed on the agenda for action. 

 

Mr. Selden stated that he would like to invite everyone to attend this weekdend’s events, which will provide entertainment for the entire family.  Also, he would like to remind everyone that there will be no parking at the middle school this year.  However, they will be using the senior van as a shuttle.  Superintendent Bob Martin stated that they will be using the Whipple street parking lot as well as the parking lot behind the water treatment plant on Dorothy Street.  There will be signs directing people.

 

Discussion was held on some of the events October 2 & 3rd.  It was stated that they are expecting 20-40,000 people at these events.

CM 9-3-04 – AMENDMENT TO THE AGENDA

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawford

 

     To add New Business #3 to the agenda for discussion of Pumpkinfest signage

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Ms. Francine Velthoven of 372 Wellington stated that she is looking for an update on the additional soccer fields at Volunteer Park.  City Manager Cook stated that we have only done the survey work.  There is no movement for funding, however we have applied to the DNR for grant monies.

 

Councilman Dryer asked the condition of the existing fields.  Ms. Velthoven stated that they are very dry and have several holes that could cause injury to the children.  Some repair needs to be done also on some of the sprinkler heads.

 

Superintendent Renwick stated that we will start sprinkling the fields again.  He stated that due to the large amount of rains we had at the beginning of the season, we did not use the sprinkling system.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that Second Street was paved today.  City Manager Cook stated that should be completely done within the next few days.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Proposed Budget Amendment – FY 04-05

 

City Manager Cook stated that we have a request from Chief Collins to utilize the Drug Forfeiture Fund for the purchase of three additional Taser weapons.  The Drug Forfeiture Fund is to be used for the purchase of equipment that will assist in the enforcement of drug laws, etc.  Since no expenditures were budgeted, we are asking to amend this budget in the amount of $2,800.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he would like to see these budget amendments presented differently.  He stated that he would like to see the original budget along with the proposed amendment.

 

City Manager Cook stated that the budget amendments are submitted in the format provided by statute.  He stated that Council can refer back to the original budget document.  Councilman Dryer stated that he is aware that they can refer back to the budget document, but they are part-time and should not have to do the work.  He would like this information provided from now on.

 

CM 9-4-04 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Crawford

 

     To approve the budget amendment for FY 2004-2005 as presented (see attached budget amendment as

     presented)

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. City Manager Appointment to the DDA Board

 

City Manager Cook stated that Dawn Tenpenny has indicated that she is interested in filling the vacancy on the DDA Board left by Cathy Weber.  Therefore, he would like to appoint her to that unexpired term.

 

CM 9-5-04 – AFFIRM APPOINTMENT BY THE CITY MANAGER

 

     Motion by Wallace

 

     To affirm the appointment by the City Manager of Dawn Tenpenney to the unexpired term on the DDA Board

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Handicapped Parking

    1. Increase in fines

    2. Authorization for Police Service Aides to enforce handicapped parking violations

 

Chief Collins stated that some time ago, Councilman Wallace asked to see some increased enforcement of handicapped parking.  Based on that request, the Police Department took a look at the entire issue of handicapped parking enforcement and found that some procedural changes would be in order as well as some increase in our fine structure.  State Law sets a statutory minimum of $100 and maximum of $250.  Our current fine for these violations is set by City Code at $25 if paid within 7 days or $40 after 7 days. He is recommending that we change our fine to $100 if paid within 7 days or $125 after 7 days.  He stated that the second part of his recommendation is that currently, only Police Officers may issue parking violations. The Michigan Vehicle Code allows for the implementation of a program utilizing volunteers to also write these citations if authorized by Council and proper training of the individuals.  He would request that Council to authorize the use of our Police Service Aides for this function.  At this time, we have only one Aide, however at times we have two.

 

Councilman Wallace stated that during the Lion’s Club White Cane sales at Farmer Jack, he noticed a number of people blatantly violating the handicap parking.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he would like to see an increase cost for repeat offenders.  Attorney Lee stated that this would be a problem from a record keeping standpoint and very difficult to enforce.

 

CM 9-6-04 – FIRST READING – AMDNEMDNET TO CHAPTER 90, SECTION 90-72

 

     Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace

 

     That this be the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 90 – Traffic and Vehicles, Section 90-72

     increasing the fines for handicapped parking violations to $100 if paid within 7 days and $120 if paid after 7

     days (see attached amendment as part of these minutes)

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 9-7-04 0 RESOLUTION APPROVING CREATION OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

WHEREAS, the City of South Lyon desires to provide a more efficient means of handicap parking enforcement within the City of South Lyon,

            BE IT RESOLVED  that the City Council for the City of South Lyon does hereby authorize and approve the creation of a position entitled “Parking Enforcement Officer” within the South Lyon Police Department.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this position may be filled by either a person who is a Police Service Aid within the Police Department or a volunteer citizen, both subject to the approval of the City Manager.

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Homecoming Parade – Approval of route and time – October 1, 2004 4:00-5:15 p.m.

 

Chief Collins stated that the route is the same as in years past and would recommend approval.

 

CM 9-8-04 – APPROVAL OF PARADE ROUTE – HOMECOMING PARADE

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace

 

     To approve the Homecoming Parade route on October 1, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and the related

     street closures

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

5.  Community Development Block Grant Program – Est. allocation - $46,352 – Initial discussion

 

City Manager Cook stated that the application is due by December 3rd.  The only eligible area for these funds is the northwest quadrant of the City.

 

The question was asked if we could defer these funds until next year.  City Manager Cook stated that we do not want to defer these funds too often.  It is important to use these funds on a timely basis.    He stated that this simply the initial discussion, and it will be put on a future agenda for further discussion.  We will be scheduling the public hearing for the second meeting in November.  Council should start thinking of potential projects. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Proposed Amendment to Chapter 82, Section 82-48

 

City Manager Cook stated that several years ago we had a suit filed against us from a trip and fall as a result of work being done by a subcontractor of Detroit Edison.  We did take this all the way to the Supreme Court and did not prevail. This ordinance amendment would require any contractor working within our right-of-way to provide insurance naming the City as first insured in order to protect us from these types of suits.

 

Attorney Lee stated that the Michigan Municipal League did push this issue.  This really needs to be amended by State Statute, but so far the League has been unsuccessful.

 

CM 9-9-04 – FIRST READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 82

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawford

 

     That this be the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 82, Section 82-48 (see attached amendment as

     part of these minutes)

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Proposed Amendment to Chapter 102.85 (b)

 

City Attorney Lee stated that this ordinance has been on the books since before he became City Attorney.  In reviewing the application for Zoning Board of Appeals, it was found that our ordinance is in contradiction with State Statue.  The Supreme Court has ruled that all use variances must go before the ZBA before going to Court.  This amendment provides that the number of votes to overturn the decision of the Building Inspector be changed from 2/3 to simple majority.

 

CM 9-10-04 – FIRST READING – AMDNEMENT TO CHAPTER 102.85 (B)

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Schwarck

 

     That this be the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 102.85 (b) (see attached amendment as part of

     these minutes)

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Pumpkinfest – Sign Ordinance

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the request is to suspend enforcement of the sign ordinance for the Pumpkinfest activities October 2 & 3, 2004

 

Mr. Greg Downey of 714 Kestrel representing Pumpkinfest, stated that they would like to be allowed to put the signs up on Wednesday, September 29th and they will take them down on Sunday, October 3rd.

 

CM 9-11-04 – SUSPENSION OF ENFOCEMENT – SIGN ORDINANCE – PUMPKINFEST

 

     Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck

 

     To suspend the enforcement of the City’s sign ordinance on September 29 through October 3, 2004 as it

     relates to the Pumpkinfest activities

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Mayor Doyle stated that he wanted to point out that the City has received two awards from the Oakland County Community Development.  The first is in recognition of Improving the quality of Life for Oakland County’s low and moderate income residents, and the second is recognizing the City as a founding Oakland County CDBG Program community and it’s 30-year achievement in preserving neighborhoods and addressing the critical housing, public service and economic needs of residents.

 

Councilman Wallace stated that he would like to thank the Clerk for providing the report on the Meals on Wheels Program.

 

CM 9-12-04 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Crawford, supported by Dryer

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

 

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

_______________________________                                  ________________________________

John Doyle, Jr., Mayor                                                         Julie C. Zemke, City Clerk/Treasurer