CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

March 28, 2005

 

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: Collins, Martin & Renwick

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

CM 3-1-05- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 14, 2005

 

     Motion by Crawford, supported by Schwarck

 

     To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 14, 2005 as written

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he would like to give an update on a recent MML meeting that he and the Mayor had attended as well as the recent meeting with the Road Commission for Oakland County.  It was the consensus of Council that this could be handled under Citizens’ Suggestions.

 

CM 3-2-05 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Wallace, supported by Dryer

 

      To approve the agenda as presented

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS: 

 

Councilman Dryer stated that the Michigan Municipal League’s Legislative Conference was held last Wednesday.  Governor Granholm opened the meeting.  She indicated that as far as she is concerned, cities have given up enough money, and it should be the end of revenue sharing cuts.  She discussed the condition of Michigan Roads and indicated that there is no money; the roads are going to get worse.  Other issues of discussion were some amendments to Proposal A and Recycling.  Michigan is one of the worst states for recycling.  He has asked the City Manager to contact the Recycling Authority to give a presentation on recycling.  In addition, they talked about land use and aquifer mapping.  Councilman Dryer indicated that he voiced our opposition to open lagoon systems because of the effect on our ground water.

 

Discussion was held on proposed legislation to limit water usage.  Councilman Wallace stated that they recently ran a program on the local channel regarding watershed.  He stated that 3% of the water in the world is considered to be non-salt, and of that 3%, 2% is polluted, leaving only 1% useable.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we recently held a meeting with the Road Commission for Oakland County for the purpose of compiling our “wish list” of road repairs and construction.  There are not a lot of funds available.  We will be seeing the paving of Nine Mile Road west of Dixboro this spring.  City Manager Cook stated that he recently attended a meeting regarding this project.  The project is scheduled to go out for bid in mid May and construction to begin some time in June.

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.      Acceptance of Bids

 

a.      Cemetery Plat- Section Addition- Commerce Construction and Landscaping- $77,991.00

 

City Manager Cook stated that we have a recommendation from HRC to accept the low bid from Commerce Construction in the amount of $77,991.  This bid is considerable lower than the estimate.

 

The question was asked if the references for this company have been checked.  City manager Cook stated that they have checked reference and thoroughly reviewed the bid.

 

Mayor Doyle asked if this will affect the garden plots.  City Manager Cook stated that we moved the addition to the north.  One small area of the gardens will be eliminated, but the two longer areas will remain.

 

CM 3-3-05 – APPROVAL OF LOW BID – CEMETERY PLAT-SECTION ADDITION

 

     Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford

 

     To approve the low bid from Commerce Construction and Landscaping in the amount of $77,991 for the

     Cemetery addition provided they meet all City requirements

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

b.      McHattie Park Comfort Station- KEO Associates, Inc.- $120,000.00

 

Mayor Doyle stated that this project is for public restroom facilities in McHattie Park, which has been needed for a very long time.

 

City Manager Cook stated that we received a low bid from KEO Associates in the amount of $120,000.  HRC is recommending approval of this bid.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that several years ago, Jeff Potter approached him regarding serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.  At that time, his wife indicated that he could join the commission if he worked toward getting flush toilets in the Park.  That is now being accomplished.

 

CM 3-4-05 – APPROVAL OF LOW BID – MCHATTIE PARK COMFORT STATION

 

     Motion by Crawford, supported by Dryer

 

     To approve the low bid from KEO Associates, Inc. in the amount of $120,000 for the construction of the

     Comfort Station at McHattie Park

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

City Manager Cook stated that they will begin construction within 30 days.  He further stated that all of these projects may not be complete by the end of the fiscal year, so there may be some carryover.

 

c.      Sidewalk on Hagadorn- $71,596.10 and Water Service Leads- $146,703.00- Peter A. Basile Sons, Inc.

 

City Manager Cook stated that part of this uses our CDBG program grant funds.  There are actually two parts.  The bid for the sidewalk is $71,596.10 and the water service leads bid is in the amount of $146,703.  We should approve these bids separately.

 

 

 

 

CM 3-5-05 – APPROVAL OF LOW BID – SIDEWALK ON HAGADORN

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck

 

     To approve the low bid from Peter A. Basile Sons, Inc. in the amount of $71,596.10 for the construction of

     sidewalk on Hagadorn

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUYSLY

 

Mayor Doyle stated that it should be noted that the sidewalk will be constructed on the east side of Hagardorn.

 

CM 3-6-05 – APPROVAL OF LOW BID – WATER SERVICE LEADS

 

     Motion by Schwarck, supported by Crawford

 

     To approve the low bid from Peter A. Basile Sons, Inc. in the amount of $146,703 for water service leads

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

The question was asked if the residents affected will be given notice.  Superintendent Renwick stated that they will be getting notices out to all of those affected.

 

City Manager Cook stated that the resurfacing will be completed once all construction is complete. 

 

2.       Contract for Dispatch Police and Fire – City of Novi- $51,022.32

 

Mayor Doyle stated that before us is a letter of agreement with the City of Novi for dispatch services.  The agreement calls for an increase of 4% over last year’s contract.

 

Chief Collins stated that they have provided us with excellent services at a cost far less than what we could provide this service for ourselves.  He would urge approval of the agreement.

 

CM 3-7-05 – APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT – CITY OF NOVI – DISPATCH SERVICES

 

     Motion by Schwarck, supported by Dryer

 

     To approve the Letter of Agreement with the City of Novi for dispatch services in the amount of $51,022.32

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

3.      Resolution opposing the elimination of the CDBG Program

 

City Manager Cook stated that there are nineteen agencies that President Bush has proposed to merge into the Department of Commerce.  By doing so, this would eliminate the CDBG program.  We do get value for the program, which provides projects and activities to the low and moderate income population.  He stated that he feels we should oppose the elimination of this program.

 

CM 3-8-05 - RESOLUTION OPPOSING ELIMINATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace

 

WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was enacted and signed into law by President Gerald Ford as the centerpiece of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and

WHEREAS, the CDBG program has as its primary objective “…the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income,” and

 

WHEREAS, the CDBG program has considerable flexibility to allow communities to carry out activities that are tailored to their unique affordable housing, public service and neighborhood revitalization needs; and

WHEREAS, throughout its 30-year history, the CDBG program has developed a strong partnership among the federal, state and local governments, business and the non-profit sector which carries out activities that improve the lives and neighborhoods of low and moderate income families; and

WHEREAS, this community receives a formula share of CDBG funds through the Oakland County, Michigan urban county CDBG program and our residents participate in the Oakland County CDBG Home Improvement and Housing Counseling programs; and

WHEREAS, this community uses annual CDBG funds in the amount of $43,841 to benefit our low and moderate income residents by making improvement in infrastructure in eligible areas, which includes water, storm and sanitary and roads and sidewalks, and

WHEREAS, President Bush has proposed the elimination of the CDBG program in his fiscal year 2006 budget, and

WHEREAS, should such a proposal be enacted, it would severely diminish our community’s capacity to address the necessary housing and public service needs of our 4,365 low and moderate income residents and to revitalize our neighborhoods, public facilities and infrastructures for their benefit.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of South Lyon hereby calls on the Congress to preserve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development and provide a FY 2006 funding of at least $4.7 billion overall, with no less than $4.35 billion in formula funding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOVED, that copies of this resolution be conveyed to the appropriate elected and appointed officials of the Federal, State and Local governments and national organizations.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

4.      Purchase of Dump Truck- 2005- Est. cost- $96,000

 

Superintendent Renwick stated that he has proposed the purchase of a new dump truck within next fiscal year’s budget.  We would be looking at 180 days for delivery, therefore he is looking for approval to obtain bids and get an order in so that we make sure and have the equipment before the next snow season.

 

The question was asked if we would be looking at decommissioning any of the older vehicles.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we will have to replace the dump box on the 1990 Chevy, more than likely, however we will be decommissioning it.

 

The question was asked if we would be looking at a variety of makes.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we would be looking at all makes, and we would be bringing the bids back to Council for approval.  City Manager Cook stated that this would be a bid item.  We need to keep our fleet up to date in order to service the community and be ready for next winter.

 

CM 3-9-05 – AUTHORIZE THE LETTING OF BID – DUMP TRUCK

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Crawford

 

     To authorize the letting of bids for the purchase of a new dump truck at an approximate cost of $96,000

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.       Transportation Agreement- The Peoples Express- $50,000 per year

 

Mr. Doug Anderson representing Northfield Human Services Agency was present.

 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that what we have before us is a proposal to take over our Senior van program.  City Manager Cook stated that we started meeting with Mr. Anderson last fall when he came forward indicating that they would be receiving a grant in order to develop and fund a regional transportation system.  Unfortunately, the grant was involved in some cuts at the state level.  During that process, we talked about them possibly providing us a service.  The contract proposed is predicated on them being able to provide the same or better service than we can provide for our seniors.

 

The question was asked of Mr. Anderson as to the number of vehicles they currently have and how many do they anticipate getting in the future.  Mr. Anderson stated that they currently have 12 buses or vans and two cars.  He stated that they do not have an immediate need to increase the fleet, however they will need to once they go to a regional service.

 

Discussion was held on providing the same services.  Mr. Anderson stated that they actually provide for all public, not just seniors.  City Manager Cook stated that you have to remember that when our van is down, we are out of service.  We would not be able to get assistance in purchasing a second van at this point.  If the contract is not met, we do have the van to resume service.

 

The question was asked what type of notice they need to give for scheduling.  Mr. Anderson stated that if there is a real issue, sometimes the same day.  Otherwise, they need 24-hour notice.  Superintendent Martin, who currently runs the City’s van service, stated that we require 24-hour notice.

 

Mayor Doyle asked how we would get the information out to the people that the change will take place.  City Manager Cook stated that we would get the information to the Senior Center for their newsletter.  Discussion was held on forwarding the current phone number to the People’s Express.

 

Discussion was held on time frame for switching.  Mr. Anderson stated that the worse case scenario would be May 1st.  City Manager Cook stated that it is provided for in the contract that the fees could be prorated if the service begins any sooner than May 1st.

 

Discussion was held on their service area.  Mr. Anderson stated that they cover Green Oak Township, the Northeast corner of Washtenaw County, Dexter all the way to Brighton.

 

City Manager Cook stated that the only change in this is when the regional system is established.  At that point we would see a 20% discount.  Further, this contract does not expire until June 30, 2008.

 

The question was asked what would happen if we were simply not happy with the service.  City Manager Cook stated that, with 30-day notice, we could cancel the contract.  Attorney Lee stated that it would have to be based on non-fulfillment of the contract based on timeliness, etc.

 

CM 3-10-05 – APPROVAL OF CONTRACT – PEOPLE’S EXPRESS

 

     Motion by Crawford, supported by Wallace

 

     To approve the contract with the Northfield Human Services Agency for transportation services in the

     amount of $50,000 per year

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Superintendent Martin stated that he cannot say enough good things about the people who run the City’s program.  Mr. Anderson stated that he has talked with a couple of these people about possible employment opportunities.

 

2.      Common Ground- Request for a $500.00 Contribution

 

City Manager Cook stated that Chief Collins has indicated that Common Ground does provide services to our residents much like HAVE to whom we do give funding.

 

 

Attorney Lee stated Council cannot give charitable contribution.  If you wish to proceed, you may authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Common Ground or request that he bring an agreement back to Council for authorization.

 

CM 3-11-05 – REQUEST AGREEMENT – COMMON GROUND

 

     Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck

 

     To request that the City Manager obtain an agreement with Common Ground for a contribution of $500

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 3-12-05 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Schwarck, supported by Dryer

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

 

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

_______________________________                                  ________________________________

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