CITY
OF SOUTH LYON
REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May
23, 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: Dryer, Schwarck and
Wallace
City Manager Cook
Attorney
Lee
City
Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department
Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick
ABSENT:
Council Member Crawford
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
CM
5-1-05- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 11, 2005
Motion by Dryer, supported by Schwarck
To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 11, 2005 as written
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF MONTHLY BILLS:
None
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
CM
5-2-05 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck
To approve the agenda as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITIZENS
SUGGESTIONS:
Ms.
Donna Spencer of 1098 Colt Drive stated that after reading the article in the
South Lyon Herald last week about the resignation of Councilman Crawford, she
would like to put her name forth for consideration to fill that vacancy.
She provided a letter of interest as well as her resume. She stated that
she has been married for twelve years and has three children.
She works as a pharmaceutical representative and has served on the South
Lyon Youth Assistance Board for the past three years.
Mayor Doyle thanked her and indicated that if there is anyone else who
wishes to apply to fill that vacancy to submit a letter and resume to City Hall.
A
resident of 22280 Quail Run inquired about the property in front of Quail Run
Subdivision. She stated that they
had heard that a Big Boy Restaurant was going to be built.
They were hoping that if that happens that the sidewalk would be extended
to the north and that possibly the turn lane would be brought out to Quail Run.
Planning
Commission Chairman Morelli stated that Big Boy received preliminary site plan
approval, and they have not been back. Councilman
Wallace stated that Oakland County Road Commission would be involved with any
required improvements to the road.
Discussion
was held on the sidewalk. Mayor
Doyle stated that it would be a requirement that the sidewalk be built and
connected to the existing sidewalk.
OLD
BUSINESS:
Adoption
of the Annual Budget – FY 2005-2006 for the period July 1, 2005 and ending
June 30, 2006
Public
Hearing
CM
5-3-05 – RECESS REGULAR MEETING
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace
To recess the regular meeting
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CM
5-4-05 – OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Dryer, supported by Schwarck
To open the Public Hearing for discussion of the annual budget
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
There
was no public comment.
CM
5-5-05 – CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace
To close the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and reconvene the regular
meeting
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Resolution
establishing millage
City
Manager Cook stated that the millage rates have been re-aligned with 8.5470 for
general fund operation. He stated
that the sewer debt has been reduced from 2.50 mills to .89 mills with the
remaining 1.61 mill appropriated to the Capital Improvement Fund.
He stated that he would expect the full 2.50 mills would be levied in
2006-07 when the annual debt payment for the treatment plant will exceed $1
million. This is necessary because
the Department of Treasury has indicated that we have too much in our debt fund.
The rest of the millage has been adjusted slightly with the overall
millage to remain the same as in the past several years at 13.75.
Councilman
Dryer stated that he would like to reiterate for the public that the total
millage rate is exactly the same as last year.
City
Manager Cook discussed the growth of the community. He stated that there is .45 mills that we could levy
according to Headlee.
Discussion
was held on the planned capital improvements.
City
Manager Cook stated that there is a slight adjustment needed in the Resolution
adopting the budget. The total
operating budget amount should reflect $4,801,343. This is due to the Transportation Budget and the change to
People’s Express. The budget
should reflect the contract amount of $50,000, which is included on the revised
page 15.
CM
5-6-05 – RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MILLAGE RATES FOR FY 2005-2006
The
following resolution was offered by Dryer, and supported by Wallace.
RESOLVED,
that the City Clerk certify to the City Assessor for spreading on the Assessment
Roll of the City of South Lyon for the year 2005-2006, the following amounts,
based on taxable value $348,641,452.
1.
At the rate of 8.5470 mills per $1,000 of
valuation
for General Fund Operation
2.
At the rate of .8900 mills per $1,000 of
valuation
for Wastewater General Obligation Bonds
for
wastewater treatment (2002)
3.
At the rate of 3.6100 mills per $1,000 of
valuation
for Capital Improvement Fund
4.
At the rate of .280 mills per $1,000 of
valuation
for South Lyon Building Authority (1996)
5.
At
the rate of .1200 mills per $1,000 of
valuation
for 1999 Building Authority (Land Acquisition)
6.
At
the rate of .2970 mills per $1,000 of valuation for
Land Acquisition for Public Purpose Usage
RESOLVED
FURTHER, that due to the May 2, 1984 election whereby the Library became a free
standing and District Library for all purposes including the levy of 1.0025 and
the e overall levy for the City will be 14.7525 mills, of which 13.75 mills will be used for City operation and debt.
RESOLVED
FURTHER, that after spreading on the Assessment Roll, the amounts as required to
be raised by the general ad valorem tax, the Assessor certify and deliver the
same to the City Treasurer, and the City Clerk be authorized to attach her
warrant thereto, directing and required the City Treasurer to collect the same
as provided by the City Charter.
RESOLVED
FURTHER, that all installments reported to the City Treasurer as delinquent on
Special Assessments and other charges, together with interest due thereon, as
provided in Section 1.276 of the City Charter; unpaid charges for water
consumption and water tap installation, as provided in Chapter 24 of the South
Lyon City Code be assessed against the properties benefited and included in the
2004 Tax Roll.
RESOLVED
FURTHER, that the millage for the entire fiscal year 2005-2006 budget not to
exceed 13.75 mills.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Resolution
approving the Budget for General Fund Operation and all Operating and Debt
Funds of the City
Councilman
Schwarck asked on page 39 with regards to the Maintenance and Repairs.
He stated that apparently there is a problem in the basement of the
Witches Hat that is going to require some additional repairs.
He asked if funds should budgeted for these repairs.
City Manager Cook stated that once we have a final determination as to
the problem, we can come back, however there is no information at this point as
to the extent of the problem.
CM
5-7-05 – RESOLUTION ADOPTING ANNUAL BUDGET – FY 2005-2006
The
following resolution was offered by Schwarck, and supported by Dryer.
WHEREAS,
in April 2005 the City Manager submitted to City Council a proposed budget for
the fiscal year July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, and
WHEREAS,
the City Council has received the proposed budget contained herein and has
discussed and reviewed same
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council hereby adopted the 2005-06 fiscal
budget as shown in the budget document on the Summary page, and detailed on the
following pages, in the total amount of $ 4,801,343.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby adopts the following proposed
budget or estimates for the following operations as set forth below.
Fund
No.
Major
Street Operation
202
Local
Street Operation
203
Community
Development Block Grant
274
Combined
Water/Sewer Operation
592
Equipment
Replacement Fund
641
Capital
Improvement Fund
401
Land
Acquisition
509
Downtown
Development Authority
280
General
Debt Service
2000
Water Bond
306
2003
G.W. WW Treatment/Bond G.O.
307
1996
Building Authority—Shared Administration 369
1999
Building Authority—Land Acquisition
509
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to advertise for bids,
or authorize at the appropriate time for contractual services, commodity
purchases and/or capital expenditures throughout the fiscal year in accordance
with the enclosed budget document and all applicable City ordinance policies or
procedures in effect.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the Uniform Budgeting and Account Act,
Section 19 (2), the City Manager may make transfers within a fund and activity
if the amount to be transferred does not exceed 10% or $25,000, whichever is
greater, of the appropriation item for which the transfer is to be made, with
prior notification to the City Council.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mayor
Doyle stated that he feels that we have a very good budget here.
He stated that he would like to commend the City Manager as well as the
department heads for their hard work. Council
concurred.
Memorial
Day Parade – May 30, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.
Chief
Collins stated that this is the same route as in past years, and would recommend
approval.
CM
5-8-05 - APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURES – MEMORIAL DAY PARADE – MAY 30, 2005
Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace
To approve the parade route for the Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 2005
at 10:00 a.m. and the related
street closures:
·
Warren
Street, Second to Ten Mile
·
Ten
Mile from Warren to Reynold Sweet Parkway
·
Reynold
Sweet Parkway from Ten Mile to Stryker
·
Stryker
Street from Reynold Sweet to the South Lyon Cemetery
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councilman
Wallace stated that as in past years, the VFW will be serving hot dogs and pizza
after the parade at the VFW hall. He
stated that they have been doing this for over 40 years.
Councilman
Schwarck stated that he was out at the cemetery recently and it looks very nice.
He stated that he would like to encourage people that if they are going
to plant flowers, etc., that rather than leaving the containers at the side of
the road, to dispose of them in the dumpster.
Proposed
Amendment to the Budget, FY 2004-2005
City
Manager Cook stated that CSX has never billed us for signal maintenance for the
Reese Street and S. Mill Street crossings.
Under State Law, they are able to go back four years.
The County would be responsible for the other crossing on Ten Mile and
Pontiac Trail.
CM
5-9-05 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT – FY 2004-2005
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Dryer
To approve the budget amendment for fiscal year 2004-2005 as presented
(see attached amendment as
part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
City
of South Lyon Bond Rating – Increase from A to A+
City
Manager Cook stated that last Monday, the City was awarded a bond rating from A
to A+, which is the best that we could receive because of the size of our
community. Three years ago, we were
rejected because they said that it was not time. There are not a lot of communities of our size that have an
A+ rating.
Mayor
Doyle stated that this will show us as a much better credit risk which will give
us much better rates when we sell bonds. This
shows good fiscal responsibility and thanked City Manager Cook for his good
work. Discussion was held on the
savings this could mean for the City.
NEW
BUSINESS:
Request
and proposal to remove “dead” Ash trees
Superintendent
Renwick stated that he has received a proposal from Normar Landscapers for the
removal of the rest of the Ash trees within City right-of-ways.
They would be able to begin within two weeks of notification and complete
the work within two weeks, depending on weather.
We have a total of 85 trees that still need to be removed and stumps
ground. The price they have given us is $31,758.
This is not a budgeted item within this year’s or next year’s budget.
Councilman
Wallace stated that the memo indicates that this does not include Carriage Trace
or along Pontiac Trail. Superintendent
Renwick stated that Carriage Trace has not yet been turned over to the City and
Oakland County would be responsible for Pontiac Trail.
City
Manager Cook stated that the County has one crew for the whole County for this
type of work. Discussion was held
on having the work done and asking for reimbursement. Mayor Doyle stated that they would have to pay their crews
anyway, possibly they would be willing to reimburse us.
City Manager Cook stated that he could make contact and give them the
unit prices. He stated that he
would suggest that we move forward with the proposal as presented and proceed
with a count of the other trees and further contact with the County.
Discussion
was held on waiving the bid process. Councilman
Schwarck stated that the City has used Normar for years.
Councilman Wallace stated that they are a local company.
Discussion was held on the flowering of the trees that could cause
further spread of the disease.
Councilman
Wallace questuioned the two trees on Liberty Street at a cost of $600. He stated
that this seems pretty high. Superintendent
Renwick stated that these two trees are very large and have wires running
through them resulting in extra work.
Councilman
Dryer asked to abstain from voting on this issue due to the fact that Normar is
bidding on something for him personally. Councilman
Wallace stated that he appreciates the fact that Councilman Dryer has provided
the information, but does not see a problem with him voting on the issue.
Mayor Doyle and Councilman Schwarck agreed.
CM
5-10-05 – WAIVER OF BID PROCESS – TREE REMOVAL
Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck
To waive the bidding process for tree removal due to the urgency that the
trees are now flowering, which
would cause further spread of the Ash Borer disease
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CM
5-11-05 – APPROVAL OF BID – TREE REMOVAL
Motion by Schwarck, supported by Wallace
To approve the bid from Normar Landscapers for removal of Ash trees
within the City at a cost of $31, 758
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Interest
Survey for “tour” of RCOC TOC
City
Manager Cook stated that this issue came up at our strategic planning meeting
with the County. They are offering
to provide a tour of their Traffic Operations Center. If there is an interest, Council should let him know by May
25th. Mayor Doyle stated that he
has had opportunity to tour their facility, and it is quite impressive.
Contract
for Assessing Services – Oakland County Equalization
City
Manager Cook stated that this would be a renewal of our contract with Oakland
County for assessing services. This
has been a very nice service that they have provided, and we would not be able
to hire a Level III or IV Assessor for this price. This arrangement has worked out quite well for us.
This is a three year contract with the initial payment due on 7/1/06 of
$48,273. As the City grows, the
cost will increase as it is based on a cost per parcel.
Councilman
Wallace stated that even though the County does the assessing, we still have our
local Board of Review to hear appeals. The
Board of Review is made up of local residents.
CM
5-12-05 – APPROVAL OF CONTRACT – OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION
Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace
To approve the contract for Oakland County Equalization Division
Assistance services for the period of
7/1/05 to 6/30/08
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Acceptance
of Gifts – McHattie Park Bench Program
Mayor
Doyle stated that the Martin family is donating $550 for the purchase of a
checker/chess table for McHattie Park. The
Waters family is donating $500 for the purchase of a park bench.
He stated that this has been an on-going program whereby people can
donate funds toward the purchase of various items for McHattie Park.
It was stated that this would also include other parks within the City.
CM
5-13-05 – ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS – BENCH PROGRAM
Motion by Dryer, supported by Wallace
To accept the gift of $550 from the Martin family and $500 from the
Waters family
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mayor
Doyle and Council Members expressed their thanks for these donations.
CM
5-14-05 – ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wallace, supported by Schwarck
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