CITY OF SOUTH LYON

CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

November 13, 2006

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

PRESENT: Council Members: Dryer, Kivell, Kopkowski, Maida, Morelli and Wedell

City Manager Cook

Attorney Lee

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke

Department Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick

ABSENT: Mayor Doyle

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

CM 11-1-06- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 23, 2006

Motion by Kivell, supported by Wedell

To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 23, 2006 as written

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS:

Councilman Kivell questioned the symbols next to the names of certain vendors and requested a key to those symbols. He questioned the payment to AT&T for yellow pages ad. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke indicated that she would assume that is for the Historical Depot, but she would look into it. Councilman Kivell further questioned a payment to Schoolcraft College for vehicle re-certification. Chief Collins stated that is for Emergency Vehicle Operation Training for the officers. Councilman Kivell thanked all of the Election Inspectors for their work on election day.

Councilman Wedell questioned the payment to Costco for memberships renewal. City Manager Cook stated that this is multiple membership for the various departments. Councilman Wedell questioned if there could be one card for the City. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that each individual has to have a card.

Council Member Maida questioned the overtime for the Police Department and questioned whether this was in connection with the Pumpkinfest. Chief Collins stated that he would have to check to be sure, but we also had a couple of extra training sessions, we had to re-certify the entire Police Department due to a change in protocol for CPR and we had to re-program our AEDs so that they will be consistent with the protocol which will also be shared with the Fire Department.

Council Member Maida questioned the payments for overpayment of taxes. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that often we have mortgage companies that over pay for various reasons, and given the time of year, we are dealing with a number of adjustments with December Board of Review coming up which may revise homestead/non-homestead issues which would require a refund.

CM 11-2-06- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS

Motion by Wedell, supported by Maida

To approve the monthly bills as presented

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

CM 11-3-06 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

To approve the agenda as presented

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS:

Mr. Roger Colosimo of 216 Oakbrook #5 from Your Money Bag in South Lyon stated that they are working on a program with a lot of the merchants as well as the South Lyon Historical Society, Kiwanis and Active Faith for December 17^th. One of the things that did not get changed when the light poles downtown were changed was the flags because the light poles were smaller. They do have a couple sets of the smaller flags, but nothing for the holidays. In order to beautify the town for the holidays, he is asking for approval from Council to purchase those flags. He would be able to do the flags through his printing company at his cost. City Manager Cook stated that this is a function that the Beautification Committee has historically done, and there are funds to do that.

Council Member Kopkowski stated that they were told that the DPW had flags for the holidays so the Beautification Committee did not consider purchasing new ones. City Manager Cook stated that the ones they do have are for the bigger Edison poles.

Discussion was held on timing to get these purchased in time for the event. Further discussion was held on the Beautification Committee meeting to discuss this issue.

Jeff Potter of 1099 Stable Lane and County Commissioner stated that he would like to thank the members of the City Council for their support during the election and thank the voters particularly. He stated that we had near record turn out for this type of election. He stated that he would also like to commend his opponent Dan Clay who ran a very honorable and decent campaign. Looking ahead, we have a lot of things to concentrate on such as our dwindling economy and the need to work cooperatively to extend the benefits that we have and make them even better. The builders are running out of steam in this area and the tax base is leveling off. We are going to need to keep our momentum going both in the district and the County as a whole. He thanked Clerk Julie Zemke and all of the ladies and gentlemen who worked the election.

OLD BUSINESS:

Rail Trail Southwest Connector – 1.25 miles – Conditional Commitment from MDOT – Grant $230,729 – Total Project Cost $530,777

City Manager Cook stated that we have received a letter from the Department of Transportation giving us conditional commitment to move forward with the extension of our pedestrian/bicycle trail through Volunteer Park to 8 Mile east back to Pontiac Trail and to the south to the Salem-South Lyon District Library. We did some additional engineering and found out that we could put in a 10 foot trail. MDOT is not offering to approve any design exceptions. We will have two Transportation Enhancement Programs running, which is somewhat unusual. We got lucky and we will be moving forward. He stated that he would not expect construction until Spring 2008.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer thanked City Manager Cook for pushing through on this. He stated that he understood that the small section from 8 Mile to the Library was in limbo and asked if it has been resolved. City Manager Cook stated that we need right-of-way, which we will try to acquire. However, MDOT has indicated that if it becomes impossible, they will allow us to pull the project back to the intersection without any penalties. The property is up for sale and we do know who the owners are. We cannot see why they would not allow us to do that. We do not want to get into condemnation issues, which would cost additional money not covered under the grant. He stated that we will keep moving forward.

Councilman Kivell questioned a statement in the letter regarding public announcement of a project prior to funding award. City Manager Cook stated that we are simply indicating that we received conditional commitment. We will not get approval until we have grade inspection, which is 80% engineering complete. At that point, they will award the grant.

Further discussion was held on easements and right-of-way. City Manager Cook stated that when they widened the road when Kroger’s was built, they did use all of the available right-of-way. We will need approximately 15 feet of easement.

Councilman Wedell questioned the non-participating amount. City Manager Cook stated that this would be engineering as well as disqualification of certain items. Originally when we submitted they had eliminated $101,000 from that proposal then after the additional engineering, it ended up being approximately $38,000. The total project cost came down slightly even though we added 1,200 feet. After the first review, we were not going anywhere because we were asking for design exception because of the 8 foot trail. An 8 foot trail is no longer a standard. DNR does not allow anything less than 12 feet and they will be looking at 14 feet, plus you have to have a 2 foot buffer on each side and you have to stay a minimum 5 feet off of any road way.

Council Member Maida questioned the calculation of the total project cost. City Manager Cook stated that you have to remember that engineering is not an eligible cost and our match is not included. The total estimate is $530,777.

County Commissioner Potter stated that it is a delight to see this project moving forward. There have been a lot of people who have done so much to make it happen. He discussed some history involved with this project as well as the people involved. He stated that regionally, the City of South Lyon and now the South Lyon area is known for their pedestrian and bike policy which lends to the attractiveness of this town and is cited very often in regional circles as a way to do things.

Community Development Block Grant Program – Allocation $39,448

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer thanked Superintendent Renwick for the sidewalk report. He stated that in order to proceed with the public hearing at the next meeting, Council needs to have a project in mind. City Manager Cook stated that we have environmental reviews to do. His recommendation is going to remain the same, that being the sidewalk Calkins, Whipple, etc. He stated that there had been some discussion about using some of the funds for the Master Plan, but no allocation of funds could take place until next May when HUD releases the funds. Essentially that would stop us from doing any Master Planning. He stated that this is an area where we need to incorporate sidewalks in a residential area. We still have to have a public hearing and Council would need to approve the application.

Councilman Morelli stated that all of the proposed projects are good projects and are all needed. He would tend to go with the recommendation of the City Manager.

Council Member Maida stated that they are all good projects, but her thought is to defer the funds until 2008 to give the people a break in that area due to the amount of construction that has already taken place there. Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that there is always a concern when putting off a project because of rising prices or possibility of funds not being there. Council Member Maida stated that she does not see anything happening drastically in our economy in the next year that would cause the loss of these funds. City Manager Cook stated that this is quite about south of the people that have had the construction over the last couple of years, and this project would have very little impact on them. Furthermore, he stated that the whole installation of sidewalk on Orchard Ridge took a total of 5 days.

City Manager Cook stated that in the mid 1990s, HUD cut out an eligible area that was available for funding and there was no notice given and there is nothing that says it cannot happen again. It might be remote, but it could happen. We have a good track record of taking our money and putting it in something that is visible.

Councilman Wedell stated that sidewalk construction is the most logical use of these funds. And, he did note from the memo that the recommendation is purposely away from where we have been doing construction to give those residents a break.

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she could either approve the sidewalk or defer the funds. She stated that she would like to see a bigger project, but if we are going to defer the funds to just do sidewalks next year, it is not worth deferring. Discussion was held on roads versus sidewalks. City Manager Cook stated that if you look at the roads, you can see some “honeycombing” and you could apply this money to that, but in order to complete those roads, you would have to appropriate local funds. Furthermore, if we did that we would be right back in the area that we have been trying to avoid.

City Manager Cook stated that in the past, there had been a movement to get rid of the program. As a growing community, we are losing our eligible areas. We have a census coming up in 2010 where a probability exists that this program may not be available to us anymore for these types of projects. For example, Lyon Township has no eligible areas. There are limitations on how they can use the funds and they are having difficulty spending the money.

Discussion was held on deferring the money. City Manager Cook stated that you have three years to spend the money. Because we get so little, it is almost impossible to do any kind of reasonable project without adding some funds.

Councilman Kivell stated that this program lends itself very well for sidewalks. Even over three years, you might have enough money for a small stretch of road, but nothing of real consequence. He further stated that he likes to see something happening with it every year. It gives you a sense of progress, especially when you look at this area where there is no sidewalk. This will be a tremendous improvement for pedestrian traffic in that area for people who live there to access larger arteries to go to school or to walk to town.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that there is a missing piece of sidewalk along 11 Mile on the south side just east of Colonial Acres entrance. City Manager Cook stated that it will eventually be done by the developer when they get to that point. Further discussion was held on that missing piece of sidewalk.

City Manager Cook stated that he will deal with the consensus and bring it back at the next meeting for the public hearing.

Proposed increase of 10% in Water/Sewer rates per 1000 gallons from $3.73 to $4.11 + $6 per quarter

City Manager Cook stated that based on discussions at a previous meeting regarding increase in rates, he has provided a proposal for a 10% increase, which is on the lower end of the previous discussion. This would increase the rate from $3.73 to $4.11, which should generate roughly $145,000. Because we are already well into the fiscal year, he would suggest that this take affect for our current billing cycle. We could then re-evaluate after the next audit and continue to look at the rate structure.

Councilman Kivell questioned our shortfall from last year. City Manager Cook stated that it was $253,000.

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she is adamantly opposed to it. There was poor planning somewhere down the line. Nobody ever thought that things were not increasing. It was somebody’s poor judgment that we had only three increases since 1981. If things were raised gradually 1-2% each year, it would not be as noticeable to the taxpayers. She stated that she understands that there is a shortfall, but it could have been planned better. Hitting people with a 10% increase because we have not raised it over a period of time, she does not agree with it nor will she support it. She further stated that she would not have a problem with a cost of living increase. People are not getting 10% salary increases. It should have been planned better. She further stated that we have utility costs in other communities with their own systems and asked why it has not been looked at before now.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that he feels that it has been excellent planning that has kept us from raising rates over the years and keep them as low as they are and way below what other communities are charging. Possibly we could have better estimated last year, but we did have the incredible increase in utility rates with the new plant.

Councilman Kivell questioned whether why we would pay the shortfall out of General Fund rather than assessing the cost to the users. He stated that he does not see anyone winning doing that. He stated that people who are taking advantage of the system are paying for the system. He further stated that he would not have had any misgivings with going to 15% increase. He likes to see us keep it as low as possible and something may end up leveling out our costs, but not likely. Probably this time next year, we will be looking at this again. He stated that he is okay with the 10% to “get the ball rolling”.

Councilman Wedell stated that he would suspect that 10% is on the low side of what we are going to need. But, we do not have a rate analysis that would cost $7-8,000. By not using a rate analysis and going with the low end of the scale, we give ourselves a year to experience what that is going to bring. If we need to adjust higher we can. We have a luxury of having a fund balance as a cushion. He would disagree that we should have been doing this incrementally. If we did not have a need for a 1-2%, we should not have been assessing that. We have seen that the results vary from year to year. Now that we can see that with the new plant online and new demand, electric is going to go up, etc. we need to make an adjustment at a minimum of 10%.

Council Member Maida stated that she understands the need for the 10% increase, but the economy is so bad with people losing their jobs and moving out of Michigan. She would suggest a 5% increase this year and 5% next year. There may be a need next year to go to 8% to recoup. Splitting it up into two years would be more for the people.

Councilman Morelli stated that he does not have a problem with the 10% and he would be in agreement that it should probably be more. He stated that he is glad that it has not gone up incrementally over the years. This may be the start of that. If it had gone up over the years, he is sure that over the long-haul it would have been more out of his pocket. He stated that he was under the impression that anything brought in under the water department has to stay within the water department. If they used funds out of general fund, does it have to go back. City Manager Cook stated that we are not using any funds out of the general fund. Water Department is self-funding, and it would not get to that point.with the monies coming in from tap-in fees, etc. We are borrowing fund balance to off-set the loss.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that when this was brought forth 10-20% was proposed with 20% being essentially what we would need. The idea of the 10% is taking into consideration that we do not want to hit people too hard with this. He asked if we start with the current billing cycle, would that not be a retroactive. City Manager Cook stated that the next billing has not yet been prepared so we would be able to apply it to this billing cycle. Superintendent Martin stated that this would be the bill that goes out December 29^th. For our clerical staff, it is much easier to start at the beginning of a billing cycle.

Superintendent Martin discussed the rate increases in utilities, chemicals, etc. He stated that even with this increase, you are still getting 1,000 gallons of water for $1.40. The $145,000 in revenue that could be generated is a function of how much water we have pumped. A dry summer, we may generate more money because we pump more water. However, when you pump more water, we get increased Edison bills. With the 10% increase, we are well below what other communities with their own systems charge. And, we are also low on our tap fees. Councilman Morelli discussed how much farther below these other communities South Lyon is.

Discussion was held on rising utility costs. Councilman Kivell stated that we are all mindful of the concerns that the increase not being any more than it has to. There are people on tight budgets. The 10% is a good balance of being responsible and making sure that the system is paid for.

Superintendent Martin explained the increase fees for our Ground Water Discharge Permit.

CM 11-4-06 – APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN UTILITY RATES

Motion by Wedell, supported by Kivell

To approve a 10% increase in water and sewer rates to be effective with the current billing cycle

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED (2 OPPOSED)

Request to sell Christmas Trees – Witch’s Hat Depot – Kiwanis

Mr. Phil Weipert of 135 N. Warren representing Kiwanis stated that in the past, City Council has given them permission to use a portion of the Historic Village for tree sales. Again this year they are asking permission for November 18^th through the end of December.

Discussion was held on how long Kiwanis has been using the park. Mr. Weipert stated that they have used the park since Showerman’s closed. He further stated that this is the big fundraiser for their Senior dinner.

Mr. Weipert stated that each year they have moved down away from the village. They will be coordinating with the event on December 17^th, when they will be having a Christmas tree lighting and other community events and activities. Councilman Kivell stated that it is nice to drive by and see the activities that take place. It gives a warm small town feeling.

CM 11-5-06 – KIWANIS CHRISTMAS TREE SALES

Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

To approve the request by the South Lyon Kiwanis for use of a portion of the Witch’s Hat Depot

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Gap Study – Cross walk at 9 Mile/Brookfield

Chief Collins stated that as Council will recall, we raised the speed limit on Nine Mile from 25 to 35 miles per hour based on a previous gap study. Since that time and now that school is back open, we performed a new gap study and speed study. The Traffic Improvement Association of Oakland County tells us that 35 miles per hour, according to the speed study, is the correct speed limit. They also updated the gap study and noted a very small number of students crossed the street at seven in the morning and one in the afternoon. The Traffic Engineer’s recommendation is to ensure proper maintenance of the cross walk and the signs that we have and that we might consider putting some type of beacon sign up. He stated that a dual beacon sign could be done for $6,534 plus installation.

Councilman Morelli questioned the report indicating no gap. Chief Collins stated that there were no gaps of sufficient duration based on the formula to safely cross all lanes of road way; to leisurely walk across the street. Several reasons were citied, which are due to extreme congestion at both school arrival and dismissal times. At those times, traffic is not even moving at the posted speed limit. Some parents are creating artificial gaps by slowing down or stopping in the streets. Councilman Morelli questioned whether more students would walk to school if it were easier to cross the street. Chief Collins stated that one of the reasons for the non-existence of gaps is the number of parents who choose to drive their students who could walk to school. The other part of the equation is the fact that there are two middle schools in close proximity to each other so we are dealing with double the amount of traffic and double the amount of buses.

Councilman Morelli questioned the fact that there are no gaps safe enough for a middle school student to cross the street. Chief Collins stated that is not what is being said. What it is saying is that there are no gaps large enough for them to leisurely walk across the street. They also cited a number of other things such as good site distance, existence of a crosswalk, existence of sidewalks and the fact that normally you do not consider crossing guards for middle school aged students because they should be expected to know how to cross the street safely.

Councilman Kivell stated that it seems funny that you cannot have a full gap, but kids seem to be making it across without getting hit. He feels that, at the very least, we sould do the caution lights. Discussion was held on the rationale of the traffic study. Council Member Kopkowski stated that she feels that their judgment is based on whether there has been a tragic accident. If we have had one, this report would be different.

Councilman Wedell stated that in one of the communities he drives through daily has attached a vertical strip of florescent material to the pole. This has brought it to his attention every time. Chief Collins stated that he has seen them available for stop signs. Councilman Wedell stated that he is not opposed to putting in a light, but we may want to look into these strips as well.

Chief Collins stated that there are no funds currently budgeted for the recommended items. Council Member Maida stated that she feels that the installation of the light at the crosswalk and the maintenance of the crosswalk itself is a step in the right direction.

Council Member Kopkowski asked if we have the option of lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour during the times the kids would be walking, with proper signage. Chief Collins stated that it could be done, but it was not a recommendation. Actually, the speed being traveled due to the congestion is 25 or less. Council Member Kopkowski questioned the use of a button on the lights and the children assuming that they are safe, yet hitting the button does not necessarily mean that the cars have stopped or slowed. Chief Collins stated that there may be some other options where they would detect individuals who are in close proximity. Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that middle school students would be more aware than elementary students.

Discussion was held on the features of the flashing beacons. Councilman Kivell stated that he likes the fact that the units are self-contained and no power lines. He would like to find out how long the battery life would be. Chief Collins stated that it would be a number of years versus months. Councilman Kivell further stated that this would be a good opportunity to invite the schools to pick up some of the costs of this crossing hardware.

CM 11-6-06 – APPROVAL OF PURCHASE – DUAL FLASHING CROSSWALK BEACONS

Motion by Kivell,

To approve the purchase of two solar dual flashing crosswalk beacons in the amount of $6,534

Motion died due to lack of support.

Discussion was held on installation costs. Chief Collins stated that the company indicated that they would work with our DPW to keep the installation costs down. Further discussion was held on installation. City Manager Cook stated that we could request a quote for installation.

Councilman Wedell stated that the motion was made and died due to lack of support. There is no reason to be discussing this further.

City Manager Cook stated that we can get some additional figures and bring it back at a future meeting. Council Member Kopkowski stated that she would like to see more colored brochures of other options and the related costs.

Councilman Morelli stated that it has been indicated previously that after school, the kids run across the street along the whole road. He further questioned how many kids actually cross at the crosswalk. City Manager Cook stated that his observation has been when they come out of Millennium, they scatter and go across the street right where they come out. They do not go down to the light. From Centennial in ½ hour in the afternoon, they counted only 6-7 kids crossing. The amount of school bus traffic is a hindrance at that entrance. Councilman Morelli stated that even if we put this in, that does not necessarily mean that is where they are going to go to cross. City Manager Cook stated that he is not sure that would occur even if it was moved. That is not going to change how they are going to cross the street unless they are directed or forced to go to the crossing. Council Member Maida stated that all we can do is put something safe in the area, and it has to be up to them to use it. Discussion was held on educating the kids.

Further discussion was held on other options such as programming options rather than having an activation button, etc. It was stated that we can get into more details when there is more specific information available.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amendment to schedule of unit assignment factors - Water/Sewer – add Banquet Hall

City Manager Cook stated that the County Drain Commission office has updated their Unit Assignment Factors and have added banquet hall at .5 tap per 1,000 square feet. We use this for providing tap-in fees to businesses coming in for both water and sewer. We need to update our schedule by adding banquet halls. The rest is the schedule that we have previously adopted.

CM 11-7-06 – APPROVAL OF UPDATE TO UNIT ASSIGNMENT FACTOR

Motion by Morelli, supported by Maida

To update the Unit Assignment Factor by adding banquet facilities at a rate of .5 tap per 1,000 square

Feet

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Easement for Volunteer Park to Detroit Edison – installation of electric to pump house – 10 foot easement

Agreements
Approved Installation

City Manager Cook stated that we have a proposal to bring electricity to the pump houses at Volunteer Park. Several years ago we had a quote from Edison for approximately $70,000. They have come down considerable. We also have an easement that we have to issue so that they can run the line. We will then have live service in the park and ultimately provide some benefits to the diamonds if we get into lighting, etc. The Parks and Recreation is very happy to have this occur.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer asked if this will allow us to put our sprinklers on automatically. City Manager Cook stated that it does. Electricity will be on-site and will be extended.

Councilman Kivell asked if this service would be large enough for any type of power considerations that we would want to put. Superintendent Renwick stated that we may have to update the transformer at a later date.

City Manager Cook stated that Edison has provided a very basic agreement. We need to approve the agreement and the installation as well as the easement document.

Councilman Kivell asked if this is a permanent easement. City Manager Cook stated that it is a permanent easement around the road. Councilman Kivell questioned how this would affect the property if the park were ever used for something else down the road. He stated that any time you give a permanent obligation on City property, everything else around it is not permanent, but the easement is. City Manager Cook stated that we did not look at this that way. If the park was ever vacated, electricity would have to be brought into the facility anyway for any other type of use.

CM 11-8-06 – APPROVAL OF LINE EXTENSION AGREEMNT – DTE ENERGY

Motion by Kivell, supported by Wedell

To approve the Line Extension Agreement for Commercial or Industrial Customers with Detroit Edison

in the amount of $14,129.75

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

CM 11-9-06 – APPROVAL OF SECONDARY SERVICE AGREEMENT – DTE

Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli

To approve the Secondary Service Agreement for Commercial or Industrial Customers in the amount of

$50

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

CM 11-10-06 – APPROVAL OF UNDERGROUND EASEMENT – DTE

Motion by Maida, supported by Kopkowski

To approve the Detroit Edison Underground Easement right-of-way for electric service to Volunteer

Park

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Bids – 6-12’x12’ garage doors

Superintendent Renwick stated that we have 6 garage doors budgeted for replacement. The low bid was received from Overhead Door of Huron Valley in the amount of $12,478.

Councilman Kivell stated that it is unfortunate that our local company could not provide a more competitive price, but Overhead Door does great work and always provides competitive pricing.

Discussion was held on the two low overhead door kits at $150 each.

CM 11-11-06 – APPROVAL OF LOW BID FROM OVERHEAD DOOR

Motion by Morelli, supported by Kopkowski

To approve the low bid from Overhead Door of Huron Valley for six garage doors at a total cost of

$12,778

VOTE: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

Council Member Maida stated that for the Holiday Spectacular, they would like to request the use of a Fire Truck to decorate the tree next to the schoolhouse in Historical Park. Furthermore, she knows that a lot of the Fire Department would like to be a part of that. They are trying to bring everyone together to make this a community event. City Manager Cook stated that Normar Tree Service has a truck that would be better to use than our platform truck. The truck is a very heavy vehicle and Normar has helped us in the past and does hang the lights on the tree in front of old City Hall. The question was asked when that would take place. Superintendent Renwick stated that it would be possibly this week, but it is based on their availability. Discussion was held on coordinating this with the decorating at Historic Park.

Council Member Maida asked if a fire truck could be used to drive Santa up to the Village. City Manager Cook stated that the fire trucks are used in parades, etc. and should not be a problem.

Council Member Maida stated that she had a citizen upset about taxes and the fact that he wanted to drop off his payment on Saturday. Since there was no drop box, he was fined because they were late. They were due on Saturday and the office is not open on Saturday. She stated that she was wondering why we do not have a drop box. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that for certain items, a drop box would be functional. The taxes were actually due the last business day of the month so if it was dropped off on Saturday, it would have been late. Council Member Maida stated that it is not indicated on the tax bill. Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that on October 1^st the penalty is added regardless of what day it falls on. Therefore, being that our regular business hours are 8:30 to 5:00 Monday through Friday, the bills were actually due that Friday. We do not accept postmarks nor do we accept partial payments. Anything received through the drop box in those circumstances would have to be sent back. There are other issues with items such as absentee ballots, etc.

Council Member Maida stated that she understands that citizens cannot pay their taxes with credit card and asked why. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we do not accept anything but cash or checks. There have been a number of issues over the years. There are costs related to accepting credit cards. We cannot fine individual taxpayers for the costs, but rather an at-large cost to everyone. There are other

companies out there that can directly assess these fees that we can look at. We also have issues such as partial payments, accepting cash or certified funds only for water bill shut-offs, etc. Council Member Maida stated that she feels we should look at this. In these hard times, sometimes people do not have those funds and the use of a credit card would be a better way to pay rather than use money that they need to make their mortgage payment, etc. Councilman Kivell stated that we have been talking about the water bill and trying to keep people’s costs contained now we are talking about having an at-large cost assigned to everyone. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that if we are talking about accepting credit cards for water bills, dog license, etc. we would also have to look at increased staff for receipting. Council Member Maida stated that Parks and Recreation accepts credit cards and it works well. Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that Parks and Recreation does not have the volume that we do. We currently have 1 full-time and 1 part-time employee, and if you are talking about running credit cards, waiting for approval, etc. you are also talking about a much longer wait time versus simply dropping off a check.

Council Member Maida stated that she received an email regarding the one hour time limit for Halloween and asked how that was determined. Chief Collins stated that it is historical. Ultimately, it is Council’s decision. Councilman Morelli stated that years ago, there were only a couple of subdivisions. People from the surrounding areas would bring their kids into the City and it just never stopped. Now, there are enough subdivisions around that a two-hour time limit would not be so bad. It was stated that this is something that Council can deal with before Halloween next year.

Councilman Wedell stated that he would like to thank the election workers who worked the election and of course, everyone who got out and voted. He further stated that he appreciates the persistence that resulted in the 4-way stop at 11 Mile and Martindale. He stated that also he appreciates the persistence that resulted in the MDOT grant.

Council Member Wedell asked how the census is progressing. City Manager Cook stated that we are moving along. Council Member Kopkowski stated that nobody has knocked on her door yet. City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we have five sections completed and are beginning the re-check process. We have one section that has not yet been started.

Council Member Kopkowski asked if the light at 10 Mile and Martindale is ours or Lyon Township’s. City Manager Cook stated that it is actually Oakland County’s, but it is in the Township.

Council Member Kopkowski stated that on Halloween she noticed that Chief Collins as well as some of the Police Officers were out with their lights on and handing out candy from their cars. It was well received. She stated that next year she would like to see the Fire Department get involved. She stated that in some communities, the Fire Department is open and the kids can get candy and they do candy screening, etc.

Councilman Morelli thanked those involved in getting the 4-way stop at 11 Mile and Martindale.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that he would like to thank Troy Schilling for his work on the Lyon Township Board. He stated that he is sorry to see that Troy will not be a part of that anymore and wished him well.

Mayor Pro-tem Dryer stated that it has been discussed previously about reporting on our retirement costs, etc. There is going to be a new accounting requirement that will require that so we will be seeing this in the years to come.

Councilman Kivell asked when we will be completed on the Whipple Street project. Jesse VanDeCreek from HRC stated that the driveway that was low will be completed this week. Right now the only punch list item is a rideability issue that has been identified on the major section. There may be some additional asphalt work, possibly not this season, to rectify that. Councilman Kivell stated that there were two cuts in the road just west of the driveway in need of repair that need to be filled in as well. City Manager Cook stated that all of the patches should be done this week. Councilman Kivell asked how long before the sod work is complete. City Manager Cook stated that they completed that this past weekend. Mr. VanDeCreek stated that given the lateness of the season, the contractors will all be back in the spring to verify that we have achieved growth.

CM 11-12-06 – ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Morelli, supported by Wedell

To adjourn the meeting at 9:33 p.m.