CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

April 10, 2006

 

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, Kivell, Kopkowski, Maida, Morelli and Wedell

            City Manager Cook

Attorney Lee

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke

Department Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

CM 4-1-06- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 27, 2006

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 27, 2006 as written

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS: 

 

Councilman Morelli questioned whether the City is reimbursed for the various site plan reviews.  City Manager Cook stated that we are reimbursed those costs.  Councilman Morelli stated that he understood the Whipple Street project to be a grind and re-cap.  City Manager Cook stated that there is base repair needed from Lafayette to Warren, then from Warren to Hagadorn, it will be a mill and overlay.  Councilman Morelli asked when the GIS system is going to be done.  Superintendent Renwick stated that this will be an on-going thing as projects are done and we update our systems.

 

Council Member Kopkowski questioned if the DDA is going to pay for the engineering costs for their legal description, etc.  City Manager Cook stated that he did go back and review that.  He stated that we have historically assisted the DDA.  This was an administrative movement to define the boundaries, so he authorized the charges to the Administrative budget.  The DDA does not have a great deal of money for operation, so we have over the years tried to help with that function.

 

Council Member Kopkowski questioned why we approved the plowing of the streets for Clark’s Crossing, and these engineering bills for that development are just now coming forth.  City Manager Cook stated that some have been delayed and are just now getting here for their plat.  These will be reimbursed by the developer.  Council Member Kopkowski stated that she would like to point out that over 40% of our monthly bills is for HRC.  City Manager Cook stated that we are doing all of the road work that has been authorized and water work on Crest, etc.   We are also getting bills in now for the streetscape project.  Mayor Doyle stated that it is the time of year so we can have active projects during the summer months.

 

Councilman Kivell questioned the payment for the Yellow Pages ad for the Museum.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that the Historical Commission did submit that bill for payment.

 

CM 4-2-06- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Maida

 

     To approve the monthly bills as presented

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

CM 4-3-06 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Wedell, supported by Morelli

 

      To approve the agenda as presented

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS: 

 

Mr. Frank Fogarty of 61349 Roaringbrook stated that he was at a Council meeting in February inquiring about any scheduled repairs to the roads within the Brookfield subdivision.  He would also like to inquire as to scheduled tree planting.  He further stated that watching the meetings on television, he as a citizen wants to see transparency when it comes to budgeting .  When questions are asked he is looking for a straight answer.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we are going out for bid for the spring tree planting.  City Manager Cook stated that there is a section of Brookfield near the drainage, a 500 foot section that repair is needed.   The bulk of the road is in good condition, but there is approximately $65,000 repair proposed in next year’s budget.  Council Member Kopkowski stated that Mr. Fogarty was here at a previous meeting, and she did ask at another meeting that someone contact him.  She stated that we need some type of a system to follow up with citizens who attend the meetings to show that we are actually concerned about the citizen that comes to a meeting.  Mayor Doyle asked if Council Member Kopkowski would like to volunteer for that.  She indicated that if she can get the proper answer where she can call the citizen and follow up with them, she would be willing to do so.  Councilman Kivell stated that in this case Steve is the Department Head that is directly responsible, and it is not outrageous to ask him to contact that citizen.

 

The question was asked if we have gotten the streetsweeper back.  Superintendent Renwick stated that it is back and it is working.  Councilman Kivell stated that he would hope that if it goes down again at the end of the year, that we get it in for service at that time rather than wait until spring.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that the Council Comments section of the agenda was left off of this meeting’s agenda.

 

CM 4-4-06 – AMENDMENT TO THE AGENDA

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Kivell

 

     To amend the agenda by adding Council Comments to the end of the agenda

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. South Lyon Area Youth Assistance

    1. Presentation by the Director for South Lyon Area Youth Assistance

 

Mr. Thomas Mihalic, Chairperson of the South Lyon Youth Assistance, Bob Ziegler, Treasurer and Nancy Minkler, Caseworker were present representing the Youth Assistance.

 

Mr. Mihalic stated that the Youth Assistance is a viable diversion program and is funded by the City of South Lyon, Green Oak and Lyon Townships as well as the Probate Court to help the youth in our community.  He explained some of the programs offered by the Youth Assistance including homework center, Youth Recognition, Love and Logic class, camp, etc.

 

Mr. Bob Ziegler stated that they have been in the City of South Lyon for over 25 years.  They work on preventing juvenile delinquency.  All of their programs are aimed at keeping children out of trouble and giving them self-confidence.  He stated that the South Lyon Public Schools is one of their sponsors and supplies them with facilities in the Senior Center part of the high school and supplies them with telephone, computer and secretary.  Lyon Township also pays the same amount for sponsorship as the City.  Green Oak also contributes money to their program.  He discussed the Summer Enrichment program.  He stated that this is a six-week program.  Last year they had 172 children from 1-7th grade.  He further explained the program.  He stated that Oakland County is also a sponsor who has a program set up through the court system.

 

Ms. Nancy Minkler stated that she as well as a part-time caseworker do three types of counseling.  Truancy prevention is a program where they work with the family to identify what the obstacles are for that child getting to school on a regular basis so that we can avoid the next step, which would be referral to the prosecutor.  They also do a diversion action counseling.  Either the police or the intake division of the juvenile courts will look at an offense by a minor and try to keep the child out of court and getting a juvenile record.  They will set up some goals for the child along with community service or weekend bootcamp and/or restitution.  The third type of counseling is prevention counseling.  They work with kids from age 4-17 in a family format  trying to determine the causes of that family difficulty.  They do not do clinical or psychiatric work, but will help with referral.  They will not turn anyone away.  If a family comes in and it is not appropriate for their services, they will work with that family to find someone to help.

 

Mr. Ziegler stated that the Youth Assistance meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month as 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that they do a great job.  He asked how many kids have been helped through Youth Assistance.  Ms. Minkler stated that last year they saw 253 kids.  This year at the end of March, they have seen 84 new referrals.

 

Councilman Wedell stated that he had the opportunity to work for a juvenile court system that did not have a Youth Assistance Program.  Often, a file would come across his desk with the notation indicating that if they still had a Youth Assistance Program, this case would have been a good referral.  Once the program is not there, it is sorely missed by the Police Officers who are dealing with truancy and first time offenders where they know they could have an impact if they only had a place to go.

 

    1. Annual Agreement for 7/1/06 to 6/30/06

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the Youth Assistance is requesting a contribution of $13,000, and our support is money well spent.

 

CM 4-5-06 – APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH SOUTH LYON AREA YOUTH ASSISTANCE

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Wedell

 

     To approve the agreement between the South Lyon Area Youth Assistance Program and the City of

     South Lyon for a contribution of $13,000 for the period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Proclamation – National Community Development Week – 4/17-4/23

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the Community Development Program is a program put together through Oakland County and it is funds granted to local communities for use in low and moderate income areas.

 

CM 4-6-06 – PROCLAMATION – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK

 

    Motion by Doyle, supported by Morelli

 

WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has operated since 1974 to provide governments with the resources required to meet the needs of persons of low and moderate income, and CDBG funds are used by thousands of neighborhood based non-profit organizations throughout the nation to address community and human service needs; and

WHERAS, the Community Development Block Grant program has had a significant impact on our local economies through job creation and retention, capital improvements, public services, housing rehabilitation and improved local tax bases; and

 

WHEREAS, Oakland Count and other local governments have clearly demonstrated the capacity to administer and customize the CDBG program to identify, prioritize and resolve pressing local problems, such as affordable housing, neighborhood and human service needs, and infrastructure improvements;

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the city of South Lyon does hereby proclaim the week of April 17, 2006 through April 23, 2006 as Community Development Week in the City of South Lyon and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the Community Development Block Grant program and the importance it serves in our community.

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Set Public Hearing for Annual Budget – FY 2006-07 for May 22, 2006

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we need to set the public hearing for the upcoming annual budget so that those who care to can come and make comment.

 

CM 4-7-06 – PUBLIC HEARING – ANNUAL BUDGET

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To set the public hearing for the Annual budget for fiscal year 2006-07 for May 22, 2006

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked when we will have a workshop session.  City Manager Cook stated that this will be on the agenda for the next meeting.  He stated that usually that is held on the first Monday in May.  Council Member Kopkowski questioned if more than one meeting is needed.  City Manager Cook stated that it will be up to Council to determine.  Council Member Kopkowski stated that she would like to see one scheduled for April.  City Manager Cook stated that each Council Member has the availability to meet with him individually for explanations. 

 

  1. Proposed Amendment to the Budget, FY 2005-2006

 

City Manager Cook stated that we have authorized some engineering projects for our streets and water systems.  These were unbudgeted engineering costs.  We also have some carryover activities within the Capital Improvement Fund that were not completed in the last fiscal year so those have been adjusted. The prior Council authorized improvements for the Singh development with respect to lift station improvements and distribution improvements, which we would ultimately have to do.

 

Discussion was held on the funds being carried over.  City Manager Cook stated that there were some restoration issues, etc. left to do in the spring.  We did not expend the funds in the prior year so they will come forward.  Councilman Wedell questioned if there is any use of additional funds.  City Manager Cook stated that we are just updating the budget.

 

City Manager Cook stated that we are looking at the Sewer Treatment Plant because there was an extension of the completion date.  Substantial completion should have been November, but the contractor did not meet that.  We will have some updated numbers within the next few days.  We may have sufficient funds to cover it.

 

Councilman Morelli stated that in addition to the carryover funds, we are also talking additional funds for preliminary items.  City Manager Cook stated that we have added funds for the projects Council approved.  Once a project is approved, you basically authorize the budget to be amended.  You cannot approve a project if there is no money budgeted and then not amend the budget.  We are amending now for projects authorized in January.  The design work should be done and will not be reproduced for the next fiscal year.  The exception is the streetscape project, which will go on because we are not going into construction until March 2007 because the time it takes to review and the evaluation by MDOT. He further stated that he has made an adjustment because it appears that we under estimated the revenue for solid waste collection.  This is an off-set; we collect what we pay out.  He stated that the construction for Singh and Crest was not budgeted because it was a timing issue.  We had no idea of what schedule they would be on when they completed.  They now have completed that work and are asking for reimbursement.

 

Discussion was held on item 802-210 on page 45.  City Manager Cook stated that the description should be on 802-210, not 802-9.

 

Discussion was held on the utilities for the Wastewater Plant.  Councilman Kivell questioned how we could not forecast this better.  City Manager Cook stated that this is the cost of running the plant. We had no idea that it would escalate that much.  Superintendent Martin stated that we increased that budget by 15% coming into the fiscal year, but it is a totally different system.  We have gone from a hot water heat to gas-fired heat.  He stated that we had both DTE and Consumers out to the plant to do an audit and ensure we are not wasting anything.

 

Discussion was held on the overall budget for the Treatment Plant.  City Manager Cook stated that it is in line with what we started when we sold the bonds, but it is a different distribution.  Some of the engineering costs were slightly higher than what we budgeted, but more was budgeted for construction.  He stated that he will need to examine whether we are going to be in line with those items, if we are then it will not require an amendment, we will not be over.  The question was asked if there is any type of penalty for not completing the project on time.  City Manager Cook stated that there is no penalty that would apply.  Superintendent Martin stated that we had to be on line by October of 2005, we came on line in June-July 2005.  We are 99% done, closing out with some landscape work.  He stated that we had cost overruns of 1%.  The State of Michigan under SRF funding allows a 4% overrun without questioning it, and they are now raising that to 6%.  The 1% were owner controlled changes that we did not foresee until construction began.  The only thing left to do now is the punch list.

 

City Manager Cook stated that the original bond issue was $17,250,000.  The budget estimate was $16,500,000 with a contingency amount.  We are going to be well under that contingency amount but slightly over the $16,500,000.  We will get a new bond schedule for the duration because we do not know the final cost.

 

The question was asked when the punch list will be complete.  Superintendent Martin stated that it will take no longer than a month.

 

CM 4-8-06 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT – FY 2005-2006

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Maida

 

     To approve the budget amendment for fiscal year 2005-2006 as presented (see attached amendment

     as part of these minutes)

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Request to apply for use of a computerized tax roll – Resolution

 

City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that Public act 505 of 2002 requires application to the State for approval to use a computerized database as a tax roll.  Being that we are a user of the Oakland County BS&A Tax system, the County has agreed to apply on our behalf as well as the other communities that use their system.  The resolution is what the County is requesting to accomplish this.

 

The question was asked if the computer tax roll is currently being used.   Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we are currently using the County’s tax system and computerized tax roll.  The question was asked if there have been any concerns.  Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we have had a lot of success.  We switched to the new tax system in 2005, which is much easier and we are able to give our residents much clearer information, faster and more convenient. 

 

Discussion was held on the County Assessment system.  Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that the system is simplified in that there is a separate BS&A Assessment system that ties directly into the Tax system, interlinked and a lot less room for error.

 

 

Councilman Dryer stated that the resolution indicates that there is a “read only” terminal for public viewing and asked if we provide that terminal.  Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that we had a terminal available for the public for quite some time that was never used.  The information is available to anyone who walks in the door.  We did discontinue that separate terminal simply because we could use that system elsewhere, but the information is readily available.  The question was asked if information is available on any property in the City.  Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that it is, but further Oakland County’s website also provides a county-wide information look-up.

 

CM 4-9 -06 - RESOLUTION - COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF COMPUTERIZED TAX ROLL AND REQUEST FOR OAKLAND COUNTY TO APPLY FOR USE OF A COMPUTERIZED TAX ROLL

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Dryer

 

WHEREAS The General Property Tax Act (P.A. 206 of 1893 as amended by P.A. 112 of 1990, P.A. 415 of 1994 and P.A. 505 of 202), sets forth the conditions that must be met for the State Tax Commission to authorize the use of a computerized database as the tax roll; and

WHEREAS the State Tax Commission shall authorize the use of a computerized data base system as the tax roll if the local tax collecting unit or the county treasurer demonstrates that the proposed system has the capacity to enable a local unit to comply and the local unit complies with all of the following requirements:

(a)An original precollection tax roll shall be printed from the computerized data base and warranted by the assessor. That printed precollection tax roll shall be maintained by the assessor until the expiration of the redemption period provided in section 78k following the entry of a judgment foreclosing property forfeited for delinquent taxes under section 78g, or the resolution of all pending appeals, whichever is later.

(b) A separate computer printout of all parcel splits and combinations, including sufficient information to document the accuracy of the splits or combinations, shall be prepared and maintained by the assessor until the expiration of the redemption period provided in section 78k following the entry of a judgment foreclosing property forfeited for delinquent taxes under section 78g, or the resolution of all pending appeals, whichever is later.

(c) A separate computer printout of all corrections and adjustments to the precollection tax roll authorized by action of the board of review, state tax commission, or tax tribunal, including sufficient information to document the accuracy of all corrections and adjustments, shall be prepared and maintained by the assessor until the expiration of the redemption period provided in section 78k following the entry of a judgment foreclosing property forfeited for delinquent taxes under section 78g, or the resolution of all pending appeals, whichever is later.

(d) The local tax collecting treasurer and the assessor shall produce a final computer printed settlement tax roll to certify taxes collected.  The assessor shall certify that taxable values, state equalized valuations, adjusted valuations, and the spread of taxes and adjusted taxes are correctly recorded in the settlement tax roll. The local tax collecting treasurer shall certify delinquent taxes and certify that all tax collections are posted on the settlement tax roll. Those certifications and the settlement tax roll shall be transmitted to the county treasurer as required by Section 55 of the General Property Tax Act. The affidavit attached to the settlement tax roll shall include documentation that authorizes and reports all changes in the precollection tax roll.

(e) The treasurer of the local tax collecting unit shall prepare and maintain a journal of the collections totaled and reconciled to the amount of actual collections daily.

(f) A payment of the tax shall be posted to the computerized data base system using a transaction or receipt number with the date of payment. A posting on the computerized data base system is considered the entry of the fact and date of payment in an indelible manner on the tax roll as required by section 46(2).

(g) The computerized data base system has internal and external security procedures sufficient to assure the integrity of the system.

(h) The local tax collecting unit is capable of making available a posted computer printed tax roll at any time.

(i) The computerized data base system has a “Read Only” Terminal or other procedure for public viewing of the posted tax roll.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of South Lyon complies with all of the requirements of the State Tax Commission, including those listed above, for use of a computerized database as the tax roll.

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of South Lyon authorizes the Oakland County Treasurer to request on our behalf, approval from the State Tax Commission to use a computerized database as the tax roll.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be provided to the Oakland County Treasurer.

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. City-wide Garage Sale & Spring Clean-up

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the City-wide garage sale is scheduled for April 29th and 30th.  It was stated that Council needs to waive the permit fees for those two days.

 

CM 4-10-06 – WAIVER OF GARAGE SALE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

  

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To waive the garage sale permit requirement for the city-wide garage sale on April 29th & 30th, 2006

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Council Member Maida asked that Council also waive the sign ordinance for garage sale signs as well.  Attorney Lee stated that garage sale signs can be put out on private property under our current ordinance. Mayor Doyle stated that most people know that this weekend will be the city-wide sale.  Councilman Kivell stated that if you were in some remote location, they would not have any place to put their signs.

 

Attorney Lee stated that if tickets are written, you can grant absolution after the fact.  It was stated that the Police Department will simply pull the signs.

 

Chief Collins stated that this would also create another issue.  If you suspend the ordinance that applies just for garage sales, then we have the issue of real estate signs, etc.  Attorney Lee stated that he would be reluctant to waive the safeguards for the City.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she would like to see the City enforce the garage sale signs that are left out for days at a time whether on private property or not.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that spring clean-up will be held on May 1st.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that you can put anything out for pick up with the exception of car parts, building materials, or cement.

 

The question was asked if paint will be taken.  City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that they will take latex paint only if it is dried out.  We do have a number of household hazardous waste days scheduled throughout the year, which can be found on the City’s website.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we are now in 2006, and we have an opportunity to initiate a mid-decade census. We did this back in 1996.  State Revenue Sharing is based on census figures, and we could pick up some additional funds.  Also, for every 1,500 people, we get a liquor license.  It is not free.  City Manager Cook stated that the cost could be around $25,000.  He stated that we are keeping track of the data as far as number of houses built and occupied.  However, we need to get an idea of how many people moved into the City since April 1, 2000.  We would have to be able to demonstrate a 15%+ gain in population.  If you cannot determine that, then it is useless.

 

Discussion was held on household size.  City Manager Cook sated that what we found out in 1996 is that it is very difficult to get people to give you information.  We do not ask for names, but simply the number of people at the address, but it was still very difficult.  The other issue is that the State is having financial problems.  It is a separate appropriation.  It is not automatic that if you gain 15% they pay you the increase per capita.  It has to be a special appropriation to those cities that do a mid-decade census.    He stated

 

 

that we have until June 30, 2007 to complete the census count.  Our legislators cannot tell us at this point whether they will cover that extra amount because if they do it for one community, they have to cover it for everyone who would do that.

 

Discussion was on using the Certificates of occupancies issued.  City Manager Cook stated that the average household size was 2.43 in 2000.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we do not have to make a decision on this right now, but rather think about it.  It was stated that we do have 15 months to accomplish this. 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that we have an update on the Easter Egg Hunt.  Phil Weipert stated that it will be this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Volunteer Park.  The Kiwanis, South Lyon Firefighter’s Association and the Lyon Township Firefighters will be sponsoring the hunt.

 

Council Member Maida stated that she has heard a lot of parents complaining about the condition of the soccer fields at Volunteer Park.  Superintendent Renwick stated that it is getting used so much that unless we shut fields down and let them recuperate, the fields are going to be in the same condition as they are now.  We fertilize and do what we can, but every night there is something go on there.

 

Councilman Kivell asked if we contacted anyone regarding the most hardy sod or seed.  Superintendent Renwick stated that he does not know if that was done at the time.  The company that initially installed it did a number of schools and larger projects and used the same material.  City Manager Cook stated that years ago, we fenced in the field because we had ATVs going out there are tearing it up.

 

The question was asked if these fields are getting sprinklered.  Superintendent Renwick stated that they are going to be in operation again this year.  He stated that they use a generator from the Water Department.

 

Councilman Morelli stated that after the last meeting, a few of his neighbors were discussing Millennium Digital.  The question was asked if they are paying more for cable because the City wants to protect their franchise agreement.  They are seeing the information from AT&T on television.  He asked if the franchise fee is based on subscription.  City Manager Cook stated that he has provided the information on the franchise fee recently received.  He stated that this number is slightly less because we have not received the Head-end lease from the property at the DPW facility.  It is based on subscription.

 

Discussion was held on the number of dishes that are being used now by residents.  Discussion was held on the need for competition in order to drive down prices.  City Manager Cook stated that another company is not going to come in because it is not cost effective for other companies to come in and duplicate lines.  It was stated that if we were to evacuate taking this money, the resident would not see any reduction in their bill, the company would enrich themselves.  Attorney Lee stated that AT&T is welcome to come in if they were to pay the franchise fee and compete on a fair basis.

 

Councilman Dryer questioned the need to move the fence along the parking lot for McHattie Park to incorporate the land given to the City by Michigan Seamless.  City Manager Cook discussed liability.  The fence will incorporate what they gave us.  We need to segregate our property and control it so it is clear.

 

Council Member Maida asked Chief Collins the tentative date for the next Citizens’ Police Academy.  Chief Collins stated that it will be September or October, but we do not have a set date.

 

Council Member Kivell stated that at our last joint meeting, Sergeant Crockett indicated that if we were interested in getting pricing for Oakland County Sheriff performing functions for the City, we would have to make a formal resolution.  He stated that he feels that it is in our best interest to get that information so that we can make a real comparison.  Councilman Morelli stated that although he would probably not be in favor of switching to the County, he would be curious to know how much it would cost.  Attorney Lee suggested getting a copy of that resolution.  The last resolution that he saw carried a commitment to go forward.  The City of Clawson ended up with about $250,000 in attorney fees as a result of a lawsuit with their police union who read the resolution as a violation of their contract.

 

 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the City used to provide police services to the Township and Milford did as well.  They left to go to the County in the early 1980s.  Attorney Lee stated that at that time, they objected to a $50,000 increase, and then went and spent $150,000 more for the County.

 

Mayor Doyle stated that the question was asked many times as to their response times.  He stated that they actually have a response time of 15 minutes to ½ hour.  Further discussion was held on the shared police issue.  Mayor Doyle stated that these are some very large issues, maybe we should take a step back and look at something smaller and other ways to work together.

 

CM 4-11-06 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Wedell

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

VOTE:                                                                                      MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

______________________________                                    _______________________________

John Doyle, Jr.                                                 Julie C. Zemke

Mayor                                                                          City Clerk/Treasurer