Corrected
CITY OF SOUTH LYON
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 8, 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 Hill
City Clerk/Treasurer Zemke
Department Heads: Collins, Martin & Renwick
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
Councilman
Wedell stated that on page 2 of the minutes, the proclamation indicates that he
both moved and seconded the motion. Clerk/Treasurer
Zemke stated that it should reflect that Councilman Morelli seconded that
motion.
CM
5-1-06- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 24, 2006
Motion by Morelli, supported by Wedell
To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 24, 2006 as
amended
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF MONTHLY BILLS:
Discussion
was held on various bills. It was
stated that there appears to be two payments made to the Chamber of Commerce for
the Awards banquet. City
Clerk/Treasurer Zemke stated that she would look into it and report back to
Council
The
question was asked regarding the flowers for Parvin Lee.
Mayor Doyle stated that Parvin Lee’s son passed away recently and
expressed condolences to the family.
The
question was asked regarding the payment to the City of Novi for Dispatch
services. Chief Collins stated that
this is a quarterly payment.
The
question was asked regarding the payments to LaSalle Bank.
City Manager Cook stated that these are our bond payments, which are paid
semi-annually.
CM
5-2-06- APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS
Motion by Wedell, supported by Maida
To approve the monthly bills as presented
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
Councilman
Wedell stated that Old Business 2c should reflect that this would be the first
reading of that amendment as it had been tabled at the last meeting.
CM
5-3-06 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Wedell, supported by Dryer
To approve the agenda as amended
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITIZENS
SUGGESTIONS: None
OLD
BUSINESS:
LCC Resolution for
issuance of a Liquor License
Mayor
Doyle stated that at the last meeting Council reviewed the application for a
liquor license and requested that the City Attorney draft a resolution approving
the license. It was also requested
that additional information be provided by the applicant.
Mr.
Don Waldenmayer of 134 E. Lake Street stated that he has provided an update of
the plans and layout of the building. He
stated that he has talked with the Historical Commission who will be helping by
providing some pictures as well as color and fascade design.
They started work on the building last Monday and expect to be done with
the demolition by the end of next week and will start on the structure.
They have found some interesting things in the building including a
hardwood ceiling and brick fascade that has been covered up over the years.
The first section of the building is very sound, but the other two
sections will probably have to go down to the foundation.
Councilman
Dryer asked if the expectation is still to be done with construction this year.
Mr. Waldenmayer stated that they do plan on October.
Discussion
was held on the bar area. Mr.
Waldenmayer stated that the bar area will be very small.
It will be a non-smoking business and plan to focus on the restaurant.
Discussion
was held on the entrances to both buildings. Mr. Waldenmayer stated that the
entrance to the theatre is altered. There
will be a stairwell inside for egress out of the other building.
There will also be an elevator that will go to the second floor.
Council
Member Kopkowski asked if they have determined the use for the second floor.
Mr. Waldenmayer stated that more than likely it will be office.
The Kumon Center has indicated that they wanted it, but they do not have
a lease from them yet. Also, Mr.
Coffey would like to move his offices into the space.
They will have to use 80% of the space for their business according to
the SBA.
Discussion
was held on the basement. Mr.
Waldenmayer stated that the footings are already done.
They will only have to go down about five feet for the basement because
of the drop in grade.
Councilman
Kivell stated that he would like to have had more time to review the plans.
Further, he stated that he was not aware that the resolution would be in
the submission of the license stage. He
thought that it was a resolution indicating that we would not submit the license
for issuance until they fulfill Council’s requirements.
He stated that we would be relying on the Liquor Commission to verify
that they have done what Council has asked.
Mr. Waldenmayer stated that the City would have to approve the building
and issue a Certificate of Occupancy before the Liquor Control will issue the
license. Also, there is an issue of
trust. He has been in business in
this town for over five years and would like to think they have won over the
trust of the City. They intend to
follow through on everything. Councilman
Kivell stated that he is concerned that if anything happens to either of the
applicants, the license could be tied up in legalities.
He stated that he does feel comfortable that they would fulfill, but we
have to protect the interests of the City.
Councilman
Wedell stated that Council asked the Attorney’s office to draft this
resolution and they have done exactly what was asked and does not see any reason
to delay.
Council
Member Kopkowski stated that it was her understanding that the Liquor Control
does not like a lot of detail in the resolution. City Manager Cook stated that they have accepted our
contingencies in the past. He
further stated that if some catastrophic event occurred, it was suggested that
the 18-month period be taken back to 12 months so that the period of time in
which we are dealing with this is shorter.
Based on the construction schedule, Mr. Waldenmayer did not have a
problem with that. In the event
that there is a delay, as long as he is moving forward, he could come back and
ask for an extension. Further
discussion was held on the time period.
Councilman
Dryer stated that he is very much in support of this request and feels that this
is a very full and complete use of the license. He is excited about the plans and Mr. Waldenmayer’s history
with this town has been wonderful. The
whole town appreciates what he has done downtown.
In going along with Mr. Kivell, he does feel that a 12-month approval is
appropriate, and if there is any problem during construction, he does not see
any reason why Council would not approve an extension.
Mr. Waldenmayer stated that he does not have a problem with the 12-month
period. He stated that the last
time, he needed the 18 months because he did not have all of the funding.
This time he already has 100% of the funding.
The
question was asked if plans have been submitted to City hall.
Mr. Waldenmayer stated that the only plans he has submitted so far are
the demolition plans. The next step will be the foundation and structural plans
which will be submitted by the end of next week.
Then a complete set will be very soon after that.
CM
5-4-06 – LIQUOR LICENSE – WALDENMAYER AND COFFEY, LLC
Motion by Morelli, supported by Kivell
That the request from Waldenmayer and Coffey, LLC to obtain a Liquor
License for 134 E. Lake Street be considered for approval above all others
contingent upon all permits being obtained, issued, approved and consistent with
approvals obtained from Oakland County Economic Development Authority and that
the applicant will obtain a Certificate of Occupancy within twelve (12) months
from the date of this resolution
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Ordinance Amendment to
Chapter 102
Mayor
Doyle stated that we had the first reading of Amendments to Chapter 102 Sections
102-131 (g) and Section 102-308 with the third amendment tabled for further
review.
Sections 102-131 (g)
– Second Reading
Councilman
Dryer stated that the main purpose of this amendment is to ensure that site plan
approval is only good for one year.
CM
5-5-06 – SECOND READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 102 – SECTION 102-131 (g)
Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli
That this be the second reading and adoption of an amendment to Chapter
102, Section 102-131 (g)
(see attached amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Sections 102-308 –
Second Reading
Councilman
Dryer stated that this will allow the building inspector to make some generic
approvals on some issues rather than having to go to the Planning Commission.
CM
5-6-06 – SECOND READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 102 – SECTION 102-308
Motion by Maida, supported by Wedell
That this be the second reading and adoption of an amendment to Chapter
102, Section 102-308 (see
attached amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED (1 opposed)
Section 102-391/392
– First Reading
Attorney
Hill stated that after the last meeting, they reviewed the document and made
some additional changes for clarification.
She reviewed the changes. She
stated that the zoning map will revert automatically back from PD once it has
expired.
CM
5-7-06 –FIRST READING – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 102 – SECTION 102-391/392
Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli
That this be the first reading of an amendment to
Chapter 102, Section 102-391/392
(see attached amendment as part of these minutes)
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Rezoning Request – 40
Acres on N. Mill Street from IRO to RM-2 by Fairview Builders
Mr.
Tim Story of Professional Engineering in Troy and Mr. Chuck Howard of Thomas
Duke Company in Farmington Hills were present representing the applicant.
Councilman
Kivell stated that this is a rezoning and none of the documents that they are
presenting have any legal merit. We
could not uphold anything they may present.
Mayor
Doyle stated that the applicant has met with the Planning Commission.
He stated that he would like to see a general overview.
Mr.
Story stated that they are requesting that the 40 acre Industrial Research
Office parcel be rezoned to RM-2, multi-family.
He presented a conceptual plan for a mixed density residential
development. He stated that this is
a good candidate for residential development.
The site is surrounded by residential to the north, east and south and
the school to the west. There is just a small portion that abuts other
industrial.
Mr.
Howard stated that at one time there was a viable railroad that abuts the
property and now it is a trail. Therefore,
the State recognizes that it is not feasible for industrial or research use any
longer. Councilman Dryer asked how
the State has recognized that. Mr.
Howard stated that since there is no longer a railroad there, it is a good
representation that there is not a need for industrial.
He stated that he was drawing an analysis.
Mr. Howard stated that most of the industrial corridor is along the
highway. It is hard to get into this site. He stated that it is 4.5 miles from the Kent Lake exit and
discussed a semi going through downtown.
Discussion
was held on the uses within the IRO. Mr.
Howard stated that as a representative of the seller, they are not getting any
calls for industrial or offices, just residential.
He discussed the surrounding area. He
stated that after being turned down by the Planning Commission, a few members of
the Commission pulled him aside and indicated that they were planning on
changing that to residential within the next two years.
Mayor
Doyle asked if the applicants are aware of the history of the parcel.
Mr. Howard stated that he knows that the current owners have been trying
to sell it for the past five years. Mr.
Story stated that he is aware of the previous lawsuit that occurred that went to
the Supreme Court when they were trying to
change
the zoning to residential. He
further stated that he is aware that the judgment was in favor of the City.
Mr. Story presented a conceptual plan for the site if developed research
office, which included a large building surrounded by parking.
He discussed connections to the trail system.
Councilman Kivell stated that if the owners of the property are trying to
market the property with one large building, then he can see why there is no
action. He stated that he does not
think that anyone imagined that it would end up being one entity assuming the
entire property, but rather smaller companies with smaller buildings, which
would not preclude people from the neighborhoods from walking through.
Councilman
Kivell stated that Mill Street is an industrial lane with all the properties
leading up to this parcel being industrial.
He stated that it is the industrial corridor of the City, which is the
reason we were able to prevail last time. At that time less restrictive
industrial could take place while still protecting the local residents around
the perimeter. It is now much more
restrictive as the IRO, but we have still been successful.
The owner of that property thought he could make more money and
maximize his return by having it residential.
He found that he was having a more difficult time moving it than he
thought. The property owner
thought he could maximize his return on the property by having the zoning as
industrial, and when the property did not move, he decided he could get rid of
it faster as residential. We have
to consider diversifying our tax base and hope that the right client will
approach the owner and that is what we maintain to this day.
The Planning Commission will be reviewing the Master Plan in the next 1-2
years and he feels that it is unlikely that it will change.
He stated that he wanted to give a history of that property as well as
the history of the decisions of the City Council.
The Master Plan “drives the bus” and gives us legal protection, and
that is why we have been able to succeed.
Mr.
Story discussed the current economic outlook affecting the use of this property
for industrial, research office. Councilman
Kivell stated that you could put houses here very successfully, but Council’s
decision has been to look at it to diversify our tax base and have an industrial
or similar use at this location. Councilman
Dryer stated that we need to look beyond the particular site, but at the entire
community. Councilman Morelli
stated that we also have to look beyond the current economic conditions, 10-20
years down the road.
CM
5-8-06 – REQUEST TO REZONE 40 ACRES – N. MILL STREET
Motion by Morelli, supported by Kopkowski
To deny the request to rezone 40 acres on N. Mill Street from IRO to RM2
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Joint City/Township
Meeting – Meeting date
Mayor
Doyle stated that the joint meeting is set for Thursday May 18th at
7:00 p.m. at the Lyon Township Hall.
NEW
BUSINESS:
Resolution
authorizing mid-decade census
Mayor
Doyle stated that we talked about this briefly at the last meeting.
We have the opportunity to authorize a mid-decade census.
City Manager Cook stated that it has to be started before April 30, 2007
and completed by June 30, 2007. We
originally intended to start this in May of this year in an attempt to get it on
the books by June for certification this year.
They are making appropriations. They
have changed the rules slightly. It
was 15% in 1996 and they have reduced that threshold to 10% increase.
There is no way to determine the average size of household, but our
suspicion is that the newer homes are larger families.
There is no guarantee that we will meet the threshold.
The cost will be $10-15,000. There
is training involved and we will have to get 10-12 enumerators. He stated that
he feels that it is in our best interest to move forward. In 1996, we paid $12,000 and we gained revenue close to
$900,000.
Councilman
Maida asked where the funds would come from.
City Manager Cook stated that we would use general fund.
This is not a budgeted item, and if it causes an overrun, we will have to
amend the budget.
Council
Member Kopkowski stated that she is concerned about the rental areas throughout
town. These places are suffering
with rentals being down. She asked
before Council makes this decision, if we could find out from the developments
how many units are leased. City
Manager Cook stated that it is difficult to get that information together.
If we find out that we are not going to make it, we can stop the process.
Discussion
was held on estimated outcome. City
Manager Cook stated that we have not gotten smaller, we have gotten larger.
All the estimates he has seen puts us over 11,000.
Discussion
was held on vacant homes and foreclosures.
Discussion
was held on people’s hesitation to give information to the enumerators.
City Manager Cook stated that all we require are the names of the people
in the household. We do not seek
any other information. Discussion
was held on advertisement informing people, ie: newspaper, postcards, etc.
City
Manager Cook stated that he has talked with our State Representative who
indicates that amending the appropriation later would not be a problem if we can
get the count in. The question was
asked how many new homes we have now versus the last census.
City Manager Cook stated that we have had 643 new occupancy permits
issued.
CM
5-9-06 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MID-DECADE CENSUS
The following resolution was offered by__Morelli__ and
Supported by_Dryer
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Secretary of State of
the State of Michigan be requested forthwith to appoint enumerators to enumerate
the inhabitants of the City of South Lyon at the expense of the City in
accordance with Section 7, P.A. 245 of 1975 as amended and Section 117.6 of P.A.
279 of 1909, said census to be for the purpose of determining the population of
the City of South Lyon so that this information may be utilized for the purpose
of making distributions of supplemental funds when permitted by the provisions
of this act.
Memorial Day Parade –
May 29, 2006 – 10-11 a.m.
Chief
Collins stated that this is the same proposal that has been used every year.
Therefore he recommends approval of the parade and related road closures.
Motion by Maida, supported by Kopkowski
Resolved that Julie Zemke, City Clerk/Treasurer is hereby authorized make
application to the Road Commission for Oakland County on behalf of the City of
South Lyon in the County of Oakland, Michigan for the necessary permits to
conduct the South Lyon Memorial Day Parade on May 29, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. and the
related street closures:
·
Warren Street, Second Street 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
And
that the City of South Lyon in the County of Oakland, Michigan will faithfully
fulfill all permit requirements, and shall save harmless, indemnify, defend and
represent the Board against any and all claims for bodily injury or property
damage, or any other claim arising out of or related to operations authorized by
such permits as issued.
VOTE:
MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Laundry Machine –
Fire Department - $7,495 – Universal Laundry Machine
City
Manager Cook stated that this is a budgeted item to clean their gear rather than
sending it out for cleaning. In the
long run it will save money. Council
Member Maida stated that she understands that they have been going to Lyon and
Green Oak to use their equipment.
Discussion
was held on the special equipment needed so as not to affect the fire retardant
material.
CM
5-11-06 – APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF LAUNDRY MACHINE
Motion by Maida, supported by Wedell
To authorize the purchase of an industrial washer/extractor from
Universal Laundry Machinery at a cost
of $7,495
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL
COMMENTS:
Councilman
Morelli asked where we are in reviewing engineering services.
City Manager Cook stated that he is getting some information for the RFP.
Councilman
Morelli stated that the budget workshop went very well and asked where do we go
from here. City Manager Cook stated
that we have advertised for the public hearing. We will make some changes in the revenues based on estimates,
get it ready for the public hearing and ask for adoption at that meeting.
Councilman Morelli questioned what happens with any recommendations,
which might stem from the public hearing as well as the suggestions from
Council. City Manager Cook stated
that he does not know what kind of recommendations we are talking about.
Council Member Kopkowski stated that it might be a good idea to have
another workshop where Council can voice some of their recommendations.
City Manager Cook stated that nobody brought up any recommendations at
the last meeting. If there were
recommendations, they should have been brought forth at that point.
City
Manager Cook stated that if Council has any suggestions, please give them to him
so that we have an opportunity to look at them.
Councilman
Kivell stated that the last meeting was a “get your feet wet” meeting to get
a better feel of the process. Now
people feel more informed. Councilman
Kopkowski stated that meeting was a questions workshop and now we need a
recommendations workshop. Mayor Doyle stated that at that meeting we had
discussed that if anyone had any recommendations or individual questions, they
would address them to the City Manager. He
further stated that there is a time element as well.
Discussion was held on timing for adoption.
Councilman
Morelli stated that as a group, Council could come up with one sheet of
agreeable recommendations and give them to the City Manager.
He stated that at this point we do not know what the other members are
thinking. City Manager Cook stated
that it is up to Council to decide if they want to set up a meeting and bring
forth some items. He stated that he would assume that we are talking about
capital improvement projects or expenditure ideas.
Councilman
Kivell stated that in complying with the Open Meetings Act, Council cannot have
discussions with each other even though we are not gathered at one meeting.
Emailing would result in the same. Therefore,
having an open forum makes the most sense.
Council Member Kopkowski stated that we would achieve the
“brainstorming” aspect and it would be good if they all agreed on a group of
changes and suggestions.
Councilman
Morelli stated that he is looking at the financial stability of the City and is
not here to micromanage the budget. But,
he would like to sit down as a group and discuss how we can get to certain
numbers and come up with a directive or give the City Manager a chance to say
yes we can or no we cannot.
Mayor
Doyle stated that we have an obligation by Charter to adopt a budget prior to
the end of the fiscal year. He
stated that as far as suggestions, they should have been made by now.
The questions as far as the process are two separate issues.
He stated that he makes suggestions to the City Manager and all of
Council has an obligation to do that as well.
He stated that right now we have a budget that would balance and is
adoptable as it is right now.
Discussion
was held on the fund balance. Councilman
Kivell asked if we are at the right amount or does it need to be increased or
diminished.
City
Manager Cook stated that there were comments made in regards to fund balance at
the budget meeting. However, he did
not understand that there was an immediate issue, but to come up with some
future plan to preserve it. Using
fund balance as a planned expenditure is not abnormal given the funds we have,
and we are not prejudicing our financial position because we are using
$25-150,000. The way he interpreted
the comment was that for the future Council would come up with a plan to control
that. Councilman Wedell stated that
was exactly what he had said so that we do not get into a habit of living off of
fund balance and so that we can preserve that.
Council
Member Kopkowski stated that she is disappointed about the comment about running
out of time. This was presented at a meeting by her in April because as they are
constantly reminded there are new people on Council, and they needed that time.
She feels that they should take as much time as they want and stay within
the parameters. Councilman Morelli stated that the City Manager did indicate
that typically the workshop is the first meeting in May, and that was only last
week. He stated that he has
suggestion he would like to share with everyone, but when is the appropriate
time to do that and if another meeting is the right time, then we need to
schedule one. Mayor Doyle stated
that he is not in support of an additional meeting because he thought we had
gone through the exercise. He
stated that he can respect that this is a new process, but he is very
comfortable with what has been put together.
He has made his suggestions to the City Manager, some may be included,
some may not. It is the City
Manager’s job to funnel all of these issues and go out to the department heads
to find out whether it works or not.
Councilman
Wedell stated that it appears as though there are still members of Council that
have suggestions to make, maybe they should forward those on to the City Manager
so that he can review them before the public hearing.
We cannot deliberate them if he does not know about them.
Councilman Kivell stated that he still feels that it is a better idea to
have people that want to gather together and talk the thing through to see if it
may elicit other ideas. Councilman
Dryer stated that he feels that any suggestions could be made at the second
meeting in May.
City
Manager Cook stated that we deal with the budget for 12 months so things can be
incorporated even after the budget is adopted and modifications can be made.
He further stated that the Charter does require that the budget be
adopted by the fourth Monday in May. State
Law says you have to adopt the budget before the end of the fiscal year or you
are in non-compliance. And under
the Local Budget Act of 1978 if you do not adopt a budget you automatically go
to 1/12 of the prior year budget.
Councilman
Dryer stated that he cannot be in attendance on May 22nd.
He further stated that if we are going to add another meeting, we should
consider pushing back the Lyon Township meeting because that is secondary to the
budget. Councilman Kivell stated
that Councilman Dryer would not be attending either, therefore those who would
be attending should decide. Councilman
Dryer stated that if another budget meeting is scheduled, he may be able to
attend or he would submit his comments prior to that meeting.
Discussion was held on possible dates and availability of Council
Members.
City
Manager Cook stated that he would like to know what we are talking about, what
changes. If we are talking about
operating, he has heard no questions relative to the balanced budget submitted.
He would suppose then that we are talking about capital improvements.
Councilman
Morelli stated that he has ideas, recommendations and possible goals.
He stated that currently we have .12 mills going toward Land Acquisition,
and his recommendation is that it stays there and does not become any less. Likewise,
the 2 mills for Capital Improvements should not become any less.
The fund balance should grow by at least the interest it earns and does
not go down. The Water and
Wastewater Departments should stand on their own with revenues and expenditures.
He stated that he would like to see GPS cameras in all patrol cars and
computers that track and stores that information so that we know where the cars
are and how long they are sitting car to car talking.
There are a lot of eyes around town.
He would like to be able to turn those cameras on from the station so we
can see where they are. He would
like to know if it is feasible to have one less officer per shift and that the
savings could help with a new station. He
would like to see us work with our neighbors for a joint fire department because
he feels that the volunteer fire department will break us in the long run with
duplication of equipment as evident with the purchase of the washer this
evening. Everyone is going to have
one
instead
of one for everyone to use. He
would like to see the total mills go from 13.75 to 13.5 for a reduction of
$99,100 or 1.84% of the revenues. He
stated that he does not think that these are unrealistic goals. He would like Rod to see if those goals can be met.
City
Manager Cook stated that there is no way to guarantee that the fund balance will
not go down. He stated that many
communities are going to fund balance because they have no other option.
We are not in that position. If
we are advocating cutting our operating expenses with our level of income and
our fund balance, we are doing something that is not appropriate.
He stated that he suggested at the last budget meeting that the .12 mills
does not need to be there, we do not use it anymore.
All we are doing is building an account.
If you are going to make cuts, you need to go right to capital
improvements. There are 2 mills
there and .12 mills, which could reduce the budget without sacrificing our
operational activities. Councilman
Morelli stated that the question is within the operational activities, can the
belt be tightened.
City
Manager Cook stated that we amend the budget 4-5 times each fiscal year because
we take advantage of opportunities that may be relevant or we have higher
activity levels for emergency services that we cannot control and those issues
need to be addressed. You just
cannot say we are not going to respond to a call because we have no money; we
are obligated to do all of that. Councilman
Morelli stated that when emergency issues come up, that is what fund balance is
for. He stated that these are just
his ideas, everyone else probably has their own.
He just did not know where in the budget process this takes place.
City
Manager Cook stated that with the new members, you cannot come in and deal with
these issues in such a short time period. He
stated that if you want to learn about budget, there are classes.
You cannot gain all of the information in a short time frame.
He stated that we went 15 years without spending fund balance, and we
built on that. Some years we have
used fund balance and acquired property because the fund balance was at a level
that we felt we needed to bring it down, and that is what he is doing to bring
it down to a more manageable level. It
is a revenue source that we can use in times when economics are not healthy in
the State of Michigan. The budget
right now, based on the monies we have, we may use approximately $73,000 in fund
balance. If we tighten our belts,
we may not use that fund balance, but we have no way to predict that.
This is something that has not been discussed and should have been
brought forth. He stated that he
had offered to meet with each member individually.
He did have a couple people come in, the balance never took place.
The information was never relayed to him and puts him at a disadvantage
to answer the questions. He stated
that some may have suggestions relating to capital improvement. We have a fairly decent size capital expenditure.
We could have a bigger one, sell bonds do it all and make an annual
payment for the next 10-15 years.
Councilman
Morelli asked for explanation on how the process of selling bonds works.
City Manager Cook stated that you have to have the funds internally to
pay the annual debt. If you have a $5 million project, 2 mills would cover it for
15 years. He stated that you are
essentially borrowing over a set period, much like we did for the treatment
plant. He further explained the
process and affects of the growth on the millage.
Discussion
was held on potential growth of the City. City
Manager Cook stated that we still have a number of developments.
Councilman Morelli stated that we can see the end is near with build out
in 5-8 years. City Manager Cook
stated that is not immediate. We
are not close to being built out and we do have additional land within the City
that can be developed, and that will last another 10 years so the consequences
of having premature loss of funds is not going to happen.
We are in a healthy enough financial position, unless the decisions are
so badly made, and there are examples of that happening here in southeast
Michigan.
City
Manager Cook stated that this is supposed to be Council Comments and we have
gotten into a subject as if it were an item on the agenda.
He stated that if Council wishes to have a budget meeting, then one needs
to be set.
CM
5-12-06 – SCHEDULE SPECIAL MEETING – BUDGET WORKSHOP
Motion by Maida, supported by Kivell
To schedule a special City Council meeting for a budget workshop on
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at
7:00 p.m.
Council
Member Kopkowski stated that she sees some defense from the City Manager, but
she does not see the comments being made as an attempt to micromanage the
budget. City Manager Cook stated
that he is attempting to answer the questions being brought up.
He stated that we had a process when this started and he needs the
information whether given collectively as a group or individually that would go
towards the building of the budget for adoption and that has not happened.
The question was asked when that was supposed to happen.
City Manager Cook stated that he made an offer back in April to meet
individually with any member of Council at the time they chose and deal with
these issues, and he has only met with two and nobody made any suggestion and
that was the time.
VOTE:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mayor
Doyle asked that any questions or issues that Council Members would like brought
up should be submitted within the next three days to the City Manager so that he
has time to respond. The consensus
of Council was this was a reasonable time from in which to do so.
Mayor
Doyle stated something that comes up every year is the Homecoming Parade.
He stated that he would like to see that come through downtown.
It used to be that way, and he understands that it could be a traffic
nightmare, but it is an important event for the high school seniors.
Councilman Morelli suggested a route and possible traffic detour.
Chief Collins stated that for the Pumpkinfest Parade, they use every
single officer and crossing guards along with barricades, and it is everything
they can do to close Pontiac Trail. If
you add to that a detour and expect to have officers directing traffic, there
simply is not the people. Mayor
Doyle stated that maybe the answer is - no it cannot be done, but he would like
Chief Collins to look at it.
Council
Member Kopkowski asked how many Police Officers have certification for the
motorcycles. Chief Collins stated
that he is not certain, but it is approximately six.
Council
Member Kopkowski asked if we are going to have flowers in downtown.
City Manager Cook stated that there is no place to put planters.
We have trees and lights and there would be no room for car doors to
open. He stated that he does not
think that the DDA is interested in having barrels.
Discussion was held on the concrete planters. Council Member Kopkowski asked if we could hang baskets from
our lights. Councilman Kivell
stated that baskets are very pretty, but very high maintenance. Council Member Kopkowski asked if we have a watering truck.
Superintendent Renwick stated that we do.
Councilman Kivell stated that even when we had bigger planters, making
sure they stayed moist was challenging.
Discussion
was held on the Beautification Committee that no longer exists.
City Manager Cook stated that we have been trying to start one for two
years. Council Member Kopkowski
stated that she has had people express an interest.
City Manager Cook stated that they need to contact City Hall.
We would need 10-11 people to make it an effective Committee.
Councilman
Kivell stated that he would like to invite the Planning Commission to attend a
Council meeting. There are new people on Council as well as the Planning
Commission and would like to have a group get together.
According to MML, it is inappropriate for Council Members to attend their
meetings.
Councilman
Kivell stated that there was a broken tree on Ten Mile by the Bistro and asked
what happened. Superintendent
Renwick stated that it will be replaced by Consumers as well as repair of the
bricksacpe by the middle of this month.
Mayor Doyle stated that in the packet was the results of the city-wide survey. He stated that 700 were sent out and 202 responded. He reviewed some of the results. Councilman Kivell discussed the question regarding improving the City. He stated that some of the responses involved removing buildings downtown an