CITY OF SOUTH LYON

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JULY 24, 2006

 

Mayor Doyle called the meeting to order at 7:33 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: Martin

ABSENT:            City Manager Cook

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:   

 

Council Member Maida stated that she should be reflected as being absent.

 

Councilman Wedell stated that on page 2 the first full paragraph and page 8 the last paragraph, it is reflected that Councilman Morelli made those comments, but actually those comments were made by him.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that on page 6, it indicates that the Beautification Committee made a request for the restrooms, actually it was Parks and Recreation.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that on page 3 relating to the Special Assessment District, it indicates Calloway, and actually it should be Holloway Construction.  Also on page 3, it indicates that the suggestion was made to widen the road, actually it should be narrowing.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that on page 4, it should reflect that only the damaged curbs would be replaced.  Also on that page, it reflects Rick Towns and it should be Fred Thomas.  Finally, on page 6 it indicates problems with sewers and actually it should be storms.

 

CM 7-1-06- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 10, 2006

 

     Motion by Dryer, supported by Kopkowski

                       

     To approve the minutes of regular meeting of July 10, 2006 as amended

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

CM 7-2-06 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

      Motion by Wedell, supported by Maida

 

      To approve the agenda as presented

 

Councilman Dryer stated that Old Business #2 reflects an Ordinance to Prohibit skate boarding on public property.  He stated that we are talking about regulating skateboarding, not prohibiting.

 

Councilman Wedell amended his motion to change Old  Business #2 to “Regulate” skateboarding and approve the agenda with that amendment

 

Councilman Maida supported.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that there is a planned block party on Appaloosa Court.  This would be the third annual event planned for August 12th.  They have received verbal approval from the Police Department, however given the timing, Council will not meet again prior to that date.  He further asked Council if they would consider adding that to this agenda.

 

CM 7-3-06 – AMENDMENT TO THE AGENDA

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Dryer

 

     To amend the agenda by adding Old Business #5 for consideration of the Appaloosa Court Block Party

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

APPROVAL OF MONTHLY BILLS:  None

 

CITIZENS SUGGESTIONS: None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Second Reading – Amendment to Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and Protection

 

Attorney Hill stated that this is the second reading to adopt the International Fire Code with modifications.  There have been no changes since the first reading.

 

CM 7-4-06 – SECOND READING AND ADOPTION – AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 46

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli

 

     That this be the second reading and adoption of an amendment to Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and

     Protection (see attached amendment as part of these minutes)

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. First Reading Proposed Ordinance to Regulate Skate boarding on Public Property

 

Attorney Hill stated that the language of the ordinance was taken from the City of Northville’s ordinance with some minor changes.  It allows the City Manager to erect signs on publicly owned property to prevent rollerblading or skate boarding. The ordinance indicates that it is a municipal civil infraction if there are any violations.

 

Mayor Doyle questioned paragraph (f) which requires that written permission from the owner of private property to allow skate boarding needs to be obtained and carried.  He stated that it is not a bad idea, but questions whether a 12 or 13 year olds would carry that written permission with them.  It was stated that if it were to go before a judge, written permission would have to be shown at that time.  Councilman Kivell questioned how a property owner would rescind that permission.  Attorney Hill stated that it would be an agreement between the property owner and the skateboarder and it would have to be specific for example, permission would be given for the summer of 2006.  Further discussion was held on written permission.

 

CM 7-5-06 – CHANGE THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SKATE BOARDING

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To change the language in paragraph (f) of the proposed ordinance to Regulate Skate Boarding to   

     read:  It shall be unlawful for any person to roller skate or ride a skateboard on private property that has

     been posted “No Skateboarding”

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

 

Discussion was held on penalty for first time offenses and the discretion that the officers have when enforcing.  Chief Collins stated that the officer would have the discretion to give a verbal warning rather than writing a ticket.  It is not necessary to legislate that in.  The officers use the common sense approach. Currently, they would take the skateboard and call the parents in to hear what their child has been doing and are advised what the regulations are and advised that the next time they will issue a violation.  Discussion was held on the lists of warnings maintained by the Police Department.

 

CM 7-6-06 – FIRST READING – PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SKATE BOARDING

 

     Motion by Wedell, supported by Maida

 

     That this be the first reading of a proposed ordinance to Regulate Skate Boarding on Public Property

     (see attached amendment as part of these minutes)

 

Councilman Dryer stated that the ordinance does not cover rude behavior, offensive language, etc.  He asked if it is well enough handled in other areas of the ordinance.  Chief Collins stated that we do have other ordinances that cover disorderly conduct.  Councilman Dryer stated that this also does not cover giving right-of-way to pedestrians and he would like to see that included.  Chief Collins stated that is a difficult thing to enforce unless the officer is there watching.  Section (e) covers reckless or dangerous skating or riding.  Attorney Hill stated that there are legal definitions of careless and reckless, and if they are bumping into people, etc. that is clear evidence that they are acting in a reckless manner.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED (1 OPPOSED)

 

  1. Sale of Millennium Digital to Wave Division Holdings

 

Attorney Hill stated that a resolution has been provided for approval of the transfer of the Cable Franchise Agreement.  There was concern after reviewing all of the documents that the new company is not necessarily financially stable, which is one of the criteria Council has to use in determining approval of the transfer of the franchise agreement.  Their audit was submitted to the City’s auditor, Plante & Moran who has submitted their comments.  If the Council did not approve the transfer, the City would have to show that they are not financially solvent, which would be an extreme and expensive burden to prove.

 

Discussion was held on the length of the contract with Millennium.  It was stated that it was a 15 year agreement.  It was stated that there are several years left.

 

The question was asked if we could approve the transfer with prejudice to demonstrate that we have misgivings about their financial position.  It was stated that we either have to approve or disapprove.  Attorney Hill stated that there are a lot of questions, and Parvin Lee will be available at the next meeting to answer these questions.  It was stated that the City cannot do much without a long legal fight.  It was stated that it has been indicated that 40 other units of government has already authorized the sale.

 

Further discussion was held on Wave Division’s financial concerns.

 

CM 7-7-06 – TABLE CONSIDERATION OF SALE OF MILLENNIUM DIGITAL

 

     Motion by Kopkowski, supported by Morelli

 

     To table consideration of the sale of Millennium Digital to Wave Division Holdings

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Whipple Street Block Party – August 5, 2006

 

Mr. Phil Weipert of 135 N. Warren stated that they are proposing the same event as they have done in previous years.  They have provided signatures of all of the homes that would be affected.

 

 

 

 

CM 7-8-06 – APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE – WHIPPLE STREET

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Morelli

 

     To approve the closing of Whipple Street for a Block Party on August 5, 2006  from 12:00 noon until

      9:30 p.m.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Appaloosa Court Block Party

 

Mayor Doyle stated that they are proposing their 3rd annual hog roast on Appaloosa Court.  It would affect 8 houses. They would be starting at noon and ending at 9:00 p.m. on August 12th.

 

CM 7-9-06 – APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE – APPALOOSA COURT

 

    Motion by Morelli, supported by Maida

 

     To approve the closing of Appaloosa Court for a block party on August 12, 2006 from 12:00 noon until

     9:00 p.m. contingent upon the proper documentation being provided to the Police Department

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Resolution Authorizing the City Attorney to give notice of non-renewal of contract and to draft a RFP for cable television services.

 

Attorney Hill stated that based on direction from Council, the resolution was drafted which will give the City Attorney the authority to terminate the contract currently held with South Lyon Communications and draft a Request for Proposals to provide programming services on the local government access channel.  The termination will be effective January 15th, 2007.

 

CM 7-10-06 – RESOLUTION TO GRANT CITY ATTORNY AUTHORITY TO GIVE NOTICE OF NON-RENEWAL OF CONTRACT AND TO DRAFT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROGRAMMING SERVICES

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

 

            WHEREAS, the City of South Lyon entered into a Lease Agreement on January 15, 1999 with Roger Heiple d/b/a South Lyon Communications (SLC) to provide cable programming for the government access channel, Channel 19, and

            WHEREAS, the Lease Agreement renews annually for one (1) year periods unless terminated in writing by either party, and

            WHEREAS, other entities have expressed interest in providing programming services, and

            WHEREAS, the City believes that this action is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of South Lyon,

            NOW THEREFORE, the Cit of South Lyon does hereby grant the City Attorney the authority to give notice of the termination of said agreement to be effected on the date of expiration of the current contract, January 15, 2007.

            FURTHER, the City Attorney is granted the authority to draft a Request for Proposal, indicating that the City is seeking bids from entities to provide programming services on its government access cable channel, Channel 19.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he hopes that the RFP referenced will concentrate on programming.  The question was asked if Council will have the opportunity to review the RFP before it goes out.  Attorney Hill stated that they will.

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

  1. Request to close road – 2006 Fall Witch’s Hat Run

 

Chief Collins stated that the Witch’s Hat Run has been getting larger each year.  In prior years it was able to stay on the sidewalks and rail trail.  We are talking about closing one lane of 11 Mile for approximately ½ mile and also Martindale from Arrow to 11 Mile.  This would be 10-15 minute closings.  Mr. Sadler has agreed to pay for overtime costs for one officer to come in to assist with the closings.  In the past, they have been able to handle it with existing personnel.  However, again with the increase in size, an additional officer will be needed.

 

Mr. Greg Sadler of 13757 Bridgewater Ct. stated that the race has gotten bigger in the last few years.  This is the primary fundraiser for the high school cross-country team.   Last fall, there were a couple near incidents, so they felt that closing the roads would be a better way to approach this.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that they have done a great job with this event.

 

CM 7-11-06 - APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURES – WITCH’S HAT RUN

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Kivell

 

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 Witch’s Hat Run on September 9, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. and the related road closures:

 

·         Eleven Mile from South Lyon High School east drive to Eagle Heights Drive

·         Martindale from Arrow to Eleven Mile

 

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

 

  1. Bids for concrete road repair – 3 locations – Brookfield, 9 Mile and the intersection at Washington and Liberty

 

Superintendent Renwick stated that there are areas within the Brookfield subdivision that need repairs over the drainage area.  We are also requesting repair of the dip on Nine Mile and a small area on Washington Street.  We received four bids.  Audia was the low bidder on all three areas.  They have done work in the City before and we have not had any problems.  The total cost of all three areas is $85,230.  He would recommend awarding the bid to Audia with a 10% contingency.

 

Council Member Maida questioned where the funds are coming from.  Superintendent Renwick stated that Brookfield was budgeted for, and the Nine Mile and Washington areas are major streets.  If approved, the next item on the agenda is an amendment to the budget.

 

Discussion was held on putting in the crosswalk when the repairs are done on Nine Mile.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we are still investigating this and there will be information forthcoming.  The question was asked if we should be looking at this before the repairs.  Superintendent Renwick stated that this is a totally different area.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she agrees that Nine Mile is well over do.  However, she does not understand how we choose what streets are going to be done.  She stated that Ada Street is very bad and needs to be done and Washington Street is not that bad.  Councilman Kivell stated that it does depend on how much traffic.  Superintendent Renwick stated that we do have a list.  The roads were just evaluated 3-4 months ago.  We receive information and status of each street as far as how they rate.  We paid Oakland County to come in and do this and the streets were ranked.  It was requested that the list be provided to Council.

 

Councilman Dryer questioned the mobilization costs on the bids.  Superintendent Renwick stated that Audia is closer than some of the other bidders.  He stated that we have talked to them about it.

 

Mr. Mike Harris of 601 Ada Street stated that that he would like to thank Council Member Kopkowski for bringing up Ada Street.  Ada Street is a major thoroughfare for the City’s trucks and Rose Excavating.  He further discussed the condition of the street.

 

CM 7-12-06 – APPROVAL OF BID – BROOKFIELD

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To approve the low bid from Audia Concrete Construction for repair of Brookfield in the amount of

     $60,050 plus a 10% contingency

 

VOTE:                                                                         MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 7-13-06 – APPROVAL OF BID – NINE MILE ROAD

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To approve the low bid from Audia Concrete Construction for repair of Nine Mile Road in the amount of

     $15,805 plus a 10% contingency

 

VOTE:                                                                         MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CM 7-12-06 – APPROVAL OF BID – WASHINGTON & LIBERTY

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Kopkowski

 

     To approve the low bid from Audia Concrete Construction for repair of Washington and Liberty Streets

     in the amount of $9,375 plus a 10% contingency

 

VOTE:                                                                         MOTION CARRIED (2 OPPOSED)

 

  1. Proposed Amendment to the Budget FY 2006-07 – Major Street Fund

 

Mayor Doyle stated that this budget amendment is to address the shifting of funds to the Major Street Fund for the Nine Mile and Washington and Liberty repairs just approved.

 

The question was asked where the funds are coming from.  It was stated that it would be from General Fund.  Council Member Maida stated that she would like to see the balance of General Fund.

 

CM 7-13-06 – APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT – FY 2006-07

 

     Motion by Kivell, supported by Wedell

 

     To approve the proposed budget amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Major Street Fund (see

     attached amendment as part of these minutes)

 

Council Member Kopkowski asked why if we approved the bids separate, why would we not approve the amendments separately.  It was stated that the expenditure has already been approved.

 

VOTE:                                                                         MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Doyle stated that he has been made aware that there may be some interest on the part of our neighbors in Salem Township to work together to extend the trail to the south.  They will be meeting some time in August to discuss it.  The question was asked if this ties into the grant proposal through MDOT.  Mayor Doyle stated that it is not directly related.  Further discussion was held on trying to eventually tie this into Ann Arbor.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that he had talked previously about a piece of sidewalk that is missing along Nine Mile, and he simply would like to bring that up again.

 

Councilman Morelli stated that he understands that the agreement with King’s Plaza was that when they had to replace their leach field, they would put in a sidewalk.  He stated that they may never have to do that, which means we will never have a sidewalk there.  Further discussion was held on sidewalks.

 

Councilman Kivell asked if the storm on Whipple has been jetted yet.  Superintendent Renwick stated that it has not yet been done.  He further stated that during the big storm we had a week ago, he went down there and it did not have a problem taking the water away.  Councilman Morelli stated that he also went down there after the storm and it does take the water away.   But, the water does not get to the catch basin at the end of the drives. Superintendent Renwick stated that part of the replacement of the curbing in that area will take care of that.  As far as the driveway approaches, what we have done in the past is take asphalt part way up.  Councilman Kivell stated that jetting will tell you if there is a problem, and there is no way to make any decision until that is done.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that the City Manager had mentioned a less expensive alternative to the lamps in the street at the crosswalk.  He stated that he would like to find out the status on this issue.  He would also like added to the next meeting’s agenda the increase in speed limit on Nine Mile and include that issue in that discussion.  He stated that he would also like to invite a representative from the schools to be a part of that discussion.

 

Councilman Kivell asked the status of the Wells Street parking lot signs.  Superintendent Renwick stated that they should be up in the next couple weeks.

 

Council Member Kopkowski stated that she has been out of town.  However, when she got home she heard from her neighbors that there was a drunken brawl on Friday night in the parking lot.  She asked if we could step up police patrol in that area, especially when the Hotel closes.  Chief Collins stated that he is aware of that call.  After the call to dispatch, the officers arrived two minutes after the call and there were no disorderly people in the area.

 

Mr. David Virgin of 202 N. Wells stated that the officers were not there in two minutes.  They were out there for at least five minutes before the officers arrived.  He indicated that they took off through the church parking lot and the officers did not even look.  Chief Collins stated that he has the documents from dispatch.  Further discussion was held on patrolling certain areas more frequently when the bars close.

 

Councilman Kivell stated that he has had opportunity to drive through downtown Milford recently, and he is stricken by the level of patrol that takes place through there.  He cannot recall ever going through there without seeing a police officer.  He stated that he thinks that there is a lack of that in our town.  Council Member Maida stated that she is in town all day long and she sees the police quite often.  Council Member Kopkowski stated that on the holiday weekend she did see some more patrolling, however she saw more Oakland County than City officers.  Further discussion was held on police patrols.

 

Councilman Dryer stated that in the Detroit News, there was an article about churches in Colorado that were opening up their parking lots for skateboarders on certain nights and provide supervision.  It is an idea to look at.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

 

 

 

 

CM 7-14-06 – ADJOURNMENT

 

     Motion by Morelli, supported by Maida

 

     To adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m.

 

 

VOTE:                                                                                     MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

_______________________________                                  ________________________________

John Doyle, Jr.                                                                        Julie C. Zemke

Mayor                                                                                      City Clerk/Treasurer