HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-2013 Annual ReportOFFICE OF THE MAYOR
JACK E. KIRKWY ;;$, 33000 CIVIC CEMER DRIVE
MAYOR LIVCNIA, MICHIGM148154-3097
(734)488-2201
n FAX: (734)421-4870
r Q
V p�~
January 7, 2014
TO: HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MAYOR JACK E. KIRKSEY
SUBJECT: 2012-2013 Annual Report
Dear Council Members:
This Annual Report summarizes the activities of Livonia's Departments, Boards, and
Commissions during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Following is a brief summary of several
items and my thoughts.
Finance Department
The Finance Department identified a number of revenue -generating and cost-saving
changes in the past year, including:
• Specifications were prepared and proposals solicited for Companies to lease and
manage the cell tower located at Rotary Park. The process resulted in a
$275,000 signing bonus and increased annual rents over the next 20 years. This
established revenue -generating strategy will Continue to be implemented as other
tower leases expire.
• The Department also played a key role in the research, investigation and
implementation of the Employee Group Waiver Plan (EGWP), which is an
alternative method of providing prescription drugs to Medicare eligible retirees.
This program will result in annual savings of $400,000.
Library Commission
The Livonia Public Libraries lost more than one quarter of its revenue since 2006,
including state aid, millages and fines. At the same time, the faltering economy has
increased the number of residents using many of the library services. While circulation
figures dropped in 2012-13 as compared to the previous year, library website usage
was up 2 percent, meeting room attendance was up 5 peroent and program attendance
was up 27 percent.
To: Honorable Members of the Council January 7, 2014
Re: Annual Report Letter, 2012-2013 Page 2
Economic Development
Over the past year, Livonia has seen considerable activity in all sectors of the local
economy. Employment continues to remain strong. According to State figures, Livonia's
jobless rate for the month of August 2013 was at 4.2 percent, down from 4.7 percent in
August 2012. Nationally, the average Is 7.0 percent, with the State of Michigan and
Wayne County at 8.7 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively.
This past year also saw considerable improvements throughout Livonia's retail sector,
and particularly along Middlebelt Road, south of Schoolcratt Road. This development
and redevelopment spike was the result of synergy associated with the opening of the
Menards home improvement store.
Inspection Department
To improve the administration and maintenance of contracts for the City Weed Mowing
Program in 2012, the Inspection Department proposed and City Council approved
extending the weed contract for two more years. The City previously raised
administration fees in an effort to better cover our cost and decrease the number of
people who utilize the City as their lawn service. The administration fees alone this year
were $65,197.
Information Systems
In conjunction with the Mayor's Office and the Livonia Marketing Consortium, the
Information Systems Department developed a new "splash page," a revised color
configuration for existing pages and improved content to promote and market the city to
visitors. The department and the Director of Administrative Services developed and now
administer a new Facebook page known as "Livonia Community," which is growing
steadily in its reach and provides residents timely and interactive discussion of topics
and issues pertaining to the City.
Summary
The City's budgetary challenges continued last year, even as the local economy
experienced a slight turnaround and housing values have begun Increasing forthe first
time In years. As a result of Proposal A, municipalities like Livonia will take longer to
recover lost tax revenue (estimated at 10-12 years). Despite continued costcutting, the
City's employees are delivering quality services and doing more with less. Everyone is
quite pleased that this will be the first year since 2011-12 that employees will not
experience mandatory unpaid furlough days.
To: Honorable Members of the Councll January 7, 2014
Re: Annual Report Letter, 2012-2013 Page 3
Responding to budget pressures, Livonia's elected leaders, department administrators
and staff will need to continue to explore and develop new ways to increase
collaboration and cooperative efforts with local governments and to further cut costs.
Livonia continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play. Strong community
spirit and family values are reinforced by great public safety, quality of Iffe services, and
unrivaled location and accessibility in the metro -Detroit area. Low unemployment,
plentiful parks, a strong business climate, well-maintained roads, and great educational
opportunities make Livonia a "second -to -none" City. This past year, Livonia was lauded
by an independent research organization In two categories: As one of Michigan's best
places to mise a young family and being the top place for job seekers in Michigan.
I am confident that your review of this attached report will reveal that Livonia's various
departments continue to display a strong commitment to delivering a high level of
service to the community and finding creative approaches to new challenges. With the
support of an engaged City Council and invested employee family, I am looking forward
to great things in Livonia's future.
Sincerely,
��
Jadc E. Kirksey'- rr
Mayor
Enclosure
OC: Clerk, Council, Finance, Law
emailed: Leadership Staff
CITY OF LIVONIA
ANNUALREPORT
FISCAL YEAR
CITY OF LIVONIA, MICHIGAN
A00UALREPORT
Fiscal Year 2012-2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Assessing Department .........................................................................
1
Review, Board 0f.......................................................................
2
CityClerk ..............................................................................................
2
Civil Service Department ......................................................................
7
Trustees, Board 0f...................................................................
15
Community Resources Department and Cable ..................................
19
Aging Commission ...................................................................
23
Arts {|0DUDUissi)D....................................................................
24
Historic Preservation Commission ...........................................
25
Historical Commission ..............................................................
28
Human Relations Commission .................................................
30
Youth Commission ...................................................................
30
DistrictCourt .......................................................................................
32
Finance Department ...........................................................................
36
IDf>rmati0D System ....................................
38
FireDepartment ..................................................................................
42
Housing Commission ..........................................................................
49
Inspection Department ........ .............................................................
52
Zoning Board 0f/\ooCab.........................................................
56
Building Code Board 0f/\ .......................57
LawDepartment .................................................................................
57
Library Department &(|0OUOUisSioD..................................................
f)1
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission .............................
64
Planning [�epWrtmCDt&Commission ..................................................
76
Police Department and EmergencyPreparedness.........................
88
Public Works Department ...................................................................
!}6
Engineering Division ................................................................
97
Public Service Division ............................................................
102
Traffic Commission ...........................................................................
121
TrCaSUre[.........................................
122
The 2013 Stale Equalized Valuation of the City real and personal properly was
$3,848,175,940 which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS PARCEL COUNT VALUATION
Residential 38,224 2,499,202,890
Commercial 1,782 673,958,380
Industrial 433 218,238,860
Personal 4,349 456,775,810
$ 3,848,175,940
In addition, valuation under the Special Ads provided total valuation of
$128,075,270 as follows:
IFT Real
26,795,310
Turbo/Brownfield
23,797,770
IFT Personal
77,482.19
$128,075,270
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50.00% of true cash value as
mandated by Stale Law. Annual sales studies are conducted in order to
determine market growth by neighborhood. The results of these studies are
utilized to adjust area values to the required 50% of true cash value.
The appraisal and maintenance of all residential field data is the responsibility of
this department. Records for 51 new homes were created. Revisions to
approximately 716 existing property field sheets were made, which is a 22%
decrease over the prior year. Commercial and Industrial new buildings,
alterations and additions numbered 101 and were reviewed for value for the 2013
assessment roll.
The citywide canvass continues this year with the entering of the data gathered
in prior years and the continuation of the field review of property record cards.
This is an ongoing project with the goal of bringing the assessing office in closer
compliance with the requirements of the Stale Tax Commission with regard to
assessing procedures.
For 2013, Transfer Affidavits totaling 1,536 and Homesteads, Rescissions,
Conditional Rescissions and Denial Forms totaling 2,772 were interpreted and
processed on a daily basis.
Lots splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office
reviews petitioners applications and departmental correspondence for
compliance with city ordinances and procedures. If a split is nonconforming
Council action will be required. Approximately 17 splits and combinations were
completed in 2013. Ofthese, one required Council action.
Several prior years of Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were finalized. A total of
245 appeals were completed. Of this number there were 208 full tribunals, 27
residential small claims and 10 commercial & industrial small claims, for the
years 2011 —2013. This is a decrease of 163 completed cases over last year.
Over 4,500 personal property statements were processed for the 2013
assessment roll. A continual inspection of properties in the city is being done to
verify the fixed assets in the business as of tax day of each year.
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 11,
2012, in accordance with Section 211.53b of the General Properly Tax Law of
Michigan, to correct all mutual mistakes of fact and clerical errors.
The Livonia City Council, on January 28, 2013 (CR#20-13), set the place and
dates for the 2013 March Board of Review meetings as scheduled by the
Assessor and notice was given and published in the local newspapers.
The Board of Review meetings convened Tuesday, March 5, 2013, for an eight
(8) day session of public hearings, which included two evening sessions.
Members William Tancill, Jollietta Coleman and Vahan Nazarian were in
attendance. The Board heard 170 taxpayer appeals and acted on 111 mail -in
petitions. Determination notices were mailed on April 5, 2013.
State law requires a July Board of Review meeting to correct clerical errors and
mutual mistakes of fact. This meeting was held on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.
CITY CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an
odd year election conducted by the City of Livonia.
The powers and duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the City Charter and
statutes of the Stale of Michigan. The Clerk is assisted by a Deputy Clerk and a
staff of six who are trained specialists in delivering a variety of services to the
citizens of Livonia and the several departments of the City administration, i.e.:
(a) 'The Clerk shall be clerk of the Council and shall attend all
meetings of the Council and keep a permanent record of its
meetings ..."
This responsibility involves receiving all correspondence and
communications fled with the Clerk for transmission to the Council;
preparing official agendas for both Council Regular and Study
Meetings; laking and transcribing complex minutes of all Council
proceedings for the official journal as well as for all Public Hearings
conducted by the Council as required by law; notification and
publication of Notices and Public Hearings and Council
proceedings in the official newspaper as designated by the City
Council; preparation and forwarding of true copies of Council
actions to the parties affected; maintaining the official record of all
Ordinances enacted by legislative actions.
1111 Nei 1101 110061/_\rVl=1 r] =1J_1AILTil 4 Al
City Council
2012
2013
Study Meetings
24
24
Regular Meetings
24
24
Special Meetings
0
0
Council Resolutions Recorded
452
371
Ordinances Adopted
39
28
Public Hearings Conducted
30
19
(b) 'The Clerk shall perform such other
duties as are required
of that
office by State or Federal law,
the City Charter, the
Council or
Ordinances of the City."
DEPARTMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS
Required by State Statute to record and file
a record of all deaths
and births
occurring within the City for subsequent transmittal
to the State and County
Department of Health and make available for certification copies of such
records,
as can be legally released.
VITAL STATISTICS (DECEMBER 2012-2013)
2012
2013
Births Recorded
880
876
Deaths Recorded
1625
1524
FEES COLLECTED
$122,550
122,47
(c) 'The City Clerk shall issue and sign all licenses granted and shall
register same.
LICENSING
During the fiscal year this office of the City Clerk accepted and processed, etc.,
under Title 4 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances, the following licenses:
TYPE 2012 2013
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers,
etc. 1,195 1,300
FEES COLLECTED $51,550 $61,700
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales 1,818 1,750
FEES COLLECTED $9,755 $8,895
Pet Licenses 3,092 4,200
FEES COLLECTED $24,736 $33,600
Bicycle Licenses 29 16
FEES COLLECTED $87 $48
(d) "The City Clerk shall receive for fling: zoning petitions,
subdivision plats, security bonds, etc. Comprehensive files
covering all phases of development of new subdivisions:
from the Public Hearings of the City Planning Commission in
proposed plats, to the fling of all bonds and payment of
financial assurances established in the City Council's Master
Bond Resolutions, to the final signatures of the City Clerk
after the final plat approval is given by the Council."
NUMBER AND TYPE OF PETITIONS FILED
2012 2013
Zoning 6 4
Vacating 0 3
Miscellaneous (Waivers) 31 30
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary) 1 0
Final Plats 0 0
Extensions 0 0
(e) Publication and Legal Notices
The City Clerk is responsible for the publication of the City
Council's proceedings in the official newspaper of the City and the
M
insertion of Public Notices required by law of Public Heanngs and
all Ordinances duly adopted.
In addition, Ordinances are panted, collated and distributed to all
departments and interested parties. A complete file in excess of
2,943 separate Ordinances is maintained, and the Livonia Code of
Ordinances is continually updated, as amended, and on file in the
City Clerk's office.
(f) Duplicating and Mailing Figures
The City Clerk's office produces copies of the following
materials
for meetings of the City Council.
2012•
2013•
Council Regular Agendas 1248
1248
Council Study Agendas 1488
1488
Special Regular Agendas N/A
N/A
Special Regular Minutes N/A
N/A
Council Regular Minutes 408
408
Council Study Minutes 480
408
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings 864
864
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes 96
96
Council Public Hearing Notices 1530
1071
Public Hearing Minutes 660
418
"Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution
for
each activity; number of pages varies by event and is not included
in total. (Agenda totals include copies for the public.)
MAILING FUNCTION
All City Departments' outgoing mail is handled through mailing
equipment in the City Clerk's office and the required postage in
2013 totaled $99,104.50. All incoming mail is handled daily by the
Clerk's office and is distributed to the various departments of the
City.
(g) Election Commission of Livonia (Authority - Stale Statute)
The City Clerk presides as Chairperson of the three-member
Election Commission consisting of the Clerk, Mayor and City
Attorney, charged with the responsibility of conducting all elections
within the City. The compensation of election personnel shall be
determined in advance by the Election Commission. In any case
where Election procedure is in doubt, the Election Commission
shall prescribe the procedure to be followed.
STATISTICS RELATING TO THIS FUNCTION
2012 2013
Elections Held in City 1 Presidential 1 Special School
Primary 1 City General
1 State Primary
1 Special Primary
1 State General
2012 2013
New Registrations 7,852 6,914
Total Registered Voters 75,039 74,701
Change of Name 503 419
Change of Address 2,754 3,121
Cancellations 5,419 2,434
Registrations by Mail 2,563 1,143
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued 30,959 6,351
AV Applications Issued 30,959 6.351
Notices of Election Inspectors 1,395 329
Notice of Cancellation of Registration 623 347
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists $1,216.73 $1,157.01
(h) Other Duties and Responsibilities of the Clerk
The Clerk shall have power to administer all oaths required by
State Law, the Charter and Ordinances of the City.
The Clerk shall be custodian of the City Seal and shall affix it to all
documents and instruments requiring the Seal, and shall attest the
same.
The Clerk shall be custodian of all papers, documents and records
pertaining to the City of Livonia, the custody of which is not
otherwise provided for by the Charter.
As custodian of records, the office of the City Clerk instituted a
program of microfilming the birth and death records of the City in
1985. In 2007, all birth and death records were scanned to create
CD-ROM's.
The Clerk shall give the proper officials of the City ample notices of
expiration or termination of any official bonds, franchises, contracts
or agreements.
The Clerk shall examine and audit all accounts and claims against
the City.
In 2013, the Clerk examined, pre -audited and signed approximately
14,250 vouchers issued by the Department of Finance for
transmittal to the City Treasurer.
The Clerk shall possess and exercise the powers of a Township
Clerk so far as the same are required to be performed within the
City.
The Clerk shall certify by signature all Ordinances and Resolutions
enacted or passed by the City Council.
The Clerk, as custodian of the cemeteries under City jurisdiction, is
in charge of all burial procedures and in 2013 there was one (1)
authorized opening and closing at the cemeteries.
REGULAR BUSINESS
The Civil Service Commission held twelve (12) Regular meetings and two (2)
Special meetings during fiscal year 2012-13.
LABOR RELATIONS
During fiscal year 2012-13, the City commenced negotiations with the Livonia
Police Officers Association (LPOA); AFSCME Union Local 192; and AFSCME
Union Local 1917 for renewal of their contracts for the period December 1, 2013,
to November 30, 2016.
Labor -Management Committee meetings have been held to resolve employee
grievances or concerns fled by members of the AFSCME Local 192, the Livonia
Police Officers Association, the Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants
Association and the Livonia Fire Fighters Union. These Committees consist of
representatives of the Union and the City. In the event the employee grievance
cannot be resolved at the committee level, the grievance procedure permits
appeal to the Civil Service Commission and, if not resolved, through mediation
and/or formal arbitration.
PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Personnel Review Committee comprised of the Human Resources Director,
the Director of Finance, and the Director of Administrative Services mel twenty-
two (22) times during the year and reviewed and made eighty-five (85)
recommendations to the Mayor on all new hires, replacement personnel and
promotions.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS
HOSPITALIZATION -MEDICAL INSURANCE PLANS
Effective March 1, 2013, the City's cap for annual contribution to active employee
health insurance consistent with Public Act 152 is
0 Single coverage - $5,692.50
0 Two�person coverage -$11,385
0 Family -$15,525
Public Act 152 is the new stale law which requires increased public employee
premium sharing for health insurance. The City of Livonia provides a lower cost
option for employees. In accordance with Public Act 152, all employees who are
receiving employer provided medical coverage of any kind must contribute an
amount based on the applicable hard caps. For family and 2 person subscribers
a weighted average is used. Effective March 1, 2013, the monthly amounts are:
General non -court employees Single Two Person / Family
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $247.00
District Court employees
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $275.00
LFFU employees
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $240.00
LLSA & Police Command
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $236.00
LPOA employees
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $241.00
Also, pursuant to union contracts, employees must pay the portion of the cost of
their Blue Choice plan that is higher than the cost of the equivalent Blue
Cross/Community Blue PPO Plan. Effective March 1, 2013, the monthly
premiums for Blue Choice health insurance coverage were greater than the
premiums for Blue Cross/Community Blue 3, therefore employees were required
to pay the difference between the rales on a monthly basis.
The annual Health and Wellness Fair was held on four (4) separate afternoons
during January 2013 at various City locations, including the Police Headquarters
Training Room, the Department of Public Works Administrative Conference
Room, the City Hall Fifth Floor Gallery and the District Court Conference Room.
Employees and retirees, along with their immediate family members, were
encouraged to attend. Representatives of the City's occupational health services
providers were present to answer questions. In addition, representatives from
the Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) hospitalization/medical insurance plans,
sponsored by the City, were present to permit employees to review and compare
plan provisions and obtain assistance with health care questions or problems.
The meetings were attended by sixty-one (61) employees and family members.
At the end of the fiscal year, the employee and retiree hospitalization/medical
insurance enrollments are:
(BC/BS) Preferred Plan
364
Retiree subscribers
316
Retirees on Medicare
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
84
Employee subscribers
Blue Choice PPO
198
Retiree
subscribers
Retirees
84
Retirees on Medicare
Community Blue 2
54
Retiree subscribers
148
2
Retirees on Medicare
Community Blue 3
402
Employee subscribers
20
Retiree
subscribers
2
Retirees on Medicare
1
COBRA
A total of fifty-five (55) full-time employees "opted out" of insurance coverage
during the 2013 open enrollment period and received $1,000.00 in lieu of
hospitalization/medical coverage.
LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
The City of Livonia currently contracts for group life insurance with the Reliance
Standard Life Insurance Company at the rate of 18.2 cents per $1,000 per month
volume. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance
coverage is also provided by Reliance at a rate of 1.5 cents per $1,000 volume
per month.
Current Insurance Volumes
Insurance
Number
Amount
Employees
573
$32,565,602.88
Retirees
@ $3,000
19
$ 57,000.00
Retirees @ $3,500
148
$ 518,000.00
Retirees @ $5,000
214
$ 1,070,000.00
During the fiscal year, a total of $81,704.22 in life insurance and AD&D premiums
were paid to Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company. There were ten (10)
retiree death claims totaling $39,000.
WEEKLY DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Since December 1, 2010, the disability claims are administered by CMI
(previously Citizen's Management, Inc.) This benefit provides $250/wk to
disabled general full -lime employees and $125/wk to disabled part-time
employees for up to 45 weeks; $125/wk for disabled Police Dispatcher full-time
employees for 45 weeks; $42/wk for the first 12 weeks and $100Avk for the 40
week balance of 52 weeks for disabled uniformed police and fire employees; and
$200/wk for up to 45 weeks for District Court employees. The total premium
paid to Citizen's Management, Inc., to administer the program was $10,125.00.
General and District Court employees receive benefits when sick leave benefits
are exhausted. Police and fire employees receive benefits in addition to sick
leave benefits.
During the Fiscal Year 2012-13, there were a total of seventeen (17) weekly
disability income claims to employees. A total benefit of $27,926.81 was paid by
this self-insured program.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Civil Service Department staff administers the general employee union
tuition reimbursement programs. Twelve (12) members of AFSCME Union Local
192 expended $3,943.05 out of the maximum allocation of $10,000.00 during the
fiscal year. Two (2) members of the AFSCME Supervisory and Technical
Chapter of Union Local 1917 expended $475 out of the maximum allocation of
$3,475 during the fiscal year.
OPTICAL PLAN
The City offers an optical benefit program with two providers: Coop Optical and
RxOplical who have multiple area locations. Employee usage and costs incurred
during the fiscal year at these centers or through the reimbursement option were:
Safety Glasses
5
$ 227.50
Direct Reimbursement
46
6,342.62
Co -Op Optical
26
2,048.00
RxOolical
89
8739.85
Total
166
$17,357.97
The City also offers an optical reimbursement program as an option.
DENTAL PROGRAM
All employee groups have a dental reimbursement program. Employees may
elect a direct payment to the Denfist. The City provides an annual payment of
10
$700 per employee. Billing for services rendered during the fiscal year must be
submitted within 30 days of the November 30th fiscal year end for consideration.
A summary of the employee reimbursements and hardship advances during the
fiscal year to date is:
Number of Total Average
Transactions Amount Paid Paymen
Reimbursement/Direct Payment 836 $259,597.08 $310.52
Dental reimbursement may also include payment for Dental Insurance premiums.
LFFU members participate in a dental insurance program. The program is
administered by the union.
ORTHODONTIC SERVICES
General employees, Court employees, LFFU, LLSA and Police Command are
eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services for a lifetime maximum of
$1500 per family. Coverage is limited to the employee, spouse and dependent
children until the end of the year the dependent reaches age 19. LPOA
employees are eligible for 50% of the fees for a lifetime maximum of $1000 per
family.
A summary of the orthodontic service claims received this fiscal year is
Number of Claims Total Amount Paid
Police/Fire 4 $ 2,956.44
General 4 $ 1,830.00
Total 8 $ 4,786.44
WORKER'S COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The City of Livonia contracts the self-insured workers disability compensation
program with a third party administrator, CMI (previously Citizens Management,
Incorporated). The contract period for these services is effective December 1,
2012, through November 30, 2013.
Recommendation from the Finance Department to City Council is to authorize
execution of a contract for the period December 1, 2013, through November 30,
2014, with CMI for workers' compensation claims and Midwest Employers
Casualty Company to provide excess insurance coverage when losses from any
one claim reaches $750,000.
The total paid on all claims through CMI (previously Citizens Management Inc.)
from December 1, 2012, through November 30, 2013, is $221,659.43. There
were eighty eight (88) new claims submitted during this period.
The total paid on all claims through CompOne Administrators, Inc. (previously
Accident Fund) from December 1, 2012, through November 30, 2013, is
11
$392,578.71. These payments are for claims that started prior to December 1,
2009.
The total paid on all claims includes weekly wage loss indemnity benefits,
medical services, related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other related
professional expenses. Employees receive treatment for work-related injuries or
illness at Providence Corporate Health Services and Midwest Health Center.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The City of Livonia participates in the self-insured Michigan Municipal League
Unemployment Compensation Group Account. The firm of Equifax is the service
agent of this group account. The Civil Service Department responded to
approximately thirty-five (35) former employee claims for unemployment benefits
fled with the Michigan Employment Security Administration (MESA). Charges
for 2013 are $61,908.3.
CITY PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL CLINICS
Pre-employment, retum-to-work and occupational injury/illness medical
examinations and treatment are provided by the authorized City Physician, St.
John Providence Corporate Health Services. Also, St Mary Mercy Hospital has
provided medical services for Police and Fire personnel and emergency services
only for general employees. One hundred -sixteen (116) regular employee and
temporary employee preemployment (full-time and part-time) examinations and
seventy-five (75) physicals for return to work examinations were conducted. Dr.
Lyle Danuloff, Ph.D., the Citys Consulting Psychologist, completed thirty (30)
evaluations for Public Safety new hire employees. Dr. Linda Forsberg, Ph.D.,
conducted one (1) Psychological examination for a Police Service Aide new hire
position. In addition, there were medical consultations with regard to employee
health and occupational safety matters as it related to infectious diseases and
worker's compensation claims, including continuation of preemployment
auditory, TB and pulmonary function examinations for fire fighter and police
officer new hires in compliance with MIOSHA requirements. Alcohol and drug
testing for employees assigned to drive specific types of Department of Public
Works vehicles are coordinated in compliance with federal regulations.
Providence conducted four (4) MCOLES Physicals for entry into the Police
Academy and three (3) ft -for -duty evaluations for the City.
SAFETY
A representative from St. John Providence Corporate Health Services conducted
the Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Department of Public Works staff.
Building Maintenance employees attended one of the three training sessions and
eighteen received the Hepatitis B vaccination.
One hundred -one (101) employees received service recognition awards in FY
2012-13.
12
Level of Service
Service Awards Presented
Five Years
31
Ten Years
13
Fifteen Years
26
Twenty Years
9
Twenty -Five Years
33
Thirty Years
4
Thirty -Five Years
3
Total 119
APPLICANT RECRUITMENT
The Civil Service Department has continued an affirmative recruitment program
through newspaper advertisements in the Observer/Eccentric, the Detroit
News/Detroit Free Press, and notices to various colleges, training schools,
MESA, handicapper rehabilitation services, and minority community based
organizations. The total number of advertisements published during Fiscal Year
2012-13 were: the Detroit News — 9; Livonia Observer — 9; several professional
association publications, the Internet recruitment service Falcon Associates
(Government jobs), the City of Livonia Spring and Fall News, and Cable Channel
8.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In accordance with the Affirmative Action policy adopted by the Civil Service
Commission, the Civil Service staff continued its efforts to make examinations
and position descriptions as job-related as possible. Proposed qualifications for
each new examination were reviewed by the respective Department staff and the
Civil Service Commission in order to establish prerequisites which were
appropriate to the positions being filled. The staff also prepares a monthly
summary report to the Civil Service Commission concerning the race and gender
characteristics of all applicants for open -competitive examinations, the resulting
eligible lists, and all regular employee hires and terminations.
EXAMINATION PROGRAM
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open -competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During
Fiscal Year 2012-13, a total of 20 open -competitive and 12 promotional
examinations were announced. The Civil Service Department received 559
applications as of October 31, 2013, for open -competitive examinations and 61
for promotional examinations during the fiscal year. In addition the Department
processed 340 applications for temporary employment opportunities in various
Parks and Recreation positions; 59 applications for Seasonal Laborer; 22
applications for Seasonal Clerk; 37 applications for Student Page; 63
applications for Library Page; 5 applications for Substitute Librarian; 14
applications for Temporary Clerical; 7 applications for School Crossing Guard;
and 20 applications for Police Reserve Officer.
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TRAINING
During FY 2012-13, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee-
treining activities.
Between December 2012 and November 2013, Civil Service Staff coordinated
multiple educational presentations sponsored by financial representatives from
the Deferred Compensation 457 Plan providers including Nationwide Retirement
Solutions, ICMA Retirement Corporation and Community Choice Credit Union.
Forty-five (45) employees scheduled on-site individual appointments with the
provider representatives.
Great West Retirement Services is the Plan Administrator for the 401(a) Defined
Contribution Plan. The Account Representative, Greg Wood, conducted
numerous on-site meetings and training sessions in 2013. Approximately eighty-
two (82) employees attended the sessions in which enrollment, investment
education and training was discussed. Thirty-eight (38) new employee
enrollment fors were submitted. Two training seminars were held to provide
information to new employees regarding accounts and products offered by Great
West. Fifty-five (55) employees attended the presentations, specifically
employees hired during the period August 2012 through Augusl2013.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the FY 2012-13, a total of 7 employees, 2 employee family members and 1
resident received crisis intervention individual counseling sessions limited to 5
sessions totaling $400 per individual. In addition, EAP providers have been
called upon to assist Departments with group conflict resolution meetings.
Services totaled approximately $2,460.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has mirrored their
behavioral health -counseling program to the City's EAP and uses many of the
same referral network of providers. A total of $3,495 in CDBG funds has been
expended during FY 2012-13 to pay for counseling services provided to 12 low-
income residents.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Civil Service staff coordinated two (2) Employee Blood Drives in
2013. A total of forty (40) pints of blood were donated by City employees
during the drives, conducted in January and May.
2. The Critical Incident Response Team (GIRT) comprised of members from
Police, Fire, Law, Public Service, the Mayors Office, the Council Office,
the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Civil Service continued its
mission during the past year. The Team continues to evaluate potential
violence problems and recommends assessment or intervention plans.
The members of the Team have not responded to any possible workplace
violence situations this year.
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3. Credential Check Corporation has been used to conduct background
investigations of general employee new hires.
Following is a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Board of
Trustees of the Livonia Employees Retirement System for the period December
1, 2012, through November 30, 2013:
1. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular meetings and one
(1) Special meeting during this period.
b) As of November 30, 2013, the Defined Benefit Plan had five hundred
fifty-four (554) retirees or surviving spouses plus eleven (11) Eligible
Domestic Relations Orders (EDRO's) (Divorced Prior to Retirement)
and four (4) Alternate Payees (Divorced after Retirement) for a total
of five hundred sixty-nine (569) receiving pension checks. Twenty-
three (23) City retirees died during fiscal year 2012-2013. The total
pension payroll fiscal year to dale is $15,207,012 through November
2013.
c) The team of David Sowerby and Kenneth Johnson, Loomis -Sayles
and Company advises the Board on investments for the Defined
Benefit Plan and uses discretionary power regarding investments
subject to confirmation by the Board. The Board approved
investment transactions by Loomis -Sayles and Company at regular
meetings. The Defined Benefit portion of the fund managed by
Loomis Sayles had a market value of $201,468,576 as of October
31, 2013.
d) In May 2013, the Board reviewed the sixtieth (60th) annual actuarial
valuation as of November 30, 2012, for the Livonia Employees
Retirement System, prepared by the Board's Actuary, Rodwan
Consulting Company. The Plan covered five hundred sixty-seven
(567) retirees; twenty-one (21) deferred and one hundred fifty-five
(155) employees for a total of seven hundred forty-three (743). The
Actuary reported that the accrued actuarial condition of the
Retirement System is "good" Continuation of this condition is
dependent upon future investment experience and receipt of
required contributions.
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e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan was 93.0%
as of November 30, 2012.
f) On June 6, 2013, the Board signed an Investment Consulting
Agreement between the City of Livonia Employees Retirement
System and NEPC, LLC. John Krakowiak, Sr. Consultant of NEPC,
LLC, will provide the consulting and performance evaluation services
to the Board.
Note: Due to reorganization within Bank of America (the parent
company), Merrill Lynch was no longer able to provide consulting or
performance evaluation services to the Retirement System effective
October 17, 2012.
g) The Board
has
a $10,000,000
investment in
a Real Estate
Investment
Trust
(REIT) managed
by Seminole
Asset Strategies
(SAS).
Staff and board members attend SAS investment update meetings
quarterly.
Total interest earnings on the SAS REIT from December 1, 2012,
through October 31, 2013, were $481,250.
h) The Board has a global real estate investment with Cohen & Steers
Capital Management Inc., in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT),
separately managed account. The account market value reported
as of October 31, 2013, was $6,106,056.
Note: The Board has taken earnings of $5 million out of the REIT
and transferred the funds into the Loomis Sayles Large Cap Account
for further investment at the discretion of the Investment Manager.
($3.5 million in February2005, and $1.5 million in March 2006)
i) The total defined benefit fund value was $215,009,727 as of October
31, 2013.
j) Sixty (60) requests for retirement estimates under the Defined
Benefit Plan were processed by the Civil Service Department Staff.
k) Members of the Board and staff continued their education required
as fiduciaries by attending the Michigan Association of Public
Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Shanty
Creek Resort, Bellaire, Michigan, from June 2 to June 4, 2013; and
at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place Convention Center,
IE
Grand Rapids, Michigan, from September 22 to September 24, 2013.
Board members and staff also attended a special subject educational
meeting on February 8, 2013.
2. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular meetings during this
period.
b) The Defined Contribution Plan Administrator continues to be Great
West Retirement Services.
c) The Defined Contribution Fund had a total account ending balance of
$52,110,391 as of September 30, 2013, four hundred len (410)
active participants; ninety-two (92) participants who terminated
employment and have an ending account balance; and four (4)
participants with a zero ending account balance.
d) As of November 30, 2013, a total of one hundred forty-two (142)
employees have retired under the Defined Contribution Retirement
Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VEBA)
a) The Board of Trustees held twelve (12) Regular meetings during this
period.
b) Mr. Sowerby and Mr. Johnson advised the Board on investments for
the VEBA. The VEBA had a market value of $81,805,132 as of
October 31, 2013.
Note: The VEBA was established at the recommendation of the
former -Actuary to the Board of Trustees, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and
Co., forpurposes of placing in a tax free trust, monies to pay for
post -employment hospitalization -medical insurance benefits for
members of the DB and the DC Plans, as well as to provide separate
funding for DC Plan member disability retirement benefits.
c) In May 2013, the Board reviewed the fifteenth 15" annual actuarial
valuation as of November 30, 2012, for the VEBA, as prepared by
the Board's Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The amortization
periods adopted by the Board of Trustees for the funding purposes of
this Plan are 30 years for disability benefits and 40 years for health
insurance benefits. The 40 year amortization period produces a
contribution that is less than the Annual Required Contribution
(ARC), and results in a contribution deficiency in the Plan's financial
report.
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d) The fund had actuarial computed assets of $65,666,804 and the
funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued liability
for the City of Livonia Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan and
Trust (VEBA) was 38.8% as of November 30, 2012. The unfunded
liability is $103,696,604.
e) Effective December 1, 2006, through negotiations with City
employee groups, the City's VEBA Plan was amended to require an
employee contribution in the form of a salary reduction to the Plan for
post -employment health care benefits. LPOA, LFFU, LLSA and all
general employees (including District Court employees) hired before
the dates listed in Section 'T' below are contributing 2% of pension
eligible wages to the VEBA Plan. (This does not include overtime
earnings and this contribution is in no -tax dollars.)
As required by federal law, non-union employees were provided a
non-reversible opportunity to opt -out of the health care provisions of
the VEBA. A total of 16 non -represented employees elected to opt -
out of the VEBA Plan.
The City saves mom than $136,000 per year in contributions as a
result of these employees opting out of the VEBA.
General non -represented employees hired after December 1, 2009;
AFSCME Union Local 192 and AFSCME Union Local 1917
employees hired on or after September 8, 2011; uniformed police
employees and police dispatchers hired on or after November 2,
2011, and LFFU members and District Court employees hired after
December 1, 2012, must participate in the City sponsored
Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings (RHSP) Plan instead of the
VEBA. This plan allows the employee to accumulate assets tax-free
to be used for eligible healthcare related expenses upon termination.
The new employees contribute 2% of their pension wages to the
program. Employee contributions are vested immediately. The City
contributes $50 per pay period. Upon termination after len years of
service, the accrued sick leave payout is deposited in the account for
all non -Fire employees. With regard to the direct City contributions,
the following vesting schedule applies:
Years of Completed Service Vesting Percentage
0-4 0%
4+ 100%
In the event of the retiree's death, remaining assets will be
transferred to an account for continuing tax-free use by the
surviving spouse and/or dependents for their own qualifying health
IE
expenses. Any remaining assets after the death of the spouse and
dependents will revert to the Plan. In addition, should the
employee terminate employment before 4 years of service, non -
vested assets will revert to the Plan. As of November 30, 2013,
eighty-three (83) employees are enrolled in the Plan.
g) The Board received $286,165.94 from the Centers of Medicare
Retiree Drug Subsidy Program. This payment represents a return to
the VERA for prescription drug costs for Medicare retirees and
spouses and covers the period January 1, 2010 through November
30, 2011. The funds were electronically deposited into the VEBA
account on February 19, 2013. The Board has received a
cumulative total of reimbursements since January 1, 2006 of
$1,656,861 from the RDS program.
h) The City has changed prescription drug processors effective January
1, 2014, from Blue Cross Blue Shield to AmWins for Medicare
eligible retirees. It is estimated this change will increase
reimbursements from the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program to
approximately $500,000/yr. Further, the City will not need to engage
the services of an Actuary to attest that the City's insurance program
is equal or better than the Medicare D mandated program. Finally,
the City will receive reimbursements monthly rather than annually.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Publications
0 City Newsletter — Three (3) issues published and mailed to approximately
43,000 residences and businesses. The Newsletter is now published
three (3) limes a year instead of four (4).
Community Gardens
0 Cash collected for Garden Plots $6,530
0 Plots available for planting 243 and 18 corn row plots
0 Plots purchased 230
0 Plots purchased by residents 152 at $25
0 Plots purchased by non-residents 78 at $35
Richard Slrzalkowski (Program Manager) hours for 2013: 238 hours
In January of 2013, the gardeners from 2012 were contacted to pay for their plots
if they wished to continue gardening in 2013. Open enrollment became available
to everyone the last week of March. This year, the Probation Department had
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two plots; the produce was donated to Livonia Senior Housing. The gardens
were staked by the 16th District Court Probation Department in May. The
Department of Public Works delivered wood chips and compost. Richard was
available three days a week during the time the gardens were open in order to
assist gardeners with any issues that might arse. In September, we held the
Annual Gardeners' Picnic which was well attended. On October 5th, we closed
the Gardens and once again, the Department of Public Works plowed the
gardens under. The District Court probationers cleaned up the gardens.
Volunteer & Special Protects
0 Information & Complaint Center — (2) volunteers and staff responded to
City calls as well as Non -City calls. There were no TTY/TDD calls or
formal complaints processed.
Resident Assistance
0 Emergency Help — Emergency Service Program funds assist low-income
households with food gift cards when emergency need is proven and
funds/cards are available. We are also an active member with the Livonia
Cares organization.
0 Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) — Food was
distributed to 3,244 low-income households (5,023 people), with the
assistance of 14 volunteers who worked over 1,010 hours. These hours
do not include the District Court Work Program which provided an average
of 15 probationers who helped unload the deliverytrucks, moved the items
to the distribution areas and helped the residents gather their food and
load their cars (approx. 1,080 hours).
0 We are also partners with Forgotten Harvest, a food rescue organization
that provides our low-income residents with fresh fruits, vegetables, and
dairy items. Over 103,000 pounds of food was distributed to our residents.
0 Non -Food Pantry Referrals - 720 referral fortes were issued to TEFAP-
qualifed residents for boxes of assorted personal hygiene and household
goods/supplies supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Newburgh
Methodist Church.
0 Holiday Assistance — 160 TEFAP-qualified households were referred to
local sponsors for holiday food assistance. The Community Resource
Department also works closely with the Goodfellows to ensure that no
child/family is without a Christmas.
City Commissions/Guttural Activities
Clerical, technical and budgetary assistance was provided to the Aging, Arts,
Cable, Historical, Historic Preservation, Human Relations and Youth
Commissions.
PTO
LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT (LCT)
Community Resources has the administrative responsibility of providing
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and disabled residents. This program is
called Livonia Community Transit. Transportation is available with a reservation,
seven days a week, on a first-come, first -serve basis. Livonia Community Transit
also provides 'To Work" service for people coming to Livonia using the SMART
and D -DOT bus systems. This service picks up riders from hubs located at
Millennium Park as well as near Botsford Hospital and then takes these riders to
pre -determined stops. 'To Work" riders are picked up in the morning at 6:00
a.m., 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and again for the return trip at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.,
and 6:00 p.m. Municipal Credit contracts and Specialized Services grants,
administered by SMART, are monitored and prepared by the Community
Resources staff. The Livonia Community Transit system has a fleet of 18
vehicles (small buses and vans). The vehides are driven by 23 part-time bus
drivers, all with Commercial Drivers Licenses. The Transit office is supervised by
a Grant Manager and three other part-time employees that help coordinate the
drivers and the route schedules. The system served over 51,000 riders. These
rides totaled over 252,211 miles and approximately 18,558 service hours.
Revenue from bus fares totaled approximately $80,000.
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM
Civic Park Senior Center
Participation in activities during 2013 totaled approximately 197,421 seniors.
There were 11,500 congregate meals served. Activities included: health
screenings, educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards and
games, art & crafts, senior sports, computer lab, Medicare counseling, senior
picnic, senior resource fair, craft show, holiday parties, Detroit Symphony
Orchestra trips, Farmer's Market trips, etc. Volunteers logged 9,000 hours.
SUPPORT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, AND TRANSPORTATION
C. D. B.G. and Community Transit funds totaled $48,000. Donations in the amount
of $11,000 were received.
Federal and State grants and donations provided
0 7,111 one-way rides through the senior transportation program
0 22,431 meals were delivered by volunteers to home -bound seniors
Focus Hope
The City of Livonia has the responsibility of administering the Focus Hope food
program to senior residents 60 years or older who income qualify. In 2013, 470
food boxes were distributed to a maximum of 47 low-income senior households
assisted by five (5) volunteers. The distribution originates from the Civic Park
Senior Center on the first Wednesday of every month.
Livonia Youth Assistance Program
REFERRALSOURCES:
21
2013 Referrals: 44 new cases — (28 Male and 16 Female)
Carry over cases from 2012: 63
Total cases served in 2013: 107
These numbers are accurate as of November 30, 2013.
2013 cases represent the following referral agencies:
29 Livonia Police Department
12 Surrounding police departments (Westland, Novi, Northville)
3 Voluntary referrals from family members
0 29 parents completed 208 hours of instruction with our Alternative
0 Parenting Skills group.
0 Program youth performed 862 hours of community work service.
0 50 youth completed 605 hours of instruction in "Project Impact' (social
0 living skills) group.
0 31 youth attended the county jail lour.
0 42 drug tests were administered
0 241 youth used the services of the Youth Employment Resource Center
that listed over 1,235 job openings. High school visits included 305
students: (45 -Churchill, 75 -Franklin, 95 -Stevenson and 90-Clarenceville).
0 Wayne County grants: 1/1 01h Mill Fund $19,100.
LIVONIA CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION
In 2013, Livonia Television (LTV) continued providing viewers on Brighthouse
Networks (channel 8) and AT&T U -verse (channel 99) with high-quality
programming, promoting Livonia's programs and services. As of early November
2013, LTV staff completed 202 projects, producing 109 programs (3,681.25
production hours), including the LIVE coverage of City Council regular and study
meetings and Planning Commission regular meetings. From December 2012 to
November 2013, 151.75 hours of volunteer assistance was utilized in the
production of LTV programming.
In addition to the continuing production of LTV's original award-winning
programming, 2013 marked the introduction of PBS programming to LTV's
lineup. WGTE of Toledo, OH and WCMU of Mt. Pleasant, MI are sharing a
variety of original programming which airs on a monthly basis on LTV. Also in
the mix is a local favorite, Under the Radar Michigan, which is produced with help
from WTVS of Detroit.
The Commission held a public hearing on April 25h, 2013, to gather public input
on current cable provider service and quality in Livonia. No residents or business
owners attended. This hearing was held as part of preparation for franchise
renewal which takes place in 2015.
0
The City of Livonia Building Maintenance crews installed independent air
conditioning units to the Cable office as well as the edit suite, to keep the rooms
cool for protection of the electronic components. The City's AM radio station,
WPZY, also received a maintenance visit from the radio vendor. Plans are in the
works for an upgrade to allow the radio system to be networked and to play audio
files produced by the LTV staff. This will give much-needed improvement to the
station's audio quality. Sergeant Bran Kahn, Livonia Homeland Security, is
working closely with LTV to prepare the station for special use during the
upcoming 1-96 reconstruction project.
In staff news, LTV received a total of three awards and one honorable mention
from NATOA and from ACM during their respective programming competitions.
Also, the Executive Board of Michigan NATOA elected Mike DiFazio as their Vice
President in October. The staff continues to produce streaming media content for
the City's website and fill digital photography and graphic creation requests for
many city departments. One notable additional project is the documentation of
the construction of Fallen Heroes Memorial Park next door to City Hall.
As of November 2013, LTV staff logged twenty (20) Brighthouse Networks
complaints and six (6) AT&T complaints. A large number of the BHN complaints
were related to the CBSf WC outage. Overall, we received a low number of
complaints.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission on Aging continues to publish the "Heritage' as part of the City
News. It is distributed to all residences within the City of Livonia utilizing
Commission funds.
The Commission on Aging helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer
Fair in April, and in June, they co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic
which was held at the Senior Center. The Commission funded the Boxed
Lunches and were in charge of Bingo and Share the Wealth.
During the month of October, the Commission provided handouts and worked at
Senior Celebration. The Commission also provided funds to purchase one (1)
computer for the Senior Center office staff as well as party supplies for a
November retirement.
The Commission on Aging, pursuant to its by-laws, held its annual election
during the month of November. The following officers were elected to one-year
terms commencing December 1, 2013. The following officers are:
0 Chairperson: Josephine Smith
0 Vice Chairperson: Dolores Smith
0 Treasurer: Florence Yeomans
0 Secretary: Marcia Heads
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LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission mel on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the
Mayors Conference Room at Livonia City Hall. The 2013 officers were:
0 Chairperson: Brian Duggan
0 Vice Chairperson: Dan Spuding
0 Secretary: Carrie Spuding
The Commission eliminated the office of Treasurer and relies on the financial
reports submitted by liaison, Chris Swish.
Active members included Brian Duggan, Daniel Centers, Jason Claypoole,
Donna Eno, Mary Fisher -Smith, Grace Karczewski, Seymour Le Vine, George
Ontko, Daniel Pawlak, Carrie Spurling, Dan Spuding, Jerry Valentine, Pam
Valentine and Karen Voran.
George Ontko resigned and Seymour Le Vine passed away. They were
replaced by Dan Centers and Dan Pawlak. Jason Claypoole was not
reappointed, creating four open positions.
The commissioners agreed to purchase a brick paver in memory of Seymour Le
Vine. This brick paver will be placed in the Livonia Fallen Heroes Memorial to
honor his contributions to the Livonia Arts Commission over the years.
Budgeted Free -Admission Activities: The Commission appropriated $1,800 to
co-sponsor the monthly Noontime Concerts held at the Civic Center Library.
Music from the Heart was held in front of City Hall starting in July and ending in
September, with the exception of the Livonia Symphonic Orchestra held at the
Community Recreation Center. Only one concert was cancelled due to the
weather but was rescheduled in September. The Arts Commission, in
conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Commission, purchased a tent to
provide shelter for the bands. New this year, were donations of refreshments to
our citizens provided by the following businesses: Brian Duggan, Bill Brown Ford,
Slate Farm - Ken Wagner Agency, Tony's Kitchen, Looney Bakers and
Community Choice Credit Union.
Commission Donations: Livonia Symphony Orchestra: $3,000; Greenmead's
Garden Walk: $50; and Greenmead's Christmas Walk: $50.
Commission -Sponsored Community Activities: The Arts Commission
provided a $500 grant to the Visual Arts Association of Livonia. Two
scholarships were awarded totaling $2,000 to students planning on an art -related
field at a post -high school learning institution. The Livonia Arts Commission
Scholarship Program received a donation of $200 from the Livonia Career
Center.
24
The Arts Commission held its 16th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in November. The
selected artwork was displayed in the 2 n floor Fine Arts Gallery at the Civic
Center Library. Over 230 entries were submitted by 81 applicants. The
application fees netted $3,425 in revenue. Sponsors included SchoolcraR
Community College, Diane L. Webb -Wayne County Commissioner, 8th District,
and Morgan Services.
Artwork was displayed monthly in the Civic Center Library Gallery as well as in
the City Hall Atrium and included the work of regional artists and art groups.
Livonia Public Schools displayed artwork during the month of April and
Clarenceville Public Schools displayed artwork during the month of May.
Commission Sponsored Receptions: The Fine Arts Exhibition reception was
held in November in the Civic Center Library Atrium. Individual artist receptions
were held monthly in the Library Gallery.
Livonia Public Schools asked the Commission to judge its annual PTSA (Parent
Teacher Student Association) Reflections competition once again.
The Arts Commission maintains a City website, a Facebook site, and a Twitter
account.
The Arts Commission mission statement is: 'To create, promote, develop,
sponsor, sustain, facilitate, and further the Arts within the City of Livonia" The
Arts Commission continues community access to art experiences, opportunities,
and improving community awareness.
LIVONIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Historic District Resources
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) continued to meet the first
Wednesday of each month at the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead during
2013. The Commission had four official meetings but elected to continue to meet
for planning purposes every month except July. A website is in development to
highlight the historic districts in Livonia on the City Website. Due to the nature of
the Historic Preservation Commission, official meetings may be added with the
necessary approvals to accommodate owners of Historic Properties requiring
approvals.
Greenmead
The Historic Preservation Commission continues to recommend a Master Plan
(Cultural Resource Management Plan) be developed for Greenmead before any
future decisions are made at the site. Various other projects were discussed and
approved as required to update the Village, Hill House and fans buildings.
25
The Historic Preservation commissioners continue to volunteer at Greenmead
events in an attempt to assist Historical Commission commissioners due to the
financial hardships in Livonia. Some of the events are: Flea Market in the spring
and fall, Highland Games, Sunday tours and the teas throughout the year.
Newburg, Livonia Center, Briggs, and Clarenceville Cemeteries:
The Historic Preservation, along with the Historical Commission, Michigan 17th
re -enactors and the Historical Society, planned and held a cemetery walk at
Clarenceville Cemetery generating income of $1,054 for cemetery repairs. The
cemetery stones are a little improved, but an unusual amount of family stones
have been overturned, and we plan to obtain a quote to stand them upright.
Robert Vance, of Boy Scout Troop #743, finished his Eagle Scout requirements
by cleaning the Briggs Cemetery of garbage and debris. The Commission plans
to hold the 2014 Cemetery Walk at this Cemetery.
Newburg Cemetery stones were repaired using funds from the 2012 cemetery
walk. Approximately $3000 in repairs were done this year with approximately
one-eighth of the cemetery completed.
All the historic cemeteries in the city require much needed maintenance. There
continues to be considerable maintenance associated with lawn cutting and
issues due to age, weather and vandalism. The grass cutters are using large
machines that cause damage to the headstones. The Historic Preservation
Commission plans to address these issues as funds are raised.
In the future, the Commission would like a new line item in the budget to support
the needs of the historic cemeteries in Livonia including grass cutting and
maintenance. Due to the Livonia budget constraints, the Commission has tabled
the discussion for this year.
Felician Mother House
The Commission approved changes to the Felician Mother House to
accommodate interior remodeling and walkways between buildings.
The Historic Preservation Commission continues to have one open seat.
Election of officers held in November:
0 Chairperson: Kathy Johnson-Barlshe
0 Vice Chairperson: Ralph Bakewell
0 Secretary: Kathie Glynn
0 Treasurer: Jim Kline
GREENMEAD
Historical Properties
Community Resources has administrative responsibility for the Historical and
Historic Preservation Commissions. The reports pertaining to these activities can
PTP
be found under the Historical Commission and Historic Preservation
Commission.
In addition, the Community Resources staff at Greenmead:
0 Conducted day-to-day operations of Greenmead
0 Maintained Historical Commission records including minutes, volunteer
hours, caretaker reports, contracts and budgets
0 Coordinated weekday tours, Sunday lours, Gift Shop operations, Newburg
School usage, as well as Newburg Church, Alexander Blue House and
Meeting House rentals. Property usage includes weddings, meetings,
luncheons, memorials, classes and private parties
0 Implemented Historical Commission resolutions
0 Assisted with the development, planning and implementation of 25 special
events, fundraisers and community projects sponsored by the Historical
Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Society, Queslers,
Sl. Andrew's Society of Detroit, Green Meadows — Native Lands, Boy
Scouts, 17t Michigan Civil War Re-enactors, A.M.C. Car Club and Garden
Club
0 Worked with D.P.S. to define and prioritize maintenance work in the Farm
Complex, Historic Village and the Alexander Blue House
0 Coordinated the painting of the Newburg Church and Judge Blue's Office,
repairing and painting of the north and south porches at the Schoolhouse
0 Coordinated the continued restoration project on the Simmons/Hill House
0 Coordinated with D.P.W. and D & B Landscaping on the installation of the
sprinkler system. This system was a donation from the Friends of
Greenmead
0 Coordinated the Livonia Foundation Grant of $2500 which was used to
replace sections of the while picket fence at the Simmons/Hill House
0 Coordinated 130 private party rentals of the Newburg Church, Meeting
House and/or Alexander Blue House
0 Coordinated Greenmead's volunteer program, published issues of the
Volunteer Voice Newsletter, and scheduled volunteers for lours and
special events
0 Provided work site and supervision for community service probationers
and communilyservice projects
0 Hosted several professional and volunteer gatherings such as a Volunteer
Reception, Volunteer Season Opener, Friends of Greenmead Luncheon
and Tea, Historical Society Picnic, Meetings and Banquet, Police
Reserves Picnic, Quesler events, Community Garden Annual Picnic and
Zonta Picnic
0 Provided a project site for the Master Gardener Program and support for
the volunteer gardeners' program
0 Provided a site for Eagle Scout Projects
27
LIVONIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Twenty-four special events were held at Greenmead this year. Flea Markets
were held in June and September. Highland Games and the American Motors
Car Show were held in August. Christmas, Presidential, Midsummer's Night and
Highland Teas were held at the Alexander Blue House. Treasures from
Grandma's Attic was held at the Alexander Blue House in the spring and the fall.
Children's activities included Peter Rabbit, Halloween Walk and A Visit with
Santa. Henry Ford's 150th birthday anniversary was celebrated with a dinner at
the Alexander Blue House. The Village has been open for lours on weekdays
beginning in May and on Sundays beginning in June.
A new Recreation Supervisor, Maureen Casey, was hired early in the year. She
has planned special events and rented the Newburg Church, the Alexander Blue
House and the Meeting House.
Commissioner Barbara Mansfield has scheduled the volunteers for Sunday tours
and special events.
The 17`h Michigan Civil War Re -enactors put on a Civil War Weekend as well as
helped the Preservation Commission with the Cemetery Walk at Clarenceville
Cemetery. They meet monthly at Greenmead and decorate the Kingsley House
for Christmas.
The Hill House gardens were cared for by volunteer gardeners under the
direction of Jan Whitcomb. The garden at Newburg Church and the garden east
of Shaw House are also cared for by volunteer gardeners.
There were 43 weddings held at Greenmead. Both the Alexander Blue House
and the Friends' Meeting House have been rented for showers, receptions and
business meetings.
The Livonia Historical and Preservation Commissions and the Livonia Historical
Society all use the Alexander Blue House for meetings and activities.
Maintenance:
0 The exterior of Judge Alexander Blue's Office was painted.
0 The windows and doors were replaced.
0 Some siding was replaced on the north and south sides of the Newburg
School.
B The ceiling of the Newburg Church was painted.
B The Simmons -Hill House work began in October 2012 and is nearly
complete. The furnishings were returned to the house early in October.
B The exterior paint has been removed, and the house has been repainted
and reroofed.
B A handicapped ramp has been added to the sunroom entrance.
B Inside sliding shutters were discovered in three parlor windows.
1E
0 The interior work done on the house has included three new beams in the
basement.
0 The furnace has been replaced and the radiators have been worked on.
0 Air conditioning has been installed.
0 Cracks in the walls have been repaired.
0 Interior and exterior drainage has been greatly improved.
0 Woodwork and ceilings have been painted.
0 Floors have been refinished.
0 Windows have been repaired and all of them are in working order.
0 The sidelights at the front parlor entrance and the basement windows in
the recreation room have been restored.
0 Basement walls have been tuck -pointed.
0 The beams in the recreation room have been covered.
0 The kitchen and second floor east bathroom floor coverings have been
replaced.
Four Quesler groups have decorated the Simmons -Hill House for the Christmas
Walk.
The $15,725 donation from the Friends of Greenmead has been used to replace
the south lawn sprinkler system for the Simmons -Hill House.
We applied for, and were placed on, the Country School Association of America
National Registry of One -Room Schools.
We received a Community Foundation Grant which has been used to replace 10
sections of the Eight Mile fence. Funds donated by the Livonia Garden Club and
Zonta were added to the grant fund to replace adddional fencing. Two sections
of the Victor Road fence were replaced by the insurance company.
Kathie Glynn and Sue Daniel have worked on accessioning and cataloging the
artifact collection. There were 15 accessions this year.
Several Eagle Scout projects have been completed by Boy Scouts.
0 A new exhibit case was built in the main room in the Meeting House.
0 Kitchen cabinets were replaced over the counter in the small east room.
0 The screen house has been painted to match the Simmons -Hill House.
0 The brush has been cleaned out at the Union/Briggs Cemetery on Six Mile
Road.
0 The nature trail has been cleaned.
0 The Hinbern and Kingsley porches have been painted.
29
Donations have been received from the Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical
Society, Livonia Garden Club, Zonla, Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, Arts and Letters, and a grant from the
Livonia Community Foundation. Most of the funds donated were designated
toward the Simmons/Hill House and the Eight Mile fence.
Memorial funds were also received in memory of volunteers.
LIVONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Livonia Human Relations Commission held its quarterly meetings on the 2otl
Tuesday of the month in the Michigan Room at the Civic Center Library.
The 2013 officers were: Elaine Livingway: Chairperson
Dillon Breen: First Chairperson
Chris Deal: Secretary
Other active Commission members include Harold Klee, Dillon Breen and John
Dalton. George Saba has resigned. At this time, there are three open positions.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission participated with Madonna University
in presenting its 2013 event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. Presently, the
Commission is co-sponsonng with Madonna University a week of programming
and service in 2014 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission was represented at the Mayor's State
of the City address for 2013.
Many members of the Commission attended the Livonia Community Prayer
Breakfast on May 3, 2013.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission co-sponsored and was represented at
a September 2013 lecture at the Livonia Civic Library regarding human trafficking
that was also sponsored by Laura Toy and Stale Senator Judy Emmons.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
In 2013, the Livonia Commission on Children and Youth continued the
administration of the Livonia Youth/Spree Scholarship Program sponsored by the
Livonia Anniversary Committee. The Commission distributed brochures
advertising the scholarships to the local high schools and libraries. The
scholarship information was presented in the City Sprang Newsletter, on Livonia
Television, in the Livonia Observer, on the City's website and through the
Department of Community Resources. More than forty-two applications were
submitted for the five awards of $2,000. Commissioners Dan Spuding, Jeff Nork,
Jessica Claypoole, and Jim Keller reviewed and selected the most deserving
recipients. Scholarship awards were presented during the Spree pancake
breakfast in June.
all
The 2013 Arbor Day Project in April was coordinated with the cooperafion of both
the Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville Public Schools. Tree seedlings
were packaged and distributed to all fourth grade classes in the two school
systems. Global ReLeaf and the Youth Commission shared the cost of supplying
more than eighteen hundred trees. Commissioner Ken Balcoff chaired the
committee this year.
The Youth Commission again monetarily supported the "All Night Senior
Graduafion Parfies" at the high schools that requested our help through
donafions of $250 to each requesting school.
Once again in 2013, the Honor Certificates were presented to all graduating
seniors who had achieved a 3.0 grade point average or higher from Clarenceville
and Ladywood High Schools. Livonia Board of Education chose not to
participate. Commissioner Dan Spurling spearheaded this project.
Acknowledging that back -lo -school is a costly time of year for low-income
parents, the Livonia Youth Commission held its annual school supply program for
the fifth consecufive year. The Commission distributed more than 250
backpacks filled with school supplies to low-income families whose names were
provided by the Livonia Goodfellows. Both monetary and supply donafions were
received from Am Hardware, Wal-Mart, FedEx, Sl. Priscilla's Parish, Sri Shirdi
Saibaba Temple, Livonia Senior Cifizens, City employees' jeans day, and several
Livonia families. The commission also purchased school supplies with their
funds. Commissioners Dan Spurling and Jeff Nork were primarily responsible for
this project and were assisted by other Commissioners, Chris Swish of
Community Resources, city staff, Youth Assistance, Livonia Police, and many
other volunteers.
Emergency slickers, which are to be placed on the bedroom windows of children,
senior cifizens or handicapped individuals, continue to be available at City Hall as
well as from the Livonia Fire Department. Information for obtaining these slickers
is shown on Livonia Television.
The Youth Commission, in an effort to reach out to the low-income youth of
Livonia, hosted a holiday party on two consecufive Saturdays in November for
families who registered with the Livonia Goodfellows. While Goodfellows
representatives interviewed the parents, the children were invited to enjoy snacks
and crafts. They were given mittens/gloves, scarves and hats. The children were
also given an opportunity to have their faces painted and to visit and have their
photograph taken with Santa at the Senior Center. Commissioners Dan Spuding
and Jeff Nork headed this project and were aided by Commissioners and
volunteers from the community.
This nine member commission meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of the month
at 7:15 p.m. on the third floor of Livonia City Hall. Commission members are: Ken
31
Balcoff, Linda Bishop, Jessica Claypoole, Laura Duggan, George Gostas, John
Grzebik, James Keller, Jeff Nork, and Dan Spuding.
Commission Officers for 2013-2014:
0 Dan Spurling, Chairperson
0 Jeff Nork, Vice Chairperson
0 James Keller, Secretary
C
W JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED (Dec 2012 -Nov 2013)
CRIMINAL
1.
Felony (FY) 408
2.
Ordinance Misdemeanor (OM) 2708
3.
Statute Misdemeanor (SM) 233
Total Criminal
3349
TRAFFIC
4.
Felony Drunk Driving (FD) 28
5.
Felony Traffic (FT) 6
Total Felony Traffic
34
6.
Ordinance Drunk Driving (OD) 272
7.
Statute Drunk Driving (SD) 14
Total Drunk Driving
286
B.
Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanors (OT) 2499
9.
Statute Traffic Misdemeanors (ST) 231
Total Traffic Misd.
2730
10.
Statute Civil Infractions (SI) 2121
11.
Ordinance Civil Infractions (OI) 28570
Total Civil Infractions
30691
MISCELLANEOUS
12.
Criminal/Traffic Juries Selected 16
13.
Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 2
Total Miscellaneous
18
C
1077tL rL1 tl tlCH•1LTA I0L`I tl rLT•Y 11.1, 14.1 J-3 N N I ; C•'
14.
Ordinance Parking (OK)
649
15.
Ordinance Non-Traffic(ON)
23
16.
Statute Parking (SK)
0
21.
Landlord Tenant (LT)
Total Parking
17.
Statute Non -Traffic (SN)
20
22a.
Foreclosure
Total Non -Traffic
:y PII�']1749P]�1U\'f19.11Y69
18.
General Civil (GC)
1749
19.
General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ)
2
20.
Small Claims (SC)
315
21.
Landlord Tenant (LT)
459
22.
Land Contract Summary Proceedings (SP)
11
22a.
Foreclosure
97
Total Civil Division
161014 4 I_17I x•1119
23.
Civil Division Juries Selected
3
24.
Marriages
61
25.
Motions
1168
26.
Discovery/Debtor Exams
100
27.
Garnishments
5428
28.
Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction
310
PROBATION
672
20
2633
Total Miscellaneous 7070
1.
Number or Placements on Probation
2321
2.
Presentence Investigation Reports
1532
3.
Violation of Proba0on Warrants Issued
980
4.
Show Cause Summons issued
2953
5.
Probation Cases Closed
2214
6.
Number of Open Probation Cases
20930
7.
Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu of jail)
8188
COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES
Paid out $128,849
Collected back $103,554 (81% returned to the city)
33
2012-2013 Protects/Updates
1. The Court continues to make use of the new technologies in the Courthouse
by doing more video in -custody arraignments and exams of defendants, both
through the Wayne County jail system and the Stale of Michigan prison
system. When the police department determines who the new entity will be
for housing of prisoners, we will be looking into doing some video in -custody
for those individuals to save some additional time and hopefully costs.
2. The Court continues cross training of the employees so they can fill in when
we are shorthanded due to unfilled positions, vacations, sick leave and other
situations.
3. The ticket/case counts continue to rise with Misdemeanor (non -traffic) up
14.3% and Misdemeanor traffic up 21.10%. These are the areas that
historically bring more money into the city. Unfortunately, the Felony (non -
traffic) cases are also up from last year due to increased Fraud activity.
Overall revenues for the 12 -month period are up 11.8% ($422,655 over last
year).
4. The Court continues to ran both Drug and Sobriety Court programs. Judge
Kathleen J. McCann and Judge Sean P. Kavanagh both have sobriety and
drug court participants that they see on a monthly basis and monitor their
progress. The programs are funded by the Michigan Drug Court Program
(MDCGP), which is administrated by the State Court Administrative Office
(SCAO). The grant covers the operational needs of the program allowing
participants intensive supervision and support services in an effort to
maintaining their sobriety. This year, the court was also awarded a separate
grant that allowed for collaboration with other jurisdictions and accepting
supervision of defendant's from other jurisdictions who may reside in the city
or neighboring communities. Collaboration has been established with
neighboring courts for transfer of supervision into their specialty courts, such
as Mental Health and Veterans courts.
5. The Court is changing over its credit card setup, in that we are utilizing a
company where fees will be charged to the individual using the credit card for
paying of fines and or costs, rather than a fee being charged to the court for
accepting credit cards. It will eliminate a budgeted item, which this year is
anticipated to be almost $29,000 in savings to the city.
6. Jail reimbursement efforts continue with the funds collected going toward
reimbursement to the city for that jail housing.
7. Collections efforts are ongoing and have generated additional funds through
show causing of defendants to appear before the court, and if they fail to
appear a warrant is issued.
8. The 16th District Court Work Program has continued to carry out various
projects throughout the city. Some of the projects that are done on an
ongoing basis include the following:
a,
a. Plymouth Road Authority — Maintenance along Plymouth Road from
Inkster to Eckles Roads inclusive of edging sidewalks, seasonal
maintenance, such as weeding perennial beds, trimming shrubs, snow
removal, sweeping brick pavers and trash removal.
b. Annual Livonia Spree — Setup, tear down and cleanup of the grounds
before and after completion of the event.
c. Food Commodities Distribution (TEFAP) program — Unloading food
commodities, for low-income families.
d. Community Greenmead Garden Program — Preparation, planting and
harvesting of produce, which is then donated to feed those in need. Final
cleanup at the end of the harvest season.
e. Wilson Barn — Grounds maintenance of the bam; assistance with the
Annual Pumpkin Fest; and cleanup of other regular events.
f. City Parks — Maintenance of all city parks such as raking leaves, litter
pickup, and painting benches.
g. Friends of the Library — Loading and unloading of books for the regular
Book Sales.
h. Livonia Housing Commission — Assistance with removal of abandoned
belongings at city -owned family properties.
i. Youth Commission — Assistance with moving inventory out of storage for
annual events, such as Backpack programs.
j. Livonia Police & Fire — Exterior maintenance of the mass casualty trailer.
k. Churches — Assistance with seasonal grounds cleanup of numerous
churches.
9. Effective December 1, 2013, the Court will only have one union contract in
force, that being the MAPE Clerical Unit (10 employees). The MAPE
supervisory union was dissolved by a vole of its members, who now fall under
Administrative Orders. Negotiations (wage only) were concluded for the
2013-2014 contract, with wages to remain the same as prior year 2012-2013.
A "me -loo" clause was added in relation to any wage increases that may be
obtained by the city unions, Local 192 and Local 1917 for 2013-2014.
10.The Court continues with a good record on restitution of court-appointed
attorney fees, collecting over 81% of the fees paid. For the year, we have
collected over $103,554 of the $128,849 paid out for court-appointed
attorney services.
35
The Department of Finance consists of Accounting, Management Information
Systems, Water and Sewer Usage Billing, and the Division of Budget and
Purchasing with a total staff of twenty-one people. The Director of Finance
serves as administrative assistant to the Mayor in financial matters and is under
the direct supervision of the Mayor. The function of the Department of Finance
includes:
0 Supervision over the administration of the financial affairs of the City.
0 Keeping of accounts and financial records of the City and all
departments, commissions and agencies of the City government.
0 Maintenance of payroll records for all City employees.
0 Preparation of checks for all financial obligations of the City.
0 Billing and collection of over 160,000 water and sewer bills.
0 Responsibility for all computerized reporting and budget analysis for City
Departments.
0 Responsibility for evaluating and recommending computer hardware and
software systems City-wide.
0 Preparation of the annual budget for the Mayor.
0 Taking of bids for all major purchases made by the City.
0 Responding to City Council questions and providing additional reports
and information as requested by Council.
0 The Finance Director serves on a three-person Personnel Review
Committee, which is responsible for review and evaluation of the hiring,
placement and replacement of all employees for the City.
0 Performs Treasurer function for the Plymouth Road Development
Authority.
0 Membership on the Community Development Block Grant Committee.
0 Responsible for risk management of casually and liability, workers
compensation and medical insurance for the City and is the City's
representative to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority
(MMRMA).
0 Representation at over 50 meetings of the City Council.
0 Preparation of all debt issued by City.
0 Responsible for investment of City funds in interest earning accounts in
accordance with Slate law.
0 Management of City -owned properties leased to third parties.
BUDGET -PURCHASING
The Budget -Purchasing office is under the supervision and direction of the
Director of Finance who also acts as Purchasing Agent for the City. The Budget -
go!
Purchasing activity processed a total of 9,585 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 207 supply orders and
printing requests were also filled for City Departments.
ACCOUNTING
The volume of the Accounting Division activity is listed by comparative figures for
the past two years:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30 2012 2013
General Fund & Other Fund Payables Checks 14,977 14,629
Payroll Items 31,322 31,440
Journal Entries 6,812 6,900
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables) 8,050 8,168
Accounts Receivable Invoices:
False Alarms 746 643
Rescue Runs 4,183 4,557
Other 1,063 947
Water Bills Mailed 154,897 160,072
Water Bills Paid by EFT 18,897 18,576
Temporarily idle General Fund cash was invested in Certificates of Deposit and
daily savings deposits, resulting in a total interest earned of $23,401 or 0.005%
of City General Fund Revenue.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Finance Department played a key role in meeting the stale requirements
under the Economic Vitality Incentive Payment (EVIP) program, enabling the
City to qualify for $800,000 in revenue sharing funds.
2. The Finance Department prepared specifications and solicited proposals for
companies to lease and manage the cell lower located at Rotary Park. The
process resulted in a $275,000 signing bonus and increased annual rents
over the next 20 years.
3. The Department played a key role in the research, investigation and
implementation of the Employee Group Waiver Plan (EGWP), which is an
alternative method of providing prescription drugs to Medicare eligible
retirees. This program will result in annual savings of $400,000.
4. The Finance Department continued to work with City Council and the Mayor's
Office to maintain the City's excellent bond ratings, which currently are rated
AA3 at Moody's and AA at Standard and Poor's. Because of these excellent
bond ratings, more people will invest in City of Livonia bonds, resulting in
more competitive bidding from brokerage houses. Savings will continue into
the future for the City due to these ratings.
5. The City of Livonia audit was completed and, once again, the City's auditors
found no significant audit adjustments.
37
6. The Finance Department participated in several cooperative bids with
surrounding communities that resulted in more competitive bids and reduced
costs to the City.
The Information Systems Department is responsible for the computer hardware
and software used by the City. The IS Department assists other City
Departments in evaluating, selecting and implementing computer systems. It
also sets the standards for City computer systems. The Information Systems
Director is appointed by the Mayor and reports directly to the Finance Director.
The staff of the Information Systems Department consists of five (5) employees.
The staff is made up by the Director, 1 System Analyst II, 2 Computer
Administrator II, and one part time Computer Administrator I. The Information
Systems Department has five primary areas of responsibility. These are
Computer and Network Support, Application Software Support, Training and End
User Support, Website and Internet, and Geographic Information Systems.
COMPUTER AND NETWORK SUPPORT
The IS Department maintains the following hardware:
FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Windows 2003/2008 Servers 26 29 31
Physical Servers 17 14 12
Virtual Servers 13 19 21
Personal Computers 353 333 345
We also support 46 network switches, 6 firewalls and 3 network routers.
We are continuing to implement Windows 7 on our desktop/laptop computers.
We have upgraded or replaced another 141 computers, bringing our total to 247
computers running Windows 7. We still have 98 computers running Windows
XP. Microsoft has announced that Windows XP will not be supported after April
2014.
We virtualized 2 additional servers this year. Those servers are used by Parks
and DPW.
This was a big year for our wide area network. We had been using a
combination of wireless bridge radios to communicate with our remote City
locations. Most of this equipment was approaching 10 years old and all began to
fail this year.
One of the wireless bridge units that connect the City network with DPW failed
this year and was replaced. These units provide a 200 MB link between these
I.
campuses. We had the failed unit reconditoned and have it on hand as a spare
in case of future failures.
In four other locations where we were using low -speed wireless bridging that
began to fail this year, we switched to using high-speed cable modems with
firewalls for the communication. We route all traffic to the Internet directly out to
the cable modem and traffic to the City network travels through a Virtual Private
Network (VPN).
In order to comply with new LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network)
requirements, we had to separate the District Courts computer equipment from
the main City network by adding an additional firewall and reworking their entire
network. This was a large, complex project that required involvement with the
City IS staff, Stale of Michigan Courts staff, network consultants, and court
automation consultants.
The IS Department provided support on work order requests:
FYI 2011 FYI 2012 FYI 2013
Opened 862 1,230 1,496
Closed 841 1,232 1,479
Growth 21 -2 17
APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUPPORT
BS&A Systems
0 We upgraded to the BS&A .net applications for Assessing and Taxes.
Routematch
0 We updated the Roulematch Transit system to the new version and
replaced the computers used by dispatch this year. This upgrade now
allows the dispatch computers to run Windows 7.
Autocad
0 We updated Autocad for the Engineering Department to Autocad 2014.
TRAINING AND END USER SUPPORT
The IS Department has provided in-house training for City employees on how to
use computers and software packages in the past. Due to staffing level changes
we have been forced to put this effort on hold. We have tried to use a variety of
free on-line resources to provide some of the needed training. We did provide 27
one-on-one training sessions on the DNN Web Content Software and 22 on City
Supported Software.
FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Number of Employees Trained 62 48 49
19
WEBSITE AND INTERNET
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(http://www.ci.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and grow in
usage.
We updated the City website (www.ci.livonia.mi.us) with the following items:
While working with the Livonia Marketing Consortium, we developed a
new splash page, new "skin' (color configuration) for all of the existing
pages, added additional content to help promote the city to visitors, market
Livonia, provide links to education facilities and to the chamber of
commerce.
Developed a new City Facebook page known as Livonia Community,
which now has more than 500 followers.
Developed a calendar that shows all government meetings and provides
notice of any changes or cancellations.
Our website was recognized as the 2013 Best Government Website by the
Michigan Government Management Information Systems (Mi-GMIS) group.
Website statistics include:
FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Number of Page Views 2,700,055 2,370,087 2,183031
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees.
FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Number of E-mail accounts 256 243 240
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Information Systems Department also manages, operates and maintains a
Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage its maps and spatially
referenced data.
2013 GIS Accomplishments
Arc GIS Online - With the release of latest version of our GIS software (ArcGIS
version 10.1), a new online mapping product is now available, ArcGIS online.
We have successfully established our City account and have begun
experimenting with the software. Potentially Aro GIS online has the capability to
perform many of the duties currently done by our various online map services.
Online Map Services - During 2013 we have added additional enhancements to
both our internal and external mapping services. Livonia Viewer, or internal
mapping service, now has the capability of automatically generating all types of
mailing labels in a single "pass." This includes labels for residential parcels,
condominium complexes, and multi -tenant commercial property. In addition, the
lie
Excel spreadsheet -to -Word mail merge procedure has been documented for our
internal users. Our external map services, primarily our general City map, Voter
Precinct map, and Leaf Pickup Schedule map, have all been updated and the
data layers are conlinuously maintained through the City's GIS. Preparations
are being made for the imminent closure of 1-96 and an additional online map
service depicting the overpass closures.
Database Maintenance - We have continued our weekly maintenance schedule
with the GIS during 2013. Our GIS database has been under SDE configuration
control for several years now. Editing of our various data layers is done by GIS
users within the City. The established procedure calls for all editing to be done to
a "personal" version of the GIS database. These edits are then pushed up to a
DRAFT version of the database where they are inspected and verified. Once the
DRAFT version has been verified, edits are then pushed up to the DEFAULT
version of the database for general use. This procedure has worked very well
and insures that the GIS is continuously updated in a systematic fashion. During
the past year the maintenance procedure has been documented and all data
editors in the City have assisted with the weekly maintenance procedure at least
once.
New Data Layers for 2013 - It is important to remember that our GIS database
is a living, breathing entity, and that it is in a constant stale of change. This past
year we've added a number of new data layers: (1) a "new and improved" road
centerline file from the Conference of Western Wayne County, this layer has
updated our centerline file and compared it with the Fire and Police database
(MSAG) on a segment by segment basis, (2) generated a Plymouth Road
Development Authority (PRDA) boundary file to support Planning Department
activities, (3) water hydrant Y' connector data layer for DPW and Fire, and (4) 1-
96 Overpass file to support M -DOT construction in 2014. The current schools
overlay is in the process of being updated, with new pre-schools being added by
LPD for the CLEMIS group.
Mapping Support - During 2013 the GIS has continued to supported mapping
activities for numerous City departments, including the Assessing department
(generated 144 tax assessing land value maps plus various other maps),
measured the parcel "frontage' for all commercial parcels in the City, generated
numerous maps for the Housing Department depicting City -owned homes along
with Silver Village, Mac Towers, and Newburgh Village, Parks and Recreation,
Police, and Fire Department. In addition, we continually maintain our set of
quarter section tax maps (144), address maps (144), zoning maps (144), land
use maps (144) and various City maps (city street maps, subdivisions, voter
precincts, etc.).
41
LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2013, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 9,224 incidents,
87% involved emergency medical services, while fire -related responses
accounted for 13%. The following statistical breakdowns refiect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year (11/1/12-11/1/13).
Incidents
Emergency Medical 8031
Fire 249
Fire (other) 944
Total 9224
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for
82 of the responses, 505 were false fire alarm calls and 156 were downed wire
incidents.
In comparison to last year, Emergency Medical runs are up 4% and Fire Runs
are down 23%, while Fire other was up 1 %. Overall runs are up 3%.
FIRE PREVENTION
Throughout the year, in addition to the related activities listed below, this Division
is responsible for updating technical knowledge, maintaining electronic and paper
records, maintaining job efficiency and state certification for the department's Fire
Inspectors. This is accomplished by attending numerous seminars, job related
schools and other continuing education programs. These schools would include
but are not limited to SchoolcraR College, the National Fire Academy, Michigan
Slate Police Arson School, Michigan Fire Inspectors Conferences, Metro Detroit
Fire Inspectors Society and the various (I.A.A.I.) International Association of
Arson Investigators schools and seminars.
Inspections
Although not all encompassing, the following categories reflect the majority of
inspections conducted by the Fire Prevention Division:
Advice
23
Liquor License
8
Alarm
15
Re -inspect
282
Complaint
17
Life Safely Inspections
58
Fire Inspection
22
Construction
241
City License
24
Site Plan/Preliminary Plan
21
Carnival/Spree
4
Re -occupancy
133
False Alarms
13
System Report Deficiency
143
Interior Alterations
49
Suppression
62
Fireworks
21
Temporary Structure
11
History File
125
Pre -Incident Survey
17
Total
1289
42
Plan Reviews
Alarm 58
Site Plan 21
Construction 402
Fire Suppression 102
Total 583
The above plan review totals reflect the number of projects received/assigned in
the Fire Prevention Office and do not include the actual number of inspections
made. Multiple site visits are required when inspecting various fire alarm,
suppression or structural systems to ensure compliance with the adopted codes
and standards installation practices. A conservative estimate of site visits
needed to complete a project would be four inspections. More complex jobs
would require additional inspections, in some instances 10-20 site visits. Several
large projects were completed or are near completion at this time. This would
include Menards, Dave and Busters, Costen and Kroger gas stations and an LPG
facility located at Consumers Power. Premier Medical is near completion and
several renovations at Sl. Mary Hospital have been completed.
The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspectors regularly go to the fire stations and review
false alarms with the station officers. This allows the Fire Prevention Division to
address those occupancies that are having multiple false alarms. Dialogue with
the suppression personnel gives the inspection division a second avenue for
finding and comecting building deficiencies.
This division also provides fire investigations for determination of origin and
cause. Whenever a question arises from a fire officer that a fire may not have
started accidentally, we are requested to respond. Also, any large loss or fatal
fres are also examined and documented. The Fire Prevention Office responded
to approximately 22 fres in 2013. Nearly 20% of these fres required extensive
documentation and follow-up varying from simple photography to exhaustive
research and interviews. Two of the fres resulted in 3 fatalities while 1 additional
fire resulted in 3 persons being convicted of arson and attempted murder of the
homeowner.
MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Fire Equipment Mechanic who are responsible for
specification writing, ordering, care, maintenance and repair of all mechanized
and related fire, rescue and paramedic equipment. The division provides
firefighters, Livonia citizens, and visitors of Livonia with safe and reliable
ambulance, rescue and fire fighting vehicles and related equipment.
This year the responsibilities of the Maintenance Division included the following
43
0 Completed 417 work order requests
0 Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars,
lawn equipment, USAR trailer, WWC Hazmat trailer, Hazmat trucks as
well as all equipment on each vehicle on a semi-annual and annual basis.
0 Annual Pump Tests on all Fire Pumps.
0 Worked with neighboring cities to come up with universal spec for
replacement Squads, in an attempt to keep costs down.
0 Wrote spec and blueprint for replacement of SO 3.
0 Wrote spec and started blueprint drawings for 2 replacement pumpers.
0 In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighter and
E.M.T.D.'s on the operational requirements of vehicles and also aided in
training exercises when necessary.
0 Responded to major fres to assist the department in set up of equipment,
filling of SCBA bottles, repair and refueling of vehicles.
0 Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and
members of Western Wayne Mutual Aid Association.
0 Provided assistance to the following Project Managers:
0 SCBA Officer— ordering parts, repairing SCBA air packs, as well as
placing new air packs in service and removing obsolete air packs
out of service.
0 Hose Officer — specification writing, ordering and mounting of
nozzles, adapters, and hose.
0 Building Maintenance Officer — repair of vehicle electrical and air
line drops.
0 Received new Heavy Rescue from Pierce, worked with Apparatus
Team mounting Equipment, Radios, and relocating bottle refill
station at rear of vehicle to make ready to be placed in service.
0 EMT Officer— installation of ALS equipment.
0 Communications Officer — mounting hand held prep radio vehicle
chargers and installation of new radio and complete computer
systems for ALS and relocation of some radios in pumpers, and
repair of same.
0 Apparatus Officer — ordering and mounting of new equipment/hand
tools and mounts.
0 Public Relations Committee — equipment.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items:
El
Vehicles:
1 —2012 Pierce Arrow XT Heavy Rescue
1 —2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Fire Investigation Unit
1 —1996 GMC 3/4 -Ton Pick -Up
1 —1997 Navistar/Horton Swat Alpha Unit
1 — 20051nternational/MarqueWater Rescue/Technical Unit
1 —1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
2 —2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Reserve Alpha Units
1 —2001 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 —2012 Freightliner/Alpha Unit
1 —2007 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
2 — 2009 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Units
1 —2011 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Unit
1 —1993 E -One Pumper 1250 GPM
1 —1994 Smeal/Spartan 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —2002 American LaFrence 2000GPM 75FT. SQUIRT Aerial
1 —2006 American LaFmnce 2000GPM 100FT. Mid -Mount Aerial Platform
3-2003 American LaFmnce Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —2009 American LaFmnce Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 —2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 —2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boat, Motor and Trailer
1 —2010 Chevy Tahoe
2 —2005 Chevy Impalas
1 —2004 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
3-2006 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
1 —2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
1 —2007 Chevrolet 2500 Pick-up
1 —2009 GMC 2500 Yukon XL
1 —2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 —2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B.R.N.E.)
1 —2006 Spartan Spencer RRTN HAZMAT Truck
1 —28fl USARTreiler
1 —2007 Fire Safety Unit
Equipment on Vehicles:
Thousands of feet of fire hose
Fire hose nozzles
Axes and adapters
Foam equipment, hand and vehicle mounted
Deluge equipment
110 V electrical lighting
Tools (hand and firefighting)
9 — auxiliary generators
43 — ISI Viking Air Pack
94 — Air Bottles
89 — ISI Viking Masks
45
Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 — 6000psi 4 Air Bottle Cascade System
1 — K-950 Saw
2—K-12 Saw
7 — Chain saws
2 — Amkus Power Tools
2 —TNT Power Tools
7 — Life Jack PPV fans
Mounting of Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
4 — Walk behind mowers
Lawn blowers, weed whips, edgers
Garage Equipment:
1 — Hose test Pump
2 — In -ground garage hoist hydro -testing
1 — Garage tool replacements
1 — Pumper pump test tool as needed to comply with NFPA 1911.
TRAINING DIVISION
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2013 was to continue to assure
compliance for the ongoing education (CEU) requirements for both EMT and
Paramedic within the department. The number of overall CEU's for Paramedics
is higher than that of an EMT and thus requires a more diligent training progmm
in order to ensure that the department's personnel are always compliant with
licensing requirements. State of Michigan standards require the obtaining of both
lecture and practical credits. Livonia Fire & Rescue is a Continuing Education
program sponsor, which allows us a more flexibility in the scheduling and delivery
of classes for EMS education. The training office continues to improve its record
management system related to training activities, which in turn ensures
compliance with OSHA, ISO and nationally accepted standards on training and
documentation. The training division continues to provide training commensurate
with the mission of our department. Although EMS training takes up large
amounts of resources and time, this office still facilitates training in fire
suppression, specialized rescue, hazardous materials, utility emergencies and
risk reduction.
Fire Officer training commensurate with the CBA continues to be a high priority
and is currently up to date. In addition, the Department has initiated training Fire
Officers in "Blue Card Incident Command". This training tool will enhance the
knowledge base as well as improve the practical application ability of the
Department's Fire Officers.
All of our members went through recertification in BLS (Basic Life Support) in
January of this year. And, in February, all members went through recertification
in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support). In addition to these certifications, the
46
Department also certified 10 members at the instructor level in both ACLS and
BLS.
The safely of our Firefighters remains the paramount focus of training activities
and, as such, the Department has certified all of its members in the Fire Ground
Survival Program endorsed by the IAFF (International Association of Fire
Fighters). This program included an 8-hour didactic course followed by six
weeks of practical evolutions.
This office continues to look at ways to improve our overall service and maintain
the highest level of pre-hospital care to the citizens of Livonia. The department's
EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program continues to strive to comply with
stringent county and slate requirements regarding QI/QA. The training office
continues to administrate and facilitate the Medical Priority Dispatch system that
is used in dispatching EMS calls city-wide. The system has proven to be
extremely effective in risk reduction for responders, as well as the public, by
assigning a priority to the medical call. Because of the increasing EMS run call
volume each year, the MPD system allows the priontizing of all EMS related calls
to ensure that the most life threatening emergencies receive assistance above
those of a lesser degree. This office was also responsible for tracking and
fulfilling the MPD Quality Assurance requirements as outlined in county Medical
Control protocols. Since the MPD program came on line in May of 2001, the
training office meets and discusses QI related issues quarterly, as to ensure
compliance within county and stale guidelines.
We provide EMS training to Schoolcrafi College EMT students, who participate in
ride-alongs with our paramedics. This program is currently in its fourth year.
We have had residents from St. Mary Mercy hospital ride along with our crews as
part of their medical educational requirements. Many of the residents have also
put on EMS Continuing Education classes for our members.
In the sprang, we spent significant time training on vehicle exlncalion techniques.
With ever-changing automotive technologies and large volumes of vehicle traffic
throughout the city, it is imperative to be proficientwith these skills. In addition to
the implementation of a new Heavy Rescue exlncalion vehicle, we dedicated six
weeks of hands-on practical training to improving our extrication skills.
With the purchase and implementation of our new SCBA's (Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus), a significant amount of time was dedicated to training and
familiarization of the new Viking ISI SCBA. It is important to note that both the
purchase of our Heavy Rescue vehicle as well as our new SCBAs was made
possible, in large part, by securing Federal grant monies. Special thanks goes to
Engineer Phil Kamm for his hard work securing these grants.
47
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2013 fiscal year was an exciting year for our Public Education division. The
division is tasked with educating our citizens on all fire and life safety topics at
different places and times that will have the highest impact.
Each year, Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the
public for Fire Safety Education programs. These requests are forwarded to
either the on -duty Battalion Chief or to the Fire Safely Education Committee,
based on the needs of the requesting person or group. If the caller is requesting
to visit a fire station or have a fire apparatus visit them as part of the educational
effort, the on -duly Battalion Chief handles the request. If the group requests an
individual to speak at a pre -arranged time and location that does not require
firefighting apparatus, the Fire Safety Education Committee is contacted.
Currently, most requests are handled by on -duty crews at the fire stations, while
remaining in-service to respond to emergency calls in our area.
In October of 2013, Livonia Fire & Rescue held its annual "Fire Prevention Week
Open House'. The Open House has proven to be a highly anticipated event by
our community, reaching a crowd estimated at 2,000. While in attendance,
visitors received information on fire and life safety and are given an opportunity to
practice life safety skills. There was an area where kids can practice their fire
safely behaviors as well.
Livonia firefighters participated in a May event held at the Civic Center Area
called "Passport to Safely'. This project was a huge success — crowds were
estimated in the thousands. After being involved in the eight-year annual event,
more effort is being directed into this area. The large number of children that
attend the outdoor event is encouraging.
The newsletter "Couplings" came out twice this year, and we have been involved
in this form of communication/education for five years in a row. The newsletter is
an 8 -page newsletter designed for adult fire and life safely. It appears in
electronic formal on the city website.
Weekly informational articles were prepared and published in the Livonia
Observer Newspaper, to further reach out to our adult audiences with messages
of fire and life safety. This year, a weekly safety article appeared in the Observer
written by Livonia Firefighters.
We were also able to distribute our fire and life safety messages to the citizens of
Livonia through:
0 Livonia Public Schools
0 Livonia Television
0 Livonia Observer
0 City of Livonia website
EE
The Livonia Housing Commission submits the following information on its
activities and accomplishments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, Community
Development Block Grant Program, McNamara Towers and Housing Choice
Voucher Rent Subsidy Program.
SILVER VILLAGE HOUSING COMMUNITY
Relative to Silver Village, the Livonia Housing Commission experienced a good
year with occupancy at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists of 53 Livonia
residents and 21 relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Silver Village had a turnover of 17 units in 2013.
2. All apartments were inspected for safely and maintenance purposes.
3. New 10 -year battery-operated smoke detectors were purchased and were
installed in all apartments.
4. All buildings received major luck -pointing to extend the life of the buildings.
5. Landscaping was completed on the southeast side of the office/community
room.
6. The community room walls were covered with an acoustical fabric to help
eliminate some of the echo in the room. New fabnc-covered blinds were also
added to the room.
7. With compensation received from DuPont Company, Silver Village planted
and maintained 56 new trees as replacement for trees that were destroyed by
the use of the chemical Imprelis. Additionally, Silver Village hired a tree
company to remove approximately 60 old trees and to trim remaining trees on
the property.
8. The community room / office doors were replaced.
NEWBURGH VILLAGE HOUSING COMMUNITY
Newburgh Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists
of 42 Livonia residents and 53 relatives of Livonia residents.
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Newburgh Village had a turnover of 16 units in 2013.
2. The parking lot in front of the Community Building was repaired and
resurfaced with new asphalt.
3. 11 picnic tables were replaced and secured to new cement pads.
4. A new resident social club with a new board and new members was created.
5. New Smoke detectors were replaced in all 120 apartments.
6. All 120 apartments have been inspected for safety and maintenance
purposes.
EE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2012-2013 fiscal year, which began on 7/1/12 and ended 6/30/13. Total
expenditures through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the
year were $530,589. The table provides a summary of the accomplishments
produced by the Block Grant Program:
Activity
Accomplishments
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
6
Households Served
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
4
Households Served
Minor Home Repair Program
19
Households Served
Scattered -Site Rental Homes (Managed 8
Maintained)
18
Households Served
Emergency Utility Shut -Ort Assistance
4
Households Served
Senior Van Transportation
488
Persons Sewed
Mental Health Counseling Program
12
Persons Sewed
First Step
131
Persons Sewed
TOTAL SERVED
682
Househoid[/Persons
Rehabilitation
During the 2012-2013 program year the City of Livonia Housing Commission's
priority goals were: to provide rehabilitation assistance to income -eligible
homeowners; to preserve and improve the existing housing stock; to reduce the
cost burden experienced by renter households by providing affordable rental
opportunities in safe and sanitary housing; to focus on supportive service
programming for low/moderate-income households and to affirmatively further
fair housing objectives.
Scattered -Site Rental Homes
Eighteen city -owned scattered site single-family rental homes were managed and
maintained for low-income residents; repairs and rehabilitation work amounted to
$33,122 which is paid as a line item from our budget and rental income from the
homes. One additional scattered -site rental, which was purchased as a tax -
foreclosure in 2012, underwent rehabilitation that was provided by students
through our partnership agreement with the Livonia Public Schools Building
Trades Program. The Livonia Housing Commission is proud to provide field
experience projects which place the students in real-wodd construction settings
allowing them the opportunity to see the realities of day-to-day life in the building
trades. A purchase offer for this property has been received and approved by
City Council with a closing date imminent.
Public Services
Public service activities focused on providing assistance to low/moderate-income
households. Senior Van Transportation received $48,000 allowing for 9,865 one-
way rides for seniors; 34 of whom were wheelchair-bound riders. Mental Health
Counselors utilized $3,495 to assist 12 clients who received a total of 55
Me
sessions. $1,122.73 was expended from Emergency Utility Assistance to
prevent 4 clients from utility shut -offs and First Step was provided with $5,000
allowing them to deliver domestic violence services to 131 people.
Fair Housing of Metropolitan Detroit (FHMD) provided fair housing counseling,
complaint reception, investigation and resolution services to citizens or potential
citizens of Livonia. FHMD also provided (mining and resource development
during the program year.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
The NSP grant of $1,450,000 has been expended, with the last two newly
constructed homes being completed during this fiscal year. As of September
2013, both homes had also been sold. A recap of the grant accomplishments:
0 18 vacant, substandard properties were purchased
0 10 homes were rehabilitated and resold to income -eligible buyers
0 8 homes were demolished due to blight; The 8 vacant lots were disposed
of as follows:
0 New construction on 3lots
0 2 lots sold to adjacent neighbors
0 1 lot was made into green space
0 2 lots were sold to a developer who has constructed new homes on
both sites
Energy Efficiency Consolidated Block Grant (EECBG)
The Housing Commission's Office of Community Development administered and
has expended the EECBG in the amount of $971,100 for city-wide use. A recap
of the grant accomplishments:
0 Comprehensive energy audits were conducted on municipal buildings to
determine the need for and priontization of activities and opportunities to
further reduce energy consumption in the City
0 Replacement of the heating and cooling system and roof at 10800
Farmington Road
0 Replacement of the heating boilers and exterior building sealant and
caulking at City Hall
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rent Subsidy Program
The Livonia Housing Commission Housing Choice Voucher Program currently
administers housing assistance for 909 families, elderly and disabled.
Fiscal Year 2013 HUD Section 8 Management Assessment (SEMAP) score was
100%, which designates the program as a High Performer. An independent audit
was conducted on the Housing Choice Voucher program and no findings were
identified.
The waiting list consists of 514 applicants.
51
The HCV program recently participated in a national housing study on the
adequacy of administrative fees for administration of the HCV program. Livonia
was one of only 60 high -performing agencies to be invited to participate in the
study by HUD.
MCNAMARA TOWERS #1 & #2 -19300 PURLINGBROOK AND SCATTERED
SITE HOMES
Activities and Accomplishments
1. McNamara Towers #1 & #2 & Scattered Site Homes had a turnover of 27
units from 1/1/13 to 11/30/13.
2. New ceramic file was installed in community room of McNamara Towers #1.
3. New kitchen cabinets were installed in community room of McNamara
Towers #1.
4. New washers and dryers were installed in laundry rooms of McNamara
Towers 1 &2.
5. New VCT was installed in laundry rooms of McNamara Towers 1 & 2.
6. Laundry rooms in McNamara Towers 1 & 2 were painted.
7. New gazebo/picnic shelter was installed behind McNamara Towers #1.
8. Concrete walkway was installed at the South side of McNamara Towers #1
leading up to the newly installed gazebo/picnic shelter.
9. New vinyl fencing was installed around the dumpsler of McNamara Towers
#2 and around the generators of McNamara Towers #1 & #2.
10. Installed new kitchen sinks in 17 apartments.
11. Began recycling program for cardboard, paper, plastic and glass.
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT is responsible for all construction operations on
private property. Included in its jurisdiction is building inspection, plan review,
sanitation and ordinance enforcement. Areas of involvement include Zoning
Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Community Development
Block Grant Program (CDBG), Cost Recovery Appeal Hearings, and various civic
groups. In addition, we are involved with Greenmead with regards to construction
projects and/or repairs. Coordination with State government agencies involving
building construction is handled by this department. Moreover, in certain
instances, we interact with other municipalities, serving as a Hearing Officer or
silting on employee interview panels. We have also provided limited fill-in
services for Plymouth Township and City of Plymouth. Plan Review for new
buildings, alterations and additions, pools, demolitions, zoning compliance and
signs is an integral part of the department's function, as well as the issuance of
permits, sanitation and enforcing the City's Code of Ordinances designated as
Inspection's responsibility. Inspections were made and permits issued for the
rehabilitation of homes for the CDBG. Additionally, the Inspection Department
reviews lot splits for the Department of Assessment and reviews site plans and
waiver use petitions for the Planning Department and provides support to all
other departments as needed. Furthermore, we provided clerical services and
administrative support in regards to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Although the
Board is under Council jurisdiction, we are tasked with the clerical functions and
subsequent administrative support in addition to the intake work we are doing.
We also work with the Economic Development Director/Planning Director and
others in promoting existing sites in Livonia.
BUILDING INSPECTION issued approximately 6,852 permits in 2012-13 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, including new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. Twenty permits were issued for new
single-family residential homes and 31 single-family condominium units were
constructed or are currently under construction. In other activity, six permits
were issued for new commercial/industrial buildings. No permits for apartment
buildings were issued this year. Mechanical permits (plumbing, electrical,
heating and refrigeration) numbered approximately 4,102 for the year.
Residential additions/alterations, garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs,
zoning compliance, commercial/industrial additions, and demolitions comprised
the remainder of permits issued. Twenty-four demolition permits were issued
during the year, eight of which were residential structures. Permits for Christmas
tree sales lots, pennant and banner displays, awnings, and various special
inspections were issued as required. Certificates of Occupancy are issued for all
new residences and commercial and industrial buildings upon completion.
Zoning compliance permits are issued for subsequent re -occupancy of non-
residential properties and occupancy certificates are issued for all residential
properties involved in the vacant and/or abandoned building program after
completion of all requirements. Stale building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical,
and sign contractor licenses are registered in this office. Additionally, official
records are retained on fence contractors, excavators and demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing commercial buildings for compliance
with the Livonia Property Maintenance Code (based upon the International
Property Maintenance Code 2012) continued through 2012-2013. In connection
with this program, 77 inspections were made, violations issued when necessary
and compliance is obtained. This program is designed to maintain health and
safety standards in the city. In mid -2011, due to staff reductions, we ceased
inspecting on a biennial basis existing industrial factory buildings after we were
able to complete one cycle. We still inspect said buildings for zoning compliance
and when permits are issued. If personnel become available, industrial biennial
inspections may be resumed. Additionally, the number of annual inspections
completed was impacted due to staffing issues and other prionfies.
53
In addition to the annual inspection program, the Inspection Department performs
all functions mandated by city ordinance that requires all private (one -and two-
family) and multiple -family rental dwelling units are licensed and inspected on an
annual basis. This year, the Department inspected the following rental units:
A. 1,916 units, consisting of one -and two-family dwellings and group homes.
B. 27 apartments/complexes consisting of 2,145 units. The inspection
covers all dwelling units, common areas and exterior structures and
grounds.
In mid-January 2010, the Department began enforcement of the Vacant and
Abandoned Building Ordinance #2844 (VAABO) that took effect October 29,
2009, and was instituted in January 2010. The program is designed to provide
for maintenance and inspection of problem properties, residential and non-
residential, but pertains to any vacant or abandoned structures. Moreover during
the enforcement of the program, additional permits and inspections are needed
due to the work required. Following is a breakdown of the activities generated by
this program:
Total Permits Total
Fees
Registration Fee— Residential 300 $10,504
Registration Fee— Non -Residential 33 1,155
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Residential 4,098 171,581
Monthly Maintenance Fee — Non -Residential 331 14,019
Inspection Fee — Residential 1,257 133,200
Inspection Fee — Non -Residential 65 14,000
Permit Fee — Residential/Zoning 785 57,284
Permit Fee — Non -Residential 43 5,740
Total 6,912 $407,483
Additionally, 223 formal complaints were received and responded to throughout
the year as they related to property, zoning and ordinance code violations.
Numerous requests for information from many various sources (Council,
Commissions, Citizens, Contractors, other municipalities, other Departments and
Guests) are routinely handled every day and on an annual basis would exceed
30,000 individual communications. There were approximately 1008 rental
inspection violations, 230 annual/biennial inspection violations and 59 VAABO
program violations that were issued for various code infractions during 2012-13.
(Violations and/or formal complaints are legal notices issued as a start of
prosecution and are different from the everyday correction notices that we utilize;
correction notices issued are numerous and would exceed 20,000.)
y
This office also provides the enforcement of special conditions of approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission
and City Council relative to site plans, variances, waiver uses and grants.
The Inspection Department continually reviews our current fee structures. We
also worked with the Planning Department and the Law Department to update
and/or change sections of Zoning Ordinance 543. We are routinely involved in
such endeavors over the course of the year. Furthermore, we were involved with
administering and maintaining contracts for the City Weed Mowing Program.
We proposed and Council approved extending the weed contract for two (2)
more years in 2012. We previously raised administration fees in an effort to
cover our cost and decrease the number of people who utilize the City as their
lawn service. The administration fees alone this year were $65,197.50. We also
are continuing to upgrade our computer system and hardware and engaging in
the training involved. The computer, system upgrades, and training will carry
over into the next fiscal year.
The valuation of new building activities for 2012-13 is $66,927,620. The revenue
collected from all building and inspection activities was approximately
$2,462,504.
SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT has responsibility for
compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance #543 and also the Code of
Ordinances #1688 as it pertains to the majority of all nuisance and noncriminal
violations. These responsibilities include those things that affect the health,
safety, welfare, and quality of life of the residents, business owners and their
employees and guests (visitors) of the City, such as pollution, hazardous waste,
trash and debris, vacant buildings, weed cutting, (which includes direct
supervision of the city weed contractor), basic property maintenance and
supervision of the collection of municipal refuse. The enforcement of special
conditions of approval made by the Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council and
the Planning Commission relative to site plans, variances, and waiver uses may
also be delegated to Ordinance Enforcement as needed.
STATISTICS -2012-13
Total Geneml Inspections Made 17,360
Building Maintenance and Repair
298
Parking Lot Repairs
18
Animals/Rats
189
Trash and Debris
1081
Junk Vehicles
644
Noxious Weeds'
2865
Noise/Air/Odor
40
Nuisances
230
55
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property
245
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Property
2522
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles
274
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles
285
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy
87
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles
115
Right of Way encroachments
225
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Posted)
608
Snow on Sidewalks
189
License Violations
281
Vehicle Parking Snow Emergency
0
Site Inspections
3943
Zoning Grants
77
Sanitation activities also included 1155 citizen complaints regarding the collection
of municipal refuse and the delivery of 1098 recycling bins.
'Enforcement of the Noxious Weed Ordinance included the investigation of
citizen complaints and the abatement of violations through the mowing of weeds
and removal of debris from 819 properties and 59 tree removals by the City
Weed Mowing Contractor.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven (7) member Board created by Stale
statute and City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance No. 543 as amended. The Board
hears appeals from residential and business property owners when they are
unable to comply with ordinance requirements and are rejected permits by the
Inspection Department. The Board meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
The Inspection Department was tasked with all clerical and administrative
responsibility for the Zoning Board of Appeals in addition to the intake support
and meeting responsibility we previously had. This includes the supervision of
the outside contractor hired to record and provide the meeting records.
The following is a breakdown of the Appeal Cases prepared and heard by the
Zoning Board of Appeals during the fiscal year December 1, 2012, through
November 30, 2013:
Granted with Tabled or
Granted Denied Modifications* Postponed ••• Total
New Cases 48 2 3 13 66
Rehearings 0 0 0 0 0
Actual Cases Heard 66
Prepared and Scheduled" 1
No Further Action'"' 0
Total Cases Heard and Prepared 67
Me
Includes Cases which were Granted in Part/Denied in Part
Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(Petitioner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases
were not heard at the first scheduled meeting.
Meeting material was prepared and Board heard case at meeting and
made a decision to table for revised plans, etc. All meeting notices,
agendas, etc. were redone when new meeting date was scheduled.
Case was heard, but Board took no further action.
Number of Regular Meetings: 10
Number of Special Meetings: 10
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA) provides any person the right to
appeal a decision of the code official refusing to grant a modification of the
building code covering the manner of construction or materials to be used in the
erection, alteration or repair of a building or structure. An application for appeal
shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally
adopted there under have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code
do not fully apply, or an equivalent form of construction can be used. In addition,
the BCBA may be utilized to provide guidance to the Building Official or affirm an
issue not covered by the Building code.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2012-13 is as follows:
Meetings Scheduled 1 Appeals Granted/Modified 1
Appeals Filed 1 Appeals Denied 0
Hearings Held 1 Appeals Dropped 0
Re -hearings 0 Appeals Tabled 0
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection Department
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
The following information will provide a brief analysis of some of the information
contained therein as compared to fiscal year 2011-2012. In short, the Report
reveals that the Law Department has maintained a heavy workload. The
following table illustrates this point:
57
M.
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
Increase/Decrease
2D112012to 20122013
Cases pending in Wayne
10
13
8
-5
County Circuit Court
Wayne County Circuit Court
8
13
13
0
cases resolved.
Cases pending in Ingham
4
0
1
+1
County Circuit Court
Cases resolved in Ingham
0
0
4
+4
County Circuit Court
Civil cases pending in 16 fn
0
8
9
+1
District Court
Civil cases resolved in 16th
7
7
8
+1
District Court
Criminal appeals from the
0
0
1
+1
16`h District Court pending
Criminal appeals from the
0
0
2
+2
16th District Court resolved
Cases pending in Michigan
1
2
2
0
Court of Appeals
Cases resolved in the
0
0
2
+2
Michigan Court of Appeals
Cases pending in U.S.
2
4
2
-2
District Court
Cases resolved in U.S.
0
0
2
+2
District Court
Cases pending in Michigan
317
376
181
-195
Tax Tribunal
Michigan Tax Tribunal
127
176
195
+19
cases resolved.
Amendments to the Zoning
3
18
5
-13
Map
Amendments to the Zoning
1
6
7
+1
Ordinance
Amendments to the Code of
15
13
22
+9
Ordinances
Real estate transaction
4
7
6
-1
Preparation and review of
276
304
319
+15
contracts between the City
and others, including
approving as to form other
legal documents.
Review and fulfillment of
13
26
+13
Freedom of Information Act
requests
M.
In 2009, the Law Department began to handle sidewalk litigation in-house rather
than refer those cases to firms such as Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho, PLC
for an estimated yearly savings of approximately $30,000 per year in attorney
fees. While historically there have been two open sidewalk cases per year,
presently, the Law Department is handling one sidewalk lawsuit; however, there
were five other pending civil cases in Wayne County Circuit Court that are being
handled by Law Department attorneys. Moreover, the Law Department serves
as cocounsel in class action litigation which arose out of the May 25-26, 2011,
rain event that resulted in sewer back-ups.
While the retirement of Chief Assistant City Attorney Cathryn K. While resulted in
the loss of a very experienced attorney with much institutional memory, her
replacement, Eric S. Goldstein has expanded the scope of the Law Departments
expertise. Because Mr. Goldstein has experience handling police misconduct
lawsuits, we are now able to handle such cases in-house rather than rely on
outside counsel to represent the City in such matters. Two such cases were fled
this past year. One of those two cases has already been dismissed with
prejudice and without any settlement payment; we are experiencing very good
results.
It is also important to note that, like last year, the Law Departments law
enforcement role has become a bigger focus of our time and efforts. For the
year 2012-2013, the Law Department reviewed 1351 warrant requests, which
increased from 1331 from the year 2011-2012 — an increase of 1.5%.
Additionally, traffic misdemeanors, which often involves a person charged with
driving on a suspended license, increased by 32.2% this year. There was also a
116.6% increase in the number of jury trials. In 2011-2012, there were 12 jury
trials. The number increased to 26 in 2012-2013. All of these cases are
prosecuted in 16th District Court by attorneys in the Law Department.
Additionally, the Law Department has attempted to find ways to increase revenue
to the General Fund. As a part of that effort, in 2010, the Law Department and
the Livonia Police Department ("LPD") Traffic Bureau are now handling vehicle
Me
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
Increase/Decrease
2D11 2012 to 2012-2013
Review and respond to
2
8
+6
Freedom of Information Act
appeals on behalf of the
Mayor
Review, typing, and
1139
1331
1354
+23
remitting Distract Court
warrant requests
Drunk driving
254
261
286
+25
Traffic misdemeanors
1890
2065
2730
+665
Jury Trials
5
12
26
+14
In 2009, the Law Department began to handle sidewalk litigation in-house rather
than refer those cases to firms such as Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho, PLC
for an estimated yearly savings of approximately $30,000 per year in attorney
fees. While historically there have been two open sidewalk cases per year,
presently, the Law Department is handling one sidewalk lawsuit; however, there
were five other pending civil cases in Wayne County Circuit Court that are being
handled by Law Department attorneys. Moreover, the Law Department serves
as cocounsel in class action litigation which arose out of the May 25-26, 2011,
rain event that resulted in sewer back-ups.
While the retirement of Chief Assistant City Attorney Cathryn K. While resulted in
the loss of a very experienced attorney with much institutional memory, her
replacement, Eric S. Goldstein has expanded the scope of the Law Departments
expertise. Because Mr. Goldstein has experience handling police misconduct
lawsuits, we are now able to handle such cases in-house rather than rely on
outside counsel to represent the City in such matters. Two such cases were fled
this past year. One of those two cases has already been dismissed with
prejudice and without any settlement payment; we are experiencing very good
results.
It is also important to note that, like last year, the Law Departments law
enforcement role has become a bigger focus of our time and efforts. For the
year 2012-2013, the Law Department reviewed 1351 warrant requests, which
increased from 1331 from the year 2011-2012 — an increase of 1.5%.
Additionally, traffic misdemeanors, which often involves a person charged with
driving on a suspended license, increased by 32.2% this year. There was also a
116.6% increase in the number of jury trials. In 2011-2012, there were 12 jury
trials. The number increased to 26 in 2012-2013. All of these cases are
prosecuted in 16th District Court by attorneys in the Law Department.
Additionally, the Law Department has attempted to find ways to increase revenue
to the General Fund. As a part of that effort, in 2010, the Law Department and
the Livonia Police Department ("LPD") Traffic Bureau are now handling vehicle
Me
forfeitures in cases in which an individual is charged with Operating While
Intoxicated ("OWI") 2otl or subsequent offenses. In such a case, the defendant's
vehicle is subject to forfeiture and he or she must pay $900 to recover his or her
vehicle. Of the $900 collected, $250 is intended to cover attorney fees, $450 is
for police services, and the remaining $250 is sent to the Cnme Victims Rights
fund.
While last year there was a record number of pending tax appeals, seemingly
because there have already been significant reductions in assessed values in
2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, the numbers have been substantially reduced. The
Law Department remains actively involved in settlement discussions of Michigan
Tax Tribunal ("MTT") cases. Currently, there are 181 pending appeals before the
Michigan Tax Tribunal ("MTT") that are being handled by the Law Department.
In 2012, there were 376 pending MTT appeals, which constitute a decrease of
51.86% in one year.
The Law Department's attention to Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") requests
as well as FOIA appeals to the Mayor increased substantially during the 2012-
2013 fiscal year. FOIA requests increased from 13 in 2011-2012 to 26 in 2012-
2013 while FOIA appeals increased from 2 in 2011-2012 to 8 in 2012-2013.
While it is not reflected in the table above, it should be noted that the Law
Department has also been involved in legislative advocacy. The Law
Department monitors legislation working its way through the Stale Capitol, with
the help of the Michigan Municipal League, and advocates forcefully on behalf of
Livonia and municipalities across the stale as the occasion demands. In this
connection, the Department has provided both live and written testimony about
HB 4314 and HB 4001 -- two seriously flawed bills to amend the Michigan
Freedom of Information Act in ways that are burdensome and punitive for
communities such as Livonia. This and other advocacy by the League and its
members has slowed the progress of these bills, and contributed to favorable
changes in the text, despite the drumbeat of support for these amendments from
media outlets statewide. The situation bears watching, and the Law Department
will continue to follow these and other issues of interest.
Additionally, Assistant City Attorney Michael E. Fisher and I serve on the
Michigan Association of Municipal Attorney's ("MAMA") Legislative Committee.
Mr. Fisher is also a member of the MML's Economic Development and Land Use
Committee.
In short, the Law Department has, like other departments, managed to undertake
a greater workload as it reduces costs.
e
DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Library completed its second full year of providing access to downloadable
media via the Overdrive Download Destination service, which we now share with
over 45 other area libraries. Approximately 2,900-3,000 a -books and audio
books are checked out each month for use on patrons' home computers or
electronic mobile devices. Statistics relating to the use of technology and
virtually all other services continue to rise or hold steady. Funding decreases
have caused a further reduction in staffing and hours of operation at the Library
in the past year. Given these circumstances, it is amazing that the numbers are
as high as they are. As in a retail environment, you need to be open and have
sufficient stock to bring the customers in and make the sales (i.e., circulation).
Overall numbers will only increase significantly with additional funding. Fewer
copies of bestsellers to satisfy our waiting lists and reduced funds to spend on
general collection development, means fewer new items circulating on a daily
basis. All departments maintained a wide variety of programs and services this
year, despite staff and funding constraints.
Civic Center Adult Services:
The Adult Department once again hosted the Mystery Movie/Book Club series,
with participants reading a popular mystery/suspense titre and then watching a
film version and discussing both. Other ongoing series that continued this past
year included: Film Movement, Classic Movies, Noontime Concerts, History Lives
at the Library and Book Club and the Adult Summer Reading Program. Special
programs included: "Social Security for Seniors', "Look Up to the Stars", "The
History of the English Language' and "Interpreting Dreams'. All of our social
media offerings continue to have a following with 1,394 subscribers to our E-
newsletler, 289 Twiner followers, 485 Facebook likes and 1,132 YouTube views.
The Library also offered MS Word, Excel and Powerpoinl classes in 2013. Our
Exam proctoring service for distance learning keeps increasing with the growth of
online learning. Online chat reference and the "wireless' service at the Library
continue to be popular with entrepreneurs, job hunters and students. The public
internet stations are busier than ever and the Library's wireless service is heavily
used, as well. Teen programs were many and varied in 2013 including: Hunger
Games Dart Tag, Summer Reading Zombie Prom and Movie Event, Chess
Tournaments, Teen Advisory Committee Meetings, Teen Movie Series, Muggle
Quidditch Matches, and a variety of art and writing contests.
Civic Center Children's Services:
Offerings were highly varied this year with programs like pumpkin decorating,
creative wnting, balloon animal crafts, magic shows and animal encounters.
Outreach services to schools and daycare centers remained a priority as staff
made school visits. Our wildly successful Teddy Bear Sleepover event returned
61
for a second year with children enjoying stories, a donated breakfast and seeing
photos of the overnight adventures that their furry friends had at the Library.
Partnerships with City departments and other organizations also supplemented
Library offerings with programs like ELVs (Early Literacy Volunteers) reading
tutorials, the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Daisy the therapy dog.
Civic Center Circulation:
The self -check station at Civic Center continues to be popular with patrons. The
Library also continues to benefit from participating with other area libraries in
resource sharing agreements through the Library Network Co-op and via the
statewide MELCAT system. The further reduction in hours at Noble and
Sandburg this year resulted in Civic Center circulating an average of 75% of all
items in the Livonia Public Library System. The Library has completed its fourth
full year of participation in the MELCAT (Michigan Electronic Library) service,
which allows patrons to directly search and request items from libraries
throughout Michigan. This resource -sharing program, along with our direct
borrowing agreements through our regional cooperative TLN (The Library
Network), has helped us continue to provide a high level of service despite a
greatly reduced budget. This has also resulted in greatly increased employee
activity to process these loaned materials with a significantly reduced staff.
Noble Branch:
The Book Discussion group remains popular, but limited hours at Noble have
caused the group to recently be "adopted" by Civic Center. The 'You've Read
the Book, Now See the Movie" presentation each month continued in 2013 and
the Adult Summer Reading Program was a big hit again this year. The Teen
Advisory Council met regularly to offer suggestions to staff and judged photo,
drawing and writing contests in 2013. There were many successful programs
associated with Teen Summer Reading this year including Muggle Quidditch and
Zap Zone activities and several programs tapped into the current popular
obsession with scary books and movies. Classes on how to research papers at
the Library were given and programs on funding a college education were
presented. Anime and interactive card game programs were popular with the
Teens as well. Children's slorytimes and classroom visits were well attended
and individual programs like the "Outdoor Slorytime" (with water activities)
proved to be great fun this year.
Sandburg Branch:
Patrons received lessons in nutrition with the "Know Your Groceries" program
and armchair travelers enjoyed the "Paddle Now, Chores Later" canoeing
presentation. Themed prize baskets were awarded to the winning readers in the
Adult Summer Reading Program. The Sandburg Knitting Group continues to
meet twice per month. The "Smash, Boom Crash" series of science experiment
programs thrilled and educated hundreds of future scientists. Teens learned
practical life skills like babysitting and money management through programs
T
offered at the branch. A variety of other Teen programs included: Teen Movie
Thursdays, Arts & Crafts programs, and the hugely popular Harry Potter Club.
Al all locations onsite public internet stations and electronic card catalogs
continue to serve citizens who may not have access to technology at home,
especially during these difficult financial times. The SAM system continues to
provide more efficient sharing of the Librarys public access computers by
allowing fair and equal use of library computers with minimal staff intervention.
The "Park & Read" program, which has changed its brand to "MI Big Green
Gym', went into a 5th year in cooperation with Michigan's State Park system
which offers free passes to various recreational facilifies. The Library's E -
newsletter still remains popular and can also be viewed on the Library's website,
along with an interactive schedule of upcoming events.
Public meeting rooms provided at Civic Center, Noble and Sandburg branches
continue to be in high demand as a venue for performances and a forum for
community events and informational meetings, as well as the many library -
sponsored programs that are offered. Numerous small citizen groups, clubs, and
associations, as well as other City departments look to this significant public
resource as a vital and valuable public service. Civic Center branch is always in
particularly high demand with the public, but this past year has seen numbers
increase significantly, as more and more groups keep turning to the Library as a
community gathering place. Display areas at all locations remained popular and
the Art Gallery at Civic Center Branch hosted a number of beautiful shows
arranged by the Livonia Arts Commission.
FACILITIES
9,772 users connected to the wireless network at the Library this year. The SAM
internet time management software and the still relatively new pre -paid accounts
feature for public computer printing continues to work very smoothly for staff and
patrons alike.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
Library Commissioner Harriet Larson was re -appointed to serve another term
beginning in October. Six full-time staff positions that were vacated in the past
year were not replaced making for a net additional reduction of 6 FTE. This
resulted in a costs savings and a total of 23 positions (or 21 FTE) that have been
lost since 2008.
FUNDING
Millage funds have decreased in the last six years along with significant
decreases in revenue from the Cilys General Fund, Slate Aid to Libraries and
Penal fines. In 2013 total revenue was $3,368,083 (down from $3,721,469 in
2012 — a drop of an additional 9.5%). Slate Aid to Libraries was up slightly this
year (from $43,414 to $48,379), but still down significantly from the $88,304
received in 2004. Penal fines went down again in 2013 to $78,653 ($81,041 in
2012). This is even less than the penal fine revenue of $85,227 in 2010, which
63
had dropped to almost half of what it was in 2004 ($155,500). Millage funds in
2013 were $3,163,587 compared to $3,349,469 in 2012 (an additional drop of
5.5%). There has been a total loss of revenue of 24.4% - 34.6% since 2008
($4,925,491 to $3,163,587), depending on whether or not reserve funds from
donations and the Library's unexpended fund balance are included). Slate Aid
reductions not only impact Livonia directly, but also indirectly through the TLN
library co-op that is our service organization. Services from this source may
either cost more or be eliminated. Unfortunately, funding from all of these
sources continues to be under threat of reduction or elimination at a time when
the economy causes citizens to need and use our services all the more. Unique
Management Service continued to function as our collection agency, recovering
funds that allow the Libraryto replace lost and stolen items.
The Livonia Arts Commission approved another generous grant to help
underwrite the costs of the Noontime Concert Series. Local businesses
generously donated incentives to the Library for its Summer Reading Program to
help encourage young readers. The Library extends its heartfelt thanks to the
many citizens who donated money to the Library in honor, or in memory, of their
loved ones over the past year. The Friends of the Livonia Public Library awarded
one $1000 scholarship to a worthy staff member pursuing her college education
this year. The Friends continue to work tirelessly to organize and carry out their
Book Sale events and the Friends Used Bookstore is more popular than ever.
The Library is especially appreciative of the Friends' hard work and generous
donations during these difficult economic limes.
STATISTICAL REVIEW
October 2012
October 2013
Library Program Attendance
22,860
29,120
Meeting Room Attendance
69,659
73 350
Registered Borrowers
47,424
46 514
Items in the Collection
316,674
316,758
Circulation
711,819
700280
LibmryWebsite Usage
351,951
359,644
Internet Workstations
81,357
85,192
We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs
A strong commitment to Parks and Recreation services is a key component to
the success of our community. We provide facilities, programs, classes and
opportunities where ones leisure time can: become wholesome, where memories
are created, skills are developed and where the quality of life of our residents,
their families and friends are enhanced.
With the assistance of 11 full time staff and 300+ dedicated and enthusiastic part-
time staff, and the Department of Public Services, Building Maintenance, and
Park Maintenance, in 2013 we recorded:
0 An average of 2,800 individuals visited the LCRC daily.
0 107,445 rounds of golf played at our three courses.
0 9,400 participants in Special Events.
0 9,224 visits to the outdoor pools.
0 26,105 who attended an organized picnic at a pavilion.
0 6,100 athletic participants played over 3,800 games.
We received $1,850 as well as in-kind donations from 15
businesses/organizations for: parks, programming and special events.
Parks and Recreation works cooperatively with and delivers services to other
City Departments, civic organizations, community businesses and the Livonia
and Clarenceville Public Schools. As part of this cooperation we have partnered
with three civic organizations to manage athletic facilities (Rotary and Jaycee
Parks and Greenmead and Wilson Bam soccer fields) and with one community
business DMC - Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.
Our Department recognizes the dynamic and unique role we play in fostering a
healthy community and lifestyles of those we serve through one of our six
Service Divisions.
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Community Center
• Golf
• Special Events
• Parks
AQUATIC DIVISION
The Aquatics Division is comprised of two indoor pools at the Community
Recreafion Center and three (Botsford, Clements Circle and Shelden) outdoor
pools. We provide safe, educational, and enjoyable aquatic services to the
citizens through a wide array of swim lessons, water fitness classes, open swim,
lap swim, diving lessons, pool rentals, synchronized swimming, special events,
and swim teams.
Community Recreation Center Pools
Over the last year the classes and programs we offered had over 4,435
participants, not including the swim teams.
65
We were the host of swim practices for four (4) swim teams, and are considered
the home pool for three (3) of those teams. We are also the home of the Catholic
High School League Swimming and Diving championships for both men and
women. Other large meets that we hosted include Tri County Swim League
championships, and the Snowball Splash and the Polar Plunge. The listed
meets had between 300 and 1,200 participants each. In addition we hosted four
(4) dual meets for Ladywood High School, one (1) dual meet for the University of
Detroit Jesuit High School, and two (2) dual meets for Catholic Central High
School. We also were the host site for the State of Michigan Synchronized Swim
Championships.
Special events held at our Community Center this year included the 10th Annual
Cardboard Boat Races and the 7`h Annual Arctic Chill Indoor Triathlon.
Outdoor Pools
9,224 daily pass visits were recorded at the pools this year (3,744 at Botsford,
4,034 at Clements Circle, and 1,446 at Shelden). This was a decrease from last
year's total of 11,637
Our swim lesson program had 636 students at the Botsford and Shelden pools.
Five (5) different swim teams used our outdoor pools for summer practice.
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Division provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include league play men's/women's softball, men's
basketball, youth basketball, t -ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, soccer,
archery and tennis.
League Plav
We had over 6,100 participants and played over 3,800 games. We offered the
following team sports for participants ranging in age from four years to over 65
years old. We had over 190,000' contact hours in our athletic programs.
Programs
Ages
# of Teams
# of
# of
Average
Contact
Games
Players
Game Time
Hours"
Winter
Men's
18 8 older
24
168
288
1 hour
4,032
Basketball
LJAL
18 8 under
85
892
1,030
1.25 hours
26,760
Basketball
Spring/
Summer
Men's
188 under
8
56
96
1hour
1,344
Basketball
9
Programs
Ages
#of Teams
If of
If of
Average
Contact
Games
Players
Game
Hours*
Time
Co-sponsored
18 & under
123
1,476
1,473
2 hours
94,464
Baseball &
Softball
Collegiate
22 & under
10
180
210
2.5 hours
18,900
Baseball
Men's
18 & over
46
304
828
1.25 hours
13,680
Softball
Men's
18 & over
6
45
108
1.25 hours
2,025
Modified
Women's
18 & over
12
89
216
1.25 hours
4,005
Softball
Co -Ed
18 & over
15
98
270
1.25 hours
4,410
Softball
Senior
55 & over
19
74
380
1.25 hours
3,330
Softball
T -Ball
5-6 yr olds
18
72
298
1.25 hours
2,880
Coach Pilch
7-8 yr olds
22
88
352
1.25 hours
3,520
Fall
Men's
18 & over
25
202
450
1.25 hours
9,090
Softball
Men's
18 & over
16
112
192
1 hour
2,688
Basketball
*Contact Hours:
1. Baseball equals number of games x 42
(2 teams @ 21rteam) x length of game
2. Softball equals number of games x 36
(2 teams @ 18/team) x length of game
3. Basketball equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
4. Youth Programs equals number of games x 32
(2 teams @ 16/team) x length of game
5. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at games
Archery Range
The outdoor Archery Range opened this year on Saturday, April 5. The range
has seven (7) targets at various distances with an addifional broad -head range.
Seveml area Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups utilized the range for badge
certifications. The range is open Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from April
through October, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from May through October
67
and on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 p.m. until dusk from September through
October. Over 1,025 people attended the range through general admission
($2,093) and season passes ($1,640) and the revenue for the range was $3,733.
Ice Skating
The City owns two ice arenas, Eddie Edgar (2 sheets) and Devon -Aire (1 sheet).
The Livonia Hockey Association manages both rinks and offers leagues, clinics,
tournaments and open skating.
Our Learn to Skate Program had over 481 enrollments. In addition, 29 girls
joined one of three Synchronized Skating Teams. Over 50 girls compete in
regional competition. The City hosted its bi-annual skating competition with over
200 skaters competing from the local area.
COMMUNITY CENTER DIVISION
The Community Center, in its eleventh year of operation, continues to meet its
mission of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships, daily
admissions, class participation, league play, community group partnerships and
rentals.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 2,800 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed seven (7)
days per year, almost 1 million people come through the door each year.
Membership has been increasing reflecting the desire of people getting in shape
and looking for a great place to have fun. The overall selection of programs and
facilities at the Community Center continues to outperform any facility in the
region. Families continue to be our largest group of members.
The Community Center's electronic fund payment plan for membership fees
continues to grow. Over 4800 members are utilizing this convenient payment
method.
Total Annual Membership 15,175
Summer membership 1,032
Total Day Passes 39,413
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session. Swim
lessons have continued to be a hallmark of our programs with over 450 youth
honing their skills each session.
Total Enrollment 22,456
Aerobics 8436 Classes/Leagues 2,531
Athletics 17 Personal Training 3,007
Camps 464 Special Events 1,863
Camp Swoosh 748 Swim Lessons 2,876
Climbing Wall 837 Water Exercise 1,569
Fitness Center 108
68
Special projects completed in 2013 were:
1. Over 700 hours gym time to Livonia Junior Athletic League.
2. 7 new cardio equipment pieces.
3. Installed energy saving variable frequency drive for pool pump.
4. Upgraded WiFi system.
Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and Wellness programming continues to offer variety. Members can take
advantage of a number of services including: fitness hub workouts, fitness
assessments, climbing wall classes, personal training, private pilates personal
training, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, group exercise (aerobics) and
Livonia's 100 Days to Health wellness program.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area of the LCRC. Equipment
orientations are offered free of charge by the personal training staff. We also
offer Polar Body Age assessments. The Body Age assessment provides an
individual with a baseline measurement of their overall fitness level. The
assessment takes into account a number of health and fitness markers including
strength, flexibility, percent body fat, nutrition, cardiovascular fitness and more to
calculate the fitness of your body. For youth, we offer two types of youth
orientations: Teens in Training Part I and Teens in Training Part 11. The fitness
hub has 95 cardio machines, 17 selectorized weight -training machines, 2 cabled
functional trainers, 2 sets of 5lb-1001b dumbbells and 1 set of 20lb-1101b fixed
curl bars. Cardio equipment is also available on the bridge leading to the track,
upstairs hallway and in one of the track corners. Also available is an assortment
of plate -loaded machines such as a smith machine, squat rack, leg press, calf
raise and chest press benches. Another feature is the Cardio Theater function
found on most of our cardio equipment. This unit enables the member to tune
into a T.V. program while getting their cardio workout in.
With a staff of 10 climbing wall attendants/instructors and a climbing wall
coordinator the climbing wall continues to be a unique feature of the recreation
center. The wall has 13 routes ranging in degree of difficulty in order to
challenge the novice through elite climber. The wall remains open for use seven
days a week. We offer a range of youth and adult climbing classes throughout
the weekends. Some of the specialty programs that we offer at the climbing wall
are the rock wall climbing social every Friday night and a Boy/Girl Scout Merit
Badge program. The Boy/Girl Scout Merit Badge program is a 34 hour class with
classroom lectures and climbing wall time.
With a staff of 13 certified personal trainers, personal training continues to be
utilized on a consistent basis. Members can utilize personal training as an
individual, a couple or in a group setting. Members meet with a personal trainer,
with frequency dependent on the individual goal. Personal trainers help
members become successful with their fitness goals.
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Nutritional counseling is an additional service that the LCRC is offering. We
currently have 1 certified dietary manager on staff. We are in the process of
adding a registered dietitian to the staff. Members meet with the dietary manager
on an individual basis. This service is by appointment only. Members also have
an opportunity to meet with a nutrition coach through some of the group exercise
classes. We have incorporated dietary services into some of our class and
seminar offerings.
Massage therapy is a service that is offered to members as well as non-
members. We currently have 1 certified massage therapist on staff. We are
currently in the process of adding an additional certified massage therapist. This
service is by appointment only. Massage therapy is currently being offered on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Massage therapy will soon expand to Fridays, with the
addition of the new massage therapist.
Group exercise (land aerobics) continues to be a popular offering. We currently
offer 103 classes, seven days a week. We offer 50 classes in the evenings and
53 classes in the mornings. The majority of our group exercise classes are 50
minutes in length. We also offer 30 minute classes as well. Zumba, women on
weights, boot camp, yoga, cycle, step, TRX and pilates are a few of our most
popular classes. We have a total of 48 certified group exercise instructors on
staff.
Livonia's 100 Days to Health has become a successful community -wide initiative
to build partnerships with area businesses and increase community involvement
with the use of programming, through the Livonia Community Recreation Center.
The goal of the program is to provide participants with simple, factual and
educational information on nutrition, exercise, health and wellness for the entire
family. The program runs from January to April. The 2013 event attracted 583
participants. The 100 Day Weight Loss Fitness Challenge had 191 participants,
losing a combined 541 pounds. Corporate partners included the DMC, Dick's
Sporting Goods, Time loo Savor, Running Fit, Health Quest Back & Neck and
myTRlguys. Grocery stores that also participated were Krogers, Busch's, Joe's
Produce and Trader Joe's. Participants involved in the 100 Days have access to
exercise classes, nutrition seminars, wellness seminars, grocery store lours, rock
climbing and free workouts and swimming on Fridays here at the LCRC during
the length of the program.
Sports and Leisure
In 2013, we continued to offer a variety of leisure classes to our citizens, covering
all ages and all interests. We strive to offer quality programs at affordable prices
for all our customers. Between the two winter sessions, one spring session, one
summer session and two fall sessions, we offered close to 250 classes/clinics
and multiple day camp experiences for youth.
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Leisure classes include pre-school developmental classes such as Pre-school
playgroup, 2's on the Move, Fun 2B Fit, LOCO! -Motion and Imagination Station.
We also offer dance classes for adults and youth including ballet and ball room
and we even added guitar and cheer/pom to the mix this year! Kids Night Out
continues to add fun and excitement every V Friday of the month for kids ages
5-12. We offer 20 different martial arts classes ranging from Tae Kwon Do to
Kung Fu to Karate. We also offer enrichment classes for youth in the form of art
and music programs.
Indoor and outdoor sport programs include baseball, volleyball, basketball,
soccer, and tennis. They are ran in a variety of formats including seven (7) week
class sessions, 2-3 day clinics, week-long camps and instructional leagues.
Camp Swoosh continues to provide so much more than just a place for kids to go
in the summer. Each week, Camp Swoosh offered kids the opportunity to make
friends, build leadership and social skills, use their creative side through art and
themed projects, stay physically active and involved, and instill a sense of pride
to be a part of such a special group. Over the course of summer 2013, Camp
Swoosh staff mentored a total of 100 children ages 6-11, while averaging 38.5
total campers perweek.
Kid Quarters
Our short-term child care operation continues to serve the needs of our
members, residents and non-residents, allowing parents to slay active and
workout while their children are in a safe, friendly, and fun environment. There
were a total of 5,703 visits to Kid Quarters which generated just over $18,316.50
and averaged 475.25 visits per month.
Rentals
The opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to use the center for special
gatherings is a great way for people to lake advantage of the Community Center
services. The following events look place in 2013:
Birthday Parties 550: Package parties 286 Day Pass parties 264
Bar/Bat Mitzvah's
8
Scout Groups
Party/Gathering
5
Team Parties
Meetings
17
Church Groups
Showers
24
Summer Camps
School Groups
17
Company Outings
Total 642 — This is an
increase
of 34 events from 2013.
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There were 449 hours of gym rental as well as 725 hours used by Livonia Junior
Athletic League as part of the City sponsorship. Many teams rent gym time
during off-season training to keep athletes in shape. After -hour outings are an
opportunity to have a more private event.
GOLF DIVISION
The City of Livonia Golf Division ended the month of October ahead of the 5 -year
average by being 1.35% up in revenue in YTD revenue. League revenue
continues to increase with senior, junior and regular play.
Rounds Played
Whispering Willows 37,841
Idyl Wyld 30,152
Fox Creek 39452
Total 107,445
Whispering Willows: The Engineering department began a storm water
retention project last October between holes 7, 8 and 9. The construction project
was completed shortly after the spring thaw and has provided an area for water
to be stored as storms occur.
Fox Creek: Doug Ware and his staff have the greens running fast and the
course in excellent condition. Courses that once were considered in a higher
class from a price perspective or due to course conditions are now being
compared to Fox Creek. It has been a long standing goal of the Golf Division to
bring Fox Creek to this higher level of course conditions. The addition to the
maintenance building/cart barn at Fox Creek was completed in March. Fox Creek
is the last of the three courses to convertto electric powered golf carts.
Idyl Wyld: Many compliments were received about the course conditions this
season. Outing revenue was up for Idyl Wyld and we are receiving more outing
requests for future dates than years prior.
SPECIAL EVENT DIVISION
The Department places great emphasis on special events and programs. It is
our intent to play an integral role in developing community involvement by
working with local businesses and civic organizations that provide professional
input, volunteers and/or financial assistance.
A sense of family and individual pride and community spirit is developed through
such events as; Daddy/Daughter dance, holiday lunches, Memorial Day
Ceremony, summer playground program, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cardboard
Boat Races, Elk's Soccer Shoot and Hoop Shoot, Indoor and Youth Triathlon,
and the Family New Year's Eve Party, to mention a few.
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A change in the format of our Playground Program allowed us to cul our budget
drastically (eliminate the use of school buildings) and create a local field trip -
based camp that worked out well. Learning, in the summer of 2012, that the new
format worked well, we expanded registration to over 270 Livonia youth for 2013.
This summer program serves the opposite need of those parents who use Camp
Swoosh, in that the Playground Program is not an all -day camp, but rather a 4 -
hour drop off program that gives children the opportunity to socialize with their
peers and conned with positive adult mentors in a safe, creative and activity -
based environment.
Over 9,400 individuals have benefited from participating in our special events,
totaling 67,615 hours in which we had direct contact with them.
Event
Ages
# of
Time
# of
Contact
Co -
Days
People
Hours
Sponsored By
Kids Night Out
5-12
12
4
40
1920
Winter
Santa's
Gr K-
1
0.5
155
77.5
Livonia
Workshop
3
Kiwanis
Calling
Santa Mailbox
7 &
1
0.5
219
109.5
Livonia
under
Kiwanis
Essay Contest &
5-12
2
1
142
284
Friends of the
Sing -a -long
Bam
Tree Lighting
All
1
3
1000+
3000+
Rotary Club,
Ceremony
Libraries, Civic
Chorus
Lunch with Santa
12 &
1
2
175
350
Kiwanis
under
Elk's Hoop Shoot
8-13
1
2.5
35
87.5
Livonia Elks
Contest
Lodge
Daddy Daughter
4-16
1
2
224
448
Livonia Elks
Dance
Lodge
Civic Chorus
All
1
1
150
150
Civic Chorus
Indoor Tnathlon
18+
1
2
48
96
Wolverine S&C
Cardboard Boat
All
1
4
90
360
Wolverine S&C
Races
New Year's Eve
All
1
3
320
960
Wolverine S&C
Party
73
Event
Ages
# of
Days
Time
# of
People
Contact
Hours
Co -
Sponsored By
Spring
Take Pride in
All
1
3
123
369
Rotary Club,
Livonia Day
Scouts, and
School Groups
Passport to
14 &
1
5
1000+
5000
Various
Safety
under
Sponsors
Memorial Day
All
1
4
200+
800+
Veteran's
Ceremony
Alliance
Hunter Safety
10&
1
12
50
600
DNR
Course
up
Civic Chorus
18 &
2
2
200
800
Livonia Civic
Concert
up
Chorus
Easter Bunny
12 &
1
2
101
202
Kiwanis
Lunch
under
Egg Hunt
12 &
1
3
2000
6000
Rotary
Under
Pitch, Hit & Run
7-14
1
2.5
138
345
UAL/Wolverine
S&C
Summer
Music From the
All
8
1.5
zoo+
2,400+
Ads
Heart
Commission
Playground
Program
5-12
35
4
270
37,800
Nature Camp
5-8
5
2
12
120
Rock/Roll Camp
9-18
5
2
0
0
Kids Triathlon
6-14
1
3
0
0
Wolverine
Sports and
Conservation
Club
Filmmaking
12-18
5
2
0
0
Camp
Mad Science
3-12
5
4
46
920
Camps
Volleyball Camp
11-13
5
2
14
140
Senior Olympics
50+
1
1
25
25
Senior Center
74
Event Ages # of Time # of Contact Co -Sponsored
Days People Hours By
Fall
Lunch with 12 & 1 2 102 204 Optimist Club
Goblins under
Elks Soccer 13 & 1 3.5 0 00 Livonia Elk's
Shoot under Lodge
Haunted Stroll 12 & 1 1 1647 1647 Friends of the
under Barn
Turkey Trot All 1 3 589 1767 Goodfellows,
Various
Corporate
Sponsors
Hunter Safety 10& 1 12 50 600 DNR
Course Up
Punt Pass and 5-14 1 1 37 37
Kick
PARKS DIVISION
Our parks are a great place for families and groups to gather for picnics, outdoor
activities or just to visit, walk, hike or use various amenities such as pavilions,
grills, play structures, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, walking
paths, fitness clusters, in-line courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts or
Wilson Barn. It is impossible to estimate the number of individuals visiting our
parks.
Park Maintenance maintains all parks, handles inspections and works with us in
providing safe, clean and quality parks that our residents have come to expect.
Approximately 368 pavilion permits were issued with approximately 26,105
attendees for Rotary, John Stymelski, Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Circle,
Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue for the pavilion rentals totaled $30,276.
The parks also hosted numerous special events and activities.
MARKETING
The Marketing Department strives to promote the assets of the department and
influence the lives of those we serve, as well as, develop and cultivate
partnerships, collaborations and volunteerism. As a department, we are devoted
to offering quality programs and facilities while providing the highest standards of
customer service possible.
The L Magazine continues to be our primary source of communicating with our
users. The L is distributed to Livonia's 39,000 plus households and the Livonia
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Recreation Center's non-resident members three limes a year. The L Magazine
is also available on our website. Other avenues to promote and advertise are
through our new Google Maps virtual tour of the LCRC, Chamber Member e -
blasts and Chamber Directory Ad, articles and program announcements in the
new Livonia Life Magazine (which also features a monthly health and fitness
article from LCRC Personal Trainer Harry Dakesian), the City Newsletter,
Facebook, promotional videos, member giveaway promotions, attending local
business health fairs, visiting local businesses, email blasts, news releases,
website, program and event flyers and posters, Livonia TV, news releases,
testimonials, co-sponsors and partnerships, a new resident welcome letter which
includes a one day family pass to the LCRC, word of mouth, and two open
houses per year. Our 2013 Open House events brought in a combined total of
1,867 guests and helped sell 56 Annual Membership Packages.
2013 NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department coordinated the processing
of approximately 75 petitions involving land use modifications and development
projects. Below is a summary of the more noteworthy projects, some of which the
final outcome is still pending:
0
PLANNING &
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Activities and projects handled by
the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year
2013 included
the following:
Subdivision Plats Considered
Meetings Held
Preliminary Plats
0
Public Hearings (45 items)
11
Final Plats
0
Regular Meetings (25 items)
3
Study Meetings (49 items)
14
Special Regular Meetings (2 items)
2
Petitions Processed
Amendments
Rezoning
4
Master Plan Amendments
0
Waiver of Use
28
Language Amendments (Ord543)
1
Site Plans
13
Vacating
3
Site Condominiums
0
Sign Permits
5
Greenbelt & Landscape
0
Satellite Dish
0
Lot Splits
16
Extensions
0
2013 NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department coordinated the processing
of approximately 75 petitions involving land use modifications and development
projects. Below is a summary of the more noteworthy projects, some of which the
final outcome is still pending:
0
1) Approval to operate a limited service restaurant (Carlton's Coffee
House) at 17162 Farmington Road within the Burton Hollow
Shopping Center, located on the east side of Farmington Road
between Six Mile Road and Curtis Avenue ;
2) Approval to construct an addition to the existing banquet hall (Laurel
Manor) at 39000 Schoolcraft Road, located on the north side of
Schoolcraft Road between the 1-96 Expressway and Eckles Road;
3) Approval of the Master Deed, bylaws and site plan in connection with
the construction of a condominium development (Dinallo Estates) at
36905 Ann Arbor Trail, located on the south side of Ann Arbor Trail
between Newburgh Road and Levan Road;
4) Approval to operate an athletic training facility (Metro Cheer and
Dance) at 11889 Brookfield Avenue, located on the west side of
Brookfield Avenue between Plymouth Road and Capital Avenue;
5) Approval to expand the existing restaurant (Sheesh Restaurant) and
add seating at 37240 Five Mile Road within the Century Plaza
shopping center, located on the northeast corner of Five Mile Road
and Newburgh Road;
6) Approval to conduct a carnival in the parking lot of Sears, sponsored
by the Rotary Club of Livonia, consisting of amusement rides, games
and food concessions on property at 29500 Seven Mile Road,
located on the northwest corner of Seven Mile Road and Middlebelt
Road;
7) Approval to operate a full -swing golf simulator facility (Big Golf) at
30643 Schoolcraft Road, located on the south side of Schoolcraft
Road between Middlebelt Road and Merriman Road;
8) Approval to demolish a portion of the exisfing building and construct
additions to the auto dealership (Tennyson Chevrolet) at 32570
Plymouth Road, located on the north side of Plymouth Road between
Farmington Road and Hubbard Avenue;
9) Approval to operate a full service restaurant with drive -up window
facilities (Jimmy John's) at 19190 Middlebelt Road, located on the
east side of Middlebelt Road between Seven Mile Road and Vassar
Avenue;
10) Approval to operate a gymnastic training facility (Gymnastic Dreams)
at 12830 Wayne Road, located on the east side of Wayne Road
between the CSX railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
11) Approval to rezone property at 13301 Middlebelt Road, located on
the west side of Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-
way and Schoolcraft Road from M-1 (Light Manufacturing) to C-2
(General Business). The rezoning was the first step in the process of
developing the land into an Applebee's and a multi -tenant
commercial building with a full service restaurant including drive -up
window facilities (Del Taco);
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12) Approval to operate a dance studio (Dance Innovations) at 12864
Farmington Road within the Livonia Trade Center, located on the
east side of Farmington Road between the CSX railroad nghl-0f-way
and Schoolcraft Road;
13) Approval to construct a compressed natural gas (C.N.G.) fueling
station at 11801 Farmington Road, located on the west side of
Farmington Road between Plymouth Road and the CSX railroad
right -0f --way;
14) Approval to demolish and reconstruct the gas station (Mobil) at
29401 Five Mile Road, located on the southwest comer of Five Mile
Road and Middlebelt Road;
15) Approval to operate a gymnastic training facility (Ignite Gymnastics)
at 12932 Farmington Road within the Livonia Trade Center, located
on the east side of Farmington Road between the CSX railroad right-
of-way and SchoolcreR Road;
16) Approval to rezone a portion of the property at 37685 Five Mile Road,
located on the south side of Five Mile Road between Newburgh Road
and Blue Skies Avenue from G7, Local Business to G2, General
Business. The rezoning was the first step in the process of
developing the land into a Tim Hortons;
17) Approval to construct and operate a full service restaurant
(Applebee's) at 13301 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of
Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and
SchoolcraR Road;
18) Approval to construct a multi -tenant commercial building with a full
service restaurant including drive -up window facilities (Del Taco) at
13301 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of Middlebelt Road
between the CSX Railroad nghl-of-way and SchoolcmR Road;
19) Approval to rezone the property at 39201 Seven Mile Road, located
on the southeast comer of Seven Mile Road and Haggerty Road from
PO, High Rise Professional Office to PL, Public Land. The rezoning
is the first step in the process of redeveloping the site for educational
purposes in connection with Schoolcmft College;
20) Approval to construct and operate a full service restaurant including
drive -up window facilities (Culvers) within an outlol on the site of
Meijer, 13000 Middlebelt Road, located on the east side of Middlebell
Road between the CSX Railroad nghl-of-way and SchoolcmR Road;
21) Approval to demolish an existing building and construct a new
medical office building at 36622 Five Mile Road, located on the north
side of Five Mile Road between Levan Road and Newburgh Road;
22) Approval to construct and operate a second-hand store and resale
shop (Goodwill) within an outlol on the site of the Menards Home
Improvement Store, 12701 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side
of Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and
Schoolcraft Road;
23) Approval to construct an addition to the existing convalescent home
(St. Jude) at 34350 Ann Arbor Trail, located on the north side of Ann
Arbor Trail between Joy Road and Stark Road;
24) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial center (Philmar
Plaza) at 33467 & 33501 Eight Mile Road, located on the south side
of Eight Mile Road between Farmington Road and Gill Road;
25) Approval to construct and operate a limited service restaurant with
drive -up window facilities (Tim Hortons) at 37685 Five Mile Road,
located on the south side of Five Mile Road between Newburgh Road
and Blue Skies Avenue (New Five Village shopping center);
26) Approval to construct and operate a full service restaurant (Outback
Steakhouse) within an outlot on the site of Meijer, 13000 Middlebelt
Road, located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between the CSX
Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
27) Approval to construct and operate a limited service restaurant with
drive -up window facilities (Dunkin' Donuts) at 34899 Plymouth Road,
located on the southeast comer of Plymouth Road and Wayne Road;
28) Approval to construct a chapel addition with fixed seating to St.
Genevieve -St. Maurice Catholic Church at 29015 Jamison Avenue,
located on the south side of Jamison Avenue between Middlebelt
Road and Harrison Avenue;
29) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial center
(Middlebelt-Norfolk Plaza) at 20307-20337 Middlebelt Road, located
on the west side of Middlebelt Road between Eight Mile Road and
Norfolk Avenue;
30) Approval to construct two multi -tenant commercial buildings on
proposed oulparcels in front of the Menards Home Improvement
Store at 12701 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of
Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and
Schoolcraft Road;
31) Approval to re -develop the commercial center (Livonia Commons),
including remodel the exterior, building addition and construct a
stand-alone multi -tenant commercial building, at 13505-13507
Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of Middlebelt Road
between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
32) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant
(McDonald's) at 11800 Middlebelt Road, located on the east side of
Middlebelt Road between Plymouth Road and the CSX Railroad
right-of-way. (Pending)
79
2013 STUDIES, SURVEYS AND REPORTS PREPARED
2013 Lot Splits Reports —16
2013 Language Amendments —1
2013 Vacating Reports — 3
Fully Digitized In-house Petition Books
0 1953-1964
0 1965 thru 1976
0 1977 thru 1999
0 2000 thru Present
0 City-wide overall map
Update Future Land Use Map
Prepared Zoning Ordinance Amendments
LIVONIA TOMORROW
Livonia Tomorrow is a long-range planning and community visioning process that
was formally introduced in July 2012 with the release of a request for Statement
of Qualifications. The intention of this initiative is to carry out an innovative
planning exercise that will fully engage the community and key stakeholders in
order to form of a unified vision and conceptual blueprint for the City's future. The
Planning Department prepared the initial draft of the RFQ, and coordinated the
response and submission of seven (7) proposals from highly qualified urban
planning and design consulting companies. After interviewing all seven (7)
companies, Council narrowed the list to three (3) firms. The final interviews were
conducted in December 12, 2012, and the team of Houseal-Lavigne Associates
joined by inFORM Studio and a5, Inc. was awarded the contract. The 2013 City
approved budget allocated a total of $50,000 for the initial phase of Livonia
Tomorrow. The Council Committee on Economic Development, Community
Outreach and Strategic Planning is currently spearheading this project with
assistance from the Planning Department.
Project initiation commenced on June 18, 2013 with a workshop involving the
Mayor and all City Department Heads. Following the initial kick-off, the next six
(6) months have been devoted primarily to Engagement and Community
Outreach. To dale, a total of nine (9) workshops and focus group meetings have
been held, including 25 key person interviews. Other outreach efforts have
involved DIY (Do-it-yourself) Workshop Kits, an Interactive Project Website, On-
line Community Issues Mapping, and On4ine Questionnaires. On December 2,
2013, the Consultant provided the Council Committee on Economic
Development, Community Outreach and Strategic Planning with a detailed
summary of the Outreach Program.
The next major step in the Livonia Tomorrow process will be establishing
community focus areas and priorities, creating a vision statement, and
establishing preliminary goals and objectives. Completion of Phase I is
anticipated sometime in the first quarter of 2014.
.11
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Planning Department continues to provide support to the Plymouth Road
Development Authority (PRDA). Over the past few years, activities of the PRDA
have been severely limited due to budget constraints. A special assessment
approved by the City Council in 2011 provided the funds needed to maintain the
extensive irrigation system that the PRDA installed along the Plymouth Road
corridor. By the end of the 2012 watering season, the extensive repairs needed
to bring the system into full operation had been completed.
Summer 2013 marked the first collection year of a new 2 -mill tax levy that will
help pay the Pli outstanding bonded indebtedness. But even with the
revenue generated by the new millage, few funds are available to go towards the
Authority's operational and maintenance expenses. Thus, the PRDA is
continually challenged with looking for new ways to cul costs and streamline its
operations without compromising the appearance of the corridor. One effort
currently underway is possibly transferring ownership of over 400 street lights to
DTE Energy.
Earlier this year, prior to the new lax levy, it was necessary to change the
boundaries of the PRDA District in order to remove all known residential
properties. The Planning Department played a major role in this effort.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions
of the Economic Development Office. Special emphasis is placed on assisting,
promoting, retaining and attracting local industrial, commercial and retail
enterprises within the City, thereby strengthening and protecting the local
economy and tax base. Some of the ways used to accomplish this include
assisting businesses with site selection by maintaining an up-to-date list of
available properties and buildings, providing assistance with securing local
approvals and coordinating with other City, County, and Stale agencies and
departments to expedite permitting, and administering the various economic
development incentive programs, such as lax exempt bond financing through the
Economic Development Corporation, management of Livonia's Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority, and oversight of the tax abatement programs,
including P.A. 198 Industrial Property Tax Abatement, P.A. 328 Personal
Property Tax Relief, and P.A. 210 Commercial Rehabilitation .
Over the past year, Livonia has seen considerable activity in all sectors of the
local economy. Employment remains strong. According to the Michigan
Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Livonia's jobless rate for the
month of August 2013 was at 4.2 percent, down slightly from the same time last
year. Nationally, the average is 7.0 percent, while the State of Michigan and
Wayne County are at 8.7 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively.
In 2013, Livonia's industrial market continued to see positive net absorption and
leasing activity. Of the approximate 29 million square feet of classified industrial
space, occupancy currently stands at about 88.2 percent. According to CoStar
Group, a commercial real estate tracking and information service, a total of 82
industrial lease transactions and 21 industrial sale transactions occurred overthe
past 11 months. The largest sales transaction involved a portfolio of two (2)
adjoining properties, 38150 and 38220 Plymouth Road, for a total sale price
$10,710,000 ($37.54/SF). Both buildings combined contain a gross rentable
building area of 285,306 square feet, and are 100% leased, including a single
tenant in 38150 Plymouth: HELM Livonia Distribution Operation.
Gaining from the momentum that started in late 2011, this past year saw
considerable positive gains throughout Livonia's retail sector, and particularly
along the one-half mile stretch of Middlebelt Road south of SchoolcraR Road and
the I-96 Expressway. The "spinoff' in both new development and
redevelopment is largely the result of the opening of Menards, and the significant
draw that this regional home improvement store has brought to the surrounding
area. Projects either recently approved or in the process of review are: Goodwill,
Applebee's, Del Taco, Culver's, Outback Steakhouse, Dick's Sporting Goods,
JoAnne's Fabrics, and over 91,000 square feet of either new or repurposed retail
space. Altogether, it is anticipated that a total of approximately 371,188 square
feet of new active retail space will be added to this stretch of Middlebelt Road
within a two (2) year period beginning in 2013.
Additional good news is that Livonia's overall retail vacancy rate continues to
decline. According to Costar, retail vacancy dropped from 14.2 percent to 13.1
percent in the past year. This includes all categories of retail, where the primary
intended use is to promote, distribute or sell products and services to the general
public, and includes buildings such as stand-alone convenience stores, store
fronts, strip centers, neighborhood, community, regional, and super -regional
malls, power centers, factory outlet centers, and fashion or specialty centers.
Another important measure of retail activity is the absorption rate, which refers to
the change in occupancy over a given time period. Positive net absorption is a
condition that occurs when the total amount of space that becomes occupied
exceeds the amount of space vacated. For Livonia, the reported year-to-date net
absorption equaled 196,761 square feet. The current average rental rate is
$10.07 per square foot, up from about $9.58 per square foot one year ago as
reported by CoStar. These numbers represent the average for 622 retail
buildings containing an estimated 8,876,342 square feet of rentable building
area.
Office is the other major category of commercial land use. According to Costar,
the City's existing office inventory totals approximately 6,289,001 square feet.
Livonia's current office vacancy rate stands at around 16.3 percent, which is
down significantly from the 21.6 percent as reported in the third quarter of 2012,
and the lowest recorded total vacancy rate since early 2009. A total of 80 lease
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transactions were reported in the past 365 days. The following represent a few
of the larger move-in transactions: 1) Sprint at 17187 N. Laurel Park Dr. (34,857
square feel); 2) STMicroelectronics at 19111 Victor Parkway (21,120 square
feel); and 3) Harvard Drug Group at 17187 N. Laurel Park Dr. (24,583 square
feel).
2013 TAX INCENTIVE PROJECTS
In 2013, the Livonia Economic Development Office provided assistance to a
number of businesses seeking tax incentives through a number of programs
offered by the State of Michigan. The following summarizes a few of the major
tax incentive projects that the Livonia Planning and Economic Development
Office was involved with over the past year.
Mendelson Orthopedics
In late October, demolition commenced on the old Frank's Nursery building
located at the northwest comer of Five Mile and Levan Roads. This long
anticipated redevelopment project will bring over 40,000 square feel of new
medical office space. Mendelson Orthopedics, which presently operates out of
Sl. Mary-Mercy Hospital, will be moving its offices and outpatient care facilities
across the street and into the new medical office. The project is valued at over
$10 million, and was made possible with the cooperation of the City, which
granted its first ever Commercial Rehabilitation tax abatement pursuant to Public
Act 210 of 2005, as amended.
In addition to a modem new two-story medical office building, redevelopment of
the site will include complete upgrades to the landscaping, parking and
infrastructure, including a new subsurface stonnwater management system. The
incentive provided under P.A. 210 essentially 'freezes" the taxable value of the
building, and thereby exempts the new investment from taxation. City Council
approved a 10-year abatement, which is the maximum allowed by law. Taxes
not affected by the abatement include School Operating, Stale Education, the
value of the land, and all personal property.
Admiral Tool
Admiral Tool manufactures and assembles steering columns and related parts
for the auto industry. The Company was founded in 1999, and currently operates
a technology/engineering office and manufacturing facility in Livonia. This past
spring, Admiral Tool approached the City with a need to nearly double its
production operations. Space became available immediately adjacent to the
current production facility, which provided a perfect opportunity for the Company
to fulfill its expansion needs. The program involves the production of steering
column components for Chrysler. The production is being moved from another
supplier in Mexico to Admiral Tool in Livonia. The City assisted Admiral by
granting a seven (7) year exemption of personal property worth an estimated
$50,000 over the life of the abatement.
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VisotekIVictor Technologies
Visolek is a company with high tech infrastructure that supports the development,
manufacture and use of high-powered laser systems. Visotek's lasers are used
worldwide as part of advanced manufacturing, research labs, and military
applications. The Company was established in 2001 by Sheila Jensen, and is
located on Belden Courtin Livonia.
Earlier this year, Visolek was acquired by a Missouri -based company called
Victor Technologies. Victor Technologies is headquartered in Sl. Louis, and is a
global manufacturer of advanced cutting, gas control and specialty welding
solutions, serving a wide range of applications, including automotive,
construction, fanning, medical, mining, and ship building. Victor plans to make
additional personnel and capital investments in Visolek to advance the
development of laser technology in order to serve Victor's markets.
To help facilitate Visotek and Victor Technologies growth plans, and additionally,
to help advance Livonia as a possible good location for other companies
specializing in laser technology, the City Council approved Visotek's request for
an exemption of personal property taxes under P.A. 328. The Company plans to
invest in excess of $1.5 million, and over the next 5 years, hire as many as
twenty—five new employees. To accommodate the new operations, Visolek has
leased the balance of the building it occupies, approximately 10,000 sq.fl., and
will the double the size of its operations.
Lem
In May, Leapers petitioned the City for its third Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption
Certificate. The first occurred in 2010, when City Council approved a seven (7)
year abatement to help incentivize capital expenditures of approximately $2.35
million for new machinery and equipment related to the Company's main
business: the manufacturing of sporting equipment. The second IFTEC was
approved by City Council in 2011, again for a term of seven (7) years. The 2011
investment totaled approximately $2.5 million in machinery and equipment.
Leapers, Inc., and its affiliate — UTG Pro— are Livonia -based companies that
design, build, warehouse, and distribute a wide variety of sporting goods.
Leapers maintains three (3) Livonia facilities, two (2) of which are located side-
by-side on Capitol Street, and the other which is located on Plymouth Road just
east of Newburgh Road.
To meet the growing demand for its products, Leapers recently acquired the
building at 32500 Capitol, adjacent to its main facility located at 32700 Capitol.
The building at 32500 Capitol is used primarily for manufacturing. The Company
has invested significantly towards renovating the structure for this purpose,
including changes to the shop floor, a new roof, and electrical upgrades, just to
name a few.
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The real property improvements associated with the 2013 IFTEC request
included the installation of a new HVAC unit, new air compressors, mist
collectors, and associated electrical upgrades, all at a total cost of approximately
$110,000. On the personal property side, Leapers is investing an estimated
$3.47 million. The new machinery and equipment includes computers, CNC
fixture assemblies, production dies and molds, injection molding equipment, as
well as various R&D testing and inspection equipment.
With the new investment, Leapers continues to add employees.
Ternes Packaging
Temes Packaging is a 64 -year old company that specializes in all aspects of
packaging, warehousing and distribution logistics, including procurement and
contract personnel, system design and I.T. support, inventory and quality control,
and assembly and remanufacturing. In early 2013, Temes moved its
headquarters and a large part of its "just -in -time" distribution operation to a
127,000 square foot building located on Industrial Road. The building includes
approximately 109,000 square feet of industrial warehouse space and
approximately 18,000 square feet of general office space.
The age and condition of the building caused Ternes to have to invest in
significant upgrades, including the complete renovation of both the warehouse
and office space, new fire suppression, roof replacement, HVAC, and new
furniture and fixtures. To help defray some of the costs associated with these
upgrades, Ternes sought the City's support on tax abatements on an overall
planned investment of over $2 million over the next two (2) years.
Tax abatements under P.A. 198 are typically available only for manufacturers;
however, the statute makes an exception for large-scale logistic operations, (i.e.,
over 100,000 square feet in area), and provided they are located in a county that
borders another state or Canada. Temes qualified under this special provision of
the statute, and the Companys request for a 12 -year abatement was approved.
MISCELLANEOUS RETENTION AND ATTRACTION PROJECTS
The Livonia Economic Development Office meets with existing and prospective
businesses on an on-going basis to learn more about their operations, address
concerns and issues they may have, assist with site selection and planning,
provide information on local incentive programs, and direct them to the proper
Slate, County and/or City agencies or departments for additional assistance.
Below is a list of some of the companies and organizations that the Economic
Development Office worked with over the past year:
0 Linamar/McLaren — In what could become one of Livonia's largest projects
for 2014, various city departments, led by the Planning and Economic
Development Department, worked tirelessly with the MEDC, Wayne County
and DTE on pulling together an incentive package valued at over $8 million in
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order to convince the Company to remain in Livonia and develop a world-
class research, engineering and sales complex.
0 Roush — assisted with vacating portions of an unnecessary utility easement
located on property the Company owns on Levan Road that was impeding
their ability to get refinancing.
0 Ingram Slotting and Machine, Inc. — worked in tandem with the Inspection
Department to help the Company relocate to a larger building on Eight Mile
Road.
0 EcoMotors International — mel with Company officials hosting a Chinese
delegation consisting of representatives of Zhongding Co., Ltd., and Han Jun,
Mayor of Xuancheng Municipal Government of Anjui Province, as well as the
MEDC, Mayor and Wayne County to assist the Company in its ongoing efforts
to seek funding and to market and develop its patented OPOC engine.
0 NYX — currently assisting the Company on the possible development of a new
manufacturing facility.
0 Quality Metalcm —preliminary discussions on the possible expansion of the
Company's manufacturing plant on Farmington Road.
0 Yudo — assisted company officials from Columbus, OH and Japan in
acquiring a facility in Livonia located at 33875 Capitol.
0 USIT — assisting this Livonia -based company with plans to relocate and
expand into a larger facility.
0 QCI (Quad City Innovations) — working with this Livonia -based energy start-
up company to find a manufacturing facility in Livonia. QCI converts waste
plastics into diesel fuel using a unique technology that the Company has
perfected to make the process much more efficient and cost-effective. The
Company is interested in the old Kroger meal -processing facility located on
Industrial Road behind the Menards store.
0 Racer Trust — The Livonia Economic Development Office continues to work
with Racer Trust on repurposing the former GM sites. The former Powertrain
Plant on Middlebelt Road is currently under contract, and has been partially
filled by an automotive logistics company called Bay Logistics. With the local
economy steadily improving, there is renewed interest in the Eckles Road
property by a well-known industrial development company with ties to the
Livonia market.
0 Chamber of Commerce — active participation with Livonia Industrial Council.
0 Small Business and Technology Development Center — Michigan New
Jobs Training Program.
0 Consumers Energy — staff assisted with the development of a new natural
gas fueling station on Farmington Road just north of Plymouth Road.
0 Tunkers, Inc.
0 Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority — the LBRA will be meeting
in early 2014 on a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan involving the old Forest
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City property located at the southwest corner of Middlebelt and Schoolcraft
Roads.
0 Advanced Recycling — Planning and Inspection Departments have been
working with this environmental recycling business to find a permanent home
in Livonia. The Company is currently operating in a building that it leases on
Merriman Road, but is quickly outgrowing the site as the demand for recycled
metal products continues to increase.
0 Michiaan Economic Development Corporation
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used at the various public hearings conducted
by the Planning Commission and City Council. The maps are also made
available to other City departments and groups.
GIS
The Planning Department continues to work closely with the Information Systems
Department and other City Departments involved in the development and
maintenance of the City's desktop Geographic Information System (GIS). The
City's GIS is a powerful collection of computer hardware and software designed
to visualize, explore, query and analyze data geographically. The Planning
Department utilizes the GIS on a daily basis for a variety of planning -related
tasks including: mapping, obtaining land use statistics and information,
generating mailing labels for public notification purposes, and much more. As
part of its responsibility of providing accurate and current land use information,
the Planning Department maintains the following spatial GIS layers and
accompanying attribute information:
Zoning Liquor Licenses
Existing Land Use Cell Towers
Future Land Use Truck Routes
Building Footprints Act 198 Industrial Districts
Control Zones
PLANNING DATABASE
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed for the purpose of tracking and storing
information about all of the various petitions that the Department is responsible
for overseeing. The new database was created with several benefits in mind,
including faster and more efficient delivery of information to residents, other City
Departments and developers, better record keeping, and expandability and
compatibility with other computer software programs including the GIS. The
Planning database was developed using Microsoft Access and includes detailed
information on each petition including the type of project, the review procedure,
the applicant, critical deadlines (i.e., public notification), past history, zoning, etc.
Select information can be linked directly with the GIS and viewed in a spatial
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context. For example, maps can be generated showing the locations of all
properties involved in certain types of land use proposals (i.e., restaurants), over
a given period of time. As of December 2013, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 2,987 petitions.
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Hundreds of hours have been spent supplying other departments with technical
help including:
Community Resources
Assessors Office
Historical Commission
Engineenng/Inspection
Legal Department
Library Commission
Parks & Rec.
Finance Department
Historic Preservation
Housing Commission
Police Department
Mayors Office
LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
The Livonia Police Department is the ninth largest police department in the Stale
of Michigan. The Administration Bureau consists of the Chief of Police, one
Deputy Chief of Police, two Captains who are Division Commanders. Two
civilians provide administrative support, including payroll and benefit
administration, employee records, and financial tracking.
In 2013, the police department added 20 members to its staff, however, the
police department also experienced 22 separations of service. We are
committed to maintaining adequate staffing levels without sacrificing the high
standard of qualifications of candidates.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Support Services is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the
Department. Important functions include: preparing and maintaining the budget,
purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contacts with citizens groups, as
well as providing reports to the Mayor's Office, City Council, and various City
Commissions.
Tragi
During fiscal year 2013, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at more than 130 off-site, in-service training courses and administered
the State training resources, as well as the Federal Bullet Proof Vest Grant. The
Training Division also ensured that all officers completed the MCOLES Firearms
Proficiency Standards, including our Reserve Officers, and conducted nearly 50
firearms training sessions throughout the year. Several dispatchers attended
numerous off-site courses, and the reporting of the 9-1-1 funds was conducted in
accordance with the grant. Due to personnel shortages, our annual Police
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Officer Refresher Training (PORTS) was reduced to two days and covered
MCOLES Firearms Re-certifcafion and Subject Control. This training is in
addition to mandatory training sessions which covered: Intermediate Weapons,
Hazardous Materials, and Legal Update. The Training Division coordinated with
the Civil Service Department on hiring 15 new Police Service Aides and five
Police Officers. Six Police Service Aides attended the Western Wayne County
Regional Police Academy and were promoted to the rank of Police Officer.
Additionally, five other Police Service Aides were promoted to Police Officer
during this period.
In February 2013, the Livonia Police Department hosted a regional leadership
seminar for law enforcement supervisors throughout southeast Michigan. Every
supervisor at the Livonia Police Department was required to attend. Two
nationally recognized experts were featured, covering legal matters and
leadership. This training was rated excellent by the participants.
The Training Division coordinated the attendance of three command officers to
the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, which carries
prestigious accreditation.
Communications
The Dispatch Center equipment includes the computer aided dispatch terminals,
9-1-1 premise equipment, early warning sirens, cable override capabilities, Law
Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) teletype equipment, etc. In 2013,
research was completed on replacing the city's Enhanced 9-1-1 system which
will allow for text to 9-1-1, remote location answering, and additional redundancy.
This project is scheduled to be completed in early 2014. There are currently 10
dispatchers assigned.
Communications is also responsible for the building's Uninterruptible Power
Supply system and its battery bank, as well as the proper testing and operation
of our emergency generator. In 2013, a new emergency generator was installed
that is capable of supplying power to the entire police building, as well as
powering the radio system.
Computer Services
Computer Services is responsible for research and development, maintenance,
implementation, training, support, and purchasing for the Police and Fire
Departments' 300+ computer devices, software and specialty equipment. This
includes: desktops, mobile scout car computers, printers, servers, fingerprint
identification equipment, video and audio devices, surveillance equipment, as
well as wireless and Bluetooth devices. Computer Services also supports
multiple networks including all fire stations, the CLEMIS consortium, and mobile
scout car wireless communications. Additionally, Computer Services is
responsible for the 9-1-1Public Safely Answering Point (PSAP) Director's duties.
In all, over 3246 projects, support calls, and service requests have been
completed for 2013.
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In 2013, multiple end -of -life servers were replaced and a virtual server was
installed to reduce support costs and increase redundancy. All new mobile scout
car computers have been purchased at almost half the cost of the original
computers. A new in -car video system has been purchased, which will allow for
wireless uploading and doubling the quality of the video. Desktop production
software was updated, along with multiple computers that were antiquated.
NOPTIC infrared cameras were implemented on multiple scout car computers.
And, finally, this bureau assisted in the following projects: New badge, patch and
car logo designs; new department wide generator installation; and in -station
video system.
Central Records
Central Records is staffed with five full -lime and two part-time civilians. This
bureau reviews and files all arrest and history information and verifies/updates
information on incident reports, as required by the Slate of Michigan. In addition,
they fulfill Freedom of Information requests, subpoenas and discovery orders,
electronically fingerprint citizens for record checks, and are responsible for the
issuance of pistol purchase permits. Central Records personnel also update
Criminal Records information as necessary.
Property and Licensing
The Property and Licensing Unit is staffed by one Police Officer and a temporary
part-time civilian. The main function of the Property and Licensing Unit is to
receive, document, and store evidential and non -evidential property coming into
the possession of the Livonia Police Department. Other work activities include:
the control and tracking of impounded and abandoned vehicles; oversight of
vehicle auctions conducted by lowing agencies; categorizing and submitting
confiscated firearms and other miscellaneous weapons to the Michigan Stale
Police for destruction; and licensing taxi cab operators and other licensing
investigations authorized under Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances. In
2013, the unit changed its method of auctioning property and bicycles to an
online auction service in order to reduce overtime/increase revenue.
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
The Investigative Division is comprised of several units including: Detective
Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, Crime Prevention, Special Victims Unit, Court
Services/Liquor Control Enforcement, Internet Crimes Against Children, School
Resource, and Crime Analysis. The Investigative Division Lieutenant is in charge
of four Sergeants, 15 Police Officers, and three civilians.
The Detective Bureau is currently staffed with two Sergeants, six Police Officers
and one civilian. Their responsibilities include the investigation of most reported
crimes, which include assaults, robberies, burglaries, larcenies, and frauds.
One Sergeant and one Police Officer make up the Crime Scene Unit, which is
responsible for processing crime scenes, including collection and analysis of
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evidence. A Police Officer is assigned to Crime Prevention, whose duties include
tours of the police department, as well as leaching civic groups and businesses
crime prevention techniques. In addition, the Crime Prevention Officer is
responsible for research, compilation, analysis, mapping of crime trends/pattems
and the distribution of such findings throughout the department. The information
assists patrol, investigative and administrative staff in planning the deployment of
resources for the prevention, intervention, and suppression of criminal activities
within the city.
The Special Victims Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and two Police Officers.
This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The Sergeant
is also our Polygraph Examiner. One Police Officer and one civilian, under the
supervision of a Detective Bureau Sergeant, are assigned to Court Services/LCC
enforcement. They handle the daily court activity and process all warrants. They
also investigate Michigan Liquor Control Commission license applicants and
enforce the MLCC laws.
One Police Officer is assigned to the Michigan Stale Police Internet Crimes
Against Children Unit. The ICAC Unit investigates individuals who, via the
Internet, attempt to lure minors for illicit acts. The School Resource Unit is
comprised of three Police Officers who are assigned to the middle and high
schools. They provide a liaison between the police and schools and investigate
any crimes that occur at the schools.
A Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily logs, employee
time records, Sex Offender Registry, canceling warrant recalls, and handling
writs.
UNIFORM DIVISION
Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is comprised of one Captain, four Lieutenants, 13 Sergeants,
61 Police Officers, 11 Police Service Aides, 10 Dispatchers, and one Vehicle
Maintenance Coordinator. The Patrol Bureau provides around-the-clock
assistance, protection, and law enforcement to the City of Livonia.
TRAFFIC BUREAU
The Traffic Bureau consists of one Sergeant and four Police Officers, one of
which is a Motor Carrier Officer. All Traffic Bureau personnel have been trained
in basic traffic crash investigation, which is the primary focus of this
bureau. Several officers in this bureau are also trained in accident
reconstruction. This bureau investigates all fatal and serious injury crashes,
which are surveyed and photographed with an extensive technical follow-up
investigation. The Traffic Bureau also includes the Motorcycle Unit and a Motor
Carrier (commercial vehicle) Enforcement Officer. Secondary responsibilities
include: investigation and prosecution of traffic -related crimes, civil forfeiture of
vehicles for drunk and drugged driving, selective traffic enforcement activities,
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traffic crash pattern analysis, engineering enhancement recommendations for
improved traffic flow and increased safety, breath test instrument calibrations,
hiring and supervision of school crossing guards, training and monitoring of all
speed enforcement equipment, and Planning/Zoning Boards' research and
recommendations.
The Traffic Bureau Sergeant is an ad-hoc member of the Livonia Traffic
Commission and attends all meetings. Additional bureau responsibilities include:
completion of numerous injury and property damage crash investigations, hit and
run crash investigations, reckless driving complaints, and fleeing and eluding
investigations. The Traffic Bureau reviews all crash reports, tracks and reviews
all drunk driving arrests and related vehicle forfeitures, and manages the
Strategic Traffic Accident Reduction (STAR.) program and the Safe
Communities grant program (Click -Il or Ticket and Over the Limit, Under Arrest).
Community Service Bureau
The Community Service Bureau is staffed by one Police Officer, who reports to
the Patrol Operations Lieutenant. This officer also serves on the Board of the
Livonia Anniversary Committee, planning and implementing all public safety
aspects of the annual Spree Festival. The unit is responsible for the
administration of the Police Reserve Program, which consists of 48 Reserve
Officers. These officers provide personnel and support for emergency events
including snow alerts, downed power lines, and crowd control. Uniformed
personnel in this bureau worked 8,101 hours at special events throughout the
City of Livonia during 2013, including school functions, the Livonia Spree, and
other civic events. The total cost of services for the year is estimated at
$166,649.89 with fractional reimbursement at $78,064.46. Discounted and
unsubsidized services amount to $88,585.43.
This bureau also supervises the Community Emergency Response Team and
Police Explorer Post #213. The Police Explorer Post, in conjunction with the
national Learning for Life organization, is a community-based group that gives
young adults interested in law enforcement a chance to experience both law
enforcement and community service. There are 10 Explorers actively involved
who have been engaged in a number of community-based activities in 2013.
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
One Lieutenant, five Sergeants, six Police Officers, and one Clerk Typist staff the
Intelligence Bureau. Their responsibilities are as follows:
As the Officer -In -Charge, the Lieutenant supervises all members of the bureau
and is responsible for the management and administration of the bureau. The
Lieutenant reports directly to the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police.
Two Sergeants directly supervise four Police Officers on two teams. These
teams are responsible for all narcotics enforcement and criminal surveillance
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affecting the City of Livonia. These teams are usually staffed with six Police
Officers instead of four. The shortage is due to current budget issues affecting
the department.
A third Sergeant handles all narcotics evidence for the department and narcotics
case preparation, to include court presentation and civil forfeiture actions.
A fourth Sergeant, along with one Police Officer, is assigned to the Michigan
Slate Police — Western Wayne Narcotics Investigations. This unit consists of our
two officers and seven other officers from the Stale Police, Plymouth Township,
Canton Township, Northville Township, and the federal Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives Bureau. This unit is responsible for developing and
prosecuting narcotics cases in the Western Wayne County communities.
A fifth Sergeant is assigned to a United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension
Team. This unit is responsible for the arrest of felony fugitives who have fled
prosecution in local, state and federal criminal cases.
One Police Officer is assigned to a federal Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) Tactical Diversion Unit Task Force, specifically targeting illicit prescription
medications being trafficked in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
The Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily supplies,
records management, and employee time records.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The City of Livonia is recognized as an independent Emergency Management
Program by the State of Michigan under Public Act 390. The purpose of
Livonia's Emergency Management Program is to allow the City to prevent,
prepare, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies, natural disasters
and acts of terrorism. Primary responsibilities include: planning, training,
equipment, exercise, and the management and administration of Livonia
personnel and resources charged with responding to major incidents. Along with
these primary responsibilities, Livonia's Emergency Management Program
focuses on being an emergency preparedness resource for the citizens and
business community.
The City's Director of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for the overall
organization and management of Livonia's Emergency Management Program. A
Police Sergeant is appointed as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and
works closely with local, county, regional, state, federal, private and volunteer
partners involved in emergency management and homeland security.
During 2013, significant emergency preparedness activities included: completing
the revision of both the City of Livonia Emergency Operations Plan and
Hazardous Mitigation Plan as required by the State of Michigan; procuring and
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managing Justice Assistance Grants (JAGS) that provide equipment to enhance
the City's emergency response capabilities; procuring and managing Urban Area
Security Initiative (UASI) grants that provide for the training and purchase of
equipment that increase the interoperability of the City, as well as the Western
Wayne County Mobile Field Force and Western Wayne County Special Weapons
and Tactics (SWAT) law enforcement specially teams.
Additional activities include: conducting training exercises by City emergency
response personnel, in accordance with the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF) as required by
Presidential directives; updating the Emergency Response and Building
Evacuation plans for City Hall, as well as working with city employees who are
part of the Critical Incident Response Team (GIRT); representing the City with
multiple local, county, regional and state homeland security and emergency
management organizations; providing Livonia Publics Schools and Clarenceville
Public Schools with communications equipment for greater interoperability during
critical incidents; establishing a mass notification system that allows for greater
early warning and notification of significant incidents to both school districts, as
well as private and parochial schools in the city.
Livonia's Emergency Management Program is an all hazard -based program that
partners with the community as a whole. This partnership with the citizens and
businesses of Livonia was accomplished by conducting emergency planning
presentations/exercises with public and private partners including: Schoolcraft
College, Madonna University, Sl. Mary's Mercy Hospital, Marywood Nursing
Care, Livonia Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the Civil Air Patrol,
Livonia Rotary Clubs, and the Livonia Amateur Radio Club.
Additional community based activities included: partnering with the National
Weather Service to bring "Skywarn" training to the citizens of Livonia; and
providing assistance to Livonia's long -tens care (LTC) facilities with the state's
stricter requirements through an onsite review of the facilities' Emergency
Operation Plans.
The Emergency Management Program continues to maintain oversight of the
citizen -based Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). New operational
equipment was obtained under Citizen Corps Council grants and new training
opportunities were provided for current members. A basic CERT training
program was held which increased the team's size to 134 members, making it
one of the largest in the region.
ACTIVITIES
CENTRAL RECORDS
Activity
2012
Amount
Est 2013
Amount
Accident Re=t'
507
$6,893
642
$8,809
Incident Reports
260
$1,216
282
$1,329
am
Activity
2012
Amount
Est 2013 Amount
Fingerprints - City
405
$6,075
524
$7,860
Fingerprints - Slate
116
$5,475
387
$5,805
Fingerprints - N/C
47
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed
50
2,007
LCC
20
$21,450
9
$6,164
Purchase Permits
1,176
$5,880
531
$2,655
Purchase Permits -N/C
1,730
49 29
3,500
MLCC Reports
MLCC Inspections (on site & decoy)
MLCC Violation Reports
Record Clearance
211
$1,452
199
$1,194
Record Cleamnce -N/C
796
1157
Public Vehicle License - New
9
$180
0
0
Public Vehicle License - Renew
13
$516
32
$480
FOIA / Discovery
999
$15,860
1100 $16,070
Miscellaneous (Jail Phone,
128
$36,869
146 $35,082
Vehicle Forfeiture, etc.)
WanantProcessing Fee
495
$4,950
621
$6,210
TOTAL REVENUE
$106,816
$91,658
PROPERTY AND LICENSING
Activity
2012
2013
%Change
Public Vehicle Permit Applications/Renewals
64
36
-43.75%
Taxi Cab Inspections
4
4
0.00%
Business License Applications
194
275
41.75%
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed
1,477
2,007
35.88%
Property Items Received/Processed
4,605
4,289
-6.86%
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
Activity
2012 2013
%Change
Total Cases Investigated
5737 5705
-0.05%
Felony Warrant Requests
Misdemeanor Warrant Requests
461 472
1252 1202
2.3%
-3.9%
Precious Metal Documents
2554 2298
-10.0%
Crime Scenes Processed
98 101
+3.0%
Vehicles Processed
49 79
+61.2%
Pieces of Evidence Processed
1781 2115
+18.7%
Latent Prints Identified
Reports by Crime Scene Unit
191 150
223 235
-21.4%
+5.3%
AFIS Cases
802 707
-11.8%
Polygraphs Administered
43 18
-58.1%
Referrals to Youth Assistance
49 29
-40.8%
MLCC Reports
MLCC Inspections (on site & decoy)
MLCC Violation Reports
20 34
150 151
4 2
+70%
+.06%
-50%
MLCC Applications Investigated
55 52
-5.5%
0
PATROL BUREAU
Activity
2012 Actual
2013 Projected
% Change
Calls for Service — Police
33,294
33,785
1.5%
Calls for Service — Fire
8,904
9,193
3.2%
Reports Taken
8,852
8,274
-6.5%
Adult Arrests
Juvenile Arrests
4,552
183
4,643
135
2.0%
-26.2%
Traffic Crashes Reported
3,267
2,874
-12.0%
Uniform Law Citations
31,100
34,116
+9.7%
Use of Force Incidents
69
46
-33.3%
Vehicle Pursuits
26
16
-38.5%
TRAFFIC BUREAU
2012
2013
% Change
Activity
2012 Actual
2013 Projected
% Change
Drunk Driving Prosecutions
320
273
-14.7%
OWI Vehicle Forfeitures
41
36
-12.1%
Traffic Crash Totals
3,267
2,874
-12.0%
Traffic Crash Data
2012
2013
% Change
Property Damage
2,516
2,291
-8.9%
Injury
742
581
-21.7%
Fatal
9
2
-77.8%
Traffic Crash Totals
3,267
2,874
-12.0%
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
Activity
20122013
%Change
Assigned Cases
1,161 1,320
+14%
Search Warrants
66 66
0%
Forfeiture Actions
180 199
+11%
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineenng Division, which operates under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities of the two Divisions are as follows:
Public Service Division — This Division is responsible for the performance of a
wide variety of maintenance functions. These functions range from in-house
activities such as building maintenance and vehicle maintenance (except Police
and Fire) to the more visible maintenance of public utilities, park sites and
roadways.
a
Engineering Division — The Engineering Division is under the direction of the
City Engineer and the Assistant City Engineer and is responsible for all
construction operations within public rights-of-way and/or public easements. The
division has provided engineering services as directed by the Mayor, the City
Council, other City departments and various Boards and Commissions, as well
as for the general public. During the past fiscal year, the work was handled by
10 full-time employees. The department consists of three (3) sections:
Administrative, Design and Field.
Highlights of the 2013 year's accomplishments include:
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Administrative Section
This section prepares reports for the City Council, subdivision bond
establishments and releases, and various other reports; reviews the design of
public improvements in connection with the development of residential
subdivisions, commercial and industrial site plans; prepares legal descriptions as
required by other departments; and provides technical assistance and advice to
administrative and legislative groups within the City as well as State and County
governmental units. The Administrative Section is also responsible for the
issuance of permits for work in the public rights-of-way and/or easements, along
with fielding residential complaints on drainage, sidewalk and road issues.
Attendance at Council, Commission and citizen meetings is also a function of this
section.
The Administrative Section was involved with the following matters during 2013
in addition to attending meetings with State and County officials, and
investigating citizen complaints:
0 Middlebelt Road (7 Mile to 8 Mile) Resurfacing Project
0 Old M-14 (General Drive to Newburgh Road) Microsurfacing Project
0 DTE LED Retrofit on 200 Streetlights on Farmington Road (6 Mile to
Capitol)
0 Ann Arbor Trail from Dowling Ave. to Roosevelt Elementary Sidewalk SAD
0 City Hall East Entrance Sidewalk and Entrance Ramp Upgrades
0 Civic Center Drive Asphalt Resurfacing and Pavement Markings
0 Dedication of Sanitary, Storm and Water Main Easements
0 DTE Streetlight Outage Reporting
0 DWRF Project 7355-01
0 Eight Mile Water Main Improvement Project
0 Coventry Gardens Water Main Project
0 Karen/Haller Water Main Project (Section 36)
0 I-96 Reconstruction (US -24 to Newburgh) Coordination with MOOT
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0 Levan Road, S. of Five Mile Road Proposed Sanitary Sewer SAD
0 Pilot Footing Drain Disconnect Program
0 Plymouth Road Development Authonty Revised District Boundaries
0 PRDA Streetlight LED Retrofit Study
0 PRDA Streetlight Monitoring in Cooperation with DPW
0 SchoolcraR Road EB & WB Patching Program
0 2012 SRF, S2 Grant and Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
0 SRF Project 5543-01
0 Manhole Rehabilitation Program
0 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Program
0 Sanitary to Storm Disconnection Program
0 Wayne Road Sanitary Sewer Extension
0 Numerous Pavement Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in
conjunction with the Annual Paving Program
0 Numerous Utility Permits for AT&T/SBC Upgrade
0 Closed out numerous MDOT and Wayne County Projects
0 Updated the City website in regard to the Citywide Pavement Management
Program with the renewal millage for the 2013/2014 Road Programs
0 Annual Permits for Utility Companies performing work in the right-of-way
and upgrades before paving contracts
Seven site condominium projects, one subdivision, and numerous commeroial
and induslnal projects were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division.
0 Allied Commerce Center, Phase 1 (31800 Enterpnse Drive)
0 Amerhein Multi -Tenants, LLC, Proposed parking Alternatives (36475 Five
Mile Rd.)
0 Amoco Service Station — Removal of Contaminated Soil (17108 Farmington
Road)
0 Applebee's (13301 Middlebell Road)
0 Applied Process (12238 Newburgh Road)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (38807 Ann Arbor Road)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (Anlago Ave. and Grand River Ave.)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (Farmington Road and Six Mile Road)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (Fox Drive)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (Louise Ave.)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (RoycroR Ave.)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (SchoolcraR Service Drive and Levan Road)
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0 AT & T Utility Installation (W.B. SchoolcraR Service Drive)
0 AT & T Utility Installation (27746 Six Mile Road)
0 Bank of America (29430 Seven Mile Road)
0 BASF Building Modernization and Parking Lot Revisions (13000 Levan)
0 Botsford Elementary School (19515 Lathers)
0 Churchill Manor Condominiums (Section 31)
0 Clean Tech (12170 Globe Street)
0 C.N.G. Re -Fueling Station (11801 Farmington Road)
0 Commercial Building — Proposed 8" Fire Line (13501 Ashurst Court)
0 Commercial Approach and Hydrant Relocation (11813 Hubbard St.)
0 Consumers Energy Utility Plan (Auburndale Road)
0 Consumers Energy Utility Plan (156 and Newburgh Road)
0 Consumers Energy Utility Plan (Plymouth Road and Newburgh Road)
0 Consumers Energy Utility Plan (SchoolcraR Rd. to Middlebell Rd.)
0 Consumers Energy Utility Plan (SchoolcraR Road)
0 Costco Fuel Station — Phase 2 (19450 Haggerty)
0 Covington Center, LLC Parking Lot Expansion (38401 Amrhein Road)
0 Culvers (13030 Middlebell)
0 Dave & Busters (19375 Vidor Parkway)
0 Del Taco Plaza (13201 Middlebell)
0 Demolition of Commercial Building (15950 Middlebelt)
0 Dinallo Site Condominiums (Section 32)
0 Ford Livonia ATDL (35500 Plymouth Road)
0 Gershman Properties, Inc. (30933 and 30415 Industrial Road)
0 Golf Ridge Site Condominiums (Section 5)
0 Goodwill (12651 Middlebell)
0 Home Instead Senior Care Expansion (16013 Middlebelt Road)
0 Infneon Technologies at Vidor Park (19401 Vidor Parkway)
0 Kroger Gas Station (33523 Eight Mile)
0 KSI Plaza Addition (34706-34730 Plymouth Road)
0 Las Palapas Fire Suppression (33308 Plymouth Road)
0 Las Palapas Parking Lot Expansion (33308 Plymouth Road)
0 Levan Medical (15230 Levan Road)
0 Livonia Dermatology (14801 Farmington Road)
0 Livonia Manor 11 Site Condominiums (Section 3)
0 Livonia Marketplace Out Lot K (24622 Seven Mile Road)
M
0 Livonia Marketplace Petco (29560 Seven Mile Road)
0 Livonia Outpatient Surgery Center (33400 Six Mile Road)
0 Lube Cube Oil Change (28085 Plymouth Road)
0 Madonna University — Ballfeld Complex Phase 11 (Five Mile and Newburgh)
0 Manoogian Manor (15775 Middlebelt)
0 Marycresl Manor Nursing Home (15475 Middlebelt)
0 Marywood Nursing Care Center (36975 Five Mile Road)
0 McLaren Performance Technologies, Inc. (Drainage Improvement Plan)
0 Menards(12701 Middlebelt Road)
0 Menards Outparoel Storm Water Management (12701 Middlebelt)
0 Midwest Fiber Networks, LLC (Newburgh and Plymouth Roads)
0 Mobil Gas Station ( 29401 Five Mile Road)
0 Newburgh United Methodist Church Signage Plan (36500 Ann Arbor Tr.)
0 NYX Corporation Proposed Parking Lot Addition (30111 SchoolcraR Road)
0 Powerlel/Level 3 Communication (11735 Merriman Road)
0 Premier Medical Park (20292 Middlebelt)
0 Ram's Hom (20385 Middlebelt Road)
0 Richfield Park Estates (Section 31)
0 Rosati Industrial Park Subdivision (Section 28)
0 St. Collette Catholic Church (17600 Newburgh Road)
0 St. Mary Hospital Expansion
0 St. Mary Mercy Hospital — Levan Deceleration Lane (36475 Five Mile Rd.)
0 Sarah Estates Condominiums (Section 4)
0 Savile Row Condominiums (Section 33)
0 SchoolcraR College Driving Pad (32000 Glendale)
0 SchoolcraR College Ring Road and Student Parking (18600 Haggerty
Road)
0 SchoolcraR College Seven Mile Building Parking and Grounds Improvement
(39201 Seven Mile Road)
0 SXL 8" HDD 1-96 (Inkster Road and 156)
0 Tennyson Chevrolet Renovation (32570 Plymouth Road)
0 Tim Horton's (31300 Five Mile Road)
0 Tim Horton's (Five Mile and Newburgh)
0 Trinity Transportation (11940 Merriman Road)
0 TRW Automotive Tech V Site (12200 Tech Center Drive)
0 Victor Corporate Park (20255-20555 Victor Parkway)
0 Williams Finishing (13170 Merriman Road)
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Design Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section, prepares plans,
specifications and bidding documents for the City's public improvement projects.
It also prepares legal descriptions as needed. In addition, this section provides
utility information to the public, assigns addresses and reviews residential site
plans.
The following major projects were designed and/or built in 2013:
0 2013 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program
0 2013 Lane Line Marking Program
0 2013 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair— Water Main Breaks
0 2013 Sidewalk Program
0 Levan Road Sanitary Sewer SAD
0 Wayne Road Sanitary Sewer Extension
Field Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section and the Design
Section, prepares, administrates and provides all field inspection and survey
services in connection with contract plans and specifications for projects
constructed under the junsdiction of the Engineering Division, as well as all
subdivision and commercial developments involving the installation of public
improvements.
Inspection and surveying services were provided for projects valued at
approximately $862,576 were handled by the division during the past year.
These are summarized as follows:
0 2013 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $89,190
0 2013 Lane Line Marking Program = $95,000
0 2013 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair— Water Main Breaks = $53,072
0 2013 Sidewalk Program = $492,474
0 Wayne Road Sanitary Sewer Extension = $130,840
In addition to the public improvement contracts, this section was also responsible
for the field inspection and survey services of:
0 All inspection of work under permits numbers 13-001 through 13405
0 2012 Sidewalk Program
0 2013 Sidewalk Program
0 2014 Sidewalk Program
0 Lawsuit Investigations
0 Drainage Complaints
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0 Catch Basin Complaints
0 Soil Erosion Permits
0 Grade Inspections
0 Landfill permit renewal and application
0 Ditching and Ditch Cleanouts as Requested by the Department of Public
Works
0 Commercial Site Sedimentation Basin Inspections, including the related
letters and follow up of the clean outs
0 Residential Plot Plan Review and Grade Certificates
0 Installation of Public Utilities
PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Administrative Section
0 Provided administrative services for the City telecommunications system.
0 Prepared annual budget submittal for Public Service Division.
0 Conducted employment interviews.
0 Administered safety programs within the Department.
0 Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
0 Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
0 Administered Recycling Center, City Office Paper Recycling Program,
Curbside Recycling Program and Separated Yard Waste Collection
Program.
0 Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste Drop -Off Day
at Ford Field on April 27, 2013 and publicized the Wayne County events
and the Northville event which were held throughout 2013.
0 Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, Stale and
County requirements.
0 Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by Slate of
Michigan and Wayne County.
0 Continued community solid waste and recycling educational programs
through use of City newsletter.
0 Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Bulk Leaf Pick -Up
Program brochure.
0 Conducted a paper shredding, electronic waste and lire recycling event for
Livonia residents at the Livonia DPW yard on September 14, 2013.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Snow and Ice Control
0 Maintained roads on primary salt routes 24/7 throughout the 2012-2013
snow season. Salted the primary salt routes 5 times in December, 12 times
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in January, 10 times in February, and 5 times in March. We used 1,390 tons
of salt.
0 Performed one citywide snow cycle and a modified plowing of low traffic
roads throughout the city to remove accumulated slush later in the winter.
0 Spread slag on gravel roads and parking lots when icy and needed for
traction.
0 Installed the equivalent of one mile of snow fence at various locations to
prevent roadway drifting, reducing salt use and plowing call -ins.
0 Provided plowing and ice control services in conjunction with the Parks
section at municipal buildings, parks and in City -owned public parking lots.
0 Filled and maintained cifizen—access salt barrels at specific locations
throughout the city.
0 Spot salted water break, problem area and house fire locations, as well as
specific locations requested by LPD.
0 Replaced 3 badly rusted and worn salt trucks with live bottom, brine
equipped, computer controlled salt applicator dump trucks. These will give a
significant boost to the reliability of the snow removal fleet, as well as
reducing even further the amount of salt that needs to be applied for a given
snow and ice situation.
0 Made 12,000+ gallons of salt brine. Brine is primarily used to pre -wet road
salt so it sticks to the roadway better and activates faster, giving better
performance at lower salt application rates.
Sweeping, Drainage and Grading
0 Graded all parks, alleys and gravel roads 4 times using in-house equipment
and personnel, did additional spot grading and added gravel as needed.
The use of our articulating underblade truck saved the expense of hiring a
contract grader to reshape the roads again this year.
0 Reworked drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage. Re -dug 150+ feet of ditch and
replaced roadway cross lubes where needed.
0 Applied salt brine solution to gravel roads twice citywide, and spot treated
as needed to solidify the gravel and minimize dust. Frequent reins
minimized the number of dust control applications needed this season.
0 Swept residential roads 3 times. Industrial and major roads were also done
3 limes.
0 Swept City parking lots once.
0 Cleaned the inlet grates on the major storm drains throughout the city 19
times this year.
0 Repaired eroded banks, removed overgrown vegetation from the major
drains, maintained and cut back access roads and trails.
0 Performed illicit discharge inspections on 150+ storm water outfalls citywide
to keep us in compliance with state storm water regulations.
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Landfill, Transfer Station and Recycling Center
0 Maintained licensed City landfill, including clay closure cap, underground
leachate pumping system, the "active face' dumping area, all exposed
slopes, access roads, drainage pipes and ditches in compliance with Stale
of Michigan and Wayne County regulations and inspections.
0 Worked with the contactor who installed the Schoolcrefi College driving pad
detention basin liner to install vents to release built up gases under the liner.
0 Removed many small trees from capped area of landfill to prevent the root
systems from breaking the seal of the clay cap.
0 Composted 47,742 cubic yards of leaves collected from last year's Leaf
Pickup Program. This years program is in progress.
0 Maintained the bene and contact water conveyance system along the limits
of the Glendale licensed landfill area in order to contain and dispose of
leachate.
0 Maintained the cardboard, paper, glass, oil, battery and antifreeze recycling
facility per County and Slate regulations, as well as loading yard waste for
composting off site.
0 Maintained the citizen solid waste drop-off / transfer area to County and
State specs.
0 Pumped approximately 3,235,800+ gallons of leachate contact water from
the landfill to be processed at the Detroit sewage treatment plant.
0 Monitored the contractor bulk brush and woodchip disposal operation in
conjunction with the transfer site operation.
0 Installed additional methane vents to help keep gases from buried landfill
trash on-site as required by the DEC.
Brush Pickup
0 Conducted a spring cleanup brush sweep of all streets in the city.
0 Began by -call brush service for the season, responded to requests citywide.
There were 3,248 requests for brush pickup this year, with 10,500 +slops.
0 Removed logs from large tree removals and disposed of chips resulting
from stump grinding using various Roads section heavy equipment and
dump trucks.
0 Used dump trucks, backhoe mounted claw buckets and brush chippers to
open roads and driveways and clean up storm damaged trees, brush and
root -heaved pavement in sections 31 and 32 in early summer, and again in
the north end of the city in September.
Leaf Pickup
0 Deployed 40 DPW employees from the Roads, Signs, Parks, Building
Maintenance, Forestry, Equipment Maintenance, Water and Sewer sections
for a period of 6 weeks to provide residents with two scheduled leaf pickups,
as well as a post season, citywide sweep to remove any late -raked leaf
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piles from the gutter lines. We picked up 47,742 cubic yards of bulk leaves
last season, this year's program is in progress.
0 Provided street sweeping to clean paved streets and clear storm drain
grates after the final leaf pickup was completed.
- Steam cleaned 36 leaf pickup vehicles, removed and stored truck tailgates,
boxes.
Construction, Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
0 Responded to 4,224 service requests from residents and other City sections
and departments.
0 Did a trial mill and fill program on the transverse cracking in the asphalt
roads of the Hidden Pines subdivision. The reaction from the homeowners'
association board and individual residents talking to the crew have been
positive. We will monitor the repairs throughout the winter freeze-thaw
cycles.
0 Installed bumper posts and guardrail around the new DPW propane filling
station as required by the inspector from DEC.
0 Provided 3 foremen to participate in the weekly after hours on-call program.
This program provides 2417 on-call coverage for all DPW activities and
areas of responsibility.
0 Repaired or adjusted 41 manholes, storm drains, catch basins and water
gale wells.
0 Provided and delivered stone and sanitary manhole frames and covers,
water gale castings etc. to contactors doing road replacements in Livonia.
These are installed by the contractor while the pavement is out to repair or
upgrade castings on infrastructure that is normally the City's maintenance
responsibility.
0 Repaired or replaced 8 sanitary and storm sewer lines.
0 Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems at
30 locations.
0 Completed asphalt repairs or replacements to utility cuts, water main repair
sites and cracked pavement at 99 locations.
0 Ground and chemically treated rust, repainted dump beds on 5 dump
trucks. Also repaired rust and painted 4 backhoes and 4 front blade plow
trucks.
0 Patched potholes on 370 miles of City-maintained roads, parking lots and
some sites excavated by the Water and Sewer section. Repaired potholes
reported on the Pothole Hotline within 2 business days of the report.
0 Ramped vertical separations on sidewalks as reported to us by Law,
Engineering, Forestry and field staff to maintain safe walkways until the
slabs are replaced.
0 Assembled a scattered location contract to address high priority structure
and pavement repairs citywide. Provided major road construction zone
signing and barricading when needed.
105
0 Used heavy equipment to clear storm -washed trees and logs from primary
drains
0 Weed killed approximately 24 curb miles of 1-96 service drive twice this
season to remove scrub brush and weeds.
0 Maintained access ways to major drains to minimize flood control response
time and maintain access for regular maintenance activities.
0 Picked up and cleaned oil spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on
City streets 4 times.
0 Assisted Livonia Fire Dept. with trench rescue training activities.
0 Closed roads, rerouted traffic as needed due to downed power lines, traffic
accidents, water main breaks, fallen trees and storm damage.
0 Provided truck training for 9 employees for the Equipment Operator 11
testing.
0 Changed truck and tractor attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, tailgates,
leaf claws, salt spreaders) from construction season/summer mode to leaf
pickup mode, then to winter plowing/salting configuration.
0 Cleaned debris from outfalls and inlets of major City storm drains 20 limes
to prevent flooding and storm drain backups.
0 Performed illicit discharge inspections and water sampling on storm water
outfalls to maintain IDEP compliance.
0 Repaired or replaced 4 accident damaged guardrails.
0 Cut and cleared brush from city -owned alleyways.
0 Made lawn and or sprinkler repairs resulting from Water Dept. and Roads
maintenance activities and occasional snow plow damage at 365 locations.
0 Repaired or replaced 12 mailboxes after they were damaged or removed
during various maintenance and snow removal operations.
0 Patched vertical separations and holes in sidewalks citywide to maintain a
safe walking surface until the slabs are replaced.
0 Worked with the Forestry section picking up logs and slump chips at over
40 locations.
0 Programmed and delivered the lighted message board for road projects and
for other City departments when requested.
SIGN MAINTENANCE SECTION
0 Traffic and Street Name Signs: Replaced or Removed: 531
0 Traffic Posts: Replaced or Removed: 501
0 Engraved 45 signs for various City departments.
0 Created outdoor and indoor signage for golf courses, volleyball courts,
baseball diamonds, soccer fields, parking lots, City roads, entranceways
and buildings.
0 Assisted with the delivery, setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and
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traffic control devices as needed for SPREE, Household Hazardous Waste
Day, Passport to Safety, the Save Our Youth run, Fire Dept. Open House,
Easter Egg Hunt, Rouge Rescue, Greenmead Garden Walk, Music From
the Heart, several Wilson Barn shows, the flea market, the cancer walk, the
Highland Games plus additional events at Greenmead, as well as the
Memorial Day Ceremony and the Christmas tree lighting event.
0 Maintained traffic control signs (slop, yield, one way etc.) throughout the city
in compliance with new retro reflectivity standards.
0 Continued upgrading street name signs to conform to new retro reflectivity
standard.
0 Continued to update the Signview module in our Cartegraph system. Added
road sign information and updated data to reflect ongoing changes made
again this year from Traffic Control Orders to remove slop signs, change
speed limits, etc., as well as sign upgrades.
0 Applied or removed reflective striping, vehicle numbers and City seals to 16
new, repaired or scheduled for auction vehicles.
0 Handled 213 service requests for making or replacing signs.
0 Installed posts in various parks to prevent blow -over or intentional tipping of
porta-johns.
0 Provided signs and materials for the advance notification signs at
subdivision entrances for the Leaf Pickup Program.
0 Investigated and acted on most non -leaf pickup service requests sent to
Roads and Signs sections during the leaf pickup program, including debris
in road, damaged guardrail, pothole, equipment damaged mailbox,
barricading and flooded road service requests.
0 Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
0 Repainted school crosswalks as requested by LPD.
0 Repainted parking stripes at various parks and golf courses.
0 Maintained and provided barricades for Council -approved citizen block
parties.
0 Did emergency road closures and created detours for Livonia P.D., Water
Dept. and contractors working for Engineering.
0 Removed graffiti from walls or pavement at 4 locations.
ANIMAL CONTROL SECTION
The City's Animal Control section provides public services for Livonia residents,
businesses, and law enforcement agencies. Responsibilities and duties include:
0 Maintain community standards for Livonia by monitoring animal treatment
and wellbeing throughout the community and by reducing animal related
nuisances, concerns and dangers.
0 Maintain public safety as it relates to animal issues.
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0 Provide timely response and assistance to request from residents,
businesses, and law enforcement as needed.
0 Provide 24/7 response to LPD request for Animal Control related
emergencies.
0 Maintain awareness of changes in state laws related to animal and enforce
current standards. Consult with legal department as needed.
0 Monitor and address quality of animal conditions in Livonia pet stores, and
kennels.
0 Educate and advise the public on animal related issues including; animal
welfare and handling, neighborhood pet and wildlife nuisances.
0 Build community through education, assistance and prevention.
0 Participate in regional Animal Control Community to share best practices
and assistance when possible.
Performed the following services for the community in Livonia in 2012:
0 Patrolled all city neighborhoods, with focus on known problem areas.
0 Patrolled all city parks to prevent or address patron complaints of dogs off
leash. Continued increased patrol of Rotary Park to keep the reduced
numbers of dogs routinely off leash.
0 Patrolled schools and playgrounds.
0 Coordinated with Ordinance Enforcement on animal related ordinance
issues.
0 Responded to 1016 requests for service. The breakdown of theses request
is; 553 dog (55 biles), 183 cal (10 biles), 207 wild life complaints (3 bites), 1
kennel complaint, 1 bird complaint, 65 coyote complaints and 6
miscellaneous complaints.
0 No routine rabies testing. Specimens were tested only where there was
exposure to humans or pets.
0 Continued cost saving measures, including staggered shifts to reduce
overtime.
0 Completed multiple Professional Development classes from organizations
including Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) and
Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW).
0 Provided educational lessons on animal safety to Livonia Little Tots
Daycare and Preschool children.
- Handled one large scale hoarding case where approximately 55 cats were
removed from a residence.
FORESTRY SECTION
0 Achieved Tree City USA status for the fifteenth year and received our tenth
year "growth award".
Im
0 Continued the young tree -training program for newly planted trees with both
City staff and contracted services. Young tree training helps trees with
proper form and strong structure as they mature. Young tree training also
helps reduce the amount of pruning later in the trees mature life. Work was
done on trees planted in 2004 - 2011.
0 Forestry personnel removed 150 small trees and stumps.
0 Supervised the removal of 535 trees and stumps by one contractor,
Greener Still, Inc.
0 Approximately 70 mature trees were removed on three streets associated
with the concrete road replacement program.
0 Supervised and administrated the planting of 565 trees associated with the
2013 -planting program. Also supervised the warranty replacement of 60
trees from the 2012 program.
0 Planted 49 trees received from the Alliance of Rouge Communities based
on their grant reception through the USDA. These trees were planted on
the City Hall campus.
0 Planted three trees in connection with the Arbor Day Program. Two
goldenreintrees, and one ruby -red horsechestnut were planted in the
Lyndon Street ROW in front of Roosevelt Elementary. Also, 400 seedling
pine trees were handed out as part of the program to the children at the
school. The ruby -red horsechestnut was planted in memory of Myna Ngo, a
student at the school who lost her life in a fire on 4/1/13.
0 Treated approximately 30 wasps' nest, mainly in August and September
with insecticide to kill the wasps. Calls increased exponentially from 2012.
0 Completed over 200 storm related tree trimmings. Two main storm events
necessitated several emergency removals in two sections. We had storms
on 5/30/13 that affected section 31, and 9/11/13 that affected sections 1 — 6.
0 Received and investigated 1,400 requests for service through Oct. 29th,
2013. Of those, 1,300 have been closed as either serviced or answered.
850 of the requests were for tree trims.
0 Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the Sections
saws and trimming equipment.
0 Assisted other departments (Water, Engineering, Ordinance, etc.) with
emergency tree removals, site inspections, and tree inspections. Opened
several pathways in two areas so the Sewer section could access creek
crossovers.
0 Performed snow removal operations to City buildings and Right of Way
sidewalks. Service included plowing, shoveling and salting.
0 Coordinated the City's annual Rouge Rescue Day. This years' event was
held at Moelke Park / Hearthstone Nature Preserve. Native plantings,
stream bank stabilization, trash removal, and invasive species removal were
the focus. 25 volunteers helped in this cause.
0 Supervised one contractor who trimmed approximately 4,500 trees in four
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City sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society of
Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations. Those standards call for
elevations of 16 — 18' over the street, and 8 — 10' over the sidewalk.
0 Supervised the same contractor doing resident call -out trim requests. Of
the 850 tree trim requests through Oct. 29th, 2013, 770 had been trimmed.
0 Tracked gypsy moth populations in Sections 10, 11, 22, 23, and 24 as part
of the gypsy moth egg mass survey. No spraying was needed in 20123.
Populations increased in 2013. We received two calls from residents in
section 11 regarding gypsy moths. We also received calls in the northwest
quarter of section 24. One very localized area had complete defoliation of
several oak trees.
0 Attended these seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan Nursery and
Landscape Association annual meeting; Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
annual Meeting, Arborist Society of Michigan annual meeting, Metro Detroit
Landscape Association annual meeting, Society of Municipal Arborisls,
various seminars on chain saw safety; tree climbing, hazard assessment
and aerial rescue training; roping and rigging training and equipment repair
training.
0 Responded to 160 tree -planting requests.
0 Issued forty two planting / removal permits.
0 Continuously updated the TreeKeeper tree inventory program to accurately
reflect our ROW tree inventory.
0 Supervised four (4) contractors in the section. The contractors are the
removal contractor, trim contractor, planting contractor, and park tree
removal contractor.
0 Gather inspection reports, and prepare the 2014 tree removal list. As of
10/29/13, there are 550 trees to remove in 2014. 1 am hoping for a
December bidding of the program
0 Built the 2014 tree planting contract. As of 10/29/13, there are 660
addresses on the planting list. The program will replace trees that were
removed in 2013. Included is the 2013 removal program, and the 2013
road construction program. The goal of this program is to replace trees
removed on earlier removal programs, and to continue to diversify our urban
forest. I am hoping for a December bidding of the program.
0 The forestry supervisor attended a three-day training class in tree risk
qualification. The goal of this class was to become qualified in, and
increase job knowledge in tree risk assessment.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements
0 Completed 1,141 work orders through November 12, 2013.
0 Opened, closed, and winterized City outdoor pool buildings and pumps.
0 Start-up, service and shutdown Landfill, Leachate, lift stations and other
pump systems as needed.
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0 Maintained and relamped City -owned outside lighting fixtures at various
locations and buildings.
0 Performed preventative maintenance on equipment and appliances.
0 Semi-annually replaced all flags, unless otherwise requested; maintained
flag poles.
0 Stripped and finished floors in buildings as requested.
0 Spot and cleaned carpeting in buildings as requested.
0 Cleaned inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed.
0 Cleaned exterior windows at City Hall, Library and Community Center.
0 Monitored building automation and climate control systems.
0 Monitored and maintain electronic and mechanical access systems.
0 Answered environmental complaints.
0 Performed yearly shutdown services in addition to daily maintenance and
custodial assignments at Community Center.
0 Continued to enhance the custodial job assignment checklists and service
delivery program based on current resources for all buildings.
0 Tested and treated all process water systems.
0 Assisted with all other departmental projects as requested.
0 Serviced overhead and pedestrian doors as needed.
0 Re-lamped Court house.
0 Re-lamped Civic Center Maintenance building.
0 Repaired ceramic tile floor in LPD locker room.
0 Replaced carpel in Engineering office area.
0 Replaced ceramic Tile in City Hall basement restroom.
Roof Replacement, Maintenance and Repair
0 Repaired roof at Clement Circle Pool.
0 Worked with Consultants on 2013 roofing projects.
0 Repaired roof leaks at Eddie Edgar ice arena.
0 Repaired roof leaks in DPW Administration building.
0 Repaired roof leak in new Courthouse.
0 Repaired roof leak in old Courthouse.
Paid
0 Painted back stairwell and railings at LPD.
0 Repainted door injail of Court house.
0 Repainted new City attorney's office.
0 Repainted offices in Engineering.
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0 Painted new kitchenette in Annex.
0 Painted boiler room in Annex.
0 Painted offices in old section of LPD.
Health, Safety and Energy Conservation
0 Addressed water back up in buildings as needed.
0 Serviced Glendale Landfill and Leachate pumps and controllers.
0 Maintained street lighting for PRDA.
0 Maintained and tested sprinkler backflow devices for PRDA.
0 Inspected and cleaned commercial hood and duct systems in Fire Stations.
0 Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings.
0 Repaired lighting on ramp for east side of City Hall.
0 Installed railings on east City Hall ramp entrance.
0 Maintained compliance with State of Michigan Boiler and Elevator
inspections, testing and certifications.
0 Maintained employee Stale required licensing, certifications and training.
0 Arranged for annual Blood borne pathogen training for staff.
0 Exterminated or removed pests in City buildings as needed.
0 PM and load -bank tested generators.
0 Reset all clocks, lighting and equipment and automation systems for time
changes.
0 Cleaned debris and growth from building rooftops, sumps and gutters.
0 Tested panic buttons in DPW administrative office.
0 Performed annual required CSD -1 test and monthly inspections on all
boilers.
0 Tested all elevator phones.
0 Cleaned and maintained sump discharge lines at various buildings.
0 Cleaned and PM'd City lift stations.
0 Continued testing all seasonal and fire protection backflow devices;
maintained database to track same.
0 Maintained lighting on Newburgh bridge underpass.
0 Tested EM lighting in City buildings, replaced lighting as needed.
0 Replaced emergency lights in stairways at C.C. Library.
0 Continued installing photo eyes, timers and occupancy sensors for lighting.
0 Maintained and monitored methane exhausters at Glendale yard.
0 Cleaned City buildings as resources permitted.
0 Installed ADeFib units in Building and Fleet Maintenance buildings.
0 Installed additional methane turbine vents at Glendale landfill site.
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0 Installed EM lighting in LPD.
0 Installed LED lighting on exterior of Eddie Edgar ice arena.
0 Insulated exterior wall of Treasurer's office.
Greenmead
0 Assisted with all events held on grounds (Highland Games, Flea Markets,
Car Shows, Fall Harvest, Holiday Walks).
0 Installed and removed decorations for Holiday and special events.
0 Moved, set-up and installed furniture, furnishings and equipment as
requested and able.
0 Continued maintenance, set-up and custodial service as able.
0 Assisted with construction and maintenance projects as able.
0 Inspected and cleaned commercial hood and dud system in Blue house.
0 Replaced furnace in DUR.
Renovation and New Construction
0 Installed new kitchenette in Annex.
0 Replaced additional carpeting in Annex for Inspection and Engineering.
0 Replaced counter, lav and fixtures in Annex public women's restroom.
0 Oversaw and tracked day to day activities of City used Contractors.
0 Installed new rooftop HVAC unit at LPD.
0 Installed new split system cooling unit for Channel 8.
0 Replaced condenser and blower motor on LPD Detective Bureau unit.
0 Replaced water heater at Fire # 1.
0 Replaced water heater in LPD locker room.
0 Replaced water heater for Fire # 3.
0 Closed out City Hall HVAC project; continued to monitor same.
0 Began cleaning and calibrating all CV boxes in City Hall.
0 Completed wining for staging of compressors and fans at City Hall; installed
hot gas bypass for same.
0 Replaced water heater in Parks Maintenance building.
0 Replaced water heater in Fire # 5.
0 Replaced counters and sinks in women's restroom in Annex.
0 Replaced furnace in Wilson barn; installed A/C in house.
0 Re-caulked exterior old sections of LPD.
Special Projects and Interdepartmental Assistance
0 Assisted with various City Hall functions as requested.
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0 Provided set up and tear downs for meetings and events as requested.
0 Maintained facilities leased from the City.
0 Handled citizen complaints as received.
0 Moved furniture, computers, work stations and materials and equipment as
requested.
0 Responded to and performed daily maintenance requests on equipment
and physical facilities as requested.
0 Assisted with Senior Citizen shows and events as requested.
0 Regularly cleaned out grease trap in Senior Center and Blue house
kitchens.
0 Jetted and maintained inside basement drains as needed.
0 Assisted with snow removal and cycles as requested.
0 TA personnel to leaf pick-up as needed.
0 Assisted with special facility projects and repairs at LCRC, pools and parks.
0 Provided service for golf course buildings as requested.
0 Administered HVAC Service contract for Community Center.
0 Seasonally started, shut down, PM and maintained City HVAC equipment.
0 Administered Honeywell Flex Service contract for traditional buildings.
0 Continued ordering, stocking and distributing safety supplies as needed.
0 Continued annual custodial and safely supply procurement.
0 Assisted with annual ice show as requested.
0 Continued assisting LPD with completion of front entrance renovation and
lighting projects.
0 Monitored and closed out City Hall HVAC enhancement and boiler
replacement projects.
0 Assisted Community Resources with Cheese Run.
0 Assisted Parks with maintaining City Hall fountain.
0 Supported employee and departmental activities or concerns as requested.
0 Assisted wdh mechanicals for installation of new gas dispensing systems at
DPW yard and LPD.
0 Assisted LPD with installation of exterior security cameras.
0 Assisted with mechanicals for new propane dispensing system installed in
DPW yard.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SECTION
Responsibilities of the Equipment Maintenance Section include, but are not
limited to, the following:
0 Maintained existing fleet of all City -owned vehicles and equipment, other
than Police and Fire, which is approximately 700 pieces.
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0 Prepped and maintained all seasonal equipment and vehicles, including
mowers, leaf and snow removal equipment.
0 Wrote specifications, ordered, and put into service new equipment as
required for various departments.
0 Maintained City Senior Center Buses.
0 Maintained and operated City-wide computerized fueling systems at DPW,
LPD, Civic Center, and Golf Courses.
0 Placed generators during power outages at required intersections in
coordination with Wayne County and LPD.
0 Set up and monitored annual safely inspections for the man lift, bucket
trucks and equipment hoists at both DPW and the Recreation Center.
0 Maintained the radio system for all non-uniform employees. Worked with the
Police and Fire departments to address radio needs such as Inventory,
chargers, batteries and so on.
Highlights of 2013:
Completed specifications on:
0 Single -axle dump trucks for snow removal.
0 Pickup trucks for several departments.
0 Service truck for Fleet maintenance.
0 Transit conned van.
0 Hol palcher unit for asphalt.
0 Portable generators for traffic lights.
0 Ford F-550 3 yard dump truck for Roads department.
0 Wenger Mobile stage.
0 Three Ford Fusions.
0 Fifteen passenger van club wagon for courts.
Purchased and put into service the following new equipment in 2013:
0 Three single -axle dump trucks
0 Six portable generators
0 One hot patcher unit
0 Wenger Mobile stage
0 Three Ford Fusions
0 Fifteen passenger van club wagon for courts
Waiting delivery on:
0 Four Pickup trucks
0 Ford F-550 3 yard dump truck for Roads department
0 Transit conned van
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Updated the first aid equipment in our garage to include the addition of a
defbnllalor.
We have our propane site in place and it is up running. We are refueling our
buses and pickup trucks regularly. We are also filling our propane tanks for use
on our mowers, forklifts and grills.
The Gasboy fuel system is undergoing an upgrade which should prevent loss of
data in the event of a computer crash.
Auctioned off some of our oldest pool vehicles and some out -of -service
equipment.
0 Continuing our agreement with Livonia Public Schools which transferred 17
Transit buses and repairs to them to save overtime costs.
0 Attended series of seminars for snow and ice control which focused on
safety and reducing cost using current best practices and equipment.
0 Attended meetings with the Clean Energy Collation to learn better cleaner
ways to run our operation using newer proven energy efficient practices.
0 Assisted LPD and other various departments throughout the city with a
number of fabrication and modification projects during the year.
0 Completed over 1550 equipment repair work orders as recorded in the
Cartegraph system.
0 Preformed preventative maintenance work (full vehicle inspection with
repairs as needed of oil change, air filters, coolants, tires) on approximately
20-30 vehicles each month along with unscheduled work.
WATER AND SEWER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Water Distribution System
0 Inspected, exercised 1,449 water gate valves, up 132 from last year and the
condition of the structure and updated inspection fortes. Finished the
program in first week of June.
0 Repaired 82 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with O-ring
type; about 5.7% in need of repair after exercising gate valves.
0 Low flow tested, inspected and maintained 802 fire hydrants and exercised
the auxiliary valve; started program in first week of June within the 36
sections.
0 Repaired 123 fire hydrants in the field; about 15.3% needed repair after
exercising fire hydrant and inspection.
0 Repaired 179 water main breaks or leaks, which is up 11 from last year.
0 Repaired or replaced 244 water curb stop boxes, up 101 from last year.
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0 Located and marked over 5,601 locations for Miss Dig system for water and
sewer utilities, up 234 from last year.
0 Made 25 service line repairs for various reasons, up 4 from last year.
0 Disconnected and retired 2 water service lines, down 5 from last year.
0 Rebuilt 9 fire hydrants in shop, up 3 from last year.
0 Installed 4 new water gale valves and 2 new fire hydrants.
0 Replaced 3 antiquated lead (Pb) with copper water service lines, up 1 from
last year.
0 Eliminated 59 hazards from existing water repair excavations.
0 Assisted the Roads Section with 26 lawn restorations.
Water Meter System
0 Replaced 15 antiquated large commercial water meters, up 4 from last year.
0 Repaired 44 large commercial meters, up 13 from last year.
0 Replaced 1,091 water meters (meter only) for various reasons, up 135 from
last year.
0 Replaced (updated) 627 residential water meters and outside readers for
various reasons, up 160 from last year.
0 Made 5,876 water related service request; up 15.4% from last year.
0 Completed 4,492 service slips, up 741 from last year.
0 Placed 831 note cards placed at residential homes requesting to gain
access to home for internal meter repairs, up 375 from last year.
0 Installed 94 (ORD) outside touch read device systems, up 39 from last year.
0 Installed 91 (MXU) radio read device systems, up 36 from last year.
0 Established 6 new commercial accounts, down 5 from last year.
0 Established 47 new residential accounts, up 8 from last year.
0 Installed and removed 203 seasonal irrigation water meters, down 26 from
last year.
Storm Sewer System
0 Responded to 199 storm sewer and perimeter drainage complaints, up 40
from last year due to higher than normal rainfall this year.
0 Jetted 139 restricted storm sewer lines generated from homeowner
complaints, up 24 from last year due to higher than normal rainfall this year.
0 Retrieved and replaced 26 catch basin covers, down 10 from last year.
0 Started storm sewer catch basin cleaning, cleaned 1,107 -storm sewer catch
basins, up 247 from last year. Worked 53 days, up 18 from last year
cleaning for Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (S.W.P.P.I) program
started in April, and then ended the last week of November.
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Sanitary Sewer System
0 Cleaned 309.16 miles in 22 city sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, power flushing, buckeling, and chemical and power root cutting,
down 19.34 miles from last year due to equipment problems.
0 Cleared 11 sanitary sewer main backups Public Act 222 of 2001 claims, up
7 from last year.
0 Investigated 184 sanitary sewer complaints, up 60 from last year.
0 Televised over 12 miles of sanitary sewer.
0 Inspected 23 city sections for sanitary lines and structures.
0 Completed approximately 2,200' of sanitary sewer Cast In Place (C.I.P.)
sewer lining.
Special Projects
0 Assisted and supplied new style sanitary, storm, and water casting for the
Middlebell Road (7 Mile to 8 Mile) Resurfacing Project and SchoolcraR
Road EB & WB Patching Program.
0 DWRF Project 7355-01
0 Eight Mile Water Main Improvement Project
0 Coventry Gardens Water Main Project
0 Karen/Haller Water Main Project(Section 36)
0 Administered cross training with the office staff at front desk due to staff
shortages and cross training the water and sewer foremen for handling
emergency situations to improve response time. In addition, the operation
and maintenance field staff have are participating in this job enrichment
again this year.
0 Worked with CIS Department to setup 2013 desktop computers for staff.
0 Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new lap list and Carte Graph 8.0 associate work orders to other
sections for request to repair restorations.
0 2012 SRF, S2 Grant and Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
0 SRF Project 5543-01:
0 Manhole Rehabilitation Program
0 Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Program
0 Sanitary to Storm Disconnection Program
0 Wayne Road Sanitary Sewer Extension
0 Updated computer programs relating to Aro Map, Water and Sewer View,
Sensus water meter reading system software and hardware for Logos.net
web based system that is operational for future enhancements.
0 Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Livonia Fire Department.
0 Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
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0 Assisted the Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
completed projects for 2013 and planned 2014 water main and sanitary
sewer replacement programs.
0 Eliminated 231 homeowner self -read cards and scheduling water meter
appointments to eliminate remaining homeowners' reads and streamlining
the water meter reading, thus lowering water -billing complaints.
0 Continued working on updating the water slop box location, seasonal meter
slop box location, and contact information in MS Access database.
0 Administered and inspected 49 water laps made by water section contractor
(45 -new construction).
0 Administered and the field inspection of 143 O.S.D.S. (on-site septic
systems) city wide, this is in conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water
annual report for the M.D.E.Q.
0 More flow tests for water model, S.C.A.D.A. system and flow test with
Livonia Fire Department and water main replacement program that was
installed in 2013 and proposed for 2014 water master plan program.
0 Assisted with leachate system for the landfill to be processed at the Detroit
sewage treatment plant.
0 Worked on inventory updating pricing database for future software changes
to take place with Carle Graph.
0 Assisted engineering with sidewalk, driveway approaches and major road
replacement projects.
0 Worked with various contractors for road, water and sewer main
installations and repairs.
0 Terms of Agreement for the Wireless Radio Water Meter Reading program
is settled, need update to IS security and firewall, billing LOGOS integration
for Sensus LOGIC software, and then place TGB computer unit at tower for
water meter reading remotely.
0 Checked road structures before road improvements, inspected and cleaned
catch basins after completion throughout the city.
0 Completed the West Nile Program, used 10,019 total briquettes used and
45 cans of fluorescent storm green paint citywide.
0 Continued with the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.)
inspections of storm sewer outfall sampling and GIS mapping program, this
is in conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water annual report for the
M.D.E.Q.
0 Assisted with water activities for the Livonia Spree, Race for the Cure and
other activities.
0 Continue the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
compound Badger, Hershey FM, and Rockwell water meters prepping for
wireless meter reading system.
0 Responded to 3 illicit discharge complaints and 1 emergency spill hazard on
public right of way.
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0 Continue updating the 36 sections of water main location maps for
duplicating to Engineering Department, for changes and as built.
0 Continuing with the new US EPA mandated water -sampling report for the
Disinfection By -Products (D. B. P.) Program for 2014.
0 Mandatory water sampling for Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Program as required by EPA and MDEQ on a quarterly schedule,
completed the fourth round the second full week of November 2013 and the
fifth round is the second full week of February 2014.
0 Received approval for the M.D.E.Q. 2012 mandated Sanitary Sewer
Operation and Maintenance Program this year, the 2013 report due before
Januaryl5hh 2014.
0 Installed storm and sanitary sewer at the DPW yard and replaced asphalt
pavement, DPW Yard Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements for MDEQ
and Wayne County Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.)
0 Backflow and cross connection program DELIVERING LETTERS for NON-
COMPLIANCE testing and inspections monthly city wide for Hydro Designs,
also meetings as needed to coordinate containment versus isolation for
protection.
0 1-96 Reconstruction (US -24 to Newburgh) Coordination with MDOT
0 Levan Road, S. of Five Mile Road Proposed Sanitary Sewer SAD
0 Pilot Footing Drain Disconnect Program
0 Coventry Gardens Subdivision Water, Gas, and Sanitary Sewer System
Project for Spring 2014
0 Collect data for access database stop box locations and enter into computer
system.
0 Eight Mile Pressure Enhancement Water Main Project land easement
assessment study from 2013 for 2014
0 Haggerty Road Resurfacing from Six Mile to Seven Mile
0 New Construction Projects and Plan Reviews for underground utilities.
In addition to the operation and maintenance of the public water distribution and
sewer collection systems, these sections are also responsible for the fielding
complaints field inspection and invesfigation services of:
0 Assisting Animal Control, Building Maintenance, Building Inspection,
Engineering, Roads, and Water Billing Departments.
0 2014 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair—Water Main Breaks.
0 2014 City Wide Sidewalk Program.
0 Continue investigations and documentation regarding claims as needed for
MMRMA and the water and sewer board for the hardship cases.
0 Lawsuit and Claims Investigations.
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0 Storm Drainage and Catch Basin Complaints.
0 Soil Erosion and Grade Complaints.
0 Miscellaneous Programs as needed.
The Traffic Commission is responsible for the planning, coordina0on, and
determination of proposed traffic control devices to improve traffic flow and to
provide maximum safety for all drivers, pedestrians, and properly.
As provided by the City Charter, the Commission consists of seven citizens who
are appointed by the Mayor. The Commission meets once a month to discuss
and implement traffic control measures that are brought to their a0ention by
citizens as well as other City departments. The Commissioners work in
conjunction with the Traffic Bureau of the Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2013
Again this year, the Traffic Commission did not face many significant issues, as
compared to years past. In general, the commission focused on responding to
constituent concerns and requests this year.
In total, the Commission approved approximately 13 Traffic Control Orders
in 2013.
The biggest focus of the commission this year was on advisory signs, such as No
Parking and Speed Limit signs. The Commission placed several Speed Limit
signs at subdivision entry points off the major mile roads in the city.
Some examples of Speed Limit sign placement include:
0 Old Rosedale Gardens, south of Plymouth, west of Merriman and on West
Chicago
0 Newburgh Village and Silver Village senior housing communities
The Commission also approved several "No Outlet" signs at appropriate
locations making sure motorists are aware that those particular streets do not go
through and easing concerns of the residents seeing cars turn around in their
driveways.
The Commission also worked closely with the City Engineering Department and
Sl. Mary Mercy Hospital on a plan to install Hospital advance signs in strategic
loca0ons throughout the city. The signs were approved after discussion among
the commission as well as with the hospital representatives, to provide better
guidance to the hospital for motorists in emergency situations.
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The Commission, along with the Livonia Police Traffic Bureau, continues to
respond to all citizen inquiries, comments or questions coming into their
respective offices.
CONCLUSION
The work done by the Commission in conjunction with the Livonia Police Traffic
Bureau continues to benefit the city and its residents. The Traffic Commission
will continue to monitor the changes it has made over the past several years and
adjust, if needed, accordingly.
The Commission will also continue to monitor traffic and parking conditions within
the City and will be particularly concerned with monitoring areas of re-
development and construction. Ongoing monitoring of traffic concerns by this
Commission will ensure that Livonia's streets and highways will continue to be
safe and well maintained.
The biggest area of concern for 2014 is working with the engineering department
as well as the police department to manage the traffic expected to be dispersed
throughout the city due to the closure of the 1-96 freeway through Livonia.
TREASURER
The Treasurers Department is responsible for collection, disbursement and
custody of all revenues belonging to and held in trust by the City. All funds
collected by City agencies are transmitted to the Treasurer, verified and recorded
through cash receipting, deposited and reported daily to the Finance Department.
In addition, the Treasurer's Office, on instruction from the Finance Director,
transmits instructions for the daily investment of City funds among City banks to
maximize the interest on its holdings.
The Treasurers Office has strict procedures in place regarding the handling of
City funds. All departments issue numbered receipts and timely deliver collected
funds to the Treasurer's Office for daily processing. Large checks and large cash
transactions are deposited immediately to yield a higher rate of interest.
ADMINISTRATION
The Treasurers Department continues to utilize the BS&A Tax Software for
printing our lax information on the front side of the tax bill allowing better control
of individualized information. This allows the department to print additional
information right on the bill rather than include an additional insert with the tax
bill. The department used a local printing/mailing company with capabilities to
reduce the mailing costs and increase the efficiency of mailing. By utilizing the
tax bill printing aspect of the BS&A Tax Software, we are able to print receipts
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and prior year tax bill copies on regular copy paper, and print information on the
lax bill pertinent to each taxpayer. By using the same procedure in 2013 we
continue to save over $2,000 for the fiscal year.
The Clerk's office printed a flyer for animal licensing that we have included in the
winter lax bill for both 2012 and 2013, saving on postage by eliminating the extra
postage, folding and stuffing costs for separate mailings for the additional 35,000
pieces.
The Treasurer's Office sent letters to real and personal properly taxpayers whose
taxes for the 2012 lax year had not been paid by February 18, 2013, as has been
our past practice. A total of 4,614 reminder letters were mailed.
Letters were also mailed to 2,581 real & personal property taxpayers who had
not paid their taxes after the due date for the summer 2013 season.
The Treasurers Office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. proof of Claims for personal property taxes are fled with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2013, 5 businesses with locations in Livonia fled
for bankruptcy protection as compared to 17 in 2012, 3 businesses in 2011, 9
businesses in 2010, 15 businesses in 2009, and 6 businesses in 2008.
The Treasurers Office fled 6 personal property jeopardy tax bills with the Wayne
County Register of Deeds for 2013. In 2012, we issued 2 jeopardy bills, in 2011,
there were 11 jeopardy bills, in 2010, we issued 9 jeopardy tax bills, in 2009, 16
jeopardy tax bills, and 52 jeopardy lax bills in 2008.
Applications for electronic fund debit for lax payments are available on line, on
the City's Website and also by request as we have indicated on the reverse side
of the tax bill. Again, we have seen a slight decrease in the number of taxpayers
utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of lax bills. During the summer
2013 season, 2,017 taxpayers participated in this convenient and no -cost service
as compared to 2,082 during the summer of 2012, 2,171 during the summer of
2011, 2,211 during the summer of 2010, 2,292 during the summer of 2009, 2,360
during the summer of 2008, with approximately the same number of taxpayers in
the same lax year season.
Beginning with the 2011 summer lax season, we instituted credit/debit card
transactions at the counter for lax payments only. Chase Bank retains the fees
which are currently 2.5% for credit transactions, and a flat $3.95 fee for debit
card transactions; there is no transaction fee charged to the City. We have
printed the information on the back of the tax bills referring residents to either call
our office or check the city's website for detailed information for all tax payment
options. For the winter 2012 season, 71 taxpayers used this payment method
and for the summer 2013, 64 residents/business owners charged or debited their
lax payments, compared to 52 for the winter 2011 season and 49 for the winter
2012 season.
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Tax bills can still be paid with a credit card through Official Payments Corporation
by phone and on line and this information is detailed on the City's website. There
is a convenience fee of approximately 3% collected and retained by Official
Payments Corporation for this service. There is no cost to the City of Livonia for
this service to be offered to the residents. During 2013, 444 taxpayers utilized
this option, as compared to 407 taxpayers in 2012, 438 taxpayers in 2011, 423
taxpayers paid this way in 2010, 394 taxpayers in 2009, and 452 taxpayers in
2008.
TAX COLLECTIONS
There are approximately 45,000 taxpayers in the City, the breakdown follows:
2010 2011 2012 2013
Real Property 39,722 39,691 39,690 39,710
Personal Property 5,782 6,197 5,501 4,937
IFT 83 102 129 151
TOTALS 45,587 45,990 45,320 44,798
Sixty-four percent of residents are responsible for paying their own property tax
bills. Mortgage companies pay 36% of the real properly lax bills.
The total number of original lax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 92,275.
The tax levy breakdown is as follows (includes Real, Personal, & IFT for 2012
Winter and 2013 Summer):
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REAL
PERSONAL
IFT
TOTAL
City of Livonia
46,479,757
6,243,862
925,603
53,649,222
Livonia Public Schools
Operating
17,812,343
2,057,561
428,940
20,298,844
Debt
10,785,010
1,502,998
213,851
12,501,859
Sinking Fund
3,555,268
493,650
71,180
4,120,098
Wayne Cly Intrndiate
School District SpEd
10,670,695
1,496,757
207,770
12,375,222
RISD Op
305,577
42,870
5,947
354,394
Clarenceville Schools
Operating
1,048,986
92,153
2,578
1,143,717
Debt
0
0
0
0
Sinking Fund
710,902
52,324
4,771
767,997
Oakland Intermediate
School District SpEd
500,575
36,843
3,359
540,777
OISD Op
31,627
2,327
212
34,166
Slate Education Tax
19,955,477
1,558,949
132,116
21,646,542
SchoolcraR Comm
Coll
5,976,491
819,393
112,744
6,908,628
Wayne County
22,100,990
3,020,915
420,401
25,542,306
Wayne County Jail
3,139,524
421,744
62,516
3,623,784
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REAL PERSONAL IFT TOTAL
Wayne County Parks 822,803 110,533 16,382 949,718
HCMA 718,044 96,463 14,302 828,809
Zoo Authority 334,513 44,946 6,664 386,123
Art Institute 669,107 89,905 13,329 772,341
PRDA (new) 477,359 362,285 66,340 905,984
Special Assessments 3,272,516 0 0 3,272,516
TOTAL 149,367,564 18,546,478 2,709,005 170,623,047
The past few years the Stale of Michigan has begun fervently auditing lax returns
for principle residence exemptions claimed in error. Once the Assessors office
makes the changes to the lax roll, the Treasurer's office staff has to adjust the
lax liability and issue revised lax bills. Since 2009, the Treasurer's Department
has seen a major increase in the number of exemptions removed and thus
increased the amount of revised tax bills mailed to city residents.
Beginning last year, the State has allowed principle residence exemptions to be
claimed beginning with the winter tax season which has added to the number of
revised bills for the Treasurers office to process.
DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTIONS
City Treasurer Dennis Wright began taking a more active role in the collection of
delinquent personal property taxes beginning in 2009. Besides regular visits that
Treasurer Wright continues to make to businesses that are in a delinquent status,
the Treasurers staff has also been more involved in the collection process by
mailing notices and making phone calls that were previously done by a collection
agency. The City has been able to retain the penalty and interest collected that
were previously paid to the collection agency. In 2009, the Treasurer and staff
personally collected 41% of all delinquencies recovered. In 2010, he increased
that amount to 48%, 2011 increased to 73%, 77% in 2012 and up to 87% in
2013. These collection efforts have resulted in a total of $20,048 being retained
by the City, which previously would have been paid to the collection agency. In
addition to the City Treasurer's active role in the collection of delinquent personal
property taxes, the City still utilizes a collection agency in a smaller role as well
as the Cilys Legal Department for litigation to maximize collection efforts.
Our personal delinquent property taxes, penalty and interest collected from 12-1-
12 through 11-30-13 were $592,276, slightly lower compared to last fiscal year
collections of $635,383.
The collections breakdown is as follows:
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Personal Property
Tax Year
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
# of Parcels
458
455
461
471
572
Amount due as of
11/30/13
645,868
673,584
600,639
430,720
529,529
Amount collected
FY 12-13
25,165
23,488
180,676
154,933
189,271
OTHER COLLECTIONS
Invoices for Council authorized weed cuttings are mailed to taxpayers as well as
any special assessments approved during the year. Invoices for weed culling
are billed monthly since the 6% interest rale was instituted during FY09-10. The
Treasurer's Office records payment on these assessments and any unpaid
amounts are added to lax bills at yearend. In 2013, the Treasurer's office issued
868 invoices for weed bills, as compared to 821 for 2012, 718 for 2011, 891 for
2010, 1,142 for 2009, 1,195 for 2008.
Special Assessment breakdown as follows:
Special # of Parcels $ Amount # of Parcels $ Amount
Assessment Billed on Billed on Billed on Billed on
Districts 2012 Tax 2012 Tax 2013 Tax 2013 Tax
Sidewalk 111 36,411 119 33,759
Paving 215 34,810 209 31,197
Lighting 14,059 1,311,073 14,061 1,267,286
Weeds 232 55,824 231 67,033
PRDA Inig 265 96,246 265 n/a
Stream Bank
Stabilization n/a n/a 6 10,573
DIgt Water 1 925 2,227,238 1937 2,252,027
TOTALS 16,807 $3,761,602 16,828 $3,661,875
TELLER COLLECTIONS
The Treasurer's two tellers processed $12,054,450 in cash, checks, and credit
cards for the following items during the course of conducting City business:
properly taxes, water bills, the greens fees for the Cilys three municipal golf
courses, Livonia Community Recreation Center memberships and fees, park
permits, fees for swimming and skating, amusement park ticket sales,
registration fees for Parks and Recreation league sports, inspection and
engineering permit and bond fees, licenses, the fees for the City's three libraries,
Police Department adjudicated, non -adjudicated drug and D.A.R.E. funds, fees
for City sponsored special events such as the Highland Games and the Ads &
Craft fair, false alarm charges, accounts receivable items, SMART bus ticket
sales, City garage sale, fees for using the City Dump, Police auction, rent
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payments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, MacNamara Towers and city -
owned homes, record duplication fees, etc. Of the amounts collected,
$42,833,528 was for the general deposit items and $166,158,010 was for
property taxes.
The tellers also receive walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal
year, 10,955 water customers were assisted at the Treasurer's Office counter, a
small decrease over last fiscal year. The busiest day was December 10, 2012,
with 336 water bills being processed. The average amount of water bills
processed was 47 per day.
The tellers currently are assisting the water department with their drop -box
payments and payments that are not processed through the mail. This began in
September 2011 and 1,963 payments were processed. In 2012 fiscal year we
processed 9,937; in 2013 fiscal year we processed 6,623 averaging 151 per
processing day.
Due to the changes in receipting water bill payments over the last year, the total
dollars collected were processed along with the Water Department's deposits.
DISBURSEMENTS
All payroll and payable checks are released through the Treasurer's Office on
approval of the Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor). Most
employees direct deposit and access their payday information online. The
number of checks processed is as follows:
127
2010
2011
2012
2013
Payroll Checks
24,798
32,797
n/a
n/a
Vendor Checks -City & Court
15,265
13,607
14,616
14,648
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