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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2003-01-16 MINUTES OF THE 142nd REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 142nd Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:05 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2003 in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Jack Kirksey Mr. Jerry Wordhouse, Chairman Mr. Scott Grace, Vice Chairman Mr. Lowell Peterson Mrs. Toni Mette Mr. John Walsh Members Absent: Mr. Dennis Kujawa(excused) Mr. Duane Wolfgang (excused) Mr. Marvin Walkon(excused) Mr. Bill Pike (excused) Mr. Stan Anderson(excused) Mr. Rod Crider (excused) Others Present: Mr. John Nagy, Director Mr. Rich O'Brien, Beckett &Raeder Mr. Mark Taormina, Planning Director Mr. Jeff Bryant, Economic Development Director Mr. Ralph Williams, Citizen Dr. Robert Auth, Rosedale Gardens Homeowners Association SMART—Ronald R. Ristau, Tony Vinson& Gloria Bradley Mr. Thaddeus McCotter, State Representative Mrs. Robby Williams, Secretary 1. Roll was called. Since a quorum was not seated at this meeting, an informational meeting was held. 2. Comments from Chairman: Mr. Wordhouse read two thank you notes from Mrs. Debbie Walter and the Parz Group. A letter was received from the Livonia Goodfellows, Inc., regarding a donation from the PRDA. Mr. Nagy gave information relative to the needy family that was chosen to receive the donation from the PRDA and the items requested to be purchased with this donation. It was suggested by a board member that this donation be made an annual event in lieu of the holiday party normally held. 3. Finance Report —Mr. Slater was not present but will give a full report at the February 20, 2003 meeting. 1 4. Mr. Walsh reported to the Board that Rod Crider was no longer with the Chamber of Commerce, effective January 15, 2003. 5. SMART—Mr. Ron Ristau made a presentation to the board members that included looking at the services that are provided to the City of Livonia, asking for recommendations as to how they can meet the needs of Livonia to make sure that Livonia is getting its fair share of services. Several routes were reviewed, Plymouth Road route, Grand River and Seven Mile Road. In some areas the rider ship has dropped and there is a possibility that better services could be offer on Plymouth Road. A survey form was distributed to indicate the type of information SMART is looking for. Mr. Ristau was looking to the PRDA for input. A tabulation of how many people are involved at the bus stops and other related information was requested by Mrs. Mette. Mr. Nagy suggested that using the mailing list for the corridor could be useful for SMART. Mayor Kirksey was very interested that there would be an opportunity for employment and to encourage others if we could get a survey into the hands of the people on the corridor. It was suggested that we could re-route buses that are not serving many people and take that money and put it into Livonia's own transportation network. Information will be made available in the PRDA spring newsletter. 6. Construction Report—Beckett &Raeder: Rich O'Brien reported there were no new updates to report for Phase V. A punch list was put together for the landscape company after the snow melted about a week ago. When the street signs and bushes come in they will be installed between Sears Drive and (iw Farmington Road with the exception of the Rosedale Garden area. Phase VI has to be changed to Phase V(B) so that the permit issued for Phase V could be used instead of applying for another permit from MDOT. John Watson of MDOT advised that instead of getting another permit for Phase VI that the work be done under Phase V(B), using the same permit for Phase V but with a sub-name of`B" added. The Construction Committee met last week to go over the plans and make final revisions. The issue of Irish Landscaping replacing diseased trees came up and Mr. Nagy reported that Irish Landscaping wanted to discuss an offer to keep this out of the courts. It was suggested that all the trees planted should be of 2-1/2 inch caliper instead of 4 inch. The 4-inch trees, according to the landscape people, suffer more stress. The trees will be replaced with Greenspire Linden, Ginkgo and Norway Maple trees. The 2-1/2 inch caliper trees will cost about $350 to $375 and the 4- inch caliper trees will cost about $600 or more. We don't know if Irish Landscaping is going to accept this. Mayor Kirksey reported that the traffic signal located at Inkster and Plymouth, because Plymouth Road is a state highway, MDOT controls the traffic signals and has a contract with traffic signal controls. The traffic signals at Plymouth and Harrison will be reworked. A car approaching the intersection will trigger that light and cause the light to turn red and stop the traffic on Plymouth Road to allow the (re Harrison Road traffic to clear the intersection. At the same time Ashley Capitol will be reconstructing the west entrance Drive to provide for better truck access for the warehouse and the Roush Company. 2 Mayor Kirksey further advised that signals are to be installed but that a time line was not given because an agreement had not been reached. Mr. Nagy advised they would have to be the mast arm design recently required by MDOT. Mr. Bryant suggested that it would be beneficial to A&P to spread the cost between the PRDA and the City if we could get those lights put in. 7. Committee Reports Public Relations: Mr. Anderson—not present. Mr. Grace advised the Board that regarding the fall newsletter that he received was on the Monday after the holiday parade. Vacate Buildings—Mr. Grace -No Report. Construction Committee: Mr. Nagy reported that the committee would be meeting next week with Beckett &Raeder for Phase V(B) and the maintenance contract. A report will be given at the next meeting. Development Assistance—Mr. Grace—We have had two requests, both from Mr. Steve Schafer, regarding the George Burns theater property and the empty bank building at Middlebelt and Plymouth. The Committee is recommending a denial for the George Burns Theater. Twice an approval was given and twice they failed to take 'p_ advantage of it. The only requirement was to take down the George Burns sign and they chose not to do it. (2) For the Comerica bank site, we did recommend a reimbursement of up to 1/2 of the demolition cost up to a maximum of$25,000 provided that all paid invoices are supplied to the PRDA before August 2003. Their letter did not state that they had any hazardous materials that had to be removed. Mayor Kirksey advised the board that demolition of the George Burns sign is scheduled for next month(February). Mr. O'Brien—regarding the Comerica bank—they are changing the drives. It was suggested that something in writing be submitted that they are completely installed just exactly like the PRDA streetscape plans. It was advised that the inspectors be alerted as to the color of brick that needs to be installed and as approved by the PRDA. Banner Committee- Mr. Nagy—The holiday parade banners were taken down this week. They were examined and we did determine that so far, from all of the evidence, that they did withstand the elements. 8. Director's Report - John Nagy— We discussed earlier about the Goodfellows donation and the Irish Landscaping matter to replace the dead ash trees and the other report is that we are proceeding with our Phase V(B). We will be meeting in committee with personnel from Peter Basile & Company for a quote on this 3 9. Polling of Board Members— (00, Mr. Walsh—I sat in on a very interesting meeting about the"Great Race"road rally sponsored by Roush Industries. It will be a four-day event starting in the City of Livonia. Is the City interested in getting involved? The issue is that the City has to come up with$50,000 in fees and additional costs. The return to the City would be partly related to the hotels, about 700 rooms, with stays over a four-day period and national exposure on Fox Network. It would really be good for our City. The race will start in Livonia and end in Daytona, Florida. The committee needs to raise about $50,000. This proposal will be presented formally to the PRDA at the next meeting. This is a great event that would bring national exposure for the City. Mayor Kirksey—This four-day event would begin at the new Recreation Center, starting in Livonia and ending in Daytona. This would be a great shot in the arm for Livonia. This event would be held about a week before the Spree. Mr. Nagy advised that they would look at the PRDA Public Relations account and see if there is any money available. Mr. Bryant suggested Borg Warner might be interested in contributing. Mayor Kirksey spoke about the Wonderland Mall and the difficulties that it is having but suggests that there is a possibility in the next two weeks or month that an announcement will be made that could be one of the most important pieces of news. Inspection—Mrs. Mette—Applauded the good work the maintenance company is doing this year. It looks like they are getting the snow off of the walks, plazas and benches. giow Recognition was given to the Livonia Police on their excellent work involving the tragedy in the murders of the Pesce family. The Mayor advised the Board that the detectives, officers and their guests were recognized and honored for their efforts at a recent Piston game. Mr. Taormina reported to the Board that Hertz Car Rental is interested in the Olsen Property. The balance of the area that remains which is the car wash portion was approved Tuesday night by the Planning Commission and will move on to the City Council for action. Mr. O'Brien said that they would like to use Wonderland Mall parking area for the work staging area for Phase V(B). Mr. Nagy said he would talk to the Wonderland management. 10. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 142nd Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority was adjourned at 4:45 pm. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2003. f l: fir p � Robby ` 'ams, Secretary /rw 4