HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-2006 Annual ReportCITY OF LIVONIA
ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR
2005-2006
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
JACK ENGEBRETSON
33000 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
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LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 481543097
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FAX: (/34)421-0870
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December 18, 2006
Honorable Members of the City Council
City of Livonia, M 148154
Dear Council Members:
The Annual Report for fiscal year 2005-2006 reflects activities of the Livonia City
Departments, Commissions and Boards. The following reflects a sampling of the
information contained in various reports and some personal observations.
Department of Community Resources
This Department has the administrative responsibilities for subsidized transportation for
Livonia senior citizens and handicapped residents. The contract for SMART, as well as
applicable grants are administered and monitored by the staff. The year was spent
preparing for the opting out of the SMART transportation system and the development
of an expanded transit service that induced a 'to work" program. As of November 27,
2006, the new Livonia Community Transit System was in operation.
District Court
The 16L District Court concluded 11 % months of union negofiations and signed its first
ever labor agreements with the MAPE and TPOAM unions representing court
employees. It also continued its use of the State of Michigan Collection Module and
over $400,000 was collected from delinquent offenders.
Finance Department
The Finance Department continued to work with the 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 Poors. 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 mfings.
Fire Department
The Fire Department has continued its dedicated efforts to public education including
information in the "Fire Engineering' magazine (July issue), the nation's premier fire
training magazine. "Couplings," an &page newsletter designed for adult fire and life
safety made its debut this year. It appears in electronic forth on the City website and
was included with the Observer newspaper.
Inspection Department
The Building Inspection portion of the Department issued approximately 8,452 permits
in 2005/2006 for buildings, signs and mechanical installations, including new
construction additions, renovations and alterations. The systematic annual inspection of
existing buildings for compliance with B.O.C.A. property Maintenance Code continued
through 2006, with 1,430 inspections being made, and violations issued when
necessary and compliance obtained. The Sanitation and Ordinance Enforcement
division, responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents as it pertains to
pollution, hazardous waste, trash and debris, vacant buildings, weed cutting, and basic
property maintenance, inducing 1,618 citizen complaints regarding the collection of
municipal refuse and the delivery of 286 recycling bins.
Summary
I wish to begin by thanking our dedicated staff of City employees for their continued
dedication to our mission of delivering first -rete services to the residents and businesses
in our great community. We appreciate the cooperation of the City Unions in coming to
agreement on contracts that we believe were fair and reasonable given all the difficult
circumstances we have faced together in recent years. We are confident that the stage
is set for Livonia to continue to be a great place to live, work, and raise families. The
hiring freeze has officially ended and, thanks to the withdrawal from the SMART system,
we will be able to address some badly -needed capital improvements. Finally, I want to
thank our City Council and Leadership Staff for their cooperation during the past year
as, together, we look forward to the new year with very positive expectations. I continue
to believe that Livonia's brightest days lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Jack Engebrelson
MAYOR
CITY OF LI VONIA, MICHIGAN
ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2005-2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Assessing Department...................................................................................1
Review, Board of
2
City Clerk
3
Civil Service Department
8
Trustees, Board of
17
Community Resources Department
20
Aging Commission
24
Arts Commission
25
Cable Television Commission
26
Historic Preservation Commission
27
Historical Commission
29
Human Relations Commission
30
Youth Commission
31
District Court
32
Finance Department
37
Information Systems..........................................................40
Fire Department
42
Housing Commission
51
Inspection Department
55
Building Code Board of Appeals
57
Law Department
58
Library Department & Commission
61
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission
65
Planning Department& Commission
78
Police Department and Emergency Preparedness .........................85
Public Works Department
92
Engineering Division
93
Public Service Division
95
Traffic Commission
108
Treasurer
110
Zoning Board of Appeals
114
The 2006 stale equalized valuation of the city real and personal property was
$5,977,916,100 which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS
PARCELCOUNT
VALUATION
Residential
38,113
3,933,544,410
Commercial
1,383
820,165270
Industrial
857
637,813,650
Personal
4,741
586,036,980
$ 5,977,916,100
In addition, valuation under the Industrial Facilities Act 198 provided total
valuation of $157,397,920 as follows:
IFF Real 38,439,200
IFF Personal 118,958,720
$157,397,920
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50.00% of true cash value as
mandated by State 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 133 new homes were created and revisions to
approximately 1,292 existing property field sheets were made. Commercial and
Industrial new buildings, alterations and additions numbered 158 and were
reviewed for value for the 2006 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.
Homesteads, Transfers, Rescissions and Uncapping Affidavits are being
interpreted and processed on a daily basis. In 2006 this generated
approximately 2,230 forms.
Lots splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office
reviews petitioners applications and departmental correspondence for
compliance to city ordinances and procedures. If a split is nonconforming
Council action will be required. Approximately 36 splits and combinations were
completed in 2006. Olthese, 11 required Council action.
Prior years Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were finalized, 30 full tribunals and 7
small claims forthe years 1996-2005.
Over 5,200 personal property statements were processed for the 2006
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 Stale of
Michigan has extended the Personal Property Audit program for 2006. This
resulted in an additional 118 audits being scheduled by Tax Management
Associates for this program. Fifty-two audits have been completed to dale and
have generated additional city tax dollars in the amount of $106,690. Total lax
revenue generated for all taxing entities was $485,483.
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 13,
2005 in accordance with Section 211.53b of the General Property Tax Law of
Michigan to correct all mutual mistakes of fact and clerical errors.
The Livonia City Council, on January 30, 2006 (CR#39-06), set the place and
dates for the 2006 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 7, 2006 for a five (5)
day session of public hearings, which included an evening session. Members
Mark Thomas, Jollietta Coleman and Conrad Gniewek were in attendance. The
Board heard 200 taxpayer appeals and acted on 605 mail -in petitions.
Determination notices were mailed on April 10, 2006.
The regular session of the 1985 83rd Stale of Michigan Legislature has amended
Section 53b of Public Act 206 to include a July Board of Review meeting to
correct clerical errors and mutual mistakes of fact. This meeting was held on
Tuesday, July 18, 2006.
CrrV CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an
odd year election conducted bylhe City of Livonia.
The powers and duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the City Charter and
statutes of the State of Michigan. The Clerk is assisted by an Assistant City
Clerk and a staff of seven 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 derk of
the Council and shall attend
all
meetings of the
Council and
keep a permanent record of
its
meetings.."
Special Meetings
1
1
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; taking 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.
City Council
2005
2006
Study Meetings
24
24
Regular Meetings
24
24
Special Meetings
1
1
Council Resolutions Recorded
602
616
Ordinances Adopted
35
52
Public Hearings Conducted
46
36
(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 Stale 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.
Births Recorded
Deaths Recorded
2005
2006
1259
1422
1282
1492
FEES COLLECTED $138,787.50 $141,060.00
(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 2005 2006
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers,
etc.
FEES COLLECTED
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales
FEES COLLECTED
Pet Licenses
FEES COLLECTED
Bicyde Licenses
1495
1480
$58,700.00
$57,180.00
2500
2800
$12,500.00
$14,000.00
3500
3262
$28,000.00
$28,978.00
20
12
$60.00
$36.00
(d) 'The City Clerk shall receive for filing: 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 filing 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."
4
2005
2006
Zoning
15
9
Vacating
3
4
Miscellaneous (Waivers)
19
28
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary)
0
0
Final Plats
1
0
Extensions
3
3
BONDS
Landscaping- Performance Bonds
$119,700.00
$50,530.00
(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
insertion of Public Notices required by law of Public
Hearings and
all Ordinances duly adopted.
In addition, Ordinances are printed,
collated and distributed to al
departments and interested parties.
A complete file
in excess of
2770 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.
2005•
zoos•
Council Regular Agendas
5808
5352
Council Study Agendas
5568
5592
Special Regular Agendas
232
223
Special Regular Minutes
242
71
Council Regular Minutes
1680
1704
Council Study Minutes
580
528
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings 1392
1320
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes
2328
2256
Council Public Hearing Notices
0
0
Public Hearing Minutes
1196
936
'Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution for
each activity; number of pages vanes by event and is not induced
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
2006 totaled $108,114.00. 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 - State 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
2005 2006
Elections Held in City 1 Primary 1 Primary
1 General 1 General
2 School 1 School
Notice of Cancellation of Registration
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists $1,707.58 $2,430.16
2005
2006
New Registrations
4,847
5,194
Total Registered Voters
72,445
71,973
Change of Name
491
476
Change of Address
1,334
1,395
Cancellations
4,697
4,794
Registrations by Mail
229
539
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued
11,543
17,138
AV. Applications Issued
11,543
17,138
Notices of Election Inspectors
942
889
Notice of Cancellation of Registration
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists $1,707.58 $2,430.16
(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, in 1985
instituted a program of microfilming the birth and death records of
the City.
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 2006 the Clerk examined, pre -audited and signed approximately
16,730 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 2006 authorized one (1)
opening and dosing at Clarenceville Cemetery. The fee collected
for the services of the Clerk's office was $25.00.
The Civil Service Commission held twelve (12) regular meetings and five (5)
special meetings during fiscal year 2005-06.
LABOR RELAMONS
During fiscal year 2005-06, the City of Livonia completed negotiations with
AFSCME Union Local 192 and AFSCME Supervisory Union Local 1917 for
renewal of their contracts for the period December 1, 2004 to November 30,
2007 respectively. In addition, the Human Resources Director along with the
City's labor attorney represented the City in contract negotiations with the le
District Court and their two bargaining unions.
The Livonia Police Officers Association (LPDA) received a partial award in the
Act 312 Arbitration for renewal of their contract for the period December 1, 2003
through November 30, 2006. Currently the item still unresolved in the Act 312
Arbitration is the matter regarding a 12 -hour shift for Police Officers.
The City commenced Interest Based Bargaining negotiations with the Livonia
Fire Fighters Union (LFFU) for renewal of their contract for the period December
1, 2005 to November 30, 2008. The City and the union were unable to reach an
agreement. The City requested mediation to resolve the firefighter contract.
Mediation was unsuccessful in resolving the contract. In October the City
requested compulsory arbitration to resolve the contract with the firefighters.
Labor -Management Committee meetings have been scheduled to informally
resolve employee grievances or concerns filed by members of the AFSCME
Union 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 through informal measures,
the formal procedure permits appeal to the Civil Service Commission and, if not
resolved, through mediation and/or formal arbitration.
The Personnel Review Committee, comprised of the Human Resources Director
and the Director of Finance, met twenty-two (22) limes during the current fiscal
year and reviewed and made seventy-three (73) recommendations to the Mayor
on all new hires, replacement personnel and promotions.
Since December 1, 1994, newly hired general employees who subscribe to
hospitalization/medical insurance are required to co-pay a portion of their
premium costs at $30.00 for single coverage, $35.00 for two-person coverage
and $40.00 for family coverage per month. Effective December 1, 2006, all
general employees who subscribe to hospitalization/medical benefit are required
to co-pay a portion of their premium costs at the above rales per month.
The annual Health and Wellness Fair was held on three (3) separate afternoons
during February 2006 at various City locations, including the Police Headquarters
Training Room, the Department of Public Works Administrative Conference
Room and the City Hall Fifth Floor Gallery. Employees and retirees, along with
their immediate family members, were encouraged to attend and participate in
various health screening activities, including blood pressure, cholesterol and
body fat content measurements, as well as receive handouts concerning
wellness information. Representatives of the City's occupational health services
providers, including St. Joseph Mercy Business Health and Providence-
Corporate Health, conducted the medical screening. 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 descriptions and obtain assistance with health care questions or problems.
The meetings were well attended with more than 200 individuals due to the
cancellation of Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and Blue Care Network (BCN) as
providers. Effective April 1, 2006, BC/BS became the City's only hospitalization
benefit provider, offering the BC/BS Blue Preferred Plan (PPO) and Point of
Service plans. The PPO was replaced by the CB2 for LPOA members effective
October 1, 2006. Twelve (12) members of the LPOA were transferred from the
PPO plan to Community Blue 2 (CB2). At the end of the fiscal year, the employee
and retiree hospitalization/medical insurance enrollments were as follows:
BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD 151 Employee subscribers
BC/BS Preferred Plan 441 Retiree subscribers
306 Retirees on Medicare
1 COBRA
BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD 383 Employee subscribers
Point of Service 109 Retiree subscribers
41 Retirees on Medicare
2 COBRA
BC/BS 12 Employee subscribers
COMMUNITY BLUE 0 Retiree subscribers
(Effective 10/1/06 for LPOA 0 Retirees on Medicare
Employees only) 0 COBRA
A total of fifty-seven (57) full-time employees "opted ouf' of insurance coverage
during the February 2006 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 Hartford
Insurance Company at the rate of $.18 per $1,000 per month volume. Accidental
Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance coverage is also provided
by the Hartford Insurance Company at a rate of $.02 per $1,000 volume per
month.
Currently, a total of six hundred thirty-six (636) employees have life insurance
coverage in the aggregate amount of $32,394,500. In addition, Wenty-eight (28)
retirees have a $3,000 death benefit coverage totaling $34,000; one hundred
thirty-two (132) retirees have a $3,500 death benefit coverage totaling $462,000
and one hundred fourteen (114) retirees have a $5,000 death benefit totaling
$570,000 for a total retiree group of two hundred seventy-four (274) having
aggregate life insurance in the amount of $1,116,000. During the fiscal year, a
total of $71,533.25 life insurance premium and a total of $7,693.41 AD&D
premium were paid to the Hartford Insurance Company.
WEEKLY DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective December 1, 2003 through November 30, 2006, the disability claims are
administered by the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America for a monthly
charge of $1.00 per eligible employee. This benefit provides $200/wk to disabled
general full-time employees and $100.00 to disabled part-time employees for up
to 45 weeks; $125/wk for totally disabled Police Dispatcher civilian ful4time
employees for 45 weeks; and $42/Wk for the first 12 weeks and $1001wk for the
40 week balance of 52 weeks for totally disabled police and fire employees. The
total premium paid to Accident Fund was $7,495.00 for this fiscal year.
During the Fiscal Year 2005-06, there were a total of twenty-seven (27) weekly
disability income claims for employees. A total dollar volume of $16,447.52 was
paid by this self-insured program.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Civil Service Department staff administers the general employee union
tuition reimbursement programs. A total of seven (7) members of AFSCME
Union Local 192 expended $2,268.13 out of the maximum allocation of
$10,000.00 during the fiscal year. One (1) member of the AFSCME Supervisory
10
and Technical Chapter of Union Local 1917 expended $245.00 out of the
maximum allocation of $3,475.00 during the fiscal year.
OPTICAL PLAN
The City continued to offer a optical benefit program with three (3) providers:
Suburban Eye Care (a private Livonia optometric practice), and retail providers,
Co-op Optical and Detroit Optometric Centers (DOC) who have multiple area
locations. Employee usage and costs incurred during the fiscal year at these
centers or through the reimbursement option were as follows:
Safety Glasses
14
$ 675.00
Direct Reimbursement
37
34� 81.92
Detroit Optometric
164
11,407.00
Center
19
1,461.00
Co -Op Optical
Suburban Eye Care
138
11,425.00
372
$28,449.92
Total
DENTAL PROGRAM
All employees have a dental reimbursement or direct payment progmm to the
Denfist as the expenses are incurred. Billings for services rendered during the
fiscal year must be submitted within 30 days of the November 30r" fiscal year end
for consideration. A summary of the employee reimbursements and hardship
advances during the fiscal year to date are summarized as follows:
Number Total
of Claims Amount Paid Year
Reim bursementlDirect Payment 1172 $281,088.00
2005-06
$169,697.00 2007-10
The dental reimbursement may also induce payment for Dental Insurance
premiums.
Employees are eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services for a lifetime
maximum of $1000 per family limited to the employee, their spouse and
dependents until the end of the year they reach age 19.
11
The summary of the orthodontic service claims received this fiscal year is as
follows:
Numberof Claims TotalAmounl Paid
Police/Fire 6 $ 2,430.00
General 5 4,395.0
Total 11 $ 6,625.00
The City of Livonia contracts the self-insured workers disability compensation
program with the third party administrator, The Accident Fund Insurance
Company of America. The contract for these services is effective December 1,
2003 through November 30, 2006. The net total incurred loss on open claims
from December 1, 2005, through November 30, 2006, is $256,677.45, which
includes payment for weekly wage loss indemnity benefits, medical services,
related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other miscellaneous expenses for
approximately one hundred thirty-four (134) employee claims. Employees may
choose to receive treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses at one of four (4)
Livonia occupational medicine treatment facilities including Concentra
Occupational Health Centers (2), Providence Corporate Health Services and Sl.
Joseph Mercy Business Health Services.
The City of Livonia participates in the Michigan Municipal League Unemployment
Compensation Group Account. The firm of TALX UC Express is the service
agent of this group account. The Civil Service Department responded to
approximately thirty (30) former employee claims for unemployment benefits filed
with the Michigan Employment Security Administration (MESA). To date, a total
of $43,085.00 benefit charges have been received for this fiscal year.
CIN PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL CLINICS
Pre-employment, return -to -work and occupational injuryfillness medical
examinations and treatment continued to be provided by the authorized City
Physician, St. John Providence Health. In addition, Concentra, Providence and
Sl. Joseph Mercy provided occupational medical services, along with the St.
Mary Hospital Emergency Room under the City Workers Compensation
Program. Our records indicate that twenty-eight (28) permanent employee pre-
employment (full-time and part-time) examinations, seventy-one (71) pre-
employment physicals for temporary employees, eighty-nine (89) physicals for
return to work, seven (7) public safety pre-employment psychological evaluations
by Dr. Harley Stock, the City's Consulting Psychologist, were performed.
Providence, the City Physician, conducted three (3) Fitness for Duly medical
12
evaluations. Dr. Lyle Danuloff, Ph.D has been added to the City's resources for
preemployment psychological and discipline evaluations. Dr. Danuloff has
completed 19 evaluations for Public Safety positions. In addition, there were
medical consultations with regard to employee health and occupational safety
matters as it related to infectious diseases and workers 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 being
coordinated in compliance with federal regulations.
SAFETY
A representative of the Accident Fund Loss Prevention Division, the third party
administrator of the City's self-insured Workers Compensation Program,
conducted three (3) loss prevention facility tours with Civil Service and Public
Works staff during the fiscal year. The facilities reviewed were the Police
Administration Building and Parks and Recreation Storage; and the Fire Stations
1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Employee accident reports were kept by all City Departments and reviewed by
the Accident Review Committee consisting of seven (7) representatives from
Fire, Police, Public Works, Engineering, Parks & Recreation, AFSCME Union
Local 192, and Civil Service. The Accident Review Committee mel four (4) limes
during the year and reviewed one hundred seventy 170 accident reports.
Accident statistics are compiled into an annual MIOSHA City-wide report.
One hundred forty-nine (149) employees received service recognition awards in
FY 2005-06.
Service
Awards
Level of Service
Presented
29
Five Years
Ten Years
29
Fifteen Years
27
Twenty Years
43
Twenty -Five Years
4
Thirty Years
2
Thirty -Five Years
4
FortyYears
0
Forty -Five Years
1
Total 139
13
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
2005-06 were: the Detroit News — 15; Livonia Observer — 15; Michigan Municipal
League — 1; several professional association publications, the Internet
recruitment service Monstertrak.com, tie City of Livonia Spring and Fall News,
and Cable Channel 8.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENTIAFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In accordance with the Affirmative Acton 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 subject
matter experts, staff and the Civil Service Commission in order to establish
prerequisites which were appropriate to the positions being filled. In addition, the
Civil Service staff completed several stale and federal equal employment
opportunity reports, surveys from other communities and prepared 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 permanent employee hires and terminations.
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open -competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During
Fiscal Year 2005-06, a total of 15 open -competitive and 19 promotional
examinations were announced. The Civil Service Department received 981
applications for opencompettive examinations and 48 for promotional
examinations during the fiscal year. In addition the Department received 553
applications for temporary employment opportunities in various Parks and
Recreation positions; 215 applications for Seasonal Laborer; 50 applications for
Seasonal Clerk; 100 applications for Student Page; 109 applications for Library
Page; 7 applications for Substitute Librarian; 71 applications for Temporary
Clerical; 7 applications for School Crossing Guard; and 25 applications for Police
Reserve Officer. In addition, the Civil Service Department received 13
applications for the Director of Public Works position and coordinated the testing
for that position.
TRAINING
14
Dunng FY 2005-06, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee -
training activities. These are summanzed as follow:
Between December 2005 and November 2006, 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.
Over 125 employees scheduled individual appointments with the Deferred
Compensation 457 Plan on-site representatives.
Mall Wallace, Account Representative of Great West Retirement Services,
conducted numerous on-site meetings and training sessions. An extra effort was
made to bang the Department of Public Works into the information exchange
process since their work schedules are not conducive to the traditional schedule
for training or one-on-one meetings. Visits to the Distnct Court for one-on-one
interviews with participants were also scheduled. Twenty-eight (28) new
participants to the Defined Contribution Plan were processed. Mr. Wallace has
accepted a transfer to the Great West office in Colorado. A new representative
will be starling in January 2007
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A subcommittee comprised of a police/fire union representative, a general
employee union representative, the Youth Assistance Program Supervisor, two
(2) behavioral health service EAP providers and the Human Resources Director
continue to oversee the Emergency Behavioral Health Service Referral Network.
For the FY 2005-06, a total of 10 employees, 3 employee family members and 3
residents received crisis intervention individual counseling sessions at the limit of
5 sessions totaling $400 per individual. In addition, EAP providers have been
called upon to assist Departments with group conflict resolution exercises.
Services totaled approximately $4,825.00.
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 $6,359.00 in CDBG funds has
been expended during FY 2005-06 provided 10 25low-incomeresidents.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Civil Service staff coordinated one (1) Employee Blood Dnve in 2006
and assisted in the coordination of two (2) additional dnves at the
Community Recreation Center. A total of ninety-eight (98) pints of blood
were donated by City employees dunng the drives, conducted in March,
May and in September.
2. The Civil Service staff coordinated the 2006 United Way Campaign in all
City Departments and Divisions. A total of $6,746.00 has been donated
15
by City employees to this year's Drive. Ten percent (10%) of City
employees contributed to the United Way.
3. Computer reporting projects continued during FY 2005-06 induce:
maintenance of the automated Life Insurance Employee Enrollment
Report to enable the derical staff member to make monthly additions and
deletions and achieve instantaneous Life Insurance totals and costs;
maintenance of an employee Pension estimate program in an EXCEL
spreadsheet format and implementation of each employee classification
and wage/salary history on the ACCESS database to facilitate processing
annual payroll Master Transfers. In coordination with the Information
Systems Manager, the Civil Service Department has developed an
applicant/examination database in ACCESS to improve the maintenance
of applicant data for open -competitive and promotional examinations.
This database enables staff to track the information necessary for EEOC
record keeping and reporting. The staff maintains a website, which
provides an overview of department responsibilities and activities, along
with continuously updated job announcements and application guidelines.
Civil Service Department staff has maintained a database for benefit
tracking in ACCESS to facilitate self -administration of the employee dental
reimbursement program. Staff continues to electronically track employee
spouse and dependent utilization of the City's self-administered optical
plan.
4. The Critical Incident Team 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
CIRT Team have not responded to any possible workplace violence
situations this year.
5. On May 4, 2006, Compensation Statements illustrating total
compensation, taxable earnings and the City's cost of various benefits
were mailed to all permanent full-time and part-time employees. Also
included in the Statement for the first time were the actual value of paid
time off used Iasi year and the sick leave balance as of December 2005.
6. Dr. Kenneth Wolf continues to work with the Police Department on their
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Program.
7. The Civil Service staff continued the on-site "Flu Shot' program in
cooperation with Providence Hospital Corporate Health Services. Ninety
(90) employees and immediate family members received inoculations for a
nominal fee at several City worksite locations.
16
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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, 2005 through November 30, 2006:
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, 2006, the retirement system Defined Benefit
Plan had five hundred twenty-seven (527) retirees or surviving
spouses plus seven (7) Eligible Domestic Relations Orders (EDRO's)
(Divorced Prior to Refirement) and four (4) Alternate Payees
(Divorced after Retirement) for a total of five hundred thirty-eight
(538) receiving pension checks. Sixteen (16) City retirees died during
fiscal year 2005-2006. The total pension payroll fiscal year to date is
$11,218,444 through November 2006.
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 LoomisSayles and Company at regular
meetings. The Defined Benefit fund had a value of $198,002,273 as
of October 31, 2006.
d) In June 2006, the Board reviewed the fitly -third (53rd) annual
actuarial valuation as of November 30, 2005, for the Livonia
Employees Retirement System, prepared by the Board's Actuary,
Rodwan Consulting Company. The Plan covered five hundred thirty-
six (536) retirees, thirty (30) deferred and two hundred seventy-five
(275) employees for a total of eight hundred 6rly-0ne (841). The
Actuary reported that the accrued actuarial condition of the
Retirement System is 'Very good".
e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan is 119.6%.
f) Merrill -Lynch continues to provide quarterly performance evaluation
of the Defined Benefit Plan.
g) The 2005-06 annual soft dollar expense for the Merrill Lynch
Performance Measurement Report was $57,000.
17
h) Effective July 5, 2000, the Board entered into a Securities Lending
Agreement with Comenca Bank. Total earnings from December 1,
2005 through October 31, 2006 were $22,642.31.
i) In June 2001, the Board approved a $5 million investment with
MuniMae Midland LLC, in the Midland Multifamily Equity Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT) offering, In April 2002, the Board approved
an additional $5 million investment for a total of $10 million invested
in the Midland Multifamily Equity REIT. Total interest earnings from
December 1, 20051hrough November 30, 2006 were $999,999.99.
j) In March 2002, the Board approved a $5 million 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, 2005 was $5,788,637.
Note: On March 22, 2006, the Board of Trustees approved to take
pmfits of $1.5 million out of the REIT and transfer the funds into the
Loomis Sayles Large Cap Account for further investment at the
discretion of the Investment Manager.
The account market value reported as of October 31, 2006 was
$6,328,661.
k) The total value of the Defined Benefit Plan assets as of October 31,
2006 is $214,330,934.
1) Currently there is one participant in the Defined Benefit Plan military
buy -in program.
m) Approximately one hundred twenty (120) requests for retirement
estimates under the Defined Benefit Plan were processed by the
Civil Service Department Staff.
n) The Board of Trustees continues to distribute monthly pension
checks directly to members of the Defined Benefit Plan with these
checks being processed by the staff of the Civil Service Department
o) Members of the Board attended the Michigan Association of Public
Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Soaring
Eagle Resort, Mt. Pleasant Michigan, from May 20 to May 23, 2006
and at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan, from September
16, 2006 to September 19, 2006.
18
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
$45,253,040 as of September 30, 2006, for three hundred seventy-
two (372) active participants; sixty-two (62) participants who
terminated employment and have an ending account balance; and
three (3) participants with a zero ending account balance.
d) As of November 30, 2005, a total of sixty-four (64) employees have
retired under the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VEBA)
a) The Board hell twelve (12) separate Regular Meetings for the
VEBA.
b) Mr. Sowerby and Mr. Johnson advised the Board on investments for
the VEBA. The VEBA had a value of $46,909,339 as of October 31,
2006.
Note: The VEBA was established at the recommendation of the
former Actuary to the Board of Trustees, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and
Co., for purposes of placing in a tax free trust hospitalization -medical
insurance benefit funds for members of the DB and the DC Plans, as
well as to permit separate funding for DC Plan member disability
retirements.
c) In June 2006, the Board reviewed the eighth (8') annual actuarial
valuation as of November 30, 2005, for the VEBA, as prepared by
the Board's new Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The
Actuary reported that the amortization periods adopted by the Board
of Trustees for the funding purposes of this Plan are 30 years for
disability benefits and 50 years for health insurance benefits. The 50
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. The Board is considering a
decrease in the amortization period for funding purposes for post-
retirement health insurance benefits to 30 years. This will result in an
increase in the computed contribution requirement.
19
d) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan is 34.4%.
e) Effective April 1, 2006 all retirees in HAP and Blue Care Network
were transitioned to the Blue Cross POS plan. The POS plan is a
self insurance health maintenance plan. Previously the self-insured
PPO program was extended to retirees. Now all retirees are
included in a self insured program. Retiree medical costs for 2006
are less than what would have been paid in insurance premiums.
f) The Civil Service Staff is working with Blue Cross and HAP
representatives to submit prescription costs incurred for
reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) under the Part D Medicare prescription program. Any
reimbursement received will be returned to the VEBA fund.
g) In June 2006 the Civil Service Staff prepared retiree statements of
total compensation for each retiree. This first statement was well
received.
PUBLICATIONS
• City Newsletter—four (4) issues published and mailed tower 43,000
residences and business.
• Brochures, newsletter and flyers were prepared for specific programs.
• Updated Guide to City Services published in May.
VOLUNTEER & SPECIAL PROJECTS
Information & Complaint Center — 4 volunteers handled 1,897 calls.
There were no TTY/TDD calls or formal complaints processed
City Hall Tours —There were no tours conducted
Rouge Rescue / River Day — The activities at Rotary Park were
coordinated by Public Service & Community Resource staff and over
140 volunteers. Together they filled 10 compost bags of brush &
weeds; planted 20 seedlings; removed 8 trash bags of garlic mustard
seed, cleaned & groomed 5 miles of nature trails; removed 1 tire, a
screen door, ''/ cord of lumber and an exercise bike. In addition, 5
groups of 25 volunteers worked a combined total of 18 hours and
20
stenciled 109 storm drains. We acknowledge and extend a big "Thank
You' to Steve's Family Dining, Stan's Market, Busch's Market, Mid -Joy
Market & Larry's Foodland for their generous donations of
refreshments & snacks
RESIDENT ASSISTANCE
• Emergency Certificates — assisted 20 families with $1,005.00 in
Farmer Jack certificates, donated by the Commission on Children &
Youth and Private Memorial Contribution
• Utility Assistance (CDBG) — assisted 16 low-income households with
utility shutoff bills totaling $ 7,394.35
• Holiday/Referral Assistance — assisted 82 low-income families with
food and gift donations provided by 8 local sponsors
• Commodity Food (TEFAP) — distributed 2,727 food bags, with the aid
of 21 volunteers, to 247 low-income households
• Focus HOPE — distributed 1,126 food boxes, with the aid of 14
volunteers, to 91 low-income senior households
CITY COMMISSIONS/CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Clerical, technical and budgetary assistance was also provided to the Aging,
Arts, Historical, Historic Preservation, Human Relations and Youth Commissions.
LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT (LCT)
Community Resources has administrative responsibilities for subsidized
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and handicapped residents. Contract for
SMART, as well as applicable grants are administered and monitored by
Community Resources staff. The year was spent preparing for the opting out of
the SMART transportation system and the development of an expanded transit
service that included a "to work" program. As of November 27, the new Livonia
Community Transit system was in operafion.
Prior to November 27, LCT had a fleet of len (10) vehides (vans and small
buses). The vehicles were driven by 21 CDL licensed part-time bus drivers. Five
(5) part-fime employees coordinated the drivers and their schedules. After
November 27, the fleet increased to 13 vehicles. An extra part-time person was
added for a total of six (6) part-time employees that coordinate the drivers and
their schedules.
In all the system provided over 25,000 one-way rides within the City of Livonia.
These rides totaled over 14,721 work hours and covered over 202,000 miles.
21
CIVIC PARK SENIOR CENTER
Parfidpafion in actvites during 2006 totaled approximately 120,000 seniors.
17,700 congregate meals were served. Activities included: health screening,
educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards and games, ad &
crafts, senior sports, Medicare counseling etc. Volunteers logged 18,350 hours.
SUPPORT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, AND TRANSPORTATION
Senior Center Staffing Grant, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Grant and
C.D.B.G. funds totaled $180,557. $12,300 in donations was received.
Federal and State grants and donations provided:
• 443 hours of personal care service to 9 seniors.
• 540 hours of homemaker services to 16 seniors
• 101 hours of respite services to3 seniors
• Home maintenance service to 39 homes
• 18,804 one-way rides through the senior transporta0on program
• 44286 meals were delivered by volunteers to home bound seniors
• 3000+ seniors received referral service
Personal Care, Homemaking, and Respite services provided through the
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging ended as of March 31, 2006.
LIVONIA YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
a 4y4a 27.11-Y•L7 Y•1 x-9
2006 Referrals: 88 New Cases — (53 males and 35 females)
Carty Over Cases from 2005: 61
Total Cases served in 2006: 149
2006 Cases represent the following referral agencies:
Livonia Police Department 45
Third Circuit Court -Juvenile Division 14
Surrounding Police Departments 24
Schools 02
Voluntary 03
• 27 parents completed our Altemafive Parenting Skills group.
• Program youth performed 621 hours of Community Work Service.
22
58 youth completed "Project Impact' (social living skills) group (12
hours each).
32 males participated in the JAG (Juvenile Awareness Program) at
Milan Federal Prison.
686 youth used the services of the Youth Employment Resource
Center that listed over 1183 job openings — 412 Employers
Youth Assistance staff participated on the EAP Committee and
attended various Educational Seminars.
Wayne County grant: Child Care Fund -$ 3,500
1110°i Mill Fund -$13,750
CABLE TELEVISION
Community Resources has administrative responsibility for the Cable Television
franchise and municipal programming. The report pertaining to these activities
can be found underthe Cable Television Commission.
Community Resources has administrative responsibility for the Historical and
Historic Preservation Commissions. The reports pertaining to these activities can
be found under the Historical Commission and Historic Preservation
Commission.
In addition, the Community Resources staff at Greenmead:
• Conducted day to day operation of Greenmead
• Maintained Historical Commission records including minutes, volunteer hours,
caretaker reports, contracts, and budgets
• Coordinated weekday lours, Sunday lours, Gift Shop operations, Newburg
School usage, Newburg Church, Alexander Blue House, Meeting House
rentals, and property usage including weddings, meetings, luncheons, private
parties, a memorial service and a class reunion held at Greenmead.
• Implemented Historical Commission resolutions
• Assisted with the development, planning and implementation of 18 special
events, fundraisers and community projects sponsored by the Historical
Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Society, Arts
Commission, Sl. Andrew's Society of Detroit, Festival of Cultures Program,
A.M.C. Car Club, Mustang Car Show and Garden Club
• Worked with retired carpenter who volunteered to do major maintenance
repairs on doors, window reconstruction at the barn, pillar repair at Kingsley
House and restoration and repair of the Greenhouse
• Worked with Printer's Guild to move printing press and equipment to the Print
Shop
23
• Worked with D.P.S./ Engineering to define and prioritize maintenance work
including repainting the Alexander Blue House, roof repair at Hill House, Roof
replacement at History House
• Assisted Building Inspection to coordinate Career Center Project at 2'd floor
Blue House and plans for Blue House Roof repair.
• Coordinated Greenmead's volunteer program, published issues of the
Volunteer Voice Newsletter and scheduled volunteers for lours and special
events
• Provided work site and supervision for community service probationers and
community service projects
• Hosted several professional and volunteer gatherings such as a Volunteer
Reception, Friends of Greenmead Luncheon, Historical Society and Police
Reserves Picnic
• Provided a project site for Master Gardener Program, established a new
Hosta Garden at Hill Gardens and support for volunteer gardeners program
• Provided a site and support for several Eagle Scout Projects
The Commission continues to publish the "Heritage" as part of the City News. It
is distributed to all homes in the City of Livonia. Commission funds are used.
In May the Commission helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer
Fair.
In June the Commission co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic held at
Eddie Edgar Ice Arena. The Commission paid for entertainment and a portion of
the food. The Commission was in charge of bingo and a 50/50 raffle.
In October the Commission provided handouts and worked at Senior Celebration
Day. Commission funds were used.
In November the Commission provided transportation for a holiday event A the
Gem Theater for the Senior Center volunteers. Commission funds were used.
At its November 2006 meeting, pursuant to its by-laws, the Commission held its
annual election. The following officers were unanimously elected to one-year
terms commencing December 1, 2006.
Chairperson: Clam Karr
1st Vice Chairperson: Joan O'Brien
2"d Vice Chairperson: Josephine Smith
Treasurer: Nancy Klein
Secretary: Robert Cards
24
LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission meetings were held on the 4th Tuesday of every
month in the Mayors Conference Room of City Hall, with the exception of the
July meeting, which was held at an onsite location.
The 2006 officers were: Chairperson: Bob Pernsh, Vice Chairperson: Audrey
Coronado/Dan Spuding, Secretary: Donna Eno, Treasurer: Virginia Bosak.
These positions remained in place for the 2005 calendar year.
During the year, resignation letters were received from Audrey Coronado,
Theresa Mastela and Rondi Andersen.
Active Commission members include Virginia Bosak, Donna Eno, Mary Fisher,
Conrad Gniewek, Robert Pernsh, Frank Petersmark, Carne Spurling, Dan
Spuding, and Grace Karczewski. This years new commissioners include Shere
DeLaFrenier and Vivienne Manwanng. At this time the Commission has four
open positions.
Budgeted Free -Admission Activities were:
Noontime Concerts held atthe Civic Center Library at a cost of $2,000.
Music Under the Stars was held at the park next to City Hall for all shows, with
Livonia Symphony performing at the Community Recreation with a combined
expense of $8,117.
Commission Sponsored Community Activities are: a $500 grant to VAAL (Visual
Arts Association of Livonia), one of Livonia's art clubs; and $100 for the Livonia
Art Club. Scholarships were awarded this year in the amount of $6,000 to
students majoring in an art -related field at a post high school learning institution.
Commission Donations: Livonia Symphony, $5,000; Greenmead's Garden and
Christmas Walks, $100.
The Commission held its 9th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in September. The
artwork was displayed in the 2nd floor Art Gallery of the Civic Center Library.
Out of over 300 submissions 99 entries were chosen for exhibition. Prize money
totaled $2,750. Corporate sponsorship donations totaling $600 were received
from Eastern Michigan University — Essex Benefit Group and Richard and
Debbie Dufour. Expenses totaled $2,000. The Commission will stave to increase
sponsor involvement neat year, in order to make this prestigious event an even
more successful event.
Artwork from regional artists was displayed monthly in the Civic Center Gallery
and in the City Hall Atnum. Small craft and art collections were shown in the
Library as well as City Hall display cases throughout the year. In November, Art
Commissioners held an art show in the Library Gallery.
25
Commission -Sponsored Receptions: The Fine Arts Exhibit in September;
Individual artist receptions were held monthly in the Civic Center Library Gallery.
"Art from the Heart" in 2006 and was a complete success, after a major effort
was completed to relocate the event to the grounds around City Hall. Profits
generated were $18,950.36, a 60% increase from last year. The dollars
generated from the Festival allow for the continued art and cultural experiences
thatthe Commission works for each year.
The Commission has created new promotional material and advertising along
with its Livonia Arts Commission brochure to further spread the positive events
and creative endeavors of Livonia and its residents.
The Commission has developed its own web page, which is an extension of the
City's site. It induces more timely information and has a more direct route of
contacting commissioners concerning different events, plus forms and
information, which can be downloaded.
The Livonia Arts Commission mission statement: 'To preserve, promote,
sponsor and develop the Arts in Livonia. To continue community access to art
experiences, opportunities and improving community awareness"
I1rL•] 711S4C.1-1 q =0 I q 1 ATA 611017 Kole] LY, I, 161-1101 7
The Livonia Cable Television Commission meets the first Thursday of the month
in the 5"' Floor Gallery of City Hall.
Produced programs (3,215.45 production hours) for City Channel 8, including the
live coverage of City public meetings: City Council Study and Regular meetings
and Planning Commission meetings.
Utilized 332.6 hours of volunteer assistance from certified residents in the
production of City Channel 8 programs.
Logged 122 complaints/inquiries re: rates, reception, programming choices and
the desire of competition for cable television and intern( access using cable
modems.
Maintained radio station WPZY, 1670 AM, providing up to date information
regarding road closures, snow emergencies and other vital information relating to
the public safety and well being within our community.
26
Installed new Server/Automation Playback System for City Channel 8
Programming, continuing the process toward switching to an all-digital formal.
Upgraded Eddie Edgar Arena with permanent camera cables to facilitate taping
of various events in the building.
Celebrated
City Channel
8's 20r" Anniversary with a
small reception on
September
21, 2006 with
approximately 75 dignitaries
and well-wishers in
attendance.
HISTORIC DISTRICT RESOURCES:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets the first Wednesday of the
month in the Blue House at Greenmead, Livonia, Michigan.
A website is being developed to highlight the historic districts in Livonia on the
City Website.
A first ever annual Historic District owners meeting was initiated and held in May
to introduce the historic properly owners to HPC and to the resources available
to Historic Property Owners. Information packets and a book highlighting Livonia
History by David McGregor were passed out to the attending owners. A power
point presentation of all the Historic Properties was assembled and given by HPC
to highlight the Historic Districts and Historic Preservation in Livonia. The
commission plans to repeat this meeting yearly to keep historic property owners
aware of resources available to them.
Two members of HPC authored a book "Livonia Preserved, Greenmead and
Beyond" to benefit Greenmead and Historic Commission. The book's subject is
Historic Preservation in Livonia, at Greenmead and in the Historic Properties
throughout Livonia.
KATOR— SHAY HOUSE
Exterior changes to the house in 2005 have not been resolved with HPC. The
changes (paint and front porch railings) were not reviewed by HPC per the local
ordinance. The owner has been sent a follow-up letter to resolve the issues.
The owners were also asked to attend a meeting to discuss the issues in the
near future.
27
ASA B. SMITH HOUSE AND SITE
HPC forwarded tax credit and restoration / preservation information to the current
owner.
GREENMEAD
HPC recommends a Master Plan (Cultural Resource Management Plan) be
developed for Greenmead before any future decisions are made.
Newburg Church
Plans to add a handicap entrance and ramp to the church were approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission.
Alexander Blue House
Discussions were held regarding the re -roofing of the Blue House. The HPC
assembled a Blue House re -roofing bid package for the City to solicit bids. Base
bid replaces the older roof at the front of the house with new wood shingles;
alternate bids include the complete re -roofing of the entire house with asphalt
shingles.
IRA WILSON HOME
The house was re -roofed with inappropriate shingles and without the approval of
HPC. A letterwas sentto the Friends of the Barn to resolve the issue.
UNION CHURCH AND CEMETERY— 6 MILE ROAD
A letter was sent to the Trinity Theater Group reminding them of the Historic
Preservation Ordinance and encouraging them to make an appointment with
HPC to review any changes to the building and to receive approval prior to the
beginning of work.
UNION CHURCH AND CEMETERY— FARMINGTON ROAD
The Commission approved the requestto replace a side door ofthe building.
COMMISSIONERS
Commissioners Kathie Glynn, Sue Daniel and Gilbert Toth were reappointed to
the Commission in 2006. Gilbert Toth resigned in June and moved out of the
city. The Commission is actively pursuing another commissioner with a
preservation background to fill his seat.
OFFICER ELECTION
Election of officers held in November, results as follows:
• - Chairperson — Kathleen Johnson Bartshe
• - Vice Chairperson — Don Knapp
• -
Secretary — Ralph Bakewe 11
• - Treasurer—James Kline
28
LIVONIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Activities:
Special Events - Spring and Summer Flea Markets, Highland Games,
Mustang and AMC Car Shows.
Children's Activities - Peter Rabbit, Mother Goose Halloween Walk
Teas - Presidential, Victorian, Mid -Summers Night, Hannah's Autumn,
Christmas
Luncheon - Catherine's Table
Operations:
Marking of dothing collection at Hill House
Developed new activity — Catherine's Table
Maintenance:
East door of Meeting House replaced - Robert Sloan
Greenhouse glass - Robert Sloan
Rear door of Bungalow replaced - Tom Beltowski
Eagle Projects:
Step for east entrance of Newburg School
Hill House front porch and brick walkway
Hinbern brick walkway
Painting
Christmas Decorations:
Geer Store
Hill House decorated by local Quester groups
Exterior decorations by Bourgon Scout Troop
Volunteers:
Gardeners under the direction of Jan Whitcomb
Tour Guides:
Tours for school and adult groups
Special events and Sunday tours June -October and December
Food Booth:
Spring and Summer Flea Markets, Highland Games, Mustang and AMC
Car Shows
Teas:
Three -course teas — Presidential, Victorian, Mid -Summers Night, Hannah's
Autumn, Christmas - plus tea and scones at the Highland Games
29
Rentals:
Church, Meeting House and Alexander Blue House
Donations:
Friends of Greenmead
Walmart
Zonla
Alpha Delta Kappa
Livonia Community Foundation
Gift Shop:
Video won an award
Redesigned
The Livonia Human Relations Commission sponsored the Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. Celebrefion with P.L.A.I.D. (People of Livonia Addressing Issues of Diversity)
at Livonia Churchill High School with featured speaker, Mr. Hue] Perkins, local
Channel Fox 2 Anchorman.
Also we held our annual Honor Roll celebration. This year's awardees were:
BARBARA BRESLIN AND BILL HEATON
The Commission invited the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to hold a public
meeting in Livonia. It was scheduled for July 24, 2006, but was postponed until
Spring 2007.
Also, the H.R.C. Commissioner prepared a personal biography for posting on the
city website.
Members of the Commission met with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and
explained that the H.R.C. would like a closer working relationship with them.
They were receptive.
A letter was sent to the Livonia Observer responding to the arfide regarding
housing discrimination in the city of Livonia.
The Mission Statement of the H.R.C.: 'The Livonia Human Relations
Commission will foster mutual self respect and understanding and promote
amicable relatons among all racial, religious, and ethnic groups of the city.
30
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
In 2006, the Youth Commission continued the administration of the scholarship
program sponsored by the Livonia Anniversary Committee. The Commission
distributed brochures advertising the scholarships to the local high schools and
libraries. Information about the scholarships was presented in the Winter News,
on City Channel 8, the city's website and also in the Department of Community
Resources. More than twenty applications were submitted for the five $2500
awards. Commissioners Jeff Nork, Dan Spuding, Larry Johnson, and Paul
Pyrkosz reviewed and selected the most deserving applicants.
The Arbor Day Project, with the cooperation of the Livonia Public Schools and
the Clarenceville Public Schools, was repeated again. 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 the trees. Commissioner
Kenneth Balcoff chaired the committee this year.
The Youth Commission again supported "All Night Senior Graduation Parties' at
the high schools that requested help. Donations of two hundred fifty dollars
($250.00) were made to high schools in the city upon request.
Honor Certificates were presented to all graduating seniors who had achieved a
3.0 honor point average or higher from all five high schools in Livonia.
Commissioners Paul Pyrkosz and Jill Cramb handled this project.
Emergency stickers, which are to be placed on the bedroom windows of children,
senior citizens or handicapped individuals, continue to be available at City Hall
and also from the Livonia Fire Department. Information on obtaining the stickers
is shown on City Channel 8.
Using the Livonia Community Recreation Center on a Saturday night, the Youth
Commission hosted a Halloween Activity night for Upper Elementary and Junior
High students. Any appropriate aged student was invited for a nominal fee to
enjoy the safe and entertaining environment along with plenty of food. The event
was the result of the entire Commission's efforts as well as support from Parks
and Recreation.
In an effort to reach out to the needy youth of Livonia the Commission hosts a
Holiday Party on two consecutive Saturdays for families who register with
Goodfellows. While the parents are interviewing with the Goodfellows
representatives, the children are invited to enjoy snacks, crafts, gifts, and Santa
at the Senior Center. While many items will be donated the Commission will
ensure that every student leave with a gift bag. Commissioners Dan Spuding
and Jeff Nork headed this project with each Commissioner involved in a role at
the event.
31
The Commission supported Family Day at the Spree by donafing some of the
prizes passed out to the hundreds of youth who participated throughout the day.
Acknowledging that Back to School is a costly time of the year for parents, the
Commission started a school supply program. Using the families provided by the
Livonia Goodfellows, the Commission distributed 300 backpacks with appropriate
school supplies purchased with funds and donations. Commissioners Dan
Spuding and Jeff Nork were primarily responsible for this project.
A "Who are you gonna call list?" is being investigated by Commissioners Jilian
Cramb and Jessie Spuding. The project should yield a list of help phone
numbers and website address that could be distributed to troubled teens or
available to concerned parents.
Commission officers for 2005-2006 were: Jeff Nork Chairperson; Dan Spurling
Vice Chairperson, Jilian Cramb Secretary and Jessie Spuding, Treasurer.
W JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED
CRIMINAL
1. Felony (FY) 301
2. Ordinance Misdemeanor (OM) 1126
3. Statute Misdemeanor (SM) 390
TRAFFIC
4.
Felony Drank Driving (FD)
24
5.
Felony Traffic (FT)
23
Total Felony Traffic 47
(#4+#5=)
6.
Ordinance Drank Driving (OD)
241
7.
Ordinance Civil Infractions (OI)
30482
B.
Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanor (OT)
2810
9.
Statute Drank Driving (SD)
28
32
CIVIL DIVISION
18.
General Civil (GC)
Total Drunk Driving
269
General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ)
6
(#6+#9=)
Landlord Tenant (LT)
10.
Statute Civil Infractions (SI)
2834
10
22.
Small Claims (SC)
Total Civil Infractions
33316
MISCELLANEOUS
(#7+#10=)
Civil Division Juries Selected
11.
Statute Traffic Misdemeanor (ST)
308
28
25.
Motions
Total Traffic Misd.
3118
(#8+#11=)
MISCELLANEOUS
12.
Criminal/Traffic Junes Selected
5
13.
Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 3
NON -TRAFFIC CIVIL INFRACTIONS & PARKING
14.
Ordinance Parking (OK)
1054
15.
Ordinance Non -Traffic (ON)
11
16.
Statute Parking (SK)
0
Total Parking
1065
(#14+#16=)
17.
Statute Non-Traffic(SN)
5
Total Non -Traffic
16
(#15+#17=)
CIVIL DIVISION
18.
General Civil (GC)
2184
19.
General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ)
6
20.
Landlord Tenant (LT)
558
21.
Land Contract Summary Proceedings (SP)
10
22.
Small Claims (SC)
599
MISCELLANEOUS
23.
Civil Division Juries Selected
2
24.
Marriages
28
25.
Motions
1257
33
26.
Discovery/Debtor Exams
172
27.
Gamishments
3456
28.
Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction
306
17
PROBATION
38
1.
Number of Placements on Probation
1703
2.
Pre -Sentence Investigation Reports
1250
3.
Violation of Probation Warrants Issued
984
4.
Show Cause Summons Issued
2188
5.
Probation Cases Closed
1981
6.
Number of Open Probation Cases
1351
7.
Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu ofjail)
4652
Felony
Guilty Plea (reduced charge)
5
Bench Verdict
0
Bindover to 3'd CircuilCourt(afer Examination held or waived)
285
Dismissed by Party
0
Dismissed by Court
17
Inactive Status (Warrant)'
38
Local Diversion
0
Case Type Change
0
Total 345
Misdemeanors (Ordinance and Statute)
Jury Verdict
1
Bench Verdict
10
Guilty Plea
1319
Dismissed by Party
287
Dismissed by Court
97
Inactive Status (Warrant)`
253
Local Diversion
19
Case Type Change
0
Total 1986
34
Felony, Misdemeanor and Civil Infraction
Jury Verdict
Bench Verdict
Guilty Plea/Admission
Bindover to 3'd Circuit Court (after Examination held or waived)
Dismissed by Party
Dismissed by Court
Default Judgments
Inactive Status (Warrant)'
Local Diversion
Case Type Change
Total
0
3641
22568
44
853
2436
7532
723
2
0
`Note: Wamanl/Bench Warrant/On Appeal/Pending Forensic Examination
Non -Traffic, Civil Infraction and Parking
37799
Verdict at Hearing
52
AdmissiorvWaivers
708
Dismissed by Party
7
Dismissed by Court
33
Default Judgments
276
Case Type Change
1
Total
33
CIVIL DEPARTMENT
5
Civil, Landlord/Tenant and Small Claims
Jury Verdict
1
Bench Verdict
161
Uncontested/Defaults/Settlements
1795
Transferred
48
Dismissed by Party
689
Dismissed by Court
571
Inactive Status"
33
Other Disposition
5
35
1077
Case Type Change 0
"Note: Bankruptcy Stay
Total 3303
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
FINANCIAL
Due to City of Livonia General Fund $3,531,086.40
Escrow Accounts
Bonds $1,024,867.05
Restitution $ 37 359.30
Work Program $ 160 322.50
Miscellaneous' $ 112 138.13
• includes garnishment payments, escrow rent, refunds, etc.
Due to Stale of Michigan
$1,581,625.20
Due to County Library
$ 124 750.80
Other Miscellaneous Payments
$ 53.571.00
Court Building Improvement Fund
$ 296.045.50
Drug Court Fund (set-aside effective 10/01/05)
$ 16 530.00
UNAUDITED YEAR'S REVENUE TOTAL
(excluding interest income) $6,938,295.88
2005-2006 Projects
1. The Court continues on its path to establishing both a "Drug Court" and
"Sobriety Court', atthe 16th Judicial District Court.
a. Grant Applications were filed, as a first step in the introduction of
this intensive supervised probation program.
b. Its team of professionals attended a weekly intensive training in St.
Louis, Missouri this past August with Federal Government. This
36
was followed by four days of training in Lansing, Michigan with
State Court personnel.
2. The Court concluded 11 % months of union negotiations and signed ifs
first ever labor agreements with the MAPE and TPOAM unions
representing court employees.
3. The Court continued its use of the Slate of Michigan Collection Module
and over $400,000.00 was collected from delinquent offenders.
4. The Court installed a digitized recording system in courtrooms #1 & #2.
This replaces audiocassette recording with computer -enhanced recording.
5. The Court has effectively taken over the updating and entering of
misdemeanor offenses for Criminal History Reporting via compuler/LEIN
directly to the Michigan State Police Central Records computer. In
cooperation with the State Court Administrative Office this Court is
working closely with the Livonia Police Department, Michigan State Police
and Wayne County Sheriff Department to ensure proper information and
procedure.
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-five 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:
Supervision over the administration of the financial affairs of the City.
Keeping of accounts and financial records of the City and all departments,
commissions and agencies of the City government.
Maintenance of payroll records for all City employees.
Preparation of checks for all financial obligations of the City.
Billing and collection of over 150,000 water and sewer bills.
37
Responsibility for all computerized reporting and budget analysis for City
Departments.
Responsibility for evaluating and recommending computer hardware and
software systems City-wide.
Preparation of the annual budget for the Mayor.
Taking of bids for all major purchases made by the City.
Responding to City Council questions and providing additional reports and
information as requested by Council.
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.
Performs Treasurer function for the Plymouth Road Development
Authority.
Membership on the Community Development Block Grant Committee.
Responsible for risk management of casualty and liability, worker's
compensation and medical insurance for the City and is the City's
representative to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority
(MMRMA).
Representation at over 50 meetings of the City Council.
Preparation of all debt issued by City.
Responsible for investment of City funds in interest earning accounts in
accordance with Stale law.
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 ads as Purchasing Agent for the City. The Budget -
Purchasing activity processed a total of 23,261 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 693 supply orders and
printing requests were also filled for City Departments.
M
ACCOUNTING
The volume of the Accounting Division activity is listed by comparative figures for
the past two years:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30 2005 2006
i[ 510 :00KC041YRS•
Payables Checks
17,914
17,610
Payroll Checks
28,271
27,952
Journal Entries
15,218
15,357
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables)
7,213
7,263
Accounts Receivable Invoices:
False Alarms
1,567
1,111
Rescue Runs
4,087
4,289
Other
1,300
2,115
Water Bills Mailed
154,351 154,730
Water Bills Paid by EFT
12,534
15,801
Temporarily idle funds were invested in Certificates of Deposit and daily savings
deposits, resulting in a total interest earned of $1,850,776
or 3.64% of City
General Fund Revenue.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. In 2006, the Finance, Accounting and Information Systems departments
began implementing a conversion to a new financial management system
called ".Net" from New Wald Systems, Inc. It is anticipated that we will have
completed data conversions and training by 2007, and we will go live in
phases during 2007.
2. The Finance Department refinanced $4,470,000 of the 1998 DDA bonds and
$4,110,000 of the 2000 Water and Sewer bonds, resulting in a reduced future
debt service cost of $420,000.
3. The Finance Department prepared exhibits and testified in both the AFSCME
Local 192 Fad Finding proceeding and the Livonia Police Officer Ad 312
proceeding. These proceedings allowed the City to obtain very reasonable
collective bargaining agreements with these groups.
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 Poors. Because of these excellent
39
bond ratings, more people will invest in City of Livonia bonds resulfing in more
competitive bidding from brokerage houses. Savings will continue into the
future for the City due to these refings.
5. The City of Livonia audit was completed and, once again, the City's auditors
found no significant audit adjustments.
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 reports directly to the Finance Director. The staff of the Information
Systems Department consists of five (5) employees. 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:
2002- 2003- 2004- 2005-
2003 2004 2005 2006
IBM AS/400 Midrange Computer 1 1 1 1
Windows 2000/2003 Server 11 10 10 17
Personal Computers 317 319 293 298
Due to failures with old equipment, we were able to replace our Network
Infrastructure this year with a new Cisco Network platform. The old infrastructure
was made of 10/100 MB Hubs and Switches and was over seven years old. The
new infrastructure is 1 GB Switches and includes Power of Ethernet capabilities.
This new infrastructure also provided for enhanced security for our network and
will provide for future uses of our network for other purposes.
We also replaced our 4 slowest wireless bridges. These bridges provide network
connectivity to Greenmead, Silver Village, Newburg Village and McNamara
40
Towers. The old Pinnacle bridges ran at a speed of 11 MB and we could no
longer get parts and service on them. The new Cisco wireless bridges run at a
speed of 54 MB.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUPPORT
We began a project this year to replace our Financial, Payroll and Human
Resource, Utility Billing and all of our Licensing Systems with New World
Logos.Nel systems. The old Logos/400 systems were written back in the mid
1980's and updated several limes. This project has been kicked off and is
progressing on -track. We are anticipating the completion of this project during
the next fiscal year.
We also have been involved with the installation of hardware and software for the
new Transit System (RouleMatch). This has been a critical project that was
implemented in a very aggressive schedule to meet the deadline for our
withdrawal from SMART.
TRAINING AND END USER SUPPORT
The IS Department provides in-house training for City employees on how to use
computers and software packages. A breakdown on training offered is:
2002-
2003-
2004-
2005-
2003
2004
2005
2006
Number of Classes Conducted 60
26
26
40
Number of Employees Trained 140
77
59
109
1,385 user support issues were recorded and resolved this year
WEBSITE AND INTERNET
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(httP1/ www.d.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and gran in
usage.
2003-2004
2004-2005 2005-2006
Number of Page Views 950,967
1,042,874 1,107,921
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees
2003-
2004- 2005-
2004
2005 2006
Number of E-mail accounts 259
239 296
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Information Systems Department also manages the Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) for the City of Livonia.
41
Overall the GIS has continued to evolve here at the City. We have moved many
of our most important data layers into the geodatabase format, acquired updated
photography, and have continued to maintain data layers that are used in
multiple map series. Specifically, we have:
1. Developed two new "series" of maps with the planning department
(zoning, address) based on I/ section maps (144 maps in each series).
We have also produced online "PDF" versions of all of our maps (tax
maps, zoning, address).
2. Developed a set of "section -based" address maps for the Fire Department
(36 maps).
3. Updated the dispatch room maps for the police and fire departments.
4. Developed a new procedure for notifying residents of zoning changes who
live in apartment buildings and multi -tenant commercial strips.
5. Acquired 2005 SEMCOG aerial photography for the city. We also
acquired 2005 photography for the surrounding communities. This is all
orlhorectifed 6 -inch color photography in MrSID formal.
6. The City acquired Pictometry software/data for Livonia and surrounding
communifies. I have installed software on approximately 15 machines
within the City. Piclometry features an address lookup feature based on
our parcel layer.
7. Moved many shape files and coverages into the personal geodalabase
formal. This should make the upgrade to the Arc Spatial Data Engine
(SDE) fairly simple.
8. Updated AmIMS and AmInfo to version 9.1. The newest version, 9.2,
should arrive at the beginning of 2007. Version 9.2 will include new
software — Aro GIS Server.
9. Located Tier -1 and Tier -2 EHS sites for the fire department. After the
sites were identified, generated latitude and longitude coordinates for each
site.
10.Parti cipated in the design for Arc Spatial Data Engine (SDE) database with
InfoGeographics. Currently ironing out field label names and database
content issues.
LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2006, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 8,111 incidents,
82% involved emergency medical services, while fire related responses
accounted for 18%. The following statistical breakdowns reflect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year.
42
Incidents
Emergency Medical 6,689
Fire 264
Fire (other) 1,158
Total 8,111
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for
71 of the responses, 523 were false fire alar calls and 175 for downed wire
incidents.
Monetary Fire Loss
Residential $1,274,625
Vehicle $250,705
Commercial $187,150
Educational/Institufional $15,550
Total $1,728,030
Of the total dollars lost, residential fires accounted for 73%, commercial fires
10%, educafional / assembly occupancy 3%, and vehicle losses 14%.
Incidents by day of week
Sunday
1,052
12.9%
Monday
1,144
14.1%
Tuesday
1,183
14.6%
Wednesday
1,232
15.2%
Thursday
1,179
14.5%
Friday
1,192
14.7%
Saturday
1,129
13.9%
The busiesttime ofdayis 2:OOp.m. through 3:OOp.m.
Throughout the year, in addition to the related acWtes listed below, this Division
is responsible for updafing technical knowledge, maintaining job efficiency and
state cerfifcafion for the department's Fire Inspectors. This is accomplished by
attending numerous seminars, job related schools and other confining
education programs. These schools would include but are not limited to
Schoolcraft College, the National Fire Academy, Michigan State Police Arson
43
School, Michigan Fire Inspectors Conferences, Metro Detroit Fire Inspectors
Society and the various (I.AA I.) International Association of Arson Investigators
arson schools and seminars.
Inspections
Although not all encompassing, the following calegones reflect the majority of
inspections conducted by the Fire Prevention Division:
Advice
119
Inlenor Alterations
158
Alarm
49
Liquor License
17
Complaint
13
Liquid Propane Gas
6
Chemical Surveys
118
Life Safety Inspections
15
City License
121
New Construction
17
Carnival/Spree
8
Site Plan/Preliminary Plan
58
False Alarms
47
Re -occupancy
67
Fire Lanes
58
Revision
19
First Tenant
6
System Report Deficiency
173
Fireworks
48
Suppression
118
Hydrant/Flow
24
Temporary Structure
18
History File
142
Exterior
6
Alterations/Construction
City Buildings
64
IGSFl C1:1:;
Plan Reviews
Alarm
42
Construction
192
Hood & Duct /Spray
23
Booth
Site
58
Fire Suppression
94
Total
388
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 insure compliance with the adopted codes
and standard 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. Plans review
and inspections are both up by eleven percent from last year.
44
The Fire Marshal and the Senior Fire Inspector in the Fire Prevention division
continue to be Certified State of Michigan Fire Inspectors and Certified by the
National Fire Protection Association to the level of Fire Inspector I. In addition to
the above certifications the two senior investigators in Fire Prevention have
attended both the National Fire Academy Arson Investigation course and the
Michigan State Police Arson Investigation course. The Inspectors have
completed Fire Officer 1 and It The Junior Inspector completed the Michigan
State Police Arson Investigation course this fall.
The Fire Marshal is an inlemationally certified fire investigator (CFI) through the
International Association of Arson Investigators, one of only forty-five in the Slate
of Michigan. The Fire Marshal also sits on the Board of Directors for the
Michigan Chapter of the International Association of Fire Investigators.
There were 97 fres investigated by the Fire Prevention Division of these 71 were
accidental, 13 were arson and 13 were of an undetermined origin.
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2006 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 program
in order to ensure that the department's personnel are always compliant with
licensing requirements. The training office continues to improve its record
management system related to training activities, which in tum 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.
Other ongoing initiatives undertaken by the training office induce the
administration and oversight of the department Grants. A previous grant award
will allow the department to develop and deploy an electronic Patient Care
Record System (ePCR) reducing redundancy in the current county paper reports,
improving QAIQI processes, increase HIPAA security on PHI and allow the
department to interface electronically with the city's third party EMS billing
company. This new program will also enhance the department's ability to
analytically view EMS trends and usage from a demographic perspective, as well
as provide a tool for syndromic surveillance within the community. The
department, with the approval of the law department, has entered into a contract
with Medtronics Corporation (LifeNet Software). During 2006, initial training look
place and the configuration process has recently been started.
45
The training office continues to be forward thinking in regards to capturing
available grant funding and alternative ways to finance departmental capital
needs both in training programs and equipment. Enhancing relationships with
both local businesses and community educational institutions has also been a
priority in hopes that a mutual sharing of resources increases overall operational
effectiveness. Grants through State Farm, MMRMA, and Belfour construction
have allowed the department to move ahead with programs that have left
unfunded do to budgetary constraints over the last three years.
Fire Officer training commensurate with the CBA continues to be a lop priorly as
it pertains to off-site training and in preparing our Company level officers for each
new position.
The RAFT (Regional Alliance for Fire Training) organization has developed a
new Company Officer course. Two of our members were involved in the
development of the course and were instructors for the first pilot class. Three of
our members were in the pilot class.
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 stale 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 allays the prioritizing of all EMS related calls
to ensure that the most life threatening emergencies receive assistance above
those of a lesser degree. The Training Coordinator and Engineer Jon Unruh
continue to provide the needed continued education units (CEU) required for
recertification of dispatchers every two years. 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 state guidelines.
This fiscal year has also brought added responsibility in regards to the facilitation
of grant money awarded under the 2004 Homeland Security Grant. This office
has been tasked with the oversight of seven grant projects approved under this
grant program that primarily focuses on operational readiness and personal
protective equipment as it applies to WMD/CBRNE events. The goal in each of
the projects was to take an "all hazards' approach in design of the projects, while
still complying with the strict DHS grant guidelines on expenditures for approved
equipment. The training office has worked closely with the LPD Homeland
Security Officer in meeting the cilys purchasing guidelines, securing quotes,
46
seeking City Council approval where needed, and ordering all associated
equipment for the seven grant projects.
The focus of the training office in 2007 will be to establish updated company level
drills, continue efforts in the monthly "Quick DnII" program, revise and implement
a new Dnver/Operator program, and begin development on a new in-house
Company Officer training program. With continued changes in the state's Fire
Officer programs, new records and additional training will be required in order to
fulfill the CBA and meet the new state requirements.
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Senior 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:
Completed 423 work orders/requests
Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars, and all
equipment on each vehicle on a semi-annual and annual basis. Built a new test
gun for pump testing and centrifugal pumps received their annual testing, along
with MIOSHA tire inspections.
Two inspection trips were made to Florida, (final inspections of two new
Ambulances).
Worked with Medic Master on warranties of vehicle chassis and box. Two Medic
Master Ambulances (SQ -5, 6) were shuttled to and from Indianapolis for
complete repaint under warranty. Also E-1 was sent to Grand Rapids for
Warranty paint repair. One inspection trip was made.
Made ready and disposed of equipment removed from service (i.e. Fire
Investigation Unit, Technical Rescue Unit, New SQ -3, New SQ -5)
In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighter and E.M.T.D.'s on
the operational requirements of vehicles. Also aided in training exercises when
necessary.
Responded to major fires to assist the department in set up of equipment, filling
of SCBA bottles, repair and refueling of vehicles.
47
Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and members
of Westem Wayne Mutual Aid Association.
Provided assistance to the following Pmject Mangers:
• SCBA Officer -ordering parts, repairing SCBA airpacks.
• Hose Officer - specification writing, ordering and mounting of nozzles,
adapters, and hose.
• Building Maintenance Officer- repairofvehide electrical drop lines.
• EMT Officer- installation of ALS equipment.
• 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.
• Apparatus Officer - ordering and mounting of new equipment/hand tools
and mounts.
• Public Relations Committee - equipment.
• Radio Technician - the installation and removal of communications
systems for vehicles going into and coming out of service along with
installations of ALS radio equipment.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items:
Vehicles
1 -1976 Sutphen Aerial Tower, 1250 GPM Pump
1 -1988 C-30 Chevrolet/Invesfigafive Unit
2 -1988 Pierce Arrow 1250 GPM Pumpers
1 -1988 Pierce Dash Heavy Duty Rescue
1 -1994 Ford Horton Water Rescue Unit
1 -1994 Smeal/Spartan 1250 GPM Pumper
1 -1995 Ford Horton Reserve Alpha Unit
1 -1996 5-10 Chevrolet Pick -Up
1 -1996 GMC 3/4 -Ton Pick -Up
1 -1997 Chevrolet Lumina
1 -1997 Intemational/Horton Reserve Alpha Unit
1 -1997 International/Horton Alpha Unit
1 -1998 Chevrolet Lumina
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1 -1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
2-2000 Freighlliner/Medic Master Alpha Units
2 — 2001 Freighlliner/Medic Master Alpha Units
1 — 2001 Ford Crown Vic Sedan
1 — 2002 American LaFrence 2000GPM 75FT. Aerial
3-2003 American La France Eagle Pumpers
1 -2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 — 2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boal, Motor and Trailer
5— 2003 Ford Crown Vic Sedans
1 — 2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 — 2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B.R.N.E.)
1 — 2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
1 — 2007 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
35—Total Vehicles
Equipment on Vehicles
Thousands of feet of fire hose
Fire hose nozzles
Axes and adapters
Foam equipment, hand and vehide mounted
Deluge equipment
110 V electrical lighfing
Tools (hand and fire fghfing)
9 -Auxiliary generators
43 - ISI Viking Air Pack
4— ISI Magnum Air Pack
74 -Air Bottles
89 — ISI Viking Masks
4— Magnum Masks
1- Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 - 4 - 6000 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
1 - Hose repair tool and parts
Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
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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.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2006 fiscal year was one that saw new challenges for educating our citizens
through the Fire Safety Education Program within Livonia Fire & Rescue. While
remaining committed to providing quality fire safety education programs
throughout the community, public fire safety education has had to reevaluate the
number and types of programs we deliver.
Each year Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the public
for Fire Safely Education programs. These requests are forwarded to either the
on -duty Battalion Chief or to the Fire Safety 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 -duty Battalion Chief handles the request. If the group requests an individual
to speak at a prearranged 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.
Fire Prevention records indicate that we responded to approximately 200
requests during this fiscal year, reaching thousands of our citizens. These
requests are handled routinely by the Battalion Chiefs office and are conducted
by the on -duty crews working out of all five at Livonia's fire stations.
In June of 2006, we held our annual "School's Out, Safety's In" Open House.
This summer safety event reaches out to our community and invites them into
our Fire Station #3 and gives them an opportunity to meet many of our
firefighters.
In October of 2006, 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. In addition, the Department showcased our award-
winning extrication team, who practiced their skills on two cars. The scenano
was that of taking an injured victim out of a car that cannot be opened the
conventional door method. There was an area where kids can practice their fire
50
safety behaviors, as well. A new addition to our Open House for 2006 included a
Halloween Safety table. This year, that table was modified and expanded upon.
Livonia firefighters participated in a September event held at Laurel Park Place
Mall called the 'Passport to Safely." This project, spearheaded by Sgt. Teeter of
LPD, was a huge success. Crowds were estimated in the thousands who
attended the event. Atter being involved in the third -year annual event, more
effort is being directed into this area. The large number of children that attend
the indoor event are encouraging.
Our dedicated efforts to educate our citizens are among the best anywhere. Our
ideas were shared with the fire service community in one article that appeared in
"Fire Engineering" magazine, (July issue), the nation's premiere fire training
magazine. Other ideas were seen at the website for Fire Engineering magazine
that has weekly featured articles.
This is the second year we took on the project of creating a Fire Safety insert that
was carried along with the Livonia Observer newspaper. The eight -page insert
was designed for elementary -age students and families, and went out with the
21,000 copies of the Observer on October 8, and they were handed out to our
Open House attendees on October 14.
The newsletter "Couplings' made its debut this year. The newsletter is an &
page newsletter designed for adult fire and life safety. It appears in electronic
formal on the dlywebsite, and copies went outwith the Observer as well.
Several informational arfides were prepared and ren in the Livonia Observer
Newspaper, to further reach out to our adult audiences with messages of fire and
life safety.
We were also able to distribute our fire and life safety messages to the citizens of
Livonia through the use of the following sources:
Livonia Public Schools
City Channel 8
Bright House Networks
Livonia Observer
The Livonia Housing Commission submits the following information on its
acfivities and accomplishments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, Community
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Development Block Grant Program, McNamara Towers #1 and #2, Section 8
Rent Subsidy Program and Brashear Tower.
SILVER VILLAGE -33780 LYNDON
Silver Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The wailing list consists of 52
"Livonia residents" and 33 "parents of Livonia residents."
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Silver Village lumoverwas 12 units in 2006.
2. The mailbox structures and concrete pad extensions were replaced
throughout Silver Village.
3. Carpeting was replaced in 8 one and two bedroom apartments,
thereby completing our cycle replacement program.
4. The outside lighting poles and heads were replaced throughout the
facility.
5. All apartments were inspected for safety and maintenance
purposes.
NEWBURGH VILLAGE -11999 NEWBURGH ROAD
During 2006, 120 apartments were inspected and necessary repairs were made,
in order to ensure decent, safe and sanitary housing, whereby maintaining
resident satisfaction.
Activities and Accomplishments
Roofs and skylights in all 10 apartment buildings were replaced and
the roof was replaced in the community building.
Parking lots were re -striped and apartment numbers re -painted.
Electronic fund transfer for rental payment was offered to all
residents. Currently, there are 70 resident apartments enrolled in
this program.
There were 15 turnovers from January 1, 2006 through October 31, 2006.
Occupancy remains at 100%. There are approximately 50 names on the
Newburgh Village "resident waiting list" and approximately 14 names on the
..parents of residents waiting list."
52
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2005-2006 fiscal year, through the Community Development Block Grant
Program. Total CDBG expenditures for the year were
$812,254.95. Below
please find the accomplishments produced by each ofthese programs.
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan 16
Households Served
Program
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan 16
Households Served
Program
Minor Home Repair Program 89
Households Served
Emergency Utility Shut-Off Assistance 22
Households Served
Senior Van Transportation Program 412
Persons Served
Transportation Vouchers 3
Persons Served
Mental Health Counseling Program 25
Persons Served
First Step (Western Wayne County 189
Persons Served
Project on Domestic Assault)
Fair Housing Initiative
NotApplicable
Scattered Site Rental Homes 15
Households Served
(Mngt./Maint.)
Help Source 10
Persons Served
Total Served: 797
HouseholdslPersons
McNAMARA TOWERS #1 & #2 -19300 PURLINGBROOK & SCATTERED
SITE HOMES
McNamara Towers Building #1
1. All apartments were inspected and repairs
made according to
Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
2. 20 new refrigerators were installed.
3. 35 new air conditioners were installed.
McNamara Towers Building #2
1. All apartments were inspected and repairs
made according to
Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
2. 20 new refrigerators were installed.
3. 40 new air conditioners were installed.
The original parking lot at McNamara Towers was resurfaced
at a cost of
approximately $200,000.
Installation of all automatic door openers was completed.
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McNamara Towers had a total of 23 vacancies during 2006.
Scattered Site Housing
Kitchen renovations were made in two of the scattered site homes along with the
routine repairs and maintenance. Unfinished landscaping from the previous year
was completed at all the site homes.
The Livonia Housing Commission Section 8 Rent Subsidy Program currently
administers a Housing Choice Voucher Program consisting of 803 families.
Fiscal Year 2005 SEMAP, Section 8 Management Assessment scored as a High
Performer. An audit was conducted on the Section 8 program and no findings
were found.
We will be updating our waiting list again in 2007. We currently have 1,281
applicants on the waiting list.
The current Section 8 Voucher Leasing rale is 98%
WILLIAM W. BRASHEAR TOWER -17841 N. LAUREL PARK DRIVE
The waiting list consists of approximately 10 applicants as of November 10,
2006. Brashear Tower is cumemy advertising 30-60 day occupancy for 1
bedroom units.
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Replaced refrigerators in 14 units.
2. Installed new carpeting in 14 units.
3. Repainted 28 units for new move -ins.
4. Installed new vertical blinds in 28 units.
5. Completed repairs to exterior building panels in June, July and
August 2006 to correct interior leaks to units and common areas.
6. Annual inspections were done in 196 units and the building common
areas performed by the Livonia Housing Commission on October 11
and 12, 2006.
54
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 and various civic groups.
Coordination with State government agencies involving building construction is
handled by this department. 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 Community Development Block Program. 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.
BUILDING INSPECTION issued approximately 8,452 permits in 2005/96 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, inducing new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. 34 permits were issued for new
residential homes and 13 permits were issued for new commeroialfindustrial
structures. In other activity, 102 single-family condominium units were
constructed or are currently under construction. No permits for apartment
buildings were issued this year. Mechanical permits (plumbing, electrical,
heating and refrigeration) numbered approximately 4921 for the year.
Residential additions/alterations, garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs,
zoning compliance, commercial/industrial additions, demolitions and moving
permits comprised the remainder of permits issued. 59 demolition permits were
issued during the year, 29 of which were residential structures. Permits for
Christmas tree sales lots, pennant and banner displays, awnings, underground
storage tanks and various special inspections were issued as required.
Certificates of Occupancy are issued for all new residences, commercial and
industrial buildings upon completion. State building, mechanical, plumbing,
electrical and sign contractor licenses are registered yearly in this office.
Additionally, official records are kept on fence contractors, excavators and
demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing buildings for compliance with
B.O.C.A. Property Maintenance Code continued through 2006. In connection
with this program, 1430 inspections were made, violations issued when
necessary and compliance obtained. This program is designed to maintain
health and safety standards in the city. In addition to the annual inspection
program the Inspection Department now requires that all one, two and multiple
family rental dwelling units be licensed and inspected on an annual basis. This
year 916 rental units were inspected by the City.
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Additionally, 555 formal complaints were received and responded to throughout
the year as they related to properly code violations. There were approximately
626 rental inspection violations and 1001 annual inspection violations that were
issued for various code infractions during 2005/06.
The valuation of new building activities for 2005/06 is $107491317. The
revenue collected from all building activities was approximately $2,471,130.
SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT is responsible 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 and welfare of
the residents of the City, such as pollution, hazardous waste, trash and debris,
vacant buildings, weed cutting, 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 are the
responsibility of Ordinance Enforcement.
STATISTICS
2005-06
Total General Inspections Made 23,927
Building Maintenance and Repair
1277
Parking Lot Repairs
98
Trash and Debris
2635
Junk Vehicles
2290
Noxious Weeds'
5229
Noise/Air/Odor
203
Nuisances
2289
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property
722
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Properly
3057
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles
1069
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles
1094
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy
685
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles
1240
Right of Way encroachments
365
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Posted)
1251
Snow on Sidewalks
252
License Violations
171
Sanitation activities included 1,618 citizen complaints regarding the collection of
municipal refuse and the delivery of 286 recycling bins.
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Enforcement of the Noxious Weed Ordinance induced the invesfigation of
citizen complaints and the abatement of violations through the mowing of weeds
and removal of debris from 897 properties by the CityWeed Mowing Contractor.
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Building Code Board of Appeals 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 equivalentfonn of construction can be used.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2005-06 is as follows:
Meetings Scheduled
5
Appeals Filed
6
Hearings Held
6
Re -hearings
0
Appeals Granted
6
Appeals Denied
0
Appeals Dropped
0
Appeals Tabled
0
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection
Department.
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DEPARTMENT OF LAW
LITIGATION
There are three (3) cases pending in the Circuit Court for the County of Wayne,
where the City of Livonia, and/or City officials, are involved either as plaintiffs or
as defendants. Nine (9) other cases were resolved in 2005-2006 either pursuant
to a stipulation or by final judgment of the Wayne County Circuit Court. There
are no civil cases pending in the 16th District Court. Three (3) civil cases were
resolved in the 16th District Court and one (1) case was resolved in the 80th
District Court. Two (2) cases are pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals and
two (2) other cases were resolved. No cases are pending in the Michigan
Supreme Court. Two cases were resolved in the Michigan Supreme Court. Four
(4) cases are pending in the United Stales District.
Seventy-one (71) cases are pending before the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Thirty-six
(36) other cases were disposed of. (NOTE: Settlement agreements may have
been reached in some of the cases reported as pending. It is the practice of the
Law Department to keep a case open unlil the Tax Tribunal has entered a final
order; the Tribunal often takes several weeks to enter final orders atter receipt of
the stipulation of the parties.)
The foregoing does not include any appeals taken in ordinance violation cases
from the District Court to the Circuit Court, and/or the Court of Appeals, and/or
the Supreme Court.
DISTRICT COURT
From December 2005 through November 2006, the following number of cases
were disposed of in the Livonia District Court.
Criminal Traffic Jury Trials
Ordinance
Misdemeanor 1126 2810 0
Ordinance
Drank Driving 241 1
There are three (3) cases which were appealed from the 16th District Court
which are pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals.
In addition, five (5) other cases which were appealed from the 16th District Court
to a higher court have been resolved.
58
OPINIONS
No formal opinions were issued by the Department of Law during 2005-06. Upon
request, the Department issued a substantial number of recommendations in
correspondence to the various City Departments, Boards and Commissions and
the City Council by members of the legal staff upon various subjects and matters.
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS
This office represents the City and its officials from time to time in formal appeals
and grievance proceedings before the Civil Service Commission. We also
appear in matters involving the City before various State agencies, including the
Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan Employment Relations
Commission and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
ARBITRATION
At present there are no arbitration cases pending in which this office is involved.
No civil rights complaints are pending before the Michigan Civil Rights
Commission or EEOC. Two (2) civil nghls/EEOC complaints were resolved.
ORDINANCES
The following number of ordinances, prepared by the Department of Law, were
submitted to the City Council and were adopted by the Council during the year
2005-06:
12 amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map;
11 amendments to the substance of the Zoning Ordinance;
2 vacating ordinances; and
25 amendments to the Livonia Code of Ordinances.
In addition, three (3) proposed ordinance amendments have been prepared and
submitted to the City Council and the same are now awaiting Council action.
59
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
1. Pursuant to Council Resolution 390-04, property located at 14917 Country
Club in Section 20 was purchased from Wayne County in 2004. Pursuant
to Council Resolution 355-06, this property was sold to Glen Gates for the
amount of back taxes ($6,637.15), plus Inspection Department costs
($4,081.76), delinquent water bills ($3,911.70), closing, recording and
transfer fees ($21.00), court costs ($179.88) and Law Department
administrative costs ($750.00), for atotal of $15,581.49. This transaction
was completed on July 28, 2006.
NOTE: Not included in this report are the numerous transactions involving the
acquisition of easements without monetary consideration.
1. Preparation and dreffing of proposed resolutions in connection with City
Council meetings.
2. Providing a representative at meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals,
and, upon request, at meetings of the City Planning Commission, the
Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System and other City
commissions and agencies.
3. Preparation and review of all contracts entered into between the City and
other persons, as well as approving "as to form" all legal documents that
are processed in the City.
4. Approval, typing and transmission to the District Court warrant requests
(445) as submitted by the Police Division and the Inspection Department.
5. Provide assistance to other departments in the collection of delinquent
fees, charges and taxes by taking whatever steps may be necessary,
including the institution of litigation.
6. Refer to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority for
disposition all lawsuits and claims of action against the City which would
be covered through the Citys agreement with the Authority.
7. Provide legal assistance to various City department heads and
supervisors with respect to labor matters, including review of proposed
disciplinary actions.
8. Citizens' disputes and problems requiring the advice and counsel of this
office are increasing and require more time than ever before.
60
DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC
Once again activity and service levels have remained high despite reductions in
staffing and other resources. Attendance at library sponsored programs remains
very high and circulation has actually increased for the first time in several years,
which defies recent decreases in circulation experienced by the public library
community at large. Technology-based services have continued to grow in
popularity, as indicated by the dramatic increase in internet workstation use.
Patrons have also stepped up their use of the many useful links and other
services provided on the Library website. The Livonia Public Library now has
1342 professionally selected and organized links to make using the internet even
easier. Patrons can still search the library catalog and check their record from
home, as well as having the ability to renew items online or by phone. Citizens
can now also apply for their library card online. An exciting new service at the
Library is our'Wireless" internet access, which gives library users the opportunity
to make more efficient use of library resources, by being able to interact directly
with their laptops at the same time. This is an important addition to the onsite
internet workstations already available. Business people, job hunters and
students all benefit from the convenience of the library's computer services,
along with citizens who may not have access to technology at home. The Sam
internet management system that was installed at Civic Center Branch last year,
has now also been installed at our Sandburg Branch. This allows fair and equal
use of library computers with minimal staff intervention. Patrons enjoy the ability
to self -serve and staff can devote more time to assisting citizens with more
complicated research questions. The Auto Reference Center database is a new
and popular online subscnpfion that allows patrons easy access to automotive
repair information. News of upcoming events, new reference books and
seasonal facts and trivia remain popular with the many recipients of the Library's
e -newsletter, which now has 548 subscribers. The Library still offers quick and
efficient automated phone call notification that requested books have arrived.
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 and we are looking forward to the
opportunity to repair and upgrade the auditorium through capital improvements to
the light and sound systems in the new budget year.
The Library enjoyed positive coverage from multiple media outlets again this
year. Local papers featured articles on the library including pieces by the Detroit
61
News on children's programs like the Winter craft program at Sandburg and the
"Bob the Builder" and "Angelina Ballerina' programs at Civic Center. The Detroit
Free Press published a feature on an impressive Olympics memorabilia display
at Noble branch. The Livonia Observer printed a color front page arfide on one
of the many wonderful storytime program offered at Noble branch. The Livonia
Public Library also captured national attention in the major professional
magazine "Public Libraries" with an artide about Children's Librarian Dottie
Kennedy blending her hobby of raising exotic birds with her work as a Children's
Librarian. The Livonia Observer once again generously printed the names of the
lop -performing Summer Reading participants. City Channel 8 taped some of the
Noontime Concerts again this year, broadcasting free musical entertainment to
the community.
The display areas at all time branches were busy again this year with all kinds of
colorful and informative exhibits. The Livonia Arts Commission booked monthly
art exhibits into the Civic Center gallery and display cases at all of the branches
showcased items like Depression glass, Barbie dolls, teapots, pilgrims, Olympic
memorabilia, rocks and minerals, handmade toys, collectable spoons and a
special set of dollhouses bringing awareness to the childhood condition of Turner
Syndrome.
Library programs were very popular with our community again this year, with
impressive attendance at events like the Summer Reading Program, which
keeps up students' reading skills over the summer and encourages children and
teens to enjoy the Library and to embrace reading as a lifelong skill. The Library
offers something for all ages, starting with Mother Goose, Pied Piper, Melody
Lane and other storytime sessions designed to help develop pre -reading skills in
toddlers and young children, continuing through older children with programs like
family movies, sign language, dance, crafts, making your own book, mime and
book- related events featuring popular books like Harry Potter, Harold and the
Purple Crayon, and Lemony Snicket. Teen programs included practical
information like Dollars for College, AAA Teen Driver Program and Babysitting
Workshops, as well as fun programs like Anime Movie night, scrapbooking,
comic book drawing and dance instruction and DDR (dance, dance revolution)
programs. The library offers something for the older crowd, loo, with instructional
classes on using MS Office and the Internet, book discussion clubs and
informative speakers on gardening, astronomy, quilts, travel and free music
concerts. The Library also does obituary searches and proctors exams for
institutions like MSU, CMU, WMU, Oakland University, Jackson Community
College, DeVry Business School, The Gemological Institute, Indiana University
and Brigham Young.
The Livonia Public Library has been fortunate in its many partnering relationships
with various organizations. The Library provided entertainment and craft
programs in conjunction with the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony and in
cooperation with the Livonia Parks and Recreafion Department and the Livonia
62
Rotary Club. The Library also worked with the Livonia Public Schools through
the Perrinville Parent -Preschool Jamboree and other programs highlighting the
importance of reading to preschoolers, and by giving library tours and making
numerous classroom visits. The Library also partnered with the Livonia Public
Schools on a number of other projects, including ELVs (Early Literacy Volunteer
— a volunteer tutoring program), the 'Young Author' program, and the "Author in
Autumn" outreach program, which benefits local school children. The Clowns
around Redford performed their annual clown show and a number of CAPA
programs look place at the Library. The Library receives generous cooperation
and support from many local businesses that provide incenfives for the Summer
Reading Program. The Library was fortunate in hating the Livonia Arts
Commission co-sponsor the popular Noontime Concert Series again this year
and we also were graciously given the opportunity to have a booth promoting the
Summer Reading Program and other Library services at the Arts Commission's
"Art four the Heart" event. The Livonia Observer cooperated with us again by
graciously making room in their pages for the names of the top readers in our
Summer Reading Program. A number of programs throughout the year were co-
sponsored by the Rising Stars Youtheatre and the Detroit Story League,
encouraging performance, creativity and storytelling as an important part of the
educational process. The Library also assists City employees and other City
departments by providing meeting room facilites for various meetings and
events. The Library also assisted with collections for the Livonia Goodfellows
and the Gift of Reading program.
FACILITIES
A number of internet workstations were updated at Civic Center to allow for
greater patron functionality. The SAM internet management system became fully
functional at Civic Center and has recently been installed at Sandburg branch, as
well. Wireless Internet is the hot new service that came up at Civic Center this
year. Patrons love the ability to use their laptops and access the Library's
internet and other services at the same time. Several monitors, a color printer,
and new replacement workstations were installed in several areas of the library.
The Library experienced a major upgrade of our circulation software and new
telecommunications lines have been installed in cooperation with the TLN (The
Library Network — the cooperative that hosts our shared automation system) and
we hope to have increased response time by the end of the year. New DVD
players were purchased for use in the public meeting rooms and the carpel was
replaced in the Sandburg meeting room. New storage and display shelving for
AV and Teen materials was added at Sandburg and Civic Center. Despite the
heavy road construction on Seven Mile Road over the summer, circulation and
program attendance remained steady atthat location.
Hours of Library service were maintained at the same slightly reduced level as
the past several years, despite the loss of additional staff. We are looking
forward to restoring the original hours of service to Civic Center, once sufficient
63
staff can be replaced in the new budget year. This will allow us to provide even
greater service and convenience to the community.
We are grateful for the continued generosity of the City Clerk's Office in sharing
their delivery van with us so that we can make our daily inter -library deliveries.
Making deliveries continues to be difficult, however, since there is no longer a
vehicle in the general City pool to cover the times when be City Clerk van is
unavailable. Deliveries are, therefore, sometimes missed. This can cause
workflow problems for staff and slows down service to our citizens.
Library Commissioners Patsy Girnys, Richard Joyner and Audette Palmer were
re -appointed to serve another term beginning in October. Program Supervisor
Sandy Pinkosky retired creating an opportunity for a string of internal promotional
opportunifies. Karen Delany was promoted to the position of Program
Supervisor, Maureen Gordon and Dianne DelVecchio filled the vacant Library
Aide II posifions, and Ghada Bochenek and Debra Finkbeinerwere promoted to
Library Aide I status. We look forward to the ability to replace a number of
positions at Civic Center Branch in the new budget year, alloying us to restore
our previous hours ofservice. Staffing levels will continue at a reduced level at
Noble and Sandburg branches and reduced hours of operation will remain in
effect in those locations into the new budget year.
FUNDING
The millage continues to be the major source of revenue for the Library holding
at 82.2%. The portion of the Library's budget that comes from the millage has
shifted in recent years due to reductions in the contributions from the City's
general fund. Stale Ad to Libraries was reduced last year. These funds are
expected to increase a little in the new year, but funding to the library
cooperatives that provide services to public libraries in the state are expected to
go down, leaving no net gain from this funding source going into the new year.
Unique Management Service was back to doing more regular collections for the
Library this year. Funds recovered through this agency allow the Library to
replace lost and stolen items.
The Library continues to seek ndside funding and support to help supplement
services to the community. The Livonia Arts Commission approved another
generous grant to help underwrite the costs of the Noontime Concert Series.
The Children's Department received a grant from The Michigan Humanities
Council to cover the Pippin Puppets performance during the Summer Reading
Program. 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.
64
The Friends of the Livonia Public Library awarded two $1500 scholarships to
worthy staff members pursuing their college educations this year. The Friends
continue to work tirelessly to organize and carry out their Book Sale events and
they have also reopened the old gift shop space as a used bookstore. The
Library is especially appreciative of their hard work and generous donations, as
we have moved through a period of continuing economic hard times. We are
grateful for the funds that the Friends donate to us every year, but the labor and
revenue attached to this wonderfully supportive volunteer group cannot be
guaranteed or planned on as part of the regular budget planning process of the
Library as a City Department.
1 G\ IIA 1CNa11111:1A91 TA
PARKS AND RECREATION
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,
theirfamilies and fiends are enhanced.
With the assistance of 13 full time staff and 300 dedicated and enthusiastic part-
time staff, including the Department of Public Services, Building Maintenance,
and Park Maintenance, we served:
65
October 2005
October2006
Library Program Attendance
28,541
26,609
Meeting Room Attendance
53,132
46,785
Registered Borrowers
50,716
46,592 `
Items in the Collection
294,195
289,663 "
Circulation
651,477
720,134
Library Website Usage
150,004
211,312
Internet Workstations
49,778
75,071
Inactive Library cards were purged
this year
"Outdated and damaged materials are weeded from
the collection periodically
"9ncrease of over 70%
""Increase of over 66%
PARKS AND RECREATION
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,
theirfamilies and fiends are enhanced.
With the assistance of 13 full time staff and 300 dedicated and enthusiastic part-
time staff, including the Department of Public Services, Building Maintenance,
and Park Maintenance, we served:
65
? 26,359 individuals who participated in registered classes, programs, and
leagues.
? An average of 3,000 individuals visited the LCRC daily.
? 112,804 golfers played at our three courses.
? 6,600 individuals participated in Special Events.
? 17,173 visitors enjoyed the outdoor pools.
? 30,340 attended an organized picnic at a pavilion.
We received $49,702.00 in donations for: improvements to athletic fields, parks,
Wilson Barn and also for programming and special events. Through the
assistance of Housing and a Community Block Grant a play structure, picnic
table and bench were installed at Broadmoor Park.
Proud recipient ofthe:
MRPA Community Service Award— Livonia Civic Chorus
MRPA Brochure Marketing Award —"L" Magazine
MRPA Special Flyer Award — Personal Trainer Tri -fold
Three major projects underway are the Master Park Plan, V.I.P. Plan and
Emergency Action Plan. The Master Park Plan is a general roadmap for what
programs, parks and facilifies that Livonia should attempt to develop in the next
few years. This year phase two of the Master Park Plan involved focus group
meetings and a survey. The purpose of the survey and focus groups was to
gather community input, which will aide in the planning for the future, and also to
evaluate our current strengths and weaknesses within the department.
The five focus groups that we targeted were seniors, athletic groups, city
employees, staff and an open meeting to the community at large. The results of
these meetings provided valuable information as to usage of the current facilities,
as well as what the community saw as the need for open space, future facilities
and programs.
The department sent surveys to every household (39,249 in total) in Livonia by
including a survey in the L magazine; the response rale from this blanket survey
was approximately 1% of the total households in Livonia. In addition we directly
mailed a second set of surveys to randomly chosen participants in our parks and
recreation programs. This second set of surveys received a much higher
response rale. The rate was between 12% and 16% depending on our six
service divisions.
Kirbach Consultancy compiled the survey results. The research shaved that the
public in general was happy with our services both as a whole department, and
also in each division. The report also looked at survey results by age, gender,
quadrant of the city, income levels, length of residency, and nearest elementary
school. For the most part these findings were not appreciably different than the
aggregate survey, and any differences that we see is something that we will need
66
to take into account in our future plans, such as a performing arts auditorium,
more nature trails, a showcase park and park restroom facilities.
The VIP Plan (Vision, Insight and Planning) involves all full time staff in each
service division meeting to develop a strategic plan for the overall direction and
focus of the department. Emphasis is placed on core values, guiding principles
(finance, marketing, programs & services, infrastructure and development),
Mission and Vision Statements.
As part of our Emergency Action Plan we have a Training Coordinator who works
with all staff in first aid and CPR training, developing an emergency training
handbook and working with Police and Fire.
The Department works cooperatively with and delivers services to other City
Departments, civic organizations, community businesses and the Livonia and
Clarenceville Public Schools.
The most important communication tool of all is word-of-mouth by satisfied
customers/participants. Through staff training we emphasize the importance in
serving our customerstguests. On a daily basis we continue to improve our
means of communication through the City's web site, Community Center
monument marquee, plasma screens, message boards, ktiosk, display board,
press releases, tri -folds, cable releases, event flyers, guest appearances on
Channel 8 and at civic organization/business meetings. Distribution of comment
cards and evaluations continues to provide important feedback on our
performance.
Our award winning "L" Magazine, which varies in size from 56 to 72 pages, has
been received well and is a great source in distributing information to our
residents informing them of the opportunities available to them.
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
• Gott
• Special Events
• Parks
67
AQUATIC DIVISION
The Aquatics Division is comprised of two indoor pools at the Community
Recreation Center and three (Botsford, Clements Circe, 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.
Communitv Recreation Center
This year we provided the Pass Holders the opportunity to swim at any one of the
three (3) outdoors pools. A total of 1,209 members purchased the $5.00 pass.
Over the last year the classes and programs we offered have over 4,038
participants, not including the swim teams. This is an increase of 288
participants over last year.
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. We are also the host of the BC District meet for USA swimming. Other
large meets that we hosted this year at our facilities include the WLAA relay
meet, the country club league championships, the snowball splash, the Spartan
Invitational, and the WLAA women's junior varsity meet. The listed meets had
between 300 and 1,200 participants each. In addition we hosted eight (8) dual
meets for Ladywood High School, and three (3) dual meets for Catholic Central
High School.
Our Community Center special events this year included the V annual
Cardboard boat races, and a very successful theme night called Treasure Island
Day.
The Lap pool was shut down for routine and preventive maintenance in April, and
the Leisure pool was shutdown in August.
Outdoor Pools
Botsford opened on June 10 and Clements Circle on June 17. Botsford dosed
August 27 and Clements Closed September 10. We had over 16,000 people
enjoy the pools this year (4,824 at Botsford, 6,815 at Clements Circle, and 5,534
at Shelden) inducing day and season passes.
This year saw the return of Shelden pool to the aquatic division, the pool opened
on June 25 and dosed on August 13. In order to bring Shelden up to the quality
68
standards that are enjoyed at all of our pools we replaced the pool heater, pump,
pump motor, chlorinator, and flowmeter.
Clements Circle pool also saw a major improvement this year. The filter and
associated plumbing was removed and replaced. Botsford had to be shut down
for a period of two weeks this summer due to an electrical problem leading into
the building, this is the likely cause of the laver participant numbers and is
definitely a cause of decreased rental revenue and swim lesson participation.
Our swim lesson program had 481 students at the Botsford and Shelden pods,
and we had 473 season pass holders. Five (5) different swim teams used our
outdoor pools for summer practice.
This year we held our V Annual Super Youth Triathlon, which had 61
participants. We hosted eight (8) special event theme nights and also held a
Family fun night weekly at each pool.
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Services provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include league play men'sfladies softball, men's
basketball, youth basketball, t -ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, ice skating
program, roller skating, soccer, archery, tennis and bowling.
League Play
We offered over 30 different activities for team sports, had over 6,676
participants and played over 2,000 games. We offered the following team sports
for participants ranging in age from four years to over 65 years old. We had over
148,822 contact hours in our athletic programs.
Programs Ages # of # of # of Avg Game Contact
Teams Games Players Time Hours*
Winter
Men's 18 & older 16 112 192 1 hour 3,360
Basketball
UAL 14& 83 415 1,245 1.25 hours 15,562
Basketball under
Summer
UAL Baseball
16 &
100
590
1,500
2.5 hours
59,000
& Softball
under
Collegiate
20&
8
124
160
2.5 hours
12,400
Baseball
under
Men's Softball
18 & over
74
518
1,332
1.25 hours
25,900
Men's
18 & over
9
63
162
1.25 hours
3,150
Modified
Women's
18 & over
14
98
252
1.25 hours
4,900
FF
Softball
Co -Ed Softball 18 & over 17 119 306 1.25 hours 5,950
Senior Softball 55 & over 7 70 105 1.25 hours 4,200
T -Ball SS yr olds 25 100 450 1.25 hours 5,000
Coach Pilch 7-8yrolds 38 152 684 1.25 hours 7,600
10& 8 32 144 1.25 hours 1,600
Girl's under
Slowpilch 13& 6 24 144 1.25 hours 1,200
under
`Contact Hours: 1. Baseball and softball equals number of games x 40 (2
teams @ 20tteam) x length of game.
2. Basketball equals number of games x 30 (2 teams@
15/team) x length of game.
3. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at
games.
Archery Range
The outdoor Archery Range open April through October has seven (7) targets at
various distances with an additional broad -head range. The range hosted
several instructional workshops throughout the summer as well as a Shoot to
Score Competition. Several area Boy Smut and Girl Scout groups utilized the
range for badge certifications.
Approximately 845 people attended the range through general admission and
season passes and the revenue for the range is $2,951.
Ice Skating
The City owns two ice arenas, Eddie Edgar and Devon -Aire. The Livonia Hockey
Association manages both rinks and offers leagues, clinics, tournaments and
open skating. Additional locker rooms were added to the Devon -Aire Arena this
summer.
Our Learn to Skate Program provided 668 individuals the opportunity to take
skating classes. Representing Livonia were 90 skaters in local and state
competitions. In addition, 42 girls joined one of three Synchronized Skating
Teams. Over 150 skaters ended the season with three performances in our
spectacular ice show called "Michigan Music on Ice'. Attendance exceeded
2,100 spectators.
The skating program touched over 800 different youth through the year.
70
The Community Center in its third year of operation continues to meet its mission
of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships, daily
admissions, dass participation, league play, community group partnerships and
rentals.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 3,000 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed nine (9)
days per year, over 1 million people come through the door each year.
Total Annual Membership 14,578
Family
10,120
Adult
1,422
Couple
1,258
Senior
728
Business/Corporate
414
Youthr-een
283
Young Adult
280
Matinee
73
Summer membership grew in 2006 with a total of 1,440 members
Grand Total of 57,397 day passes
Class activity has also increased. Not only an increase in the number of
offerings but also an increase in the number of people participating in each class.
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session.
Internet class registration increased 39%. Making registration more convenient
to our participants is important.
Participants peracdvity
Aerobics
Resident
Non -Residents
Total Day Passes
42,573
14,824
Youth
18,590
6,911
Teens
12,975
3,414
Adults
10,095
4,173
Seniors
913
326
Grand Total of 57,397 day passes
Class activity has also increased. Not only an increase in the number of
offerings but also an increase in the number of people participating in each class.
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session.
Internet class registration increased 39%. Making registration more convenient
to our participants is important.
Participants peracdvity
Aerobics
6,156
Camp Swoosh
514
Climbing Wall
243
Fitness Center
177
Classes/Leagues
4,466
Personal Training
682
Special Events
280
Swim Lessons
3,215
Water Exercise
1,343
Special projects completed in 2006 were:
71
1. Addition of six (6) new light poles in the drive area.
2. 18 surveillance cameras installed inside and outside the building.
3. Automatic door opener on the family locker room door for handicap
access.
4. 26 new cardio equipment pieces.
5. Added file floor in three (3) party rooms making the room more user
friendly.
Fitness and Wellness
Programming continues to expand and includes: climbing wall dasses, fitness
hub workouts, personal training, nutritional counseling, group exercise (aerobics),
fitness assessments and health/wellness seminars. We have finalized a
massage therapy program that will begin in 2007.
The climbing wall continues to be a popular feature with 13 routes ranging in
degree of difficulty in order to challenge the novice through elite climber. A wide
range of youth and adult climbing classes are offered throughout the weekends.
Specially programming has been added and includes: rock the wall climbing
socials on every Wednesday and camp climb classes. We have also added a
Boy/Gid Scout Merit Badge program. This program is a 34 hour class with
classroom lectures and climbing wall time.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area. Free equipment orientations are
offered on an hourly basis. We also offer the Polar BodyAge assessment. The
assessment measures fitness levels of an individual and calculates their
individual BodyAge. For youth, we offer two types of youth orientations: Teens in
Training Part I and Teens in Training Part 11. The Ft Hub has 80 cardio
machines, 17 selectorized weight -training machines, 2 cabled functional trainers,
2 sets of 5lb-1001b dumbbells and 1 set of 20lb-1101b fixed cud bars. Also
available for member use is an assortment of plate -loaded machines such as a
smith machine, squat rack, leg press, calf raise and chest press benches.
Another feature of the fit hub is the Eneroise Cardio Theater function found on
most of our cardio equipment. The Eneroise unit enables the member to tune
into a television program while getting their cardio workout in.
Personal Training continues to be utilized on a consistent basis. With 14 certified
personal trainers, members can utilize personal training as an individual, couple
or even in a group setting. Personal trainers help members become successful
with their fitness goals.
Nutritional counseling is an additional service that the LCRC is offering. We
currently have two (2) registered dietitians on staff. Members meet with the
dietitians on an individual basis. We have also incorporated dietary services into
some of our dass and seminar offerings as well.
72
With 26 certified aerobics instructors our group exercise classes continue to
expand and grow. Eighty-nine classes are currently offered seven (7) days a
week. Women on weights, lifestyle/body makeover, yoga, cycle, step and pilates
are a few of our most popular dasses.
Sports and Leisure
The LCRC continues to offer a variety of sports leagues and clinics, reflecting the
diversity and strengths of the community. This past year we offered the following
leagues: Boys and Girls Youth Basketball, Men's Basketball, Co -Ed Indoor
Volleyball, Sand Volleyball, Youth Roller Hockey, Youth Soccer, and our newest
addition, Adult Floor Hockey. We continue to offer a number of youth sports
clinics anc/or camps for volleyball, roller hockey, soccer, basketball, pre-school
sports, tennis, and cheer. This past summer we partnered with Scicluna Soccer
to offer three (3) weeks of full day soccer, swimming, and advanced skills camps,
which proved to be extremely successful.
We also continue to diversify in our pre-school, youth, and adult leisure classes
and programs. Some core examples of classes include martial arts, ballet, jazz,
pre-school skills classes, music with joy interactive classes, art, and Parent
Break Night to name a few. Summer Camp Swoosh, which is an adventure day
camp, proved once again to be a success and a necessity in the community.
Camp Swoosh increased in revenue from the previous year by approximately
15%. This year a pre-school half-day version of Camp Swoosh, called Mini -
Swoosh was introduced.
Kid Quarters
Our short term child care operation, continues to serve our customers needs,
allowing parents to stay active and involved not only in the community but in a
healthy lifestyle, while their children are in a safe and convenient environment.
Kid Quarters generated approximately $20,300.00 in sales.
Rentals
The LCRC leads the way in birthday party fun. Each weekend 10-20 parties are
held at the recreation center, totaling over 700 parties, featuring the leisure pool,
tree fort or climbing wall. Many groups and teams rent gym time during off-
season training. After -hour rentals keep the center hopping into the night on
weekends. These large special gatherings give time for great socialization for
family, friends and neighbors. A total of 1,175 events took place.
73
GOLF DIVISION
The City's three (3) Golf Courses, Idyl Wyld, Fox Creek, and Whispering Willows,
had a successful season considering the unseasonable weather in summer and
fall.
Rounds Played -
Whispering Willows
39,246
Idyl Wytd
35,456
Fox Creek
38102
Total
112,804
Summer temperature in June kept golfers home in the air condition; fall rains and
early snow kept golfers away during the fall season. Unfortunately, the weather
was not the only obstacle that effected revenue.
The City of Livonia changed restaurant operators at Fox Creek Golf Course;
consequently, outing revenue was down over $30,000. Despite the 2006 outing
revenue loss, the outing patrons were quite pleased with the service they
received. Customers simply did not want to book an outing in advance while the
facility was under renovations. Organization and planning for the 2007 is already
underway and both parties are looking forward to the next season.
Capital Expenditures included phase II of the Fox Creek Ash Tree restoration;
trees have been planted and removed. A new outdoor bathroom facility has
been installed at Fox Creek and purchase orders have been issued for work on
the Driving Range at Whispering Willows and the replacement of culverts at Idyl
Wyld. All other approved capital expenditures are being held over to the 2007
season. Expenditures that will be held over include completing phase II of the
Fox Creek tree restoration, panting lot surfacing at the Fox Creek maintenance
building, Fox Creek Club House renovations and Idyl Wyld Club House
renovations.
Programs for the year included:
Senior Citizens Golf Leagues and Championships. Senior participation
was up $54,000 this season.
Women's 9 and 18 hole Golf Leagues and Championships.
Youth Golf Progmm and tournaments were successful.
Youth and Senior Golf Clinics were held for free at all three courses.
Program participation increased for both the paid and non -paid
programs.
Hearts of Livonia outing was a great success.
Observer-Eccentdc Golf Tournament had increased participation.
74
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 pude and community spirt is developed through
such events as; Daddy/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance, holiday activities,
summer playground program, youth fitness meet, tree lighting ceremony,
Cardboard boat races, Elk's soccer shoot and hoop shoot, Winter Fest, Pitch, hit
&con, to mention a few.
Over 6,600 individuals have benefited from participating in our special events,
totaling 76,000 hours in which we had direct contact with them.
Event Ages #of Time #of Contact Co -Sponsored
Days People Hours By
Programs
Winter/Spring/Fall
Roller& Inline 5& 24 1 375 9,000 Riverside
Skating up wks Arena
Youth Bowling 18 & 26 2 433 22,516 Merri-Bowl,
Leagues under wks Clovedanes,
Wondedand,
Woodland
Summer
Playground
5-10
35
5
164
28,700
Parks &
Program
Recreation
Tennis Lessons
6-18
16
1
56
896
Parks &
Recreation
Intro to Archery
10&
1
4
36
144
Parks&
up
Recreation
Triathlon
6-12
1
3
52
156
Walmart,
Wolverine
Sports, and
Conservation
Club
Total Baseball
7-17
3
4
18
216
Parks &
Recreation
Mad Science
5-12
4
4.5
33
594
Parks &
Camps
Recreation
Nature Camp
5-12
4
2
16
128
Parks &
Recreation
75
Special Events
Winter
Santa's Workshop
Gr K-
1
0.5
120
60
Livonia Kiwanis
Calling
2
and Community
Resources
Santa Bowling
3-6
1
1.5
132
198
Mem-Bowl
Santa Mailbox
7 &
1
0.5
184
92
Livonia Kiwanis
under
Essay Contest
5-12
1
1
383
383
Friends of the
Wilson Barn
Tree Lighting
All
1
2
400+
800+
Rotary Club,
Ceremony
Libraries, Civic
Chorus, and
Youth Choir
Lunch with Santa
12 &
1
2
41
82
Jaycees and
under
Kiwanis
Elk's Hoop Shoot
8-13
1
2.5
50
125
Livonia Elks
Contest
Lodge
MRPA Hoop
7-14
1
2
93
186
MRPA
Shoot Contest
Daddy/Daughter
4-16
1
2
102
204
Parks &
Dance
Recreation
Mother/Son
4-9
1
2
62
124
Parks &
Dance
Recreation
Civic Chorus
All
1
1
150
150
Civic Chorus
Concert
Spring
Take Pride in
All
1
3
200
600
Rotary Club,
Livonia Day
Smuts, and
School Groups
Memorial Day
All
1
4
200+
800+
Veteran's
Ceremony
Alliance
Hunter Safety
11 &
1
12
43
516
Parks &
Course
up
Recreation
Easter Egg Hunt
12 &
1
3
1,000
3,000
Livonia Rotary
under
and Jaycees
Civic Chorus
18&
2
2
200
800
Livonia Civic
Concert
up
Chorus
Easter Bunny
12 &
1
2
63
126
Jaycees and
Lunch
under
Kiwanis
Pilch, Hit & Run
7-14
1
2.5
24
60
Parks &
Recreation
76
=I
Music From the
All
8
1.5
zoo+
2,400+
Arts
Heart
under
Commission
Relay for Life
All
1
2.5
25
62.5
City
Elks Soccer Shoot
13 &
1
3.5
26
91
Departments
Youth Fitness
7-14
1
4
154
616
Parks &
Meet
12 &
1
0.25
1,100
275+
Recreation
Shoot to Score
All
1
4
21
84
Parks &
Craft Hours
10&
1
4
63
252
Recreation
Fall
Lunch with
12 &
1
2
86
172
Livonia
Goblins
under
Jaycees &
Kiwanis
Elks Soccer Shoot
13 &
1
3.5
26
91
Livonia Elk's
under
Lodge
Haunted Stroll
12 &
1
0.25
1,100
275+
Friends of the
under
Wilson Barn
Craft Hours
10&
1
4
63
252
Friends of the
under
Wilson Barn
Saturday Scream
All
1
4
140
560
Parks &
Fest
Recreation
Hunter Safety
11 &
2
12
90
1,080
Parks &
Course
up
Recreation and
Michigan DNR
Turkey Trot
All
1
2
75
150
Parks &
Recreation
Punt, Pass & Kick
15 &
1
1.5
14
21
Parks &
under
Recreation
Ja1 r1L69r1VA611017
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; pavilions, grills, play
structures, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, walking paths,
fitness dusters, in-line courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts or Wilson
Barn. It is impossible to put a total number of individuals visiting our parks, now
that's priceless"
Park Maintenance maintains all parks, handles inspections and works with us in
providing safe, clean and quality parks fiat our residents have raved about and
come to expect.
Approximately 425 permits were issued for picnics at Rotary, John Slymelski
Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Circle, Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue
77
for the pavilion rentals was $29,319 for the season. Five (5) picnic packs were
rented.
The parks were also the sites of numerous special events and activities. Cross-
country ski trails were set at Bicentennial Park, Fox Creek, Whispering Willows
and Idyl Wyld Golf Courses and had limited use. The Rotary Club continues to
assist us in park improvements.
Activities and projects handled by the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year 2006 included the following:
Subdivision Plats Considered
Preliminary Plats 0
Final Plats 0
Extensions 0
Petitions Processed
Rezoning
9
Waiver of Use
29
Vacating
4
Site Plans
20
Site Condominiums
5
Sign Permits
4
Greenbelt& Landscape
3
Satellite Dish
0
Meetings Held
Public Hearings (48 items)
Regular Meetings
Study Meetings
Special Regular Meetings
Amendments
Master Plan Amendments
Language Amendments (Ord. 543)
9
19
19
1
0
3
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department was closely involved in a
number of new developments, as well as several expansion and redevelopment
projects, including:
1) Approval of a new 6,300 square foot one-story medical office building
located on the west side of Middlebelt Road between Seven Mile Road
and Bretton Road;
2) Approval of a new Fleming's Steakhouse on the campus of College Park
(currently under construction);
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3) Approval of a new Walgreen's Drugstore at the southwest comer of
Newburgh and Six Mile Roads (under construction);
4) Approval of Churchill Manor Site Condominiums (31 units) located on the
west side of Newburgh Road between Joy Road and Ann Arbor Trail;
5) Approval of Cade Meadows Site Condominiums (11 units) located on the
south side of Ann Arbor Trail between Newburgh Road and Dowling
Avenue;
6) Replacement and expansion of the Consumers Energy substation located
on the east side of Newburgh Road between Plymouth Road and Amrhein
Road;
7) Expansion of Sl. Mary Mercy Hospital with the construction at a new
15,800 square fool Cancer Center with associated parking and storm
water management improvements;
8) Approval of The Learning Experience, a new child day care facility to be
located on the north side of Seven Mile Road between Vidor Parkway and
Bethany Road;
9) Construction of a new Community Alliance Credit Union on the south side
of Plymouth Road between Newburgh Road and Jughandle Road;
10)Approval of Sunset View Site Condominiums (10 units) located on the
weslside of Sunset Avenue between Fargo Avenue and Eight Mile Road;
11)Expansion and remodeling of Community Choice Credit Union located on
the east side of Farmington Road between Five Mile Road and RoycroR
Avenue;
12)Approval of a new two (2) story office buildings at the campus of College
Park;
13)Demoliton of the old building and construction of a new Burger King
Restaurant located on the south side of Seven Mile Road between
Middlebelt Road and Maplewood Avenue;
14)Approval of Quail Chase Site Condominiums (29 units) located on the
west side of Newburgh Road between Joy Road and Ann Arbor Trail;
15)Construction of a new KFC Restaurant located on the north side of
Plymouth Road between Haller Avenue and Camden Road;
16)Approval at a new two (2) building office complex known as Centennial
Plaza South to be located west side of Farmington Road between Lyndon
Road and Five Mile Road;
17)Approval of Livonia Manor II Site Condominiums (21 units) location on the
north side of Seven Mile Road between Merriman Road and Auburndale
Avenue;
18)Approval of a new 14,300 square foot single story medical office building
located on the south side of Six Mile Road between Oporto Avenue and
Middlebelt Road;
19)Approval of a new TCF Bank at the site of the former Derby Bar on tie
west side of Middlebelt Road between SchoolcraR Road and the CSX
Railroad;
20)Expansion of the Woodhaven Retirement Community located on the south
side of Wentworth Avenue, west ofMiddlebelt Road;
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21)Expansion of the Plymouth Food Store located on the north side of
Plymouth Road between Cavell Avenue and Inkster Road;
22)Expansion and remodeling of an old office building into the A&C Animal
Hospital located on the west side of Farmington Road between Plymouth
Road and railroad nghtof-way;
23)Approval of a new 4,500 square fool one-story general office building on
property located at the southeast comer of Seven Mile Road and Blue
Skies Avenue.
2006 Land Use Inventory Report
2006 Land Use Quarter Section Colored Maps
2006 Lot Splits Reports - 33
2006-2011 Capital Improvement Plan
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions
of the office of Economic Development. The Department provides oversight,
guidance and assistance to the Economic Development Director. The new and
expanded program is to lend assistance to business and industrial firms in the
City by maintaining a list at available properties and buildings, provide guidance
through the permit process and by administering to the Economic Development
Corporation. Special emphasis of the new program is to assist in promoting,
retaining and attracting local industrial, commercial and retail enterprises within
the City thereby strengthening and protecting the local economy and tax base.
Below is a summary oflhe major activities that the City's Economic Development
Office has been involved with over the past year:
• 62 Retention Calls and/or Prospect Meetings negotiations etc.
Including 21 joint calls with MEDC.
This number does not induce phone contact work with businesses.
• City Representative a 18 Networking events: i.e. diarity, chamber, &
various after hours networking events such as German -American
Chamber Reception during Society of Automotive Engineers show
• Customer Service and/or Conflict Resolution: 29 issues resolved
(e.g.: lax, IFEC, utility, city services, Variance, MEDC, EPA issues etc.)
• Tax Incentive Program
A) Created two new Industrial Development Districts
B) Established one Act 198 "Spec" building for marketing purposes
M
C) Transferred active IFECs to Awrey Bakeries new owners 12/05
D) Completed five Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates
• 13 Council Public Hearings and/or Committee/Study Presentations
• Researched & Dratted 7 Memos and/or Letters for Mayor and/or
Council
• Directed Chamber creation & publication of Livonia Industrial
Demographics attraction brochure W"Industrv's Highway" theme. E-
mailed piece to 325 local contacts and 1,600 international site
selection and corporate real estate contacts provided by Mayor's E.D.
Task Force.
• 3 Public Speaking Engagements:
A) Livonia Chamber Breakfast (2)
B) Livonia Exchange Club
Seminars, Memberships. Committees
• Michigan Econ. Dev. Association (MEDA)
• International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• Detroit Metro Airport Technical Advisory Committee
• ICSC Michigan Idea Exchange (Livonia information booth)
• MEDC Business Development Funds Seminar
• MEDC booth representative @ SAE Show, Cobo Hall
• SEMCOG Brownfield Seminar
• Wayne County Community & E.D. Forum (4 meetings)
• Wayne County E.D. Forecast
• Wayne County Long Range Planning Committee
• Wayne County TURBO Orientation Seminar
Misc.
• Chaired 2 Mayor's Economic Development Task Force meetings.
• Participated in 19 additional Task Force committee meetings.
• Prepared 22 Building Search/Attraction packets, and/or prospect tours.
• 10 Media interviews (Detroit News, Free Press, WSJ, Observer, Novi
News, Livonia Gazette & Crain's)
• Submitted Council of Mayor's National Brownfields Survey
• Submitted U of M Dearborn School of Management Entrepreneurial
Communities Research Survey
• Conducted 4 Livonia sites-andorientaton tours for E.D. partners
• Conducted 31 Livonia E.D. "partnership" meetings with representatives
from DTE Energy, AT&T, MEDC, industrial & commercial brokers,
MEDC, Michigan Works, MEDA colleagues, CSX Rail etc.
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2006 New Business & Expansion Investment Highlights, lists are "new jobs"
• Skyway Precision, $4.3 million (Plymouth) (IFEC) 55jobs
• Ford Transmission, $44 million (IFEC)
• Webaslo Roof Systems, $2.39 million (IFEC)
• Delta Research $3.05 million (IFEC)
• Michigan Dairy $1.5 million (IFEC)
• TCF Bank $2.2 million (Ann Arbor) regional HQ relocation, 250jobs
• GST Autol-ealher c. $3 million (Maryland), R& D relocation, 30jobs
• Schostak Brothers & Co. (Southfield) corporate HQ relocation, 152
jobs
• Metro PCS (Dallas expansion) $9.2 million, 85jobs
• Inlegnty Truck Driving School (Grand Rapids expansion), 5jobs
• U.S. Industrial Technologies (Novi), 8jobs
• Holiday Inn $10 million renovation (Watermark Capital Partners LLC)
• Farmer Jack (Admin. consolidation from Detroit) 35jobs
2006 Known Job losses
• AAR Cargo Systems (Cadillac consolidation), 100 jobs
• Sovereign Sales (sale of assets to competitor) 113 jobs
• Trio Tool (closed) 45jobs
• ZenaComp(Farmington Hills office relocation), 50 jobs
• Sequoia Industries (GM work moved to Canada), 50 jobs
• Advantage Logistics (Ohio, new Kroger cold storage facility), 160
"`Report Includes December 2005 activity
The Planning Department continues to provide oversight and clerical support to
the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA). The full-time Director of the
Plymouth Road Development Authority works with the Planning Director and
department staff in coordinating and administering the various programs as
assigned by the Authority. The Department secretary maintains custody of
records, books, documents and other papers of the Authority. Planning
Department personnel attend all meetings of the Board and keep a record of its
proceedings.
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The PRDA board is happy to report continued success of the development along
the Plymouth Road Condor in 2006.
In 2006, the Authority continued their street furniture maintenance program by
having all benches and trash receptacles repainted to match the street light poles
and street signs poles that were painted the previous year.
The Board also expanded the tree maintenance program to address issues of
tree health, appearance and tree conflict with streetlights, wires and sign
exposure. A contractor was hired and all trees the full length of the corridor were
examined and pruned where necessary to meet those objectives.
A new web site consulting company has been retained by the Board. The new
company will host the site and has been given the assignment to update the site
and its programming.
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used allhe 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 Act 198 Industrial Districts
Existing Land Use Wireless Communication Facilities Vicinity Control Areas
Future Land Use Truck Routes Building Footprints
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PLANNING DATABASE
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed forlhe purpose oftracking and storing
information about all ofthe various pelifions 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 inducing 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
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 November 2006, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 1,517 petitions.
Hundreds of hours have been spent supplying other departments with technical
help including:
Community Resources Assessors Office Historical Commission
Engineering/Inspection Legal Department Library Commission
Parks & Rec. Finance Department Historic Preservation
Housing Commission
SITE PLANS
Since the adoption in July of 1972 of the General Site Plan Approval Ordinance,
approximately 1,197 site plans for commercial and office developments have
been processed. Recommendations are made on site development proposals in
order that functional, aesthetically pleasing developments, which are compatible
to surrounding developments, are accomplished. Through landscape treatment
of sites, the Planning Commission and Department maintain strong emphasis on
quality ofsile developments.
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LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
SuoDolt Services
The Administration section consists of the Chief of Police, one Deputy Chief,
three Captains (one Support Services Division, one Uniform Division, one
Investigative Division), one Sergeant, one Police Officer, one Program
Supervisor, one Account Clerk and one Secretary. The bureau is responsible for
the efficient day -today operation of the department. Preparing and maintaining
the budget, purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contact with citizen
groups, and investigating citizen complaints are also importanlfunctions.
During fiscal year 2006, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at 193 offsite training courses. Of our Officers, 106 attended 40 hours of
in-house training through our Police Officer Refresher Training Program.
Twenty-two Supervisors attended 16 hours of training in Unified Incident
Command. The Training Division oversaw the receipt and application of police
officer "302" funds, dispatcher wireless 911 training funds and the Bulletproof
Vest Grant Application. The firearms range provided training for all officers a
minimum of two times a year as well as extensive training by the SWAT team
and outside agencies. The in-house training resouroes were used by department
members as well as outside agencies. The Training Division oversaw the
installation and deployment of use of the new FATS machine and organized its
use by the consortium partners.
During fiscal year 2006, the Training Division was responsible for establishing a
process for the hiring of 2 dispatchers, 2 Police Officers and 6 Police Service
Aides. This process included administering Personal History Questionnaires,
completing initial records checks, setting up and administering oral boards at the
department level, insuring background investigations were done in a timely
manner, conducting pre-employment interviews and developing the orientation
week after the personnel were hired.
Communications
Activities include the maintenance of the department's MA/Com radio system
(consisting of over 575 mobiles and prep radios citywide); a dispatch room and
site equipment; and thirty-six "in -car" video systems.
Other activities include the maintenance of our building U.P.S. machine (and its
battery bank) and support of Computer Services in the maintenance and
programming off" in -car computer systems.
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Computer Section
This unit consists of one Police Officer, one Systems Analyst II, one Computer
Administrator II and one Data Processor (one Data Processor below staffing
level). Computer Services is responsible for maintaining and improving both the
Police and Fire Department's IT infrastructure. This includes deploying, servicing
and supporting new and existing hardware and software (including mobile units),
as well as providing statistical information and reporting tools. Computer
Services is also a disaster recovery site and training facility for CLEMIS.
Central Records
Central Records is staffed by one Sergeant, five Gerk Typists and two Clerk II's.
This bureau receives and files all incident reports and arrest documents,
forwarding the proper documentation to State and Federal agencies. In addition,
they fulfill request information from Freedom of Information, Subpoenas, and
Discovery Orders and are responsible for the issuance of pistol purchase
permits. Central Records personnel also review and enter reports and traffic
citations into the data base.
Property/Licensin
A sergeant and a police officer staff the Property and Licensing Unit. Work
activities induce the processing of property and evidence; control and tracking of
impounded vehicles; daily maintenance of the in -car videotapes and DVD's;
taxicab licensing and inspection of vehicles; and licensing investigations under
Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances.
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, and
School Resource. The Investigative Division Lieutenant is in charge of six
sergeants, eighteen police officers and one clerk typist.
Two sergeants, seven police officers and one clerk typist staff the Detective
Bureau. Their responsibilities include the investigation of most of the reported
crimes. These include assaults, robberies, burglaries, larcenies, frauds and
motor vehicle theft. One sergeant and one police officer make up the Crime
Scene Unit. This unit is responsible for processing crime scenes, inducing the
development, collection and analysis of evidence. A sergeant is responsible for
Crime Prevention. His duties include lours of the police facility as well as
leaching civic groups and businesses crime prevention techniques. The Special
86
Victims Unit is comprised of one sergeant and two police officers. This unit
investigates reports of domestic violence and sexual assaults. One officer is
also responsible for administering polygraph examinations when necessary. One
sergeant and one police officer are assigned to Court Services/LCC
enforcement. These officers handle the daily court activity and process all
warrants. They also investigate Michigan Liquor Control Commission license
applicants and enforce the MLCC laws. One officer is assigned to the Michigan
Stale Police Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) unit. The ICAC unit
investigates individuals who, via the internet, attempt to lure minors to commit
illicit acts. The School Resource unit is comprised of six 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.
Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is operated by (1) Captain, (4) Lieutenants, (12) Sergeants,
(70) Police Officers, (6) Police Service Aides and (10) Dispatchers. The Vehicle
Maintenance Coordinator is also under the Uniform Division. The Patrol Bureau
provides around -the -dock uniform assistance, protection and law enforcement to
the City of Livonia.
Traffic Bureau
The Traffic Bureau is curently staffed with a Sergeant, four road officers, and
one motor carrier officer.
The bureau is responsible for:
1. On -scene serious injury traffic crash investigations and reconstruction.
2. The department's in -station breath test instrument and calibration of the
portable preliminary breath test instruments for the road officers.
3. The scheduling and training of school crossing guards.
4. Federally certified child seat safety checks.
5. Planning commission research and reports.
6. Zoning board research and reports.
7. Traffic related crime investigation, arraignments and prosecution.
8. Selective enforcement activities throughout the city.
9. Motor carter enforcement activities.
10.Traffic crash pattern analysis.
11.Traffic analysis and recommendations for enhanced traffic flow.
87
The bureau is currently in the process of evaluating all traffic control devices in
the city to assure compliance with the new Federal and State regulation.
This bureau does all scheduling and billing of countywide task force selective
enforcement activities. We continue to participate in the State funded seat belt
and drunk driving campaigns in conjunction with Wayne County and the State
Police.
The bureau Sergeant represents the city on the executive board of the Wayne
County Traffic Safety Committee and the Traffic Improvement Association of
Oakland County, and sits on the Traffic Commission as an ad hoc member.
Community Service Bureau
One Sergeant and one Police Officer staff the Community Service Bureau. The
unit is responsible for the administration of the Police Reserve Program,
consisting of 40 Reserve Officers. This bureau also supervises the Community
Event Volunteers and the 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 law enforcement and community service. There are currently 15
explorers actively involved who have been engaged in a number of community-
based activities in 2006.
The Community Service Bureau also provides personnel and support for
emergency events including snow alerts, downed power lines, and crowd control.
Members of the bureau have also recently been trained as instructors in the
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept, and plan to begin
development of a Livonia CERT team in 2007. Uniformed personnel in this
bureau worked 5,583 hours at special events throughout the City of Livonia
during 2006, including school functions, Livonia Spree, and other civic events.
The total cost of services for the year is estimated at $163,024.50 with fractional
reimbursement at $76,255.96. Discounted and unsubsidized services amount to
$86,710.50.
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 the members of the
bureau and is responsible for officer training and the efficient administration and
operation ofthe bureau.
88
One Sergeant supervises six Police Officers. These Officers are responsible for
investigating all narcotic crimes affecting the City of Livonia. Officers also track
other criminal activity in Livonia and surrounding communities. Bureau
supervisors prioritize the intelligence and conduct follow up investigations that
may include surveillance and search warrant executions. This unit also networks
and shares intelligence with other law enforcement agencies on federal, state,
and local levels.
The second Sergeant handles all evidence processing, court work, and forfeiture
actions.
The third Sergeant is assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
and works in conjunction with Federal Agents in criminal prosecutions, as well as
Federal Forfeiture of the assets of drug dealers.
The fourth Sergeant is assigned to the United Stales Immigrafion and Customs
Enforcement Outbound Currency Task Force (ICE-OCTF). The ICE-OCTF is a
mulfi-agency task force created to ensure compliance with currency reporting
requirements and to disrupt the illegal money-laundering activity of criminal
organizations.
The fifth Sergeant is assigned to the Fugitive Apprehension Service Team
(FAST). The FAST unit is responsible for arresting fugitives of the Criminal
Justice System.
The Clerk Typist is responsible for records management and employee time
records of both the Intelligence and Detective Bureaus.
The City of Livonia has a Police Lieutenant who serves as the City's Director of
Emergency Preparedness. The Director of Emergency Preparedness
coordinates planning, training, equipment, exercise, management and the
administration of Livonia's resources necessary to respond and recover from
both natural disasters and acts of terrorism. The Director of Emergency
Preparedness maintains liaison with not only City personnel but also neighboring
communities, Wayne County, the Stale of Michigan and Federal agencies.
During financial year 2006, Emergency Preparedness accomplished the
following:
• Completion of a Hazard Mitigation Plan that determined the risks facing
Livonia.
• Certified personnel as trainers for a Citizens Emergency Response Team
(CERT).
89
• Trained all Police personnel in the National Response Plan (NRP) to
disasters.
• Updated training of Damage Assessment personnel.
• Attended training and planning for pandemic flu.
• Worked with Wayne County and neighboring jurisdictions on countywide
homeland security initiatives that are expected to result in approximately
$500,000 in federal homeland security grant investments for Livonia.
• Completed training in Unified Incident Command management system for
all police personnel.
• Issued Air Purifying Respirators to all Police personnel along with "fit
testing" and training.
• Met with multiple community groups regarding disaster readiness.
• Facilitated the addition of training new operators for the local amateur
radio group (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency)
• Participated with countywide and regional governing boards on future
expenditures of federal homeland security funding.
ACTIVITIES:
Central Records
D:
Fiscal
Fiscal
Distributed
2005
Amount
2006
Amount
% Change
Accident Reports @ $13
874
$ 4,380
390
$ 4,686
-124.10
Incident Reports @ $5
291
1,458
213
1,145
36.62
Fingerprints @ $54
80
1,404
296
16,200
72.97
Fingerprints @ $15
938
14,070
855
15,416
5.71
Fingerprints -N/C
46
45
-2.22
LCC
13
13,350
14
17,125
7.14
Gun Registrations - WC
1,378
1,371
-0.51
Purchase Permits @ $5
449
2,250
494
2,575
9.11
Purchase Permits -N/C
109
49
-122.45
Record clearance @ $6
257
1,524
204
1,230
-25.98
Record clearance- INC
781
797
2.01
PV License @ $20
34
$675
63
1,245
46.03
PV License @ $12
91
$350
49
606
-05.71
FOIA/Discovery:
927
10,737
965
9,685
3.94
Tapes (VT, AT, CD)
132
125
5.60
Photographs
109
77
-41.56
Pages copied
9,911
6,673
-48.52
TOTAL REVENUE:
$50,198
$69,913
D:
Property & Licensin
Investicative Division
2005
2006
% Change
Public Vehicle Permit Applications Investigated 60
109
55
Taxicab Inspections
14
14
0
Business License Applications Investigated
59
69
8
Impounded Vehicles Processed
1,499
1,515
1
Properly Items Received and Processed
4,375
4,060
-1
Investicative Division
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FY 2005
FY2006
% Change
Total Cases Investigated
5,785
5,887
1
Felony Warrants Requested
405
287
-29
Misdemeanor Warrants Requested
604
624
3
Precious Metal Documents
309
678
110
Crime Scenes Processed
81
78
-4
Vehicles Processed
38
46
21
Pieces of Evidence Processed
2,325
2,610
12
Latent Prints Identified
120
150
25
Reports by Crime Scene Unit
371
350
-6
AFIS Cases
171
373
181
Polygraphs Administered
51
41
-20
Referrals to Youth Assistance
30
43
43
Warrants Processed
6,116
4,980
-19
MLCC Reports
36
37
0
MLCC Inspections (on-site & decoy)
150
236
57
MLCC Violations Reports
15
18
20
MLCC Applicants Investigated
30
47
56
Patrol Bureau
2005Actual
2006 Projected % Change
Calls for service (Police)
36,368
38,287
5.28
Calls for service (Fire)
8,376
7,639
-8.80
Reports taken
8,749
8,027
-8.30
Adult arrests
3,670
3,705
0.95
Juvenile arrests
203
236
16.26
Traffic crashes reported
3,468
2,939
-15.30
Uniform Law Citations issued
24,083
24,114
0.13
Use offorce incidents
65
65
0
Vehicle pursuits
29
25
-13.79
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Traffic
Intelliaence Bureau
2005
2006
% Change
Serious Injury Investigation
8
17
112.5
Traffic crashes investigated
522
401
-23.2
Drunk Driving
321
280
-12.8
Traffic Related Investigations
48
51
6.3
OWI forfeitures
19,745
19,000
3.8
STAR Details
550
573
4.2
STAR Citations
13,886
14,284
2.9
Scheduled Fines - STAR
1.5 million
1.5 million
Motor Carrier Inspections
256
267
4.3
Motor Carrier Citations
349
361
3.4
Scheduled Fines -M.C.
359,000
370,000
3.1
Intelliaence Bureau
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineering Division, which operate under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities oflhe 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 utilifies, park sites and
roadways. There are 130 full-time and 14 part-time positions in the Division.
Engineering Division - The Engineering Division is under the direction of the City
Engineer and is responsible for all construction operations within public rights-of-
way and/or public easements. The department has provided engineering
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2005
2006
% Change
Assigned Cases
685
638
-6.9
Search Warrants (Raids)
105
94
-10.5
Cocaine Purchases
14
12
-14.3
Marijuana Purchases
85
40
-52.9
Heroin/Other Purchases
18
3
-83.3
Criminal Surveillance
34
34
0
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works includes the Public Service Division and the
Engineering Division, which operate under the direction of the Director of Public
Works. The responsibilities oflhe 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 utilifies, park sites and
roadways. There are 130 full-time and 14 part-time positions in the Division.
Engineering Division - The Engineering Division is under the direction of the City
Engineer and is responsible for all construction operations within public rights-of-
way and/or public easements. The department has provided engineering
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services as directed by the Mayor, the City Council, and various Boards and
Commissions, as well as for the general public. During the past fiscal year, the
work was handled by 13 full-time employees. The department consists of three
sections: administrative, design, and field.
Highlights ofthis years accomplishments include:
Administrative Section
This section is under the direction of the City Engineer and an Assistant Oty
Engineer. 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. This section also issues permits for work in the public rights -
of way and/or easements. Attendance at Council, Commission and citizen
meetings is also a function ofthis section.
The Administrative Section was involved with the following matters during 2006
in addition to attending meetings with State and County officials, and
investigating citizen complaints:
• Wayne County Resurfacing and Reconstruction Projects
- Seven Mile Road— Middlebelt Road to Farmington Road
• Traffic Signal Improvements
• Numerous Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in Conjunction with the
Annual Paving Program
• Water Main Replacement Project
• Water Main Relocation Project on Seven Mile Road
Fourteen site condominium projects, one subdivision, and numerous commercial
and industrial projects were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division.
• Brookside Condominiums
• Boulder Pines 11 Condominiums
• CB Estates Condominiums
• Churchill Manor Condominiums
• Churchill Place Condominiums
• College Park Condominiums
• Fountain Park Condominiums
• Golf Ridge Properties
• Hunters Park Estates Condominiums
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• Livonia Manor Condominiums
• Pastena Villa Condominiums
• Rosati Industrial Park Subdivision
• Sarah Estates Condominiums
• Savile Row Condominiums
• Sl. Martins Commons Condominiums
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 projects were designed and/or built in 2006:
• 2006 Sidewalk Program
• Pickford Avenue SAD
• 2006 Water Main Replacement Program
• 2006 Lane Line Marking Program
• 2006 Joint and Crack Sealing Program
• Seven Mile Road Water Main Relocation Program
Field Section
This section is responsible for providing all field inspection and survey services in
connection with contract plans and specifications for projects constructed under
the jurisdiction of the Engineering Division, as well as all subdivision and
commercial developments involving the installation of public improvements.
Numerous public improvement contracts amounting to approximately
$1,798,985.97 were handled by the division during the past year. Major projects
which were designed, engineered and inspected by the Engineering Division may
be summarized as follow:
• 2006 Sidewalk Program = $448,282.00
• 2006 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $127,360.00
• 2006 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair— Water Main Breaks = $45,000.00
• 2006 Lane Line Marking Program = $63,341.00
• 2006 Water Main Replacement= $649,662.47.00
• Seven Mile Road Water Main Replacement= $168,785.00
• Pickford Avenue SAD = $296,555.00
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PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Administrative Section
• Provided administrative services forlhe City telecommunications system.
• Prepared annual budget submittal forlhe Public Service Division.
• Assisted with union contract negotiations.
• Worked on adaptation and installation of comprehensive new software
installation for the Department of Public Works operations.
• Conducted employment interviews.
• Administered safety programs within the Department.
• Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
• Provided for public relations information for Rouge Sub -Watershed Project.
• Administered a West Nile Virus — Mosquito Control public information
program and a larvidding program for City parks, facilities, and over 12,000
storm sewer catch basins.
Sanitation
• Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
• Operated Recycling Center and City Office Paper Recycling Program.
Collected 189.27 tons of recyclable material.
• Administered Curbside Recycling Program. Collected 7,455.77 tons of
recydable material.
• Administered Separated Yard Waste Collection Program. Diverted to
compost facility 256,814 yards of yard waste material.
• Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Household Hazard
Waste Day postcard announcement for the various City and County events.
• Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste Drop -Off Day at Ford Field on
May 6, 2006. A total of 1,652 vehicles utilized the service of which 1,386
were from Livonia. (Northville/Northville Township conducted a dropoft event
on September 23, 2006, which was utilized by 398 vehicles from Livonia).
• Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, Slate and
County requirements.
• Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by Stale of Michigan
and Wayne County.
• Continued community solid waste and recyding educational programs
through use of City newsletter.
• Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Bulk Leaf Pick -Up
Program brochure.
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Snow and Ice Control
• Maintained roads on primary salt routes in a 'Wet pavement or better"
condition 2417 throughout the 2005-2006 snow season. Salted primary routes
5 times in November, 15 times in December, 6 times in January, 10 times in
February, and 2 times in March for a total of 38 times using 5,242 tons of road
salt.
• Plowed primary and secondary routes 9 times.
• Plowed all roads City-wide (370 miles) in 2 separate snow cycles, using a
combination of City resources and contracted road graders.
• Provided plowing and ice control services on City parking lots.
• Filled and maintained salt barrels at key locations throughout the City.
• Spot salted water break and house fire locations.
• Assembled tanks, spray bars and materials to begin an anti -icing program on
select areas of our major roads.
Sweeping and Grading
• Graded parks, alleys and gravel roads 4 times and added gravel as needed.
• Restructured drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage.
• Applied calcium chloride twice City-wide to gravel roads for dust control.
• Applied calcium chloride to parks and alleys 2 times.
• Swept City local streets 7 times, major roads 7 times, and industrial roads 7
times.
• Performed street sweeping after SPREE (3 times).
• Swept all paved City streets after Leaf Pickup Program.
Landfill Transfer Station and Recvding Center
• Maintained City landfill; composted 44,408 cubic yards of leaves from the
Leaf Pickup Program.
• Processed 14,400 cubic yards of household refuse from 4,407 users of the
Refuse Disposal Transfer Site.
Brash Pickup
• Picked up bulk brush throughout entire City every 10 working days, picking up
9,515 cubic yards of brush with 18,684 slops.
• Removed and disposed of chips resulting from stump grinding at
approximately 75 locations.
• Trained new seasonal laborers in operational and safety requirements of
brush pickup.
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Leaf Pickup
• Picked up 44,408 yards of bulk leaves at curbside; provided a minimum of
two (2) pickups for each residence.
Construction Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
• Repaired, adjusted or rebuilt 266 catch basins, gate wells, and storm and
sanitary manholes.
• Repaired or replaced 11 sanitary and storm sewer lines.
• Replaced 14,823 square feet of concrete road, drive and walk.
• Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems at
80 locations.
• Repaired or replaced 7 concrete curbs.
• Milled major roads in 8locations to eliminate pavement heal pops.
• Completed 45 asphalt repairs or replacements consisting of 797 tons of
asphalt.
• Patched potholes on 370 miles of City -maintained roads, as well as trip point
locations from the Engineering Division and repair sites from the Water and
Sewer Section.
• Repaired potholes reported on the Pothole Hotline within 48 hours.
• Responded to 2350+ homeowner service requests.
• Picked up and cleaned oil spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on City
streets 18 times.
• Performed 3 road ditch upgrade projects in various locations.
• Installed 4 new, hinged drain grates in Denmar drainage system.
• Repaired washout at Hubbard Road bridge.
• Mud jacked concrete pavement at 11 sites.
• Changed truck attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, salt spreaders) from
construction season/summer mode to leaf pickup mode to plowing/salting
configuration.
• Cleaned outfalls and inlets of City storm drains 32 times.
• Performed illicit discharge inspections and water sampling as needed on
storm water outfalls to maintain IDEP compliance.
• Repaired 6 storm outfall sites.
• Cleared brush from 75+ storm outfalls and inlets in floodplains throughout the
City.
• Repaired or replaced 6 guardrails and barricades.
• Cut and cleared brush from City -owned alleyways.
• Placed and removed over a mile of snow fence to prevent excessive drifting
on City roads.
• Repaired lawns or sprinklers resulting from Water Section activities and
snowplow damage at 282 locations.
• Trained employees for Commercial Drivers License test to allow for upgrading
class or endorsements when needed.
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• Conducted snowplow training for guest operators to assist in snow
emergencies.
• Delivered and picked up voting supplies for 2 elections.
• Assisted the Livonia Goodfellows with their annual holiday food and toy
program.
• Moved election equipment between storage building, City Hall, and new
precinct locations after school closings as requested by the City Clerk.
• Picked up brush, assisted in removing downed trees and other storm damage
from roads.
Sion Maintenance
• Traffic Signs: Repaired or Removed: 438
Installed or Replaced: 174
• Traffic Posts: Repaired or Removed: 562
Installed or Replaced: 123
• Street Name Signs: Repaired or Removed: 200
Installed or Replaced: 120
• Street Name Posts: Repaired or Removed: 284
Installed or Replaced: 25
• Engraved approximately 60 signs for various City departments.
• Assisted with the setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and traffic control
devices for SPREE, Arts and Crafts Festival, several Wilson Barn shows,
Livonia Heritage Festival, Highland Games, plus an additional 17 events at
Greenmead.
• Updated 7 Arbor Day signs City-wide.
• Assisted with the setup of the Easter Egg Hunt, Rotary Barbecue, Police
Department and Fire Department open house events, and the Youth Fitness
Meet.
• Assisted with setup for Clarenceville and Franklin parades.
• Handled approximately 133 work orders and 30 complaints.
• Cut 65 miscellaneous oil board stencils for various City departments.
• Applied and repaired vehicle markings on 20 new and 4 current City vehicles,
including new bus additions to the bus fleet.
• Applied Eyes and Ears decals to new vehicles.
• Striped 28 miscellaneous road locations.
• Posted subdivision entrances for the Leaf Pickup Program.
• Changed safety posters on County roads once and replaced wooden
backings on posts as needed.
• Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
• Made 30 new wood jacks and stenciled and branded 200 cones and 50
plastic barricades.
M
Animal Control
• Provided animal control services for residents and businesses which included
requests for service as follows: 68 abuse to animal/cruelty complaints, 117
barking dog complaints, 4 bird problems, 11 cat biles, 23 coyote
sightings/complaints, 10 d=ad crows/robins (West Nile Virus) complaints, 82
dog bites, 3 excessive pet complaints, 110 injured animal reports, 7 kennel
complaints, 32 vicious animal complaints, 93 pick up contained animal
requests, 35 sick wildlife reports, 177 stray animal reports, 16 trapped animal
complaints, 4 waste (feces) complaints, 25 wildlife complaints, 3 wildlife bites,
and 100 dog -at -large complaints.
• Continued trapping program and eliminated nuisance coyotes.
• Issued animal ordinance violations as required.
PARK AND ATHLETIC FIELD MAINTENANCE SECTION
• Floated and lined all City baseball/softball diamonds, soccer and football
fields on a routine schedule.
• Mowed, trimmed, edged, weeded, fertilized, applied herbicides and
fungicides, trimmed trees and routine maintenance to Ford Field, Bicentennial
Diamonds 1-3, Greenmead soccer fields, Civic Center, Sandburg and Noble
libraries, Wilson Bam, Greenmead, and other parks and fields.
• Installed banners at the Civic Center and Recreation Center for Music Under
the Stars, SPREE, Arts and Crafts Festival, Christmas, special events and
everyday patriotic banners.
• Rolled and aerifed baseball diamonds and soccer fields.
• Performed safety inspections, repaired or removed damaged playground
equipment in all City parks and installed 1000 yards of "Softfall" under
playground structures. Also began adding woodchips under structures that
currently have none. This is a result of changing regulations from the
Playground Safety Institute.
• Added sand to beach volleyball courts at Clements Circle, Rotary, Recreation
Center and Stymelski Parks. Also, replaced wom and tattered nets.
• Added material, extended the infield, removed the infield lip, and graded
diamonds at Ford Field, Bicentennial, McCann and Rotary Park ball
diamonds.
• Monitored trashcans on athletic fields that could not be reached by Waste
Management. Also, cleaned dog stations and lrashcans in City parks on
weekends.
• Performed snow removal services for City buildings and nghl-0f--way
sidewalks leading to parks on an as -needed basis. This included shoveling,
plowing and salting sidewalks.
• Performed winter maintenance to equipment, which included miscellaneous
repairs, painting, blade sharpening, preventative maintenance and thorough
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cleanings.
• Sprayed "Roundup' weed killer on nghl-of-way fences to control growth of
weeds.
• Applied the biological control "VectoLex' to control mosquito -breeding
populations in recreational parks. One application was accomplished this
year. Also, helped with the spring application to catch basins in roads.
• Added topsoil and grass seed to goal mouths on all soccer fields.
Greenmead, the Recreation Center, and Clement Circle fields were closed for
a short time for sodding in those areas.
• Set out and brought in picnic tables and trash barrels for the picnic season.
• Repaired picnic tables as needed.
• Pruned trees and shrubs in parks, City buildings and athletic fields where
needed.
• Planted canna tubers in some flowerbeds this year. The annual display was
severely impacted by funding this year.
• Assisted with all SPREE -related activities, including setup, takedown and
daily garbage detail. Also repaired damage to diamonds 3S as a result of
parked vehicles on the diamonds.
• Completed 85 "Requests for Service" that related to special activities for other
City departments (entailed delivered, setting up, taking down canopies, tents,
picnic tables and garbage cans), delivering and setting up the Showmobile,
delivering TEFAP commodities for Community Resources, Wilson Barn,
Greenmead activities, and other City activities.
• Repaired and maintained irrigation systems at Civic Center, Livonia
Community Recreation Center, Ford Field, Bicentennial Park, and
Greenmead. Due to the retirement of a Parks Maintenance Worker III, the
systems at Noble and Sandburg Library, Wilson Barn, Fire Station #5, and the
Six Mile Road islands were not turned on this year. This was the third year
Parks was unable to maintain the systems because of the personnel
shortage.
• Maintained the Livonia Community Recreation Center including soccer field
renovations and landscape work.
• Replaced swing set at Clements Circle Park.
• Cleared deadfall trees and branches off Nature Preserve walkways.
• Contracted services removed 120 dead ash trees in eight parks this summer.
City crews removed another 50 last winter.
• Continued testing vacuum breakers as part of Wayne County's DEQ
requirements regarding irrigation systems.
• One employee attended the Playground Safety Institute which recertified him
as a playground inspector.
• Set up and monitored ice on the Qty's three outdoor ice rinks. It was not a
good winter for ice.
• Applied a protecting stain to the Beverly Park play structures.
• Added new mil fences to parks at Moelke, Bicentennial, and Broadmoor to
differentiate between the parking lot and playground areas.
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• Contracted for joint and crack sealing on tennis courts at Wilson Acres,
Devonaire, Country Homes, and Shelden Park.
• Began replacing Christmas decorations to change some of the lawn
ornaments for the City Hall display.
• Achieved Tree City USA status for the eighth year and received our third year
"growth award"
• City Forestry personnel trimmed 50 trees which generated 200 yards of
woodchips.
• Instituted young tree training program for 200 trees which helps trees with
proper form and strong structure as they mature and helps reduce the amount
of pruning later in the tree's mature life.
• Forestry personnel removed 200 trees and 250 slumps. Some of the trees
were ash trees infested by the Emerald Ash Borer. Others were maples that
are succumbing to old age.
• Supervised the removal of 410 trees and slumps by Ashton Tree Service.
Approximately 100 of the trees were ash that had died.
• Supervised and administered the planting of 2100 trees associated with the
2005 and 2006 planting lists. 1600 trees were planted from Apnl until June,
and the restwere done in October.
• Planted three trees (Japanese Scholar tree, Goldenrein tree, and yellowwood
tree) in connection with the Arbor Day Program. The trees were planted in
the right-of-way to replace three silver maples damaged by the road
construction on Levan Road in front of the Hoover Elementary School. Also,
500 seedling spruce trees were handed out as part of the program to the
children at the school.
• Removed approximately 500 yards of woodchips as part of DPS brush pickup
program.
• Treated 12 wasps nests, mainly in August and September, with insecticide to
kill the wasps.
• Completed 56 storm -related tree trimmings.
• Received and investigated approximately 2200 requests for service; Of those,
three-quarters have been closed as either serviced or answered.
• Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the Section's saws
and trimming equipment.
• Assisted other departments (Water, Engineering, Ordinance, etc.) with
emergencytree removals, site inspections, and tree inspections.
• Performed snow removal operations to City buildings and right-of-way
sidewalks including plowing, shoveling and salting.
• Assisted in the Rouge River cleanup day held at Rotary Park which was a
rousing success.
• Supermsed one contractor who trimmed approximately 6300 trees in four City
sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society of
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Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations.
• Supervised the same contractor doing resident call -out trim requests. The
contractor completed over 650 of them.
• Finished the removal of 3298 ash trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. A
few ash trees remain but will be removed as they die.
• Tracked gypsy moth populations in Sections 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 22
as part of the gypsy moth egg mass survey; no spraying was needed in 2006.
• Attended the following seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan
Nursery and Landscape Association annual meeting; Michigan Turfgrass
Foundation annual meeting; Michigan Forestry and Parks Association annual
meeting; Metro Detroit Landscape Association annual meeting; various
seminars on chainsaw safety, tree climbing, hazard assessment and aerial
rescue training, roping and rigging training, and equipment repairtraining.
Miscellaneous Repairs and Imorovemenls
• Opened, closed, and winterized City out and pool buildings.
• Started up, serviced and shut down pump systems as needed.
• Maintained City -owned outside lighting fixtures at various locations.
• Performed preventative maintenance on equipment as able.
• Replaced all flags and maintained flagpoles semi-annually.
• Stripped and finished floors in buildings as needed and able.
• Spot and cleaned carpeting in buildings as needed and able.
• Cleaned inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed and
able.
• Cleaned exteriorwindows at City Hall, Library and Community Center.
• Relocated and installed outlets/power and lighting as requested.
• Monitored building automation and climate control systems.
• Monitored electronic access systems.
• Answered environmental complaints as able.
• Performed yearly shutdown maintenance and custodial assignments at
Community Center.
• Continued to enhance custodial job assignment checklists for all buildings.
• Tested and treated all process water systems.
• Assisted with all other departmental projects as requested.
• Serviced overhead and pedestrian doors as needed.
Roof Replacement Maintenance and Repairs
• Replaced Parks Maintenance garage roof on Building 12.
• Repaired roof leaks at City Hall (atrium, Council office, and fifth floor hall and
stairwell), Senior Center, Noble Library, Police Station, Civic Center Library,
Devonaire Ice Arena, and Livonia Aid Center.
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Painting
• Repainted trim on Building 13 (Building Maintenance).
• Re -wallpapered second floor conference room.
Health and Safety
• Continued with Lock Out/ Tag Out program.
• Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings.
• Maintained compliance with Wayne County Backflow Certification program as
requested; certified in-house tester.
• Maintained compliance with State of Michigan boiler and elevator inspections
and certifications.
• Maintained employee State -required licensing, certifications and training.
• Exterminated or removed pests in City buldings as needed.
• Conducted safety inspections of City facilities with control specialists as
requested.
• PM and load -bank tested generators.
• Reset all clocks, lighting and equipment for time changes.
• Cleaned debris and growth from building rooftops, sumps and gutters.
• Tested and repaired panic buttons in City Hall and DPW Administrative
Office.
• Performed required CSDA lest on all boilers.
• Installed automatic transferswilch on DPS Administrative Building generator.
• Added devices and systems to City Hall generator as able and requested.
• Installed new PA system at City Hall.
• Replaced transformer and door openers at City Hall to allow wiring to
generator
Greenmead
• Assisted with all events held on grounds (Art in the Park, Highland Games,
Flea Markets, Car Shows, Fall Harvest).
• Installed and removed decorations for Holiday and special events.
• Moved, set-up and installed furniture, furnishings and equipment as
requested.
• Continued maintenance and custodial services
• Assisted with second floor remodeling project.
• Repaired and re -roofed Hill House.
• Purchased additional materials as needed for Blue House second floor office
renovation.
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• Installed subsoil drain and sump pump system in Fire Headquarters
basement.
• Enlarged Building 13 garage door to allow for inside truck parking.
• Replaced file floor in LPD radio room.
• Replaced pedestrian door and reinforced overhead door in Water and Sewer
garage.
Special Proiects and Interdepartmental Assistance
• Assisted with Rotary Club BBQ.
• Assisted with SPREE on an as requested basis.
• Assisted with various City Hall functions as requested.
• Provided set up and tear downs for meetings and events as requested.
• Maintained facilities leased from the City.
• Moved furniture, computers, work stations and materials and equipment as
requested.
• Responded to and performed daily maintenance requests on equipment and
facilities as requested.
• Assisted with Senior Citizen Craft Show and events.
• Regularly cleaned out grease trap in Senior Center kitchen.
• Jetted and maintained basement drains at Fire Station #1.
• Assisted with snow removal and cycles as requested.
• Transferred personnel temporarily to leaf pickup as needed.
• Assisted with special facility projects at Community Center.
• Installed wiring and controls for new brine tank pump system.
• Provided service for golf course buildings as requested.
• Repaired items at Fox Creek restaurant as requested.
• Administered Honeywell Service contract for Community Center.
• Assisted with Veterans Park project and City flag procurement as requested.
• Assisted with the reopening of Shelden Center pool facility.
• Assisted with Goodfellows as requested.
• Assisted Friends of the Barn with installation of new security and alarm
notification system.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
• Performed over 1,300 regular preventative maintenance inspections,
emergency repairs, modificafions and road calls to over 800 City -owned
vehicles and other various pieces of equipment.
• Maintained and provided service for 11 SMART buses for Livonia Community
Transit.
• Maintained and provided service for 6 SCAN buses (Senior Transportation).
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• Wrote specifications and purchased 12 new buses for the replacement of
SMART units for Livonia Community Transit System.
• Maintained and operated computerized fuel system for LPD, LFD, DPW, Golf
Courses, and other various locations.
• Provided assistance to LPD and LFD with fabrication projects and other
miscellaneous repairs throughout the year.
• Provided Commercial Drivers License training for City employees.
• Provided and maintained generators at various intersections throughout the
City during power outages.
• Worked with County to have quick disconnects installed at Six Mile Road and
Farmington for traffic control.
• Wrote specifications for and purchased the following equipment:
Two (2) street sweepers (still in Committee of the Whole for discussion)
Two (2) leaf vacuums
One (1) Tink claw for Leaf Pickup Program
One (1) stump grinder
Two (2) brush chippers
One (1) backhoe
One (1) tandem axle dump truck
One (1) Vactorjel mcder truck
Four (4) pickup trucks
One (1) work truck for Sign Maintenance
One (1) stake truck with plow for construction am and snow removal
Two (2) pickup trucks for Recreation
One (1) pickup truck for the 16" District Court
• Fabricated storm grate covers for various locations throughout the City
• Provided both technical and service educational training for mechanics
throughout the year.
Water Systems
• Inspected, exercised 942 water gate valves, the condition of the structure and
updated inspection forms
• Repaired 110 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with onng
type; about 12% need repair after exercising gate valve
• Inspected and maintained 1,689 fire hydrants completing the major roads in
the City's 36 sections
• Repaired 199 fire hydrants in the field in these sections above; about 12%
need repair after exercising fire hydrant and inspection
• Repaired 116 water main breaks or leaks which is down 22.7% from Iasi
fiscalyear
• Repaired or replaced 122 water stop boxes
• Staked over 5,178 locations for Miss Dig system
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• Made 63 service line repairs for various reasons
• Retired 38 water service lines
• Painted 534 hydrants
• Installed 2 new gate valves and 6 new fire hydrants
Meters
• Replaced 34 antiquated large commercial water meters
• Repaired 104 large commercial meters
• Replaced 432 water meters for various reasons
• Made 31,906 water related service calls
• Completed 3,442 service slips
• Placed 1,250 note cards at residential homes requesting to gain access to
home for internal meter repairs
• Installed 25 outside read device systems
• Installed 193 water meters for new accounts
• Established 40 new commercial accounts
• Established 125 new residential accounts
• Established 9 new seasonal irrigation amounts
• Installed and removed 312 seasonal irrigation meters
• Tested 87 commercial meters
Storm Sewers
• Answered 107 storm sewer complaints
• Retrieved and replaced 31 catch basin covers
Sanilary Sewers
• Cleaned 226.55 miles in 15 City sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, power flushing, bucketing, chemical and power root cutting
• Cleared 6 main sewer backups
• Investigated 154 sanitary sewer complaints
• Televised 1,500 feel of sanitary sewer
• Inspected 19 City sections for sanitary lines and structures
Special Projects
• Worked with cross training the office staff at front desk and cross training the
water and sewer foremen for handling emergency situations.
• Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new tap list and CarteGreph associated work orders to other
sections for request to repair.
• Updated computer programs relating to Sensus water meter reading system
and hardware.
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• Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Uvonia Fire Department.
• Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
• Assisted Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
proposed projects for 2007 water main and sanitary sewer replacement.
• Worked on updating the water stop box location and seasonal contact
information in MS Access database.
• Inspected 98 water taps made by water section contractor (82-new
construction, 6-irrigation, 5-to replace well water, 1-upgrade existing and 4-
lead
lead replacement).
• Worked on sewer connection program, inspected 153 OSDS at homes for
septic failure.
• Helped with flan tests for water model, SCADA system and flow test with
Livonia Fire Department and water replacement program.
• Updated the contract and hardware for Profile rain gauges and sanitary sewer
monitors.
• Provided all section office staff with desktop computers and computer
training.
• Worked on inventory pricing database for future software changes to take
place with CarteGraph 7 upgrade.
• Assisted Engineering with sidewalk, driveway approaches and major road
replacement projects.
• Worked with various contractors for road, water and sewer main installations
and repairs.
• Installed 2 multi readers and 179 MXU radio remote water meter devices thus
reducing monthly and quarterly reading labortime.
• Checked road structures before road improvements and cleaned catch
basins.
• I.D.E.P. (Illicit Discharge Elimination Program) inspections of storm sewer
outtall sampling.
• Assisted with water activities for the Livonia SPREE, Race for the Cure and
other activities.
• Continued the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
compound Badger and Rockwell water meters.
• Responded to 3 illicit discharge complaints and 3 emergency spill hazards on
major roadways.
• Updated the 3 phone dialers for sanitary sewer flood control; all now have the
same hardware and software, so the acknowledgements to respond back to
dialers are all same codes.
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TRAFFIC COMMISSION
The Traffic Commission is responsible for the planning, coordination, and
determination of proposed traffic control devices to improve traffic flow and to
provide maximum safety for all drivers, pedestrians, and property. 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 which have been brought to their attention by
citizens, as well as other City departments. The Commissioners work in
conjunction with the Traffic Bureau oflhe Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2006
Issues for 2006 related primarily to areas of maintaining and updating traffic
control devices along existing city streets. Throughout the year citizen concerns
and the Police Department will bring issues from placement of informational
signs (Handicapped Child in Area on Frederick Street), review of existing signage
and requests for placement/removal of existing signs. The year saw an increase
in interest in the proper placement of slop and yield signs as the Police
Department worked on the cataloging of the Traffic Control orders for all signs
placed in the city right-of-way and maintained by the city under its jurisdiction.
Also construction within the city brought about changes to signals within the city
in coordination with the county. Changes in signals were made in conjunction
with Wayne County at Purlingbrook and Seven Mile Road as well as in the area
of Middlebelt and Plymouth Road. Signage requests for placement or
modification were made regarding "No Tum on Red" signs at Newburgh and
Seven Mile Road and Seven Mile and Farmington Road in conjunction with
Wayne County during the Seven Mile Road construction.
Speeding in residential areas continues to be a common concern reported to the
Traffic Commission by citizens. As a result of citizen requests, speed studies
and requests for increased traffic enforcement were conducted in several areas,
including:
Harrison and N. Clements Circe
Schoolcra0 (Inkster to Newburgh)
Shadyside near Seven Mile and Farmington Road
The Commission worked with a number of business owners in the City to discuss
or address traffic concerns around their business. These include:
Joe's Produce
St. Michael's Church
Wonderland Mall/Wondedand Village
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Parking concems were another constant as requests were received for
placement of "No Parking" signs in several areas:
Fairfield and Plymouth Road
Jamison Road near St. Genevieve Church
Omngelawn and Richmond
The actions of the Traffic Commission have become more visible to the public as
the commission works to revisit all traffic control devices in the city and assure
compliance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MMUTCD). The area of Levan and Five Mile Road was the most contentious
issue as intersections in the area of Hoover school were re-signed from a four
way stop at Roycrott and Levan to the standards in the MMUTCD where Yield
signs are placed for the minor road (Roycrott) and the Primary road is permitted
to proceed through the intersection with the right of way.
Understandably, there was confusion when the intersection was re-signed for
motorists passing the intersection on a regular basis who were no longer
required to slop. The Traffic Commission does recognize the importance of
informing the public prior to significant changes. As there will inevitably be
changes similar in magnitude in the future due to the fact that with any developed
city as road and sign standards change there will be the need to revise
intersections. The commission is working to update its website presence to
include meeting agendas and rinutes and allow residents to sign up for meeting
notices online.
The Commission continues to work with TIA to obtain expert opinion and
guidance on traffic concems in the community. Several individual agenda items
were referred to TIA by the Commission during 2006 and TIA was requested to
provide crash data forspecific intersections related to agenda items.
Furthermore, TIA provided the Commission with traffic count data for all major
streets in Livonia along with a report summarizing crash information for major
City intersections.
CONCLUSION
The Traffic Commission will continue to monitor traffic and parking conditions
within the City and will be particularly concerned with monitoring areas of re-
development and construction. The Commission will also continue to meet with
citizens and business owners to jointly address traffic and parking concerns and
to act to alleviate dangerous conditions. Ongoing monitoring of traffic concerns
by this Commission will ensure that Livonia's streets and highways will continue
to be safe and well maintained.
109
TREASURER
The Treasurer's 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 Treasurers Office, on instruction from the Finance Director,
transmits instructors for the daily investment of City funds among City banks to
maximize the interest on its holdings.
ADMINISTRATION
This year the Treasurer's Office once again sent letters to real and personal
property taxpayers whose taxes for the 2005 tax year had not been paid by
February 15, 2006. A total of 4,413 letters were mailed: 3,211 letters to real
property owners and 1,202 letters to personal property taxpayers.
Letters were also mailed to real & personal property taxpayers after the due date
for the summer 2006 tax season. A total of 1,812 letters were mailed to real
pmpertylaxpayers and 930 letters were mailed to personal pmpertytaxpayers.
The Treasurer's Office in 2002 initiated the practice of mailing letters to notify
Livonia property owners that their property was listed in the Wayne County
Treasurer's Office court petition to foreclose on their properly for delinquent real
property taxes. In 2005 the City of Livonia Treasurer sent out 45 such nofices,
as compared to 89 notices in 2004 and 113 notices in 2003. As a result of this
effort, the Wayne County Treasurer sold no Livonia parcels at tax auction in
2006, 2005 or2004.
The Treasurer's Office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. Proof of Oaims for personal property taxes are filed with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2006, 8 businesses with locations in Livonia filed
for bankruptcy protection. In 2005, 8 businesses with locations in Livonia filed for
bankruptcy protection, in 2004, 14 businesses and in 2003, 19 businesses with
locations in Livonia filed for bankruptcy protection.
The Treasurer's Office filed with the Wayne County Register of Deeds 11
personal property jeopardy tax bills for 2006. In 2005 the Treasurers Office
issued 19 personal pmpertyjeopardy lax bills.
Applications for electronic fund debit for tax payments were included in the 2006
summer real tax bills to property owners who are directly responsible for payment
of their taxes. This resulted in a considerable increase in the number of
taxpayers utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of tax bills. During the
110
summer 2006 tax season 2,281 taxpayers participated in this convenient and no -
cost service as compared to 2,223 during the summer of 2005, 1,903 during the
summer of 2004, 1,819 during the summer of 2003, 1,417 during the summer
2002, and 664 taxpayers during the summer 2001 tax season.
Tax bills can be paid with a credit card through Official Payments Corporation.
There is a convenience fee 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 2006, 399 taxpayers utilized this option, as
compared to 340 taxpayers during 2005 and 216 taxpayers during 2004.
This year the Treasurers Office continued printing the summer and winter tax
bills in-house, which results in a significant printing cost savings of $4,600 per tax
season. Printing the tax bills in-house also allowed for greater control and
efficiency of mailing and distnbuting the lax bills in a timely fashion.
The Treasurer's Office has stud 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 processing. Large checks are deposited
immediately to yield a higher rete at interest.
There are 44,203 taxpayers in the City:
2004
2005
2006
Real Property 39,267
39,447
39,684
Personal Property 4,428
4,369
4,443
IFF 73
78
76
43,768
43,894
44,203
Sixty four percent at the residents are responsible for paying their own properly
tax bills. Mortgage companies pay 14,437 (36%) of the real property tax bills.
The tax levy breakdown is as follows (induces Real, Personal, & IFF for 2005
Winter and 2006 Summer):
111
Real
Personal
IFF
Total
City of Livonia
47,080,491
6,559,448
919,160
54,559,099
Livonia Public Schools
Operating
22,145,589
10,249,593
1,419,227
33,814,409
Debt
10,705,253
1,522,134
210,433
12,437,820
Supplemental Tax
1,595,334
1,595,334
111
Wayne County Intermediate
School District
14,235,563
1,993,715
266,430
16,495,708
Clarenceville Public Schools
2002
2003
2004
2005
OpemUng
1,357,703
188,305
29,282,750
1,546,008
Debt
1,057,273
47,075
1,104,348
Supplemental Tax
107,920
1,689,473
2,163,730
107,920
Oakland Intermediate
163,091
340,501
347,470
School District
791,535
35,243
826,778
Slate Education Tax
26,065,329
3,515,819
827,715
30,408,863
SchoolcmR Comm. Coll.
7,805,064
1,052,791
138,183
8,996,038
Wayne County
36,019,485
4,945,777
673,447
41,638,709
Wayne County Jail
3,878,642
540,394
75,734
4,494,770
Wayne County Parks
1,016,545
141,634
19,858
1,178,037
Huron Clinton MetroAuth.
887,127
123,604
17,323
1,028,054
Wayne Cnty. Tmnsil Auth.
2,472,402
344,473
48,272
2,865,147
Special Assessments
1,952,053
1,952,053
Total
179,173,308
31,260,005
4,615,782
215,049,095
The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer
and Winter was 88,168.
2005
2006
Original Tax Bills
87,713
88,168
Revised Tax Bills
1,238
1,252
Checks Issued For-
609
475
Duplicate Payments,
Overpayments &
Revised
Tax Bills
Delinquent Tax Collections
Our personal delinquent property taxes collected from 12-1-05 through 1130-06
were $1,024,778. The collections breakdown is as follows:
112
Tax Year
Tax Year
Tax Year
Tax Year
2002
2003
2004
2005
Original Amount Levied
29,935,004
28,050,803
29,282,750
29,887,374
(Personal Property)
Original Delinquency
2,062,013
1,689,473
2,163,730
1,403,277
Amount Collected This Year 161,275
163,091
340,501
347,470
112
DTE& Consumers Energy
707,193
746,398
984,529
379,114
Still Collectible
35,380
53,025
132,068
338,891
%Delinquent
6.89%
6.02%
7.39%
4.70%
OTHER COLLECTIONS
Invoices for Council authorized weed cuttings are mailed to taxpayers as well as
any special assessments approved during the year. The Treasurers Office
records payment on these assessments and any unpaid amounts are added to
the tax bills at yearend. In 2006, the Treasurer's office issued 631 invoices for
weed bills, as compared to 557 invoices for 2005 and 512 invoices for 2004.
#of Parcels $Amount #of Parcels $Amount
Billed on Billed on Billed on Billed on
2004 Taxes 2004 Taxes 2005 Taxes 2005 Taxes
Special Assessment Districts
Sidewalk
47
16,817
46
11,788
Paving
472
126,606
384
99,246
Lighting
13,624
911,394
13,653
949,983
Weeds
121
13,258
150
14,316
Delinquent Water 1 146
847 531
1 269
876,879
15,410
1,915,606
15,502
1,952,212
The Treasurers two tellers processed $261,961,027 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 City's 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, ron-adjudicated drug and D.A.R.E. funds, fees
for City sponsored special events such as the Highland Games and the Arts &
Craft Fair, false alar charges, accounts receivable items, SMART bus ticket
113
sales, City garage sale, fees for using the City Dump, Police auction, rent
payments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, and city -owned homes, record
duplication fees, etc. Of the amounts collected, $50,044.444 was for general
deposit items and $211,916,583 was for property taxes. The tellers also receive
walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal year, 11,418 water
payments were processed by the Treasurer's Office. The busiest day was
December 12, 2005 with 294 water bills being processed. The average amount
of water bills processed was 46 per day.
Total Collections
2005 2006
$260,168,699 $261,961,027
DISBURSEMENTS
All payroll and payable checks are released through the Treasurers Office on
approval ofthe Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor).
2005 2006
Payroll Checks 28,301
27,952
Vendor Checks — City 15,894
14,932
Vendor Checks - Court 2820
1882
46,215
44,766
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven (7) member Board created by Stale
statute and Zoning Ordinance No. 543, as amended, City of Livonia. 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 7:30 p.m.
The following is a breakdown of the Appeal Cases prepared and heard by the
Zoning Board of Appeals during the fiscal year December 1, 2005 through
November 30, 2006.
114
• Includes Cases which were Granted in ParUDenied 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.
Number of Regular Meetings: 11
Number of Special Meetings: 22 (l comprehensive meeting updating
ZBA Procedures and Michigan State
Statutes)
115
Granted with
Tabled or
Granted Denied
Modifications'
Postponed"*
Total
New Cases 71 8
8
22
109
Rehearings 3 0
0
0
3
Actual Cases Heard
112
Prepared and Scheduled"
7
Total Cases Heard and Prepared
119
• Includes Cases which were Granted in ParUDenied 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.
Number of Regular Meetings: 11
Number of Special Meetings: 22 (l comprehensive meeting updating
ZBA Procedures and Michigan State
Statutes)
115