HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-2015 Annual Report
CITY OF LIVONIA
ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR
2014-2015
CITY OF LIVONIA, MICHIGAN
ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2014-2015
__________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Assessing Department ......................................................................... 1
Review, Board of ....................................................................... 2
City Clerk .............................................................................................. 3
Civil Service Department ...................................................................... 8
Trustees, Board of ................................................................... 14
Community Resources Department and Cable .................................. 18
Arts Commission ...................................................................... 22
Youth Commission ................................................................... 23
Historic Preservation Commission ........................................... 25
Historical Commission ..............................................................26
Aging Commission ................................................................... 30
Human Relations Commission ................................................. 31
District Court ....................................................................................... 31
Finance Department ........................................................................... 36
Information Systems ....... 39
Fire Department .................................................................................. 43
Housing Commission .......................................................................... 50
Inspection Department ....................................................................... 53
Zoning Board of Appeals ......................................................... 57
Building Code Board of Appeals .............................................. 57
Law Department ................................................................................. 58
Library Department & Commission ..................................................... 62
Parks and Recreation Department & Commission ............................. 66
Planning Department & Commission .................................................. 77
Police Department 87
Public Works Department ................................................................... 95
Engineering Division ................................................................ 96
Public Service Division............................................................ . 99
Traffic Commission ........................................................................... 120
Treasurer .......................................................................................... 122
ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
The 2015 State Equalized Valuation of the City Real and Personal Property was
4,317,198,600 which relates to the following statistics:
CLASS PARCEL COUNT VALUATION
Residential 38,231 2,949,675,430
Commercial 1,776 737,073,740
Industrial 429 214,332,170
Personal 4,337 416,117,260
4,317,198,600
In addition, valuation under the Special Acts provided total valuation of
$111,851,430 as follows:
IFT Real 16,284,340
Turbo/Brownfield/CFT 16,513,110
IFT Personal 79,053,980
111,851,430
All property appeared on the assessment roll at 50% 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 45 new homes were created. Revisions to
approximately 962 existing property record cards were made, which is a 19%
increase over the prior year. Commercial and Industrial new buildings, alterations
and additions numbered 155 and were reviewed for value for the 2015 assessment
roll.
We began our residential canvass this spring, starting in May. We canvassed
approximately 9,500 homes in the south and middle tier of the City. We are in the
process of entering the data collected from each property. This project will
continue for the next 3 years in order to complete the entire City. This completed
project will bring the Assessing Department in compliance with the State Tax
Commission guidelines.
For 2015, there were 2,170 transfer affidavits processed by the department.
Declarations of homesteads, rescissions or removal of homesteads, conditional
rescissions and denial forms totaling 3,572 were entered. These forms are
processed on a daily basis.
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Lots splits and combinations are processed by this department. This office reviews
mpliance with city
ordinances and procedures. If a split is non-conforming, Council action will be
required. Approximately 17 splits and combinations were completed in 2015. Of
these, one required Council action.
Several prior years of Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals were finalized. A total of 126
appeals were completed. Of this number, there were 107 full tribunal appeals.
There were 26 small claim appeals, of which 19 were residential and 7 were
commercial properties.
Approximately 4,500 personal property statements were processed for the 2015
assessment roll.
A small business taxpayer exemption, which went into effect in 2014, excludes
businesses with an assessed value under $40,000 if an affidavit was filed with the
City. An estimated 1,600 Form 5076 Affidavits were processed and accepted.
As part of this new Act, an exemption for Eligible Manufacturing Equipment will
Essential Service Assessment, which in turn will result in monies collected by the
State and distributed to the local communities for lost revenue.
* * * * * * *
BOARD OF REVIEW
The December Board of Review meeting was held on Tuesday, December 9,
2014, 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 12, 2015 (CR#04-15), set the place and dates
for the 2015 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 3, 2015, for an eight-
day session of public hearings, which included two evening sessions. Members
William Tancill, Cathryn White and Vahan Nazarian were in attendance. The Board
heard 91 taxpayer appeals and acted on 192 mail-in petitions. Determination
notices were mailed on April 3, 2015.
State law requires a July Board of Review meeting to correct clerical errors and
mutual mistakes of fact. This meeting was held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
* * * * * * *
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CITY CLERK
This office is administered by the City Clerk, elected for a four-year term at an odd-
year election conducted by the City of Livonia.
The powers and duties of the City Clerk are set forth in the City Charter and
statutes of the State of Michigan. The Clerk is assisted by a Deputy Clerk and a
staff of six who are trained specialists in delivering a variety of services to the
citizens of Livonia and the several departments of the City administration, i.e.:
(a)
This responsibility involves receiving all correspondence and
communications filed 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.
FUNCTION STATISTICS: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
City Council 2014 2015
Study Meetings 24 24
Regular Meetings 24 24
Special Meetings 1 1
Council Resolutions Recorded 366 375
Ordinances Adopted 32 16
Public Hearings Conducted 17 24
(b)
office by State or Federal law, the City Charter, the Council or
DEPARTMENT OF VITAL STATISTICS
The Clerk is required by State Statute to record and file a record of all deaths and
births occurring within the City for subsequent transmittal to the State and County
Department of Health and make available for certification copies of such records,
as can be legally released.
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VITAL STATISTICS (DECEMBER 2014-2015)
2014 2015
Births Recorded 857 841
Deaths Recorded 1507 1594
FEES COLLECTED
$135,420.00 $132,360.00
(c) 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 2014 2015
Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners, Amusement
Places, Taxi, Trailer Rental, Solicitors,
Vending Machines, Restaurants, Caterers, etc. 390 316
FEES COLLECTED $30,256.00 $22,379.50
Garage, Basement, Rummage Sales 1,612 1583
FEES COLLECTED $10,045.00 $10,030.00
Pet Licenses (1-Year) 3,726 3,439
Pet Licenses (3-Year) n/a 152
FEES COLLECTED
$32,651.00 $39,349.50
Bicycle Licenses 9 15
FEES COLLECTED
$27.00 $45.00
(d)
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
Bond Resolutions, to the final signatures of the City Clerk after
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NUMBER AND TYPE OF PETITIONS FILED
2014 2015
Zoning 6 9
Vacating 1 1
Miscellaneous (Waivers) 15 21
New Plats Authorized (Preliminary) 0 0
Final Plats 0 0
Extensions 0 0
(e) Publication and Legal Notices
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 all
departments and interested parties. A complete file, in excess of
2,991 separate Ordinances, is maintained, and the Livonia Code of
Ordinances is continually updated, as amended, and on file in the
(f) Duplicating and Mailing Figures
meetings of the City Council.
2014* 2015
Council Regular Agendas 1800 1800
Council Study Agendas 2040 2040
Special Regular Agendas 45 45
Special Regular Minutes 17 17
Council Regular Minutes 408 408
Council Study Minutes 480 480
Attorney Notes for Council Regular Meetings 725 700
Synopsis of Regular Council Minutes 96 96
Council Public Hearing Notices 867 1122
Public Hearing Minutes 374 484
*Tables indicate number of sets required per year for distribution for
each activity; number of pages varies by event and is not included in
total.
MAILING FUNCTION
2015
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totaled $108,114.00
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
2014 2015
Elections Held in City 1 State Primary 1 State Special
1 State General 1 City Primary
1 City General
2014 2015
New Registrations 4,526 4,209
Total Registered Voters 74,932 74,323
Change of Name 378 508
Change of Address 137 152
Cancellations 2,339 3,495
Registrations by Mail 807 404
Number of Absentee Ballots Issued 17,921 16,844
AV Applications Issued 17,921 16,844
Notices of Election Inspectors 589 603
Notice of Cancellation of Registration 795 290
Sale of Voter Registrations Lists $1,005.69 $522.86*
* Beginning July 1, 2015, new FOIA laws restrict what can be charged for voter or any
information.
(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.
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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 Clerk purchased document storage
software in 2015. Currently, all Birth records, Death records, Council
Regular Minutes, Public Hearing Minutes and Election Commission
Minutes have been scanned and are searchable by text. Other
various board and commission minutes have been partially scanned
and saved.
In 2015, the Clerk joined the Michigan Centralized Death
Registration System and the Michigan Centralized Birth Registration
System and can now receive filings of death records electronically
and issue State Certified Birth Certificates to the public.
2011. In 2015, 92 documents were witnessed and notarized by the
department, with fees of $720.00 collected.
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 2015, the Clerk examined, pre-audited and signed approximately
14,800 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 2015 there was one (1)
authorized opening and closing at a cemetery and one (1) placement
of a Veteran headstone.
* * * * * * *
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CIVIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
REGULAR BUSINESS
The Civil Service Commission held 12 Regular meetings and one Special Meeting
during fiscal year 2014-15.
LABOR RELATIONS
During fiscal year 2014-15, a contract was successfully negotiated and
implemented for AFSCME Council 25, Local 1917. In addition, negotiations began
and are continuing with the Livonia Fire Fighters Union, Local 1164. No agreement
had been reached as of November 30, 2015.
Several Labor-Management Committee meetings have been held to resolve
employee and/or union grievances or concerns filed by the AFSCME Local 192,
the Livonia Police Officers Association, the Livonia Police Lieutenants and
Sergeants Association and the Livonia Fire Fighters Union. These committees
consist of representatives of the Union and the City. In the event a grievance
cannot be resolved at the committee level, the grievance procedure permits appeal
to the Civil Service Commission and, if not resolved, through mediation and/or
formal arbitration.
PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Personnel Review Committee, comprised of the Human Resources Director,
the Director of Finance, and the Director of Administrative Services, met 17 times
during the year and reviewed and made 78 recommendations to the Mayor on all
new hires, replacement personnel, and promotions.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS
HOSPITALIZATION-MEDICAL INSURANCE PLANS
cap for annual contribution to active employee
health insurance consistent with Public Act 152 was:
Single coverage - $5,857.58
Two-person coverage - $12,250
Family - $15,975.23
Effective March 1, 2015, the monthly premium share amounts for employees were:
General non-court employees Single Two Person / Family
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $210.00
LFFU employees Single Two Person / Family
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $209.00
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LLSA & Police Command Single Two Person / Family
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $209.00
LPOA employees Single Two Person / Family
Community Blue 3 $ 35.00 $ 35.00
Blue Choice $ 35.00 $209.00
The annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair was held on four separate
afternoons during January 2015 at various City locations including; Police
Headquarters Training Room, Department of Public Works Administrative
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Conference Room, City Hall Fifth Floor Gallery and 16 District Court. Employees
and retirees, along with their immediate family members, were encouraged to
present to answer questions. In addition, representatives from Blue Cross/Blue
Shield (BCBS) hospitalization/medical insurance plans, sponsored by the City,
were present to permit employees to review and compare plan provisions and
obtain assistance with health care questions or issues.
As of October 31, 2015 (the last available report from Blue Cross Blue Shield), the
employee and retiree hospitalization/medical insurance enrollments are:
(BC/BS) Traditional Plan 1 Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
145 Retirees on Medicare
4 Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
(BC/BS) Preferred Plan 30 Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
138 Retirees on Medicare
33 Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
Blue Cross/Blue Shield 170 Employee subscribers
Blue Choice PPO 86 Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
38 Retirees on Medicare
43 Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
Community Blue 2 26 Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
26 Retirees on Medicare
1 Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
Community Blue 3 292 Employee subscribers
45 Retiree subscribers (Regular Coverage)
3 Retirees on Medicare
3 Retiree Contracts with Regular Coverage &
Medicare Coverage
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A total of 57 full-
2015 open enrollment period and received $1,000.00 in lieu of
hospitalization/medical coverage.
LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
The City of Livonia currently contracts for group life insurance with the Reliance
Standard Life Insurance Company at the rate of 0.182 cents per $1,000 per month
volume. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) group insurance
coverage is also provided by Reliance at a rate of 0.015 cents per $1,000 volume
per month.
Current Insurance Volumes
Insurance
Number Amount
Employees 559 $27,327,955.34
Retirees @ $3,000 17 $ 51,000.00
Retirees @ $3,500 141 $ 493,500.00
Retirees @ $5,000 246 $ 1,230,000.00
During the fiscal year, a total of $79,867.74 in life insurance and AD&D premiums
were paid to Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company. There were nine retiree
death claims totaling $85,750.73. There were two employee death claims totaling
$134,080.00.
WEEKLY DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
The City of Livonia is self-insured for the weekly disability income coverage.
Effective March 1, 2013, through February 28, 2016, the disability claims are
This benefit provides
$250/week to disabled general full-time employees and $125.00/week to disabled
part-time employees for up to 45 weeks; $125.00/week for disabled Police
Dispatcher full-time employees for 45 weeks; $42.00/week for the first 12 weeks
and $100.00/week for the 40 week balance of 52 weeks for disabled police and
fire employees; and $200.00/week for up to 45 weeks for District Court employees.
was $10,125.
During the Fiscal Year 2014-15, there were a total of 12 weekly disability income
claims to employees. A total benefit of $18,961.97 was paid by this self-insured
program.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Civil Service Department staff administers the AFSCME Union Local 192
(General Employee union) tuition reimbursement programs. Thirty-eight members
of Local 192 expended $4,931.00 of the maximum allocation of $15,000.00 during
the fiscal year. Ten members of the AFSCME Union Local 1917 (Supervisory and
Technical Chapter) expended $455 of the maximum allocation of $3,475 during
the fiscal year.
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OPTICAL PLAN
The City offers an optical benefit program with two providers: Co-Op Optical and
RxOptical, who have multiple area locations. Employee usage and costs incurred
during the fiscal year at these centers or through the direct employee
reimbursement option were:
Safety Glasses 2 95.00
Direct Employee Reimbursement 76 12,428.96
Co-Op Optical 8 688.50
RxOptical 83 8,686.00
Total 169 $21,898.46
DENTAL PROGRAM
All employee groups have a dental reimbursement program which includes an
option for the employee to elect a direct payment to the Dentist. The City provides
an annual payment of $800 per employee. Billing for services rendered during the
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fiscal year must be submitted within 30 days of the November 30 fiscal year end
for consideration. A summary of the employee reimbursements and hardship
advances during the fiscal year to date is:
Number of Total Average
TransactionsAmount PaidPayment
Reimbursement/Direct Payment 792 $232,693.11 $293.81
Dental reimbursement may also include payment for Dental Insurance premiums.
LFFU members participate in a dental insurance program. The program is
administered by the union.
ORTHODONTIC SERVICES
General employees, Court employees, LFFU, LLSA and Police Command are
eligible for 50% of the fees for orthodontic services for a lifetime maximum of $1500
per family. Coverage is limited to the employee, spouse, and dependent children
until the end of the year the dependent reaches age 19. LPOA employees are
eligible for 50% of the fees for a lifetime maximum of $1000 per family.
A summary of the orthodontic service claims received this fiscal year is:
Number of Claims Total Amount Paid
Police/Fire 5 $ 4,325.63
General 5 $ 5,025.00
Total 10 $ 9,350.63
At the meeting of November 16, 2015, City Council (Resolution # 357-15)
-
contract period December 1, 2015, through November 30, 2016, with Citizens
Management, Inc. (CMI), for claims administration services for a total estimated
premium cost of $44,743.
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Further, City Council authorized a contract for the period of December 1, 2015,
through November 30, 2016, with Midwest Employers Casualty Company to
provide the City with excess insurance coverage when losses from any one claim
reaches $750,000, for a total estimated premium cost of $119,550.
The total paid on all claims through Citizens Management, Inc. (CMI) from
December 1, 2014, through November 30, 2015, is $185,945.41. There were 56
new claims submitted during this period.
The total paid on all claims through CompOne Administrators, Inc. from December
1, 2014, through November 30, 2015, is $417,951.58. These payments are for
claims that started prior to December 1, 2009.
The total paid on all claims includes weekly wage loss indemnity benefits, medical
services, related legal, vocational rehabilitation and other related professional
expenses. Employees receive treatment for work-related injuries or illness at
Providence Corporate Health Services and Midwest Health Center.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The City of Livonia participates in the self-insured Michigan Municipal League
Unemployment Compensation Group Account. The firm of Equifax is the service
agent for this group account. The Civil Service Department responded to
approximately 29 claims for unemployment benefits filed with the Michigan
Employment Security Administration (MESA). Approximate charges for 2015 are
$45,564.74.
CITY PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL CLINICS
Pre-employment, return-to-work, and occupational injury/illness medical
examinations and treatment are provided by the authorized City Physician, St.
John Providence Corporate Health Services. Also, St Mary Mercy Hospital has
provided medical services for Police and Fire personnel and emergency services
only for general employees.
One hundred and two regular employee and temporary employee pre-employment
(full-time and part-time) examinations and 67 physicals for return to work
Danuloff, Ph.D., completed 32 evaluations for new Public Safety employees. In
addition, there were medical consultations with regard to employee health and
continuation of pre-employment auditory, TB and pulmonary function examinations
for fire fighter and police officer new hires in compliance with MIOSHA
requirements. Alcohol and drug testing for employees assigned to drive specific
types of Department of Public Works vehicles are coordinated in compliance with
federal regulations.
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SAFETY
A representative from Providence Hospital conducted Bloodborne Pathogens
Training for Department of Public Works staff. Building Maintenance employees
attended one of the three training sessions.
SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Sixty (60) employees received service recognition awards in FY 2014-15:
Level of ServiceService Awards Presented
Five Years 1
Ten Years 10
Fifteen Years 18
Twenty Years 14
Twenty-Five Years 11
Thirty Years 5
Thirty-Five Years 0
Forty Years 1
Forty-Five Years 0
Total 60
APPLICANT RECRUITMENT
The Civil Service Department has continued an affirmative recruitment program
through newspaper advertisements in the Observer/Eccentric, the Detroit
News/Detroit Free Press, and notices to various colleges, training schools, MESA,
handicapper rehabilitation services, and minority community based organizations.
The total number of advertisements published during Fiscal Year 2014-15 were:
Detroit News - 10; Livonia Observer - 10; several professional association
publications, the City of Livonia Spring and Fall News, and Cable Channel 8.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In accordance with the Affirmative Action policy adopted by the Civil Service
Commission, Civil Service staff continued its efforts to provide examinations and
position descriptions that are job-related. Proposed qualifications for each new
examination were reviewed by the respective Department staff and the Civil
Service Commission in order to establish pre-requisites which are appropriate to
the positions being filled. The staff also prepares a monthly summary report to the
Civil Service Commission concerning race and gender characteristics of all
applicants for open-competitive examinations, the resulting eligible lists, and all
regular employee hires and terminations.
EXAMINATION PROGRAM
The Civil Service staff continued to prepare and administer open-competitive and
promotional examinations as requested by City Department Heads. During Fiscal
Year 2014-15, a total of 15 open-competitive and 19 promotional examinations
were announced. As of November 4, 2015, the Civil Service Department received
380 applications for open-competitive examinations and 53 applications for
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promotional examinations during the fiscal year. In addition the Department
processed 251 applications for temporary employment opportunities in various
Parks and Recreation positions; 46 applications for Seasonal Laborer; six
applications for Seasonal Clerk; 46 applications for Student Page; 56 applications
for Library Page; two applications for Substitute Librarian; eight applications for
Temporary Clerical; eight applications for School Crossing Guard; and 15
applications for Police Reserve Officer.
TRAINING
During FY 2014-15, the Civil Service Department sponsored several employee-
training activities.
Between December 2014 and November 2015, Civil Service Staff coordinated
multiple educational presentations sponsored by financial representatives from the
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan providers including Nationwide Retirement
Solutions and ICMA Retirement Corporation.
Empower Retirement Services, formerly known as Great West Retirement
Services, is the Plan Administrator for the 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The
Account Representative, Greg Wood, conducted on-site on-on-one meetings in
2015. Approximately 35 employees attended these meetings.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the FY 2014-15, a total of nine employees received crisis intervention,
individual counseling sessions. Each employee is limited to five sessions for a total
of $400.00 per individual. In addition, EAP providers have been called upon to
assist Departments with group conflict resolution meetings. Services totaled
approximately $2,080.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has mirrored their
behavioral health-coun
same referral network of providers. A total of $990.00 in CDBG funds has been
expended during FY 2014-15. Counseling services were provided for three low-
income residents who received a total of 13 visits.
* * * * * * *
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,
2014, through November 30, 2015:
1. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
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b) As of November 30, 2015, the Defined Benefit Plan had 550 retirees
or surviving spouses plus 16 Alternate Payees under Eligible
Domestic Relations Orders (EDROs) for a total of 566 receiving
pension checks. Twenty-six City retirees died during fiscal year 2014-
2015. The total pension payroll fiscal year to date is $14,693,370
through November 2015.
c) David Sowerby of Loomis-Sayles and Company advises the Board on
investments for the Defined Benefit Plan and uses discretionary power
regarding investments subject to confirmation by the Board. The
Board approved investment transactions by Loomis-Sayles and
Company at regular meetings. The Defined Benefit portion of the fund
managed by Loomis Sayles had a market value of $216,690,036.00
as of October 31, 2015.
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d) In March 2015, the Board reviewed the 62 annual actuarial valuation
as of November 30, 2014, for the Livonia Employees Retirement
ng
Company. The Plan covered 572 retirees; 15 deferred and 121
employees for a total of 708. The Actuary reported that the accrued
of this condition is dependent upon future investment experience and
receipt of required contributions.
e) The funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued
liability for the Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan was 102%.
f) John Krakowiak, Sr. Consultant of NEPC, LLC, provided the
consulting and performance evaluation services to the Board.
g) The Board has a $10,000,000 investment in a Real Estate Investment
Trust (REIT) managed by Seminole Asset Strategies (SAS).
Staff and board members attend SAS investment update meetings
quarterly.
Total interest earnings on the SAS REIT from December 1, 2014,
through October 31, 2015, were $500,000.
h) The Board has a global real estate investment with Cohen & Steers
Capital Management Inc., in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT),
separately managed account. The account market value reported as
of July 31, 2015, was $6,508,685.
i) The total defined benefit fund value was $216,690,036 as of October
31, 2015.
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j) Thirty-seven requests for retirement estimates under the Defined
Benefit Plan were processed by the Civil Service Department Staff.
k) Members of the Board and staff continued their education required as
fiduciaries by attending the Michigan Association of Public Employees
Retirement System (MAPERS) Conferences at Soaring Eagle Resort,
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, from May 17 to May 19, 2015; and at the
Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan from September 26 to
September 29, 2015.
2. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
b) The Defined Contribution Plan Administrator continues to be Empower
Retirement Services, formerly known as Great West Retirement
Services.
c) The Defined Contribution Fund had a total account ending balance of
$55,241,632.51 as of November 30, 2015, 496 active participants; 110
participants who terminated employment and have an ending account
balance; and 72 participants with a zero ending account balance.
d) As of November 30, 2015, a total of 165 employees have retired under
the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
3. LIVONIA RETIREE HEALTH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS PLAN (VEBA)
a) The Board of Trustees held 12 Regular meetings during this period.
b) Mr. Sowerby advised the Board on investments for the VEBA. The
VEBA had a market value of $91,225,711 as of October 31, 2015.
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, monies to pay for
post-employment hospitalization-medical insurance benefits for
members of the DB and the DC Plans, as well as to provide separate
funding for DC Plan member disability retirement benefits.
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c) In March 2015, the Board reviewed the 17 annual actuarial valuation
Actuary, Rodwan Consulting Company. The amortization periods
adopted by the Board of Trustees for the funding purposes of this Plan
are 30 years for disability benefits and 40 years for health insurance
benefits. The 40-year amortization period produces a contribution that
is less than the Annual Required Contribution (ARC), and results in a
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d) The fund had actuarial computed assets of $83,134,248 and the
funded ratio of actuarial value of assets to actuarial accrued liability
for the City of Livonia Retiree Health and Disability Benefits Plan and
Trust (VEBA) was 52% as of November 30, 2014. The unfunded
liability is $76,720,754.
e) Effective December 1, 2006, through negotiations with City employee
groups
contribution in the form of a salary reduction to the Plan for post-
employment health care benefits. LPOA, LFFU, LLSA and all general
employees (including District Court employees) hired before the dates
wages to the VEBA Plan. (This does not include overtime earnings
and this contribution is in un-taxed dollars.)
As required by federal law, non-union employees were provided a
non-reversible opportunity to opt-out of the health care provisions of
the VEBA. A total of 16 non-represented employees elected to opt-
out of the VEBA Plan.
The City saves more than $136,000 per year in contributions as a
result of these employees opting out of the VEBA.
f) General, unrepresented employees hired after December 1, 2009;
AFSCME Union Local 192 and AFSCME Union Local 1917
employees hired on or after September 8, 2011; uniformed police
employees and police dispatchers hired on or after November 2, 2011,
and LFFU members and District Court employees hired after
December 1, 2012, must participate in the City sponsored
Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings (RHSP) Plan instead of the
VEBA. This plan allows the employee to accumulate assets tax-free
to be used for eligible healthcare related expenses upon termination.
The new employees contribute 2% of their pension wages to the
program. Employee contributions are vested immediately. The City
contributes $60 per pay period. Upon termination after 10 years of
service, the accrued sick leave payout is deposited in the account for
all non-Fire employees. With regard to the direct City contributions,
the following vesting schedule applies:
Years of Completed Service Vesting Percentage
0-4 0%
4+ 100%
transferred to an account for continuing tax-free use by the surviving
spouse and/or dependents for their own qualifying health expenses.
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Any remaining assets after the death of the spouse and dependents
will revert to the Plan. In addition, should the employee terminate
employment before four (4) years of service, non-vested assets will
revert to the Plan. As of October 2015, one hundred and ninety-six
(196) employees are enrolled in the Plan.
g) This year, InTech Health Ventures continues to review the retirement
Drug Subsidy Program. Since January 1, 2014, the retirement system
ct subsidy payments monthly from
AmWINS Rx.
h) -65 prescription drug processor was changed effective
January 1, 2015, from Sterling Rx to Precise Care Rx. The City
converted the over-65 retiree drug program to a Part D program. This
eliminated the requirement to obtain an Actuarial valuation that stated
our prescription program was Part D compliant, saving this plan
$5,000 per year. This also permitted the City to get immediate savings
from Social Security Retiree Drug subsidy program and low-income
programs.
i)
for all pre-65 retirees, spouses, and dependents.
* * * * * * *
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
RESIDENT ASSISTANCE
Emergency Help Emergency Service Program funds assist low-income
households with food gift cards when the emergency need is proven and
funds/cards are available. We are also an active member with the Livonia
Cares organization.
Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Wayne County
food was distributed monthly for a total of 3637 distributions for 5684 residents.
Seventeen volunteers worked over 1020 hours. The District Court Work
Program also provided an average of 15 probationers who unload the delivery
trucks and sorted the food items, assisted our residents one-on-one with
cars.
We also partnered with the Forgotten Harvest Food Rescue organization,
which provided our low-income residents with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy,
bakery, and meat items. Over 103,558 pounds of food was distributed to our
residents.
Non-Food Pantry Referrals over 900 referral forms were issued to TEFAP-
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qualified residents for boxes of assorted personal hygiene and household
goods/supplies supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Newburgh
Methodist Church.
Holiday Assistance over 225 TEFAP qualified households were referred to
local sponsors for holiday food assistance. The Community Resources
Department also works closely with the Goodfellows organization to ensure that
no child/family is without a Christmas.
Publications
City Newsletter Three (3) issues published and mailed to approximately
43,000 residences and businesses. The City Newsletter went up for bid this
year and Dearborn Lithograph in Livonia will continue to publish for the next
three years.
Community Gardens
Cash collected for Garden Plots $4,990.00
Plots available for planting 243 and 18 corn row plots
Plots purchased 174
Plots purchased by residents 110 at $25
Plots purchased by non-residents 64 at $35
In January of 2015, the gardeners from 2014 were contacted to pay for their plots
if they wished to continue gardening in 2015. Open enrollment became available
to everyone the first week of April. The gardens were staked by the 16th District
Court Probation Department in May. The Department of Public Works delivered
wood chips and compost. Excessive water retention in the gardens still remains a
problem. Many gardens could not be used. DPW contacted an outside company
to plow the garden and to put drain tiles in the garden in October to help with the
water problem. The cost was shared by DPW and Community Resources.
Richard, garden supervisor, was available three days a week during the time the
gardens were open in order to assist gardeners with any issues that might arise.
On
October 3rd, we closed the Gardens. The District Court probationers cleaned up
the gardens.
LIVONIA YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Referral Sources:
2015 Referrals: 35 New Cases (20 Male and 15 Female)
Carry Over Cases from 2014: 46
Total Cases served in 2015: 81
These numbers are accurate as of November 30, 2015.
19
2015 Cases represent the following referral agencies:
25 - Livonia Police Department
8 - Surrounding Police Departments (Westland, Novi)
2 Voluntary
13 parents completed 170 hours of instruction with our Alternative Parenting
Skills group.
Youth Assistance Clients filled 64 community work service slots, completing
655 hours of work service.
equaling 232 hours of instruction.
32 youth attended the County Jail tour.
19 drug tests were administered
49 youth used the walk in services of the Youth Employment Resource Center.
The website recorded 67,851 visits. High school visits included Churchill,
Franklin, Stevenson and Clarenceville.
Wayne County grants: 1/10th Mill Fund $18,046
LIVONIA COMMUNITY TRANSIT (LCT)
Community Resources has the administrative responsibility of providing
transportation for Livonia senior citizens and disabled residents. This program is
called Livonia Community Transit. Transportation is available, with a reservation,
seven days a week on a first-come, first-serve basis. Livonia Community Transit
and D-DOT bus systems. This service picks up riders from hubs located at
Millennium Park and near Botsford Hospital and then takes these riders to pre-
determined work locations. "To Work" riders are picked up in the morning at 6:00,
7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and again for the return trip at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Credit contracts and Specialized Services grants, administered by
SMART, are monitored and prepared by the Community Resources staff.
The Livonia Community Transit system has a fleet of 18 vehicles (a combination
of small buses and vans). The vehicles are driven by 23 part-time bus drivers all
with Commercial Drivers Licenses. The Transit office is supervised by a Grant
Manager and four (4) other part-time employees who help coordinate the drivers
and the route schedules. The system provided approximately 45,300 rides. These
rides totaled over 205,000 miles and approximately 21,200 service hours.
Revenue from bus fares totaled approximately $69,400.
Livonia Transit continues to provide door-to-door transportation for the students of
Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), and the Personal Enrichment Program
(PEP), both programs are for disabled adults.
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Livonia Community Transit received Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding
through the Veterans Transportation Community Living Initiative (VTCLI) grant.
Because of grant, Transit was able to implement technology improvements for both
the call center and the buses. The upgrades were designed by our existing
software company, RouteMatch.
The goal of the Veterans Transportation Community Living Initiative is to provide
veterans with simplified access to transportation mobility options and services. As
a result, Livonia Community Transit expanded its daily service to assist qualifying
veterans get to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Livonia Transit will pick-up qualifying
to board a shuttle. The VA shuttle departs Westland three times a day Monday
through Friday at 8:50 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. The cost is $2.00 each way.
The Livonia Community Transit department has also implemented process
improvements in 2015. To-work routes have been revised and new stops created
to meet the needs of both passengers and Livonia businesses. Ridership
guidelines have been updated to provide increased clarity and consistency of
service to passengers. The dispatch office is streamlining the trip reservation
process through benchmarking other communities and providing staff training.
The department continues to utilize the technology to better serve the Livonia
Transit passengers.
LIVONIA CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION
In 2015, Livonia Television (LTV) continued providing viewers on Bright House
Networks (Channel 8/8.1) and AT&T U-verse (Channel 99) with high quality
programming, promoting th
consistently utilize cable television as a delivery format, as well as the internet for
LIVE and on-
to social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. LTV provided continuously-
updated results for the Primary and General Elections on TV, Facebook and
Twitter.
The audit of AT&T concluded in 2015, resulting in the City getting back $34,337.
as approximately $9,000. This audit process
may need to be repeated every two years, as AT&T has made no mention that
they will change their business procedures.
WOW announced their intent to provide TV, phone and internet service in Livonia
and met several times with City staff. Their projected date for the start of service
in Livonia is late 2015, beginning in the southwest corner of the City.
LTV staff developed a survey for our counterparts in other parts of Michigan. We
received valuable, very positive feedback from approximately 30 different access
TV centers/stations. A visual management system was also introduced, to
improve workflow, communication and problem-solving. In addition, staff
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continually work toward several strategic goals. One major change was the
expanding of programming playback times on Livonia Television. Programming
now begins at 5:30 a.m. running for the majority of the day, with the last show
airing at 10 p.m. Weekends are now fully-programmed as well.
Staff member P-time Recreation
Supervisor, similar to Chris Nielsen and Nathan Rockwell. Unfortunately, we lost
a good friend, co-worker and volunteer, Mr. Bill Tyler. He passed away in his sleep.
LTV staff took five honors in national competitions four wins in the NATOA
Government Programming Competition, and a Best in Show at the Philo
Competition from ACM.
As of November 2015, LTV staff logged a total of 15 complaints regarding Bright
House Networks, and none regarding AT&T. This number is much lower than that
from the same time last year. That total was 31.
LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION
The Livonia Arts Commission held its meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month
The 2015 officers were: Chairperson: Brian Duggan; Vice Chairperson: Dan
Spurling; Secretary: Carrie Spurling. The Commission eliminated the office of
Treasurer and relies on the financial reports submitted by liaison Chris Swish.
Active members include; Donna Eno, Karen Voran, Grace Karczewski, Dan
Pawlak, Haitham Fakhouri, Kira Leeper, Jerry Valentine, and Pam Valentine.
Dan Pawlak, and Haitham Fakhouri resigned this year.
Budgeted Free-Admission Activities:
The Commission appropriated $1,800 to co-sponsor the monthly Noontime
Concerts held at the Civic Center Library.
New this year, the Livonia Symphony Orchestra started off the Music from the
Heart concert series in June by performing at the Community Recreation Center.
We continued the series with eight other performances on the steps of City Hall
each Thursday starting in July and ending in August.
The following businesses donated refreshments during the concerts: Glen
Advisory Team, Bench Pub, Buffalo Wild Wings, Community Choice Credit Union,
Brian Duggan, Dunia Sweets, Jimmy John's, Lila's Pierogis, and Showerman's.
Commission Sponsored Community Activities: $500 grant to Visual Arts
Association of Livonia. Two scholarships were awarded totaling $2,000 to
students pursuing an art-related field at a post-high school learning institution. The
awards were given out during a City Council meeting with a small reception
afterwards.
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Walk, $50.
The Commission held its 18th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in October. The selected
artwork was displayed in the 2nd floor Fine Arts Gallery at the Civic Center Library.
Eighty-one (81) applicants submitted over 213 entries. The application fees netted
$2,530 in revenue.
Artwork from regional artists and art groups include Livonia Public Schools and
Clarenceville Public Schools were displayed monthly in the Civic Center Library
Gallery and in the City Hall Lobby Atrium.
Commission-sponsored Receptions: The Fine Arts Exhibition reception was held
in October in the Civic Center Library Atrium. Individual artist receptions were held
monthly in the Library Gallery.
Livonia Public Schools asked the Commission to judge the annual PTSA (Parent
Teacher Student Association) Reflections competition once again.
The Arts Commission maintains a city website, a Facebook site, and a
youtube.com/artsinlivonia.com account.
The Arts Commission mission statement is:
su
Commission continues community access to art experiences, opportunities, and
improving community awareness.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
In 2015, the Livonia Commission on Children and Youth continued the
administration of the Livonia Youth/Spree Scholarship Program sponsored by the
Livonia Anniversary Committee. The Commission distributed brochures
advertising the scholarships to the local high schools and libraries. The
scholarship information was presented in the City Winter-Spring Newsletter, on
Livonia Television, in the Livonia Observer, on the City's website and through the
Department of Community Resources. More than thirty-seven applications were
submitted for the three awards of $2,000. Commissioners Dan Spurling, Jeff Nork,
Jessica Claypoole, and Jim Keller reviewed and selected the most deserving
recipients. Scholarship awards were presented during the Spree pancake
breakfast in June.
The 2015 Arbor Day Project in April was coordinated with the cooperation of both
the Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville Public Schools. Tree seedlings
were packaged and distributed to all fourth grade classes in the two school
systems. Global ReLeaf and the Youth Commission shared the cost of supplying
more than 1,800 trees. Commissioner Ken Balcoff chaired the committee this year.
23
enceville High School
and Ladywood High School requested a $250 donation towards their parties which
were held on school grounds.
Once again in 2015, the Honor Certificates were presented to all graduating
seniors who had achieved a 3.0 grade point average or higher from Clarenceville,
Ladywood, Churchill, Franklin and Stevenson High Schools. Commissioner Dan
Spurling and John Grzebik spearheaded this project.
Acknowledging that back to school is a costly time of year for low-income parents,
the Livonia Youth Commission held its annual school supply program for the sixth
consecutive year. The Commission distributed more than 250 backpacks filled
with school supplies to low-income families whose names were provided by the
Livonia Goodfellows. Both monetary and supply donations were received from,
milies. The
commission also purchased school supplies with their funds. Commissioners Dan
Spurling and Jeff Nork were primarily responsible for this project and were assisted
by other Commissioners, Chris Swish of Community Resources, City staff, Youth
Assistance, Livonia Police, and many other volunteers.
Emergency stickers, which are to be placed on the bedroom windows of children,
senior citizens or handicapped individuals, continue to be available at City Hall as
well as from the Livonia Fire Department. Information for obtaining these stickers
is shown on Livonia Television.
The Youth Commission, in an effort to reach out to the low-income youth of Livonia,
hosted a holiday party on two consecutive Saturdays the 14th and 21st of
November for families who registered with the Livonia Goodfellows. While
Goodfellows representatives interviewed the parents, the children were invited to
enjoy snacks and crafts. They were given mittens/gloves, scarves and hats. The
children were also given an opportunity to have their faces painted and to visit and
have their photograph taken with Santa at the Senior Center. Commissioners Dan
Spurling and Jeff Nork headed this project and were aided by Commissioners,
Resources, Youth Assistance Program, the Spurling family and numerous
volunteers from the community.
This nine member commission meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of the month
at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of Livonia City Hall. Commission members are: Ken
Balcoff, Jessica Claypoole, Laura Duggan, George Gostias, John Grzebik, Nadia
Ideh, James Keller, Jeff Nork and Dan Spurling.
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Commission Officers for 2015-2016:
Dan Spurling, Chairperson
Jeff Nork, Vice Chairperson
James Keller, Secretary
LIVONIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Historic District Resources:
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) continued to meet the first
Wednesday of each month at the Blue House at Greenmead during 2015. The
Commission had four official meetings but elected to continue to meet for planning
purposes every month except January, July and October. Due to the nature of
Historic Preservation Commission, official meetings may be added with the
necessary approvals to accommodate owners of Historic Properties requiring
approvals.
Greenmead
HPC input recommendations and comments to the Master Plan (Cultural Resource
Management Plan) developed for Greenmead. Various other projects at
Greenmead were discussed and approved as required to update the village, Hill
House and farm buildings.
Historic Preservation Commissioners continue to volunteer at Greenmead events
in an attempt to assist the Historic Commission. Some of the events are: Flea
Market in the spring and fall, Highland Games, Sunday tours, and the Teas
throughout the year.
Historic Cemeteries: Newburg, Livonia Center, Briggs, Clarenceville
Historic Preservation along with Historical Commission, Michigan 17th Re-
enactors and Livonia Historical Society planned and held a cemetery walk at
Livonia Center cemetery with profits of $1497 for cemetery repairs raised by 123
people attended the walk. Over 20 volunteers and re-enactors donated their time.
Proceeds from the cemetery walk went towards the up-righting and repairing of
Cemetery Preservation, was used to make all repairs. In addition, $1475 was
allocated to repair the entrance arch at the Livonia Center cemetery.
All the historic cemeteries in the city require much additional needed maintenance.
There continues to be considerable maintenance required on the stones
associated with the lawn cutting practices, age, weather and vandalism. The grass
cutters are using large machines that cause damage to the headstones, including
some recently repaired. The HPC plans to address these issues as funds are
raised.
25
In the future, the Commission would like the budget to support the needs of the
historic cemeteries in Livonia including grass cutting and maintenance. Due to the
Livonia budget constraints, the commission has tabled the discussion for another
year.
Flea Market Book Sale
Kathy Bilger conducted a book sale at the Greenmead Flea Market in June and
September with profits of $249.64 donated to cemetery repairs.
Asa B. Smith, Seven Mile Road
The commission worked with the owners to approve plans, materials and color
choices to this historic home. The owner was able to obtain financing in the late
spring and construction is ongoing. So far, the roof, insulation and windows have
been installed. This process has been ongoing for over two years.
Stark Road House
This home is for sale. Potential purchasers called to inquire about the property
and what were the repercussions of having it listed as an historical property.
Kathleen Glynn and Kathleen Johnson-Bartshe answered their questions.
Kator / Shay House
This home is for sale. It was brought to the attention of the Commission that this
house has potential structural and exterior envelope issues. The commission is
beginning to pursue the issues of this property with the owners.
Commissioners
All the present commissioners are active in the commission and meetings.
Kathleen Glynn and Sue Daniel were re-appointed in February 2015.
Officer Election
Election of officers was held at the November voting meeting, results as follows:
Chairperson Kathleen Johnson-Bartshe
Vice Chairperson Kathleen Glynn
Secretary Kathleen Bilger
Treasurer Jim Kline
Certified Local Government
The commission has approached the State to determine the requirements to
become a Certified Local Government. This may make HPC eligible for matching
funds for additional headstone repair.
LIVONIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Twenty Special Events were held at Greenmead this year. Flea Markets were held
in June and September. Highland Games and the American Motors Car Show
were held in August. Christmas, Presidential, Midsummer Nights, and Highland
26
Teas were held at the Alexander Blue House.
was held at the Alexander Blue House in the spring and fall.
nd A Visit with Santa.
The Village has been open for tours on weekdays beginning in May and on
volunteers for Sunday Tours and Special Events.
The 17th Michigan put on a Civil War Weekend Encampment and also helped the
Preservation Commission with the Cemetery Walk at Clarenceville Cemetery.
They meet monthly at Greenmead and they will decorate the Kingsley House for
Christmas.
The Hill House Gardens were cared for by volunteer gardeners under the direction
of Jan Whitcomb. The garden at Newburg Church and the garden east of Shaw
House are also cared for by volunteer gardeners.
There were 45 weddings held at Greenmead. Both the Alexander Blue House and
the Friends Meeting House have been rented for showers, receptions and
business meetings.
The Historical Commission, Preservation Commission, and the Historical Society
all use the Alexander Blue House for meetings and activities.
Maintenance The Parsonage was painted. The Meeting House has a new roof
and some roof repair was done on Shaw House. Porches have been painted.
Sauk Trail Questers have decorated the Hill House for the Christmas Walk.
We received a Community Foundation Grant which has been used to replace 10
sections of the Eight Mile fence. Funds donated by the Livonia Garden Club and
Zonta Club Northwest Wayne County were added to the grant funds to replace
additional fence.
Donations have been received from Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical
Society, Livonia Garden Club, Zonta Club Northwest Wayne County, Sarah Ann
Cochrane, Daughters of the American Revolution, Arts and Letters, and a grant
from the Livonia Community Foundation has been used to replace more of the
Eight Mile fence. Memorial funds were also received in memory of volunteers.
Kathie Glynn and Sue Daniel have worked on accessioning and cataloging the
artifact collection. There were 15 accessions this year.
Several Eagle Scout projects have been completed by Boy Scouts.
27
GREENMEAD
Historical Properties
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.
The Community Resources staff at Greenmead:
Conducted day-to-day operations of Greenmead.
Maintained Historical Commission records including minutes, volunteer hours,
caretaker reports, contracts and budgets.
Coordinated weekday tours, Sunday tours, Gift Shop operations, Newburg
School usage, Speaker scheduling, as well as Newburg Church, Alexander
Blue House and Meeting House rentals. Property usage included weddings,
meetings, luncheons, memorials, classes, corporate events, filming,
educational opportunities and private parties. Photo spot for many local
Photographers and family groups.
Implemented Historical Commission resolutions.
Assisted with the development, planning and implementation of 28 special
events, fundraisers and community projects sponsored by the Historical
Commission, Friends of Greenmead, Livonia Historical Society, Questers, St.
-enactors,
A.M.C. Car Club and Garden Club.
Held two new Volunteer Orientation programs this year.
Worked with D.P.S. to define and prioritize maintenance work in the Farm
Complex, Historic Village and the Alexander Blue House.
Coordinated the painting and repairs of the Parsonage, north side of the
t side of the Alexander Blue House and farm
equipment shed.
Replaced center section of Meeting House roof, completed replacement of
Shaw roof, re-roofed entire Farm Hands House.
Replaced gates at Eight Mile and Newburgh Road entrances. Repaired rock
wall along Eight Mile Road.
Repaired water dispenser, Bunn coffee maker, freezer and stove (twice) at the
Alexander Blue House. Replaced air conditioner at the Newburg Church.
Replaced three dehumidifiers.
Seven pieces of furniture re-upholstered at Simmons/Hill House. Sauk Trail
Questers raised monies and received grants to have this project done. LHC
re-upholstered three rockers and a foot stool at the Shaw House, one chair at
the Bungalow and one chair at the Simmons/Hill House.
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Started the process of moving the Nankin Mills Schoolhouse to Greenmead by
contracting with Neumann/Smith Architecture.
Prepared the Parsonage for the new Caretaker taking over from Brad Guerro.
Interior painted, carpets cleaned, tile steamed clean, interior cleaned and
electrical systems updated within the building. New Caretaker John Dupuis is
currently being approve by Livonia City Council.
There has been a change in the Clerk position, Suzette Malamis retired in July
and Emily Tchorz has taken that position.
Friends for the Development of Greenmead re-built the pond near the
Simmons/Hill House. Friends of Greenmead covered the cost of this project,
$4200.
Coordinated the Livonia Foundation Grant, of $5000, which was used to
replace sections of the white picket fence at the Simmons/Hill House; LHC
Trust account matched these funds.
Additional cash donations totaling $3878 from the Livonia Garden Club,
memorials, DAR, Zonta and individuals.
Coordinated 155 private party rentals of the Church, Meeting House and/or the
Alexander Blue House.
Booked 161 building rentals this year.
Field trips to Greenmead increased in part by the partial bus expense
reimbursement program done by the Livonia Historical Society.
Volunteer Voice Newsletter and scheduled volunteers for tours and special
events.
Supplied information for the City Newsletter magazine. Maintained the City
Web page with current Greenmead activities and 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, Volunteer Season Opener, Historical Society Picnic, Meetings and
Banquet, Police Reserves Picnic, Quester events, Michigan State Quester
Convention, Community Garden Annual Picnic and Zonta Picnic.
Provided a project site for the Master Gardener Program and support for the
volunteer gar
Provided a site for Eagle Scout Projects. Projects done this year: extended
the three-board white fence between the Blue House and the historic Village,
re-built white picket fence along Victor Parkway and painted front & back
porches at Hill House.
Provided a site for Madonna University film project.
29
by Nate Rockwell and Paul
Sutherland. Promoting events and rentals at Greenmead.
LIVONIA COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission contin
distributed to all homes in the City of Livonia. Commission funds are used.
In April the Commission helped organize the annual Senior Center Consumer Fair.
In June the Commission co-sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic held at
the Senior Center. The Commission paid for the Box Lunches. The Commission
was in charge of BINGO and Share the Wealth.
In October the Commission provided handouts and worked at Senior Celebration
Day. Commission also provided funds to purchase Supplies, Centerpieces and
Pies for the Thanksgiving and Holidays/Christmas Parties.
At its November 2015 meeting, pursuant to its by-laws, the Commission held its
annual election. The following officers were elected to one-year terms, by a vote
of 5 yes (2 absent) votes commencing December 1, 2015:
Chairperson: Josephine Smith
Vice Chairperson: Dolores Smith
Treasurer: Florence Yeomans
Secretary: Marcia Heads
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM
Civic Park Senior Center
Participation in activities during 2015 totaled approximately 214,110 seniors.
11,000 congregate meals were served. Activities included: health screening,
educational classes, support groups, fitness classes, cards and games, arts &
crafts, senior sports, computer lab, Medicare counseling, senior picnic, senior
resource fair, craft show, holiday parties, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Trips,
participants.
SUPPORT SERVICES, GIFTS, GRANTS, AND TRANSPORTATION
C.D.B.G. and Community Transit funds totaled $48,000. Donations in the amount
of $19,000 were received.
Federal and State grants and donations provided:
8,149 one-way rides through the senior transportation program
25,594 meals were delivered by volunteers to home bound senior
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LIVONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Livonia Human Relations Commission held its quarterly meetings on the
second Thursday of the month in February, September, and November, and the
first Thursday in May.
The 2015 officers were:
Dillon Breen - Chairperson
Sandy Teeter - First Chairperson
Elaine Livingway - Secretary
Other Commissioners were Julie Kain, James Roye, Harold Klee and Allison Tabb.
Alison Tabb left the commission in September. There are currently three open
seats on the Commission.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission co-sponsored the Stop Human
Trafficking presentation at Madonna University which was presented by survivor
Theresa Flores on January 9th.
The Livonia Human Relations Commission continued its partnership with Madonna
University in helping present their 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on
The Commission co-sponsored a presentation on the Rwandan Genocide
presented by survivor Archdeacon Justin Zigiranyirazo, with His Church Anglican
and Madonna University at the Civic Center Auditorium on November 23rd. Guest
speakers at our meetings included Steve Spreitzer, President and CEO of
Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion, Margaret L.M. Brown, Esq.
Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit and
Lieutenant Thomas Goralski of the Livonia Police Department.
The Commission purchased an advertisement in the Michig
Livonia resident.
The Commission purchased two Knox Boxes for Livonia Fire and Rescue to loan
to residents in need. This was an idea that was sent to Livonia Fire in February
by the Commission.
* * * * * * *
th
16 JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
NEW CASES FILED (Dec 2014-Nov 2015)
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CRIMINAL
1. Felony (FY) 254
2. Ordinance Misdemeanor (OM) 2669
3. Statute Misdemeanor (SM) 107
Total Criminal 3030
TRAFFIC
4. Felony Drunk Driving (FD) 28
5. Felony Traffic (FT) 4
Total Felony Traffic 32
6. Ordinance Drunk Driving (OD) 286
7. Statute Drunk Driving (SD) 11
Total Drunk Driving 297
8. Ordinance Traffic Misdemeanors (OT) 2637
9. Statute Traffic Misdemeanors (ST) 463
Total Traffic Misd. 3100
10. Statute Civil Infractions (SI) 4633
11. Ordinance Civil Infractions (OI) 29,450
Total Civil Infractions 34,083
MISCELLANEOUS
12. Criminal/Traffic Juries Selected 8
13. Criminal/Traffic Cases Perfected to Appeal 3
Total Miscellaneous 11
NON-TRAFFIC CIVIL INFRACTIONS & PARKING
14. Ordinance Parking (OK) 637
15. Ordinance Non-Traffic (ON) 19
16. Statute Parking (SK) 18
Total Parking 674
17. Statute Non-Traffic (SN) 21
Total Non-Traffic 21
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CIVIL DIVISION LAWSUITS
18. General Civil (GC) 1505
19. General Civil Miscellaneous (GZ) 12
20. Small Claims (SC) 302
21. Landlord Tenant (LT) 405
22. Land Contract Summary Proceedings (SP) 11
22a. Foreclosure 34
Total Civil Division 2269
MISCELLANEOUS
23. Civil Division Juries Selected 1
24. Marriages 45
25. Motions 985
26. Discovery/Debtor Exams 81
27. Garnishments 5522
28. Orders to Seize/Orders of Eviction 202
Total Miscellaneous 6836
PROBATION
1. Number or Placements on Probation 2073
2. Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports 1197
3. Violation of Probation Warrants Issued 1061
4. Show Cause Summons issued 2730
5. Probation Cases Closed 2145
6. Number of Open Probation Cases 1566
7. Total Number of Days Worked on the
Voluntary Work Program (in lieu of jail) 7874
COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY FEES
Paid out $67,273.80 The court has collected 98%
Collected back $66,297.41 of the CA fees paid.
2012-2013 Projects/Updates
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1. The 16 District Court continues to operate in a highly efficient manner with
98% clearance rates on all misdemeanors and civil infractions with the
general civil cases is at 100% with the statewide court average being 98%.
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In regards to felonies, the 16 District Court has an 87% clearance rate in
comparison to the statewide average of 77%. This analysis was conducted
by the State Court Administrative Office and published on June 1, 2015.
These rates show that we are effectively meeting or exceeding most of the
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2. In November of 2014, the 16 District Court launched new collections efforts
by initiating State Income Tax Garnishments. Since the inception of the
project, the court successfully garnished and collected $363,634.32. We
were able to issue garnishments on 2,664 cases for a total owed in the
amount of $722,740.80 with a 50% collection rate. Given the success of the
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2014 tax garnishments, on November 2, 2015, the 16 District Court was
able to issue 5248 tax garnishments for balance owed in the amount of
$1,451,906.00. This amount includes cases that have been warrant status
and cases where other collection efforts have been unsuccessful. This
includes payable misdemeanors; traffic citations as well as outstanding
judgments on criminal matters. The total cost for the project inclusive of
labor, filing fees and postage fees for the above garnishments is
$36,811.32. Within the first month of filing and sending the tax garnishment
notices to the defendants, $30,058.00 was already collected. The costs of
the project will therefore be recouped by the end of December of 2015 as
we continue to anticipate 30-40% collection return by next year. Due to our
increased collection efforts and steady case count, the revenue forwarded
to the City of Livonia has increased by 5.5% in comparison to 2013/2014.
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3. The 16 District Court continues to seek reimbursement for inmate housing
per the Inmate Reimbursement Act 88 of 2006, whereby the municipality
can seek reimbursement from any person who is or was a convicted inmate
and served jail to pay for the expenses incurred by the municipality in
relation to the incarceration of that person. Uncollected accounts are
forwarded to the law department for civil action for money judgment if
deemed necessary.
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4. Since 2006, the 16 District Court has developed specialty courts for both
Drug and Sobriety participants. The primary goal is to monitor and
rehabilitate high-risk offenders with substance abuse problems while
reducing crime and the cost of incarceration. Our court focused on targeting
substance abuse and addiction through intervention, treatment, and
offender accountability. Under strict supervision, eligible participants are
placed on intensive supervision for up to 24 months and ordered to comply
with their court-ordered requirements including substance abuse
counseling and testing, as well as life skill development. This program has
been funded by the State Court Administrative Office as this court has been
a recipient of the Michigan Drug Court Grant Program (MDCGP), which
helps fund the operational needs of the program. We have also
collaborated with other specialty courts such as Mental Health and Veterans
Court for placement of eligible participants into their programs from our
jurisdiction as well as accepting eligible participants in our program. We are
pleased to announce that, per SCAO, our recidivism rate for 2014 was 0%
within two years of participan
statewide average being 2.5% and 9.1%.
5. The 16th District Court Work Program has continued to carry out various
projects throughout the city. There were 7,874 days of work program service
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completed this year which amounts to 62,992 community service hours
supervised by the probation departments. This program has saved the
taxpayers over $291,333 in jail housing costs since most of the participants
in the program are serving these days in lieu of jail. Some of the projects
done on an ongoing basis provide much-needed assistance in an
environment of shrinking public resources and include the following:
a. Plymouth Road Authority Maintenance along Plymouth Road
from Inkster to Eckles Roads inclusive of edging sidewalks,
seasonal maintenance, such as weeding perennial beds,
trimming shrubs, snow removal, sweeping brick pavers and trash
removal.
b. Annual Livonia Spree Set-up, tear down and cleanup of the
grounds before and after completion of the event.
c. Food Commodities Distribution (TEFAP) program Unloading
food commodities, for low-income families.
d. Community Greenmead Garden Program Preparation, planting
and harvesting of produce, which is then donated to feed those
in need. Final cleanup at the end of the harvest season.
e. Wilson Barn Grounds maintenance of the barn; assistance with
the Annual Pumpkin Fest; and cleanup of other regular events.
f. City Parks Maintenance of all city parks such as raking leaves,
litter pickup, and painting benches.
g. Friends of the Library Loading and unloading of books for the
regular Book Sales.
h. Livonia Housing Commission Assistance with removal of
abandoned belongings at city-owned family properties.
i. Youth Commission Assistance with moving inventory out of
storage for annual events, such as Backpack programs.
j. Churches Assistance with seasonal grounds cleanup of
numerous churches.
k. Flower Basket Beautification Project the court installed lamp
brackets along 160 light posts along Five Mile Road and
Farmington Road as the work program maintained and watered
the beautiful baskets with flowers. This project received positive
feedback from the City of Livonia residents.
l. Christmas Decorations Project the work program placed
holiday decorations along Five Mile Road and Farmington Road.
6. In continued effort to provide access to our services, the court continues to
offer night time reporting for probationers Monday through Thursday with
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the benefit of our Volunteer Probation Officers staff of 46 members. This
cost-effective program has been in existence since 1967 and continues to
play an integral part in the operations of the probation department and the
court.
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7. In November of this year, the 16 District Court began conducting
substance abuse and assessment services at the probation department.
The implementation of the NEEDS assessments is a tool that is being used
defendants are initially assessed on multiple problem areas (alcohol use,
drug use, medical, psychological, family/social, legal, employment, etc.) so
that the courts can refer them for the proper level of care with significantly
improved client outcomes in meeting their sober lifestyle. The other
advantages are speedier sentencing and placement in proper level of care.
The cost for the assessments is also collected at the court and forwarded
to our funding unit.
8. Perhaps our most significant accomplishment over the years has been our
unwavering commitment to the efficient use of public resources. Over the
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past year, the Judges and the staff of the 16 District Court have focused
on maintaining a high standard of public service by increasing productivity
through internal operational and procedural improvements. The staff at the
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16 District Court has been active in cross training within the departments,
allowing for flexibility in allocating personnel wherever needed due to
unfilled positions, vacations, sick leave and other circumstances. Our
annual public satisfaction surveys that are analyzed by SCAO indicated that
92% of our users agreed that they were treated with courtesy and respect
by the court staff and 87% of court users agreed that the judge/magistrate
treated everyone with courtesy and respect. The survey had 283
respondents that produced the above findings. The court continues to seek
ways to uphold the highest standards of public service and to increase the
justice. As a result, we have
trained volunteer greeters that are available daily to greet and direct the
public during the morning docket and answer their questions and concerns.
* * * * * * *
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
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 22 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:
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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 160,000 water and sewer bills.
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 State 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 acts as Purchasing Agent for the City. The Budget-
Purchasing activity processed a total of 10,132 requisitions for the purchase of
goods and services for the City of Livonia. A total of 224 supply orders and printing
requests were also filled for City Departments.
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ACCOUNTING
The volume of the Accounting Division activity is listed by comparative figures for
the past two years:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30 2014 2015
General Fund & Other Fund Payables Checks 14,454 14,050
Payroll Items 30,764 30,675
Journal Entries 6,900 6,950
Retirement Checks (Payroll and Payables) 7,139 7,134
Accounts Receivable Invoices:
False Alarms 763 837
Rescue Runs 4,566 4,747
Other 1,062 1,286
Water Bills Mailed 161,423 162,436
Water Bills Paid by EFT 18,404 18,271
Temporarily idle General Fund cash was invested in Certificates of Deposit and
daily savings deposits, resulting in a total interest earned of $62,941 or 0.0012%
of City General Fund Revenue.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. The Finance Department played a key role in meeting the state requirements
under the City, Village and Township Revenue Sharing (CVTRS) program,
enabling the City to qualify for $880,000 in revenue sharing funds.
2. The Finance Department continued to work with City Counci
bond ratings, more people will invest in City of Livonia bonds, resulting in more
competitive bidding from brokerage houses. Savings will continue into the
future for the City due to these ratings.
3. In 2015, the City refunded three (3) bond issues at lower interest rates. The
result will be debt service savings of $305,000 over the remaining life of the
bonds.
4. The Finance Department helped negotiate the sale of the streetlights owned by
the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA) to DTE. In exchange, DTE
will provide $627,000 of improvements to the lighting system, including
conversion to LED lighting and repainting all of the 457 light poles.
5. The City
found no significant audit adjustments.
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6. The Finance Department participated in several cooperative bids with
surrounding communities that resulted in more competitive bids and reduced
costs to the City.
* * * * * * *
INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
The Information Systems Department is responsible for the computer hardware
and software used by the City. The IS Department assists other City Departments
in evaluating, selecting and implementing computer systems. It also sets the
standards for City computer systems. The Information Systems Director is
appointed by the Mayor and reports directly to the Finance Director. The staff of
the Information Systems Department consists of five (5) employees. The staff is
made up by the Director, 1 System Analyst II, 2 Computer Administrator II, and
one part-time Computer Administrator I. The Information Systems Department has
four primary areas of responsibility. These are Computer and Network Support,
Application Software Support, and End User Support, Website and Internet, and
Geographic Information Systems.
COMPUTER AND NETWORK SUPPORT
The IS Department maintains the following hardware:
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015
Windows 2003/2008/2012 Servers 31 27 28
Physical Servers 12 9 10
Virtual Servers 21 18 22
Personal Computers 345 326 340
We also support 46 network switches (31 logical switches), 5 firewalls and 3
network routers.
We replaced our Network Switch platform. Our old network was based upon a
Cisco platform and was 10 years old. The equipment was beginning to fail,
becoming unreliable, and was difficult to work with. After examining the
alternatives, we replaced the network with a Dell Networking solution. The new
network saved 40% of the cost of a Cisco solution, has proven itself to be easier
to configure, provided more redundancy, and increased the speed of our backbone
from 1 GB to 20 GB. The new network has allowed us to better control the network,
better support the IP telephones, expand our Wi-Fi network and support the
upcoming surveillance cameras.
With the enhanced network, we were able to eliminate 2 firewalls (District Court
and Senior Center) while improving our security. This also saves the Senior
Center from paying for a cable modem and increased the speed of their internet
connection.
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We have been actively working on installing Fiber from City Hall to Nehasil Park,
LCRC and DPW. Unfortunately, it has taken a long time to get the necessary
permits and to work through the process. When completed, we will be able to
connect those facilities back to City Hall on a 20 GB connection. We anticipate the
completion of this project in either December 2015 or January 2016.
We replaced our Wi-Fi network with a new Aerohive Cloud Controller Wi-Fi
network. The new Wi-Fi is much easier to work with and supports 802.11 ac
(higher speeds). We will be adding the LCRC (with expanded capacity), Nehasil
Park (our first outdoor Wi-Fi), McNamara Towers, and increase the capacity at the
Senior Center.
Working with Dell, we migrated from our K3000 appliance to their new Cloud-
based Enterprise Mobile Management (EMM) platform. This product allows us to
inventory our city owned smartphones and tablets, push configurations and load
software on the devices.
This year we worked with DPW and Water Accounting to implement a new fixed
meter read system allowing for daily reads of water meters. The system is up and
working and we are able to import the data into our New World Systems Utility
Billing system. DPW will continue to replace meters with these new units.
The decision was made this year to add Surveillance Cameras across the City
campus and into the City Hall, Library and Senior Center. The vendor and location
Office, Police Department, Library and Information Systems. Approval for the
project was achieved in September and the Information Systems Department is
currently working with the vendor on installation.
The IS Department provided support on work order requests:
FYI 2013 FYI 2014 FYI 2015
Opened 1,496 1,876 1,899
Closed 1,479 1,889 1,902
APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUPPORT
In
and death records in a secured location and the minutes and agendas for the City
Council and Commissions. This has had huge benefits in the ability to quickly find
needed records and providing off-site storage of the documents to protect them.
We implemented the GovDelivery communication system this year. This is a
hosted solution that allows us to quickly send electronic communications (text
messages and e-mail) to people who subscribe. We currently have 8,818
subscribers and offer them 31 categories of subscriptions ranging from agendas
for public meetings, LCRC news, general city news, and even snow emergency
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alerts. We currently have 47,223 subscriptions. We have delivered 427,325
bulletins this year.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET
The Information Systems Department also manages the City Website
(http://www.ci.livonia.mi.us), which continues to find new uses and grow in usage.
We updated the City website (www.ci.livonia.mi.us) with the following items:
Working with our vendor, we upgraded our Content Management System
(DNN) from version 5.6.3 to 7.3.2. This has improved our ability to maintain
our website and our searching capabilities.
Worked with the Community Resources Department to develop a new
Veteran Resources section of our website.
Redesigned the Economic Development pages on the website with our new
Economic Development Coordinator.
Developed a number of sub-calendars under the Government Meeting
calendar to announce their meetings.
Supported with our website and Facebook page the Bike/Walk Livonia
community planning efforts.
Our City Facebook page grew from 1,851 likes to 2,735 likes. Our City
Twitter account has 1,167 followers.
Website statistics include:
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015
Number of Page Views 2,183,031 2,304,238 2,527,699
Computer vs Mobile Usage of website FY 2014 FY 2015
Computer Access 54.99% 53.53%
Mobile Access 45.01% 46.47%
Smartphone Access 34.90% 36.79%
Tablet Access 10.11% 9.68%
We continue to see an increase use of our website by mobile devices. Over the
year we saw 53.53% of the devices on our website were computers and 46.47%
were mobile devices (36.79% smart phones, 9.68% tablets). In the most recent
month, 51.21% were computers and 48.79% were mobile devices (38.07% smart
phones, 10.72% tablets). This trend is similar to national trends and we expect
that we will see more usage from mobile devices over the next year.
The Department also provides e-mail and Internet access to City Employees.
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015
Number of E-mail accounts 240 240 261
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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Information Systems Department also manages, operates and maintains a
Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage its maps and spatially
referenced data.
2015 GIS Accomplishments
Online Map Services
We implemented ArcGIS Online this year. We have
implemented new maps for Park Finder, General City Map, Transit System Pickup
Locations, Trash Pickup Day, Zoning Map, and Voter Polling Place Map. All of
these maps are now compatible with mobile devices versus our previous online
maps. The Voter Polling Place Map even provides the voter with turn by turn
directions on how to get to their precinct. We also rushed to create a Leaf Pickup
Map application to try to help the residents after the notification process was
changed. The new map allowed DPW to mark quarter section segments as not
completed, pending cycle 1, completed cycle 1, pending cycle 2 and completed
cycle 2. This map was viewed 2,500 times during the leaf pickup season.
Database Maintenance
- We have continued our weekly maintenance schedule
with the GIS during 2015. Our GIS database is under SDE configuration control.
Editing of our various data layers is done by GIS users within the City. The
established procedure calls for all editing to be done to a "personal" version of the
GIS database. These edits are then pushed up to a DRAFT version of the
database where they are inspected and verified. Once the DRAFT version has
been verified edits are then pushed up to the DEFAULT version of the database
for general use. This procedure has worked very well and insures that the GIS is
continuously updated in a systematic fashion.
Mapping Support
- During 2015 the GIS has continued to supported mapping
activities for numerous City departments, including the Assessing department
(generated 144 tax assessing land value maps plus various other maps),
measured the parcel "frontage" for all commercial parcels in the City, generated
numerous maps for the Housing Department depicting City-owned homes along
with Silver Village, Mac Towers, and Newburgh Village, Parks and Recreation,
Police, and Fire Department. In addition, we continually maintain our set of quarter
section tax maps (144), address maps (144), zoning maps (144), land use maps
(144) and various City maps (city street maps, subdivisions, voter precincts, etc.).
Staffing
We suffered a major setback with our GIS system this year when our
GIS Administrator Bill Tyler suddenly passed away in March. This was a
devastating loss for our staff, as he was extremely well-liked and active in the
community. He had been with the City for over 15 years and was our only GIS
person. We were able to finally hire a new person in September and he has been
able to fairly quickly come to understand our processes and data.
* * * * * * *
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LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
During the fiscal year 2015, Livonia Fire & Rescue responded to 9,822 incidents,
with 86% involving emergency medical services, and fire-related responses
accounting for 14%. The following statistical breakdowns reflect the departmental
activity for the current fiscal year (11/1/14 to 11/1/15).
Incidents
Emergency Medical 8473
Fire 268
Fire (other) 1081
Total 9822
For the Fire Incidents (other) category, carbon monoxide alarms accounted for 84
of the responses, 513 were false fire alarm calls and 192 were downed-wire
incidents.
In comparison to last year, Emergency Medical runs are up 4% and Fire Runs are
up 11%, while Fire other was down 6%. Overall runs are up 3%.
FIRE PREVENTION
Throughout the year, in addition to the related activities listed below, this Division
is responsible for updating technical knowledge, maintaining electronic and paper
records,
Inspectors. This is accomplished by attending numerous seminars, job-related
schools and other continuing education programs. These schools would include,
but are not limited to, Schoolcraft College, the National Fire Academy, Michigan
State Police Arson School, Michigan Fire Inspectors Conferences, Metro Detroit
Fire Inspectors Society and the various International Association of Arson
Investigators (I.A.A.I.) schools and seminars.
Inspections
Although not all-encompassing, the following categories reflect the majority of
inspections conducted by the Fire Prevention Division:
Advice 63 History File 77
Alarm 27 Life Safety 38
Carnival/Spree 4 Liquor License 13
City License 29 Re-Inspections 507
Complaints 31 (Alarms-30,Cnst-270, Other-144,
Suppression-87)
Construction 507 Re-Occupancy 15
False Alarms 48 Site Plan/Preliminary Plan 39
Fire Inspection 23 System Report Deficiency 112
Fireworks 11 Temporary Structures 12
Total 1556
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Plan Reviews
Alarm 27
Site Plan 39
Construction 507
Fire Suppression 132
Total 705
The above plan review totals reflect the number of projects received/assigned in
the Fire Prevention Office and do not include the actual number of inspections
made. Multiple site visits are required when inspecting various fire alarm,
suppression or structural systems to ensure compliance with the adopted codes
and standards installation practices. A conservative estimate of site visits needed
to complete a project would be four inspections. More complex jobs would require
additional inspections, in some instances 10-20 site visits. Several large projects
were completed or are near completion at this time.
Completed projects include
: Mendelson-Kornblum, Quality Metalcraft,
-
Key Plastics, H&M, Laurel Park Place Mall, NYX, Roush and Custom Stoneworks.
In Progress projects include
: Masco Headquarters, Consumers Energy Office,
Ford Transmission, Bill Brown Ford, Marycrest Manor, McLaren Performance,
-multiple
projects, Foundation Building Materials, Menards and Michigan Bariatric Institute.
The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspectors regularly go to the fire stations and review
false alarms with the station officers. This allows the Fire Prevention Division to
address those occupancies that are having multiple false alarms. Dialogue with
the suppression personnel gives the inspection division a second avenue for
finding and correcting building deficiencies.
This division also provides fire investigations for determination of origin and cause.
Whenever a question arises from a fire officer that a fire may not have started
accidentally, we are requested to respond. Also, any large loss or fatal fires are
also examined and documented. The Fire Prevention Office responded to
approximately 14 fires in 2015. Nearly 30% of these fires required extensive
documentation and follow-up varying from simple photography to exhaustive
research and interviews.
MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Livonia Fire & Rescue Maintenance Division is comprised of one Fire
Apparatus Supervisor and one Fire Equipment Mechanic who are responsible for
specification writing, ordering, care, maintenance and repair of all mechanized and
related fire, rescue and paramedic equipment. The division provides firefighters,
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Livonia citizens and visitors to 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 532 work order requests.
Inspected pumpers, rescue vehicles, aerial tower, administrative cars, lawn
equipment, USAR trailer, WWC Hazmat trailer and Hazmat trucks, as well
as all equipment on each vehicle on a semi-annual and annual basis.
Annual Pump Tests on all Fire Pumps.
Continue to work with neighboring cities to come up with universal spec for
replacement Squads, in an attempt to keep costs down.
Received new Squad 3 from Halt fire mounted equipment and prepared to
be place into service. Finalized spec for new Squad 4 with changes for
inspection by end of year.
Finalized spec with changes for new Engine 3 and worked on spec for 2
replacement pumpers for 2016 budget.
In coordination with the Training Division, instructed Firefighter and
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.
Provided assistance, as needed, to neighboring fire departments and
members of Western Wayne Mutual Aid Association.
Provided assistance to the following Project Managers:
SCBA Officer ordering parts, repairing SCBA air packs, as well as
placing new air packs in service and removing obsolete air packs out of
service.
Hose Officer specification writing, ordering and mounting of nozzles,
adapters, and hose.
Building Maintenance Officer repair of vehicle electrical and air line
drops.
Received 2 new pumpers Engine 5 and Engine 6 mounted loose
service.
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.
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Apparatus Officer ordering and mounting of new equipment/hand
tools and mounts. Install new Knox boxes in all equipment to aid with
key accountability
Public Relations Committee equipment.
This Division provides maintenance on all of the following items:
Vehicles:
1 2012 Pierce Arrow XT Heavy Rescue
1 2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Fire Investigation Unit
1 1996 GMC 3/4-Ton Pick-Up
1 2006 Freightliner M-2 Swat Alpha Unit
1 2005 International/MarqueWater Rescue/Technical Unit
1 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
1 2000 Freightliner/Medic Master Reserve Alpha Units
1 2008 Ford Taurus
1 2012 Freightliner/ AEV Alpha Unit
1 2006 Freightliner/Medic Master Alpha Unit
2 2009 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Units
1 2011 Freightliner/Medtec Alpha Unit
1 2014 Freightliner PL Customs
2 2014 Pierce Arrow XT PUC 1500GPM pumpers
1 2002 American LaFrance 2000GPM 75-FT. SQURT Aerial
1 2006 American LaFrance 2000GPM 100-FT. Mid-Mount Aerial Platform
3 2003 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 2009 American LaFrance Eagle 1250 GPM Pumper
1 2003 Ford 450 Maintenance Truck
1 2003 Mercury Marine Inflatable Rescue Boat, Motor and Trailer
1 2010 Chevy Tahoe
1 2005 Chevy Impalas
1 2008 Chevy Impala
1 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
1 2007 Chevrolet 2500 Pick-up
1 2009 GMC 2500 Yukon XL
1 2003 Club Car Ambulance and Hauling LS Enclosed Trailer
1 2006 Haulmark Trailer (C.B.R.N.E.)
1 2006 Spartan Spencer RRTN HAZMAT Truck
1 28ft USAR Trailer
1 2007 Fire Safety Unit
Equipment on Vehicles:
Thousands of feet of fire hose
Fire hose nozzles
Axes and adapters
Foam equipment, hand and vehicle mounted
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Deluge equipment
110 V electrical lighting
Tools (hand and firefighting)
9 Auxiliary generators
48 ISI Viking Air Pack
250 Air Bottles
94 ISI Viking Masks
Bauer Air Compressor Cascade System
1 6000psi 4 Air Bottle Cascade System
1 K-950 Saw
2 K-12 Saw
7 Chain saws
2 Amkus Power Tools
2 TNT Power Tools
7 Life Jack PPV fans
Mounting of Medical equipment on Alpha Vehicles
Various hazardous material and confined space rescue equipment.
4 Walk-behind mowers
Lawn blowers, weed whips, edgers
2 Self-propelled snow blower
Garage Equipment:
2 Hose test Pump
2 In-ground garage hoist hydro-testing
1 Garage tool replacements
1 Pumper pump test tool as needed to comply with NFPA 1911.
TRAINING DIVISION
The focus of the training office for fiscal year 2015 was to continue to assure
compliance for the ongoing education (CEU) requirements for both EMT and
Paramedics within the department. The number of overall CEUs for Paramedics
is higher than that of an EMT and thus requires a more diligent training program in
order to ensure that the departments personnel are always compliant with
licensing requirements. State of Michigan standards require the obtaining of both
lecture and practical credits. Livonia Fire & Rescue is a Continuing Education
Program Sponsor, which allows us more flexibility in the scheduling and delivery
of classes for EMS education. This year we successfully renewed our Program
Sponsorship allowing us to continue to provide in-house courses for the next three
years. The training office continues to improve its record management system
related to training activities, which in turn ensures compliance with OSHA, ISO,
and nationally accepted standards on training and documentation. The training
division continues to provide training commensurate with the mission of our
department. Although EMS training takes up large amounts of resources and time,
this office still facilitates training in fire suppression, specialized rescue, hazardous
materials, utility emergencies and risk reduction.
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Fire Officer training commensurate with the CBA continues to be a high priority
and is currently up to date. In addition, the Department has finished training the
Blue Card Incident Command.
This training tool will enhance the knowledge base as well as improve the
Officers. It places the Livonia Fire Department at the forefront of trained
Departments. In addition, all Fire Officers have been trained to the NIMS 300/400
level bringing the department well ahead of schedule in incident command
training per NFPA. Yet another group of upcoming Officers are getting set to
begin additional NIMS training this winter to further strengthen the Incident
Command Structure within the Department.
The safety of our Firefighters remains the paramount focus of training activities
and, as such, the Department has certified all of its members in the Fire Ground
Survival Program endorsed by the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters).
Continued from the previous year, more Fire Ground Survival tactics were trained
on to increase individual competencies. Significant training evolutions in Firefighter
"Mayday" events were accomplished this fall.
This office continues to look at ways to improve our overall service and maintain
the highest level of pre-hospital care to the citize
EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program continues to strive to comply with stringent
county and state requirements regarding QI/QA. The training office continues to
administrate and facilitate the Medical Priority Dispatch system that is used in
dispatching EMS calls city-wide. The system has proven to be extremely effective
in risk reduction for responders, as well as the public, by assigning a priority to the
medical call. Because of the increasing EMS run call volume each year, the MPD
system allows the prioritizing of all EMS related calls to ensure that the most life
threatening emergencies receive assistance above those of a lesser degree. This
office was also responsible for tracking and fulfilling the MPD Quality Assurance
requirements as outlined in county Medical Control protocols. Since the MPD
program came on line in May 2001, the training office meets and discusses QI
related issues quarterly, as to ensure compliance within county and state
guidelines.
We provide EMS training to Schoolcraft College EMT students, who participate in
ride-alongs with our paramedics. This program is currently in its sixth year.
We continue to have residents from St. Mary Mercy hospital ride along with our
crews as part of their medical educational requirements. Many of the residents
have also put on EMS Continuing Education classes for our members.
In the spring, we spent significant time training on vehicle extrication techniques.
With ever-changing automotive technologies and large volumes of vehicle traffic
the city, it is imperative to be proficient with these skills. In addition to the
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implementation of a new Heavy Rescue extrication vehicle, we dedicated six
weeks of hands-on practical training to improving our extrication skills.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The 2015 fiscal year was an exciting year for our Public Education division. The
division is tasked with educating our citizens on all fire and life safety topics at
different places and times that will have the highest impact.
Each year, Livonia Fire & Rescue responds to numerous requests from the public
for Fire Safety Education programs. These requests are forwarded to either the
on-duty Battalion Chief or to the Fire 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 pre-arranged time and location that does not require firefighting
apparatus, the Fire Safety Education Committee is contacted. Currently, most
requests are handled by on-duty crews at the fire stations, while remaining in-
service to respond to emergency calls in our area.
our community reaching a crowd estimated at 2,000. While in attendance, visitors
receive information on fire and life safety and are given an opportunity to practice
life safety skills. There was an area where kids can practice their fire safety
behaviors as well.
Livonia firefighters participated in a May event held at the Civic Center Area called
crowds were estimated
in the thousands. After being involved in the eight-year annual event, more effort
is being directed into this area. The large number of children that attend the
outdoor event is encouraging.
in this form of communication/education for five years in a row. The newsletter is
an 8-page newsletter designed for adult fire and life safety. It appears in electronic
format on the city website.
Weekly informational articles were prepared and published in the Livonia Observer
Newspaper, to further reach out to our adult audiences with messages of fire and
life safety. This year, a weekly safety article appeared in the Observer written by
Livonia Firefighters.
We were also able to distribute our fire and life safety messages to the citizens of
Livonia through:
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Livonia Public Schools
Livonia Television
Livonia Observer
City of Livonia website
* * * * * * *
LIVONIA HOUSING COMMISSION
The Livonia Housing Commission submits the following information on its
activities and accomplishments for Silver Village, Newburgh Village, Community
Development Block Grant Program, McNamara Towers and Housing Choice
Voucher Rent Subsidy Program.
SILVER VILLAGE 33780 LYNDON
Silver Village experienced a good year with occupancy at 100% at all times. The
Activities and Accomplishments
1. Silver Village had a turnover of 11 units in 2015.
2. All apartments were inspected for safety and maintenance purposes.
3. A replacement maintenance truck was purchased.
4. cleaning solution
intended to brighten the roofs over time by treating algae and dirt stains.
5. New LED fixtures were installed on all parking lot lights and the 2 entrance
lights to Silver Village.
6. Ten residents received new vertical blinds.
7. Residents continued to regularly recycle bottles and cans, newspapers and
junk mail. Weekly collections of papers are taken to local schools for
recycling. Returns of bottles support resident activities. Sustainable coffee
cups and paper products have been purchased for use at Silver Village
functions. Further efforts will be taken to reduce and recycle on the Silver
Village campus.
8. Residents donated used clothing and household goods to the Disabled
American Vets (DAV).
9. A Livonia family is being adopted for Christmas, through the Community
Resources Department listing.
NEWBURGH VILLAGE HOUSING COMMUNITY - 11999 NEWBURGH ROAD
Newburgh Village occupancy was at 100% at all times. The waiting list consists
of 59 Livonia residents and 40 relatives of Livonia residents.
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Activities and Accomplishments
1. Newburgh Village had a turnover of 16 units in 2015.
2. 120 apartment entry doors, storm doors and side lights were replaced.
3. All courtyard light fixtures were upgraded and replaced to LED.
4. All 120 apartments have been inspected for safety and maintenance purposes.
Community Development
The Community Development Office administered the following programs during
the 2014-2015 fiscal year, which began on 7/1/14 and ended 6/30/15. Total
expenditures through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
for the year were $533,769. The table provides a summary of the
accomplishments produced by the Block Grant Program:
Activity Accomplishments
Major Home Rehabilitation Loan Program 4 Households Served
Emergency Home Rehabilitation Loan Program 2 Households Served
Minor Home Repair Program 14 Households Served
Scattered-Site Rental Homes (Managed & 16 Households Served
Maintained)
Emergency Utility Shut-Off Assistance 13 Households Served
Senior Van Transportation (12,816 one-way rides
were provided for seniors) 544 Persons Served
Mental Health Counseling Program (13 sessions
were provided) 3 Persons Served
First Step 196 Persons Served
TOTAL SERVED792 Households
/Persons
During the 2014-
priority goals were: to provide rehabilitation assistance to income-eligible
homeowners; to preserve and improve the existing housing stock; to reduce the
cost burden experienced by renter households by providing affordable rental
opportunities in safe and sanitary housing; to focus on supportive service
programming for low- and moderate-income households, and to affirmatively
further fair housing objectives.
Expenditure Highlights:
$175,877 expensed for rehabilitation assistance to income-eligible
homeowners. This included expenses connected with the major,
emergency and minor home repair programs. Funding was provided
through the CDBG and HOME grants plus program income received from
return of previous loans and rent.
$103,755 expensed from CDBG funds and rental income for the
management and maintenance of scattered site city rental properties.
Through our partnership with the Livonia Public Schools Building Trades
Program, we provided rehabilitation to one of our city-owned rental homes.
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Under the supervision of our Rehab Specialist and the LPS program
instructor, the students learned basic skills of the construction trades
through hands-on participation with projects such as roofing, siding,
painting, and the installation of drywall, hardwood flooring, ceramic tiles,
interior doors and moldings. The Livonia Housing Commission is proud to
provide field experience projects that place the students in real-world
construction settings allowing them the opportunity to see the realities of
day-to-day life in the building trades.
$58,990 expensed for Public Services, which includes Senior Van
Transportation, Mental Health Counseling, Emergency Utility Assistance
and First Step (domestic violence prevention).
$6,000 expensed for Fair Housing of Metropolitan Detroit (FHMD), which
provided fair housing counseling, complaint reception, investigation and
resolution services to citizens or potential citizens of Livonia. FHMD also
provided training and resource development during the program year.
MCNAMARA TOWERS #1 & #2 - 19300 PURLINGBROOK & SCATTERED SITE
HOMES
Activities and Accomplishments
1. McNamara Towers #1 & #2 & Scattered Site Homes had a turnover of 20 units
from 1/1/15 to 11/30/15.
2. A new roof was installed on the McNamara Towers #2 community room.
3. New community room windows were installed at the McNamara Towers #1.
4. New smoke detectors were installed in all apartments and common areas at
the McNamara Towers.
5. New elevator (4) flooring was installed in the McNamara Towers elevators.
6. A new resident recreation shelter was installed adjacent to the McNamara
Towers #1.
7. All public housing apartments at the McNamara Towers and scattered site
single family homes were inspected to conform to HUD physical condition
standards.
8. The Housing Commission was designated as a high performer for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2014. The annual independent audit of Housing
Commission financial activities and compliance with HUD regulations resulted
in no findings.
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAM
The Livonia Housing Commission administers a Housing Choice Voucher Rent
Subsidy Program consisting of 909 low income family/elderly clients.
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1. The fiscal year 2015 HUD Section 8 Management Assessment scored the
Commission as a High Performer. An independent audit was conducted
on the Voucher program and no findings were identified.
2. The Livonia Housing Commission opened the waiting list in Monday June
2014 and randomly selected 2,000 applications. The current waiting list
consists of 1,000 applicants.
The Housing Commission expended all HUD allocated funds for housing
assistance payments totaling $5.5 million dollars.
* * * * * * *
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
is responsible for all construction operations on
private property. Included in its jurisdiction is building inspection, plan review,
sanitation and ordinance enforcement. Areas of involvement include Zoning Board
of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Community Development Block
Grant Program (CDBG), Cost Recovery Appeal Hearings, and various civic
groups. In addition we are involved with Greenmead with regards to construction
projects and/or repairs. Coordination with State government agencies involving
building construction is handled by this department. Moreover, in certain
instances, we interact with other municipalities, serving as a Hearing Officer or
sitting on employee interview panels. We have also provided limited fill-in services
for Plymouth Township and City of Plymouth.
Plan Review for new buildings, alterations and additions, pools, demolitions,
Ordin Inspections were made and
permits issued for the rehabilitation of homes for the CDBG. Additionally, the
Inspection Department reviews lot splits for the Department of Assessment and
reviews site plans and waiver use petitions for the Planning Department and
provides support to all other departments as needed. Furthermore we provided
clerical services and administrative support in regards to the Zoning Board of
Appeals. Although the Board is under Council jurisdiction, we are tasked with the
clerical functions and subsequent administrative support in addition to the intake
work we are doing. We also work with the Economic Development
Director/Planning Director and others in promoting existing sites in Livonia.
BUILDING INSPECTION
issued approximately 3072 permits in 2014-15 for
buildings, signs and mechanical installations, including new construction,
additions, renovations and alterations. Seventeen permits were issued for new
single-family residential homes and 19 single-family condominium units were
constructed or are currently under construction. In other activity, seven permits
were issued for new commercial/industrial buildings including a hotel. No permits
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for apartment buildings were issued this year. Mechanical permits (plumbing,
electrical, heating and refrigeration) numbered approximately 3,988 for the year.
Residential additions/alterations, garages, decks/patios, fire repairs, pools, signs,
zoning compliance, commercial/industrial additions, and demolitions comprised
the remainder of permits issued. Thirty-nine demolition permits were issued during
the year, of which five were residential structures. Permits for Christmas tree sales
lots, pennant and banner displays, awnings, and various special inspections were
issued as required. Certificates of Occupancy are issued for all new residences
and commercial and industrial buildings upon completion. Zoning compliance
permits are issued for subsequent re-occupancy of non-residential properties and
occupancy certificates are issued for all residential properties involved in the
vacant and/or abandoned building program after completion of all requirements.
State building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and sign contractor licenses are
registered in this office. Additionally, official records are retained on fence
contractors, excavators and demolition contractors.
The systematic annual inspection of existing commercial buildings for compliance
with the Livonia Property Maintenance Code (based upon the International
Property Maintenance Code 2012) continued through 2014-2015. In connection
with this program, three inspections were made, violations issued when necessary
and compliance obtained. Due to staff availability, this program was very limited
this year. This program is designed to maintain health and safety standards in the
city. In mid-2011, due to staff reductions, we ceased inspecting on a biennial basis
existing industrial factory buildings after we were able to complete one cycle. We
still inspect said buildings for zoning compliance and when permits are issued. If
personnel become available industrial biennials may be resumed. Additionally, the
number of annual inspections completed was impacted due to staffing issues and
other priorities.
In addition to the annual inspection program, the Inspection Department performs
all functions mandated by city ordinance that require all private (one- and two-
family) and multiple-family rental dwelling units are licensed and inspected on an
annual basis. This year, the Department inspected the following rental units:
A. 1,895 units, consisting of one and two family dwellings and group homes.
B. 27 apartments/complexes consisting of 2,145 units. The inspection covers
all dwelling units, common areas and exterior structures and grounds.
In mid-January 2010, the Department began enforcement of the Vacant and/or
Abandoned Building Ordinance #2844 (VAABO) that took effect October 29, 2009,
and was instituted in January 2010. The program is designed to provide for
maintenance and inspection of problem properties, residential and non-residential,
but pertains to any vacant and/or abandoned structures. Moreover, during the
enforcement of the program, additional permits and inspections may be needed
54
due to the work required. Following is a breakdown of the activities generated by
this program:
Total PermitsTotal Fees
Registration Fee Residential 179 $ 6,263
Registration Fee Non-Residential 36 $ 1,260
Monthly Maintenance Fee Residential 3,156 $121,785
Monthly Maintenance Fee Non-Residential 598 $ 23,084
Inspection Fee Residential 840 $ 82,580
Inspection Fee Non-Residential 69 $ 13,300
Permit Fee Residential/Zoning 303 $ 30,203
Permit Fee Non-Residential 37 $ 4,511
Total 5,218 $282,986
Additionally, 136 formal complaints were received and responded to throughout
the year as they related to property, zoning and ordinance code violations.
Numerous requests for information from many various sources (Council,
commissions, citizens, contractors, other municipalities, other departments and
guests) are routinely handled every day and, on an annual basis, would exceed
30,000 individual communications. There were approximately 1,110 rental
inspection violations, three annual/biennial inspection violations. and 22 VAABO
program violations that were issued for various code infractions during 2013-14.
(Violations and/or formal complaints are legal notices issued as a start of
prosecution and are different from the everyday correction notices that we utilize;
correction notices issued are numerous and would exceed 20,000.)
This office also provides the enforcement of special conditions of approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission
and City Council relative to site plans, variances, waiver uses and grants.
The Inspection Department continually reviews our fee structures. We also worked
with the Planning Department and the Law Department to update and/or change
sections of Zoning Ordinance 543. We are routinely involved in such endeavors
over the course of the year. Furthermore, we were involved with administering and
maintaining contracts for the City Weed Mowing Program. We set up specifications
for a weed program, met with contractors, sought bids, and prepared a new weed
contract and contractor through the Administration and Council. The contract
extends, at our option, through December 2017. We previously raised weed/grass
administration fees in an effort to cover our cost and decrease the number of
people who utilize the City as their lawn service. The weed/grass administration
fees alone this year were $48,889.50. We also are continuing to upgrade our
computer system and hardware and engaging in the training involved. The
computer, system upgrades, and training will carry over into the next fiscal year.
The valuation of new building activities for 2014-15 is $120,823,830. The revenue
collected from all building and inspection activities was approximately $2,680,478.
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SANITATION AND ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT
has responsibility for
compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance #543 and also the Code of Ordinances
#1688 as it pertains to the majority of all nuisance and non-criminal violations.
These responsibilities include those things that affect the health, safety, welfare,
and quality of life of the residents, business owners and their employees and
guests (visitors) of the City, such as pollution, hazardous waste, trash and debris,
vacant buildings, weed cutting, (which includes direct supervision of the city weed
contractor), basic property maintenance and supervision of the collection of
municipal refuse. The enforcement of special conditions of approval made by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council and the Planning Commission relative to
site plans, variances, and waiver uses may also be delegated to Ordinance
Enforcement as needed.
STATISTICS
Total General Inspections Made 17,849
Building Maintenance and Repair 511
Parking Lot Repairs 16
Animals/Rats 297
Trash and Debris 1457
Junk Vehicles 663
Noxious Weeds* 2596
Noise/Air/Odor 52
Nuisances 337
Illegal Signs on Commercial Property 172
Illegal Signs Removed from Public Property 2248
Illegally Parked Recreational Vehicles 401
Illegally Parked Commercial Vehicles 246
Illegal Sales, Use and Occupancy 106
Misc. Illegally Parked Vehicles 142
Right of Way encroachments 187
Vacant Buildings (Re-inspected/Posted) 273
Snow on Sidewalks 606
License Violations 282
Vehicle Parking Snow Emergency 0
Site Inspections 4042
Zoning Grants 52
Sanitation activities also included 1198 citizen complaints regarding the collection
of municipal refuse and the delivery of 1263 recycling bins.
* Enforcement of the Noxious Weed Ordinance included the investigation of citizen
complaints and the abatement of violations through the mowing of weeds and
removal of debris from 707 properties and 102 tree removals by the City Weed
Mowing Contractor.
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven (7) member Board created by State
statute and City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance No. 543 as amended. The Board
hears appeals from residential and business property owners when they are
unable to comply with ordinance requirements and are rejected permits by the
Inspection Department. The Board meets on selected Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.
The Inspection Department was tasked with all clerical and administrative
responsibility for the Zoning Board of Appeals in addition to the intake support and
meeting responsibility we previously had. This includes the supervision of the
outside contractor hired to record and provide the meeting records.
The following is a breakdown of the Appeal Cases prepared and heard by the
Zoning Board of Appeals during the fiscal year December 1, 2014, through
November 30, 2015:
Granted with Tabled or
Granted Denied Modifications* Postponed*** Total
New Cases 41 6 4 13 64
Re-hearings 0 0 0 0 0
Actual Cases Heard 64
Prepared and Scheduled** 5
No Further Action**** 0
Total Cases Heard and Prepared 69
*
Includes Cases which were Granted in Part/Denied in Part
**
Meeting material was prepared more than once, but for various reasons
(Petitioner did not appear, asked to be rescheduled, etc.) these cases were
not heard at the first scheduled meeting.
***
Meeting material was prepared and Board heard case at meeting and made
a decision to table for revised plans, etc. All meeting notices, agendas, etc.
were redone when new meeting date was scheduled.
****
Case was heard, but Board took no further action.
Number of Regular Meetings: 12
Number of Special Meetings: 9
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
The Building Code Board of Appeals (BCBA) provides any person the right to
appeal a decision of the code official refusing to grant a modification of the building
code covering the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection,
alteration or repair of a building or structure or in certain instances to appeal other
57
administrative actions such as a bond forfeiture. An application for appeal shall be
based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted there
under have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully
apply, or an equivalent form of construction can be used. In the case of a bond
forfeiture, the appeal must show the action of the Building Official was arbitrary
and capricious. In addition, the BCBA may be utilized to provide guidance to the
Building Official or affirm an issue not covered by the Building code.
A summary of the activities of the Building Code Board of Appeals for the fiscal
year 2014-15 is as follows:
Meetings Scheduled 3 Appeals Granted/Modified 3
Appeals Filed 3 Appeals Denied 0
Hearings Held 3 Appeals Dropped 0
Re-hearings 0 Appeals Tabled 0
All records are on file in the offices of the Inspection Department.
* * * * * * *
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
The following information will provide a brief analysis of some of the information
contained therein as compared to fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2012-2013. In short,
the Report reveals that the Law Department has maintained a heavy workload.
The following table illustrates this point:
2012- 2013- 2014- Increase/Decrease
2013 2014 2015
2013-2014 to 2014-2015
Cases pending in Wayne 8 9 11 +2
County Circuit Court
Wayne County Circuit Court 13 13 13 0
cases resolved.
Cases pending in Ingham 1 1 1 0
County Circuit Court
Cases resolved in Ingham 4 0 0 0
County Circuit Court
Civil cases pending in 16 th 9 1 3 +2
District Court
Civil cases resolved in 16 th 8 10 9 -1
District Court
Civil cases resolved in 16 th 0 0 4 +4
District Court with judgement
monies still owing
Criminal appeals pending 1 1 0 -1
th
from the 16 District Court
58
2012- 2013- 2014- Increase/Decrease
2013 2014 2015
2013-2014 to 2014-2015
Criminal appeals resolved 2 2 3 +1
th
from the 16 District Court
Cases pending in Michigan 2 5 4 -1
Court of Appeals
Cases resolved in the 2 2 2 0
Michigan Court of Appeals
Cases pending in Michigan 0 0 1 +1
Supreme Court
Cases pending in U.S. 2 6 6 0
District Court
Cases resolved in U.S. 2 2 3 +1
District Court
EEOC Civil Rights cases 1 1 0 -1
pending
EEOC Civil Rights cases 1 1 1 +1
resolved
Cases pending in Michigan 191 67 49 -18
Tax Tribunal
Michigan Tax Tribunal cases 195 83 54 -29
resolved.
Amendments to the Zoning 5 4 9 +5
Map
Amendments to the Zoning 7 9 5 -4
Ordinance
Amendments to the Code of 22 15 13 -2
Ordinances
Real estate transaction 6 1 1 0
Preparation and review of 319 448 466 +18
contracts between the City
and others, including
approving as to form other
legal documents.
Review and fulfillment of 26 36 138 +102
Freedom of Information Act
requests
Review and respond to 8 9 7 -2
Freedom of Information Act
appeals on behalf of the
Mayor
Assist walk-in residents with 8 12 29 +17
complaints regarding legal
City matters.
59
2012- 2013- 2014- Increase/Decrease
2013 2014 2015
2013-2014 to 2014-2015
Review, typing, and 1354 1574 1600 +26
remitting District Court
warrant requests
Drunk driving 286 316 297 -19
Traffic misdemeanors 2708 2520 3100 +580
Non-Traffic misdemeanors 2941 2677 2776 -1
Jury Trials 26 27 28 +1
In 2009, the Law Department began to handle sidewalk litigation in-house rather
than refer those cases to firms such as Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho, PLC,
for an estimated yearly savings of approximately $30,000 per year in attorney fees.
Since that time the Law Department has undertaken virtually all of the civil litigation
filed against the City.
Since May of 2014, the Law Department has been involved in litigation filed by
John and Wendy Kozma on behalf of their daughter, Jodi Kozma, which arose out
of an incident that occurred on August 3, 2012, at the Wal-Mart store on Seven
Mile Road. Plaintiffs claim that the Livonia police (1) violated her Fourth
Amendment rights, (2) intentionally inflicted emotional distress, (3) committed
assault and battery, and (4) violated the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil
Rights Act. On December 15, 2015, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David
Allen will conclude oral ar
It is anticipated that he will issue a ruling from the bench at that time. Thereafter,
it is very likely that this case will either proceed to the Michigan Court of Appeals
or to trial in early 2016.
Furthermore, the Law Department is handling lawsuits filed by retired Sgt. Shelley
Holloway, retired Sgt. Gregory Pertunnen, and former police officer John Nolan.
Ms. Holloway and Mr. Pertunnen claim that they are the victims of gender
discrimination. As such, their lawsuit alleges that the City violated the Elliott-
Larsen Civil Rights Act as well as the common law. Mr. Nolan alleges that he was
the subject of retaliation by the Livonia Police Department Command Staff after he
reported to the media regarding the proposed police retention program. His lawsuit
claims that the City violated the Whistleblower Protection Act and the common law.
The City filed a counterclaim against Mr. Nolan for breach of contract to force him
to repay $28,392.78 in tuition and fees paid to Mr. Nolan as he pursued his Master
of Business Administration degree from Madonna University. The collective
bargaining agreement between the LPOA and the City provides if an officer leaves
the City within five years that the advanced degree was received, the officer is
responsible to repay the City. While the Law Department has devoted
considerable attorney and staff resources to these cases, we expect positive
results in the coming year.
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On November 26, 2014, Law Department also filed a complaint in Wayne County
the damage that the City sustained to the Clements Circle Pool. We have actively
engaged in facilitated mediation with Discount Pool as well as its insurance carrier
in an effort obtain funds to contribute to the planned improvements of that pool.
As such, we are simultaneously working the Parks and Recreation Superintendent
Ted Davis, pool design expert Bill Robertson, and engineering experts at Soils and
Clements Circle Pool can be rebuilt pursuant to a new design and open for the
2016 swimming season.
Toward the end of this fiscal year, the Law Department became aware of claims
of interest in real property purchased by the City through the Wayne County
Treasurer tax foreclosure process. The claims of interest in real property appear
to be made by land speculators who are strangers to title. While these matters are
in the early stages, we anticipate that there will be the need to file complaints to
quiet title to ensure that the City is the only title holder to these properties.
Please note, this report is not intended to provide an update regarding all of the
pending and resolved litigation against the City, but rather, the cases referenced
herein are intended to provide you with examples of the nature, complexity, and
extent of the work handled by this department over the past year as well as some
information about the status of the referenced matters. The attachment sets for the
complete list of all pending and resolved litigation.
focus of our time and efforts. For the year 2014-2015, the Law Department
reviewed 1600 warrant requests, which increased from 1574 from the year 2013-
th
2014, which is an increase of 1.65%. There were 28 jury trials in 16 District Court
in the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Additionally, traffic misdemeanors, which often
involves a person charged with driving on a suspended license, increased by 23%
th
this year. There were 28 jury trials in 16 Court, which is consistent with the
number of jury during the past two years. There were also a substantial number
of non-jury trials; however, we do not maintain records of the number of non-jury
th
trials. All of these cases are prosecuted in 16 District Court by attorneys in the
Law Department.
Additionally, the Law Department has attempted to find ways to increase revenue
to the General Fund. As a part of that effort, in 2010, the Law Department and the
Livonia Police Department Traffic Bureau are now handling vehicle forfeitures in
nd
cases in which an individual is charged with Operating While Intoxicated 2 or
forfeiture and he or she must pay $900 to recover his or her vehicle. Of the $900
collected, $250 is intended to cover attorney fees, $450 is for police services, and
the remaining $250 is sent to the Crime Victims Rights fund.
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While petitions before the Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT) continue to decline, the
Law Department remains actively involved in settlement discussions of MTT
cases. Currently, there are 49 pending appeals before the MTT that are being
handled by the Law Department. In the past year, the Law Department resolved
54 MTT cases.
well as FOIA appeals to the Mayor increased 283.3% during the 2014-2015 fiscal
year. FOIA requests increased from 36 in 2013-2014 to 138 in 2014-2015
presumably because of recent changes in the law which make it much cheaper to
obtain information from government.
While it is not reflected in the table above, it should be noted that the Law
Department has also been involved in legislative advocacy. In addition to our
longstanding involvement with the League affiliated right-of-way themed PROTEC,
Committee
(which Livonia co-chairs).
Working Group, to protect Livonia and other communities from a movement which
seeks a legal right of citizens to keep livestock in even the most densely populated
areas. We were part of a legislative meeting on medical marijuana again in an
attempt to protect local prerogatives from being overrun by advocates of statewide
uniformity.
We
documents to implement same, and by holding city-wide seminars to explain the
importance to Livonia of developments in state law, and seeks both to monitor and
to impact same in ways which protect the interests of this community.
* * * * * * *
LIBRARY COMMISSION
DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC
We are in our fourth year of providing access to downloadable media via
OverDrive Download Destination, and have added another eBook platform called
Odilo. Unlike OverDrive, the eBooks purchased become library property that is
November of 2015, we added Zinio, electronic magazine
newsstand, offering multi-user access to popular publications.
The Livonia Public Library e-newsletter continues to gain in popularity, adding an
YouTube videos are all seeing additional followers. YouTube views were up 2,908
this year. Public meeting rooms provided at Civic Center, Noble and Sandburg
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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. Numerous groups, clubs, and associations look to this
important public resource as a valuable public service. Civic Center branch is
always in particularly high demand.
Display areas at all locations remained popular and the Art Gallery at Civic Center
Branch hosted a number of beautiful shows arranged by the Livonia Arts
Commission.
Civic Center Adult Services:
clubs, film showings, history presentations, etc.) new and unique presentations
Parenting, Handwriting Analysis, Understanding Social Security, Financial
Pott
so well received that this series continues throughout the year. Another GenreCon
event was held, featuring true crime, local history, the afterlife and happiness. The
authors we
popular Teen Summer Reading Program had 236 teens participating. Additional
programs such as Dr. Who Christmas in July, Harry Potter Club, Superhero Dart
Tag, Babysitting Classes, and College Financial Preparation drew a wide variety
of teens as well.
Department hosted a variety of fun programs for children ages birth to 12
including Stor
Week, Zombie Math, Balloon Animal Workshop, Cupcake Decorating Challenge
and Reading with Sophie, a registered therapy dog. Two new book collections
comprised of books recommended for
Fancy Nancy and Super Heroes) in an independent area from the picture books.
Both of these collections have been appreciated by the patrons.
butterfly eggs, documenting their progress from egg to larvae to pupa to beautiful
butterfly, all recorded by live feed on our website.
Lastly, we were extremely honored to receive the PR Xchange Video Award for
our 2014 Summer Reading Program Promotional Video. This award, sponsored
by The American Library Association, recognizes the very best public relations
materials produced by libraries in the past year. They are evaluated on content,
originality and design by a team of experts in public relations, graphic design,
communications, and marketing, who then select the winners.
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Civic Center Circulation:
The new and improved self-checkout station at Civic Center was installed and is
very user friendly for both staff and patrons. Circulation Aides were cross trained
to work at the Browsing Desk, and do so when needed and available. A new policy
was implemented for all Livonia libraries that patrons must pay off all fines and
fees before renewing their library card. Beginning in November, all DVDs are being
offered free of charge as well as being made available for hold requests with the
exception of new DVDs and new TV series.
The library continues to benefit from participating with other area libraries in
resource sharing agreements through the Library Network Cooperative and via the
statewide Michigan Electronic Library system, which allows patrons to directly
search and request items from libraries throughout Michigan. This has helped us
continue to provide a high level of service in spite of a reduced budget. We are
happy to report that circulation of print and non-print materials saw an increase this
year.
Noble Branch:
The library received a bit of sprucing up with the addition of new Teen furniture
continue to grow in popularity, especially the Toddler Picnic and Play Date, which
includes outdoor water fun. Everyone enjoyed the Winter Scavenger hunt and
Raffle, and the Summer Reading Program continues to be popular and very much
appreciated. The Pokémon Club was a new program for 2015 for Teens, garnering
122 participants over eleven meetings. Super Smash Brothers Brawl Tournament
and Draw Your Own Comics Workshop were two other popular events.
Sandburg Branch:
The Sandburg Library had a change in its hours this yearHistorically, Thursdays
.
have always been busier than Saturdays for circulation, programs, reference and
internet use. Because of this, and the difficulty in staffing the library on the
weekend, Sandburg is now open on Tuesday and Thursday and closed on
Saturday.
ne busy and happy. Smash, Crash,
Boom story time returned with three days of fun on the lawn, commencing with the
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7 annual Watermelon Drop (off a bucket truck) all in the name of Science. We
were awarded 2 free sets of Bedtime Math kits to offer a great program of fun math
games and activities. Teen offerings included the Doctor Who Appreciation
Society, Anime Night, and the Sandburg Art Camp. The Formal Dress Collection
that allows teens to take a donated dress home free of charge was cataloged and
is now available for online browsing. The link is on the Teen page of the library
website. Author Linda Pouliot, who wrote Grieving Forward: Death Happened,
Now What?
iative attendees.
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FACILITIES
We have migrated from SAM to EnvisionWare for public internet time and print
management. After a few weeks of tweaking and adjustments, things have
stabilized and staff and patrons alike are adapting to the new system. All public
stations are now using Open DNS for filtering of web content; this is part of our
October 2016, which will serve our youngsters and provide a greater government
e-rate discount.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
Library Commissioner Cathy Condon was re-appointed to serve another term
beginning in October. Acting City Librarian Toni LaPorte was promoted to
permanent status. The acting Assistant Branch Librarian for the Branches retired
in December; the position was made permanent and was filled in September by
Jeffrey Lelek. The title City Librarian has been replaced with the new title Library
Director, to be consistent with other area libraries.
FUNDING
Millage funds went up slightly to $3,139,842 a gain of $16,378 over last year. State
Aid to Libraries remained steady at $57,083. Penal Fines went up again this year
to $105,813, an increase of $10,865 over last year. We hope this trend continues
and perhaps we can realize our goal of adding another day to the Sandburg and
Noble Branches in order to meet the needs of the residents who utilize them.
Unique Management continues to function as our collection agency, recovering
funds that allow the Library to replace lost and stolen items.
Last year we began charging for our specialized services, and we have collected
$2,335 for exam proctoring and for the obituary searches we perform for patrons.
The Livonia Arts Commission approved another generous grant to help underwrite
the cost of the Noontime Concert Series. Local businesses charitably donated
incentives to the Library for its Summer Reading Program to help encourage young
readers. We extend sincere thanks to the many citizens who contributed to the
Library in memory of their loved ones over the past year.
Between their Book Sale events and the Used Bookstore, the Friends of the Library
continue to work tirelessly to raise money for the library. Their constant monetary
support has aided us in purchasing new materials, and helps fund the Children
and Teen Summer Reading Programs. This year, they awarded a $1,500
scholarship to a library page pursuing her college education. The Library is very
grateful to the Friends for their unwavering dedication and generous donations.
STATISTICAL REVIEW
October 2014 October 2015
Library Program Attendance 28,017 23,285
Meeting Room Attendance 73,766 69,206
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Registered Borrowers 45,915 45,652
Items in the Collection 312,229 338,182
Circulation 516,613 588,815
Library Website Usage 446,111 515,532
Internet Workstation Usage 65,496 70,489
Wi-Fi Usage 30,299 47,316
OverDrive eBook Circulation 37,813 41,015
* * * * * *
PARKS AND RECREATION
Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs
An integral part of
Recreation services. We provide facilities, programs, classes and opportunities
for leisure time as ways to develop healthy habits, improve fitness, develop skills
and create memories.
With the assistance of 11 full-time staff and more than 300 dedicated and
enthusiastic part-time staff, and the support of the Department of Public Services
Building Maintenance and Park Maintenance, in 2015 we recorded:
A daily average of 2,800 individual visits to the LCRC.
106,611 rounds of golf played at our three courses.
9,921 participants in Special Events.
9,153 visits to the outdoor pools.
26,426 people attending organized picnics at a park pavilion.
5,200 athletic participants playing over 3,500 games.
We received $1,450 in donated funds as well as in-kind donations from
businesses/organizations for parks, programming and special events.
Parks and Recreation works cooperatively with and delivers services to other City
Departments, civic organizations, community businesses and the Livonia and
Clarenceville Public Schools. As part of this cooperation, we have partnered with
three civic organizations to manage athletic facilities (Rotary and Jaycee Parks
and soccer fields at Greenmead and Wilson Barn) and with one community
business, DMC - Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.
Our Department recognizes the dynamic and unique role we play in fostering a
healthy community and lifestyles of those we serve through one of our six divisions:
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Aquatics
Athletics
Community Center
Golf
Special Events
Parks
AQUATICS DIVISION
The Aquatics Division is comprised of two indoor pools at the Community
Recreation Center and three outdoor pools (Botsford, Clements Circle and
Shelden). We provide safe, educational and enjoyable aquatic services to the
community througha wide array of swim lessons, water fitness classes, open
swim, lap swim, diving lessons, pool rentals, synchronized swimming, special
events and swim teams.
Community Recreation Center Pools
Over the last year, the classes and programs we offered had over 4,115
participants, not including the swim teams.
We were the host of swim practices for four swim teams, and are considered the
home pool for three of those teams. We are also the home of the Catholic High
School League Swimming and Diving championships for both men and women.
Other large meets that we hosted include Tri County Swim League championships,
the Snowball Splash and the Polar Plunge. The listed meets had between 300
and 1,200 participants each. In addition we hosted one dual meet for Ladywood
High School, one meet for Livonia Stevenson High School, and two dual meets for
Catholic Central High School.
th
Among the special events at Community Center pools this year were the 12
th
Annual Cardboard Boat Races and the 9Annual Arctic Chill Indoor Triathlon.
Outdoor Pools
9,153 daily pass visits were recorded at the pools this year (4,246 at Botsford and
4,907 at Shelden). This was an increase 6,865. This year,
Clements Circle pool did not open due to mechanical difficulties. While Clements
Circle had no paid visits, Botsford did have an increase of 308 swimmers and
Shelden had an increase of 1,980 over last year. There were 623 season passes
sold this year, and due to Clements Circle being closed, we permitted residents
who lived near that pool (Section 36) to use Botsford and Shelden pools at no
charge. In addition we offered inflatable waterslides at Clements Circle Pool twice
a week at no charge and ran a daily shuttle from Clements Circle Pool to Shelden
pool three times a day on weekdays for a nominal charge.
Our swim lesson program recorded 226 students at the Shelden pool. We
cancelled swim lessons at Botsford pool completely in order to accommodate the
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rentals that were displaced from Clement Circle. Three different swim teams used
our outdoor pools for summer practice.
ATHLETIC DIVISION
Athletic Division provides a wide variety of athletic programs for adults and youth
of all ages. Programs include
basketball, youth basketball, t-ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, soccer, archery
and tennis.
League Play
More than 5,200 participants played over 3,500 games. We offered the following
team sports for participants ranging from age 4 to over 65 years old. We had over
150,000* contact hours in our athletic programs.
Programs Ages # of Teams # of # of Average Contact
Games Players Game Time Hours*
Winter
18 & older 23 163 276 1 hour 3,912
Basketball
LJAL 18 & under 85 892 1,030 1.25 hours 26,760
Basketball
Spring/
Summer
18 & under 8 56 96 1 hour 1,344
Basketball
Co-sponsored 18 & under
93 1,332 1,113 2 hours 63,936
Baseball &
Softball
Collegiate 22 & under 6 105 126 2.5 hours 11,025
Baseball
1.25 hours
18 & over 46 314 828 14,130
Softball
18 & over 5 30 90 1.25 hours 1,350
Modified
1.25 hours
18 & over 7 45 126 2,025
Softball
Co-Ed 18 & over 16 112 288 1.25 hours 5,040
Softball
1.25 hours
Senior 55 & over 4 48 79 2,160
Softball
T-Ball 5-6 yr. olds 16 64 256 1.25 hours 2,560
Coach Pitch 7-8 yr. olds 24 96 384 1.25 hours 3,840
Fall
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1.25 hours
18 & over 28 236 504 10,620
Softball
18 & over 8 59 96 1 hour 1,416
Basketball
*Contact Hours:
1. Baseball equals number of games x 42
(2 teams @ 21/team) x length of game
2. Softball equals number of games x 36
(2 teams @ 18/team) x length of game
3. Basketball equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
4. Youth Programs equals number of games x 32
(2 teams @ 16/team) x length of game
5. Co-sponsored equals number of games x 24
(2 teams @ 12/team) x length of game
6. Does not include practice time or number of spectators at games
Archery Range
The outdoor Archery Range opened this year on April 4. The range has seven (7)
targets at various distances and a broad-head range. Several area Boy Scout and
Girl Scout groups used the range for badge certifications. The range is open
Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. from April through October; Sunday, 11 a.m. until 3
p.m. from May through October; and on Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. until dusk
from September through October. Over 650 people used the range through daily
admission ($1,130) and season passes ($930). Range revenue was $2,060.
Ice Skating
The City owns two ice arenas, Eddie Edgar (2 sheets) and Devon-Aire (1 sheet).
The Livonia Civic Arena manages both rinks and offers leagues, clinics,
tournaments and open skating. Our Learn to Skate Program had over 528
enrollments. In addition, 27 girls joined one of two Synchronized Skating Teams.
More than 45 girls competed in regional competition. The City hosted its bi-annual
figure skating competition, with 174 skaters competing in multiple events.
COMMUNITY CENTER DIVISION
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The Community Center, in its 13 year of operation, continues to meet its mission
of serving the whole community by offering annual memberships and daily
admissions for fitness, athletics, class participation, league play, community group
partnerships and rentals.
Through all the ways we serve the community, the recreation center alone
averages over 2,800 visitors per day. Since the center is only closed seven (7)
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days per year, almost 1 million people come through the door each year. We
believe steady membership numbers reflect the desire of people getting in shape
and looking for a great place to have fun. The variety of programs and facilities at
the Community Center continue to outperform those at any facility in the region.
Families continue to be our largest group of members.
The skate park became a free park with restricted hours in 2015.
A follow-up to the LED light conversion project at the Recreation Center has
resulted in a $40,000 per year savings in electricity. This investment will continue
to reap savings over the next 10 years.
Total Annual Membership 14,419
Summer membership 892
Total Day Passes 40,812
Many classes and leagues reach the maximum enrollment each session. Swim
lessons have continued to be a hallmark of our programs, with over 450 youth
honing their skills each session. Drop-in water exercise and group fitness classes
continue to meet the needs of people with a varied schedule.
Total Enrollment 21,718
Aerobics 6,995 Classes/Leagues 2,525
Athletics 13 Personal Training 2997
Camps 349
Camp Swoosh 981 Special Events 2,182
Climbing Wall 676 Swim Lessons 2,458
Fitness Center 673 Water Exercise 1,740
Special projects completed in 2015 were:
1. Over 700 hours gym time to Livonia Junior Athletic League.
2. 22 new cardio equipment pieces.
3. Installed new Nautilus dual adjustable pulley weight machine.
4. Joint sealed parking lot.
5. Upgraded WiFi capacity.
6. Major air duct cleaning.
Fitness and Wellness
Fitness and Wellness programming continues to offer great variety. Members can
take advantage of a number of services: fitness hub workouts, fitness
assessments, climbing wall classes, personal training, group personal training,
nutritional counseling, massage therapy, group exercise (aerobics) and Livonia
100 Days to Health wellness program.
The fitness hub has remained a very busy area of the LCRC. Equipment
orientations are offered free of charge by the personal training staff. We also offer
Polar Body Age assessments. The Body Age assessment provides an individual
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with a baseline measurement of their overall fitness level. The assessment takes
into account a number of health and fitness markers including strength, flexibility,
percent body fat, nutrition and cardiovascular fitness to calculate the fitness of your
body. For youth, we offer two types of orientations: Teens in Training Part I and
Teens in Training Part II. The fitness hub has 97 cardio machines, 17 selectorized
weight-training machines, 3 cabled functional trainers, 2 sets of 5 lbs. to 100 lbs.
dumbbells and 1 set of 20 lbs. to 110 lbs. fixed curl bars. Cardio equipment is also
available on the bridge leading to the track, upstairs hallway and in one of the track
corners. Also available is an assortment of plate-loaded machines such as a smith
machine, squat rack, leg press, calf raise and chest press benches. Another
feature is the Cardio Theater function found on most of our cardio equipment. This
unit enables the member to tune into a television program while getting their cardio
workout in.
With a staff of eight attendants/instructors and a coordinator, the climbing wall
continues to be a unique feature of the recreation center. The wall has 13 routes,
ranging in degree of difficulty in order to challenge the novice through elite climber.
The wall remains open for use seven days a week. We offer a range of youth and
adult climbing classes throughout the weekends. A specialty activity at the climbing
wall is the rock wall climbing social every Friday night. Through the climbing social,
the center provides the belayer for a fee.
With a staff of 13 certified personal trainers, personal training continues to be
utilized on a consistent basis. Members can utilize personal training as an
individual, a couple or in a group setting. Members meet with a personal trainer,
with frequency dependent on the individual goal. Personal trainers help members
become successful with their fitness goals.
Nutritional counseling is an additional service that the LCRC is offering, with a
registered dietitian on staff. Members meet with the registered dietitian on an
individual basis. This service is by appointment only. Members also have an
opportunity to meet with our registered dietitian through some of the nutrition
seminars/workshops that are offered periodically.
Massage therapy is a service offered to members and non-members. We currently
have one certified massage therapist on staff. This service is by appointment only.
Massage therapy is currently offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Group exercise classes (land aerobics) continue to be a popular offering. We
currently offer 89 classes, seven days a week. We offer 39 classes in the evenings
and 50 classes in the mornings. The majority of our group exercise classes are 50
minutes in length. We also offer 30 minute classes as well. Zumba, women on
weights, boot camp, yoga, cycle, step, TRX, challenge fitness and Pilates are a
few of our most popular classes. We have a total of 46 certified group exercise
instructors on staff.
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Livon-wide initiative
to build partnerships with area businesses and increase community involvement
through programming at the LCRC. The goal of the program is to provide
participants with simple, factual and educational information on nutrition, exercise,
health and wellness for the entire family. The program runs from January to April.
The 2015 event attracted 588 participants. The 100-Day Weight Loss Fitness
Challenge had 191 participants, losing a combined 514 pounds. The winner for the
Weight Loss Challenge lost a total of 25 pounds. Corporate sponsors included the
Chiropractic and Juice Plus. Participants involved in the 100 Days have access to
exercise classes, nutrition seminars, wellness seminars, grocery store tours, rock
climbing and free workouts and swimming on Fridays at the LCRC.
Sports and Leisure
In 2015, we continued to offer a variety of leisure classes, covering all ages and
all interests. We strive to offer quality programs at affordable prices for all our
customers. Between the two winter sessions, one spring session, one summer
session and two fall sessions, we offered close to over 230 classes/clinics and
multiple day camp experiences for youth.
Leisure classes include pre-
Move, Fun 2B Fit, and LOCO!-Motion. We also offer dance classes and camps
for youth! Kids Night Out continues to offer fun and excitement every third Friday
of the month for kids ages 5-12. More than 20 different martial arts classes from
Tae Kwon Do to Kung Fu and Karate are available. We also offer enrichment art
and music classes for youth. This year, we continued to hold monthly Pewabic
ceramic workshops for both youth and adults.
Indoor and outdoor sport programs include baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer,
and tennis. They are run in a variety of formats including seven-week class
sessions, 2-3 day clinics, week-long camps and instructional leagues.
Camp Swoosh continues to provide so much more than just a place for kids to go
in the summer. Each week, Camp Swoosh offered kids the opportunity to make
friends, build leadership and social skills, use their creative side through art and
themed projects, stay physically active and involved, and instill a sense of pride to
be a part of such a special group. Over the course of summer 2015, Camp Swoosh
staff mentored a total of 100 children ages 6-11, while averaging 38.7 total
campers per week. In addition, we had an average of 18 children utilize our
morning extender care and 24 children use our afternoon extender care.
Kid Quarters
Our short-term child care operation continues to serve the needs of our members,
residents and non-residents, allowing parents to stay active and work out while
their children are in a safe, friendly and fun environment. There were a total of
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5,514 visits to Kid Quarters, which generated just over $17,781 and averaged 460
visits per month.
Rentals
The opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to use the center for special
gatherings is a great way for people to take advantage of the Community Center
services. The following events took place in 2014:
After Hour Rentals 5 Scout Groups 4
Parties/Gatherings 543 Team Parties 7
Meetings 16 Church Groups 5
Showers 31 Summer Camps 10
School Groups 14
Total 635
This is an increase of 51 events from 2014.
There were 654 hours of gym rental as well as 725 hours used by Livonia Junior
Athletic League as part of the City sponsorship. Many teams rent gym time during
off-season training to keep athletes in shape. After-hours outings are an
opportunity to have a more private event.
GOLF DIVISION
As bad as Mother Nature was to the golf industry in 2014, it was nearly equally as
good in 2015. Great weather and great course conditions have allowed all three
City of Livonia Golf Courses to eclipse their respective 5-year averages in gross
green fee revenue.
Rounds Played
Whispering Willows 37,120
Idyl Wyld 30,543
Fox Creek 38,948
Total 106,611
Whispering Willows:
Whispering Willows saw the greatest benefit from the great
weather, since it was hit the hardest in 2014 with green damage. The change in
ownership of the Tin Cup also appears to have gone very smoothly and beneficial
to the golf course, with far fewer negative issues.
One major project successfully completed was the installation of the new irrigation
pump earlier this summer.
The second major project will begin in mid-November with the approved drainage
project on Holes #1, #2, and #10. This should greatly approve the playability and
condition of the course in these areas.
Fox Creek:
Many customers commented that the greens at Fox Creek were some
of the best in the area and definitely the best they have ever been here.
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Superintendent Doug Ware implemented a new process with more frequent but
lighter top-dressings that seemed to definitely pay off. No major projects or
renovations were completed on the course this season. The only major addition
was the new Jacobsen greens mower at the start of the season.
Idyl Wyld:
The installation of the new irrigation satellite boxes that were
purchased at the end of 2014 was very successful at the start of the season. This
was a big upgrade and provided the superintendent with more functionality and
improved efficiency. A new Toro Workman electric cart was also purchased at the
start of the season to allow the maintenance crew to complete more work prior to
the cutoff of the noise ordinance in the morning.
SPECIAL EVENT DIVISION
The Department places great emphasis on special events and programs that bring
together families and friends, and shape memories. It is our intent to play an
integral role in developing community involvement by working with local
businesses and civic organizations that provide professional input, volunteers
and/or financial assistance.
A sense of family and individual pride and community spirit is developed through
such events as the Daddy/Daughter dance, holiday lunches, Memorial Day
Ceremony, summer playground program, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cardboard
nd
Eve Party. We expanded upon our popular new events in
2014 and added an additional night for our Movies in the Park. New to 2015 (and
lined up already for 2016) we added Dive in Movies in our lap pool!
For our playground program, we have continued with our successful blend of a
park-based program and local field trips. We were able to offer this community
based program to over 200 children in the summer of 2015. This summer program
is designed to serve the opposite needs of those parents who use the all-day Camp
Swoosh program. The Playground Program is a four-hour drop off program that
gives children the opportunity to socialize with their peers and connect with positive
adult mentors in a safe, creative and activity-based environment.
Over 9,921 individuals have benefited from participating in our special events,
totaling 61,296 hours of direct contact.
Event Ages # of Time # of Contact Co-Sponsored
Days People Hours By
Kids Night Out 5-12 12 4 30 1468
Winter
Gr K-3
Workshop 1 0.5 149 75 Livonia Kiwanis
Calling
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Santa Mailbox 7 & 1 0.5 138 69 Livonia Kiwanis
under
Essay Contest 5-12 1 1 83 83 Friends of the
Barn
Tree Lighting All 1 3 1000+ 3000+ Rotary Club,
Ceremony Libraries, Civic
Chorus
Lunch with Santa 12 & 1 2 150 300
under
Event Ages # of Time # of Contact Co-Sponsored
Days People Hours By
8-13 1 2.5 141 352.50 Livonia
Contest/Pancake Elks/LJAL
Daddy Daughter 4-16 1 2 225 450 Livonia Elks
Dance Lodge
Civic Chorus All 1 1 150 150 Civic Chorus
Indoor Triathlon 18+ 1 2 68 136 Wolverine S&C
Cardboard Boat All 1 4 150 600 Wolverine S&C
Races
All 1 3 355 1065 Wolverine S&C
Party
Spring
Take Pride in All 1 3 69 207 Rotary Club,
Livonia Day Scouts, and
School Groups
14 & 1 5 1000+ 5000
Passport to Safety Various
under
Sponsors
Memorial Day All 1 4 200+ 800+
Ceremony Alliance
Hunter Safety 10 & 1 12 40 480 DNR
Course up
Dive in Movie 1 ALL 1 4 77 308
Dive in Movie 2 ALL 1 4 32 128
Civic Chorus 18 & up 2 2 200 800 Livonia Civic
Concert Chorus
Easter Bunny 12 & 1 2 100 200 Optimist club
Lunch under
Egg Hunt 12 & 1 3 2000 6000 Rotary
Under
Pitch, Hit & Run 7-14 1 2.5 179 447.5 LJAL/Wolverine
S&C
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Event Ages # of Time # of Contact Co-Sponsored
Days People Hours By
Summer
Music From the All 8 1.5 200+ 2,400+ Arts
Heart Commission
Playground
Program 5-12 35 4 207 28,980
Nature Camp 5-8 5 2 0 0
Kids Triathlon 6-14 1 3 0 0 Wolverine
Sports and
Conservation
Club
Mad Science 3-12 5 4 0 0
Camps
Pewabic Camp 5-12 5 2 10 100
Volleyball Camp 11-13 5 2 13 130
Ballet Camp 3-5 5 2 8 80
Park it movie All 2 4 500 4000 Multiple
night Sponsors
Senior Olympics 50+ 1 1 10 10 Senior Center
Fall
Lunch with 12 & 1 2 0 0 Optimist Club
Goblins under
Haunted Stroll 12 & 1 1 1833 1833 Friends of the
under Barn
Turkey Trot All 1 3 520 1560 Goodfellows,
And Corporate
Sponsors
Hunter Safety 10 & 1 12 0 0 DNR
Course Up
Kick 5-14 1 1 84 84 NFL
Punt Pass and
PARKS DIVISION
Our parks are a great place for families and groups to gather for picnics, outdoor
activities or just to visit, walk or hike. We have many amenities, including pavilions,
grills, play structures, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, walking
paths, fitness clusters, in-line courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts or Wilson
Barn. It is impossible to estimate the number of individuals visiting our parks.
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Park Maintenance staff keeps up all parks, handles inspections and works with us
in providing safe, clean and quality parks that our residents have come to expect.
Approximately 377 pavilion permits were issued with an estimated 26,426
attendees for Rotary, John Stymelski, Veteran's, Bicentennial, Clements Circle,
Mies and Shelden Parks. Our revenue for the pavilion rentals totaled
$29,284.50.
The parks also hosted numerous special events and activities.
MARKETING
The Marketing Department strives to promote the assets of the department and
influence the lives of those we serve, as well as, develop and cultivate
partnerships, collaborations and volunteerism. As a department, we are devoted
to offering quality programs and facilities, while providing the highest standards of
customer service possible.
The L Magazine continues to be our primary source of communicating with our
users. The L is distributed three times a year to the 39,000 plus households in
Livonia, as well as, the non-resident members. The L Magazine is also available
on our website. We also promote and advertise are through our website, the new
Google Maps virtual tour of the LCRC, Chamber Business Member e-blasts and
the Chamber Directory, the City Newsletter, Facebook, promotional videos,
member giveaway promotions, visiting local businesses, email blasts, news
releases, program and event flyers, Livonia TV and news releases. We also send
a new resident welcome letter, which includes a one-day family pass to the LCRC.
Two Open House events in 2015 brought in a combined total of 672 non-member
guests and helped sell 35 membership packages for a total of 66 new members.
This is a 10.29% conversion rate of walk in guests to members.
The Department also offers co-sponsorships and partnership opportunities. A new
program called Livonia Business Benefit Share allows LCRC members to use their
card for discounts and provides an opportunity to build partnerships with our
Livonia business community. As a means to generate additional revenue for the
new lap pool scoreboard, we added a local business sponsorship sign under the
scoreboard.
* * * * * * *
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AND PLANNING COMMISSION
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Activities and projects handled by the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department for the year 2015 included the following:
Subdivision Plats ConsideredMeetings Held
Preliminary Plats 0 Public Hearings (34 items) 14
Final Plats 0 Regular Meetings (31 items) 14
Study Meetings (71 items) 15
Special Regular Meetings (1 item) 1
Petitions ProcessedAmendments
Rezoning 10 Master Plan Amendments 0
Waiver of Use 24 Language Amendments (Ord 543) 0
Site Plans 19 Vacating 1
Cluster Condominiums 1
Sign Permits 6
Greenbelt & Landscape 0
Satellite Dish 0
Lot Splits 16
Extensions 1
Plan Revisions 1
2015 NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
Throughout the past year, the Planning Department was involved in processing
approximately 77 petitions involving a variety of projects and activities. Below is a
summary of the more noteworthy projects, some of which the final outcome is still
pending:
1) Approval to operate a full service restaurant (MOD Pizza) at 13229
Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of Middlebelt Road between
the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
2) Approval to construct and operate an auto repair facility (Goodyear) at
12661 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of Middlebelt Road
between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
3) Approval to construct and operate a freestanding full service
restaurant with drive-up window facilities (Panda Express) at the
Livonia Commons shopping center at 13507 Middlebelt Road, located
on the west side of Middlebelt Road between the CSX Railroad right-
of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
4) Approval to develop a Planned Residential Development under the
Single Family Clustering option (Arbor Trail Estates) on properties at
35652, 35700, 35800 and 35850 Ann Arbor Trail, located on the north
side of Ann Arbor Trail between Wayne Road and Newburgh Road;
5) Approval to operate a used auto dealership with outdoor display of
vehicles (Panamera Motors) at 35085 Plymouth Road, located on the
south side of Plymouth Road between Wayne Road and Yale Avenue.
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6) Approval to construct and operate a freestanding full service
restaurant with drive-up window facilities (Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen)
at 13050 Middlebelt Road, located on the east side of Middlebelt Road
between the CSX Railroad right-of-way and Schoolcraft Road;
7) Approval to construct and operate a freestanding full service
restaurant with drive-up window facilities (Sonic) at 29622 Seven Mile
Road, located on the north side of Seven Mile Road between the
Middlebelt and Purlingbrook Roads;
8) Approval to develop and operate an outdoor storage yard for
recreational vehicles at 33710 33760 Plymouth Road, located on the
north side of Plymouth Road between Farmington and Stark Roads;
9) Approval to operate a massage establishment (Creative Touch) within
the multi-tenant office building at 18922 Farmington Road, located on
the east side of Farmington Road between Curtis Avenue and Seven
Mile Road.
10) Approval to remodel the exterior of the restaurant (Mama Mia) at
27770 Plymouth Road, located on the north side of Plymouth Road
between Inkster Road and Cardwell Avenue;
11) Approval to construct an addition to the Mobil gas station at 37921 Ann
Arbor Trail, located on the southeast corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Ann
Arbor Road;
12) Approval to operate a massage establishment (Tomato Massage) at
37575 Five Mile Road within the New Five Village shopping center,
located on the south side of Five Mile Road between Newburgh Road
and Blue Skies Avenue;
13) Approval to conduct a carnival in the parking lot of Sears, sponsored
by the Livonia AM Rotary Club, consisting of amusement rides, games
and food concessions on property at 29500 Seven Mile Road, located
on the northwest corner of Seven Mile Road and Middlebelt Road;
14) Approval to operate a massage establishment (Wu Xing Acupressure
Massage) at 17800 Laurel Park Drive, located on the northwest corner
of Six Mile Road and Newburgh Road;
15) Approval
landscaping equipment and materials at 12240 Merriman Road,
located on the east side of Merriman Road between Plymouth Road
and the CSX Railroad;
16) Approval to construct a four-story hotel (Holiday Inn Express & Suites)
at 27403 and 27451 Schoolcraft Road, located on the southwest
corner of Schoolcraft and Inkster Roads;
17) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial shopping center
(Mid 7 Plaza) at 29475-29493 Seven Mile Road and 19043-19045
Middlebelt Road, located on the south side of Seven Mile Road
between Middlebelt Road and Melvin Avenue;
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18) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant
Arbor Road, located on the west side of
Ann Arbor Road between Hix Road and Ann Arbor Trail;
19) Approval to remodel the exterior of the commercial shopping center
(Ten Yen Plaza) at 8963-8997 Wayne Road, located on the west side
of Wayne Road between Joy Road and Ann Arbor Trail;
20) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant (Burger
King) at 15378 Middlebelt Road, located on the east side of Middlebelt
Road between Five Mile Road and Roycroft Avenue;
21) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant (Burger
King) at 29211 Seven Mile Road, located on the south side of Seven
Mile Road between Middlebelt Road and Maplewood Avenue;
22) Approval to construct a high-rise office building within College Park at
17450 College Parkway, located on the east side of Haggerty Road
between Six Mile and Seven Mile Roads;
23)
33750 Eight Mile Road, located on the south side of Eight Mile Road
between Farmington Road and Gill Road;
24) Approval to
19000 Middlebelt Road, located on the east side of Middlebelt Road
between Clarita Avenue and Seven Mile Road
25) Approval proposal to remodel the exterior of the existing commercial
center (Mid-8 Plaza) at 29107-29131 Eight Mile Road, located on the
south side of Eight Mile Road between Brentwood Avenue and
Middlebelt Road; (Pending)
26) Approval to develop a self-storage facility at 28153 Eight Mile Road,
located on the south side of Eight Mile Road between Grand River
Avenue and Angling Road;
27) Approval to demolish an existing hotel and restaurant and construct a
new six-story hotel (Holiday Inn) at 17123 Laurel Park Drive, located
on the west side of Laurel Park Drive between Six Mile Road and
University Drive; (Pending)
28) Approval to remodel the exterior of the existing restaurant at 34110
Plymouth Road, located on the north side of Plymouth Road between
Farmington and Stark Roads; (Pending)
29) Approval to construct a multi-tenant retail building and obtain
preliminary approval for two restaurant pads on property at 19700 and
19750 Haggerty Road, located on the east side of Haggerty Road
between Seven Mile Road and Eight Mile Road; (Pending)
30) Approval to operate an indoor recreational facility (Action Paintball) at
11845 Mayfield Avenue, located on the west side of Mayfield Avenue
between Plymouth Road and Capitol Avenue. (Pending)
31) Approval to add a drive-up window facility to an existing full service
restaurant (Panera Bread) at 28551 Schoolcraft Road within the
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Millennium Park retail center, located on the south side of Schoolcraft
Road between Middlebelt Road and Inkster Road. (Pending)
32) Approval to renovate and expand the existing commercial shopping
center, Shelden Park Village (33111 thru 33251 Plymouth Road),
including remodel the exterior façade of the existing shopping center
building, reconfigure the layout of the parking lot, construct a
freestanding full service restaurant, and obtain preliminary approval for
two (2) future commercial buildings, located at the southeast corner of
Plymouth and Farmington Roads. (Pending)
33) Approval to remodel the exterior of the restaurant (Twin Peaks
Restaurant) at 20120 Haggerty Road, located on the east side of
Haggerty Road between Seven Mile and Eight Mile Roads; (Pending)
2015 STUDIES, SURVEYS AND REPORTS PREPARED
2015 Lot Splits Reports 16
2015 Language Amendments 0
2015 Vacating Reports 1
Fully Digitized In-house Petition Books
1953 thru 1964
1965 thru 1976
1977 thru 1999
2000 thru Present
City-wide overall map
Update Future Land Use Map
Prepared Zoning Ordinance Amendments
LIVONIA BIKE-WALK
Bike/Walk Livonia is a plan intended to create a roadmap for the continued
provision and enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the City
of Livonia. The planning process commenced in April 2015, and culminated in the
development of the Bike-Walk Livonia Plan six (6) months later. The project team
consisted of a Steering Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals that
included community biking enthusiasts and members of various city departments,
including Planning & Economic Development, Engineering, Police, Parks &
Recreation, and Public Works. The Steering Committee worked directly with the
project consultants, McKenna Associates and Toole Design Group.
Integral to development of the plan were several meetings, a bike tour and a public
engagement process that involved an open house and an online forum called
Mindmixer. Through this process, several key themes emerged resulting in a
number of short and long-term recommendations on how to expand and improve
Examples include recommended routes
for creating a city-wide bicycle network, as well as preferred bikeway treatments,
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such as signed routes, marked shared lanes, and dedicated bike lanes. The full
document will be available on the City of Livonia website.
PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Planning and Economic Development Department continues to provide
support to the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA). This past year,
accepting a proposal from DTE to
acquire the street lighting system along Plymouth Road. The PRDA Board
agreed that the lighting system is aging and increasing maintenance costs are a
major issue for the City. The terms of the agreement include converting
approximately 470 street lights to LED fixtures, installing 11 new controllers,
providing an inventory of five (5) spare street poles and three (3) spare clam
shells, and painting all light posts. After completion of the acquisition and
conversion by DTE and for an annual fee paid to DTE by the City, the company
will assume responsibility for all future maintenance of the street lights, including
outage repairs, pole painting, and underground staking services. The PRDA will
continue to be responsible for pole replacement.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Planning Department oversees and coordinates the activities and functions of
the Economic Development Office, whose primary mission is to lend assistance to
commercial and industrial businesses by administering a variety of economic
incentive programs that helps attract new businesses into the community, as well
as, provides assistance to existing businesses to help them thrive and grow.
Integrating economic development with the activities of the Planning Department
provides a high level of governmental efficiency that helps reduce costs and
expedite the local review and approval process. It enables concurrent review of
projects with both planning and economic considerations. More often than not, the
ability to provide timely decisions is critical to the success of a project. A major
boost to the Department this past year was the hiring of an Economic Development
economic development efforts, including promotion and marketing, visiting with
businesses, surveys, research, guidance and advice on incentive programs, etc.
Momentum continued in 2015 revealing a steady uptick in business growth and
development in the City. Two noteworthy headliners are the $22 million dollar
expansion of McLaren Performance Technologies on Eight Mile Road that
continues to take shape and will result in 100 plus new jobs to Livonia, and the
ground breaking announcement Masco Corporation Headquarters is moving to
Livonia, which will include a new 75,000-square-foot building on the property of
Schoolcraft College and house approximately 200 employees. There were
approximately 30 business grand openings in 2015, including Copper Hill, Exxon
Livonia Consumer Center, The Book Connection, St. Mary Outpatient Surgery
, Speedway Pit Stop (Quick Lube), My
Mechanics Place, and St. Mary Mercy Elite Sport Performance, just to name a few.
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In addition, there were at least eight (8) ground breaking events sponsored by the
Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
seasonally unadjusted jobless rate for the month of
September 2015 was 3.0 percent, down from 3.5 percent one (1) year ago and 3.9
percent from (2) years ago. The National average is 5.1 percent, the State of
Michigan is 5.0 percent and Wayne County is 6.7 percent respectively.
leasing activity. The City has nearly 30 million square feet of classified industrial
space. As of November 2015, the occupancy rate increased to 93.5%, 2 percent
higher than reported this time last year. According to CoStar Group, a commercial
real estate tracking and information service, there were about 88 industrial lease
and sale transactions over the past 12 months. The largest single transaction
involved the sale of 38300 Plymouth Rd. on March 14, 2015, for $6.7 million, or
$49 per square foot. The seller was Valley City Steel, Co. and the new owner is
Iron Mountain Information Management, Inc.
etail occupancy continues to climb
upwards to 91.5% compared to 89.5% in 2014. Occupancy in the office market
has remained relatively stable over the past year at 86.3% slightly up from last
year at 84 percent.
In 2015, the Livonia Economic Development Office provided assistance to many
businesses. Listed below are a few of the companies and a project summary:
IPS Assembly (12077 Merriman Road)
IPS Assembly is a fully-integrated Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) Unit
based in Livonia, Michigan. In 2014, with guidance from the Planning and
Inspection Departments, IPS Real Estate acquired an underutilized industrial
building located at 12077 Merriman Road. The building is on west side of the road
roughly one-quarter mile north of Plymouth Road. Constructed in 2005, the
building contains approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of gross floor space. Since its
construction, the building has been underutilized with a significant portion of the
floor space unfinished. IPS purchased the property with the intent of completely
renovating the structure into a new state of the art high tech printed circuit board
manufacturing plant. The founders of the Company are Perry and Ishvar Sutariya,
who together have over 60 years of experience in the PCB industry. The estimated
capital investment to get the facility operational totaled approximately $1.277M,
including $867,000 in real property improvements and $410,000 in personal
property, mostly in the form of machinery and equipment needed for the PCB
manufacturing and assembly process. IPS was awarded a 12-year tax abatement.
st
With the IFTEC, the 1 year tax savings on the real property will equal
approximately $9,700.
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Livonia Lodge
Earlier this year, Livonia Lodge, Inc. petitioned the City Council and obtained
approval of a Commercial Rehabilitation Act Exemption Certificate in order to
facilitate the redevelopment of a vacant and functionally obsolete property,
formerly a photographic film processing facility, into a state-of-the-art, 4-story
Holiday Inn Express. The property is located at the southwest corner of
Schoolcraft and Inkster Roads. The success redeveloping this property hinged
on several required actions by the Planning Commission and City Council with
guidance provided by the Planning and Economic Development Department,
including: 1) a change of zoning; 2) establishing a Commercial Rehabilitation
District; 3) site plan approval; and 4) issuance of a Commercial Rehabilitation
Tax Exemption Certificate. The project is now well underway with occupancy in
the new 4-story, 100-guestroom hotel scheduled for 2016.
Masco
One development that stands out is that building products maker Masco Corp.
plans to move its corporate headquarters, to include 200-plus employees, from the
current Taylor location to Livonia by the end of 2016. The new headquarters will
consist of a 75,000-square-foot facility at West Seven Mile and Haggerty roads
near Schoolcraft College. The Ground Breaking event to commence construction
took place on October 6, 2015. Masco Corporation is a global leader in design,
manufacture and distribution of branded building products operating more than 20
companies and nearly 60 manufacturing facilities in the Unites States (20 in other
parts of the world). The company posted net sales of $8.5 billion in 2014.
Allied Commerce Center
Located north of Plymouth Road between Farmington and Merriman Roads, Allied
thth
) and eighth (8) largest
buildings. This mega-industrial complex comprises over 1.1 million square feet of
gross leasable area, and is spread over 71 acres of land, which constitutes the
th
largest single parcel. Over the past 3 ½ years, the new owners, Livonia
Estates, Ltd., have invested over $12 million dollars into renovating the property.
Today, Allied Commerce Center is approximately 98% occupied. Major tenants
include: Victory Packaging, AM General, XPort Corporation, the Crown Group, and
CHEP.
McLaren
The company plans to consolidate its sales office in Southfield and engineering
center in Livonia to create a Sales and Engineering Center on the existing property
in Livonia. The consolidation will result in the creation of 75 new jobs and create
a state-of-the-art technology and sales center to support Linamar and McLaren
customers. As of result of this growth, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved an
increase in the maximum allowance for new qualified jobs on McLaren's MEGA
credit by 75 from 34 to 109 new jobs for the years 2015 through 2019.
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ActuaPlast North America, Inc. (31690 Glendale)
French-owned auto supplier that specializing in plastics technology, including 2D
and 3D extrusion blow molding, design and tooling manufacturing, CAD-CAM
production facility in Livonia hopefully will set the stage for future growth and
expansion. The Company has installed a state-of-the-art injection blow-mold
machine with plans to add 3 or 4 more machines by 2016. Livonia Planning and
Economic Department teamed with the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation, Detroit Regional Chamber, and the Economic Department of the
Embassy of France to assist ActuaPlast in developing a U.S. growth strategy. The
incentives profile for ActuaPlast includes participation in the Michigan Business
Growth Fund (Loan Participation Program), PA 198 Tax Abatement, and
Workforce Training. \[UPDATE: On February 2, 2015, the Livonia City Council
approved an Exemption of Personal Property Application Under PA 328 of 1998
for ActuaPlast Plastic Technologies, good for five (5) years.
MISCELLANEOUS RETENTION AND ATTRACTION PROJECTS
The Livonia Economic Development Office meets regularly with existing and
prospective businesses to learn more about their operations, address concerns
and issues they may have, assist with site selection and planning, provide
information on local incentive programs, and direct them to the proper State,
County and/or City agencies or departments for additional assistance. Below is a
list of some of the companies and organizations that the Economic Development
Office worked with over the past year:
ATEQ
Total Sports Complex
Ashley Capital
Former GM Eckles
Former GM Powertrain
Roush Industries
Lowes
Schoolcraft College
Allied Commerce Center
Belfor
Verizon Wireless
AT&T
Livonia Marketplace
Soave Homes
MAPS
The Planning Department has prepared many new maps for City use and has
revised others. These maps are used at the various public hearings conducted
by the Planning Commission and City Council. The maps are also made
available to other City departments and groups.
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GIS
The Planning Department continues to work closely with the Information Systems
Department and other City Departments involved in the development and
tion of computer hardware and software designed
to visualize, explore, query and analyze data geographically. The Planning
Department utilizes the GIS on a daily basis for a variety of planning related
tasks including: mapping, obtaining land use statistics and information,
generating mailing labels for public notification purposes, and much more. As
part of its responsibility of providing accurate and current land use information,
the Planning Department maintains the following spatial GIS layers and
accompanying attribute information:
Zoning Liquor Licenses
Existing Land Use Cell Towers
Future Land Use Truck Routes
Building Footprints Act 198 Industrial Districts
Control Zones
PLANNING DATABASE
The Planning Department continues to expand the use of its computer database,
which was designed and developed for the purpose of tracking and storing
information about all of the various petitions that the Department is responsible
for overseeing. The new database was created with several benefits in mind,
including faster and more efficient delivery of information to residents, other City
Departments and developers, better record keeping, and expandability and
compatibility with other computer software programs including the GIS. The
Planning database was developed using Microsoft Access and includes detailed
information on each petition including the type of project, the review procedure,
the applicant, critical deadlines (i.e., public notification), past history, zoning, etc.
Select information can be linked directly with the GIS and viewed in a spatial
context. For example, maps can be generated showing the locations of all
properties involved in certain types of land use proposals (i.e., restaurants), over
a given period of time. As of December 2015, the Planning database contains
detailed information on approximately 3,136 petitions.
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Hundreds of hours have been spent supplying other departments with technical
help including:
Community Resources Historical Commission
Engineering/Inspection Legal Department Library Commission
Parks & Rec. Finance Department Historic Preservation
Housing Commission Police Department
* * * * * * *
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LIVONIA DIVISION OF POLICE
The Livonia Police Department is the ninth largest police department in the State
of Michigan. The Administration Bureau consists of the Chief of Police, one Deputy
Chief of Police, and two Captains who are Division Commanders. Two civilians
provide administrative support, including payroll and benefit administration,
employee records, and financial tracking.
In 2015, the police department added 19 members to its staff; however, the police
department also experienced 12 separations of service. We are committed to
maintaining adequate staffing levels without sacrificing the high standard of
qualifications of candidates.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
The Support Services Division is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation
of the Department. Important functions include preparing and maintaining the
budget, purchasing, training, personnel, labor relations, contacts with citizens
City Commissions.
Training
During fiscal year 2015, the Training Division coordinated the attendance of our
officers at more than 165 off-site, in-service training courses and administered the
State training resources, as well as the Federal Bullet Proof Vest Grant. The
Training Division also ensured that all officers completed the MCOLES Firearms
Proficiency Standards, including our Reserve Officers, and conducted nearly 45
firearms training sessions throughout the year. All of the Dispatchers attended the
required number of courses to comply with State Law and the reporting of the
9-1-1 funds was conducted in accordance with the grant.
Our annual Police Officer Refresher Training (PORTS) covered Firearms Re-
certification, Subject Control, Emergency Vehicle Operation, Building Entry
Techniques, Reality-Based Scenarios utilizing force-on-force simulators, Legal
Update and the Under 100 Initiative. This training was in addition to mandatory
training sessions which covered issues specific to Bureaus/Shifts, Incident
Command System, Body Scanners, Bicycle Enforcement and Intermediate
Weapons.
The Training Division coordinated with the Civil Service Department on hiring
twelve new Police Service Aides, five Police Officers, and one Dispatcher. Twelve
Police Service Aides were promoted to the rank of Police Officer during this period.
Communications
The Dispatch Center equipment includes the computer-aided dispatch terminals,
9-1-1 premise equipment, early warning sirens, cable override capabilities, Law
Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) teletype equipment, etc. In 2015, a new,
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state-of-the-art Next Generation 911 system was installed. When implemented in
2016, this will enable residents to text to 911, as well as provide detailed call data
reports. There are currently 13 dispatchers assigned.
Supply system and its battery bank, as well as the proper testing and operation of
our emergency generator.
Computer Services
Computer Services is responsible for research and development, maintenance,
implementation, training, support, and purchasing for the Police and Fire
Departments 300+ computer devices, software and specialty equipment. This
includes: desktops, mobile scout car computers, printers, servers, fingerprint
identification equipment, video and audio devices, surveillance equipment, as well
as wireless and Bluetooth devices. Computer Services also supports multiple
networks including all fire stations, the CLEMIS consortium, and mobile scout car
wireless communications. Additionally, Computer Services is responsible for the
9-1- In all, over 3500
projects, support calls, and service requests have been completed for 2015.
In 2015, the Department installed a new, state-of-the-art Next Generation 911
system. All PCs throughout the Police and Fire network were upgraded to a more
secure operating system. Additionally, new software was deployed to help prevent
virus and intrusion attacks. A new network backbone has been installed, which
replaces an end-of-life infrastructure and enhances network security while
increasing network speed. Special projects include Body Camera testing, Field
Training Officer laptop development, and Virtual PC and server development and
implementation.
Central Records
Central Records is staffed with five full-time and two part-time civilians. This
bureau reviews and files all arrest and history information and verifies/updates
information on incident reports, as required by the State of Michigan. In addition,
they fulfill Freedom of Information requests, subpoenas and discovery orders,
electronically fingerprint citizens for record checks, and are responsible for the
issuance of pistol purchase permits. Central Records personnel also update
Criminal Records information as necessary.
Property and Licensing
The Property and Licensing Unit is staffed by one Police Officer and a full-time
civilian. The main function of the Property and Licensing Unit is to receive,
document and store evidential and non-evidential property coming into the
possession of the Livonia Police Department. Other work activities include the
control and tracking of impounded and abandoned vehicles; oversight of vehicle
auctions conducted by towing agencies; categorizing and submitting confiscated
firearms and other miscellaneous weapons to the Michigan State Police for
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destruction; and licensing taxi cab operators and other licensing investigations
authorized under Title 5 of the Livonia Code of Ordinances.
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
The Investigative Division is comprised of several units including the Detective
Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, Crime Prevention, Special Victims Unit, Court
Services/Liquor Control Enforcement, Internet Crimes Against Children, School
Resource, and Crime Analysis. The Investigative Division Lieutenant is in charge
of four Sergeants, 13 Police Officers, one Clerk Typist and two civilian analysts.
Detective Bureau
The Detective Bureau is currently staffed with two Sergeants, five Police Officers
and one civilian analyst. Their responsibilities include the investigation of most of
the reported crimes. These include assaults, robberies, burglaries, larcenies and
frauds.
Crime Scene Unit
One Sergeant, one Police Officer, and one civilian make up the Crime Scene Unit.
This unit is responsible for processing crime scenes, which includes the collection
and analysis of evidence.
Crime Prevention
A Police Officer is assigned to Crime Prevention and his duties include tours of the
police station, as well as teaching crime prevention techniques to civic groups and
businesses. In addition the Crime Prevention Officer is responsible for research,
compilation, analysis, mapping of crime trends/patterns and the distribution of such
findings throughout the department. The information assists patrol, investigative
and administrative staff in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention,
intervention, and suppression of criminal activities within the city.
Special Victims Unit/Polygraph
The Special Victims Unit is comprised of one Sergeant and two Police Officers.
This unit investigates domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The Sergeant
is also our Polygraph Examiner.
Court Services/Liquor Control Enforcement
One Police Officer and one civilian analyst, under the supervision of a Detective
Bureau Sergeant, are assigned to Court Services/LCC enforcement. They handle
the daily court activity and process all warrants. They also investigate Michigan
Liquor Control Commission license applicants and enforce the MLCC laws.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)
One Police Officer is assigned to the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against
Children (ICAC) Unit. The ICAC Unit investigates individuals who, via the Internet,
attempt to lure minors for illicit acts.
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School Resource Unit
The School Resource Unit is comprised of three Police Officers who are assigned
to the middle and high schools. They provide a liaison between the police and
schools and investigate any crimes that occur at the schools.
The Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily logs, employee
time records, Sex Offender Registry, canceling warrant recalls, and handling writs.
UNIFORM DIVISION
Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is comprised of one Captain, four Lieutenants, 13 Sergeants,
56 Police Officers, 7 Police Service Aides, 13 Dispatchers, and one Vehicle
Maintenance Coordinator. The Patrol Bureau provides around-the-clock
assistance, protection, and law enforcement to the City of Livonia.
Traffic Bureau
The Traffic Bureau consists of one Sergeant and five Police Officers, two being
certified Motor Carrier Officers. All Traffic Bureau personnel have been trained in
basic traffic crash investigation, which is the primary focus of this bureau. Several
officers in this bureau are also trained in accident reconstruction. This bureau
investigates all fatal and serious injury crashes, which are surveyed and
photographed with an extensive technical follow-up investigation. The Traffic
Bureau is also comprised of the Motorcycle Unit and two Motor Carrier
(commercial vehicle) Enforcement Officers. Secondary responsibilities include:
investigation and prosecution of traffic-related crimes; civil forfeiture of vehicles for
drunk and drugged driving; selective traffic enforcement activities; traffic crash
pattern analysis; engineering enhancement recommendations for improved traffic
flow and increased safety; breath test instrument calibrations; hiring and
supervision of school crossing guards; training and monitoring of all speed
enforcement equipment; and Planning Board/Zoning Board research and
recommendations. The Traffic Bureau Sergeant is an ad-hoc member of the
Livonia Traffic Commission and attends all meetings.
Additional Traffic Bureau responsibilities include: completion of numerous injury
and property damage crash investigations; hit and run crash investigations;
reckless driving complaints; fleeing and eluding investigations; reviewing all crash
reports; and tracking and reviewing all drunk driving arrests and related vehicle
forfeitures. The Strategic Traffic Accident Reduction (S.T.A.R.) program and the
Safe Communities grant program (Click-It or Ticket and Over the Limit, Under
Arrest) are both managed by the Traffic Bureau.
Community Service Bureau
The Community Service Bureau is managed by one Police Officer who reports to
the Patrol Operations Lieutenant. This officer also serves on the Board of the
Livonia Anniversary Committee and is responsible for planning and implementing
all public safety aspects of the annual Spree Festival. The Community Service
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Bureau is responsible for the administration of the Police Reserve Program, which
currently consists of 41 Reserve Officers. Reserve Officers provide police
presence at special community events, such as the Livonia Spree, school
functions, and miscellaneous civic events. Reserve Officers also respond to snow
emergencies, downed power lines, and situations where crowd control is required.
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In addition, Reserve Officers function as support personnel at the 16 District
Court, and serve as vehicle maintenance officers for the Livonia Police
Department. During 2015, uniformed personnel in this bureau worked 10,333
hours. The total cost of services for the year is estimated at $177,008.03, with
fractional reimbursement at $79,405.28 and discounted unsubsidized services in
the amount of $97,602.75.
This bureau also oversees the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The Livonia CERT consists of 60 members who are trained in disaster response
skills, such as medical operations, light search and rescue, and fire safety. In
2015, CERT members worked 15 activations throughout Southeastern Michigan.
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
The Intelligence Bureau is staffed by one Lieutenant, five Sergeants, six Police
Officers and one Clerk Typist. Their responsibilities are as follows:
As the Officer-In-Charge, the Lieutenant supervises all members of the bureau and
is responsible for the management and administration of the bureau. The
Lieutenant reports directly to the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police.
One Sergeant directly supervises four Police Officers who are responsible for all
narcotics enforcement and criminal surveillance affecting the City of Livonia. This
team is usually staffed with two Sergeants, instead of one, and six Police Officers,
instead of four. The shortage is due to current budget issues affecting the
department.
One Sergeant handles all of the narcotics evidence for the department and
narcotics case preparation, to include court presentation and civil forfeiture actions.
Western Wayne Narcotics
One Sergeant, along with one Police Officer, is assigned to the Michigan State
Police - Western Wayne Narcotics unit. This unit consists of our two officers and
seven other officers from the Michigan State Police, Plymouth Township, Canton
Township, Northville Township, Detroit, and the federal Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives Bureau (ATF). This unit is responsible for developing and
prosecuting narcotics cases in the Western Wayne County communities.
Combined Hotel Interdiction Enforcement Team (CHIEF)
One Sergeant is assigned to the Combined Hotel Interdiction Enforcement
(C.H.I.E.F.) Task Force. This unit consists of our Sergeant, along with officers
from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Drug Enforcement
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Administration (DEA), United States Border Patrol, Department of Homeland
Security, Michigan State Police, Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Dearborn,
Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Woodhaven and the Wayne County Airport Authority
Police Department. This unit is responsible for disrupting illegal drug trafficking in
the Detroit Metropolitan area by detecting and targeting violators and trafficking
organizations that are primarily utilizing hotels to facilitate drug trafficking.
Fugitive Apprehension Team
One Sergeant is assigned to a United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension
Team. This unit is responsible for the arrest of felony fugitives who have fled
prosecution in local, state and federal criminal cases.
The Clerk Typist serves as an Office Manager responsible for daily supplies,
records management and employee time records.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The City of Livonia is recognized as an independent Emergency Management
Program by the State of Michigan under
Emergency Management Program is to allow the City to prevent, prepare, mitigate,
respond to and recover from emergencies, natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
Primary responsibilities include planning, training, equipment, exercise and the
management and administration of Livonia personnel and resources charged with
Emergency Management Program focuses on being an emergency preparedness
resource for the citizens and business community.
A
Police Sergeant is appointed as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and
works closely with local, county, regional, state, federal, private and volunteer
partners involved in emergency management and homeland security. During
2015, significant emergency preparedness activities included procuring and
managing Justice Assistance Grants (JAGs), which provide equipment to enhance
Department applied for, and was authorized to submit, a grant for Federal
Hazardous Mitigation funding for 4 additional Emergency Warning sirens, based
upon the 2014 flooding that resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for
Southeast Michigan. The department was responsible for procuring and managing
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants that provide for the training and
purchase of equipment that increase the interoperability of the City, as well as the
Western Wayne County Mobile Field Force and Western Wayne County Special
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) law enforcement specialty teams. Funding was
obtained to purchase tactical surveillance equipment for the Western Wayne
Special Operations Team and communications equipment for tactical medical
personnel embedded with the team. Further funding was obtained through UASI
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grants that will provide new equipment for the Western Wayne County Mobile Field
Force Unit.
Additional activities include participating in a full-scale aircraft accident based
exercise at Metro Detroit International Airport; conducting training for City
emergency response personnel, as well as general employees, as required by the
Department of Homeland Security, in accordance with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF);
representing the City with multiple local, county, regional and state homeland
security and emergency management organizations, as well as sitting on several
state and regional boards for first responders; Emergency Alert Policy
development for the State and non-profit grant administration; Providing additional
portable radios for Livonia Public Schools, Clarenceville Public Schools, and
parochial schools, as well as conducting communications drills; acquired and
oversaw the installation of two additional Emergency Waring sirens purchased by
the City. The Emergency Management Department applied for, and was
authorized to enter into, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal
Government that will allow the City to issue Public Alert warnings over the Federal
System to any citizen within the City. Livonia will be the first municipality in the
state to do this.
Program is an all hazard-based program that
partners with the community as a whole. This partnership with the citizens and
businesses of Livonia was accomplished by conducting emergency planning
presentations/exercises with public and private partners including Schoolcraft
College, Madonna University, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Marywood Nursing Care,
Livonia Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the Civil Air Patrol, Livonia
Rotary Clubs and the Livonia Amateur Radio Club.
Additional community based activities included partnering with the National
the citizens of Livonia; providing
assistance long-term care (LTC) facilities with the state mandates and
Operations Center (EOC) that will allow the LARC to better operate and integrate
with the EOC during an emergency; partnering with the Wayne County Department
of Public Health to provide resources that will allow Livonia to maintain operational
continuity during a health emergency by becoming a Closed Point of Dispensing
for medications during a large-scale medical emergency.
The Emergency Management program continues to maintain oversight of the
citizen based Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Livonia
CERT continues to be a model program, with members volunteering well over 100
hours to both Livonia and regional activities/emergencies. Livonia hosted the
annual CERT regional training this year at Rotary Park, with over 100 CERT
members and 30 local officials from across Southeast Michigan attending.
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ACTIVITIES
CENTRAL RECORDS
Activity 2014 Amount Est. 2015 Amount
Accident Reports 875 $11,853 831 $11,318
Incident Reports 315 $1,568 311 $1,750
Fingerprints - City 557 $8,370 634 $9,510
Fingerprints State 269 $8,783 295 $13,201
Fingerprints - N/C 116 0 56 0
LCC 21 $32,100 16 $12,950
Purchase Permits 394 $1,970 412 $2,060
Purchase Permits - N/C 3,079 0 3,176 0
Record Clearance/Checks 202 $1,212 181 $1,086
Record Clearance/Checks - N/C 1,280 0 1,591 0
Public Vehicle License - New 0 0 1 $20
Public Vehicle License - Renew 3 $36 7 $84
FOIA / Discovery 911 $13,380 988 $13,837
Miscellaneous (Jail Phone, 161 $29,302 132 $39,417
Vehicle Forfeiture, etc.)
Warrant Processing Fee 645 $6,450 625 $6,250
TOTAL REVENUE $115,023 $111,483
PROPERTY AND LICENSING
Activity 2014 Est. 2015 % Change
Public Vehicle Permit Applications/Renewals 4 7 +43%
Taxi Cab Inspections 3 3 0%
Business License Applications 197 201 +2%
Impounded/Abandoned Vehicles Processed 1,730 1,738 +1%
Property Items Received/Processed 3,503 4,250 +18%
INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION
Activity 2014 Est. 2015 % Change
Total Cases Investigated 5,489 5,504 +0.2%
Felony Warrant Requests 249 256 +3%
Misdemeanor Warrants Requested 1,308 1,402 +7%
Precious Metal Documents 26,148 33,697 +29%
Crime Scenes Processed 64 70 +9%
Vehicles Processed 49 51 +4%
Pieces of Evidence Processed 1,119 1,640 +47%
Latent Prints Identified 136 205 +51%
Reports by Crime Scene Unit 180 194 +8%
AFIS Cases 509 786 +54%
Polygraphs Administered 25 19 -24%
Referrals to Youth Assistance 20 25 +25%
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MLCC Reports 33 *10 -70%
MLCC Inspections (on site & decoy) 156 *45 -71%
MLCC Violation Reports 6 *5 -17%
MLCC Applications Investigated 47 *44 -6%
*Data reflects lack of tobacco inspections performed in 2015, as compared to
2014.
PATROL BUREAU
Activity 2014 Actual 2015 Projected % Change
Calls for Service Police 34,037 30,232 -11%
Calls for Service Fire 9,509 9,862 +4%
Reports Taken 8,538 8,182 -4%
Adult Arrests 5,575 6,109 +10%
Juvenile Arrests 102 123 +20%
Use of Force Incidents 46 45 -2%
Vehicle Pursuits 16 13 -19%
TRAFFIC BUREAU
Activity 2014 Actual 2015 Projected % Change
Drunk Driving Prosecutions 298 303 +1.6%
OWI Vehicle Forfeitures 28 46 +64.2%
Traffic Crash Data
Property Damage 3,244 2,578 -20.5%
Injury 771 655 -15%
Fatal 3 2 -66%
Traffic Crash Totals
4,018 3,235 -19.4%
Uniform Law Violations 35,340 34,664 -1.9%
INTELLIGENCE BUREAU
(Livonia Team)
Activity 2014 Actual 2015 Projected % Change
Assigned Cases 1085 1085 0 %
Search Warrants 52 70 +34 %
Forfeiture Actions 167 190 +14 %
* * * * * * *
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 of the two Divisions are as follows:
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Public Service Division
This Division is responsible for the performance of a
wide variety of maintenance functions. These functions range from in-house
activities such as building maintenance and vehicle maintenance (except Police
and Fire) to the more visible maintenance of public utilities, park sites and
roadways.
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 division has provided engineering services as
directed by the Mayor, the City Council, other City departments and various Boards
and Commissions, as well as for the general public. During the past fiscal year,
the work was handled by 10 full-time employees. The department consists of three
(3) sections: Administrative, Design and Field.
Highlights of the 2015
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Administrative Section
This section prepares reports for the City Council, subdivision bond establishments
and releases, and various other reports; reviews the design of public
improvements in connection with the development of residential subdivisions,
commercial and industrial site plans; prepares legal descriptions as required by
other departments; and provides technical assistance and advice to administrative
and legislative groups within the City as well as State and County governmental
units. The Administrative Section is also responsible for the issuance of permits
for work in the public rights-of-way and/or easements, along with fielding
residential complaints on drainage, sidewalk and road issues, also assisting with
PRDA matters, the coordination with DTE on over 5,000 street lights (including
LED retrofits), and City Hall Campus Improvements. Attendance at Council,
Commission and citizen meetings is also a function of this section.
The Administrative Section was involved with the following matters during 2015 in
addition to attending meetings with State and County officials, and investigating
citizen complaints:
Dedication of Sanitary, Storm and Water Main Easements
DTE Streetlight Outage Reporting
DWRF Project 7355-01 Phase I
Coventry Gardens Water Main Project (Final Restoration)
DWRF Project 7356-01 Phase II
Old Rosedale Gardens Water Main Project and Section 36 Water Main
Improvements
Levan Road, S. of Five Mile Road Revised Sanitary Sewer SAD
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Levan Road Rehabilitation from Schoolcraft Road to Five Mile Road
Levan Road Concrete Reconstruction from Five Mile Road to north 300 feet
PRDA Streetlights (DTE Acquisition of 457 Streetlights)
PRDA Streetlight Monitoring in Cooperation with DPW
Richfield Estates Site Condominium Streetlight SAD
SAW Grant Project #1441-01
Sanitary Sewer Closed Circuit Video Inspection Project, Contract 15-L
SESC Permits
8 Residential
43 Commercial
Sherwood Forest Estates Subdivision Streetlight LED Conversion Project
Numerous Pavement Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects in
conjunction with the Annual Paving Program
Numerous Metro Act Permits for Various Telecommunication Upgrades and
Installations
Numerous Utility Permits for Consumers Energy Projects under Annual
Permit
Closed out several MDOT and Wayne County Projects
Updated the City website in regard to the Citywide Pavement Management
Program with the renewal millage for the 2015/2016 Road Programs
Annual Permits for Utility Companies performing work in the right-of-way and
upgrades before paving contracts
Four (4) site condominium projects and numerous commercial and industrial
projects were also reviewed and/or inspected by the Division.
Arbor Trail Estates Condominium (SE ¼ of Section 32)
ATEQ Corporation Building (35980 Industrial Road)
Bell Creek Community Church (30000 Five Mile Road)
Cade Meadows Site Condominiums (SW ¼ of Section 32)
Cedarbrook of Northville (West of Section 18)
Consumers Energy Livonia Service Center (11801 Farmington Road)
Country Fresh Water Main Connection (31770 Enterprise Drive)
Dollar Tree Store (29566 Seven Mile Road)
DPW Master Plan and Water and Sewer Building Project
Dunkin Donuts (34899 Plymouth Road)
Holiday Inn Express (27451 Schoolcraft Road)
Home Acres Building Addition & Renovations (35766 Industrial Road)
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Linear Mold and Engineering (12926 Stark Road)
Livonia Franklin High School Addition (31000 Joy Road)
Livonia Manor 2 Site Condominiums (SE ¼ of Section 3)
Marycrest Heights Senior Village Phase II (15475 Middlebelt Road)
Masco World Headquarters (17450 College Parkway)
McLaren Performance Tech., Inc. (32233 Eight Mile Road)
Medora Building Company (13245 Newburgh Road)
Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union (20595 Farmington Road)
MKOS Medical Office Building (36622 Five Mile Road)
MN Express Medora Building Company (13520 Merriman Road)
Multi-tenant Retail Building (17108 Farmington Road)
NYX Inc. Building Expansion Project (38900 Plymouth Road)
Plymouth Road Land Division (SW ¼ of Section 30)
Proposed Repaving Plan (34501 Industrial Road)
Quality Metal Craft Building Addition (12001 Farmington Road)
Renovation for Tennyson Chevrolet/Barbershop (32590 Plymouth Road)
Richfield Park Estates Site Condominiums (SE ¼ of Section 31)
RTI Laboratories Proposed Building Addition (33080 Industrial Road)
Sarah Estates Lane Extension (34618, 34619 and 34622 Sarah Beth Lane)
St. Mary Mercy Hospital Proposed Parking Lot Imp. (36475 Five Mile Road)
St. Mary Mercy Hospital NE Parking Lot (36475 Five Mile Road)
St. Mary Mercy Hospital NW Parking Lot (36475 Five Mile Road)
St. Mary Mercy Hospital West Road Construction (36475 Five Mile Road)
Schoolcraft College Main Campus North Parking Improvements (18600
Haggerty)
United Landscape Inc.(12240 Merriman Road)
Design Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section, prepares plans,
It also prepares legal descriptions as needed. In addition, this section provides
utility information to the public, assigns addresses and reviews residential site
plans.
The following major projects were designed and/or built in 2015:
2015 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program
2015 Lane Line Marking Program
2015 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair Water Main Breaks
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2015 Sidewalk Program
Field Section
This section, in conjunction with the Administrative Section and the Design
Section, prepares, administrates and provides all field inspection and survey
services in connection with contract plans and specifications for projects
constructed under the jurisdiction of the Engineering Division, as well as all
subdivision and commercial developments involving the installation of public
improvements.
Inspection and surveying services were provided for projects valued at
approximately $1,020,105 during the past year. These are summarized as follows:
2015 Pavement Joint and Crack Sealing Program = $140,000
2015 Lane Line Marking Program = $60,000
2015 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair Water Main Breaks = $169,015
2015 Sidewalk Program = $651,090
In addition to the public improvement contracts, this section was also responsible
for the field inspection and survey services of:
All inspection of work under permits numbers 15-001 through 15-400
Lawsuit Investigations
Drainage Complaints
Catch Basin Complaints
Soil Erosion Permits
Grade Inspections
Landfill permit renewal and application
Ditching and Ditch Cleanouts as Requested by the Department of Public
Works
Commercial Site Sedimentation Basin Inspections, including the related
letters and follow up of the clean outs
Residential Plot Plan Review and Grade Certificates
Installation of Public Utilities
Inspection of various paving projects
PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION
Administrative Section
Provided administrative services for the City telecommunications system.
Prepared annual budget submittal for Public Service Division.
Conducted employment interviews.
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Administered safety programs within the Department.
Maintained an alcohol and controlled substance testing program per
requirements of Federal law.
Prepared monthly payment submittals for solid waste contract.
Administered Recycling Center, City Office Paper Recycling Program,
Curbside Recycling Program and Separated Yard Waste Collection
Program.
Conducted a Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste Drop-Off Day
at Ford Field on April 5 2015 and publicized the Wayne County events and
the Northville event which were held throughout 2015.
Prepared request for proposals and solicited proposals for the Solid
Waste/Recycling Program.
Maintained City Type III landfill in compliance with all Federal, State and
County requirements.
Prepared and submitted all solid waste reports required by State of
Michigan and Wayne County.
Continued community solid waste and recycling educational programs
through use of City newsletter.
Prepared and distributed to all Livonia households a Bulk Leaf Pick-Up
Program brochure.
Conducted a secure document shredding waste and tire recycling event for
Livonia residents at the Livonia DPW yard on September 12, 2015.
Assisted the Water & Sewer Board in their monthly meetings. As of October,
2015, the W&S Board has received 244 requests for assistance, and the
Board granted 163 penalty free extensions. Of those extensions, 66% were
able to pay their water bills down to a $0.00 balance during their extension
term.
ROAD MAINTENANCE SECTION
Snow and Ice Control
Maintained roads on primary salt routes 24/7 throughout the 2014-2015 snow
season. Salted the primary salt routes 3 times in November, 0 times in
December, 16 times in January, 14 times in February, and 4 times in March.
We used 2,022 tons of salt.
Continued purchasing road salt at the multi-agency consortium pricing of
$47.01 per ton. This is considerably less than private contractors were
paying.
Performed two citywide major snow events (cycles) last season using DPW
forces and contractors. Plowed 370 miles of road each time, and kept 69
miles of primary, industrial and collector roads salted.
Spread slag on gravel roads and parking lots when icy and needed for
traction.
Installed snow fence at the most drift-prone locations to prevent roadway
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drifting, reducing salt use and plowing call-ins.
Provided plowing and ice control services, in conjunction with the Parks
section, at municipal buildings, parks and in City-owned public parking lots.
Filled and maintained citizen-access salt barrels at locations throughout the
city.
Spot salted water breaks, problem areas and house fire locations, as well as
specific locations requested by LPD.
Will be replacing 2 more badly rusted and worn salt trucks with live bottom,
brine equipped, computer controlled salt applicator dump trucks. These give
a significant boost to the reliability of the snow removal fleet, as well as
reducing even further the amount of salt that needs to be applied for a given
snow and ice situation.
Made 25,000+ gallons of salt brine. Brine is primarily used to pre-wet road
salt so it sticks to the roadway better and activates faster, giving better
performance at lower salt application rates.
Sweeping, Drainage and Grading
Graded all parks, alleys and gravel roads 3 times using in-house equipment
and personnel, did additional spot grading and added gravel as needed. Did
not need to hire a contracted road grader to reshape the roads this year.
Reworked drainage ditches, culverts and gravel road surfaces to improve
road surface longevity and improve drainage. Re-dug 300+ feet of ditch and
replaced roadway cross tubes where needed.
Applied brine solution to gravel roads citywide, and spot treated as needed
to solidify the gravel and minimize dust.
Swept residential roads 4 times. Industrial and major roads were done 3
times.
Swept City parking lots once.
Cleaned the inlet grates on the major storm drains throughout the city 8 times
this year to prevent flooding and erosion damage to the surrounding area.
Repaired eroded banks, removed overgrown vegetation from the major
drains, maintained and cut back access roads and trails.
Performed illicit discharge inspections, sampled and lab tested water
samples where needed on 210 storm water outfalls citywide to keep us in
compliance with state storm water regulations.
Landfill, Transfer Station and Recycling Center
Maintained licensed City landfill, including clay closure cap, underground
slopes, access roads, drainage pipes and ditches in compliance with State of
Michigan and Wayne County regulations and inspections.
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Removed small trees from capped area of landfill to prevent the root systems
from breaking the seal of the clay cap.
Maintained the berm and contact water conveyance system along the limits
of the Glendale licensed landfill area in order to contain and dispose of
leachate.
Maintained the cardboard, paper, glass, oil, battery and antifreeze recycling
facility per County and State regulations, as well as loading yard waste for
composting off site.
Maintained the citizen solid waste drop-off / transfer area to County and State
specs.
Pumped more than 2,500,000 gallons of leachate contact water from the
landfill to be processed at the Detroit sewage treatment plant.
Monitored the contractor bulk brush and woodchip disposal operation in
conjunction with the transfer site operation.
Brush Pickup
Conducted a spring cleanup brush sweep of all streets in the city.
Began by-call brush service for the season, responded to requests citywide.
There were 3,017 requests for brush pickup this year, with more than 10,000
stops.
Removed logs from large tree removals and storm cleanups, disposed of
chips resulting from stump grinding using various Roads section heavy
equipment and dump trucks.
Leaf Pickup
Deployed 40 DPW employees from the Roads, Signs, Parks, Building
Maintenance, Forestry, Equipment Maintenance, Water and Sewer sections
for a period of six weeks to provide residents with two scheduled leaf pickups.
program is in progress.
Provided street sweeping to clean paved streets and clear storm drain grates
after the final leaf pickup was completed.
Steam cleaned 36 leaf pickup vehicles, removed and stored truck tailgates,
boxes.
Construction, Road Maintenance and Miscellaneous
Responded to 5,876 service requests from residents.
Provided 24/7 on-call coverage as part of DPW program for all activities and
areas of responsibility.
Repaired or adjusted 48 manholes, storm drains, catch basins and water gate
wells.
Provided and delivered storm and sanitary manhole frames and covers, water
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gate castings, etc., to contactors doing road replacements. These are
installed by the contractor while the pavement is out, to repair or upgrade
castings on underground structures that are n
responsibility.
Repaired or replaced six sanitary and storm sewer lines.
Milled concrete streets to eliminate heat pops or water ponding problems at
five locations.
Completed asphalt repairs or replacements to utility cuts, water main repair
sites and cracked pavement at 60 locations.
Ground and chemically treated rust, repainted dump beds on five dump trucks
to extend their useful life.
Patched potholes on 370 miles of City-maintained roads, parking lots and
some sites excavated by the Water and Sewer section. Repaired potholes
reported on the Pothole Hotline within two business days of the report.
Ramped vertical separations on sidewalks as reported to us by Law,
Engineering, Forestry and field staff to maintain safe walkways until the slabs
are replaced.
Assembled a scattered location contract to address high-priority structure and
pavement repairs citywide. Provided major road construction zone signing
and barricading when needed.
Used heavy equipment to clear storm-washed trees and logs from primary
drains.
Maintained access ways to major drains to minimize flood control response
time and maintain access for regular maintenance activities.
Picked up and cleaned oil spills, large debris or lost loads from trucks on City
streets nine times.
Closed roads, rerouted traffic as needed due to downed power lines, traffic
accidents, water main breaks, fallen trees and storm damage.
Provided truck training for 10 current and new employees so they could get
nses and be available for snow removal and storm
damage cleanup in dump trucks.
Changed truck and tractor attachments (buckets, blades, boxes, tailgates,
leaf claws, salt spreaders) from construction season/summer mode to leaf
pickup mode, then to winter plowing/salting configuration.
Cleaned debris from outfalls and inlets of major City storm drains 8 times to
prevent flooding and storm drain backups.
Repaired or replaced 2 damaged guardrails.
Cut and cleared brush from city-owned alleyways.
Made lawn and or sprinkler repairs resulting from Water Dept. and Roads
maintenance activities and occasional snow plow damage at 260 locations.
Repaired or replaced 21 mailboxes after they were damaged or removed
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during various maintenance and snow removal operations.
Patched vertical separations and holes in sidewalks citywide to maintain a
safe walking surface until the slabs are replaced.
Worked with the Forestry section picking up logs and stump chips at over 30
locations.
Programmed and delivered the lighted message board for road projects and
for other City departments when requested.
SIGN MAINTENANCE SECTION
raffic and Street Name Signs: Replaced or Removed: 300+
T
Traffic Posts: Replaced or Removed: 150+
Engraved 45 signs for various City departments.
Created outdoor and indoor signage for golf courses, volleyball courts,
baseball diamonds, soccer fields, parking lots, City roads, entranceways and
buildings.
Assisted with the delivery, setups, signing, snow fencing, barricading and
traffic control devices as needed for SPREE, Household Hazardous Waste
Day, Passport to Safety, the Save Our Youth run, the electronic waste and
tire disposal event, Fire Dept. Open House, Easter Egg Hunt, Rouge Rescue,
Music From the Heart, several Wilson Barn shows, the flea market, the
cancer walk, the Highland Games and additional events at Greenmead, as
well as the Memorial Day Ceremony and the annual Tree Lighting event.
Maintained traffic control signs (stop, yield, one way, etc.) throughout the city
in compliance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
standards.
Continued upgrading street name signs to conform to new retro-reflectivity
standard.
Maintained the Signview module in our Cartegraph system. Added road sign
information and updated data to reflect ongoing changes made again this
year from Traffic Control Orders to remove stop signs, change speed limits,
etc., as well as sign upgrades.
Applied or removed reflective striping, vehicle numbers and City seals to 15
new, repaired or scheduled-for-auction vehicles.
Handled 176 service requests for making or replacing signs.
Installed posts in various parks to prevent blow-over or intentional tipping of
porta-johns.
Provided signs and materials for the advance notification signs at subdivision
entrances for the Leaf Pickup Program.
Investigated and acted on most non-leaf pickup service requests sent to
Roads and Signs sections during the leaf pickup program, including debris in
road, damaged guardrail, pothole, equipment damaged mailbox, barricading
and flooded road service requests.
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Maintained barricades and construction signs for all City departments.
Repainted school crosswalks as requested by LPD.
Restriped numerous City parking lots.
Maintained and provided barricades for Council-approved citizen block
parties.
Did emergency road closures and created detours for Livonia P.D., Water
Dept. and contractors working for Engineering.
Removed graffiti from walls or pavement at 2 locations.
ANIMAL CONTROL SECTION
services for Livonia residents,
businesses and law enforcement agencies. Responsibilities and duties include:
Maintain community standards by monitoring animal treatment and well-
being throughout the community and by reducing animal-related nuisances,
concerns and dangers.
Maintain public safety as it relates to animal issues.
Provide timely response and assistance to request from residents,
businesses, and law enforcement as needed.
Provide 24/7 response to LPD requests for Animal Control related
emergencies.
Maintain awareness of changes in state laws related to animal and enforce
current standards. Consult with legal department as needed.
Monitor and address quality of animal conditions in Livonia pet stores, and
kennels.
Educate and advise the public on animal-related issues including; animal
welfare and handling, neighborhood pet and wildlife nuisances.
Build community through education, assistance and prevention.
Handling animal bites and enforcing rabies quarantines as it pertains to state
law.
Provide yearly inspections and monitoring of residences that are found to
have vicious or potentially vicious animals as dictated in Livonia ordinances.
Participate in regional Animal Control community to share best practices and
assistance when possible.
Performed the following services for the community in Livonia in 2015:
Patrolled all city neighborhoods, with focus on known problem areas.
Patrolled all city parks to prevent or address patron complaints of dogs off
leash. Continued increased patrol of Rotary Park to keep the reduced
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numbers of dogs routinely off leash.
Patrolled schools and playgrounds.
Coordinated with Ordinance Enforcement on animal related ordinance
issues.
Responded to 818 requests for service. The breakdown of these requests is:
1. 418 dog (63 bites)
2. 132 cat (six bites)
3. 152 wildlife complaints (one bite)
4. Three kennel complaints
5. 21 coyote complaints
6. Four routine rabies testing. Specimens were tested only where there
was exposure to humans or pets.
Continued cost saving measures, including staggered shifts to reduce
overtime.
Completed multiple Professional Development classes from organizations
including Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) and
Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW).The Humane Society of
the United States MCOLES registered course, Animal Cruelty & Fighting
Investigations. FEMA Emergency Management training, and ASPCA Field
investigation (FIR) training.
Provided educational lessons on animal safety to Livonia Little Tots Daycare
and Preschool children.
Handled large-scale hoarding case where approximately 19 cats were
removed from a residence.
Provided training and ride-alongs for new animal control officers City of
Dearborn Heights.
FORESTRY SECTION
thth
Achieved Tree City USA status for the 17 year and received our 12 year
Continued the young tree-training program for newly planted trees with both
City staff and contracted services. Young tree training helps trees with proper
form and strong structure as they mature, helping reduce the amount of
-
2013.
Forestry personnel removed 40 small trees and stumps.
Supervised the removal of 600 trees and stumps by one contractor, Greener
Still, Inc.
Approximately 40 mature trees were removed on three streets associated
with the concrete road replacement program.
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Supervised and administrated the planting of 750 trees associated with the
2015-planting program. Also supervised the warranty replacement of 80
trees from the 2014 program.
Planted three trees in connection with the Arbor Day Program. Two
hornbeams, and one sweetgum were planted in the right-of-way in front of
the school. Also, 400 seedling pine trees were handed out to the children at
the school. All of these trees were paid for, in part, by a grant received from
the MDEQ.
insecticide to kill the wasps. Calls increased exponentially from 2014.
Completed over 200 storm-related tree trimmings. Several small
thunderstorms affected several areas of the City this year.
th
Received and investigated 1,400 requests for service through Oct. 13, 2015.
Of those, 1,250 have been closed as either serviced or answered. Tree trims
accounted for 950 of the requests.
Performed miscellaneous repairs and blade sharpening on the Sections saws
and trimming equipment.
Assisted other departments (Water, Engineering, Ordinance, etc.) with
emergency tree removals, site inspections, and tree inspections. Opened
several pathways in two areas so the Sewer section could access creek
crossovers.
Performed snow removal operations to City buildings and right-of-way
sidewalks. Service included plowing, shoveling and salting.
held at Bicentennial Park. Native plantings, stream bank stabilization, trash
removal, and invasive species removal were the focus, with 65 volunteers
helping out.
Another small event was held in September with volunteers from Comerica
Bank.
Supervised one contractor who trimmed approximately 5,000 trees in six City
sections. These trees were trimmed to current International Society of
Arboriculture Standards for street tree elevations. Those standards call for
elevations of 16
Supervised the same contractor doing resident call-out trim requests. Of the
950 tree trim requests through Oct. 13th, 2015, 820 had been trimmed.
Tracked gypsy moth populations in Sections 10, 11, 22, 23, and 24 as part of
the gypsy moth egg mass survey. No spraying was needed in 2015.
Populations seems to crash this year.
Attended these seminars to increase job knowledge: Michigan Nursery and
Landscape Association annual meeting; Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
annual Meeting, Arborist Society of Michigan annual meeting, Metro Detroit
Landscape Association annual meeting, Society of Municipal Arborists,
various seminars on chain saw safety; tree climbing, hazard assessment and
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aerial rescue training; roping and rigging training and equipment repair
training; and lastly TRAQ.
Responded to 160 tree-planting requests.
Issued 50 planting/removal permits.
Continuously updated the TreeKeeper tree inventory program to accurately
reflect our ROW tree inventory. The TreeKeeper program received a major
upgrade this year.
Supervised four (4) contractors in the section. The contractors are the
removal contractor, trim contractor, planting contractor and park tree removal
contractor.
Gathered inspection reports and prepared the 2016 tree removal list. There
are 475 trees to be removed, and the program will be bid out on 12/1/15.
Build the 2015 tree planting contract. There are 600 addresses on the
planting list. The program will replace trees that were removed in 2015. The
goal of this program is to replace trees removed on earlier removal programs,
and to continue to diversify our urban forest. This program will be put to bid
on 12/1/15.
PARK MAINTENANCE SECTION
Athletic Field and Park Maintenance Section
Floated and lined all City baseball and softball diamonds, and painted soccer
field lines on a regular schedule.
Performed all landscape maintenance activities on a regular schedule to all
City Parks, and buildings. Applied fertilizers and pesticides to all City
buildings, Mile road boulevard islands under our care, and prime athletic
fields as needed.
Aerated prime ball fields and soccer fields to reduce compaction issues.
Performed safety inspections, repaired or removed damaged playground
structures.
Oversaw five contractors doing work for Parks Maintenance. One mowed 27
parks, and three cemeteries covering 150 acres. Most of these parks were
non-recreational open space. The second contractor maintained irrigation
systems, and applied fertilizers and pesticides at Wilson Barn, Fire Stations
4-6, Sandburg and Noble libraries, and the Six Mile boulevard islands. The
third contractor performed maintenance, and repairs on the Plymouth Road
irrigation system. The fourth contractor worked at the Greenmead Community
Garden. Lastly, a tree removal contractor removed 80 trees in several City
parks.
get
to.
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Continued a cost-savings measure instituted in 2009, weekend trash detail
was not done saving over 250 hours of overtime expense.
Performed snow removal services for City buildings and Right-of-Way
sidewalks leading to Parks on an as-needed basis. This included shoveling,
plowing, and salting sidewalks as well as plowing numerous City-owned
parking lots.
Continued renovation of planting beds at the Senior Center, Civic Center
Library, Chamber of Commerce, and Veterans Memorial Park. New material
replaced old, overgrown material to ease maintenance requirements. The
process began in 2012.
Added sand to all sand volleyball courts in the parks.
Employees attended safety-training seminars for chain saw operations,
athletic field maintenance and playground safety.
Set out and brought in the picnic tables and trash barrels for the picnic
season. Repaired tables as needed and ordered new trash cans to replace
old cans beyond a useful life.
Pruned trees and shrubs in Parks, City buildings and Athletic Fields where
needed.
Assisted with Spree-related activities including set-up, takedown, and trash
clean-up. Also repaired damage to diamonds 3-7 as a result of parked
vehicles on the diamonds.
ivities for
other City Departments (entailed delivering, setting up and 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, LCRC, Ford
Field, Bicentennial Park, and Greenmead.
Maintained the fountain at City Hall.
Maintained the LCRC, including soccer field renovations, and landscape
work.
Cleared deadfall trees and branches off of Nature Preserve walkways. Major
work was accomplished on the nature trails at Bicentennial Park.
requirements regarding irrigation systems.
Maintained ice on the three outdoor ice rinks through the winter of 2015. The
winter made for excellent ice conditions.
Contracted services plowed the Community Garden twice. We also installed
drainage and built a bioswale at the southeast corner of the garden using
contracted services. This was done after the gardens closed in October.
Worked with three Eagle Scouts on their project. One scout worked at
Clarenceville cemetery; one worked at Newburgh Cemetery, and one worked
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at the Madonna Nature Preserve.
Coordinated the maintenance of the PRDA with the 16th District Court work
program. Coordinated maintenance of the irrigation system with a contractor.
Coordinated the annual port-a-john ordering and unit placement with a
contractor.
Verified all billing from assorted contractors and inputted the information into
CarteGarph.
to satisfactorily resolve their issues.
Wrote specifications for new equipment that was bid on MITN. Gathered
information on surplus equipment auctioned on MITN.
Ordered the annual sidewalk ice melt shipment, fertilizers, garbage bags, dog
station waste bags, and chemicals used in the section.
Removed tree forts / hideouts in parks as we became aware of them.
Inspected graffiti issues, and asked the 16th District Court for help in dealing
with the issues.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SECTION
Miscellaneous Repairs and Improvements
Closed out 1,329 work orders through November 20, 2015.
Opened, closed, and winterized City out buildings, pool buildings and pumps.
Start-up, service and shut-down Landfill, Leachate, lift stations, brine and
other pump systems as needed.
Maintained and re-lamped City-owned outside lighting fixtures at various
locations and build
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and appliances.
Semi-annually replace all flags, unless otherwise requested; maintain flag
poles.
Strip and finish floors in buildings as requested.
Spot and clean carpeting in buildings as requested.
Clean inside and outside first floor windows on all buildings as needed.
Clean exterior windows at City Hall, Library and Community Center.
Monitor building automation and climate control systems.
Monitor and maintain electronic and mechanical access systems.
Answer environmental complaints.
Perform yearly shut-down services in addition to daily maintenance and
custodial assignments at Community Center.
Continue to adjust the custodial job assignments, checklists and service
delivery program based on current resources for all buildings.
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Tested and treated water systems as required.
Assist with all other departmental projects as requested.
Serviced overhead and pedestrian doors as needed. Replaced south
pedestrian door on Water & Sewer building.
Repaired hydronic leaks and damage in offices of LFD Chief, Fire Marshal,
Training Coordinator and clerk.
Replaced tombstone lighting at McCann Court house and installed same
lighting for Nehasil Park monument.
Roof Replacement, Maintenance and Repair
Completed and closed out Fox Creek roofing project, repaired all
damages caused by contractor(s).
Solicited bids and recommended award for consultant and contractor
services to replace Civic Center Library roof and cooling tower.
Repaired leaking roofs at LPD, Civic Center Library, Senior Center, DPW
Administration and Fire Station No. 6.
Repaired water damaged ceilings in old court house, City Hall.
Painting
Painted mechanical room floors at Noble and Sandburg libraries.
Painted 3rd floor conference room at City Hall.
Health, Safety and Energy Conservation
Addressed water back up in buildings as needed.
Serviced Glendale Landfill and Leachate pumps and controllers.
Maintained street lighting for PRDA.
Inspected and cleaned commercial hood and duct systems.
Tested fire alarms, sprinklers and suppression systems in City buildings.
Maintained compliance with State of Michigan Boiler and Elevator
inspections, testing and certifications.
Maintained state-required licensing, certifications and training for employees.
Arranged annual blood-borne pathogen training for staff.
Exterminated or remove pests and rodents as needed.
Performed preventative maintenance and load-bank testing on generators.
Reset all clocks, lighting and equipment and automation systems for time
changes.
Cleaned debris and growth from building rooftops, sumps and gutters.
Performed monthly inspections on all boilers.
Cleaned and maintained sump discharge lines at various buildings. Replaced
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sump pumps at LFD Headquarters andCity Hall elevator pit.
Cleaned and maintained City lift stations.
Maintained database and tested all seasonal and fire protection backflow
devices.
Maintained lighting on Newburgh bridge underpass.
Test EM lighting in City buildings. Replaced lighting at Noble Library.
Maintained and monitored methane exhausters at Glendale yard.
Cleaned City buildings as resources permit.
Adjust Custodial service delivery program to reflect budgeted man-hours and
allotted personnel.
Continued cross training of Custodial staff.
Replaced Civic Center Library main gas line from meter into building.
Installed emergency alarm on LPD basement egress doorway.
Checked capacity and condition of underground electrical service for LFD
Headquarters.
Replaced unit heater in Sign shop mechanical room.
Repaired frozen/burst/leaking water/hydronic lines as needed.
Repaired and standardized shore lines in stations for LFD
Greenmead
Assisted with all events held on grounds (Highland Games, Flea Markets, Car
Shows, Fall Harvest, and Holiday Walks).
Install and remove decorations for Holiday and special events.
Move and set-up and install furniture, furnishings and equipment as
requested and able.
Continue maintenance, set-up and custodial service, as able.
Assisted with construction and maintenance projects, as able.
Inspected and cleaned commercial hood and duct system in Blue house.
Replaced sump pumps in Church and Farm Hands house.
Replaced cooling for Greenmead church.
Replaced Bilco cellar door on Kingsley house.
Replace water heater in Hinbern house.
Renovation and New Construction
Monitored and tracked day-to-day activities of City Contractors.
Installed new rooftop condenser unit and new furnace for Fox Creek/George
Re-keyed Whispering Willows restaurant for new tenant.
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Special Projects and Interdepartmental Assistance
Assisted with various City Hall functions, as requested.
Provide set up and tear downs for meetings and events, as requested.
Maintained facilities leased from the City, as per agreements.
Handle citizen complaints, as received.
Moved furniture, computers, work stations and materials and equipment, as
requested.
Assembled, hung, switched, took apart, repaired and disposed of items in
buildings, as asked.
Responded to and perform daily maintenance requests on equipment and
physical facilities, as requested.
Assisted with Senior Citizen shows and events, as requested.
Cleaned out grease trap in Senior Center and Blue house kitchens.
Jetted and maintained inside basement drains at Fire Stations and other
buildings, as needed.
Assisted with snow removal and cycles, as requested.
Temporarily reassigned personnel to leaf pick-up, as needed.
Assisted with special facility projects and repairs at LCRC, pools and parks.
Provided service for golf course buildings, as requested.
Administered service contracts for trades.
Seasonally start, shut down, perform preventative maintenance and maintain
City HVAC equipment.
Continued ordering, stocking and distributing PPE supplies, as needed.
Continued custodial and safety supply procurement and distribution.
Assisted Community Resources with commodity food distribution.
Assisted Parks with maintaining City Hall fountain and sprinkler system,
moved City Hall sprinkler control box, and installed timers for City Hall lawn
lighting.
Supported employee and departmental activities or concerns as requested.
Assisted with construction of Nehasil Park.
Installed plumbing and electrical for water slide at Clement Circle pool.
Re-plumbed Wilson Barn house with copper after new water service was
installed.
Installed access system for Fleet Maintenance doors.
Worked with LPD on Sprint tower rewiring.
Worked with Engineering on Botsford emergency siren wiring.
Installed communication drops for IT as requested.
Replaced C.C. Library vestibule doors.
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Installed split cooling system for IT computer room
Relocated equipment and extended mezzanine in Fleet Maintenance
building.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SECTION
Responsibilities of the Equipment Maintenance Section include, but are not limited
to, the following:
Maintain existing fleet of all City-owned vehicles and equipment, other than
Police and Fire, which is approximately 700 pieces.
Prep and maintain all seasonal equipment and vehicles, including mowers,
leaf and snow removal equipment.
Write specifications, order, and put into service new equipment as required
for various departments.
Dispose of unreliable older vehicles and equipment while maintaining fleet
size.
Maintain City Senior Center Buses.
Maintain and operate City-wide computerized fueling systems at DPW, LPD,
Civic Center and Golf Courses.
Place generators during power outages at required intersections in
coordination with Wayne County and LPD.
Set up and monitor annual safety inspections for the man lift, bucket trucks
and equipment hoists at both DPW and the Recreation Center.
Assist with the radio system for all non-uniform employees. Working with the
Emergency Preparedness Officer to address radio needs such as Inventory,
chargers, batteries and so on.
Highlights of 2015:
Completed specifications on:
Single-axle dump trucks for snow removal.
Pickup trucks for several departments.
Service truck for Fleet maintenance.
Ford F-550 three-yard dump truck for Roads department.
Water department service trucks (assisted with specifications).
Reviewed specifications for Inspection department Escapes.
Reviewed specifications for Transit department busses.
Purchased and put into service the following new equipment in 2015:
Two single-axle dump trucks for Roads department.
Four pickup trucks for use in different sections within the DPW.
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One stake truck for Roads department.
Ford F-550 3 yard dump truck for Roads department.
Two backhoes for the Water department.
One jet rodder truck for the Water department.
Four mowers and one gator for Parks department.
One tractor for Parks department.
Two arrow boards.
One bus and one Caravan for Transit department.
Seven Escapes for the Inspection department.
Maintained our entire fleet with only five employees.
Two new equipment mechanic trainees have been working with this past year and
doing a great job.
Lighting fixtures throughout the shop have been replaced with new energy-efficient
LED lighting.
Safety upgrades were added to our in-ground equipment hoist.
Our propane site has been up running for two years. All new equipment is looked
at for possible propane fueling. We are refueling our buses and pickup trucks
regularly.
Fabricated leaf boxes for our new dump trucks.
Reassigned some equipment to better serve the department needs.
Auctioned off some of our oldest pool vehicles and some out-of-service equipment.
In addition, the staff has been
Continuing our agreement with Livonia Public Schools which transferred 17
Transit buses and repairs to them to save overtime costs.
Continuing to attended seminars and fleet motor pool association meetings
for snow and ice control, which focused on safety and reducing cost using
current best practices and equipment.
Continually meeting with vendors and other communities to learn about new
equipment and the current technology being used in equipment.
Assisting LPD and other various departments throughout the city with a
number of fabrication and modification projects during the year.
Ensuring completion of over 1,661 equipment repair work orders, as recorded
in the Cartegraph system.
Performing oil changes and other preventative maintenance work (full vehicle
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inspection, with repairs as needed) on approximately 20-30 vehicles each
month, along with unscheduled work.
WATER AND SEWER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Sanitary Sewer System
Cleaned 145.32 miles in 10 city sections of sanitary sewer lines by hydrant
flushing, power flushing, bucketing, and chemical and power root cutting.
Investigated 81 sanitary sewer complaints.
Televised over 5 miles of sanitary sewer.
Inspected 19 city sections for sanitary lines and structures.
Assisted with sanitary sewer lining projects for Cast In Place (C.I.P.), city-
wide.
Assisted with sanitary sewer structure rehabilitation program.
Located 13 Man holes for the SAW grant.
Storm Sewer System
Responded to 158 storm sewer and perimeter drainage complaints, down 41
from last year.
Jetted 127 restricted storm sewer lines generated from homeowner
complaints, down 12 from last year.
Retrieved and replaced 7 catch basin covers, down 19 from last year.
Cleaned 1,378-storm sewer catch basins, up 271 from last year. Worked 71
days, an increase of 18 days as compared to last year, cleaning for Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (S.W.P.P.I) program started in late April,
and then ended the last week of November.
Water Distribution System
Inspected, exercised 596 water gate valves.
Repaired 56 water gate valves and replaced old gland packing with O-ring
type. About 14.2% of the 6,000 gate valves needed repair after exercising
gate valves.
Low-flow tested, inspected and maintained 292 fire hydrants and exercised
auxiliary valves.
Repaired 60 fire hydrants in the field. About 3% of 4,179 hydrants needed
repair after exercising fire hydrant and inspection, down 46 from last year.
Repaired 150 water main breaks or leaks, which is down 16 from last year.
Repaired or replaced 216 water curb stop boxes, down 68 from last year.
Located and marked over 9,066 locations for Miss Dig system for water and
sewer utilities, up 3,312 from last year.
Located 380 water and sewer services for the DWRF Project 7355-01 Phase I.
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Made 33 service line repairs for various reasons.
Disconnected and retired nine water service lines.
Rebuilt 18 fire hydrants in shop.
Installed three new water gate valves and 14 new fire hydrants.
Replaced four antiquated lead (Pb) water service lines with copper lines, an
increase of one from last year.
Assisted the Roads Section with 43 lawn restorations.
Water Meter System
Replaced nine antiquated large commercial water meters, down seven from
last year.
Repaired 20 large commercial meters.
Replaced 879 water meters (meter only) for various reasons.
Replaced (updated) 433 residential water meters and outside readers for
various reasons.
Completed 4,661 water-related service request.
Completed 4,275 service slips.
Placed 175 note cards placed at residential homes requesting to gain access
to home for internal meter repairs.
Installed 61 outside touch read device (ORD) systems.
Installed 118 (MXU) radio read device systems, up 24 from last year.
Installed 950 (M-2) Flex Net 2-way radio read device systems.
Established 32 new commercial accounts, up 22 from last year.
Established 39 new residential accounts, down 5 from last year.
Installed and removed 265 seasonal irrigation water meters.
Special Projects
Repaired the 12-inch water main and T at Tech Center Drive.
Assisted and supplied new style sanitary, storm and water casting for the
various contractor and consultants for the road repair program.
Assisted with completing the DWRF Project 7355-01 Phase I.
Eight Mile Water Main Improvement Project (Sections 4 and 5).
Coventry Gardens Water Main Project (Section 16)
Section 36 Water main replacement.
Currently working on DWRF Project 7356-01 Phase II for 2015 in Old
Rosedale Gardens, installing Water Main.
Administered cross training with the office staff at front desk due to staff
shortages and administered cross training for the water and sewer foremen
to handle emergency situations and improve response time.
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Worked with IS Department to setup 2015 printers and scanners for staff.
Updated computer programs relating to lawn, concrete and asphalt repairs
along with new tap list and Carte Graph 8.0 associate work orders to other
sections for request to repair restorations.
Assisted with the completion of the SRF Project 5543-01:
Manhole Rehabilitation Program.
Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Program.
Updated computer programs relating to GIS Arc Map, Water and Sewer,
Sensus water meter reading system software and hardware for Logos.net
web-based system that is operational for future enhancements.
Coordinated hydrant repair requests for the Livonia Fire Department.
Assisted Roads with asphalt, concrete, lawn, catch basin and pavement
restorations.
Assisted the Engineering with water main and fire hydrant replacement and
completed projects for 2015 and planned 2016 water main and sanitary sewer
replacement programs.
Eliminated 112 homeowner self-read cards and scheduling water meter
appointments to streamline water meter reading, thus lowering water-billing
complaints.
Continued working on updating the water stop box location, seasonal meter
stop box location, and contact information in GIS.
Administered and inspected 62 water taps made by water section contractor,
of which 57 were new construction.
Administered and conducted the field inspection of 141 O.S.D.S. (on-site
septic systems) city wide for Wayne County Department of Health, in
conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water annual report for the M.D.E.Q.
Conducted more flow tests for water model, S.C.A.D.A. system and flow test
with Livonia Fire Department and water main replacement program that was
installed in 2014 and proposed for 2015 water master plan program.
Assisted with leachate system for the landfill to be processed at the Detroit
sewage treatment plant.
Worked on updating inventory price database for future software changes to
take place with Cartegraph.
Assisted Engineering with sidewalk, driveway approaches and major road
replacement projects.
Worked with various contractors for road, water and sewer main installations
and repairs.
Completed the Terms of Agreement for the Wireless Radio Water Meter
Reading program is settled, need update to IS security and firewall, billing
LOGOs integration for Sensus LOGIC software.
Checked road structures before road improvements, inspected and cleaned
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catch basins after completion throughout the city.
Continued with the Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.) inspections
of storm sewer outfall sampling and GIS mapping program, this is in
conjunction with the S.W.P.P.I storm water annual report for the M.D.E.Q.
Assisted with water activities for the Livonia Spree, Race for the Cure and
other activities.
Continue the replacement program for antiquated large commercial
compound Badger, Hershey FM, and Rockwell water meters, prepping for
wireless meter reading system.
Responded to six illicit discharge complaints and one emergency spill hazard
on public right of way.
Continue updating the 36 sections of water main location maps for
Engineering Department, reflecting changes and as-built drawings.
Continuing with the new EPA-mandated water-sampling report for the
Disinfection By-Products (D.B.P.) Program for 2015 and conducting
mandatory water sampling for Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Program, as required by EPA and MDEQ on a quarterly schedule.
Received approval for the M.D.E.Q. 2013 mandated Sanitary Sewer
Operation and Maintenance Program this year, the 2014 report due before
th
January15 2015.
City buildings and Golf Courses Storm and Sanitary Sewer Improvements for
MDEQ and Wayne County Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (I.D.E.P.).
Backflow and cross connection program: Delivered letters for non-
compliance testing and inspections monthly city wide for Hydro Designs, and
conducted meetings as needed to coordinate containment versus isolation
for protection.
Assisted with the I-96 Reconstruction (US-24 to Newburgh) Coordination with
Designed and built Sanitary Sewer using SAD for Levan Road, south of Five
Mile.
Wireless water meter reading system was installed in May 2014. Since then,
we have installed 800 Flex Net-M2 endpoints (radio readers) at existing
commercial quarterly accounts.
Completed Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule-3 (U.C.M.R.-3)
quarterly sampling during the months of June and September 2015 and
finalized lab results. Next round is December 2015, as mandated by the EPA
which requires monitoring for 21 different chemicals.
Mandated water sampling for Stage Two Disinfect By Products Rule were
completed citywide in September. All results were finalized by DWSD and
letters with results were sent via U.S. Post Office to all participating residents.
Collected and entered data for access database stop box locations.
Finalized the Eight Mile DWSD water meter replacement.
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Conducted New Construction Projects and Plan Reviews for underground
utilities.
In addition to the operation and maintenance of the public water distribution and
sewer collection systems, these sections are also responsible for the fielding
complaints, field inspection and investigation services of:
Assisting Animal Control, Building Maintenance, Building Inspection,
Engineering, Roads and Water Billing Departments.
2015 Pavement and Sidewalk Repair Water Main Breaks.
2015 City Wide Sidewalk Program.
Continuing investigations and documentation regarding claims, as needed for
MMRMA and hardship cases before the water and sewer board.
Lawsuit and Claims Investigations.
Storm Drainage and Catch Basin Complaints.
Soil Erosion and Grade Complaints.
Miscellaneous Programs as needed.
* * * * * * *
LIVONIA 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 that are brought to their attention by citizens as
well as other City departments. The Commissioners work in conjunction with the
Traffic Bureau of the Police Department.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN 2015
Again this year, the Traffic Commission did not face many significant issues, as
compared to years past. In general, the commission focused on responding to
constituent concerns and requests.
In total, the Commission approved approximately 12 Traffic Control Orders
in 2015.
The biggest focus of the commission this year was on advisory signs, such as No
Parking and Speed Limit signs. The Commission placed several Speed Limit signs
at subdivision entry points off the major mile roads in the city and handicap
informational signs. Several studies were conducted by Police Department for
proper speed limit signs. Some of these locations include:
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Speed & Sign study, Section 17
Handicap signs on Munger and Shadyside Streets, Sections 4 & 9
Speed signs Rayburn Street, Section 15
making sure motorists are aware that those particular streets do not go through
and easing concerns of the residents seeing cars turn around in their driveways.
The Commission also worked closely with the several neighborhood
groups/associations or corporations for signs in strategic locations throughout the
neighborhood or the corporation campus. The signs were approved after
discussion among the commissioners as well as with the various representatives,
to provide better guidance and information to drivers. Some of these locations
include:
Burton Hollow Swim Club, Section 16
Livonia Hills Estate, Section 6
D & B Grocers, Section 26
The Commission, along with the Livonia Police Traffic Bureau, continues to
respond to all numerous citizen inquiries, comments or questions coming into their
respective offices.
Throughout the year, numerous telephone calls, e-mails and other forms of
communication are received by city officials, these communications from residents
include concerns and recommendations: deer crossing sign request, traffic lights
bulbs requiring replacement and speeding in the area. This involvement from the
community is very helpful to correct and protect the safety of the community. This
year, a portable speed sign device was purchased by the Police Department and
has provided very useful data.
CONCLUSION
The work done by the Commission, in conjunction with the Livonia Police Traffic
Bureau, continues to benefit the city and its residents. The Traffic Commission will
continue to monitor the changes it has made over the past several years and
adjust, if needed, accordingly.
The Commission will also continue to monitor traffic and parking conditions within
the City and will be particularly concerned with monitoring areas of re-development
and construction, helping
to be safe and well maintained.
The continued support from both the Engineering Department and Traffic Bureau
aided significantly to the success of the Traffic Commission in meeting the needs
of citizens throughout the city.
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The biggest area of challenge during 2015 was managing the on-going traffic flows
and road closures, throughout the city. Throughout the year numerous construction
projects were completed safely; the Police and Engineering Departments working
with Wayne County Traffic Bureau retimed and engineered several traffic devices
including signals throughout Livonia for better traffic flow. Our thanks for thanks for
all their efforts and their communications with the Traffic Commission.
We believe the Police and Engineering Departments should continue to evaluate
new traffic technology as it becomes available and determine if it can benefit or
improve traffic studies and lead to safety improvements. The Traffic Commission
will continue to review and evaluate all traffic control devices throughout the city.
* * * * * * *
TREASURER
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.
transmits instructions for the daily investment of City funds among City banks to
maximize the interest on its holdings.
funds. All departments issue numbered receipts and timely deliver collected funds
daily processing. Large checks and large cash
transactions are deposited immediately to yield a higher rate of interest.
ADMINISTRATION
The continues to utilize the BS&A Tax Software for
printing our tax information on the front side of the tax bill allowing better control of
individualized information. This allows the department to print additional
information right on the bill rather than include an additional insert with the tax bill.
The department used a local printing/mailing company with capabilities to reduce
the mailing costs and increase the efficiency of mailing. By utilizing the tax bill
printing aspect of the BS&A Tax Software, we are able to print receipts and prior
year tax bill copies on regular copy paper, and print information on the tax bill
pertinent to each taxpayer. By using the same procedure in 2015 we continue to
save over $2,000 for the fiscal year in printing and paper expense, The tax
software also allows us to print a postal bar code to reduce the amount of first class
postage charged for mailing by $.07 per piece resulting in a postage savings of
over $5,600 per year.
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taxes for the 2014 tax year had not been paid by February 17, 2015, as has been
our past practice. A total of 3,027 reminder letters were mailed.
Letters were also mailed to 2,156 real & personal property taxpayers who had not
paid their taxes after the due date for the summer 2015 season.
toring and maintaining the files on
bankruptcy cases. Proof of Claims for personal property taxes are filed with the
courts by the City Treasurer. In 2015, 3 businesses with locations in Livonia filed
for bankruptcy protection as compared to 6 in 2014, 5 in 2013, 17 in 2012, 3
businesses in 2011, and 9 businesses in 2010.
three personal property jeopardy tax bills with the
Wayne County Register of Deeds for 2015. In 2014 we issued 1 jeopardy tax bill;
in 2013, we issued 6 jeopardy bills; in 2012 we had 2 jeopardy bills; in 2011 there
were 11 jeopardy bills; and 9 jeopardy tax bills in 2010.
Applications for electronic fund debit for tax payments are available on line, on the
quest, as we have indicated on the reverse side of
the tax bill. Again, we have seen a slight decrease in the number of taxpayers
utilizing electronic funds transfer for payment of tax bills. During the summer 2015
season, 1,853 taxpayers participated in this convenient and no-cost service as
compared to 1,939 during the summer of 2014, 2,017 during the summer of 2013,
2,082 during the summer of 2012, and 2,171 during the summer of 2011. The
winter tax bill EFT payments are similar in count per tax year.
Beginning with the 2011 summer tax season, we instituted credit/debit card
transactions at the counter for tax payments only. Chase Bank retains the fees
which are currently 2.5% for credit transactions, and a flat $3.95 fee for debit card
transactions; there is no transaction fee charged to the City. We have printed the
information on the back of the tax bills referring residents to either call our office or
as follows:
Season Year # of transactions Season Year # of
transactions
Winter 2014 81 Summer 2015 90
Winter 2013 80 Summer 2014 65
Winter 2012 71 Summer 2013 64
Tax bills can still be paid with a credit card through Official Payments Corporation
. There
is a convenience fee of approximately 3% collected and retained by Official
Payments Corporation for this service. These transaction types follow:
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Season Year # of transactions Season Year # of
transactions
Winter 2014 229 Summer 2015 287
Winter 2013 186 Summer 2014 303
Winter 2012 123 Summer 2013 284
TAX COLLECTIONS
There are approximately 44,100 taxable parcels in the City, less than previous
years due to the new personal property tax abatements initiated by Governor
Snyder. The breakdown follows:
2012 2013 2014 2015
Real Property 39,690 39,710 39,742 39,730
Personal 5,501 4,937 5,537 4,271
Property
IFT 129 151 152 133
TOTALS 45,320 44,798 45,431 44,134
Sixty-four percent of residents are responsible for paying their own property tax
bills. Mortgage companies pay 36% of the real property tax bills.
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The total number of original tax bills mailed for Summer and Winter was 83,970
The tax levy breakdown is as follows (includes Real, Personal, & IFT for 2015
Summer and Winter):
REAL PERSONAL IFT TOTAL
City of Livonia 48,170,413 5,781,980 762,290 54,714,683
Livonia Public Schools
17,683,565 2,111,487 245,602 20,040,654
Operating
Debt 15,144,996 1,855,346 247,534 17,247,876
Sinking Fund 3,680,342 451,734 60,268 4,192,344
Wayne Cty Intrmdiate
School District SpEd 11,067,521 1,322,003 181,227 12,570,751
316,947 36,615 5,187 358,749
RISD Op
Clarenceville Schools
Operating 1,217,123 90,951 2,511 1,310,585
Debt 0 0 0 0
Sinking Fund 764,472 51,742 3,961 820,175
Oakland Intermediate
School District Sp. Ed. 537,396 36,373 2,784 576,553
OISD Op 33,944 2,297 175 36,416
State Education Tax 20,733,879 1,524,424 87,416 22,345,719
Schoolcraft College 6,209,583 745,338 98,260 7,053,181
Wayne County 22,941,958 2,753,710 363,036 26,058,704
WC Jgmt Levy 3,372,859 404,909 53,379 3,831,147
(1 x levy)
Wayne County Jail 3,242,077 389,154 51,301 3,682,532
965,125
Wayne County Parks 849,686 101,996 13,443
HCMA 741,506 89,013 11,736 842,255
Zoo Authority 345,445 41,447 5,468 392,360
Art Institute 690,972 82,960 10,938 784,870
PRDA (new) 464,955 298,685 68,390 832,030
Special Assessments 3,053,367 0 0 3,053,367
TOTAL 161,263,006 18,172,164 2,274,906 181,710,076
The State of Michigan continues to fervently audit tax returns for principal
office makes the
for exemptions removed and mailed to city residents.
Beginning 2012, the State has allowed principal residence exemptions to be
claimed beginning with the winter tax season, which has added to the number of
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Disabled veterans are now eligible for exemption of property taxes with proper
documentation, also increasing the amount of revisions and refunds due to the
initial implementation of this exemption.
DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTIONS
City Treasurer Dennis Wright began taking a more active role in the collection of
delinquent personal property taxes beginning in 2009. Besides regular visits that
Treasurer Wright continues to make to businesses that are in a delinquent status,
mailing notices and making phone calls that were previously done by a collection
agency. The City has been able to retain the penalty and interest collected that
were previously paid to the collection agency. In 2009, the Treasurer and staff
personally collected 41% of all delinquencies recovered. In 2010, he increased
that amount to 48%, 2011 increased to 73%, 77% in 2012 and up to 87% in 2013.
Beginning March 2014, we have retained all the penalty and interest and have
been successfully collecting the delinquencies ourselves. In addition to the City
City utilizes the Legal Department for litigation to maximize collection efforts.
Our personal delinquent property taxes, penalty and interest collected from 12-1-
14 through 11-30-15 were $301,332 lower compared to last fiscal year collections
of $377,231, due to the decreased amount of personal property tax liens generated
by local businesses. Under new guidelines for business personal property, we will
continue to see a decline in this type of revenue.
The collections breakdown is as follows:
Personal Property
Tax Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
# of Parcels 435 436 477 497 506
Amount due as of
11/30/15 401,830 302,149 405,835 468,934 498,008
Amount collected
FY 14-15 7,715 11,874 34,037 85,085 159,840
We are constantly working with the Assessment Department to get the delinquent
personal property tax roll corrected with site visits to determine if the business is
still operating or if there is any way to collect delinquencies on those that have
relocated or closed.
OTHER COLLECTIONS
Invoices for Council authorized weed cuttings are mailed to taxpayers as well as
any special assessments approved during the year. Invoices for weed cutting are
billed monthly, since the 6% interest rate was instituted during FY09-10. The
amounts are added to tax bills at year-end. In 2014 issued
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734 invoices for weed bills, as compared to 868 for 2013, 821 for 2012, 718 for
2011, and 891 for 2010.
Special Assessment breakdown as follows:
Special # of Parcels $ Amount # of Parcels $ Amount
Assessment Billed on Billed on Billed on Billed on
Districts 2014 Tax 2014 Tax 2015 Tax 2015 Tax
Sidewalk 99 36,368 134 49,281
Paving 195 25,877 19 11,438
Lighting 14,063 1,210,599 14,051 1,185,276
Weeds 174 54,296 159 52,475
Blight n/a n/a 14 7,301
PRDA Irrig n/a n/a n/a n/a
Stream Bank
Stabilization 6 10,380 6 10,189
Dlqt Water 1,817 1,907,847 1,732 1,763,590
TOTALS 16,354 $3,245,367 16,115 $3,079,550
TELLER COLLECTIONS
$605,088,740 in cash, checks, and credit
cards for the following items during the course of conducting City business:
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
adjudicated, non-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 alarm
charges, accounts receivable items, SMART bus ticket sales, City garage sale,
fees for using the City Dump, Police auction, rent payments for Silver Village,
Newburgh Village, MacNamara Towers and city-owned homes, record duplication
fees, etc. Of the amounts collected, $44,729,476 was for the general deposit items
and $209,962,042 was for property taxes.
The tellers also receive walk-in water payments from residents. During this fiscal
year, 11,444 water customers were assisted at counter, a
small increase over last fiscal year. The busiest day was March 10, 2015, with
304 water bills being processed. The average number of water bills processed was
44 per day.
Due to the changes in receipting water bill payments over the last year, the total
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DISBURSEMENTS
approval of the Finance Director and the City Clerk (internal auditor). Most
employees direct deposit and access their payday information online. The number
of checks processed is as follows:
2012 2013 2014 2015
Payroll Checks n/a n/a n/a n/a
Vendor Checks-City & Court 14,616 14,648 14,444 13,849
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