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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 2003-11-20 MINUTES OF THE 152nd GENERAL MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 152n1 General Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:10 p.m., Thursday,November 20, 2003 in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Kirksey Mr. Scott Grace Mr. Lowell Peterson Mr. Stan Anderson Mrs. Toni Mette Mr. Wes Graff Members Absent: Mr. John Walsh Mr. Marvin Walkon Mr. Jerry Wordhouse Mr. Duane Wolfgang Mr. Bill Pike Mr. Dennis Kujawa Others Present: Mr. John Nagy, Director Mr. Michael Slater, Finance Director Mr. Tim Knutsen, Beckett& Raeder Mr. Steve Levesque, Commercial Mowing Services Mr. Ralph Williams, Citizen Dr. Robert Auth, Citizen Mr. Christopher Martin, Citizen Ms. Marge Roney, Secretary 1. Roll was called. General Meeting began at 3:10 p.m. A quorum was not present. 2. Comments from the Chairman: Mr. Grace noted that this was the last official meeting that he would be attending with Mayor Kirksey as mayor. The Mayor was recognized for his eight years of service to the City of Livonia, the Plymouth Road Development Authority, as well as many years of community service in various postitions. All board members and their families are invited to the 26th Inauguration of officials elected in the November 4, 2003, election. The inauguration ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 14, at 3:30 pm in the City Hall auditorium and a reception will follow. All board members and their families are also invited to attend the Annual Mayor's Holiday Coffee on Thursday, December 18, in the City Hall lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. After discussion, it was decided that the PRDA Annual Christmas Dinner will not be held again this year so that the money can be donated to a needy family. John Nagy (IV said that he will work with the Goodfellows organization to identify a family to be 1 provided with clothing and toys in the estimated amount of$700. Mr. Grace mentioned that children's clothing is available through the Clothing Depot, run by the Livonia Public Schools, should anyone know of someone who is in need. torMr. Grace stated that since he had no response to his request last month for changes in committee assignments, he assumed everyone is satisfied with their current assignments. 3. Finance Report: Mr. Slater did not present a financial report, but he stressed the importance of receiving a final accounting for this fiscal year from Beckett & Raeder for any outstanding expenses. Mr. Tim Knutsen, Beckett & Raeder, stated that nothing has been finalized but that he would have the final figures by next month. 4. Beckett & Rader: Mr. Knutsen met with the Construction Committee and distributed a proposal for work to be performed and cost estimates for Phase 6. Items to be considered included: (1) The northeast corner of Plymouth and Farmington - the installation of brick piers, wall, fencing, sign panel and landscaping in the amount of $261,680.50. (2) Annual plantings at existing plazas in the amount of $25,000. (3) Tree replacements in the amount of$33,750.00. There were questions regarding how many trees have already been removed, how many will be replaced under the agreement with Charles Irish, and if Beckett & Raeder fees were included. (3) Sears Drive/Leone frontage improvements in the amount of$274,500. This is alternate work if the area at Plymouth and Farmington is not given priority. It was noted that the fencing that was to be used in front of Target could be used in Phase 6, which will reduce the estimated costs. Mr. Grace requested Beckett& Raeder to make revisions to the scope of work as necessary and that a firm proposal be submitted to the (re Construction Committee in an amount not to exceed $300,000. The Mayor inquired if there was a proposal to realign Sears Drive at Milburn at this time. Ms. Mette suggested that it might be better to wait for the following year to do any work on Sears Drive. Wes Graff asked what specifically needed to be decided. Mr. Slater stated that some costs could be carried over to the next budget year but that complete figures were needed for all items of work, including design services, before any decisions could be made. 5. Committee Reports: Construction/Inspection: Ms. Mette advised the Board that the wall at Cross Landings needs repair. The lamp post at the Brake Shop at Plymouth and Merriman is rusted, unsightly and needs to be removed for safety and aesthetics reasons. Mr. Grace said the City Inspection Department should handle this. It was queried if Consumer's will repair the landscape they are disrupting by their construction in front of the Firestone store. It was stated that Mr. Pike is aware of this problem and that he would handle the issue. Public Relations: Mr. Anderson advised the Board that the Fall Newsletter has been distributed and he summarized some of the articles. Mr. Grace would like to see the PRDA cosponsor events such as the Pumpkin Fest held at the Wilson Barn and that ads in the Livonia Observer would help to promote the work of the PRDA and provide name recognition, which in turn would encourage people to come to Plymouth Road to 2 shop. Mr. Anderson said he believed that by advertising through the use of a radio station the attendance at the Pumpkin Fest increased. Development Assistance/Vacant Building: Mr. Grace suggested that there be a downscaling of grant money for businesses renovating along Plymouth Road rather than eliminating the program altogether. He stated that Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment have been reimbursed for a portion of their renovation and that the Town Peddler will be reimbursed when their invoices have been submitted. As requested by Giulio Ledda, on behalf of Giulio's Ristorante Italiano, a grant in the amount of$6,400 for asbestos removal at the reconstructed restaurant has been awarded, but they too have not submitted their invoices. Banner Committee: The holiday banners have been put up. The Banner Committee will next meet on December 9. 6. Director's Report: John Nagy stated that in spite of the economy and other obstacles in trying to put the Holiday Parade together, there will be 24 floats, 34 marching units, six marching bands, and a host of other participants in the parade which will take place on Saturday, November 22. He invited any interested party to ride with him in the PRDA parade car. He also noted that a settlement had been reached with the Chas. F. Irish Company to replace 70 of the 140 trees, and they have invited Chris Pargoff of the City Forestry Division to help select tree replacements. 7. Polling of Board Members: Mayor Kirksey stated there was a news conference this morning announcing that Ford Motor Company will invest up to $164 million to upgrade the Livonia transmission plant to build a new six-speed automatic gearbox for rear-wheel drive vehicles. This will keep the plant viable for the next decade. This is important for the City because they are the largest taxpayer and will ensure jobs within the city. He also stated that contrary to a previous announcement, there will be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 2. It will be a scaled down event due to current economic conditions, but he was delighted that it was made possible by contributions from Brighthouse, the Rotary Club and other private sponsors. Mr. Anderson commented that the raised sewer manhole continues to be a problem at Deering and Plymouth. It is still unknown what utility is responsible for the repair. He also noted that Commercial Mowing Services provides year-round trash pickup and will make sure that all trash is picked up before and after the holiday parade. It was also noted that the rose bushes need to be trimmed and that issue will be addressed with the new contract for C.M.S. Ms. Mette commented that they are doing a good job of maintenance on Plymouth Road. Mr. Anderson also noted that there were downed poles at Plymouth and Deering and Plymouth and Farmington that need to be removed. Mr. Nagy said that he would check it out and that the delay in their removal was probably just a timing problem. Mr Peterson inquired about the brick pavers that were covered in a white residue. Steve Levesque, Commercial Mowing Services, stated that he believes the problem has 3 been resolved. He did ask, however, for clarification regarding snow removal and when his services would be required based on the depth of snow accumulation to preclude the problem experienced last year of being over budget. It was decided to review this matter at the next Construction Meeting, Dr. Robert Auth, a concerned citizen, inquired about the installation of bus shelters along Plymouth Road. Mr. Nagy said they were not erected because of budget constraints, but that MDOT has approved the design for a new bus shelter at the Wonderland Mall location. Christopher Martin, a concerned citizen, commented on the following: (1) He expressed concern over the pole at the Brake Shop on Merriman Road and questioned why the Building Inspection would not enforce removal of the wall and the pole as it presents a dangerous situation. (2) At Ingram and Plymouth, there are trailers that need to be removed. Dr. Auth stated that he approached the owners and was told to mind his own business. (3) Mr. Martin inquired about the settlement with Mr. Irish regarding warranty tree replacements. He was informed that Mr. Michael Fisher, Assistant City Attorney, recommended a 50-50 settlement and that was agreed to by Mr. Irish. (4) Mr. Martin inquired about why Beckett & Raeder did not widen the driveways on Plymouth Road as they were being improved. Mr. Nagy stated that they followed MODT standards and that there was a desire to enlarge green space. The standards have now been changed and wider driveways are now being put in. Mr. Martin also expressed his concern that issues he has addressed with the PRDA were not being acted on. He stated that the last five items he brought forward where not being addressed, especially the curb at the southwest corner of Hubbard and Plymouth Road. Ms. Mette Irkie acknowledged that the pictures he provided of the damaged poles were helpful. Mr. Grace responded by stating that if items go through the entire City process, including the Planning Commission, City Council and the Engineering Department, and are subsequently approved, then the PRDA may not have jurisdiction in those matters. Mr. Grace stated that "the PRDA may not be the best place to address these problems. Some problems need to be forwarded to other jurisdictions. It isn't realistic to say that we don't listen. We are limited in what we can do. You may be coming to the wrong place to talk." 8. Adjournment: The 152"d General Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority was adjourned at 4:40 pm. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2003, in the Fourth Floor Conference Room of City Hall. Marge Roney, Sec CO 4