HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 20, 2026 - 266th Regular Minutes SignedMINUTES OF THE 266th REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH ROAD
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
The 266th Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the
City of Livonia, Michigan, was called to order at 3:03 p.m., Wednesday, May 20,
2026, in the 5th-floor Gallery of City Hall.
Members Present: Maureen Miller Brosnan, Mayor
Dan Laible, Chair
Patrick Mies, Secretary
Mark Orosz
Susan Harvey
David Veselenak
Members Absent: Rhett Gronevelt, Vice Chair
Omar Faris
Stephanie Blatt
Others Present:
Mark Taormina, Economic Development & Planning Director
Jacob Uhazie, Assistant Planning Director
Stephanie Reece, Planning Program Supervisor
Roberty Bywalek, D & B Landscaping
Michael Molnar, Tech Seven
Cindy Fleming, Noble Task Force
Samantha Hewitt, Noble Task Force
Eileen McDonnell, Councilperson
Justin Gooch, Noble Task Force
John Grzebik, resident, 11301 Hubbell
1. ROLL CALL A quorum was present.
2. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION Eileen McDonnell, Councilperson, stated
that the irrigation system consideration for Tech Seven has been going on
since 2011, and thinks it may be time to work with Gus Kandah to see if it
should go up for bid to make sure that the city is getting the best value for
the money. Justin Gooch, Noble Task Force, mentioned there is a plan
with the Smart Bus system to include a route down Plymouth Road. He
would like to consider ways to allow people to get around, as well as
benches in a few areas, and trash cans. He also said it would be very
useful to have bike racks at the stops themselves, because it allows
people to bike from their homes to the bus stop and actually get on and
lock their bikes. He said there is no trash can at the corner of Plymouth
and Harrison, nor is there a bench. He has talked to the business owner,
and when people ride the bus, they throw their trash on the ground
because there's no nearby trash can. He said they have tried to put a
trash can out there, and people flip it over and use it as a bench. He feels
that indicates that there are two needs that should be addressed: the
benches and trash cans. Mr. Laible was appreciative of the Noble Task
Force members and their comments.
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3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On a motion made by Harvey, seconded by Mies, and unanimously
adopted, it was:
#2026-04 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority
hereby approves the Minutes of the 265th Regular Meeting held on
January 28, 2026.
Mr. Laible, Chairman, declared that the motion was carried and that the
foregoing resolution was adopted.
4. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND UPDATE ON TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING PLAN Benjamin Grier presented the 2024 actuals and 2024-
year-end unaudited financials. He told the board that the audit is not
complete. He said the fund balance decreased by approximately
$714,000, all attributable to losses incurred during the year. Through
November 30, 2025, year -over -year revenues from property taxes and
other items were flat, but the loss is attributable to the large amount in
contractual irrigation services. He explained that there is a sundry amount,
which is a loss of roughly $135,000. Plante Moran asked him to look into
the $135,000 account receivable recorded in 2024, which was a possible
claim against the utilities for damage to the irrigation. He said that when
they looked into it and spoke to the DPW Director, they reviewed the
status of that claim, and it was determined that it is not enforceable. The
$135,000 is included in the $714,000 loss on an unaudited basis for the
fiscal year ended November 30. He said that explains the large reduction
in fund balance for the year. Ms. Harvey inquired about the receivable and
stated that it is unusual to book an anticipated revenue. Mr. Laible also
stated that it seemed a little peculiar to book a potential claim. Mr. Grier
said that it was before his time at the city and explained that the receivable
was used to reduce the expenses for the work during the year. Ms. Harvey
said she had no idea that someone was booking it as if it were a fait
accompli, given how speculative it was. Mr. Liable confirmed it was
booked as a credit against a payable. Mr. Grier explained that it was
booked as an expense reduction for 2026, with the offsetting entry being a
debit to accounts receivable, and that it was reversed. Mr. Liable wants to
ensure that, going forward, there are clear accounting standards in place
for the PRDA's finances. He said that it was an accounting error. Mr.
Liable wanted to drill into what had caused the overage in the budget. He
asked Mr. Grier for those details. He said he did not have any particular
details, other than a budget amendment to cover the cost, and that it was
at least $300,000 or $400,000 over the budgeted amount. The mayor
asked Mr. Grier to get a complete report and send it out to the board, and
it is something that they would be interested in understanding what is it
that brought it to $400,000 or $300,000. Mr. Liable understands that the
budget is set with anticipated costs and reasonable overages, but the
$300,000 or $400,000 is a very material cost, and because of it, the fund
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balance is much lower than anticipated. Mr. Orosz said there should be a
footnote regarding November 30, 2024, and asked whether there is a
2025 budget column and what was laid out in 2025 versus what was
expended in 2025. Mr. Grier said there is a budget column, but it is not
reflected in what they were looking at, and he did not recall the exact
amount. He said that because it was over budget, the City Council
approved an increase to the 2025 budget to address the large overage.
Ms. Harvey said she feels it is essential that the board sees what was
budgeted versus actual, and Mr. Laible agreed. Ms. Harvey said there has
to be a column for budgeted, because the difference between 2024 final
and 2025 final is interesting. She said it has got to be the 2025 budget
relative to the final. Mr. Grier said he will change the format going forward
to reflect budgeted numbers. Mr. Laible said he believes it will be helpful.
He also asked about the City Council approval and if it was specifically
about the irrigation overage. Mr. Grier explained that it was for the
overage and that it is a special revenue fund included in the city's budget.
Mr. Laible asked whether the process was that the board would approve
the budget, and that any subsequent changes to the budget are outside
the Authority's purview and fall to the City Council. Mr. Grier said that is
what would happen and didn't know if it should have come back to the
Authority. The mayor said everything comes back to the Authority. Mr.
Liable said they are the taxing authority and that it would be within their
purview. Ms. Harvey inquired that the Authority approved a budget, and
that it came in over budget, and it was approved by City Council, but never
came back to the Authority for review. Mr. Liable said the Authority sees it
after the fact and goes forward with a lower fund balance. He is glad the
City Council approved it, but that is not how the process should work, and
it can't happen again. He said that the board is here to manage and fulfill
the commitments made in these meetings, and that the fund balance is a
significant part of the obligations taken on. Ms. Harvey asked about the
2026 budget and wanted to know where the money stood relative to the
2026 budget. Mr. Grier said he can get that information. Mr. Laible
recapped some of the requests as follows: formatting the financials to
revert to the previous format that shows performance against budget, and
clarification of required expenditures over budget. He said, if there is a
policy, what does it look like? He spoke about having meetings more
frequently to gain an understanding of the finances and the process
around them. He wants to have another meeting soon to review where the
2026 budget currently stands and where the trends are heading. He would
like to identify the root cause of the overage so it can be determined
whether this is a trend or a one-time issue. He said that if there are any
course corrections to be made, they need the information to make those
decisions. Mr. Grier went on to say that the other part of the report covers
the first four months through March 2026. He said there have been no tax
receipts yet and that there is a relatively large amount of expenditures for
street lighting, resulting in a Toss of $59,000 year to date, and that is
because there has been no revenue yet. Mr. Veselenak asked if the tax
revenue would come in later in the summer. Mr. Grier said yes. Mr. Laible
asked Mr. Grier if the cash flow was expected. Mr. Taormina said he can
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update the board on the latest results regarding the collection of tax
increment revenue. He said when the board and City Council approved
the Development plan and Tax Increment Finance Plan at the end of
2025, that plan set projections for the next 30 years with the objective of
reestablishing the base value for the district. He said that during the
recession, the value of industrial personal property dropped dramatically,
bringing the district's taxable value below the original established base
value. As a result, the authority did not collect tax increment revenues for
about the last 10 — 12 years. The Authority relied solely on the collection
of taxes via the two -mill levy. With the new plan, the base value has been
reset. He showed the table in the document as approved and explained
that property values are trending up. Recapture information obtained from
the Assessment Department shows a base value of roughly $443 million
and a taxable value of roughly $468 million. This means the city will collect
additional revenue. Based on last year's millage rates, the projected
revenue is roughly $394,000. The Authority will be in a better position
overall financially as a result of the tax increment revenues collected this
year. Mr. Taormina said that, combined with the reimbursement that the
board will receive this year from the bonds for architectural and
engineering services for the design of Sheldon Park, and with this budget,
he feels it puts the Authority in a much better position to discuss some
capital projects for the future. Mr. Laible said it is great news to exceed the
projected TIF and to be able to manage the corridor. He believes the
reimbursement from the bonds is about $350,000. Mr. Taormina corrected
that figure and said it will be $378,000. Mr. Laible wanted to know the time
frame on the TIF revenue of $394,246. Mr. Taormina was unable to
answer that because he would need to find out how the split between the
summer and winter collection periods works and when that will show in the
books. Mr. Laible asked when the bond reimbursement may be available.
Mr. Grier said the funds have been received and are available. Mr. Laible
said it is good news and a good infusion of cash, which puts the Authority
into a better position.
5. UPDATE ON IRRIGATION SYSTEM Mr. Taormina said that the city is
making a request to the board to replace some cabinet enclosures and will
let Mr. Moore and Mr. Molnar explain. Mr. Moore explained that the
system has been started up and the vacuum breakers have all been
tested, which has to be done every year. He said Tech Seven has been
making repairs, and the two quotes that the board received are for the
cabinet that holds the controllers. He said that the worst was done. He
explained that the process of changing them out started roughly three
years ago, and the quote is for the last 16 of them. He said eight wall
mounts are further to the east, and the pedestal ones are the stainless -
steel ones you can see along the corridor. He said that the original ones
are rusting out and are being replaced as time moves on. Ms. Harvey
asked, since the budget isn't where they thought it was, how does that
impact decisions about approving more expenditures? Mr. Laible agreed
and said there should be some conversation. He was able to find the
quotes for $4,900 and $5,900 with a quantity of one, but Mr. Moore had
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said there are 16 in total. Mr. Laible wanted to know what the total request
is right now in front of the board. Mr. Molnar went on to explain the
condition of some of the controller boxes and that they are ready to be
replaced. Ms. Harvey stated that what is being asked is what the total is
that is being asked for. Mr. Moore said the total would be $47,832. The
mayor said that she believes the board is looking for a recommendation
from him and Mr. Molnar. She said the board doesn't get out to the site as
often or know the highest priorities as well as he does, and will need,
along with the recommendation, a formal request for the appropriate
amount. At this point, the mayor asked the Chairman to table this item
until the board receives something that reflects a more definitive request.
Mr. Laible agreed and asked if Mr. Moore or Mr. Molnar could break down
what is a functional issue and what is a reasonable replacement
suggestion and then prioritize them for the board. The mayor asked Mr.
Moore what the timeline on this was and when does it need to be done.
She asked what the urgency is and can it be defined for them what a
delay would look like. Mr. Moore explained that the boxes hold the
irrigation control clocks. He said if they fail, the clocks are not weather
tight, which allows water in the boxes and that damages the clocks. It
happens quickly because they are electrical and the water wrecks them.
The mayor asked if they are broken currently and Mr. Moore said they are
not. He said that there are holes in the boxes, but the clocks are not
broken. Mr. Laible asked how many have holes? Mr. Molnar said the eight
pedestals do. He said they are rusted from the salt trucks going through.
Ms. Harvey, if the location of the holes is significant, then the mechanism
is vulnerable. Mr. Moore said yes because they are low. Mr. Molnar
showed Ms. Harvey a picture of a cabinet with the hole. Mr. Molnar said
that what happens is the water and moisture get into the box, and that is
not good for the controller. Mr. Laible stated that the boxes are open for
the season already and then asked if they are currently getting wet. Mr.
Mies asked what the life expectancy is of the new boxes. Mr. Moore said
they are stainless steel. Mr. Mies asked again how long they are going to
last. Mr. Moore said about 20 -30 years. Mr. Mies asked what the current
ones are constructed of. Mr. Moore said painted galvanized steel. He said
some of them have been there since 1995 when the system was put in.
Mr. Laible said that since the board has discussed the finances already,
he suggested scheduling a meeting for June but feels it makes sense to
come back sooner rather than later since this is a somewhat pressing
issue. He asked if it is possible to have the details prior to that meeting
and is a competitive bid something that could be done before that
meeting. Mr. Moore said he believes so, but he will have to get with Gus,
the purchasing manager, and run it through him to see how a bid can be
obtained. Ms. Harvey said, just say two clocks fail between now and our
next meeting, is it possible to have contingency funds, in the event of a
failure, so they can proceed quickly without waiting? Mr. Laible asked Mr.
Moore if he required approval for replacing failed equipment in the field.
Mr. Moore said he has not yet. Ms. Harvey asked if they would go ahead
and fix it then if there is a failure. Mr. Moore said yes. Mr. Laible stated
again that no contingency approval is required and there's a blanket
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authorization to make required repairs in the field he stated that the item is
being tables and it will be revisited at the next meeting with some details
on the required repair priorities, as well as a competitive bid
6. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH D&B
LANDSCAPING, INC. FOR THE 2026 FERTILIZATION AND WEED
CONTROL PROGRAM Mr. Taormina explained that this is a continuation
of services provided by D & B for fertilization and weed control for all the
rights -of -way. He apologized because we did have to open the system,
and the program was initiated earlier to be able to get the first application
in place. He said this item is bringing the full 2026 program to the board.
He said there are several applications done throughout the year and then
let Robert Bywalek explain the process. He said he doesn't have any
recent photos, but for those who have driven the corridor recently, he feels
it really does show the benefits of helping to maintain the turf grass along
the right-of-way, the area between the curb and the sidewalk. Mr. Bywalec
thanked the board for opportunity to update the board on the fertilization
program. He said back in January the fertilizer prices rose, but he left the
price the same, and this price is the same as it was in 2025, He said they
already applied the first application due to the fact that there's a timing
issue on that for the crabgrass control. Then the following applications will
be completed according to the listed months. He said it's about a 6- to 7-
week interval between applications. Mr. Laible asked whether fertilization
was done in March, and Mr. Bywalec said it was done with the approval of
Mark and Doug, and that no other applications have been made. He said it
would be $2,470. Mr. Laible said he believes the board would like to see
the proposals before the first action and suggested we may want to
request the quotes earlier and try to have them in front of the board in a
timelier manner for approval. Mr. Taormina apologized and said it was an
executive decision to get that first application done, recognizing there was
a time crunch and that scheduling these meetings is sometimes not easy.
Mr. Laible understood but raised it as a process point. He inquired
whether the board could conduct a one-off vote by email, so that there is
board approval in a quorum to opine on matters as they arise. The mayor
said that would have to be run by the Law Department and that there isn't
another board within the city that operates that way, and that all actions
take place in an open meeting forum. She said that is something that
binds us to a different standard. She agreed that, to avoid issues falling
through the cracks, the board will need to request seasonal service quotes
and get them to the board for approval sooner. Ms. Harvey said there is a
line item in the budget specifically for this and asked how it compares to
the budgeted amount. She said that the quotes should be obtained before
writing the budget for the next year, with the understanding of potential
dramatic changes in costs, such as fertilizer. She said if the proposal is
within the budget, it would be easy to approve. She reiterated that the
board has to always have the context of how this compares to what has
already been approved. Mr. Laible understands that the board can't
approve every single expenditure, and that is not the intent, and it is not
realistic. He does like the idea of seasonal quotes, either coming in time
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for meetings or revisiting the frequency of board meetings to better reflect
when these quotes will be here and when they need to be approved. Ms.
Harvey asked how the quote compares to the budget. Mr. Taormina said it
is consistent with the budget. He did not have the exact number, but the
budget number should have included maintenance. Mr. Laible said the
votes are much easier if they are timely. He said he wants to have the
vote in the context of what is being asked to be approved, compared to
the budget. Ms. Harvey wanted to know whether the cost provided is
within 5% of the approved budget; if not, it has to come back to the board.
Mr. Laible wondered whether it was difficult to determine what was
approved in the budget for this specific line item and how close this quote
is to it. He understands that the second application will be coming soon,
and he doesn't want to miss it. Mr. Grier did not have the figures with him.
Mr. Laible would like to approve this on a contingency basis if it falls within
the budget, and asked the board whether they are comfortable with a
contingency vote; the board agreed unanimously. Mr. Laible asked Mr.
Bywalec where this quote stands compared to its historical context. Mr.
Bywalec said the price has not been raised from last year, so 2026 is the
same price as 2025. Mr. Taormina identified $14,515 in budgeted funds,
which is likely a 5% increase from the previous year. He said that what
was presented to the council was approved and is well within the
budgeted amount. Ms. Harvey wanted to know if he checked the budget.
Mr. Laible said that budgets are always based on the run rate from the
previous year and there shouldn't be any issues, but there should still be a
request for the contingent authorization that it is within 10% of the
budgeted amount.
On a motion made by Harvey, seconded by Veselenak, and unanimously
adopted, it was:
#2026-05 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority
hereby approves the renewal contract with D & B Landscaping for the
2026 Fertilization and Weed Control Program in the amount of $12,350,
with the understanding that it is within 10% of the budgeted line item.
Mr. Laible, Chairman, declared that the motion was carried and that the
foregoing resolution was adopted.
7. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT PROPOSAL BY D&B
LANDSCAPING, INC. FOR STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS TO SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK. Mr. Bywalec wanted
to give a recap of the last meeting he attended, which was in the fall of
2025, where he mentioned to the board that there was a problem with the
Black -Eyed Susans. He wanted the board to know that what they did was a
trial, and they did survive. He said they have been replaced or will be
replaced at no charge. He spoke about the Farmington and the Merriman
Plazas and said that everything came through perfectly and nothing died
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over the winter. He said there was a little bit of sod damage from a truck
rut, and maybe a little bit of salt damage on the corner of Merriman and
Plymouth, and they will fix that. He said they are now working with the park
at eastern Plymouth, and that nothing has changed other than some price
increases due to the fact of materials from suppliers. Mr. Bywalec
explained it's a park redo with curb appeal. This is the park, Plymouth and
Inkster, on the southwest corner. Ms. Harvey asked if this was in the
budget. Mr. Laible said that after the board decided to partner on the
Sheldon Park project, it was thought that there was $300,000 on an annual
basis for additional new projects every year above and beyond the
maintenance obligations, and that this would fall into that category. He
understands that there is a $700,000 shortfall to the fund balance, but that
there are two items that will fill the gap and get the balance back to where it
was, plus confidence going forward that there will be TIF revenue coming
in. He felt the board could consider the project now, but there was another
issue to discuss in the next item. Before the board votes, they may want to
consider both items and their combined price tag and prioritize them. He
then asked Mr. Bywalec to explain the plan again since there is a new
board member. He explained that the project is at Plymouth and Inkster
roads, and what they are proposing is a complete redo. He explained that
the city has removed some dead trees, and some need to be pruned. He
said the plant material is very similar to the plazas. He said they will bring
in some benches and use lighting to light up the sign and landscaping. All
new sod will be put in the front and along Plymouth Road. The irrigation
has been estimated by Tech Seven and is a separate line item for pricing.
Mr. Laible mentioned that there is a board member who needs to leave
early, so he would like to get to the voting on these items. He said this item
falls within the scope of the one or two significant improvement projects
that the Authority can afford on top of the maintenance obligations. He then
asked Rob to move on to the next item for consideration. He wants to see
all the projects in their totality before putting them up for a vote. The board
was comfortable with that.
8. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT PROPOSAL BY D&B
LANDSCAPING, INC. FOR STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY -OWNED PARKING LOTS. Mr. Bywalec
explained that Mr. Taormina brought a couple of city parking lots to the
attention of D & B for consideration. He explained that they're on the south
side of Plymouth Road, and they are going to be between Merriman and
Farmington. He said they are by the VFW, and they are city -owned lots.
He said they are pretty much weed -infested, dead plants, overgrown
trees, and a couple of crab trees. So, there would be two lots redone.
They would be landscaped on both the front and back of the wall with the
same plant material, so we're consistent throughout the corridor with that
splash of color and that impact for 12 months out of the year. Mr.
Taormina explained that these areas were previously planted and
maintained by the PRDA for many years, and that this would reestablish
the landscape treatments. There were many additional areas along the
corridor at a time when the PRDA could fund more landscape
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improvements. He said they were selectively choosing these areas, as the
budget allows, to improve the landscape in the parking lots. He said they
are used by the adjacent businesses, and they're the city's responsibility.
He said the reason was that it was felt this would be a good progression of
the improvements made by PRDA. Mr. Laible wanted to confirm that going
forward, the board would look at one or two improvement projects per year
for about $300,000, and Mr. Taormina confirmed it. Mr. Laible was making
sure there was nothing else this year as an alternative to the two on the
table at the meeting. He recognizes that the park has been on the radar
for a while, but wanted to make sure there was nothing else that would be
set aside if we allocate 2026 towards these two projects. Again, Mr.
Taormina confirmed that. Mr. Veselenak wanted to make sure he
understood where these two parking lots are located. Mr. Mies said they
are east of Sushi Blue. Mr. Veselenak said he thought most people do not
realize these are city -owned parking lots and assume they are owned by
businesses. Mr. Laible said that businesses operating there with lots in
front of their properties are paying taxes and PRDA millage taxes. Mr.
Orosz where the slate of projects was. He wanted to know if this group
has a process for evaluating the budget and projects that go against it. Mr.
Taormina said that there were maybe two meetings to discuss future
endeavors or projects of the PRDA, along with where the PRDA wanted to
use its funds. He said one of the priorities was maintaining the investment
already made in the corridor through the asset management plan. Mr.
Laible gave a brief overview of the PRDA's history. He said the board went
from a point in time where we had difficulty upkeeping the city's assets
along the corridor, just straight maintenance. Then it got to the point where
they could maintain the assets, and then the board could take on some
improvement projects. The ones that were immediately identified were the
intersections that have been done, as well as this park. Over the last
couple of years, the board has focused on prioritizing intersections, and
this year, the park fell into that category. The city parking lot is a new one
with lower material costs, as far as finances go. He then said a vote could
be taken to approve both, or they can approve one or the other, or wait
until the next meeting. He said he hopes to get some clarity on whether
the irrigation over $600,000 is an ongoing trend or a one-off issue that
needs to be addressed. He thinks that, given the new TIF income, the
board can approve both of these projects, regardless of the irrigation
issue. He reemphasized that the board does need to understand the
irrigation issue, but he will leave it to the board on what will be voted on
today. He asked if the board is comfortable with voting on both today. Mr.
Orosz said he is comfortable with the parking lot border improvements, but
not the $270,000 park. He asked if it was competitively bid. He asked if
the board took this to the contractor or if the contractor brought it to us. Mr.
Laible said that we requested the proposal. Ms. Harvey told Mr. Orosz that
the design was the contractor's idea. Mr. Laible asked if anyone had any
comments regarding voting on the items. Mr. Veselenak questioned
whether there is a timetable for either one, or if this is something that we
could wait to talk about at the next meeting? Mr. Bywalec said that as long
as the irrigation is on, a plan can be made, but he would be careful about
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waiting until late fall. He said they are out for about six weeks. He said if
they said yes today, they wouldn't be out there until after July 4, 2026. So
Mr. Laible felt there was a comfort level on voting on the parking lots today
and to hold off on the park until a fuller picture on the irrigation overage is
given. Mr. Veselenak said because he thinks there is more activity around
the parking lots and feels it is good to get those taken care of, whereas the
park, while it does need work, and he walks through it, he doesn't think it
gets nearly the level of foot traffic that these areas we get. Mr. Laible said
they are tabling the Sesquicentennial Park item for a vote at the next
meeting. He asked if there was anything specifically that anyone on the
board would like to see prior to the vote. Mr. Orosz said he appreciates
the work done on the park design but didn't feel it had the same design
features as the intersections. He didn't know if it is because of cost
savings or was it at the discretion of the designer. Mr. Orosz explained
that he just came on to the board. Mr. Taormina said that this park is one
of the initial improvements undertaken by the PRDA and that the park
predated the PRDA. He said it was not acquired by the PRDA, but
believes the improvements were undertaken by the PRDA. The mayor
said that the park was originally part of the PRDA plan. Mr. Taormina said
that for whatever reason, it didn't follow the same design. Mr. Laible
mentioned that to make it uniform it would be a much more substantial
quote. He wanted to confirm that the current design is what will be voted
on at the next meeting. Mr. Orosz said he felt that was the wise thing to
do. He said maybe update it and determine what the value for money is
on the update. Mr. Laible said that the Sesquicentennial Park discussion is
being tabled and a motion is in order for the city owned parking lots. The
mayor wanted to clarify that the team comes back with information the
board is going to need in order to make a decision. She wanted to make
sure a new design is what is being asked for and Mr. Orosz said no, that is
not his purpose here and is not qualified to determine what is or should be
there and what is not there. He said his request is to have the purchasing
department provide the board with a statement of value for money for the
Sesquicentennial Park project. He wants the city to defend the price that
the contractor provided and is being tabled to the next meeting. He said
he doesn't know if the city understands what the board is approving for
purchase. Ms. Harvey is requesting confirmation that the Sesquicentennial
Park and city -owned parking lots, as a combined item, is consistent with
the budget that was approved for expected improvement projects along
with a cash flow budget forecast. Mr. Laible clarified that the hit on the
budget was to the balance sheet, but there are two items to help offset
that, but the board wants to look on the P & L side of it, and whether or not
those irrigation costs are an ongoing concern or is it a one off issue. He
said that should be more clearly defined at the next meeting.
On a motion made by Harvey, seconded by Orosz, and unanimously
adopted, it was:
#2026-06 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority
hereby approves the contract proposal by D & B Landscaping for
May 20, 2026
11
streetscape and landscape improvement to city -owned parking lots in the
amount of $55.394.00
Mr. Laible, Chairman, declared that the motion was carried and that the
foregoing resolution was adopted.
9. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT PROPOSAL BY D&B
LANDSCAPING, INC. FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Mr. Bywalec explained that the corridor is done, except for the Plymouth
and Inkster area. He said it has to be maintained, and the proposal he
sent is to maintain all the corridors, and that would include all the spring
cleaning of the bed care, the pruning, weeding, mulching, spring cleanup
of hard surface areas that have weeds that pop up through the cracks of
the walkways or the pavers or the concrete curbing, and cutting down the
perennials in the fall. Mr. Bywalec said he noticed there are garbage cans
at these plazas, but they're overflowing. We're wondering who might be
responsible for emptying them. He wanted to know if someone was doing
that. He went on to say that the garbage is blowing all out or ifs heaving
out of the cans, and then it's going into the plaza areas and down the
street. Mr. Moore said that between April 1 and October 31, Priority Waste
handles the garbage cans on Plymouth Road, and the city truck that
services the parks covers Plymouth Road. He said if there are issues with
cans that are overfilled, just let the city know so they can get something to
the route coordinator. From November 1 to March 31, it's DPW's
responsibility to run the route a couple of times a week to dump trash
cans. Mr. Bywalec said the Middle Belt one really loads up. Mr. Laible
asked whether this is pretty standard compared to what has been done in
the past. Mr. Bywalec said yes. Mr. Taormina said that with the approval
of the plaza contracts, D & B was including the maintenance for the first
year or two, and now that we're beyond that, it is being separated out
under one master contract.
On a motion made by Harvey, seconded by Veselenak, and unanimously
adopted, it was:
#2026-07 RESOLVED that the Plymouth Road Development Authority
hereby approves the contract proposal by D & B Landscaping for
landscape maintenance services in the amount of $40,600.00.
Mr. Laible, Chairman, declared that the motion was carried and that the
foregoing resolution was adopted.
10. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
On a motion made by Veselenak, seconded by Harvey, and unanimously
adopted, it was:
May 20, 2026
12
#2026-08 RESOLVED, that the Plymouth Road Development Authority
does hereby elect Dan Laible as the Chairman, Rhett Gronevelt as the
Vice Chairman and Patrick Mies as the Secretary of the Authority for the
term January 1 through December 31, 2026.
Mr. Laible, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing
resolution adopted.
11. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Mr. Laible recognized that
representatives were at the meeting from the Noble Task Force and that
the missions would overlap. He said the board will want to make sure the
two entities stay coordinated and informed in case the library project ever
comes up. He felt it made sense for a quick overview, and if everyone is
comfortable with it, the task force can give an overview of where they are
and make some introductions. Cindy Fleming stated that on Monday, the
request for qualifications (RFQ) will be posted on MITN on Friday and will
be advertised in Crain's magazine for 2 months. She said they were
behind on their proposed original schedule, but they did try to make a very
open and flexible RFQ that ties the neighborhood, PRDA, Sheldon Park,
the city, and potentially Wayne County Parks with Hines Park connecting
on Farmington Road, in the hopes that a public -private partnership will
happen. Mr. Laible clarified that the Task Force is open to any potential
proposals and that may include working with the existing structure with
some sort of refurbishment or a different use of the site or even a
combination. Smanatha Lewis said that the intention of the Task Force
was to put a plan together and deliver it to the mayor ahead of deadline so
the Authority could ask any questions they may have. She said she hoped
that the board had a chance to review what was submitted and any
concerns could be discussed for clarity. Mr. Laible said he is glad that they
are open to the whole range of possibilities. He feels there's a lot of
emotion around this project, and everybody's got in their mind what should
happen at that site. He said the first step is to find real, feasible options of
what can happen at that site before a decision is made of what the best
option is, He looks forward to seeing what comes out of that. Ms. Lewis
said that she hopes the board can see their love as a task force and how
they want something significant and dynamic and something that will draw
people to the area. Mr. Laible said it does show through. Mr. Orosz said
he appreciates the grassroots effort to keep that site productive. He said
his kids used that library and enjoyed the summer programs. He asked the
group if they had approached any contractor or designer who would enter
into a public -private partnership. He asked if they are putting it out there
that they are looking for proposals for this. Ms. Lewis said that their
function was to put together a recommendation, so they weren't
necessarily approaching anyone on their own. She said initially it was their
recommendation of what they wanted to see happen in that area and give
some suggestions and use cases of what's been successful elsewhere in
a similar situation. She said part of that MITN process is getting it out
there to get those suggestions. Mr. Gooch explained how they obtained
the RFQ. Ms. Fleming said that the Task Force should be receiving the
May 20, 2026
13
link to the RFQ and that if anyone is interested, they should reach out to
them. Mr. Orosz said he is concerned with landing a successful public -
private partnership and gave an auto analogy. He went on to say one of
the concerns he had in looking at the RFQ was it might be everything to
everyone with passion but no real direction. Mr. Laible said he was
enjoying the conversation but wanted to formally end the meeting. Mr.
Mies spoke about some of his concerns. He said that the lawns along the
corridor are growing tremendously and the cutting is happening every
other week and then there is no place for the clippings, and he sees the
mowers shooting the grass into the street or into the landscaping. Mr.
Mies is concerned that with the clippings in the street, a motorcycle or bike
may slip, which presents a safety issue. He asked how to work with
ordinance to make sure the business owners aren't taking shortcuts and
blowing the clippings into the bushes and in the street. He said he and his
wife were trying to beautify and noticed a lot of grass clippings in the
landscaping. He also mentioned that he has noticed that the dandelion
problem is almost gone. He is very pleased with the work from D & B to
eradicate weeds, the fertilization, and the irrigation to allow the grass to
grow well. Mr. Veselenak said it was great to attend the groundbreaking
for Shelden Park. He wanted to know the timetable for when that will start.
He said he has been asked by a handful of people. The mayor said the
work has started. She said the DTE was a bit of a hold up because they
were not able to get the electricity turned off as quickly as they originally
indicated. She said June is a great starting point for things to really begin
over there. Mr. Laible said it is a great project for the Authority to be part of
and a great benefit to the community. The mayor said she will be sitting
down with Benjamin and will ask Mr. Laible to join her to redefine the
financial reports and what they should look like for the group. She said she
noticed that it was brought up that once there is an approved budget and
contracts come along for approval, the board can have some idea of
whether or not it falls within the budget. She said that it is a process that is
engaged with city council, but that process has not been adopted with
PRDA. It is its own entity, but she feels that everything that comes before
the board would have already gone through the Finance department and
would come up with a letter that says it has been reviewed by them and it
fits withing the budget. She said that way it is known that it was reviewed
by the Finance Department already and the board can be assured that the
budgeted numbers and the contracted numbers have been reviewed by
procurement and that they are in line with a lot of the other contracts that
the city has taken part in. The board would have some reassurance that
the review happened. Mr. Laible thanked the mayor for that information
and appreciated the efforts. Mr. Veselenak suggested if the board wants
to be more involved maybe create a document to inform them when items
would be due and when they would need to be approved by. He said that
way the board would know when a meeting would be required. Mr.
Taormina said that he is already working on that. Mr. Laible said that as
there are more things happening, it is nice to have simple reminder.
May 20, 2026
14
12. AJOURNNMENT On a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously
adopted, the 266th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road
Development Authority on May 20, 2026, was adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
Patrick Mies, Secretary