Committee-of-the-Whole

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 02/03/25 – 04 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE OF THE CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ROBERT E. NOVITKE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:23 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Bryant Council Members: Brown, Gafa, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall ABSENT: None Also Present: City Administrator Schulte Assistant City Administrator Como City Clerk Antolin City Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt Director of Public Services Kowalski Planning Commissioner Vitale, Representing Stucky-Vitale Architects, Inc. Planning Commissioner McNelis, Representing Stucky-Vitale Architects, Inc. Planning Commissioner Gilezan Planning Commissioner Fuller GPW Foundation President Fuller Motion by McConaghy, seconded by Brown, that all items on tonight's agenda be received, placed on file, and taken in order of appearance. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: None Tonight’s meeting was to discuss the future use of Grosse Pointe Woods City Hall front lawn. City Administrator Schulte provided an overview stating that administration and the mayor have been collaborating with John Vitale and James McNelis of Stucky-Vitale Architects, Inc. to enhance and create a more resident useful front lawn and to improve the city’s social district. Three concepts have been presented to the Committee for review. John Vitale stated the three proposed options are conceptual and any new ideas may be piecemealed together to best utilize the front lawn of city hall and offer improved community engagement.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 02/03/25 – 05 A major component of the concepts is the installation of an amphitheater near the north end of the front lawn. This would create a gathering place for events such as weddings, meetings, musical performances, etc. Things to consider when designing an amphitheater are the staging and seating areas. Three amphitheater styles were suggested as follows: 1. Flat land with seating on grass. This has lowest expense and easiest to maintain. 2. Rolling lawn (grass) for the seating area. 3. Raised steps for seating, articulates a more defined and formal amphitheater. The next component of the site plans addressed was the installation of a fire pit near the walkway to attract pedestrians. There may be a covered/uncovered pergola seating area near the fire pit for a gathering space. In addition, a memorial tree location was suggested and various walkway path options were discussed. The following comments and considerations from the Committee, Planning Commission and the GPW Foundation were discussed:  Amphitheater - Power source for lighting and sound, accessibility  Drainage  Budget and timing, coordinate with 75th Anniversary events, if possible  Walkways, pedestrian walk-thru, accommodate overflows, connect with walking path around Ghesquiere Park  Use of amphitheater - reservation requirements, rules and regulations, events such as weddings, Girl Scouts meetings, bands, etc.  Location of Electronic Sign  Memorial Tree – Location(s) – on front lawn and possibly in Ghesquiere Park  Firepit – placement, safety, seasonal vs. all year, public safety issues including the attraction of the homeless, aesthetics  Seating area near fire pit – covered/uncovered pergola structure  Priorities – From a budget standpoint, which component should be addressed and included first There was a consensus of the Committee to begin the design of the front lawn use and include an Amphitheater with raised steps (Option A), a covered pergola structure (Option B) and the memorial tree and fire pit (Option B). Additional ideas and concepts may be added and will be presented as the project progresses. A budget and timeline will be proposed for consideration. Under New Business/Public Comment, no one wished to be heard.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 02/03/25 – 06 Motion by Motschall, seconded by McConaghy, that the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole be adjourned at 8:10 p.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ _________________________ Paul P. Antolin Arthur W. Bryant City Clerk Mayor