Committee-of-the-Whole

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 07/21/25 – 26 MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE OF THE CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM OF THE ROBERT E. NOVITKE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 8:51 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Bryant Council Members: Brown, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall ABSENT: Gafa Also Present: City Administrator Schulte Assistant City Administrator Como City Attorney Walling City Clerk Antolin City Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt City Planner Haw Motion by Motschall, seconded by McConaghy, that Councilmember Gafa be excused from tonight’s meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Gafa Motion by McConaghy, seconded by Granger, 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, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Gafa Tonight’s meeting was regarding the Vernier and Mack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project Presentation by Stucky Vitale Architects. City Administrator Schulte stated that proposals have been sent to City Council and John Vitale of Stucky Vitale Architects will provide an overview of the project and estimated costs. 1  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 07/21/25 – 27 John Vitale stated that the Vernier Rd./Mack Avenue improvement project will provide an opportunity to create something special and emphasize a new entry into the city as it is a major intersection in the city. The proposals presented included the following:  Installation of a brick wall around the center displaying “The City of Grosse Pointe Woods” with the option to light up at night.  Placement of a (metal) sculpture in the center to depict the city tree (logo). This may include an option to light up the sculpture.  Alternative to the tree sculpture, planting a real tree is another option.  The estimated cost for the project is $140K hoping the amount decreases as quotes are received. The following were discussed by the Committee-of-the-Whole:  Public art connects with people, however, since there are no crosswalks or public access to the area (center island) of this project, it is more feasible to place a real tree rather than a sculpture. The real tree option is less expensive and it was suggested to plant a magnolia tree. There is always an option for the city to plant a tree and decide to install a sculpture at a later date, if appropriate.  Traffic flow and safety was discussed.  The estimated costs are very manageable and funding from grants will decrease the overall expenses.  Once Vernier Rd./Mack Ave. are complete and the infrastructure is in place, this project is expected to commence in late fall of this year or early spring of 2026. There was a consensus of the Committee-of-the-Whole, to authorize City Administration to move forward with this project and direct John Vitale to begin collecting bids. In addition, there was a consensus of the Committee to plant a real tree. Under New Business, no one wished to be heard. Under Public Comment, the following individuals were heard: 1. Gary Felts, 1680 Oxford Rd., addressed funds spent on the Mack Ave./Vernier Rd. Intersection Project. 2. Mia Tedesco, 1665 Ford Ct., opposed rezoning of 20160 Mack Ave. 3. Patty Dougherty, 1665 S. Renaud Rd., opposed rezoning of 20160 Mack Ave. 4. Jon Dougherty, 1665 S. Renaud Rd., opposed rezoning of 20160 Mack Ave. 2  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 07/21/25 – 28 5. Christina Pitts, 1501 Oxford Rd., opposed rezoning of 20160 Mack Ave. Motion by Motschall, seconded by Koester, that the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole be adjourned at 9:14 p.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ _________________________ Paul P. Antolin Arthur W. Bryant City Clerk Mayor 3