City Council Regular Meeting

CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021 HELD REMOTELY VIA-ZOOM. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Garrett and Roll Call was taken. Present: Mayor Mykale Garrett and Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Kantor Council members Ian Ferguson and Saleem Siddiqi Excused: Council member Donna Stallings Present: City Administrator, Dr. Sheryl L. Mitchell Theriot, Assist. City Administrator/Treasurer, Pamela Bratschi, City Attorney, Scott Baker, Police Chief, Scott McKee, Director, Community and Economic Development, Susie Stec, Government Operations, Kelda London and City Clerk, Yvette Talley This meeting was held remotely. All City Council Members stated they are located in Lathrup Village, Michigan, Oakland County. Mayor Garrett stated she is located in Davenport, Florida, Polk County. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor stated he is in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Emmet County. MAYOR INVITED ALL PRESENT TO JOIN IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CO-21-39 MOTION TO EXCUSE COUNCIL MEMBER STALLINGS Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to excuse Council member Donna Stallings from this meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-40 Approval of Agenda Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to Approve the Agenda and remove from the Agenda Item 12 B. – Prepare Plans & Cost Estimates for the Establishment of a Special Assessment District for sidewalk Replacement and to schedule a public Hearing on the Advisability of Proceeding. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. 1  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 CO-21-41 Presentation State Representative Kyra Bolden stated upcoming events: COVID-19 Town Hall- March 26 at 5:30 p.m. will be joined by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun & Dr. Asha Shajahan, Senator Jeremy Moss and Senator Rosemary Bayer. She has started Youth Advisory Council and for those interested contact KyraBolden@house.mi.gov. There will be a Black History Month event on Facebook Live from House Democrats. In the district there have been 634 unemployment claims and 569 have been resolved. She will have monthly hour. Three bills passed into law will address confidentiality program which will allow for victims of domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking to hide their address within the Attorney General’s office for protection. Working on criminal justice reform, healthcare and senior issues. Federal Government appropriated $5 billion to the State of Michigan for COVID -19 relief and she will advocate that all of the money be used for its purpose. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her at KyraBolden@house.mi.gov. CO-21-42 CITY COUNCIL CONVENE AS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to convene as Zoning Board of Appeals. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-43 MOTION TO RECONVENE AS CITY COUNCIL Motion by Board member Kantor, seconded by Board member Ferguson to reconvene as City Council. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. Please review Zoning Board of Appeals meeting minutes of January 25, 2021. CONSENT AGENDA CO-21-44 Approval of Minutes – Study Session Meeting January 25, 2021 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the minutes for January 25, 2021 Study Session Meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garret, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. 2  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 CO-21-45 Approval of Minutes – January 25, 2021 – City Council Meeting Motion Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the minutes for January 25, 2021 City Council Meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-46 Approval of Minutes – February 1, 2021 Study Session Meeting Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the minutes for February 1, 2021 Study Session meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-47 Approval of Minutes – February 8, 2021 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the minutes for February 8, 2021 Study Session meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-48 Approval of Minutes – February 10, 2021 Special Joint Meeting with City Council and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the minutes for February 10, 2021 Special Joint Meeting with City Council and Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-49 APPROVAL OF THE MONTHLY DISBURSEMENT REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2021 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the Monthly Disbursements for the month of January 2021: 3  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 October Disbursements w/Salary Included FUND 101 GENERAL FUND $ 493,379.47 FUND 202 MAJOR ROADS $ 9,682.32 FUND 203 LOCAL ROADS $ 9,635.38 FUND 258 CAPITAL FUND $ 16,193.00 FUND 494 DOWNTOWN DEV AUTH $ 14,116.19 FUND 592 WATER & SEW. $ 424,790.41 $ 967,796.77 Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-50 CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO ACCEPT DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to approve the Departmental Report. Receive and File – Department Reports: CED Director Report, Police Accomplishments, Police Summaries – January 2021, Parks & Recreation 2020 Review, Recreation – Facilities-Safety, Code Enforcement and Building Department. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-51 PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Lachelle Dixon – Representative of Haven asking for support from Community Development Block Grant funds in support of Haven in which they assist survivors of abuse. CO-21-52 PUBLIC HEARINGS – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – PROGRAM YEAR 2021 Mayor Garrett opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Garrett closed the public hearing. CO-21-53 ACTION REQUESTS - FOR CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL A. Consideration To Approve A Resolution for the Use of the 2021 Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) Dr. Mitchell gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to Adopt the Resolution for the use of 2021 CDBG Funds. 4  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. B. Consideration To Approve the 2021 Pavement Reconstruction Program Bid Award of Contract to Asphalt Specialists, Inc Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to Accept the 2021 Pavement Reconstruction Program Bids and Award of Contract to Asphalt Specialists, Inc. and authorize the Mayor and/or City Administrator to sign the contract and related documents on behalf of the City of Lathrup Village. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. C. Consideration To Approve the Water Service Line Replacement Program – Sub -Agreement with D’Angelo Brothers, Inc. Dr. Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Siddiqi, seconded by Council member Ferguson to Approve the Water Service Replacement Program and SOCWA Sub-Agreement with D’Angelo Brothers, Inc., as part of the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Bond Project; authorizing the Mayor and/or City Administrator to sign the agreement and related documents on behalf of the City of Lathrup Village. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. D. Consideration of Approval of the Realtor Contract – House In the Woods Dr. Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Ferguson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor to approve the Independent Contractor Agreement for Real Estate Services with Natasha Hughes Smith d/b/a Lynn & Associates, for the property at 19600 Forest Drive, Lathrup Village, MI 48076, aka the House in the Woods Property and authorize the Mayor and/or City Administrator to sign the Agreement and related documents. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. 5  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 E. Consideration to Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Lockup Services Between City of Berkley and the City of Lathrup Village Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Ferguson, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to approve Intergovernmental Agreement for Lockup Services Between City of Berkley and City of Lathrup Village and authorize the Mayor and/or City Administrator to sign the agreement and related documents on behalf of the City of Lathrup Village. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. F. Consideration to Approve 2021/22 Budget Amendment for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Dr. Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Ferguson, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to Approve the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget Amendment for the DDA as presented. Ayes: Garrett, Ferguson, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. G. Consideration to Approve the Restaurant Relief Interlocal Agreement with Oakland County Susie Stec gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to approve the Restaurant Relief Interlocal Agreement with Oakland County; authorizing the Mayor and/or Susie Stec, Director of Community & Economic Development to sign the agreement and related documents on behalf of the City of Lathrup Village. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. 6  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 H. Consideration of Approving the Your Town Publication – Ad Policy and Rates Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Ferguson, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to Approve the Your Town Publication Ad Policy and Rates. Ads that are NOT permitted are: Political Campaigns or Candidates, Content featuring sale, use or distribution of alcohol or cannabis products and vaping products/tobacco products. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. I. Consideration of Approving Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget Calendar and goal Setting Session Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Theriot gave an overview and answered specific questions. Motion by Council member Ferguson, seconded by Council member Siddiqi to approve the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget Calendar as presented and schedule the Council’s goal setting session for the determined date at the determined time after the doodle poll. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. CO-21-54 CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT Dr. Mitchell Theriot reported – There have been residents inquiring about water bills due to some fluctuating bills. Water meters are being tested and the city will contact residents of the date/time of testing. We are down 2 staff members, Pam Bratschi, Treasurer/Assistant City Administrator will be taking calls for water bills and property taxes. If she needs to return There is a PSA out reminding residents to keep dogs on a leash and bag dog poo. Southfield Sun -vs- Oakland Press publications – The Southfield Sun has a limited publication date they publish every other week. The Oakland Press publish daily and when there is a time constraint, we have to use the Oakland Press. Also, we publish in the E- newsletter weekly and on the city’s website to ensure the public is informed. CO-21-55 CITY ATTORNEY None 7  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 CO-21-56 REPORTS OF BOARDS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES Mayor Pro Tem Kantor– said Planning Commission moving forward on the Comprehensive Plan. Zoning Board of Appeals approved the site plan and variance for 27215 Southfield Road. Received and Filed: -Planning Commission minutes. -Received SOCRRA Final Quarterly Report – January 2021. There will be a 2% increase in the rates that they charge Lathrup Village. Received SOCWA Final Quarterly Report – January 2021 CO-21-57 UNFINISHED/NEW BUSINESS Mayor Pro Tem Kantor reported – There has been comments on social media regarding transparency, finances and the capital improvement bond. Transparency – Every Council meeting, Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority Board, every City Board we actively ask for resident ideas to promote different points of views. We’ve been talking about this matter for over 2 years. We’ve had discussion about Infrastructure at 1 dozen public meetings, 3 infrastructure meetings, 4 City Council meetings, 4 City Council meetings, 4 Study session meetings, 2 Planning Commission meetings and 1 dedicated townhall meeting. All of these events were advertised on the front page of the City’s website and on the pop-up that you have to click. Advertised on Villagers facebook and the E- newsletter. Posted all the videos from those meetings on Facebook, YouTube, those who don’t have social media, we put the information on public access television where they are shown 5 -times per day. All the documents from all of those meetings are available to any resident who may visit city hall anytime. Publishing the Notice of Intent – that was published in the Oakland Press is cheaper than the Southfield Sun and the issue of timing. Oakland Press publishes daily where the Southfield Sun publishes once per week. Publication in the Oakland press met the publication deadline legal requirements. The townhall meeting was intentionally done after the publication to educate the residents on the details of the proposal and to inform them of the Notice of Intent so they were aware and exercise their right of referendum if they so choose. All of the streets that are being paved, all of the projects will be coordinated along with the paving of the streets. On all the streets that are being paved the following replacements will take place: gate valves, fire hydrants, all of the homes will have will undergo material service line identification, 7 culverts replaced and ditch repair. Financial issues: City Administrator works up to 80 hours per week, there are significantly more work to be done due to COVID19- and all of the projects that are going on. Rather than hire an assistant manager for $80,000 per year, the department was reorganized. We offloaded some of the responsibilities to existing employees which have many values – it gives growth opportunities to the individual, it gives them more responsibility and it results in less turnover. The City’s portion cost $19,000 but is saves the city $60,000. Another question by a resident is that the city wasted $54,00 on a new passenger van. This is not true; the City has $40,000 to spend from Community Development and Block Grant Funds than can only be used for senior programs and transportation. Could not spend this money on water main or gate valves. The van expands the ability to provide transportation to seniors. Other comments on City Administrator’s car allowance are part of her compensation package from day one. Most cities provide a car allowance and it’s a standard benefit. Previous Lathrup Village City Administrators received a car instead of a car allowance. Residents should get involved and get engaged, your participation is encouraged. Also, another source, watch city council meetings. Villagers Facebook page is not an official site and the City is not going to get involved with commenting on this page. 8  CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY CONCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2021 Council member Ferguson asked residents to take part of the water service line survey. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor gave an overview of the gate valve. Mayor Garrett read the stats on cities of the same size as Lathrup Village that offer their City Administrator a car allowance. C0-21-58 PUBLIC COMMENTS Katherine Flannery stated – 18614 Bungalow Dr.– Would like to see city updates in the Your Town newsletter because all residents may not have social media/internet. Marilu Reznik - 18880 San Jose – stated the City Council has done an extraordinary job informing residents of what is happening in the city. Kalyn Danforth – 18750 Glenwood Blvd.– appreciate City Council being accessible but didn’t feel welcome. Karen Miller- 18755 Glenwood – Mayor Garrett read 3 letters received from Karen Miller. Letter 1- What is being done with the additional revenue from homes that are sold. Letter 2 – stated residents are paying for sidewalk repairs, ditch repairs, road millage and the capital improvement bond. What will residents have to pay for next? Letter 3 – Almost 200 signatures were collected asking to put the $5.38 million bond proposal on the ballot. Are 200 residents going to be ignored? Elsie Babcock – 27661 Lathrup Blvd.– asked about the comparison statistics relevant to the City Administrator’s car allowance. CO-21-59 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Garrett read statistics comparing city’s who give car allowances to City Administrator’s. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor stated long time resident passed away Brigadier General Robert Raisch. CO-21-60 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Council member Ferguson to adjourn this meeting. Ayes: Ferguson, Garrett, Kantor, Siddiqi No: None Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Transcribed by Yvette Talley 9 ________________________________ _______________________________ Mykale Garrett, Mayor Transcribed by Yvette Talley City Clerk 10