City Council Study Session

City Council Study Session Monday, April 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM 27400 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076 1. Call to Order by Mayor Garrett at 6:00 pm 2. Discussion Items A. DRAFT - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget CA Greene explained the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Councilmember Hammond voiced concern over the state of finances in our Country and the impact of adding this PA 33 special assessment, and CA Greene responded that we do not have to do it for the full amount, but then some projects that we were going to be able to do will not be done. Mayor Garrett discussed with Councilmembers how PA 33 is for Police and Fire specifically, but allows there to be more money in the General Fund, because expenses are paid by the Public Act, thus out of the residents’ pockets, and it is not the best time, in this economy. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor stated that we will have more money in the General Fund, which will allow us to pay for other things. Councilmember Hammond said if it does not pass, we will not have enough money to pay for Police and Fire and other budget items, and Mayor Pro Tem Kantor said it is a community choice, and they will decide whether to keep City services or cut budget items. Councilmembers discussed other budget items with CA Greene and Attorney Baker. Including whether they need to do an in-depth Master Plan review and if we are obligated to do a Parks and Recreation Plan currently, as well as what we are budgeting for matching grant projects. B. DRAFT - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) CA Greene explained that this was received from the Planning Commission and is usually approved at the same time as the Budget in May. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  CA Greene answered questions from Councilmembers about the Capital Improvement Plan, including what the facilities amount was based on, water mains, a siren-activated gate, crack sealing of roads, and a new backhoe for DPW. C. DRAFT - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Fee Book CA Greene explained that after asking for staff input, there were not a lot of suggestions for changes to the fee book, and responded to the Mayor’s question about pet license fees, stating that they are set by the County. D. Sign Ordinance City Council and Attorney Baker discussed what is currently in the City Ordinances regarding illuminated signs, including the number of illuminated signs in store windows, along with the size, brightness, and type of signs. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor relayed that he went out after Midnight to see if any signs were still on, and found many signs in violation of our Ordinances. Attorney Baker pointed out that our current Ordinances only cover energized signs, not LED, and suggested updating these Ordinances. Attorney Baker suggested a sign campaign to inform Business owners of the sign Ordinances. Mayor Garrett would like Business owners to be given the information in person or emailed, and given time to comply, and a warning before giving them a citation. 3. Public Comments Rick Wisz, commented on ways to save on the City’s budget, and recommended: the City looking into Military auctions for a backhoe, that the City explore the possibility of sharing Personnel, that he doesn’t think we need a full time Compliance Officer, that he does not think we need new chairs for the Community Room, and that the City should explore the possibility of having an auto dealership sponsor a City vehicle to cut costs. He also commented that: he did not think the Code Enforcement Officer needs a City truck, the City should seal the City Hall parking lot, before doing alleys, he agrees with Councilmember Hammond, that the City should look into working with another company besides Giffels Webster, and he feels the City should be looking at the performance of everyone that we have a contract with and make sure it is the best value we can get. Grace Green commented that there should be educational opportunities and/or training for residents on how to maintain the culverts and ditches, because they are digging too low around the circle and it causes the water to sit there and cause further damage. Rick Wisz asked, “If there are signs that are out of compliance, why have they not been cited? Is the Code Officer not performing as he is supposed to be?” 4. Mayor and Council Comments 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  Mayor Pro Tem Kantor:  To Mr. Wisz, explained that Code Enforcement doesn’t work at night, and the City relies on see, click, fix, and that the main number issue, that has been brought to his attention over the years, are either by name or as an example expressed to him, things that are handled by a Code Enforcement Officer, and it did not go well when we spent $40,000 a year on a part-time, 10 hour a week Code Enforcement Officer, and people would be disappointed if we go back.  To Ms. Green, maybe we can get instructions for residents about maintaining the culverts and ditches  To CA Greene, o Can we get the fund balances each month in our packets? o Asked if Officers are writing tickets, he sees less than 1 a shift, and CA Greene responded o Has he heard anything about a deal for residents for Critter control, and CA Greene responded that he is waiting to hear back from a potential company. Councilmember Hammond thought an instructional video on maintaining the culverts and ditches would be a good way to share this information with residents. 5. Adjourn at 7:05 pm 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org