Council Study Session

CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 1, 2020 MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF LATHRUP VILLAGE HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020 REMOTELY VIA ZOOM. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Garrett and Roll Call was taken. Present: Mayor Mykale Garrett and Mayor Pro Tem Kantor Council members Ian Ferguson, Saleem Siddiqi and Donna Stallings Also Present: City Administrator, Dr. Sheryl Mitchell, City Attorney, Scott Baker, Asst. City Administrator/Treasurer, Pamela Bratschi, Community and Economic Development Manager, Susie Stec, Government Services, Kelda London and City Clerk, Yvette Talley Others Present: Oakland County Commissioner, Nancy Quarles Purpose of meeting is to discuss City Council Agenda items. A. Discussion Items: A. Discussion – Above Ground Swimming Pool Ordinance City Attorney, Scott Baker gave an overview and answered specific questions. The recommendation is to remove the confusing language with respect to elevation in the general ordinance and this will allow for above ground or in-ground pools. Discussed fencing height- will remain minimum of 4 ft. B. Discussion-Code Enforcement Officer Hire/Start Dr. Sheryl Mitchell gave an overview and answered specific questions. The city is awaiting the results of the applicant’s physical for start date and orientation. C. Discussion – House in the Woods – Sale Progress Discussion of RFP, assessment for the valuation of the property and to put the property on the market. D. Discussion – Sidewalk Improvement Program Dr. Sheryl Mitchell gave an overview and answered questions. State law has a process that if the special assessment is considered a hardship, the property owner rights relative to that and there are public hearings required for this process. Due to the extensive process, while going through phase 1, we’ll prep for phase 2. E. Discussion- Sidewalk Bumper Blocks Dr. Sheryl Mitchell said she’s working on a draft letter to send to the property/business owners who are in violation. 1  F. Discussion- City Operations Planning Dr. Sheryl Mitchell gave an overview and answered specific questions. City Hall is anticipating opening June 15, 2020. There have been some updates to city hall in anticipating opening such as: Lobby area has minimal furniture to encourage social distancing, plexiglass shield has been placed at the counter of the front desk. Continuously looking at what will benefit residents, staff and everyone. Mayor and Council Comments Mayor Garrett stated Saturday, June 6th 9:00 a.m-11:00 a.m. is the Southfield corridor cleanup. Farmer’s to Families – 1200 boxes of food will be distributed at 10:00 a.m. volunteers/food giveaway start at 11:00 a.m. at the Michigan First Credit Union parking lot. Mayor Garrett met and discussed with Police Chief, Scott McKee and City Attorney, Scott Baker as it relates to public protest. City Council is committed to having a safe city and having the proper procedures in place to address issues. The City Council and the Police Department stand behind the statement published by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police in the unwarranted death of George Floyd. Dr. Mitchell said administrative staff and police officers have had diversity and inclusion training. Looking into additional training through the Department of Justice and the National Conference of Community and Justice. Council member Ferguson said gave an update on Southfield Public schools. He assured them that the City of Lathrup Village is still in partnership with them and willing to work on the shared commitment. Scott Baker, City Attorney public Hearing-ZBA meeting for Michigan First Credit Union has been rescheduled to June 22, 2020. Mayor Pro Tem Kantor said Infrastructure townhall meeting will be held vial Zoom June 4th at 7:00 p.m. Log-in information is located on the City’s website, Villagers and the e-newsletter. Council member Siddiqi said the marijuana committee meeting went well. Sending out a survey to residents this month for feedback to assist the committee in making a decision. Committee members will plan on visiting a marijuana dispensary. Council member Ferguson asked for feedback on the podcast – Village Idiot. Council member Stallings discussed SEMCOG transportation alternative program grant. Susie Stec said the engineers will handle most of it but will go out for bid in the Fall scheduled to begin in Spring 2021. Council member Stallings reminded all to stay home and stay safe. Mayor Garrett said there should be an update in the e-newsletter at to what is acceptable to recycle. Dr. Mitchell gave an update on the sewer line coverage. Dr. Mitchell gave an update to the Munetrix package – free package access is to view only but to participate and upload your own individual data by community is the paid package that the City has and we do get a 50% reimbursement from the State of Michigan for having the services. It’s still a significant discount for having access to it. 2 Susie Stec – Oakland County business re-open care kits will be distributed June 2- 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Included in the kits are - hand sanitizers, cleaners, gloves, masks, social distancing signage and census information. Shared information about the Patronicity program to support local businesses. Public Comments Nancy Quarles – Oakland County Commissioner thanked Dr. Mitchell and staff for working with Oakland County Board of Commissioners office – Small business grants that will distributed throughout the businesses in Lathrup Village. Reminder remember to complete 2020 census it’s important for resources that come back into city. Within next few weeks there will be grants for non-profits within the city. Dr. Mitchell said more documents are becoming available online such as permits and will have the ability to make payments online. See Click Fix – when you sign on to enter an address, it’ll show the City of Lathrup Village and not the City of Southfield. Update on brick wall – due to the corona virus work had to stop but now they are working on it. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. __________________________________ Transcribed by Yvette Talley City Clerk 3