City Council - October 11, 2004

PROPOSED MINUTES
FERNDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2004, 7:30 P.M. AT CITY HALL

A Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council was held Monday, October 11, 2004, at City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Mayor Porter called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Porter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call showed the following members of Council present: Council Members Covey, Galloway, Lennon, Weber; Mayor Porter. Absent: None.

XXX. Moved by Councilman Galloway, supported unanimously the Resolution thanking members of the Library Board.

ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

XXX. Mayor Porter administered to new Board of Directors of the Ferndale Act 164 Library Board.

XXX. Mayor Porter asked if any Council Members objected to allowed a Presentation from the East Woodland Block Club before the Ferndale Public Schools Presentation. No Member of Council indicated objection.

Mayor Porter congratulated the winners and commented about the East Woodland Chili Cook-Off.

XXX. Beth D’Anna, Ferndale Public Schools, made a presentation and provided an update on activities throughout Ferndale Public Schools.

XXX. Charles Langston and Marlo Carver from Community Media Network provided information on activities of Community Media Network.

1. Mary Tsouris, on behalf of Institute for Reflexology and Helena Salon, expressed concern regarding parking, especially handicapped parking on Hilton Road for businesses. She also provided a written statement for the City Clerk and Mayor Porter requested that the statement be forward onto the Police Department.

2. Ray White, President of the Ferndale Historical Society announced that 2005 Historical Society Calendar was available for $8.00. He announced that the annual Historical Society Installation Dinner would be held on October 28, 2004 at Kulick Community Center.

3. Kathryn Brunner announced that Councilman Covey will received Good Neighbor Equals Strong Community Award presented by Citizens for a Fair Ferndale (CFF) and thanked City Manager Barwin for his help during the ceremony. She also thanked Mayor Porter, Councilwoman Weber and Councilman Covey for attending the Instant Runoff Voting Rally during this past weekend. Ms. Brunner thanked Council for their help in scheduling a Issue Forum for Monday, October 18, 2004, to allow voters to make an informed vote on November 2, 2004 Election.

4. Peggy Snow, Chair of the Beautification Commission, reminded everyone that "Make A Difference Day" would be on Saturday, October 23, 2004 and invited everyone to help them make a difference. The volunteers would be raking leaves for senior citizens and cleaning up a park. Those interested in volunteering should meet at Martin Road Park at 11:00 a.m.

XXX. Moved by Councilman Galloway, seconded by Councilman Covey, to approve the amended Consent Agenda as follows:

A. Adoption of Resolution of Congratulations and Appreciation to Dick Purtan and OLDIES 104.3 WOMC, as submitted by Mayor Porter.

B. Approval of Contract with Monaghan’s Towing Inc. (MTI), for towing services and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Contract, as submitted by Police Chief.

C. Approval of Letter of Agreement with Police Officer McCullough regarding the disposition of the K-9 Police Dog and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign Agreement, as submitted by Police Chief.

D. Receive the Police Department Report for August, 2004.

E. Approval of the bills, payrolls (as certified by City Manager) and City Attorney expense statements submitted by Howard Shifman, P.C., and Beier Howlett, P.C., to be paid subject to review by the Council Finance Committee.

AYES: C,G,L,W;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Moved by Councilman Covey, seconded by Councilman Lennon, to approve the transfer of 2004 Class C Liquor License to be located at 280 West Nine Mile Road.

AYES: G,L,W,C;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Moved by Councilman Galloway, seconded by Councilman Covey, to adopt Ordinance No. 984, which amends Chapter 21 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Taxicabs.

AYES: L,W,C,G;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Moved by Councilman Galloway, seconded by Councilwoman Weber, to adopt revised Taxicab Fees.

AYES: W,C,G,L;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Moved by Councilman Covey, seconded by Councilwoman Weber, to approve Checker Taxicab Application.

AYES: C,G,L,W;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Moved by Councilwoman Weber, seconded by Councilman Galloway, to indicate opposition to a Michigan Constitutional Amendment Banning Same Sex Unions and opposition to State Proposal 2 on the November 2, 2004 Election Ballot regarding what can be recognized as a "Marriage or Similar Union".

AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION:

Moved by Councilman Galloway, seconded by Councilman Covey, to amend the Resolution with changes made at the table.

AYES: G,L,W,C;MP

NAYS: None

AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION CARRIED

MAIN MOTION NOW READS:

Moved by Councilwoman Weber, seconded by Councilman Galloway, to indicate opposition to a Michigan Constitutional Amendment Banning Same Sex Unions and opposition to State Proposal 2 on the November 2, 2004 Election Ballot regarding what can be recognized as a "Marriage or Similar Union" with changes made at the table.

AYES: L,W,C,G;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Lennon indicated for the record that he does oppose to gay marriages due to religious and personal reasons, however it should be up to the voters to decide.

XXX. Moved by Councilman Galloway, seconded by Councilman Covey, to hire the present Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer to Full Time position.

AYES: W,C,G,L;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Covey left Council Chambers at 9:10 p.m.

Councilman Covey returned to Council Chambers at 9:10 p.m.

XXX. Moved by Councilman Lennon, seconded by Councilman Galloway, to adopt Ordinance No. 985, which amends Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Civil Infractions

AYES: C,G,L,W;MP

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

XXX. Fire Chief LeGault announced that Firefighter Pat Sheehan has been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home. He commented about the Fire Grant that the department is trying to secure for Firefighter Safety and requested a meeting with the Fire Liaison Committee for sometime this week. Fire Chief LeGault indicated to Councilman Lennon that he would get together with him to discuss about the appointment to a board. Mayor Porter thanked the Fire Department for their support that they gave to Firefighter Pat Sheehan during his time in the hospital. Fire Chief LeGault brief Council about fundraisers that the department was having to raise funds for a piece of equipment.

XXX. Police Chief Kitchen commented about a home invasion that happened three weeks ago on Fielding and announced that a suspect had been caught. Councilman Covey requested best wishes be forwarded on to Jason White who is now overseas.

XXX. City Manager Barwin announced that leaf collection has begun. He announced that a meeting was conducted regarding Code Enforcement with the affected departments.

He announced that an Interdepartmental

XXX. Deputy City Clerk Szalma announced that absentee ballots are now available and encouraged anyone who would like an absentee ballot to apply now for one. She also announced that the Clerk’s Office would be open on Saturday, October 30, 2004, for Election Business only from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. She also encouraged to registered voters to apply to work at the precincts and for any questions regarding Election issues please call 248-546-2384.

XXX. Councilwoman Weber commented on the City Proposals that will be on the November 2, 2004 Election.

XXX. Councilman Covey commented on the City Proposals that will be on the November 2, 2004 Election. He requested that the City Manager prepare a brief summary regarding the City Proposals for Council and for the next Council Meeting. Councilman Covey commented about the East Woodland Chili Cook-Off. He announced that the calendar "Midwest Finest" will be premiered on Friday, October 22, 2004 at Boogie Fever and will be available for sale. Councilman Covey announced that the Ferndale Disability Committee had visited areas where there are outdoor cafes were. He congratulated Ferndale High School Marching Band for their success this year and requested that the process begins for placing taxi cab stands throughout the city and also for more parking for businesses. Councilman Covey also requested that he would like to update his bio on the website.

XXX. Mayor Porter commented about the karaoke contest at Dino’s and the IRV rally that was held over the weekend. He encouraged everyone to vote and to become involved with the United Way. Mayor Porter requested that a resolution be placed on the next agenda regarding proper identification of Hispanic for home security.

XXX. Councilman Lennon indicated that he had a meeting with the Police Chief and City Manager regarding Code Enforcement. He also requested that Hazel Park Schools Update be on the next Regular Council Agenda.

XXX. Moved by Mayor Porter, supported unanimously, for the Resolution thanking Karen Hall for serving as Executive Director for the Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc. for the last nine years.

ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

Mayor Porter adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.