City Council - October 13, 2008

Summary

FERNDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, October 13, 2008

A Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council was held Monday, October 13, 2008 at City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Mayor Covey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Covey, Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton (arrived 7:35 p.m.), Lennon

Absent: None

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mayor Covey asked for an amendment to the agenda to allow comments from Cable Director Del Schmidt.

Cable Director Schmidt explained the remedies being attempted for frequent microphone failures in Council Chambers due to interference from wireless signals.

419. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, to approve the agenda as amended.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

4. PRESENTATIONS

A. 2008 Funky Ferndale Art Fair and DIY Street Fair

Event organizers Chris Johnston and Mark Loeb reviewed this year’s event successes and findings.

1.) Consideration of the 2009 event dates for the DIY Street Fair and Funky Ferndale Art Fair.

420. Moved by Baker, seconded by Gumbleton, to approve the event dates for the DIY Street Fair and Funky Ferndale Art Fair for September 19 and 20, 2009.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

5. CALL TO AUDIENCE

Tiffani Gagne, member of Library Board, reported the Site Plan for Library renovations has been approved, the Board is looking for a temporary facility to use during the renovation process and the anticipated groundbreaking will be in mid-January.

Jerry Olli, Ferndale Youth Assistance, announced the Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at Luxury Lanes from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Laurie McPhee, on behalf of the Ferndale Garden Club, thanked the Ferndale Water Department under the supervision of the late Jerry Allen for their efforts for the Garden Club community garden.

Sherry Wells announced the Ferndale First Faiths Tour on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. for $10.00 a person.

Byna Camden, representing I.C.A.R.E II, asked that a resolution of support for the organization’s efforts to retain the Days Hotel located on land adjacent to I-75, John R and Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park be placed on next Council agenda.

Bob Wolfson announced an opening party for the Lofts on Nine project on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Wolfson presented a preliminary plan for a private/public partnership to redevelop the current City facility to incorporate retail space, living space, City offices, Police Department, 43^rd District Court and parking space. Council encouraged Mr. Wolfson to meet with Plante Moran CRESA and to provide financial details in preparation of the Council’s October 22, 2008 Special Meeting.

David Welsh read the proposed resolution I.C.A.R.E II would like Council to consider at its next meeting.

Heather Traynor expressed concern that the City is requiring certain home improvements and charging fees for those improvements, in the form of inspection fees and building permits. Ms. Traynor proposed the City waive fees for home improvements required by the City.

Peggy Snow, Beautification Commission, reported on the annual Perennial Exchange and announced this year’s Block Award will be presented to Leroy, between Pinecrest and Beaufield.

Matt Nawaczck, FernCare, announced the next monthly clinic will be from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Ferndale Foods parking lot. Clinics are held on the first Thursday of every month.

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Consent Agenda Item G was removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered following the Regular Agenda.

421. Moved by Galloway, seconded by Baker, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended:

A. Approved of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 22, 2008, as submitted by City Clerk.

B. Adopted Travel Resolution for Mayor Covey, Councilwoman Gumbleton and Councilman Lennon to attend the National League of Cities Congress of Cities & Exposition in Orlando, Florida, November 10 – 16, 2008, as submitted by City Clerk.

C. Approved, and authorized the Mayor to execute, the Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement between Credit Union One and the City of Ferndale for use of the Credit Union One parking lot at 475 E. Nine Mile Rd for use by voters on November 4, 2008, and directed the City Clerk to provide Credit Union One with the City’s Certificate of Liability Insurance with Credit Union One named as additional insured, as submitted by City Clerk.

D. Approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement for AFSCME Local 3120, for the period from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2012, as submitted by Finance Director/Assistant City Manager.

E. Approved the change order of $6,550 under the 2004 Pavement Repairs Contract with ABC Paving Company, of Trenton, and to charge the expense to the Sanitation Fund, Repair and Maintenance, account no. 226-775, as submitted by DPW Director.

F. Approved payment of $4,360 to Rhodes, Inc., of Ferndale, for repairing the 1971 leaf vacuum #8335, and to charge the expense to the Vehicle and Equipment Fund, account no. 661-000-977, as submitted by DPW Director.

H. Awarded the CDS document scanning bid budgeted in FY 2009 in the amount of $5,000 to Leonard Brothers Data Management, account number 101-371-977, as submitted by CDS Director.

I. Approval of the bills and payrolls as certified by City Manager to be paid subject to review by the Council Finance Committee.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

7. REGULAR AGENDA

A. Consideration of Condolence Resolutions

1) Mary Jo McCullough.

422. Moved by Mayor Covey, supported unanimously, to adopt the condolence Resolution for Mary Jo McCullough.

ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

2) Jerald E. Allen.

423. Moved by Councilman Lennon, supported unanimously, to adopt the condolence Resolution for Jerald (Jerry) E. Allen.

ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

B. Consideration of unenforced (free) parking in public parking lots and bays for Downtown Ferndale, parking pass discount for December, and approval of Holiday Ice Festival and Planavon Street closure.

424. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, to approve:

• Unenforced (free) parking in public parking lots and parking bays on Fridays and Saturdays from November 28 – December 27 (a total of 10 days)

• Approval to host the Holiday Ice Festival event on the sidewalks in downtown Ferndale on December 13th, which will include strolling musicians, Santa giving out gifts to good boys and girls, ice sculpture carvings and displays on sidewalks, and hot beverages and treats for customers on-street.

• Approval to close Planavon from Nine Mile to the edge of the alleys on December 13th at 7:00 am and reopen at 9 pm.

• December 2008 parking passes will be sold for $20, and those who have already purchased December 2008 parking passes prior to October 13, 2008, will receive $10 off their next pass purchase if they bring in their December 2008 pass by January 31, 2009.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

C. Consideration of Congress of Cities Voting Delegates for the National League of Cities Annual Business Meeting.

425. Moved by Gumbleton, seconded by Lennon, to appoint Mayor Covey as the Voting Delegate and Councilman Lennon as the Alternate Voting Delegate for the NLC Annual Business Meeting to be held on November 15, 2008 at the conclusion of the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Orlando.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

D. Consideration of Asbestos Removal Contract for both Fire Stations.

426. Moved by Baker, seconded by Gumbleton, to approve the contract with Dependent Environmental Services, Inc. of Ferndale in the amount of $119,000.00 for asbestos removal at both fire stations and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it. Funds for this expenditure are budgeted and available in Account # 245-977, Public Improvement.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

E. Discussion of finances, budget projections, and building plans / funds available.

City Manager Bruner briefly presented the City’s current finances, financial projections, and the sources of funds available for City facility building plans.

1). Consideration to hire an outside CPA firm for an independent analysis of the City’s long-term budget and funds available for building plans.

Council expressed interest in holding discussion at the October 22, 2008 Special Council Meeting to define the scope of work to be presented to possible firms in order to secure quotes for an independent analysis.

F. Consideration of Amendment to City Council’s Rules of Procedure under the heading "IV. Voting and Discussion" to set a protocol for the order in which roll call votes are called.

427. Moved by Galloway, seconded by Gumbleton, to amend the City Council Rules of Procedure, as adopted on January 14, 2008, and amended on April 14, 2008, under the heading, IV. Voting and Discussion, to read as follows:

Roll call votes will be taken alphabetically, for all Council Members, upon first vote of the meeting; for each subsequent vote the voting order will rotate among all Council Members in a consistent manner with the name previously called first rotated to the last position. The Mayor will always vote last in the roll call order.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton

NAYS: Lennon, Mayor Covey

MOTION CARRIED

6. CONSENT AGENDA (continued)

G. Consideration of $3,528 purchase of a replacement hydraulic control valve for vehicle #1245 from Knapheide Truck Equipment.

428. Moved by Baker, seconded by Galloway, to approve the $3,528 purchase of a replacement hydraulic control valve for vehicle #1245 from Knapheide Truck Equipment, and to charge the expense to the Vehicle and Equipment Fund, account no. 661-000-977.

AYES: Council Members Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon, Baker, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

8. Council Appointee Report – Fire Chief

Fire Schmidt provided an update on the status of his quarterly goals.

9. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS - none

5. CALL TO AUDIENCE (continued)

Wyll Lewis, American Pop, reported he received a citation for an outdoor display for a seasonal flowerpot decoration. Mr. Lewis asked Council for support for outdoor decorations in the downtown area.

Thomas Gagne noted he was offended by comments made under Call to Council at the September 22, 2008 Council meeting indicating citizen comments about the funding of municipal buildings were politicized. He asked that Council members address any questions or comments they have about his statements while he is present or to contact him personally after the meeting.

10. CALL TO COUNCIL

429. Chief of Police Kitchen reported the pamphlet program is underway.

430. Fire Chief Schmidt reported a new mail campaign to heighten awareness that open burning is illegal in the City. Fire Chief Schmidt shared reminiscences and expressed condolences on the death of Jerry Allen.

431. Moved by Galloway, seconded by Lennon, to appoint Greg Pawlica to the Sidewalk Hardship Committee for 2008 as the representative for the Southeast Quadrant and to appoint Mayor Covey as the Council representative to the Committee.

AYES: Council Members Gumbleton, Lennon, Baker, Galloway, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

432. City Manager Bruner provided more exact information on the location of the tax foreclosure parcel under Council’s consideration at the September 22, 2008 Council meeting. Mr. Bruner announced that SOCCRA will be selling recycling bins for $6.00 during the month of November at the SOCCRA yard in Troy on Coolidge. Mayor Covey asked that City Manager Bruner keep in mind, for possible purchase by the City, the American Legion property currently for sale.

433. Councilwoman Gumbleton reported on the MML Conference, particularly the Entrepreneurial Garden. Councilwoman Gumbleton shared reminiscences and expressed condolences on the death of Jerry Allen.

434. Councilman Galloway shared reminiscences and expressed condolences on the death of Jerry Allen. Councilman Galloway encouraged voters to research all candidates for and vote for all the offices on the ballot, not just President.

435. Councilman Lennon announced the DDA Gallery Walk on October 24, 2008, from from 5:00 until 10:00 p.m. in downtown Ferndale. Councilman Lennon reported the business owner at Eight Mile and West End has offered the east end of his building as a site for a mural. Councilman Lennon encouraged interested local artists to contact City Manager. Councilman Lennon shared reminiscences and expressed condolences on the death of Jerry Allen.

436. Councilwoman Baker announced two upcoming fundraising events: a benefit for FernCare, November 13-15 at AJ’s Café, and a winter beer tasting for Ferndale Education Foundation, date to be determined. Councilwoman Baker relayed a call from resident Bill Lombard who has been working on an initiative to produce water conservation information. Councilwoman Baker announced the Plan Commission will be proposing to Council a holiday event to recognize all City board and commission members.

437 Mayor Covey announced he will be conducting a Town Hall meeting on October 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kulick Center.

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no objections, Mayor Covey adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m.

J. Cherilynn Tallman, City Clerk

The City of Ferndale, Michigan
300 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, Michigan 48220
(248) 546-2525
City Hall Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm
Closed Fridays

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