City Council - February 9, 2009

Summary
FERNDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, February 9, 2009

A Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council was held Monday, February 9, 2009 at City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Mayor Pro Tem Galloway called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

Present: Mayor Covey (arrived at 8:17 p.m.), Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon

Absent: None

041. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Gumbleton, to excuse the absence of Mayor Covey.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Pro Tem Galloway

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

042. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, to approve the agenda as submitted.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Pro Tem Galloway.

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

Jessica Stilger, Communications Specialist, presented Molly Breen-Bondie, Council Youth Delegate, who gave an update on activities at Ferndale High School. Ms. Stilger reported on upcoming events in the school district.

No DDA representative was in attendance to make a presentation.

Chief of Police Kitchen reported a scheduling conflict which necessitates moving the presentation to the City Council’s February 23^rd meeting.

Joe Mahan was opposed to the proposed site for South Oakland Shelter.

Patti Ashmore questioned the result of the Zoning Determination Request submitted on Sept. 19, 2008 by South Oakland Shelter and asked that the Determination be revoked.

Jeanne Davis, President of Ferndale Seniors, announced upcoming events.

Greg Pawlica appealed to the citizens of Ferndale to stand up against the tactics of By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) and to support local Ferndale businesses despite the group’s picketing.

Julie Glazier, Ferndale Youth Assistance, reported on upcoming events and thanked supporters.

Steve Selvaggio, Western Market, provided an update on BAMN’s picketing activity at the business and thanked everyone who has supported Western Market. Mr. Selvaggio conveyed BAMN’s goal of having Ferndale High School open its enrollment to students outside of the district.

Joel Beckett opposed the proposed location of the South Oakland Shelter.

Bridget Deegan-Krause, representing Citizens for a Fair Ferndale, announced the group is seeking nominations for 2009 Good Neighbors Awards.

Tom Gagne expressed his opposition to BAMN’s approach.

Wyll Lewis, American Pop, contended that the young people protesting on behalf of BAMN are not students at University High School. Mr. Lewis reported seven breaking and entering incidents on W. Nine Mile in recent months and asked for police patrols to be increased in the area.

043. Moved by Gumbleton, seconded by Baker, to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted:

A. Approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 26, 2009, as submitted by City Clerk.

B. Approved the low quote of $13,875 from Lighting Supply Co., 10651 Northend, Ferndale, to purchase four decorative light-pole assemblies, and to charge the expense to the Major Streets Fund, Repair and Maintenance, as submitted by DPW Director.

C. Approved the bills and payrolls as certified by City Manager to be paid subject to review by the Council Finance Committee.

AYES: Council Members Gumbleton, Baker, Mayor Pro Tem Galloway

NAYS: None

ABSENT FROM TABLE: Council Member Lennon

MOTION CARRIED

A. Appointment of Council Representative to Intra-County On-Premises License Transfer and Public Act 501 of 2006 (Redevelopment) License Review Committee for the calendar year ending December 31, 2009.

044. Moved by Baker, seconded by Gumbleton, to appoint Council Member Lennon to the Liquor License Transfer Review Committee for the calendar year ending December 31, 2009.

AYES: Council Members Lennon, Baker, Gumbleton, Mayor Pro Tem Galloway

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

B. Consideration of Ordinances regarding municipal parking lots and off-street metered parking during snow emergencies:

045. Moved by Baker, seconded by Gumbleton, to adopt Ordinance No. 1068, amending Chapter 16, Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places, Article I, in General, Section 16-11, Ordinance No. 1069, amending Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicle Code, Article I, Municipal Lots, Section 18-8, and Ordinance No. 1070, amending Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicle Code, Article VII, Prepaid Permit Parking, Section 18-82 of the City of Ferndale Code of Ordinances, prohibiting motor vehicle parking in public parking lots and areas between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. during a snow emergency or whenever two or more inches of snow falls in the City within any 24-hour period, except the East Breckenridge lot or West Breckenridge lot for owners of vehicles with prepaid parking permits.

AYES: Council Members Baker, Gumbleton, Lennon, Mayor Pro Tem Galloway

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

046. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, to award the parking structure site feasibility study contract to Carl Walker, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $9450 to be charged to the Auto Parking Fund (account number 585-000-818) for FYE 2009.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

8. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS - none

047. Chief of Police Kitchen reported his Department has addressed the crime situation on W. Nine Mile with reallocated patrols, surveillance and adjustments to cameras, which have halted the break-ins.

048. State Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton, 27^th District, provided an update on activities in Lansing.

049. DDA Director Sheppard-Decius announced statistics for 2008, including a 299% increase in private and public reinvestment in downtown area over 2007, a 40% increase in building/façade rehabilitation and new buildings in the downtown area, and a 223% increase in new businesses. Eleven new businesses were added in 2008, whereas in 2007 the downtown area had a net loss in businesses.

050. City Clerk Tallman announced nomination packets are available in the City Clerks Office for individuals interested in running for Mayor, City Council or Library Board.

051. City Manager Bruner reported there is no issue specific to South Oakland Shelter before Council. The Zoning Determination Request does not prevent the City from gathering more information, which is what City administration has been doing. The City is also meeting with, and relaying information to, the parties involved.

052. Councilwoman Baker promoted the FernCare fundraising dinner on April 2. Tickets are $35 and are available at AJ’s Café and online. Councilwoman Baker commented that BAMN’s tactics are inappropriate. Councilwoman Baker promoted the Ferndale Education Foundation fundraiser dinner on March 6 at Club Venetian in Hazel Park.

053. Councilman Lennon expressed his distaste over BAMN’s tactics. Councilman Lennon requested an update on the employee handbook.

054. Councilwoman Gumbleton promoted the Ferndale Community Foundation’s fundraiser on February 24 at Via Nove, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

055. Mayor Covey thanked volunteers for their work on the Ferndale Blues Festival and noted a financial report will be available soon.

There being no objections, Mayor Covey adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.

J. Cherilynn Tallman, City Clerk