City Council - March 9, 2009

FERNDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, March 9, 2009

A Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council was held Monday, March 9, 2009 at City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Mayor Covey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

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

Absent: None

Councilman Galloway requested the introduction of new police officers be moved to the first item under "Presentations".

074. Moved by Galloway, seconded by Lennon, to approve the agenda as amended.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

Chief of Police Kitchen introduced Officer Joseph Gentilia, hired 12/12/08; Officer Martin Kranz, hired 12/13/08; and Officer Brian Archer, hired 1/26/09.

Stephanie Hall, Director of Community Relations, reported on upcoming events in the school district. Molly Breen-Bondie, Council Youth Delegate, gave an update on activities at Ferndale High School.

Mayor Covey presented service awards as follows:

Byron A. Photiades Director Public Works

Tamica L. Brooks Records Coordinator Police

Rosanne Simon Clerk Typist DPW

Thomas A. Koster Fire Fighter Fire

Daniel M. Harper Act. Water System Super DPW

Ronald J. Makowski Sergeant Fire

Douglas C. May Captain Fire

Christopher Schwartz Officer Police

Daniel J. Simon Sergeant Police

Paul M. Simpson Detective/Specialist Police

Keith A. Thibodeau Officer Police

Steven Light Fire Fighter Fire

Norman Sliwinski Fire Fighter Fire

Cecile Thompson Account Clerk Finance

Jim Maxwell, founder and current board member of South Oakland Shelter (SOS), spoke in favor of the proposed location of SOS offices at First Baptist Church.

Marge Tittlong spoke in favor of the proposed location of SOS offices at First Baptist Church.

Lois Latta, moderator of First Baptist Church, spoke in favor of the proposed location of SOS offices at the church.

Julie Glazier, Publicity Chair for Ferndale Youth Assistance, provided an update on upcoming events.

Kelly Ferris, Citizens for a Fair Ferndale, gave a reminder that the deadline for nominations for Good Neighbor Awards is March 13.

Ann Heler, representing FernCare, provided an update on the progress of the free clinic, and promoted the April 2^nd fundraising dinner at Royal Oak Elks.

Greg Pawlica apologized if he has come across as angry while at the podium in the past. Mr. Pawlica requested a street cleaning schedule.

Patti Ashmore opposed the location of their offices at First Baptist Church.

Deb Olsen, Ferndale Environmental Impact Commission (FEIC), presented the green tips of the month: 1) go paperless at work; 2) recycle printer ink cartridges; 3) replace light bulbs with CFL’s; and 4) start a company-wide carpooling program. Ms. Olsen called for new members.

Karen Breen-Bondie, Ferndale Soccer Boosters, announced the Eagle Soccer Clinic on Saturday, April 18, for grades 4-8. The cost is $25 and includes lunch.

Bill Roberts, LaRouche Political Action Committee, presented a draft resolution endorsing the Homeowners and Bank Protection Act of 2007.

Scott Mooney, LaRouche Political Action Committee, asked Council to weigh in on the fight to fundamentally change our system in order to resolve the country’s financial crisis.

Melanie Piana, volunteer with Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) Business Development Committee, announced two events: 1) BizNet Meeting, an educational session titled, "How to Maximize your Bookkeeping and Taxes" at Dino’s on Wednesday, March 25, 9:00-10:00 a.m.; and 2) "Ferndale First: Keeping Your Business First", an event sponsored by the DDA, Chamber of Commerce and the City Manager, to be held on Thursday, March 26, 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at The Emory.

Councilman Galloway requested Item D be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered following the Regular Agenda.

075. Moved by Galloway, seconded Gumbleton, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended:

A. Approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 23, 2009 and the Minutes of the Special Meetings held February 23, 2009 and February 25, 2009, as submitted by City Clerk.

B. Approved the quote of $4,965 of Cynergy Wireless, Troy, to replace the radio base station at the city yard, and to charge the expense to the Vehicle and Equipment Fund, Capital, account number 661-977.

C. Approved the low bid of $4,427 of Shelving Rack and Supply, Inc., for 12 storage lockers, and to charge the expense to the Vehicle and Equipment Fund, Operating Supplies, account number 661-740.

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

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

076. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Galloway, to appoint Darwin D. Parks to the Civil Service Board for a term ending 12/31/2014.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

077. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, that the five-year fee proposal of $453,109 of Worry Free, Inc., 223 East LaSalle, Royal Oak, to provide landscape-maintenance services be approved; that the first-year’s expense of $69,851 be charged as detailed in the DPW Director’s memorandum of February 19; that the contract by and between Worry Free, Inc., be approved and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign it.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

078. Moved by Gumbleton, seconded by Galloway, to adopt the Proclamation supporting Earth Hour and establishing March 28, 2009 as Earth Hour Day in the City of Ferndale.

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT FROM TABLE: Council Member Lennon,

MOTION CARRIED

079. Moved by Lennon, seconded by Baker, to authorize award of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan update to the lowest qualified bidder, Kirbach Consultancy for $22,500, as recommended by Recreation Director Hall, to be charged to 101-805-814, budgeted $10,000 in FYE-09 and $12,500 in FYE-10.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

080. Moved by Galloway, seconded by Baker, to approve the settlement offer of Nagle Paving Company to repair and colorcoat the six tennis courts located on city and city-leased property adjacent to the high school; and to charge $7,911, the city’s share of the settlement expense, to the Public Improvement Fund, Capital, account number 245-977.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

B. Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA) – City Manager Bruner reported Ferndale is now accepting applications from members of the millennial generation to serve on the Millennial Mayors Conference, and cooperative endeavor between area mayors and young adults to create an action agenda for regional change. The deadline for applications is March 29.

C. South Oakland County Mayors Association (SOCMA) – Mayor Covey announced the next meeting is on Wednesday, March 11, in Clawson.

F. Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) – Councilwoman Baker reported on the annual meeting, noting that Anita’s Kitchen received an Economic Development Award, Night Moves, an eco-friendly shuttle bus, won Best New By-way Asset; and the City of Ferndale won Best Planning Vision.

Frank Flores, Vice President of the Ferndale Historical Museum, reported on the restoration and display of The Lincoln Mural at the Museum.

Jerry Olli, Southeast Oakland Coalition, announced an event on Thursday, March 26, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Kulick Center honoring several members of the Ferndale community, including Paul Simpson of the Ferndale Police Department. Pam Rich, Executive Director, introduced herself and reported on her goals for the Coalition.

081. DPW Director Photiades reported he will be presenting nine Ferndale road projects to the Federal Aid Committee tomorrow and expects five of them to be approved for a total of $2.6 million in grant funding. The other four projects, if approved, could represent an additional $800,000 for the City.

082. Fire Chief Schmidt complimented Ferndale High School (FHS) staff and teachers for an excellent evacuation job during a small bathroom fire last Friday.

083. Police Captain Collins reported the Police Department caught the party responsible for the FHS fire. Capt. Collins wished everyone a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

084. City Clerk Tallman reported Ferndale businesses have been given a three-week grace period to submit their business registration forms along with the $25 fee without late charges or other additional fees and fines. The new deadline is March 20.

085. City Manager Bruner reported the City has been successful in receiving half a million dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. He noted he has assigned other administrative staff and appointees to search out and secure additional ARRA funds.

086. City Attorney Christ reported the judge in the Ferndale vs. Florence Cement case has issued an order in full favor of the City.

087. Councilwoman Baker thanked the attendees of the Ferndale Education Foundation dinner, and thanked the City Clerk’s office for extending the business registration deadline. Councilwoman Baker referenced information from Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s office regarding an incentive program for retrofitting homes and businesses.

088. Councilman Lennon requested that consideration to appoint Mark Van Dyke to the Environmental Impact Commission be placed on the next Council agenda. Councilman Lennon appealed to residents to help the DPW control flooding by cleaning the sewer grates in front of their houses.

089. Councilwoman Gumbleton thanked the attendees of the Taste of Ferndale fundraising dinner for the Ferndale Community Foundation. Councilwoman Gumbleton noted she has forwarded to the City Manager information on green stimulus packages.

090. Councilman Galloway stated his belief that the quality of the City’s services is directly tied to the longevity of staff members and department directors and thanked City staff for their work. Regarding the Ferndale Education Foundation dinner, Councilman Galloway noted it was refreshing to be with people excited about our schools. Councilman Galloway reported Senators Stabenow and Levin secured $51,000 in ARRA funding for the Police Department.

091. Mayor Covey announced Jennifer Roosenberg is the new Chamber of Commerce Director. Mayor Covey pointed out the City has recently received good publicity on business growth in downtown Ferndale. Mayor Covey reported former Mayor Porter has been appointed by Governor Granholm as Director of the State Fair. Mayor Covey wished Senator Ted Kennedy "Happy Birthday".

There being no objections, Mayor Covey adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.

J. Cherilynn Tallman, City Clerk