City Council - October 12, 2009

Draft
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009

A Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council was held Monday, October 12, 2009 at City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Mayor Covey called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Covey, Council Members Baker, Galloway, Gumbleton, Lennon
Absent: None

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
349. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilman Galloway, to approve the agenda as submitted.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

4. PRESENTATION
A. Ferndale Film Festival

Dean Bach of the Ferndale Film Festival introduced the Board of Directors consisting of Suzanne Janik, Maggie Patton, Tiffany Otwell, Bill Urich and Greg Russell, who was unable to attend. Mr. Urich gave a report on the event and Mr. Bach distributed proceeds from the event, giving $1,000 each to Ferndale Youth Assistance and Midwest AIDS Coalition and $500 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The board also gave Certificates of Appreciation to MAC, FYA, the Ferndale Police and Fire Departments, the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission and the City of Ferndale.

5. CALL TO AUDIENCE

Jeannie Davis noted the Wednesday, October 14 Lunch with the Mayor at the Kulick Center. She also announced the deadline to sign up for the November 13 Thanksgiving luncheon at the Kulick Center is October 28. She commended the Recreation staff on their efforts during the recent Fall Fun Fest.

Trevor Johnson reported on the Good Neighbors Garden potluck and corn roast held the previous weekend. He encouraged Council to grow gardens in their yards and offered them reduced rates for his services at New Dawn Gardenscapes.

Timothy Risk of the Environmental Sustainability Commission stated that the last Green Tuesday event of the year will be held on October 13 at the Community Center. The topic of discussion will be home winterization.

Ann Serafin of the Disability Advisory Commitee discussed the curb cut information she distributed to Councilman Galloway and Mayor Covey. She reported that she had examined curb cuts in the southwest quadrant of the City for ease of use. She stated that she had met with DPW Director Photiades, DPW Superintendent Crowley, City Engineer Tucker and Scott Ringler of Giffels-Webster to discuss ADA compliance regarding curb cuts.

Sharon Chess of the DDA spoke about Third Thursday on October 15 theme of Zombie Night and invited the community to attend. She asked businesses to begin decorating for the holiday in November and promoted the Warm Hearted Cookie Challenge. She spoke about the Holiday Ice Festival coming up in December and requested volunteers from the community for all the events. She was commended by Mayor Covey for her work in the non-profit round table she hosted with Denise Ilitch, Mayor Covey, Jennifer Roosenberg from the Chamber of Commerce and DDA Director Sheppard-Decius to bring non-profits and businesses together to work with each other.

Greg Pawlica discussed the financial problems the City will be facing in the next few years and requested council delay building new facilities.

Melanie Piana related resident’s concerns about parking in the City and the aging Court house. She called for all factions to work together to solve these problems. She spoke of the need for progress even during hard times and called for unity.

Cristina Sheppard-Decius, DDA Director, announced that on Saturday, October 17 the Guinness Book of World Records will be at AJ’s Café to officially recognize AJ O’Neill for the record-breaking Assembly Line Concert.

Ken Seawell, Ferndale Youth Assistance Chair, announced a Bowl-a-Thon to be held at 1:00 on November 15 at Luxury Lanes to raise funds for their summer camp program. Businesses and others can purchase a banner for $50 to support the goal to send 100 kids to camp next year.

Councilman Lennon left Council Chambers at 8:03 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA
Item 6D was requested to be removed the Consent Agenda to be considered following the Regular Agenda.

350. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilman Galloway to approve the consent agenda as amended:

A. Approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 28, 2009.

B. Approved the Intergovernmental Agreements with the Cities of Oak Park and Huntington Woods for Southwest Storage Yard as a transfer site for leaves and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement.

C. Approved the beautification segment of CDBG Program Year 2009 to Great Lakes Landscaping, of Ferndale, in the amount of $4,390 and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract.

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, Baker, Mayor Covey

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Lennon

MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Lennon returned Council Chambers at 8:06 p.m.

7. REGULAR AGENDA
A. (1) Appointments of Jason Arnold and David Talucci to Disability Advisory Committee

351. Moved by Councilman Lennon, seconded by Councilwoman Baker, to confirm the appointments of Jason Arnold and David Talucci to the Disability Advisory Committee.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

A. (2) Appointment of Joe Barrett to the Arts and Cultural Commission for a term ending December 31,2010.
352. Moved by Councilman Lennon, seconded by Councilwoman Baker, to confirm the appointment of Joe Barrett to the Arts and Cultural Commission for a term ending December 31, 2010.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

B. Consideration of DDA/City Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grant
Administration Agreement

353. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilwoman Gumbleton, to approve the grant administration agreement between the Ferndale DDA and City of Ferndale for the Ferndale Pedestrian Alley Improvement Project as presented by the Ferndale DDA to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk on behalf of the City of Ferndale.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

C. Consideration of Ferndale Pedestrian Alley Project Property Transfer Agreement
354. Moved by Councilman Lennon, seconded by Councilwoman Baker, to approve property transfer agreement between the City of Ferndale and Foley Mansfield as presented by the Ferndale DDA to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk on behalf of the City of Ferndale with the additions mentioned by the City Attorney.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

D. Consideration of Ferndale Pedestrian Alley Improvement Construction Agreement

Mayor Covey left Council Chambers at 8:24 p.m., relinquishing the chair to Mayor Pro Tem Galloway.

355. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilwoman Gumbleton, to approve the construction agreement with LaVant Landscaping & Construction Services, Inc. as presented by the Ferndale DDA to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk on behalf of the City of Ferndale.

356. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilwoman Gumbleton, to amend the motion by adding that approval of the construction agreement with LaVant Landscaping & Construction Services, Inc. is contingent upon the transfer of ownership from FM Detroit, LLC to the City of Ferndale.

Mayor Covey returned to Council Chambers at 8:27 p.m. and resumed the chair.

Vote on the Amendment:

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

Vote on the Main Motion:

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

E. Consideration of Preserve America Wayfinding Agreement

357. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilwoman Gumbleton, to approve the Preserve America Wayfinding and Cultural Tourism contract agreement with the Lakota Group for $67,394 as presented by the Ferndale DDA to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk on behalf of the City of Ferndale.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

DDA Director Sheppard-Decius invited the public to attend an event at the DDA on Wednesday, October 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Representatives from the Lakota Group will be available for residents to learn more about the Wayfinding project.

F. Consideration of Military Community Covenant
358. Moved by Councilman Lennon, seconded by Councilwoman Baker, to adopt the Military Community Covenant.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

6. CONSENT AGENDA (continued)

D. Approval of the bid of $8,200 of H. Domine Enterprises, Inc., of Brownstown, to reline the underground storage tank for diesel fuel at the City Yard

359. Moved by Councilwoman Baker, seconded by Councilman Lennon, to approve the bid of $8,200 of H. Domine Enterprises, Inc., of Brownstown, to reline the underground storage tank for diesel fuel at the City Yard and charge the Vehicle and Equipment Fund, Repair and Maintenance account no. 661-000-775.

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

NAYS: None

MOTION CARRIED

8. COUNCIL APPOINTEE REPORT- City Manager

City Manager Bruner presented his goals and objectives progress report.

9. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS:

B. Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA) – Councilwoman Baker announced that MSA Program Director Brittany Galisdorfer had been awarded the 2009 Shining Light Award for regional cooperation as well as being named as a Dave Bing Future Leader honoree.

10. CALL TO COUNCIL

City Manager Bruner announced that this is Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week and added that both of our Code Enforcement Officers are currently out on sick leave. He thanked City Attorney Christ and DDA Director Sheppard-Decius for their work in the Pedestrian Alley Project and Wayfinding projects. He stated that DDA Director Sheppard-Decius was honored as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 under 40.

Councilwoman Baker commented on DDA Director Sheppard-Decius’ honor in Crain’s and commended her for efforts. She mentioned how much work went into the DDA projects passed at the meeting. She spoke about the previous weekend’s events including the West Chesterfield Chili Cook-Off organized by Shannyn Caldwell, the Good Neighbors’ Garden potluck and the Ferncare benefit put together by Irene Ryke and Carol Beeman. The 3rd Ferncare for Music Fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 7 at the House of Shamrocks in Hazel Park at 7 pm. Details can be found on their website at www.ferncare.org. She announced the Ferncare Bowl-a-thon on November 21 at 1:00 at Luxury Lanes and called for teams of four to participate. She announced that the Ferncare 2nd Annual Dinner will be held at the Royal Oak’s Elks Club on May 2nd.

Councilwoman Gumbleton commended DDA Director Sheppard-Decius on her recognition in Crain’s and supported her efforts and denounced attacks on the DDA. She spoke of the previous weekend’s events including the Ferncare benefit and Good Neighbors’ Garden potluck. She acknowledged Trevor Johnson and his hard work and dedication in developing the Good Neighbors’ Garden. She announced the Southeast Oakland Coalition Alliance for Healthy Communities was at the Detroit Zoo tonight honoring Congressman Sander Levin for his dedication to children and families. Councilwoman Gumbleton commented on the recent articles in the paper by the Mayor and denounced his negative comments. She stated that she was sorry for supporting the Mayor.

360. Moved by Baker, supported unanimously, to adopt a Resolution of Condolence for the family of Jozette Grant.

RESOLUTION ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

361. Moved by Lennon, supported unanimously, to adopt a Resolution of Condolence for the family of John R. Marshall.

RESOLUTION ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

Councilman Galloway echoed the comments about the Good Neighbors’ Garden event and promoted the Garden and supported their efforts. He thanked the Pinecrest Circle Ladies on a wonderful event for Ferncare. He announced the upcoming Chamber of Commerce Gala and Silent Auction at Detroit Golf Club on November 12 and suggested contacting the Chamber of Commerce for tickets. He requested an invitation to participate in a forum that he heard two of the council candidates are attending.

Mayor Covey mentioned the upcoming League of Woman Voter’s Candidate Debate on Sunday October 18. He reported about attending the Phil Hart Dinner of the Oakland County Democratic Party with keynote speaker Mass. Congressman Barney Frank. He spoke of his interview with Channel 4 regarding parking in the area and said that he received many comments about the pink hat he wore during the interview. He stated that he was wearing the hat in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no objections, Mayor Covey adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Craig Covey, Mayor

Marne McGrath Schmidt, Deputy City Clerk