Regular City Council Meeting s12

City of Southgate Regular City Council Meeting September 1, 2010

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Southgate was held in the Municipal Council Chambers, 14400 Dix-Toledo Highway, Southgate, Michigan on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 and was called to order at 8:00 PM by Council President Phillip J. Rauch.

Present: Carol Batko, Jan Ferencz, Patricia Ganzberger, Karen George, Phillip Rauch, Christopher Rollet, Dale Zamecki. Absent: None. Also Present: Mayor Joseph G. Kuspa, City Administrator Brandon Fournier, City Attorney Ed Zelenak, Assistant Administrator/Finance Director David Angileri, Engineer John Hennessey, Treasurer Sheryl Denman, City Clerk Thomas Alexander, Building Inspections Director Bob Casanova, DPS Director Keith Tackett, Fire Chief Douglas Gildner, Public Safety Director Thomas Coombs, Police Chief Jeff Meussner, Recreation Director Ronald Jewell, Senior Center Coordinator Audrey Holmes.

This meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call. minutes: Moved by Rollet, supported by Zamecki, RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting dated August 18, 2010 be approved as presented. Carried unanimously.

Mayor Kuspa accompanied by Mayor Vaslo of Lincoln Park and Mayor Lamarand of Taylor recognized Kevin Moss, Ricky McDowell, Steve Barr and Derek Bolyard by awarding them the Tri-City Citizen Award of Valor for their brave efforts and heroic rescue of two gentlemen who nearly drown in a rip tide in Little Travers Bay near Petoskey. business minute:

Mayor Kuspa, on behalf of the City of Southgate, recognized Mallie’s Sports Bar & Grill (to be featured on Modern Marvels – History Channel – preparing their signature 284 pound burger) and its owner Stephen Mallie for providing a unique and welcoming dining experience and for going above and beyond by supporting the local community and a long list of charitable organizations.

Stephen Mallie expressed his appreciation; looks forward to being in Southgate for many years to come. consideration of bids:

1. Letter from Mayor; re: 2010 Sidewalk Replacement Program was read.

Councilman George asked what part of the City will receive sidewalk improvement; with it being stated the triangle area.

Moved by Zamecki, supported by Ferencz, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendations of the Mayor and City Engineer and hereby awards the bid for the 2010/2011 Sidewalk Replacement Program to the lowest bidder, A. Land Construction, Inc. (22146 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127) in the amount of $63,042.50 as determined to be in the best interest of the City; FURTHER, sufficient funds are available in the Water/Sewer and Road Funds to cover costs associated with this bid award. Carried unanimously.

Regular City Council Meeting dated September 1, 2010 officials’ reports:

Councilman Ferencz reported on the following: 1. Reminded that Fall Recreation Programs begin soon-contact 734.258.3010 ext 3135 for details.

Councilman Ganzberger reported on the following: 1. Relayed resident concerns about unsightly weeds at City Hall.

2. Thanked Administrator Fournier on behalf of a resident who received prompt, helpful assistance.

Councilman George reported on the following: 1. The City Beautiful Commission is sponsoring a “Garden Photo Contest”; photos can be submitted to the th Mayor’s Office through September 30 (please put your name, address & phone # on back of photo).

2. As part of the Elected Officials “Give Back Effort”, she purchased a set of children’s books for the library (authored and signed by a former Southgate resident, Greg Pugh-a retired teacher); commented on limited library funding for books.

3. Complimented/Recognized the work of Kay Warren who created a display that depicts the History of Southgate’s Elected Officials (on display in the City Hall lobby).

4. Commented on the Paperless Council Agenda; noted Administration was very cost efficient in the purchase of equipment for this endeavor.

Councilman Zamecki reported on the following: 1. The DDA awarded grants to 8 of the 9 businesses that applied for BIG Program Façade Improvement Grants as follows: American Lock & Key, Express Flooring Outlet, Angelo’s, McLaughlin’s, Southgate Surgery Center, TDK Financial Service Center, Top Value Service Center, and Zubors.

2. Congratulated Senior Coordinator Norma Hendin on her upcoming retirement and Senior Coordinator Audrey Holmes on her new position.

3. Expressed Sympathies to the Miller family.

4. Urged residents to contact County Executive Ficano (313.224.0286) or County Commissioner Palamara (313.224.0880) to voice objection to removing the County’s Assessment Division because, if accomplished, the City will incur additional Assessment expenses. Administrator Fournier added in an attempt to be prepared, the City is looking at alternatives. Mailing Address for County Executive/Commissioner: 600 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226. 5. Announced that Attorney Zelenak will be receiving the Frank J. Kelly Distinguished Public Servant Award from the State Bar of Michigan on September 29th.

Mayor Kuspa reported on the following: th 1. On September 25 (10AM-2PM), the Police Department (in cooperation with the Federal Drug Enforcement Association’s nationwide effort) will be accepting expired, unused, unwanted or potentially dangerous controlled substances & other medications for proper medication disposal.

2. Provided update on the Brest Road Improvement Project.

3. Wal-Mart Update: On September 13th, there will be a PreConstruction Meeting with the City; demolition efforts are expected in the near future.

4. The Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is hosting its 13th Annual Community Baby Shower/Informational Seminar on September 30th; (open to low income pregnant women and parents with children younger than 3 months). For more information, visit www.waynemetro.org.

5. Flu Shots (for Senior Citizens) will be available on October 19th, contact 734.258.3066 for details.

6. Personnel Changes:

Regular City Council Meeting dated September 1, 2010

a) Audrey Holmes has been named the Senior Coordinator; Senior Coordinator Hendin will be retiring this month, extended well wishes.

b) Bernadette Moore has been named the Code Enforcement Officer; Enforcement Officer Turner retired on August 31, 2010, extended well wishes.

c) Fire Department Employees - Captain Patrick Kakos & Captain Keith Geasland have announced their plans to retire.

Councilman George requested that the “medicine drop off” and “baby shower information” be displayed on the City’s Municipal Channel. communications a:

1. Letter from Detective/Lieutenant Sukel; re: Southgate Hospitality, Inc. (MLLC #557625).

Councilman George asked what change is being requested; it was noted that two Holiday Inn shareholders are requesting permission to transfer 125 shares of stock to a new stock holder. Administrator Fournier added that more information will be provided in the cover letter for Michigan Liquor Control Commission matters (as requested by Council Members). Councilman George pointed out that she interprets that “already established” (with regard to topless activity), excludes topless activity, with that being determined to be true. Moved by Ferencz, supported by George, RESOLVED, that the request “to transfer shares of stock” in a 2010 B Hotel Licensed Business with Dance-Entertainment Permit, Outdoor Service (1 area) and Official Permit (food), (2) Bars, 160 Rooms, located at 17201 Northline Road, Southgate, MI 48195, Wayne County, wherein existing Stockholders Malik Abdulnoor and Thamer Gasso each transfer 62.5 shares of stock to a new stockholder, Ismail Shaba, be considered for approval; FURTHER, it is the consensus of this legislative body that the application (#557625) be recommended for issuance, as requested by Southgate Hospitality. Carried unanimously.

2. Memo from Administrator; re: Police Department Cost Recovery Fee Schedule was read.

Moved by Zamecki, supported by Batko, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Administrator and hereby approves the Police Department Cost Recovery Fee Schedule in accordance with Ordinance #905 (as presented & attached); FURTHER, that the same be forwarded to AccuMed Inc. for the cost recovery billing process. Carried unanimously.

3. Letter from Mayor; re: Appointments to TIFA was read. Moved by Ganzberger, supported by Rollet, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the Mayor’s appointment of

 John Graziani (12356 Dorset Court) to the Tax Increment Financing Authority through December of 2014, and

 Barbara Farrah (GCSI, One Michigan Avenue Building, 120 N. Washington Square, Suite 110, Lansing, MI 48933) to the Tax Increment Financing Authority through December of 2012.

Motion carried unanimously. Discussion took place regarding the TIFA group. It was determined that Council would be forwarded a listing of TIFA Members once the Board has been completely assembled and that Administration would be calling a TIFA meeting in the near future.

4. Letter from Mayor; re: Appointment to the BZA was read. Regular City Council Meeting dated September 1, 2010

Moved by Ganzberger, supported by Batko, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council hereby concurs with the Mayor’s appointment of Patrick Guentner (12122 Churchill) to the Board of Zoning Appeals to fill an unexpired term (of Audrey Holmes) through December of 2010. Carried unanimously.

Councilman George thanked newly retained Senior Coordinator Audrey Holmes for her years of service as a Board of Zoning Appeals Member.

5. Memo from Administrator; re: Sale of Donated Recreational Vehicle was read.

Moved by Zamecki, supported by Batko, WHEREAS, in December of 2009 former City Administrator Levon King donated a Recreational Vehicle to the City of Southgate, and WHEREAS, it has been determined that repair of said vehicle is cost prohibitive, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendations of the City Administrator, DPS Director & Chief Mechanic and hereby authorizes sale of Recreational Vehicle #1FDKE3OLOHHB82474 to the highest bidder, Joseph Servetter, in the amount of $1,000.00. Carried unanimously.

6. Memo from Administrator; re: Contract with Chief of Police, Jeffrey Meussner was read.

Moved by Zamecki, supported by Rollet, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Administrator and hereby approves the Letter of Agreement between the City of Southgate and Jeffrey Meussner to serve as the Chief of Police (effective September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2013) as presented; FURTHER, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign said agreement on behalf of the City. Carried unanimously.

7. Memo from Administrator; re: Contract with Public Safety Director, Thomas Coombs, was read.

Moved by Ganzberger, supported by Ferencz, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Administrator and hereby approves the Letter of Agreement between the City of Southgate and Thomas Coombs to serve as the Director of Public Safety (effective September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2013) as presented; FURTHER, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign said agreement on behalf of the City. Carried unanimously.

8. Memo from Administrator; re: Public Services Cost Recovery Fee Schedule was read.

Moved by Ferencz, supported by George, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Administrator and hereby approves the Department of Public Services Personnel Cost Recovery Fee Schedule and the MDOT Equipment Rental Rate Schedule in accordance with Ordinance #905 (as presented & attached); FURTHER, that the same be forwarded to AccuMed Inc. for the cost recovery billing process. Carried unanimously.

Councilman Rollet inquired about the equipment fees, with it being stated that a listing of equipment fees is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office & the Department of Public Services. old business: . Councilman George; re: Laptop Training.

Requested that a Laptop Training Session be scheduled for Council; reminded that she needs installation assistance as well. Administrator Fournier agreed to schedule it. Mayor Kuspa commended Clerk Alexander for his seamless transition to the Lap Top System; extended Happy Anniversary wishes. . Councilman Ganzberger; re: Promoting Southgate.

Recalled mentioning the possibility of asking the DDA to fund the rental of signage/billboard advertising space along I-75 (near Exit 34) to make drivers aware of nearby restaurants, gas Regular City Council Meeting dated September 1, 2010

stations and lodging. She recalled discussing the possibility of MDOT signage and discussed the matter with State Representative Kandrevas, who put forth a valiant effort, however, MDOT does not have funds for the signage, nor would an MDOT type sign serve the desired purpose because Southgate is not situated directly at Exit 34. Therefore, she requested that the DDA consider expending monies to rent a billboard to advertise facilities within the City. new business:

. Attorney Zelenak; re: Medical Marijuana Ordinance.

Attorney Zelenak recalled that Council recently established regulations for Medical Marijuana Facilities by adopting Ordinance #914. He advised that said ordinance shall be amended to reflect the following: Under 1260.07 (b) Definitions, it is supposed to say “caregiver who is” rather than “caregivers who are”. He requested that Council approve said change.

Moved by George, supported by Ganzberger, RESOLVED, that the Southgate City Council hereby corrects the definition of “Medical Marijuana Facility” to read as follows:

“ Medical Marijuana Facility” means a facility where a primary caregiver who is legally registered by the Michigan Department of Community Health may lawfully assist qualified patients who are legally registered by the Michigan Department of Community Health for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the Michigan Marijuana Act as amended. Assistance to qualifying patients does not include the ingestion of marijuana on the premises. A Medical Marijuana Facility does not include an operation which in any way fails to comply with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act or the rules of the Michigan Department of Community Health, as it may be amended from time to time.

Motion carried unanimously. persons in the audience (unscheduled): 1. Ernie Abercrombie: Advised that the DCC has received a grant to assist low income persons with weatherization items like siding, insulation, and roofing. He urged interested residents to contact the DCC to find out if they qualify. Mayor Kuspa noted that Mary & Joan handle this program and can be reached at 362-3475.

o Non low income persons interested in weatherization projects can visit michigansaves.org to find out about low interest financing offers.

o He travels on Dix-Toledo regularly and has noticed three (at Superior, Pearl & Northline) less than smooth transitions. He wondered if they will be repaired or have warranties. Engineer Hennessey explained that the Dix Toledo project is led by Wayne County and he has contacted them about a number of transitions. Typically, the County does not have a warranty period; however, the County will not issue the final payment until all components have been completed per the contract specifications as driven by MDOT. He will pass on noted concerns to the county construction engineer.

o He added that there are curb and sidewalk problems in front of his building at 13565-13585 Dix Toledo. Engineer Hennessey believes those issues will be addressed prior to the final completion date of October 31, 2010; however, he will also relay this item.

2. Cynthia Kallgren: Re-Introduced herself as a nominee for State Representative; expressed gratitude for the vote of confidence. Regular City Council Meeting dated September 1, 2010 claims and accounts:

Moved by Batko, supported by Rollet, RESOLVED, that Claims and Accounts be paid as outlined on Warrant #1168 in the amount of $938,859.82. Carried unanimously. adjournment:

Moved by Ferencz, supported by George, RESOLVED, that this Regular Meeting of the Southgate City Council be adjourned at 8:48 P.M. Carried unanimously.

______Phillip J. Rauch Thomas M. Alexander Council President City Clerk kw – 9.14.10