City of Northville Board and Commission Selection Committee Meeting Minutes January 27, 2020 Call to Order The Board and Commission Selection Committee meeting was called to order at 8:15am at the City of Northville Municipal Building – Council Chambers, 215 W. Main Street, Northville, , 48167.

It was noted that Selection Committee members Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Price and Councilmember Patrick Giesa were present. Also present was City Clerk Dianne Massa, and applicant Susan Haifleigh. No citizens were present.

Public Comments None

Review Minutes The minutes of 1/13/20 and 1/15/20 were approved as submitted.

Board and Commission Applicant Interviews - Planning Commission

Each applicant was advised that the Committee was interviewing 10 applicants to fill the Planning Commission vacancy.

The Committee asked each applicant the following questions: 1. Experience pertaining to Master Plan revisions, and development and site plan application review. 2. Ability to handle intensity at Planning Commission meetings. 3. Ability to approach the redevelopment of Northville Downs with an open mind.

Susan Haifleigh. Discussion focused on: • Master Plan and site plan/development plan review experience: Haifleigh’s early career was in retail development. She worked on the development of Somerset Mall, Twelve Oaks Mall, and other projects across the United States. With her commercial design work, as Design Director for M3D Experiences in , Haifleigh worked with the Mayor’s innovative Motor City Match program by providing design, branding, and project management services. Motor City Match endeavors to support the infill of service and infrastructure businesses in Detroit. In her advisory role with Greater Woodward CDC, she assisted in the planning and support for their property development projects including the redevelopment of the Albert Kahn building near the Packard plant. Haifleigh has not worked on a Master Plan revision at the Planning Commission level. • Intense Planning Commission meetings: Haifleigh consulted with family and friends before submitting her application. She would be committed to the Master Plan revision process, as well as the practical aspects of Planning Commissioner duties. She has vast experience with small and large group facilitation, and project management skills. Haifliegh believed she can handle the “heat” with grace. • Open mind: It is critical that the City reopen the Master Plan and be willing to review all points of view. There is a need for a positive shift in public opinion regarding redevelopment, and a need to educate the public. Board and Commission Selection Committee Meeting Minutes January 27, 2020 – Page 2

Other comments/discussion: • Important to include all constituents in the planning process. She wants to be involved to help bring the community together. The community cannot sit on the sidelines and be critical, without becoming involved. • Haifleigh understands the dynamics of balancing economic development with governance/song/placemaking/culture. • She studied and teaches the planning theories and participated in planning and development work, including the “Nine Principles of Ethical Redevelopment” with Theater Gates. • Owns an architectural design practice in the City of Northville. • Extensive background in green and sustainable infrastructure and environmental design principles and their use. • Has excellent planning, research, project management and facilitation skills. • Is supportive of the City’s planning consultant, and Carlisle/Wortman Associates. • Was pleased to know there were 10 applicants being interviewed for this vacancy. She reviewed the other applications, noting there is a wealth of knowledge in the community. • Plans to remain engaged and involved if not chosen to fill the Planning Commission vacancy. • Discussion of the Planning Commission meeting schedule, 75% attendance policy, and the Planning Commission’s involvement in the upcoming Master Plan public educational sessions.

Applicant William Salliotte arrived at 8:25am. Being no further questions, Haifleigh thanked the Selection Committee and left the meeting at 8:30am.

William Salliotte. Discussion focused on: • Master Plan and site plan/redevelopment review experience: Salliotte is the Director of Development (Real Estate) for . He has experience securing entitlements for retail projects and appearing before Planning Commissions across the United States. Salliotte understands how the project development review process works. Salliotte also spoke of his experience with Master Plans, traffic studies, and parking studies as it pertained to retail projects for Taubman developments. He has not served as a Planning Commissioner. • Intense Planning Commission meetings: Spoke of his experience in presenting Taubman commercial projects to various Planning Commissions and their constituents. Passionate citizen engagement is okay if it can aid in guiding the decision making process. • Open mind: He understands that redevelopment of Northville Downs is new to the community. You cannot make up your mind without all of the data and facts. The community should listen to its consultants and respect their areas of expertise.

Other discussion focused on: • Discussion of the Planning Commission meeting schedule, 75% attendance policy, and the Planning Commission’s involvement in the upcoming Master Plan public educational sessions. • Work and personal schedule is flexible; can schedule travel around meeting schedule. • Goal to become more involved in the community. He has developer perspective and experience to bring to the table.

Applicant Michael Potempa arrived at 8:30am, and left during Salliotte’s interview. Being no further questions, Salliotte thanked the Selection Committee and left the meeting at 8:45am. Potempa returned to the meeting at 8:45am. Board and Commission Selection Committee Meeting Minutes January 27, 2020 – Page 3

Michael Potempa. Discussion focused on: • Master Plan and site plan/redevelopment review experience: While he did not have this kind of experience, Potempa has a background in Mechanical Engineering. He has professional experience with project leadership as an engineering and program manager in the automotive industry. He also has 10 years of technical management experience. • Intense Planning Commission meetings: Potempa’s program management experience has afforded him experience with people (employees) pushing back at change. He understands that concerns can be legitimate. Planning Commissioners need to listen to concerns and determine if concern is valid and how it should be addressed. • Open mind: It is important to have an open mind as all data is not in yet, and the process is not completed. He is looking to build community consensus and data is key to making many decisions.

Other discussion focused on: • Discussion of the Planning Commission meeting schedule, 75% attendance policy, and the Planning Commission’s involvement in the upcoming Master Plan public educational sessions. • Desire to become an active participant in the community as he has long-term plans to stay in Northville. • Questioned the process to have the various consultants provide timely studies and reviews to the Planning Commission and community.

Being no further questions, Potempa thanked the Selection Committee and left the meeting at 8:58pm. Leanie Bayly arrived at 9:01am.

Leanie Bayly. Discussion focused on: • Master Plan and site plan/development plan review experience: Bayly is a long-term City resident and homeowner in the Historic District. She previously served on the Master Plan steering committee and participated in the Master Plan workshops. Bayly has experience working with other businesses and is well-respected by the community. Community members have asked her to step up and serve as their voice on the Planning Commission. Bayly does her homework and will research and analyze matters and areas of which she is not familiar. She is analytical and knows how to work together to build a team. • Intense Planning Commission meetings: It is important to be calm and controlled when listening to community comments. Life experiences have afforded her the ability to filter through and summarize comments and concerns. • Open mind: The developer/applicant spend a lot of time on an application and project proposal. They deserve respect and to have their proposal heard by the Planning Commission and community.

Other discussion focused on: • Experienced in working with local ordinances, rules, and standards. • Experience working and interfacing with the public, boards and commissions, City organizations and local businesses. • Previously served on the Historic District Commission. Current member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. She consistently studies and reviews each application based upon individual merit. Board and Commission Selection Committee Meeting Minutes January 27, 2020 – Page 4

• Discussion of the Planning Commission meeting schedule, 75% attendance policy, and the Planning Commission’s involvement in the upcoming Master Plan public educational sessions. • Questioned if the Planning Commission composition allowed for alternate members (no).

Being no further questions, Bayly thanked the Selection Committee and left the meeting at 9:17am.

Discussion The Selection Committee discussed the applicants, noting the following:

• Haifleigh stands out as qualified applicant, steeped with experience. Facilitation skills would be an asset. Haifleigh should also be considered to serve on the Sustainability Committee. • Salliotte has a lot of experience appearing before, and working with Planning Commissions. • Potempa has great enthusiasm, along with organizational experience guiding group processes. • Bayly has extensive community involvement and previous experience serving on the Historic District Commission.

The Committee concurred that, of those interviewed today, Haifleigh and Salliotte have the most experience specific to the planning process.

As two of the applicants also serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), the City Clerk will contact the City Attorney to determine the number of Planning Commission members that can simultaneously serve on the BZA. Currently, Tinberg is the Planning Commission member that also serves on the BZA.

The next meeting date is January 28, 2020 at 8:15am.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25am.

______Dianne Massa, CMC City Clerk Approved as submitted: 10/05/2020