Work Session
August 3, 2009
Page 3
CITY OF FENTON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
WORK SESSION
Monday, August 3, 2009
City Hall Council Chambers
301 South Leroy Street
Meeting called to order by Mayor Osborn at 7:30 PM.
Present: Faricy, Hammond, Kasper, King, North, Osborn, Rauch.
Absent: None.
Others Present: Lynn Markland, City Manager; Michael Burns, Assistant City Manager; Rick Aro, Police Chief; Les Bland, DPW Director.
APPLEFEST ROAD RACE
Aro stated that residents of the Westwood Park Subdivision had expressed concerns over the road race route through their neighborhood. These concerns were mainly about the time the road would be closed and access to the homes by emergency vehicles with only one entrance to the subdivision.
Tim and Mary Arthur, 7375 Jeffrey Court, Linden, were present along with Marty Ramirez on behalf of the road race committee. Mr. Arthur informed Council that the race would last approximately one hour through the Westwood Park neighborhood. King reported she spoke with some residents who have no problem with the route. Others complain that they work during the week and can’t get out of their driveways to get things done on race day. She suggested that the race be re-routed to Forest Drive, Mary Court and Oak Park Drive. Arthur stated that the reality is that wherever the race is held, it will inconvenience people.
Kasper stated his home is located in the route of just about everything that happens in town. He views it as a delightful experience, noting it adds ambience to the City.
King expressed concern about parking on the grass in Bush Park if it rains. Bland explained that there is an agreement between the City and St. John’s Church that any damage done will be repaired.
Osborn suggested the committee contact MTA for shuttling back and forth in an effort to prepare for the temporary closure of Adelaide Street next year.
This request will be placed on the next regular council agenda.
FENTON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PROPOSED CHANGES
Markland explained that FIS is proposing to close a portion of Ellen Street. Peggy Yates stated they are requesting permission to close a portion of the street in order to perform needed site improvements to enhance parking and parent drop off areas; and in doing so, provide a safer environment for the students. No decision has been made yet on demolishing the old gymnasium.
Yates stated that part of the decision for the board is based on whether City Council would consider closing Ellen Street. She reviewed the site plan, however Council had not received this updated version for their review. Bland informed Yates and Council that water and storm sewer mains run the entire length of Ellen Street and need to be relocated if the project continues as proposed with a new building over the street.
Faricy pointed out that Ellen Street is the main staging area for all parades. He also noted that it would be nice to work with the City if possible on basketball courts, large play area and other enhancements. Yates agreed, noting there will also be enhancements to the ball field and backstops with help from the Little League.
King suggested also including some angle parking on Ellen street along with the parking lots. Kasper stated, as a previous user, Ellen Street is one of the most dangerous streets he has driven on.
Annette Porter reported she has four daughters going through the Fenton schools. She has no problem with the street vacation from the West Street end. Her issue is with vacating the current part of the street where the majority of the activity takes place now. She also asked if the four residents on the east end of Ellen Street have been notified about making a parking lot in front of their homes. She then pointed out that parents don’t drop off three to five year olds and let them walk into a school alone. Her concern is whether this design is best for the residents and the students. She is opposed to the proposed plan and tearing down the historical gymnasium.
Shelley Richard, 8240 W. Rolston Road, Linden expressed concerns about the old building coming down and asked if the City was concerned about possible asbestos in the building, as well as lead paint and how far the dust will travel when the building is torn down. Bland assured her that state regulations will dictate and control the process.
Nora Kryza, 12008 Jeffers Lane, stated that as a parent she would echo the safety concerns, noting this has been by far the most dangerous area for dropping off and picking up children. She also noted that the green space is much more accessible for students by not having to cross the street. She felt that the Ellen Street residents might actually like the change to a short two-way street.
Kasper is very much in favor and felt it should move along like any other project, noting the street vacation request must first be submitted to the Planning Commission. King felt she did not have enough information to make a decision. Hammond agreed that the proper procedures should be followed by taking the street vacation to the Planning Commission. North felt the School Board was on the right path. Osborn recommended having their architect contact Brad Hissong and Les Bland to discuss any potential issues and their related costs.
OTHER
Cross Connection Program - Bland has investigated whether there are other companies in Michigan who work with Cross Connection programs. He reported there are two companies in Chicago. Hydro Designs currently serves eighty cities in Michigan and sixty in Wisconsin. The City does not have the resources to perform over 400 inspections per year. All buildings in the city have been inspected at least once by Hydro Designs. The price quoted is $180.00 more than previous years to cover additional work mandated by the State to complete paperwork for the safe drinking water permit. Bland also has spoken with the DEQ and was told that in their opinion, Hydro Designs is the best company for cross connection programs. Bland added that the company is familiar with Fenton’s water system, the city and its procedures.
Faricy stated that his concerns were that of competitive bidding and obtaining the best price for the City.
King asked if the missing well had been located. Bland took this opportunity to explain that it is not a water well that is missing, but a test well which was required before the water plant was built. He believes it was taken out during construction, however there are still four monitoring wells remaining.
This item will be placed on next regular meeting agenda.
Millage Proposal - Markland stated that revenue for local streets comes from Act 51 funds, noting that some years this barely covers the costs. Each year $500,000 has been placed in the local street fund from the general fund. He would like Council to discuss the possibility of going to the voters for a millage increase for capital improvements, noting that l mil would generate approximately $360,000 per year.
North stated it would give the public the opportunity to decide. Markland suggested Council should look at perhaps a 1.5 mil increase, again noting the necessity due to a drop in revenue sharing and budget deficits.
Bland informed Council that the City’s engineering firm has inspected and rated all the local streets. The City has had a capital improvement plan for many years, but lately have lacked funding.
Hammond suggested a millage to pay off the bonding issues and then bond for streets.
The general consensus was to go forward with the millage proposal.
Trenchless Technology - Osborn reported there is a road show in New Jersey on trenchless technology which costs $600.00 per attendee. King noted they would share a room to help reduce the cost and stressed the need for investigation. Osborn, King and Markland would be attending. Faricy and Kasper both felt that Bland should be attending, noting that Osborn, King and Markland were not knowledgeable about this technology. Bland has researched the latest trenchless technology and explained that in some instances it works, however it is not designed for use in smaller pipes.
Council felt that Bland and Markland only should attend to reduce costs.
Resignation - Osborn submitted a letter of resignation of Jeri Stiles from the Downtown Development Authority. She would like to have a dinner at the Fenton Hotel for just the old original DDA members. Council felt it would set precedent and did not agree. Osborn will see that they receive plaques.
CALL TO AUDIENCE – None.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48.
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Sue Osborn, Mayor Melinda Carrier, City Clerk