HomeMy WebLinkAboutInterlocal Agreements - 2017.09.28 - 34586Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 1
MINUTES OF THE GROSSE POINTE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE ZOOM VIDEO AND PHONE
CONFERENCE PROGRAM ON MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tomkowiak, Council Members Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams
All Council Members indicated their physical location as: Grosse Pointe, Michigan
In Attendance: City Manager Dame, Attorney Kennedy, City Clerk Arthurs, Finance Director Kleinow, Public
Safety Director Alcorn, Public Service Director Randazzo, Parks and Recreation Director
Hardenbrook and City Planner Connochie.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Parthum, second by Council Member Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda
consisting of the following:
1. Minutes from the regular Council Meeting held on February 8, 2021.
2. Invoices
a) Michigan Municipal League - Workers Compensation, Installment #4, $23,526
b) McKenna - Planning Services, December 2020, $5,511.25
c) Doetsch - Sewer Cleaning, January 2021, $8,700
d) Great Lakes Water Authority
- Sewage, January 2021, $75,400
- Sewage, February 2021, $75,400
e) Anderson, Eckstein, & Westrick, Inc.
- Loraine Sewer & Paving – Waterloo to Mack, 12/21/20 – 1/17/21, $6,656
- 2021 Street Improvement Program, 12/21/20 – 1/17/20, $10,098
f) City of Grosse Pointe Farms - Water Purchased, 10/1/20 – 12/31/20, $105,606.17
g) GFL - Recycling, March 2021, $10,200
h) Pointe Alarm - Public Safety Access System, January 2021, $25,484.87
i) Partners In Architecture - New Facilities, Payment #18, $937,622.05
j) BS&A - Remote Building Program, February 2021, $5,100
3. Public Hearing date for single lot assessments set for Monday, April 19, 2021.
4. Approved the rejection of the bid for the sewer replacement bid from Pamar Enterprises.
5. Approved resolution allocating FY 2021 CDBG funds in the amount of $20,000.
6. Authorize the Mayor to sign and approve the renewal of the CLEMIS Agreement.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
Abstain:Council Member Thomas abstained with regard to the approval of the allocation of
CDBG funds.
MOTION CARRIES.
The City Council convened as the Planning Commission.
SITE PLAN AMENDMENT – SAROS BUILDING – 17108 MACK AVENUE
City Planner Connochie made the following report:
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 2
Saros Real Estate has submitted to the Planning Commission an amended site plan for 17108 Mack Avenue,
the Saros Building. The request for amendment is primarily seeking to substitute EFIS instead of the approved
cast stone on the turret. The revised site plan also removes the gateway arch on the eastern side of the building
that was required in the final site plan approval but never constructed. When it was approved in July 2017, it
was with the understanding that it would be a marquee building for years to come, and as a result it was to be
of high-quality in both design and materials. The turret design in particular is the key point of interest for the
building and was to be constructed from cast stone with architectural detailing. This was very explicitly
discussed and outlined in writing at multiple stages in the approval and building process including:
1. Original building plans submitted by Saros for site plan approval.
2. The site plan as approved by the City Planning Commission.
3. The building permit plans submitted by Saros for City Chief Building Official approval.
4. The building permits issued by the City Chief Building Official.
5. The temporary occupancy permit issued by the City Chief Building of ficial, conditioned upon replacement
of the EFIS material installed without permission of the City with the required cast stone material within 18
months. This was guaranteed by a letter of credit supplied by Saros to complete the project as submitted.
The City Planner provided the Commission with background on the how the unapproved materials were
introduced and constructed. It was noted that during the construction process, the City inspected the project,
discovering the incorrect materials, and contacted the owner to address the issue. In an email sent in January
2019, Mr. Saros noted that timing played a key role in the decision to proceed and requested approval for the
alternative façade material. The City Building Official denied Mr. Saros’s request to approve the alternative
façade material administratively after it was improperly installed, and suggested that Mr. Saros consider posting
a letter of credit with a set schedule for replacement of the approved cast stone. On April 5, 2019, a Conditional
Certificate of Occupancy was issued, conditioned upon the installation of “Cast Stone” to exterior turret area as
approved by City Council, and as shown on approved plans (pages A5-00 Dated 7-10-2017, A5-01 Dated 4-2-
2018).” The terms of the Conditional Certificate of Occupancy gave Mr. Saros 18 months to bring the property
into compliance, and Saros supplied the letter of credit to guarantee the work could be done by the City if not
completed by Saros. The property owner was issued a notice of vio lation on December 22, 2020 noting that
the 18 months had expired and giving them an additional month to comply. To date, the property still had not
been brought into compliance. Instead, in February of 2021, Saros submitted this request for consideration by
the Planning Commission. Closer inspection of the building shows several deviations from the originally -
approved site plan. In addition, the “gateway arch” on the eastern edge of the building requested as a condition
of site plan approval was not built. The requested site plan amendment addresses these issues.
Saros Real Estate Services submitted a site plan amendment (dated February 17, 2021) with an intention to
maintain the alternative building material EIFS and reintroduce design elements originally approved by City
Council. Whereas the initially approved work proposed a cast stone turret, the applicant has constructed a turret
comprised of EIFS with significantly lessened architectural interest. The applicant now proposes to strip the
EIFS material that was installed and reapply EIFS with the stacked stone and details underneath the turret
windows to attempt to “match” the original site plan. As proposed, the Planning Commission would allow the
deviation from the originally approved cast stone but ultimately gain similar architectural features that were
originally approved. The memo from the Building Official dated March 9, 2021 noting and discussing a number
of deficiencies in the use of EIFS was reviewed and discussed.
The plan amendment requests formal approval of a second major deviation from the original site plan - the
removal of the gateway arch (noted in the previous section) on the eastern side of the building. This is agreeable
as the gateway is not essential to the building function or appearance. However, the question of material
substitution is a significant quality issue. And, not only was the substitution of EIFS made without contacting
the City, the owner made an additional guarantee to replace the cast stone as a condition of the issuance of
the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
Several options for action regarding the requested site plan amendments were reviewed and discussed.
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 3
The City Planner recommended denying the request for material substitution as inappropriate for what was
intended to be a marquee building, based on not only the conditions of site plan approval, but the guarantee of
the property owner to provide the approved cast stone materials as a condition of his Certificate of Occupancy.
Jimmy Saros, applicant, provided background on how the material substitution was made based on advice of
a contractor and also discussed his perspective on the building, site plan and materials.
Commission discussion took place regarding the materials substituted on the building and its high visibility
location, contacts with the applicant both before and after the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, setting
a precedent and the impact on future projects on Mack Avenue. The importance of the building being
constructed in accordance with the original approved site plan was also discussed. An additional action option
was proposed by a Commissioner.
Motion by Council Member Williams, second by Council Member Parthum, to r equire construction of the
gateway arch from the original approved site plan and approve material modifications (allowing EFIS) with
added architectural features for the upper stories, but require installation of cast stone with the original
architectural features on the first story of the building to address issues with durability and high -visibility on the
pedestrian level. Articulation between the first and second story is required.
The Mayor asked for discussion on the motion. Discussion took place.
Motion by Council Member Williams, second by Council Member Parthum, to call to question and vote on the
previous motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Parthum, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: Juip, Stempfle.
MOTION CARRIES.
Motion by Council Member Williams, second by Council Member Parthum, to require construction of the
gateway arch from the original approved site plan and approve material modifications (allowing EFIS) with
added architectural features for the upper stories, but require installation of cast stone with the original
architectural features on the first story of the building to address issues with durability and high -visibility on the
pedestrian level. Articulation between the first and second story is required.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
PRELIMINARY REPORT – HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE
City Manager Dame made the following report:
To protect investments in properties and the character of the estate neighborhoods of the City, the City Council
approve a moratorium on demolition and new construction in the Estate zoning district in July 2020. City Council
also authorized an investigation of whether a local historic district should be created in those areas. The
moratorium was extended by six months in January 2021 to allow historic district review work to continue.
Establishing a local historic district is the only available tool for municipalities to preclude demolition of historic
buildings. Historic districts also review exterior improvements and new construction on all properties in a district
to ensure changes are appropriate for the neighborhood.
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 4
A summary of the Historic District Study Committee was made and it was noted that the committee adopted a
preliminary report that found a subset of the study area to be eligible for a historic district. The district
investigator process is now in the public and technical review stage, as directed in State law, where citizens
and agencies with interest in the topic can weigh in before the Study Committee makes a formal
recommendation.
City Planner Connochie submitted and reviewed a summary dated March 12, 2 021 regarding the Planning
Commission’s consideration of the preliminary Historic District Study Committee Report adopted February 15,
2021. The Planner summary discussed report, its relationship to the Grosse Pointe Master Plan and future land
use plan and policies. Commission discussion took place regarding the preliminary report. It was the
consensus of the Commission that based on Commission discussion and feedback received by residents that
establishing a Historic District is not beneficial to the City at this time.
The Planning Commission reconvened as the City Council.
Motion by Council Member Walsh, second by Council Member Stempfle to discontinue support of establishing
a Historic District in the City of Grosse Pointe.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
Motion by Council Member Walsh, second by Council Member Stempfle, that Council resolves to terminate
the moratorium prohibiting demolition or new building permits in the Estate Residential zoning district.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
AGREEMENT WITH MEDC – MICHIGAN MAIN STREET PROGRAM
City Manager Dame made the following report:
To participate in the Michigan Main Street program, the City of Grosse Pointe and th e City of Grosse Pointe
DDA, which is the legal entity that will serve at the Main Street Grosse Pointe organization, must both enter into
the attached five-year agreement with the State of Michigan’s economic development arm, MEDC. The
agreement spells out the obligations of each party in order to stay involved. One item of note is that the
agreement requires the City of Grosse Pointe to continue to be active with the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready
Communities program. The agreement also outlines the activities that Main Street Grosse Pointe must pursue
and follow to continue to be considered a Main Street participant.
In return, the document outlines the assistance that the MEDC, through the Michigan Main Street program, will
provide to The Village. Much of help is delivered through expert technical assistance provided at no charge
such as retail market assessments. Even though the City has just received this document to execute, Michigan
Main Street has already been fulfilling their technical assistance role as promised. This included assistance
throughout the hiring process for the new Main Street Grosse Pointe Executive Director Cindy Willcock. Main
Street Grosse Pointe has already adopted this agreement at its February 1, 2021 meeting.
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 5
Motion by Council Member Parthum, second by Council Member Williams, to approve executing the Michigan
Main Street Agreement with MEDC.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH MAIN STREET GROSSE POINTE
City Manager Dame made the following report:
The cooperative agreement between the City of Grosse Pointe and Main Street Grosse Pointe (City of Grosse
Pointe DDA), spells out the obligations of each entity over the five-year course of the State’s Main Street
program for The Village. This agreement authorizes the City to provide Main Street Grosse Pointe with $40,000
in this fiscal year as budgeted, and up to $50,000 in the subsequent four yea rs if Main Street fundraising
objectives are met, as promised by the City Council during the Fall of 2019, when the City applied for
participation in the Michigan Main Street program. It also commits an additional $50,000 for three years from
the Capital Project Fund for capital improvements that are mutually agreed to and identified by the Main Street
transformation strategy that will soon be under development. In addition, the City will provide a wide range of
assistance to the Main Street Grosse Pointe organization so that it does not have to expend community
donations on doubling up on back-end administrative systems to be provided by the City such as payroll and
accounts payable. The agreement also memorializes understandings of the ongoing relationsh ip between the
two organizations. Mr. June Lee, a member of the Main Street Grosse Pointe Executive Committee, was
appointed by the Main Street Grosse Pointe Board, to work with City staff to draft the agreement in this agreed
upon form. Once this agreement is approved by the City Council, the Main Street Grosse Pointe Board will
also need to adopt it.
Motion by Council Member Parthum, second by Council Member Williams, to approve executing the
Cooperation Agreement with Main Street Grosse Pointe.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR COVID-19
City Manager Dame made the following report:
Last year the State legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a law allowing public bodies to meet virtually
due to the pandemic to protect everyone’s safety. This blanket permission ends on March 31, 2021. Under that
law, municipalities can extend permission to hold virtual meetings by d eclaring a local emergency. There is
pending legislation in Lansing that may extend the March 31 blanket permission to hold public meetings virtually,
but at this time it is unknown whether it will be approved. To preserve the City’s ability to hold virt ual meetings,
the proposed declaration would need to be approved.
Motion by Council Member Parthum, second by Council Member Williams, that the following resolution be
adopted:
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 6
RESOLUTION
The State of Michigan has determined that a novel coronavirus commonly known as COVID -19 can
result in respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death. The virus easily spreads from person to
person through close human contact, even through individuals that are asymptomatic. The virus is known to be
present in the Detroit Metro area.
In recognition of the actual and potential harm that can be caused by this virus, the City of Grosse
Pointe finds that a state of emergency exists in Grosse Pointe such that holding in person Council meetings will
risk the personal health and safety of members of the public, the public body and City employees. City Council
meetings will be held virtually during 2021 pending further Resolution of the Council.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Ayes: Juip, Parthum, Stempfle, Thomas, Walsh, Williams, Mayor Tomkowiak
Nays: None.
MOTION CARRIES.
RESOLUTON DECLARED ADOPTED.
PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Public Safety Director Alcorn presented his written 2020 Public Safety Report.
Overall crime in Grosse Pointe City was down 33% in 2020. Part I Index crimes were down from 84 in 2019 to
48 in 2020. Part II Non-index crimes were down from 118 in 2019 to 104 in 2020. Calls for service were down
as well from 4,983 in 2019 to 3,482 in 2020. The year 2020 saw a slight decrease in firefighting activities from
403 total calls in 2019 to 378 in 2020. Those numbers also include the City’s 12 responses to requests for
mutual aid. Grosse Pointe City works with Medstar Ambulance to handle requests for ambulance service. This
relationship was formed in 2017 and continues to be a successful partnership. Medstar personnel should be
commended for a seamless transition into Pandemic protocol as the public safety wor ld learned best practices
to stay healthy.
Chief Alcorn discussed the investigative division, calls for service, firefighting operations, fire loss breakdown
and S.A.L.E. (Seniors and Law Enforcement) program. Chief Alcorn answered various Council questions
regarding the report. The Council thanked Director Alcorn and the Public Safety Department for the exceptional
service to the community, during a challenging year.
RECEIVE AND FILE.
DISCUSSION – 5-YEAR FINANCIAL PROJECTION
The Finance Director presented 5-year financial projections. Discussion took place regarding the decline in
General Fund balance and pension and retiree health care costs and contributions. The City will need to make
pension plan and retiree healthcare contributions in the coming budget year. It was requested that returning to
clearing sidewalks, with less than two inches of snow accumulation, be considered during the budget process.
It was noted that a report will be submitted to Council regarding clearing sidewalks in the near future. The
Council discussed the budget projections.
RECEIVE AND FILE.
DISCUSSION – PRIORITIES FOR CITY OF GROSSE POINTE FOUNDATION
City Manager Dame made the following report:
Minutes – Council Meeting – March 15, 2021 Page 7
The City of Grosse Pointe Foundation is an independent charitable organization that helps to fund projects that
supplement activities that benefit the goals of the City but are beyond the reach of the City of Grosse Pointe’s
annual budget. The City Foundation has undertaken a bevy of projects that beautify and support improvements
in the quality of life for residents of the City of Grosse Pointe. The City and the Foundation typically work
together to undertake and implement approved projects throughout the City. For example, la st year, the City
Foundation supported the creation of the Public Safety Plaza in front of the new station on Mack Avenue with
a substantial donation.
For purposes of initiating discussion of future priorities for the Foundation, City staff has listed a n umber of
potential projects for the Council to review to request the Foundation to consider. The Foundation, when it has
selected a project, raises donations for and/or allocates resources toward completion of it. In many cases, City
staff actually help carry out the projects and are reimbursed by the Foundation for the expenses.
The project list was reviewed and discussed by City Council. The City Manager answered various Council
questions regarding the suggestions. It was noted that a final list of projects, which are in line with the Council’s
initiatives for the City, be submitted to the Foundation for their consideration. Foundation representatives will
be invited to attend a future Council meeting to discuss the project/priorities list .
PUBLIC COMMENT
Peter Huebner, 349 Lincoln thanked Council for listening to residents regarding the Historic District and for
deciding not to pursue the district. He appreciated the Council’s work and involvement in the issue.
Chris Boettcher, 537 Rivard stated that using technology to send out the Main Street Grosse Pointe survey
was important to let residents know what is happening in the City. He feels the survey creates more
transparency and that good feedback will be received.
STAFF REPORTS
City Manager Dame provided an update on Main Street Grosse Pointe. Parks and Recreation Director
Hardenbrook reported on the Spring Stroll through Neff Park for children 14 and under on March 28, 2021, from
2:00 to 4:00 pm. Pre-register for this event to get your picture professionally taken with Peter Cottontail, pick up
a candy bag, and collect a balloon! COVID-19 protocols will be in place during the event.
COUNCIL COMMENT
The City Council commented on the following topics:
• The Council encouraged shopping local.
• Appreciation was expressed to those that attended this meeting, and expressed their views, both
written and verbally, regarding the Historic District. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged.
• Appreciation was expressed to Parks and Recreation for their work to continue seasonal traditions
and events while incorporating pandemic safety protocols for participants.
On Motion, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
________________________________
Julie E. Arthurs, City Clerk
City of Grosse Pointe
June 24, 2021
Michigan Department of State
Office of the Great Seal
Richard H. Austin Building, 1st Floor
430 W. Allegan
Lansing, MI 48918
Dear Office of the Great Seal:
On September 28, 2017, the Board of Commissioners for Oakland County entered into an agreement per MR #17263 –
Department of Information Technology – Modifications to Comprehensive I.T. Services Interlocal Agreement.
As required by Urban Cooperation Act 7 of 1967 - MCL 124.510(4), a copy of the signed agreement with the County of
Oakland and the City of Grosse Pointe, and the authorizing Board of Commissioners Resolution are enclosed for filing by
your office.
Send confirmation of receipt of this agreement to:
Mr. Joseph Rozell, Director of Elections
Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
County Service Center, Building #14 East
1200 N. Telegraph Rd.
Pontiac, MI 48341
(Please include our Miscellaneous Resolution number on the confirmation of receipt letter for filing purposes.)
Contact our office at (248) 858-0564 if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
COUNTY OF OAKLAND
Joseph J. Rozell, CERA
Director of Elections
Cc: Donna Dyer, Corporation Counsel, Oakland County
Kristine Powers, Oakland County, I.T. Department
Sharon Cullen – Technical Assistant – Corporation Counsel
Julie Arthurs, City of Grosse Pointe Clerk
Enclosures