City of Northville CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

City of Northville
                    CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
                               December 6, 2021

Mayor Turnbull called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Video
conference meeting as allowed by City Council's Local State of Emergency Declaration due to the
COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Members of the public body and
members of the public participating electronically will be considered present at the meeting and may
participate as if physically present at the meeting. The City’s website and the meeting agenda included
meeting participant links, and contact information for those needing assistance or accommodations. The
“Zoom Webinar User Guide” posted on the City’s website includes information about electronic
meetings and a user guide.

ROLL CALL
Present
and Location: Mayor Brian Turnbull (Wayne County, Northville), Mayor Pro Tem Moroski-Browne
              (Wayne County, Northville), Councilmembers John Carter (Wayne County, Northville),
              Andrew Krenz (Wayne County, Northville) and Marilyn Price (Oakland County, Northville)
Absent:         None
Also
Present:        City Manager Patrick Sullivan, City Clerk Dianne Massa, Housing Director Tracey
                Emmanuel, DDA Executive Director Lori Ward, Police Chief Alan Maciag, Parks and
                Recreation Director Mark Gasche, Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, State
                Representative Matt Koleszar, Nancy Darga and Dave Gutman of the Northville Mobility
                Network Team, and 31 citizens

Mayor Turnbull read a statement informing those present that the City Council meeting is being recorded
for rebroadcast on the City’s website. By remaining at the meeting, consent is inferred by those present
to have their voice and image recorded and posted on the City’s website.

It was explained how to raise your hand to participate in public comment during the meeting.

PRESENTATIONS
A. Citizens Comments
State Representative Matt Koleszar provided a legislative update. Of note was the Law Enforcement
Supplementary Budget that will be funded using Federal COVID funds. Koleszar also noted that the
Governor will be signing a Legislative bill that will provide free college tuition to the children of police
officers and firefighters who will have lost their life in the line of duty. Comments from City Council voiced
appreciation on getting this bill passed.

B. Officer of the Year
Police Chief Maciag presented the 2020 Officer of the Year Award to Sergeant Thomas Barber. Barber
was chosen by his fellow officers to receive this award. Barber also received resolutions presented by

City Council Regular Meeting – December 6, 2021 - Page 2

State Representative Matt Koleszar and Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki. On behalf of City
Council, the Mayor thanked Sergeant Barber for his service as a first responder.

Sergeant Barber stated that he does his work for the community to keep everyone safe, and thanked
everyone for this honor.

There were no public comments.

C. Northville Mobility Network Study Presentation
The Sustainability Committee has completed an extensive assessment of walkability factors in Northville’s
current street system. The River Restoration Task Force is studying how to integrate the Riverwalk within
the network of existing and proposed streets. These two sub-teams collaborated to combine their
findings and formed a Mobility Network Team (MNT).

Dave Gutman and Nancy Darga, of the Northville Mobility Network Team, were present to make a
presentation to City Council and update the Community on their plans for this project. The Study identified
a list of five prioritized “Action Sites,” with corresponding data assembled for a professional Mobility
Network Consultant to analyze and make recommendations for design solutions to these corridors and
intersections of concern. The five sites of top concern include:
    -   Seven Mile Corridor
    -   South Center Street
    -   Old Core (Cady Street, Hutton and Church Streets, Mary Alexander Court)
    -   River Street
    -   Doheny Safe School Passageway under the railroad

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Team pointed out the next steps include MNT asking City
Council to take action to secure a consultant to review proposed solutions for the five Action Sites,
meeting with Wayne County to secure support for the proposed improvements; creating a funding
strategy in partnership with Wayne County, SEMCOG, and private developers, and to encourage the “Beck
to the Future Task Force” to look at dispersion of traffic at a regional level west of Beck Road.

The Team looks forward to continued support. A copy of the full presentation was provided to City
Council.

City Council Discussion: Comments from Council concurred the community is fortunate to have amazing
people volunteering their time and sharing knowledge and commitment to get the process started, and
getting the community ready for the next generation. The presentation represents important decisions
that need to be made as community in the coming years. Council acknowledged this Study was the result
of a tremendous amount of work, and it was well presented.

Comments also spoke of the need to be proactive on the decision to hire and work with a consultant.
Major development in the action sites identified is moving through the Planning Commission approval
process and developers may be amenable to discussing as they move forward with their developments.
Stress was given to the importance of this study needing to add value to the Planning Commission, City
Council, and others involved in the redevelopment of The Downs and Foundry Flask, while also building
on current studies being performed by the Planning Commission.

City Council Regular Meeting – December 6, 2021 - Page 3

Other comments from Council spoke about funding opportunities. Much of available grant money has to
do with infrastructure. Grant writing opportunities will be available and the City needs to have its
resources identified to be in the position to qualify for these grants. There is a need to get strategic to
prioritize, consolidate work, and create an implementation plan to get these projects into the City’s
budget.

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion Price, seconded by Krenz to approve the agenda and consent agenda as presented.
         Approve City Council Minutes of:
                  - Regular Meeting of November 8, 2021
                  - Regular Meeting of November 15, 2021
         Receive Bills List:
                  - Week of November 15, 2021
                  - Week of November 29, 2021
         Receive Board and Commission Minutes: None
         Receive Departmental Reports: None
         Board and Commission Appointments: None
         Northville Senior Advisory Commission By-laws Amendment
         Historic District Commission Rules and Regulations Amendment
         2022 City Council Regular Meeting Dates
         2022 Parks and Recreation Department Budget
Roll Call Vote. Yes: Carter, Krenz, Moroski-Browne, Price, Turnbull. No: None. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS
A. Request to Purchase Activity Room Furniture for Allen Terrace
Constructed in 1978, Allen Terrace has seen repairs and replacements to certain areas over time.
However, the Activity Room and atrium are original to the building. The Activity Room is currently being
renovated, and with City Council approval, the Housing Commission disposed of the old furniture through
an auction site. The new furnishings will require certain components to meet the physical needs of the
residents, need to be constructed with materials that are comfortable yet can be properly cleaned and
sanitized, and the furniture needs to be able to be easily stored.

In an extensive search for products to meet Allen Terrace’s needs, Staff sought quotes from various
vendors that offered solid products at government pricing with a reasonable lead-time for delivery. This
proved to be a difficult endeavor. While Staples offered government pricing, their products did not
provide choices to fulfill Allen Terrace’s needs. National Business Furniture (NBF) also has a contract for
government pricing, and worked to procure the furniture required and could provide the items in a
reasonable amount of time.

The cost for 100 chairs, 16 round tables, two rectangular tables and one chair dolly is $39,306 as quoted
from National Business Furniture in Milwaukee, WI using the GSA Contract #GS-27F-0024V. $38,000 was
budgeted for this project, and a budget amendment in the amount of $1,306 from the Housing Capital
Outlay fund is necessary. The Housing Capital Outlay fund balance has sufficient funds to accommodate
this amendment.

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City Council Discussion: Comments noted that this purchase is timely as residents are ready for the
Activity Room renovation to be done, and they are excited to soon have events again. In response to a
question from Council, Staff gave a more detailed description of the chairs and tables proposed for
purchase.

There were no public comments.

Motion Krenz, seconded by Carter to waive the bidding process and accept the quote from National
Business Furniture in the amount of $39,306. The price is based on the GSA contract #GS-27F-0024V.
Further, a budget amendment to the Housing Capital Outlay fund in the amount of $1,306 is approved.
Roll Call Vote. Yes: Krenz, Moroski-Browne, Price, Turnbull, Carter. No: None. Motion carried.

B. Social District Expansion / Marquis Theater
On August 3, 2020 the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented an application to the Michigan
Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to establish a Social District in downtown Northville. The DDA’s
application was submitted on August 5, 2020, approved on August 11,2020 and the Social District began
operation on August 14, 2020. The original application identified seven businesses that were seeking
Social District permits from the MLCC: Poole’s Tavern (now the Exchange Bar and Grill), 160 Main Street,
Table 5, Browndog Creamery, Lucy & the Wolf, Simply Wine, and Center Street Grille. Four additional
restaurants were added to the Social District over the past year including Genittis, LeGeorge, Toria, and
Los Tres Amigos.

Recently, the DDA was contacted by the law firm of Adkins, Need, Allen & Rentrop, on behalf of the
Northville Marquis Theater with a request to join the Social District. The Marquis Theater was not initially
included in the application because it did not have a liquor license and therefore did not qualify. Adkins,
Need, Allen & Rentrop is currently assisting the owners of the Northville Marquis Theater in the purchase
and transfer of a Class C liquor license at 135 E. Main Street.

In order to add the Northville Marquis Theater to the Social District, City Council needs to amend its
original application to list the Northville Marquis Theater as a participating restaurant, show its location
on the map, and adopt a resolution of support for the Northville Marquis Theater to be included in the
Social District. The DDA will provide the Social District logo, “The Twist,” to the Northville Marquis Theater
for use on their Social District cups. The Theater will need to receive the permit prior to serving any drinks
to be consumed in the Social District.

City Council Discussion: Council welcomed Marquis Theater to the Social District. It was noted that façade
repairs appear to be complete and the theater should open soon.

There were no public comments.

Motion Carter, seconded by Price to approve the addition of the Northville Marquis Theater to the
Northville Social District and forward an amended application to the MLCC to add the Northville Marquis
Theater to the list of participating Social District restaurants and modify the Social District and Commons
Area boundaries to include the restaurant at 135 E. Main Street. Roll Call Vote. Yes: Moroski-Browne,
Price, Turnbull, Carter, Krenz. No: None. Motion carried.

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C. Extension of Road Closure for Downtown Northville Social District
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), working with the business owners, had developed a
Reopening Plan for Downtown that has been in effect since June 16, 2020. The Plan provided businesses
the opportunity to reopen safely and with the maximum capacity allowed under the Governor’s Executive
Orders. The DDA/City approved a Special Event Application that closed E. Main Street between Center
and Hutton Streets, and N. Center Street between Main and Dunlap Streets. This allowed the restaurants
to expand their outdoor dining areas onto public property including the sidewalks, parking lanes, streets,
and City plazas. Retail establishments were allowed to display merchandise on City sidewalks. The DDA
has provided background music on Friday and Saturday nights.

In August 2020 the DDA/City established the Northville Social District – The Twist - which allowed
participating restaurants to sell alcohol, in a special cup, that can be carried out of the restaurant and
consumed in a delineated Commons Area. The DDA/City was one of the first Social Districts in Michigan,
now there are 76 Social Districts established in 37 counties with over 500 participating restaurants. City
Council has approved the Special Event Street closure through February 28, 2022.

The DDA/City’s Executive Committee met in October to discuss the process for community input on the
street closures. The consensus from the Committee was to extend the existing street closures through
November 7, 2022 in order for the DDA/City to collect information on how well-used the outdoor dining
is now that the businesses are fully opened. It is uncertain as to whether residents and visitors will be
willing to sit outside in an outdoor structure to dine when they could be inside. By extending the street
closures by another eight months, the DDA/City will be able to view the actual use of the structures
through all four seasons and determine if there is a need to keep the streets closed.

In the Spring of 2022, the DDA/City would begin surveying the downtown business and building owners,
as well as the residents, to determine whether to keep the streets closed or open them to vehicular traffic.
In addition, the DDA/City would hold a Town Hall meeting to listen to comments from the community.
After information is gathered, the DDA/City can determine whether one, or both, of the streets will remain
closed, whether the closures will be year-round or seasonal, and the configuration of the Social District, if
the road(s) remains closed. This will involve discussions with the Historic District Commission on the
design of the DDA’s Pods and Stands and the business owners’ outdoor structures along with other
changes to the streetscape amenities.

The DDA Executive Committee recognizes that the extension of the street closures will have an impact on
special events and circulation and that not all businesses benefit the same from the road closures.
However, before the DDA/City moves forward with a long-term decision on the street closures, it wants
to understand how the businesses being opened to full capacity indoors will impact the use and need of
outdoor structures and expanded dining and retail areas.

The topic of street closures was discussed at the DDA’s October 2021 meeting and a motion was made to
recommend to City Council that E. Main Street between Center and Hutton and N. Center Street between
Main and Dunlap continue to be closed to vehicular traffic until November 7, 2022. In addition, the DDA
Board of Directors recommended that the DDA’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) be charged
with reviewing the information collected on the use of the street closures and develop a public
participation plan to gain business, resident, and visitor input on the issue.

The EDC held its first meeting to discuss the street closures on November 30, 2021. At the EDC meeting
the consensus of the group was to support the DDA’s recommendation to City Council to extend the street

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closures through November 7, 2022. The EDC felt that the eight-month extension would provide the
City/DDA an opportunity to evaluate the following:
    •   Impact of weather on outdoor dining, when restaurants have full capacity available inside.
    •   Impact of street closures on Special Events.
    •   Impact that the street closures have on the development of traffic studies for new development
        projects.
    •   Impact of delaying the street closure decision on business/building owners making investments
        this winter.
    •   Success rate of long-term street closures in the United State and specifically cold weather areas
    •   Potential loss of Act 51 funds for road improvements.
    •   Impact of detours and congestion on surrounding neighborhoods.
    •   How much it would cost to transform the streets to pedestrian use only and how the
        improvements would be funded.

The DDA will continue to cover the costs associated with the street closures which are largely related to
labor and equipment. The DDA is responsible for wiping down tables, trash removal, and general care of
the Social District each Friday, Saturday and Sunday all year long. The DDA has also more than doubled
its budget for live music, sponsoring performances each Friday and Saturday nights May – October. With
the streets remaining closed through the holidays, the DDA has also increased activities in the downtown
through the winter months adding ice carving, music, carriage rides, live reindeer visits and other activities
all funded by the DDA. In addition, the DDA will decorate the pods and stands, add lighting and decorate
the entrances into the social district.

City Council Discussion: Comments supported extending the street closure through November 7, 2022.
This allows time for a 2022 mid-spring survey to gather accurate data. The following was noted:
    -   During the 2020-2021 Fall/Winter months, downtown restaurants were not open for indoor
        seating due to COVID. The DDA and City Council did not have accurate information to make a
        decision on how outdoor dining would be utilized when there was not an indoor dining option.
    -   For 2021-2022 Fall/Winter months, restaurants will also have indoor seating along with outdoor
        dining options. With the current colder weather, it appears not as many people are dining
        outdoors because there is indoor dining availability. It makes sense to extend the street closures
        through the winter months to see if outdoor dining usages remains high.
    -   An April 2022 survey is logical and appropriate timing as the DDA and City Council will have
        complete information to make a knowledgeable decision. Waiting allows for more normal survey
        responses.
    -   The survey needs to be extended to local residents and downtown businesses as both
        perspectives are needed to ensure all are still supportive of the street closures.
    -   Suggestion to consider a quasi-longitudinal survey to capture data at different points of time.
        Surveys are date-stamped to know when the data was provided. People responding to the survey
        more than once could be helpful. People might comment with a different experience depending
        on when their comments are submitted.
    -   Following the survey results, any decision made needs to be flexible, and reviewing the street
        closure every six months might still be an appropriate response. The importance of recognizing
        what can and cannot be changed should be considered when making decisions.

City Council Regular Meeting – December 6, 2021 - Page 7

    -   Comments also spoke of the need for a longer-term decision and plan. The plan should review
        handicapped parking and accessibility, lighting, electricity needs for outdoor spaces, the approach
        to entrances, allow for businesses to strategically invest, and consider walkability and vehicular
        traffic as the City moves forward with new development activities.

Lenore Lewandowski, 119 Randolph Street, questioned if both Center and Main Street would remain
closed through November 7, 2022 (yes).

Motion Moroski-Browne, seconded by Carter to extend the current street closures through November
7, 2022 to provide time for DDA and City staff to determine whether the streets should remain closed to
vehicular traffic. In addition, City Council directs the DDA Economic Development Committee to develop
a schedule and plan to engage the public in the decision-making process. Roll Call Vote. Yes: Price,
Turnbull, Carter, Krenz, Moroski-Browne. No: None. Motion carried.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor and Council Communications
Turnbull thanked all for continuing to share their time and talents with the Northville community. As the
pandemic continues, he encouraged everyone to continue to reach out to their family and friends to
ensure they remain engaged. Turnbull encouraged all to attend the holiday events and holiday
decorations in the downtown and at Mill Race Village. All were asked to keep former Mayor Chris Johnson
in their thoughts due to the recent passing of his wife, Patsy Johnson. Also, everyone was asked to keep
the Oxford community in their thoughts.

Moroski-Browne noted that the River Walk Task Force meets at 6:30pm on December 9. New business
will focus on the framework plan. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting.

Carter noted that the Housing Commission meets December 8. He voiced appreciation to the Housing
Director and Staff for recently giving him a tour of Allen Terrace. On November 22, the Sustainability
Team met to discuss the Mobility Network Study and the Tree Survey. Having attended the Mill Race
Village holiday events, he thanked the Northville Historical Society for bringing the holiday spirit to
Northville.

Krenz noted that the Farmers Market presentation is on the December 7 Planning Commission agenda.
He also thanked Northville Public Schools for closing schools as needed, and for the multiple ALICE (Alert,
Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) drills designed to help students remain confident and safe.

Price noted she was pleased to hear that the school district has been proactive in reviewing the ALICE
drills. The drills do help students with anxiety. She also acknowledged Northville Public Schools
Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher’s upcoming retirement. The Senior holiday luncheon will be held
Wednesday at the Community Center.

B. Staff Communications None

Being no further business to come before City Council, Motion Krenz, seconded by Price to adjourn the
meeting. Roll Call Vote. Yes: Turnbull, Carter, Krenz, Moroski-Browne, Price. No: None. Motion carried.

City Council Regular Meeting – December 6, 2021 - Page 8

Adjournment: 8:31p.m.

_________________________________
Dianne Massa, CMC
City Clerk

_________________________________
Brian P. Turnbull
Mayor                                                      Approved as submitted: 12/20/2021