A weekly eNewsletter for the community - April 22, 2021

Meetings This Just In Events/Things to Do

Business Around Town At Home

MeetingsAgendas and minutes are available by clicking here

All meetings listed will be held via video conference in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.Members of the public body and members of the public participating electronically will beconsidered present at the meeting and may participate as if physically present at the meeting.

City Council Special Meeting - Thursday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Link to attend meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85690675077US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID:856 9067 5077

Farmer's Market Task Force - Wednesday, April 28, 7 p.m. Link to attend meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88484822286 US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799Webinar ID: 884 8482 2286

Anyone needing assistance or accommodations should contact the City Manager's office at 248-449-9905. More information about online meetings and a user guide are available here.

This Just InRecap of City Council meetingRecap of City Council meetingon April 19, 2021on April 19, 2021City Council holds specialmeeting April 22 to interviewcandidates for open seatOpen seat on City Council – Seven letters ofinterest were received to finish the term offormer Council Member Sam Ekong, whoresigned in March. Of those submissions, twoprospective individuals were not eligiblebecause they have not lived in the city for a full two years (ordinance requirement) and one alsomissed the deadline. After discussion and some public comments, council voted to hold a specialmeeting on Thursday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. to hear from each of the eligible candidates andpossibly take a vote that night to fill the open seat. Those who submitted letters that metrequirements are Jim Allen, Joe Corriveau, Phil Goodman, Ryan Kindle and Andrew Krenz.Council will also hear from City Manager Pat Sullivan, after consultation with City Attorney BobMarzano, about how the nomination process would apply in this situation – providing anotheroption to fill the seat.

Nine ordinances were on the agenda, six for a second reading and three for a first reading. Allsix ordinances passed after waiving the second reading. They are:

1) Amendment to Chapter 42 Historic Preservation in the Code of Ordinances – Ford Field andfour lots along Main Street between Hutton and 341 E. Main Street were added back into theHistoric District Boundary, along with the parcel next to Ford Field that houses the play structure(Fort Griswold) and parking lot.

2) Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Building and Building regulations, ArticleX, fences – Defines the fence material, height and compatible materials.

3) Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Article 18, fence provisions - removes the fenceordinance from the municipal code and keeps it solely as a zoning ordinance.

4) Amendment to the assignment of parking credits in the Code of Ordinances - This ordinanceadjusts parking credits for each building in the Central Business District to allow enough parkingspaces for buildings that switch to a new use – such as when office space becomes a restaurant.The ordinance modifies the parking credit requirement to one parking space for every 250square feet of use (down from the previous 200 square feet of use).

5) Amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding the minimum size (500 square feet) ofmulti-family units in the Central Business District.

6) Amendment to the Code of Ordinances on front open space on single-family residential lots– Brings all residential areas into compliance with an ordinance that requires homeowners tokeep a certain percentage of open space in the front of their home and not have disproportionatecircular driveways or paved concrete areas that are too large for the space.

First readings were held for the following ordinance amendments recommended by the PlanningCommission following public hearings:

1) Basement garages and carports – Include the square footage of garages in basements

and carports at the side or front of the house in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation of theZoning Ordinance. This pertains to single-family and two-family residences in the R-1b, firstdensity residential district, and R-2, second density residential district.

2) Building height overlay in the Cady Street Overlay (CSO) Zoning District and footnote 18(Sec. 15.02, footnotes to the Schedule of Regulations) – The proposed ordinance amendmenteliminates references to the building height overlay, as this overlay was replaced by the CadyStreet Overlay (CSO) District. Because the building height overlay no longer exists, allreferences to it should be removed from the Zoning Ordinance.

3) Performance guarantee – A performance guarantee is a deposit with the city to cover thecosts of improvements approved in a final site plan – such as parking lots, sidewalks/trails,utilities and other non-building construction items – in case the developer fails to install them.This item would become part of the site plan review.

Council approves summer event - A special event request to host the Northville Food andWine Festival on Aug. 13-14 at Ford Field was approved in a two-step process (also used for theArts & Acts Festival in June) where preliminary approval is granted yet organizers must meetwith the police and fire department 30 days prior to the event to review and commit to COVID-19protocols in place at that time. The event will consist of live music, food samples from variousrestaurants, and wine from different regions. The event is expected to draw 2,000 patrons eachday. The applicant is Scott Buie, on behalf of Intercorp Events of Northville. Ambient music in Social District – Council approved a summer music contract with JAGentertainment for a total series cost of $25,200 to handle arrangements for solo musicians toperform in the Social District on Friday and Saturday nights from mid-May through October. Inthe event of unforeseen issues that limit the concert series, costs will be paid only for weekendsthat musicians have played plus a $1,000 management fee. Historic District Study Report adoption – After Ford Field was added to the Historic District(see second readings, #1 above), the full study report was adopted by Council. It was indeed anhistoric process – taking more than three years to launch, select a consultant, conduct the study,hold numerous public hearings, write a report, obtain input from the Local Historic District StudyCommittee, and revise the report several times.

2021 Water Main Replacement program – An extension was approved with the 2020contractor, Bidigare Contractors, to perform this year’s construction with a 10% increase fromlast year’s contract (due to higher costs for materials and labor). The contract was approved for$694,365 with a 15% contingency for a maximum of $798,520. Engineering consultants Fleis &VandenBrink will perform the design work and construction oversight for $93,739. Bidigare will replace the watermain on these streets: • Wing Ct.• Fairbrook St.• Fairbrook Ct.• High St.• Maplewood St. 2021 Local Road reconstruction and rehabilitation program – An extension was approvedwith the 2020 contractor, Nagle Paving, to perform this year’s construction with no price increasefrom 2020 rates. This year’s construction costs were approved at $865,200 with a 15%contingency for a maximum of $994,980. Engineering consultants Fleis & VandenBrink willperform the design work and construction oversight at a cost of $112,753. Work by Nagle includes: • Wing Ct. - reconstruction• Fairbrook St. - reconstruction• Fairbrook Ct. - reconstruction• High St. - reconstruction• Maplewood St. – reconstruction• Canterbury St. – reconstruction• Carrington Dr. - rehabilitation

• Jeffery Dr. – rehabilitation 2021 Parking Lot improvement program – Council approved the extension of a contract withNagle Paving to repave two parking lots: at Tipping Pointe Theater (Cady and Griswold) andNorthville Square (Cady between Center and Wing). Nagel will adhere to its 2020 contract unitprice at a project cost of $167,585 with a 15% contingency for a maximum of $192,723. Fleis &VandenBrink will handle the design work and construction oversight for $14,245. Council communications – Mayor Brian Turnbull gave an update on vaccinations, noting thatWayne County is now offering walk-in vaccines at all of its sites. View the meeting here.

Northvillians and Friends, Northvillians and Friends,

As we work our way toward the end of this pandemic, many Northvillians have spread hopethrough their religious organizations and by reaching out personally to seniors at Allen Terrace,retirees, youth, and family and friends. Spirituality means different things to each of us, but whatis constant is the hope for the future of those in our community. Many in the “Ville” have cometogether in numerous ways this past year to assist others... through Zoom, socially distanced in-person activities, and in other creative ways as individuals and in small groups. I thank you for allyou have done to keep folks connected and updated.

This week we will look at the traditional congregations in this town we love, but first let’s take alook at COVID activities and related information:

Vaccination opportunities continue through the following organizations:

o General locator: https://vaccinefinder.orgo Wayne County residents can call for appointments @ 866-610-3885.o Meijer – https://clinic.meijer.como CVS – Cvshealth.como RiteAid – https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/vaccine-centralo Walgreens – Walgreens.como Kroger – Kroger.com

Read the entire letter here or view it on the City website.

Keep that Northville Faith! Stay #NorthvilleStrong!

Brian TurnbullMayor, City of Northville

Volunteers needed at Wayne CountyVolunteers needed at Wayne Countyvaccination sitesvaccination sitesAs our communities continue to battle against COVID-19, the Wayne County Public Health Division isexpanding its vaccination efforts by adding additionallong-term sites in addition to the ones currentlyoperating in Livonia (VisTaTech at SchoolcraftCollege) and Taylor (WCCCD-Downriver).

General volunteers are needed to staff these centers. They play a critical role as registrars, way-finding ambassadors and providing other assistance.

Visit the Wayne County registration page to volunteer. There is a detailed explanation forrequirements of clinical volunteers, but general volunteers do not need to review that section.Shifts are 9.5 hours long (with breaks) and volunteers are required to complete two shifts –typically within 21 or 28 days. If you have questions, please call the Wayne County Dept. ofHomeland Security/Emergency Management at 734-728-3711.

Be prepared for Special ElectionBe prepared for Special Election A special election will be held May 4 to decide on Northville PublicSchools operating millage renewal and voters can choosewhether to vote at the polls or by absentee ballot. Allregistered voters in Michigan have the right to vote by mail withoutproviding a reason. If You Plan to Vote by Absentee Ballot Apply for an absentee ballot - the last day an absentee ballotcan be mailed is 5 p.m. on April 30. Complete and submit your application online throughthis link. The application is emailed directly to the clerk. Applications are also available in the

City Hall 24-hour vestibule. While voters may still apply for an absentee ballot by mail, you are encouraged to apply in personat the Clerk’s office. In person absentee ballot hours are April 22 through April 29, 8 a.m. to 2:30p.m.; Friday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. OnMonday, May 3, hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you must vote your absentee ballot in person atCity Hall. The photo ID requirement is in effect for in-person absentee ballots. Return Your Absentee Ballot – Forty percent of absentee ballots requested by voters have notbeen returned. If you have already voted your absentee ballot, please consider returning it nowto assist the Clerk’s office in completing the necessary work so your ballot is read for counting onElection Day. Voted absentee ballots must be received at the Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on ElectionDay. Postmarks are not accepted. If You Plan to Vote In Person on Election Day Polling place hours on Election day – The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Everyonein line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Photo ID requirement is in effect. Read more about thephoto ID requirement here. Polling place safety – Voters are encouraged to wear a facemask to protect themselves andothers while voting. Socially distanced lines and voting booths, as well as sanitizing proceduresare in place. As such, it may take longer to vote. Please be patient with our poll workers. Confirm your voter registration and find your polling place – Check your voter’s registrationand find your polling place on the Secretary of State website. If you are not registered, you canregister to vote up to 8 p.m. on Election Day by coming to the Clerk’s office and showing currentproof of residency. If you wait until Election Day to register to vote, you may experienceadditional wait time. Avoid potential lines by going to the Clerk’s office ahead of Election day toregister to vote. If You Need to Register to Vote Voter Registration Now to 8 p.m. Election Day May 4 - Register in person at Northville CityClerk’s Office, 215 W. Main Street. Residency verification is required. You may vote by absenteeballot or at your polling place on Election Day. Residency verification documents must have yourname and current address. Digital copies are acceptable. In person voter registration hours are:April 22 through April 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, April 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday,May 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and May 4 from 7 a.m. to8 p.m.

Police get autism training andPolice get autism training andtoolstoolsThis month is World Autism Month andNorthville police officers are being trainedhow to recognize autism and interactsuccessfully with the autistic community.Mimi’s Mission, Autism Alliance ofMichigan and Autism Moms Know Safetyhave been instrumental in this effort. Patrol vehicles will now be equipped withcalming bags with sensory items such asearmuffs, sunglasses, weighted blanketsand hand-held (tactile) items that can be soothing. These items will be distributed as needed forindividuals to keep. “It creates a way to bond with people who have autism,” said Police Officer Matthew Duggins,who is managing this first-time program for the department after being notified about it byMichigan State Police. With Cooke School in the Northville community, it’s important for thepolice to be informed of the special needs of the autism population.

Interactions with autistic children or young adults occur infrequently. However, when an officer iscalled to a home due to a domestic disturbance, to a school for crisis intervention, or even duringa routine traffic stop, it’s important to know that individuals with autism often are extra sensitiveto the lights and siren on a patrol vehicle. Approaching these individuals in a calm manner andoffering them something from the calming kit can help ease anxiety they may be feeling. The police may get a report of an autistic child who has run away from home. When police locatethat individual, they would approach the person calmly and could now offer an item to ease theiranxiety before trying to take them back home. Autism Moms Know Safety provided safety kits; Autism Alliance of Michigan trained the officers,and Mimi’s Mission put together the calming bags, which were obtained at a bulk-rate prices forpolice departments in Michigan.

Photo: Officers Thomas Barber and Melissa Vernon show the autism care kits that will be usedin interactions with people on the autism spectrum. Photo by Northville City Police Dept.

City Hall is open by appointment onlyCity Hall is open by appointment onlyCity Hall remains open by appointment only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use thedrop box at the circular drive and in the vestibule for any payments or for business that can’t bedone online. See the times available to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot in thisweek's issue of City News.

Most staff will be working remotely. There will be some staff in the office during regular businesshours to fulfill requests made by appointment, such as providing documents, accepting cashpayments, and offering other services that can’t be done online or through the drop box. Do notinclude cash when making payments. If you must pay by cash, please schedule an appointment.

City Hall will reopen when it is safe to do so, based on State Health Dept. guidelines and thepandemic's impact on the Northville community.

Visit our COVID-19 page for news and updates about City services. If you have questionsabout City services, please call the City manager at 248-449-9905 or send an emailto info@ci.northville.mi.us. The main number is 248-349-1300. For department emails, pleaseview the directory.

Follow us on twitter and Facebook for more immediate updates. Emergency notifications fromNixle will also be posted to Facebook. To sign up for this free service, visit the Nixle website.

Get your landscaping ready forGet your landscaping ready forseedling give-awayseedling give-awayThe Arbor Day Seedling Give-Away will be held Saturday, April24 from 9-11 a.m. as a drive-through event at NorthvilleTownship Hall, 44405 Six Mile Road. Seedlings are available tocity, township and Northville School District residents who showproof of residency. The free event is sponsored by the NorthvilleTownship and City Beautification Commissions. Use the Sheldon Road entrance south of Six Mile and follow theone-way signs. When you arrive, place your order for up to sixseedlings and they will be brought to your vehicle. Availableseedlings include three evergreens: American Arborvitae, WhitePine and White Spruce; four deciduous trees: Black Cherry,Sugar Maple, White Oak and Bur Oak, and five shrubs/smalltrees: Arrowwood Viburnum, Black Chokeberry, American Mountain Ash, Ninebark and Eastern Redbud – allnative to Michigan. For more information on each type, visit https://twp.northville.mi.us/seedlings. Professional arborist JimPorterfield will be on site to answer questions. It’s a popular biannual event, so arrive at the start to be assured ofgetting your seedlings of choice.

Photo: Arrowwood viburnum bush is one of the seedlings being given away.

Beautify Downtown Northville – buy aBeautify Downtown Northville – buy abench with a dedication plaquebench with a dedication plaqueThe Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is in thesecond year of its bench dedication program in whichindividuals or groups can purchase a new bench to be setup in downtown Northville with an engraved plaque thatconveys a special message or dedication to a loved one. The program helps support the downtown by establishing anelegant, six-foot powder-coated black aluminum bench forrest and community engagement. Imagine sitting on thebench alone or with a friend or family member when otherswalk by and strike up a conversation. It becomes a fun wayto meet new people. Plus, a portion of the $2,000 cost isused by the DDA to help beautify the downtown area andkeep local businesses thriving. The DDA has a list of locations where new benches can be installed from May through October.The DDA will maintain the sponsored bench for 15 years. Depending on the condition of thebench at the end of 15 years, the bench may remain in use or may be retired and replaced with anew bench at the DDA’s discretion. When the bench is retired from service, the plaque is made available to the sponsoring individualor group for a keepsake or private use. The original donor will have the first right of refusal tosponsor the new replacement bench. To order a bench, contact Lori Ward for an application form at 248-349-0345 or emaillward@ci.northville.mi.us.

Things to do o do

Doing Business

Parking overnight on City streets requires a permit Parking overnight on City streets requires a permit It is illegal to park on City streets overnight without a permit. If you are having visitors or work

done on your driveway and must park in the street overnight, call the Overnight Parking hotline at248-305-2790 before 10 p.m. the evening you are parking on the street. You will be asked foryour vehicle’s license plate number and the street name so you won’t be issued a ticket.

Around Town

Report a burned-out streetlight Report a burned-out streetlight Streetlight out? Businesses and residents can report streetlight outages online at the DTEstreetlight outage reporting tool. Businesses and residents who have a DTE wooden power poleon or adjacent to their property are eligible to have outdoor protective lighting installed on thepole to illuminate their private property. Residents may even qualify for no up-front costinstallation. Please call 866-503-0627 and leave a message with your contact information for aresponse from a DTE representative within three business days.

Keep your dog on a leash in public parksKeep your dog on a leash in public parks Ford Field is a popular place to take dogs for a walk for a run. Police monitor this park regularlyto ensure that dog owners are following the ordinance for keeping dogs on leash. When dogs runoff leash, it may cause dogs on leashes to react aggressively toward them; in addition, someadults and children are fearful of dogs running off leash. Any person violating Section 10-2 of the ordinance shall be responsible for a municipal civilinfraction punishable by a civil fine of not more than $500 and the cost of prosecution.

Street sweeper keeps City streets cleanStreet sweeper keeps City streets cleanThe City’s new 2020 Elgin Pelican Sweeper is being put to good use. The City does streetsweeping regularly on downtown streets and twice yearly on residential areas. A full sweep ofthe City covers 25 miles. If you want to request a street sweep due to debris or following a storm,please contact the DPW at 248-449-9930.

Pedestrian safety crossings – watch for the signsPedestrian safety crossings – watch for the signsThe City has "Stop for Crosswalk" signs at several intersections and popular areas for pedestriancrossings. They are located at Rogers and Main, West and Main, N. Center near Baseline,Griswold and E. Cady and on the south side of Northville Square (W. Cady) leading to the publicparking lot #4. The signs allow for safer crossings and alert drivers that pedestrians alreadycrossing the street have the right-of-way. Vehicles are advised to stop if they can safely do soand allow a pedestrian waiting at the crosswalk to enter it and cross the street. If you have anyquestions about their use, please contact the Police Department.

At Home

Brush collection every TuesdayBrush collection every TuesdayAs part of the City’s compost program, residents can place branches at the curb without bundlingor bagging them. Branches 6 feet long and up to 6 inches in diameter can be placed at the curbfor removal by the City’s solid waste collection contractor. This program benefits residents whodo a lot of tree and bush trimming, and also expedites clean-up after a storm. Every Tuesday, year-round, a crew will come through each neighborhood and chip any branchesleft at the curb. Branches must be in the street right-of-way (between the street and thesidewalk). Stack the branches neatly behind the curb with the cut ends facing the street.Homeowners are responsible for cleaning up small branches left behind after the large brushpiles are removed.

The City’s compost program does not accept roots, stumps, dirt, lumber, railroad ties or anywood with metal in it. Residents can dispose of firewood pieces, lumber and stumps with theirnormal weekly garbage (Maximum 35 gallon cans and 60 lb. weight limit).

Sewer back upSewer back up An individual making a claim for property damage or physical injury due to sewerage backup ontheir property must prove that the public sewer had a defect. Further, they must prove that theCity of Northville knew or should have known about the defect, in the exercise of reasonablediligence, and failed to take timely action to repair or remedy the defect.These steps are outlined in the State of Michigan’s Public Act 222 of 2001, known as sewerbackup legislation. The legislation clarifies when municipalities are liable for sewer backups, setsstandards to determine the extent to which a municipality is liable, and provides a process toseek compensation when a backup occurs.

If you experience an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system andseek reimbursement, you must file a written claim with the City of Northville within 45 days afterthe overflow or backup is discovered. Claim forms may be obtained online, by calling DPW at248-449-9930 or inquiring at the front desk of City Hall.

When presenting a written claim, you will be required to provide the following items:1. Copies of receipts for cleaning costs, plumbing bills, or other bills.2. List of the damaged items and receipts to prove the age of your items. Reimbursement forthe actual cash value of damaged items is the maximum amount payable.3. If possible, bring pictures of items damaged during the storm water or sewer back-up.The filing of a claim does not guarantee reimbursement. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover sewage backups but insurance often can beobtained as an added item. Also, consider having a plumber install a check valve - backflowpreventer - to reduce the risk of backups and related damage.

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