City Council Applauds
"Fall for Novi"

9/26/07 by Sami Khan

"Fall for Novi" has always been a hit with the community, and this year's gathering was no exception. With the help of sponsors such as Intier Automotive Seating, Varsity Lincoln Mercury, City Center Plaza LP, Novi Pavillion LP, Keford Collision and Towing, Chase Bank, and TelCom Credit Union, the city was able to pull off an impressive show.

The festival included a chili cook-off and even featured a landing of the University of Michigan Survival Flight Helicopter. There was an abundance of free food, a presentation by Novi High School's renowned Robotics Team, and other such activities and attractions.

Sponsors did much more than just provide monetary contributions. These organizations did everything from providing tables to serving ice cream, and City Council was very appreciative of their concerted efforts. All sponsors were awarded plaques in recognition of their generosity.

The second Matter for Council Action was the approval of Green Building Policies and Resolutions for Novi. Member Nagy strongly approved of such regulations, mentioning that instating such measures would help Novi keep its reputation as a leader in municipal policy-making and stressing the environmental benefits of such a plan.

Member Mutch pointed out that Green Building policies are already in effect in other cities across America; he approves of such measures because he feels that they are tried and true policies that the development community should already be familiar with and have no trouble adapting to.

Mayor Landry also expressed his approval. He emphasized that such policies would merely be voluntary and that the development community would be left with the final decision as to whether or not to obey these suggested regulations. He urged the development community to prudently weigh the costs and benefits of implementing Green Building policies.

City Council also approved of Hummer of Novi's plan to display used cars on its East Pad. Though the Council was initially hesitant to approve, Mayor Landry was able to convince the Council Members that such an action would prove beneficial. He stressed that City Council had no intention to prevent Hummer of Novi from conducting business successfully and efficiently; he values the success of our community's businesses and expressed no desire to be an overbearing influence on their operations.

After lengthy deliberation, including a thirty person work session, Community Relations Manager Sheryl Walsh was prepared to present City Council with four possibilities for Novi's new city logo. All of the options incorporated Novi's current logo as a tribute to the city's history.

Member Paul explained that the new logo is meant to be unique, clearly legible, reproducible, and attractive. She stressed that it is essential that Novi selects a logo that is both memorable and appealing. Her initial thoughts were that designs number 3 and number 4 were the best options. They respectively featured the city's name in golden script and strong blue lettering.

However, after much debate, Council unanimously agreed on design number 2. Essentially the same as the current logo but now featuring a strong square border, the new logo is admired for its simplicity and reproducibility.

Though Member Nagy was hesitant to approve, describing the new logo as "boxy," other Council Members were quite enthusiastic about the city's new symbol. Member Gatt described the design as both unique and memorable.

After a bit of tweaking, this new city seal will slowly be phased in. It will eventually be featured on all new city vehicles and letterheads. It will feature both a full color version for use on official documents and monochromatic counterparts for use on city-owned trucks.

Member Mutch approves of the message the new symbol conveys; he feels that the logo's strong dark lines emphasize Novi's reputation as a bastion of safety and security.

CONSENT AGENDA:  The Consent Agenda was approved as follows:  All approved 

A.                 Approve Minutes of:

1.  September 10, 2007 – Regular meeting            

B.        Approval to award the contract for Network Services to VisiCom Services, Inc. in the amount of $65,940 per year for a two year period with the option of a third year effective October 1, 2007. 

C.        Approval to award the Fall 2007 Tree Planting Bid to Panoramic Landscaping of Novi, the lowest bidder, in the amount of $67,890. 

D.        Approval of resolution to increase land donation value (from $160,000 to $201,400) to the City of Novi by Heritage Shoppes, LLC for the previously approved Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant application. 

E.        Approval to Purchase Rugged Laptop Computers, Related Hardware and Fire Inspection Software from the Oakland County Cooperative Purchasing Program, CDW-G and Trademaster/Mobile eyes for a total of $95,368 using the Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a shared Federal 90% and the City 10% totaling $84,006. 

F.         Approval of the Right of Access to Maintain Private Sanitary Sewer System Agreement as part of the privately funded sanitary sewer extension for 20755 Club Lane (parcel 50-22-36-376-025). 

G.        Approval to award snow removal contract by Absolute Outdoor Services for service at Meadowbrook Commons, as recommended by Keystone Management Group, in the amount of $21,850. 

H.        Approval of road lane closures on Main and Market Streets for the International Festival to be held on Saturday, October 6th from approximately 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 

I.          Approval to award bid to Irwin Seating Company, the lowest qualified bidder, in the amount of $25,700; for replacement of audience Council Chamber seating. 

J.         Approval to purchase a One Ton Dump Truck from Varsity Ford in the amount of $53,365.00. 

K.        Approval of Claims and Accounts – Warrant No. 753

MATTERS FOR COUNCIL ACTION – Part I

1.        Consideration of request from Taste of Bangkok Cuisine, Inc. requesting a new dance-entertainment permit, on a 2007 Class C licensed business, located at 43317 Grand River, Novi, Michigan, 48375, Oakland County.  APPROVED 

2.        Consideration and adoption of Green Building policies and resolutions.  APPROVED 

3.        Consideration of proposed vacation of Karevich Drive and review and comments on submitted landscape plan, and subject to future finalization of a conveyance document.  TABLED

4.        Consideration of the Proposed First Amendment to SDO Agreement with Hummer of Novi, located at the corner of Grand River Avenue and Meadowbrook Road, to allow the parking of non-Hummer used vehicles under certain conditions and in certain locations.  APPROVED 

5.        Consideration of Ordinance No. 07-124.18, an amendment to the Novi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 (Design and Construction Standards) and Ordinance Nos. 07-106.04 and 07-168.01, Chapter 12 (Drainage and Flood Damage Prevention), to add low impact development requirements for stormwater management systems; and consideration of resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare, approve and maintain the contents of an Engineering Design Manual that will contain detailed specifications regarding stormwater management systems.  Second Reading  APPROVED

6.         Continued discussion of branding for proposed City logo and vision statement.  APPROVED DESIGN #2            

7.         Approval of Resolution to authorize Budget Amendment
           #2008-1.  APPROVED

8.         Approval to purchase a Dump Truck – International 7400 4 x 2 S.B.A. from Tri-County International Trucks, Inc., in the amount of $159,239.00.  APPROVED 

9.        Approval to purchase the necessary hardware through the Michigan Master Computing Contract (MMCC) for a not to exceed sum of $67,105, and the Visionhawk software through IPT utilizing their Federal GSA contract (GS-07F-9906H) at the contract price of $189,753 for the implementation of the digital in-car camera system for a total of $256,858 using Federal Drug Asset Forfeiture Funds.  APPROVED

MAYOR & COUNCIL ISSUES

1.  Residential Development Options – Member Mutch asked Administration to look into this and to draft modern standards.   

2.  Landscaping on Main Street – Member Gatt noted flower beds on Main Street contained weeds and requested staff to look into who was responsible for this area.  

3.  Outdoor Tents at Paradise Park – Mayor Pro Tem Capello noted it would make sense to look at the ordinance since Rock Financial could have tents; he asked about allowing the owner one annual permit.  Council consensus was to send it to Ordinance Review.