Public Meetings - Livonia, Michigan

The Livonia City Council held a study meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, beginning at 9:30 p.m. (scheduled for 8:00 p.m.) and adjourning at 10:20 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The purpose was to review and set the agenda for the Regular Meeting on March 23, 2026, where official votes will occur. Council President Reid presided, with members Carrie Budzinski, Robin Persiconi, Martha Ptashnik, Vice President Brockway, and Eileen McDonnell present. Brandon McCullough was absent. City Attorney Carter Fisher, Assistant City Engineer David Lear, and Planning and Economic Development Director Mark Taormina were among the officials in attendance. The meeting covered 17 agenda items, most of which were directed to the Consent or Regular agenda for the March 23 meeting. Consent Calendar - Waiver Petition (Item 2) – Restaurant & Outdoor Seating at 35841 Plymouth Road: Petitioner Greg Marselis (Livonia Properties, LLC) seeks to build a new full-service restaurant (approx. 8,200 sq ft) with outdoor seating, replacing the former Cochram’s fruit stand. The architect noted fine casual dining, sufficient parking, and lighting controls. Directed to Consent. - Site Plan Petition (Item 3) – Gas Station Rebuild at 29230 Five Mile Road: Petitioner Marwan Haidar (M Corp Holdings LLC) proposes to demolish the existing 1956 gas station and construct a new 2,700 sq ft convenience store with fuel pumps. Improvements include removal of one driveway, additional brick, and free air pump. Directed to Consent. - Appointment of Benjamin Grier to Livonia Economic Development Corp. (Item 4): Three-year term expiring June 7, 2029. Director Taormina noted the finance director traditionally holds this seat. Directed to Consent. - Appointment of Robert Donovic to Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (Item 5): To fill a vacated term expiring November 24, 2028. Donovic has prior Brownfield experience. Directed to Consent. - Salary & Benefit Adjustments for Appointed Department Heads (Item 6): Includes COLA over three years, 2% wage adjustment, extra personal business day, and increased retirement benefits. Directed to Consent. - AFSCME Union Local 192 Contract Agreement (Item 7): Ratified agreement covering Dec 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2028, with COLA, 2% wage increase, updated sick leave, Juneteenth holiday, and retirement improvements. Directed to Consent. - Salary & Benefit Adjustments for Non-Represented Employees (Item 8): Similar benefits package as union employees, including COLA, wage adjustment, vacation accruals, rec center membership, and Juneteenth. Directed to Consent. - Salary & Benefit Adjustments for Non-Appointed Department Heads (Item 9): Similar package including COLA, 2% wage increase, personal business day, Juneteenth, and retirement benefits. Directed to Consent. - Updates to Unrepresented Employee Classifications (Item 10): Consolidation of seven outdated clerical classifications into three (Administrative Assistant I–IV), affecting 10 employees. Directed to Consent. - Hourly Rate Increase for Schultz and Young, P.C. (Item 11): Labor attorney rate increase from $140 to $160 per hour, described as a fair rate for over 30 years of service. Directed to Consent. - Arbor Day Proclamation (Item 12): April 24, 2026, declared Arbor Day, celebrated at Riley Elementary with tree planting, seedling giveaways, and flag flying. Directed to Consent. - Additional Appropriation for Landfill & UST Investigations (Item 13): $27,000 from budgeted funds for NTH Consultants to cover additional regulations and tank replacement testing. Directed to Consent. - Storm Water Facilities Maintenance Agreement – ECC (Item 14): Acceptance of maintenance agreement with Livonia Public Schools Early Childhood Center for storm drain system. Directed to Consent. - Storm Water Facilities Maintenance Agreement – CTC (Item 15): Same agreement for Career Technical Center. Directed to Consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Christopher Martin (first public speaker): Expressed frustration with the court system, alleging a clerk misled a citizen about formal hearing rights. Urged council to investigate. - Steve King (Country Gardens): Addressed blight issues, criticized council’s deference to department heads, and called for stronger ordinances (e.g., vacant property registration, escalating vacancy penalties). Stated that council controls the purse and should demand performance. Also cautioned against giving police/fire a “blank check,” suggesting radios as a priority. - Jerry Karsinski (1948 Bainbridge Ave.): Spoke in support of Item 1 (Great Lakes Pawn outdoor display), noting seasonal items (snowblowers, lawnmowers) and that the competition in Farmington allows outdoor storage. Felt it would be a win if stipulations are met. - Vicky Johnson (Jumis Ct.): Expressed concern that outdoor merchandise would attract thieves and overstress police. - Jim Bigal (Lakeland Shores Rd.): Speaking for a resident, stated the pawn shop already keeps items out 24/7 without authorization, urging enforcement. - Deb Christensen: On Item 2 (restaurant), questioned whether residents on Elmyra Street were informed of the change from residential (condo plan) to restaurant. On Item 5 (Donovic appointment), opposed the appointment, arguing that as a contractor, Donovic has a conflict of interest. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Great Lakes Pawn Outdoor Display (27675 Grand River Ave.): Director Taormina presented the request for outdoor display of merchandise under awning and in a rear area. Conditions include no overnight storage, parking lot repair, dumpster enclosure, and removal of light pole bases. Councilmember McDonnell asked about limiting display time (e.g., seasonal). Councilmember Budzinski moved to place on Regular Agenda and refer to Committee of the Whole for further discussion, as the petitioner was not present to address questions about right-of-way placement. Approved. - Item 2 – Restaurant at 35841 Plymouth Road: Detailed presentation included 8,200 sq ft building, 141 parking spaces, 180–230 seats, and landscaping with screen wall. Architect Roman Bonislawski emphasized fine casual dining (steakhouse, not a sports bar), adequate parking, and lighting that meets ordinance standards (no light bleed). Councilmember Budzinski praised the development; no objections. - Item 3 – Gas Station Rebuild at 29230 Five Mile Road: Director Taormina noted the complete makeover includes removal of one Middle Belt Road driveway to improve traffic safety, additional landscaping, and a monument sign. Councilmember Ptashnik asked about the driveway change; petitioner confirmed closure. Support expressed. - Items 4 & 5 – Appointments: Brief explanations by Director Taormina for Grier and Donovic. Donovic thanked the mayor and noted his experience with Brownfields. No other discussion. - Items 6–11 – Salary/Benefit/Classification Changes: Human Resources Director Jeannine Laible presented each item, explaining that the packages are consistent across groups (appointed dept heads, union, non-represented, etc.) and designed to improve recruitment, retention, and competitiveness. Key changes: COLA, 2% wage adjustment, Juneteenth holiday, increased retirement health savings, 401A increases, rec center memberships, and consolidation of classifications. Council asked few questions; broadly supportive. - Item 12 – Arbor Day: Assistant City Engineer Lear requested approval to celebrate April 24 at Riley Elementary, plant three trees, distribute seedlings, and fly Arbor Day flags. Cited 27th Tree City USA designation and 21st Growth Award. Directed to Consent. - Item 13 – Landfill/Unexpected Testing: Lear explained $27,000 needed to amend contract with NTH Consultants due to additional regulations and a small release at police station tanks. Councilmember McDonnell requested future updates on findings. Approved to Consent. - Items 14 & 15 – Storm Water Agreements: Lear described formalities for new construction at Livonia Public Schools facilities; if the schools fail to maintain, the city will step in and bill them. Approved to Consent. - Item 16 – Lane Line Marking Program: Lear requested waiver of bidding to extend contract with PK Contracting at $125,000 (no increase). Noted only one bidder typically. Councilmember McDonnell asked for a breakdown of prior payments and moved to place on Regular Agenda. Approved to Regular. - Item 17 – Charter Amendments & Ballot Millages: City Attorney Fisher presented two separate ballot initiatives to renew existing public safety and cultural/senior services millages in exactly the same form as previously approved by voters. Must be on Regular Agenda due to supermajority vote requirement. Councilmember Budzinski emphasized importance and moved to Regular Agenda. Approved to Regular. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were directed to either the Consent or Regular portion of the March 23, 2026, Regular Meeting (voting meeting). - Consent Agenda (items to be approved in one block unless pulled): Items 2–15. - Regular Agenda (items requiring individual discussion/vote): Items 1 (with referral to Committee of the Whole for further discussion), 16 (Lane Line Marking – Council wants cost breakdown), and 17 (Charter amendments for ballot millages). - The March 23 meeting will include official votes on all items. - No final votes were taken at this study meeting.

The Livonia City Council held its 2036th regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting included presentations from the Youth Commission, extensive public comment on police facilities and early voting, approval of a consent agenda, and votes on noise ordinance waivers and early voting site selection. Key outcomes included approval of a four-story hotel site plan, establishment of City Hall as the early voting site with accommodations for accessibility, and referral of ordinance updates on blight and data centers to the Law Department. Youth Commission Report - Three Youth Commission members (Hunter Anderson, Drew Buwani, Ovia J. Sunker) presented findings from the 2024 Youth Summit, highlighting student concerns about mental wellness, college/career planning, physical health, harassment/bullying, and substance abuse (especially vaping). They urged the council to consider actionable solutions and announced the 2027 Youth Summit. Public Comments & Testimony - Debbie McDermott thanked the Livonia Fire and Rescue for their professional response to a medical call. - Rhonda Snyder opposed the proposed police station at the same location on Brookville, citing the 70% vote against the previous downtown plan in August 2025 and objecting to a 1% administration fee. - Leslie Resnick criticized the police response to a February 13 assault at Rotary Park, stating the victims had not been contacted in nearly a month and neighbors were not canvassed. - Steve King raised concerns about city vehicle idling, providing statistics: 0.8 gallons per hour per vehicle, 1,600 gallons annually per vehicle at $3.50/gallon costing $5,600/year per vehicle, plus engine wear equivalent to 50,000 miles per year. Urged city to adopt idle reduction policies. - Christopher Martin questioned transparency around police high-speed chases and shootings, calling for the police chief to appear before council. - Wayne Snyder argued against tearing down the existing police station, suggesting remodeling instead, and criticized the 1% fee. - Laura Jannika read a statement from Iris Ramirez challenging officials to spend a day in a wheelchair to experience accessibility barriers. - Michelle Chambers wore a "No to More" shirt and asserted residents voted against the police station; urged council to listen to voters. - Jim Biga criticized the 1% administration fee, noted $6 million in deferred maintenance citywide, and said the police station plan was the same as the rejected millage. - Clare Ceresnie requested transparency regarding ICE enforcement activity involving Amazon Flex drivers and asked that Livonia Police maintain their current policy of not investigating immigration status. - Jay Murray defended the police department, calling them broadly popular (80-90%) and accusing opponents of selection bias. - Lynn Mills reported that the Livonia Housing Commission meeting on Feb24 lacked an agenda posted in advance, and that police were present watching residents. - Denise Micah requested that future study meetings on the police station be held in the auditorium and televised for transparency; noted city has paid $2.5 million to Granger Construction and Hobbss & Black for paused contracts. Consent Calendar - Items 2 through 16 were approved unanimously (6-0) en bloc, including: waiver petitions for Haggerty Six Partners (Buildings F and I moved to regular agenda as Item 20), for LAG Development (parking lot at 11315 Stark Road), and for OSI/Fleming's (SDM liquor license); contracts and expenditures for NeoGov talent acquisition ($20,151.92), AFSCME Local 1917 contract (Dec1,2025-Nov30,2028), emergency repair of air handler at Kirksey Rec Center ($23,500), Livonia Junior Athletic League sponsorship ($24,000), carpet at Alexander Blue House ($24,274.25), Alliance of Rouge Communities 2026 assessment ($40,660), generator maintenance ($24,000 for 2 years), sewer inspection software ($75,710 year1, $22,856 year2, $23,565 year3), engineering for2027 Amrhein Road Reconstruction ($110,000),2026 Concrete Road Program ($5,004,759.25 to Hard Rock Concrete), construction engineering for same ($600,571 to Anderson,Eckstein & Westrick),2026 Concrete Road Maintenance/Selective Slab Program ($1,491,827 to Hard Rock Concrete), and construction engineering for same ($186,478 to Anderson,Eckstein & Westrick). Item 1 (Haggerty Six Partners Buildings F & I) was removed and approved later under New Business. Discussion Items - Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Technology Committee Report (Item 17): Councilmember Budzinski summarized the Feb25 committee meeting covering three subjects: (a) blighted and vacant businesses on Plymouth Road – recommendation to draft ordinance expanding Inspection Department ability to issue civil infractions for blight; (b) data centers and zoning – recommendation for one-year moratorium to update zoning using German Energy Efficiency Act as model; (c) gas stations and car washes – no action needed given existing limits and moratorium on car washes. Subsequent motions on (a) and (b) were approved 6-0. - Noise Ordinance Waiver (Item 18): Rev. Dr. Rodrigue Constantin requested waiver for St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church festival Aug7-9,2026. After public testimony (Jennifer Marr described bass disturbing her children until midnight in prior years; others supported or opposed), council amended motion to music ending at 11 p.m. on Friday/Saturday, 8 p.m. on Sunday, and decibel limit of 60 dB. Approved 6-0. - Early Voting Plan (Item 19): Council voted on duplicate motions. Initial motion to deny was offered (McDonnell/Brockway). Substitute motion to approve (Budzinski/ Persicioni) passed 4-2 (Brockway and McDonnell dissenting). Resolution 110-26 establishes City Hall as early voting site for all statewide/federal elections, conditioned on: (1) Administration to remediate external ramp by Apr8,2026 or clerk will arange machine to be rolled out to voters who cannot access building; (2) referral to Administration for report on ramp accessibility by Apr8,2026. Council added request for Administration to present a ramp improvement proposal by Apr8 at cost. - New Business – Buildings F & I at Shoppes at College Park (Item 20, moved from Consent): Petition by Haggerty Six Partners for two buildings (Building F – unspecified, Building I – Fogo de Chao steakhouse). Councilmember McDonell praised investment; approved unanimously 6-0 subject to conditions including landscaping, lighting, and building material compatibility. Key Outcomes - Yuth Commission Report received and acknowledged; council expressed support and invited future collaboration. - Consent Agenda (items 2-16) approved 6-0. - Noise ordinance waiver for St. Rafka festival approved with amendments: music ends 11 p.m. Fri/Sat, 8 p.m. Sun; 60 dB limit. - Early voting site at Livonia City Hall approved 4-2 with ramp remediation or alternative ballot delivery for those unable to access building. - Waiver petition for Buildings F & I approved 6-0. - Law Department directed to draft an ordinance on expanding civil infractions for blight and vacancy (approves 6-0). - Law Department directed to draft a one-year moratorium on data centers to update zoning with german energy efficiency standards (approves 6-0). - Police station discussion deferred to Capital Outaly and Infrastructure committee meeting on March 11 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. in Council Chamber. - Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

The Livonia City Council convened a study meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The session was held to review and set the agenda for the regular voting meeting scheduled for March 9, 2026. Councilwoman McDonald was absent, recovering from outpatient surgery. The meeting featured extensive public commentary on development controversies and city policies, along with detailed staff presentations and council deliberation on nineteen agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony - St. Rafka Noise Ordinance: Multiple residents spoke on the request. Susan Dobin (Hubbard St.) reported her windows vibrated during past festivals and requested earlier end times to respect working neighbors. Jerry Kerasinski supported standardizing noise limits city-wide. Christopher Martin appealed to the principle of "loving thy neighbor." - City Policy & Accountability: Steve King (Coventry Gardens) criticized the council for approving significant expenditures on the consent agenda without sufficient discussion. He referenced a drowning at the Embassy Suites and an armed robbery in the police station parking lot, urging proactive safety and sustainability requirements for new developments. - ZBA and Scheels Controversy: Multiple speakers, including Greg Ralko and Laura Shoemaker, strongly criticized the ZBA and Council over the Scheels development process. Ralko stated that a majority of council members are on record opposing the project yet it continues. Shoemaker accused the ZBA of acting with ill intentions. Christopher Martin argued the root issue is the Council's practice of making ZBA appointments based on political loyalty rather than merit. - Fleming's Liquor License: Ralph McNabb questioned the city's capacity to monitor underage alcohol delivery and bottle return requirements if the SDM license is granted. - Master Plan & Finance: A speaker questioned the efficiency of using an outside vendor for the Master Plan update and requested more detailed financial reporting for the council and public. Discussion Items 1. Noise Ordinance Waiver (St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church) Council considered a request to waive the noise ordinance for a cultural festival scheduled for August 7-9, 2026. The agenda text contained a typographical error listing the Saturday and Sunday dates as 2025, though the intended weekend was August 7-9, 2026. Councilwoman Tashnick noted a history of noise complaints. Councilman McCullough successfully urged for an amendment recommending music (specifically the bass) end by 11:00 p.m., with decibel limits matching St. Mary's festival. Councilwoman Budzinski advocated for consistency, noting St. Mary's was historically permitted later hours on Saturdays. Councilwoman Persicone offered a substitute to keep existing hours with decibel limits. The petitioner agreed to the conditions. Outcome: Placed on the Regular Agenda for March 9, 2026. 2. Shoppes at College Park (Buildings F & I) Plans were presented for Building F (Charles Schwab Investment Services, 7,400 sq. ft.) and Building I (Fogo de Chão Brazilian steakhouse, 8,575 sq. ft., 210 seats) at the Shoppes at College Park. The Planning Commission completed its review. Outcome: Placed on the Consent Agenda. 3. LAG Development (Stark Road Parking) Request to redevelop a residential parcel into 26 parking spaces for a neighboring dealership. The petitioner agreed to install motion-sensor lights and a screen wall to address neighbor concerns. Outcome: Placed on the Consent Agenda. 4. Fleming's SDM Liquor License Request for a specially designated merchant (SDM) license at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse to sell wine and spirits for off-premises consumption. The Planning Commission verified compliance with distance requirements. Outcome: Placed on the Consent Agenda. 5. Schoolcraft Lodge Hotel A proposal for a 94-room, four-story hotel at 31501 Schoolcraft Road, identical to a 2023 plan that expired. Councilman McCullough requested it be moved to the regular agenda. Outcome: Placed on the Regular Agenda. 6. Early Voting Plan City Clerk Lori Miller proposed establishing City Hall as the permanent early voting site, approving a plan required by Public Act 81 of 2023. She detailed significant challenges at the Housing Commission office used in 2024, including security risks, lack of space, ADA issues, and power outages. She stated City Hall offers controlled access, backup generators, ample parking, and curbside voting options. Clerk Miller noted City Hall received a 12/14 score in an ADA audit. Councilwoman Budzinski supported the plan, citing the April 6 deadline to file with Wayne County. Councilwoman Tashnick expressed reluctant support. Councilman McCullough formally offered a denying motion on the record, asserting the ramp does not meet ADA requirements (1:20 slope vs. required 1:12) and requested a review from city building officials. Outcome: Placed on the Regular Agenda. 7. AFSCME Local 1917 Contract A three-year collective bargaining agreement (Dec 1, 2025 - Nov 30, 2028) was presented. It includes a 3.5% wage increase in year three, a 2% wage adjustment, modifications to vacation accrual, Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and increased city contributions to the retiree health plan and defined contribution plan (from 12% to 13% of base pay). Outcome: Placed on the Consent Agenda. Consent Calendar The following items were placed on the consent agenda for formal approval on March 9, 2026: - College Park Buildings F & I (Item 2) - LAG Development Stark Road Parking (Item 3) - Fleming's SDM Liquor License (Item 4) - NeoGov Talent Acquisition Software (Item 7) - AFSCME Union Contract (Item 8) - Kirksey Rec Center Air Handler Repair (Item 9) - LJAL Sponsorship (Item 10) - Alexander Blue House Carpet Installation (Item 11) - ARC Annual Assessment (Item 12) - Generator Preventative Maintenance (Item 13) - Sewer Inspection Software (Item 14) - Amrhein Road Design Engineering (Item 15) - 2026 Concrete Road Program Award (Item 16) - Concrete Road Construction Engineering (Item 17) - 2026 Selective Slab Program Award (Item 18) - Selective Slab Construction Engineering (Item 19) Key Outcomes - All 19 agenda items were reviewed and placed on either the consent or regular agenda for the March 9, 2026, voting meeting. - A formal denying motion was filed by Councilman McCullough against the Early Voting Plan location at City Hall. - The St. Rafka festival was recommended for approval with specific noise restrictions (11 p.m. music cutoff, decibel limits). - The proposed three-year AFSCME Local 1917 contract was endorsed for approval. - Multi-million dollar infrastructure contracts, totaling over $6.4 million for the 2026 Concrete Road and Selective Slab programs, were advanced.

At its regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Auditorium, the Livonia City Council approved the remaining 20-item consent agenda, adopted a resolution opposing Michigan's housing preemption bills, heard public testimony on parks, development, and city finances, and removed two agenda items. Councilmembers Carrie Budzinski, Robin Persiconi, Martha Ptashnik, Patrick Brockway, Brandon McCullough, and Kayleigh Reid were present; Eileen McDonnell was absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Opening Recognition and Reports - Council recognized Nicole, a Livonia athlete and 2026 Special Olympics gold medalist in the 100-meter and 250-meter cross-country skiing events; she encouraged volunteering or registering through Olympics.com. - Councilmember Brockway announced January 2026 retirees: Senior Police Lieutenant Michael Mockeridge (26 years, 4 months), Public Service Worker Ward Cowan (18 years, 8 months), and DPW Director Don Roroff (15 years, 7 months). - Councilmembers announced upcoming community events, including a city employee polar plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics, the Moving with Moose kickoff on Mar. 1, the Livonia PM Rotary Club's first annual Grub Crawl on Apr. 16, a charity hockey event on May 2, and the Webster Wildcat elementary chess team's K-3 state championship win. - Upcoming committee meetings were announced: Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Technology on Feb. 25, and Capital Outlay and Infrastructure on Mar. 2 and Mar. 11, all at 7:00 p.m. - The Mayor's Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was received and placed on file. - Library Director Lindsay Fricky reported that the public library now subscribes to the Detroit Legal News, available Monday through Friday. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the Feb. 9, 2026 regular meeting were approved 6-0; the resolution text in the minutes cites Feb. 26, 2026, conflicting with the agenda, which appears to be a typo. - Site Plan Petition 2025-11-08-08 (Safiedine Merriman LLC) for a building addition to the gasoline service station at Merriman and Schoolcraft Roads was approved with conditions. - Hourly rate increases were approved for High School Co-Op, College Co-Op, and Seasonal Clerk classifications, and for Parks and Recreation Level 1 Steps 1 and 1.5, due to new minimum wage rates; the latter is effective Jan. 1, 2026. - Final budget adjustments for the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 2025 were authorized. - Parks bids approved: Rotary Park playground resurfacing to WeBuildFun, Inc. ($193,240); three Star Trac treadmills to Fitness Things ($24,401); three Freemotion treadmills to Direct Fitness Solutions ($25,485). - Shelden Park Redevelopment purchases approved under sole-source/cooperative pricing: benches/picnic tables from Penchura, LLC ($38,903.20); outdoor fitness equipment from Penchura, LLC ($42,262.53); splash pad from Vortex Aquatic Structures International ($614,895.90); playground equipment from Midstates Recreation ($596,786.50). Item 12 on site furnishings was removed before the vote. - Approved the Memorial Day road closure for May 23, 2026, 8:30-10:00 a.m., and the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting for Dec. 6, 2026, 4:00-5:00 p.m.; Senior Police Officer Michael Arakelian was authorized to sign Wayne County permits, and the city assumed liability as to Wayne County. - Public Works awards approved: ready-mix concrete to Messina Concrete (up to $55,000); hot and cold bituminous materials to Ajax Materials and Nagle Paving with alternates (up to $90,000); aggregates to Osburn, Farmer & Underwood, Edw Levy, and Simple Connect (up to $140,000); and two-year vegetation control to TruGreen ($29,025.08 total) and Premier Property Maintenance ($10,730.00 total). - Engineering approvals: OHM Advisors contract amendment for 2026 Asphalt Road Program construction engineering (up to $444,593); OHM Advisors amendment for the 2026 Newburgh Road Reconstruction and five traffic signal replacements (up to $590,000, including a $40,000 appropriation and $109,710 Wayne County reimbursement); and the 2026 Sidewalk Repair Program covering approximately 506 locations. Unfinished Business - Agenda item 22, the purchase of acoustical panels for the west gym at the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center, was removed from the agenda; no action was taken. Public Comments & Testimony During the first audience communication period, residents raised: - Karla Truxall shared that Livonia has a free Saturday Park Run at Bicentennial Park for walkers, joggers, and runners, and encouraged participation. - Steve King urged the city to pilot the RID Plow hydraulic attachment to reduce snow windrows at driveway ends, and suggested using court community service workers and LED bulb replacements to help fund it. - Bob Hauser expressed support for native-plant landscapes and said he will attend the March 16 Law and Education Committee meeting on the noxious weed ordinance amendment. - Christopher Martin criticized the court community service work program and said an event called Soul of Livonia lacked agenda and substance. - Ralph McNabb opposed the proposed Sheets gas station at Eight Mile and Newburgh, alleging procedural violations, safety risks from 80,000 gallons of fuel storage, and that only the site plan, not the use variance, has been approved. - Greg Ralko urged the council to make a motion to rescind the prior site plan approval for the Sheets station, citing councilmembers' prior opposition. During the consent agenda comment period: - Frank Durmot asked the council to pull the splash pad from the consent agenda and refurbish a pool instead, saying children need a pool to learn to swim and a pool benefits everyone. - Another resident, whose name was not stated, said poured-in-place rubber is a better playground surface than artificial turf and predicted seam and edge problems with turf at Rotary Park. During the final audience communication period: - Jerry Karasinski supported the housing preemption resolution and called for local control over zoning, plus attention to police and fire stations, Noble Library, city hall, master plan feedback, possible city charter changes, annexation, and library planning. - Cindy Fleming questioned figures in the FY 2024-2025 Annual Report, including declining ad valorem totals, a treasurer figure of $754,136 in delinquent personal property taxes versus $21,370 reported by the law department, accounts payable checks falling from 13,304 to 415, and police serious-crime declines of 18% and 10% that she said appeared inconsistent with other reported increases. Discussion Items - Councilmember Budzinski requested, and the council passed 6-0, a resolution formally opposing the Michigan House housing preemption package as introduced, urging legislators to vote against it and to work collaboratively with local governments. The resolution directs the clerk to transmit it to the Governor, Livonia's state representatives and senators, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Association of Counties, and other interested parties. - Councilmember Budzinski asked that long-term infrastructure investment and facilities maintenance planning be added to the Capital Outlay and Infrastructure Committee agenda, alongside the planned new police facility discussion. - Councilmember McCullough criticized the lack of progress on repairs at Noble Library, including a roof hole and continued water damage, and said a budgeted capital improvement manager position remains unfilled; he urged action rather than further study. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved 6-0. - Housing preemption opposition resolution 70-26 adopted by a 6-0 roll-call vote, with all present members voting yes. - The remaining 20 consent agenda items passed 6-0; items 12 and 22 were removed from the agenda, and new data was announced for items 10, 12, and 22. - The Mayor's Annual Report for FY 2024-2025 was received and placed on file. - The meeting adjourned unanimously at 7:47 p.m.

The Livonia City Council met in study session at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the City Hall Auditorium, with President Reid presiding and all seven councilmembers present. The meeting set the agenda for the February 23, 2026 regular voting meeting; no final votes were taken. Based on motions from councilmembers, all but one agenda item were directed to the consent agenda for the regular meeting, and one item was directed to the regular agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Christopher Martin, a resident, stated his belief that the concrete by the recreation center will not settle and said it will eventually need to be fixed. - Naz Cimsit, of Aspen Drive and a member of the Schoolcraft College Environment Club, urged the council to decline the weed-control bids until the runoff of the herbicide 2,4-D into groundwater is assessed, calling 2,4-D a proven Parkinson's-causing contaminant. - Jaron Ho, of Hopkins Road, Farmington Hills, and leader of the Schoolcraft College Environment Club, echoed concerns about 2,4-D and asked the council to delay contracting with companies using it until safer alternatives, including information from Grand Rapids Parks, are reviewed. - Donna Willbanks, of the Kimberly Oaks subdivision, asked what a recent $1 million non-departmental general-fund budget amendment was for and requested information on the time and place of committee meetings. Councilmembers said they would investigate the budget item and provided the committee calendar. Consent Calendar - Site plan - Merriman gas station (Item 1): Safiedine Merriman LLC requested site plan approval for an addition to the gasoline station at the southwest corner of Merriman and Schoolcraft Roads, expanding the building from about 1,980 to 3,920 square feet. Civil engineer Julia Turner said the petitioner added a sidewalk along the north side, a no-left-turn sign, and the Planning Commission's other notes. The item was directed to consent. - Minimum-wage rate increases (Items 2 and 3): Human Resources Director Jennine Laible said adjustments were needed for High School Co-Op, College Co-Op, Seasonal Clerk, and Parks & Recreation Level 1 Step 1/Step 1.5 classifications to comply with state minimum wage law. Both items were directed to consent. - FY 2025 budget adjustments (Item 4): Finance Director Benjamin Grier requested final budget amendments to close FY 2025. The general fund fire department was $265,000 over budget because of the firefighter contract settlement, equal to 1.7% of the $16.7 million general fund balance; FY 2025 general fund expenditures totaled $70.6 million. The MIDC grant fund also required an over-budget adjustment, and the Plymouth Road Development Authority was over budget by $585,239, including $417,877 in irrigation-line repairs and $221,446 in Shelden Park land improvements, with $378,824 to be reimbursed from a $5 million bond issuance. The item was directed to consent. - Rotary Park playground resurfacing (Item 5): Superintendent Ted Davis recommended the low bid of $193,240 from We Build Fun Inc. to remove the failed pour-in-place surface and install astroturf; the selected product has a limited lifetime warranty. Directed to consent. - Treadmill purchases (Items 7 and 8): The council directed consent for three Star Trac treadmills at $24,401 from Fitness Things and three Freemotion treadmills at $25,485 from Direct Fitness Solutions, replacing outdated equipment. - Shelden Park benches and picnic tables (Item 9): Parks and Recreation requested waiving formal bidding and using Keystone Purchasing Network cooperative pricing for powder-coated steel benches, picnic tables, and ADA-compliant tables. Directed to consent. - Shelden Park fitness equipment (Item 10): Requested use of Sourcewell cooperative pricing to purchase specified outdoor fitness equipment from Pinchura LLC for $42,262.53; Davis said the user-friendly machines will be near the southern pavilion. Directed to consent. - Shelden Park splash pad (Item 11): Requested approval for a $614,895.90 Vortex splash pad via Sourcewell. Davis said Vortex was used successfully at the indoor splash pad; Councilmember Budzinski described it as likely the only free splash pad with a slide in Michigan. Directed to consent. - Shelden Park playground equipment (Item 12): Requested approval for $596,786.50 in Playworld playground equipment from Midstates Recreation via Sourcewell, including a small 3-to-5-foot turf hill. Directed to consent. - Shelden Park site furnishings (Item 13): Requested approval for $89,400.50 in Maglin site furnishings, including 17 ADA picnic tables, five benches, and seven trash receptacles around the splash pad area. Directed to consent. - Memorial Day road closure (Item 14): The council directed consent for a request to Wayne County to close Farmington Road from Five Mile Road to Roycroft Street and Five Mile Road from Shadyside Drive to Farmington Road on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Holiday parade and tree lighting (Item 15): The council directed consent for the Sunday, December 6, 2026 parade route, associated street closures, the Wayne County closure of Farmington Road from Lyndon to Five Mile between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., authorization for Senior Police Officer Michael Arakelian to sign the permit, and city liability for damage claims. - Public Works annual materials (Items 16-18): The council directed consent for the 2026 ready-mix concrete, hot and cold bituminous materials, and aggregates bids, with both the low bidders and second-low bidders approved as backups in case materials cannot be supplied in time. - Vegetation control contract (Item 19): The council directed consent for the two-year 2026-2027 weed-control program, with work split into three bid groups and low bids from TrueGreen and Premier Property Maintenance. Public objections to 2,4-D were heard before the direction. - OHM construction engineering contracts (Items 20 and 21): The council directed consent to amend the QBS contract with OHM Advisors in the amount of $444,593 for the 2026 Asphalt Road Program, and in the amount of $590,000 for construction engineering on the 2026 Newburgh Road reconstruction from Ann Arbor Trail to Plymouth Road, including five traffic signals. OHM has been involved in the asphalt program since 2002; Wayne County is paying for three of the five signals. - 2026 sidewalk repair program (Item 22): The council directed consent to approve the program with approximately 506 locations citywide. City Engineer Todd Zilincik said residents may do their own repairs or have the contractor do them; estimate letters are planned for April 1 and construction for late May. Discussion Items - Acoustical panels for Kirksey Recreation Center west gym (Item 6): Parks Superintendent Ted Davis requested approval to purchase 65 acoustical panels from second-low bidder TIPS Group LLC to reduce severe echo in the new west gym. Councilmember Brandon McCullough asked whether a sound study or the building architect's sign-off should be obtained before spending the money, and the item was directed to the regular agenda rather than consent. - OHM contract review process: During the OHM items, Councilmember Eileen McDonnell asked about the process for reviewing the QBS contract before it expires in November 2026. City Engineer Zilincik said administration and council would need to decide whether to seek an RFQ, extend the contract, or consider other options. - Sidewalk program approach: During the sidewalk discussion, Councilmember McCullough asked about returning to a quadrant-based, proactive sidewalk repair program. Zilincik responded that targeted areas are done when funding allows and that a larger program would depend on budget direction. Key Outcomes - Agenda items 1-5 and 7-22 were directed to the consent agenda for the February 23, 2026 regular meeting. - Item 6 (acoustical panels) was directed to the regular agenda for further consideration. - The council did not take final votes; all directions were by consensus motions. - Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

The Livonia City Council held its 2,034th Regular Meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium, 33000 Civic Center Drive. All seven councilmembers were present: Eileen McDonnell, Carrie Budzinski, Robin Persiconi, Martha Ptashnik, Patrick Brockway, Brandon McCullough, and Kayleigh Reid. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the January 26, 2026 regular meeting minutes (Resolution 50-26). - Approved a noise-ordinance waiver for the Knights of Columbus 9th Annual Car Show with DJ at Saint Colette's Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Confirmed reappointments: Mary Ciolino to the Board of Review (term expiring February 16, 2029) and Lora Weingarden to the Board of Ethics (term expiring March 1, 2029). - Approved the 2026 Board of Review meeting schedule and compensation: $120/day for the Chairperson and $100/day for other members, plus 2026 poverty exemption guidelines and 50.00 assessment ratios with 1.0000 SEV multipliers. - Authorized the DIA Partners in Public Art MOU for a community-driven mural at the Ben Celani play area and appointed Councilmember Budzinski as Council's representative. - Awarded bids/contracts including: pool chemical automation and granular chlorine to Baruzzini Contracting LLC, not to exceed $285,760 (sole bid; $3.55/lb; roughly 15,600 lbs chlorine per year); Dufour Park tennis/inline hockey court resurfacing to Laser Sport Surfacing, $33,850; two Agrimetal greens rollers to Revels Turf & Tractor, $50,052.50; 2026 right-of-way tree planting to Crimboli Nursery, $155,250 (450 trees) with 2027 option $144,800 (400 trees) and backup bidder Paradise Garden Landscaping; Ford Field backstop and dugout bench replacements to Nationwide Construction Group, $30,440; FOG prevention treatment contract with Eganix, Inc., $80,000/year with 3% cap extensions through 2032; one 2026 Ford F150 Super Cab XLT 4x4 with upfitting, not to exceed $64,351.35; rock salt purchase increased from 2,625 to 2,800 tons annually through 2029, with unit prices from $62.59/ton to $68.40/ton; and Act 51 street additions (Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue) and decertifications totaling 1,511 linear feet. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Chewy, Resident, expressed support for federal immigration enforcement and stated Livonia PD should work with ICE. - Paul Pearson, Nancy St., asked for an update on the Mayor's position on ICE. - Theo Gomulka, Harrison, shared personal experience with law enforcement and expressed support for police and opposition to mass migration. - Mike Martin, Trillium, said residents should not view each other as enemies, expressed concern about ICE actions violating immigrant rights, and suggested a 250th anniversary celebration theme. - Karla Truxall, Jacquelyn Dr., announced the Movin' with Moose mental-health event and encouraged participation. - Christopher Martin, Resident, complained about poor concrete quality by the Civic Center Library, citing raised slabs and trip hazards, and requested a different contractor for future projects. - During the consent agenda, Christopher Martin also spoke about his personal experiences with the property tax appeal process and the need for education for Board of Review members; the minutes describe this comment as relating to Item 3 and the correct process of appointing a member to the board. Discussion Items - The council received and placed on file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending November 30, 2025, from the Department of Finance. - Councilmember McCullough moved to refer exterior lighting/luminosity from businesses to the Law and Education Committee. He cited overly bright LED applications. Residents Jerry Karasinski and Eric Fitzpatrick supported the referral; Karasinski cited bright lights at HMC Urgent Care, 30737 Seven Mile Road, and Fitzpatrick said Plymouth Road street lights do not comply with city policies and should be shielded/retrofitted. - The council considered a Wayne County right-of-way permit resolution authorizing Public Works officials to apply for and sign permits for work in County rights-of-way. - The Department of Law requested a closed Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss pending litigation. City Attorney Carter Fisher said the closed session was allowed under the Open Meetings Act for litigation strategy. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of January 26, 2026 (7-0). - Referred to the Department of Law the preparation of a proposed ordinance allowing the City to assess fees for non-emergency 911 calls and non-emergency usage of emergency resources (Resolution 51-26; 7-0). Councilmember McCullough said the request came from the fire department, and the City Attorney said other localities charge such fees. This action arose during council comments and was not listed on the revised agenda. - Approved all 14 consent agenda items (Resolutions 52-65; 7-0). - Referred exterior lighting regulation to the Law and Education Committee (Resolution 66-26; 7-0). - Adopted the 2026 Wayne County annual right-of-way permit resolution (Resolution 67-26; 7-0). - Scheduled a closed Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss litigation strategy in Estate of L.V. Means v City of Livonia, Wayne County Circuit Court Case No. 25-017576-NI (Resolution 68-26; 7-0). - Adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

The Livonia City Council held a study meeting on January 26, 2026, at 9:21 PM in City Hall Auditorium, with President Reid presiding. Councilmember Ptashnik was absent recovering from surgery. The meeting primarily served to review agenda items for the February 9, 2026 regular voting meeting. A key focus was a letter from Mayor Brosnan updating the council on the Livonia Police Department's policy amendment regarding federal immigration law and notification of Customs and Border Patrol. All new business items were moved to the consent agenda for the February 9 regular meeting, except for Item 12 (Vegetation Control Program) which was removed. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 1 – Noise Ordinance Waiver: Request by Knights of Columbus for a car show with DJ at St. Colette's Catholic Church on June 6, 2026, 9 AM–3 PM. Moved to consent. - Item 2 – Reappointment of Mary Ciolino to the Livonia Board of Review for a three-year term expiring February 16, 2029. Moved to consent. - Item 3 – Reappointment of Lora Weingarden to the Livonia Board of Ethics for a three-year term expiring March 1, 2029. City Attorney Fisher expressed gratitude for her service. Moved to consent. - Item 4 – Board of Review Meetings: Approval of 2026 dates, compensation ($120/day for chair, $100/day for members), and hardship guidelines. A resident confirmed members' certification requirements are met. Moved to consent. - Item 5 – DIA Public Art MOU: Authorization to execute a memorandum of understanding for a community-driven mural at Ben Celani play area. A council member will participate. Moved to consent. - Item 6 – Pool Chemical Automation System: Purchase of granular chlorine system at $3.55/lb, held for two years. Only one bidder. Moved to consent. - Item 7 – Tennis/Hockey Court Resurfacing: Dufour Park court resurfacing (eight years overdue) awarded to Laser Sports Surfacing for $33,850. Moved to consent. - Item 8 – Greens Rollers: Purchase of two Agrimetal greens rollers for Idyl Wild and Whispering Willows golf courses from Revels Turf and Tractor for $50,050. Moved to consent. - Item 9 – Right-of-Way Tree Planting: 2026 program for 450 trees (38 species) at $155,250, with option to extend to 2027 at $144,800. Awarded to Crimboli Nursery. Moved to consent despite public concerns about tree survival rates. - Item 10 – Ford Field Backstop Replacements: Removal and replacement of backstops and players' benches at Diamonds 3 and 6 awarded to Nationwide Construction Group for $30,440. Moved to consent. - Item 11 – FOG Prevention Treatment: Contract with GANIX for fats, oils, and grease treatment through 2026 with three two-year extension options (3% cap increase). Moved to consent. - Item 13 (renumbered 12) – Ford F150 Purchase: Replacement of a fleet truck (F-250, 8–10 years old) via state contract at $64,351.35, including upfitting and tariff contingency. Moved to consent. - Item 14 (renumbered 13) – Rock Salt Increase: Authorization to increase rock salt allotment from 2,500 to 2,800 tons (with 30% overage) through 2029 via Farmington Hills Consortium. Moved to consent. - Item 15 (renumbered 14) – Act 51 Street System Updates: Yearly reporting of new road segments and decertifications to clean up mapping and funding. Moved to consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve King (Coventry Gardens): Argued the city has no legal obligation to assist ICE, citing the 10th Amendment and Supreme Court rulings. Criticized MITN bidding platform, questioned cost savings, and requested side-by-side comparisons. Opposed the purchase of a chlorine-based pool system, advocating for alternatives like ozone, UV light, or saltwater sanitation. Expressed concern about tree survival rates and contractor quality. - Eric Fitzpatrick (Rosedale Gardens): Requested an outdoor lighting policy to address excessive LED illumination, citing safety and nuisance issues, and noted that higher-class communities enforce such standards. - Laurie Shuck (Resident): Disappointed with recent ICE activity, clarified that seeking asylum is not a crime. Requested investigation of snow plow gates to prevent driveway buildup, and reported ongoing issues with recycling pickup by the new contractor. - Christopher Martin (Resident): Criticized council meeting etiquette—texting, whispering, and eating—and questioned the attendance record of a councilmember prior to election. - Cindy Fleming (Resident): Complained about the poor quality of a boulevard tree planted by the contractor, noting the small planting hole and structural defects despite her nurturing efforts. - Jerry Karasinski (Bainbridge): Inquired about pricing of other truck brands (Chevrolet, Ram) compared to Ford. Discussion Items - Exterior Lighting Referral: Councilmember McCullough requested adding the topic of exterior lighting and luminosity to the Law and Education Committee for review, citing safety and liability concerns with overly bright LED retrofits. A motion will be made at the next regular meeting. - Hashimoto's Disease Awareness Month: Vice President Brockway proposed declaring March 2026 as Hashimoto's Disease Awareness Month in Livonia. City Attorney Fisher confirmed a resolution could be offered at the next regular meeting. - Pool Chemical System: Parks Superintendent Davis explained the switch from tablet to granular chlorine to avoid supplier warranty issues and increase flexibility. Councilmember Budzinski noted the bid had only one respondent. - Tree Planting Program: Assistant Director Moore defended Crimboli Nursery's performance, noting hand-digging and improved handling. Councilmembers discussed species diversity (48% maples) and past losses from emerald ash borer. The contractor has worked with the city for years and with Dearborn. - FOG Treatment: New Assistant Director Hoppola introduced the GANIX contract, which has been used since 2022 and won an APWA award. The treatment reduces labor for jetting lines and includes restaurant inspections. - Fleet Management: Moore confirmed the F150 purchase replaces an older truck without increasing fleet size. He noted DPW trucks face hard use (e.g., plowing) and may have high engine wear regardless of miles. Key Outcomes - All 14 presented new business items were directed to the consent agenda for the February 9, 2026 regular meeting (Item 12 on the agenda—Vegetation Control—was removed). - Councilmember McCullough's request to refer exterior lighting to the Law and Education Committee will be formalized via motion at the next regular meeting. - Vice President Brockway's proposal for Hashimoto's Disease Awareness Month will be brought as a resolution at the next regular meeting. - No formal votes were taken; directions were unanimous among present councilmembers.

The 2,033rd Regular Meeting of the Livonia City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026, in the City Hall Auditorium. Roll call showed Councilmembers McCullough, McDonnell, Budzinski, Persiconi, Brockway, and Reid present; Councilmember Ptashnik was absent. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. City Attorney Update on LPD and Immigration Enforcement - At the Council President's request, City Attorney Carter Fisher said the mayor's office had sent the Council a letter that afternoon. He said the administration and Livonia Police Department understood the gravity of community concerns, had been actively reviewing and amending policies related to ICE and immigration enforcement, had consulted outside sources for expertise, and asked for additional time to complete the policy review. Minutes and Reports - The minutes of the January 14, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously, 6-0, after corrections were noted (Resolution 39-26). - The Department of Finance communication forwarding the Departmental Purchases Report for December 31, 2025 was received and placed on file. Consent Calendar - Items 1 through 3 were approved together by a 6-0 vote: - Renewal of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement through MiDEAL contract pricing for three years, February 28, 2026 through February 27, 2029, at an annual cost not to exceed $96,237.04 (Resolution 40-26). - Award of the Shelden Park Improvements and Renovation Project to Keo and Associates, Inc., as general contractor, in an amount not to exceed $3,160,822.00 (Resolution 41-26). - Setting June 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. as the date for Council to consider placing special assessments on properties with unpaid charges from the 2025 Sidewalk Program, Contract 25-G (Resolution 42-26). Public Comments and Testimony - The majority of public comment concerned Livonia Police Department cooperation with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Residents including Mike Rudell, Betsy Calhoun, Mike Gladwick, Laurie Shook, Debbie Pinnell, Renay Weiss-Stansell, Deb Christiansen, Frances Janis, Lauren Dugas-Holler, Samantha Kliman, Peter Dale, Jordan Foster, and others opposed the cooperation. They said ICE was dangerous and unaccountable, cited recent fatal incidents involving ICE operations, asked for full transparency about when LPD calls federal immigration authorities, and urged the city to adopt policies barring or limiting cooperation. Ella Zangdal asked how many of the 14,000 citations issued during 2025 resulted in stops where someone lacked ID and how often CBP was called. Mike Martin said crime in Livonia fell 19% in the past year and argued ICE was not needed in the city. - U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib said LPD has no legal obligation to contact immigration authorities when officers suspect someone is not lawfully present, warned that such contact encourages racial profiling, expressed frustration with the city's response, and announced that $850,000 for a Livonia bike/walk project had cleared the U.S. House and was pending in the Senate. State Representative Laurie Pohutsky said voluntary participation in immigration enforcement carries legal liabilities and urged the Council to act by ordinance rather than relying on administration policy. - Residents supporting police cooperation with ICE included James Hooper, Jerry Karasinski, John Pastor, and Michele Mancini. They argued that the city should follow federal law, honor federal detainers, support the police department, and not forbid officers from cooperating with other agencies on warrants or deportation orders. - Other commenters requested specific actions: Jim Biga asked that any gas station restriction also cover auto repair shops; Suzanne Fanning, a Plymouth resident running for Wayne County Probate Court, discussed mental health and probate court accessibility; William Hurley asked for a rescission vote on the recently approved car wash at the former Buca Di Beppo site and alleged Open Meetings Act violations; Matt Hanson criticized a councilmember's vote on the car wash and supported rescission; Laura Shoemaker detailed prior Sheetz site plan votes and said a formal complaint had been filed with the Michigan Attorney General; Greg Ralko asked the mayor to stop work at Eight Mile Road and Newburgh pending Circuit Court litigation and cited zoning ordinance violations; Denise Mika and Christopher Martin raised transparency and procurement concerns; Steve King recommended the city create a full-time grant writer and criticized furniture costs; Christopher Martin called for competitive towing after describing a $450 tow bill reduced to $145 after media involvement; Cindy Fleming asked for a review of emergency preparedness after delayed water safety information during a water main break; Erik Fitzpatrick requested revisions to the outdoor lighting policy; Chris Hench requested sign language interpreters at city meetings; and Betsy Calhoun suggested seeking a gold Michigan Green Communities certification and reusing the Sheldon Park pool building. Discussion Items - Item 4, Senior Wellness Center furniture: The Council waived formal bidding and approved the purchase from Interior Environments - Novi in an amount not to exceed $39,719.38. Councilmember McCullough said the amount reflected a reduction of close to $11,000. Passed 6-0 (Resolution 43-26). - Item 5, 2026 Asphalt Road Program: The Council approved extending Nagle Paving Company's Contract 25-A unit prices for Contract 26-A in an amount not to exceed $3,806,939.15. The official minutes and roll call show the vote was 5-1, with Councilmember McDonnell as the sole no vote. The transcript also contains pre-vote remarks opposing the renewal that are attributed in the transcript to President Reed, but the roll call and official minutes record President Reid as voting aye; the context strongly indicates the no-vote rationale belonged to Councilmember McDonnell (Resolution 44-26). - Item 6, 2025 Sidewalk Program final costs: The Council approved a final project cost of $1,102,784.95, including a 10% Engineering Division administrative fee, with $183,150.00 charged to single lot assessments and $919,634.95 charged to city funds. Passed 6-0 (Resolution 45-26). - Item 7, 2026 Sidewalk Repair Program: The Council approved extending Joe Rotondo Construction Corp.'s Contract 25-G unit prices for Contract 26-G and 27-G, authorizing a 2026 program amount not to exceed $909,663.50, plus up to $30,000.00 to Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. for saw-cutting. A substitute motion by Councilmember McDonnell, supported by Vice President Brockway, to limit the extension to one year failed on a 2-4 vote, with only McDonnell and Brockway voting yes. The original resolution then passed 4-2, with McDonnell and Brockway voting no (Resolution 46-26). - Item 8, Virtual Council meetings: The Council voted 6-0 to refer to the Committee of the Whole the question of allowing Council meetings to be conducted in person with a virtual option. Vice President Brockway cited accessibility and a 2022 Michigan Attorney General opinion (Resolution 47-26). - Item 9, Donations: The Council accepted $49,935.00 in cash and gifts from various donors for Parks and Recreation purposes as designated by donors. Passed 6-0 (Resolution 48-26). - At the close of the meeting, Councilmember McDonnell moved to refer procurement practices for contracts above $30,000.00 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed 5-1, with Councilmember Persiconi voting no (Resolution 49-26). Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items approved 6-0. - Furniture purchase approved 6-0. - 2026 Asphalt Road Program approved 5-1. - 2025 Sidewalk Program final costs approved 6-0. - 2026 Sidewalk Repair Program approved 4-2; a one-year-only substitute motion failed 2-4. - Zoom referral to Committee of the Whole approved 6-0. - Donations accepted 6-0. - Procurement practices referral to Committee of the Whole approved 5-1. - The meeting transcript stated the next regular meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026.

The Livonia City Council held a study session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to prepare the agenda for the January 26, 2026 regular voting meeting. The agenda listed an 8:00 p.m. start, but the minutes record the meeting was called to order at 9:22 p.m. and adjourned at 10:21 p.m. All council members were present. Staff presented seven new business items; council directed each item to either the consent or regular agenda. No final votes were taken at the study meeting. Consent Calendar Items placed on the consent agenda for January 26, 2026: - Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (Item 1): Three-year renewal at $96,237 per year through MIDEAL contract pricing, presented by Information Systems Director Casey O'Neil. Covers core services expiring February 2026. Directed to consent by Councilmember McCullough. - Shelden Park general contractor (Item 2): Award to KEO and Associates as low bidder at $3,160,822 for the $5 million bonded renovation project. Bids came in below the $3.6–$3.8 million estimate. Directed to consent by Councilmember Budzinski. - Special assessment date (Item 6): Set a date to adopt a resolution placing special assessments on unpaid 2025 sidewalk charges. Directed to consent by Councilmember Ptashnik. Note: agenda cites CR 95-25; minutes cite CR 74-24. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve King (Coventry Gardens) criticized Mitten/MITN (Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network) as an administrative convenience rather than a proven cost-saving tool and urged council to re-examine routine spending. He later opposed the Shelden Park splash pad, advocated for a pool, and called for more citizen input on the park and senior-center furniture purchases. - Jim Biga (resident) argued the 30-minute public comment period violates the Michigan Open Meetings Act and raised ADA concerns, asking for a published procedure for remote/virtual participation accommodations. - Neil Moroski (15971 Penn Drive) criticized Councilmember Ptashnik's car-wash comments and vote, saying residents do not want a car wash at the Buca di Beppo site and that the council should address oversaturation. - Jerry Karaszynski (19488 Bainbridge) asked council to address deer overpopulation regionally, review golf course fertilizer and herbicide use for environmentally friendly alternatives, and later supported the senior-center furniture purchase because savings could be redirected to Hillcrest Park playground equipment. He also suggested coordinating Microsoft license renewals across city departments. - Matt Hansen (Quakertown) urged rescission of the December 17 Buca site car-wash approval so the current council could reconsider it; he said the approval contradicted Councilmember Ptashnik's stated policy on car-wash clustering. - Nas Simpson (18957 Aspen Drive) suggested using organic fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides at Livonia golf courses that are not damaging to human health. - Greg Ralko (Golf Villa) criticized the Buca car-wash approval, said council should have asked the developer for a traffic contingency, and urged rescission. - Cindy Fleming (Lavonia) asked how the 2026 sidewalk repair item needed to be amended to include the 2027 year; Zilincik clarified he would return in 2027 with the contract amount for council approval. - Denise Mica (resident) asked whether future bid packages could include competitive options for the following year instead of price extensions; she also questioned whether removing trash/recycling items from the furniture proposal would reduce assembly/labor costs. - Council responses: Councilmember McCullough said Mitten is a procurement website, not a cooperative purchasing agreement, while MIDEAL is a State of Michigan cooperative purchasing contract that can offer good pricing; he cautioned that some cooperative agreements are money grabs. Councilmember Ptashnik said a rescission can be moved by any councilmember and noted the council receives many calls, emails, and voicemails beyond those attending; her car-wash concern was tied to traffic from the Whole Foods-area development. Councilmember Brockway said he would take up the ADA/Zoom request through a Committee of the Whole review. Discussion Items - Senior Wellness Center furniture (Item 3): Parks and Recreation Superintendent Ted Davis requested waiver of formal bidding and $51,894.87 in furniture purchases through cooperative pricing based on user preferences, including chairs without wheels, smaller card tables, second-level seating, and benches. Councilmember McCullough proposed removing trash receptacles and recycling centers from the scope, saving about $11,000; Davis agreed to obtain a revised proposal. Denise Mica noted assembly fees might also drop and raised concerns about chair heights. Directed to the regular agenda. - 2026 Asphalt Road Program (Item 4): City Engineer Todd Zilincik requested approval of Contract 26-A with Nagle Paving at $3,806,939.15 by extending Contract 25-A unit prices. The program covers 22 segments in the fourth year of the 2022 road millage, with a $10.2 million total budget; work includes the Harrison Street corridor and Myrna Road. Nagle is a Livonia business with bidder preference. Directed to the regular agenda. - 2025 Sidewalk Program final costs (Item 5): Request to approve final costs and additional appropriations for Contract 25-G, closing out 2025 work so the Treasurer's Office can send single-lot assessments. Final contract amount was $1,102,784.95 with a 10% administrative fee; about 182 assessments at roughly $1,000 each (about $250 per flag). The project came in about $100,000 under budget. Directed to the regular agenda. - 2026 Sidewalk Repair Program (Item 7): Request to extend Contract 25-G unit prices with Joe Rotondo Construction Corp. for Contract 26-G and to authorize an appropriation for Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. Zilincik said the request included extending unit prices into 2027, but he would return in 2027 for council approval of the contract amount. Councilmember McDonnell said she preferred a one-year contract and preserving the option to bid in 2027; council discussion clarified the January 26 action would cover 2026 only. Directed to the regular agenda. - ADA/Zoom referral: Councilmember Brockway said he would work with legal, the clerk, and communications on adding Zoom/remote participation to meetings. Councilmember Ptashnik noted prior difficulties syncing Zoom with the television broadcast and said closed captioning had been added. Councilmember Budzinski noted that all public meetings and committee meetings would need to be Zoom-compatible, with budget implications. The matter was directed to the regular agenda as a Committee of the Whole report/recommendation. - Other council discussion: Councilmember McDonnell acknowledged a resident email about possible bocce ball court improvements; no action was taken. Key Outcomes - Because this was a study meeting, no ordinance or contract was formally adopted. Council directed agenda placement for the January 26, 2026 regular meeting: consent = Items 1, 2, and 6; regular = Items 3, 4, 5, and 7; plus the ADA/Zoom referral. - For Item 3, council directed staff to remove trash receptacles and recycling centers and return with a revised not-to-exceed amount. - For Item 7, council discussion indicated approval would be for 2026 only, with Zilincik returning in 2027 for the second-year renewal amount. - Meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.