Livonia City Council Study Meeting - November 17, 2025

The Livonia City Council held a study meeting on November 17, 2025, to discuss nine new business items and hear public comments. The meeting was called to order at 8:40 p.m. by Councilmember Donovic, with all seven council members present. Each agenda item received a motion to be placed on the consent calendar of the December 3, 2025 regular meeting for formal approval. Additionally, Councilmember Ptashnik moved to refer a resolution waiving fees for councilmember coffee hours to the Law Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve King (Coventry Gardens): Read the amended block party ordinance, stated that leaf pickup was a safety hazard due to piles, urged revisiting the schedule, expressed concerns about ADA compliance at the new Senior Wellness Center, and argued that the old courthouse should not be demolished as it is a viable structure with a new HVAC system. He requested separating the decision on the courthouse from the old senior center.
• Denise Mica (Resident): Questioned the previous $43,000 allocation for finance staffing and the current $70,000 request, noted confusion over the document listing two finance directors, and asked what happened to the earlier funds.
• Eileen McDonnell (Resident): Welcomed new Finance Director Benjamin Greer and expressed confidence in his ability to fill vacant positions.
• Jim Biga (Resident): Noted the lack of employment listings on the city website, criticized the decision to hire a non-local firm (Plant Moran) rather than local CPA businesses, and argued against using the same firm for accounting services and audit due to conflict of interest concerns, citing his experience as a former CFO.
• Keith S. (P.M. G.A.P.): Stated that the temporary staff's main purpose is to train newer city employees and that their division specializes in this exact support.

Discussion Items

1. Extension of Contract with Allie Brothers, Inc. (Police Department Uniforms) : William Tyee requested a three-year extension with a 3% increase. The vendor has been with the city since 1994. Councilmember Schell moved to place on the consent calendar.
2. Sole Source Renewal with Michigan Police Legal Advisor Group: Chief Thomas Goralski reported successful partnership over two years and a willingness to continue at the same price. Councilmember Morgan moved to place on consent.
3. Contract with Plant Moran Governmental Accounting Services (P.M. G.A.P.): Finance Director Benjamin Greer detailed severe understaffing (missing chief accountant, assistant chief accountant, clerk, capital planning manager) and proposed a $70,000 contract for four months (with optional two-month extension at $24,000) to bring in two experienced CPAs for coaching and training. Council discussed cost savings (net ~$43,000 after offset), the temporary nature, and guardrails to maintain audit independence. Councilmember Ptashnik moved to place on consent.
4. Additional Expenditure for 2024 Audit Services: Greer requested $45,000 from unexpended funds to cover out-of-scope work due to a new auditing standard (SAS 145) and staff vacancy-related delays. Councilmember Ptashnik moved to place on consent.
5. Release of General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for Shelden Park: Greer stated 45% of costs from PRDA and 55% from city. Superintendent Ted Davis noted that including a pool would double costs and the department lacks lifeguards. Councilmember Buzinski moved to place on consent.
6. Contract Amendment with Tivy Health (Silver Sneakers): Davis requested approval for renegotiated pricing. Resident Denise Mica requested memberships not be limited to matinee times. Councilmember Toy moved to place on consent.
7. Sublease Agreement with Livonia Civic Arenas: Davis stated the agreement addresses needed work at Devon-aire and Eddie Edgar arenas. President McCullough moved to place on consent.
8. Purchase of Two John Deere Gators and Utility Tractor: Assistant Director Doug Moore explained the new vehicles will replace older ones being auctioned. Councilmember Ptashnik moved to place on consent.
9. Proposed 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule: President McCullough presented the schedule in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. He moved to place on consent.

Key Outcomes

• All nine new business items were directed to be placed on the consent calendar of the December 3, 2025 regular meeting; formal approval will occur at that voting meeting.
• Council voted to refer a motion to the Law Department to draft a resolution waiving room rental fees at the library for Councilmember Buzinski's monthly coffee hours from January 2024 through December 2026.
• No formal votes were taken during the study meeting; all actions were preparatory for the next regular meeting.