Livonia City Council Study Meeting - March 9, 2026

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.