2038th Regular Meeting of the Livonia City Council - April 8, 2026

The Livonia City Council held its 2038th regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The meeting was called to order by President Kayleigh Reid. All seven council members were present. The minutes of the March 23, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Presentational Items

• The council recognized the Livonia United Girls High School Hockey team as state champions. Coach Janine Martinez highlighted the team's accomplishment and her selection as Coach of the Year.
• Fire Chief Jennison presented a certificate of commendation to retired Fire Captain Rob Werlinger for his work as department historian.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen McIntyre (Fairway Street) spoke in support of renewing the public safety millage, clarifying that millage funds cannot be used for facilities and urged voters to separate the millage from the police station debate.
• Paul Condon (Hillbrook Street) expressed support for the millage renewal, emphasizing it is not a new tax and noted his household pays about $128 annually for it.
• Steve King (Coventry Gardens) spoke about the death of a senior center employee, read a teacher's complaint about recreation center conditions (including broken equipment and unwelcoming staff), and called for a review of cell tower leases.
• John Pastor (Capri Court) defended his company's work on the Rotary Park pavilion (stating his bid was $50,000 lower than others), and expressed support for the police millage and new police station.
• Mike Martin (Trillium) praised community patriotism and unity.
• Frank McDermott criticized the council's approach after the defeat of a $145 million bond, suggesting individual projects be put to voters.

Council & Staff Reports

• Councilmembers discussed the upcoming public safety millage renewal (August 2026), with several noting it is a renewal, not a tax increase, and that the general fund already devotes 64% to public safety (police 41%, fire 23%). They expressed strong support for the millage and a separate new police station.
• Councilmember Ptashnik clarified the plan to separate public safety from the larger civic center project and proceed with a police station first.
• Councilmember McCullough highlighted the Rotary Park pavilion progress and affirmed his support for the millage.
• Councilmember McDonnell reminded residents of also-important senior center and green mead millage renewals.
• Councilmember Budzinski promoted the Citizens Police Academy and local businesses.

Consent Calendar

All ten consent agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0):

1. Street barricade for a cross-country meet (Aug. 21-22, 2026).
2. Noise ordinance waiver for a July 4 party.
3. Banner displays for SPREE '76 (May 22 – June 29, 2026).
4. Street closures for SPREE '76 (June 22-29, 2026).
5. Permits for carnival, fireworks (June 28), and facility use.
6. Purchase of one ambulance ($344,420).
7. Purchase of four pickup trucks ($234,340).
8. Cancer screening services for firefighters ($38,940).
9. Golf cart path repairs ($578,170) and budget amendment ($580,000).
10. Seventh amendment to AT&T wireless lease.

Discussion Items

Item 11 – Rezoning at 13400 Newburgh Road (J&J Land Holdings) – Second reading and adoption; approved 7-0. Item 12 – Waiver Use for Gas Station (J&J Land Holdings) – Approved 7-0 with conditions. Item 13 – Waiver Use for Outdoor Display (Great Lakes Pawn, 27675 Grand River Avenue) – The council discussed conditions and resident concerns about items on sidewalks and overnight storage. The motion to approve failed 1-6 (Councilmember McCullough in favor; others opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda and items 11 and 12 passed unanimously.
• Item 13 (outdoor display waiver) was denied.
• The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
• Council members reiterated their support for the August 2026 public safety millage renewal and a new police station.