Livonia City Council 2043rd Regular Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Livonia City Council held its 2043rd regular meeting on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Auditorium. Council President Kayleigh Reid presided. Six council members were present (Patrick Brockway, Brandon McCullough, Eileen McDonnell, Carrie Budzinski, Robin Persiconi, and Kayleigh Reid) with Councilmember Martha Ptashnik absent. The meeting began with approval of the minutes from the June 1, 2026 regular meeting (Resolution #225-26, 6-0). The agenda included consent items, committee reports, unfinished business, and new business. Audience communication addressed topics including utility permits, a police millage event, flags on private property, and city finances. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

Residents spoke during two audience communication periods. Key comments included:

• May Saba (resident): Complained about Easy Fiber digging in the right-of-way without proper notification. She expressed opposition to the company's practices. City Engineer Todd Zilincik explained that permit requirements include pamphlet distribution and suggested contacting the Michigan Public Service Commission for complaints. Saba planned to follow up.
• Mila Pershyna (president, AMP Global Foundation): Described a community fundraiser, "Punch for a Purpose," on July 11, 2026, to support James Gray, owner of Impact Mansion Jiu-Jitsu, who is facing medical and financial challenges. She requested city assistance in promoting the event and finding sponsors.
• Steve King (resident): Criticized the administration's use of a community engagement grant to fund an invitation-only dinner on June 16, 2026, at St. Mary's, promoted by the mayor and police chief ahead of the August 4 public safety millage vote. He argued this is a "tax-funded echo chamber" that violates transparency and should be debated openly. He noted his reel on the topic had over 54,000 views.
• Robert Malkowski (resident): Objected to a controversial flag flown on Middle Belt Road, visible to children. City Attorney Eric Goldstein later explained the flag is on private property and content-based regulation is prohibited by the First Amendment.
• Christopher Martin (resident): Stated he will vote no on the public safety millage because the general fund allocation for police/fire rose from 60% to 66% while other requests were approved. He also criticized the quality of a standing seam roof installed at Rotary Park.
• Denise Mika (resident): Echoed concerns about the June 16 dinner, questioned whether grant funds could be used for alcohol, and said the event lacked transparency. She also raised questions about the Housing Commission's use of funds and website accessibility.
• Greg Ralko (resident): Criticized the council for not discussing the Zoning Board of Appeals’ decision to approve rezoning at Eight Mile and Newburgh, which contradicted the council's earlier 5-2 vote against rezoning. He urged council members to publicly explain their positions.
• Jim Biga (resident): Noted the Housing Commission's webpage on the city website is password-protected and inaccessible, contrary to claims of transparency. He also questioned whether the city used grant funds for alcohol at the June 16 dinner.
• Jerry Karasinski (resident): Encouraged the city to hold information sessions about the public safety millage, explaining that voting it down would lose approximately $10 million out of a $76 million general fund.
• Frank McDermott (resident): Questioned why the city paid $20,000 for a temporary accessibility ramp when a permanent fix could cost $6,000 to $8,000, as reported by an assistant engineer on local news. He requested clarification.
• John Pastor (resident): Urged voters to support the police/fire millage and oppose the SMART bus millage due to low ridership (3.8 riders per bus on average) and pension debt. He also defended the replacement of bands for the Livonia Spree.
• Sandra R. (resident): Suggested closing the Spree area earlier (9:00-9:30 PM) to prevent teenage disruption before fireworks at 10:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

The council unanimously approved all 12 consent items (Resolutions #226-26 through #237-26) with a 6-0 vote. Items included:

• Block parties for June 28 (Five Mile Service Rd), July 4 (Roycroft St), and August 29 (Brentwood St) 2026.
• Recognition of Kindred Spirits Quilters of Livonia as a non-profit for charitable gaming license purposes.
• Waiver of driveway ordinance for 15273 Gary Lane.
• Waiver use approval for Second Showing LLC to operate a consignment furniture store at 20412 Farmington Road, subject to conditions (no outdoor storage/sales).
• Appointment of Timothy J. Klisz as Substitute Magistrate for the 16th District Court.
• Special assessments for unpaid 2025 Sidewalk Program charges on specific parcels.
• Award of bid to Cintas Corp for custodial supplies ($41,925 annually, $136,256 total over 39 months).
• Appropriation of $26,889 for streetlight removal/installation at Idyl Wyld Golf Course west parking lot.
• Appointments of Daniel Steele and Christopher Boloven to the Zoning Board of Appeals for three-year terms expiring July 12, 2029.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Reports: Councilmember McCullough mentioned deficiencies at the REC Center (broken windows, chronic problems) and said he is seeking updates on condition repairs. Councilmember Budzinski announced upcoming events (Schoolcraft College open house, Pride event, Wilson Barn farmers market).
• Senior Citizens, Families and Environment Committee Meeting (May 20, 2026): Councilmember McDonnell reported on discussions about urban environmental concerns (Racer Trust and Ford Motor Transmission plant) and the Newburgh Senior Housing project. The housing project is approximately $27 million with 100 units, in financing/design phase. Council approved referrals of Racer Trust and Ford Transmission plant to the committee (Resolutions #238-26 and #239-26, 6-0 each). Public comments from Denise Mika and Jim Biga called for more oversight and transparency of the Housing Commission; City Attorney noted funds are separate accounts. Councilmember Persiconi explained that CDBG funds ($800,000-$900,000 annually) are a separate program overseen by the Housing Commission with monthly financials available.
• Economic Development, Strategic Planning & Technology Committee Meeting (June 3, 2026): Councilmember Budzinski reported that the city attorney recommended against a moratorium for data centers due to legal challenges. The committee instead recommended creating a special use ordinance for data centers, referred directly to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and eventual council vote. For gas stations and car washes, no further action was taken as they already have special use requirements. An email from Dan West on data centers was placed on file.
• Item #15 (Finance & Budget Committee Report): Removed from the agenda; Councilmember Ptashnik will report at the July meeting.
• Unfinished Business - Maison Rose Events: Approved (6-0) a waiver use for a banquet facility at 37176 Six Mile Road with conditions (max 136 guests, no events past 11 PM, no LED lightbands, floor plan adherence, and signage separately approved).
• Unfinished Business - Easement Vacation: First reading given for petition 2026-03-03-01 to vacate water main and scenic easements at 33500 Seven Mile Road.
• Water and Sewer Rate Ordinances (Second Reading): Unanimously adopted five ordinance amendments (6-0 each) updating water consumption rates, industrial waste surcharge, sewer disposal and maintenance rates, and special rates, effective with July 1, 2026 billing.

Key Outcomes

• All 12 consent items approved (6-0).
• Referral of Racer Trust and Ford Transmission plant to committee (6-0 each).
• Maison Rose Events waiver approved (6-0) with conditions.
• Five water/sewer ordinance amendments adopted on second reading (6-0).
• Block party for Kelly Ambrosi approved (6-0) for July 11, 2026 on Beatrice Street.
• Lease agreement with Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc. for Ford Field Park (Spree 76) approved (6-0), allowing the committee to enforce rules as a private event.
• Quit claim deed from Soave Homes, Inc. for right-of-way at Scone Court accepted (6-0).
• Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM. Next regular meeting scheduled for July 13, 2026.