Citizen funds initial design of 2nd roundabout
Posted on 03/06/2024
City Hall City Council recap of March 4 meeting

Presentation – Wendy Wilmers Longpre, director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Special Projects, presented a report on potential grant funding for improvements to Ford Field (west) that include public restrooms and a pathway that connects to the future riverwalk. She recommended applying for a Land & Water Conservation Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 with a 50% local match. There was no motion made in connection with the presentation, however Council will consider a resolution of support at its next meeting.

Second roundabout – A second roundabout is being proposed by the Mobility Network, with support from city staff, along the 7 Mile corridor to improve traffic flow in conjunction with the first roundabout at 7 Mile and S. Center. OHM Advisors has provided a proposal for preliminary engineering and design work for a roundabout and roadway improvements at the 7 Mile and Hines intersection at a cost of $72,000. That amount would be covered by a generous donation of $100,000 targeted to the project. As part of the project design, the stub road from the HP development would be connected to 7 Mile via a bridge. Council approved the DPW’s request to proceed with OHM’s professional services for this project.

Public comments on this topic
Nancy Darga, 516 N. Center
Jeff Snyder, 508 Gardner

Parking lot sale – A 60-day extension was granted by the city to Hunter Pasteur to close on the property that currently is used as a parking lot on Cady Street. At the role call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne voted no; all others voted yes.

Public comments on this topic
Jeff Snyder, 508 Gardner
Nancy Chiri, 661 W. Main
Mary Elwart-Keys, 502 W Main

Closed session – A closed session was held to discuss the feasibility of allowing Zoom comments at City Council meetings, and a lawsuit related to a land dispute.

The following two items are from the consent agenda

New Task Forces being launched – Council approved Mayor Brian Turnbull’s request to establish two new task forces, the Cemeterian and Bi-Centennial Task Forces. (Those interested in serving can sign up on the city’s website – board/commission page.) https://tinyurl.com/3j79ztch)

Tree Champions initiate plan for tree carving – The Northville Tree Champions was granted permission by Council to carve the tree trunk located in the city-owned green space behind City Hall and the Northville District Library. Funding for the project will come from a $15,000 grant made by the Northville Community Support Fund (NCSF). The artwork features the history and culture of Northville. It was designed by artist Stacy K. Pearson.

Carving of the tree should commence by mid-April with logistics assistance from Northville DPW. A planned public reveal date and event is scheduled for April 27. The NCSF also contributed $30,000 to the Northville Historic Society toward the cost of moving and re-establishing the Mary Gilbert cabin from the HP property to the corner of River and 7 Mile, inside the planned river park.

No public comments were accepted on Zoom at tonight’s meeting.

Citizens who made public comments in person:
Nancy Chiri, 661 W Main
Mary Elwart-Keys, 502 W Main
Susan Polela, 102 E. Main
Roxanne Casterline, 122 W. Dunlap
Steve Hall, 441 Butler
Nancy Darga, 516 N. Center

Council communication
Mayor Brian Turnbull commented on the formation of the two new task forces, stating there are 20-25 people interested in volunteering for both of these advisory groups.

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne thanked the Northville Community Support Fund for the grant given to the Northville Tree Champions (NTC) for the elm carving and said she was impressed with the work being done by the nonprofit.

Council Member Andrew Krenz mentioned the Planning Commission meeting on March 5 concerning plans for the site of the former Pizza Cutter and the house next to it. He said it is an important meeting and he will be there.

Note: The agenda was revised at the request of the mayor pro tem to bring forward the meeting minutes from Feb. 22 for her edits; move the extension of the parking lot sale from the consent agenda to the main agenda; and discuss a lawsuit during closed session.

View the video here.