City Council Study Meeting of 03/09/26 - 2026-03-09

Great Lakes Pond pawnshop requested waiver use approval for outdoor display of merchandise at 27675 Grand River Avenue. Planning commission had approved with conditions including limiting display to designated areas, no overnight outdoor storage, parking lot repairs, dumpster enclosure construction, and limiting approval to current owner/operator. Council held item in committee of the whole pending petitioner attendance to address questions about seasonal limitations and compliance concerns.

Greg Marcelais of Livonia Properties LLC (Black Label Tavern owners) received conceptual waiver use approval to construct a new 8,200 sq ft full-service steakhouse restaurant with outdoor seating on a vacant 2-acre site on Plymouth Road between Gale Avenue and Lavan Road. Site was previously approved for 11 condominiums but current owner declined to develop. Building will be centrally located with 141 parking spaces supporting 180-230 seats. Ron and Roman Architects designing. Detailed site plans to return to planning commission.

Marwan Heder on behalf of MCOR Holdings LLC received site plan approval to demolish existing 1956-era gas station (860 sq ft) and construct new 2,700 sq ft gas station convenience store with fuel pumps at the northeast corner of Middlebelt Road and 5 Mile Road. One driveway on Middlebelt Road to be removed to reduce congestion. Seven parking spaces plus pump spaces provided. Free air required per ordinance.

Benjamin Greer, Finance Director, appointed to Livonia Economic Development Corporation for three-year term expiring June 7, 2029. EDC provides low-interest bond financing for nonprofit projects; last project was Madonna University Science Building approximately 15 years ago.

Robert Donovic appointed to Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to complete vacated three-year term expiring November 24, 2028, replacing Andrew Lindrum. Authority has 5-6 active projects and meets semi-annually.

Approved salary and benefits adjustments for appointed department heads for period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2028, including cost of living increases over three years, 2% wage adjustment, extra personal business day, and increased retirement benefits including $100 per biweekly pay for retirement health savings plan and increased 401a plan.

Approved three-year contract with AFSCME Local 192 for period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2028, including cost of living increases, 2% wage increase, sick leave provisions compliant with Earn Sick Time Act, modified vacation accruals at 10 years service, Juneteenth holiday, rec center membership, and increased RHSP and 401a retirement benefits.

Approved salary and benefits adjustments for non-represented city employees for period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2028, including cost of living increases, 2% wage adjustment, updated vacation accruals, Juneteenth holiday, rec center membership, and increased retirement benefits.

Approved salary and benefits adjustments for non-appointed department heads for period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2028, including cost of living increases, 2% wage increase, additional personal business day, Juneteenth holiday, rec center membership, and improved RHSP and 401a retirement plans.

Approved consolidation of seven clerical classifications into three administrative assistant classifications (levels 1-4), eliminating outdated positions including clerk stenographer 1 and 2, legal stenographer 1 and 2, secretary, and council secretary. Ten employees currently impacted.

Approved hourly rate increase for labor attorney Schultz and Young PC from $140 to $160 per hour. Firm has provided services to city for over 30 years.

Adopted resolution proclaiming April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Livonia, to be celebrated at Riley Elementary at 15555 Henry Ruff with tree planting at 2PM. Three trees to be planted in Henry Ruff right-of-way; students receive black spruce seedlings. City received 20th Tree City designation and 21st Growth Award.

Authorized additional $27,000 appropriation for NTH Consultants for Livonia Glendale type 3 landfill monitoring and underground storage tank investigations due to surprise regulations and small release discovered at police station tanks.

Accepted stormwater facilities maintenance agreement from Livonia Public Schools Early Childhood Center at 18000 Newberg Road for storm drain system construction. Agreement allows city to maintain facilities and bill for reimbursement if school fails to maintain.

Accepted stormwater facilities maintenance agreement from Livonia Public Schools Career Technical Center at 8985 Newburg Road for storm drain system construction.

Waived formal bidding and approved extension of PK Contracting Inc contract for 2026 lane line marking program at $125,000, extending 2025 contract unit prices with no increase. Only one bidder responded to previous year's bid solicitation.

Council advanced charter amendments to place public safety renewal millage and cultural/senior services millage on August ballot for voter approval. Millages to be renewed in same format as previously approved. Requires super majority vote at March 23 meeting.