City Council Study Meeting of 01/26/26 - 2026-01-26
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Livonia City Council study session on January 26, 2026 set the agenda for the February 9, 2026 voting meeting. Key items included authorization for a DIA Partners in Public Art mural installation at Ben Cheilani Play Area, multiple parks and recreation equipment purchases including pool chemical systems and greens rollers, and public works contracts for tree planting, ball field improvements, and sanitary sewer maintenance. All substantive items were placed on the consent agenda for the upcoming regular meeting.
Key Decisions (14)
DIA Partners in Public Art Mural Authorization
Authorization for law department to execute memorandum of understanding with Detroit Institute of Art for installation of community-driven mural at Ben Cheilani Play Area. Council member Budzinski volunteered to participate in work groups.
Pool Chemical Automation System Purchase
Award of bid to purchase pool chemical automation system and granular chlorine for Kirksey Rec Center pools, Botsford, and Clement Circle. Granular chlorine price locked at $3.55 per pound for two years. Only one bidder received.
Dufour Park Tennis and Inline Hockey Court Resurfacing
Award of bid to Laser Sports Service for $33,850 to resurface tennis and inline hockey courts at Dufour Park. Two bids received. Courts last resurfaced eight years ago.
Golf Course Greens Rollers Purchase
Award of bid to Revels Turf and Tractor for $50,052.50 for two Agrimetal greens rollers, one each for Whispering Willows and Idyllwild golf courses. Two bidders submitted proposals.
2026-2027 Right of Way Tree Planting Program
Award of bid to Cremboli Nursery of Canton Township for tree planting program: $155,250 for 2026 (450 trees, 38 species) and $144,800 for 2027 (400 trees). Six bids received from 10 contractors who attended pre-bid meeting. Funded from road, sidewalk, and tree millage.
Ford Field Backstop and Dugout Bench Replacements
Award of bid to Nationwide Construction Group of Richmond for $30,440 to replace backstops and player benches at Diamonds 3 and 6 at Ford Field. Four bids received from six pre-bid attendees.
FOG Prevention Treatment Contract
Award of contract to Eganix for fats, oils, and grease prevention treatment through December 31, 2026. Sole source provider. City has worked with Eganix since 2022 and won APWA award using their services.
Fleet Maintenance Pickup Truck Purchase
Authorization to purchase 2026 Ford F-150 SuperCab XLT 4x4 pickup truck from Lunghammer Ford of Ogleshaw via state of Michigan and Macomb County bid process for $64,351.35 including upfitting and 5% tariff contingency. Will replace existing truck disposed through auction.
Rock Salt Purchase Increase
Authorization to increase rock salt purchase amount through Farmington Hills consortium (approximately 30 governmental entities). Allotment increased from 2,500 to 2,800 tons with take capacity up to 3,500 tons through 2029.
Act 51 Street System Additions and Decertifications
Request for additions and decertifications to local street system for 2026 Act 51 computations. Housekeeping item to correct state map showing road segments open for 40-50 years not previously recorded, and remove segments incorrectly shown as roads.
Noise Ordinance Waiver for Knights of Columbus Car Show
Request from Robert Reyes with Knights of Columbus to waive noise ordinance for car show with DJ at Saint Clet's Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, on Saturday June 6, 2026 from 9AM to 3PM.
Board of Review Reappointment - Mary Cellino
Reappointment of Mary Cellino to Livonia Board of Review for three-year term expiring February 16, 2029.
Board of Ethics Reappointment - Laura Weingarten
Reappointment of Laura Weingarten to Livonia Board of Ethics for three-year term expiring March 2029.
2026 Board of Review Meeting Schedule and Guidelines
Approval of location and schedule for 2026 Board of Review meetings, compensation rates ($120/day for chairperson, $100/day for members), and 2026 hardship guidelines per state statute requirements.
Development Activity (1)
Ben Cheilani Play Area Mural
Community-driven mural installation through DIA partnership program. City was selected after applying in previous year.
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
City is investing in pool facility upgrades across multiple locations including Kirksey Rec Center, Botsford, and Clement Circle, switching to more flexible granular chlorine systems.
Infrastructure
Golf course maintenance investments continue with greens roller purchases for Whispering Willows and Idyllwild courses, indicating commitment to public recreation amenities.
Infrastructure
City planting 450 trees in 2026 and 400 in 2027 with focus on species diversification due to concerns about Asian longhorned beetle threat to maple trees (48% of 38,000 street trees).
Infrastructure
Rock salt demand is high regionally with Detroit Salt experiencing delays; Livonia secured supply through Farmington Hills consortium of approximately 30 governmental entities.
Housing Demand
Council discussion noted Livonia is an older community with aging residents, prompting requests for snow plow modifications to reduce burden on elderly homeowners.