February 13, 2023
City of Dexter City Council Meeting
Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.
3515 Broad Street, Dexter, MI 48130 and via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88141381694
Dial In 877 853 5247 OR 888 788 0099 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 881 4138 1694#
Meeting Agenda: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2023/Agendas/2023-02-13-CC-A.pdf
Meeting Packet: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2023/Packets/2023-02-13-CC-P.pdf
City of Dexter Zoning Ordinance: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2023/Packets/2023-02-13-DRAFT_Zoning_Ordinance.pdf
As always, there are two opportunities for non-arranged public participation: one near the beginning of the meeting and one near the end of the meeting. See the agenda for details. Just state your name and address and then share your thoughts–it’s that easy!
Council will review (1) minutes of its most recent meeting(s) and (2) the upcoming meeting list. We will also hear various updates from staff, including the City Manager and the Mayor (note that corresponding written reports are included in the meeting packet).
Staff updates that might be of interest:
3045 Broad St. The 3045 Broad Street Committee met with Common Sail on Tuesday, Jan 31st. Common Sail presented minor revisions to concept plans, scale and massing perspectives, TIF scenarios, DTE pole relocation, and their market study. A subsequent meeting has been scheduled for Friday, February 10th to review and discuss Common Sail proforma analysis of the project. A copy of the revised concept is included with this memo, along with the relocation options and cost provided by DTE. Please let staff know if you would like a copy of the Market Analysis. See pages 24-36 of the packet for Common Sail’s presentation, including several proposed renderings of the site (“Dexter Flats”).
7965 & 7997 Grand Street – A pre-application meeting was held Jan 25th to review and discuss a concept plan for an attainable residential housing development at 7965/7997 Grand Street. The pre-application committee for this meeting included Mayor Keough, Councilmembers Griffin and Semifero, Planning Commission Chair
Kowalski, city administration and staff, planning and engineering consultants, and DAFD. The concept plan (attached) was submitted by Mike Penn and MAV Development. The subject site is located between Forest Lawn Cemetery and Grandview Commons For context, affordable housing is 30%-80% Area Median Income (AMI), attainable housing is 80-120% AMI and market rate Housing is ≥120% AMI. Overall, the concept was well received, with minor concerns, such as, first floor units having an entrance facing Grand Street and the pathway between the subject site and Grandview Commons, and providing elevators. The pre-app meeting was recorded. Please let staff know if you would like to view the recording and staff will send you a link. See pages 43-65 of the packet for Grand Development Group’s presentation, including several proposed renderings of the site.
8180 Main Street – A pre-application meeting with KLA Development was conducted on Friday, Feb 3rd. The pre-application committee for this meeting included, Mayor Keough and Councilman Michels, Planning Commissioner Covert, city administration and staff, planning and engineering consultants and DAFD. Councilman Schlaff and Planning Commissioner Marsh were also invited, but could not attend. Commissioner Marsh provided feedback in an email, which is included with this report. The concept presented for the property located at 8180 Main St, proposes two 5-story multi-family buildings, containing 9-unit each, with parking on the ground floor and the residential units on floors 2-5. The proposed unit would be owner-occupied (i.e., a condominium). The subject site is designated VC Village Commercial on the Future Land Use Map in the Master Plan. If KLA pursues the project, the company would have to extend the water main from Alpine and Main Streets, across the fire station property and under the creek, to meet code requirements. Based on the proposed density, building heights, and public infrastructure requirements, we anticipate this project will be a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Overall, the concept was well received. Some members of the pre-application committee thought the extension of the public water main was a public benefit because such an extension, although required, relieves the city from the responsibility and cost. Furthermore, it could facilitate development opportunities along Dexter Chelsea Road. A copy of the concept plan accompanies this memo, along with written comments from Councilman Michels and Planning Commissioner Marsh. The pre-app meeting was recorded. Please let staff know if you would like to view the recording and staff will send you a link. See pages 66-80 of the packet for associated documents, including proposed renderings of the site.
Community Garden Applications. The Dexter Community Garden located on Dan Hoey Road is now accepting applications for the 2023 season. Interested gardeners can request a full plot, half plot, or raised bed. Plot selection is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The garden typically open in mid-to-late May pending weather. To fill out an application, go to dextermi.gov/community/community_garden.php. Applications can be sent via email to Marianne Wendt at farmersmarket@dextermi.gov.
3515 Broad St. Update. 3515 Broad Street has officially reached substantial completion. Staff completed a walkthrough with Aixom on Friday, February 3rd, to go through items that will be included on the punch list for Aixom to complete before the City officially takes occupancy. The move is planned to take place the week of February 27th, where City Offices will be closed to walk-in traffic for the week. Staff will still be available to answer calls and emails, as well as meet with individuals by appointment. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be packing days; Wednesday will be the day movers will transfer heavier furniture and totes to 3515 Broad Street; and Thursday and Friday will be unpacking days. City Hall will reopen to normal operations Monday, March 6th. Staff has also planned a public open house on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00pm.
We Love Dexter Displays. We Love Dexter displays were erected in storefronts around downtown on February 1st and will be on display until the end of the month. There are seven displays to be visited on both sides of Main Street. Staff would like to thank Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee members Bev Hill and Gini Davis for their hard work in creating excellent displays that highlight what residents love about our community.
Following the presentation and any discussion of these reports, Council will consider the following items as part of the Consent Agenda. Unless Council votes to do otherwise, these items are voted on as a single bundle without Council discussion.
Bills & Payroll in the amount of: $832,731.55
Water and Wastewater Chemicals Bid Award
On January 12, 2023, the City issued a bid for water and wastewater treatment chemicals. On the deadline of January 27, 2023, the City received bids from three prospective vendors. All of the prospective vendors only provided one-year bids, despite the City requesting 3-year bids. The City experienced similar results with regard to higher prices and a lack of multi-year bidding during the last chemical bid. In one case, one of the vendor could only guarantee the price of a bleach for 3 months, which highlights the continued uncertainty and instability in the chemical distributor market. While Alexander Chemical offered a lower bid price for bleach, the price offered was only firm for 3 months. For this reason, staff is recommending awarding that chemical to Water Solutions. Further, Alexander Chemical and Water Solutions offered the same price for sodium bisulfate. Staff has had issues with the bisulfate from Alexander Chemical in the past, and as a results is again recommending the award to Water Solutions.
Setting Public Hearing for Hotel Hickman Lease Ordinance Amendment
In October of 2022, City Council approved an ordinance to lease the property at 8050 Main St. to Hotel Hickman (Scott Thomas DBA Hotel Hickman). Since the passage of that ordinance, Scott Thomas has sold Hotel Hickman to Melissa McClure. Since the previous lease agreement specifically names Scott Thomas, Council will need to pass another ordinance to approve a lease agreement with Ms. McClure for Hotel Hickman.
This item has been provided to set a public hearing date on March 13th to consider a new ordinance to lease property to Hotel Hickman. The draft ordinance maintains the same monthly rental rate of $700, then $725 in December 2023. The lease keeps a 2-year term, and would expire at the end of March 2025.
Council will consider (i.e., take formal action on; “C”) or discuss (i.e., take no formal action on; “D”) the following business:
City Council Rules (D)
Council Member Michels requested that an item be added to the February 13, 2023 agenda regarding City Council Rules. Council Member Michels provided an updated version of his Council Rules document for inclusion with the agenda packet.
Zoning Ordinance Update (C)
City Council is scheduled to consider recommended updates to the City of Dexter Zoning Ordinance, which also includes an updated Zoning Map. The proposed updates to the Zoning Ordinance implement land development goal established in the City’s Master Plan (adopted in 2019), including the zoning of annexed areas, establishment of density, uses and building types using a form-based code approach, and implemented residential uses recommended by the Housing Task Force.
The update to the Zoning Ordinance also establishes new regulations for landscaping, signs, parking, and permitted and special land uses. The City’s Zoning Map is updated to match the new ordinance text. The Subdivision Control Ordinance sets forth the procedures and requirements for platting of subdivisions in accordance with PA 288 of 1967 (The Subdivision Control Act), as amended. Updates include street design and layout, landscaping and property line for future residential, commercial, and industrial subdivisions. A table of changes to each Article in the Zoning Ordinance, accompanies this memorandum.
See the packet for extensive documentation, including a detailed table of proposed changes to the zoning ordinance and map beginning on page 151 and an overview presentation beginning on page 159.
Continued Participation in the Redevelopment Ready Communities Program (C)
In 2017, our RRC Baseline Report regarding the Best Practice for Development Review Policy and Procedures stated, “Dexter has expressed a strong desire to maintain the current site plan review process model1. It should be noted that it may be possible for the city to achieve RRC certification without eliminating the city council’s review of permitted-use site plans. While RRC-certified communities need to demonstrate each of the RRC best practices are being met, communities are able to propose alternative approaches to meeting them. In this case, the city will need to provide evidence that the additional discretionary reviews performed by the city council do not add significant time, cost or burden to permitted-use site plan proposals.”
Change: Removal of city council from the site plan review process is now mandatory.
In light of these changes, MEDC would like to know if City Council wishes to remain engaged in the RRC program? Staff has confirmed formal action to withdraw is not required. If Council decides to stay engaged, it would do so with the understanding that it accepts the changes to the Best Practices. It’s worth remembering, withdrawal from MEDC RRC program does not necessarily mean we must forgo all of the Best Practices. On the contrary, Council could use those Best Practices that align with City policies, goals and objectives.
Direction on Water Tower Painting (C)
At the February 4th City Council Work Session, members of Council reviewed designs provided by Nelson Tank for the water tower. Staff provided four designs that varied in color, font, and content. After some discussion, Council provided the following feedback:
Preferred the light blue or white tower color
Liked the font that is a part of our style guide (keeps City branding consistent)
Preferred if the City logo was black against the white tower
If the black on white contract was too aggressive, possible use the dark green in the City logo
Staff provided the feedback to Nelson Tank, who provided an additional image of the City logo in black on a white tower. The two images (the blue tower and white tower) are attached to this memo. Because the design of the name and/or logo could have an impact on cost, staff and Nelson tank would like to finalize the design before issuing the bid specifications. Council is being asked to consider the design, and whether there should be print on one side, or two, for inclusion in the bidding document.
Which design do you prefer?? Any other suggestions??
Naming Policy (D)
Council Member Michels requested that an item be added to the February 13, 2023 agenda regarding a facilities naming policy. Council Member Michels provided information regarding the Dexter Schools’ naming policy for inclusion in the agenda packet.
Public Safety Facilities (D)
During the January 23, 2023 meeting, City Council requested additional information relating to public safety facilities. Specifically, City Council requested:
A breakdown of the number of calls per hour of the day
The number of each type of call
A site aerial of 8140 Main St. with the placement of the fire station rendering
Information regarding the ceiling of the bays at 8140 Main St.
The following breakdown of calls per hour of the day and types of calls were derived from the 2022 list of runs. There were a total of 795 runs that received a response from Station #1 (8140 Main St.). Attached is a call type and time of day run report that covers all 3 stations. Also attached is an aerial view of 8140 Main St.
My take on the above??
(source: https://www.toothpastefordinner.com/index.php?date=062811)
As I wrote in a previous newsletter (https://www.griffinfordexter.com/newsletter/my-thoughts-on-the-november-8-2022-election):
“My thoughts: I am in favor of building new at Meadow View Drive and Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. With every rendering I’ve seen of a proposed renovation at the existing site, I can’t help but think we’d be trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—and for approximately the same cost. Further, I see so much potential in future developments of Mill Creek Park North and re-uses of the existing building. Public parking could be improved. Access from Alpine Street down to the park could be improved (anyone else ever try to get a stroller from the library down to the park?!). Perhaps the winter farmer’s market could be moved into the building. Perhaps the public could rent out part of the building for events. Perhaps there’s room for a restaurant with patio seating. Of course, market forces are at play here. These types of businesses/organizations would need to want to relocate here and fund doing so and/or the public would need to support any upgrades or renovations if the property remains owned by the City. But, if we cram a fire station onto this site, none of these options will be a possibility.
What if the millage passes? If the millage passes, I would expect the next seated Council (with any new members elected in November) to select a location and final site plan and move the project forward. Perhaps it’s the location you want; perhaps it’s not the location you want. Does that matter to you? That’s for you to decide.”
Well, the good news is that the millage did pass. The bad news is that more than three months have gone by since that time. Although I can certainly appreciate the desire to gather more information (I ran on a platform of making evidence-based decisions), I can’t help but feel that this council, under the current leadership, is continuing to stall on this issue. A recent staff update indicated they are seeking quotes for work to repair the barn that sits on the 3515 Broad Street property. How can we continue to spend money on other facility improvements before making a final decision about the fire station? To those of you who have shared your frustrations with me, I see you and I hear you. Perhaps our discussion on Monday night will finally bring answers to those who are searching for them so that, once and for all, we can arrive at and set into motion a decisive plan of action. Please remember that your attendance at and comment during meetings is always welcome.