Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for October 3, 2007

1.               Call to order:

Sal Gencarelli opened the meeting at 7:42 PM.

Attendance:

2.                Approval of Prior Minutes:

Dave Tillman noted that Ford Homes Historical District was the first neighborhood highlighted in the Mayor’s Cable TV program; not Aviation as reported. Craig Dahlke motioned to approve Terry Pulido seconded, motion carried.

3.                Treasures Report:

Ned Nikodem read the report:

Note: Treasures report is under dispute. Ned Nikodem to provide updated information and balance. 11/07/2007

Associations Current with Dues as of 6/6/07:

Individuals Current with Dues:

Associations in Arrears:

4.                Guest Speaker:     Godfrey Udoji addressed the group and provided information on current and upcoming public works projects in Dearborn. The city has an ongoing cycle of infrastructure improvements that are prioritized and completed based on need and funding availability.

Several sidewalk replacement projects are underway in the city. The sidewalks in a given area are evaluated and slated for maintenance approximately every 12 years.

Mr. Udoji explained that funding for city improvement projects are principally financed in one of three ways:

General Fund – (not used for construction.) Funds put up by the city are used as matching money from areas such as block grants.

Dedicated Street funds – taxes collected from areas such as gasoline and license fees are earmarked for roadway improvements.

Sewer – Fees levied on our water bills are used for improvements in sewer and water infrastructure projects.

Projects can overlap and funds earmarked for the project can spill over top other areas of improvement. Such exceptions as new streets and sidewalks are included when sewer improvements are needed.

New projects include Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) retention tanks. These tanks are comprised of 60 by 120 foot shafts dug in to the ground and designed to separate solids from liquid, then treat the liquids before discharge into the pipelines heading to the Detroit Sewage treatment plants. There are two new shafts under construction, one at Outer Drive near Dearborn High School and the other at Military Street and the Rouge River.

Mr. Udoji offered maps of proposed and current city projects to interested parties for the benefit of the neighborhoods. For questions and comments Mr. Udoji asked we contact his department at 313 943 2145.

Gary Pollard of Senator Clark-Coleman’s office advised the group of recent events regarding the State of Michigans’ near shut-down. Mr. Pollard wanted to let us know that the senator is actively soliciting constituent feedback and Gary wants to address the DFNA at the next meeting with more specifics on the path the state will be taking to resolve our budget crisis. In the mean time please see the Senator’s web site SenIClark-Coleman@senate.michigan.gov  for highlights of the proposed changes and the compromises that put the temporary budget in place.

Thomas Korte, Susan Moran and Mary Petlichkoff representing the Dearborn Charter Commission spoke to the group, items addressed were:

Copies of the proposed charter are available at the City Clerk’s office and on line at:

http://www.cityofdearborn.org/cityclerk/New%20Charter.pdf

The commission studied many neighboring city’s charters and tried to use “best practices” to modify our charter. All residents are encouraged to examine the proposal prior to the November election to make an informed decision.

Major changes include:

·       15 mill cap max levied by council approval

·       Eliminate the naming of city departments

·       Define succession of Mayor

·       Increase Civil Service commission to 5 persons

The charter will be approved or rejected as a whole document. In the case of rejection the commission is seated for one more year, allowing 12 months to refine and present changes to Dearborn’s voters.

Mayor O’Reilly offered questions and answers and highlighted the following issues:

·       Service Days will be enforced! On the scheduled garbage days of the first and third full week of the months ALL vehicles are to be removed from the streets to facilitate maintenance and cleaning. This step will enhance our city as well as maximize the Department of Public Works efforts to do their duty. A gentle reminder to offenders will be followed with increasing penalties for non-compliance.  The City calendar will help remind all residents.

·       City commission roles are being re-evaluated for membership. Volunteers are expected to be productive participants and represent the city as a whole. Consideration is being given to expertise, participation, and diversity based on zip code. Interested persons seeking a seat on a commission should send a resume to the Mayor’s office.

5.                Adjournment:

With no further business to attend Scott Smith motioned for adjournment, Jerry Leonard seconded, motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:14pm.

Associations in attendance:

These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org